Blog

POST

The Kid with a Bike [video]

The Kid with a Bike in 60 seconds: My “Reel Faith” video review.

POST

21 Jump Street [video]

21 Jump Street in 60 seconds: My “Reel Faith” video review.

POST

Wrath of the Titans [video]

Wrath of the Titans in 60 seconds: My “Reel Faith” video review.

POST

Saving the Titanic on PBS

Saving the Titanic, a docudrama airing this month on PBS, sheds light on an untold page from the heroic side of the ledger. Combining traditional documentary with speculative historical dramatization, it highlights the story of the engineering crew, firemen, electricians and stokers who labored below decks to keep power flowing to pumps and lifeboat winches, first hoping to save the ship and then striving to delay the inevitable as long as possible to save as many lives as possible.

POST

John Carter [video]

John Carter in 60 seconds: My “Reel Faith” video review.

POST

The Lorax [video]

The Lorax in 60 seconds: My “Reel Faith” video review.

The Secret World of Arrietty [video] POST

The Secret World of Arrietty [video]

The Secret World of Arrietty in 60 seconds: My “Reel Faith” video review.

POST

This Friday “Catholic Answers Live!”: Two hours of Decent Films radio!

Once a month Patrick Coffin of “Catholic Answers Live!” and I talk about movies for an hour that never seems quite long enough for all the films we want to talk about. So this month, we’re taking two hours! Friday on “Catholic Answers Live!” it’s all Decent Films, all the time, from 6pm–8pm EST (3pm–5pm PST).

Are the Borrowers thieves?! POST

Are the Borrowers thieves?!

Reader response to the lovely family film The Secret World of Arrietty, I’m delighted to say, has been almost entirely positive. However, I did receive one negative email from a reader who not only didn’t enjoy the film, but considered it downright immoral. Why? Because the Borrowers, tiny people who live in secret in big people’s homes, survive by “borrowing” (i.e., taking) the things they need from the big people.

POST

“Reel Faith” One-Hour Oscar Special now online

If you missed the various broadcasts of the “Reel Faith” one-hour Oscar special over the last few weeks, you’ve still got time to catch online before Sunday’s Oscar ceremony … and see how wrong we were three weeks ago! David and I talk about the nominees, call out snubs, give our favorites and give our predictions, some of which have aged better than others. Watch online now!

POST

Best films of 2011: More lists

With the Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday more or less officially ending the awards season, this is pretty much my last chance to blog on some notable best film lists of 2011 worth highlighting.

POST

Spotlight: Into the Desert: Lent and Film

Spotlighted for your Lenten benefit: my 2011 blog post “Into the Desert: Lent and Film,” including some general thoughts on fasting and ascesis and some recommendations for appropriate Lenten viewing. Note that among the last year’s crop of films are a number that would make excellent Lenten viewing.

POST

Parents: Your kids can do better at the movies!

Don’t settle for a mysterious island when there’s a whole secret world to be discovered.

POST

All-new Catholic Digest featuring all-new film column by…

…yours truly. As background, the March 2012 issue of Catholic Digest magazine marks a complete reinvention of the magazine under the direction of its new editor-in-chief, Danielle Bean, formerly of Faith & Family magazine.

POST

“Reel Faith” One-Hour Oscar Special: final airing (date & time change!)

The Oscars are just a week away now. If you missed the first two airings of our one-hour “Reel Faith” Oscar Special, you have one more chance to catch it on Thursday, February 23 at 9:00pm. Note: This is a change from the date and time originally reported. Hope you enjoy it. (Watch NET live.)

POST

On the Air: Catholic Answers Live, 2/10/2012

This Friday, February 10 I'll be appearing on the first hour of “Catholic Answers Live” (6pm–7pm EDT).

POST

Ten must-see web resources for Catholics … including Decent Films!

Thanks to my friend Mark Shea of Catholic and Enjoying It! for including my work here at Decent Films among his “Ten must-see web resources for Catholics” for Our Sunday Visitor.

POST

Which Disney Villain is the Most Evil?

An intriguing question posed to me in another forum: “Who is the worst Disney villain? Mother Gothel in Tangled is bad (kidnapping, brainwashing). The evil Queen from Snow White?”

POST

The Ides of March [video]

The Ides of March: my “Reel Faith” review.

POST

On the Air: Catholic Answers Live, 01/20/2012

Friday, January 20, I’ll be on the first hour of Catholic Answers Live! (6pm–7pm EST). Patrick Coffin and I will be talking about the best and worst films of 2011 and much much more. Listen live!