Christ, Culture, and Cinema

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.

This week we look at a zany comedic look at the fashion industry. Models, fashion designers, managers, and Hollywood stars all come together around an industry that has...purpose?! Each person fulfilling vocational moments - whether they realize it or not! It's not about smarts - it's about fulfillment!

This week we explore a heart-breaking, true to life movie about the wrestling family, the Von Erich . Marked by tragedy, discord, and strife, Kevin Von Erich finds a way out of the family mess to personal happiness. How often does this happen where parent's aspirations and dreams overshadow and diminish children? How unhappy can a family become in such an environment?

In this episode Jeffrey and Michael are joined by Dave Rittinger - a hockey playing pastor from New Jersey as they explore the true story, "Miracle" - the story about the 1980 USA Olympic Team that beat all odds and defeated the Soviet Union Hockey Team on their way to Olympic gold. But there is more to the story than simply hockey players - standing in the background is exceptional coac...

A very unlikely Adam Sandler movie, The Do-Over challenges you to consider your past, the decisions you have made, and what would you do differently. What do you need to to forgive yourself for and how will you move forward? How will your life change if you find a new pathway to follow?

This week we explore a Netflix movie that has soared to number 1, The Union. Starring Mark Wahlberg and Halle Berry, this over the top action comedy causes the viewer to consider the "what ifs" in life as well as the "what's next?" Looking backwards as well as looking forward can cause your emotions, and spiritual self to be thrown off center.

As we plunge into season 9 we take a look at a very well crafted by dark movie by Quinten Tarantino. He challenges us with the face of evil and those who have come to vanquish it - yet, are their methods any better (or maybe even worse) than those they have come to vanquish.?! In a word, do two wrongs really make a right!

Have you ever been excited to see a movie only to be let down? You purchased your ticket, took your seat, only to find yourself wondering "why did I get so excited about this movie?" Movies can let us down and disappoint us - the question is "Why?" Today we explore a few movies (some even made big money at the box office) that were let downs - movies we probably will never watc...

In our final winter break podcast we revisit a classic George Clooney Movie. Loosely following the Greek mythological tale "The Odyssey" we follow characters on a journey...what is your journey like?

In light of the Presidential Inauguration we thought it was fitting to revisit this true story of the now Vice President JD Vance. Everyone has a story and this one is incredibly important as we explore how one can overcome challenges and obstacles in life.

This week during our winter break we revisit a classic Western that addresses themes like honor, duty, and faithfulness. We hope you enjoy exploring this movie with us again.

Welcome to our Winter Break! This week we revisit a dark comedy that explores racism, cultural clashes, and the challenges that come with not understanding each other.

Every so often you come across a movie where the story line seems so thin but there are so many stars in the movie. So what do you do? You pick up your phone and start Googling what movies and streaming series they have all been in. New Year's Eve is one of those movies - so many stars but too many story lines to follow and tie together. Join as we explore how this movie could have been better and...

As we prepare for Christmas we take a look at one of the most iconic Christmas movies ever - It's A Wonderful Life. What happens when life doesn't follow the linear path you have set out upon? Frustrations, set backs, other people's needs; disappointments, failures, and messes to clean up. And yet, God works and wills wonderfully and blessedly to complete His plans and purposes. Join us this week...

Join Michael, Jeffrey, and a special guest - Jill, as they explore a 2023 cinematic masterpiece set in Western Massachusetts at a private boarding school. The movie probes fractured lives, unlikely friendships, and the sense of hope and restoration people seek. But looming behind this movie will be the question we ask every third week of December: Is this a Christmas Movie???

A Christmas Carol Musical...sort of?! Join us this week as we consider a comedy meets musical meets deep questioning movie - is there such a thing as a person who is "unredeemable?" With the backdrop of Ghosts of Christmas past, present, and yet-to-come," we discover how far one is willing to go to "redeem" another.

As we enter our annual Christmas Holiday movies, today we visit a classic - Home Alone. Everything about the movie is wrong - forgetting a child at home, the failure of the police to help, bandits that like to leave a calling card, and a young child outwitting those same bandits. And yet the movie is so right - the love of a mother, the reconciliation of a neighbor's family, and the support and as...

This week we look at the true life story of the Vice President Elect JD Vance. His backstory is compelling, challenging, and difficult. A broken family, drug addicted mother, poverty, and class distinction that created obstacles along the way. Two words come to mind: Perseverance and Grit. Join us as we explore moments and events that can change a person's life forever.

In this Coen brother movie we travel along (loosely) with Homer's Odyssey. Along the way we encounter Sirens, a Cyclops, a man who sold his soul to the devil, amongst other oddities. Set against the backdrop of 1937 Mississippi we make the journey and see reflections of our own lives - the ups and downs, twists and turns, and the unresolved moment that we may be standing in...so where are YOU on y...

This week we visit a war movie to honor Veteran's Day. What does it mean to be a conscientious objector? What does it mean to serve in the military when you are opposed to taking a life? How can one demonstrate love for the fellow man while still fighting in a war. This movie checks all the boxes of a classic and necessary movie for all to see!