Oh, blessed New Year indeed, that brings together an all-star podcast cast of TheTimMan, Bo Bonner, and myself to review the all-star cast filled The Irishman, Martin Scorsese's latest triumph. Stay tuned for a once-a-month podcast schedule going forward, and enjoy! As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar, Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo fair use from Wikipedia.

Catholic Movie Guy Podcast

The Irishman (2019)

Two podcasts published in one week? Christmas has come early this year! Not for the squeamish, but perhaps not as Tarantino-ish as expected, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood is one of the most interesting films of 2019. A love letter to film and friendship, it is a nostalgic (and self-referential) leisurely and vulgar stroll through an alternate history of the Manson Family murders and old Hollywood with stellar performances throughout. We explore the scenes and themes - and stay tuned for my particularly crazy read at the end. As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar, Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo fair use from Wikipedia.

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood (2019)

Just in time for the Avengers: Endgame blu-ray release, and not a moment sooner, I have revived from a movie-talk coma to discuss Avengers: Endgame (and Captain Marvel as a prelude) with the great Bo Bonner of Iowa Catholic Radio. I will soon be back with Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, so stay tuned and enjoy! As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar, Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo fair use from Wikipedia.

Belated Comic-Movie Talk

I'm alive - real life has hurt my ability to watch the movies, but I am still here for you, trust me! Recently, I once again suckered Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr of  The Uncommon Good on Iowa Catholic Radio (heard on 1150 AM, 88.5 FM, and 94.5 FM) to have me on. We started with a lengthy discussion on the value and importance of art, why our entertainment culture is preoccupied with remakes and "sequelitis", and our thoughts on Avengers Endgame and the best movies of the past year.  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. Enjoy, and look for a new episode next week!

Remakes, Sequels, Avengers, and the Uncommon Good

Professor Bo Bonner makes his long-awaited return to the podcast to discuss the considerable merits of the fantastic new Netflix-produced Western anthology film from the beloved Coen Brothers, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs. Star-studded and varied, the six stories come together in thematically meaningful ways. To say it is one of the very best films of the year is an understatement - but listen to find out why.   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar, Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo fair use from Wikipedia.

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)

TheTimMan triumphantly returns to discuss the thought-provoking, challenging 2008 film Doubt, starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Meryl Streep, and Amy Adams. Concerning the relationship between a priest suspected of abuse and the faithful under his care, the film could not be more timely in terms of subject-matter. We delve into the intent of the filmmakers, how the movie plays objectively, and even the comfort the film can give us during these difficult times in the Church. Plus, my wife saw the movie (and liked it?).   Enjoy! As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar, Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo fair use from Wikipedia.

Doubt (2008)

The Catholic Movie Guy is back with a vengeance discussing two new films that, in their own way, address the good and bad of our modern, social-media infatuated world. Come for my thoughts, stay for the cameo of the Catholic Movie Gal! Also: I will be appearing on Covenant Radio in St. Louis this Friday at 2 pm on their Fall Catholic Radiothon, so please call or give on Friday at 2!   Enjoy! As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar, Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photos fair use from Wikipedia.

Eighth Grade/Searching (2018)

Sorry, ya'll - Jeff Sessions has kept me real busy lately. But, because it has been a while, I have decided to release an episode from the vault for the masses. Witness the triumphant return of TheTimMan to the podcast discussing one of his (and my) favorite films, the 1990 Whit Stillman masterpiece, Metropolitan. Plus, my wife gives her thoughts. Enjoy!   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar, Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo fair use from Wikipedia.

Metropolitan (1990)

Sorry for the delay, all - I will be getting to some of the newer summer films next week (including Incredibles 2, which I really liked) with the help of the steadfast Bo Bonner. But this week, with the World Series of Poker taking place as we speak, I am joined on this very special episode by Joe Kenney of Jonose Cigars to discuss poker, life, and the best poker movies of all time. I think there's much to interest even the non-poker fan in the discussion. Hope you enjoy!   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar, Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo by Todd Klassy, CC BY via Wikimedia Commons.

Poker and the Movies

This week I once again suckered Bo Bonner and Dr. Bud Marr of  The Uncommon Good on Iowa Catholic Radio (heard on 1150 AM, 88.5 FM, and 94.5 FM) to have me on. We started with a lengthy discussion on the value and importance of art and ended with our thoughts on most of the big movies of 2018.  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. I am planning on being back next week with a new episode covering The Avengers 2 and Solo. Until next time...

The Importance of Art and a 2018 Movie Roundup (Uncommon Good)

On this episode, Bo Bonner (of the Uncommon Good on Iowa Catholic Radio) and I serve up a double feature, discussing Wes Anderson's stop-motion animation adventure, Isle of Dogs, before reviewing the latest MCU entry, Avengers: Infinity War, Part I. Don't worry, spoiler warnings are given where appropriate.   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar, Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Movie posters are fair use from Wikipedia.

Isle of Dogs/Avengers: Infinity War Part I (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.

A Quiet Place (2018)

It's been a while, but never fear - your Catholic Movie Guy and Professor Bo Bonner have been seeing all the films of 2018 so you don't have to (unless you want to, of course)! In this podcast, Bo and I canvass the notable films of 2018's first three months, including: Black Panther, Paddington 2, Early Man, Death Wish, and Game Night. We conclude with an extended discussion of the merits of writer/director Alex Garland's Annihilation, starring Natalie Portman. Enjoy!   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar, Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Pic by Georges Biard (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons.

Annihilation/2018 First Quarter Roundup

As the Academy Awards draw closer, Bo and I get together to give our final look-back on the films of 2017. First, we go in-depth on Lady Bird, an Oscar contender and coming-of-age story set largely in a Catholic school; Bo and I had polar-opposite reactions to this one. Then we turn to a review of 2017. And even without consulting beforehand, we both agree on a very surprising pick for the number one spot! Finally, a big thank you is in order to the redoubtable actor Andrew Nowak of the popular podcast The Bright Sessions, who has graciously provided voice-overs for some new segment drops throughout the podcast (backed by the music of Jahzzar). Enjoy!   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology, and backing music for all drops is Luxe, both by Jahzzar, Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo uploaded by Film Fan from studio poster via Wikipedia.

Lady Bird (2017)/Best Films of 2017

Awards season is heating up, and the Catholic Movie Guy Podcast continues apace. This week, I again welcome Bo Bonner of The Uncommon Good on Iowa Catholic Radio to the show to discuss the 2017 Golden Globe Winner of Best Picture (Drama), Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing, Missouri. Written and directed by Martin McDonagh, it stars the great Frances McDormand as a small town mom trying to get big time justice/revenge. The film is brutal, vulgar, touching, and beautiful - not for the fainthearted, but I liked it even more after the discussion with Bo. Enjoy!   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar, Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Pic by Dixiekin (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons.