Christ, Culture, and Cinema

Halloween movies are usually about ghosts and goblins, witches and warlocks. But what about a Halloween movie about people who are a little different? What about a Halloween movies that challenges us to get to know those "different" people who have a heart and care for all of those around them? Well...that's Hubie DuBois in this week's movie

After a brief absence due to Hurricane Helene, we return with a classic Western to challenges us to consider what is honorable and noteworthy - why are certain people deemed honorable and why do they stand out? Everyday, ordinary people can do extraordinary things that change our opinion of who they are.

What if a romantic comedy delves headlong into racial prejudice from a variety of perspectives? What if it really mirrors our contemporary world in such a way that while you are trying to laugh you are really examining your heart and soul? This week we take on a 2023 Netflix movie that does all of that and more! Join us as we explore how off putting we can be when we are not willing to sit, listen...

Life is not a straight line. Family, friends, finances, education and the like all play a role in how you live your life. Do you justify bad choices or immoral behaviors and are you doing so due to those influences on your life? This week explore with us a movie filled with plot twists and turns as each character seeks to "justify" their behavior and choices.

This week we take on a bio-pic about the life and rising stardom of Johnny Cash. He was incredibly complex man whose life was molded and shaped by experiences (mostly negative) and his ability to endure and persevere. What has impacted your life more - experience or perseverance?

This week we look at a thriller meets sci-fi movie. When a young woman is forced to be a drug mule and the drugs leak into her blood stream she begins to experience exponential mental growth and capacity. her mind capacity exceeds anything the world has ever seen. What causes you to grow intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually? What are your limits and how much more can you be?

In this episode we look at a true story set in Texas during the 1950's - the back drop is country club, a Mexican community, and the prejudice that exists on both sides of the country club fence. Does playing by the other culture's rules get you to where you want to be? How do we address cultural differences and inherent ideologies and prejudices? How can we be better?

In this episode we explore an excellent movie of historical consequence - when Pope Benedict XXXIII "retired" as Pope and Jorge Bongoglio was elevated to the Papacy assuming the name Pope Francis. These very different people learned so much from each other while, at the same time, while learning a great deal about themselves.

As summer vacation comes to a close, we visit a movie about people who randomly meet on vacation and become "friends." What is a real friend? When you consider the tapestry of your life, who will be there for you no matter what? This very funny movie helps us explore what and who are really important.

We kick off season 8 by checking out a new Netflix release that adds to the 1984 classic Beverly Hills Cop. The movie follows a similar recipe of the previous two movies and Michael and I found ourselves smiling, laughing, and reminiscing. There is power in nostalgia and looking back and this movie takes us back to a very happy time. What movies do that for you?

This concludes our summer break series and what better movie than The Irishman?! This epic crime movie takes us on a journey and into the dark corners of the world. What is evil? What moves a person to such violence? How can one be so unhealthfully detached?

This week's summer break is a double feature! One of my favorite movies (I consider it one movie in two parts) is an homage to the old kung fu movies of the 70's. Stunningly acted, beautifully directed, and yet...violent! Where does vengeance leave you in the end?

This week's summer break special is a "dark" comedy that Michael introduced to me this past season. Themes of love, failure, repentance and forgiveness all come rushing to the fore.

This summer break re-visits a blockbuster from the past - a Steven Spielberg masterpiece. Explore with Michael and me the themes of what happens when you mess with the created order..

This week's summer break movie is Pastor's Kid - a boutique type film where Michael and I had a chance to visit with the director and the star of the movie! Join us to learn about the creative process and an excellent real-to-life film

Join us for our first summer break movie - this movie explores great themes of life, death, grief, and overcoming life's obstacles!

In today's episode we visit a classic comedy that gained popularity on cable and streaming services. But beyond the "over the top" laughs there is a deeper question of personal value and WHO values you. Join us as we close out season 7!

This week we look at a classic Pixar-Disney Movie. Monsters in the closet; children screaming; and those screams being harnessed as energy for Monstropolis. So...what do you know and what do you really not know becomes the question. In this fun adventure children's laughs are more powerful than their screams, and monsters aren't so scary after all! So what do you really know and how can yo...

This week we look at a "What If" movie - what if the world never had the gift of the Beatles and their music...BUT...was shared by someone who knows all about the Beatles but takes credit for it himself. Why is it important to share what you know? Why tell the truth even if it means you loose personal gain? And...ultimately, what is most important?!

This week we look at a comedic view of what really defines a family - is it flesh and blood or "water and the spirit?" When a group of misfits get pulled together how do they transcend their differences and become what a family is supposed to be? Do you have people in your life that you consider family but are not flesh and blood related? Why do you consider them family?

Maybe one of the most over the top, crazy comedies ever made, Step Brothers somehow teaches us something about overcoming relationships we did not choose and finding friendship and success int he midst of it. Join us as we explore a family that comes together and somehow improves each of their lives through the new relationships they discover.

in this episode we look at a action/Romantic Comedy that challenges us to think about life decisions, sacrifice, and what is most important. Join us on this ride as we make our way through explosions, laughter, and sacrifices...

What if the "hero" faced moral and ethical decisions that adversely impacted the life of another? What if he was not so heroic and his decisions led to the death of another? And what if that person found it in her heart to reconcile and make the awful situation work? That is what we will explore this week in this Sci-Fi survival meets love story

A summer blockbuster movie...a prehistoric shark...and a complicated hero with a past. This week we look at a summer action/adventure movie that presents a character with depth and flaws. Those around him assume much but seemingly know little. What do you know about other people? Are you quick to rush to judgment?

Another Road House?! How do you remake a classic without upsetting loyal fans of the late Patrick Swayze? By keeping key elements, repeating memorable lines, but making a very different movie. Jake Gyllenhaal takes the lead role of Dalton in a very different direction. Questions arise about his background, self-control, and boundaries he tries to establish for his life. What happens when those bou...