Soul on Screen

Join Drew, Grace, Lucius, and Paola as they react, review, and reflect on Rian Johnson's third installment in the Knives Out series, Wake Up, Dead Man, discussing how this murder mystery becomes a meaningful commentary on power, the church, and what it means to truly live out Christian calling.(00:00) IntroWelcome to Soul on Screen(01:01) ReactFrom Lucius feeling this was an improvement after Glass Onion, to Paola being floored by unexpected spiritual depth, the hosts share their enthusiastic reactions to a film that proved to be both entertaining and surprisingly meaningful(07:03) ReviewMasterful cinematography and lighting, outstanding performances with impressive shifts from comedy to despair, exceptional writing with subtle dialogue that rewards close attention, intentionally theatrical production design fitting the classic murder mystery genre, and questions about whether the mystery or the social commentary serves as the primary vehicle for the story(22:38) ReflectFather Jud as a beautiful vision of pastoral ministry and faithful witness, the radical nature of Christian forgiveness depicted through confession and grace, critiques of nominal Christianity and religious power-seeking, and a call to action for the church to "wake up" and embody true faith(01:06:52) RecommendRelated movies and books:Lucius's Holy Scripture of Film list, including:Children of MenFirst Reformed A Hidden LifeSilencemother!More from Rian JohnsonBrickLooperHercule Poirot series with Kenneth BranaghChariots of FireA Farewell to Mars by Brian ZahndRenovation of the Church by Kent Carlson and Mike LuekenThe Deeply Formed Life by Rich VillodasIn Good Time by Jen Pollock MichelA Rule for the Rest of Us by Jen Pollock Michel (forthcoming)

Join Paula, Grace, Drew, and Lucius as they react, review, and reflect on Dallas Jenkins' 2024 adaptation of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, comparing it to the classic 1983 TV movie and discussing why this Christmas story has endured across generations.(00:00) IntroWelcome to Soul on Screen(00:46) ReactVastly different reactions to the film—from delighted surprise to frustrated boredom—set up a lively and genuine discussion shaped by generational perspectives and varying familiarity with the source material(08:27) ReviewOutstanding child performances that carry the film, debate over the soft lighting and heavy voiceover narration, intentional 1980s period piece aesthetics that create a timeless storybook feel, authentic depiction of poverty, and comparing Dallas Jenkins' adaptation choices to the original book and TV movie(27:37) ReflectHearing the gospel story afresh through outsider eyes, critiquing nominal Christianity and church exclusion, the power of simple storytelling that still manages to surprise, questioning whether this adaptation plays it safe for modern audiences, and wondering what a truly provocative retelling might look like today(01:03:03) RecommendRelated movies and books:The Nativity StoryTokyo GodfathersLars and the Real GirlThe Family ManJesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth BaileyBibleProject: Birth of the MessiahThe ChosenThe Shepherd The First Advent in Palestine by Kelley NikondehaWinter Fire: Christmas with G.K. Chesterton by Ryan Whitaker SmithSmall Things Like These by Claire Keegan(01:18:46) Christmas BenedictionsThe hosts share personal messages, wishes, and reflections on the meaning of Christmas---Learn more at http://soulonscreen.com/Follow us @soulonscreen

Join Drew, Grace, Lucius, and Paola as they react, review, and reflect on Takashi Yamazaki's profoundly moving 70th anniversary Godzilla film and recommend some thematically related books and films. (00:00) IntroWelcome to Soul on Screen (01:03) ReactSurprised by the deeply human narrative, emotional impact that brought tears and lasting reflection—this is no American Godzilla blockbuster! (08:57) ReviewThe "minus color" black and white version heightened emotional depth and connection with the 1954 original, powerful score that honors and renews themes from the original, masterful VFX on a budget that served the story rather than dominating it, intimate cinematography emphasizing character over spectacle (22:11) ReflectExamining the tension between cultural values of collectivism -vs- individualism, reframing the true meaning of duty and sacrifice, exploring moments of forgiveness and heart change, identifying Christ-like figures throughout the narrative (01:01:11) RecommendRelated books and movies:1954 Godzilla filmOn Getting Out of Bed by Alan NobleWhen the Church Was a Family by Joseph HellermanOne Life (film)Southern Reach trilogy by Jeff VanderMeer

Join Drew, Grace, Lucius, and Paola as they react, review, and reflect on Greta Gerwig's surprisingly philosophical pink phenomenon Barbie, and share recommendations of some thematically related books and films.(00:00) IntroWelcome to Soul on Screen(1:20) ReactInitial skepticism turned to delighted surprise at the meaningful content packed into a story about a plastic doll, nostalgia for childhood Barbie experiences, appreciation for the film's earnestness and refusal to take itself too seriously, and varied emotional responses to America Ferrera's pivotal monologue(9:04) ReviewPraise for flawless production design that brought Barbie Land to life, the stark material contrast between plastic artificiality and real-world textures, exceptional pacing and editing, clever intertextual references and humor, outstanding music that carries the story's tone, and a script that balances fun with substance(21:13) ReflectExamining the film as a lament about artificial perfection versus authentic humanity, themes of creator and creation through Ruth Handler's role, the complexity of victim-villain dynamics in both Barbie and Ken's journeys, questions of identity and free will, the cost and beauty of choosing real life with its pain and imperfection, and incarnational themes of embracing embodied existence(45:23) RecommendRelated books, movies, and more:Blade Runner 2049Klara and the Sun by Kazuo IshiguroThe Bear (seasons 1-2)Embracing the Body by Tara OwensThe Gift of Being Yourself by David BennerChristians for Biblical EqualityNever Cast Out by Jasmine Holmes

Join Lucius, Paola, Grace, and Drew as they react, review, and reflect on Denis Villeneuve's epic sci-fi adaptation of Dune: Parts One & Two, and share recommendations of some thematically related books and films.(00:00) Intro(00:45) ReactInitial impressions from both book readers and newcomers, being completely absorbed by the intricate world-building, emotional reactions to the story's unexpected turns, and appreciation for accessible storytelling despite the source material's legendary complexity(11:36) ReviewPraise for Hans Zimmer's incredible score and groundbreaking sound design, the documentary-style visual approach, stunning desert cinematography, striking visual sequences that enhance the alien atmosphere, and thoughtful adaptation choices that successfully translate Herbert's dense universe to cinema(30:06) ReflectExamining themes of power and corruption, religious manipulation and political control, questions of destiny versus choice, the nature of leadership and sacrifice, and how the story's worldview contrasts with Christian perspectives on authority, hope, and redemption(55:19) RecommendRelated books, movies, and more:Dune (audiobook)Dune (1984 film)Dune (1992 video game)EcclesiastesMatthew, Mark, Luke, JohnDiscipleship by Dietrich BonhoefferA Mist Sprite's Study of Being Human by Kyra HintonThe Atlas of AI by Kate CrawfordOrbital by Samantha Harvey---Learn more at http://soulonscreen.com/Follow us @soulonscreen

Join Drew, Grace, Lucius, and Paola as they react, review, and reflect on the Broadway musical turned cinematic hit Wicked, and share recommendations of some thematically related movies and books.(00:00) IntroWelcome to Soul on Screen(01:13) ReactInitial impressions, varying appreciation for musicals, family viewing experiences, comparisons to The Wizard of Oz, Harry Potter, and Hunger Games, and personal connections(15:49) ReviewPraise for Cynthia Erivo's (Elphaba) expressive acting and vocals, discussion of Ariana Grande's (Glinda) performance, the visual design of a fantastical world, the challenge of adapting stage to film, the impact of live-recorded vocals(31:27) ReflectConsidering the film's central question "Why does wickedness happen?", critiques of racism, societal labeling, and propaganda, themes of mimicry, scapegoating, the ability to choose, and the cost of good character(01:03:31) RecommendRelated movies and books:Wizard of Oz (1939)Return to Oz (1985)The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. LewisWanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life by Luke BurgisThe Wood Between the Worlds: A Poetic Theology of the Cross by Brian Zahnd---Learn more at http://soulonscreen.com/Follow us @soulonscreen

Join Grace, Drew, Lucius, and Paola as they react, review, and reflect on the Oscar winning 2024 film Conclave. Stick around at the end for recommendations of thematically related movies and books.(00:00) IntroWelcome to Soul on Screen(00:37) ReactInitial viewing impressions, watching with family/spouses, tension and suspense despite minimal action, exceeded expectations(07:09) ReviewStunning visual composition, masterful performances (Fiennes, Tucci), use of space and lighting, sound design, multiple languages authentically portrayed(21:52) ReflectFaith vs. church politics, sacred vs. profane tension, pastoral leadership vs. ambition, the twist-ending and its meaning, women's roles in the church structure(01:04:01) RecommendThe Two PopesA Hidden LifeSilenceThe MissionThe SparrowTogether in MinistryIn the Name of Jesus---Learn more at http://soulonscreen.com/Follow us @soulonscreen

Take your seat alongside Drew, Grace, Lucius, and Paola as they share their journeys to finding meaning in movies. Discover the vision behind Soul on Screen and join us for a preview of the conversations to come.(00:00) Opening(00:37) Backstory(02:06) Introductions(11:04) Intersections: Film & Spirituality(28:09) The Name: Soul on Screen(38:54) The Format: React, Review, Reflect---Learn more at http://soulonscreen.com/Follow us @soulonscreen