USCCB Top Films of 2005

NEW YORK (January 23, 2006) -
www.usccb.org

The Chronicles of Narnia, based on the C.S. Lewis classic, and Crash, a searing study of racial prejudice, stand among the top 10 films of 2005 hailed by the U.S. Bishops' Office for Film and Broadcasting. The Office also listed top 10 family films of 2005. "There were some wonderful movies this year that presented a strong and clear moral vision even as some dealt with adult themes," said Harry Forbes, director of the Film and Broadcasting Office. "While much on theater screens is reprehensible, it is important to acknowledge those outstanding pictures from Hollywood and abroad that not only exhibit high artistic merit, but also reflect gospel values." Below are the films in alphabetical order with the classification from the Film and Broadcasting Office and their rating from the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America):

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, captivating live-action fantasy adventure based on C.S. Lewis' beloved children's classic set in World War II-era England about four siblings' adventures in the enchanted realm of Narnia. Seeded with Christian symbolism and subtext, the beautifully told and faithful adaptation explores themes of good and evil. A-II (PG)

Cinderella Man, moving true-life story of Depression-era boxer Jimmy Braddock who - after several years out of the ring - took up fighting again to support his loving wife and their three young children, making a miracle comeback. The human story of Jimmy's devotion to his family is paramount. A-III (PG-13)

Crash, powerful drama with a strong moral center about a disparate, racially mixed group of Los Angeles residents whose lives intersect in unlikely and redemptive ways. A transcendently moving essay on the benevolence that may lie beneath racial intolerance, and the interconnectedness of human beings, showing how good and bad can coexist in all of us, and how the former generally prevails. L (R)

Dear Frankie, heartwarming film set in Scotland about a loving single mother who pretends to her 9-year-old deaf son Frankie that his father - who m the boy has never seen -simply away at sea, and forges letters purporting to be from the absent father, then pays a stranger to pose as the father for a day. A beautifully written story that is immensely appealing, sensitively acted, and sure to bring a lump to the throat. A-III (PG-13)

The Greatest Game Ever Played, absorbing and inspiring true-life story of a young amateur working-class golfer, Francis Ouimet, who played against British golf champion Harry Vardon in the 1913 U.S. Open. The themes of class conflict, overcoming the odds, loyalty, and good sportsmanship are vividly drawn. A-I (PG)

Millions, disarming fable about 7-year-old enthralled by the lives of the saints, who finds a stash of stolen money and, believing it is from God, tries to do good with it by giving it to the poor. There are delightful vignettes in which the young hero talks with various saints, and the modest film touches on themes of the corrupting influence of money, and humanity's basic decency. A-II (PG)

The Ninth Day, quietly arresting drama about an interned Catholic priest who is given nine days to convince the staunchly anti-Nazi bishop to sign a letter supporting Hitler. Based on the prison diaries of Father Jean Bernard, the film is an emotionally forceful and morally complex meditation on faith, redemption and the cost of true discipleship. A-III (Not Rated by the Motion Picture Association of America.)

North Country, compelling drama set in northern Minnesota about a struggling single mother who takes a job at a local mine, encountering hostility and abuse from the predominantly male ranks, eventually filing a landmark sexual harassment lawsuit against the mining company. Touching on issues of gender discrimination, justice, family, community and human dignity, the film's highlight is a tender scene with strong pro-life undertones. L (R)

An Unfinished Life, absorbing story of an embittered Wyoming rancher who takes care of a ranch hand badly mauled by a bear, and gives shelter to his son's widow and the 11-year-old granddaughter he never knew he had, when the woman flees her abusive boyfriend. The film vividly conveys an admirable message about forgiveness and letting go of the past. A-III (PG-13)

The Upside of Anger, profoundly moving comedy-drama set in a Detroit suburb about an embittered wife deserted by her husband who finds healing with a burned-out DJ who becomes a surrogate father to her four daughters. A sharply observant spin on the nature of anger, which intercuts the story with clips of hatred's ramifications on a global scale, and imparts a strong moral about the destructive nature of misplaced animosity. L (R)


I must say that I have only seen The Chronicles of Narnia out of this list of ten. I enjoyed the film quite a bit, although I didn't think it was on the same level as the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Perhaps that is an unfair comparison? Maybe. Of the remaining nine films, I think I am going to try to see the Ninth Day and Cinderella Man. Both look quite good, and I have heard good things about them.

Reading this list made me wonder why I don't go see as many movies as I once did. What I realized is that there are two primary reasons for this. First, movies have become soooo expensive to go to these days. Most places charge eight dollars at least for a ticket, and then if you want a bag of popcorn larger than ziplock bag you have to dish out five more dollars. Then if you want a bag of M&M's you will pay 2 dollars and a Coke is 4 dollars. Eh???? You know, I find that the best deal at a movie theater these days are the nachos....but I digress.

The second reason I go fewer times to the movie theater is that I find so many of the movies that are made to be predictable and uninspiring. I mean, how many remakes can they make of old TV shows like The Dukes of Hazzard and Bewitched....and that is only to name two! Also, the films that are "original" are actually so predictable. Each film has the basic plotline of impending doom, betrayal, some sort of "romantic" triangle, and the typical "everything turns out OK" ending. Of course if you don't like that type of movie, then you can go see one of the numerous slasher movies, like Saw or Hostel, that make the Roman Collisseum look like child day care.

Often these days I find myself watching the Turner Classic Movie station because they show movies with actual dialogue between characters. Yes, they actaully develop the characters in the movie! I was flipping through the TV stations one night and watched the Song of Bernadette on Turner Classic. That was nice! I also saw The Quiet Man with John Wayne, although I think that might have been on AMC.

The point is that for every good movie made, there are probably 8-10 terrible movies being produced.