The Two Popes provides an interesting peek behind the curtain at the life of the head of the Catholic Church, but it comes up slightly short as a two-handed biography. McCarten’s script injects enough humor to a tale of two stuffy old men to make it fun and engaging.
The underlying message of honor and perseverance in the face incredible odds in 1917 is a noble undertaking and a worthy tribute to the people who fought in WWI. Although that message does get slightly lost in the spectacle, the single shot technique is a wonder to behold and impressive in and of itself.