Christ, Culture, and Cinema

A zombie movie that is a comedy is not easy to pull off - a genuine, comedy that is not about the zombies but about the characters living in the midst of the zombie apocalypse. And yet Shaun of the Dead achieves it! Shaun is an underachieving, disrespected person whose girlfriend dumps him and whose step-father is hard on him...and then the zombie apocalypse happens. Shaun transforms into a dedicated, quick-thinking leader trying to help and save those he loves (all through comedic lenses). Join us as we consider how circumstances can change the life of a person who is willing to step up and lead.

This week we venture back into the Star Wars Universe with beloved characters - The Mandolorian and Grogu - but are left asking the simple question: Is it one movie or...are we watching 8 episodes smashed together? Sometimes story-telling is a challenge when trying to fit a sub-story into the primary story. Neither character - The Mandolorian and Grogu - are not primary in the Star Wars cinematic universe - However, both have become wildly popular through Disney Plus and episodic shows. Join us we consider why this movie did "poorly" by Star Wars standards and is it worth watching.

There have been many iterations of Superman on the big screen, and this is the latest addition to the DC Comic superstar. Of course, we all know something about the story of Superman...but what happens when the movie presumes too much "local knowledge" on the part of the movie goer? What happens when you are at a loss regarding certain characters that have big roles? And what happens when familiar characters are not so familiar? Join us as we consider these questions and more.

In 2006 Mike Judge, the creator of Beavis and Butthead, gave a cynical (and funny) view of what the United States would look like in 500 years? A society of "idiots" who watered plants with Brando (a Gatorade like drink), incapable of simple problem solving, and spiraling out of control. We are now 20 years removed from the movie...was Mike Judge correct in his assessment? You be the judge!

A terrible father; a poor leader; an aging career; a failing ship; and the pursuit for the Jaguar Shark who ate his friend. This week we are joined by Dr. Joshua Hollmann, a Wes Anderson aficionado, as we explore the themes of: Revenge, obsession, dysfunction, legacy, and forgiveness. And let's not forget the use of music to evoke emotion while humor is used as the cloak over those same emotions.

What do you do when you are forced into retirement but really don't have a plan? What if your own family doesn't know how to help you...This week we consider a movie that asks these very questions as a man figures out his purpose through a mathematical glitch in the lottery. Join us as we consider life, purpose, community, and friendship through this true story of love and retirement

This week Jeffrey and Michael enter into uncharted waters - an interview with an author! No Big Screen...No Movie Stars...rather, the written page...buckle your seatbelts for a fun-filled look at Paul Headworth's book, "Prophetic Redemption." The book provides entertainment through an engaging murder mystery, sows seeds for salvation throughout the story line, and shares the tenets of the Christian faith... But don't think Jeffrey and Michael have left the big screen behind! With the help of Paul, the work as central casting if the book becomes a movie! You can find Paul's book on Kindle or at www.propheticredemtion.com

This week we return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with one of the biggest super hero movies ever made - the convergence of three iterations of Spiderman on one screen. But the movie challenges us to consider - how far and how much are you willing to sacrifice for the benefit of those you love...as well as those you don't even know!

Football season is upon us and today we look at the College Football movie Rudy. Daniel "Rudy" Ruttiger was a walk on practice team player at Notre Dame. The movie is inspirational and drives home the notion of hard work can lead to realizing your goal. People cheer, teammates support, and we rejoice in seeing the goal realized...however, history paints a slightly different picture concerning "Rudy."

Apple TV has introduced some incredible new shows - Shrinking being one of the best!. From relatable characters, challenging life issues, and incredible story lines, Shrinking challenges us to see ourselves and our own issues in the played out in characters on the "small" screen. And as you walk through the three seasons you are struck with a simple thought: THIS is what Christian Family ought to be!