Cinema Society

INTO TEMPTATION

Average
Rating

4

Tuesday, November 03, 2009, AMC La Jolla 12 Theatres

Invited Guest: Patrick Coyle, Director

INTO TEMPTATION

Father John Buerlein works the crosswords while old women confess the sins of their husbands and the homeless sleep it off in quiet pews.

His shift is nearly over when a beautiful call girl, Linda, enters to confess a sin she hasn't committed yet: 'I'm going to kill myself’. She disappears and he sets off to find her. He goes incognito to where music plays and neon lights pulsate, awakening a longing and desire for human contact he didn't know existed. When Father John emerges from his descent into the world of pornography and prostitution to stand again before his congregation, he is a profoundly changed man, as are members of his church, who now hang on his every word.

Featuring stand out performances by Jeremy Sisto (LAW & ORDER), Brian Baumgartner (THE OFFICE) and Kristin Chenoweth (PUSHING DAISIES, WICKED), INTO TEMPTATION is written and directed by Patrick Coyle.

Running Time: 93 Minutes

Rated R for language and some sexual content.

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14-Nov-09: MRoe - Rating: 4

I like the smallness of this film, it was such a intimate story that had it had bigger names (and a bigger budget) that is would have lost the real sense of humanness. I liked the contrast of the two priests, Father John is who I would like there to be more of and Father O'Brien is who there are too many. I really liked the cab driver (though I didn't know what to think when I assumed that he was "picking up" Father John at the restaurant/bar), he reminded me of the cab driver in "The Bishop's Wife (Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven). I had to wonder if the title of the film was just a statement on it's own or was it picked out of the Lord's Prayer "...lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil..." because it does ring true in the film. Father John was definitely being tempted more often then not and Linda was certainly someone who need to be freed from the evils from her past (step-father). Very often most people are met with challenges that they can't always figure out why they occur but usually there is a reason though they might not be able to figure out right away this rings true for Father John pursuing this lost soul, Linda, and opened his eyes to his own loneliness and in the end directed him to a new friend (his "back up"). I was definitely drawn into the idea that Father John was the boy that made fun of her back when they were receiving their First Communion, but of course Patrick Coyle wasn't that transparent with his writing. I too appreciate that Patrick was able to keep his original ending, it definitely rang more true and I like to think that Linda didn't jump and that she went on to a better life.

11-Nov-09: Mark - Rating: 4

A subtle, thought-provoking movie, made with integrity. We're so fortunate that Coyle was able to make the film without yielding to that Hollywood producer's demand for a trite, conventional ending.

5-Nov-09: pb - Rating: 4

One of the year's best. Very well done and poignant. Acting was first rate. Story was compelling and well-developed Loved the music too. Humor popped up at just the right moments. Great choice for the Cinema Society!

4-Nov-09: Barry - Rating: 5

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. The soul of the movie revolving around forgiveness was excellent. It never got off track and the conclusion was perfect.

I think some people will probably have some trouble making all the connections that are essential to understanding everything, however, most will get it.

4-Nov-09: jh - Rating: 3

Why didn't Father John stop Linda as she was leaving the bar with her client? How does a librarian have access to confidential DMV records? Why exactly is Linda planning to kill herself? Fun movie with a popular "forgiveness" theme, but too many questions.

4-Nov-09: ebee - Rating: 4

I give this a strong 4. Except for the dialog in the club with Sinclair, and the mother's open unacceptance of John's priesthood. I felt the story rang true. I really enjoyed the characters on the side, especially Gus. His appearance and timing was uncanny. Brian Baumgartner was a revelation... great to see him outside The Office. So many talking points, terrific music, a lovely sweet, quiet movie. Thanks Andy!