On September 6, 2017, we attended the highly anticipated premiere of “The Good Catholic” at the Crosby Hotel.
Precisely dubbed as an “existential drama/romantic comedy” by Director and Writer Paul Shoulberg, this film observes a young priest named Daniel (Zachary Spicer) and his flowering, yet dubious connection to a young secular woman named Jane. Amid the course of the film, Daniel is grippingly confronted by the unexpected temptation of love. As a priest, Daniel’s devotion to Christ should be his cardinal, life-long priority above all else. There is absolutely zero room for any coddling of carnal desire. However, when he meets Jane, he is exposed to something that he has never encountered before: the nurturing and soothing presence of a woman. The central premise of this film highlights how Daniel navigates such an uncharted, yet natural prospect of life all while attempting to maintain his sanity.
Throughout the film, Daniel spends most of his time with virtually the only other three characters of considerable relevance: Father Victor (Danny Glover), a stern, obstinate, by-the-book, head priest and main counselor for Daniel, Father Ollie (John C. McGinley), another main priest and without a doubt, the main source of comedic relief for viewers and Jane (Wrenn Schmidt), Daniel’s whimsical and free-flowing musician, love interest. Every character adds their own batch of idiosyncrasies into the film, which help to enliven the dynamic of their interactions. Initially, Daniel and Jane’s mutual affinity for one another is able to move steady and blossom into a platonic relationship. Moreover, as things progress and Jane becomes move involved in Daniel’s life, a major crossroad approaches that forces Daniel to reevaluate where he is, where he is going and where he wants to be.
Furthermore, this film is enticing, wholesome and truly makes for an enjoyable experience that many individuals will appreciate. Eventually, I found myself shedding a couple of intense tears, so that should be a gleaming indicator of its impact. Also, Director/Writer Paul Shoulberg dedicates an astounding homage to his late father, Daniel Shoulberg, of whom, the story is loosely based off. As for Zachary Spicer, Broad Green Pictures, Paul Shoulberg and Pigasus Pictures, they have certainly set the bar high for future projects.
In Select Theaters & VOD September 8