Category: Podcast

Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Hey there, fellow humans!

Our old friend, Professor Bo Bonner, joins me to discuss the visually stunning and morally interesting sequel, Blade Runner 2049.

Directed by the great Denis Villeneuve, the current title-holder for “Most Pro-Life Movie Director,” the film is long, sprawling, bleak, hopeful, and riveting.  Despite the film being a relative dud at the box office, it should be on the short list of best films of the year.  Also: perhaps the film contains an example of the non-gratuitous use of nudity in film?  Listen for the verdict!

 

As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar, Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo by By ManoSolo13241324 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons Wikimedia Commons.

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Flags of Our Fathers/Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)

With the threat of nuclear war a daily news story, you may want to kick your feet up and drink yourself into a coma.  But that’s no way to live!

So, instead, get into the trenches with TheTimMan and me – this week we discuss two acclaimed war films, the 2006 Clint Eastwood-directed companion pieces, Flags of Our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima.

We find both films outpace the typical war film, for different reasons, and Letters from Iwo Jima belongs in any discussion of the best war films ever made.  My wife may or may not chime in.  Enjoy!

 

As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar, Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo by Christopher Hollis for Wdwic Pictures [CC-BY 2.5 or Public Domain], via Wikimedia Commons.

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The Godfather Part II (1974)

Here it is, the most highly anticipated sequel since whatever the latest Star Wars movie was – the second half of our Godfather discussion, focusing on the equally great (or greater) film, The Godfather Part II (1974).

I (correctly) favor Part II, while TheTimMan prefers the easy-pleaser that is Part I.  My wife casts the deciding vote.

We discuss the melancholic younger brother (no wonder I like it!) at length, including Al Pacino’s incredible performance and some of the Catholic background environs.

Enjoy!

 

As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar, Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo author unknown [public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.

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The Godfather Part I (1972)

Hey there, faithful listener – long time, no see (or hear)!

The reasons for the relatively lengthy layoff are nothing compared to the payoff:  thetimman and I discuss – at length – a movie that needs no introduction, the absolute masterpiece, the stone-cold classic, The Godfather Part I.

We examine everything from Tim’s Brando impersonation to what the movie has to say about the pre-Vatican II Church, and even learn whether or not my wife liked it.

It got so long, in fact, that we had to push the discussion of The Godfather Part II to a second podcast, to be released in the near future.

Enjoy!

 

As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar, Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo by Zarateman (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons.

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Summer Movie Roundup on Iowa Catholic Radio

This week I was graciously invited on The Uncommon Good show on Iowa Catholic Radio (heard on 1150 AM, 88.5 FM, and 94.5 FM) with Dr. Bud Marr and Bo Bonner to discuss the movies of Summer 2017.  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.

We canvassed many of the movies of Summer 2017, including: Dunkirk, Baby Driver, War for the Planet of the Apes, Cars 3, Despicable Me 3, Wonder Woman, and Spider-Man: Homecoming.  Listen so you can make an informed decision as to which to drop your hard-earned cash on (if any).

Enjoy, and then go watch some movies!

 

As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA.

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Baby Driver (2017)

Howdy podcast peoples!

This week TheTimMan and I actually discuss a new release: the high-octane film Baby Driver, the latest film from Edgar Wright of Cornetto Trilogy fame.

Not to be confused with the chauffeur for The Boss Baby, this awesome heist flick is many things:  a genre movie, a thrill ride (see what I did there), a thoughtful piece on young love, a karmic justice dispenser, and an extended music video.

As Bill Simmons has said, “I’m giving it 24 out of 10 stars.”

But who cares about the movie – you can just listen to us talk about it, whether you have seen it or not!  And that’s what’s important.

 

As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo by By Eva Rinaldi [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

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The Sound of Music (1965)

Ah, the dreaded musical!

Following a long layoff, the podcast returns from the depths of technical difficulties.  First, I briefly discuss a very interesting new book by Joe Jordan about Robert Wise, legendary Hollywood director, called Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures.

Then the Master Bo Bonner and I squabble over the merits of Wise’s classic musical, The Sound of Music, with an eye toward His Excellency Bishop Williamson’s famous letter.

The hills are again alive with the sound of podcasting.  Enjoy!

 

As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo by 20th Century Fox [Public Domain], via Wikimedia Commons.

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A Few Good Men (1992)

As you head into the weekend, what would be better than relaxing and meditating on code, honor, and loyalty with our podcast on 1992’s A Few Good Men?  Some might say this would have been more appropriate for LAST weekend, being Memorial Day and all, but those people have unrealistically high standards for an ad hoc operation like the Catholic Movie Guy Podcast.

Long a source of disagreement between myself and theTimMan, we present our cases on the pod: he attempts to nail the movie for high crimes against cinema, while I raise the affirmative defense of it holding the Intercontinental Cable Championship Belt.

Listen to make sense of the above, or merely be a good soldier and download regardless.

 

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

 

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Creed (Best of 2015)

And we’re back!

It’s been too long, as life and personal misfortune intruded on my bodcasting.  But here we are with a special Emergency Podcast – Tim Saw a Sports Movie/new entry in our Best of 2015 Series, the Rocky sequel, Creed.

We examine why I think the movie is a superlative sports movie, and why Tim thinks the fact that its a sports movie means it can’t be superlative. Plus, we discuss some low key Catholic themes underlying the movie.

Enjoy, or, at least, download!

 

As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo by Gage Skidmore [CC BY-SA 3.0] via Wikimedia Commons

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True Grit (2010)

This week, I return with a mirthful TimMan to discuss one of our absolute favorites, the Coen Brothers’ 2010 masterpiece True Grit.  Our conversation views the film from a theological perspective:  all is grace (within the movie, anyway).

Those coming for a comparison to the John Wayne original will be left wanting.  But those looking for reasons why the remake is a masterpiece – fully deserving of its 10 Academy Award nominations and its spot as the CMG’s favorite Western of all time – will not be disappointed.

 

As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo by Siebbi (ipernity dot com) [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons.

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Logan (2017)

Happy Easter!

This week, the Master and I breakdown the cinematic swan song of the X-Men’s Wolverine (as played by Hugh Jackman, anyway), 2017’s Logan – one of the best superhero movies (and Westerns?) of memory.

Many Catholic reviewers have deemed the movie too violent, too vulgar, nihilistic, and even blasphemous. We disagree. But to find out why, you have to download, bub.

 

As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo by Grant Brummett [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons.

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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.

 

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Vertigo (1958)

Finally – a Hitchcock film!

This week TheTimMan returns for an in-depth (as far as a half hour goes) analysis of my favorite Hitchcock film, and one of my top 3 films of all time, Vertigo.

The film was recently voted by the American Film Institute (AFI) as the greatest film ever. Starring James Stewart and Kim Novak, it is a marvelous beauty to behold with deep themes, including a sharp critique of concupiscence and the objectification of women.

Go watch it immediately (after downloading, but before listening to, our spoiler-filled podcast)!

 

As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo by Mike Quinn [CC BY-SA 2.0] via Wikimedia Commons.

 

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Mad Max: Fury Road (Best of 2015)

Sorry for the late post this week, but real life intruded on my illustrious podcast empire.

This week we continue our Best of 2015 Series.  I am joined by the Doctor, Bud Marr, and the Master, Bo Bonner, to (over?) analyze the George Miller action flick Mad Max: Fury Road.

Content advisory aside, this is a psychedelic take on the futuristic
“guy movie,” one with a little more to say beneath the surface than usual.

Enjoy!

 

As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo by Gage Skidmore [CC BY-SA 2.0] via Wikimedia Commons.

 

 

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Gangs of New York (2002)

Welp,

TheTimMan returns from exile to discuss the sprawling, somewhat problematic, messy masterpiece – Martin Scorsese’s 2002 epic, Gangs of New York, starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Leonardo DiCaprio.

My last post on this movie abruptly disappeared, so I am reposting it here for posterity’s sake – if anyone can explain why that would happen, please comment and let me know!

 

As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA.

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Best of 2016: Arrival

Deja vu all over again?  Or are we merely stepping out of our linear experience of time for a more holistic view?

Although I reviewed this film in short, non-spoiler form on Episode 6, its acclaim and themes deserve a full podcast.  So I am joined by the Master, Bo Bonner, for a thorough, spoiler-filled review of Arrival to continue our Best of 2016 Series.

Starring Amy Adams (in a near-perfect performance) and directed by Denis Villeneuve, Arrival garnered much praise from the critical and Christian circles.  We examine the themes of the film as well as asking the important questions:  Is the plot coherent?  Is it pro-life?  And why do I not like Jeremy Renner?

Enjoy!

 

As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA.  Photo by Mozilla [CC BY 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons.

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Room (Best of 2015 Series)

Many Catholics aren’t hip to new-ish movies of worth (having shunned the world and all); and if they are trying to watch a movie, it’s usually  from their couch, because who can afford to go out (especially if you need a babysitter)?

That’s why I’ve decided to branch off from the popular Best of 2016 Series and start a Best of 2015 Series: these movies are still new enough that you may not have seen them, but they are also widely available via streaming services, so you can watch them comfortably and affordably.

The first entry in this series is my favorite movie of all from 2015: Room,  starring Brie Larson.  Directed by Lenny Abrahamson based on the Emma Donoghue novel, it is an emotionally wrenching but beautiful story of love, survival, learning, and growing under dire circumstances.

And since TheTimMan doesn’t watch new (or new-ish) movies, I am joined once again by the Master, Bo Bonner, in thoroughly critiquing and appreciating this masterpiece.

But before you listen, go watch the movie (it’s available on Amazon Prime, among many other places).

Enjoy!

 

As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA.  Photo by Gage Skidmore [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons.

 

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Jerry Maguire

Continuing two themes from last week’s episode – what did Tim happen to watch and sports movies – we tackle (SEE WHAT I DID THERE) the 1996 Cameron Crowe film Jerry Maguire.

Starring Tom Cruise and Renee Zellweger, with an Academy Award-winning supporting performance from Cuba Gooding, Jr., we use this flawed but engaging movie as a springboard to discuss the inner workings of grace and the true meaning of marriage (seriously), amidst the normal frivolous banter.

Enjoy!

 

As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA.  Photo by Linda D. Kozaryn (American Forces Press Service)  [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.

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Emergency Podcast: Tim Saw a Sports Movie

The Catholic Movie Guy Podcast is a reflection of its host(s).  Sometimes, this means that a podcast is dedicated to a dissection of weighty or difficult spiritual themes (e.g., Silence); sometimes, it’s an appreciation of a worthy new film (e.g., La La Land) or a classic (e.g., A Man for All Seasons).

But sometimes, we just have to talk about a movie we saw.  And today is one of those times.  Therefore, I called for an emergency podcast to address a minor miracle:  theTimMan actually watched a sports movie, despite his disdain for them.

In this episode, we discuss that special film (The Blind Side) and express our thoughts on other sports movies and the genre generally.  And did my wife like it?  Tune in to find out.

 

As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA.  Photo by U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Hughes/Released [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.

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