A Quiet Place (2018)

After a long hiatus, the illustrious Bo Bonner rejoins me to discuss one of the best films of 2018, John Krasinki’s A Quiet Place. Co-starring his real life wife Emily Blunt, it is a thoughtful thriller/horror film that transcends the typical genre entry in unique ways.  Most of the podcast is spoiler-free, with a warning near the end, so jump in.

We also briefly discuss another critical favorite of 2018, The Death of Stalin, starring Steve Buscemi.

 

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

Halloween Movie Talk

Hey there movie-people!

Today I’m joined by first-time guest Charlie Backer: entrepreneur, musician, and horror aficionado.

With only a few days until All Hallow’s Eve, we discuss a Catholic perspective on the horror genre.  Why is it acceptable (and good, even?) for a conscientious person to watch a horror flick?  Plus, we give a run-down of our favorite preternatural-focused scary movies for your viewing discomfort.

 

As referenced on the podcast, here are some of my favorite articles on the subject:

My High Holy Day, John Zmirak.

The Fun of Fear, Dan Lord.

Catholicism and Horror, Steven Greydanus.

 

And when you watch one of our recommendations, throw some Hot Charlie’s on your popcorn!

 

As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar, Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo by 3268zauber (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons Wikimedia Commons.

Catholic Movie Guy Podcast Episode 3 – The Shining

I wouldn't open that one...
I wouldn’t open that one…

CMG Episode 3!

For our Halloween episode of the Catholic Movie Guy Podcast, we tackle the classic horror film The Shining, by master director Stanley Kubrick.  Content cautious types beware:  one of my favorite priests is not a fan; nor is the USCCB.  But the discerning viewer willing to take the plunge should be rewarded.  The film contains incredible directing, luscious cinematography, and iconic performances.  TheTimMan and I discuss just what exactly happened in the movie, on and beneath the surface.  Was Danny possessed?  Is the shining a gift or a curse?  Was the hotel the problem, or was it the father?  Is Shelley Duvall attractive?  We also discuss a couple crazier theories of the subliminal meanings of the movie.  Finally, there’s even a connection to Dante.

I owe a large debt on this one to the Catholic Cinephile, whose review prompted me to revisit the film.

For more on the interesting (and/or crazy) theories on the hidden meanings of the movie, check out the documentary Room 237 (available right now on Netflix – same content warnings apply).

If you enjoy the show, please give it a five-star review on iTunes – it makes a big difference.  Happy Halloween!

 

As always, the show’s intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar (betterwithmusic.com) CC BY-SA.

Image above By Carlos Pacheco from Toronto, Canada (Redrum door – The Shining) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.