Reel World Theology

On this episode of the Reel World Theology podcast: The latest offering from the DCEU is upon us and we have thoughts. Is this more of the drab symbolism that we got with early DCEU movies or did Aquaman learn some lessons from its Wonder Woman predecessor? And, more importantly, what kind of story does Aquaman hope to tell?

On this episode of the Reel World Theology podcast: Merry Christmas! for this special holiday episode, we look at one of the more traditional Christmas specials that we think most closely represents the holiday we love. We talk about what resonates with us and why this is one of the best!

On this episode of the Reel World Theology podcast: One of the most anticipated movies of 2018 was the follow up to the spectacular Creed. Creed II promised more of the first sprinkled with 100% more Drago. Or Draygo. Or Drogo. However many ways we find to mispronounce it this episode. Regardless, this film can't exist with comparisons to the first and we compare all the things while trying to pull apart all the themes woven in this newest (Ryan Coolger-less) installment.

On this episode of the Reel World Theology podcast: While wildly popular with audiences, Bohemian Rhapsody, the latest Queen/Freddie Mercury biopic, is also gathering its detractors. There are a number of reasons, from historical inaccuracies, conveniences, and in the way in which it presents Mercury's sexuality. We dive in, talk about the inaccuracies, and try to focus on the things that the film did do well. We also have the age-old discussion about the difference between a person and their art and how we engage both of those things.

On this episode of Reel World: Rewind: With the impending release of Ralph Breaks the Internet, it seemed only fitting to rewind six years to its predecessor, Wreck-It Ralph. It also seemed incredibly fitting to bring back the original co-host of Rewind and Disney fanatic, Blaine Grimes, to talk about this Disney animated feature. Despite featuring a rather familiar plotting and stakes, director Rich Moore crafts a uniquely endearing story rife with retro gaming nostalgia, plenty of kid-friendly jokes not featuring butts, and charming characters caught up in pixelated hijinks. Blaine and Josh discuss the movie's slightly essentialist themes and how it breaks them, as well as what threat might be posed to cultural artifacts and childhood nostalgia. Plus, the meme-ification of pop culture is discussed, Josh consistently forgets the name of Ralph Breaks the Internet, and, of course, they bring up Star Wars. There are definitely no cuts, nary a butt, nor a hint of coconuts on this episode of Reel World: Rewind.

On this episode of the Reel World Theology podcast: We talk about one of the most affecting movies of the year, The Hate U Give. While it has not been blowing the doors off the box office, those who have watched this one have rarely walked away without having to really wrestle with a wide array of topics. Based on a wildly popular book, The Hate U Give offers honest and thoughtful conversation to some of the most challenging conflicts of our day in a way that is highly accessible to a wide range of ages. Point being, we have a lot of ground to cover.

On this episode of the Reel World Theology podcast: We have another podcast sponsored by one of our generous Patreon donors. Chase Tremaine chose for us to talk about Bad Times at the El Royale. While we all thought the trailer was fantastic and the fact that Drew Goddard being attached was a great sign, after seeing the film we didn't come away bursting at the seems to discuss the film. But, after reading an interview with Goddard, it changed the entire movie for us.

On this special Halloween episode of the podcast: It's that time of year again where we get to do a little something special and celebrate Halloween through the lens of cinema. This year we had an incredibly timely opportunity to talk about the new Halloween film and it's relation to the original Halloween film all in time for Halloween, itself. We reflect on what made the classic so groundbreaking and do some comparisons in the new one. Does it live up to its name or is it another cheap cash-in on the franchise?

On this episode of the Reel World Theology podcast: We continue our dive into the start of awards season films with director Damien Chazelle's La La Land follow-up, First Man. This intense look at the life of Neil Armstrong feels wholly unique and unlike any other version of humanity's first trip to the moon that we have seen to date. There is a lot of good stuff here and Chazelle, again, tried to explore that balance between achievement and sacrifice. We have a lot to cover in this one.

On this episode of Reel World: Rewind: Leave it to Josh to pick a non-scary movie for October, but he tries his best by picking a horror-adjacent movie in the 1993 Barry Sonnenfeld movie, Addams Family Values. Enlisting the help of Blake Collier, they set out to find an explanation for why this movie is so great, doesn't feel dated, and also one of the more progressive comedies of the 1990's. While the episode itself might get a bit hyperbolic about the movie's "wokeness", Blake and Josh hail the exceptional characters, perfectly weighted gallows humor, and oddly exceptional use of the Addams Family to make incisive class-centric commentary. All in all, Addams Family Values toes-the-line of screwball and satire rather well and makes this sequel to a movie no one asked for completely worth a rewatch and a conversation.

On this episode of the Reel World Theology podcast: After a trailer that brought cheers (and even possibly tears), it felt like the excitement level for A Star Is Born could not be any higher. We talk about our expectations and if this film was more "La La Land" or something else that is mostly layered from the films that it pulls heavily from. We also make sure we give Gene his due credit for tricking everyone into thinking this was "the perfect date movie." What?!

On this episode of the Reel World Theology podcast: We kick off October with a movie that has been heralded as the scariest movie of 2018, Hereditary. Due to the nature of its release, it took a while for this to make the rounds, but it has been the highlight of many horror fans year. We figure, what better time than October to talk about notable horror movie and listen in as Fizz becomes increasingly more disturbed by the film as the conversation progresses.

On this episode of the Reel World Theology podcast: We talk about a movie that we were all much more excited for before actually seeing it. Predator has become an all-time classic action movie but the movies that have come after have never really lived up to it, including Shane Black's latest The Predator. We talk about what was right about the original and what went wrong in the latest installment along with the difficulty of following up on a beloved original. This episode sponsored by Patron supporters Hunter and Stephie Van Wagenen! Thanks!

On this episode of Reel World: Rewind: We've got it all on this episode as we sit down to talk about UHF! Of all the career accomplishments of the legendary comedic musician Weird Al Yankovic, his 1988 feature-length movie may be one of his more obscure and was a major box office flop. However, thanks to the VHS-generation of movie-lovers, the movie found new life beyond the theaters and became a cult classic. Regardless of the prodigious comedic legend behind this movie, it remains a weird, acquired taste of a movie. Consider it a huge "SUPPLIES!" that this episode features not one, but two special guests to talk about the show. Reel World staffer Josh Crabb is joined by Feelin' Film's Jeremy Calcara and Reel Perspective Podcast's MJ Smith! These three UHF-heads (is that a thing?) reflect on what makes UHF so funny and why it remains funny, plus what makes Weird Al Yankovic and enduring comedic figure and not a relic of previous generations. Of course, most of the episode is spent trying to keep it on track

On this episode of the Reel World Theology podcast: From its announcement, First Reformed has been one of the most requested episodes of Reel World Theology-- even before the film came out. It only took the trailer and the people attached to it to pique enough interest among the community. We take some time to look at how this movie explores and evaluates Christianity and where it gets things right and where it is mostly making commentary on the extremes of its adherents. Take some time with this one.

On this episode of the Reel World Theology podcast: We did it! We had a full-- and legit-- episode on The Meg. Given, it gives us a chance to compare it to other films we may have liked more, but we take the time to explore what The Meg did (and didn't) do for us along with talk about grief. There is a lot of shark love on this episode along with spoiling as many other films as possible. All in all, this is a fun one. Enjoy!

On this episode of the Reel World Theology podcast: We talk for a very long time about how good a movie BlacKkKlansman is and what it can teach us about our past and our present. How do movies about racism in America direct our conversations socially, culturally, and as Christians? Are movies that point out the disparity among different races doing more harm than good? What does it mean to be dedicated to social justice in a politically polarized world? We scratch the surface...

On this episode of Reel World: Rewind: A cerebral zombie movie taking place at a small, local radio station in rural Canada about the zombie-like infection being spread by language has perhaps been the most difficult episode ever to record in the history of Rewind. Not one, not two, but count it, three times, Josh Crabb and Blake Collier have tried to record an episode on Bruce McDonald's 2008 horror movie, Pontypool. If you are seeing and hearing this, make sure to check out your window for a zombie apocalypse. If everything seems normal and safe, then listen to Blake and Josh talk about this movie's prophetic foretelling of the social media echo chamber, the power of words to destroy or redeem, and how the words we use are shaped by and shape meaning.

On this episode of the Reel World Theology Podcast: We talk about the (arguably) best action film of the Summer. We basically have to take a step back and wonder how Tom Cruise not only ceases to age but keeps making some of the best-- and most dedicated-- action films every year. There is a surprising amount to touch on in this popcorn film including truth, dedication to your craft, and tying a series together.

On this episode of the Reel World Theology Podcast: We look at one of the most talked about documentaries of the year, Won't You Be My Neighbor? This look at Fred Rogers life tries to show the man who had seemingly limitless compassion for his fellow man-- especially children. We take some time to admire the example set by Mr.Rogers and talk a lot about how his constant reminder of our innate worth is a message that is just as important now as it was then.