Doubt (2008)

TheTimMan triumphantly returns to discuss the thought-provoking, challenging 2008 film Doubt, starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Meryl Streep, and Amy Adams.

Concerning the relationship between a priest suspected of abuse and the faithful under his care, the film could not be more timely in terms of subject-matter. We delve into the intent of the filmmakers, how the movie plays objectively, and even the comfort the film can give us during these difficult times in the Church.

Plus, my wife saw the movie (and liked it?).

 

Enjoy!

As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar, Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo fair use from Wikipedia.

The Importance of Art and a 2018 Movie Roundup (Uncommon Good)

This week I once again suckered Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr of  The Uncommon Good on Iowa Catholic Radio (heard on 1150 AM, 88.5 FM, and 94.5 FM) to have me on. We started with a lengthy discussion on the value and importance of art and ended with our thoughts on most of the big movies of 2018.  For the convenience of my legions of fans, they have also graciously allowed me to post the entire hour-long show here on my feed.

I am planning on being back next week with a new episode covering The Avengers 2 and Solo. Until next time…

Lenten Viewing Podcast

A blessed Holy Week to all.

I figured, since there is only a few days left in Lent, it was long past time for a Lenten-themed podcast.  So, for anyone looking for some classics and some slightly less-well known films to watch during this holy season, TheTimMan and I are here for you.

Selections discussed/mentioned include:  The Passion of the Christ; The Way: A Way to Forgiveness; Walking the Camino: Six Ways to Santiago; The Ten Commandments; Into Great Silence; The Miracle Maker; and The Passion of Joan of Arc.  Of course, there are many more great candidates; these are just some of our personal favorites.

 

As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo by Unbekannte Maler, Benutzer:Moroder (Self-photographed) [Public domain – over 70 years old], via  Wikimedia Commons.

 

Silence

For our fabulous fifteenth podcast, the Brewmaster General and I tackle the controversial 2016 film Silence.  Directed by Martin Scorsese and based on the Shusaku Endo novel of the same name, the film tackles big issues: faith, love, evil, acculturation, martyrdom, and apostasy.

Silence is a beautiful, gruesome, depressing, hopeful, infuriating, enlightening, and all-around difficult film;  one which is neither the anti-Catholic (or apostasy encouraging) screed nor faith-affirming propaganda some reviews would have you believe.  For the well-formed conscience, it presents many worthy ideas for consideration, meditation, and discussion; but does it satisfactorily resolve them?

Forewarned is forearmed – this movie spoils the movie and the book in a major way, but I think this is a movie/book that is actually better to have spoiled before watching/reading.

 

As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA.  Painting of the Nagasaki Martyrs by the Cuzco School [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.

 

Best of 2016 Series – Hail, Caesar!

My Best of 2016 Series continues with Hail, Caesar!  Yet another Coen brothers’ film, the Timman and I discuss in-depth this interesting (and Catholic?) movie, starring Josh Brolin as one of the most admirable Catholic characters since the Golden Age of Hollywood.

How can something so ridiculous as the movies mean so much?  Is the movie celebrating religion, mocking it, or both?  Is the studio the Church?  How do we reconcile the use of profanity in this movie and art in general?  Where does the film rank in the Coens’ filmography?  Did my wife like it?

Enjoy!

 

As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo by Rclick-wiki (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons.

Podcast Episode 9 – A Man for All Seasons

Episode 9, feeling fine.

On this week’s podcast, we tackle an all time classic, A Man for All Seasons.  Currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Academy Award winner never fails to impress.  Poignant and resonant, it is a movie that, despite or perhaps because of its release date and subject matter, feels just as relevant today as ever.

We discuss the movie in light of recent events in the pontificate of Pope Francis in addition to the purely historical aspects of St. Thomas’ predicament.  We also meet Bourbon TimMan and find out my wife’s thoughts on the film.

Enjoy!

 

As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar (betterwithmusic.com) CC BY-SA.  Above photo by Colin Smith [CC BY-SA 2.0] via Wikimedia Commons.