Cinematic Doctrine: A Movie Review Podcast Hosted by Christians

MONTHLY MOVIE NEWS:

Like our recently revived Trailer Talk monthly segment, Daniel and I decided to use this time for Monthly Movie News to involve a bit more than simply news from the month of June… Because it’s been several months since our last episode.

Our first topic on the docket is the booming trend of Video-on-Demand popularity. With movies like Trolls: World Tour, Capone, and many others seeing success skipping the theaters and landing on streaming services such as Amazon Prime and Vudu, more out of necessity than anything, Daniel and I contemplate what these changes in the industry may mean for movies as a whole, whether they’ll remain permanent as things return to, quote-unquote, normal, and if we can see certain companies regretting their over-commitment to VOD services.

Then we get into the contentious topic of mask-wearing, as theater chains AMC and Cinemark demand visitors to wear masks to their properties when they eventually open (as that date seems to change depending on the week you’re in). We also talk about the strange politicization of mask-wearing, because Lord knows two Christian cinephiles in your podcast app are the most qualified to have that discussion.

And finally, Daniel and I dive headfirst into yet another contentious topic: contextualized racism. Warner Brothers were recently under fire for temporarily removing the popular Gone with the Wind for the purpose of contextualizing racist attitudes and depictions within the film. The two of us dig into the nuanced discussion surrounding historical recontextualization because, again, we’re Christian cinephiles and Lord knows we’re the most qualified to have this conversation. 

Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon 
Website: CinematicDoctrine.com 
Email: [email protected] 
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter 
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Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc 

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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TRAILER TALK:

Welcome back to Trailer Talk! Cinematic Doctrine’s monthly segment in which my cohost Daniel and I talk about trailers that released in the past month. At least, that was our typical practice… but everything shut down mid-March, Daniel’s work-week skyrocketed, and I got super sick… Plus, movie trailers stopped coming out. 

Until now! 3.5 months later, Daniel and I have been able to accrue enough movie trailers to return with a proper, well-deserved Trailer Talk, and we’re really happy to get the ball rolling again.

First, we dive into Connected, the upcoming Sony Animation picture film. We talk about the excitement of seeing another Sony animated feature that embraces the creativity of their previous successful film, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, while approaching that creativity with a generational film about a family struggling with technology.

Then we talk about The Kings Man, the latest in bombastic and violent Kingsmen films that takes us back to the origin of secret organization. Daniel shares his fond experiences with The Kingsmen franchise, while I tell you what my mom thinks of this franchise.

After that, we look at the much-anticipated Bill & Ted Face the Music, the long-awaited sequel to Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey that has been in the works for years! We talk about our cautious excitement, build upon why we feel this will turn out well, but also think about the value of comedy in an ever-changing culture.

And finally, the last trailer we talk about is Peninsula, or as has been advertised here in the west: Train to Busan Presents: Peninsula. Set within the world of the popular Korean film Train to Busan, Peninsula takes us back to the zombie-infested country of Korea. Daniel shares, yet again, his cautious excitement for this amped up semi-sequel to one of his favorite movies. 

Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon 
Website: CinematicDoctrine.com 
Email: [email protected] 
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter 
Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta 
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc 

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

Social Links: 

• Threads
• Website
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• Letterboxd
• Facebook Group 

BONUS EPISODE: 

So this was a segment originally intended for June 2020’s Monthly Movie News where Daniel and I start the episode by giving you a quick catch-up on what we’ve been doing, watching, all that jazz, now that we’re able to get back into a steady rhythm of recording. 

However, the two of us (and by two of us, I mean Daniel) went a little long talking about all the movies and shows we’ve been watching, as well as sharing our motivation for what we’ve been watching during such a, keyword incoming, unprecedented time. 

From listing off every single movie I’ve watched from March till July to Daniel sharing his fascination with the WWE, his traumatic experience watching Tom Hooper’s Cats, and his frustration with Christian-outrage culture toward a particular Disney animated film, we hope you enjoy this little bonus episode. 

Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon 
Website: CinematicDoctrine.com 
Email: [email protected] 
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter 
Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta 
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc 

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

Social Links: 

• Threads
• Website
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PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION:

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

American Gospel: Christ Alone has been a word-of-mouth juggernaut in Christian circles both online and offline. I remember the impact it had on social media Reformed groups back in 2018, and I even remember when my pastor was recommending it at the pulpit during morning announcements. It was crazy. Now, in 2020, it’s landed on Netflix and you would think it was American Gospel: Christ Alone’s second coming, as groups online and offline have been praising its successes.

Through-out the episode we talk about balancing an appropriate appreciation of the documentary alongside healthy critique, how American Gospel: Christ Alone has both an excitement and frustration within its response to the prosperity gospel, and in our closing section, which runs quite long this time around, Daniel shares at length his first-hand experience with the prosperity gospel, and reveals how deep its damaging roots have entered the American culture.

Featuring talking heads with Matt Chandler, Paul Washer, and Benny Hinn's nephew Costi Hinn, American Gospel: Christ Alone explores the core question of Christianity - “What is the Gospel?” - and juxtaposes the gospel proposed in Scripture against the gospel proposed by popular western televangelists. In doing so, it shines a light on real-life accounts from several prosperity gospel survivors and the dangers that lurk around every corner when misunderstanding and twisting the word of God for monetary gain.

American Gospel: Christ Alone is Rated TV-PG. IMDB doesn’t have a detailed certificate, so I’m going to run off what Netflix describes in their certificate: suicide, substances, and language. It features Costi Hinn, Paul Washer, Matt Chandler, Mark Dever, Justin Peters, Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, Bill Johnson, and Todd White. Directed by Brandon Kimber. American Gospel: Christ Alone is currently available on Netflix. 

• Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon 
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• Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter 
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• Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc 

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
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• One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

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MOVIE DISCUSSION:

As Cinematic Doctrine works our way through reviewing Phase One of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, we couldn’t help but bring back Caleb to talk about Iron Man 2, which at the time of release was the highly anticipated sequel to 2008’s total breakout film, Iron Man.

Caleb hails from The Polymath Roundtable, a semi-weekly Christian podcast that produces bite-sized reviews and topical discussions on all sorts of media. Some episodes he is talking about movies, other’s he’s discussing books, and at other times he’s looking at video games. It’s well-rounded and often balanced pursuit makes for easy listening on your daily drive for when you need some good Christian thoughts on all kinds of topics.

And with Caleb’s return, we eagerly looked forward to talking about the divisive Iron Man 2. Right off the bat, we start talking about how our thoughts on the film don’t seem to be the same as everyone else’s. In fact, we both really enjoyed Iron Man 2. And this led to a great discussion on enjoying something that’s not only divisive but has a difficult history, as those who followed the production of Iron Man 2 may recall. The Lord kept us on that topic as we question the value of using products that come from a problematic history, or engaging media produced by people whose sin has been made public.

It may sound like we get a bit off track, but I implore you to keep listening because I think it’s the kind of discussion we should be having. Looking at the history of the media we watch is as important as the media we watch.

Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine!

Iron Man 2 is Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, and some language.

It features Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Mickey Rourke, Samuel L. Jackson, and Clark Gregg.

Directed by Jon Favreau.

Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon
Website: CinematicDoctrine.com
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc
The Polymath Roundtable: https://polymathroundtable.com/ 

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

Social Links: 

• Threads
• Website
• Instagram
• Letterboxd
• Facebook Group 

MOVIE DISCUSSION:

Funnily enough, Daniel and I recorded this a few weeks ago and had stepped away disappointed. We felt it wasn’t very good, but when you have deadlines to meet you gotta do with what you have. Then I started editing the episode and thought to myself, “You know what, this episode isn’t that bad!” So there you have it. Quote me on it! This episode isn’t that bad!

I’m, of course, joking around. It really did turn out well, but the circumstances of recording were difficult. I had just gotten over being sick, Daniel had been awake for well over 24 hours… it was amazing we ever recorded at all. But God took care of everything, as it were, and the conversation turned out well.

From the start, we talk about what a strange experience The Incredible Hulk is, and how this anomaly is still considered canon in the Marvel Cinematic Universe despite having very little direct mentions or callbacks to the events of the film. We also contemplate how The Incredible Hulk functions as a stand-alone movie with little-to-no involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe at large, save for ridiculously small allusions that are easy to miss. And finally, we discuss the maturity of not just watching a movie, but laughing or mocking it, despite the time and effort many people have in making them. 

The Incredible Hulk is Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense action violence, some frightening sci-fi images, and brief suggestive content. 

It features Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt, and Tim Blake Nelson. 

Directed by Louis Leterrier. 

Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon 
Website: CinematicDoctrine.com 
Email: [email protected] 
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter 
Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta 
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc 

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

Social Links: 

• Threads
• Website
• Instagram
• Letterboxd
• Facebook Group 

MOVIE DISCUSSION:

We here at Cinematic Doctrine are happy to kick off a series of reviews on Phase One of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. From Iron Man to The Avengers, we’ll be looking at each film and discussing them one by one, and along the way we’ve decided to bring on a few guests from other Christian podcasts, starting with Caleb Young. Caleb hosts the popular Polymath Roundtable, a Christian podcast that produces bite-sized reviews and topical discussions on all sorts of media. Some episodes he is talking about movies, other’s he’s discussing books, and at other times he’s looking at video games. It’s well-rounded and often balanced pursuit makes for easy listening on your daily drive for when you need some good Christian thoughts on all kinds of topics.

And so, with Cinematic Doctrine offering a larger format than bite-sized 20-minute episodes, Caleb and I had a lot of time to really dig into Iron Man. From the start, we discuss what it was like to revisit this modern classic in the comic-book film canon, as well as discuss a few issues we have with the film including, but not limited to, some surprisingly sensual sequences. We also discuss the stark themes of legacy and responsibility from the perspective of Tony Stark’s struggle with arrogance. And finally, we close out with an introspective discussion on what it means to be a film critic as we weigh the value of Iron Man both culturally and morally.

Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine!

Iron Man is Rated PG-13 for some intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, and brief suggestive content.

It features Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, and Gwyneth Paltrow, and Shaun Toub.

Directed by Jon Favreau.

Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon
Website: CinematicDoctrine.com
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc
The Polymath Roundtable: https://polymathroundtable.com/ 

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

Social Links: 

• Threads
• Website
• Instagram
• Letterboxd
• Facebook Group 

PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION:

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

Tigertail released on Netflix around the beginning of that big worldwide event that I can't type out without algorithms blacklisting my website, and while there were two Netflix properties released around that time with the word “tiger” in it, Tigertail really got the short end of the stick. I guess when you get right down to it, the United States is far more interested in gawking at the bizarre characteristics of human depravity than watching a challenging film about immigration and growing up… but who am I to judge?

Besides, I have Carter Bennett for that, and he can make all the judgments. Just kidding. I had completely forgotten that Tigertail and Tiger King released around the same time until now, and we recorded this episode a few days ago so I guess that was a missed opportunity for some good material. Oh well!

Like I said, Carter Bennett is visiting with us yet again. You may remember him as the guest on our last Patron-voted movie discussion, I Am Legend. If you haven’t heard that one already, go give it a listen. If not, that’s cool too! Just be sure to check out Carter’s Instagram @Film_Junkie_Reviews for some great Christian movie reviews.

In this episode Carter and I talk about how Tigertail was a breath of fresh air after what was turning out to be a lackluster year for movies, what with the aforementioned worldwide event going on as of posting this episode. Then we talk about the difficulty of tackling past experiences and traumas in pursuit of becoming a better man while also recognizing the unique difficulties immigrants face in transitioning from one culture to another. And finally, Carter and I gauge the value of Tigertail as a steppingstone for learning about the immigrant experience.

Tigertail is Rated PG for some thematic elements, language, smoking, and brief sensuality. It features Tzi Ma, Christine Ko, Hong-Chi Lee, Fiona Fu, Joan Chen, Kuei-Mei Yang, James Saito, Hayden Szeto, and Cindera Che. Directed by Alan Yang. Tigertail is available to stream on Netflix. 

Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon 
Website: CinematicDoctrine.com 
Email: [email protected] 
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter 
Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta 
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc 
Film_Junkie_Reviews Instagram: https://bit.ly/FilmJunkieReviews 

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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• Instagram
• Letterboxd
• Facebook Group 

MOVIE DISCUSSION:

I’ve been bouncing around the idea of having Kathryn join me for an episode of Cinematic Doctrine for quite some time, and finally, a year since creating the podcast, the two of us have settled on a film to review together. Samson, or any Pureflix film for that matter, was not necessarily a film we ever thought we would jump on for this opportunity, but as you will hear later in the episode, the timing was surprisingly perfect. And with Samson streaming on Netflix, it only made sense for us to give it a go.

Within this episode, we open with why we watched Samson of all things, followed by our general thoughts regarding the film. As one would suspect, we conveniently transition into discussing whether Pureflix’s Samson is biblically accurate, and how we feel about the film’s handling of the material. Not only that, but we also head into a discussion about the difficulty of adapting anything historical, let-alone biblical, and what can cause a biopic or historical adaption to risk bearing false witness. And lastly, as one can suspect, when discussing anything Pureflix, the two of us share our candid thoughts regarding the self-proclaimed wholesome and Christian film production company, and how their mission, as well as their subsidiary QualityFlix, may not be coming from a position of moral decency but actually capitalistic opportunity.

Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine!

Samson is Rated PG-13 for violence and battle sequences. 

It features Taylor James, Caitlin Leahy, Billy Zane, Jackson Rathbone, Rutger Hauer, Lindsay Wagner, and Greg Kriek. 

Directed by Bruce MacDonald. 

Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon 
Website: CinematicDoctrine.com 
Email: [email protected] 
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter 
Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta 
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc 

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

Social Links: 

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• Website
• Instagram
• Letterboxd
• Facebook Group 

MOVIE DISCUSSION:

Just before calling the hiatus, I had Carter Bennett of Film_Junkie_Reviews join me on the Cinematic Doctrine podcast for a fun discussion of the popular Will Smith film, I Am Legend! Rather than have everyone, including Carter, wait a few weeks before the release of this episode, I figured I'd dredge up what energy I had during this quarantine to produce this last episode to its completion. Back-pain be darned to heck and back, I will get this episode out!

So here it is in all its glory, and it sure was a fun one! From the get-go, Carter and I talk about what it was like to return to I Am Legend after spending so many years apart from it, the cultural impact it had upon its release, whether or not we're even Will Smith fans to begin with, and how I Am Legend paints an interesting picture of community - or the lack thereof it - despite stripping away so much of what seems apparent in the legacy of Richard Matheson's classic novel.

And just a reminder, this will be the last episode of Cinematic Doctrine for quite some time. Patron Supporters will not be charged for the month of May. However, we are working behind the scenes to bring you new episodes after the hiatus.

Tune in [SOMEDAY] for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine!

I Am Legend is Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence. 

It features Will Smith, Alice Braga, Charlie Tahan, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, and Willow Smith. 

Directed by Francis Lawrence. 

Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon 
Website: CinematicDoctrine.com 
Email: [email protected] 
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter 
Instagram: http://bit.ly/CinDocInsta 
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc 
Film_Junkie_Reviews Instagram: https://bit.ly/FilmJunkieReviews 

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

Social Links: 

• Threads
• Website
• Instagram
• Letterboxd
• Facebook Group