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I went to see "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" in theaters today (6/8/24), with the rest of the trilogy showing over the next two days. Every time I watch it, I'm blown away by its greatness and depth. The film is filled with spiritual and Catholic themes that are almost too numerous to count.

The reason it's almost universally acclaimed as the greatest trilogy of all time is because of its deep spiritual depth that resonates within us all, whether we know it or not. The book was written by the renowned Catholic writer J. R. R. Tolkien. As he stated, "The Lord of the Rings is a fundamentally religious and Catholic work; unconsciously so at first, but consciously in the revision."

When people watch this, they may not realize the depth of its Catholic symbolism. I didn't when I first watched it in theaters in 2001. But now, every time I rewatch it, I find it even more enriching as I uncover the layers of symbolism. It resonates deeply with truths aligned with Christ and His Church.

Great art is meant to lift us up to heaven or highlight the spiritual battle. Today's art most often mirrors worldly things, which is why it can feel shallow, even ugly, and fail to transcend or resonate deeply. Credit is also due to Peter Jackson for preserving this rich symbolism in his direction. I hope Christian writers arise from these ashes to create art like J. R. R. Tolkien, art that inspires and elevates the human spirit.

After following 'The Chosen' from its beginning, my enthusiasm has been on a gradual decline. By the first three episodes of Season 4, my interest is expired. Despite my initial avid viewership, the series just seems like a 'Jesus soap opera,' replete with too many unbiblical subplots that divert from its foundational message. The over-emphasis on Jesus' humanity over His divinity and sacredness dilutes the authenticity of His depiction, and the unconvincing accents of the actors only serve to further alienate. Although Jonathan Roumie's casting as a Catholic actor might be intended as an olive branch to Catholic viewers, it comes across more as a calculated move than a heartfelt gesture. Given these reflections, I've concluded that it's simply better to stick with traditional biblical films like 'The Passion of the Christ' (2004) and 'Jesus of Nazareth' (1977), or better yet, the original source material-the Bible itself-which remains the best portrayal of Jesus.

Unquestionably, this film might stand as one of our generation's most impactful works. The script, a potent foundation, coupled with stirring performances, leaves a profound impact. Not just a cinematic spectacle, it delves into human darkness, portraying our timeless struggle against evil and illustrating the tough nature of this fight. It raises curiosity when someone rates it below 7/10. Although challenging, it's an indispensable viewing experience. This film exceeds the realm of mere entertainment, becoming a significant milestone-a vivid demonstration of human resilience in the face of adversity.

The Greek Orthodox's Padre Pio. If you want to find out what it means to die to yourself and learn how that brings you true and lasting joy, watch this film.

To say it was satisfying would be somewhat misleading. Joaquin Phoenix makes you feel uncomfortable almost the entire time. I couldn't help thinking about Christian Bale in The Machinist and Robert De Niro in Taxi Driver. With those comparisons, clearly I have some high praise on the acting.

The film itself slowly builds momentum, but when it builds...it's really builds. Those looking for traditional comic book action may feel it moves a bit slow, but it's pace allows for the transformation to not feel superficial. When you walk out of the theater you won't know exactly how to feel, but you'll surely want to know how everyone else feels about it.