Date Night Movies for Catholics on Dates: 7 Quick Takes XV

Ironically, it suffers from the same issue as Silver Linings Playbook, in that the lead character is a married man, and we do end up rooting for him to end up with the leading lady. But, maybe his wife died, we really don't know. And I think they manage to walk the line of decency in that regard.

There is also an attempted suicide.

But overall, it's really lighthearted and adorable and creative and unique. I really, really liked it.

Captain America (2011)

Captain America is far and away my favorite superhero. None of the brooding of Batman or the sarcasm of Iron Man or the superciliousness of Thor or the rage of the Hulk. Captain America is a stand up guy. I think he's the bee's knees.

And I like his movie, too. It's a comic book movie, so it's got its share of violence, but I found it to be a very enjoyable story. And sweetly romantic, which you don't often get from the action movies.

The Avengers (2012)

I also really enjoyed The Avengers. Mostly because it has Captain America in it, but also because it has a surprisingly strong (positive) message about humanity. The plot isn't brilliant, but the characters are, and that's why we're watching anyway.

And although the director is a self-proclaimed atheist, he allows Captain America a lovely and hilarious defense of the One True God, as compared to Loki:

“There’s only one God, ma’am, and I’m pretty sure he doesn’t dress like that.”

Skyfall (2012)

Hey guess what? James Bond is Catholic. Or he was at some point anyway. He may want to consider spiritual direction.

This is my favorite of all the James Bond movies. I love the nods to earlier incarnations and how it manages to feel modern and throwback and timeless all at the same time. I love that this is a more human, more conflicted James Bond.

It's very, very violent, of course. And there are non-graphic sex scenes. But it's a smart, well done, fun movie that is decidedly less cavalier about important issues than have been earlier Bond films.

Pride and Prejudice (2005)

It's hard to pick, but Pride and Prejudice is probably my favorite book. I know some people don't care much for this adaptation, but I hadn't ever seen any of the others when I first saw this movie, and I thought (and still do think) that they really nailed it.

I love the casting. I love the costuming. I love the cinematography. I love how they adapted it well to fit the medium of film.

It's a chick flick for sure. But it's a classic. And if you watched 2,3,4, or 6 with him, maybe he'll let you pick this one some night.

Cinderella Man (2005)

I do not like boxing movies. Or boxing for that matter. But this is a great movie with a beautiful message, inspiring characters, and a deep underlying Catholicism.

It is a lovely portrayal of marriage and fatherhood. There IS a lot of punching. There's really no getting around that. But I think it's absolutely worth it.