Cinematic Doctrine: A Movie Review Podcast Hosted by Christians

MOVIE DISCUSSION:

Nate Marchand's Monster Island Film Vault Podcast, Henshin Men Podcast, The Power Trip: A Journey Through the Power Rangers Franchise Podcast, and Author website.

Nate Marchand, host of several podcasts, joins Melvin in discussing Hideaki Anno's bizarre entry to the Godzilla film-canon: Shin Godzilla! This film has it all: satire, comedy, tragedy, horror, and social commentary! This podcast? Equally so! Tune in now!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 73-minutes discussing the 5 MonsterVerse films from Godzilla (2014)'s grounded nature, Kong: Skull Island still probably being the best film in the series, Godzilla: King of the Monsters contested quality, and a combined look on both Godzilla vs. Kong and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Self-described "content machine" Nate Marchand shares about his several creative endeavors.
• Shin Godzilla is weird. Not necessarily as weird as Hideaki Anno's previous work, but definitely weird when compared to previous Godzilla material.
• At its face value, there's a lot to appreciate about the film. However, it's best understood in the light of modern Japanese history; most notably, the 3/11 disaster.
• Shin Godzilla is baked in Japanese culture almost to a fault, in that it makes a lot of the rich nuance of the film hard to engage as foreigners. Nate shares insight into some of these cultural hurdles.
• Getting into the atomic breath scene because it would be a mistake if they didn't.
• Shinji Higuchi was asked about the film's mysterious ending. In response, paraphrased: "I don't know. And the only person who does is Anno. And he's not talking."

Recommendations:

• Godzilla (1954) (Movie)
• Godzilla Minus One (2023) (Movie)
• Rebuild of Evangelion Films (2007-2021)
• Shin Ultra Man (2022) (Movie)
• Shin Kamen Rider (2023) (Movie)
• Monsters (2010) (Movie)

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MOVIE DISCUSSION:

Kathryn joins Melvin in discussing George Orwell's other popular communist-criticism tale, Animal Farm! In this early animated adaption the two discuss the complicated social dynamics of Animal Farm, what makes the story so timeless and accessible, and the fascinating history behind this film's development.

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 31-minutes of Melvin running an improv game wherein Kathryn must make war or diplomacy with different Animal Farms taken over by different barn animals. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Kathryn & Melvin kick things off by explaining their knowledge of Animal Farm before watching this adaption.
• This adaption of Animal Farm is animated, and while it doesn't match the same quality of animation as something like a Disney-animated feature, it stands-up well against them.
• The literature of Animal Farm is impressive, proposing multiple metaphors for multiple insights, but the implication of individuals being born with inherent qualities (i.e. certain animals - ergo; people - being capable of only certain actions) is questionable, and showcases how the metaphor breaks down.
• The tragedy of Boxer cleverly showcases how exploitative leaders not only view those beneath them as a means to an end, but also how Boxer was nothing more than product that moved product with the sole purpose of producing more product to Napoleon.
• Certain characters in Animal Farm are very pointedly representative of historical leaders. Kathryn breaks down some of their representations.
• It's a fact: If you watch Animal Farm (1954), you are watching CIA Propaganda.
• Because of the CIA's involvement, this adaption has a different ending. Kathryn & Melvin share their thoughts on this simple yet massive change.
• To help with the proliferation of Animal Farm (1954) propaganda (and profit), toys were also produced of various characters from the film (seen here, as Melvin was able to collect screenshots from the featurette).
• Finalizing thoughts on both Nineteen Eighty-Four and Animal Farm as stories.

Recommendations:

• The Muppet Movie (1979) (Movie)
• The Final Girls (2015) (Movie)

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PARTY PLEASER:

Guest: Nerds & Jesus Podcast & Instagram 

Mary Howell, lead host of the Nerds & Jesus Podcast, joins Melvin in summarizing a formative experience in Ryan Reynold's Hollywood career, Green Lantern! This stupendously expensive cinematic-universe starter failed to meet expectations, disappointing moviegoers the world over! And now it's time for us to be disappointed! 

Topics: 

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 41-minutes discussing "Cinematic Universe" intrigue and fatigue, as well as specifics like Marvel's current cinematic woes, the coming universe-change to DC, and a plethora of other cinematic universes (Monsterverse, Dark Universe, Conjuring-Universe, etc.). (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Mary shares about her various creative outlets, from podcasting to cosplaying.
• The pervasive criticism against Green Lantern had been its usage of CGI. From the start, Mary & Melvin have thoughts.
• Melvin observed an editing mistake, so he spends some time explaining what went wrong.
• Mary shamefully exposes her greatest sin: seeing Black Adam four times in theaters. 
• Further criticizing the suit and visor.
• Green Lantern as a narrative puts the concept of "fear" entirely in the negative. Mary & Melvin talk about how fear is actually a useful tool in the emotional toolbelt.
• Melvin wishes the movie got into more weird sci-fi space stuff.
• It takes an hour and thirty-five minutes for the action to finally get started in Green Lantern. It's criminal.

Recommendations:

• Set a timer on your mobile device!
• The Fly (1986) (Movie)

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Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

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MOVIE DISCUSSION:

Kelsey Kramer McGinnis on Instagram & Christianity Today

Pre-Order: The Myth of Good Christian Parenting: How False Promises Betrayed a Generation of Evangelical Families by Marissa Burt & Kelsey McGinnis

Kelsey Kramer McGinnis, contributing author to Christianity Today and Professor at Grand View University, joins Melvin in discussing a classic film adaption in early feminist literature, The Stepford Wives! 

Topics: 

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 38-minutes discussing Kelsey McGinnis' article on Christianity Today titled "Big, Big Market: Why CCM Filled '80s and '90s Homes", where CCM developed during the '00s and the '10s, the transition in popularity from CCM to Worship music, and the impact of how we engage music in the modern day through streaming and algorithmic curation. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Kelsey McGinnis shares about her upcoming book with Marissa Burt on the history of Christian parenting, and some of its crossover with the modern TRAD-wife movement.
• The Stepford Wives is almost entirely mumblecore in its presentation. Apart from that one big thing, it feels like a simple, evenly-paced film about nothing.
• Nearly 50 years later... is The Stepford Wives still a good representation of feminist cinema?
• The two open up their spoiler-filled discussion early (for a 50-year-old film) so they can get into more interesting weeds of discussion.
• So... is The Stepford Wives a horror movie? Yes, but likely only for some.
• For 1975, Melvin isn't aware he's seen or read any stories that tackle systematic issues with such complex clarity. He's largely observed that in more modern material.
• The Stepford Wives is stupendously blunt. Is that useful?
• Tradwives are like a modern stepford wife, but what else defines them? The two discuss its complicated origin, and it's identity-altering and spiritually-toxic attributes.

Recommendations: 

• The Sopranos (1999) (TV-Show)
• Taskmaster (2015) (Game Show)
• Someone's Watching Me! (1978) (Movie)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

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PATREON PARTY PLEASER: 

This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard!  

Shirleon joins Melvin in summarizing and reliving the early DCOM era of television with The Luck of the Irish, a movie that wears its inspiration on its sleeve! From weird patriotism to grotesque food, the two have fun traveling back to the early '00s for some wacky-and-weird high-school hijinks!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 49-minutes of discussing Denis Villeneuve's disinterest in "extended cuts" and "deleted scenes", why we're so enamored with extended/unrated cuts of movies, the concept of fan-edits, and the tragedy of lost versions of films. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• The Luck of the Irish isn't subtle in how it plays with ideas explored in Teen Wolf, although its various changes are far stranger.
• There aren't many showcases of food in the film that ostensibly isn't about food. Even so, every shot of food in this film is truly criminal.
• A main throughline of the film is a conversation on Irish-prejudice. Although this is a very real thing that took place in the U.S., and has also happened overseas, the heft with-which the movie tackles the topic is simultaneously absurd and overly serious.
• It isn't used enough, but the shrink-effect in the film is neat. There's some fun macro-props of otherwise small objects.
• So... like... does the general population know Leprechaun lore?

Recommendations:

• PowerWash Simulator (2022) (Video Game)
• Rings (2005) (Short Film)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Jerry Dugan's "Beyond the Rut" Podcast & Book

Cinematic Doctrine's Dune Episode

Jerry Dugan from the Beyond the Rut Podcast joins Melvin and Shirleon in discussing Denis Villeneuve's latest film, Dune: Part Two! Jerry and Shirleon share insight into the original Frank Herbert novel, how Villeneuve's two films handle adapting such complex material, and the tragedy of Paul Atreides.

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 42-minutes roleplaying as Imagineers building a Dune-themed section of Disney World's Hollywood Studios. One person creates a ride, one person explains why it's successful, and one person explains why it's either a risk to human life or an outright failure! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Since Jerry's previous appearance on Cinematic Doctrine (Avatar: The Way of Water) he's been going strong on his podcast and has published a book! (Episode mentioned in discussion here)
• It's unanimous: the gang loves Dune: Part Two!
• Melvin, "[Seeing Dune: Part Two] is why you fall in love with movies."
• Melvin hasn't read the book, so he asks Jerry and Shirleon about the differences between Villeneuve's interpretation and the source material.
• Dune (2021) has an ethereal, philosophical exploration of how frightening and daunting the concept of possibility is as a conscience being. Meanwhile, Dune: Part Two feels primarily a tale of grand, epic proportion.
• Shirleon reads a section of the book to assert the tragic loneliness of Muad'Dib.
• Getting into how broad, deep, and positively complicated the literature of Dune can get.
• Thoughts on where a sequel is headed, as both an adaption and an interpretation of its source material.

Recommendations:

• Paranormal Activity 2 (2010) (Movie)
• Silo (2023) (Series)
• The Stormlight Archive Series by Brandon Sanderson

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

The Gospel According To Podcast & Instagram

Dave Hallahan of The Gospel According To podcast joins Melvin in discussing one of Dennis Villeneuve's most accessible and celebrated features, Arrival!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 36-minutes of discussing Dave Hallahan's podcast The Gospel According To, their wide-variety of subject matter, the pursuit of media literacy, and the wonder of curation. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Dave shares about his podcast The Gospel According To, his meme page @youthgroupmemes, and his Substack "Bottom's Up w/ Dave Hallahan".
• Melvin asks Dave about his familiarity with Denis Villeneuve's film work, and the two discuss his films.
• Villeneuve utilizes the 5 senses to serve as various pick-up shots during moments of intense, transfixed awe.
• Melvin, "What do you think it is that makes, like, movies like this a chore to watch?"
• Discussing the beauty of the storytelling mantra, "Show, don't tell".
• Communication is the complexity of a "story in my head" in combined with or against the pursuit of mutuality.
• Dave sharing thoughts in the spoiler-filled section, "The journey to the hardship is also filled with tremendous joy."
• Discussing recurrent visuals, symbols, and motifs.
• The Heptapod B language is a gift because it encourages the self to invest further in the present because of their knowledge of the future.
• Dave, "The point of knowing 'the ending' is it should motivate our 'right now'".

Recommendations:

• About Time (2013) (Movie)
• Man on Wire (2008) (Documentary)
• Terraform: Building a Better World by Propaganda (2021) (Book)
• On Getting Out of Bed: The Burden and Gift of Living by Alan Noble (2023) (Book)
• The Taking of Deborah Logan (2014) (Movie)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
• Vote on a movie/show we review 
• One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

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MOVIE DISCUSSION:

@terrorificlady

Brandy, the Terrorific Lady herself, joins Melvin to discuss one of John Carpenter's more offbeat entries into the world of cinema, Prince of Darkness! From the combination of religion and science, to discussions on cosmic, otherworldly fears, and even fun comparisons to the other two films in Carpenter's soft "Apocalypse Trilogy", Brandy and Melvin discuss all sorts of topics within this fun, brisk episode!

Topics:

•  (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 33-minutes of Horror Movie Trivia with Brandy, the Terrorific Lady! Brandy answers a wide-range of horror film trivia while also using the questions as prompts for discussion! Tune in, you might learn something new! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Brandy talks about "Retro Horror School", a discussion series on horror flicks from the 1970s through the 2010s.
• Melvin wasn't a fan of Prince of Darkness the first time he watched it. This time around? Things were much different, and he's excited to share his newfound thoughts.
• In terms of John Carpenter's filmography... is Prince of Darkness confusing?
• A lot of John Carpenter's films leading to this point include a lot of graphic, visceral violence. Prince of Darkness not so much.
• Ranking the soft-titled John Carpenter "Apocalypse Trilogy".
• Interpretations on the ending, and how the tv-edit drastically changes the plot.
• Prince of Darkness creates an "archeological horror" story built around science and religion, not science vs. religion, which makes it unique.
• "Apocalypse Trilogy" endings: which would you prefer to live in?

Recommendation:

• Fan of horror? Build up that physical media collection! Shop ebay.com, visit thrift stores, and flea markets!
• The Strangeness (1985) (Movie)

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Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

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PATREON PARTY PLEASER:

This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard!  

Shirleon and Melvin travel back a whopping thirty years to summarize The Mighty Ducks, the early 90's hockey trilogy-starter! What a throwback! From simple-yet-compelling characters to an outright scumbag of a villain, The Mighty Ducks sure offered a lot to discuss! Tune in now! Quack Quack!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 31-minutes discussing the dynamics of nostalgia. We discuss its dictionary definition, how content like Urban Exploration is cultivated around nostalgia, and how nostalgia isn't always a yearning for things in our own childhood. We also discuss some Bible verses that speak into the dangers of over-indulging nostalgia rather than mere acceptance of its experience. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Shirleon reveals a groundbreaking insight into the hit 1992 hockey movie The Mighty Ducks... does Gordon Bombay have a house?
• The start of the movie has a weird, sped-up, slapstick heavy sequence that seems out of place. Shirleon proposes a clever re-write.
• Melvin wonders if most sports movie villains were based around infamous high-school basketball coach Bobby Knight.
• There's a subtle thread throughout the film that Gordon, after the loss of his father, is still struggling to grow without a father figure, and for the film's sake is in between two options: Coach Reilly or Hans.
• Talking about how 90s and early 2000s fashion is so in right now.
• That odd moment where Charlie asks Gordon to pursue his mother.
• The entirety of the third act, most notably the film's climax, is a great, simple, and accessible depiction of recovering from past trauma. It's clever!

Recommendations:

• Expedition Roasters (Coffee Beans)
• The Way of the Househusband (2021) (Anime)
• The Way Back (2020) (Movie)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

@TylerBanarkReviewsMovies

Tyler Banark from @TylerBanarkReviewsMovies joins Melvin to discuss one of his favorite films of 2022, The Menu! Combining culinary arts with cultish antics, this horrific thriller showcases excellent performances, delicious food, and class-warfare all in a tight 107-minutes! And there's a whole lot more where that came from! Tune in now!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 32-minutes recapping David Zaslav's two years as Warner Bros. Discovery's CEO, his bizarre cancelations and removals of streaming exclusives and originals, the current state of Coyote vs. Acme, and discussing how we feel about that as movie fans. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Tyler Banark shares about The League of Cinephiles, going to TIFF, and his favorite movies (right now).
• Initial impressions on The Menu, and fun trivia regarding a TIFF screening and food truck.
• The Menu was one of Tyler's top 5 movies of 2022. He shares the other top 4, and talks about how some movies succeed merely by connecting with its audience.
• Thinking through the hierarchal structure of service work, and the intoxication of chasing perfection.
• Yes, it's bold as day: "The Menu" as a phrase or "thing" is very much a metaphor for life.
• How The Menu portrays the "never meet your heroes" idea.
• How each course lends itself to metaphorical interpretation.
• Interpretations of the ending, and what makes it poignant, and what makes it a little silly.

Recommendations:

• Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974) (Movie)
• Little Manhattan (2005) (Movie)
• Your Name. (2016) (Movie)
• High and Low (1963) (Movie)
• Wings (1927) (Movie)
• Incantation (2022) (Movie)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
• Vote on a movie/show we review 
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