Reel World Theology

On this episode of the Reel World Theology: Here it is folks. DC swinging for the fences with their super team-up film and we're here to see just how well they did. Unsurprisingly, there is a lot of divide on just how good-- or successful-- this DC outing is. We talk about what we liked and why people bend over backwards to defend something they love. Regardless of goodness, we ask about how reaction to the film shows us more about our culture than even the movie itself. It's a good one!

On this episode of the podcast: We take some time to talk about one of the biggest surprises of the year. As surprisingly good as Only the Brave is, it seems to have been mostly skipped by audiences who were either turned off by the generic-looking trailer or the fact that it is in fierce competition during one of the busiest times during the cinematic year. Either way, we talk about what we liked so much about it and how it's one of the most emotional movies we've seen this year.

We're continuing a new series at Reel World Theology called Reel World Interviews. In these, we hope to talk to people who are actively engaging entertainment and pop-culture with the Gospel in mind. On this episode, we talk to regular contributor to the show, podcaster, pastor, and author, JR Forasteros. JR is the co-host of a number of excellent podcasts that you can find over at NorvilleRogers.com and the pastor at Catalyst Church. He just published his first book, Empathy for the Devil: Finding Ourselves in the Villains of the Bible. JR and I get to discuss the power of empathy and how it is truly a spiritual discipline. Have a listen and check out the book!

On this episode of the podcast: It's finally here! Thor: Ragnarok has to be one of the most anticipated MARVEL films to date-- not to mention that it's easily the most anticipated Thor film to date. With Taika Waititi at the helm, the possibilities were endless (for both fun and heart). Did it deliver? Was there a whole lot to take away from this one besides the humor, or, much like Guardians of the Galaxy, was this one made to be enjoyed and not thought too hard about? Most importantly, what does this film lead us to expect from the future of the MCU?

On this episode of the podcast: Merry Halloween! It's that time of the year where we take a look at a film that was a bit more on the odd or freaky side. While we all wish we had the hours to watch the actual Death Note series, the movie's premise is enough to keep us talking for days. We sit down to talk about what it means to play God and why we think we'd be any good at it. What will really change a human heart? There's a lot to dissect on this one!

We blend the old with the new by talking about a sci-fi classic being continued with a new, but familiar, vision. We have some die-hard Blade Runner fans on to talk about the impact of the original and how it shaped their expectations going into the long-awaited sequel. Does it live up to expectations? Did we even need a sequel? We talk about the questions and stylings of the latest sci-fi epic from Denis Villeneuve.

Blaine and Shannon are joined by Aaron White of Feelin' Film to discuss Ridley Scott's Blade Runner. They talk about how the film addresses issues of humanity, memory, and perception. Be sure to share your thoughts by sounding off in the comments below and by continuing the conversation in our Reel World Theology Facebook group. Follow Aaron white on Twitter.