Movies, Videos & DVDs

Steve & Janet Ray’s Favorite Movies

Christian Videos/DVDs can be bought from Ignatius Press, others from Amazon.com. We have been using Amazon Prime which is a service for watching movies on-line. Their website also has reviews and much information. Also see my Favorite Links for good sites for finding and reviewing wholesome entertainment. Another good list for Catholic families is Summer Family Movie List with recommendations on projectors too.

Steve’s Catholic Family Series: (all on DVD with Bloopers, Behind the Scenes Interviews and complete Study Guides)

The completed series will have 10 documentaries. We currently have the first 9 completed. To purchase the set with a discount, click here.

Abraham: Father of Faith & Works
Moses: Signs, Sacraments, and Salvation
David & Solomon: Expanding the Kingdom
Elijah & Elisha: Conscience of the Kingdom
Mary: Mother of God
Jesus: the Word Became Flesh
Peter: Keeper of the Keys
Paul: Contending for the Faith
Apostolic Fathers: Handing on the Faith

These can be purchased here on my On-Line Bookstore.

The Ray Family’s Favorite Movies (in no particular order)

For Decent Films.com, click here.
US Bishops’ Movie reviews, click here. (excellent)
For my friend Ed Peter’s list, click here.

Faith and Family Magazines Top 100 Catholic Movies
  1. Passion of the Christ                          2004    v
  2. Sound of Music                                 1985
  3. A Man for All Seasons                      1966
  4. Song of Bernadette                            1943
  5. It’s a Wonderful Life                          1946
  6. Ten Commandments                          1956
  7. Scarlet and the Black                         1983
  8. Jesus of Nazareth                              1977
  9. Schindler’s List                                  1993    v, n, s
  10. Bell’s of St. Mary’s                           1945
  11. Therese                                             2004
  12. Braveheart                                         1995    v, s
  13. Miracle of our Lady of Fatima            1952
  14. Mission                                             1986    v, n
  15. Lilies of the Field                               1963
  16. Les Miserables                                  1998    n, p
  17. Miracle of Marcelino                         1998    n, p
  18. Quiet Man                                         1952
  19. Ben Hur                                            1959
  20. Rudy                                                 1993    p
  21. Robe                                                 1953
  22. Return to Me                                     2000    p
  23. We Were Soldiers                             2002    v, p
  24. Becket                                              1964    v, p, s
  25. Going My Way                                  1944
  26. Romero                                             1989
  27. Sister Act                                          1992    p, s
  28. Pope John Paul II                              1984
  29. Jonah: Veggie Tales Movie                2002
  30. Shoes of the Fisherman                      1986
  31. Brideshead Revisited                         1981    p, n, s
  32. Keys of the Kingdom                         1944
  33. On the Waterfront                             1954
  34. I Confess                                           1953
  35. Boy’s Town                                      1938
  36. Molokai: Story of Fr. Damien            1999    p
  37. Qua Vadis                                         1951
  38. Trouble with Angels                           1956
  39. Babette’s Feast                                 1987
  40. Rookie                                              2002    s
  41. Reluctant Saint                                   1962
  42. One Man’s Hero                               1999
  43. Brother Sun, Sister Moon                  1972
  44. Exorcist                                             1973    v, p, s
  45. Dead Men Walking                           1995    v,s
  46. Joan of Arc                                       1948
  47. Agony and the Ecstasy                       1965
  48. Passion of Joan of Arc                       1928    n, v
  49. Angels in the Outfield                         1951
  50. Moonstruck                                       1987    p, s
  51. Miracle Maker: Story of Jesus           2000
  52. Henry V                                            1989    p, v
  53. Heaven Knows Mr. Allison                1957
  54. Entertaining Angels: Dorothy Day       1996
  55. Knute Rockne: All American              1940
  56. Greatest Story ever Told                    1965
  57. Singing Nun                                       1966
  58. Marty                                                1955
  59. Monsieur Vincent                              1948
  60. Assisi Underground                           1985
  61. Au Revoir Infants                               1987    p, s
  62. Come to the Stable                            1949
  63. Diary of a Country Priest                   1951
  64. In this House of Brede                       1975
  65. Jeweller’s Shop                                 1988
  66. Miracle of the Bells                            1948
  67. Fighting Sullivans                               1944
  68. Fourth Wisemen                                1985
  69. Juggler of Notre Dame                       1970
  70. Barabbas                                           1962
  71. King of Kings                                    1961
  72. Francis of Assisi                                1961
  73. Adventures of Robin Hood                1937
  74. Decalogue                                         1987    v, s
  75. Gospel according to Saint Matthew    1966
  76. Angels with Dirty Faces                     1938
  77. Fugitive                                             1947
  78. Longest Day                                      1962
  79. Therese                                             1986
  80. Gospel of John                                  2003
  81. A.D.                                                  1985
  82. Faustyna                                            1995
  83. The Son                                            2002
  84. Francesco                                         1989    n
  85. Flowers of St. Francis                       1950
  86. Brother Orchid                                  1940
  87. Demetrius and the Gladiators             1954
  88. Nazarin                                             1958
  89. Silver Chalice                                    1954
  90. When in Rome                                   1952
  91. Not of this World                              1999
  92. Open City                                         1945    v, s
  93. 3 Godfathers                                     1948
  94. Don Bosco                                        1988
  95. Abraham                                           1994
  96. Detective                                           1954
  97. Hoodlum Saint                                   1946
  98. Sign of the Cross                               1932
  99. Wrong Man                                       1956
  100. Padre on Horseback                       1977
Chariots of Fire
Le Mesarable
McFarland, USA
Darkest Hour,
Shot in the Dark
To Kill a Mockingbird
Shadow Lands
Remains of the Day

A list of quality films that will inspire you as well as entertain you.

Here’s a list of quality films that are perfect to engage Catholics in thoughtful reflection. To delve more deeply into each movie, click on the titles for helpful study guides prepared by the Knights of Columbus.

1. A Man for All Seasons

St. Thomas More was awesome, in the truest sense of the word. He held to his faith and conscience and refused to declare Henry VIII as head of the Church of England, even though he knew he would be executed for it.

This film won several Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor. Plus, it has an all-star cast with Orson Welles, Robert Shaw (or Quint from Jaws) and John Hurt (who holds the record for most on-screen deaths).

2. Judgment at Nuremberg

This Best Picture-nominated film centers on a fictional military tribunal and offers a glimpse at what happened to Nazis after World War II and their role in the Holocaust. Spencer Tracy leads an all-star cast including Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, Judy Garland and William Shatner.

The movie is also the first time Nazi concentration camp footage was used in a commercial film. Judgment at Nuremberg explores why we must value every single human life.

3. On the Waterfront

If Marlon Brando’s stunning performance doesn’t sell you, this Best-Picture winner tells the story of an uneducated former boxer who stands up against corrupt union bosses who have unmitigated power. Is it anti-Communist? Yes. Does it include pro-Catholic teachings? Yes.

Plus it features one of the greatest lines in movie history. You’ll know it when you get to it.

4. Henry V

This film adaptation of the Shakespeare play deals with themes of war and peace, brotherhood and leadership, manipulation and trust. But it’s also an underdog story, as the British troops were outnumbered 5 to 1 against the French at the real, historic battle.

And here is a future trivia answer for you: HBO’s Band of Brothers gets its name from the Henry V line “We few, we happy few. We band of brothers.”

5. The Mission

Robert De Niro stars in this movie about a Jesuit missionary evangelizing the native people of 18th-century South America. It was nominated for seven Oscars and won the Palm d’Or award at the Cannes Film Festival.

6. We Were Soldiers

Although violent, the battle scenes are accurate portrayals of the events that changed the course of the Vietnam War. The movie, starring by Mel Gibson, shows the men who dedicated and sacrificed their lives for God, country and their brothers.

7. Liberating a Continent

St. John Paul II’s trip to Poland in 1978 brought hope to a continent split by the Soviet Union’s “Iron Curtain.” It’s a story of real people, real lives, real consequences and the real power of prayer.

8. For Greater Glory

In the 1920s, Mexican Catholics were persecuted by their government, forcing them to fight for their lives and the right to practice their faith. Many were martyred during the conflict — including six Knights who were later canonized.

The film’s theme of religious liberty remains powerful, as Christians are still persecuted throughout the world today.

9. Shane

Dealing with themes of heroism, redemption and justice, the film centers on a former gunslinger who tries to help a family of farmers harassed by cattle ranchers who have hired their own gunfighter. Shane is a classic film, listed number 45 on AFI’s 100 Years … 100 Movies list.

10. Michael Collins

First he played Holocaust hero Oskar Schindler. Then he played Irish hero Michael Collins. Liam Neeson stars in this biopic about the Irish revolutionary, soldier and politician who struggled for Ireland’s independence from the United Kingdom in the early 20th century.

It was nominated for two Academy Awards (cinematography and score), and Neeson and the film won top prizes at the Venice Film Festival.

11. Katy?

If you’re looking for a foreign film, put Katy? at the top of your list. Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 80th Academy Awards, it tells the story of Soviet atrocities against the Polish during the Second World War — including a mass execution and its cover-up. Although the characters are fictional, the Soviet actions are not.

12. Becket

Peter O’Toole and Richard Burton star in this classic film about the disintegrating relationship between King Henry II and St. Thomas Becket due to the latter’s commitment to the Catholic Church.

Becket received 11 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and two Best Actor nominations. (Although O’Toole and Burton didn’t win, making it a combined 14 times they were nominated for acting but never won.)

GOOD IRISH MOVIES

https://aleteia.org/2022/03/16/beyond-the-quiet-man-other-irish-themed-movies-for-st-patricks-day/

t. Patrick’s Day is almost upon us and that means many of us will be watching “The Quiet Man” again. While it’s a fine film, it’s not the only Irish-themed picture available ─ by John Ford and others. A few suggestions for those who might be looking for something in addition to ─ or a little different ─ this holiday. In no particular order:

The Long Gray Line. (1955) Another John Ford classic. Tyrone Power stars as the real-life Martin Maher, an Irish immigrant who starts out as a waiter at West Point, joins the Army, gets assigned to the academy as an athletic instructor, and ends up staying at the Point for over 50 years. Naturally, he sees them all: Ike, Patton, Bradley, etc. Ford “company” members Maureen O’Hara and Ward Bond co-star, as well as Harry Carey Jr. as a dead ringer for the young Eisenhower. Watch for a young Peter Graves (of Mission: Impossible fame) in a cameo role.

The Informer(1935): Based on Liam O’Flaherty’s novel, it won Ford the first of his four Best Director Oscars. Victor McLaglen turns in the performance of a career as the disgraced Irish revolutionary Gypo Nolan, who sells his best friend to the British for 20 pounds and whose life falls apart as his treachery is discovered and guilt gnaws away at his soul.

The Plough and the Stars(1937): Another John Ford effort set in revolutionary Ireland, based on Sean O’Casey’s stage play. Barbara Stanwyck (unusual role for her) runs a rooming house in 1916 Dublin and wants nothing more than to stay out of the political ferment happening around her. But her husband (Preston Foster, also in The Informer), has other ideas. Ford regulars Barry Fitzgerald and Arthur Shields are there in support, as are Una O’Connor and Cyril McLaglen, Victor’s younger brother. The film’s climax, of course, is the 1916 Easter Rising.

Little Nellie Kelly(1940): Not John Ford, but Hollywood’s take on George M. Cohan’s hit 1922 stage musical-comedy. Judy Garland is always a delight, especially when she belts out “It’s a Great Day for the Irish” in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade number. Ronald Reagan’s old friend George Murphy is there, as well as Arthur Shields in a rare performance without his brother, Barry Fitzgerald.

The Irish in Us (1940): One of nine (!) pairings of Jimmy Cagney and Pat O’Brien, who star as two (of three) Irish-American brothers seeking success in America.

The Fighting 69th (1940): The year 1940 was a banner one for Irish-themed films and The Fighting 69th was made with a specific purpose in mind. As World War II was breaking out in Europe, many Irish-Americans were still seething over what they saw as being asked to fight for Britain in World War I while British troops were repressing Irish nationalists in Ireland. As a result, they were among the most isolationist of voters. The Fighting 69th was one of Hollywood’s many films in this period that were intended to build public support for eventual US intervention.

The film centers on the exploits of the famed New York National Guard regiment in the trenches of World War I. Fan favorite Jimmy Cagney as tough guy Irish street kid Jerry Plunkett enlists and causes mayhem for his superiors and comrades before finding nobility at the end. While Plunkett is a fictional character, Chaplain Father Francis Duffy (Pat O’Brien again), 69th commander William “Wild Bill” Donovan (George Brent), and poet Joyce Kilmer (author of “Trees,” played by Jeffrey Lynn), were real people. William Hopper (Paul Drake on Perry Mason) and George Reeves (Superman) appear in small roles.

My Wild Irish Rose (1947) This fictionalized biopic of tenor Chauncey Olcott features the seriously underrated Dennis Morgan (who also appeared in The Fighting 69th and has a beautiful voice.) If you are simply a fan of musical biopics chockablock with nostalgic song and dance, you are in for a Technicolor treat.

As the Irish assimilated into American society in the 1950s and 1960s, the number of “Irish” films coming out of Hollywood fell off, but not entirely. And other outlets picked up the slack. More worth considering:

The Molly Maguires (1970): Who can resist Sean Connery and Richard Harris? Filmed in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania where the actual events took place, the action follows a detective (Harris) sent to investigate the rumored existence of a secret society among the Irish coal miners dedicated to resisting their exploitation by the mine owners. Connery is the target. The Irish-themed score by Henry Mancini is especially notable.

The Brylcreen Boys (1998):A rom-com that focuses on a little-known aspect of World War II: The Allied and German airmen who crash-landed in neutral Ireland and were interned ─ in the same camp! Directed by Terence Ryan, it stars Billy Campbell, Angus Macfadyen, Jean Butler and Gabriel Byrne. Campbell and Macfayden play rival Canadian and German pilots who fall for the same local Irish girl (Butler), while camp commandant Byrne tries to keep things from getting out of hand.

There are many more, of course: Neil Jordan’s 1996 epic biopic Michael Collins, starring Liam Neeson, 2006’s The Wind That Shakes the Barley, both set in revolutionary Ireland, 1997’s The Boxer, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, and Kenneth Branagh’s Belfast, just released this year.

I’m sure there are ones I’ve missed. So, by all means watch The Quiet Man, but don’t forget that there’s plenty more green on the screen to enjoy.

Here my picks for the ten best films of 2021.

1. Coda: It’s not easy to make a film about disabilities without seeming condescending or patronizing. Coda not only succeeds in this regard but emerges as one of the most pro-family films in years.

2. Mass: A a cinematic hurricane in a bottle. Despite being shot with only four actors in a single room, it was the most emotional film of the year.

3. Luca: This was a gorgeous film that gently yet intelligently documents the trials of early boyhood. It also ironically features Jim Gaffigan as his least favorite food, a fish.

4. Summer of Soul: The 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival was often referred to as “black Woodstock” in the press. It would have been better to call Woodstock “the unenlightened, cheap Harlem Cultural Festival.”

5. Dune: This was a stellar adaptation of Frank Herbert’s classic novel under the keen eye of Dennis Villeneuve.

6. Nine Days: If you get a chance, see this film just for the novelty. It imagines an application process for new souls to enter Earth and plays with lots of fun philosophical ideas.

7. Paw Patrol: The Movie: Need a fun kids film full of positive values and free of post-modern nonsense? Just yelp for help!

8. Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Greed, and Betrayal: Bob Ross was famous for his afro, soothing voice, and beautiful landscapes. Unfortunately, there were some real corporate shenanigans before his artistic empire.

9. Of Animals and Men: A Polish couple go from a keeper of animals to a keeper of men hiding from the Nazis. A fascinating tale of bravery, faith, and cute otters.

10. Fatherhood: Kevin Hart celebrates the ups and downs of being a dad with humor and grace.

Honorable Mention: Black Widow, Resurrection, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Space Sweepers, and The Woman in the Window

The Undoing

Watch Tree of Life that Dave recommended and Fredrick Douglas- From Slave to Abolitionist; greyhound; Ballad of Buster Scruggs; Reservoir Dogs, A good documentary movie made in early 60s follows a group of traveling door to door bible salesmen. The pressures they are under and ethical dilemmas between making a living and selling very expensive Bibles to, mostly, people who can’t afford them.
Make sure you get “Salesman” by the Maysles brothers, not “Salesmen”, or “The Salesman”.

Ballad of Buster Scruggs; Reservoir Dogs

GREAT OLD MOVIES FOR AROUND THE FIRE

(OSV News) — Let’s face it, the period between New Years and spring can be a dull one, made worse in many places by challenging winter weather. For those confronted by such an atmosphere, staying inside and hovering by a fireplace can be a tempting possibility. But how to pass the time?

One good option is to watch a classic film, particularly one characterized by a cozy ambiance. Nostalgic evocations of a simpler era or intimate love stories may qualify as the kind of comforting fare that will help to make a dreary January afternoon go by in a more enjoyable way.

Following, in alphabetical order, are capsule reviews of a dozen movies that fit that description. Unless otherwise noted, the OSV News classification of each is A-I – general patronage while only one has been rated by the Motion Picture Association. All are available on DVD and/or Blu-ray and may be available for streaming as well.

“The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” (1938)

Fine version of Mark Twain’s classic yarn of boyhood in which a frisky Missouri lad (Tommy Kelly) witnesses a graveyard murder, saves the man accused (Walter Brennan) by identifying Injun Joe (Victor Jory) as the culprit, then rescues girlfriend Becky (Ann Gillis) when they get trapped in a mammoth cave. Directed by Norman Taurog, the dandy action sequences are nicely paced by sentimental domestic scenes laced with humor involving his Aunt Polly (May Robson), cousin Sidney, a schoolteacher and a Sunday School official (Donald Meek). Some menacing moments.

“I Remember Mama” (1948)

Engaging, warm-hearted version of the John Van Druten play in which a daughter (Barbara Bel Geddes) recalls the nurturing influence of her mother (Irene Dunne) on her Norwegian-American brood in San Francisco circa 1910. Produced and directed by George Stevens, the interplay of family life is richly depicted through good times and bad, convincingly portrayed by a cast including Oskar Homolka as the family patriarch, Ellen Corby as the spinster aunt and Edgar Bergen as her mousy beau. Sincere, affecting and universal in theme and appeal.

 

“Life With Father” (1947)

Fine adaptation of the Howard Lindsay-Russel Crouse play about the domineering head (William Powell) of a New York City household at the turn of the century who sees no need of baptism to be a good Episcopalian, until his wife (Irene Dunne) makes him see the light. Directed by Michael Curtiz, the droll proceedings are based on the reminiscences of Clarence Day Jr., who recalls his father’s foibles as well as his own adolescent antics with nostalgic fondness and much good-natured irony. Domestic tensions and youthful hijinks. The OSV News classification is A-II — adults and adolescents.

“Little Lord Fauntleroy” (1936)

Old-fashioned but not creaky adaptation of the Frances Hodgson Burnett tale in which a 9-year-old lad (Freddie Bartholomew) leaves 1880’s Brooklyn to take his place as the heir of his titled English grandfather (C. Aubrey Smith) whom he transforms for the better, including his reconciliation with the boy’s widowed mother (Delores Costello Barrymore). Directed by John Cromwell, the gradual softening of the old curmudgeon by his goodhearted grandson is delightfully sentimental, with some patriotic humor involving his American pals (Guy Kibbee and Mickey Rooney).

“The Little Princess” (1939)

Delightfully sentimental children’s story of a poor little rich girl (Shirley Temple) put to work as a servant in a ritzy boarding school when her father (Ian Hunter) is reported dead during the Boer War but she persists in searching for him among the convoys of wounded. Directed by Walter Lang, the story is not only a good heart-tugger but gives Shirley a chance to sing, dance and dream of being a queen. Charming family movie. The Motion Picture Association rating is G — general audiences. All ages admitted.

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Actress Katharine Hepburn, pictured in an undated file photo, appeared in the 1933 film “Little Women.” (OSV News photo/Reuters)

“Little Women” (1933)

Lovingly sentimental but firmly crafted adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s story of four New England girls cared for by their mother while their father is soldiering in the Civil War. Director George Cukor depicts the joys and woes of the loving March family household with warmth and sincerity, but most memorable is the ensemble performance of a remarkable cast headed by Katharine Hepburn as serious-minded Jo, Joan Bennett as vain Amy, Frances Dee as prosaic Meg, Jean Parker as waifish Beth and Spring Byington as the girls’ beloved Marmee. Prime family fare.

“Love Finds Andy Hardy” (1938)

Winding up with two dates (Ann Rutherford and Lana Turner) for the high school Christmas ball, Andy (Mickey Rooney) is saved from disaster by a new girl in town (Judy Garland). One of the better efforts in the Hardy series, director George B. Seitz’s family comedy gets help from songs by Garland, especially her Clark Gable ballad.

“Meet Me in St. Louis” (1944)

Nostalgic musical placed in St. Louis on the eve of the 1903 World’s Fair celebrates the old-fashioned virtues of close-knit family life as domestic complications beset parents (Leon Ames and Mary Astor), grandpa (Henry Davenport), teenage daughter (Judy Garland) and the boy next door (Tom Drake). Director Vincente Minnelli lightens the sentiment with good-natured humor. Judy’s numbers include “The Trolley Song” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and tiny Margaret O’Brien steals the show with her Halloween pranks. Appealing family fare.

“Our Town” (1940)

Fine adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s play about two families in a small New Hampshire town circa World War I, centering on the romance between the daughter (Martha Scott) of one family and the son (William Holden) of the other. Directed by Sam Wood, the result is prime Americana, with the narrator (Frank Craven) pointing out the virtues of the community and the values of its individual members. The whole family can enjoy this look back at a simpler age and more wholesome way of life.

“Roman Holiday” (1953)

Charming romantic comedy in which a young princess (Audrey Hepburn) on an official visit to Rome slips away from her stuffy entourage to see the sights in the company of two American reporters (Gregory Peck and Eddie Albert), one of whom inevitably falls for her. Directed by William Wyler, the plot begins as lighthearted fluff, proceeds with warm camaraderie along the avenues and byways of the Eternal City, then turns serious as romance blossoms until the bittersweet ending. Romantic situations. (A-II)

“The Shop Around the Corner” (1940)

Delightful romantic comedy set in a Budapest department store where two clerks (James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan) nurture a mutual dislike while each exchanges love letters with a lonelyheart’s pen pal until ultimately discovering they have been corresponding with each other. Director Ernst Lubitsch treats the workaday friction between the clerks with some wry humor while building sympathy for both, then brings them together in an emotionally satisfying conclusion that has charmed viewers ever since. Romantic complications. (A-II)

“You Can’t Take It With You” (1938)

Solid adaptation of the George Kaufman-Moss Hart screwball comedy about an impoverished family of eccentrics whose daughter (Jean Arthur) falls for a rich man’s son (James Stewart). Directed by Frank Capra, the zany guests of the wacky household come and go as the family’s head (Lionel Barrymore) tries to convince the rich man (Edward Arnold) that happiness has nothing to do with money. That sentiment may seem less convincing today than in the Depression but the cheerfully uninhibited antics of this house of sage fools are still very funny indeed.

byJohn Mulderig

BEST MOVIES OF 2023

1. Nefarious – A fantastic, fresh take on the exorcist narrative that teaches both the psychology of demons and the difficult state of our current world. Despite a slightly disappointing ending, it’s the most illuminating fictional portrayal of demonology since The Screwtape Letters.

2. Wonka – From beginning to end, this film was an absolute delight. It was a fantastic prequel to a classic filled with wonder, heart, British humor, and lots and lots of chocolate. Don’t watch without snacks.

3. Leo – It’s always neat to see an animated masterpiece from neither Disney nor Dreamworks. Written and directed by Robert Smigel, the comic genius behind Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, Leo is a class pet who becomes an unexpected therapist to a host of fourth graders…and teaches the adults a thing or two.

4. Mother Teresa and Me – This little viewed film was a biography by proxy about the Saint from the perspective of a Gen Z musician considering an abortion. It’s the best movie made about the little woman from Calcutta.

5. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret – A beautiful adoption of the Judy Blume classic about the pain of growing with grace. It also has an insightful take on an interfaith family that is both honest and respectful.

6. A Man Called Otto – Everybody loves a curmudgeon, though this one has some good reasons for his demeanor. Fortunately, a raggedy cat and lovable immigrant family help him come out of his shell, to ultimately save his soul.

7. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3 – The saddest, darkest, craziest entry of the MCU is also profoundly pro-life and anti-eugenics.

8. Route 60: The Biblical Highway – This travelogue is a beautiful journey through the Holy Land, and also a primer on the intersection of faith and leadership. As good instruction as it was, October 7th made it even more so.

9. Lady Ballers – The first great shock comedy since Tropic Thunder, Lady Ballers–made almost exclusively by Daily Wire employees–features an all-male basketball team that identifies as female to win a woman’s basketball championship. It is gross, bizarre, poignant, timely, and insanely funny.

10. Freud’s Last Session – This little gem is simply a two-hour conversation between Sigmund Freud and C.S. Lewis, two titans of the 20th century. It could have been four hours long without losing any interest. By the end, neither man has convinced the other, but it’s not hard to see who is right.

Honorable Mentions: Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, Jesus Revolution, The Journey: A Musical Special from Andrea Bocelli, Journey to Bethlehem, The Pez Outlaw, Shotgun Wedding, The Sound of Freedom, and The Super Mario Bros Movie.

 

BEST 10 MOVIES OF 2024

This was a great year for movies, perhaps the best since the lockdowns of 2020. Here are my picks for the ten best films of the year:

1. The Wild Robot – This is not only the best film of the year, but the best film to come out of Dreamworks Animation since its inception a quarter century ago. It has humor, heart, a gorgeous design, and a potent pro-life message about the dignity of all beings. Rozzum’s character development from mindless drone to caring mother is the best arc of the year.

2. Orion and the Dark – A close second is Charlie Kaufman’s brilliant animated movie about a child confronting his fear of the dark (also from Dreamworks). In classic Kaufman style, there are fun time jumps and a beautiful new lore about the night time.

3. Sing Sing – This is the best film I’ve seen to portray day-to-day life in a prison. Divine is a long-time prisoner who leads a troupe of actors in a yearly play to make life a little more meaningful. Based on a real group called Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA), it is a beautiful story of survival and redemption.

4. Thelma – This movie was just so, so funny. Ninety-year Jane Squibb gives the performance of the year as a senior citizen cheated out of ten thousand dollars who goes looking for the scammer. Think Ocean’s Eleven on a motorized scooter.

5. Dune, Part II – This is the great epic movie of the year. It brilliantly envelopes the audience is a brand new world. The story is rich and compelling, borrowing much from Christian and Muslim theology.

6. We Grown Now – Childhood is always rough but especially when you grow up in the North side Chicago project. Nonetheless, friends Malik and Eric form a bond and help one another grow through poverty, sadness, and joy.

7. The Forge – Our culture is having a crisis of masculinity, and The Forge offers a potent solution. A man is someone who sacrifices his own desires for his family and the Kingdom. It is a difficult task, but we don’t have to do it alone.

8. Am I Racist? – Matt Walsh’s sophomore effort into the documentary world confronts the DEI philosophy with Borat style bravado, going undercover as a “certified expert” in the field. It is profound, cringy, and–most importantly–hilarious.

9. Exhibiting Forgiveness – Fred Rogers said, “it’s the people you love the most who can make your feel maddest.” Tarrel seems to have life figured out until his deadbeat dad suddenly comes returns, seeking pardon for his past. Tarrel is sent on a spiritual and emotional rollercoaster, wondering if he should or even can forgive his fathers for decades of neglect and abuse.

10. January 6th: The Most Deadliest Day – This is a hilarious, Spinal Tap style mockumentary about the Capitol riots on January 6th, 2021. Filled with strange interviews, sly commentary, and constant gags, the film is political comedy at its finest.

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This Post Has 8 Comments

  1. Patricia Morgan September 19, 2019

    I have most of these movies, but you forgot one
    And I’m shocked!
    “The Court Jester” with Danny Kaye

    Hilarious and great Family movie, and one of our
    Favorites!

  2. Paul Schaeffer February 4, 2020

    You might take a look at “Blast from the Past”. I didn’t see it on your lists.
    I find it very enjoyable to watch.

    Blessing,
    Paul

  3. Terry DeMao March 21, 2020

    Steve,
    I highly recommend HACKSAW RIDGE!!!!!

    STEVE RAY HERE: That is a great movie and I’ll add it to the list. Thanks so much!

  4. T. Koziol March 23, 2020

    The Third Miracle is easily one of my top 10 Catholic movies.
    Ed Harris
    Anne Heche
    Armin Mueller-Stahl
    Charles Haid
    (1999)

    STEVE RAY HETE: Thanks!

  5. Dan Hust March 26, 2020

    Chariots of Fire
    Le Mesarable
    McFarland, USA
    Darkest Hour,
    Shot in the Dark
    To Kill a Mockingbird
    Shadow Lands
    Remains of the Day

    STEVE RAY HERE: I appreciate you adding your good movies to the list. A couple of those are awesome my favorites and I think they’re in my list. But thanks for the others as well. Great list and thanks for sharing!

  6. Dan Hust March 26, 2020

    Oops. I’m a second year convert to Catholicism. After 40 years of being a born again evangelical christian
    God used you along with Patrick Madrid and Scott Hahn to bring me into the Catholic Church. My list of movies weren’t Catholic.

    STEVE RAY HERE: welcome home brother! You made my day and I’m so glad you discovered the church like some of us did earlier. Glad we are of some help and thank God you’ve joined us!

  7. Chuck December 6, 2020

    Hi steve don’t forget “little boy” your pal Tim Staples is part of thecast!

  8. Lynette Strickland March 8, 2022

    We Were Soldiers is about General Hal Moore. We had the privilege to meet him, as he was a parishioner at our church, St Michael the Archangel in Auburn AL after his retirement. He was a faithful Catholic and a good man. His son and his family are very devout, as well.

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