What’s the Buzz About the Pope’s Movie Picks?

So, the Pope decided to roll out his top four movies, and surprisingly, he didn’t go through Letterboxd. I mean, what’s up with that? The popular movie cataloging platform is usually the go-to place for celebs and regular folks alike to share their cinematic crushes. From heartthrobs on red carpets to the average Joe trying to convince you that their taste is on par with Scorsese, it’s all about revealing those hidden movie gems. Are they all about art-house films like Fellini’s 8½? Or maybe they think Event Horizon deserves a spot in the cinematic Hall of Fame? Either way, you know the comments section is going to explode, celebrating or roasting their choices – or sometimes both.

Pope’s Picks: A Curious Case

This week, an adorable snippet of Pope Leo XIV appeared on social media, giving us his four favorite movies: It’s a Wonderful Life, The Sound of Music, Ordinary People, and Life Is Beautiful. But hold your horses—this wasn’t released through the beloved Letterboxd. Nope! The Vatican decided to drop this movie clip like a hot potato in preparation for a “World of Cinema” gathering at Pope Leo’s crib. And get this, they’ve got heavyweights like Cate Blanchett and Spike Lee showing up, all to explore how art can sprinkle some goodness into the Church’s mission and wrap human values in a lovely bow.

Where’s the Love for Letterboxd?

Now, let’s get real. While we hope the Vatican’s gathering turns into a real Hollywood bash, why deprive Letterboxd of a little shoutout in all this? It’s like watching the Pope do Carpool Karaoke sans James Corden or munching on hot wings on a talk show without Sean Evans. It’s just plain bizarre! We get it, the Vatican is just trying to share the love of cinema, but aren’t they forgetting the home of the Four Favorites?

The Efforts Behind Letterboxd’s Four Favorites

Now, don’t think I’m just here stirring the pot. Letterboxd has poured sweat and tears into making their Four Favorites series a triumph. And while the app is super chill about letting everyone sport their top four flicks on their profile, the video series has taken a journey through plenty of trial and error. Editor-in-chief Gemma Gracewood said it best: it was a challenge to convince people to get on board with this concept. “We felt like it was part of who we are,” she said. It’s about that vibrant ecosystem of film lovers, and it’s crucial in piecing together the whole Letterboxd experience.

It’s Not Just Movie Games, Vatican!

Look, we could brush this off as just a little hiccup in the Vatican’s cinematic outreach, but if they genuinely want to build a bridge with Tinseltown, tossing a nod to those who keep the film conversations alive is a solid start. After all, a little credit can go a long way in the glittering world of Hollywood.