Catholic Movie Guy Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you were waiting on the Catholic Movie Guy to make up your mind about the new Star Wars, I have some good news, and some bad news. The good news is that I loved it as much as anyone; the bad news is that I hated it as much as everyone. Confused? Listen as Bo Bonner of Iowa Catholic Radio joins me to discuss (with limited nerdiness) the latest (and greatest/worst) Star Wars entry: the good, the bad, the beautiful, the ugly, The Last Jedi.   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar, Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Pic by David Holt(Own work) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons.

'Tis the season for Christmas movies, so here's a short and sweet one: TheTimMan and I discuss the 1988 Bill Murray take on A Christmas Carol, Scrooged. One of us loves it, one of us hates it, and did my wife like it? Next week, be on the lookout for the long-awaited review of The Last Jedi. Merry Christmas!   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar, Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Pic by gdcgraphics (Own work) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons.

You know how sometimes politicians will release bad news ahead of the weekend, hoping no one notices?  That's this podcast. We have a bit of a lull in the production schedule before The Last Jedi (nerd alert) next week, so to fill your earbuds with content, I'm releasing a lost podcast from the vault: two of the Coen Brothers' comedies, Intolerable Cruelty and The Big Lebowski. Not a lot of in-depth analysis, but much bourbon-fueled mirth to be found. But do check out the article referenced in the podcast on the Theology of the Bawdy. It also contains what may be the best, "Did His Wife Like It?"  of all time. Enjoy the show (with a forgiving ear)!   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar, Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Pic by Gorgalore (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons.

Last week I was graciously invited on The Uncommon Good show on Iowa Catholic Radio (heard on 1150 AM, 88.5 FM, and 94.5 FM) with Dr. Bud Marr and Bo Bonner to discuss the movies of Fall 2017.  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. We canvassed many of the movies of Fall 2017, including:  Blade Runner 2049, Thor, Justice League, Wonder and more. Listen so you can make an informed decision as to which to drop your hard-earned cash on (if any). Enjoy, and then go watch some movies!   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA.

Hey there movie-people! Today I'm joined by first-time guest Charlie Backer: entrepreneur, musician, and horror aficionado. With only a few days until All Hallow's Eve, we discuss a Catholic perspective on the horror genre.  Why is it acceptable (and good, even?) for a conscientious person to watch a horror flick?  Plus, we give a run-down of our favorite preternatural-focused scary movies for your viewing discomfort.   As referenced on the podcast, here are some of my favorite articles on the subject: My High Holy Day, John Zmirak. The Fun of Fear, Dan Lord. Catholicism and Horror, Steven Greydanus.   And when you watch one of our recommendations, throw some Hot Charlie's on your popcorn!   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar, Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo by 3268zauber (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons Wikimedia Commons.

Hey there, fellow humans! Our old friend, Professor Bo Bonner, joins me to discuss the visually stunning and morally interesting sequel, Blade Runner 2049. Directed by the great Denis Villeneuve, the current title-holder for "Most Pro-Life Movie Director," the film is long, sprawling, bleak, hopeful, and riveting.  Despite the film being a relative dud at the box office, it should be on the short list of best films of the year.  Also: perhaps the film contains an example of the non-gratuitous use of nudity in film?  Listen for the verdict!   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar, Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo by By ManoSolo13241324 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons Wikimedia Commons.

With the threat of nuclear war a daily news story, you may want to kick your feet up and drink yourself into a coma.  But that's no way to live! So, instead, get into the trenches with TheTimMan and me - this week we discuss two acclaimed war films, the 2006 Clint Eastwood-directed companion pieces, Flags of Our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima. We find both films outpace the typical war film, for different reasons, and Letters from Iwo Jima belongs in any discussion of the best war films ever made.  My wife may or may not chime in.  Enjoy!   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar, Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo by Christopher Hollis for Wdwic Pictures [CC-BY 2.5 or Public Domain], via Wikimedia Commons.

Here it is, the most highly anticipated sequel since whatever the latest Star Wars movie was - the second half of our Godfather discussion, focusing on the equally great (or greater) film, The Godfather Part II (1974). I (correctly) favor Part II, while TheTimMan prefers the easy-pleaser that is Part I.  My wife casts the deciding vote. We discuss the melancholic younger brother (no wonder I like it!) at length, including Al Pacino's incredible performance and some of the Catholic background environs. Enjoy!   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar, Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo author unknown [public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.

Hey there, faithful listener - long time, no see (or hear)! The reasons for the relatively lengthy layoff are nothing compared to the payoff:  thetimman and I discuss - at length - a movie that needs no introduction, the absolute masterpiece, the stone-cold classic, The Godfather Part I. We examine everything from Tim's Brando impersonation to what the movie has to say about the pre-Vatican II Church, and even learn whether or not my wife liked it. It got so long, in fact, that we had to push the discussion of The Godfather Part II to a second podcast, to be released in the near future. Enjoy!   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar, Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo by Zarateman (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons.

This week I was graciously invited on The Uncommon Good show on Iowa Catholic Radio (heard on 1150 AM, 88.5 FM, and 94.5 FM) with Dr. Bud Marr and Bo Bonner to discuss the movies of Summer 2017.  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. We canvassed many of the movies of Summer 2017, including: Dunkirk, Baby Driver, War for the Planet of the Apes, Cars 3, Despicable Me 3, Wonder Woman, and Spider-Man: Homecoming.  Listen so you can make an informed decision as to which to drop your hard-earned cash on (if any). Enjoy, and then go watch some movies!   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA.

Howdy podcast peoples! This week TheTimMan and I actually discuss a new release: the high-octane film Baby Driver, the latest film from Edgar Wright of Cornetto Trilogy fame. Not to be confused with the chauffeur for The Boss Baby, this awesome heist flick is many things:  a genre movie, a thrill ride (see what I did there), a thoughtful piece on young love, a karmic justice dispenser, and an extended music video. As Bill Simmons has said, "I'm giving it 24 out of 10 stars." But who cares about the movie - you can just listen to us talk about it, whether you have seen it or not!  And that's what's important.   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo by By Eva Rinaldi [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Ah, the dreaded musical! Following a long layoff, the podcast returns from the depths of technical difficulties.  First, I briefly discuss a very interesting new book by Joe Jordan about Robert Wise, legendary Hollywood director, called Robert Wise: The Motion Pictures. Then the Master Bo Bonner and I squabble over the merits of Wise's classic musical, The Sound of Music, with an eye toward His Excellency Bishop Williamson's famous letter. The hills are again alive with the sound of podcasting.  Enjoy!   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo by 20th Century Fox [Public Domain], via Wikimedia Commons.

As you head into the weekend, what would be better than relaxing and meditating on code, honor, and loyalty with our podcast on 1992's A Few Good Men?  Some might say this would have been more appropriate for LAST weekend, being Memorial Day and all, but those people have unrealistically high standards for an ad hoc operation like the Catholic Movie Guy Podcast. Long a source of disagreement between myself and theTimMan, we present our cases on the pod: he attempts to nail the movie for high crimes against cinema, while I raise the affirmative defense of it holding the Intercontinental Cable Championship Belt. Listen to make sense of the above, or merely be a good soldier and download regardless.   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo by Hendrike (Own work) [GFDL  or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons.  

And we're back! It's been too long, as life and personal misfortune intruded on my bodcasting.  But here we are with a special Emergency Podcast - Tim Saw a Sports Movie/new entry in our Best of 2015 Series, the Rocky sequel, Creed. We examine why I think the movie is a superlative sports movie, and why Tim thinks the fact that its a sports movie means it can't be superlative. Plus, we discuss some low key Catholic themes underlying the movie. Enjoy, or, at least, download!   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo by Gage Skidmore [CC BY-SA 3.0] via Wikimedia Commons

This week, I return with a mirthful TimMan to discuss one of our absolute favorites, the Coen Brothers' 2010 masterpiece True Grit.  Our conversation views the film from a theological perspective:  all is grace (within the movie, anyway). Those coming for a comparison to the John Wayne original will be left wanting.  But those looking for reasons why the remake is a masterpiece - fully deserving of its 10 Academy Award nominations and its spot as the CMG's favorite Western of all time - will not be disappointed.   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo by Siebbi (ipernity dot com) [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons.

Happy Easter! This week, the Master and I breakdown the cinematic swan song of the X-Men's Wolverine (as played by Hugh Jackman, anyway), 2017's Logan - one of the best superhero movies (and Westerns?) of memory. Many Catholic reviewers have deemed the movie too violent, too vulgar, nihilistic, and even blasphemous. We disagree. But to find out why, you have to download, bub.   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo by Grant Brummett [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons.

A blessed Holy Week to all. I figured, since there is only a few days left in Lent, it was long past time for a Lenten-themed podcast.  So, for anyone looking for some classics and some slightly less-well known films to watch during this holy season, TheTimMan and I are here for you. Selections discussed/mentioned include:  The Passion of the Christ; The Way: A Way to Forgiveness; Walking the Camino: Six Ways to Santiago; The Ten Commandments; Into Great Silence; The Miracle Maker; and The Passion of Joan of Arc.  Of course, there are many more great candidates; these are just some of our personal favorites.   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo by Unbekannte Maler, Benutzer:Moroder (Self-photographed) [Public domain - over 70 years old], via  Wikimedia Commons.  

Finally - a Hitchcock film! This week TheTimMan returns for an in-depth (as far as a half hour goes) analysis of my favorite Hitchcock film, and one of my top 3 films of all time, Vertigo. The film was recently voted by the American Film Institute (AFI) as the greatest film ever. Starring James Stewart and Kim Novak, it is a marvelous beauty to behold with deep themes, including a sharp critique of concupiscence and the objectification of women. Go watch it immediately (after downloading, but before listening to, our spoiler-filled podcast)!   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo by Mike Quinn [CC BY-SA 2.0] via Wikimedia Commons.  

Sorry for the late post this week, but real life intruded on my illustrious podcast empire. This week we continue our Best of 2015 Series.  I am joined by the Doctor, Bud Marr, and the Master, Bo Bonner, to (over?) analyze the George Miller action flick Mad Max: Fury Road. Content advisory aside, this is a psychedelic take on the futuristic "guy movie," one with a little more to say beneath the surface than usual. Enjoy!   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA. Photo by Gage Skidmore [CC BY-SA 2.0] via Wikimedia Commons.    

Welp, TheTimMan returns from exile to discuss the sprawling, somewhat problematic, messy masterpiece - Martin Scorsese's 2002 epic, Gangs of New York, starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Leonardo DiCaprio. My last post on this movie abruptly disappeared, so I am reposting it here for posterity's sake - if anyone can explain why that would happen, please comment and let me know!   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA.

Deja vu all over again?  Or are we merely stepping out of our linear experience of time for a more holistic view? Although I reviewed this film in short, non-spoiler form on Episode 6, its acclaim and themes deserve a full podcast.  So I am joined by the Master, Bo Bonner, for a thorough, spoiler-filled review of Arrival to continue our Best of 2016 Series. Starring Amy Adams (in a near-perfect performance) and directed by Denis Villeneuve, Arrival garnered much praise from the critical and Christian circles.  We examine the themes of the film as well as asking the important questions:  Is the plot coherent?  Is it pro-life?  And why do I not like Jeremy Renner? Enjoy!   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA.  Photo by Mozilla [CC BY 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons.

Many Catholics aren't hip to new-ish movies of worth (having shunned the world and all); and if they are trying to watch a movie, it's usually  from their couch, because who can afford to go out (especially if you need a babysitter)? That's why I've decided to branch off from the popular Best of 2016 Series and start a Best of 2015 Series: these movies are still new enough that you may not have seen them, but they are also widely available via streaming services, so you can watch them comfortably and affordably. The first entry in this series is my favorite movie of all from 2015: Room,  starring Brie Larson.  Directed by Lenny Abrahamson based on the Emma Donoghue novel, it is an emotionally wrenching but beautiful story of love, survival, learning, and growing under dire circumstances. And since TheTimMan doesn't watch new (or new-ish) movies, I am joined once again by the Master, Bo Bonner, in thoroughly critiquing and appreciating this masterpiece. But before you listen, go watch the movie (it's available on Amazon Prime, among many other places). Enjoy!   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA.  Photo by Gage Skidmore [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons.  

Continuing two themes from last week's episode - what did Tim happen to watch and sports movies - we tackle (SEE WHAT I DID THERE) the 1996 Cameron Crowe film Jerry Maguire. Starring Tom Cruise and Renee Zellweger, with an Academy Award-winning supporting performance from Cuba Gooding, Jr., we use this flawed but engaging movie as a springboard to discuss the inner workings of grace and the true meaning of marriage (seriously), amidst the normal frivolous banter. Enjoy!   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA.  Photo by Linda D. Kozaryn (American Forces Press Service)  [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.

The Catholic Movie Guy Podcast is a reflection of its host(s).  Sometimes, this means that a podcast is dedicated to a dissection of weighty or difficult spiritual themes (e.g., Silence); sometimes, it's an appreciation of a worthy new film (e.g., La La Land) or a classic (e.g., A Man for All Seasons). But sometimes, we just have to talk about a movie we saw.  And today is one of those times.  Therefore, I called for an emergency podcast to address a minor miracle:  theTimMan actually watched a sports movie, despite his disdain for them. In this episode, we discuss that special film (The Blind Side) and express our thoughts on other sports movies and the genre generally.  And did my wife like it?  Tune in to find out.   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA.  Photo by U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Hughes/Released [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.

The dreaded musical. The bane of man's existence.  The fly in the ointment of the cinematic universe.  I HATE MUSICALS.  Without exception. Until, of course, La La Land.  Damien Chazelle's 2016 neo-musical (is that a thing?) starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling has garnered a record-tying 14 Oscar nominations and become a hip thing to hate almost simultaneously. Is it over-, under-, or properly-rated? To help me evaluate the film, given my dearth of musical knowledge, I am joined by the Catholic Movie Gal.  We discuss why this movie, despite its being a musical, is one of my favorite films of 2016.   As always, intro and outro music is Wastecnology by Jahzzar Betterwithmusic, CC BY-SA.  Photo by Jelson26 (Own work) [Public Domain], via Wikimedia Commons.