Hi everyone. For those who don't follow my personal feed on Facebook, my oldest brother passed away unexpectedly this weekend. That means the theater will be temporarily closed for a short time while I attend to funeral arrangements and other family matters.
Please, if you will, pray for the repose of of the soul of Danny Ives, my brother and a true servant of God.
See you soon.
All the Kind Strangers (1974) Backwoods orphans kidnap adults to be their parents. Not great, but you can't say 70's TV wasn't interesting. TIL: The Church notes that families have an original and irreplaceable role in raising children. Kids inherently know this and crave it.
One Sheet Words of Wisdom: Society (1989) “The human face is, after all, nothing more nor less than a mask.” - Agatha Christie
And finally, what could be more astounding than the story of St. Maximilian Kolbe’s martyrdom? Maybe the rest of his life. My review of the docudrama Two Crowns for Aleteia.
Scream of the Wolf (1974) Peter Graves hunts what might be a werewolf, or possibly something even meaner. Oddball exploration of toxic masculinity makes for decent 70's TV. TIL: A Catholic understanding of masculinity boils down to three words: protector, virtuous, and selfless.
Dad Rock Diary: Sonic Youth - Sonic Youth (1982) Debut EP is arguably not as noisy as what the band would later produce, but plenty abrasive enough to satisfy anyone in need of a No-Wave fix. Laudable Lyrics: I'm not afraid to say I'm scared. In my bed I'm deep in prayer.
Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954) Explorers discover missing link gill man, who in turns discovers love. Timeless classic, and still the best rubber monster suit ever. TIL: The encyclical Humani Generis allows the notion of a missing link, but no rational souls before humans.
Dad Rock Diary: George Harrison - Living in the Material World (1973) Further solidifies the fact that George was the best solo Beatle. Yeah, I said it. Laudable Lyrics: the leaders of nations they're acting like big girls, with no thoughts for their god who provides us with all.
Assignment Terror (1970) It's House of Frankenstein Paul Naschy style as aliens resurrect classic monsters to... do something. Who knows, it's incoherent. TIL: The "fear" or "terror" of the Lord is a profound respect for God's majesty and recognition of our dependency on Him.
Funny Book Philosophy: Archie's Mad House 003 (1960)
Evil Eye (2020) Hindu mom worries a dead abusive ex has reincarnated and is dating her daughter. Culturally interesting, but otherwise average. TIL: One reason the Church denies reincarnation is that a person's rational soul could never pass over to an irrational animal.
Trophy Heads (2014) Fanboy kidnaps and kills 80's scream queens to spare them from further aging. Classic cast seems to reignite the spark in Band's direction TIL: Proverbs tells us gray hair is a crown of glory, assuming of course it is gained by living a life that is just.
Necromancy (1972) Bert I. Gordon directs Orson Welles (WTF) as coven grand master looking to resurrect his dead son. Welles probably got paid in wine. TIL: Before his conversion, Bl. Bartholomew Longo spent years in "depression, nervousness, and confusion" as a satanic priest.
And finally, yet another religious defense of The Exorcist? Sure, but it's a good one. 'The Exorcist is a Catholic Movie of Demonic Possession - Catholic Stand'
Terror in the Wax Museum (1973) Not made in the 50's but actually should have been, before most of its stars were on the verge of collapse. TIL: There are 54 galleries in the Vatican museums, but no wax ones. The City of Rome has a wax museum, but it's considered horrifying.
And finally, can you imagine a world in which someone could become a beloved public figure simply by asking people to pray? It happened. My review of ‘Pray: The Story of Patrick Peyton’ for Aleteia.
Bloodmoon (1990) So-so, late to the game Aussie slasher has naughty Catholic school kids reaping the wages of sin. TIL: Notable grads of Parramatta Marist, Australia's first Catholic school, include Cardinal Edward Clancy, Major General David Valentine Blake, and... Paul Hogan.
Dad Rock Diary: Alice Cooper - Billion Dollar Babies (1973) The stage show and public persona might have been pure Grand Guignol, but this, maybe the band's best album, is just good old fashioned rock and roll. Laudable Lyrics: Kids want a savior, don't need a fake.
Casino Royale (1967) Over-bloated Bond spoof manages a few laughs here and there, but most of the fun is found in playing spot the famous faces. TIL: Fame is okay, but as Scripture often reminds us, what is great in the eyes of the world is often not what is great in God’s eyes.
Tinseltown Testaments: Evil of Dracula (1974) "He betrayed his faith and spat at the cross... He lost his God, then he lost his mind."
Terror on the Beach (1973) Manson family lite makes life tough for the vacationing Dennis Weaver. More made-for-TV comfort food from the 70's. TIL: Cults operate under a system of control and intimidation. Christians, on the other hand, are free to walk away any time they want.
And also, there’s this…
Prom Night (1980) Masked maniac punishes Jamie Lee and pals for the past sin of a tragic childhood accident. Bad, but beloved. A slasher essential. TIL: God is actually opposed to our obsession with past sins because it paralyzes us, renders us unable to move. Hence confession.
One Sheet Words of Wisdom: Megaforce (1982) “A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.” - Saint Basil the Great
Bloody Pit of Horror (1965) Ridiculous Euro-horror has a hooded hunk in wrestling tights determined to inflict suffering on all he meets. TIL: One reason God incarnated as Jesus is that unless you have suffered, you really can’t understand what compassion is. God understands.
Dad Rock Diary: Michele - Saturn Rings (1969) Some sappiness for sure, but overall satisfying and sunny psyche-folk from one of Curt Boettcher's gal pals. Laudable Lyrics: Fallen mortal, from the throne of perfect love, will you ever find a way back home to God?