Review: The Two Popes

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German jokes don't have to be funny.

Told between 2005 and 2013, this film follows Pope Benedict (Anthony Hopkins) and the eventual Pope Francis (Jonathan Pryce) as they dicuss their faith and differences.

Truth be told, had this not been on my radar as a possible Oscar contender for Jonathan Pryce in the Best Actor category, I probably would've skipped this. I don't know much about, nor do I care about the Catholic Church and how they function. But, this ended up being a lot lighter than I imagined.

It's subtly very funny. There's plenty of moments that got a chuckle out of me and Hopkins and Pryce play off each other very well. I didn't know anything about how a new Pope was chosen so I found the discussions between the two and the set up fairly interesting. They also have one of the best uses of an ABBA song I've seen in a while.

Pryce is really good. Yet another actor giving a better performance that Joaquin Phoenix in his garbage movie. (Yes, I'm still over here being petty) I don't think Hopkins was quite as memorable. Juan Minujín is also another standout in this film. He plays the younger version of Pryce's character and the film intertwines their scenes well.

I can't say I would've paid theater money to go out and see this, but for a Netflix watch, this made for a fine evening.

Recommended: Yes

Grade: B-

Memorable Quote: "No, this is my pizza." - Pope Benedict (Anthony Hopkins) 

Comments

  1. thevoid99December 25, 2019 at 2:58 PM

    I do want to see this as it looks like the kind of film my mom would like as she does like Pope Francis as I think it is an interesting story.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamDecember 25, 2019 at 7:15 PM

      He comes off well in this film. Hopefully ou can watch it together.

      Delete
  2. GeektellerDecember 27, 2019 at 1:34 AM

    Agreed, the movie was nice and worth a Netflix watch, but I probably wouldn't have watched it in cinemas!

    ReplyDelete
  3. GetterDecember 28, 2019 at 4:07 AM

    I'm not even remotely interested in this.... :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamDecember 28, 2019 at 9:43 AM

      I wouldn't have been either but I'm a slave to Oscars lol

      Delete
  4. Sonia CercaDecember 31, 2019 at 3:57 AM

    I skipped this because of my feelings towards the Church and all that, but the reviews are so good I’m kinda curious to see it now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamDecember 31, 2019 at 6:44 AM

      I think a lot of people skipped it for that reason but it's a decent watch if you decide to give it a shot.

      Delete
  5. PatriciaJanuary 1, 2020 at 1:44 PM

    My version of your being petty about Joker is Once Upon A Time in Hollywood. Loathed that movie. And yet, it will get so many nominations.

    Anyway, I enjoyed this film too, and also only watched it because of possible Oscar things.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJanuary 1, 2020 at 1:50 PM

      I didn't care for OUATIH either but I'd watch it over Joker any day.

      Delete

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