The Secrets of Master and Commander

What makes this 2003 Oscar-winner such a good movie? Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini discuss the story’s uncomplicated approach to this tale of the Age of Sail that doesn’t impose modern sensibilities and that showcases the heroic virtues, but also the moral failings of these men of the sea.

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The Secrets of Christmas TV Specials

Christmas TV specials include animated stories, variety shows, and Christmas episodes of regular shows, and Dom, Joanne, Mike, and Thomas discuss their favorites, including both the well-known and obscure and have a lot of Christmas joy while doing it.

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The Secrets of Die Hard

Die Hard is a Christmas movie! Dom Bettinelli, Mike Denz, Thomas Sanjurjo, and David Handlos settle that question quick and then discuss how this was also the birth of the modern comedy action movie featuring a tough but brekable action hero.

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The Secrets of Dune (2021)

At last, the new Dune movie is out and Thomas Sanjurjo and Jack Baruzzini are here to discuss it, including how it measures up to previous screen adaptations, their favorite moments and themes, and what they expect in the future.

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The Secrets of Marvel’s What If?

The possibilities are endless, as Andrew Hermiz and Mike Denz consider the Marvel series What If?, including what its wider ramifications for the rest of the MCU will be, plus their own “what if?” scenarios that they’d like to see.

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The Secrets of The Patriot

The Patriot is one of the only films set in the War of Independence. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Chip Hines, and Mike Denz ask why that might be; discuss what they enjoy about the movie; discuss its historical innacuracies; and examine the themes of faith, family, loyalty, and patriotism.

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The Secrets of Braveheart

Braveheart launched Mel Gibson’s career as a serious director; was one of the first epic, bloody battle movies; and ignited a serious push for Scottish independence. Dom Bettinelli, Mike Denz, and Andrew Hermiz discuss the Oscar winner and why it remains a classic.

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The Secrets of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier

The next step in the evolution of the MCU? Thomas Sanjurjo, Andrew Hermiz, and Mike Denz discuss the latest Disney+ streaming series from the Marvel Universe, including how it deals sensitively with hot button issues and what it portends for the next phase of Marvel stories.

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The Secrets of Zach Snyder’s Justice League

The release of the Snyder cut of Justice League was a virtually unprecedented cinema event where a director was able to completely remake his film through editing. Dom Bettinelli, Andrew Hermiz and Fr. Chip Hines discuss where the original and re-cut movies differ, what’s improved, and where DCEU goes from here.

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The Secrets of WandaVision

WandaVision is a huge hit and Andrew Hermiz, Fr. Andrew Kinstetter, and Mike Denz discuss why and how Wanda is a broken hero struggling to cope with grief in a way that she realizes is hurting those around her. But it is her hope in the end that ultimately satisfies.

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The Secrets of Hail Caesar!

The Coen Brothers made an homage to old Hollywood in Hail Caesar! Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini discuss the story of a good man, a father figure, trying to do a thankless job in a system full of make-believe, selfish agendas, and bad behavior.

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The Secrets of Jodorowsky’s Dune

Cult film maker Alejandro Jodorowsky attempted to make the most bizarre, avant-garde version of “Dune” in the mid-1970s. Thomas Sanjurjo, Andrew Hermiz, and Jack Baruzzini discuss the 2013 documentary about it and how, despite failing to get made, it influenced decades of films afterward.

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The Secrets of Good Will Hunting

In the iconic modern Boston-set movie, Good Will Hunting broaches themes of forgiveness, vocation, potential, and loyalty. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Chip Hines, and Andrew Hermiz discuss these deeper themes, while also highlighting the fun of the classic fish-out-of-water theme.

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The Secrets of The Godfather, Part II

The Godfather, Part II is considered one of the greatest movies of all time. Dom, Andrew, and Mike discuss the film’s masterful portrayal of the effects of the desire for power and control and of the generational and familial effects of sin.

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The Secrets of The Breakfast Club

In the mid-80s, John Hughes had an amazing run of teen-focused movies, including this one. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Chip Hines, Andrew Hermiz, and Shelly Kelly go beyond the humor and nostalgia to the deeper themes of not seeing people as stereotypes; recognizing the danger of oppressing the souls of young people; and getting a new perspective on those nearest us every day.

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The Secrets of Wonder Woman 84

Is having a wish fulfilled a kind of cheating? Dom, Angela, Maria, Andrew, and Fr. Chip discuss the Wonder Woman sequel, including its particular feminine genius; its exploration of truth, lies, and heroism; care for children; and uncomfortable moral issues as well.

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The Secrets of Dune (2000)

Continuing their look at theatrical versions of the classic scifi novel “Dune”, Thomas Sanjurjo, Jack Baruzzini, and Andrew Hermiz look at the SciFi Channel’s 2000 miniseries adaptation, which had some advantages over the previous David Lynch version.

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Blessed Advent, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year from StarQuest

StarQuest (SQPN) wishes you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We are grateful for all your support in 2020 whether by listening to our programs, sharing them with your friends, or providing financial support. Please consider supporting our media apostolate with a US tax-deductible gift and help us continue making the programs you love.

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