THE TWO POPES – Rated PG-13 – 2 hrs. 5 mins.

THE TWO POPES – Rated PG-13 – 2 hrs. 5 mins.

DIRECTOR:  Fernando Meirelles

WRITER:  Anthony McCarten

STARRING:  Jonathan Pryce & Anthony Hopkins

Inspired by true events, this film ventures into the life Cardinal Bergoglio (Jonathan Price), who is rather frustrated with the Catholic Church and the direction it’s headed, so he seeks out approval from Pope Benedict (Anthony Hopkins) to retire from his post in 2012.  Facing his own inner-demons, and what he feels may just be what the Catholic Church needs in the 21^st century, Pope Benedict denies Cardinal Bergoglio his request, as these two leaders find themselves anguishing over what’s right for the Church ~ pinning tradition against progress for the betterment of the Catholic Church.  As these two men confront their pasts, and strive for a sense of forgiveness for one another, these two very different men, finally reach a devout understanding of the road they must forge ahead, for their billions of followers, all around the world.

I give THE TWO POPES a rating of MUST SEE ON THE BIG SCREEN:  Whether you are a devout Catholic, or just intrigued by the fascinating world of the Vatican, the performances of Pryce as Pope Francis, and Hopkins as Pope Benedict, are some of the finest work in film this year.  And even though this film will be popping on Netflix is just a few weeks, I must suggest that you head out to the Tivoli in the Central West End to catch this beautifully crafted film this weekend on the big screen, as seeing it on your television, just won’t do it justice!  From the incredible performances by Pryce and Hopkins respectively (Pryce is nominated for Best Actor and Hopkins for Best Supporting Actor for this year’s Golden Globes), combined with the incredible imagery throughout every inch of this film, The Two Popes is destined to be receiving accolades all throughout this upcoming awards season, and rightfully so.  And as the year comes to a close, I must give Kudos to Netflix this year, as they have crafted some truly exceptional work, including this latest creation, as it deepens your conviction to the evolution of Life, of Faith, and of humanity itself as well, every step of the way…