The "5 Films" series is a brief list of recommended films based on a particular theme or genre, usually sparked by something of relevance in our present-day culture. Why do bad things happen to good people? Why is there suffering, evil, and injustice in the world? Where is God … [Read more...] about 5 Films: Theodicy
Top Lists
5 Films on Immigrants
The "5 Films" series will be a new Cinemayward list of recommendations, similar to this earlier list of football films. These lists aren't exhaustive, nor are they "the best" of this particular genre. These are simply five recommended films connected by a common idea or theme, … [Read more...] about 5 Films on Immigrants
My 10 Most Anticipated Films of 2017
Here's what I'm looking forward to seeing in 2017, listed in alphabetical order: https://youtu.be/haXvp8M9Cog Blade Runner 2049 (Denis Villeneuve). Yes, this could be absolutely terrible. I'm not sure Ridley Scott's Blade Runner really needs a sequel. But if it's going to … [Read more...] about My 10 Most Anticipated Films of 2017
Top 20 Films of 2016
I noticed two thematic threads weaving through the films of 2016, ideas which seem at odds yet perhaps have more in common beyond an initial reaction: grief and coming of age. It seems fitting for a year like 2016 that grief would pervade our filmic imagination. Movies like … [Read more...] about Top 20 Films of 2016
Top 15 Favorite Scenes from 2016
While my final Top 10 list is still awaiting the viewing of some key films--namely Silence--here are the scenes from 2016 films that stood out for me. In no particular order: Sing Street - The prom dream dance sequence. It's pure teenage fantasy joy as Cosmo imagines his life … [Read more...] about Top 15 Favorite Scenes from 2016