Change Your Image
mtdrake
Reviews
This Is My Father (1998)
Anti-Catholic film disguised as tragic romance
How unfortunate that what could have been an interesting story (a man trying to find out about the father he never knew) has to take a turn toward an anti-Catholic Irish film. Like so many motion pictures today, this one includes all the myths: that the Church cares only about money, that it is obsessed with sex, that priests are twisted men, that the Church is repressive, that confession is punitive, and that the Church kills people and then doesn't care about them.
The film passes itself off as a pseudo-true story when, in fact, it is not. When orphan Kieran (Aidan Quinn) falls for the young and rebellious Fiona Flynn, it is a doomed relationship from the start. Improper advice from a twisted priest leads the couple further down a road from which there will be no return.
The story is a tragic love story, in the style of Romeo and Juliet. Again, it's a shame that the writer and producer felt it necessary to paint the Catholic Church as the bad guy. Any unsuspecting, or uneducated film goer will walk away blaming the Church for every tragedy in the film.
The Basket (1999)
1999's Best Kept Secret
This is a beautiful, beautiful film. Released only in select markets in 1999 by AMC, don't miss the chance to see this film on the big screen. It tells the story of two German war orphans and their battle for acceptance in the United States during World War I. The film creatively uses basketball, opera, and farming to set the story. This is a film you can take your children and their grandparents to. It's a multi-generational family film and shouldn't be missed.
The Basket (1999)
1999's Best Kept Secret
This is a beautiful, beautiful film. Released only in select markets in 1999 by AMC, don't miss the chance to see this film on the big screen. It tells the story of two German war orphans and their battle for acceptance in the United States during World War I. The film creatively uses basketball, opera, and farming to set the story. This is a film you can take your children and their grandparents to. It's a multi-generational family film and shouldn't be missed.
October Sky (1999)
One of 1999's best, and true to boot!
As a teen who launched rockets of his own, I found much to identify with in this touching film. It is a wonderful movie about persistence in following one's dream. In addition, it's a great coming-of-age film and deals with the sensitivities of a difficult father-son relationship. I highly recommend this movie. It's as delightful for what it does contain, as for what it does not contain. Truly a family film.
The Edge (1997)
A Character with Virtue
To describe this film as "Jaws" with claws is missing something. While the story does center on whether or not the characters will survive being hunted by a bear, there is much more going on in the story that makes it for an enjoyable view. Few films these days give us characters with virtue. This film does, in the character portrayed by Anthony Hopkins. I would hold his character up against most characters seen in films as a respectable and virtuous man. See the film for him alone, and see if you agree.