BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated The Two Popes (2019) in Movies
Jan 29, 2020
If you are looking for a hard-hitting expose of the issues the Catholic Church was facing at the time with the conservative Benedict facing off against the Liberal Francis, then you will be disappointed. But...if you are looking for an interesting, gentle acting exercise where 2 strong actors take Center Stage to move from enemies to frenemies to friends, then you will enjoy THE TWO POPES.
The review of this film begins and ends with the performances of the 2 leads - Jonathan Pryce as Pope Francis (Cardinal Bergoglio in the film) and Anthony Hopkins as Pope Benedict - and they are terrific. Pryce was nominated in the Best Actor Oscar category while Hopkins sits in the Best Supporting Actor category (deservedly so - Pryce has much more screen time and focus).
As Francis, Pryce is conflicted by both what is currently happening with the Church and his own demons. His Cardinal Bergoglio is alternately strong and weak - and Pryce plays this well. It is just about the best performance I have ever seen from Pryce on film. Unfortunately for him, he pales in comparison with the withering, wilted and strong portrayal of Pope Benedict that is put on by Hopkins. This is Sir Anthony's best work in years and shows that this ol' trouper "still has it." As I stated earlier, they are both nominated (deservedly) for Oscars, for it is an actor's movie, but only Hopkins would be a deserving winner (though neither of them will win).
THE TWO POPES is Directed by Brazilian Fernando Meirelles based on a screen play by Anthony McCarten (DARKEST HOUR). McCarten's script is stronger than Meirelles Direction. I felt like I was watching a filmed stage play with both Popes sitting and talking for long stretches of time. Do not be surprised to see a stage version of this film on Broadway sometime soon. It played more like an extended episode of Masterpiece Theater than a Theatrical Film.
At just over 2 hours, this film is just a bit too long, but (of course) both Popes have their "Oscar moment" in the tail end of the movie so that helps it to cross the finish line strong.
If you are looking for strong acting, look no further than THE TWO POPES, you will not be disappointed.
Letter Grade: B
7 Stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Music at Midnight: The Life and Poetry of George Herbert
Book
For the first time, John Drury convincingly integrates the life and poetry of George Herbert, giving...
Alan Watts Essential Lectures
Lifestyle and Education
App
21 HOURS OF THE ALAN WATTS LECTURES YOU LOVE! Listen to The Alan Watts Essential Lectures on your...
Hymnal SDA,
Music and Book
App
Highlights: • Complete music scores and lyrics for all of the 695 hymns in the SDA hymnal •...
Trust First: A True Story About the Power of Giving People Second Chances
Book
If we choose to trust unconditionally, how many lives could we change? When Pastor Bruce Deel took...
Lindsay (1779 KP) rated The Voice Behind the Small Attic Door in Books
Aug 30, 2018
The Practical Prophet: Bishop Ronald O. Hall of Hong Kong and His Legacies
Book
As the longest serving and the most influential bishop of Hong Kong during one of the most...
The Unmarried Mother
Book
Sheila Tofield tells her moving true story about being a single mother in 1950s Britain, in The...
World of Peyton: A Celebration of His Legendary Cartoons from 1942 to the Present Day
Book
Mike Peyton drew his first cartoon in 1942. At the time he was interned in a German prisoner of war...
Setting the World on Fire
Book
One of only two patron saints of Italy, the other being St. Francis of Assisi, St. Catherine was...

