Christ, Culture, and Cinema

This week we look at a classic western directed by Clint Eastwood. The lines of "right" and "wrong" are blurred, the "romantic view" of the old West is tossed out for a more "earthy" and realistic view of what people truly had to face. And in the midst of it all, a writer trying to capture and maintain the "romance" of the West instead of the reality.

In this episode we look back at a 2003 Pixar classic, Finding Nemo. This is when Disney made movies movies that entertained Adults and children - at two different levels - at the same time. A heart-warming tale of searching for a lost "child" while also a tale of a child on a wild adventure. Join as we consider the search for the "lost sheep" and the rich characters that captivate our imagination.

"Return" or "Revenge?" This week we revisit our walk through the Star Wars Galaxy. The return of the Jedi was originally named "Revenge" of the Jedi...was it revenge? Is this a movie about the final redemption of Annikan Skywalker? We are joined in the studio with our resident expert, Dillon Briggs as we look at the closing chapter of the original trilogy

Baseball season is upon us and this week we look at a legendary comedy movie about America's pastime. What happens when a team is built to fail but succeeds? What does the manager and players figure out to make them so successful? Do we have similar challenges in our workplaces, social organizations, and even our churches? Join us as we delve into the belief that we are better together.

Sometimes relationships end messy - and maybe you were unaware that the relational collapse was about to occur. How do you move on? How do you "forget?" Maybe a better question: Can you forget? This week we look at a wonderful romantic comedy that looks at deceit, cheating, broken-heartedness, loss, and...recovery.

A classic comedy with soulful undertones, Legally Blonde challenges the audience to see beyond what the eyes see - beyond the beauty, blonde hair, over-feminized dress...to see the heart, soul, and brains that lurks behind the facade. Join us as we consider where the depth the real person can be found!

So what happens when a Science Fiction Movie rubs eerily close to our contemporary context? What was "out there" is now "right here." in a span of 21 years the movie I, Robot went from thrilling science fiction a drama about the technological edge of which we stand. What does faith have say about it? How do we address technology that is moving faster than our morality and laws can keep up?

Before listening to this podcast make sure you watch the movie first! With twists and turns, characters with personal flaws and ambitions, a murder takes place and a fortune from the past remains missing. Join Benoit Blanc as he takes us on a journey of sin and grace, penance and mercy, death and restoration.

This week we delve into the hot new streaming show on Apple TV, The Studio, With a core cast that interacts with real life Hollywood actors, actresses, directors, and producers, we get a glimpse in to the chaos that leads to our entertainment. Often times the situations make us cringe, yet we can't look away. Do our lives, vocations, and occupations lead us into similar moments? Can we, as Christians, become cringe worthy characters?

Do the sins of the father resist upon the son? This week we look at one of the greatest sequel movies ever made - Godfather 2. By paralleling Vito Corleone with his son Michael, Director Francis For Coppalla gives us a picture of generational sin, moral decay, and fractured morality. Join us as we examine how these two characters are separate and yet intertwined.

With the Winter Olympics upon us, we visit a true story about a British man who learned how to ski jump in order to make the British Olympic Team...but there was one problem, he wasn't very good. But that's not the point! Eddie Edwards had a simple goal: Make the Team; and playing by the rules that were set before him, he was able to do exactly that! When looking back at the 1988 Olympics people remember two things: The Jamaican bobsled team and Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards . Why? Both demonstrate the power of the human spirit and are stories that move us to remember the true joy of sports - competing!

We open season 11 with a hockey movie in honor of the upcoming Winter Olympics . considered one of the best hockey movies ever made, we take a slightly different turn with this movie as we consider a minor league hockey team that is valued by the player/coach and his team; is valued by their hometown fans when they begin to win...but is NOT valued by the owner who is set to shut down the team for a tax right off. Join us as we explore this classic film and welcome back to our new season!

In our final Winter Break offering, we revisit the movie You People. This is a challenging look at racism and the inherent challenges of a multi-cultural society. Starring Eddie Murphy and Jonah Hill, join us for some laughs and insightful commentary on this important film.

Is there such a thing as a "perfect trilogy" of movies? Well, our guest Jarod Skopak contends that there is - AND the Hangover Trilogy is it! Join us as we revisit one of our most popular podcasts of season 9.

I discovered this movie on a flight from Athens to Atlanta. Based on a true story, this movie engages relationships, value, and what we can ultimately learn...from a penguin!

Join us as we revisit this important and well done movie staring Pamela Anderson. Looking at the struggles of career, age, family, and friends!

As we conclude our Tenth Season we have tried to find, yet again, a New Year's Eve movie...and what we continue to find are movies that are not very good! However, this movie caused Michael and Jeffrey to take a good hard look at culture and the intersecting point of faith for Christians. How does a Christian "live and interact" with "Samaria?" How do we demonstrate Christian Love and Care while also not affirming the sin that surrounds us? Join us for the conclusion of season 10 and don't worry if you haven't seen the movie...we don't recommend you watch it!

Our favorite week of the year - the time when we determine "IF" a movie "IS" a Christmas movie or not. This year season we take on Goodfellas, a brilliant movie that is based on a true story. Directed by Martin Scorcese, we find elements of Christmas - Christmas trees and a bar decorated for Christmas. The infamous Lufthansa Heist (that takes place on December 11,1978)...BUT...is it a Christmas movie or not? Join Michael and Jeffrey as they deliver a definitive answer (while exploring this great film)

On our journey to Christmas today we stop at a movie that exams family, dysfunction, communication, and laughter as we arrive on the "other side." As we look through the lenses of laughter we begin to understand that all families have the quirks, trials, and chaos. The question is where does love, faith, and forgiveness fit in. This is a "worth the watch" kind of movie as we get closer and closer to Christmas Day.

A Christmas classic - Tim Allen brings to life Santa Claus in this fun, heart-felt, and funny take on Christmas. He has 11 months to convince everyone that he really is Santa Claus - a monumental task when factoring in an ex-wife, her husband, co-workers, and friends. If you sat down with a stranger would they be able to figure out your identity? Would they know you are a Christian by how you talk, act, and behave?

This week we enter into our favorite time of year - Christmas. This year we look at a movie that has great star power but did not do well at the box office. Mythical creatures, naughty and nice, disillusionment and hope - some of the many themes and characters that jump off the screen. And yet we are drawn to the age old question: What determines naught and nice? Who is righteous? And who determines it all?

Thanksgiving - or is it Friendsgiving? As we consider this movie we do so in the backdrop of the national holiday. So what do you do when celebrating this holiday? Why do you celebrate it? And most importantly, who do you celebrate it with and why? This movie takes us on a journey of shallow relationships and ill-fated attempts at humor. But what if it chose to be more purposeful and develop relationships that were supportive, meaningful, and a blessing to each other? Join us we consider these important themes.

As we remember Veterans Day we turn our attention to an Academy Award wining movie. This movie mixes music, cinematography, and a powerful story to show the stark reality of war vs the idealism that drives 17 year olds to join the German Army and risk all...and they will ultimately loose "all." How do you view war? How do you view the people around you? Do you know their story and does that story make sense. Join us for this challenging and thoughtful movie.

In this episode we look at the 2024 movie Wicked - a movie that consider the back story that leads up the classic film, the Wizard of Oz. Taking its cue from the Broadway smash musical, the movie explores the back story of Elphaba, Glinda, the Wizard, and many others. Everyone has a story - before you judge do you know their story...and for that matter, do they know your story?

It's time for our annual Halloween Movie and this year we have chosen the reboot of The Haunted Mansion. This movie weaves disconnected characters, spirits, and lots of "easter eggs" as a homage to the famous Haunted Mansion ride at Disneyland/Disneyworld. This is a movie where you can have a "Bingo Card" trying to find all of those scenes, references and, and moments regarding the ride. But along the way prepared to be entertained and see how unintentional community can be found! And don't be surprised that this year's Halloween episode is number 13 for this season...

This week we consider the "reboot" of a very successful franchise from days gone by - The Naked Gun. Using slap-stick, over the top, stupid, and borderline sophomoric humor, our experience with the movie was laughing for 85 minutes...but have we lost the ability to laugh? Can comedies like this make a triumphant return to the Big Screen? Or, are we so fractured and segmented as a society that we have lost the ability to laugh with (and at) each other?!

In this episode we are privileged to interview the writer/creator of the new episodic fantasy show The Lost Healer. Weaving Christian themes into the story, Wilson talks about the creative process, the focus on "work" as a means by which to give glory to God, and the opportunity to engage the audience in the various walks of faith. Films and shows like this are incredibly important and need our support so that "faith-filled" cinema can grow!

Welcome to a classic film that challenges the audience to consider head knowledge vs life experience; living life as opposed to observing life. This film generates emotional reactions from the audience - laughter, tears, anger, joy, etc... How are you living your life? Are you participating or observing? What about your faith? Does your faith flow naturally from your day to day living or is captured in sound bites and credal niceties? Join us as we go Good Will Hunting...

This week we look at the movie Saturday Night - the ninety minutes leading up to the launch of the iconic late night television show Saturday Night Live. Fast paced, intersecting orbs of chaos with Lorne Michaels and his wife Rosie Shuster trying to hold the whole thing together. With little to no time to breath, these two must Marshall forwards in order to get the show on the air. When does your life get out of control? When are you standing in the center of chaos?

This week we look at one of the biggest box office flops of the last 50 years of cinema. How does a movie withe a $110 million dollar budget and and engaging story crash so hard? Answer: Make the lead character a CGI monkey and the rest of the cast human beings around him. based on the true story of the English pop star Robbie Williams, we loose site of his rise to fame, personal struggles, and road to redemption. Why? Because the director took the story down a weird corridor of crazy film making. Join us as we explore what could have been and why we think this movie failed where others in this genre wildly succeeded.

In this episode we explore a movie that is described as "100 minutes of Keanu Reaves shooting people in the face." This movie's main character is fueled by grief and pain in the loss of his wife and the loss of a gift from his wife to deal with the pain. How do you contend with your grief and pain? How far would you go and to what lengths would you travel to find comfort and peace?

This week we look at movie that launched not one but two sequels - although, the movie really stands alone. How far would you go to save a family member? To what lengths would you travel, what tactics and skills would you use? When considering this question we are reminded at how far God would go to save us!

This week we look at a biographic movie that looks at a very limited (two year window) of the Reggae innovator Bob Marley and the Wailers. Love, redemption, forgiveness, and cultural revolutionary themes emerge from this movie. Michael and I recommend that you do some reading about Bob Marley prior to watching the movie - the focus is clearly on the music but there is life and soul behind the songs

We stumbled across the brand new movie on Netflix while downloading movies for a flight. Talk about an amazing and wonderful surprise! Based on a true story, this movie explores friendship, family, food, community, and love...just to name a few things! What YOU bring to the movie is what you most likely see. Vince Vaughn, along with a loaded cast, will make you laugh, cry, and celebrate life. Join us as we explore the range of emotions this movie can bring out in you...and let's all go to Staten Island and eat at Enoteca Maria!

Sometimes there is an iconic movie that simply stands alone. A generation of people can quote it, have watched it multiple times, and has found its way into the fabric of the culture. More often than not, Hollywood tried to capitalize on the movie by making an ill-fated sequel that fails miserably at the box office. BUT this is not the case with Happy Gilmore 2! A sequel that honors the past, remembers the actors/actresses who died prior to filming, is filled with cameos of the golfing and sports world, and gives us a beautiful arc of to the redemption of the characters. Join us as we explore why this movie is different from the typical sequel money grabs and how it has found its way right into our funny-bones

In this episode we look at an "overlooked" film that has a profound message of hope and new life. Based on a true story and a memoir written by the main character, the chance meeting with a woman, saving a penguin who will not leave the man's side, school children in a wealthy private school, and the the backdrop of politically tumultuous Argentina sets the stage for life lessons that changes everyone! Join us as we explore critical moments in life and how pets - even a penguin - can make such a difference.

We kick off season Ten with an exciting conversation with David Alford (The Writer and Director) and Joseph Stam (The Lead actor and co-writer) of Searching for the Elephant. This movie delves into Christian themes while presenting the harsh and sharp realities of addiction and relational pain. Here what those who are behind and in front of the camera have to say about the creative process while remaining true to the heart of reconciliation and redemption.

We conclude Season 9 with a look at two movies that have been heralded as the conclusion of a comedy movie genre - often called "Raunchy Comedy" - this over the top style of humor seemingly disappeared with 22 Jump Street...the question is why? Are we taking ourselves too seriously? Have we lost our ability to laugh without feeling insulted?

This week we look at the cinematic version of the Broadway smash hit play Hamilton. Disney does an amazing job of simply bringing the Play to the big screen without all of the trappings of trying to over produce this runaway musical. Which genre is better? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the live stage productions? There are so many questions and we try to answer them for you!

What happens when Hollywood icons appear to be "old" on the screen? Well, that's because they to age like you and me! This week we look at an amazing movie starring Pam Anderson and Jamie Lee Curtis who give us a glimpse of "who they are today." Set in the backdrop of a dying Las Vegas Stage show, we are challenged to consider age, changes, and an uncertain future.

31 years ago Disney released a masterpiece that appealed to children and adults alike. The Lion King is movie that is fraught with ups and downs, pain and celebrations. This movie reminds us that life is not a straight line, that it is filled with peaks and valleys and those experiences help mold and shape the very people we become. Join us as we explore this movie turned Broadway smash hit turned "live action" recreation.

In life we are given the opportunity to have friends - some of those friendships are great while others can be toxic. What causes you to remain friends with at toxic person? How has their life influenced you to make bad decisions or to do unsavory things on their behalf? this week we look at a movie that explores those very questions.

Can three movies create a perfect cohesion from start to finish? Is the arc from the beginning find completion in the end? This week we consider The Hangover movies - 1,2, and 3 - and consider how it interacts with culture, creates thoughtful story lines, and if it is indeed the perfect trio of movies from start to finish. We are joined with our guest analyst, Jarod to answer this question.

This week we look at a classic comedy, Old School. It is hard not to look back with beatific glasses while struggling with where are right now. It's also hard to look forward to what is ahead when we are struggling in the present. Join us for this comedic look at life, days gone by, and the future.

How in the world did we record 200 podcasts?! And for that matter...what have learned on this journey? This week we pause from our normal movie analysis to look at some bigger questions and bigger answers from looking at movies through the lenses of faith and culture. We have enjoyed bringing you this podcast each week and we look forward to the next 200 episodes...God willing!

This week we consider a Netflix movie based on a true story that was introduced to us by Neil and Beth of Canton, North Carolina. This movie will help restore your hope in humanity and that good people really do exist - people who love their neighbors, care for their friends, and desire to help their fellow man. And when Goliath tries to stop them, David is up to the task!

Who needs "right" or "wrong" when you can be your own arbiter for your life's boundaries! This is the first movie that has launched an incredible franchise of sequels and spin-offs. The only problem, everyone is always caught up defining and re-defining their understanding of "right" and "wrong."

This week we look at a movie that had all of the ingredients: Star power, a well-suited director for the genre, and an entertaining script...and yet the movie still failed at the box office. Whey does this happen? And even more so why did you enjoy the movie when others weren't attracted to it. This week's movie checks all of these boxes! Check out The Fall Guy - it really is a good movie

This week we consider a third installment of Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler in a romantic comedy, Blended. The movie arrived on the screen in 2014 - but would Hollywood make this movie today? Male and female influences on children are essential and as this demonstrates, each are equally important in the nurture and development of a child.

Theology - Polity - Churchmanship - Personalities - Aspirations - Sin...This week we look at a powerful movie that takes a look at the fictitious conclave to elect a new pope. Sides are chosen; arguments happen; personal desires get in the way of what is right and beneficial. This movie speaks to more than the church - it speaks to any organization that has an elected structure.