The Purge films are missing from the list, as are the Saw franchise films. There is no Evil Dead. “The Exorcist” is suspiciously missing.
In this case, the list represents the four favorite films of Pope Leo XIV, aka Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago. The Pontiff published the list via video ahead of a meeting scheduled for Saturday with leading figures from the world of cinema.
To avoid the risk of being played off stage by the Academy Orchestra, let's quickly break down the winners:
1. “It's a Wonderful Life,” 1946.
2. “The Sound of Music”, 1965
3. “Ordinary People”, 1980
4. “Life is Beautiful”, 1997
That's it. No Agony and Ecstasy. No Pope Joan, Spotlight or Conclave for obvious reasons. No “Sister Acts” or “Oh My God!” or any of its related sequels for less obvious reasons.
In fact, not a single comedy at all, much less a stupid comedy. And when it comes to drama or comedy, Dad could definitely pick at least one movie set in his former corner of the woods. Think “The Blues Brothers,” “Home Alone,” “The Untouchables,” “High Fidelity,” “Eight Men Out” or “Ferris Bueller's Day Off.” (Think “Chicago“, for God's sake.)
Pope Leo will apparently meet with Hollywood officials on Saturday, including: Diversity reporting, actors Monica Bellucci, Cate Blanchett, Alison Brie, Dave Franco, Viggo Mortensen and Chris Pine, and directors Spike Lee, George Miller, Giuseppe Tornatore and Gus Van Sant.
The pope appears to have “expressed a desire to deepen dialogue with the world of cinema, and in particular with actors and directors, exploring the possibilities that artistic creativity offers for the mission of the Church and the promotion of human values,” according to a statement obtained by CNN.
It all sounds good, and one can't go wrong choosing films from Pope's list: two of the four are Best Picture Oscar winners, and the other two are nominated for Best Picture.
Still, let's shed a tiny tear over the elimination of “Bruce Almighty,” if only because Morgan Freeman could use a little papal recognition, too.
