adamkpl The first hour was mind numbingly slow. The ending was as predictable as any other random chick flick. From a production standpoint The Good Catholic leaves much to be desired. It's 2017 and we're still making movies about priests falling in love? I sort of expected something that would make me think a bit more. From a catholic perspective it's clear the movie is an attack on clerical celibacy and pre-k bible interpretation. From a critical perspective, please save your time and money and spend 90 minutes doing something else instead of watching this low budget, predictable, and theologically infantile made for TV movie.

dan-73961 Saw this movie at the Historic Artcraft Theatre in Franklin, IN. Both me (Dad) and my 13 year old daughter really enjoyed it as entertainment, but the conversations it inspired were even better.In one sense, the plot may have been a little formulaic, but the struggle between loyalty to what we 'should' do and following our hearts is a pretty universal theme, so it never felt 'trite.' What we particularly liked about this was that the church wasn't treated disrespectfully or as a joke, and the homilies included were as good as you're likely to hear most Sunday mornings, even if surrounded by tension reducing humor. Additionally, there was no "fall" or gratuitous romance scenes - this is about characters and character, and it works.My favorite performance was by John C McGinley, who was not only funny but also (com)passionate, and in my experience knowing many clergy well, he was authentic. His first love is crystal clear, even thought he appreciates much of the world 'outside' the church. Danny Glover's character is fiercely loyal to his calling, and of course Zachary Spicer struggles between "the" passion and being present to people as a priest and finding God in loving another person passionately.We also loved that Bloomington, Indiana, was also almost a character in the film. McGinley's love of IU basketball, the small(ish) town walks around the courthouse square, the local neighborhoods and coffeehouse, together gave a sense of reality and earthiness that wouldn't have played as well in a 'big city' setting. Here's to Indy filmmaking that celebrates 'place'!The ending, though controversial, was perfect for me. I don't believe he leaves the church, even if he does remove his collar. Like the parents of the screenwriter, Daniel may no longer serve as clergy, but he has chosen love, and has not abandoned God, but has found that God who was distant is now close (John 4:12). Isn't it possible that God has honored Daniel's faithfulness by showing him faith through loving another person? At the end, God is love, so maybe we never have to choose between God and love? Daniels answer (and mine) is simply, "Yes."

pacolopezpersonal-22057 A 4-actor film and religious plot has necessarily to communicate much and good to be acceptable. In this case we have a lot of confusion. It is very difficult to find God from the safety and protection of a religious community. God can be found in the difficulty, need and suffering, rarely taking part of a congregation whose way of life is living comfortably. Here we have 4 characters and 4 situations the first one, the superior that believe himself infallible and with right to humiliate. Second; the priest who apparently is normal and flexible but who punishes and make kneeling to one boy who is wrong in singing. Third:The smart protagonist who tries but does not find God and Fourth, the girl who gets tired of not finding something worthwhile in this life, sleeps in a coffin and its motto is "See Jane Die". (Possibly, she is the only one who has God closer). The film is sometimes lacking in rhythm and is only valid for those who endure movies with religious theme. Nothing new.

jwglassen Enjoyed the development of the relationship between faith and love in a story with interesting, well developed characters. Funny and sad issues that adults can relate to presented in a compelling and entertaining story. Well worth seeing with friends and discussing after. The filming and photography struck me as excellent. Set in small town America, the story presents challenges and moral issues faced by everyone.