DAILY CALL SHEET: FEBRUARY 25, 2021

Drácula (1931) Same script and sets as the Bela version, but in Spanish. Some claim it's the superior take, but why choose when you can have both. TIL: The Church notes that Truth is often conjunctive (both X and Y), i.e. Jesus is God AND man. No need to pick one over the other.

Dad Rock Diary: Doug and the Slugs - Cognac and Bologna (1980) Rousing rockabilly-tinged ramblings from the Great White North with more than a fair share of nods to the works of one Elvis Costello. Laudable Lyrics: In that maze of happiness, alas to admit that I was lost.

DAILY CALL SHEET: FEBRUARY 23, 2021

Twice-Told Tales (1963) Threefer of thrillers based on Nathaniel Hawthorne starring Vincent Price. What else do you need to know? TIL: Though he disparaged the Protestantism of his day, Hawthorne couldn't quite make the leap to Catholicism. His daughter, however, became a nun.

Dad Rock Diary: Crosby Stills Nash & Young - Deja Vu (1970) So many classics on one album that I honestly checked twice to make sure I hadn't pressed play on their greatest hits instead. Laudable Lyrics: You, who are on the road, must have a code that you can live by.

DAILY CALL SHEET: FBRUARY 21, 2021

The Burning Moon (1992) Infamous SOV gore fest starts with a violent heroin addicted babysitter and goes downhill (all the way to hell) from there. TIL: JPII taught there's no "right" to drugs like heroin because there's no right to abdicate the personal dignity God has given us.

One Sheet Words of Wisdom: Escape From Women's Prison (1978) "Self is the only prison that can ever bind the soul." - Henry Van Dyke

DAILY CALL SHEET: FEBRUARY 20, 2021

The Flesh Eaters (1964) Castaways combat hungry meat-eating microbes. Surprisingly icky and risque for a 60's cheapie. Even more surprising? It's good. TIL: Pasteur, the father of microbiology, died holding a rosary and having the life of St. Vincent de Paul read to him.

Still Voices - Backdraft (1991) "The Lord is more anxious to forgive our sins than a woman is to carry her baby out of a burning building." - St.John Vianney

DAILY CALL SHEET: FEBRUARY 18, 2021

Mars Needs Women (1968) Martian seeking mate becomes smitten with Batgirl, just like every other guy in 1968. Unforgivably dull for such a movie title. TIL: In the creation story, God creates Woman in part because humanity needs the feminine in order to fully express God's glory.

And here's a little something from the archives in honor of the NASA Perseverence Mars landing today. It's a weird little short form the Methodists (no, really) called STOP DRIVING US CRAZY in which an irate Martian visitor has a problem with our highways.

DAILY CALL SHEET: FEBRUARY 17, 2021

Invisible Agent (1942) Unseen Amerikaner spy punches Nazis. Mostly forgotten sequel to the Universal classic is lighthearted fun. TIL: The Stasi spied on Joseph Ratzinger for 30 years before he became pope because he was “the most decided opponent of communism in the Vatican.”

And here’s a little something from the archives in honor of Ash Wednesday.

DAILY CALL SHEET: FEBRUARY 16, 2021

The Invisible Woman (1940) Third film in the Universal series unexpectedly takes the screwball romance route. No Bringing Up Baby, but fair enough. TIL: The Creed notes God created all things visible (physical) AND invisible (spiritual). We must live in relationship with both.

Dad Rock Diary: Joe Walsh - The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get (1973) Sure, if I were the Eagles and heard this, I'd probably want Walsh in the band too. Laudable Lyrics: Where are we goin'? Where? Where are we now? When will it be over? Will we, will we make it somehow?

DAILY CALL SHEET: FEBRUARY 14, 2021

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) Humans search for their origins in space. Pretentious? Boring? Bah. All criticisms crumble before Kubrick's craft. TIL: Always fascinating to watch atheists attempt to give God the boot while trying to keep the things only God can bring to the table.

Dad Rock Diary: Sam Gopal - Escalator (1969) Passable enough British psychedelia, but hey, where else can you find young hippy Lemmy playing lead guitar? Laudable Lyrics: Time goes by and I can see all the things I want to be. When I open wide my eyes they tell me no lies.

DAILY CALL SHEET: FEBRUARY 13, 2021

Saint Maud (2019) Unstable Christian convert hears God tell her to save a hedonistic dying dancer. Brilliantly made and acted, but dang it, every frame is 100% predictable. TIL: New converts shouldn't try to go it alone. Join a Bible study, the food bank, the choir, anything.

Funny Book Philosophy: Zip Comics 029 (1942)

DAILY CALL SHEET: FEBRUARY 12, 2021

Cowgirls vs. Pterodactyls (2021) Assorted gals in dusters and corsets hunt Play-Doh dinosaurs. No-budget homage to Harryhausen has heart, and sometimes heart's enough. TIL: Among those who went West were nuns, who provided social services, education, and medical assistance.

And, in honor of Joe Bob's first selection on The Last Drive-In tonight, here's my review of TAMMY AND THE T-REX from the archives.

DAILY CALL SHEET: FEBRUARY 9, 2021

The Caller (1987) Two mysterious strangers play verbal cat and mouse in a remote cabin. Stagy and talky, but engrossing enough with an ending that would make M. Night Shyamalan green with envy. TIL: Safe to say, The Resurrection is the be-all and end-all of twist endings.

Dad Rock Diary: Donald Fagen - The Nightfly (1982) As much of a master class in studio production as you'll find, though the music itself may best appeal to hardcore jazz-rock fans. Laudable Lyrics: Talk about life, the meaning of it all. Try to make sense of the suburban sprawl.

DAILY CALL SHEET: FEBRUARY 6, 2021

One Dark Night (1982) Sorority pledge must spend the night in a mausoleum alone. Except she's not. 80's PG horror is still the best kind of PG horror. TIL: While the ground is no longer required to be consecrated, the Church still insists remains be buried or entombed somewhere.

Still Voices - Hell Fest (2018) "One can reach the gates of hell just as easily by short steps as by large." - Douglas Preston

DAILY CALL SHEET: FEBRUARY 4, 2020

Night of the Bloody Apes (1969) Transplanted ape heart causes guy to... go ape. Ridiculous. Unrelated female luchador subplot doesn't help. TIL: The Church is fine with organ transplants as long as the risks to the donor are proportionate to the good sought for the recipient.

Also, Fatima is now streaming on Netflix You can check out my original review for Aleteia to see if it's worth the watch.

DAILY CALL SHEET: FEBRUARY 2, 2021

The Dungeonmaster (1984) Not-quite-Satan puts a computer nerd through trials. Seven directors make it a mess, but an undeniably fun one. TIL: Well, Scripture says to count it all joy when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

And, yes, we know it's both Groundhog Day and Candlemas, but it's also National Tater Tot Day! To celebrate, here's a recipe for St. Brigid Irish Tater Tot Nachos from Catholic Cuisine.