Christ, Culture, and Cinema

In this episode we cover two movies for the price of one! This classic two volume movie pays homage to the Kung Fu/Martial Arts movies and shows of the past while delving deeply into the question of vengeance and mercy, revenge and forgiveness. These movies are perfect bookends in this discussion as the Bride's vengeance plays out on the big screen.

In this episode I am reminded of my days of grade school visiting the New York Museum of Natural History...and then returning to the museum with my own children. To see the wonder and awe through the eyes of a child helps us, as adults, recapture what we loose in the pursuit of success, money, and "more." This movie captivates our imagination and helps us smile at the wonders that abound...

Although not a "Halloween" movie, this week we explore a "dark" and scary movie, The Dark Knight. Heath Ledger won the academy award for portraying the total chaos and terror that is brought to the screen in Joker. There is never an explanation as to "why" he does what he does or "how" he has become this villain. The view is simply left with chaos that leads...

This movie captivated the Oscars in 2023 by taking home 10 Academy Awards...but many people wondered, "Why?" The reason, in this podcast's opinion, was that the movie dared ask the existential questions that many people struggle with day to day - the impact of life choices, what could (or should) have been, does my life matter, and am I making a difference? While using science fictio...

The Movie Luca was released to streaming as the world was coming out of the Covid-19 Pandemic. This heart-warming animated classic draws the audience into a variety of stories that intersect with each other. Each story is important and each story has influence on the other characters. It is only when the individual characters learn each other's stories that they are able to understand, care fo...

In this episode we explore a very "un-like" Disney/Marvel character, Deadpool. Rough around the edges, relatable and ordinary, yet when confronted love, cancer, and a potential miracle cure, his life is forever transformed - although Wade is still the same comedic, snarky guy, he is different. What has transformed or changed you to be the person you are right now?

Every so often you find a movie that is real, genuine, and authentic to life. Things don't always neatly resolve and forgiving oneself is necessary before you can even venture down the road of forgiving others. The Descendants takes us on a journey of forgiving - oneself, spouse, friends, family, and even those who have participated in extra-marital affairs. The difficulty of demonstrating the hea...

This week we explore a "true story" of persistence in pursuit, creativity in love, and the protection and support a community can provide. This may be one of Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler's best movies together as they demonstrate authenticity in driven devotion to love and protect, to care and to be cared for, to love and to be loved.

This week we take on a crazy "horror meets comedy meets 'true story" movie. Surprisingly, the movie made money and the "Bear" even made an appearance at the Academy Awards. But what makes this movie fun is that you can get lost in the characters. They are relatable and entertaining as we find yourself looking for the moments when they will intersect with each other. the Bib...

In this episode we are joined by Maddy Briggs (a second grade teacher) as we consider a teacher's responsibility to identify giftedness, help students unlock potential, while remaining faithful to the task of teaching all subject matters. Although the movie is unconventional, it clearly demonstrates unlocking the passions that are found in each child while building up their character and self-...

In this episode we are joined by Dillon Briggs, an aerospace engineer, as we discuss one of the best "sequel" movies ever made. The tension of the first movie really not resolving the problem of the Empire, while ending on a note of unresolved galactic issues. Life is not always how or what we think it ought to be. We live in the tension of "unresolved."

In this episode, as we prepare for Football Season, we visit a classic movie that explores not only the building of a football team but the adversities that need to be overcome to find true community and unity. Racism, community pride, and getting egos out of the way are some of the important topics this movie raises to the audience.

In this episode we are privileged to have Dr. Joshua Hollmann of Concordia University - St. Paul, MN join us as we explore the latest Wes Anderson film, Asteroid City. We discuss themes of life and death, clarity and confusion, and other things that we each experienced watching this film. We hope you enjoy our roller-coaster conversation!

Meet Carl - He is grieving the loss of his wife. His world is changing around him and he is anchored in his past. Enter Russell. A lovingly-relentless child who helps Carl see that there is more to life than memories. The memories are part and parcel of who Carl is and how he should be living his life today. This is an animated classic that hits closer to home the older you get!

As the Indiana Jones Saga comes to a close with The Dial of Destiny, today we look at where it all began. Treasure hunter, archaeologist, and professor. Where is your faith? What do you believe?

We believe this is an important movie on a number of levels - but most importantly in dealing with death (both on the screen and in real life for the actors and actresses). This is a unique movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and we hope you enjoy your deep dive on this one.

Michael and I had the privilege of previewing this movie for Netflix in January. This is more than a "lost dog" movie - it is an emotional journey of a family. We hope you enjoy both the movie and our take on it.

Maybe one of the most important and influential superhero movies introduced in recent memory, join us as we explore the deeper themes that emerge from a dark superhero. We hope you enjoy!

This week we look back on one of our favorite movies from the previous season. Although this movie did not do well at the box office, we believe that this is one of the more important movies we have covered. We hope you enjoy our take on it!

This week we revisit one of our favorite entertaining movies that challenged us to find some deeper meaning behind a martial arts classic

In this episode we explore the necessity for unconditional love in one's life - received from others and given to others. Without such love, life can become a dread and lead to thoughts (and actions) of death. What happens when people love you unconditionally? People who refuse to give up on you?

In this episode we explore one of the most unusual MCU Super heroes, Dr. Stephen Strange. How does one overcome blinding pride, self-absorption and arrogance? What causes a person to look beyond "self" to the needs of others?

In this Quentin Tarantino movie we explore how layers of story converge at one point all driven by self-justification and personal perceptions of "right." Yet, we know that all of this movie is a horrific demonstration of sinful behavior that never seems to be corrected. Where is true peace and satisfaction found? Where are wrongs forgiven and made right?

We are privileged to preview this new movie on Peacock that is based not the book about LeBron James days in High School at St. Vincent/St. Mary's high school in Akron, Ohio. In this movie we gain perspective of his past, his friendships, and the adults that helped mold and shape this superstar! Who are those who have helped you along life's journey? Who has helped you gain perspective in...

In this episode we explore how selfishness and greed get in the way of purpose and community. This 2011 raunchy comedy guides us through questions like: What I want vs. what I need, working for myself vs. serving others, and much more. Ultimately we ask, "What does one have to do to get to the finish line and be greeted with the words, 'Well done, good and faithful servant'"