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The Devil Inside

At last, a horror film for disaffected Catholic traditionalists embittered against the Church for post-Vatican II changes; who see the Church itself, not just the larger culture, as compromised by modernism, and impeding orthodox clerics from carrying out true spiritual work.

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Spotlight: Beauty and the Beast (1991)

This weekend Disney’s latter-day classic Beauty and the Beast returns to theaters in a 3D converted version. I was looking forward to taking the whole family to last weekend’s 3D screening, but life got in the way. As for the film itself, I have nothing to add to my recent review; here it is.

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On the Air: Drew Mariani & Al Kresta

Tuesday, 1/10: This afternoon I’ll be on Catholic radio twice in the 5 o’clock hour (EST) discussing a pair of movies with very Catholic themes (a comment that should not be taken as an endorsement!).

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Thank You, Image Journal

Recognition and praise are always appreciated, but this month’s shout-out from Image Journal naming me their Artist of the Month for January 2012 is especially gratifying. They have some thoughtful comments about my film writing, both with respect to craft and content, and the guy they’re describing sounds to me like the guy I try to be. Suz says they nailed me. What do you think?

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Still Christmas: Christmas Viewing (Good & Bad!)

Following up on my “Still Christmas” post on Advent and Christmas family traditions, Christmas movies are an important tradition in many households. For me, Christmas movies are an especially important way of marking the continuing Christmas season. In general, I would rather watch Christmas movies with my kids after Christmas day, rather than before, as a way of celebrating the Christmas season.

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Still Christmas: Advent & Christmas Family Traditions

All Advent long, observant Catholics and other Christians hold the line against premature Christmas, holding off on decking the halls and singing Christmas carols during what is meant to be a time of preparation. Now, as the world is busily dismantling what’s left of its Christmas trappings, it’s time for Christians to double down on the continued celebration of the Christmas season.

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War Horse [video]

Here’s my 30-second take on War Horse.

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The Adventures of Tintin [video]

Here’s my 30-second take on The Adventures of Tintin.

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The Artist [video]

Here’s my 30-second take on The Artist.

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Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol [video]

Here’s my 30-second take on Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol.

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Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit: The Trailer

I usually stay far away from trailers. I like to experience movies as cold as possible. But this is Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit, and my fine principles have failed me. The film itself is still a year off … and I can’t wait that long to satisfy my curiosity.

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Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy [video]

Here’s my 30-second take on Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.

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Hugo [video]

Here’s my 30-second take on Martin Scorsese’s Hugo.

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Arthur Christmas [video]

Here’s my 30-second take on Aardman Animation’s Arthur Christmas.

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Programming note: “Reel Faith,” 30-Second Reviews & Catholic Answers Live

Last week’s “Reel Faith” season finale is now online at the show’s website. This is the end of regular “Reel Faith” programming until next year’s summer season, although we may come back for one-off episodes a couple of times in the interim, and we’ll continue to produce 30-second reviews.

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Tangled [video] (A review in verse)

Disney’s Tangled in 30 seconds — in rhyming verse.

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Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 [video] (A Review in Verse)

Here’s my 30-second rhyming review of Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows: Part 1.

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The Smurfs [video]

Don’t give them any more of your time.

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On the Air: Catholic Answers Live, 11/23/2011

This Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, I’ll be on the first hour of “Catholic Answers Live!” with Patrick Coffin. We’ll be discussing The Muppets, Twilight: Breaking Dawn, Part 1, Happy Feet Two, Arthur Christmas, J. Edgar, A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas, Tower Heist, In Time and more. Listen live!

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Programming note: Latest reviews and the “Reel Faith” season finale

Tonight’s episode of “Reel Faith,” is the season finale, and partly for that reason this week I attended an almost unprecedented four screenings: the latest Twilight, Happy Feet Two, Arthur Christmas and The Muppets. Another reason for the heavy screenings was for the sake of my Friday morning radio shows (since of course I’ll be off next week.