DAILY CALL SHEET: FEBRUARY 28, 2019

Inglorious Bastards 2: Hell’s Heroes (1987) Not Clint Eastwood, but an incredible facsimile! What the heck kind of acting choice was this O'Keefe? TIL: We humans often define our ideals by the heroes we choose to emulate. That's one of the reasons the Church promotes Saints.

Still Voices - Ghoulies II (1988) "There is no darkness so dense that evildoers can hide in it." - Job 34:22

Dad Rock Daily: Styx - Equinox (1975) Yeah, yeah. You just keep pretending you're too cool for Styx. The rest of us who know better will bask in the glory that is Suite Madame Blue. Laudable Lyrics: Stayin' up half the night, wonderin' if what I'm doin' is right.

DAILY CALL SHEET: FEBRUARY 27, 2019

Madhouse (1981) Jittery Julia must deal with a twisted twin, an uncle who's a cuckoo clergyman, and a dastardly doggie. Family can be hard, huh? TIL: A truly Christian family is a sign and image of the communion of the Holy Trinity. A crazy hate-filled family... not so much.

Still Voices - Troll 2 (1990) "Friendship... is born at the moment when one man says to another "What! You too? I thought that no one but myself..." - C.S. Lewis

Dad Rock Daily: Joe Cocker - Mad Dogs & Englishmen (1970) Leon Russell & pals put on a hell of a live show with special guest star Joe Cocker occasionally chipping in. Laudable Lyrics: I've got to stop believing in all your lies, cause there's to much to do before I die.

STORYBOARDS #009

DAILY CALL SHEET: FEBRUARY 26, 2019

Bloodmoon (1997) Martial arts maniac murders champions to prove he's the best. Above average fight choreography belies its shoestring budget. TIL: The inordinate desire for lasting recognition in the minds of others is a corruption of the innate desire for eternal life.

Still Voices - From Hell It Came (1957) “He that planteth a tree is a servant of God, he provideth a kindness for many generations, and faces that he hath not seen shall bless him.” - Henry Van Dyke

Dad Rock Daily: The Beatles - Help (1966) Fab phase two Beatles with barely a clunker in the bunch. Forget "Yesterday" (if that's possible), “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” is my go to on this one. Laudable Lyrics: Big and black the clouds may be, time will pass away.

And finally, as is well known, it is the policy of this blog to avoid politics at all costs. We are here for fun, entertainment, and edification (well, what little we can manage given the subject matter). But I’ve about had enough. I won’t go into details; I’ll just say that given recent occurrences both in the Church and in our government, I think it’s time to bring back one of my old videos that perfectly captures how I feel right this moment…

DAILY CALL SHEET: FEBRUARY 25, 2019

The Rosebud Beach Hotel (1984) Another lame 80s sex farce, but almost worth it to see Eddie Deezen, Cherie Currie and Christopher Lee in the same film. TIL: Gideons Int'l began placing free bibles in hotels in 1908. Don't fret, delicate atheists, you can request a word-free room.

Still Voices - Mad Monster Party? (1967) "There is nothing better for mortals than to eat and drink and provide themselves with good things from their toil. Even this, I saw, is from the hand of God." - Ecclesiastes 2:24

Dad Rock Daily: Harry Nilsson - Nilsson Schmillson (1971) Yeah, you hear all this stuff on commercials. It's still ridiculously listenable though. Laudable Lyrics: Well, you gotta have soul to wash your sins away. You gotta have hope, it's the price you gotta pay.

DAILY CALL SHEET: FEBRUARY 24, 2019

Army of Darkness (1992) Full-on comedy sequel to Evil Dead II has our favorite idiot chosen one, Ash, somehow managing to save the middle ages from dimwitted deadites. TIL: Providence works through unworthy instruments because, well, what else have we humans left it to work with?

Still Voices - The Girl Can't Help It (1956) “If you have to ask what it symbolizes, it didn't.” - Roger Ebert

Dad Rock Daily: Electric Light Orchestra - A New World Record (1976) Good Lord, the hits on this thing! Are there many better 70s pop songs than Telephone Line? Laudable Lyrics: The city streets are full of people going nowhere making time.

If you’re suffering through the Oscars like I am (my wife demanded it), then you can amuse yourself by dropping by Catholic Skywalker’s place where he’s discussing the Academy’s Biggest Best Picture Mistakes.

And finally, we watched the latest version of A Star is Born last night and, well, I’ll just put up here what I said on Facebook…

“See, this is where being a movie buff who has seen way too many flicks can work against you. After watching the current take on A Star is Born, my wife was legitimately devastated, and she was obviously not alone. But I was like, ‘Well, that's how A Star is Born always ends, didn't you know that?’ Apparently she did not. So now I have to feel like an inhuman monster because a movie where I knew everything that was going to happen before it started didn't affect me like it did so many others. Sigh.

P.S. I will begrudgingly admit the cutaway to the dog got me a little. Was that actually in the script, Cooper you manipulative S.O.B., or did y'all throw that in on the day of shooting just to make sure you gut punched everyone possible?”

Yes, it’s a remake (of a remake of a remake), and for those of you who weren’t aware of that before going in, I’ll simply tell you the same thing I did my niece…

“Don't feel bad for not being old. Save it for when your girls go see the fifth version of A Star is Born about a washed up video-game streamer who mentors and falls in love with an up-and-coming VR prodigy.”

What? You know that’s exactly how it’s going to be.

DAILY CALL SHEET: FEBRUARY 23, 2019

Toxic Slime Creature (1982) Absolutely no one should be admitted during the breathtaking standing around and arguing scene... which is 99.9% of the entire friggin' movie! TIL: Having a disagreement with someone is not a sin. How you handle that disagreement on the other hand...

Still Voices - Conan the Barbarian (1982) - "My crown is called content, a crown that seldom kings enjoy." - William Shakespeare

Dad Rock Daily: Cymande - Cymande (1972) Afro-psyche-funk-soul-reggae-? Whatever it is, it's just effortlessly cool. Often sampled and for good reason. Laudable Lyrics: Doing what you know is right. You must make a stand one day.

And finally, Cracked rounds up the list of this year’s Academy Award nominees based on true stories that are basically full of untruths. Now, this isn’t anything new. Even well-meaning faith based films like Gosnell: The Trial of America’s Biggest Serial Killer sneaks a few falsehoods in there to make for a better, more cohesive story. In the end, as Fr. Vincent Serpa said, there is only one Truth and that is God. Still, this year’s Oscar class has some real whoppers, from lesbian affairs that never happened to false accusations of murder. Yeesh. It’s just one more reason I’ll probably be skipping the ceremonies this time around.

DAILY CALL SHEET: FEBRUARY 22, 2019

Salome's Last Dance (1988) Oscar Wilde drops by a brothel to watch an uncensored production of his banned play. Is this Ken Russell doing a parody of a Ken Russell movie? TIL: It's widely accepted Wilde had a deathbed conversion. Hey, it takes some people a lifetime to get there.

Still Voices - Joe Versus the Volcano (1990) "In an age of hope men looked up at the night sky and saw the heavens. In an age of hopelessness they call it simply space." - Peter Kreeft

Dad Rock Daily: Elton John - Madman Across The Water (1971) Elton & Bernie in fine singer/songwriter mode with perhaps the real star being string arranger Paul Buckmaster. Laudable Lyrics: Oh I've had me my fill of cocaine and pills, for I lie in the light of the Lord.

And finally, over at Aleteia we learn why a Catholic astronomer is hoping we find extraterrestrial life.

DAILY CALL SHEET: FEBRUARY 21, 2019

The Crucifixion (2017) Okay riff on Emily Rose has secular journo question her unbelief while researching an exorcist accused of murder. Seems tailor made to piss off 'Internet atheists' which, honestly, doesn't take much. TIL: There are no atheists in demon possessed foxholes.

Still Voices - The Raven (1935) “A day without laughter is a day wasted.” - Charlie Chaplin

Dad Rock Daily: Fairport Convention - Liege & Lief (1969) The Renn Fest with electric guitars and Sandy Denny's under-celebrated voice. Laudable Lyrics: And often do the winds entwine, do send their distant call, the quiet joys of brotherhood and love is lord of all.

DAILY CALL SHEET: FEBRUARY 20, 2019

Twin Dragon Encounter (1986) Battling bros in matching black wife beaters whale on every redneck they meet. Gotta love a movie where the opening text assures you these are 'real men.' TIL: St. Augustine used the disparities in the lives of identical twins to discount astrology.

Still Voices - The Fifth Element (1997) "Do I not have enough madmen, that you bring this one to rant in my presence? Should this fellow come into my house?” - 1 Samuel 21:16

Dad Rock Daily: Angel Witch - Angel Witch (1980) Sabbath-lite filtered through glam. Somehow epitomizes 80s metal more than many of its superiors. Laudable Lyrics: And you live a day and you just wait, you only get one chance, don't let it just slip away.

STORYBOARDS #008

DAILY CALL SHEET: FEBRUARY 19, 2019

Planet of the Vampires (1965) Cheap, colorful, campy, and surprisingly effective space horror from Mario Bava. Hugely influential. TIL: Christians are expected to help others, but not when it makes them an accomplice to evil. Sometimes it's A-OK to leave the monsters stranded.

Still Voices - Forbidden Planet (1956) “He who thinks great thoughts, often makes great errors” – Martin Heidegger

Dad Rock Daily: David Crosby - If I Could Only Remember My Name (1971) Unapologetic flower child perseveres through melancholy thick as bong smoke. Laudable Lyrics: I wonder who they are, the men who really run this land, and I wonder why they run it with such a thoughtless hand.

DAILY CALL SHEET: FEBRUARY 18, 2019

Pontypool (2008) Radio shock jock gets trapped in the center of a zombie outbreak spread by unusual means. Excellent no-budget effort deserves its devoted following. TIL: Hey, I buy into the premise. As a Christian, I need little convincing about the power of the spoken word.

Still Voices - The Phantom of the Opera (1925) "Better to live your life open rather than exist on borrowed time, waiting for the great unmasking." - Kate Jacobs

Dad Rock Daily: The Romantics - The Romantics (1980) If you ever needed proof that you don't have to be the best band on the planet to make the perfect power pop album, this is it. Laudable Lyrics: I ain't got a dime but she don't care. I got everything.

DAILY CALL SHEET: FEBRUARY 17, 2019

Pin (1988) Psychological horror gem about a brother, a sister, and Pin, the creepy anatomically correct medical dummy they were raised with. TIL: The Church only opposes sex ed when it leaves out moral elements such as modesty and/or chastity. Or, you know, if it gets too weird.

Still Voices - Dr. Cyclops (1940) "Your hand no one can escape." - Wisdom 16:15

Dad Rock Daily: Nat King Cole - After Midnight (1957) Aaaaah, this goes down smooth. Small combo really highlights both Cole's vocals and piano skills. Laudable Lyrics: And if you look into the heart within the lonely one, you'll find it's been deceived by broken vows and lies.

DAILY CALL SHEET: FEBRUARY 16, 2019

Revenge of the Ninja (1983) Pacifist widower Sho Kosugi runs a doll shop until drug dealing ninjas come calling. Required viewing for any 80s ninja enthusiast. TIL: Hebrews 12:14 says to strive to live in peace with everyone. If only more 80s ninjas would have read that passage.

Still Voices - Father Ted (TV Series 1995-1998) "The Church is not a gallery for the exhibition of eminent Christians, but a school for the education of imperfect ones." - Henry Ward Beecher

Dad Rock Daily: The Doors - Morrison Hotel (1970)  Possibly their drunkest sounding album (which is saying something) and, if for no other reason, worth it for inspiring that classic Kids in the Hall sketch. Laudable Lyrics: Keep your eyes on the road, your hand upon the wheel.

DAILY CALL SHEET: FEBRUARY 15, 2019

Son of Ingagi (1940) Historically important for its all black cast, not so much for its recycled story. Still, it's not the worst ape suit escapade of its time. TIL: Saint Maurice, a martyred third century Roman legionary, was the first black person to be canonized by the Church.

Still Voices - Fling in the Ring (1955) "Smile. It's better than a poke in the eye." - Douglas Horton

Dad Rock Daily: Pink Floyd - Meddle (1971) If you connect with it, this is an essential masterpiece. If not, well, it's still nice to hear the Floyd in a rare mellow mood. Laudable Lyrics: You pick the place and I'll choose the time and I'll climb the hill in my own way.