Cinematic Doctrine: A Movie Review Podcast Hosted by Christians

LET'S TALK: 

Kelsey McGinnis: Instagram // Christianity Today // Podcast

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, contributor to Christianity Today, returns to the podcast for an impromptu sequel to last year's Let's Talk "Zoetic & the CCM Coconut Tree". As Michael Tait faces truly heinous allegations about his sexual misconduct and substance abuse, Melvin felt it prudent to invite Kelsey to discuss a "Part 2" discussion on specifically the film The Jesus Music, as the film prominently covers both DC Talk and Michael Tait's later career as a massive religious force in the "Evangelical Industrial Complex". The two further lay the groundwork surrounding the film's saccharine presentation of the Contemporary Christian Music industry, the industry's obsession with conflating capital gains and spiritual influence while propagating an unhealthy mono-culture, and what makes us hopeful about seeing change for the future.

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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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• Threads
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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss an early 1990s horror feature, Jacob's Ladder! That's right, the gang heads back to the 90s to discuss another cult-classic horror feature, and the two get into all its metaphors, scares, and the joy of having changed opinions on rewatched movies. 

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 23-minutes discussing Martin Shore's write-up on WhatToWatch titled, "Are movies really getting longer? Were films in the 1980s really shorter? We test the data..." and exploring why that may be. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 
• Jacob and Jacob's Ladder as a movie are both very holistic; the whole film explores the whole-person of Jacob.
• Melvin was caught off guard with how emotional he found the film, especially as this was his second watch, and he shares why he thinks that is.
• Melvin yells at cloud and wants more movies about adults, and he praises Jacob's Ladder for exploring adult experiences.
• Exploring the various metaphors at play within the film.
• Ruminations on memento mori.
• Jacob cries a lot in the movie which is a nice depiction of manhood. 
• Understanding the ending as a representation of tragic classism, and the death of the American Dream.

Recommendations:

• King of the Hill (1997-X) (TV Show)
• Labyrinth (1986) (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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QUARTERLY CATCH-UP:

Movies & Us: Podcast, Instagram

TV & Us: Podcast, Instagram

Quarterly Catch-Up is a co-production between Cinematic Doctrine & Movies & Us! In it, the gang answers 3 questions:

1. What have we been watching?
2. What are we anticipating?
3. What else are we up to?

Things Mentioned:

• How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (2024) (Movie)
• DJ Ahmet (2025) (Movie)
• Liquor Bank (2025) (Short Film)
• PAPOTA (2025) (Short Film)
• Sinners (2025) (Movie)
• The Phoenician Scheme (2025) (Movie)
• The Pitt (2025) (TV Show)
• Dept. Q (2025) (TV Show)
• Thunderbolts* (2025) (Movie)
• Bring Her Back (2025) (Movie)
• Hairspray (1988) (Movie)
• The Bear (2022-X) (TV Show)
• The Old Guard 2 (2025) (Movie)
• Highest 2 Lowest (2025) (Movie)
• A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (2025) (Movie)
• One Battle After Another (2025) (Movie)
• Predator: Badlands (2025) (Movie)
• Weapons (2025) (Movie)
• Five Nights at Freddy's 2 (2025) (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

Social Links: 

• Threads
• Website
• Instagram
• Letterboxd
• Facebook Group 

MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Whistler the Deer (previously SolSilver): Instagram // YouTube // Discord 

Whistler the Deer joins Melvin to discuss a much loved early 2000's Disney animated feature, Lilo & Stitch! With the live-action adaptation bringing new life to the franchise, the two dive headfirst into the story that started it all, discussing their love for its mix of comedy and drama and the importance of "Ohana"! 

Topics:

• Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:26:55 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
• SolSilver shares about his faith, how he became interested in fursuiting, and what he's trying to do with his online fursona, Whistler.
• Celebrating the impressive art direction and animation of the film.
• Talking Ohana.
• Melvin, "Kids deserve good movies, too!"
• The relationship between Lilo and Nani.
• There isn't really a villain in Lilo & Stitch other than circumstance.
• Enduring love; voluntarily maintaining an other-oriented hope.

Recommendations:

• Sonic the Hedgehog (2020) (Movie)
• Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022) (Movie)
• Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024) (Movie)
• The Iron Giant (1999) (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

Social Links: 

• Threads
• Website
• Instagram
• Letterboxd
• Facebook Group 

PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION:

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! 

Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss June's Patreon-Picked movie, Event Horizon! This late 90's sci-fi horror feature includes some excellent set-design and atmosphere, but does it satisfy the needs of a horror movie? And what themes are present in this early Paul W.S. Anderson picture?

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 20-minutes discussing Carly Thomas' write-up on The Hollywood Reporter "James Gunn Says the "Movie Industry is Dying" Due to Films Being Made with Unfinished Scripts" and whether we believe in Gunn's interpretation of Hollywood's current hurdles or if the issue is more complicated than that. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• For Kathryn, Event Horizon was a mix of big surprises with a few small disappointments.
• The film balances "being fun" and "about something" without impeding either
• Rewatching a movie sometimes makes it better.
• Is the pursuit of knowledge worth the cost?
• In Event Horizon the antagonistic force is completely evil.
• Each act of the film feels distinct and exciting, with the third act being an explosive climax mixing everything together.

Recommendations:

• Muppets from Space (1999) (Movie)
• Strange Darling (2024) (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

Social Links: 

• Threads
• Website
• Instagram
• Letterboxd
• Facebook Group 

MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss an early 2025 critical hit, Companion! How does the film balance its mix of thriller and comedy? Are the themes heavy-handed or are they handled with maturity? At the end of the day... is it even good? Tune in and find out! 

Topics:

• (FREE PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 25-minutes discussing Thunderbolts* being a critical success but failing financially, why we think that may be, and using Felipe Rangel's "10 Biggest Reasons Thunderbolts*'s Box Office Is So Disappointing" as a jumping-off point for each possible reason. (FREE PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Companion successfully balances its thriller/horror and comedy material from start to finish.
• Kathryn thinks they're currently over "gender commentary" movies and explains their reasoning.
• There is a lot to explore in the film about independence, emancipation, and love.
• Companion isn't copying other movies but it comfortably wears its influences on its sleeve.
• Using technology to channel our sinful nature does not relinquish our responsibility to be good people.
• Director Drew Hancock does well to pace out revelations within the film to keep it fresh and engaging.
• The relationship between love, independence, and mutual understanding.
• The ending is clear but also open-ended in that it asserts the endless possibilities that come with independence.

Recommendations:

• The Bay (2012) (Movie)
• Final Destination Bloodlines (2025) (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

Social Links: 

• Threads
• Website
• Instagram
• Letterboxd
• Facebook Group 

PARTY PLEASER: 

Shirleon joins Melvin to summarize another DCOM: Smart House! This one is routinely mentioned whenever peeps bring up the world of Disney Channel Original Movies, and the two run a play-by-play of all its worthwhile moments (or, lack thereof) to decide if it's a "Party Pleaser" or "Party Pooper"! 

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 25-minutes discussing the Five Nights at Freddy's 2 teaser trailer, discussing mascot-horror, and so much more! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• The two consider to themselves, "So... are we having fun yet?". The answer: not really.
• The tech in Smart House is weird, not least of which is the "floor absorbers" which feels like something out of the backrooms.
• Melvin, "There is not a lot of movie to the movie."
• Talking about a scene they liked... because there weren't that many.
• The only things that seem worthwhile are the gadgets (barely) and the drama scenes (of which there are only two).

Recommendations:

• Delicious in Dungeon (2024) (Anime)
• Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) (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

Social Links: 

• Threads
• Website
• Instagram
• Letterboxd
• Facebook Group 

MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

The Substance Podcast: Podcast // Instagram // Threads // Letterboxd 

Philip Marinello of The Substance Podcast joins Mel to discuss one of their favorite movies; The Texas Chain Saw Massacre! There is a wealth to chew on in this cannibal-crazed horror film, and the two get into everything from its cultural criticism of the late-60s and early-70s, its stellar filmmaking craft, and so much more. Tune in now!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 30-minutes discussing "The 5 Biggest Box-Office Bombs of 2024 Ranked by How Many Millions They Lost" from Gillian Blum on Collidor, why we think each movie failed to succeed, and what it means for the industry at large. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Philip shares about how The Substance Podcast has changed over the years, his goal with curating voices, and much more.
• Philip, "[The Texas Chain Saw Massacre] feels like a cursed movie."
• The film is pointedly upsetting, and Melvin thinks a lot of what turns people off is that they personally do not know how to feel "bad" emotions well.
• In short, the film is exhausting, sweaty, and violent.
• The two discuss the commonalities between the co-eds and the cannibals and what they believe it represents.
• The cultural shock of the Vietnam War for Suburbanites is present in the contextless violence throughout the movie.
• Discussing the absolutely perfect ending.

Recommendations:

• The Hills Have Eyes (1977) (Movie)
• Freaky Tales (2024) (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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• Threads
• Website
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• Facebook Group 

PATREON LET'S TALK: 

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! 

In response to his disgust with No Game No Life: Zero, Melvin interviews his friends Isabella, David, and Melanie about Anime, PDF-File/incest material, and the broader disappointment with male-produced fetishistic content.

Song Credits:

InMyHeadBGM by ceethewhite -- https://freesound.org/s/795402/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/aaron-paul-low/lemon-merengue
License code: WDB4IXI2UDO4TBO8

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/puzzle-pieces
License code: 977UJ2MEOOJXANGW

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: 

Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss Death Note (2006)... but not the one you're thinking of! No, they discuss the live-action adaptation that released earlier the same year as its anime counterpart. The two discuss how this adaptation functions on its own as well as compare it to the anime adaptation, and explore the ins-and-outs of Death Note as a whole. 

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 22-minutes discussing which of the two movies, The Fantastic Four: First Steps or Superman, will receive the better box-office numbers, if the industry will even be impressed with their sales, and if general audiences have moved on from superheroes. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• There's some deviation between this live-action adaptation and the anime, but nothing quite as egregious as the Western Netflix adaptation.
• Briefly talking Ryuk and the CGI.
• There's an "it" factor that's missing with this adaptation, and Melvin takes some time to explore what that may be.
• Death Note has a lot of monologues, but they seem to be missing from this live-action adaptation. The two discuss why that might matter.
• Light Yagami is very self-controlled but profoundly emotional, and neither this live-action adaptation nor the Western Netflix adaptation have figured out how to handle that pairing.
• Talking about L's live-action portrayal.
• Talking about the ending.

Recommendations:

• Andor (2022-2025) (Series)
• Yami Shibai (2013 - X) (Anime)

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