Category: Faith
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Sound of Freedom (****) rings a clarion call
The portrayal that we are granted by Monteverde and his writing partner Barr give those in bondage a light. Let’s hope it’s a light that never goes out.
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The Pope’s Exorcist (***) shows Crowe still has the ability
If not for Crowe’s performance, this film is considerably unerwhelming.
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Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (*****) 143
The entire last half of the film is riddled with poignant moments to the extent it is hard to keep control of one’s emotions. The tears that are elicited are as much for joy as anything. It makes one glad to have witnessed this, and long for a chance to go back and take it…
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The 15:17 To Paris (***): 3 Hearts in the Happy Ending Machine
The 15:17 to Paris – 2018 Director Clint Eastwood Screenplay Dorothy Blyskal Starring Anthony Sadler, Alek Skarlatos, Spencer Stone, Judy Greer, Jenna Fischer, Ray Corasani This is where the breakdown happens in Clint Eastwood, post Obama. His political leanings have guided his cinematic choices over the last decade. He’s making films based on real events and people, letting his beliefs out through…
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Lady Bird (*****) perfectly flawed
Lady Bird – 2017 Written and Directed by Greta Gerwig Starring Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts, Lucas Hedges, Timothée Chalamet, Beanie Feldstein, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Lois Smith It’s amazing how great of a year it’s been in movies. I have had one film after the other take the spot of best movie and favorite movie. Up to now, none of them have…
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Silence (*****) victory in defeat
Silence – 2016 Director Martin Scorsese Screenplay by Jay Cocks and Scorsese based on the novel by Shūsaku Endō Starring Andrew Garfield, Adam Driver, Tadanobu Asano, Ciarán Hinds, Liam Neeson, Issey Ogata, Shinya Tsukamoto Silence is a powerful story that will evoke strong feelings for those who absorb its message. What that message is can depend on what you bring to the film. Most…
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Heaven Is For Real questions what we think we believe
Heaven is for Real – 2014 Director Randall Wallace Starring Greg Kinnear, Kelly Reilly, Connor Corum, Lane Styles, Margo Martindale, Thomas Haden Church Screenplay Wallace and Christopher Parker based on the book by Todd Burpo and Lynn Vincent Heaven is for Real starts out in a familiar enough place for faith-based films. Todd Burpo is perhaps the best person in a good town…
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October Baby is a picture of grace within a cracked rear view
October Baby – 2011 Director Andrew and Jon Erwin Starring Rachel Hendrix, Jason Burkey, John Schneider, Jennifer Price, Jasmine Guy, Chris Sligh, Robert Amaya, Shari Rigby, Tracy Miller Screenplay Cecil Stokes, Jon Erwin “This is who you are…” There is a point in October Baby when Hannah (Hendrix) has entered the place where her birth mother works. It…
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CPE and Em: The Way A vibrant tale beautifully told
The Way – 2011 Directed by Emilio Estavez Starring Martin Sheen, Emilio Estavez, Deborah Kara Unger, James Nesbitt, Yorick van Wageningen, Tchéky Karyo Screenplay Emilio Estavez The thing that sets some actors and actresses apart is how they are able to exist on-screen when there is no dialogue. Do they have to natter incessantly, like, say, Woody Allen?…
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CPE and Em: The Nativity Story offers a view of grace in dark times
The Nativity Story – 2006 Directed by Catherine Hardwicke Starring Keshia Castle-Hughes, Oscar Isaac, Ciarán Hinds, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Stanley Townshend, Shaun Toub, Alessandro Giuggioli, Hiam Abbass, Alexander Siddig, Eriq Ebouaney, Stefan Kalipha, Nadim Sawalha Much of the news surrounding The Nativity Story had to do with the personal drama of then 16-year-old Keshia Castle-Hughes announcing that she pregnant during the publicity tour of the…
Ebert Did It Better: Gasbag Reviews 