This five-part A&E Network reality TV series goes beyond the usual fluff to trace the “discernment process” of four young Catholic men deciding whether to enter the seminary or remain in the secular world. The quartet includes Joe, pressured by a mother who's always hoped that one of her sons would become a priest; Mike, whose parish priest strongly urges him toward the clerical life; Steve, who's given up a lucrative job to become a campus missionary and test his vocation; and Dan, a college religious activist debating whether to finish his degree or apply to the seminary. As the title itself suggests, the series oversimplifies the proceedings by virtually reducing the choice to one between romance and celibacy (while that's certainly an important aspect of the men's deliberations, it's not necessarily the central one), and there's an arbitrary feel to the time limit stipulation that requires each subject to announce his decision by the final episode. But the series effectively tackles wider subjects in episodes covering Steve's life-changing visit to Guatemala, Joe's pilgrimage to a retreat center near Niagara Falls, Mike's being forced to deal with the sudden offer of a teaching job, and Dan's attempt to carry a heavy cross some 20 miles as a test of his calling. And all four men offer revealing, often moving commentaries on their personal spiritual journeys. God or the Girl may have an unfortunate title, but it's ultimately a remarkably intelligent and sensitive treatment of a serious subject. DVD extras include a half-hour “mini-episode” with a fifth prospective seminarian, additional scenes, and a presentation by a priest on the subject of discernment. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
God or the Girl
(2006) 2 discs. 225 min. DVD: $24.95. A&E Home Video (tel: 800-423-1212, web: <a href="http://www.aande.com/">www.aande.com</a>). Color cover. ISBN: 0-7670-8980-4. October 2, 2006
God or the Girl
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