Reel World Theology

On this episode of the podcast: It's been right at 30 years since Marty, Doc, Biff, George, and Lorraine first appeared on our movie screens-- yes! 30 years! With the upcoming release of the 30th Anniversary edition of Back to the Future, the impending theatrical run, and heck, because we just really like the movie, we decided to have a conversation about a movie that has not lost a bit of relevance in all those years. How is that even possible? We note that few movies have ever stayed relevant for that long and fewer movies about time travel have still ever been made. What is it that seems to make this movie "timeless"? We try and figure it out. This week’s panel included Josh Crabb and Mark Wingerter.

On this episode of the podcast: Ethan Hunt is back and more implausible than ever before! This time we get to focus on teamwork and a new mystery lady who has been described as one part Bond girl and one part Bond Villain. Rogue Nation certainly gives us our share of excitement and death-defying stunts but is there any plot to hold it together? We ask if it even matter and also if sometimes we can just be in awe that stunt work is an incredible human feat. We also get to chat about why audiences seem to love authenticity and how that plays out on a larger scale. This podcast will self-destruct in five seconds... This week’s panel included Sam Robinson and Mark Wingerter.

On this episode of the podcast: Is it possible for Marvel to continue putting out solid films after a dozen solid offerings? There was a lot of doubt surrounding the little known property of Ant-Man but unless you just aren't into superhero films, you should enjoy this one. Likely the most humor to date in a Marvel film and some very creative uses of special effects gives us a unique story that doesn't overreach. With Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas bringing the star power, we get a film that allows us to laugh and have gravitas. We also get to have conversations about why we love movies about second chances and what it means to find redemption. This is a good one! This week’s panel included Griffin Kale, Josh Crabb, and Matt Anderson (Sci-Fi Christian, Comic Book Time Machine).

On this episode of the podcast: With all the success of Despicable Me and Despicable Me 2, it wasn't inconceivable that the minions would get their own movie as well. They were lovable and loyal-- and that goes a long way with animated features. But, as is the case, even with the best of intentions, some sidekicks should just stay sidekicks. While Minions promises high and delivers incredibly low, it does pave way for a great discussion about what we take our kids to see and why, but also how we engage with them after they see any entertainment, good or bad. This week’s panel included Alexis Johnson and Josh Crabb.

On this episode of the podcast: We ask the question that most reviewers seem to wonder: "Did we need another Terminator film?" Well, it sure isn't Oscar-worthy but we do talk about the positives of the fifth film (and sixth incarnation) of the series and list what is necessary for us to see and enjoy more films in the Terminator universe. We also discuss our love of time-travel films and how that brings us back every time to movies like this. Finally, we spend a great deal of time just attempting to understand what exactly is happening and ponder the idea that maybe even the filmmakers don't know. More speculation than actual theme in this one for sure. This week’s panel included Joe Darnell and Gene Gosewehr (A Clear Lens).

On this episode of the podcast: We have waited for nearly two years since our last Pixar installment-- and it looks like the wait was worth it. Inside Out is an incredible film that bucks convention and is as unique as anything we've seen in years. By taking us inside the head of an 11 year old girl, we learn more about ourselves and the people around us. While being critically acclaimed, the film has already developed a reputation for making even the most hard-hearted grown men cry. Is it manipulation or authentic emotional realization? We explore that and how well Pixar's most adult film will connect with children-- what many people would consider the film's target audience. This week’s panel included Joe Darnell and Gene Gosewehr (A Clear Lens).

On this episode of the podcast: It would be a lie to say that there wasn't a lot of buzz about Jurassic World, but few people had very high expectations for this 20+ year sequel. While the audience reactions are divided between nostalgia and eye rolls, the box office has spoken very loudly and Jurassic World currently holds the record for highest grossing opening weekend in history. As usual, one of the hardest things for a blockbuster to do is entertain while also being thoughtful. And although Jurassic World throws out a lot of conversation bones about consumerism, greed, and self-enlightenment, it never really fleshes them out-- so we do instead! This week’s panel included Mark Wingerter and Laura Fissel.

On this episode of the podcast: Another highly anticipated Summer movie that was hard pressed to follow up Fury Road. Even though we admit that it isn't the movie to see of the Summer, Tomorrowland gives us plenty to think and talk about. Brad Bird delivers a polarizing film, which is rare, but interesting. More critics are seeing escapism and separation of people who seem to be special than ever before-- though we debate what the end goal is. Tomorrowland fuels great debate and makes us examine how we use our own gifts and talents. This week’s panel included Joel Mayward and Blaine Grimes (Reel Thinking).

On this episode of the podcast: One of our most anticipated movies of the Summer may have just become one of the best movies of the year. With levels of hype that seemed unachievable, Fury Road surpassed expectations and has become an incredible success. The film manages to not only be cinematically impressive, but has pleased audiences and critics while delivering a surprising amount of depth. Hard to imagine in modern day filmmaking, George Miller, using very little dialogue, tackles themes of equality, value, and societal direction. It all adds up to more than we could hope to talk about in one episode. This week’s panel included Mark Wingerter, Laura Fissel, and Blaine Grimes (Reel Thinking).

On this episode of the podcast: Can MARVEL find success on the small screen like it has at the movies? Agents of SHIELD gave us hesitation, but Daredevil seems to be a game changer. With its own distinct style and story, the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen gave us a more human hero than we’ve ever had and a more three-dimensional villain than we’ve seen in the MCU. We explore what gives the show that depth and how much the show’s roots in Catholicism affects that. Thirteen episodes of story crammed into one podcast, here we go! This week’s panel included Griffin Kale and JR Forasteros (the Storymen).