Movie of the Week: ‘The American Friend’

“The American Friend” (1977) – Jonathan Zimmerman (Bruno Ganz) is modest picture framer, and while his Hamburg, Germany shop gives him little stress, his declining health frequently preys on his thoughts.  What will become of his wife and son after his soon-to-be passing?  Well, he passes an American art dealer, Tom Ripley (Dennis Hopper), at a local auction.  He slights him, actually, and Tom now has Jonathan in his sights, and it’s not a pretty picture. Director Wim Wenders pits this odd German and American pair together, as Tom manipulates…

‘Pope Francis: A Man of His Word’ is a great opportunity and a missed one

“Pope Francis:  A Man of His Word” – “I think he might be the coolest pope ever.” – Conan O’Brien O’Brien is not alone. With his progressive stances on climate change, gay marriage, women in the church, and more, Pope Francis is helping bridge the gap between traditional Catholicism and life in 2018.  Whether or not every individual Catholic church in the world is more accessible and flexible, well, at least this pope – whose papacy began in March 2013 – has set a new direction. Sensible.  Likable.  Approachable. These…