Reel World Theology

On this episode of the podcast, we are talking about a film that is even more monumental and historic than the fact we have reached 50 episodes of this show. That film is Selma. With an incredibly strong cast and unique vision for the story, Selma hits hard and gives us a lot to process about life in the Civil Rights era and what that fight looks like today. While not doing stellar at the box office, we argue for the film’s importance and for the ability to truly see Martin Luther King, Jr as a leader of the Christian faith. This show included John Bucher, Clay Morgan, and JR Forasteros (The StoryMen).

On this episode of the podcast, we take a look at the near-unbelievable true story of Louie Zamperini in the film Unbroken. Zamperini's life is an incredible journey from immigrant, to the Olympics, to Japanese prison camps, to finding a faith that would help him reframe his life. We talk about where Unbroken, the film, differs from Unbroken, the book. Why were parts left out? Does it have the same effect? Does it change the message? Is it still possible to be a redemptive story if we don't see redemption in the film? So many good questions! This show included Laura Fissel and Joe Darnell (Moviebyte, Top Brew).

On this episode of the podcast, we talk about our final journey into Peter Jackson’s vision for Middle Earth with The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies. While bouncing around some thoughts on adaptation and expectation, we also try to frame what has made these films truly worthwhile– even if critics have not been as keen on them. Even though it is hard to bring them up without someone critiquing some part of the story, this latest edition has held off many other quality films at the box office and that must be a sign of some merit. We talk about that merit and how it stacks up to the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. This show included Elijah Lovejoy and Josh Crabb.

On this episode of the podcast, we are talking about Into the Woods– from stage to screen! Who can blame them for bringing another musical to life after the recent success of films like Les Miserables? This film is full of the type of things that make post-movie discussions worth having. Every character finds himself at a crossroads (or the edge of the woods) hoping for something more from their life. They make a wish and then they all get what they want. It’s not often we get to see the repercussions of such things and this one is a doozy! This show included Laura Fissel and Ethan Roberts.

Merry Christmas! Our second annual Special Christmas Episode has arrived for your holiday consumption. This year we are talking about one of the youngest films to achieve "Christmas Classic" status: Elf. Boasting one of Will Ferrell's finest roles (Buddy the Elf), the film has found a way to warm hearts and uplift spirits while also becoming a staple of households during the holiday season. We take some guesses as to why that is, along with discussing some of our own traditions. Enjoy! This show included Laura Fissel and Mark Wingerter.

On this episode of the podcast, we take on the non-controversy of Exodus: Gods and Kings. Earlier this year the film Noah set off an internet firestorm of back-and-forth of those who either loved it or loathed it. Exodus: Gods and Kings has not stirred up the same storm, but it definitely has its talking points. We part the waters between truth and fiction and try to ascertain just what Ridley Scott was hoping to accomplish with his film. Also, how does this Biblical epic hold up to a film that most of us really enjoyed in Noah? This week’s panel included JR Forasteros (the Storymen) and Alan Hawkins.

On this episode of the podcast, we talk about part one of the penultimate installment of The Hunger Games series, Mockingjay. This series has been a great opportunity to look at the power that media and propaganda play in our lives and the lives of those who live in the dystopian Panem. Not only that, but through the power of performances like Jennifer Lawrence, we get to explore a more honest look at violence and the physical and psychological fallout that comes after being forced to participate in The Games. We also talk about how much we love a few regional food chains, because, reasons. This week’s panel included Matt Anderson (the Sci-Fi Christian) and Josh Crabb.

On this episode of the podcast, we get the chance to talk about another high quality animated movie released this year, Big Hero 6. This first marriage of Disney Animation and the MARVEL Universe seems to be acclaimed as a great success. Not only is the animation incredibly fun, but the story itself is full of the kind of humor and themes that the whole family can appreciate. We get into when and how parents should take their kids to the theater and the benefits of engaging viewers of all ages. This week’s panel included Laura Fissel and Josh Crabb.

On this episode of the podcast, we take a look at the impressively large-scale sci-fi adventure of Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar. While well-documented as Nolan’s “most ambitious” project to date, it does remind us a lot of things he has done before. Interstellar, although technically brilliant, didn’t blow us away from a storytelling point of view, but it does force us to wrestle with questions about human potential, limitations, society, anti-intellectualism, “our place in the sky”, and “our place in the dirt.” Due to the incredible scope of the film, we increased the scope of the panel– so we are flush with guests! This week’s panel included Griffin Kale, Mark Wingerter, and Tyler Smith (More Than One Lesson, Battleship Pretension).

On this episode of the podcast, arguably appropriate that on Veteran's Day we are talking about a movie that brings the reality of war and the horrors endured by those who served to the forefront. From heroism and sacrifice to doing what other people will not, Fury strides both sides of the pro/anti war conversation. If that wasn't enough fodder for conversation, the film also gets us on the topic of God's Justice, Shia LaBouf's conversion, and, well, the fact that the movie is actually pretty darn good. Be warned: there also may be an overabundance of tank puns. This week’s panel included Wade Bearden and Joshua Crabb.