Christ, Culture, and Cinema

In this important movie we are challenged to get beyond the facade and get to know the depth, hurts, pains, and story of another person. All too often we do not take the time to understand why a person acts and behaves the way they do.

But what happens when we do? We just might learn to accept the person right where they are because their story is important.

This week we look at a dynamic pairing of Samuel L. Jackson and Ryan Reynolds as they team up in this comedic-action-thriller. What do you need to do to learn how to work with other people? How do you overcome your initial angst and dislike to see the good and graciousness of other people?

In this episode we consider the blockbuster, Academy Award winning movie that gives us an insight into the brilliance, challenges, moral dilemmas, inter-personal conflicts, and ethical consequences that were behind the creation of the atomic bomb. Powerfully acted, brilliantly directed, with a looming and sorrowful undertone of music the audience is left asking - what is the right side?

In this episode we take a look at a crazy, comical tale of beings that are in the endless search for a leader, albeit an evil one, for them to follow. How desperate is our search for Godly, worthy leaders to trust and follow? Where can we find them? Do any exist???

What happens when new people come to your church...and they are not like you? How do you deal with change or are you the one bringing the change? Jesus Revolution explores leadership challenges, seeing ministry and the world differently, conflict, and exponential growth all in the name of Jesus. Join us for this amazing true story brought to the big screen by Angel Studios

This week we look at a movie that engaged the culture so profoundly that it made over $1.4 Billion! But more than money, this movie dares to ask questions about life, finding our way as a man or a woman, leadership, identity, and the like. Even more so, it does all of this while making us laugh a little and think a lot!

What are the concerns and fears that prevent you from living life to the full? What are you afraid of and what circumstances have cropped up in your life that causes you not to Jump or leap when the opportunities to present themselves? This week we look at a wonderful movie about moving beyond the cubicle and into the wide open spaces of life; moving beyond our fears and into the great big unknown of life! Beauty, you see, doesn't always draw attention to oneself.

In this very special episode Jeffrey and Michael are joined by the director (Benjamin Ironside Koppin) and the lead actress (Courtney Bandeko) as they discuss real life issues that are part of the Christian life - things like rejection, pain, and isolation. This is not your "typical" Christian movie...and We LOVE IT! So join us as we explore a new chapter in Christian film making!

Loaded with Hollywood stars, this movie explores the relationship of right and wrong, work and family, law and chaos. When the pressure is on which way will you fall? Can you balance family and career? What will you do when one begins to suffer?

This episode is dedicated to hard work, people who influence and assist, and being the right person in the right position even when the world around you doesn't see it. This movie has spawned a franchise - but it all begins here. The identification of a streetwise kid, the mentoring and training by a devoted person, and the elevation to a position one could never have imagined...all wrapped up in a British action adventure!

In this episode we look back at a true story brought to life by the comedy genius, John Candy. Turning Jamaican Sprinters into Winter Olympic bobsledders was no easy task, and along the way they had to figure out how to be "Jamaican" in a sport of Northern Europeans and North Americans. God has made you just who you are so honor that and be true yourself...and others!

This week we take a look at what does it really take to put one's own ego aside and work together? In this comedic romp about an all male pairs figure skating duo, beyond the laughs are two people trying to put their own professional egos aside in order to raise up the other individual. How and where can we do this in our own lives?

In this episode we visit with a family whose father has passed, they have gathered for the the time of mourning, and all of their trials and tribulations coming flowing out. We will explore the themes of Love, Family, and Forgiveness and how the Christian Church is uniquely positioned to address these challenges in the world today.

This week we visit a fan pick: Guillermo Del Toro's Pinnochio. Cast in the background of World War II, we witness the death of Gippetto's son, the symbol of a crucifix, a wooden boy come to life, and sacrifices by people, a monkey, a cricket, and a wooden boy. So what does this all mean???

Join us for a fun ride (again) on the Bullet Train as we explore circumstances, fate, friendships, and family. This was truly one of our surprisingly fun podcasts of season 5!

This week we look back to season 5 when Michael and I entered the "Multiverse" with MCU - the challenges of arrogance, brilliance, humility abound in this classic super-hero movie!

This week we look back at a critically important episode from season 6. Set in the back drop of Hawaii, we explore the themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and unresolved consequences

In this finale episode of season 6 we look at the movie Poseidon, a remake of the 1972 classic. Set on a cruise ship on New Year's Eve, a rogue wave flips the ship over and causes mass destruction and death. A group of survivors make their way to the stern of the ship by the propellers in order to be saved. What motivates their decisions? Why do they do what they do or think what they think? What is their moral compass? Are they selfless or selfish?

In this raunchy (yet surprisingly tender) movie we are reminded of what is truly important at Christmas time - people! What do you value and who do you value? What is missing in your life and where will you find it? Join us in this fun and tender romp in a comedy classic

On the Twentieth Anniversary of this classic Christmas movie, we take a deep dive into the complexity of love - the successes, the failures, the strains, the joys, and the emotional dance that people play. Set in the back drop of Christmas, this amazing cast brings to life the range of emotions and feelings we experience in this journey called life

In this episode we look at the quirky electic action movie released to theaters in 2022. Santa a vigilante? A rich family at odds with each other and fighting over money? Thieves and a kill squad...all in the back drop of Christmas. But in this crazy movie we find many of the characters looking for restoration - restoration of relationships, family, hopes, and dreams. Join us for this zany Christmas ride!

In this episode we explore the need and necessity for community (and to provide community for others). Life is more than yourself and your desires...it is about being present and providing the "Christ-like" community for those who need it...it is about going after the 1 Lost sheep!

What happens when problems and trials are compounded with more problems and trials? When the "righteous" are harassed from every side? in the movie Gravity we encounter two astronauts who are confronted with trials and tragedies and yet remain "faithful" and "righteous" in the midst of the chaos. What can we learn about our faith and walk with Jesus from such a movie?

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 around us.

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 to terror. We see this in the world today - how do we deal with it? How can we contend with such unexplained violence?

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 fiction and the multi-verse as a back drop, this movie dares take us down a pathway that makes us examine our own lives more closely.

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 for, and bless each other in consequential ways. How much more so should we be invested in each other's stories in the community of the church. If you haven't seen Luca, check it out on Disney +!

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?

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 Bible is kind of like that - a variety of personalities and characters that we can identify with while we make our journey through life.

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-esteem.

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 your life?

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'"

In this episode we explore the 1993 Summer blockbuster movie, Jurassic Park. What happens when we think we know better than God? What happens when we engage in those things that are beyond our ability to control and maintain? Are we willing to face the consequences that may follow?