Dear Friends,
I love movies. I love getting lost in a good story. I love sharing the experience with other people—with friends and strangers alike. I love that a good movie makes me think. In addition to the films we watched together this month, these are the other films I would recommend:
Creed 2: Another great addition to the Rocky reboot. Like Jacob wrestling with the angel, this film reminds us the real fights are within. Loved it! Saw it 4 times and would totally see it again.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse: This might be my favorite film of the season. Did not expect to be so thoroughly entertained and blown away by the visuals. The story asks an important question, “Can anyone wear the mask?” Can anyone be a superhero? Saw this one 5 times!
Green Book: Heartwarming film about friendship. A troubling film about the realities of racism. It made me laugh, cry, get angry, and find hope.
On the Basis of Sex: The biopic about Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a must see! I cried like a baby. It is a film about the ongoing struggle to change the world as the world changes around us. I will own this film and watch it often.
The Mule: Totally surprised me. Thought-provoking. Surprising. A fitting summation to Eastwood’s distinguished career—a film about work, priorities, regret, and redemption.
Bohemian Rhapsody: If you are a rock music fan, this film is a must-see. The biopic of Queen and the iconic frontman Freddie Mercury reminded me of what it means to be a performer, motivated by a deep desire to connect with and move your audience. “Find me somebody to love…”
A Star is Born: The remake of a remake of a remake is the classic holiday love story wrapped in the American dream. If you have talent and get a break, you can make it big. Bridget loves Bradley Cooper; she says he looks like me.
If Beale Street Could Talk: The most artistic film of the year. Hauntingly beautiful. I left feeling the heaviness of poverty, racism, and prison. I left with a reminder of the risk that comes with love.
The Favourite: Delightfully twisted. Incredibly acted. A story about the trappings of power.
Vice: Incredibly acted. Unapologetically partisan. A warning about the dangers of consolidated power.
Boy Erased: If there was any doubt about the harm a distorted view of God can cause, this film will erase that doubt. As our denomination struggles with the place of LGBTQ Christians, this film made it clear to me that the only way forward is full inclusion. Please find a way to see this film. The church should be the place of healing, not harm.
A Dog’s Way Home: Bring Kleenex! Lots of Kleenex!
See you at the movies,
