The Two Popes

THE GIST: At a time when the Catholic Church is criticized and attacked the world over for its handling of the child abuse perpetrated by its priests, conservative Pope Benedict XVI realizes his policies might not help heal the institution. He summons to the Vatican a liberal Cardinal who sees things very differently. They argue about the Church's future until a clear path forward emerges for Benedict.

Given my aversion for anything related to religion, I really wasn't sure what to expect when I set out to watch The Two Popes, but I came away very pleased.

The screenplay expertly weaves the at times heated conversation between the two men with events from the Cardinal's past that helped influence the person he has become.

Additionally, for a cinema lover such as myself, it is pure joy to witness two legendary actors such as Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce flex their acting muscles with such verve and ease. They are masters of the craft and it shows.

THE BOTTOM LINE: If you love great acting, don't miss this movies. At a minimum, it is a helpful guide in understanding the implications of the radical action Pope Benedict undertook when he decided to step down in order to usher in a new era. It can't be easy for a man with so much power and influence to decide to give it all up for the benefit of the institution. He certainly made the right choice though.

Grade: 8