Movie Review by Fr. Tom Condon, O.P.

Leave No Trace is an excellent movie directed and written (with Anne Rosellini) by Debra Granik. Granik’s last film was the equally impressive Winter’s Bone from 2010. Even though Leave No Trace takes place in Oregon and Washington and Winter’s Bone in the Missouri Ozarks, both demonstrate Granik’s fondness for rural, wooded places and the people who inhabit them. It’s not often movies feature rural settings and their inhabitants with dignity and respect.

Another similarity between the two movies is the presence of strong young actresses. Winter’s Bone featured an Oscar nominated performance by young newcomer Jennifer Lawrence. Leave No Trace features an amazing performance by a young New Zealand actress named Thomasin McKenzie. Like Jennifer Lawrence, it would be great to see Tomasin McKenzie receive an Oscar nomination next year for her first performance.

Leave No Trace tells the story of Will (Ben Foster, also excellent), a veteran suffering from PTSD. As the movie opens, Will and his teenage daughter Tom (McKenzie), are living in a large, urban park in Portland, Oregon. As a result of his PTSD, Will needs to be in the open, unable to live in a conventional house around other people. Will is distrustful of everyone but Tom. Will and Tom speak of Tom’s mother in a way that makes it sound like she is dead. Father and daughter have a very close relationship, and they rely totally on each other.
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Movie Review by Fr. Tom Condon, O.P.

Fred Rogers is one of the most iconic figures in television history. From 1968-2001, he wrote, produced, and starred in the PBS children’s series Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. Even if you never watched an episode, you know his face, his famous cardigan sweater, and his opening song, “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.”

This acclaimed new documentary is a profile of Rogers, directed by Morgan Neville. An ordained Presbyterian minister, Rogers was appalled at the quality of children’s television programs. He thought there should be something better for young children than the “pie in the face” slapstick that predominated in TV’s early years. So, he began writing and producing his own shows on the PBS affiliate in his home town of Pittsburgh. His show, along with occasional specials, ran for over 30 years and was beloved by children throughout the country.
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Movie Review by Fr. Tom Condon, O.P.

Incredibles 2 is the long-awaited sequel to the much loved 2004 Pixar animated film The Incredibles. The first Incredibles tells the story of superhero family Bob Parr (Mr. Incredible), his wife Helen (Elastigirl), and their children Violet, Dash, and baby Jack-Jack. The Incredibles were forced into an ordinary life when superheroes became outlawed by a government which did not appreciate their contribution to crime fighting, thinking they were disruptive to the police. However, the Incredibles returned to action, defeating the bad guys. The Incredibles became a huge hit, loved by all ages because of its memorable characters, sense of humor and adventure. The Incredibles also resonated with those who feel that their gifts are no longer appreciated as they grow older.
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Movie Review by Fr. Tom Condon, O.P.

First Reformed is the story of Reverend Ernst Toller (Ethan Hawke) who pastors at a small church in upstate New York. First Reformed Church dates from the time of the Revolutionary War and is about to celebrate its 250^th Anniversary. For the time being, its ministry is supported by a small gift shop, the occasional tourist, and mainly by a large, neighboring mega-church called Abundant Life, pastored by Rev. Joel Jeffers (Cedric the Entertainer).

One Sunday morning after conducting his service for a small congregation, Toller is approached by a young congregant named Mary (Amanda Seyfried). Mary confides in Toller that she is pregnant. She asks Toller if he would talk to her husband Michael, a radical environmentalist who seems depressed and is not excited about her pregnancy. Reluctantly, Toller agrees. Toller finds out that Michael has been arrested several times for protesting at environmental sites. Michael asks Toller if God will forgive people for what they have done to his creation; Toller says he doesn’t know. Toller and Michael agree to meet again and talk further.
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Movie Review by Fr. Tom Condon, O.P.

Pope Francis:  A Man of His Word is a new documentary of the Pope, directed by acclaimed German director Wim Wenders. This new film is not so much a biography of Francis, as it is a window into his heart, soul, and mind. Much of the film features the Pope speaking directly into the camera on a wide variety of subjects, from his desire to make the Church a Church of the Poor, to his concern for migrants and refugees, and the environment. Francis appears very thoughtful on all these subjects, as the camera capturing his kind, loving face.
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