Reel World Theology

On this episode of the Reel World Theology Podcast: What will sure be one of the hottest movies of 2018 is already sitting at our feet. Ryan Coogler's Black Panther is impressive for more reasons than we can count, but we try. Join us as we try to talk about our experiences with the film and why it is busting the box office, and our culture, wide open! Wakanda Forever!

On this episode of the Reel World Theology Podcast: Sure, it's not winning any Oscars, but Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is one of the best performing movies of 2017 and it's honestly a lot of fun! It may surprise no one that a seemingly mindless movie starring the Rock is raking in the cash, but we promise that this one has a little bit of heart and isn't just the Rock blowing things up. We also take the time to talk about the original Jumanji film and what it did, or didn't, mean to us in our younger years.

On this episode of Reel World: Rewind: With the wide acclaim and 13 Oscar nominations of The Shape of Water, the latest film by Guillermo Del Toro, it seemed only appropriate to delve into his most widely acclaimed feature film, Pan's Labyrinth. Reel World Theology contributor Alexis Johnson joins Josh Crabb to discuss fairy tales, childhood, Del Toro's grotesque yet captivating imagery, and the magic of hope found in the worst of life's cruelties.

On this episode of the Reel World Theology Podcast: Just in time for the Winter Olympics, we take a look at one of our favorite films of the year, I, Tonya. With a fourth-wall breaking format, this telling of the events surrounding "the incident" are probably different than any you've encountered before. With a couple great performances anchoring the film, we get to see a side of Tonya, her family, figure skating, and, possibly, ourselves that we don't expect. It's definitely worth the time.

On this episode of the Reel World Theology Podcast: We talk about one man's quest to get people to see one of 2017's best films and we talk to the people who watched it because of him. Seriously though, there has been a lot of to-do about Brigsby Bear and few people who have taken the time to seek it out have been disappointed in the results. We try to figure out exactly what it is about this under-the-radar film that people are connecting with.

On this episode of the Reel World Theology podcast: When it comes to movies that strike right at the heart, there are few 2017 movies that resonate like The Florida Project. Set in the shadow of "the happiest place on earth," this movie reminds us that America isn't always the land of opportunity. We discuss what about this film hit us so hard and we can ultimately learn from examining the lives of those who are often overlooked.

On this episode of Reel World: Rewind... With the release of The Disaster Artist, the new film by James Franco, it seemed only appropriate to delve into the cult classic that spawned the book the movie is based on. Joined by fellow Reel World Theology staff member Blake Collier, Josh Crabb kicks off the 2018 season of Reel World Rewind discussing Tommy Wiseau's 2003 bad movie classic, The Room.

On this episode of the Reel World Theology Podcast: More awards movies! Also, movies that happen to just be good. With this we turn to Lady Bird, a movie that is making a LOT of Top 10 lists this year (often in the number one spot). With another great performance from Saoirse Ronan, this film has been praised for its authenticity and its ability to connect with its audiences. What exactly does that look like? What sets this film apart from similar "coming of age" dramas? We discuss.

On this episode of the Reel World Theology Podcast: Our attempt to hit on as many award-worthy 2017 films as possible continues as we take a look at Martin McDonagh's latest film, Three Billboard Outside Ebbing, Missouri. This movie has generally pleased fans of his previous work but found a somewhat divided audience as it does not wrap characters, emotions, or its plot, up in a bow. Life is messy and anger and revenge is too-- and McDonagh wants you to know it and feel it. We talk about what this film did right and what audiences will ultimately come away thinking after this intense film.

On this special CHRISTMAS episode of the podcast: Merry Christmas from the Reel World Theology team to all of you out there. You voted, and we obliged. For Christmas we got you a brand new episode on one of our favorite Christmas mainstays, The Muppet Christmas Carol. We talk why we like it and the ins and outs of Scrooge’s conversion. Enjoy!

On this episode of the Reel World Theology podcast: Once again the opening title scroll rolls and we are treated with another Star Wars film. This time, we see audiences again heavily divided between those who were able to go and enjoy another installment in the franchise and those fans dedicated to disliking everything no matter what. I kid (slightly). We bring in the big guns from Home One Radio to break down what we saw, what we missed, and how it affects the Star Wars Universe's characters and themes moving forward.

On this episode of Rewind... Blaine and Shannon make a very special announcement. 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.

On this episode of the podcast: Our next Pixar film has dropped and, not surprisingly, people are loving it. However, some people are really loving it while others are simply enjoying it. We take a look at what Pixar did differently this time to tell a story that is deeply cultural. We also talk about family, its importance in the film, and what it looks like to be a part of God's family... oh yeah, we also talk about that animated short.

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.