Cinematic Doctrine
Cinematic Doctrine is a mature, millennial-infused film/tv discussion podcast from Melvin Benson that features Movie Discussions (conversational episodes about specific movies), Party Pleasers (movies fully-summarized from start to finish to discern if its a 'Party Pleaser' or 'Party Pooper'), and Let's Talks (prepared film-or-Christian related topical episodes). Influenced by Acts 17 and Romans 2:4. Podcast Magazine says Cinematic Doctrine "uses the shared value of human life as a springboard into deeper conversations". // CinematicDoctrine.com
S1 E229 · Wed, April 30, 2025
Her - Manic Pixie Digital Girl
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss our latest Patreon-picked movie; Her ! The two discuss the ins-and-outs of digital romance, modern sexuality, and so much more all in a post Chat-GPT world! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 26-minutes discussing disc rot, media preservation, and the difficulty of preserving media in general all because Melvin found on his copy of On Golden Pond a Documentary special-feature he can't find any record of online, either on Wikipedia, IMDB, or YouTube. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Melvin & Kathryn both kick things off with some positives. With that out of the way... the cat's out of the bag: neither Melvin nor Kathryn liked Her . Melvin, "[ Her ] is wrapped up in a visually pleasing film with performers who are very impressive and I find that that might actually be distracting from the flaws of the film." Theo is codependent, and Sam is an enabler. Melvin & Kathryn take turns explaining things they didn't like while using examples from other movies they feel better represent those ideas. Melvin felt the technology in the film was kind of terrible. Theo is uncomfortable with the idea that a woman would have a desire conflicting with his own. Kathryn, "[Theo] has a "pornified" style of relating to women." Discussing the initial sexual encounter with Sam & the "surrogate sex" scene. Melvin, "[Theo] is not capable of having a safe sexual encounter with this born-beautiful-yesterday-manic-pixie-dream-girl." Recommendations: You know we're cooked when middle class normalities are trending by Ashley Embers (YouTube) Possibly in Michigan (1983) (Short Film) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack <a href='https://instagra
S1 E228 · Wed, April 23, 2025
Snow White: A Tale of Terror - Gloriously Grimdark
Send us a Question! PARTY PLEASER: Shirleon joins Melvin to summarize a late-90s retelling-with-a-twist adaptation of a beloved fairytale: Snow White: A Tale of Terror ! From its surprisingly nuanced characters to its downright diabolical antagonist, the two enjoy discussing the horrific ins-and-outs of this late-20th century oddity! Topics: The opening tone-setter for Snow White: A Tale of Terror really sells the atmosphere of dark fantasy. Interestingly, the opening dynamic between Claudia, the "Evil Queen" equivalent, and Lilli, the "Snow White" equivalent, is more of Claudia seeking a good relationship with Lilli while Lilli acts consistently bratty. Once the movie goes grimdark, it doesn't stop topping itself with bizarre dark fantasy ideas. Discussing why they think classic fairytale villains, Disney or otherwise, are so compelling. The film is undeniably a horror film, but it's largely psychological with some horror-lite sequences. The "Seven Dwarves" equivalent are essentially Highwaymen, and each one has some form of physical deformity or ailment which contrasts with Claudia's unabashed vanity. The whole "catatonic Snow White" sequence that the fairytale is famous for starts and ends near immediately. The film is loaded with "show don't tell", but sometimes it's to a fault. Recommendations: Fairest of All by Serena Valentino (2009) (Book) Mirror, Mirror by Jen Calonia (2019) (Book) Event Horizon (1997) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E227 · Wed, April 16, 2025
Chef - The Artist, The Critic, The Passionate
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss Jon Favreau's grounded indie-style flick, Chef ! The two explore themes of maturing and parenthood, the relationship between the artist and the observer, and the importance of passion in everyday life. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 25-minutes talking about those insane A Minecraft Movie screenings where people are throwing their popcorn and bringing live chickens, and how that's wildly different to otherwise incredibly engaging fan screenings of The Room or Rocky Horror Picture Show . (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Kathryn shares what it is about Chef that she really enjoys. Melvin compares Chef to Parks & Recreation , saying how it's a movie with conflict but ultimately everyone still kinda likes each other. It's fairly clear that Chef is somewhat an artistic response to John Favreau's experience with Marvel, Iron Man 2 , and the subsequent critical response to it. Which food in the movie got us the most hungry. The movie explores the dynamics of the artist and the observer (or, critic), and Melvin spends some time categorizing what he thinks are variations of these archetypes. Chef depicts professionalism and the pursuit of maturity well. Sometimes eating food is like time travel. Seeking to live a life by design, not by default. Recommendations: Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking (2017) (Cookbook) Salt Fat Acid Heat (2018) (Cooking Show) Try new and exotic foods, and be adventurous with what you eat! Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Wed, April 09, 2025
Q1 Catch-Up 2025: A Fresh Start
Send us a Question! QUARTERLY CATCH-UP: Movies & Us: Podcast , Instagram TV & Us: Podcast , Instagram Quarterly Catch-Up is a co-production between Cinematic Doctrine & Movies & Us ! In it, the gang answers 3 questions: What have we been watching? What are we anticipating? What else are we up to? Things Mentioned: Better Days (2019) (Movie) Insecure (2016-2021) (TV Show) Sing Sing (2024) (Movie) Black Bag (2025) (Movie) Heretic (2024) (Movie) The Residence (2025) (TV Show) Bad Sisters (2022-2024) (TV Show) The Midnight Meat Train (2008) (Movie) My Little Pony: The Movie (2017) (Movie) The Mouse Trap (2024) (Movie) A Minecraft Movie (2025) (Movie) Together (2025) (Movie) Final Destination Bloodlines (2025) (Movie) Sinners (2025) (Movie) The Bear (2022-X) (TV Show) Death in Paradise (2011-X) (TV Show) Paradise (2025) (TV Show) The Pitt (2025) (TV Show) The White Lotus (2021-X) (TV Show) A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (2025) (Movie) Ballerina (2025) (Movie) Caught Stealing (2025) (Movie) Screamboat (2025) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: <a href='https://www.threads.net/@cinema
S1 E226 · Wed, April 02, 2025
North Shore - w/ Systematic Geekology on Surfin' 101
Send us a Question! PARTY PLEASER: Systematic Geekology: Spotify / Instagram Will Rose of Systematic Geekology joins Melvin for a second time to summarize North Shore , a little-seen surfer flick in the vein of Karate Kid ! Will shares a ton about the dynamics of surfing culture, and Melvin celebrates the layers of North Shore's coming-of-age story. Plus, they can't get enough of those glorious Hawaiian waves, and neither will you! Topics: Will Rose catches us up with where he's at and what Systematic Geekology's been up to since our Spawn Party Pleaser episode. There was hype behind North Shore for Will Rose as a kid, and he recounts his experience seeing the film in theaters. The music, visuals, and pacing are all pretty solid, and that's made apparent within the first 15 minutes. Surfing etiquette 101. North Shore features a ton of classic surfing legends, and Will shares all the cool trivia about them. Surfing is dangerous and it demands wave/ocean literacy, and North Shore asserts the importance of understanding this as a "coming of age" drama. The brisk pace of the film allows the film to explore various "coming of age" tropes. Recommendations: World Surf League (Instagram) Surf's Up (2007) (Movie) Big Wednesday (1978) (Movie) Riding Giants (2004) (Documentary) Primer (2004) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E225 · Wed, March 26, 2025
Exodus: Gods and Kings - Naïve & Devoid of Content
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss our latest Patron-Selected movie, Exodus: Gods and Kings ! Can Ridley Scott give this paramount Bible story the Gladiator treatment? Does it play fast and loose with the historical account? Was it, at the very least, enjoyable? Tune in to find out! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 33-minutes discussing the various drama leading up to Snow White (2025)'s release as well as it's Rotten Tomato Score debut. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Shirleon, "I hated it. I hated the direction that it went." Melvin, "It's super rare to find movies that feel like they're devoid of content." What deflates the material is how remedial it is compared to the rich complexities of the Biblical text. A follow-up to criticism's mentioned in the Journey to Bethlehem episode regarding bible-reading statistics. The film doesn't just mischaracterize historical figures, it mischaracterizes biblical figures, texts, and God Himself, all in ways that can't be considered concessions of the medium. Melvin talks about the one scene in the movie he liked. The two agree: It's not just a bad biblical adaptation, it's also a bad movie. Recommendations: Read Exodus from the Bible The Prince of Egypt (1998) (Movie) ( Cinematic Doctrine Episode ) The Ten Commandments (1956) (Movie) The Midnight Meat Train (2008) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group </
S1 E224 · Wed, March 19, 2025
Annihilation - Reductionist Media
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Shirleon and Kathryn join Melvin to discuss Annihilation , Alex Garland's sophomore feature adaption of Jeff VanderMeer's celebrated weird-fiction book. Additionally, both Kathryn and Melvin have read the book, so how does the movie stack up? Also, what is the movie trying to say? Tune in to find out! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 45-minutes discussing leaked Avengers: Doomsday concept art, characters that are included, the surprising setting and aesthetic, suspicions regarding character backstory, who the heroes will be, and whether we're excited or not. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) The gang steps away from Annihilation conflicted, and they discuss the different things that impeded their enjoyment. The movie is so loosely based on the book that they only share Area X, small plot details, and distant interpretations of characters. Melvin begins his critical descent into madness, and how he feels Annihilation is "just a stupid movie based on a smart and moving book". He also complains about reductionism in popular culture; quippy jokes defining a film's reputation, the tiktokification of public spaces, and interpreting kindness and manners as sexual interest. Kathryn shares some of her beef with the characters, frustrated that everyone's "tragic backstory" is so rudimentary. Despite it being a "theme", the film has nothing to say about self-destruction. Discussing a few key scenes and going script doctor. Sharing our interpretations of the ending and wishing the film was weirder. Melvin monologues his frustrations one last time. Recommendations: At the Mountains of Madness by H.P. Lovecraft (1936) (Short Story) Cult of the Lamb (2022) (Video Game) Prometheus (2012) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram <a href='https://www.facebook.com/groups/cine
S1 E223 · Wed, March 12, 2025
The Monkey - Classy Schlock and Awe
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss The Monkey , one of the first horror hits of the year, and possibly the first of two new Osgood Perkins films in 2025! For a movie whose tagline is "Everybody dies. And that's F#$*ed up.", is it cynical? Or, is a little heart tossed in with this horror comedy? Also, and perhaps most importantly... is it funny? Tune in to find out! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 28-minutes discussing Longlegs , Osgood Perkins' 2024 satanic-panic horror-thriller cop drama, and ponder how it stands with his other films, if it exceeded the hype, and how Melvin compares it to The Blackcoat's Daughter , one of his favorite movies. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) It's premise is simple, and it's idea is absurd, lending itself to an easily digest horror/comedy. Everything in the film is in service of jokes. The industry is timid around horror/comedy films, but a film with a reasonable budget offers a lot of opportunity. This is Osgood Perkins' first movie with a male-led cast, and the two explore his representation of gender across his filmography. Chuckling over silly deaths. Amidst all the comedy, Osgood Perkins' still makes sure to add a level of heart the film needs to give it decent pacing, both in its metatext as he processes grief and literally as the film showcases a throughline regarding generational trauma. Talking about the ending, and how you can read into the drama if you want. Recommendations: The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams (2010) (Book) @Niall.Breen.Comics (Instagram) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E222 · Wed, March 05, 2025
Welcome to Leith - w/ Peter Bell on the Complex Trauma of Ideological Imperialism
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Sons of Patriarchy: Podcast , Instagram , Website / Outreach Idaho: Website Peter Bell, host of the Sons of Patriarchy podcast, joins Melvin to discuss a little-seen 2015 documentary titled Welcome to Leith . As Peter podcasts about the ideological invasion of Douglas Wilson and Christian Nationalism over Moscow, Idaho, Melvin was reminded of the Welcome to Leith - a documentary about notorious white supremacist Craig Cobb's attempted local government takeover of Leith, North Dakota - and jumped at the opportunity to discuss it with Peter! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 30-minutes discussing the importance of including a mix of Christian & non-Christian voices in journalistic endeavors, the differences between the two, and how the pursuit of truth requires media literacy. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Peter ponders the relationship between truth and bravery, and teases out what to expect with Sons of Patriarchy Season 2. Similarities between the "invasions" of Moscow, Idaho and Leith, North Dakota, and also Douglas Wilson and Craig Cobb. Has the internet increased the danger of radicalization? It takes less than a year for an evil man to destabilize a community. The impact of complex trauma. How the Quiverfull Movement is actually just Birtherism; or better understood as familial slavery and eugenics. The end of the film and aftermath between 2015 and 2025. Recommendations: Barbie (2023) (Movie) 42 (2013) (Movie) Katherine Stewart (Author) Marissa Burt (Author) Go outside! Be kind! Talk to strangers! The Book of Common Prayer (Book) (2019) My Scientology Movie (2015) (Documentary) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads <a href='https://cinematicdoctrine.co
S1 E221 · Wed, February 26, 2025
When Evil Lurks - The Penalty of Ignoring the Marginalized
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss our latest Patreon-picked movie, When Evil Lurks ! This Argentinian horror flick made the rounds in 2023, catching a lot of attention and exploding in popularity once it landed on Shudder. It's also a combination of grounded & crazy! The two get into it all! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 20-minutes discussing the trailer for Jurassic World: Rebirth , Gareth Edwards' upcoming Summer blockbuster, and how it might be doing away with Trevorrow's... lackluster style and embrace being a horror-filled island adventure! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) When Melvin received the push-notification that a Patreon Supporter had submitted When Evil Lurks for February's Patreon Pick, he audibly reacted. It's a visceral film, and the two talk about that for a bit. Is it weird to like a movie that's so pointedly miserable? Kathryn, "This movie just evoked in me a lot of 'social sadness'.". The film isn't drawing attention to it, but virtually every character within the film exists in a state of marginalization. When Evil Lurks has conviction. It trusts what it's doing, and it trusts you'll understand it. It's not as vicious as Terrifier 2 , but the violence here is pretty nuts. "Evil loves children. And children love evil." Discussing those two crazy shocking scenes in the film. You know the ones. When a system fails, the marginalized are the first to suffer. Discussing the ending and how it left us. Recommendations: Becoming Free Indeed: My Story of Disentangling Faith from Fear by Jinger Vuolo (2024) (Book) Terrified (2017) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack <a href='https://instagram.com/cinem
S1 E220 · Wed, February 19, 2025
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou - Legacy, Renewal, and Fish
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou , Wes Anderson’s follow-up to The Royal Tenenbaums . It’s comedy, it’s drama, it’s silly outfits are all on the table as the two explore ideas of legacy, found-family, and so much more. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 37-minutes discussing the games Kathryn & Melvin are playing, including an "uglicy" in Sims 3 and reflections on over and decade of Call of Duty games. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Kathryn has seen more Wes Anderson movies than Melvin, and something about his style was getting to her. Melvin, however, really enjoyed the film. Melvin shares what resonated with him, contrasting it with what he felt The Royal Tenenbaums wasn't able to do a year ago. Steve Zissou is constantly thinking about his future, and is clearly ruminating on his past, and the film takes these things to task as it orients him toward his present. One's legacy is at the forefront of the film, and this is contrasted against nature's beautiful indifference. Kathryn, "...the emotional heart of this movie is definitely Ned." Discussing the ending, and why Melvin loved it so much. Recommendations: And Then We Grew Up: On Creativity, Potential, and the Imperfect Art of Adulthood by Rachel Friedman (2019) (Book) The Peanut Butter Solution (1985) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E219 · Wed, February 12, 2025
Pride & Prejudice (1995) - w/ Marissa Burt on Patriarchy, Feminism, Shame, & Marriage
Send us a Question! MINI-SERIES DISCUSSION: Marissa Burt: Instagram , Substack , Author Page Pre-Order: The Myth of Good Christian Parenting: How False Promises Betrayed a Generation of Evangelical Families by Marissa Burt & Kelsey McGinnis Marissa Burt returns to the podcast to discuss the BBC's 1995 adaption of Pride & Prejudice ! Ready for some quintessential girl-cinema? We've got so much to chew on! Tune in now! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 41-minutes playing a guessing-game called "Douglas, Dobson, Driscoll, and Tate" where guest Marissa Burt will hear a sourced quote and have to attribute it to the correct manosphere pastor or figure-head. Then, after every few quotes, the two discuss what makes them so bad! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Marissa shares about her upcoming book The Myth of Good Christian Parenting: How False Promises Betrayed a Generation of Evangelical Families , coauthored with Kelsey Kramer McGinnis, and Melvin asks why Christian's still think spanking is biblical (protip: it's not). Marissa has rewatched Pride & Prejudice several times over and loves revisiting this Austen classic. Melvin really enjoyed Pride & Prejudice , not only because he enjoys “chickflicks” or “girl cinema” but also because the dialogue is extremely good. Celebrating Elizabeth’s independence, and how women at the time had to be clever to flourish in such passive, deeply rooted subjugation. How the culture exploits its women, and how some women use this exploitation to their advantage rather than rejecting it. Talking about Elizabeth and Darcy, two amazing characters. Exploring the ending's showcase on marriage. Recommendations: Becoming Jane (2007) (Movie) Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney Mystery Book Series (2022-2025) Jennifer's Body (2009) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website
S1 E218 · Wed, February 05, 2025
A Quiet Place: Day One - The Best Quiet Place (So Far!)
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss the first non-Krasinski sequel to a wildly popular and super accessible horror/thriller series, A Quiet Place: Day One ! Director Michael Sarnoski is tasked with seeing our story through New York City, tossing in some immense heart and drama into an otherwise concession-filled franchise. But, of course he did. He directed Pig , after all! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 24-minutes discussing an article on deadline titled " James Mangold Doesn't Want To Be "Handcuffed" To 'Star Wars' Lore ", some comments to this headline & article Melvin noticed, and general frustration with the concept of "Fandom". (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) First things first: you don’t have to watch the first two films to enjoy A Quiet Place: Day One . It’s entirely its own thing with its own characters. Apart from an apocalyptic event, Shirleon didn’t know what to expect. By the end, she’d been completely won over, tears and all. Celebrating Eric, Joseph Quinn’s character, as a well-rounded man who is expressive, emotional, and brave, rather than some testosterone-led survival aficionado ready to fight some aliens. Melvin felt this was the best of the three films by a long shot. Reading the poem “Bad Math”, then discussing our interpretations. The significance of the pizza, and healthy uses of fantasy. Discussing the ending. Recommendations: The Terror (2018) (TV-Series) The Endurance (2015) (Book) The Book of Henry (2017) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E217 · Wed, January 29, 2025
I Saw the TV Glow - Emotionally Devastating
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss Jane Schoenbrun's I Saw the TV Glow ! Owen's curiosity in a late-night television show called "The Pink Opaque" leads him to meet Maddy, an upper-classmen at his school. Sounds normal, but it's an off-beat arthouse coming-of-age psychological drama (with a tinge of horror) from the director of We're All Going to the World's Fair , so of course there's more to it! Tune in now! Topics: Most people over the age of, like, 40 years will likely reject the film as too weird or too complex, as a lot of what's at play is very late Millennial/Gen Z. Melvin found the film "emotionally devastating", and begins to explore what that means to him. A lot of dialogue personally connected with Melvin, whereas a lot of visuals personally connected with Kathryn, and the two share specifics. Melvin shares how Cinematic Doctrine hasn't really talked about LGBTQIA+ topics on the podcast because it's such a loaded topic in the Christian community. Even so, one of I Saw the TV Glow's main topics of exploration is gender identity and fluidity, and how it correlates to the coming-of-age experience. As such, they get into the weeds. Does it really make sense to gender-restrict activities when they have nothing to do with one’s born-sexuality? How do things in the real world become representative of genitalia? Television may exist in I Saw the TV Glow to represent desire, and the dichotomy between getting lost in the fantasies of our desires or being propelled to act on our desires. Owen's decision at the end of the film hits the way it does because he's finally making a decision about what he's endured the whole film. I Saw the TV Glow is extremely dense and profoundly nuanced, and Melvin is positive that Kathryn and he have barely scratched the surface. Recommendations: Jim Henson Idea Man (2024) (Documentary) Smile 2 (2024) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: <a href='https://www.threads
S1 E216 · Wed, December 25, 2024
Journey to Bethlehem - A Conviction of Fiction
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Shirleon & Melvin wish you a Merry Christmas while discussing a Family-friendly biblical musical, Journey to Bethlehem ! The story is simple - a dramatization of the birth of King Jesus - but what about the music? And more importantly, how is it as a biblical adaptation? Tune in to find out! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 23-minutes discussing Shirleon & Melvin reflecting on the movies they’ve discussed through 2024, whether they have any new feelings about them, and the experience of improving one’s critical thinking. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Spoilers are truly irrelevant for discussing the adaption of the immaculate conception and birth of King Jesus, so Shirleon and Melvin kick things off strong talking about everything. Shirleon was moved by two songs: Mother To A Savior And King & In My Blood. Melvin felt it wasn't really his thing, and the whole of the project felt largely forgettable. Discussing how virtually every musical number could be removed because they weren't integrated into the plot or pacing of the film. Shirleon & Melvin disagree on some things, and the two go back and forth. Talking Lacrae as the angel Gabriel. Or, as Melvin calls it, "Lacrangel". Is the song Mary's Getting Married supposed to be a Feminist or Trad Wife anthem? It's messaging is unclear. No matter how minimal, Melvin never overcame a perpetual unease over the film's alterations of the biblical account. Recommendations: One by One by Ruth Ware (2021) (Book) The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley (2020) (Book) Top of the Morning Coffee (Blueberry Blast, specifically) Terrifier 2 (2022) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website <a href='http
S1 E215 · Wed, December 18, 2024
Hot Frosty - The Hottest Movie of 2024!
Send us a Question! PARTY PLEASER: Shirleon, Kathryn, and Melvin summarize Winter-2024's most discussed film... Hot Frosty ! Excited for some seasonal silliness? They've got you covered, along with some fun commentary as well! Tune in now! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 25-minutes of Kathryn and Shirleon figuring out which review-blurb from RottenTomatoes goes to which poorly rated Sony Spider-Man(less) Universe film; Morbius , Madame Web , or Kraven the Hunter ! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Hot Frosty is clearly evoking some Hallmark motifs – Lacey Chabert notwithstanding – so how does it compare to the standard visual profile of a Hallmark feature? Craig Robinson can be fun, but his police-officer character was more irritating than enjoyable, save for one or two jokes. Hot Frosty gender-swaps the “Born Beautiful Yesterday” trope that so many films have explored (and is closely related to the “Fish Out of Water” trope). How does the gang feel about this? Can a man be kind without the magic of Christmas? Recommendations: Jay & Miles X-Plain the X-Men (Podcast) They Live (1988) (Movie) Dungeon Crawler Carl: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure (Audio Book) (2021) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E214 · Wed, December 04, 2024
The Unknown – w/ At Home with the Lectionary on Perpetual Actors
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Marissa & Aaron Burt: At Home with the Lectionary Podcast / Marissa Burt Instagram , Substack , Author Page Pre-Order: The Myth of Good Christian Parenting: How False Promises Betrayed a Generation of Evangelical Families by Marissa Burt & Kelsey McGinnis Marissa & Aaron Burt of the At Home with the Lectionary Podcast join Melvin to discuss The Unknown, a silent-era flick from classic horror director Todd Browning! This film has got it all: profound characters, incredible drama, twists and surprises, and so much more! Tune in now! Topics: ( FREE PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 30-minutes discussing how Christian celebrity may differ from secular celebrity, the use-cases for Christian celebrity both for the individual and the masses, and the responsibility thrust upon celebrities in general. ( FREE PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Marissa & Aaron Burt share about their podcast At Home with the Lectionary, where their inspiration came from, and then Marissa shares about her past fiction books and upcoming nonfiction book. Don’t be fooled by The Unknown being a silent film: this film is disturbingly dense! So… why is it titled The Unknown ? Todd Browning cleverly utilizes everything at his disposal to tell a complex, layered story about possession, power, and gender. The whole gang agrees: these characters are deeply resonant. Talking about arms, because we literally must! Ranting and raving about the brilliant twists and turns this story unveils. Discussing and interpreting the ending statement. Recommendations: Fantasy Island (TV-Series) (1977-1984) Invaders from Mars (Movie) (1986) Lark Rise to Candleford (TV-Series) (2008-2011) Luther (Movie) (2003) Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (Video Game) (2024) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social L
S1 E213 · Wed, November 27, 2024
Signs - A Contrived Deus Ex Machina
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss another early M. Night Shyamalan success, Signs ! Many consider this another knock-outta-the-park, while others look back and say, “It’s all downhill from here.”. Regardless, there’s plenty to discuss from this semi-spiritual alien-invasion flick. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 24-minutes discussing how 20% of Americans regularly get their news from influencers rather than old-media institutions, as per the Pew Research Center. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Shirleon liked the movie, and felt it was easily digested. Melvin, however, felt it was the beginning of the end. Mel Gibson left a lot to be desired even if a few of his scenes were decent. Melvin see's what people love about Signs but feels it's flip-flops between Shyamalan at his best and Shyamalan at his absolute worst. Discussing the usage of doors, doorways, framing, and staging. How a PG-13 rating may have made Signs hugely accessible to filmgoers and families, and how that may have helped make the "Brazilian Birthday Scene" so frightening (...even when it's not that scary). How the ending feels both rushed and sluggish. Recommendations: Vampire Survivors (2022) (Video Game) Arcane (2021) (TV-Series) The Fog (1980) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E212 · Wed, November 20, 2024
Joker: Folie à Deux - w/ Movies & Us on How it Might be Good?
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Movies & Us: Podcast , Instagram , Threads TV & Us: Podcast , Instagram , Threads Jen & Sarah from the Movies & Us podcast join Melvin to discuss a surprise financial and critical flop of 2024, Joker: Folie à Deux ! Is it really as bad as everyone says? At the very least there's a LOT to talk about, and everyone takes turns diving deep into Todd Phillips' follow-up to his billion-dollar success! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 30 minutes discussing 2 favorites from 2024 and 1 favorite first-time watch for 2024, why they’re favorites, and a few honorable mentions at the end. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Recap: What do Jen, Sarah, and Melvin think of Joker (2019) ? Sarah on Joker: Folie a Deux , “…anytime [Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn] was at the center, I’m like “Okay! I’m happy!”.”. Jen feels the first film is ostensibly a better made product, but found this sequel was far more thought-provoking. Melvin outright liked the movie, saying that he could understand why people didn’t like the movie but had extreme difficulty seeing the film as “bad” or even “mid”. All three agree: Joker: Folie a Deux is prime for becoming a future cult classic. Discussing music, the usage of Arthur Fleck’s color scheme, embracing artistic flare at the expense of logic, and “build a mountain”. Turning trials of justice into entertainment. Does Arthur deserve to die? Talking Gary Puddles. Talking Lady Gaga’s “Lee Quinzel”. Discussing that controversial ending that left a lot of fans sour. Melvin, “It’s sad to see [Arthur] go.” Recommendations: Anatomy of a Fall (2023) (Movie) Touch grass (no, literally!) Broad Church (2013-2017) (TV-Show) V/H/S/Beyond (2024) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack </l
S1 E211 · Wed, November 13, 2024
The Assistant - w/ Sheila Gregoire on Toxic Workplaces and How They (Don't) Manage
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Sheila Gregoire: Bare Marriage Podcast / Bare Marriage Blog / Author Page Sheila Gregoire of the Bare Marriage podcast joins Melvin to discuss The Assistant , a hidden gem of pure psychological drama! It's depiction of modern office work in the film industry is understated, dour, and timely, as it tackles a combination of workplace inequality, systematic issues, and the thin line between the complacent and the complicit. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 21-minutes discussing a report finding that bait, controversy, and enragement posting bolstered lucrative engagement on Threads (similar to other social media), and how this negatively impacts the platform, but also demands we utilize them in a healthier way. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) The Assistant is a bleak depiction of not only workplace abuse but also of human relationships. Although uneventful, the film has perpetual unease and eeriness. Sheila observed how the film depicts food, and the two discuss its non-nutritious showcase of a biological workplace distraction. Medication plays a significant role in the setting of the film, making overt allusions to the film’s boss as a caricature of Harvey Weinstein. Exploitation, abuse, and unethical practices in a company are ultimately anti-capitalist, even if the line is going up and to the right. Pondering if abusive hierarchical structures are more common and dangerous in the church than in the workplace. Sheila, “Often we feel like when we are in these situations that we are powerless… but quite often we do.” Is Jane complicit? Recommendations: For Our Daughters (2024) (Short Film) TÁR (2022) (Movie) Bombshell (2018) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack <a href='https://instagram.com/cinematicdoctrine?igshid=N
S1 E210 · Wed, November 06, 2024
Ready Player One - w/ Geek Freaks on Nostalgia Overwhelming
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Geek Freaks: Podcast / Instagram / YouTube / Website Frank from the Geek Freaks Podcast Network joins Melvin to discuss a nostalgic hit from 2018, Ready Player One ! From it's barrage of "Do-You-Remember-That?" to it's mix of live-action and CG storytelling, Spielberg takes us on a futuristic, rebellious journey through the Oasis! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 1-hour discussing all 34 MCU films ranked least-to-greatest as per the Rotten Tomatoes score rankings, sharing momentary thoughts and reflections on each entry since the beginning! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Frank shares about his passion for podcasting, whether his own show or supporting others with theirs, and two “bucketlist” shows he’d love to make if time and money allowed. Regarding the book… both Frank & Melvin couldn’t finish it. In fact, they had barely started it before putting it down. The start of the film is an utterly bombastic, visually cluttered, overwhelming action set-piece that did not start Melvin off on the right foot. After about 20 minutes, things got better. Frank on the film’s heavy-handed commentary, “It’s like if Michael Bay were to make a Black Mirror .” Melvin wonders how a film predicated on nostalgia becomes its own marketable brand. Talking favorite Easter Egg challenges. Frank & Melvin agree: the Halliday B-Plot is the best. Frank & Melvin also agree: The Curator is super cool. Frank on the ending, "I would have appreciated if they just, like, had a stance and went for it.". Recommendations: Revisit Steven Spielberg's filmography ( Jaws , Jurassic Park , Saving Private Ryan , any Amblin film). The Crippled Masters (1979) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack<
S1 E209 · Wed, October 30, 2024
Shadowlands - Desire, Suffering, Love
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss this month's Patreon Supporter selected film, Shadowlands ! Based upon the later life of C.S. Lewis, specifically his growing romance with his wife Joy Gresham, and evoking much of his literature, the two discuss this much-celebrated early 90's feature that garnered an Oscar nomination for actor Debra Winger! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 20-minutes discussing a new wave of Filmmakers utilizing YouTube to attract the attention of Hollywood studios and fans around the world, either by showcasing their skillset, producing short films, or releasing high-quality feature-length flicks like Milk & Serial ! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Kathryn cried. A lot. Melvin wished he was more emotional, only finding the film "decent". Thinking about the film in comparison to Christian-Marketed films like God's Not Dead or War Room , and how it passes what Melvin calls the "Christian Bechdel Test". Kathryn, "I think that [ Shadowlands ] is very clear on what it is saying about the transition from childhood to adulthood... [and] the requirement of love to have vulnerability..." Melvin celebrates how the film doesn't have any "member-berries", something that plagues most modern nostalgic or referential media. Discussing a few icons and symbols within the film, including, of course, the wardrobe. The perfection of desire, and the fear of experiencing disappointment or shame. How the film displays what Melvin calls "Three Stages of Men". Pondering the lines "Praying doesn't change God, but it changes me." & "Forgive me, Lord. Perhaps I have loved her too much.". Recommendations: Schedule regular medical checkups! Stay healthy! The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website <a href='https://t
S1 E208 · Wed, October 23, 2024
Tower of Terror - More Theme Park Silliness
Send us a Question! PARTY PLEASER: Shirleon, Kathryn, and Melvin dive into that long-forgotten non-DCOM, Tower of Terror ! If you remember programming on ABC called "The Wonderful World of Disney", then you'll remember this early Disney Parks ride-adaption! Ready to relive some memories? Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 30-minutes playing a horror-themed trivia wherein Melvin & Kathryn duke it out over who knows more horror trivia! Who knows, maybe you’ll score more points than they do while listening? (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Parts of the film are shot on the real Florida Tower of Terror location. Tower of Terror is part of the canon 80s & 90s films wherein strange men hang out with younger counterparts, specifically teen girls… which surely makes you think… For a film based on the The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ride, the few special effects leave a bit to be desired. The very minor romance subplot (if you can call it that) is not only cheesy, it's also lame. So... if the ghosts are chill, why are they trying to scare everyone away? The drama during the climax is effective, and Shirleon & Melvin stepped away enjoying it. Recommendations: Maid (2021) (Series) Oddity (2024) (Movie) The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022 - X ) (Series) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E207 · Wed, October 16, 2024
Donnie Darko - w/ Liz & A Movie on Teen A(ngst)gnosticism
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Liz & A Movie: Instagram / YouTube / Letterboxd Liz from Liz & A Movie (and Court from The B-Movie Critics Podcast!) join Melvin to discuss one of his old-school favorites: Donnie Darko ! They get into the drama, the angst, and everything in between! Topics: Melvin asks Liz & Court a few questions about their movie tastes, as well as learns about their reticence for "super boys". Donnie Darko produces a lot of deep feelings, even if a lot of the film is hard to understand. Melvin's rewatch was surreal, and he shares why he thinks it impacted him so much. Donnie Darko plays with a mix of genres, tones, and characters, and this narrative fragmentation builds a picture of Donnie's confused world. Contrasting the loneliness of Donnie and the loneliness of Cherita. The passage of time, time travel, and change are all ideas at play within Donnie Darko . A lot of Donnie Darko starts to explore dynamics of predestination. Melvin recalls the explanation for the movie Richard Kelly provided with regards to all of the weird, paranormal, timey-wimey stuff that happens in the film... and it's as bonkers as you think it is (and also not that important!). Recommendations: Late Night with the Devil (2023) (Movie) Dark (2017) (Series) Twisters (2024) (Movie) Chronicle (2012) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E206 · Wed, October 09, 2024
The Crow (1994) - w/ Daniel Braindead on Life, Death, Love, & Hate
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Ways to support missions: Mission Next // Wycliffe Bible Translators // The Voice of the Martyrs Daniel comes out of hiding to discuss The Crow with Melvin, but not before explaining why he vanished from the podcast. The two then explore both the original comic and the 90's production of The Crow . Afterward, they ponder the weirdness of remaking such a beloved film. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 41-minutes of Daniel pitching the Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars: Rebels shows and why he now understands the deep connection Star Wars fans have with the material. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Daniel has been in Mission’s during his time away from the podcast. He shares why that's not only important but also a lot easier to assist than you might realize. Daniel & Melvin discuss James O'Barr's original The Crow comic book and use it as a foundation for their discussion. The Crow feels inextricably personal to its creator. Daniel explains how the film represents one of the more faithful hero adaptions prior to the 2000s. The special effects put a lot of modern visual effects to shame. Daniel, "Brandon Lee hangs heavily over this particular project... [it] imbues every scene that he's in with this kind of, just, interesting eeriness." Discussing why it's so cool. Complete confusion regarding The Crow (2024) , which Daniel & Melvin both have not seen, but surely have a lot to say about it. The IMDB trivia page for the remake is filled with pull-quotes from cast and crew members of the original film stating how they are against the idea, and how some had yet to see the original. Recommendations: E-sword.net (Website) Reformed Companion (App) Literal Word Bible App (App) Relight.app (Website) An Evening with Tim Heidecker (2020) (Comedy Special) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: <a href='https://www.threads.net/@cin
S1 E205 · Wed, October 02, 2024
Spawn - w/ Systematic Geekology on Nobody's 90s Nostalgia
Send us a Question! PARTY PLEASER: Systematic Geekology: Spotify / Instagram Will Rose of Systematic Geekology joins Melvin to summarize Spawn , a notoriously bad superhero movie from the 90s! From John Leguizamo imitating Jim Carrey's The Mask , to shockingly bad CGI, the two get into the not-so-good, the pretty dang bad, and the stupendously ugly. It's a trip! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 34-minutes discussing Robert Downey Jr. returning to the MCU as Dr. Doom, and playing a trivia game called "Boo or False?" where, after guessing true or false, Pastor Will Rose has to utilize the trivia fact as a sermon illustration. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Will Rose shares a brief history of how the Lord cultivated his enjoyment of comic books into a means for evangelism. Also, surfing! As is tradition with most Party Pleaser episodes, the movie begins with a lore-dump to make sure the audience knows what's going on. The filmmaking, aesthetic, and basically the whole package feels like a TV-production, not a Hollywood blockbuster. Will & Melvin talk about the shockingly bad CGI, something that precedes the film in a lot of online film spaces. The subtitles for the film were often adult in nature compared to the actual film, leading Melvin to believe the project was made "PG-13" during editing. Will finally realizes why he can't stand John Leguizamo's Clown; he's doing his version of Jim Carrey's The Mask. The final fight scene is incomprehensible. Good luck understanding what's happening. Recommendations: Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (2022) (Graphic Novel) Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 (2015) (Video Game) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E204 · Wed, September 25, 2024
Synchronic - Kitchen Sink Sci-Fi
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss Synchronic, one of the later Benson & Moorhead productions before they transitioned into television. The two get into all of the interesting ideas at play, while also accepting the fact that a lot of the ideas only somewhat work. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 24-minutes discussing the National Association of Theater Owners (NATO) is investing $2.2 Billion over 3-years to revamp theaters, which include AMC, Regal, and Cinemark to have laser-projection, arcades, and even... ziplines? (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Melvin kicks things off by discussing the directing duo of Benson & Moorhead. Shirleon & Melvin agree: Synchronic may have been better as a mini-series. Shirleon & Melvin also agree: the first half of the film’s tone is not only completely different to the second half, it’s also just a better movie. By the time the film ends, it feels like it didn't earn its ending. Almost in every way. Defining the actual word "Synchronic", and how the fictional drug is correlated to Ayahuasca (and also doesn't make sense). Melvin, "There's just, like... the kitchen sink, man. It just gets bad." Rewriting the ending, because that's what podcasts do. Recommendations: Age of Mythology: Retold (2024) (Video Game) As Above, So Below (2014) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E203 · Wed, September 18, 2024
Your Name. - w/ Beneath the Tangles on Shinkai's Melancholic Filmography
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Beneath the Tangles: Instagram / YouTube / X / Website Twwk (Charles) from Beneath the Tangles joins Melvin to discuss the hugely popular anime film Your Name . from Makoto Shinkai. From its Studio Ghibli-esque accessibility, its stunningly detailed animation, and Shinkai's filmography, the two discuss all sorts of topics in this dense episode! Tune in now! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 43-minutes playing an "Anime Draft" where-in Charles & Melvin each draft 5 anime in competition, discuss each show/movie mentioned along the way, and then decide which projects they'd watch in the end. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Beyond the Tangles has a lot of functions and contributors: a blog, cosplayers, twitch streamers, podcasts, and a social media presence. Charles shares all about it, and Melvin asks about their mission. Charles was surprised to hear that Your Name. is still a critical success in the west, as he never saw the film as a “critic’s movie”. Melvin was disappointed he didn’t connect with the film, and distinctly remembers being in the movie theater during its western premiere and thinking during a pivotal scene, “I wish I was emotional right now. I wish I was crying right now.” It seems Your Name. is playing with a mixture of various anime tropes, Japanese folklore, and even details in Shinkai’s filmography. Discussing themes of threading relationships. Melvin complains about the twist, and how it didn't really work for him. The whole film functions on a breakneck pace. Mundanity is thrown to the wayside. Discussing and appreciating the ending. Recommendations: Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (2023) (Anime) Chainsaw Maid (2007) (Claymation) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram
S1 E202 · Wed, September 11, 2024
Frances Ha - w/ Movies & Us on Adulting
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Movies & Us: Podcast , Instagram , Threads TV & Us: Podcast , Instagram , Threads Jen & Sarah from the Movies & Us Podcast join Melvin to discuss an early 2010's indie classic, Frances Ha ! From it's deep relatability to it's clever humor, the three explore what makes the film stand out as a testament to growing up even when you're all grown up. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 40-minutes discussing three trailers - The Monkey , the live-action Snow White , and Kraven the Hunter - and ranking their excitement based on these wildly different films. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Jen & Sarah just celebrated their 6-year podcasting anniversary. Melvin spends some time asking about what they’ve learned throughout that experience. There’s a showcase of girlhood and sisterhood that is gently explored throughout the film. The film is in black and white, and Melvin feels this highlights the "color" experienced in Frances and her relationships. Money is consistently an issue throughout the movie, and Sarah, Jen, and Mel all appreciated how the film doesn't imply that having more money is the solution to Frances' problems. Celebrating an ending that ties every theme together. Jen, "Man, I love this type of movie and would love to see more of these types of small stories get funded and onto the big screen." Recommendations: The Forty-Year-Old Version (2020) (Movie) The Harder They Fall (2021) (Movie) Annie Hall (1977) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E201 · Wed, September 04, 2024
The Outsiders – w/ The Filmjoe Podcast on a Golden, Sophomoric, Teenage Reflection
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: The Filmjoe Podcast: Spotify / Instagram / YouTube Joe Velazquez of The Filmjoe Podcast joins Melvin to discuss Francis Ford Coppola’s The Outsiders , the movie based upon a staple grade-school book-assignment! The two discuss the atmosphere of a realized world, experiences soaked in nostalgia, and the painful beauty in growing up. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 25-minutes of discussing SDCC 2024 with Joe, who was at the convention, about what the experience was like, what were his highlights, and the general vibe around the Robert Downey Jr./Dr. Doom announcement in a post-Marvel fatigue world. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Joe shares about being “pushed” into podcasting, how he’s innovated on his podcast format, and his favorite episode (which you can listen to here !). Joe, “In my opinion, outside of The Godfather and Apocalypse Now , [ The Outsiders ] is one of his best films.” Melvin watched the film but felt like he didn’t pick up everything he wanted. But, no worries, because he liked it so much that he just watched it again the following day. There are constant little moments where characters allude to a newfound awareness of their age, or how things have changed. The movie is gentle in depicting what are literal social outsiders; people most wouldn’t even bother to observe or respond to. At least in the director’s cut ( The Outsiders: The Complete Novel ) there are tons of licensed tracks, specifically from Elvis Presley. There are many times when one of the boys is so overwhelmed with emotion that they run away from a situation. Discussing the ending, both the theatrical cut and the director’s cut. Recommendations: Cine-ful Cuts (Podcast) Ouch, Was That a Ghost? (Podcast) Trap (2024) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack</
S1 E200 · Wed, August 28, 2024
Pulse - A Lonely, Traumatic, Dead Internet
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss our Patreon Selected film, Pulse ! This early 2000's Japanese horror film explores isolation, death, and human relationships amidst the infancy of an internet age, and the two dissect what makes the film so dense, so unsettling, and so predictive about internet technology. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 27-minutes playing Sloppy Synopsis Movie Edition, a game where-in one person describes a film poorly and the other guess which movie it is! Play along with Kathryn and Melvin and see how many films you guess right! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Pulse is eerie and spooky as opposed to shocking and violent. Pulse has been celebrated as being predictive in how it explores the internet and its effects on relationships and the individual, as well as a "safe" window into curiosities. Melvin thinks Pulse would work perfectly as a double-feature alongside The Last Broadcast , as both films are oddly predictive in how they understand media in an internet age a decade before the explosive growth of social media and smart phones. Kathryn and Melvin are very much a part of the generation that grew up with unfettered, unfiltered internet access. In this way, the two deeply resonated with a lot of what the film explores. Pulse is the kind of movie that proposes all kinds of different reads and understandings. You can interpret so much from this film. Discussing the apocalyptic ending. Melvin, "It's barely even "man" that has killed each other. It is, like, the technology that is put in their hands that is killing themselves." Recommendations: Destined for Glory: The Meaning of Suffering by Margaret Clarkson (1983) (Book) Pick a country that is not the U.S. (or English speaking) and watch their movies for a while. Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads <a href='https://cinematicdoctri
Bonus · Wed, August 21, 2024
Venom: Let There Be Carnage - It's Embarrassing and Weird
Send us a Question! REBROADCAST MOVIE DISCUSSION: In this rebroadcasted episode (originally released October 5th, 2021), Melvin & Dan waste no time with banter and jump right into discussing Sony's latest Marvel feature, Venom: Let There Be Carnage ! Topics: Daniel reviews the new Venom track by Eminem. Melvin suspects Venom: Let There Be Carnage will be the worst movie the two of them discuss on the podcast. Both Melvin & Dan each had a moment while watching Venom: Let There Be Carnage where they covered their faces with embarrassment. Critics seem to be embracing Venom: Let There Be Carnage , warts and all! Daniel explains what he likes about the movie. Daniel thanks our lovely Patreon Supporters for helping him get AMC Stubs A-List which permits him to see movies for the show at no expense! Talking about the source of this particular interpretation of Venom. Discussing the mid-credits scene, the only thing truly worth noting about Venom: Let There Be Carnage . A semi-continuation of our "Let's Talk" Canon & Continuity discussion regarding which communities will consider or delineate canon. Recommendations: R.C. Sproul's " Matthew: An Expositional Commentary " What We Do in the Shadows (Movie) Colossal (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Wed, August 14, 2024
The Blackcoat's Daughter - The Horror of Spiritual Loneliness
Send us a Question! REBROADCAST MOVIE DISCUSSION: In this rebroadcasted episode (originally released September 20th, 2022), you'll hear Melvin & Dan talk about one of Mel's favorite movies, The Blackcoat's Daughter , perhaps the most painstakingly slow burning, brooding mood slashers ever made. Also, Melvin gets really honest about why he loves The Blackcoat's Daughter so much. Topics: Melvin has wanted Daniel to watch The Blackcoat's Daughter since they started the podcast. Finally, it happened. The Blackcoat's Daughter shows various aspects of alienation, loneliness, and general social dysfunction despite its small cast. Despite The Blackcoat's Daughter being set at a spiritually indistinguishable denominational school, an aesthetic choice likely chosen to add flavor to the horror, Melvin finds himself deeply connecting with the general atmosphere present within the film. The structure of The Blackcoat's Daughter is extremely subtle, with even its timeline giving small yet pivotal narrative clues. Daniel read that Ozgood Perkins wanted the film to be about loneliness, which as stated before clearly comes through the film. The Blackcoat's Daughter lends itself well to rewatching, both in shedding light on the narrative, and introducing more curiosities. When either a secular or religious person has no support system, they are prone to fill the void of community, companionship, and intimacy with risky and dangerous solutions often because those are easier or simpler to implement than an entire social structure. Melvin feels The Blackcoat's Daughter displays a convincing, gentle, yet clear perspective as to why one may be attracted to evil, and he feels the film can help bring a sense of clarity and compassion toward an otherwise contentious subject matter. There's a really strong dream-like logic to The Blackcoat's Daughter in which things don't necessarily make real-world sense but heavily improve the film's overall tone. Daniel, "Helping somebody who's [overtly] choosing something other than God; that's a tough one. Because there's something about the thing they're choosing that calls to them uniquely." Melvin, "In terms of [ The Blackcoat's Daughter ], a resolution to loneliness is companionship. But learning... learning to be a good friend is hard." Recommendations: Global Impact Bible: ESV Find and visit your local pop-up Spirit Halloween! Young Justice (Show) & Batman: The Brave and the Bold (Show) <a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreon.com/C
S1 E199 · Wed, August 07, 2024
Dream Scenario - w/ The Infinity Bros Podcast on Ideals, Self-Image, and Vanity
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: The Infinity Bros Podcast: Spotify / Instagram / Website Isaac Edlund of The Infinity Bros Podcast joins Mel to discuss Dream Scenario , a movie whose hook is so good you'll run to the theater to see it! Then, you'll see it and go... huh? We discuss what we like, what we don't like, and the hazard of chasing your dreams! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 43-minutes discussing a rumor that the Russo Brothers may have been asked to return for Avengers 5 and 6, as well as discussing James Hibberd's article " The ‘Gladiator II’ Trailer Is Getting Review Bombed for Three Reasons ", what those criticisms are, and why this sort of hubbub is so tired. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Isaac shares about The Infinity Bros. Podcast, an all-purpose geek discussion podcast that covers a mix of TV, film, video and board games, and so much more! Dream Scenario’s premise and casting is on point for creating an elevator pitch that will capture anyone’s attention. Dreams are often abstract expressions of deeply rooted desires and fears, and they also don’t pull any punches. Where Dream Scenario goes and what it wants to do is will likely test the patience and interest of casual audiences. Melvin talks about his favorite scene where characters try to recreate one of these dreams only for it to fail in epic proportions. Our dreams may showcase abstract depictions of our desires and fears, but it’s in our waking hours where we have power to decide what is moral, sensible, and useful in attaining or denying such things. Isaac observes how Paul’s journey is indicative of the overall theming behind Ecclesiastes; that Paul doesn’t realize his pursuits are vanity no matter how far to the top he reaches. The ending is frustrating, and the film doesn’t end in a way that feels complete. Recommendations: Twisters (2024) (Movie) Godzilla Battle Line (Mobile Game) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads <a href='https://cinematicdo
S1 E198 · Wed, July 31, 2024
Pitch Black - The Proto Syfy Channel Original Movie
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss Pitch Black , one of Vin Diesel's early action outings! The two explore what's cool and what's not-so-cool. But don't worry, they both agree: the eyes are friggin' cool! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 37-minutes discussing Anthony D'Alessandro's article " As 'Deadpool & Wolverine' Stomps On Superhero Fatigue, Studios Debate Comic-Con's Relevance ", where-in D'Alessandro notes some geeky films that are skipping Comic-Con like Joker: Folie à Deux , Venom: The Last Dance , and Lord of the Rings: The War of Rohirrim, and why some studios may start treating SDCC differently. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Shirleon has been on a self-described “Vin Diesel kick” lately, which made covering Pitch Black more enjoyable. While watching the film Melvin thought, “Syfy Channel basically copied this movie a thousand times over.” Shirleon observed that certain online discourse* compares Pitch Black to John Carpenter’s The Thing . Melvin doesn’t really see it. (*Source: 1 // 2 ) Contrary to its title, it never feels like our characters are in a state of pitch black. Old cohost Daniel sent Melvin a list of 7 interesting details about Vin Diesel/Riddick. Melvin reads them aloud. The film contains a kind and interesting pre-9/11 depiction of Islam with a throughline about faith. Do we like the ending? Celebrating Riddick's simple character design in a world of gaudy superhero suits. Recommendations: Gab Smolders (YouTube Channel) Call of Duty Campaigns: World at War // Black Ops // Black Ops 2 Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads
Bonus · Wed, July 24, 2024
Zoetic and the CCM Coconut Tree (Jesus Revolution, The Jesus Music)
Send us a Question! LET'S TALK: Zoetic: Spotify / Instagram / Linktree Kierstyn St. John, founder/songwriter/producer for the Christian jazz-pop fusion duo Zoetic, joins Melvin to discuss all things Christian Contemporary Music (CCM)! First, Melvin interviews Kierstyn about the Zoetic project, their mix of musical genre, and comfortability with challenging lyrics. Following this, the two discuss two films, Jesus Revolution and The Jesus Music , and how they showcase a semi-CCM-industry-self-portrait on the birthplace of CCM and it's continued development over the decades. Following this, and using the films as a foundation, Melvin asks Kierstyn whether the CCM "vibes" are good, if CCM can overcome the problems she perceives in the industry, and what has her excited for the current world of CCM. Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E197 · Wed, July 17, 2024
Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters - Cartoonish YA Silliness
Send us a Question! PARTY PLEASER: Shirleon joins Melvin in summarizing Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters , the forgotten sequel to Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief . Mythical monsters abound in this YA-flick, and the two have a fun time chattin' what works and what doesn't in this swan-song of the Percy Jackson theatrical film series. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 22-minutes playing a Disney Trivia Game that has some pretty dang difficult questions. Can you guess more correctly than Shirleon? (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) The first 10-minutes of the film are expediently-well paced, which for Melvin was a good sign. The "Fantasy Racism" from Annabeth to the cyclops Tyson gets to be a bit too much. It's very one-note. When the Three Fates Taxi scene took place, despite evoking Harry Potter 3, Melvin thought to himself, "Oh, I think I'm going to like this movie.". Percy's character arc is simple, and not all that explicit, but it's very much about the confusion between a found-family and a born-family, as well as concepts of faith. Tyson's cyclops CGI is off-putting, which is made worse when we see a cyclops in a flashback and it looks awesome. Jake Abel plays Luke as this character who likes being the irritating antagonist but is also really, really chill. Rewriting scenes, because that's what you do on a podcast. There's a mutuality and wanting more cost or risk within the Percy Jackson films, but that will never happen because there will never be a third film. Recommendations: One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware (2024) Shesmadeofwords Podcast Lake Mungo (2008) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E196 · Wed, July 10, 2024
Cube - Intriguing, Intelligent, and Well Directed
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss a late-90's Canadian sci-fi thriller, Cube ! Why? Because Melvin has a podcast and he gets to choose what they cover! From talented directing to the intriguing mystery of the cube itself, the two discuss all sorts of exciting material in this episode. Tune in now! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 45-minutes discussing various Google "AI Overview" answers, laughing at their absurdity, and also reviewing how bad AI (or, large language models: LLMs) simply amplify lies, misinformation, or useless search and research practices (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Kathryn and Melvin agree: the direction behind Cube is immensely impressive. The Canadian Film Centre is a program that helps network industry partners and volunteers with projects they've chosen to support. Cube was one such project. (Source: Sardonicast 150 [timestamp: 00:16:09]) There’s a perpetual unease and oppression to Cube that meshes well with its pacing. One angle about Cube's story is that of how there are unwitting participants in systematic issues. The characters are all named in reference to prison, although not all the characters are named after prison's, as Kathryn learned down the grapevine. Melvin, "[ Cube ] at some point is a math movie." Melvin talks about his current fascination with numbers as a definitive thing a world of excessive subjectivities. Because the setting and scenario of the cube is so static, the film allows for complex, dynamic character interactions. Thoughts on the ending, and the cube as a metaphor for life. Recommendations: Authority by Jeff VanderMeer (2014) (Book) Saw (2004) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E195 · Wed, July 03, 2024
Good Burger 2 - Edible but Expired Nostalgia
Send us a Question! PARTY PLEASER: Shirleon joins Melvin in summarizing the sequel to the late-90s Kenan & Kel hit, Good Burger 2 ! From more silly burger-flippin' hijinks to Ed's absurd antics, the two discuss how things feel kind of the same, things feel a bit different, and borger! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 50-minutes discussing the newly announced "Twisted Childhood Cinematic Universe" - or "Poohniverse", a cinematic universe catapulted by the wild financial success of Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey - and how alternate renditions of classic tales like Peter Pan and Bambi are far from uncommon. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) First things first: No Dan Schneider. He's no where to be seen. The comedy in Good Burger 2 is very skit-based. It's SNL-type humor. The first film included some absurd cartoon humor that Shirleon & Melvin liked. Good Burger 2 doesn't really have any. The actual complicating incident doesn't happen until 40-minutes into the movie, which is super weird. Unlike its predecessor, Good Burger 2 isn't very tactile. Things never feel quite real. Shirleon, "This movie - as much as there's differences - it's the exact same plot as the first movie. The exact same. That's not how you do nostalgia." Recommendations: Twisted Tale Series of Books (Shirleon's Favorites: So This is Love / Go the Distance / As Old as Time / Part of Your World - [graphic novel]) Frogman (2023) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E194 · Wed, June 26, 2024
The Man from Earth - Hollow, Pretentious, and Poorly Directed
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss a movie neither of them had heard of before: The Man From Earth ! John Oldman says he's lived for 14,000 years, but his coworkers aren't so sure. So ensues a film of debate regarding time, materialism, and spirituality. Philosophical pretention abounds! Strap yourself in and tune in now! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 34-minutes discussing a series of Summer Blockbusters that may or may not be - as Melvin puts it - "Not"busters, or films that flopped at the box office in contrast to their exorbitant budgets, and why that may be. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Shirleon, "There [are] a few moments where, like, it's charming." Melvin, "Let's just get out of the gate. Like, this is a poorly directed film." There are many interesting things within the film, but the package fails to bring anything together. Shirleon and Melvin discuss other movies set in one room that are more visually stimulating and offer better performances. Pretentious is a weighty word to use in art criticism, so Melvin first colors what he considers "pretentious" as it relates to film-making before, then, calling The Man From Earth pretentious. Discussing the depiction of materialism in the film, and Shirleon does some live fact-checking. How the film dives into religious concepts but continues to have nothing to say about humanity, truth, or anything of importance. Melvin shares his one note-header, “Athiests make bad movies to!”. Recommendations: The Fast & Furious Franchise Stopmotion (2023) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Faceboo
S1 E193 · Wed, June 19, 2024
Doom - w/ The Reformed Gamers on Misguided Video Game Adaptions
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Melvin digs into the archives (read: he found lost audio from 2020) to unearth a surprise Logan Sharp guest appearance! As The Reformed Gamers posted their last episode on January 24th, 2024, Melvin figured it would be fun to release this special episode as a final hoorah to one of his podcasting inspirations. We'll miss you, The Reformed Gamers! (This audio was recorded in Fall of 2020, close to when they recorded for a Super Mario Bros. episode and far before they recorded Patreon Exclusive discussions, and thus does not include any Patreon Exclusive content. This episode has been posted with approval and encouragement from Logan Sharp.) Topics: Melvin and Logan discuss their experience with the Doom video game series, and whether Doom captured the same atmosphere. Doom , like most dudebro sci-fi movies, does not represent its women well. The two get into what makes that so frustrating, and perhaps one reason why it was decided at all. Logan, "[Gamers] just want a good movie that [feels] like the game that we played." The Doom video games are filled with ultraviolence, yes, but also have a silly atmosphere regarding their setting and motivation. The film doesn't do anything inventive with these ideas. It's basically just a zombie movie. Melvin wonders if the Doom property is just unadaptable, and if it's simply at its best as a video game. Melvin asks Logan: If you had to sell one good thing about Doom , what would it be? Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E192 · Wed, June 12, 2024
Holes - Yeah, It's as Good as You Remember
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Shirleon and Melvin discuss the popular 2003 Disney family movie Holes , that one where lizards are scary and the line, "I can fix that." is eternally engrained in your brain! We dig into the films surprisingly mature content, occasionally DCOM-esque nature, and how sometimes that movie you liked as a kid is as good as you remember! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 41-minutes discussing Madame Web: or, how movies are products to be sold, which means they are marketed, and we were not convinced the marketing had sold us on the product; an exploration on the importance of marketing; and whether someone can be critical of a film prior to having seen it. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Shirleon read the book, so Melvin asks a few questions about that. There’s just a lot about Holes that works on a fundamental level, and it makes the film an enjoyable watch. Shirleon & Melvin both observe a comfortability in the film to showcase and explore mature, hard themes while remaining accessible to a family audience. Shirleon gives a more specific compare-and-contrast between the book and film. The legalistic metaphor of perpetual, listless hole-digging contrasted against deep-and-dynamic characters. Shirleon & Melvin agree; all the Sam and Kathryn flashbacks were stellar. Discussing and contrasting the two curses. Recommendations: Buy Lego! Build Lego! Frances Ha (2012) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E191 · Wed, June 05, 2024
Unbreakable - w/ Geek Devotions on Power, Gentleness, and a Perfect Movie
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Geek Devotions Website , YouTube , and Comm Talk Podcast. Dallas from Geek Devotions joins Melvin in discussing M. Night Shyamalan's comic-book inspired follow-up to his break-out film: Unbreakable ! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 33-minutes of Melvin interviewing Dallas about the "Geek Devotions" project; what Dallas and Celeste seek to achieve in reaching out to the world of anime, video games, and netizen-culture; how most geek-experience with spirituality is negative (and they hope to change that); and how fringe, geek communities can satisfy the innate need we all have for community. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Melvin asks Dallas about Geek Devotion's YouTube presence, which involves a LOT of shows, and how they fulfill their mission statement. Dallas had seen Unbreakable as a child, and Melvin wonders if there's anything he reflected on during this rewatch. For Melvin, this rewatch was nothing short of transcendental. Dallas, "[ Unbreakable ] feels fresh, but it also feels very real. It feels like a genuine story." There's a throughline about the relationship between masculinity, power, and gentleness that is explored in David Dunn's story, and the inclusion of his son Joseph adds more importance to David's decision making. Early Shyamalan films ask their audience to be patient with the mundane, and that patience is then rewarded. Why the "kids with guns" scene (as Melvin calls it) is so jarring, but also kinda works with the film's theming. And, of course, thoughts on the ending. Recommendations: Fallout (2024) (Series) Shōgun (2024) (Mini Series) Breathing Fire (1991) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram <a href='https://www.facebook.com/groups/cinemat
S1 E190 · Wed, May 29, 2024
When Marnie Was There - Personal Anxiety, Western Queerbaiting, and Transformative Love
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss this month's Patreon-Picked flick: When Marnie Was There ! Boy do they cover a lot of ground! From discussing its strong melancholy vibes to its extremely profound yet simple characters, no stone is left unturned! Topics: ( FREE PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 44-minutes discussing a trailer for an AI produced short film called "Next Stop Paris" that will debut on TCLtv+ Summer 2024, as well as other AI related discussions and surprises. ( FREE PATREON EXCLUSIVE) When Marnie Was There's opening is dour, and the whole film has a patient melancholy to it as well as strong depictions of the hijacking nature of anxiety on the body. Taking time to discuss how haunting the film feels, and the lyrics to Priscilla Ahn's "Fine on the Outside" theme song. The film drew a lot of personal experiences out of both Shirleon and Melvin, and the two discuss it further. Melvin explains the end of the film, as well as how that caught a lot of people off guard. Or, specifically, how they felt "queerbaited", and how Melvin thinks that's a wildly uneducated and inappropriate read of the film. When Marnie Was There is so overtly about the transforming benefits of practiced, personal, platonic love that Melvin has difficulty observing the film in any other way. Getting into various biblical stories that showcase practiced, personal, platonic love that produced hope. How the image of the Yukata being cleaned is a fitting icon of hope. Mailbag Responses: Tips for watching horror movies as a Christian (Maddy from Texas) [00:39:47 > 00:48:31] Recommendations: Vinland Saga (2019) (Anime) Texhnolyze (2003) (Anime) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website <li
S1 E189 · Wed, May 22, 2024
Your Lie in April - w/ Faith & Fandom in the Manic Pixie Dream Girl Episode
Send us a Question! TV-SHOW DISCUSSION: Faith & Fandom Podcast & Website Hector Miray from Faith & Fandom joins Melvin to discuss one of the highest rated anime of the modern age: Your Lie in April ! The two discuss it's exploration of music-as-metaphor, depictions of trauma, and, of course, all of the melodrama! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 47-minutes discussing the current atmosphere around the MCU, especially with 2023 being a less-than-stellar year for Disney/Marvel, and 2024 only offering one film, Deadpool & Wolverine , and why fans may be losing some of their longstanding interest. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Hector shares about how he started Faith & Fandom as far back as the early 2010s, his development on several geek-themed devotionals, the time he almost quit (and why he didn't), and so much more! Your Lie in April features several classical songs played in various ways, as well as brief, strong lines of poetic dialogue. Hector was a big fan of these details. Melvin shares his list of "Things I Liked" and "Things I Disliked" that he wrote during his watch. Hector shares about a new term he learned: the Manic Pixie Dream Girl. Melvin explains his notes in the Dislikes category titled, "Kaori. Entirely.". Discussing the depiction of "reaching" someone with their art. For Melvin, Kousei is the "audience" stand-in - a troubled prodigy who looks down on themself - and Kaori is the idealized girlfriend of that audience - or, as stated before, the Manic Pixie Dream Girl. Recommendations: Delicious in Dungeon (2024) (Anime) Watashitachi no Shiawase na Jikan (Translation: Our Happy Hours) (2008) (Manga) Say "I Love You." (2012) (Anime) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook
S1 E188 · Tue, May 14, 2024
Uzumaki - Editing, Obsession, Acceptance
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Kathryn joins Melvin in discussing an early Junji Ito live-action adaption, Uzumaki ! Although the film went into production before the manga had reached its completion, there's still a lot of exciting material to cover in this truly wacky film; and not just because of the spirals! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 38-minutes of Kathryn and Melvin competing in a Movie/Entertainment Trivia game, finally figuring out which one of the two knows more about everything Movies and Entertainment! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Kathryn and Melvin are huge fans of Junji Ito, both of which having read his manga for close to 10 years. The two talk about what it is about his work that captures their attention. In introducing Uzumaki , the two can't avoid it: They have to talk about the editing first. The setting feels fresh and "lived in", and even the various characters within the story feel as though they've known each other for a long time. Melvin wonders about the correlation between films about social issues, or that have social awareness, and the size of the community within the fiction (or, the reality they're based on). Kathryn shares her thoughts. There's one scene in Uzumaki that is so hauntingly patient that it really affected Melvin. He describes the scene, and the two explore it together. Discussing how Kirie and Shuichi are roughly the same characters between both the manga and the movie, but how what they represent in the story in relation to the spirals is different. Recommendations: The Devil's Candy (2016) (Movie) The Spiral (Original Title: Rasen) (1998) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E187 · Tue, May 07, 2024
Howl's Moving Castle - w/ Establishing Shot Pod on Turmoil and Kindness
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Eli Price's The Establishing Shot Podcast, @establishingshotpod on Instagram, and @EliPrice on Letterboxd. Happy Ani-May! Eli Price, host of The Establishing Shot Podcast, joins Melvin in discussing one of Hayao Miyazaki's most beloved films, Howl's Moving Castle ! From its fairytale atmosphere to child-like wonder, the two get into what makes the film so meaningful to many, as well as what their biggest takeaways were regarding the material. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 30-minutes discussing Joker: Folie à Deux's trailer, whether or not these two film-fans are itching to watch a DC-villain themed juke-box musical, and if the inclusion of brief full nudity in the film will be a deterrent. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Eli shares about his podcast The Establishing Shot, a show where he takes deep-dives into a director's filmography and discusses them with a variety of guests, picking apart the nuances and history of a specific film each episode. Eli has seen Howl's Moving Castle several times. This is Melvin's first time seeing the film. Eli observes in Miyazaki a child-like way of storytelling where it seems he often "blindly" watches where his characters are headed and explores their reactions to a myriad of situations. In the film there's a thread about the idolization of beauty and youth, and even the unique joys found in cross-generational relationships. Howl has main character syndrome... but he's not the main character; Sophie is. Discussing the use of curses in the story, and how they manifest within the film. The two discuss the tension between imbued desires and the fear of self-indulgence. Melvin talks about how much he likes the Witch of the Waste "face reveal" and what the rest of the movie does with that. Talking about the controversial, bizarre ending. Recommendations: My Neighbor Totoro (1988) (Movie) Ikiru (1952) (Movie) Tokyo Story (1953) (Movie) Ring 2 (1999) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links:
S1 E186 · Tue, April 30, 2024
Damsel - w/ Shesmadeofwords on Millie Bobby Brown, Scary Dragons, & Wanting More
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Shesmadeofwords Podcast & Instagram Shirleon joins Melvin in discussing Millie Bobby Brown's latest acting venture: Damsel ! From it's wild, fluctuating tone to actually making a dragon scary, there's plenty to be explored in this latest girl-power fantasy tale! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 30-minutes discussing " Why It's Never Been Easier to Land in Director's Jail ", a write-up by Mia Galuppo on The Hollywood Reporter, and one of its observations: that producers look at a Director's Rotten Tomatoes Scores in deciding who to hire, and who to ignore. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Shirleon has started her own podcast called "Shesmadeofwords", a podcast about the books she's reading, bookstagram, and so much more! Shirleon liked Damsel , even texting Melvin to check it out after watching the film, and liked its twist on the traditional storybook of yore. Melvin felt there was a "confusion in tone", but otherwise still enjoyed the fact that the Dragon was handled more like a horror-movie villain than your typical mythical beast. Melvin has already seen Damsel before. He watched it back in 2022. Back then, it was called The Princess and featured Joey King as its lead. Jokingly, he compares the two films, and how he liked The Princess a lot more. In various, different ways, Shirleon and Melvin both wanted more from the film. Shirleon loved Millie Bobby Brown's performance. Melvin, on the other hand, felt something was seriously off for this otherwise consistently stellar performer. So begins a long thread about acting as an artform. Discussing specific plot details (with spoilers) and how the movie fails to telegraph important details. Also, Melvin loses his mind. Recommendations: Shōgun (2024) (Mini Series) Ghostwatch (1992) (Movie) Late Night with the Devil (2023) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we r
S1 E185 · Tue, April 23, 2024
Shin Godzilla - w/ Monster Island Film Vault on 3/11 and Existential Titan Horror
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Nate Marchand's Monster Island Film Vault Podcast, Henshin Men Podcast, The Power Trip: A Journey Through the Power Rangers Franchise Podcast, and Author website. Nate Marchand, host of several podcasts, joins Melvin in discussing Hideaki Anno's bizarre entry to the Godzilla film-canon: Shin Godzilla ! This film has it all: satire, comedy, tragedy, horror, and social commentary! This podcast? Equally so! Tune in now! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 73-minutes discussing the 5 MonsterVerse films from Godzilla (2014)'s grounded nature, Kong: Skull Island still probably being the best film in the series, Godzilla: King of the Monsters contested quality, and a combined look on both Godzilla vs. Kong and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire . (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Self-described "content machine" Nate Marchand shares about his several creative endeavors. Shin Godzilla is weird. Not necessarily as weird as Hideaki Anno's previous work, but definitely weird when compared to previous Godzilla material. At its face value, there's a lot to appreciate about the film. However, it's best understood in the light of modern Japanese history; most notably, the 3/11 disaster. Shin Godzilla is baked in Japanese culture almost to a fault, in that it makes a lot of the rich nuance of the film hard to engage as foreigners. Nate shares insight into some of these cultural hurdles. Getting into the atomic breath scene because it would be a mistake if they didn't. Shinji Higuchi was asked about the film's mysterious ending. In response, paraphrased: "I don't know. And the only person who does is Anno. And he's not talking." Recommendations: Godzilla (1954) (Movie) Godzilla Minus One (2023) (Movie) Rebuild of Evangelion Films (2007-2021) Shin Ultra Man (2022) (Movie) Shin Kamen Rider (2023) (Movie) Monsters (2010) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins</l
S1 E184 · Tue, April 16, 2024
Animal Farm (1954) - Historically Important Well-Made Propaganda
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Kathryn joins Melvin in discussing George Orwell's other popular communist-criticism tale, Animal Farm ! In this early animated adaption the two discuss the complicated social dynamics of Animal Farm , what makes the story so timeless and accessible, and the fascinating history behind this film's development. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 31-minutes of Melvin running an improv game wherein Kathryn must make war or diplomacy with different Animal Farms taken over by different barn animals. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Kathryn & Melvin kick things off by explaining their knowledge of Animal Farm before watching this adaption. This adaption of Animal Farm is animated, and while it doesn't match the same quality of animation as something like a Disney-animated feature, it stands-up well against them. The literature of Animal Farm is impressive, proposing multiple metaphors for multiple insights, but the implication of individuals being born with inherent qualities (i.e. certain animals - ergo; people - being capable of only certain actions) is questionable, and showcases how the metaphor breaks down. The tragedy of Boxer cleverly showcases how exploitative leaders not only view those beneath them as a means to an end, but also how Boxer was nothing more than product that moved product with the sole purpose of producing more product to Napoleon. Certain characters in Animal Farm are very pointedly representative of historical leaders. Kathryn breaks down some of their representations. It's a fact: If you watch Animal Farm (1954) , you are watching CIA Propaganda. Because of the CIA's involvement, this adaption has a different ending. Kathryn & Melvin share their thoughts on this simple yet massive change. To help with the proliferation of Animal Farm (1954) propaganda (and profit), toys were also produced of various characters from the film (seen here , as Melvin was able to collect screenshots from the featurette). Finalizing thoughts on both Nineteen Eighty-Four and Animal Farm as stories. Recommendations: The Muppet Movie (1979) (Movie) The Final Girls (2015) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins </
S1 E183 · Tue, April 09, 2024
Green Lantern - w/ Nerds & Jesus Podcast on The "Sam's Club" Tire-Buying Movie
Send us a Question! PARTY PLEASER: Guest: Nerds & Jesus Podcast & Instagram Mary Howell, lead host of the Nerds & Jesus Podcast, joins Melvin in summarizing a formative experience in Ryan Reynold's Hollywood career, Green Lantern ! This stupendously expensive cinematic-universe starter failed to meet expectations, disappointing moviegoers the world over! And now it's time for us to be disappointed! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 41-minutes discussing "Cinematic Universe" intrigue and fatigue, as well as specifics like Marvel's current cinematic woes, the coming universe-change to DC, and a plethora of other cinematic universes (Monsterverse, Dark Universe, Conjuring-Universe, etc.). (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Mary shares about her various creative outlets, from podcasting to cosplaying. The pervasive criticism against Green Lantern had been its usage of CGI. From the start, Mary & Melvin have thoughts. Melvin observed an editing mistake, so he spends some time explaining what went wrong. Mary shamefully exposes her greatest sin: seeing Black Adam four times in theaters. Further criticizing the suit and visor. Green Lantern as a narrative puts the concept of "fear" entirely in the negative. Mary & Melvin talk about how fear is actually a useful tool in the emotional toolbelt. Melvin wishes the movie got into more weird sci-fi space stuff. It takes an hour and thirty-five minutes for the action to finally get started in Green Lantern . It's criminal. Recommendations: Set a timer on your mobile device! The Fly (1986) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E182 · Tue, April 02, 2024
The Stepford Wives (1975) - w/ Kelsey Kramer McGinnis On Tradwives and Asking: "Do Stepford Men Even Like Women?"
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Kelsey Kramer McGinnis on Instagram & Christianity Today Pre-Order: The Myth of Good Christian Parenting: How False Promises Betrayed a Generation of Evangelical Families by Marissa Burt & Kelsey McGinnis Kelsey Kramer McGinnis, contributing author to Christianity Today and Professor at Grand View University, joins Melvin in discussing a classic film adaption in early feminist literature, The Stepford Wives ! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 38-minutes discussing Kelsey McGinnis' article on Christianity Today titled " Big, Big Market: Why CCM Filled '80s and '90s Homes ", where CCM developed during the '00s and the '10s, the transition in popularity from CCM to Worship music, and the impact of how we engage music in the modern day through streaming and algorithmic curation. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Kelsey McGinnis shares about her upcoming book with Marissa Burt on the history of Christian parenting, and some of its crossover with the modern TRAD-wife movement. The Stepford Wives is almost entirely mumblecore in its presentation. Apart from that one big thing, it feels like a simple, evenly-paced film about nothing. Nearly 50 years later... is The Stepford Wives still a good representation of feminist cinema? The two open up their spoiler-filled discussion early (for a 50-year-old film) so they can get into more interesting weeds of discussion. So... is The Stepford Wives a horror movie? Yes, but likely only for some. For 1975, Melvin isn't aware he's seen or read any stories that tackle systematic issues with such complex clarity. He's largely observed that in more modern material. The Stepford Wives is stupendously blunt. Is that useful? Tradwives are like a modern stepford wife, but what else defines them? The two discuss its complicated origin, and it's identity-altering and spiritually-toxic attributes. Recommendations: The Sopranos (1999) (TV-Show) Taskmaster (2015) (Game Show) Someone's Watching Me! (1978) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review
S1 E181 · Tue, March 26, 2024
The Luck of the Irish - Our Luck Has Run Out
Send us a Question! PATREON PARTY PLEASER: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Shirleon joins Melvin in summarizing and reliving the early DCOM era of television with The Luck of the Irish , a movie that wears its inspiration on its sleeve! From weird patriotism to grotesque food, the two have fun traveling back to the early '00s for some wacky-and-weird high-school hijinks! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 49-minutes of discussing Denis Villeneuve's disinterest in "extended cuts" and "deleted scenes", why we're so enamored with extended/unrated cuts of movies, the concept of fan-edits, and the tragedy of lost versions of films. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) The Luck of the Irish isn't subtle in how it plays with ideas explored in Teen Wolf , although its various changes are far stranger. There aren't many showcases of food in the film that ostensibly isn't about food. Even so, every shot of food in this film is truly criminal. A main throughline of the film is a conversation on Irish-prejudice. Although this is a very real thing that took place in the U.S., and has also happened overseas, the heft with-which the movie tackles the topic is simultaneously absurd and overly serious. It isn't used enough, but the shrink-effect in the film is neat. There's some fun macro-props of otherwise small objects. So... like... does the general population know Leprechaun lore? Recommendations: PowerWash Simulator (2022) (Video Game) Rings (2005) (Short Film) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E180 · Tue, March 19, 2024
Dune: Part 2 - w/ Jerry Dugan Spittin' Dune Facts!
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Jerry Dugan's "Beyond the Rut" Podcast & Book Cinematic Doctrine's Dune Episode Jerry Dugan from the Beyond the Rut Podcast joins Melvin and Shirleon in discussing Denis Villeneuve's latest film, Dune: Part Two ! Jerry and Shirleon share insight into the original Frank Herbert novel, how Villeneuve's two films handle adapting such complex material, and the tragedy of Paul Atreides. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 42-minutes roleplaying as Imagineers building a Dune-themed section of Disney World's Hollywood Studios. One person creates a ride, one person explains why it's successful, and one person explains why it's either a risk to human life or an outright failure! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Since Jerry's previous appearance on Cinematic Doctrine ( Avatar: The Way of Water ) he's been going strong on his podcast and has published a book! (Episode mentioned in discussion here ) It's unanimous: the gang loves Dune: Part Two ! Melvin, "[Seeing Dune: Part Two ] is why you fall in love with movies." Melvin hasn't read the book, so he asks Jerry and Shirleon about the differences between Villeneuve's interpretation and the source material. Dune (2021) has an ethereal, philosophical exploration of how frightening and daunting the concept of possibility is as a conscience being. Meanwhile, Dune: Part Two feels primarily a tale of grand, epic proportion. Shirleon reads a section of the book to assert the tragic loneliness of Muad'Dib. Getting into how broad, deep, and positively complicated the literature of Dune can get. Thoughts on where a sequel is headed, as both an adaption and an interpretation of its source material. Recommendations: Paranormal Activity 2 (2010) (Movie) Silo (2023) (Series) The Stormlight Archive Series by Brandon Sanderson Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads</a
S1 E179 · Tue, March 12, 2024
Arrival - w/ The Gospel According To Making the Most of Misery
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: The Gospel According To Podcast & Instagram Dave Hallahan of The Gospel According To podcast joins Melvin in discussing one of Dennis Villeneuve's most accessible and celebrated features, Arrival ! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 36-minutes of discussing Dave Hallahan's podcast The Gospel According To, their wide-variety of subject matter, the pursuit of media literacy, and the wonder of curation. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Dave shares about his podcast The Gospel According To, his meme page @youthgroupmemes , and his Substack " Bottom's Up w/ Dave Hallahan ". Melvin asks Dave about his familiarity with Denis Villeneuve's film work, and the two discuss his films. Villeneuve utilizes the 5 senses to serve as various pick-up shots during moments of intense, transfixed awe. Melvin, "What do you think it is that makes, like, movies like this a chore to watch?" Discussing the beauty of the storytelling mantra, "Show, don't tell". Communication is the complexity of a "story in my head" in combined with or against the pursuit of mutuality. Dave sharing thoughts in the spoiler-filled section, "The journey to the hardship is also filled with tremendous joy." Discussing recurrent visuals, symbols, and motifs. The Heptapod B language is a gift because it encourages the self to invest further in the present because of their knowledge of the future. Dave, "The point of knowing 'the ending' is it should motivate our 'right now'". Recommendations: About Time (2013) (Movie) Man on Wire (2008) (Documentary) Terraform: Building a Better World by Propaganda (2021) (Book) On Getting Out of Bed: The Burden and Gift of Living by Alan Noble (2023) (Book) The Taking of Deborah Logan (2014) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads <a href='https://cinematicdoctrine.co
S1 E178 · Tue, March 05, 2024
Prince of Darkness - w/ Terrorific Lady and the Dimensions of Horror
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: @terrorificlady Brandy, the Terrorific Lady herself, joins Melvin to discuss one of John Carpenter's more offbeat entries into the world of cinema, Prince of Darkness ! From the combination of religion and science, to discussions on cosmic, otherworldly fears, and even fun comparisons to the other two films in Carpenter's soft "Apocalypse Trilogy", Brandy and Melvin discuss all sorts of topics within this fun, brisk episode! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 33-minutes of Horror Movie Trivia with Brandy, the Terrorific Lady! Brandy answers a wide-range of horror film trivia while also using the questions as prompts for discussion! Tune in, you might learn something new! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Brandy talks about "Retro Horror School", a discussion series on horror flicks from the 1970s through the 2010s. Melvin wasn't a fan of Prince of Darkness the first time he watched it. This time around? Things were much different, and he's excited to share his newfound thoughts. In terms of John Carpenter's filmography... is Prince of Darkness confusing? A lot of John Carpenter's films leading to this point include a lot of graphic, visceral violence. Prince of Darkness not so much. Ranking the soft-titled John Carpenter "Apocalypse Trilogy". Interpretations on the ending, and how the tv-edit drastically changes the plot. Prince of Darkness creates an "archeological horror" story built around science and religion, not science vs. religion, which makes it unique. "Apocalypse Trilogy" endings: which would you prefer to live in? Recommendation: Fan of horror? Build up that physical media collection! Shop ebay.com , visit thrift stores, and flea markets! The Strangeness (1985) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack <a hr
S1 E177 · Tue, February 27, 2024
The Mighty Ducks - The 90s Are In! (Also Dads, Hockey, and Disney Movies)
Send us a Question! PATREON PARTY PLEASER: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Shirleon and Melvin travel back a whopping thirty years to summarize The Mighty Ducks , the early 90's hockey trilogy-starter! What a throwback! From simple-yet-compelling characters to an outright scumbag of a villain, The Mighty Ducks sure offered a lot to discuss! Tune in now! Quack Quack! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 31-minutes discussing the dynamics of nostalgia. We discuss its dictionary definition, how content like Urban Exploration is cultivated around nostalgia, and how nostalgia isn't always a yearning for things in our own childhood. We also discuss some Bible verses that speak into the dangers of over-indulging nostalgia rather than mere acceptance of its experience. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Shirleon reveals a groundbreaking insight into the hit 1992 hockey movie The Mighty Ducks ... does Gordon Bombay have a house? The start of the movie has a weird, sped-up, slapstick heavy sequence that seems out of place. Shirleon proposes a clever re-write. Melvin wonders if most sports movie villains were based around infamous high-school basketball coach Bobby Knight. There's a subtle thread throughout the film that Gordon, after the loss of his father, is still struggling to grow without a father figure, and for the film's sake is in between two options: Coach Reilly or Hans. Talking about how 90s and early 2000s fashion is so in right now. That odd moment where Charlie asks Gordon to pursue his mother. The entirety of the third act, most notably the film's climax, is a great, simple, and accessible depiction of recovering from past trauma. It's clever! Recommendations: Expedition Roasters (Coffee Beans) The Way of the Househusband (2021) (Anime) The Way Back (2020) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads <a hr
S1 E176 · Tue, February 20, 2024
The Menu - w/ TylerBanarkReviewsMovies who's Seated for Two
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: @TylerBanarkReviewsMovies Tyler Banark from @TylerBanarkReviewsMovies joins Melvin to discuss one of his favorite films of 2022, The Menu ! Combining culinary arts with cultish antics, this horrific thriller showcases excellent performances, delicious food, and class-warfare all in a tight 107-minutes! And there's a whole lot more where that came from! Tune in now! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 32-minutes recapping David Zaslav's two years as Warner Bros. Discovery's CEO, his bizarre cancelations and removals of streaming exclusives and originals, the current state of Coyote vs. Acme, and discussing how we feel about that as movie fans. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Tyler Banark shares about The League of Cinephiles , going to TIFF, and his favorite movies (right now). Initial impressions on The Menu , and fun trivia regarding a TIFF screening and food truck. The Menu was one of Tyler's top 5 movies of 2022. He shares the other top 4, and talks about how some movies succeed merely by connecting with its audience. Thinking through the hierarchal structure of service work, and the intoxication of chasing perfection. Yes, it's bold as day: "The Menu" as a phrase or "thing" is very much a metaphor for life. How The Menu portrays the "never meet your heroes" idea. How each course lends itself to metaphorical interpretation. Interpretations of the ending, and what makes it poignant, and what makes it a little silly. Recommendations: Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974) (Movie) Little Manhattan (2005) (Movie) Your Name. (2016) (Movie) High and Low (1963) (Movie) Wings (1927) (Movie) Incantation (2022) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack <a hr
S1 E175 · Tue, February 13, 2024
Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief - The Death Knell of YA Adaptions
Send us a Question! PARTY PLEASER: Shirleon joins Melvin in summarizing Chris Columbus' return to the YA genre, Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief ! From an ill-defined protagonist to it's swiftly resolved mile-a-minute narrative hurdles, this late-stage entry into the world of YA-movie adaptions tries its darndest to make it out alive. Will Shirleon and Melvin find something to appreciate in the end? Tune in to find out! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 31-minutes discussing a new frustrating trend in publish: "Fast Fashion" Books. These books are written poorly, unedited, printed, and sold on book shelves everywhere, and Shirleon has a thing or two to say about them! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Do Shirleon and Melvin like Greek Mythology? What do they know about the Pantheon? Whenever a problem arises in the film it is solved almost instantaneously. Comparisons to Harry Potter are necessary when discussing the YA genre. It has to happen. So it does. As each mythological creature is unveiled, Melvin has difficulty figuring out the reason why these creatures and demi-gods have to be hidden in the first place. Melvin believes that ten years after Chris Columbus successfully jumpstarted the Harry Potter film series, 20th Century Fox wanted him to do it again with Percy Jackson. He remarks on the difficulty to catch lightning in a bottle twice and ponders some current industry woes that seem similar to this issue. The language-laden post-chorus of Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" is prominently heard during a casino montage and Melvin is positive it is not the censored version. The lack of caution present in Percy, Grover, and Anna Beth really frustrated Shirleon. Even the movie is ready to be over by the time the last half hour hits. Recommendations: Cuckool Microwavable Heating Pad The Unknown (1927) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack <a href='https://inst
S1 E174 · Tue, February 06, 2024
The Royal Tenenbaums - The Godfather for Liberal Art Students
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Kathryn joins Melvin in discussing one of Wes Anderson's most celebrated films, The Royal Tenenbaums . The two enjoy discussing it's silly-yet-serious family drama, the effects of negligent parenting, and the absurdity of that scene involving a pop-song and a bathroom mirror. But most of all, the two enjoy discussing the idea that it's never too late to do the right thing. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 20-minutes discussing Asteroid City , Wes Anderson's latest film. Melvin asks Kathryn about Wes Anderson's ever-meticulous and quirky style, whether he's getting better with each movie or too hands-on, how the actors feel about playing such understated characters, and so much more. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) In their married couple, Kathryn is the spouse that watches Wes Anderson flicks. So, Melvin asks Kathryn about Anderson's portrait-like style, dead-pan humor, and favorite tropes. Melvin, "Everything's extravagant, but the family problems are 100% relatable." Watching Royal's maturation throughout the film is truly satisfying, and it's a delight to see him go from selfish leech to curiously caring father/grandfather. Discussing a few characters from the film, their dynamics, and what makes them different. As Henry Sherman shows kindness and respect to each of the Tenenbaums, each character has a moment of reflection wherein they see something better than they had as children. Eli Cash: To Be Pitied. Because Margot Tenenbaum has constantly been introduced as "adopted", it's no wonder she spent her life carelessly searching for where she belongs. Chas spends his time chasing safety and security likely in response to the lack of safety and security he felt with Royal while growing up. Discussing that scene with Richie. The symbolism of Richie's bird and learning to safely coexist. Recommendations: Purchase an External 4K Blu-ray Player for your PC so you can watch region-free films via VLC player, digitally store materials, and so much more! Pursue self-care with good, old hobbies and other simple enjoyments. Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: <a href='https://www.t
S1 E173 · Tue, January 30, 2024
On Golden Pond - Nostalgia, Perception, and Old Age
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Shirleon joins Melvin in discussing this month's Patron-Pick, On Golden Pond ! This Oscar-winning feature stars Katherine Hepburn, Henry Fonda, and Jane Fonda in a complex-yet-comedic tale of old-age, generational trauma, and the endurance of love. Tune in to hear the two discuss all manner of topics from this deceptively deep story! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 28-minutes discussing the importance, or lack thereof, of award shows, both with film and literature, and how it's all a glorified expression of curation. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) On Golden Pond is very much about the inevitability of change alongside the hardship of relational stagnation. It's a simple story with rich, complex dynamics. Norman is undoubtedly a curmudgeon, but he's also a ventilator; someone who releases tension through biting comments. Ethel stands as a titan of female strength against a cavalcade of frustrated and emotional characters. On Golden Pond explores the dichotomy between fear and love, and how the two struggle to endure with one another. Norman's character showcases a comforting depiction of the difficulty in self-identification. Even at 80 years old he is still struggling to find out who he is, and it's through the kindness of those around him that he is able to persevere in this identity crisis. Both Melvin and Shirleon find this comforting as individuals who struggle with their identity. Discussing various iconography throughout the film, including the loons and the deadfall. Melvin appreciates that the leads of On Golden Pond are older folk, finding that they're more relatable and more interesting than if they were just a buncha youngin's. Recommendations: God of War (PS4) (Video Game) Was it Good? - God of War (2005) (Josh Strife Plays) (YouTube Video) Possum (2018) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward
S1 E172 · Tue, December 26, 2023
Death Note (2017) - Criminally Westernized
Send us a Question! PATREON PARTY PLEASER: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Shirleon joins Melvin in summarizing one of the single most hated western adaptions of an anime to date: Death Note from Adam Wingard! From sporadic over-the-top violence to an extremely emotional protagonist, Death Note was a Hollywood picture a long-time coming, and while it's soured as a classic example of Netflix' early foibles, we're ready to find out what it is that really separates Death Note from it's anime counterpart. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 33-minutes of Melvin asking Shirleon what 15-different fictional and non-fictional characters would do if they received the death note, from Dr. Who to John Snow, and how they would be stopped from killing more people. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) A Hollywood adaption of the Death Note story has been shopped around for nearly a decade by the time Netflix got its hands on the project. It doesn't take long before Shirleon and Melvin start to notice a series of issues with Death Note (2017) . Discussing the characteristic disparity between Light Turner and Light Yagami. As The Ring is to Ringu , so to is Death Note (2017) to Death Note (2006) . Everything is overly Americanized, including the tone. The very second L is introduced is when the movie begins to go completely downhill. It gets embarrassing. Discussing how the third act makes literally no sense if you spend even a second thinking about it. Recommendations: reMarkable: The Paper Tablet (Technology) A Bundle Full of Cats (Video Game Collection) Subnautica (2018) (Video Game) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack <l
S1 E171 · Wed, December 20, 2023
Nineteen Eighty-Four (1954) - Wow, It's Just Like 1984
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Kathryn joins Melvin in discussing an early English adaption of George Orwell's ground-breaking, genre-defining, and highly-influential novel Nineteen Eighty-Four . In this semi-live BBC rendition, one whose controversy is as historic as it is ironic, Kathryn and Melvin discuss not only the impact of this adaption but also the debilitating hopelessness and powerful insight that only Nineteen Eighty-Four can offer. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 16-minutes of Kathryn playing "Would You Rather" except, in the theme of 1984, whatever option Kathryn chooses for herself means the opposite happens to Melvin! Hilarity ensures! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) This version of Nineteen Eighty-Four is a combination of pre-recorded and live-stage performances streamed to its original audience, and thus includes some interesting quirks that Melvin finds endearing and fascinating. Kathryn begins by explaining the complicated history behind this particular adaption of Nineteen Eighty-Four , including the controversy surrounding its initial screening. For insight (and giggles!), Kathryn reads a collection of quotes from reviews criticizing the content and tone of this adaption of Nineteen Eighty-Four upon its release. Melvin briefly compares this adaption of Nineteen Eighty-Four with the later released Michael Radford version, stating his preferences, and what works so well in this adaption. People were so disgusted with the tone and content of Nineteen Eighty-Four that cast and crew members had even received bomb threats. Pondering the myth of the Mickey Snow-Globe. Or, as it's known; Snow-Globe Gate. Discussing the iconography of the Snow-Globe. Discussing the monologue on language destruction and thought control delivered by Syme in the film (which is an extra fictional essay in the book). Discussing the oppression of power and Big Brother. Recommendations: Slapstick, or Lonesome No More! by Kurt Vonnegut (1999) (Book) Papers, Please (2013) (Video Game) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: <
S1 E170 · Tue, December 12, 2023
Eraserhead - About Maturing, Sex, and Philadelphia
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Melvin's wife Kathryn joins him for an episode discussing Eraserhead , David Lynch's off-beat absurdist film featuring cinema's favorite lil' baby! From encroaching industrialization to a wealth of understated humor, Eraserhead includes an extreme degree of themes and metaphors, and the two explore it all in this engaging and educational episode! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 28-minutes of Kathryn quizzing her husband Melvin on early childhood development and safety! Their findings will decide the fate of their future child! Hooray! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Eraserhead isn't really about the plot (although it does have a plot!). It's much more a movie about the vibe. Eraserhead is likely not only very easy to understand but incredibly related to people who already feel weird, awkward, or ostracized from whatever is considered "normal" in a social environment. Discussing the "Woman in the Radiator". There's a very clear sexual theme playing throughout Eraserhead but the film itself is by no means sexual, nor is it inherently about sexuality. Kathryn, "Say what you will about, like, the weird imagery, but [ Eraserhead ] is not a movie that divorces sex from life." Describing and interpreting the Eraserhead Baby. Wondering if the world of the film is literal, metaphorical, but also realizing that ultimately it doesn't matter. Discussing the climax and the eraser factory. Recommendations: Cade: The Tortured Crossing (2023) (Movie) Iron Lung (2022) (Video Game) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E169 · Tue, December 05, 2023
Five Nights at Freddy's - w/ The Reformed Gamers Surviving All Five Nights
Send us a Question! PARTY PLEASER: thereformedgamers.com Logan Sharp of The Reformed Gamers Podcast joins Melvin in summarizing the biggest horror hit of the year, Five Nights at Freddy's ! Despite failing to reach critics, Five Nights at Freddy's has decimated various box-office records, and the two talk about the video game franchise, it's oddly melancholic tone, and the extreme charisma of the Core Four themselves. Topics: ( FREE PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 38-minutes talking to Logan Sharp from The Reformed Gamers about their podcast, their YouTube, and playing 5 rounds of "2 Truths, 1 Lie: The Christian Video Game Edition" where-in Melvin names and describes three games to see if Logan can spot the lie! And yes, you'll wish some of these games were fake! ( FREE PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Logan gives us an update on The Reformed Gamers and how things have changed since he was last on! Melvin & Logan get into their history with the FNAF games and what it is about them that makes them so gripping. Melvin points out the use of an often-annoying and routinely distracting sound effect used during the beginning of the movie... because that's the sort of thing he does. Mike as a depression-coded character is far more expressive in his dream-state than his awake-state, further asserting his unwieldy and unrealistic determination to find his brother. For a series of games built around the unique stress of resource management, it's surprising that the movie seldom uses dramatic irony to increase tension almost ever. Discussing the bite of 2000. The FNAF games share lore through dream-like cutscenes. It only made sense that dreams would be utilized as a story mechanic in the film. Fort-building: Slay or Nay? Oddly enough, the dialogue in the third-act is noticeably worse than previous scenes. It's... weird. Recommendations: The Reformed Gamers (Podcast) RoboCop (1987) (Movie) Devour (2021) (Video Game) --> Popcorn Theology's " Five Nights at Freddy's " Episode (w/ Melvin!) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers
S1 E168 · Tue, November 28, 2023
Good Burger - 90s Throwback Time
Send us a Question! PATREON PARTY PLEASER: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Shirleon joins Melvin in summarizing the late-90s Kenan & Kel hit, Good Burger ! From it's absurd burger-flippin' hijinks to Ed's silly antics, the two discuss the positives from the 90s aesthetic, the loss of entertainment complexes, and borger! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 37-minutes discussing what goes into professionally archiving material, why it's important, how it's influential, and how the loss of various Quibi media is ultimately a very sad thing. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Good Burger starts with a lot of chaotic silliness. Even so, Shirleon realized there wasn't a whole lot about the film she remembered. Ed can be frustrating and annoying to some, but Melvin and Shirleon feel he balances well into the "lovable doofus" category. Melvin talks about how he misses multi-entertainment complexes that serve food, games, arcades, etc.. Good Burger made him nostalgia for that kind of thing again. Figuring out, based upon what we hear and see from the movie, makes up Ed's "Special Sauce". Celebrating dance numbers in movies that otherwise seem like they would not have dance numbers. Recommendations: Loki (2021-2023) (TV-Series) Malum (2023) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Tue, November 21, 2023
The Quibi Quandary Part 3: Lost Media in Real Time
Send us a Question! LET'S TALK: Melvin watched 10 shows on Quibi before its eventual (and predictable) collapse. First things first, Melvin asks Daniel what he thinks a show is about based on its marketing. Then, Melvin describes what it actually is. Afterward, Daniel curiously wonders, "How does this show being on Quibi improve the watching experience?". Throughout all of this, Melvin & Dan try to understand Quibi's failure to solidify its target demographic, and further complain about how Quibi never utilizes it's flip-screen feature for any interesting or creative reasons... until it does? By the end, Melvin & Daniel movie through a post-mortem of Quibi and discuss shows Melvin missed, what it's like to see media lost in real time, and whether or not Daniel feels the FOMO. Shows mentioned in this episode: Home Movie: The Princess Bride The Fugitive (2020) Most Dangerous Game The Stranger (2020) Wireless Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Tue, November 14, 2023
The Quibi Quandary Part 2: Melvin & Dan Explore the Quibi-Verse
Send us a Question! LET'S TALK: Melvin watched 10 shows on Quibi before its eventual (and predictable) collapse. First things first, Melvin asks Daniel what he thinks a show is about based on its marketing. Then, Melvin describes what it actually is. Afterward, Daniel curiously wonders, "How does this show being on Quibi improve the watching experience?". Throughout all of this, Melvin & Dan explore the grand what-ifs of Quibi like interactive shows, a social media for film a la Letterboxd, and so much more. As such, the Quibi-venture continues! Shows mentioned in this episode: 50 States of Fright ( The Golden Arm , Ball of Twine , Scared Stiff ) #FreeRayshawn Agua Donkeys Flipped Run This City Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Tue, November 07, 2023
The Quibi Quandary Part 1: How it Came Before it Went
Send us a Question! LET'S TALK: Melvin guides Daniel through his Quibi-venture, an exploration of that weird, less-than-one-year-old mobile-only streaming service that came and went in 2020. From it's lead cheerleaders of Jeffrey Katzenberg and Meg Whitman, to how Quibi convinced nearly every production company in Hollywood to invest over $1.75 Billion, as well as those obscenely confusing and downright worthless advertising spots during the Superbowl, Melvin covers everything he can about Quibi's unfulfilled snake-oil promises alongside it's disappointingly awkward service, and ultimately it's quiet, unnoticed downfall. Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E167 · Tue, October 31, 2023
The VelociPastor - w/ Ant Coughlin (a normal Pastor)
Send us a Question! PATREON PARTY PLEASER: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Ant Coughlin, a pastor, joins Melvin in summarizing The VelociPastor . Because, of course! The two goof and gaff about this off-beat love-letter to 80's schlock grindhouse horror, and appreciate it's comedically dense yet economically handled runtime! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 1-hour discussing Dan Foster's "The Seven Pointless Things that Christian's Fight About" blog post, and how some of the things he proposes are actually deeply important theological ideas that Christian's would do well to discuss and affirm. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) The VelociPastor starts immediately with some very clever humor, the kind that benefits the learnt in terms of film and film culture. Part of what makes the movie so enjoyable is it's borrowing of the superhero origin-story format to explore it's narrative. It's silly, but it works really well. If you've ever been curious what The VelociPastor is, it's basically a Daredevil clone but with a strong comedic angle. During the film a character waits outside of a church and we can plainly see very real church signage of a real-life location. Melvin curiously Google searches this church and reads aloud some funny reviews. (And, for the sake of the church, does NOT read-aloud their name) By the end of the movie it's very clear that The VelociPastor works not just on name alone but because it's a well made comedy film. Recommendations: Everything Sad is Untrue (a true story) by Daniel Nayeri (2020) (Book) The Grudge 3 (2009) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack I
S1 E165 · Tue, October 24, 2023
Haunted Mansion (2015) - A Church Retreat at the Haunted Mansion (We Are Contractually Obligated to Say This Has No Correlation With The Walt Disney Corporation Or It's Affiliates and Partners)
Send us a Question! PARTY PLEASER: Melvin is joined by Shirleon yet again to discuss Haunted Mansion (2015) , a movie that has literally no correlation to The Haunted Mansion or Haunted Mansion (2023) ! Yes, this movie was picked solely because it shares a name with the other movies. We think that's kind of funny! But don't worry; there are more similarities between this haunted mansion and the Disney Haunted Mansion, too! Tune in to find out! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 40-minutes discussing watching habits, from things we enjoy the most, things we emotionally connect with, and things we avoid or are learning we dislike (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) The available video quality for the film is low-res and includes frequent stuttering that impacts the viewing experience. Melvin wonders if it was merely cheaper to license and distribute a lower quality version from a foreign market. The lead character Ella is a particularly strong female lead, despite also being "The Special". Haunted Mansion (2015) is a Filipino movie and both Melvin & Shirleon reflected on how the language of the film would alternate between Filipino and English. Melvin & Shirleon discuss the aesthetics of this haunted mansion. Unlike both Disney movies, this mansion is a real location. The two discuss a translation in the subtitles that left both of them shocked, but learn it stands for a ghost-type from the Philippines. Melvin likes Teen Drama movies, but the film is titled and primarily tagged as a horror movie, and he laments the films general lack of horror during its first hour. Melvin realizes that note-taking for a movie is a great way to find scenes that can easily be cut. It takes until 01:07:00 before the movie introduces the threat of violence, and it both works for and against the film as a whole. Recommendations: A Clockwork Reader Film And TV Journal by Hannah Azerang No One Will Save You (2023) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: T
S1 E165 · Tue, October 17, 2023
Haunted Mansion (2023) - Secondhand Embarrassment
Send us a Question! PARTY PLEASER: Melvin's sister Shirleon joins him on a journey through Disney's latest attempt at making a Haunted Mansion movie. While summarizing Haunted Mansion (2023) , the two commentate on what makes this Summer Not-buster awkwardly divisive. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 30-minutes discussing neat trivia about various Haunted Mansion rides across the globe, their inception, and Shirleon Sharron's mini-review of the 2003 Eddie Murphy The Haunted Mansion film (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Haunted Mansion carries an intense artificiality to it, showcasing nonstop digital effects, weird coloring, cartoonish ghouls, and so much else. It removes a tactile nature from every setting and replaces it with a glossy, plastic sheen. There isn't much threat or motivation for the villain's in the movie. Sure, there are reasons characters are doing things insofar as having a ghost around might be a nuisance, but when everything is played like a joke, virtually everything becomes narratively worthless. After about 20 minutes the non-stop usage of the Haunted Mansion's excellent melody converted an otherwise brilliant tune into a complete irritant. Melvin couldn't stand it and yet he still had an hour and a half to go. For Shirleon, this rendition of The Haunted Mansion on film actually captured the atmosphere of the rides. Melvin prefers the 2003 one. Harriette as a character really grew on Shirleon, and in general she really enjoyed all of the characters in their own way. By the end of the movie neither Shirleon nor Melvin had taken any notes; there simply wasn't much to write about with regards to the empty plotline. Recommendations: Wheel of Time (2021 - Ongoing ) (Series) Totally Killer (2023) (Movie) Adopt a Rescue Black Cat Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack <a href='https://instagram.com/cinematicdoctrine?igshid=NGExMml2YT
Bonus · Tue, October 10, 2023
Tim Burton's Stop-Motion Saga (The Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bride, Frankenweenie)
Send us a Question! LET'S TALK: Melanie & Melvin dive into one of the most beloved holiday musicals, The Nightmare Before Christmas , alongside two similar features Corpse Bride and Frankenweenie ! What connects these films? Why, it's Tim Burton of course! Through varying degrees of involvement, each feature captures the iconography of this Hollywood titan, and the two discuss each film individually while celebrating their unique quirks and perks! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 10-minutes of various tangential content regarding special features and stop-motion animation! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E164 · Tue, October 03, 2023
The Haunted Mansion - Ghost Cuckoldry? In my Haunted Mansion? It's More Likely Than You Think.
Send us a Question! PARTY PLEASER: Melanie & Melvin travel back to the early 2000's to summarize the family-friendly cult-classic Disney Adult horror film The Haunted Mansion ! From enjoying detailed sets to the generally fun aesthetic of a haunted house, the two kick off Halloween Month with excitement and laughs! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 33-minutes continuing their discussion on modesty (which started in the previous episode) and looking into two passages from 1 Corinthians for some biblical insight, further asserting the complexity and nuance to clothing, modesty, communication, and social interaction. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Before getting into the movie, Melanie & Melvin describe their experience with The Haunted Mansion ride. The cast of normal characters in The Haunted Mansion feel straight out of an 80s or 90s dramedy where one of the parents is a workaholic and everyone else puts up with it. For a film released in 2003 this feels wildly outdated. Discussing the aesthetics of the mansion, from setting to atmosphere, and how it's ostensibly the best part of the entire film. Also, Melvin shares his frightening fascination with houses. There's never a part in the movie that outright "wows" but the middle where each character is exploring different parts of the mansion is definitely a high point. The transitions in The Haunted Mansion go hard. Melanie & Melvin discuss if ghosts are real, because it's October and that's what October's all about! Based upon a few criteria, Melvin wonders if an original cut of The Haunted Mansion contained a more poignant narrative wrestling with drama, romance, and racism that was trimmed for the sake of marketability. Recommendations: Casper (1995) (Movie) Hubie Halloween (2020) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram <
S1 E163 · Tue, September 26, 2023
The Mummy (1999) - A Simpler, More Adventurous Time
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! In this episode, Melanie & Melvin are discussing The Mummy (1999) ! Branden Frasier is back in the mix with his popular Oscar-winning performance in The Whale , but we're traveling back over two-decades to a time long ago; one of adventure, excitement, and endless sand! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 53-minutes discussing "modesty", both its literal definition and it's ever-changing, inconsistent, and convoluted cultural usage. Melanie & Melvin each approach the topic from different angles, challenging both cultural and biblical understandings as the two talk comfortably and freely. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Before discussing The Mummy (1999) , Melvin gives some background on The Mummy (1932) . When Melvin watched the staple Universal Monster Movies in 2022, he noticed that The Mummy (1932) seemed the most edgy and sensational among them. The Mummy (1999) carries some of that spirit with its borderline punk-rock nature. Melanie downright loves The Mummy (1999) , and explains what it is that makes the film so magical for her. Melvin thought it was just okay, and stepped away thinking the movie was exceptionally well-paced. Evelyn stands out as a particularly well-written example of a strong female companion, especially among a cast of fairly simple, albeit fun characters. Melanie ponders where adventure films have gone, and whether or not the genre has migrated solely to the mini-series or television series format. Briefly discussing the sequels in the franchise. Melvin shares some insight into how he decides what movies to discuss, when to discuss them, and how, because not every movie is made equal, and not every movie produces interesting or engaging discussion. Recommendations: Ju-On: Black Ghost (2009) (Movie) Doctor Sleep (2019) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins <
S1 E162 · Tue, September 19, 2023
Rashomon - A Trial of Lies, Sensationalism, and Humanity
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Melanie & Melvin talk at length about Akira Kurosawa's worldwide phenomena, Rashomon . From it's forward-feeling filmmaking and pacing to it's gripping drama, Rashomon continues to be in conversation for it's layered entertainment and deep contemplation. And, of course, they also talk about the immensely disruptive nature of lying. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 32-minutes discussing Vulture's " The Decomposition of Rotten Tomatoes " article from September 6th about how an advertising firm paid reviewers for positive reviews... or, how it's a bit more complicated than that, but still a bad look for Rotten Tomatoes (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Melanie & Melvin recommend Rashomon , full stop, but also recognize it has several details that make it a deceptively hard watch. For Melvin, he's sure the dark complexities could be a turn-off. For Melanie, some fans might be put to sleep. The first time Melvin watched Rashomon he felt, "That was a good movie.". The second time he watched Rashomon he went, "Oh, wow. This movie is great!". Although Rashomon is very much about the complications of conflicting storytelling, it also showcases the way in which people communicate inherently through biases. Rashomon is about a lot of things, one of which is the everyone's internal battle against cynicism and sensationalism. Contemplating the reality that God permits evil during this age and the hope in Christ to endure. Why do we as humans choose to commit evil amidst so much glorious beauty? Rashomon's ridiculous level of digestibility lends it to be a very good "watch with friends" movie. Both Melanie and Melvin wonder what sort of amazing and profound reactions their various friends would have. Recommendations: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2023 Broadway Cast Recording) (2023) (Soundtrack) Feeders 2: Slay Bells (1998) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: <a href='https://ww
S1 E161 · Tue, September 12, 2023
Good Will Hunting - Healing Masculinity
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Melanie introduces Melvin to another long-standing classic drama, Good Will Hunting , and the joy had in overcoming toxic traits of the male psyche! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 25-minutes of Melanie & Melvin playing "Would You Rather?" with some of the most absurd options available! Even so, it leads to some great real-talk about first-impressions, the resilience of the human body, and the fear of losing their memories. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Melanie proposed Good Will Hunting when she first joined the show. Now, they're talking about it. She shares why she felt it would be perfect for the podcast. The first counseling session between Sean and Will is a brilliant expression of the psychologically competitive way in which certain men often interact, and how this scene unfolds is dramatically satisfying, as well as quite funny. Melvin has two mini-tangents about how Good Will Hunting showcases mentorship, and also how parts of the movie made him think of Barbie . Nice! Although Good Will Hunting is undeniably masculine, Skylar is an exceptionally well-written female character. Proverbs 19:22 asserts that a person desires steadfast love, or a love that is full and permanent. Often, we presume to think we can never find such love, will never have such love, or that one must work towards it. God, through Christ, showcases something wholly different. A lot of movies about characters overcoming shame often - likely inadvertently - ignore guilt. Recommendations: No Need to Argue - The Cranberries (1994) (Album) Warning: Do Not Play (2019) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram <a href='ht
S1 E160 · Tue, September 05, 2023
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay: Part 1 - Different Game, Different Rules
Send us a Question! PARTY PLEASER: Melanie & Melvin continue their adventure through the popular Hunger Games saga with Mockingjay - Part 1 ! They describe the movie from beginning to end, exploring themes of repressed individuality amidst cultural responsibility, and also observe how the film very much feels like half of a book (because it is!). Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 36-minutes discussing the danger of idolizing storytelling, and how the recent news regarding Michael Oher's potential conservatorship with the Tuohy family jeopardizes the fantasy of the "American Dream" as showcased in the successful 2009 Oscar-winning movie The Blind Side . (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Brief background on the previous two films, both of which they've done episodes for! Although Mockingjay - Part 1 isn't nearly as visually stark and pleasing as Catching Fire , a lot of the movie still looks really great. Melvin appreciates that even though the proper Hunger Games have ended, Katniss as a character is still subservient to the game that is cultural codependence, and that Mockingjay - Part 1 still has her character wrestling with who she is, and wants to be, amidst all of these people and expectations. The characters in the Hunger Games series, and their dynamics, are quite engaging. They are deceptively complicated figures in a deceptively complicated story. Mockingjay - Part 1 's climax, like most of the film, is oddly unspectacular, but it definitely feels like that's on purpose. And, just because it's not spectacular doesn't mean it's necessarily bad. Rather, it's pretty dang complex and intense! Recommendations: Madison Ryann Ward (Musician) Saw VI (2009) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram <a href='https://www.facebook.com/group
S1 E159 · Tue, August 29, 2023
Barbie as The Princess and the Pauper - Queen Cinema
Send us a Question! PATREON PARTY PLEASER: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Melanie & Melvin travel back to the wonderful world of 2004 and summarize Barbie as The Princess and the Pauper . While it isn't the first Barbie-animated film, it is the first Barbie-animated musical! From it's bouncing musical numbers to its surprisingly complicated plot, the gang have fun explaining this childhood gem! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 32-minutes discussing tabletop boardgames (important!) and then whether or not arriving-late or leaving-early is destroying the modern-day church (less important!) because of that viral mega-church pastor blaming his congregation for what may, actually, be his problem, *shrugs*. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Melvin is taking notes this time and the second Barbie and The Princess and the Pauper started he sighed and realized; he has a lot of notes to take. As each song is introduced, Melvin will first explain what happens in the song, then the two will discuss whether they liked the song or not. From the start, Barbie and The Princess and the Pauper asserts a maturity in how it trusts people (specifically kids) to keep up with the oddly complicated material within the film, including the tension between personal interests and cultural responsibility. Although the animation is like that of an early Resident Evil pre-rendered cutscene, it also looks like toy-dolls so we both feel it gets a pass. Melanie, "It's a very cute film. There were just several things I just found to be very unmemorable." Erika's song to her cat Wolfie is just perfect. The credits has bloopers! Recommendations: The Swan Princess (1994) (Movie) Bee Movie (2007) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads <a href='https:
S1 E158 · Tue, August 22, 2023
Scanners - Boundary Breaking & Head Popping
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Melanie & Melvin discuss David Cronenberg's Scanners , a contemplative psychological horror with intense bookends! From the film's odd casting to its heady-concepts of individual thought and sovereignty, the two discuss what makes Scanners a worthwhile watch for those searching for a little bit more in their thrillers! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 36-minutes further discussing Wall·E , specifically the film's focus on the transcendental nature of love. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Scanners has great special effects, and they are used sparingly. This undoubtedly makes them more fun. Howard Shore's score excels in audibly explaining the effect of the Scanner. Stephen Lack's performance as Cameron is undoubtedly unfulfilled but Melvin didn't find it so distracting that it took away from the experience. Melvin, "It's a movie that knows you're smart and can keep up." How individual scanners find ways to overcome the internal static, or noise, that they suffer is extremely interesting. Some will coexist with other scanners, others will create art. The two think through what makes the scanner so frightening, specifically the invasion of the self. While watching Scanners , Melvin contemplated the way in which God created humanity, specifically the individual sovereignty of the body, and how the body creates a natural, secure barrier among others both physically and mentally. The two agree: being a scanner probably sucks! Recommendations: Overcooked! (Video Game) (Nintendo Switch) It's Alive (1974) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Tue, August 15, 2023
Canon, Continuity, and the Tommy Westphall Universe Hypothesis
Send us a Question! REBROADCAST LET'S TALK: In this rebroadcast of Cinematic Doctrine's pilot Let's Talk episode (originally released August 24th, 2021), Melvin and Daniel discuss the concept of narrative canon (or, fictional continuity), whether an over-reliance on canon is necessary for enjoying a fictional property like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and how nearly all of American movies and television is a part of the Tommy Westphall Universe Hypothesis, or, how-everything-takes-place-in-a-snow-globe. Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Tue, August 08, 2023
Tickled - Grippingly Awkward, Absurdly Silly, Excellent
Send us a Question! REBROADCAST PARTY PLEASER: In this rebroadcasted episode (originally released June 28th, 2022) you'll hear Daniel and Melvin discuss one of the single-most bizarre stories to come from the documentary world. Journalist David Farrier stumbles upon the strange world of Competitive Endurance Tickling. What ensues is a long-stretching borderline "true-crime" drama of Jane O'brien Media. Topics: Tickled, as an experience, triggers everything: disgust, surprise, laughter, mockery, heartbreak, excitement, intrigue. It's the full package. Detailing caveats to engaging this movie, because there's no getting around it; the tickling is fetishistic. Beginning the long, twisted adventure of explaining Tickled from start to finish. Competitive Endurance Tickling... except they never explain how to win? How much would they have to pay Melvin to do one of these videos? Detailing how Jane O'Brien Media manipulated and harassed talent that merely said 'no'. Discussing the cultural strangeness of the West which dictates that men cannot be physical by any means without putting their sexuality in question, despite it being typical in other countries for comfortably heterosexual men to hold hands or be physically closer to one another. Getting into the subsequent 20-minute short-doc The Tickle King which details continued interventions from Jane O'Brien Media during the events of Tickled's festival and limited theater run, including a damning final confrontation. The final tragic nail in the coffin of the Tickled saga. Discussing the potential availabilities of certain sexual fetishes, regarding they adhere appropriately to biblical sexuality (basking in one another's beauty, other-oriented satisfactory experiences, and honoring each other's image-bearing nature). Recommendations: The Wolfpack (2015) (Documentary) Welcome to Leith (2015) (Documentary) The Drama of Scripture, Second Edition Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins <
S1 E157 · Tue, August 01, 2023
Barbie - No Genitals. No Problems.
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Melanie & Melvin have a blast talking about 2023's not-so-surprise hit, Barbie! From it's nonstop comedy to its sensible-yet-kind display of gender and social economics, Barbie has it all! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 37-minutes further discussing DC's biggest flop, The Flash , and why the movie simply doesn't work on a plethora of levels. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Melanie liked Barbie , but she didn't connect with the movie like she expected. She wonders if it's because of the hype. Melvin really enjoyed Barbie and appreciated that the comedy never comes off as mean-spirited. Melanie greatly resonated with Barbie's introduction about the Barbie figure greatly changing the landscape of children's toys because that's exactly what it was like for her as a child. Contrasting the Barbie figure with the baby doll, there's simply so much more creativity permitted in a child's development when playing with Barbie than with a baby doll. It's incomparable. Melvin meditates on the proliferation of products based on products waxing poetic about existentialism, which feels especially strange but makes total sense in a post-post-post capitalist culture. Melvin rants about people who don't think men rule the world and asks them to name one female director from before 2018. Casting Ryan Gosling as Ken, and then having Ken be a character like this makes total sense when we observe how Ryan Gosling has become somewhat of an icon of the man-o-sphere. The third act of Barbie is undeniably frenetic, but it still works nonetheless. Daniel had texted Melvin and said a man at his theater was being extremely rude and cheering on the "playful misogyny" of the movie. Melanie and Melvin frustratingly process why anyone would choose to be so rude. Melvin, "You cannot believe sin exists and that the potential for sin exists and then not think that men, by their biological power, [would] then abuse it." Recommendations: The Devil Wears Prada (2006) (Movie) Tragic Kingdom by No Doubt (1995) (Album) The Blob (1988) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes </l
S1 E156 · Tue, July 25, 2023
Wall·E - Consumerism, Connection, Community
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Melanie and Melvin discuss one of Pixar's most celebrated, most loved movies, Wall·E !! From consumerism to essentialism, from despair to hope, Wall·E has it all! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 29-minutes discussing why some Pixar movies may not have connected with audiences, as well as the concept of remastering early Pixar features (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Wall·E says a lot despite having very little dialogue. Products and tools are best utilized as life-enhancers. When they become life itself - something that is functionally impossible - they become self-destructive. Wall·E is full of theming but it is also easily palatable for children (and adults) who simply want a fun adventure plotline. Community perseveres not on consumerism but on cooperation, communication, creativity, and contribution. Prior to The Fall of Man seen in Genesis 3, God had already instated both work (the act of carrying out various strenuous actions to complete goals) and the Creation Mandate (to subdue and care for the whole Earth; or, God's creation). Although the curse God put on man after The Fall introduces some changes to how we engage these functions, they are still good and can-and-do produce good in our lives when we fulfill them. The way the music in Wall·E helps to communicate in place of dialogue is exceptional. Recommendations: Ratatouille (2007) (Movie) The Blob (1958) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram <a href='https://www.f
S1 E155 · Tue, July 18, 2023
Smile - w/ Ant Coughlin and how Smile is Engaging, Derivative, and Irresponsible
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSIONS: Ant Coughlin joins Melanie & Melvin to discuss one of 2022's surprise horror hits: Smile ! The classic "You-Die-In-7-Days" trope is refreshed for a new generation and the gang are here to get into what makes Smile so effective, so oppressive, and... so irresponsible? That's right! So, press that play button and get listening! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 26-minutes discussing 8 massive "blockbusters" from 2023, several of which have financially flopped, and various theories as to why these $200 million+ films haven't connected with audiences. Meanwhile, Evil Dead Rise and Cocaine Bear are comfortably profitable! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Smile is very blunt about its rotating themes of trauma, anxiety, and saving face. That worked for Ant the first time he saw the movie... until the ending happened. When Melanie saw the trailer for Smile last year she audibly declared, "Nope!". She also said, "I was deeply invested, discouraged at the end, but throughout the film just terrified." and "I had a hard time sleeping.". Smile has infrequent-yet-brutal violence. Melvin very much appreciated this, as well as the pervasive dour vibe. Cristobal Tapia De Veer produced a stellar, terrifying soundtrack to accompany Smile . It goes hard! A reviewer Melvin respects gave Smile a glaring 1/10 for being near-entirely derivative of better material. During Ant's second watch of the film he found himself agreeing. Melvin largely understands most criticisms against Smile , including its irresponsibility regarding the way it handles its themes, but that doesn't matter to him when he really connects with a character's journey. Caitlin Stasey is an absolute standout! Getting into the controversial, irresponsible ending. For Melanie, Smile was really difficult to watch. Melvin asks why. Recommendations: Annihilation (2018) (Movie) CCEF.org (Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation), a great resource for those struggling with their mental health. Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum (2018) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a mo
S1 E154 · Tue, July 11, 2023
Beckman - The Supposed Christian John Wick
Send us a Question! PARTY PLEASER: Melanie & Melvin summarize Beckman , that weird Christian-marketed movie produced by David A.R. White where he plays a John Wick / Taken -esque assassin. The catch? He's a recent Christian convert. Does that stop him from killing dozens of people? Tune in to find out! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 27-minutes discussing the content of Christian movies, interpreting what they're communicating, their advertising, and so much more. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Beckman feels like a YouTube movie made by YouTubers back in, like, 2011. You could almost see Freddie Wong making something like it with Corridor Digital, except probably more fun. Melvin never watched Beckman even though he's owned it since mid-2020. Then, he watched it twice in a row for... reasons. David A.R. White routinely plays pastors in the movies he produces. Melvin finds this to be an odd reoccurrence. Gabriel Sabloff shared in the commentary track that he does a hard cut to action in the middle of the first act because he felt audiences would lose interest in the setup. Melvin comments that this is a recurrent problem in which certain director's lack trust in their audience to patiently engage a movie. Beckman keeps calling Tabitha his daughter. One big problem: she's not his daughter. They're not even blood related. Beckman is too self-serious as a movie to be particularly enjoyable, especially when compared to something like John Wick where the whole franchise is simultaneously "serious" but very aware of its exciting-thrill-ride nature. Exploring the wisdom behind applyied violence. Recommendations: Kill Bill Vol. 1 (2003) (Movie) & Vol. 2 (2004) (Movie) Missing (2023) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack <a href='https://instagram.com/ci
Bonus · Tue, July 04, 2023
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, The Flash
Send us a Question! LET'S TALK: Melanie and Melvin catch-up on some Superhero entries they missed over the last two months. In release order, the two discuss what made Guardians 3 (02 minutes) a decent return-to-form for Marvel, how Spider-Verse 2 (16-minutes) offered and exhilarating albeit overwhelming theater experience, and how The Flash (34 minutes) defied even the worst expectations. Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E153 · Tue, June 27, 2023
Teen Wolf - 80s Comedy Galore
Send us a Question! PATREON PARTY PLEASER: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Melanie and Melvin summarize Teen Wolf from start to finish with hilarious commentary, goofin' on the supremely weird premise yet laughing over the absurd, hairy comedy within! Plus, stick around to the end for a surprise regarding that rumor! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 27-minutes discussing the aesthetics and appeal of 80s films. Plus, the celebration of exquisite practical effects prior to the embrace of digital effects in the 90s onward. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Teen Wolf's opening is really strong, setting the groundwork for the drama and comedy that will ensue. Boof is a queen among queens, but she is also very problematic. Especially if we swapped Boof and Scottie's gender. The first time Scottie transforms publicly is one of the funniest laughs Melvin has had in a very long time. Scottie's dad is a really great movie dad. Facts. Melvin exposes Melanie to a long-standing rumor regarding the finale of Teen Wolf , and spent some time rewinding his BD-copy of the film to confirm whether it was true. Recommendations: The Dark Crystal (1982) (Movie) Creepshow (1982) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E152 · Tue, June 20, 2023
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire - Bigger in Scope
Send us a Question! PARTY PLEASER: Melanie and Melvin continue their summarization of The Hunger Games franchise following their previous party pleaser on The Hunger Games ! This time, Katniss and the Hunger-Games-Gang is pulled into another Hunger Games! Who could have expected that? Melanie and Melvin are ready to pick-apart the political intrigue of Panam and question whether Katniss and Peta will ever stand a chance against President Snow! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 23-minutes discussing different ways to engage movies (phone, tv, theater) and hilarious-or-terrible movie theater experiences. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) The Hunger Games: Catching Fire succeeds in being a sequel that increases the scope of the world, characters, and everything in between. Despite some of the improvements, parts of Catching Fire essentially re-do the material of The Hunger Games which got a little tiresome for Melvin who wanted to see some new experiences in the Hunger Games universe. During the transition between outside life and the beginning of the Hunger Games the aspect ratio becomes much fuller. This likely helped engross audience members into the passive disorientation of going from clinical science-fiction décor to the outside survivalist environment. It's a Young-Adult trope to have the protagonist vie between two romantic partners, but in the world of the Hunger Games it always feels like it's a matter of whether or not Katniss will end up with Peta, not whether Katniss will end up with Peta or Gale. Recommendations: John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023) (Movie) Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Tue, June 13, 2023
Skinamarink, Creepypasta, and the Culmination of Internet Horror
Send us a Question! LET'S TALK: After Fantasia Fest last year there was hubbub surrounding a particularly strange horror film called Skinamarink . Considered to be aggressively nontraditional, the film terrified audiences and led to intense popularity on TikTok. Then, in January, it finally received wide-release. Melvin and his wife Kathryn caught it in theaters and they felt "aggressively nontraditional" wasn't strong enough a description: Skinamarink was borderline oppressive in its prose and horror. Not only is Skinamarink Melvin's #3 film of 2022 (out of 100), it inspired him to get the Cinematic Doctrine gang together to discuss Skinamarink and its very clear influences. These influences include the unique strain of horror-storytelling available on the internet. From Creepypasta to YouTube oddities to the modern folktale of the Slenderman, Melanie, Daniel, and Melvin discuss the very-young yet three-decades-long history of internet horror. From popular Creepypasta Ben Drowned to more obscure titles like Dogscape , the Slenderman mythos and Mark Z. Danielewski's format-bending novel House of Leaves , Cinematic Doctrine explores what makes internet horror storytelling unique from the rest. In addition to setting the groundwork, Melanie, Daniel, and Melvin discuss three internet horror themed movies without spoilers: Host , We're All Going to the World's Fair , and, of course, Skinamarink . Each film showcases a different way of exploring Internet Horror. From popcorn thrill-ride, slow-burn reflection, and outright arthouse, these films have it all! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 50-minutes discussing the horrifying untrustworthiness of the Internet, the Skype-set horror movie Unfriended, and Rob Savage's sophomore movie Dashcam , and much more. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook G
S1 E151 · Tue, June 06, 2023
Whale Rider - Artificial Hope Is Naturally Hopeless
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Melanie and Melvin discuss the poignantly melancholic New Zealand film, Whale Rider , one of Melanie's favorite movies! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 22-minutes of discussing specific qualities we love (and hate!) in movies with examples, and why these things work (or don't!). (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Whale Rider opens on an extremely dour note, which functionally means it's a great tone-setter for a dour movie! Keisha Castle-Hughes is particularly stellar in a movie that's already stacked with excellent performances. The character of the grandfather made Whale Rider very difficult for Melvin to watch. Not out of anything personal, but just because his character is so insufferable. The ending of Whale Rider is conflicting, so Melvin and Melanie explain more about the movie before explaining more about their feelings. Regardless of cultural strain, a community often produces the same toxic attributes when it is in deterioration: lethargy, apathy, and a drunken sleaze. Cultural rejuvenation, however, can come in multiple ways. The two curiously ponder other movies that contain healthy depictions of non-Anglo-Saxon cultures. Melvin angry-rants about the poor streaming quality of Whale Rider on both Peacock and Prime (two services it was available on at the time of recording). He frustratingly ponders the state of film preservation in the age of streaming. Recommendations: Little Giants (1994) (Movie) Braindead (1992) (Movie) ( DVD purchase ) ( Justwatch ) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram <a href='https://ww
S1 E150 · Tue, May 30, 2023
A Silent Voice - You Can't Say It Didn't Shoot For the Moon
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Ani-May is almost over, but there's still room for one more episode! Melanie and Melvin discuss A Silent Voice , the popular Kyoto Animation project from 2016 about an elementary school bully who seeks amends during High School. The catch? He incessantly bullied a deaf girl, and must overcome his shame before he can apologize. Topics: ( FREE PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 54-minutes reflecting upon Princess Mononoke , Neon Genesis Evangelion , and Puella Magi Madoka Magica while also discussing the recurrent themes of Ani-May: 'Self-Destruction by Evil Desire', 'Acceptance of Reality', and 'The Maturity of Growing' complete with biblical verses and theological discussion! ( FREE PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Melanie was still processing A Silent Voice and verbalizes that something felt off, but she doesn't know what. The two explore what that may be. Melvin details what makes the original A Silent Voice One-Shot so great at exploring themes of bullying, shame, guilt, and the fear of reconciliation. Melvin then shares some thoughts on the Manga adaption, a seven-volume expansion on the original one-shot that goes in strange directions, never fully satisfying the promise of a complicated, mature teen romance. Melvin then discusses his thoughts on the movie which are wrapped in his thoughts on both the One-Shot and the Manga and how it may be one of the worst things he's ever seen. Accounting for cultural differences, Melanie, as a school teacher, was really upset with how the bullying was handled by the school staff to a fault. Melvin observes that Princess Mononoke , Neon Genesis Evangelion , and Puella Magi Madoka Magica permit an open-ended exploration of their complicated, mature themes. A Silent Voice , however, hand-holds so aggressively it almost bruises the knuckles. Unlike the Manga and especially the One-Shot, the fact that Nishimiya has such little screentime is stupendously felt. Recommendations: Your Name. (2016) (Anime) Nichijou: My Ordinary Life (2011) (Anime) <a rel="payment" href="https
Bonus · Tue, May 23, 2023
Madoka Magica is Beautifully Tragica
Send us a Question! LET'S TALK: Melvin coaxes Melanie into the wonderfully tragic and poignant world of Puella Magi Madoka Magica , one of his absolute favorite - if not his favorite - fictional stories ever! From it's deeply rich characters, memorable action set-pieces, and heart-wrenching drama, Puella Magi Madoka Magica and its sequel film Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part III: Rebellion are extensively explored in this episode of episode of Cinematic Doctrine ! During its first half, enjoy non-spoiler reflections, and during the second half, enjoy a beat-by-beat dissection of Puella Magi Madoka Magica's various revelations! And, if you haven't seen the show yet... check it out! Melvin highly recommends it! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 50-minutes of additional content including Melvin discussing 7 manga spin-offs from the Puella Magi Madoka Magica franchise, talking about how they connect to the original story, what makes them engaging, and which ones to avoid. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Tue, May 16, 2023
Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Legacy of Evangelion
Send us a Question! LET’S TALK: Melanie and Melvin are joined by Kathryn, Melvin’s wife, to discuss the much celebrated psychological-mecha anime Neon Genesis Evangelion and its sequel film Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion . The first half of the episode is a comprehensive non-spoiler discussion on what makes the show and film so enjoyable, provocative, challenging, and rewarding. The second half gets into more spoiler-specific discussions regarding the final two episodes of the show, the iconography of the film, interpretations of the ending, and most importantly: who is best girl? (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 1 hour of Melvin talking about the Director's Cut of the last three episodes of the show, and Melanie asking Melvin and Kathryn about other Neon Genesis Evangelion material such as what makes the manga different from the show, whether or not the “Rebuild” films from 2009 to 2021 are worthwhile, and a particular cross-over experience Melvin learned about while investigating extra material. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E149 · Tue, May 09, 2023
Dragonball Evolution - A Movie You Forgot Exists
Send us a Question! PARTY PLEASER: Happy Piccolo day! Melanie and Melvin check out the long forgotten Hollywood live-action adaption of Dragonball! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 41-minutes discussing what makes Anime/Manga live-action adaptions so difficult to adapt, what unique characteristics separate the mediums, and what Anime/Manga would make a good live-action adaption (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) What background do Melanie and Melvin have with the Dragonball franchise? The start of Dragonball Evolution is an info dump that immediately confounds the movie. Melvin cross examines the Dragonball Evolution canon against the actual Dragonball canon. Dragonball Evolution’s general sense of setting and location is all over the place, and it never permits its audience a solid footing. Is it set on Earth? Is this a fantasy continent? What time period is it? There is one truly great thing that has come from Dragonball Evolution and it's a goofy edit someone made for YouTube. Here it is . Dragonball Evolution infrequently contains somewhat intriguing setting design choices, such as Master Roshi's house, but most of the time the movie is unpleasant to look at. Recommendations: Howl's Moving Castle (2004) (Anime) Aiura (2013) (Anime) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E148 · Tue, May 02, 2023
Princess Mononoke - Exploring the Universal Problem of Death
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Happy Ani-May! Melanie and Melvin kick things off this month by discussing Hayao Miyazaki's adult animated feature: Princess Mononoke ! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 38-minutes discussing comments made about forgiveness in last week's Fireproof episode, as well as a further deep-dive into what God expects from His people regarding the concept (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Melanie and Melvin open by discussing adult nature of Princess Mononoke : political intrigue, warring factions, violence, etc. Princess Mononoke sports deep, nuanced characters with incongruent mutual goals. This leads each character to be simultaneously relatable and at odds with the audience, depending on how the audience interprets each figure. Despite all reasons for aspiration and conflict, everything dies under the weight of death. The end of Princess Mononoke explores this idea in particular. Recommendations: Inferno Cop (2012) (Anime) The Karate Kid (2010) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E147 · Tue, April 25, 2023
Fireproof - Weirdly Voyeuristic, Strangely Intriguing, Awkward
Send us a Question! PATREON PARTY PLEASER: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Melanie and Melvin travel back to 2008's big Christian-Marketed Movie release, Fireproof , a Kirk Cameron led Kendrick Brothers production! From occasional filmmaking flubs and functionally-okay narrative decisions, the two figure out if Fireproof is a Party Pleaser or a Party Pooper! Or, maybe something in between? Find out now! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 33-minutes discussing the Christian-Marketed Movie Complex (CMMC, as coined by Melvin Benson) and positive ways in which it could be improved, rather than dogging on it as people are prone to do. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) The verdict of a Party Pleaser can be for any reason, but Melvin thought it would be interesting to think about whether Fireproof would be edifying to watch with friends or not. You know, because it's a Christian-Marketed film. Melanie and Melvin agree: the movie starts very poorly. It's not much of a tone-setter for the rest of the film, and they each propose alternative ways for the film to open. Fireproof doesn't have successful comedy, and it's drama is oddly voyeuristic which makes for a very awkward film. Fireproof is just shy of 2 hours. To make it more palatable, it could have easily been trimmed. Occasionally Fireproof has some semi-well constructed sequences. They're very much in the "almost there" category. The first half of Fireproof showcases the result of marital dysfunction in Caleb, and the second half labors to show that equal-yet-opposite result in Kathryn. Upon reflection, Fireproof seems structurally sound, but the execution leaves itself wanting. Recommendations: Women of the Word : How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Minds by Jen Wilkin (Book) Abbott & Costello's Who's On First? (Radio Comedy Sketch) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes <
S1 E146 · Tue, April 18, 2023
The Prince of Egypt - Knowledgeable, Reverential, Beautiful
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Melanie joins Melvin in discussing one of her all time favorite flicks, and the two also get into what makes The Prince of Egypt far more palatable than most Bible or Christian-marketed media. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 42-minutes discussing a list of movies Christian's say are commonly known by other Christians such as Nacho Libre , The Book of Eli , and many others, and why we think they may be popular in the Christian community (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) What familiarity do Melanie and Melvin have with the Book of Exodus? John 1:1 makes it clear by stating that God's word is God Himself, as Christ also is God and therefore also God's word. So, when we create adaptions, we add degrees and opportunities for loss in translation when God's word is already authentic and reliable. This is a deeply important reality necessary for engaging in Biblical or Christian-marketed media: it is degrees away from God's literal word. Moses' character, strangely, is sort of depicted as a combination between Jacob and Moses. Other historical figures such as Aaron and Miriam, Moses' brother and sister are also depicted differently from Scripture. Getting into what's likely most memorable for people: the music! Melanie riffs on the closing song "When You Believe" and how it's full of platitudes. The Prince of Egypt stands apart from other Biblical or Christian-marketed materials, and the two discuss why that may be. The Prince of Egypt is already a mature PG family flick, but Melvin feels it would have been benefitted by being a little nastier. Recommendations: The Case for Christ (2017) (Movie) Beetlejuice (1988) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram <a href='https://www.facebook.com/groups/cinematicdoctrine
S1 E145 · Tue, April 11, 2023
The Tree of Life - w/ Eric Nevins and Growing Up in a Broken, Glory-Filled World
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: ericnevins.com Eric Nevins from the Halfway There Podcast , and the Christian Podcast Association, joins Melvin and Dan in discussing one of Terrance Malick's most popular films, if not his most popular film ever! Semi-autobiographical, semi-retelling of the book of Job, semi-conventional narrative; The Tree of Life offers a lot to chew on, and the three of them eagerly dive in! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 28-minutes detailing movies we've changed opinion on, both films we've liked and now dislike and also disliked but now like, and why. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Eric shares about his podcast, what drew him to amplifying Christian voices, and the particular way he prefers to do it. The Tree of Life , as Melvin puts it, is usually someone's pastor's favorite movie. While everyone watched The Tree of Life for the episode, Melvin specifically watched the extended cut of The Tree of Life exclusive to its Criterion release. It contains an additional 50+ minutes. The Tree of Life requires a bit of work from its audience, demanding they put in some effort in to comprehending its floating imagery, whispered monologues, and near-constant Christian allusions. There's a very clear, very obvious three-act structure to The Tree of Life , and each part of the film offers something different in terms of style and engagement. The second act is largely what people will connect with. Eric, Daniel, and Melvin each discuss The Tree of Life's artistically ambiguous ending, and what it means to them. Terrence Malick as a storyteller is routinely critical of industrialization, often using nature and natural beauty to showcase tranquility, glory, and peace. The Tree of Life keeps in conversation two ideas: the Way of Nature and the Way of Grace. The gang tries to discern what these represent, and how they communicate. Recommendations: With: Reimagining the Way You Relate to God by Skye Jethani (Book) The Church Play Cinematic Universe (YouTube Video) Kevin Can F**K
S1 E144 · Tue, April 04, 2023
Ladyhawke - What Makes a Film Prime Remake Material?
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Melanie, Daniel, and Melvin talk Ladyhawke , Richard Donner’s fantasy family film featuring Rutger Hauer, Michelle Pfieffer, and Matthew Broderick. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 35-minutes talking about two Disney animated science-fiction box-office failures, Lightyear and Strange World , their absurdly confusing marketing campaigns, and how their lack of success isn't a surprise for keen-eyed film fans (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Melanie specifically wanted to hear what Melvin and Dan thought of Ladyhawke . Melvin, for some reason, initially thought Ladyhawke was a wrestling movie. Melvin shares his strange fixation on Matthew Broderick. Melanie has been thinking about “remakes” a lot, and apart from the nostalgic joy she has with Ladyhawke , she’s been thinking about what would make for a good remake of this charismatic fantasy flick. For Melvin, a remake, reboot, or sequel doesn't necessarily need to be tied down to anything, it merely needs to be in conversation with its predecessor in some fashion. He also proposes practical, fun ideas for a theoretical remake of LadyHawke . For Daniel, remakes are only interesting if they adopt ideas or messages and re-adopt them with new information. In other words, how does a political thriller change when the world changes? Some movies, even as you watch them, feel like they need a remake. Melvin proposes a couple. Remakes, ironically, are also very final . It declares that the old canon is over and that a new canon is being established. Recommendations: The Little Shop of Horrors (1960) (Movie) Poltergeist (1982) (Movie) Knowing God by J.I. Packer (Book) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack <a href='https://
S1 E143 · Tue, March 28, 2023
The Hunger Games - Odds? In My Favor? It's More Likely Than You Think!
Send us a Question! PATREON PARTY PLEASER: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Melanie and Melvin go through the entirety of The Hunger Games, starting from its opening text all the way to its closing credits! Relive the experience of your first Hunger Games and listen to our various commentary on the films interesting metaphors and frustrating editing! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 23-minutes discussing the YA genre of film, attempting to define it, describing different franchises, and what we like and don't like about it (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Melvin's never seen a Hunger Game. Melanie learns him a lesson. Melvin on the film's editing, "It was never, uhh, not a problem." The Hunger Games has a good, consistent sense of tone. Despite what some may think, The Hunger Games is technically a mid-to-low budget film costing an estimated 78-million to produce. This may account for the dated CGI work which, even for the early 2010s, does not hold up. The way the Hunger Games are used to cultivate a performative social experience was fairly engaging. Often times it is unclear whether a conversation or event takes place out of a genuine heart or a performative requirement for survival. Before the actual Hunger Games begin, Melvin and Melanie discuss the first half of The Hunger Games , what they enjoy about the setup, and why it helps prepare the audience for the Games themselves. Once the games begin, the two agree: there may have been significant benefits to the film being Rated R. For Melvin, some emotional sequences weren't effective due to the poor editing. The combination of hope and hopelessness throughout The Hunger Games is really evocative and engaging, and this is present even to the end of the game. Recommendations: Naruto (2002) (Anime) Boomerang Fu (Nintendo Switch) (Video Game) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: <li
S1 E142 · Tue, March 21, 2023
Shazam! Fury of the Gods - Decent, but Tired
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Melanie and Melvin discuss Shazam! Fury of the Gods , a decent-enough sequel that’s far-too-late in a far-too-tired genre. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 30-minutes discussing the future DCCU plans to completely rework the canon, something Melanie wasn’t aware of, and why neither of them are interested in a future with more superhero movies (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Celebrating Shazam! , perhaps DC’s best movie in this particular universe of films. Discussing David F. Sandberg as a creator, both in and out of theaters. Shazam! Fury of the Gods , like most DC movies, is a film with occasional successes but mostly missed opportunities. Noticing the performance disparity between Zachary Levi and Asher Angel, two actors playing different versions of the Barry Batson character. Is the Cinematic Doctrine crew even excited for geek-themed media anymore? Are the Daughters of Atlas good villains? Discuss. Discussing what is quantifiably the worst part of Shazam! Fury of the Gods : The ending. And discussing those credit sequences, which probably don’t matter because the canon is being reworked anyway. Recommendations: Lord of the Rings Movie Trilogy Thrifting for Blu-Rays that include (most likely) working Digital Codes Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Tue, March 14, 2023
Best & Worst of 2022 (Part 2)
Send us a Question! LET'S TALK: Melvin carries Daniel through the second half of his Top Ten/Bottom Ten 2022 movie list, giving detailed, bite-sized reviews for each flick as the two discuss what works, what doesn't, all finalizing with Melvin's top film of 2022! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 10 additional honorable mentions (across part 1 and part 2) spanning drama, arthouse, horror, and the ever-elusive 'so-bad-its-good' category! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Tue, March 07, 2023
Best & Worst of 2022 (Part 1)
Send us a Question! LET'S TALK: Melvin shares with Daniel the first half of his Top Ten / Bottom Ten 2022 movie list, giving detailed, bite-sized reviews for each flick as the two discuss what makes these films successful or sucky. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 10 additional honorable mentions (across part 1 and part 2) spanning drama, arthouse, horror, and the ever-elusive 'so-bad-its-good' category! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E141 · Tue, February 28, 2023
Belle - Dysfunctional Digital Duality
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Melanie joins Melvin to discuss Belle , Mamoru Hosoda's latest anime feature that combines real-life heart with the wonder of cyber-space! How well does he balance these ideas, and are we familiar with Hosoda's filmography? Tune in to hear that and more! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 38-minutes discussing our history with Anime, what we like and dislike about the style, and where we currently stand as purveyors of the medium (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Mamoru Hosoda clearly has a fascination with the duality between the real-world and digital-world as observed through his filmography (several Digimon movies, Summer Wars , Belle ). Melanie connected with the way in which Suzu found her voice throughout the story's progression. Both Melvin and Melanie enjoyed most of the music, specifically the first song. Melvin saw one of Mamoru Hosoda's previous narrative successes, Wolf Children , and seriously disliked the movie. He routinely gets hate-mail for his scathing review left on MyAnimeList. Some problems he remembers from Wolf Children he also observed in Belle . Belle has many duality motifs including the imagery of a whale, a sea-creature dependent on air, or the difference between online and offline personalities. Belle is comprised of three narrative beats; digital world and concerts, slice-of-life, and the beauty and the beast. How you connect with each of these aspects will greatly impact your enjoyment of the film. Getting into the controversial twist that more-or-less co-opts the movie during its third act. Both Melanie and Melvin take issue with the severe lack of resolution presented by the introduction of Belle's twist, apart from the fact it's also comparatively uncomfortable. There's this expectation online that people have a right to information or knowledge regardless of boundaries or privacy. Melvin appreciated Belle 's passive critique against this idea. Melvin and Melanie go full script-doctor because we're a podcast and that's what podcasts do. Recommendations: Spriggan (1998) (Movie) Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade (1999) (Movie)
S1 E140 · Tue, February 21, 2023
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania - The Multiverse Homework Problem
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Daniel joins Melvin in discussing the second Rotten-rated film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania ! Critics have been critical, and fans have been mildly amused. But, what about us? Tune in to find out! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 35-minutes discussing The Flash trailer, Ezra Miller's influential escapades, James Gunn's future changes for DC, and so much more! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Melvin wastes little time criticizing the outsized scope of the film, a borderline-Shakespearian world-ending character exploration flick written and directed by individuals whose previous work include bit-comedy, a functionally and fundamentally different style of storytelling. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quuntamania is 125-minutes and barely anything happens. After two comedy-heist features, it feels weird for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania to take itself so seriously... and also not really be a heist movie. Melvin and Daniel agree that Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania isn't particularly good, but they don't agree with the extreme distaste toward the film. Daniel shares an epiphany he had during his theater experience, one surrounded by teens and nerdbros. Melvin complains about what he's calling the "Multiverse Narrative Confusion" that Marvel's Cinematic Universe is currently experiencing. Daniel elaborates further on the Multiverse problem. Talking M.O.D.O.K. Melvin and Daniel begin pitching various comedy bits and motifs for their version of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania , one that is more in tune with the comedy of it's previous films. Pondering the general diminishing return of the MCU. Recommendations: Marvel's M.O.D.O.K. (2021) (TV-Series) Insidious (2011) Movie CSB Experiencing God Bible Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack <a href='https:/
S1 E139 · Tue, February 14, 2023
Drag Me to Hell - Shame, Consequence, and Body Fluids
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Melanie joins Melvin to talk Sam Raimi's 2009 return-to-horror feature Drag Me to Hell , a film so silly it disorients most viewers, including Melanie! From slapstick violence to cartoon gore, this movie surprised its PG-13 audience from start to finish! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 18-minutes discussing AMC Theater's new tiered-seating price points, from value-pricing at the front to premium-pricing at the center (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Melanie has specifically told Melvin that Drag Me to Hell was a movie she hated. Has that changed? Melvin gives some background to the Sam Raimi style, something that no doubt shocks and stuns the unprepared. The hyperbole of Drag Me to Hell helps exemplify the subtle yet damning ways in which people can disregard one another, or put oneself before others, and all of this is made exceedingly evident in the complicating incident. Melanie, "It was so funny and I think I was just able to appreciate the more comedic elements of the film. There were still a few jump scares here or there, but you get startled and then you laugh." Sometimes, people are ashamed of things they don't necessarily have to be ashamed about, while also not being ashamed about things they ought to. Drag Me to Hell displays both of these from opening to closing credits. Christine thinks that demanding the old woman to forgive her will somehow fix the curse, but demanding someone to forgive you for your sin isn't repentance, because repentance is a full-on submission to wrong-doing, which categorically removes the ability for demands. With this in mind, Christine shows she hasn't learned anything. What makes an ending satisfying, and must the hero always succeed? Horror movies are interesting because whereas other movies will have some alien or virus or an idea as the villain, horror movies pick obvious things like murderers, demons, or the literal devil. As Christians - and it may sound weird for others to hear - but having hell or the devil as a literary consequence or threat is often more realistic to our daily life, and thus makes horror movies sometimes more intriguing. Recommendations: Cry_Wolf (2005) (Movie) Wind River (2017) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine St
S1 E138 · Tue, February 07, 2023
George Washington - Heartfelt, Adolescent, Spiritual, Poetic
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Melanie and Melvin talk about George Washington , David Gordon Green's critically celebrated directorial debut, a coming-of-age poverty drama dripping with heart. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 28-minutes discussing various Director's who've produced remarkably good movies and remarkably bad movies, why there might be such varied quality among projects, and what makes these movies distinct in their own right. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) George Washington isn't as plot heavy as it is character heavy, so Melvin explains some of what defines each character in the film. Melanie and Melvin both recommend George Washington prior to tuning in to their spoiler-filled discussion. Despite their clear talent virtually all of the teen and pre-teen actors have no acting credentials which speaks to David Gordon Green's effective directing. George Washington displays endearing cross-generational relationships that are both mundane and valuable, the kind where people treat each other like people regardless of age. Despite George Washington 's warmth, the film is emotionally difficult to engage, as one guest Melvin invited to watch the film texted him that they couldn't finish it. George Washington , through understated means, plays along the dichotomy between beauty and sadness. Melvin reads a quote from the movie that comes from one of its leads, Vernon, and the two discuss what made this part of George Washington resonate so deeply with them. George Washington 's angle for a teen/pre-teen coming-of-age narrative is to explore experiences of shame, repentance, forgiveness, and responsibility, concepts that are regularly ignored or poorly handled in films about adults or adult situations. The benefit of the ensemble cast of George Washington is that it gets to display various intimate and relatable responses to real-life situations everyone will encounter during one point of their life or another. Recommendations: Kiki's Delivery Service (1989) (Movie) Eighth Grade (2018) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threa
S1 E137 · Wed, February 01, 2023
Daredevil - Is It As Bad As We All Remember?
Send us a Question! PATREON PARTY PLEASER: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Melanie and Daniel join Melvin to discuss the 20th anniversary of Ben Affleck Daredevil! Is it as bad as Catwoman ? Let’s find out together as we dissect the film from start to finish! TOPICS: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 51-minutes discussing the Oscar Nominations, who we think will win, standouts, and the Oscar’s as an institution (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Daredevil has a director’s cut with an additional 30+ minutes, content that does contextualize and improve a few plot details and subplots that otherwise are expedited in the theatrical cut. Although it’s dependent on what the movie needs at the time, it’s neat that this version of Daredevil is, in a way, more blind than the Marvel/Netflix Daredevil, who functionally can just “see” everything despite his condition. This version of Daredevil isn’t particularly devout in his Catholicism, and parts of the initial R-rated pitch of the film are evident in the film’s tone and violence. Both Colin Farrell’s Bullseye and Michael Clarke Duncan’s Kingpin are extreme highlights of the movie. Daredevil is noticeably truncated from a much longer cut which results in every sequence feeling like a lightly tethered series of decent scenes. Celebrating the dope early 2000’s nu-metal, Hot Topic-esque licensed soundtrack which includes Rob Zombie and Evanescence. After rewatching Daredevil, 20 years later after its release, how do we feel about this early 2000’s superhero relic? Recommendations: Born Standing Up by Steve Martin (Book) Overlord (2018) (Movie) We’re All Going to the World’s Fair (2021) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website </
S1 E136 · Tue, December 27, 2022
Where the Scary Things Are - Delightfully Terrible in All the Right Ways
Send us a Question! PATREON PARTY PLEASER: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Melvin and Melanie explain, beat for beat, the entirety of Where the Scary Things Are , one of 2022's most baffling and hilariously unwatchable features that nobody knows about. Amidst frustrated and confused laughter, the two bring you from opening to closing credits! Hilarity ensues! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 18-minutes discussing Christmas seasonal stress (gift giving and decorations) and the balancing Christian traditions with Western traditions (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) The blurb for Where the Scary Things Are is about a group of students who find a monster and turn it into an influencer. Sort of. The choice to shoot Where the Scary Things Are at Field of Screams, a real horror themed park, greatly benefits the general aesthetic of the film. A teacher gives the students their project to create a local myth, and while the film showcases him as a moral third-party, the things he does as a teacher are remarkably not great. Ayla is a combination of an extremely unhinged bully who also cares a lot about her grades, which is an inherently funny combination. There comes a point early on the audience will go, "Why are these kids even friends?" because it's clear nobody likes each other. The creature design for Where the Scary Things Are is a major plus to the film, despite the creature doing nothing throughout the movie. Melanie's biggest frustration is how unclear Where the Scary Things Are is when it comes to its tone and theme. Speaking of, there's one scene that theoretically comes together in showcasing the theme of Where the Scary Things Are , but it's a scene where the performances are so poorly executed that it completely disrupts the film. It takes an hour before the first kill happens and it's limited to the small viewfinder of a handheld camera, so the spectacle of violence is mostly stale. Melvin proposes what makes a "so bad its good" movie good, and how Where the Scary Things Are fits perfectly into that category. Recommendations: The Iron Giant (1999) (Movie) Roar (1981) (Movie) <a rel="payment" href="https://www.pat
Bonus · Sat, December 24, 2022
A Royal Gremlins Christmas w/ Chris Staron
Send us a Question! LET'S TALK: TrucePodcast.com Chris Staron of Truce Podcast joins Melvin to chat a bit of Gremlins , Gremlins 2: The New Batch , and play a Hallmark-Christmas themed quiz game! Ultimately, this episode is an excuse to continue our several-episode's long discussion on the concept of comedy and its ever-changing nature, alongside the eternal nature of slapstick! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 25-minutes talking about Chris Staron's fascination with Jordan Peele's latest film Nope , why it can just be a fun movie and doesn't need to necessarily mean anything to someone, and the difference between straight horror movies and science-fiction horror movies. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Recommendations: Family Fears: Gremlin Party! – Cinematic Doctrine (Article) Mixed Nuts (1994) (Movie) Klaus (2019) (Movie) Also, we found the movie Chris said he worked on. It's on Amazon. Stream it here ! Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E135 · Tue, December 20, 2022
Avatar: The Way of Water - w/ Jerry Dugan and Celebrating Great CGI
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Beyondtherut.com Guest Jerry Dugan of the Beyond the Rut podcast joins Melvin to discuss James Cameron's latest flick Avatar: The Way of Water , a sequel many years in the making! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 30-minute interview with Jerry Dugan about his podcast, the difficult experience of podcasting, and his favorite episodes (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Jerry Dugan shares some of his affinity for James Cameron as a director, and the two discuss what it is they've come to know about his style. Giving just enough plot setup for all the 10-year questions we've had about what an Avatar sequel would be about and saving spoilers for the end of the episode. When Avatar: The Way of Water's initial trailer came out, Melvin was, admittedly, not excited in the least. Now that the movie is out, he can confidently say he loved it! One primary takeaway from Avatar: The Way of Water is how expertly directed the film is, clearly showcasing a confidence in its whimsical, simple-yet-complicated worldbuilding and storytelling. The directorial economy present in every scene of Avatar: The Way of Water far exceeds the inefficiency in virtually every scene from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever , which Melvin brings up because of some comparison's he's seeing due to each films visual setting. Ultimately, this makes the 192-minute runtime much more bearable. Discussing the state of CGI in the industry, things we dislike, and why Avatar: The Way of Water stands out from the rest. Opening spoilers so we can open predictions for future installments! Sequels are complicated because they need to converse with the previous film's themes, tone, and general experience. We wonder how subsequent features will innovate on all of these things, including its visual technology and connecting with the Pandora section in Disney World (which, if you didn't know, is canon to the film's story). Recommendations: Truce Podcast The Last Dragon (1985) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads <a href='https://cinematicdoctrine.co
S1 E134 · Tue, December 13, 2022
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery - A Solid Whodunnit
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Were you able to catch Glass Onion in theaters before its holiday weekend release? Melvin and Dan did, and they're excited to share some details on what makes Glass Onion worth the wait! Don't worry, they don't get into spoilers until halfway into the discussion, and they'll make it clear when to tune out if you're wanting to go into Glass Onion blind! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 31-minutes discussing Melvin's Covid sickness part 2, the Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, and the rumors surrounding changes to the DC Universe (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) To give a non-spoiler review, Melvin and Dan celebrate the film's ensemble cast, general themes, and upbeat atmosphere. The atmosphere of "body positivity" within the film as it showcases various actors in bathing suits was a little shocking for Melvin despite the setting, and he suspected some of Cinematic Doctrine's Christian audience may want to be forewarned about some of the non-sexual body-positive imagery within the movie in terms of preserving a pure thought-life. Glass Onion is very-much a "theater movie" and a "crowd pleaser" despite being on Netflix. In contrast, a brief aside on The Gray Man, a Netflix flop, and the Kenneth Branagh "Poirot" mystery movies Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile . Getting into spoilers [27:25] Glass Onion is very much of the now , a quality that Knives Out had but not nearly to this degree. Recommendations: The Bulwark Goes to Hollywood - How Spider-Man Conquered Hollywood (Podcast) Roller Coaster Tycoon 2 (Video Game) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E133 · Tue, November 29, 2022
It's a Wonderful Life - Enduring Against Discontentment
PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Melvin and Stephen discuss not just one of Stephen's favorite movies but his absolute favorite movie, It's a Wonderful Life ! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 27-minutes celebrating the holiday season, from busy shopping to exciting gift giving, and everything in between (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Summarizing It's a Wonderful Life because most summaries just summarize the last 20-minutes of the movie. Melvin, "[ It's a Wonderful Life is] a very good depiction of a conflicted man." It's a Wonderful Life is Stephen's favorite movie, period. When he first watched it, he felt it depicted God in a way that he yearned for in film. Melvin ponders how we transform movies into something more when we recognize they're our favorites. What Melvin enjoyed about the movie was how it depicted the unique positives to community cohesiveness, including how that social construct is developed often through one man's kindness. A brief meditation on how It's a Wonderful Life has been misrepresentative of Christianity and God, including the cultural, spiritual belief that people have specific guardian angels. Discussing what we think keeps this movie in the public conscience. Stephen thinks it's the film's benevolence. Melvin thinks it's the depiction of a conflicted everyman. It's a Wonderful Life is very grounded, and the addition of the fantastical is almost a wish-fulfillment version of very realistic wants we often have in real life. In It's a Wonderful Life there's an evil man who enjoys being evil and a conflicted man who sees it costs something to do good. Recommendations: Drag Me to Hell (2009) (Movie) You Can't Take It with You (1938) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review Social Links: Twitter Website Facebook Group
S1 E132 · Tue, November 22, 2022
In the Mood for Love - Melanie Dejesus and Falling for a Fiction
MOVIE DISCUSSION: Melanie Dejesus joins Stephen and Melvin to talk about another Criterion Collection entry, In the Mood for Love . Often considered in competition for Wong Kar-Wai's best film against Chungking Express , the three discuss its themes of unfulfilled romance and intimacy, as well as meditations on time. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 25-minutes talking about foreign movies we recommend, from kung-fu flicks to zombie horror! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Melanie immediately caught on to the film's usage of music and loved how it balanced its romance and friendship between Mr. Chow and Mrs. Chan. Melvin felt the film cleverly depicted scenes as dreamy, which is amplified with the aforementioned soundtrack including multicultural music. Stephen, "I think more than anything, it's the way the movie looks, sounds, and feels that really connects with me." Our two leads are simultaneously emotionally complex and emotionally immature. Discussing the developed motif for the song "Yumeji's theme", which plays several times within In the Mood for Love . In the Mood for Love displays a very dynamic and extensive image of the allure toward a lifestyle that cannot and will not fulfill someone's lost desires. In the Mood for Love is also the kind of movie that is both extremely interpretable and also clear about its themes. A discussion on non-sexual, intimate co-ed relationships in a religious culture that often separates or discourages co-ed relationships, despite living in a post-sexual revolution world where an individual's sexuality may not be heteronormative. In the Mood for Love also has a strong through-line about time and transition, and the fleeting nature of present or potential joy. Recommendations: Quarantine (2008) [REC] (2007) with qualifiers Ip Man Franchise Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review Social Links: Twitter Website Facebook Group
S1 E131 · Wed, November 16, 2022
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever - Ambitious and/or Bloated
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Melvin & Dan can only agree on one thing: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is, in fact, a Marvel movie. To focus their attention, Melvin proposes four ambitions that he feels will make-or-break the film for audience members. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 44-minutes discussing Kevin Conroy's passing, Video Rental store nostalgia, and media curation (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Reflecting on Black Panther's immense cultural impact and success. Reminiscing on the intended plans for King T'Challa in the MCU post-Endgame. Melvin liked that Black Panther: Wakanda Forever had a somewhat self-serious profile as opposed to the more flippant, light sensibilities of other Marvel fare. However, Melvin has four headers - ambitions - that he observed within Black Panther: Wakanda Forever that he felt prevented him from "buying in" to the fiction of the film but may actually be beneficial qualities to certain audience members. His first point covers the film's global stage for a political drama between potentially warring counties. His second point covers the personal character stories within the film. A brief aside from the points, Melvin and Daniel agree: the suits at the end of the movie aren't that good. Melvin's third point has to do with the film's metatextual pairing of T'Challa's fictional death and Chadwick Boseman's real-life death. Melvin's final point covers what he would consider inefficient pacing, such as scenes clearly setting up future movies, or scenes having only one purpose at a time rather than being dynamic in detail. Recommendations: Galatians: An Expositional Commentary by R.C. Sproul (Book) Amy (2015) (Documentary) The Decade-Long Quest For Shadow of the Colossus' Last Secret (YouTube) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram </a
S1 E130 · Tue, November 08, 2022
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law - Melvin Officially Has Marvel Exhaustion
Send us a Question! TV-SHOW DISCUSSION: Marvel couldn't get through one more show without fans going nuts, and Melvin & Dan are here to parse through the mire. We get through what makes She-Hulk: Attorney at Law extremely fun and a breath of the fresh air, as well as what makes its ending both clever and dull. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 33-minutes discussing Phase 4 Marvel, it's ups and downs, the overwhelming content-drip of borderline week-to-week Marvel content and wanting more creativity from Marvel despite knowing its still, you know, Marvel. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Daniel details the conception of She-Hulk as a Marvel comic character in the late 70s/early 80s. Daniel, "She-Hulk is, other than WandaVision, one of the only one of these [Marvel shows] to take advantage of the fact that it is a streaming show." Although anyone could have predicted the negative response to She-Hulk: Attorney at Law , it was funny to see how the show, episode after episode, would almost commentate on the live-responses it was actively receiving. The CGI in She-Hulk: Attorney at Law was a big worry for many, but it looks alright throughout the show. Even so, it seems people are really pining for something real with their film and television, and Marvel continues to frustrate its audience with disorienting or cartoonish CGI. Talking the official return of Daredevil ! And finally, a long discussion on the confused feelings Melvin & Dan have with the final episode of the show. There aren't a lot of fourth wall breaks throughout She-Hulk: Attorney at Law so it can make the intense fourth wall break during the final episode extremely jarring. In terms of power levels, thanks to She-Hulk's fourth wall break, does this mean She-Hulk is the most powerful figure in the MCU over Kang the Conqueror and the Celestials? At the end of the day, the stuff that works really well with She-Hulk: Attorney at Law is the more grounded, legal procedural stuff than either the standard superhero or the wacko fourth wall breaking stuff, and a second season capitalizing on a week-to-week court-room drama with superheroes could be far more rewarding to watch than this first season's strange content amalgamation. Recommendations: Using justwatch.com to search where movies and shows are streaming. Chuck Klosterman IV : A Decade of Curious People and Dangerous Ideas (Book) Support the show <a href='https://www.patreon.com/Cinematic
S1 E129 · Tue, November 01, 2022
Black Adam - Rentable
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Melvin & Dan discuss the latest entry in the troubled, frustrating, and extremely strange DC Universe. This time it features fan-and-mom favorite Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson donning a cool black suit and looking maliciously confused. Neat! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 35-minutes talking about Walter Hamada stepping down from the DCU, James Gunn replacing him, and the lack of cultural permanence DC has compared to Marvel, or even Horror/Slasher icons. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Daniel briefly details the 15-year journey Dwayne Johnson took to get Black Adam made, featuring himself in the titular role. Melvin & Dan agree: The first half of the film is pretty dang fun, albeit nothing new. Despite a marginally enjoyable experience, Melvin feels like it's "a movie that I'm already tired of seeing", one that has been made for the last decade and a half. Every two years the DCU has shifted and turned and changed its mind; do we really care anymore? Does it matter? Why even bother speculating? Black Adam 's trailer, its opening exposition drop, and its plotline all tell a different story about Black Adam's origin, which is obviously cleared up by the film as it unfolds but makes the experience of watching the movie extremely confusing. Apparently, parts of Black Adam were "Rated R" worthy, and the current product in theaters is a trimmed edit to reach a PG-13. Melvin wonders which scenes were different. Apart from Black Adam feeling like most mid-Marvel flicks, it's also a superhero film releasing after Marvel had, like, 5-7 film and TV projects. The Superhero genre is feeling especially tired in 2022. Discussing Darren Mooney's Escapist Review of Black Adam where he felt the film was functionally worse than Morbius for various reasons. Melvin proposes that HBOmax start putting up the R-rated cuts of DC flicks since they can't seem to decide what they want with their DC films. Recommendations: Wendell & Wild (2022) (Movie) Emily the Criminal (2022) (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads <a href='https://cinematicdoctrine.com
Bonus · Mon, October 31, 2022
David Gordon Green's Halloween Trilogy and Changing Opinions
Send us a Question! LET'S TALK: When Melvin saw Halloween Ends , he wasn't sure if he liked or disliked the movie. Mostly, it left him confused. So, he embarked on a journey: rewatching all three David Gordon Green Halloween flicks and seeing how they stand up. In doing so, his opinion on Halloween Ends has completely changed, and both he and Daniel discuss the experience of having their opinions change on movies, media, and life in general, and how the practice of mulling over and meditating on media is a helpful, often good practice. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 17-minutes discussing Halloween Halloween Halloween! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E128 · Thu, October 27, 2022
Hangman's Curse (Part 2) - The Official Hangman's Curse Devotional
Send us a Question! PATREON PARTY PLEASER: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Frank Peretti's film adaption of Hangman's Curse arrived with an official youth devotional. Or, at least, Melvin's DVD copy did. In part two of their Hangman's Curse discussion, Melvin, Dan, and special guest Melanie Dejesus (from Melvin's church) spend time working through the official Hangman's Curse devotional guide questions, including what makes some of them so problematic. But, before they get into the spicey stuff, the three laugh over 20-year-old IMDB reviews. Topics: Melvin feels the Online Christian Review complex is very "team jersey", in that they often celebrate and 5-star films that are otherwise quite bad or uninspired despite containing all they need: the "Christian" tag in the marketing field. Thus, he reads a few silly reviews that celebrate Hangman's Curse for being good actually. Melvin, Dan, and Melanie spend time talking about the positive and negative critical phrase, "It is/isn't realistic." and how that's sort of a silly criticism at times for movies, which aren't real to begin with. Unlike Dan's DVD which arrived barely intact, and Melanie's DVD which was new, Melvin's DVD of Hangman's Curse arrived with an official devotional partnered with the film specific for youth small groups for Christians and non-Christians alike. He summarized interesting parts into a few points. The devotional occasionally references scripture, which Melvin summarizes to save time. In addition to scripture, the angle of the Devotional is very "Assemblies of God", which means it focuses heavy on "words of death" and "words of life", among other nuanced AG Pentacostal ideologies. Daniel shares further insight here. Due to the film's subject matter, the official devotional talks about topics like bullying and suicide. Our discussion cautions heavily against what's included. Unlike the film, the devotional sure has a climax that leaves each member flabbergasted. Christian movies and stories created to be used as "ice breakers" for small groups often don't turn out very well, and at other times end up causing more damage in their depictions of various difficult topics. Ultimately, nothing competes with a genuine relationship cultivated to foster healthy discussion. SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE: 988 Recommendations: Spy x Family (Show) <a href='https://ww
S1 E128 · Tue, October 25, 2022
Hangman's Curse (Part 1) - Talking Frank Peretti's First Spooky Film Adaption
Send us a Question! PATREON PARTY PLEASER: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Frank Peretti's Hangman's Curse was the first of his books to finally reach the silver screen, and Melanie Dejesus from Melvin's church joins him and Daniel on this first of two episodes where the three work through this weird amalgamation of teen scream and early 2000's "cool" Christian media. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 33-minute discussion of "cool" Christian media, the mid-90s to mid-00's craze of music, clothing, and all things "cool" in the western Christian world (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Melvin proposes, since no one on the planet has seen Hangman's Curse other than Melvin' sister, that the three detail the entirety of the film from start to finish. Daniel, a self-described Frank Peretti novel-fan, details Peretti's style and talent when it comes to literature. Melvin starts describing the opening 5-minutes of the film and all three members of the show levy criticisms. Melvin also confesses that, technically speaking, Hangman's Curse is the first horror movie he remembers watching... and scaring him as a kid. The faith-based Christian theming in the film is extremely awkward and often surprising as it's almost never-expected. One can practically feel Hangman's Curse pleading to have something horrific, shocking, dramatic, or scary happen on screen, anything to bring some life to an otherwise sluggishly paced snooze-fest. As the film continued, a lightbulb went off over Daniel's head, "Wait a minute... this should have been a TV-Show!" Hangman's Curse would have been benefitted by the Hollywood "Christianity" flair of gadgets with crucifixes, weird prayers for protection, the sort of thing we're used to with the Conjuring Universe. Frank Peretti plays a full-fledged non-cameo character in Hangman's Curse, a performance that is, at the very least, memorable. Coming in at 106 minutes, Hangman's Curse truly pushes the boundaries of patience, while also including many scenes that are obvious chaff. What's nearly 2 hours could have been a 45-minute TV-Special. Passively, the Assemblies of God influence of the film is apparent through its depiction and development of the "goth" subculture within the narrative, including a few other nods and references that otherwise might be missed. SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE: 988 Recommendations: <a href='https://www.justwatch.c
S1 E127 · Tue, October 18, 2022
Halloween Ends - Bonkers
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Remember that wild Halloween Kills episode from last year? Melvin & Dan are ready to rock your world with a roaring sequel episode on Halloween Ends , a finale so bonkers it blows our minds! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 34-minutes talking about Werewolf by Night , the borderline TV-MA Marvel special on Disney Plus! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Melvin and Daniel talk around the movie before actually getting into specifics, because that's what Halloween Ends has done to your hosts. Spoilers from the get-go, as Melvin and Daniel realize they can't discuss the movie much without getting into specifics. Daniel clocked it; it takes 40 minutes before Michael Myers even shows up in Halloween Ends . You practically forget it's a Halloween movie by this point. Daniel, "This really feels like a strange episode, a Halloween-themed episode of Twin Peaks ." In isolation, a lot of the new ideas throughout Halloween Ends are neat, but the way all of them are used and balanced here is very poor. Melvin & Daniel agree: the diner scene is when the movie starts to lose them. There's actually a lot to appreciate and enjoy about Halloween Ends , including its general mood and atmosphere. Unlike most movies, all three of these Halloween features are exceptional at capturing atmosphere and look very sleek. As movie lovers, how we enjoy movies becomes much more complicated, as even the worst movies like Halloween Ends can become more enjoyable than the most competent ones. Melvin suspects the marketing, and the fact that this is a "trilogy finale" and not just another sequel with the expectation of another sequel soon after really impacts the reception and enjoyment of Halloween Ends . Melvin & Dan suspect Halloween Ends will earn a strange reevaluation as a black sheep in the Halloween franchise, largely due to its extremely strange ideas. Discussion: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry : How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World by John Mark Comer (Book) Significant Other (2022) (Movie) Book of Deuteronomy : New International Commentary on the Old Testament by Peter C. Craigie (Book) </u
S1 E126 · Tue, October 11, 2022
Hocus Pocus 2 - A Slight Slapstick Success
MOVIE DISCUSSION: Melvin is joined by Stephen and Shirleon again to discuss the much-awaited sequel to the Halloween cult-classic, Hocus Pocus 2 ! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 37-minutes discussing the Avatar Remaster, as well as Cameron's Avatar in general. Also, a reappraisal of our interests in a sequel. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Brief introduction to Hocus Pocus 2 before realizing we want to talk about the cultural impact of the first Hocus Pocus . Melvin doesn't remember much from Hocus Pocus other than the film being congested with sexual frustration, an extremely weird trait to be had in a PG flick, but not unexpected for a Michael Eisner era Disney production. As for Hocus Pocus 2 , Melvin felt the slapstick gags were very successful and the film contained a myriad of clever yet simple jokes. Mary's Roombas in Hocus Pocus 2 are the comedic antithesis to Thor's goats in Thor: Love and Thunder . Despite some successful comedy, Hocus Pocus 2 's ending truly contains some ridiculous nonsense, and all three of us have individual gripes to share. For Melvin, the ending fails because it converts the Sanderson Sister's from slapstick villains into bizarre, unfun sympathetic figures. For Shirleon, the drama wasn't earned for the finale, nor did the visuals come together in a convincing manner. For Stephen, "I guess I've kind of been sandbagging here. I hated this thing from the first shot." There's a mutual irritation over the continued misrepresentation of puritanism in fiction. Hocus Pocus 2 is conscientiously releasing during a time when Wickenism and the witchy-aesthetic is culturally in full-swing. Disney has produced a lot of content lately that has perturbed the cultural christian crowd. What's a healthy response, or at least filter, to apply when watching content that isn't just alternative, but also rated PG? At the end of the day, this routine, cyclical, tired conversation is benefited by one response: pray for wisdom. Certain topics do not produce binary, eternal answers. In this case, wisdom is needed in balancing the myriad of influences that come not only in filmmaking but living in a complex multicultural environment. Recommendations: Betrayal at The House on The Hill (Board Game) The Munsters (2022) (Movie) The Complete Stories by Flannery O'Connor (Book) Support the show Support on Patreon f
S1 E125 · Tue, October 04, 2022
Nosferatu - A Hundred Years of Frights!
MOVIE DISCUSSION: Stephen and Melvin are joined by Shirleon to discuss the highly revered classic vampire film Nosferatu, a film with a 100-year legacy! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 30-minutes talking about our October/Halloween plans, from movies to habits! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Nosferatu is a very simple movie about a vampire, a man, and his wife. This was Shirleon's second time watching Nosferatu. The first time was great. The second time... not so much. Stephen observed how Nosferatu can feel slow and boring for a modern audience, yet also feels Nosferatu is an effective film overall. Melvin had a unique experience in which he was confronted with his mortality. Why? Because everyone involved in Nosferatu , from its conception, plagiarism, and preservation is dead. Nosferatu is shot during a time when movies were "plays on film", and thus didn't contain the same freedoms and creativities we are now accustomed to movies that separate themselves from the stage. Count Orlock is grotesquely charismatic, parading the film with a transfixing nature. Discussing the hardship of film preservation and audience engagement for a film that is both pre-talkie and had a court case resulting in the destruction of all original film negatives. Back in the days of yore, black and white films could be colored by painting on the film itself, and musicians could perform original music for the film based upon their talents and interpretations. With this in mind, the concept of preserving the "original experience" of older films becomes far more complicated, as it cuts down as deep as regional and local creativity. Nosferatu seems to present a message around the overbearing presence of predator vs prey, from not only a man vs man angle (Hutter vs Orlock) but also man vs nature (the town vs the plague). Primarily, it seems Nosferatu is expressing a horror unique to nature. Despite Count Orlock's diabolical design, there is still an expressionistic depiction of sensuality throughout Nosferatu . Recommendations: Frankenstein (1931) (Movie), or any other classic Universal Monsters movie. Absentia (2011) (Movie) And I Darken by Kiersten White (Book) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review Social Links: </p
S1 E124 · Tue, September 27, 2022
Oculus - Decent Despite Disappointments
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! If you've seen The Haunting of Hill House/Bly Manor or Midnight Mass , you've seen director Mike Flanagan's work! However, for this episode we're traveling back to 2013 to discuss one of his earliest projects, Oculus ! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 40-minutes talking about the complicated dynamics of modern movie watching like watching on airplanes, cell phones, the gym, or doing dishes. Also, the concept of director, producer, editor, or alternative cuts to movies. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Daniel has watched more Mike Flanagan projects than Melvin. Melvin is curious if he's noticed a style or focus of Flanagan across each project. Oculus is a fairly simple visual experience of reliving family trauma, but there isn't a whole lot else going on from start to finish. The concept of cursed objects, things or tools having an effect on life in malicious ways not intended, is extremely cool. Despite this, the mirror as a cursed object has little presence. Most every criticism Melvin and Daniel levy at the film feel sourced in young, undeveloped directing talent, which Mike Flanagan has likely improved since working on this 2013 film. Melvin has extreme criticisms for both the original score and the cinematography for the film, finding both to be wholly uninspired. Daniel, "[ Oculus ] moved between being kind of interesting and then being just kind of unpleasant because of the subject matter." Discussing the "unreliable narrator" aspect of the film's second and third act, which people will either love or hate about Oculus . The world of film, especially horror, uses poor mental health for its complicating incident, or to add flavor to its storyline. How do we feel about that? Recommendations: Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions Check out the Shout! Factory catalog and maybe buy a Collector's Edition of your favorite movie! The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (Movie) <a rel="payment" href="https://www.patreo
S1 E123 · Tue, September 20, 2022
The Blackcoat's Daughter - The Horror of Spiritual Loneliness
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Melvin & Dan talk about one of Mel's favorite movies, The Blackcoat's Daughter , perhaps the most painstakingly slow burning, brooding mood slashers ever made. Also, Melvin gets really honest about why he loves The Blackcoat's Daughter so much. Topics: Melvin has wanted Daniel to watch The Blackcoat's Daughter since they started the podcast. Finally, it happened. The Blackcoat's Daughter shows various aspects of alienation, loneliness, and general social dysfunction despite its small cast. Despite The Blackcoat's Daughter being set at a spiritually indistinguishable denominational school, an aesthetic choice likely chosen to add flavor to the horror, Melvin finds himself deeply connecting with the general atmosphere present within the film. The structure of The Blackcoat's Daughter is extremely subtle, with even its timeline giving small yet pivotal narrative clues. Daniel read that Ozgood Perkins wanted the film to be about loneliness, which as stated before clearly comes through the film. The Blackcoat's Daughter lends itself well to rewatching, both in shedding light on the narrative, and introducing more curiosities. When either a secular or religious person has no support system, they are prone to fill the void of community, companionship, and intimacy with risky and dangerous solutions often because those are easier or simpler to implement than an entire social structure. Melvin feels The Blackcoat's Daughter displays a convincing, gentle, yet clear perspective as to why one may be attracted to evil, and he feels the film can help bring a sense of clarity and compassion toward an otherwise contentious subject matter. There's a really strong dream-like logic to The Blackcoat's Daughter in which things don't necessarily make real-world sense but heavily improve the film's overall tone. Daniel, "Helping somebody who's [overtly] choosing something other than God; that's a tough one. Because there's something about the thing they're choosing that calls to them uniquely." Melvin, "In terms of [ The Blackcoat's Daughter ], a resolution to loneliness is companionship. But learning... learning to be a good friend is hard." Recommendations: Global Impact Bible: ESV Find and visit your local pop-up Spirit Halloween! Young Justice (Show) &
S1 E122 · Tue, September 13, 2022
The Seventh Seal - A Classical Meditation on Life and Death
MOVIE DISCUSSION: Stephen McFerron, new contributor to Cinematic Doctrine (read him here !), joins Melvin again to discuss a pivotal film in the art-house canon: The Seventh Seal ! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 50-minutes of Melvin and Stephen detailing their lifelong journey through movies, from the extremely good to the horrendously terrible, and everything in between (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Being our second Criterion-themed episode in a row, Melvin and Stephen joyfully discuss the Criterion Collection. The Seventh Seal is a movie that is intrinsically focused on and explores facets of death. The Seventh Seal's tone is very challenging as it expertly switches between extremely clever comedy and absolutely petrifying horror. Stephen, " The Seventh Seal puts a weight on death that is actually... actually makes the viewer try to grapple with the idea that they're going to die one day, too." A unique, tender tragedy to The Seventh Seal is the lament regarding the want to believe in something, although not believing in it. Melvin feels this is adjacent to the lament unique to faith, that one believes something they cannot see, but yearns earnestly to see it true. Stephen shares what it is about the end of the movie that convinced him to watch it over and over. Talking about the pseudo-communion scene between Antonius Block, Jof, Mia, Jöns, and the Girl. Is there room for frustration and doubt in the Christian life? At the time of watching The Seventh Seal and recording for this episode, Melvin was in the midst of the Book of Job, so he turns there for some insight. Recommendations: The Book of Job (Bible) Norm Macdonald: Nothing Special (Comedy Special) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review Social Links: Twitter Website Facebook Group
S1 E121 · Tue, September 06, 2022
Stalker - A Slow-Burn, Spiritualistic, Science-Fiction Masterpiece
MOVIE DISCUSSION: Stephen McFerron, Cinematic Doctrine's newest contributor (read him here !), joins Melvin to discuss Stalker , the popular Andrei Tarkovsky science-fiction classic! Topics: Introducing Stalker is equally simple (three men travel through a zone to find a room that grants one's greatest desire) and complex (constant philosophical debate, ruminations upon the terror of desire, and the intimidating presence of The Zone). Stephen, "I think it's about evangelism and the Christian walk - to some degree." Stalker is not only literally long, coming in at 162-minutes, it also can feel long with exceedingly drawn-out sequences, but Melvin feels these moments imitate the mundane periods in our life that help us think. The Zone that our characters traverse is not only depicted like a character itself, but a deity as well. The Zone demands respect if what it has to offer is to be obtained, something one may consider is similar to God Himself. Spiritualism and Christianity were largely prohibited in Russian film and art during 1979, and yet Tarkovsky cleverly depicts Christian symbolism, strife, and meditations throughout Stalker 's runtime. One of Melvin's favorite aspects of Stalker is the two brief reprieves where characters sit down and talk directly to the audience, exposing their soul through poetic raison d'être. Melvin, " Stalker really wrestles with the concept, "You may think you know what you want, but what you want may not be what you wanted."" Evangelism is often a painfully slow, seemingly fruitless process. And yet it often helps orient the evangelist to God first and foremost, despite its subject being the Godless. Getting into the final monologue of the film delivered by the Stalker's wife, which kills Melvin. Sometimes with evangelistic pursuits we neglect to focus on one of our most rewarding responsibilities: the family. God permeates not just the spectacular but also the mundane. Is that not also joyful? Melvin believes there's a severe criticism of industrialization through a particular B-theme of Stalker . It seems there's a perpetual frustration between Russian artists and the Russian government. Stalker definitely includes some of that cultural tension. Recommendations: The Criterion Channel (Streaming Service) Elden Ring (Game) Support the show <a href='https://www.patreon.c
S1 E120 · Tue, August 30, 2022
The Bear (S1) - The Most Loving Show on Television
Send us a Question! PATREON TV-SHOW DISCUSSION: This TV-Show was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Melvin & Dan put on some no-slips and get to work talking about The Bear ! Corner! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 37-minutes of various topics: She-Hulk Episode 1 Twitter response, Warner Bros. can only afford to release two movies this year, and that nonsensical MoviePass revival (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) The Bear is mercifully efficient and accurately represents kitchen work. Melvin feels The Bear 's realistic depiction of work-space experience and people relationships might actually so relatable that it becomes difficult to watch. Daniel has worked with coworkers just like some of the characters in The Bear . Melvin has an affinity and yearning for structure, so seeing a healthy and positive depiction of work and hierarchy in The Bear is greatly appreciated. Melvin jokingly says, "This is the most loving show I've seen... and I've seen The Chosen !" which heads into a retrospective on how Melvin & Dan have grown less fond of The Chosen since reviewing it in 2021. Talking about what makes Richard such a great, compelling character. The Bear has a really understated and kind way of depicting redemption and change, two things that require strong perseverance. Melvin kept thinking of both a Biblical and Cultural Christian perspective of The Bear 's depiction of relationship strife and reconciliation, and how a Biblical approach to these issues will likely look different than a cultural Christian one. Recommendations: ESV Student Study Bible Joe Pera Talks With You (Show) Only Murders in the Building (again) (Show) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins</li
Bonus · Tue, August 23, 2022
WB Discovery Repels Artists through David Zaslav's Wild Management Style
Send us a Question! LET'S TALK: Earlier this month we reported the cancelation of Batgirl , Scoob! 2 , and much more. These projects, both nearly complete, got the unceremonious axe, but they would be far from the first. Since then, several other projects have been either canceled or removed outright from HBOmax despite being originals to the streaming service. This leads Melvin and Daniel down a frustrating discussion about whether anyone will ever willingly work with Warner Bros. Discovery in the future, the moral quandary of piracy, and so much more. Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E119 · Tue, August 16, 2022
Not Okay - The Better Evan Hansen
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Hulu continues to put out bangers, and Melvin & Dan discuss Not Okay , one of its latest successes! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Discussing They/Them , the controversial and questionable slasher set at a gay conversion camp, as well as some new Ezra Miller/Flash/Warner Brothers news. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) When Melvin first learned about Not Okay 's description, he immediately knew he wanted to watch it. Melvin felt Not Okay had some influence from Friday the 13th: Part V: A New Beginning . Yes, he explains. Zoey Deutch and Dylan O'Brien were both in The Outfit , another movie from 2022. Melvin gives a mini review for that, while asserting the quality of their chemistry. Part of why Melvin texted Daniel about covering Not Okay is specifically to compare it to Dear Evan Hansen , so the two begin detailing key differences in quality and character between the two. By making the film more realistic and sensible, Not Okay succeeds in making its lead character both appropriately despicable and frustratingly sympathetic, both qualities that Dear Evan Hansen never achieves in its bizarro world depiction of horrible events. Daniel, "If you told me this was made as a response to [ Dear Evan Hansen ], I would believe you." The final sequence is the primary standout of Not Okay . Recommendations: Art for God's Sake: A Call to Recover the Arts by Philip Graham Ryken (Book) Joining Letterboxd.com so you can track movies, write reviews, follow other users, and make lists! Let the Reader Understand: A Guide to Interpreting and Applying the Bible by Dan G. McCartney and Charles Clayton (Book) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: <a href='https://www.threads.net/@
S1 E118 · Tue, August 09, 2022
Prey - Or, the Actual First Sequel to Predator
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Melvin & Dan talk about the latest Predator movie, Prey , that probably should have been in theaters, right? Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 50-minutes talking about the benefits to physical media over streaming, and the exciting world of special features w/ examples. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Immediate disappointment that Prey was not in theaters. Jacob Knight on Letterboxd writes that Predator is at its best when it just embraces its "Pro Wrestling" aesthetic. Predator has always been more enjoyable when it's simple. This is why Predators can feel pretty fun at times, and why Prey feels great all the time. Melvin & Dan want to see the Predator dropped into other time periods: pirates, samurai, ancient Greece. All sorts of weird, high concept stuff! Amber Midthunder was very pleased to see the depictions of Native Americans in Prey was not hyper spiritual and shamanistic. There's a cultural, current fascination with "simple" movies; movies with high concepts that are easy to explain and easier to understand. Dakota Beavers, really the only other character in the movie, who also has no other credits on IMDB, was also pretty great! As far as we can tell, all the Native American characters have Native American heritage, which is really great! Ranking the Predator movies. Recommendations: Blue Letter Bible & NET Bible (Apps) Look for Independent Theaters nearby for fun community events! 10 Cloverfield Lane (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Thu, August 04, 2022
It's Not Just Batgirl; HBOmax May Be Canceled Too
Send us a Question! LET'S TALK: On Tuesday, August 2nd, 2022, the news broke that Batgirl , an upcoming DC film featuring the continued return of Michael Keaton's Batman as an old, weathered, matured Bruce Wayne training a young Barbara Gordon, was canceled. But that's not all; the film was nearly complete, virtually gold by the time the axe came down. Along with its death came the cancelation of Scoob! 2 , and several other upcoming properties deemed unworthy. This news also comes with expected, wild changes to what's considered many cinephile's #1 streaming service: HBOmax. With the finalized merge between Discovery and Warner Brothers, things sure are changing, and Melvin and Daniel felt so affected by the news that they put together this surprise, impromptu episode so they could complain about it. Due to the quick nature of this episode's recording and scheduling, the episode also hasn't been edited. All coughs, squeaks, and sound distractions are included. How ASMR of us! Despite this, we're sure the content is still worthwhile. Please enjoy! Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E117 · Tue, August 02, 2022
Nope - w/ Ant Coughlin and the Consequence of Spectacle
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Melvin & Dan are joined by Anthony Coughlin, one of several pastors of Risen Christ Fellowship. The three discuss the latest Jordan Peele pic, what they perceive it's about, and how it's not quite a horror movie, even if it's occasionally horrific! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 45-minutes talking about movies, specific ones or types, that we regret watching, or have reconsidered as we've matured (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) The three agree: Nope is not only a good movie, but it also ruminates in the mind for a while after seeing it. Daniel feels Jordan Peele movies always produce two questions: Is it a horror movie, and what is it about? Using that one viral tweet where someone claims Jordan Peele must be the best horror director because he's made three good horror movies as a jumping point to actually talk about Jordan Peele's greatness. Nope feels like a movie built around boundaries, respect, and meditating on the morality behind certain actions. Discussing those two Nope trailers which essentially showcase two completely different movies. Our fascination with the UFO and dissecting various themes and functions it represents. The thesis of Nope also deals with the concept of and seduction toward spectacle, and how these things can be dangerous. Was the ending triumphant or melancholy? And lastly: how does Nope rank against Us and Get Out ? Recommendations: Hustle (Movie) Foundations, Study Pack by R.C. Sproul (DVD/Study Guide) Close-Up (Movie) Close Encounters of the Third Kind (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagr
S1 E116 · Tue, July 26, 2022
Ms. Marvel - A Great Teen Superhero Show Nobody Watched
Send us a Question! PATREON TV-SHOW DISCUSSION: This TV-Show was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Disney released two shows at once rather than one at a time! Weird!! Patreon Supporters picked Ms. Marvel over Obi-Wan Kenobi . Not weird! Topics: (PATREON EXLUSIVE) 40-minutes talking about the incomprehensible Marvel-fan backlash to Thor: Love and Thunder , as well as tangents on Metallica, Rockband and Guitar Hero, and Seventh-Gen Console gaming (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Daniel enjoys how Ms. Marvel has a positive perspective on organized religion. Melvin reads some of Iman Vellani's Letterboxd reviews from 2020. Maybe not specifically, but conceptually there's a lot to find relatable in Ms. Marvel for anyone who's grown up in a healthy, yet difficult religious setting. The choice to give Ms. Marvel 'hardlight' powers may have been a wise VFX choice when compared to that abysmal She-Hulk trailer. Extra characters live their life in the world of Ms. Marvel , which other Disney Plus Marvel shows don't really have. The portrayal of family dynamics is also quite excellent in Ms. Marvel . Melvin liked the lore behind the Jinn when it felt like a classic, tragic ghost-story. He did not, however, like them as villains overall. Daniel noticed most online criticism for Ms. Marvel was from people who hadn't watched the show. The end of the show makes a lore-change that some have found annoying. Melvin asserts how little he cares about that. Recommendations: NLT One Year Chronological Study Bible Nectar in a Sieve by Kamala Markandaya (Book) The Sandman (Graphic Novel) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctri
S1 E115 · Tue, July 19, 2022
Jurassic World Dominion - Oof
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Melvin deliberately told Daniel not to see Jurassic World Dominion . Daniel saw it anyway. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 27-minutes of talking about the disastrous choice for the Snyder-verse to initially invest in Ezra Miller, Amber Heard, and Jared Leto for its future. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Talking about how inconvenient Jurassic World Dominion was to our lives. The entire theater was noticeably restless during both of our theater experiences. Trying to comprehend various scenes and plot-points. Spoiler: Daniel never saw Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom . Melvin tries to explain it. How is Jurassic World Dominion not about the insane, massive ecological disaster that would be caused by even the introduction of one Dinosaur? Routinely, the editing caused Melvin and his wife Kathryn to get seriously confused. Daniel, ""Why is any of this in a Jurassic Park movie?" is this is the question you keep asking yourself." Is it morally okay to mock people? Not really. But is it okay to mock media? Let's take a small trip down memory lane... The importance of the Director as a working concept, and how much power is behind the Directing chair. Recommendations: The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for the Pilgrim's Way by Michael Horton Telefone by Noname (Album) WTF with Marc Maron Podcast ( Ray Liotta // Phil Tippett ) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E114 · Tue, July 12, 2022
Thor: Love and Thunder - Tripping Over Itself
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Like all good movie podcasts, we have to talk about Thor: Love and Thunder . Even if it is terrible. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 46-minutes talking about TV-Shows: Ms. Marvel , the upcoming Echo show (feat. Daredevil), and brief discussion on Umbrella Academy (S3) (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Pitching a Gwenpool show for Disney Marvel. Did we laugh even one time during Thor: Love and Thunder ? Melvin and Daniel each bring interesting observations regarding Taika Waititi as a content creator and Rotten Tomatoes as a review-aggregate site, and how they relate to Thor: Love and Thunder . Thor: Love and Thunder reopens the vault of "poorly handled Marvel villains", including wasted casting just like Thor: The Dark World . Melvin, "I think sex jokes can be funny, but this movie? It was weird." The goats are the worst part of the MCU. Daniel shares yet another stranger theater experience he witnessed. Thoughts on the ending, which still doesn't really work. Post-credit discussion. Fantasizing about a Tournament-Style Marvel flick where we get to watch characters solve a noir-case outside of mandatory 1v1 fatal fights. Basically, Marvel's Mortal Kombat. Melvin asks Daniel if he thinks Disney might have a rough couple of months moving forward what-with people tuning out of Ms. Marvel , Obi-Wan Kenobi being real boring, She-Hulk looking bad, and Andor being kind of just... another not interesting Star Wars thing. Recommendations: Getting to the Heart of Parenting - A Live Conference on DVD from Paul David Tripp The Office: Superfan Episodes (TV-Show) 50/50 (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram
S1 E113 · Tue, July 05, 2022
Stranger Things S4 - "There really is nothing like it!"
Send us a Question! TV-SHOW DISCUSSION: Did you finish Stranger Things S4 yet? Melvin and Daniel have. Tune in to hear them chat about that crazy new season, volumes 1 and 2, and their predictions for S5! And yes, we go full spoilers right from the start. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 50-minutes of Melvin talking about his live-changing first-time watching the WWE, and a brief aside about Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Explaining the over-arching details of the massive Season 4 plotline. Melvin felt this season clarified some in-world details he was curious about since Season One, as well as introduced a much needed fatal-threat to the franchise as opposed to each season's antagonistic figure being more of a cautiously curious violent figure. The final episode felt more like a mid-movie low-point than a right-and-true finale, but that makes sense considering The Duffer Brothers couldn't do everything they wanted without needing a Season 5. The "Fan-favorite character dies" curse might need to be broken in Season 5, because it was more annoying this time around than ever before. How does Daniel feel about every episode being over an hour long? What songs would save us from Vecna on our Spotify Upside-Down Playlist (and what songs aren't)? Various theories about Season Five including Max being a puppet villain, spending far more time in the Upside-Down, and an Escape From New York- esque Hawkins treated like a retro 80's post-apocalyptic flick. Melvin's fan-theory S5E1 idea that he's locking in. Recommendations: TableTalk Magazine Ephemeral (Podcast) The Princess (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E112 · Tue, June 28, 2022
Tickled - Grippingly Awkward, Absurdly Silly, Excellent
Send us a Question! PATREON PARTY PLEASER: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! In this episode you'll hear us discuss one of the single-most bizarre stories to come from the documentary world. Journalist David Farrier stumbles upon the strange world of Competitive Endurance Tickling. What ensues is a long-stretching borderline "true-crime" drama of Jane O'brien Media. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 48-minutes talking about the latest Vince McMahon controversies, plus other oddities of his personality. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) This month's curated Patreon Poll was built around "shocking movies". The idea being movies that are contextually shocking, not necessarily filled with shocking material. Tickled, as an experience, triggers everything: disgust, surprise, laughter, mockery, heartbreak, excitement, intrigue. It's the full package. Detailing caveats to engaging this movie, because there's no getting around it; the tickling is fetishistic. Beginning the long, twisted adventure of explaining Tickled from start to finish. Competitive Endurance Tickling... except they never explain how to win? How much would they have to pay Melvin to do one of these videos? Detailing how Jane O'Brien Media manipulated and harassed talent that merely said 'no'. Discussing the cultural strangeness of the West which dictates that men cannot be physical by any means without putting their sexuality in question, despite it being typical in other countries for comfortably heterosexual men to hold hands or be physically closer to one another. Getting into the subsequent 20-minute short-doc The Tickle King which details continued interventions from Jane O'Brien Media during the events of Tickled's festival and limited theater run, including a damning final confrontation. The final tragic nail in the coffin of the Tickled saga. Discussing the potential availabilities of certain sexual fetishes, regarding they adhere appropriately to biblical sexuality (basking in one another's beauty, other-oriented satisfactory experiences, and honoring each other's image-bearing nature). Recommendations: The Wolfpack (Documentary) Welcome to Leith (Documentary) <a href='https://www.christianbook.com/the-drama-of-scripture-second-edition/craig-bartholomew/9780801049569/pd/049569?product_redirect=1&se
Bonus · Tue, June 21, 2022
Stranger Things S1-3 Retrospective
Send us a Question! LET'S TALK: Are you watching Stranger Things ? Well, Melvin sure has been. He's been losing sleep over it! But, only in the best way possible. Tune in to hear Melvin and Daniel discuss Seasons 1-3 of Stranger Things in preparation for the upcoming finale of Season 4! We get into the massive cultural impact Season 1 held when it first released, the black sheep of the series that is Season 2, and the wonderfully different and significantly higher budgeted Season 3, why Steve Harrington is maybe the best character, how the show brilliantly uses the "binge" model to keep you engaged, and the undeniable versatility of the Stranger Things universe. Oh, and yes, we do spend time talking about the infamous S2E7. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Hear our early thoughts on Season 4 before volume 2 releases on July 1st, including its best episodes, how we feel about it being the scariest season, and what works so well about this potential finale! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Tue, June 14, 2022
So... About That Halo Show...
Send us a Question! LET'S TALK: Melvin and Dan travel back in time and adventure through Halo's early popularity, the constant behind-the-scenes talks about a Halo movie, the subsequent dark phase of Halo after Bungie moves on, and how Halo continues to struggle to reach its original sky-high success. A previous, two-generation console selling franchise can't even begin to garner interest in a new streaming service, Paramount+. Why is that? Let's get into it. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Various extra video game discussions throughout including classic console variations, other Halo shows, Halo 'killers', Kingdom Hearts, and so much more! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E111 · Tue, June 07, 2022
Top Gun: Maverick - Everyone Loves it, Including Your Dad!
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Tom Cruise rehabilitates that Oprah interview we all remember by flying really fast. Tune in to hear more! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 39-minutes talking about Morbius being re-released to zero fanfare, and an article from Vice about Marvel movies being content rather than art. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Top Gun: Maverick received extremely good buzz prior to release, which captured Melvin's attention. Melvin hadn't seen Top Gun before, so he shares what it was like watching Top Gun for the first time less than 48-hours before seeing Top Gun: Maverick . Both Top Gun: Maverick and Michael Bay's Ambulance are being celebrated this year for being excellently crafted films despite being extremely simple. Daniel ponders why that may be. Melvin, "This is the best legacy movie I've seen." Top Gun: Maverick has intense melancholic undertones. Top Gun: Maverick is also Melvin's third 10/10 movie he's seen this year (out of 32 total movies). 2022 has been great for movies! Top Gun: Maverick feels incredibly real with it's insane focus on practical effects, real flights, and well written characters. Val Kilmer's inclusion in Top Gun: Maverick is greatly appreciated and adds a much-celebrated heart to the film. The contrast between a legacy depiction of Tom Cruise' Maverick in Top Gun: Maverick is worlds more enjoyable than Harrison Ford's Han Solo in Star Wars: The Force Awakens because it's more representative of a developed, matured character rather than merely being the same. Melvin connected with Top Gun: Maverick 's depiction of cross-generational codependence, and the partnerships to complete tasks between those who are older and those who are younger. Talking about Tom Cruise's career rehabilitation. Daniel talks about the worst tweet he's ever read. Recommendations: Esther & Ruth: Reformed Expository Commentary Evil Dead: The Game (Video Game) King Falls AM (Podcast) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early acce
S1 E110 · Tue, May 31, 2022
Archive 81 - Analog Horror & Quality Cancelations
Send us a Question! PATREON TV-SHOW DISCUSSION: This TV-show was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Melvin and Dan are joined by Melvin's sister Shirleon to discuss that successful Netflix horror series Archive 81 that also got canceled despite being a sizable hit. Insane! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 27-minutes of discussing the Chip n' Dale: Rescue Rangers movie partially from the crew behind The Lonely Island (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Melvin's sister Shirleon joins the crew because she's a real-life archivist! Although, not entirely like Dan Turner. Daniel had recommended Archive 81 on a previous episode, but with a major qualifier: He recommended the first 7.5 episodes of the show, with the last 30 minutes being a dud for him. Shirleon felt that as the mystery unfolds, the story became less engaging. As for Melvin, he mentions a lot of details he loved about Archive 81 and continues naming specifics throughout the episode. Archive 81 as a whole package contains a lot of what internet-age horror fans will enjoy. Getting specific about why that last episode feels so... incorrect. Interestingly, the effect of Archive 81 's ending is very similar to the ending of Insidious . Horror demands limitations. It requires characters overcome massive limitations and therefore writers must be conscientious of 'power levels'. With such highs and unfortunate lows... would we recommend Archive 81 ? Melvin shares a long passionate rant about Netflix's routine, premature cancelations of its various TV-shows. Discussing streaming watching habits, and how they largely don't include Netflix original television shows. Daniel, "I'm gonna say something crazy. Netflix is the Facebook of streaming services." Explaining the long-term marketing issue proposed by the "binging" model. Recommendations: Only Murders in the Building (TV-Show / Hulu) Land of the Giants (S2): The Netflix Effect (Podcast) Pushing Daises (TV-Show / HBOmax) <a href='https://www.amazon.com/Restoration-Unmatched-Cobble-Fog/dp/B085NRHTYX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=BETFW4GW8CJY&keywords=unmatched+board+game+vol+1&qid=16539626
S1 E109 · Tue, May 24, 2022
Moon Knight - Not Quite Weird, Not Quite Experimental
Send us a Question! TV-SHOW DISCUSSION: Melvin and Dan dive into that new Marvel thing featuring Oscar Isaac and Oscar Isaac and also Oscar Isaac. Wow! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 30-minutes talking about Netflix stock, loss of subscribers, and reasons behind Netflix's currently poor situation. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) For Daniel, the current baseline of Marvel content is that it's not that great, but it's also not necessarily bad, either. Discussing a bit of Aaron Moorhead and Justin Benson's previous science-fiction work, and their "kitchen sink" approach to filmmaking. Daniel, "If this wasn't in the MCU, like, would they be allowed to be more violent? Would they be allowed to be weirder and more experimental?" Most members involved in Moon Knight have previously shared a disinterest the MCU, but something about the Moon Knight project grabbed their attention. Oscar Isaac's performance as two different characters functions so incredibly well that it never distracts you away from the drama. Discussing the various spoilers of the show, and how a lot of what makes the show cool is used later in the show. These various Marvel Limited Series' come across like Phase Two in-that they feel very committee, even if they are far better than most of the Phase Two films. Melvin and Dan discuss themes of atonement and justice throughout both Moon Knight, but Scripture as well. Recommendations: Chosen by God by R.C. Sproul Our Father (Documentary) Road to Perdition (Movie) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E108 · Tue, May 10, 2022
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness - The Anti-No Way Home
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: As Melvin left the theater, he called it: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is going to be controversial. And, as Daniel confirms, it sure is! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 30-minutes talking about the Avatar: The Way of Water trailer. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Before getting into the specifics, Melvin shares how he felt the movie progressively becomes better and better. Daniel details how the contrasting tones will likely divide audiences, despite it being one of our positives. Daniel, speaking positively, "The plot and story are deceptively simple." Daniel, "Framing the Scarlet Witch as a movie monster, essentially, is one of the movie's best ideas." If you've heard talk online about Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness being too violent or "gorey". Two questions to think about: Is it true, and would it be wrong if it were? Discussing that viral Twitter thread where a bunch of 20-year-olds share their grievances with the violence in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness . Movies are a safe place to feel a wide spectrum of emotions, including emotions that otherwise make an individual feel uncomfortable. Melvin, "It's so good to see a movie that's fun!" There are countless little touches that come from Raimi and Waldron that enhance the overall package, such as America Chavez's power looking like stars, the music fight, and the myriad levels of clever, horror-nostalgia comedy throughout Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness . Daniel feels that superhero films seem to lack a lot of what the genre can lend itself too: creativity and risk-taking. There's a noticeable difference between a film-director working in the Marvel machine and a TV or indie director working in the Marvel machine. Recommendations: A Little Book on the Christian Life by John Calvin (Book) " How the Supreme Court Became 'Intoxicated With its Power' " - Sway (Podcast Episode) The Crow (Movie) & The Crow (Graphic Novel) Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early
S1 E107 · Tue, May 03, 2022
CODA - A Disney Channel Original Best Picture Winner
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! CODA beat Don't Look Up for Best Picture, and for many people that's all that matters. But, in reality, when compared to so many other films that released in 2021, is CODA truly the Best Picture? That's the question Melvin's been wrestling with while watching CODA , and both he and Daniel discuss the films successes, failures, frustrations, and celebrations. Maybe the Best Picture was the podcast discussion we had along the way. Topics: Discussing strange technicalities of the Academy. Award notwithstanding, is CODA actually the Best Picture of 2021? Episode title notwithstanding, CODA really is like a Disney Channel Original movie, and only a step above what makes that narrative structure interesting. Thus, it feels like CODA will always live under the shadow of what makes a movie a Best Picture winner... despite also being a Best Picture winner. The last 30-or-so minutes of the film pull out a series of emotional touchpoints that likely left audiences feeling very satisfied about the movie despite whatever else happened during the nearly 2-hour runtime. Melvin, "It's just really... just okay." Despite being a super cartoony character, Eugenio Derbez's character contributes a lot to the narrative drama. Daniel on CODA , "It's like seeing a really talented chef create fast food." There's a trope about deaf people not understanding music, but this is largely a fallacy. CODA carries a lot of dramatic tension but, for some reason, Melvin didn't really carry a lot of that tension. He felt the drama was okay at times, but largely impotent. There's a real lack of interpreters in Massachusetts which seems unrealistic considering some of the private sector and government sector agencies the Rossi family interacts with. Where the film succeeds is in causing us to root for the family. An aside talking about Apple TV. Daniel talks about what it's like to watch a movie on his phone. Melvin and Daniel both recommend CODA for the most part, including the fact that its momentary sexuality isn't really all that abrasive, and really more wholesome and endearing. Daniel, "I think the strength of the movie lies in how widely accessible it is." Recommendations: ESV Lutheran Study Bible, Hardcover (Concordia Publishing House) <a href='https:/
Bonus · Tue, April 19, 2022
Thor: Love and Thunder Trailer Reaction and the Future of DC in Film
Send us a Question! LET'S TALK: Our first teaser for Thor: Love and Thunder released yesterday morning, so Melvin and Daniel spend some time dishing about the future of the Norse hero! Afterward, they discuss the Warner Bros. Discovery merger and what has everyone talking: what's going to happen to DC? Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E106 · Tue, April 12, 2022
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - Gotta Go Faster!!
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Sonic's speeding back into theaters, and this time we're in agreement: Sonic the Hedgehog 2's kind of great! Topics: Daniel reflects on how he was in the minority with Sonic the Hedgehog , but that's old news because Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is pretty good! Our theater crowds were 75% kids, 20% adults, and 10% video game nerds and podcasters. The comedy in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is more absurd and downright goofy. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 contains some extremely well-done CGI, as well as clearly unfinished sequences where animated characters mouths stutter, or human characters are improperly input into CGI sequences. The Sonic video game franchise is celebrated for having some of the best, most creative video game soundtracks, so why are the movie soundtracks so bland? Talking about the mid-credits scene and what to expect for the future of Sonic on the big screen! For Daniel, the mid-credits scene was the third most excited he's ever seen a crowded theater only behind Avengers: Endgame and Evil Dead (2013), even more than Spider-Man: No Way Home . The Sonic franchise has countless stories (needlessly well written and interestingly complicated ones) for these movies to draw from, leaving both Melvin & Daniel excited for what future installments may contain. Discussing the horrible nightmare that would be a Super Smash Bros. universe of films, and how that's a terrible, awful, and completely bad idea. Recommendations: CSB Study Bible Company Man (YouTube Channel) Old Enough! (Netflix) Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review Social Links: Twitter Website Facebook Group Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins
S1 E105 · Tue, April 05, 2022
Morbius - Skippable
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Don't see Morbius. It's pretty boring. Tune into our episode instead! Did we mention its shorter than the runtime? Topics: Melvin explains his theory about why the trailers contain a plethora of Spider-Man easter eggs that aren't in the movie. Daniel explains some history behind the making of Morbius , and how the character has been trying to get off the ground for years. Daniel, "Is this the worst comic book film you've ever seen?" Morbius may be a vampire, but this movie really doesn't have a lot of "vampire things" in it. Talking about the end credit scenes, and how they're bafflingly ridiculous. After some solid reflection... there's no reason to ever watch Morbius . Melvin tells you about other movies in theaters worth watching instead of Morbius . Melvin also checks out other Sony productions to see if there have been any good releases since Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood that aren't also Marvel films. Recommendations: NKJV Wiersbe Study Bible The Transfiguration (Movie) Comic Tropes (YouTube Channel) Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review Social Links: Twitter Website Facebook Group Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E104 · Tue, March 29, 2022
The House - We Are Extremely Interested in This Podcast
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Typically, January offers us the worst of the year, but Netflix came in clutch with an inquisitive stop-motion feature called The House . Melvin & Dan chew on each segment with curiosity, tackling how the project made them feel as a whole. Topics: As movie people, Melvin & Dan are used to being asked by others, "Hey, have you seen this weird, obscure film? " and it just turns out to be a film that most people haven't seen a trailer for. Melvin asks Daniel how he feels and interprets the first segment in The House . Melvin: "I think art is most interesting when it's not factual. When it's more interpretive." Detailing Segment 2 and experiencing how the house itself refuses to cooperate. Daniel: "One thing that all three of these do wonderfully well is you really sympathies with the characters. Where their problems are so mundane and relatable." Melvin shares some observations his wife, Kathryn, had regarding Segment 2, which lends credence to the intense tragedy of this particular short story. Also, Melvin typically isn't all for nihilistic depictions of humanity (that humans are inherently bad, or worthless, or posture goodness despite their badness). He makes a case for this. But sometimes a story like Segment 2 captures the grotesque sadness of the human condition. For Daniel, each story gave a sense of "none of you belong here" and "trying to pretend that this will work out when it's doomed from the start." Segment 3 is a much softer, much kinder short film in this otherwise strange and disturbing project. When we get so focused on our hopes, dreams, or whatever gives us identity, we often miss what's most important: the freedom to enjoy one another. We can't decide for someone else to let go of attractive delusions, but we can help clear the path for them so that their decisions are easier to make. When we embrace an identity in Christ (how he's paid for our sins, how he loves us despite our sin, how he renews us from our sin), we are no longer enslaved to passions and lifestyles that give us a counterfeit self-worth or value because we become what we were always meant to be: loved by and loving God. We, then, can be loved by and we can love God doing countless things. Diversity in friendships helps in cultivating healthier perspectives on the self and others, as it proposes alternative ways of thinking through problems and solutions. Daniel, on Se
S1 E103 · Tue, March 22, 2022
Redeeming Love - A Marriage of Sacred & Secular
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Before Dune , Daniel saw a trailer for Redeeming Love. After the trailer played, he leaned over to his friend and said, "I think that's supposed to be a sexy Christian movie.". So, here we are talking about that "sexy Christian movie". Boy, there sure is a lot to talk about here. Topics: Melvin compares Redeeming Love to an awkward interaction he witnessed at work. Redeeming Love contains some rather extreme and transgressive content despite having a serious lack of context. Daniel details some background for Redeeming Love , author/screenwriter Francine Rivers, and director D.J. Caruso. Redeeming Love is loosely based on the Minor Prophet book Hosea from the Bible. Each character feels devoid of personality which may work in both a shorter and more artistic film than Redeeming Love ends up being. Where Redeeming Love works is where it leans heavily into its "inspiration", but even then, that's not success from talent, that's success from... copying Scripture. Discussing the comparatively excessive conveniently censored nudity in Redeeming Love . Additionally, discussing all the other crazy content that borders on "Christian misery porn." As we continue our discussion, the 2+hour runtime of the film continues to be a recurring issue. At least the sets and outfits are fun! Questioning why the film didn't display the complicated dynamics of sexuality (gentle self-sacrifice vs aggressive selfishness) in a way that can be both edifying to its performers and beneficial to the narrative structure. One glaring issue throughout the film is each character's severe lack of agency. Observations from other reviews and responses to Redeeming Love . Is this a Christian exploitation film in the traditional sense of an exploitation film? Recommendations: The Boice Commentary Series: The Minor Prophets, Volume 1 // The Preacher's Commentary Vol 22 & Vol 23 <a h
S1 E102 · Tue, March 15, 2022
Turning Red - Heritage, Teenagers, & Puberty: Oh My!
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Melvin & Dan talk about Pixar's latest feature film Turning Red , a film too criminally fun to be streaming only! What a shame! Topics: Turning Red is very much a family/kid's movie, with a more direct demographic target of preteens and young teens. Some of the narrative choices frustrated Melvin, in particular the mother's lack of social awareness (in particular, the journal scene). Media produced for young girls is often overly derided for being lame. With Turning Red , it's fun to see that culture celebrated as valuable and exciting through music, puppy love, music, and dance. The Panda works on multiple levels as a metaphor. For Melvin, he connected with the Panda as a metaphor for self-identification and self-discovery. For Daniel, the metaphor he connected with was an "assimilation cultural heritage" angle. It's great to watch a kid's movie where the kids act like actual kids, and not movie kids (i.e., little adults). Turning Red has seen some strange criticism online from a few critics and Animation Twitter. Melvin & Dan parse through the mire. A brief history of what Daniel calls "Pixar Pushback". Turning Red has an effective depiction of self-talk; what we envision in our minds when talking-up or talking-down to ourselves. Often times, they manifest as individuals who have been important in our lives, for better or for worse. In response to the reconciliation that takes place at the end of the movie, Daniel shares his thoughts on how having a child can naturally develop and mature a person as they learn self-sacrifice. Recommendations: The New Interpreter's Study Bible (NRSV with Apocrypha) (w/ qualifiers) Watch chick flicks: Legally Blonde , Princess Diaries , Mamma Mia! Get a good unwind-after-work video game like Horizon: Zero Dawn Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review Social Links: <a href='https://twitter.com/@cinedo
S1 E101 · Tue, March 08, 2022
The Batman - Peak Comic Noir
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Melvin and Daniel return to the world of superheroes! In this episode they discuss the newest adaption in the long-running cinematic Batman canon. Topics: Are there too many Batmen in 2022? Production history leading up to the release of The Batman . For Melvin, there's a lot to like about The Batman in terms of adapting the noir, mystery nature of DC's greatest detective. ...but, there was a point when Melvin thought, "This movie is just okay. " while watching it in theaters. Melvin, "But the problem is in a movie that's gonna be 3 hours, I really hope everything's worthwhile." When Melvin would see the trailer for The Batman , he kept thinking, "This movie's biggest fault will be it's overt self-seriousness." Daniel really liked the movie, and felt Gotham felt more alive than ever. Also, for Daniel the strength of the movie is based upon its "theming and understand of the Batman as a thing that exists." Daniel, "I love that this is an actual deconstruction that has something meaningful to say about deconstructing Batman." Discussing Robert Pattinson's performance. Getting into spoiler talk and getting into Paul Dano's Riddler. Surmising Batman's narrative arc in potential sequels. We have got to talk about the worst scene in the entire movie, bar none. Recommendations: The Parallel Study Bible: NKJV / NCV / MSG / Comprehensive Study Notes The Trojan Horse Affair (Podcast) Various Batman Content including Batman: The Animated Series, The Arkham Video Games, and Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale's projects together ( The Long Halloween and Dark Victory ) Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review Social Links: Twitter Website Facebook Group Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episod
Bonus · Tue, March 01, 2022
A Normie's Best & Worst of 2021
Send us a Question! LET'S TALK: Melvin usually sees a ton of movies from each year, but 2021 was a bit scant. Despite this, Melvin shares with Daniel his 10 favorite and least favorite movies of 2021, which looks and sounds a lot more 'normie' than 'cinephile'. All of which are subject to change as Melvin watches more movies from that year. But first they talk about the 2021 Oscars. Here's to hoping Melvin's 2022 Ranked list is more substantial. Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review Social Links: Twitter Website Facebook Group Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E100 · Wed, February 23, 2022
Texas Chainsaw Massacre - Thanks, I Hate It
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: No better way for content creators to return than to complain about things they don't like! Join Melvin and Daniel as they tear into the latest entry in the Texas Chainsaw franchise! Topics: Melvin and Daniel are not massive fans of the Texas Chainsaw franchise, but for different reasons. However, they both like the 1974 film, with it being one of Melvin's top 4 films (as of recording). Discussing the production behind the Texas Chainsaw franchise, as well as Fede Alvarez who produced Texas Chainsaw Massacre . How Fede Alvarez in particular produces visually transgressive/squeamish horror films that have just enough heart and soul to make their wild, extreme content bearable. And, how something must have gone wrong in the process of making Texas Chainsaw Massacre . Before even getting into the episode proper, we both don't recommend Texas Chainsaw Massacre . Texas Chainsaw Massacre doesn't hold a candle to the violence and gore within a few other movies Melvin has watched this year (and really enjoyed!), but the violence and gore within Texas Chainsaw Massacre is so nasty and mean-spirited that it made him physically upset. Melvin shares the few, limited things he enjoyed about Texas Chainsaw Massacre . Daniel explains the outright bizarre storyline and "mixed mess of things" within Texas Chainsaw Massacre . The whole movie is so strange that we went 50 minutes without talking about a massive plot point. Pitching pizza commercials featuring Bubba. We definitely don't recommend Texas Chainsaw Massacre . But we definitely do recommend The Texas Chain Saw Massacre for a myriad of reasons. Recommendations: KJV Reformation Heritage Study Bible Till Death Do Us Blart (Podcast) Archive 81 (Show) Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review Social Links: Twitter Website Facebook Group Support the show <a href='https://www.patreon.com/Cine
Bonus · Mon, February 21, 2022
Hiatus Prayers and Computer Problems
Send us a Question! LET'S TALK: The hiatus is over! Thanks to some surprise computer issues, Melvin wasn't able to record or produce the podcast. Or do anything with his computer! Nice! However, that's all resolved so the podcast is back! During our time away, the Lord had lots on our plate. In this Let's Talk episode, Daniel shares his most recent COVID-scare in which his father became dangerously ill with the virus. He shares the difficulty of caring for his family, preaching at his father's church, and enduring a patient period of prayer. We hope this episode can provide some comfort for those who've experienced similar difficulties. We also hope you're as excited as we are for returning to the show! Keep your eyes peeled for new episodes soon! We're glad to be back, and we look forward to another year of podcasting! Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review Social Links: TikTok Twitter Website Facebook Group Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E99 · Tue, December 28, 2021
Free Guy - Summer Blockbuster in Winter!
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! 2021 is over! Well, almost! Tune into this last episode of Cinematic Doctrine for 2021 with the last Patreon Pick of the year! Patreon Supporters didn't disappoint with their votes, and we're happy to discuss the Summer Blockbuster Free Guy ! Topics: Melvin and Daniel's experience with video games, and how their gaming history impacted some of the comedy and atmosphere to Free Guy . Free Guy has a decent amount of clever, video-game themed jokes that are clearly written by people who actually play video games. It's great that Free Guy doesn't take itself too seriously while also flavoring in serious concepts of individuality, the value of the moment, experience, etc. Unfortunately, a lot of people reacted to Free Guy in exactly the way Melvin hates; talking about a ridiculous, non-serious film as a means to discuss theology. Talking about other alternate-world video game stories. The romance subplot was really effective for Melvin. ...except Daniel notices that the ending of the romance subplot is literally the ending of the short-film Paper Man . To Melvin's chagrin, there's some light biblical introspection: Does it matter if we're living in a fake world? Would that revelation change how we move or live through this world? For Daniel: Does Guy have value if he's an AI? Or are how a human treats an AI more indicative of the human's character than the AI's value? All of the Twitch culture stuff in the movie is really bad and really cringe. Where does Free Guy rank among video game movies? Recommendations: Steve Gregg - " Revelation: Four Views, Revised & Updated " Defunctland (YouTube Channel) Steven Hall - " The Raw Shark Texts " and " Maxwell's Demon " Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to u
S1 E98 · Tue, December 21, 2021
Spider-Man: No Way Home - Super Spider Bros.
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: 2021's most anticipated feature has finally released, and it's destroying the box office! Critic ratings are through the roof, and audiences are exploding with joy! Melvin and Daniel briefly share their non-spoiler thoughts on No Way Home before expanding heavily with everything that comes with the Spider-Man territory! Topics: Melvin and Daniel answer three non-spoiler based questions to qualify their experience with Spider-Man: No Way Home . Getting into No Way Home's plotline demands explaining a few spoilers, because every 20 minutes is a new event that not only defines the movie, but also redefines the MCU. Melvin wishes there was at least one more Spider-Man movie that had released either before Far From Home or No Way Home to give more assistance in realizing these characters, as he felt both Homecoming and Far From Home felt somewhat unsatisfying. Daniel was happy to finally see Tom Holland's Spider-Man actually develop into his own Spider-Man rather than Baby Stark. As tradition demands, and to Amy Pascal's routine advice against it, Tom Holland and Zendaya's chemistry works so well not only because they're great performers, but also because they're dating in real life. It would have been nice if more fight sequences took place during the day so that things were clearer to see. So, are the villains flanderized, and are their character arcs ruined from the previous films? No! They're merely continued within a new canon. These are more than cameos, folks! Willem Dafoe steals the show, as usual. Spider-Man needs to suffer and grieve, and Tom Holland's Spider-Man hasn't really suffered until No Way Home . It's amazing how efficient and proficient No Way Home is to Eternals despite having a shorter runtime. Getting into the third act and talking about THAT scene! With the Multiverse in play, is it likely something like this happens again a future Spider-Man movie? No Way Home plays out as a sequel to all the other Spider-Man films. The ending? Totally great. Discussing Canon, because now the MCU canon is messier than ever! Also, asking Daniel if having the movie spoiled for him through leaks heavily impacted his experience with No Way Home . Discussing the post-credit scenes, and Morbius (kind of). Recommendations: Leon Morris - Revelation: An Introduction and Commentary (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, Volume 20) <a href='https://www.peacocktv.com/watch/asset/tv/young-rock/69316
Bonus · Tue, December 14, 2021
Is Cinematic Doctrine a Christian Movie Podcast?
Send us a Question! LET'S TALK: This is probably our most important episode, ever. From the start, Daniel shares some concern about how we don't always jump into more Christian topics, but Melvin is quick to calm his nerves about how he views the podcast as a whole. Following this, the two discuss a series of deeply important topics regarding Christ-like freedom, engaging culture with patience and maturity, and the complexity of artistic communication. This episode is filled to the brim with self-reflection, and perhaps gives the greatest insight into who Daniel and Melvin are as Christians, communicators, and podcasters. This episode was a long time coming. As Cinematic Doctrine finishes out yet another year of operation, this Let's Talk helps solidify some of what makes this show different from the rest, as well as shares the hopes they have for the future of the show. Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review Social Links: TikTok Twitter Website Facebook Group Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Tue, December 07, 2021
The Marc Webb Spider-Man Duology
Send us a Question! LET'S TALK: With two weeks left before the release of Spider-Man: No Way Home , fans have countless questions they're waiting to see answered. Will the Webb Duology finally see closure in No Way Home? Is Tobey Maguire returning as Spider-Man full time? Will Paul Giamatti be the Rhino we've always wanted? What will happen to Tom Holland? There's so much anticipation! But, before we can dive into No Way Home , we need to catch up on Marc Webb's black-sheep duology, a strange two-film entry into the superhero canon. There's much to look forward to, so join us as we discuss Andrew Garfield's interpretation of the Peter Parker character, why not handling Ben Parker's death well seriously inhibits the drama, the strange decision to make Electro the way he is (and why Melvin kind of likes that), and the true success of the Marc Webb duology: Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy's relationship. Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review Social Links: TikTok Twitter Website Facebook Group Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E97 · Thu, December 02, 2021
Dear Evan Hansen (Part 3) - The Anti-Bojack Horseman
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! A few days after recording for Dear Evan Hansen , Daniel felt compelled to expand upon certain topics we discussed. As such, here's Cinematic Doctrine's third and final installment of their Dear Evan Hansen series. Considering the complex subject matter of the film, there's some additional perspective and background Daniel felt was necessary to explain his reasoning behind his intensely critical thoughts. Topics: Daniel stands by his harsh perspective of the movie, but feels uncomfortable leaving his feelings without explanation. Evan Hansen is a fictional character with "movie mental illness"; an undefined psychiatric issue that largely is only relevant when the plot needs it to be. If we try and understand his mental health issues, and then see how they vanish when he's lying, are we to believe that Evan Hansen is "coming into his own" when he embraces a pathological lying trait? The whole movie has a literary veneer of "Mental Health" without actually having reasonable perspective on Mental Health. Daniel categorizes different kinds of mental health patients based upon his experience working at a Psych Hospital, and how one type of patient is the "Bojack Horseman". Unlike Bojack Horseman, where the character can be partially pitied and rooted for despite being the root cause of the show's problems, Evan Hansen is the anti-Bojack Horseman. Recovery includes transformation, as well as an admittance of fault, which never becomes fulfilled in Dear Evan Hansen . Evan Hansen does less than the bare minimum in resolution to the horrible things he's committed throughout the film. Dear Evan Hansen continues the frustrating reality of online mental health discussions, both by talking about its subject matter relatively poorly, and by clouding an already heavily obscured conversation in online communities. Recommendations: Harold Lindsell - " Lindsell Study Bible: The Living Bible, Paraphrased - Reference Edition " The Ezra Klein Show - " The Case Against Loving Your Job " Jenny Nicholson - " A Needlessly Thorough Roast of Dear Evan Hansen " Sup
S1 E97 · Wed, December 01, 2021
Dear Evan Hansen (Part 2) - Problematic, Incomplete, Dangerous
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! In part 2 of their Dear Evan Hansen discussion, Melvin & Dan figure out where Dear Evan Hansen went wrong, Daniel loses his mind, and they share conflicting perspectives on the film overall. Topics: Discussing the incomplete, inconsequential ending to Dear Evan Hansen . Daniel, "This is the most selfish, self-centered take on Mental Health I have ever seen!" Melvin, "...part of contrition is the humbleness to let one's consequences unfold." Daniel, "Evan Hansen is not the character who should come of age and get redemption. The victim of mental health issues is Connor. That is the character that, if you watch this movie and struggle with mental health issues, that's the character you should be identifying with. Not Evan Hansen." Feeling bad (or, emotions that one otherwise deems unwanted) is not immoral. Additionally, feeling bad is not indicative of genuine contrition. Daniel, "[ Dear Evan Hansen is] borderline evil." When someone undergoes the consequences of their sin, those consequences are nobody else's fault except for the one who incurs them. There may be influences, and there may be systems at play, but the onus of sinful consequences bear upon the sinner. Melvin isn't quite as offended by Dear Evan Hansen as Daniel, but he still thinks the movie is kind of lame even if he liked some stuff about it. Melvin also gets some schadenfreude from the idea that Dear Evan Hansen was marketed as a life-changing, encouraging movie only to have it fall flat on his face. He then compares it to Unplanned , the pro-life movie from 2019 that he felt seriously missed the mark. As of recording, Melvin had seen 39 movies from 2021. Dear Evan Hansen will likely land as #34 out of his ranked list. 5 words from each host: Describe Dear Evan Hansen . Dear Evan Hansen accurately represents how a majority of people see mental health: through a poor, uneducated, and overly confident lens from which they have little knowledge or authority. Recommendations: Harold Lindsell - " Lindsell Study Bible: The Living Bible, Paraphrased - Reference Edition " The Ezra Klein Show - " The Case Against Loving Your Job " <
S1 E97 · Tue, November 30, 2021
Dear Evan Hansen (Part 1) - 2021's Movie Punching Bag
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Dear Evan Hansen is our most expensive episode. Coming in at a whopping $35 for rentals, as well as 2.5 hours' worth of content, we truly have spent far too much on this episode. But it's all worth it for our Patreon Supporters! We love you all, and that's why we spend this first of three episodes discussing some of the history behind Dear Evan Hansen , how the casting for Evan Hansen immediately kills the movie dead, and the beginnings of what makes this movie so frustrating. Topics: Every year there is a movie that garners the scorn of film-goers. Currently, Dear Evan Hansen has it. Detailing the history behind Dear Evan Hansen , it's musical, it's awards, and now, it's movie. Ben Platt, the 28-year-old actor playing Evan Hansen, who is 17 during the events of the film, looks to be in his mid-30's based upon the hair, make-up, wardrobe, and camera lenses used throughout the movie. It never stops being a distraction. Daniel found Dear Evan Hansen , "very morally troubling and borderline disturbing at times for various reasons." Melvin likes movies where someone morally reprehensible builds a house of cards, and even audibly exclaimed to his wife while watching the movie, "See, this is awesome! I love this stuff!". So, in that respect, there are some things about Dear Evan Hansen he enjoyed. There are a lot of similarities between Dear Evan Hansen and a little-known Netflix movie called Sierra Burgess is a Loser , another villainous "house of cards" movie Melvin enjoyed. The movie really expects its audience to fill in the gaps for so many hard issues, all on top of the fact that Ben Platt looks way too old to perform as an older teen. Although the movie has a juvenile perspective to mental health and social issues, some things work like the song 'Requiem', where each family member sings their response to Connor's suicide, and how not everyone responds to the death of a family member in the same way. The song 'Sincerely Me' captures a bit of the dark-comedy aspect both Melvin and Daniel wanted throughout the movie. Daniel, on the topic of the many hard-hitting themes in the movie, "It's not examined at all. Nothing in this movie is examined. That's one of the problems." Recommendations: Harold Lindsell - " Lindsell Study Bible: The Living
Bonus · Tue, November 23, 2021
The Sam Raimi Spider-Man Trilogy
Send us a Question! LET'S TALK: In preparation for what they've jokingly referred to as Spider-Man: Endgame , Melvin and Dan take a moment to reflect on the Sam Raimi trilogy that started the theatrical Spider-Man craze! Join the two of them as they dive deep into these amazing films, what makes them hold up so well after all these years, and how Spider-Man 3 really isn't as bad as we all sort of think it was. Note: We do NOT discuss leaks for Spider-Man: No Way Home but we DO discuss how the leaks have happened. Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review Social Links: TikTok Twitter Website Facebook Group Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E96 · Tue, November 16, 2021
Dune (2021) - Succeeds Where Eternals Fails
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: It's never too late to talk about good movies, and both Daniel and Melvin are finally ready to get philosophical and heady with Dennis Villeneuve's latest feature! Topics: Introducing Dune . Dune is a science-fiction fan's science-fiction. Villeneuve captures the awestruck nature of mindfulness, how simply existing and observing the world cultivates a healthy and comfortable smallness. Dune doesn't require rewatches, but they do benefit the richness of its characters. The movie is possibly as long as it is because Warner Bros. is looking at Dune like they did Lord of the Rings . And, keep in mind, all three Lord of the Rings movies are about or over 3 hours long, and often the extended cuts are what people watch nowadays. Discussing various spoilers and diving deeper into the narrative themes of the movie. [23:06] Dune feels deeply realized and fully lived-in. The spiritualism around the world, which is arguably quite risky considering how surreal it can get, becomes increasingly earned throughout the film's development. Spiritualism requires a necessary sense of mystery, the humbleness to admit one doesn't fully understand. Paul Atreides is compelling as a coming-of-age character with a wide variety of potential outcomes, and his messianic pathway gives him an air of excitement and tragedy that leads both Melvin and Daniel to anticipate the rest of his journey. Discussing what makes the knife-fight finale so wonderful. A majority of the film's latter portions embrace a sense of mindfulness as a means of moving through life. It espouses that fully investing into a moment isn't the equivalent of passively experiencing it, rather that someone doing so becomes truly capable of living in that moment, relinquishing expectation and permitting action. Good science fiction often has a contrast between the incredible nature of technology paired alongside the mystery of life, often attributed to spiritual or psychological aspects or traits within the narrative. Marketing companies need to stop advertising Dennis Villeneuve movies like action-packed adventure thrillers. Melvin and Daniel both agree: Dune and Eternals are strangely similar. Interpreting the recurrent motif of the bullhead, and how the dynamics and dangers of power, combined with personal satisfaction, aren't always bad, but do run risks. Recommendations: Douglas Moo's " 2 Peter & Jude: NIV Application Commentary " Robert A. Heinlein's "<a href='https:/
S1 E95 · Wed, November 10, 2021
Eternals - Certified Rotten
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: No time wasted. An earthquake in the MCU has taken place: a rotten score! It's sort of all anyone is talking about, and Melvin & Dan take their turns sharing complaints, frustrations and irritations (a la that 2+ hour runtime). Even so, tune in and hear their thoughts through this wildly strange addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Topics: Trying to explain what Eternals is about. Immediate plot issues, such as there only being 10 Eternals versus a planet wide infestation of Deviants who clearly seem extremely powerful, requiring upwards of 3-4 Eternals to kill a single Deviant at a time. Therefore, if multiple cities were attacked by Deviants at once, there is likely no chance the humans would survive or populate at a natural rate. POP QUIZ: Can Daniel name all of the Eternals? Even as the movie came to a close, and set the stage for much anticipation to come, Melvin was still scratching his head trying to figure out what the point of Eternals was in the first place. Marvel movies are character movies, and when Marvel movies want to talk about broad topics, concepts, ideas, or philosophies, it always works best when strong characters are ultimately at the forefront. Eternals swaps the focus from characters to philosophy, which seriously brings down the excitement of the film. If Eternals are not allowed to interfere much in human affairs, but Druig's power doesn't seem to work on Deviants... then what purpose does Druig satisfy by being a part of the team? For a film that wants to have a humanistic subtext, Eternals has a very juvenile perspective of humanity. Diving into spoilers regarding the deep lore of Eternals Eternals tries to cover so many bases but never lets on that it has a comprehension of what makes those things so interesting. There are countless similarities between Dune and Eternals when it comes to themes and tone, as well as the inspiration Chloe Zhao received from Dennis Villeneuve's work. While imitation can be flattering, it can also be pandering. Most of the comedy doesn't land except for Kingo and his valet. Also, people quoted the line about the table in Daniel's theater which was extremely cringy. How does insurance work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe? But... is Eternals the worst movie in the MCU? Visually speaking, Eternals is kind of ugly and washed out, which is a serious disappointment considering the marketing. Despite the Celestials, Kang the Conqueror still seems like the most dangerous and powerful villain in the MCU. Recommendations: Steven J. Lawson's "<a href='https://www.christianbook.com
Bonus · Tue, November 02, 2021
Dune Episode When, Zoomer Youth Group and Media, Eternals Certified Rotten??
Send us a Question! LET'S TALK: Daniel hasn't watched Dune yet because Melvin told him his first time seeing Dune shouldn't be through HBOmax, so look forward to a Dune discussion episode in the future. They also talk about that movie Daniel recommended a few episodes ago, There's Someone Inside Your House , and if the Zoomers in his youth group would understand the movie since it's definitely a Zoomer-centric flick (while also talking about the bizarre nature of Youth Group, its failings, and curiosities). And lastly, the two discuss the negative reviews for the upcoming Marvel film, Eternals , and how even the positive reviews include a few negatives. Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review Social Links: TikTok Twitter Website Facebook Group Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E94 · Fri, October 29, 2021
Halloween Kills - Deliciously Divisive
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Happy Halloween! In this extra episode of the podcast, Melvin & Dan discuss the latest entry in the Halloween franchise! If you've been a part of the online discussion, or at least aware of how people feel about Halloween Kills, then you're in for a treat! Daniel didn't like Halloween Kills , but Melvin did! Thus begins some great Halloween banter! Topics: Melvin really wants to talk about Halloween Kills , so they waste no time and jump right into it. Chronicling the various canon of the Halloween franchise, and laying the framework between Halloween (2018) and Halloween Kills . Daniel was on board with Halloween Kills for about 20-30 minutes, and then it started to lose him. Daniel also feels Halloween Kills takes itself too seriously, trying to elevate a franchise whose groundwork is based in simplicity. CinemaScore was at Melvin's screening and he gave Halloween Kills an A! His wife Kathryn gave it a C. Melvin suspects David Gordon Green is creating his Halloween Trilogy of movies to be something people routinely binge during the month of October, similar to watching the extended cuts of Lord of the Rings. Melvin didn't like Halloween (2018), putting it at #63 out of the 68 movies he's seen from 2018, but he suspects that Halloween (2018) and Halloween Kills pair together well as a double feature which would probably improve his experience with Halloween (2018) . Halloween Kills spends time having characters try and figure out who Michael Myers is only to graciously have Michael Myers immediately show up to murder them. Melvin suspects a lot of what contributes to his positive thoughts on Halloween Kills is due to a fun theater experience with a lively, engaged audience. Celebrating that Donald Pleasance was not resurrected via CGI but rather Dr. Loomis was brought back via another actor, prosthetics, and voice acting. For Daniel, even though the movie loses itself, it never stops being engaging. Discussing the bizarre mob sub-plot, how it sort of means nothing, yet incidentally correlates socially as a reminder of how absurd January 6th really is. Talking about the best characters all year: Big John & Little John. The movie has so many "movie lines" where characters just say things you only say in the movies. Is Michael Myers homophobic? Let's discuss. Is this trilogy trying to turn Michael Myers into some sort of Jason Voorhees super-powered adjacent? Recommendations: F.F. Bruce's " 1 & 2 Thessalonians: Word Biblical Comme
S1 E93 · Tue, October 26, 2021
Over the Garden Wall - A Dream-Like Fairy-Tale of Fear
Send us a Question! PATREON TV-SHOW DISCUSSION: This TV-show was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Melvin & Daniel talk about the animated modern cult-classic Over the Garden Wall , a story about two brothers who get lost in the woods. Topics: Daniel not only looked forward to discussing Over the Garden Wall , he remembers eagerly watching the show when it initially aired. Also, Daniel recently had a watch party with some friends! Their post-show discussion was about Elijah Wood, and how one of Daniel's friends met Elijah Wood for a strange Wilfred-themed photo exchange. Creator Patrick McHale brings a clever melancholy to Over the Garden Wall , somewhat similar to his work on Adventure Time . Is Over the Garden Wall scary? Mostly in a folk-horror, mystical sense. Kids and Teens may not have the words to explain why they connect with certain fears presented in Over the Garden Wall, but a lot of what is covered through it's various episodes will likely resonate with them. Sharing our interpretations of The Beast, The Unknown, Fear, and so much more. The music, the comedy, everything about Over the Garden Wall still feels fresh and original. After the Recommendations, stick around for a short discussion on that Netflix slasher flick " There's Someone Inside Your House " Recommendations: Moises Silva's " Philippians, Second Edition: Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament " The Blackcoat's Daughter (Movie) Watch " There's Someone Inside Your House " and then tweet Dan (twitter below) if you think it's a good movie or not. Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review Social Links: TikTok Twitter Website Facebook Group Support the show
Bonus · Fri, October 22, 2021
Nightbooks and Family-Friendly Horror Movies
Send us a Question! LET'S TALK: Daniel was tasked with finding a not-so-scary horror movie to watch with friends. So, he ventured into the Netflix unknown to watch Nightbooks . Surprised by it's balance between family-friendly and outright-scary sequences, Daniel couldn't help but jump behind a microphone and share his thoughts on this wildly strange kids horror flick. Then, Melvin talks about other kid/teen horror flicks that are fun for the whole family, or simply hit other demographics among youth and teens that he feels may be fun to explore during the Halloween season. Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review Social Links: TikTok Twitter Website Facebook Group Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E92 · Tue, October 19, 2021
Ernest Scared Stupid - w/ Chris Staron and Halloween Hijinks
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: TrucePodcast.com Chris Staron of Truce Podcast joins Melvin to talk Ernest Scared Stupid , the movie Melvin kept talking about during their last episode together, Ernest Saves Christmas ! Topics: Chris Staron tells us about Truce Podcast , his award-winning Christian show about how the Christian church has gotten where it is, and how it can do better. Melvin relives some library/Blockbuster nostalgia with rewatching Ernest Scared Stupid . Introducing Ernest Scared Stupid [13:31] Melvin felt Ernest Scared Stupid's comedy is pretty good. The kind of comedy you talk about after the fact rather than laugh about in the moment. Ernest movies are comfy. They're easy to digest and remind viewers of simpler times. It's a shame that comedy is often regarded as low-brow or low-tier to the general public in terms of performative arts when comedy requires a wealth of talent and brilliance to pull off. Discussing the concept of fear for children and Christians. Chris Staron does some biblical gymnastics to correlate Ernest Scared Stupid to scriptural parallels. Hope you brought yoga pants! Ernest Scared Stupid still fits the bill of "kids on bikes save the day" even if Ernest is, like, 50 years old. Fear is not a juvenile emotion. Fear is not a sign of immaturity. Fear is healthy, useful, fun, and complicated. Recommendations: 30 Rock (Show) Frequently visit a Thrift store! You'll always find super cool stuff each week! Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review Social Links: TikTok Twitter Website Facebook Group Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: <a href='https://www.threads.net/@cinematicdoct
S1 E91 · Tue, October 12, 2021
What If...? - A Chaotic Episode for a Chaotic Show
Send us a Question! TV-SHOW DISCUSSION: Melvin & Dan discuss yet another Marvel property, because I guess that's what the Film & TV industry is now. Topics: The comic history behind What If...? How the animation, and that first episode, are kinda terrible. How What If...? permits more risk with Marvel characters and concepts, especially with episode 3 onward. Melvin loves the trope of a character who observes but cannot interact (or, should not). Will certain episodes get sequels? Like, will we see Zombie Thanos fight our heros? Daniel wasn't sure he liked that What If...? went from a fun episodic "fan-fiction" style show into a typical epic superhero project at the end. Talking about which actors they brought back and which they didn't. What If...? exceeded expectations, but it wasn't like there were many to begin with. Speculating on what may happen in later seasons. Recommendations: James Montgomery Boice's " The Boice Commentary Series: Philippians " Dance of the Dead (Movie) Over the Garden Wall (Mini-Series) Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review Social Links: TikTok Twitter Website Facebook Group Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack <a href='https://instagram.com/c
S1 E90 · Tue, October 05, 2021
Venom: Let There Be Carnage - It's Embarrassing and Weird
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Melvin & Dan waste no time with banter and jump right into discussing Sony's latest Marvel feature, Venom: Let There Be Carnage ! Topics: Daniel reviews the new Venom track by Eminem. Melvin suspects Venom: Let There Be Carnage will be the worst movie the two of them discuss on the podcast. Both Melvin & Dan each had a moment while watching Venom: Let There Be Carnage where they covered their faces with embarrassment. Critics seem to be embracing Venom: Let There Be Carnage , warts and all! Daniel explains what he likes about the movie. Daniel thanks our lovely Patreon Supporters for helping him get AMC Stubs A-List which permits him to see movies for the show at no expense! Talking about the source of this particular interpretation of Venom. Discussing the mid-credits scene, the only thing truly worth noting about Venom: Let There Be Carnage . A semi-continuation of our "Let's Talk" Canon & Continuity discussion regarding which communities will consider or delineate canon. Recommendations: R.C. Sproul's " Matthew: An Expositional Commentary " What We Do in the Shadows (Movie) Colossal (Movie) Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review Social Links: TikTok Twitter Website Facebook Group Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: <a href='https://www.
S1 E89 · Tue, September 28, 2021
ParaNorman - How it Feels to be Weird and Lonely
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! In this wholesome Halloween episode of the Cinematic Doctrine podcast, Melvin & Dan talk about one of Laika's several family-friendly horror-animated features, ParaNorman ! Topics: Daniel gets into a car accident, and contemplates how several of his peers from Bible college and ministry are leaving or struggling with their faith. Introducing ParaNorman [8:04] ParaNorman has a comfortable, cozy Fall atmosphere. Laika takes advantage of it's medium to create a fun, charismatic animation style that separates itself from the competition. Melvin shares about an extremely lonely period in his life where he tried talking to ghosts because he had no one else to talk to. Melvin, "When you're just feeling distant and weird, all you want is someone to step into your world and spend time with you." How ParaNorman isn't really all that scary, especially compared to something like Coraline . But also, how ParaNorman can have these intensely emotional moments elevated by the children's story-book nature of the movie. Discussing what it's like to be an outcast, or treated differently, for your interests (in particular, Melvin & Dan being Christians who like horror movies). In this particular case, most Christians who enjoy horror movies have a strong understanding as to why they enjoy them than most Christians have with non-horror movies. "Weird" people know that they're "weird" and see how others treat people who are also "weird", and it can become a perpetual self-isolating and self-preservation machine to try and keep away from those who may target their "weirdness" for laughs, bullying, or with disappointment. In Christian circles, when people are ostracized for certain qualities, social ticks, or "abnormal" hobbies, it's not a far-cry for people to start thinking the Lord sees them in a similar fashion: weird, different, separate, and superfluous. And, finally, we talk about that one joke between characters Mitch and Courtney that apparently became the big talking point during the time of ParaNorman's release, despite there being so much more to talk about (as proven by the rest of the episode). But first, a brief tangent talking about that 2019 movie Serenity because every time we remember it exists it blows our mind that... you know... it exists. Recommendations: Nat
S1 E88 · Tue, September 21, 2021
Malignant - Pulpy Horror Mystery with a Killer Third Act
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Malignant's been the talk of the town lately, and Melvin & Dan couldn't wait to finally jump on this crazy new horror flick from acclaimed director James Wan! Tune into this laughter-filled episode where the two discuss one of the wildest movies they've covered for Cinematic Doctrine ! However, tread carefully with this episode! Both of us recommend checking the movie out (if fun violent horror-mysteries are your thing) before having the plot spoiled! It's a great payoff if you're looking for something wicked this spooky season! Topics: Melvin calls Daniel about his extended car warranty. Discussing Yahtzee from Zero Punctuation's pitch for Duke Nukem Forever , Michael Bay's Pain & Gain , and how Melvin isn't in tune with Film Twitter so he misses a lot of the happenings. Introducing Malignant [12:29] Melvin explains the challenge of watching Malignant , and how it's a process of progressive improvement. The online discourse over whether Malignant is considered 'giallo', a classic sub-genre of horror. Malignant is perfectly balanced between 'outright silly' and 'demanding to be taken seriously'. Daniel on the last 15-20 minutes of the movie, "It's awe inspiring." Reminder: If you have not seen Malignant and it sounds like your thing, definitely check it out before we start talking spoilers [43:36] Working through the mystery of Malignant , covering all the bases, and building up to the grand finale. Daniel, "This is the most awkwardly moving movie monster I've ever seen." Also Daniel, "This movie brings joy, as it should, as James Wan intended." How sometimes things not making sense is part of what makes something extremely fun, entertaining, and outright better than over explaining every detail. In detailing the ending of the film, and covering the various spoilers throughout Malignant , we start to see how clever the writing is in leading the audience down several different paths. Recommendations: Paul Miller and David Powlison's " A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World " Blair Witch (Video Game) Vice's " Dark Side of the Ring " Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review</l
S1 E87 · Tue, September 14, 2021
Candyman (2021) - Black Gaslighting, Exploitation, and Gentrification
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Melvin & Dan discuss the latest entry in the Candyman franchise, a series whose first film is far more artful than its horror-icon counterparts. Candyman (2021) continues its original's themes of uniquely racial struggles and readopts them for the modern age in a thoroughly complex manner, covering topics as wide as gentrification, art exploitation, Black self-exploitation, and a continued theme of cultural gaslighting that sits comfortably beside the original's narrative. Tune in to hear more about the first of many horror flicks we're reviewing this spooky season! Also, both our cats make an appearance! Meow! Topics: Melvin talks about how rap and hip-hop has been maligned for being inappropriate by certain white communities (specifically Christians, and also the Gen X and Boomer generation), and how often the reality is that "rock-and-roll" is incredibly crass, sexual, and violent. Meanwhile artists like 2Pac, while often transgressive as well, also have albums like "Me Against The World" that are deeply thought-provoking, chillingly sad, and exemplify a cry of suffering, a want for change, and the gaslighting of the black community against white systems of oppression. Daniel talks about calling pets babies. Introducing Candyman (2021) [13:26] For Daniel, Candyman (2021) wasn't scary, but its an effective creepy story. Candyman (2021) isn't overtly pioneering off BLM or ACAB, it's merely a thematic evolution of the first film's themes. From ghetto/project community to gentrification, from a white-woman's thesis to a black man's artistic muse, Candyman (2021) feels natural as a sequel that continues the legacy of its predecessor. Melvin felt Candyman (2021) succeeds in being scary, and a lot of that is due to the presence of the Candyman as an intimidating horror icon. Daniel reminisces about the first time he saw the original Candyman . Candyman (2021) is fairly heavy-handed at times in expositing its themes, which reminded Daniel of a review by Angelica Jade who feels the film is essentially written for a white audience, specifically in that it explains details that otherwise would be intrinsically known by Black audiences. Yet, the frustrating reality of systematic issues is that, often times, they are bold as day. Thus, no matter how much clearer they become, there are still people unwilling to believe them even if they're explained to them in the simplest most basic of terms. How the ending abruptly happens and it's kinda mehh, but that's alright. Recommendations: Joel Beeke's "<a href='https://www.christianbook.com/revelation-ebook-joel-beeke/9781601784582/
S1 E86 · Tue, September 07, 2021
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings - Martial Arts and Future Hopes
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Melvin & Dan rushed to the movie theater to catch the latest Marvel picture, because that's what every good little movie podcast is supposed to do! From enjoying martial arts to pondering the future of Phase Four, and ending with some pipe dreams, check out this episode of Cinematic Doctrine ! Topics: Melvin pitches to Daniel an opening for Season 10 Episode 1 of The Office. Daniel talks about how his theater screening for Shang-Chi was better than Black Widow , except for one weird argument a couple had before the movie started. Contemplating why movie theater bathrooms are always the worst bathrooms on the entire planet. Introducing Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings [11:38] Daniel has a soft spot for martial arts flicks. Every MCU Phase seems to have a gripe people collectively complain about. Melvin posits Phase Four's gripe will be a mixture of two things: Not using real sets and overly relying on CGI for backgrounds and settings, and the over-abundance of bloodless violence and deaths. Discussing The Mandarin's "previous outing" in Iron Man 3 , and how this version is a nice change to a bonafide racist figure in classic Marvel history. Our curious excitement about where the Ten Rings are from and if they're connected to The Eternals. Melvin hopes future Marvel movies would introduce feelings of dread and hopelessness as a plot mechanic, which often in stories (when done carefully) produces more hope and excitement for future installments. Recommendations: W. Phillip Keller's " A Shephard Looks at Psalm 23 " // Max Lucado's " Safe in the Shepherd's Arms: Hope & Encouragement from Psalm 23 " // Derek Kidner's Psalms 1-72 Commentary Mouse Rat's " The Awesome Album " What If...? Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Earl
S1 E85 · Tue, August 31, 2021
I Can Only Imagine - A Monumental Song, A Serviceable Movie
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Daniel shares his extensive thoughts on Donda , the new Kanye album, which segways well into discussing one of Christian music's most prominent songs, I Can Only Imagine , and the movie that shares its name. From setting the stage with the world of CCM, to I Can Only Imagine's release and world domination, then finally right into the movie itself, Melvin and Daniel dive into many topics on this Patreon selected episode! Topics: Daniel texted Melvin and asked if he could talk about Donda. So, we talk about Donda for 15 minutes. Donda feels like two albums: one a great album, the other an unfinished mess. Daniel feels "Jesus Lord" is potentially Kanye's magnum opus. Daniel, " Jesus is King is such a genuine reflection of young faith." Introducing I Can Only Imagine [14:58] A brief history of CCM in the early 2000's which set the stage for the song I Can Only Imagine. Explaining the impact of the song I Can Only Imagine. Melvin had three not-so-positive (but not deal-breaking) observations that made it hard for him to fully enjoy the movie I Can Only Imagine . I Can Only Imagine is a 'good Christian movie' because "it just does all the things a movie should." Melvin, "I would have liked if the bulk of the movie was the reconciliation between [Bart Millard] and his dad." For Daniel, the ending is too cheesy when compared to the real life events they seem to semi-replicate. I Can Only Imagine , as a movie, isn't trying to sell you anything, and that's likely why it worked well with critics. Recommendations: John MacArthur's Acts Commentary (Volume One & Two ) // Stanley Horton's Acts Commentary Donut County <a href='https://m.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-starless-sea-erin-morgen
Bonus · Tue, August 24, 2021
Canon, Continuity, and the Tommy Westphall Universe Hypothesis
Send us a Question! LET'S TALK: In their debut episode of Let's Talk , a topical discussion format for Cinematic Doctrine , Melvin and Daniel discuss the concept of narrative canon (or, fictional continuity), whether an over-reliance on canon is necessary for enjoying a fictional property like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and how nearly all of American movies and television is a part of the Tommy Westphall Universe Hypothesis. Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review Social Links: Twitter Website Facebook Group Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E84 · Tue, August 17, 2021
The Chosen (S1) - Depictions of Jesus & Media Literacy
Send us a Question! TV-SHOW DISCUSSION: Melvin & Dan can finally say "Yes" to the question "Have you watched The Chosen ?". Topics: The Chosen's strength lies in its source material, similar to a comic-book movie or book adaption. Daniel's felt The Chosen was overhyped for him, and he was waiting for the show to be "amazing" like he'd heard so much about. Despite the shows occasional problematic depiction of historical events, The Chosen reveals to us more about who Creator Dallas Jenkins and co. are than Jesus or any of its biblical figures. Melvin's ambivalent comfortability with The Chosen is partially based on his media-literacy, his acceptance of the instinctual problematic nature of historical adaptions, and the importance of comparative concepts between the interpretations of source material. It may sound strange to some, but the best scenes in The Chosen are typically ones without Jesus. As a fictional historical drama, The Chosen works really well. As Biblical interpretation, The Chosen becomes increasingly problematic. General audiences often aren't reading their bibles, and thus are having their only biblical exposure to second-hand adaptions. Simultaneously, not many people have had personal experiences with God ( Genesis 32 & 33 ), and thus often yearn for these experiences through surrogate means (i.e. watching bible films, reading Christian fiction, etc.). If you do not have a "mental colander" to sift through The Chosen's biblical inaccuracies (and why they're important), it could be an unhealthy watch. The danger of giving "Jesus" extra scenes and lines, as well as restructuring certain biblical scenes, and even omitting sections of dialogue. It's important to meditate on why the Gospels don't include Jesus' personality traits and characteristics such as his favorite foods and pass-times. Daniel, "Jesus isn't Peter Pan. He's not a public domain character you can just put in anything and do whatever you want with. He's God." Christianity already struggles with people either not reading their Bibles or misinterpreting their Bibles. Having biblical adaptions add to that mix is... frustrating. The Chosen , in pursuing period accuracy, creates a scriptural uncanny valley effect that otherwise isn't experienced with clearly fictional representations of Jesus as seen in South Park or Joshua. Recommendations: Victor P. Hamilton's Handbook o
S1 E83 · Tue, August 10, 2021
Masters of the Universe: Revelation (P1) - Critics vs. Fans, A Tale as Old as Time
Send us a Question! TV-SHOW DISCUSSION: Melvin and Daniel discuss the highly divisive new installment in the Masters of the Universe franchise. Topics: After restarting Arrested Development (again x16+), Melvin wonders what it would be like for the Russo brothers to return to comedy. Daniel imagines their return to the MCU for a Marvel Comedy procedural. Introducing Masters of the Universe: Revelation (S1E1-5) [8:38] Basically, Kevin Smith and his group of friends wrote/produced MotU:R and that got Daniel really interested Critics loved it. Fans hated it. We can't really explain these reasons without spoiling the show, but it's worth the discussion. Melvin wasn't totally on-board with MotU:R, but that's because he's growing tired of the "Reboot Template". Unpacking the controversial complicating incident for the season, and how not being invested in He-Man may be a benefit to the show. MotU:R raises the stakes and adds depth to its characters, something the original show never did. Daniel, on one reason critic reception can be so different than fan reception, "When you watch, like, 10 movies a week and you're watching all these shows, something that stands out is gonna really hit different." But, we're all guilty of going "back in my day!" with things we loved when growing up. Melvin, "Do you think it's, like, the comfortability of chasing identity that draws people in to be so angry about this stuff?" Sympathy for those who idolize things, acceptance that it's okay to not like things, but the importance of a reality check over what priorities take stock in our lives. Expanding on the "Reboot Template" and why Melvin is growing tired of it (Editor's Note: Melvin means Star Wars , not Star Trek: The Motion Picture , when talking about a movie shown in theaters, like, 7 years in a row) Are we interested in watching the rest of S1? Recommendations: Charles Hodge's 1 & 2 Corinthians: Geneva Commentary Series Write a letter to someone important to you explaining why they're important to you, then call them and read it to them ( Source for Inspiration ) Amphibia (again, with new qualifiers) & What Remains of Edith Finch <a href='ht
S1 E82 · Tue, August 03, 2021
Bo Burnham: Inside - A Musical Memoir about Mental Health, the Internet, and 2020
Send us a Question! COMEDY SPECIAL DISCUSSION: TW: Mental Health, Suicide Melvin and Daniel discuss deteriorating mental health, content creation, the internet, and comedy. They also discuss being honest with one another, and the difficult necessity of vulnerability. Topics: Daniel gets stuck in a church bathroom, enjoys his wedding anniversary, and talks about his Bo Burnham Bacon-number. Introducing Bo Burnham: Inside [7:12] Inside is a snapshot of what it’s like to exist online during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, which means it may alienate viewers outside of that demographic Additionally, the special begins broadly accessible with tracks like ‘Content’ and ‘Comedy’, yet soon becomes musically debilitating due to the onslaught of social awareness and existential anxiety Inside’s lyrics are loaded with a multitude of anxieties, including anxiety about capitalism as an ideological moral compass Companies chasing morality for profit is a perfect example of “Christ-less morality” A brief tangent about clearing out books by disgraced authors (which segways into a discussion about the song “Problematic”) “Look Who’s Inside Again” is the turning from general topics to personal, yet still relatable, mental health issues Melvin shares his interpretation of several songs and compares specific metatextual concepts to real life situations, both in his own life and in church life Inside is too plausible to be disingenuous, as everyone in some capacity relates to Bo Burnham's breakdown and introversion. Melvin continues his observation of various songs, specifically "That Funny Feeling". Daniel, "We were not made for this hyper awareness of everything that's going on." A discussion on the loss of relationship amidst 2020, and how often what was left was merely difficult conversations online without the security of companionship. Contemplating overcoming anxiety, depression, past sin, guilt, and shame, and the isolation produced from staying "inside" with these experiences and feelings. Recommendations: D.A. Carson's The Gospel According to John: Pillar New Testament Commentary Blake J. Harris' "Console Wars: Sega, Nintendo, and the Battle that Defined a Generation" <a href='https://www.amazon.com/Annihilation-Novel-Southern-Reach-Trilogy/dp/0374104093/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=annihilation&qid=162
S1 E81 · Tue, July 27, 2021
The Queen's Gambit - Peak Feminist Cinema
Send us a Question! PATREON TV-SHOW DISCUSSION: This TV-Show was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Melvin does a lukewarm open, and Daniel talks about how he followed a bunch of Christian twitter accounts of people who were in the American Gospel: Christ Alone documentary only to find they're more interested in posting about masks than things related to the Bible. Then they talk about The Queen's Gambit , it's strong depiction of relationships, Beth Harmon as a tragically sad character, and its narrative elaboration of a budding feminist wave during the 1960's. Topics: Melvin embarrasses himself with a terrible introduction to the episode, and then Daniel talks about why he finds politics tiresome and uninteresting. Daniel, "The mixture of, like, Biblical knowledge and a platform I think makes people feel like they can talk about anything." Talking about how The Babylon Bee is too smug be healthy for anyone. Introducing The Queen's Gambit [16:34] Melvin doesn't feel it's always appropriate for a buncha 20-year old dudes to explain their opinions on female-centric stories. ...but he did love how The Queen's Gambit portrayed early childhood development and feminist themes. Daniel loves Anya Taylor-Joy, the soundtrack, the cinematography, and the whole craft of The Queen's Gambit . Excellent portrayal of various relationships and the many stages experienced within them. Daniel, "I'm a sucker for any actor that does a lot with no dialogue. It's just something I enjoy. Call it the "Ryan Gosling in Drive" syndrome." Melvin feels The Queen's Gambit is a good work of feminist fiction. Recommendations: R. Kent Hughes' "Romans: Righteousness From Heaven" // ( Old Edition ) Engage media you don't like for the purpose of learning things Two cartoon shows: The Owl House & <a href='https://www.disneypl
S1 E80 · Tue, July 20, 2021
Loki (S1) - Self-Love and Reflection, and Cultural Observation
Send us a Question! TV-SHOW DISCUSSION: Melvin and Daniel talk about spilled coffee, Space Jam: A New Legacy , and Britney Spears. Then they discuss their enjoyment of Loki , it's expert balance of tone and theme, the Christian response to fiction containing things they don't like, and implications for the Marvel multiverse in future installments. Topics: Melvin has two cold-opens: one about Space Jam: A New Legacy and the other about Britney Spears. Daniel chooses the "I-Spilled-My-Coffee-While-Recording" option. Then they get into Space Jam: A New Legacy's weird cross-promotion choices How #FreeBritney can be observed similarly to the fascination with Princess Diana, and how the continued humanization of stars is a net-positive. Introducing Loki [15:07] Melvin shares what he likes about Loki , such as the weekly release schedule and its powerful subject matter of individual value (free-will, self-love, and self-reflection). Daniel, "I'm just going to say it right now though, like, if this is what the shows going to be like the whole time, I'm going to be very disappointed." Loki's one-line mention of his sexuality, and how it's really not a big deal in case anyone was complaining Art always reflects the time, place, and people who make it. It's useful for the Christian to be aware of people's genuine lives. To embrace the honesty of others, even when that honesty reveals they have sin in their life. It is unhealthy to rely on corporations to dictate one's morality, nor to be overtly bothered by a corporations moral stance. How Disney, a corporation, doesn't push the progressive button too far because it may affect their bottom-line, and how a company's bottom-line is more important than their morality. Melvin, "[Christians] are always so worried about "what should I do and what should I not do; who should I support and who should I not support; what show should I watch and what show should I not watch - and why."" If the Big-C church had been doing its job - making disciples, and not fighting a culture war - then perhaps Christians wouldn't have to be upset with the kind of art they engage in television and film. When imitating Paul at the Areopagus ( Acts 17 ), the Christian learns media literacy for the sake of disciple making. Getting into the last episode of Loki , the big reveal of Kang the Conqueror, and theorizing for the future. Suspecting that the branching of timelines is how we'll see Mutants introduced into the MCU. Recommendations: <a href='https://www.christianbook.com/c
S1 E79 · Mon, July 12, 2021
Black Widow - A Middling Marvel Movie
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Melvin and Daniel talk about what it's like to be back in the theater (officially), how Black Widow compares to the multiple Marvel Mini-series, and how Black Widow feels a bit like two movies at once that don't always work together. Topics: Daniel, "This was my first movie back in the theaters." Discussing the trailers seen before Black Widow Introducing Black Widow [14:17] Trying to figure out the purpose of this movie apart from it simply being a Black Widow stand-alone flick. Melvin, "Yeah, let's talk about that [opening credits] cause that was, like, really strange!" Daniel, "Like I said, it feels like there's almost two movies at play." Fangirling over Florence Pugh and how she's a brilliant performer Contemplating reasons for audience disengagement Daniel, "Again, they're trying to do Jason Bourne serious-spy-movie... but then they have secret pheromones that keep you from killing people." The missed opportunity that is Taskmaster (but potential future hope for the character) Wanting more creativity in the MCU, and comparing Black Widow to the MCU Mini-Series' on Disney Plus. Rewriting scenes, because we're a podcast and that's what podcasts do! Hoping to see more creativity in the MCU movies Recommendations: G.K. Beale and D.A. Carson's Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill Podcast by Christianity Today Albert Mohler's "The Prayer that Turns the World Upside Down" Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Social Links: Twitter Website Facebook Group Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-tim
S1 E78 · Mon, July 05, 2021
Invincible (S1) - Brilliantly Complex and Intensely Human
Send us a Question! TV-SHOW DISCUSSION: Melvin and Daniel talk about Invincible , the crazy popular and occasionally ultra-violent animated superhero show on Amazon Prime. Topics: Why we’re talking about Invincible despite the fact we were planning to talk about Bo Burnham: Inside Introducing Invincible [7:41] Baseline, non-spoilery reasons why Melvin and Daniel found Invincible so compelling Invincible masterfully employs a brilliant hook to create pervasive suspense Open, total-spoiler reasons why Invincible is so compelling Each character and plotline are deeply rich and highly engaging Amber, Mark’s girlfriend, is written really well and doesn’t get the usual “hero-girlfriend” treatment Daniel, “…one of the best season finales of any show I’ve ever watched...” How Invincible causes us to ponder the value of humanity in spite of humanity A strong resolution with exciting implications for Season 2! By the way: Humanity does have inherent value imbued by God Recommendations: William MacDonald’s Believer’s Bible Commentary Rebecca McLaughlin’s “10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) About Christianity” Go to the Gym (boost those Serotonin levels!) Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Social Links: Twitter Website Facebook Group Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack</
S1 E77 · Mon, June 28, 2021
The Falcon and the Winter Soldier - Too Much Too Little
Send us a Question! TV-SHOW DISCUSSION: Daniel’s been thinking too much about streaming services and spends 15 minutes ruminating on what worries him the most, and then the two discuss The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and its complex metaphorical stand-ins. Also, they complain about the last episode because everyone has complained about the last episode. Topics: Daniel’s existential dread over streaming services… …but Melvin feels VUDU solves that existentialism. Melvin, “What’s your fear, then? Like, what’s your fear [about streaming services]?” Introducing The Falcon and the Winter Soldier [17:19] Daniel, “I love the character of John Walker.” Melvin, amidst mocking laughter, “Let’s talk about the ending!” Recommendations: Day X Podcast by The New York Times Charles Spurgeon’s “The Treasury of David” Sweet Tooth Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Social Links: Twitter Website Facebook Group Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E76 · Mon, June 21, 2021
WandaVision - A (Marvel) Grief Observed
Send us a Question! TV-SHOW DISCUSSION: In this episode, Melvin and Daniel talk about the first Phase Four property from the MCU, WandaVision , and how grief maintains the through line of the show. Topics: Melvin got sunburn in the shade Introducing WandaVision How Daniel watched a ton of TVLand and was prepared for WandaVision WandaVision is a genuinely risky Disney Marvel project How Melvin loved the melancholy tone and metatextual content within WandaVision The Evan Peters fan theory/controversy and the disparity between creator intention and fan expectation Is entertainment media always required to depict justice and accountability? Creating our own unrealities because they’re often “easier” to live in than reality Recommendations: Philip Ryken’s Galatians Reformed Expository Commentary Requiem for a Paper Bag “Is A.I. the Problem? Or Are We?” – The Ezra Klein Show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Social Links: Twitter Website Facebook Group Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E75 · Mon, June 14, 2021
Inside Out - How Emotions Put the Podcast on Hiatus
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: On our return episode of the podcast, we discuss a much-loved Pixar flick from a few years ago, as well as the reason Cinematic Doctrine was on hiatus for so long. Topics: Podcasting nonsense Introducing ‘Inside Out’ Why Melvin picked ‘Inside Out’ and how it relates to the hiatus How Daniel also caught ‘Inside Out’ at a pivotal time in his life Emotions are indicators of our needs (i.e. sadness = external alert to others) How Melvin and Daniel are not worrying about Spoilers anymore because most people only listen to episodes of movies/shows they’ve already seen Vin Diesel Calling your Insurance to see if they’ll cover an in-patient “vacation” to The Center – A Place of Hope Sadness as a community bonding experience Brainstorming an ‘Inside Out’ sequel except this time it’s adults Memes Melvin missed while he was away Recommendations Daniel: “Can I briefly talk about one thing from Mortal Kombat I really liked?” Recommendations: Xbox Game Pass (XCloud specifically) Douglas Moo’s Roman’s Commentary Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency Invincible Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Social Links: Twitter Website Facebook Group Editor's Note: At some point, Melvin begins using language like “good emotion” and “bad emotion”. It is important to note that all emotions are neither good nor bad. Emotions are tools with which the body uses to protect, maintain, signal, and prepare the body for situations based upon current information. Emotions come upon people (a loved one walks in the room, your body triggers a smile – it triggers happiness) and thus often are not even chosen by the individual. People use moral language to define emotions when they are often defining nourishing or toxic responses to emotions. This is how certain emotions carry a stigma that usu
Bonus · Fri, January 29, 2021
Long Hiatus Underway
Send us a Question! Due to a personal emergency, the Cinematic Doctrine podcast will be taking a long hiatus. We intend to come back with new content at a later date, but because of our circumstances, things will have to be put on hold for an undefined length of time . We apologize for this, and will be pausing all Patreon billing cycles until further notice. In other words, Patreon Supporters will not be charged, and we encourage fans not to join the Patreon at this time. Unfortunately, this also means that January’s Patreon Selected episode will also be canceled . We are deeply sorry about this inconvenience. If the hiatus continues longer than we anticipate, we will consider unlaunching the Creator Page to eliminate confusion. All future updates will be present on the Cinematic Doctrine website , as well as our active Twitter , so try not to forget about us! Thank you so much for your past support, and we pray you are all doing well and staying safe. Twitter: https://twitter.com/@cinedoctrine Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E74 · Thu, January 07, 2021
The Mandalorian (S2) - w/ ShatterCast and a Love of Star Wars
Send us a Question! TV-SHOW DISCUSSION: In a year without movies, film fans had television. In a year with television, everyone anticipated the release of The Mandalorian Season Two . I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t one of my most anticipated projects of the 2020, and I think it’s safe to say it didn’t disappoint. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We have a lot to get into with this episode, and right off the bat Derrick Whitmore from ShatterCast gets into one of his famous positive-and-negative lists, while John Weiand, Daniel, and I jump off his list with our own comments. We also celebrate The Mandalorian’s series format for the breathing room it provides the expansive Star Wars universe, as opposed to the limited runtime of a 2-hour film. Then, spoilers run free as we get into the nitty-gritty of The Mandalorian , discuss Episode 2’s wild Baby Yoda antics, geek out over Episode 5’s star cameo, and talk at length about Episode 7’s great introduction of much-needed nuance to the Star Wars universe. And yes, of course we talk about the end of the series, and share our speculation on what Season Three will bring. Shattered Studios: http://www.shatteredstudios.net/ Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Thu, December 31, 2020
MMN: Warner Media's Industry-Changing Decision
Send us a Question! MONTHLY MOVIE NEWS: In this episode, Melvin, Daniel, and Carter talk about the huge Warner Bros. news that their entire movie release schedule for 2021 would launch not only in theaters but also on HBOMax the same day. That’s wild news that shakes the movie industry to its core, so they speculate on how this decision came to fruition, what it means for the future of theaters, and if the general movie watcher will jump at the opportunity to visit the theater once vaccines are widely distributed and COVID is a thing of the past. Also, they spend, like, 10 minutes talking about the SAW Franchise. Woops. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Tue, December 29, 2020
TT: Loki, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, What If...?
Send us a Question! TRAILER TALK: Carter and Melvin chat several upcoming Disney properties: Ms Marvel , The Falcon and the Winter Soldier , Loki , and What If…?. Also, they chat about two Star Wars shows: Star Wars: The Bad Batch and Andor . Also, Melvin kept calling the show Andor , “Cassian ”. So, if you hear him talking about a show called "Cassian " , that one doesn’t exist. Andor exists. Or, at least, in 2022 it does. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E73 · Thu, December 24, 2020
Onward - The Magic of Family & Self-Sacrifice
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Advertised as Pixar’s return to a release schedule of original properties, lots of people had high hopes for Onward . Then, Coronavirus ruined everything, as we’ve known it to do, and theaters shut down roughly two weeks after it’s theater debut. Soon, Disney saved the day by making it available to the masses soon after, and the world got a taste of Pixar’s latest flick. That is, until Soul releases like a day from this episode’s release. After we give you all the technical details regarding Onward , Daniel kicks us off with his comprehensive thoughts on the film, and how Pixar simply has a knack for producing genuine, heartfelt, and engaging stories no matter the setting. Not only that, the two of us meditate on the idea that, at its core, Onward is pretty melancholy for a kid’s film, and how another animated feature from 2020, The Willoughbys , also has a melancholy yet hopeful premise for a PG flick. Then, we engage what is probably Cinematic Doctrine’s longest trivia section as we list off every lil’ hidden detail we could find in Onward . From the creative fantasy puns Pixar employs, to the myriad of references to other Pixar properties, we’ve got you covered. And don’t worry, we also have some behind-the-scenes trivia regarding the development of Onward , so stick around for that, too. And lastly, I ask Daniel what it is about the ending to Onward that spoke to him so deeply, and the two of us dig into its themes of wrestling with loss and overcoming hardship through brotherly love. I also ask Daniel what he thinks about the use of magic as a plot device considering the apprehension most Christians may have toward the modern usage and portrayal of magic in fiction. Onward is Rated PG for action/peril and some mild thematic elements. It features Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Octavia Spencer, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Mel Rodriguez. Directed by Dan Scanlon. Onward is currently available on Disney Plus . Sleigh Bell noise by GrowlerMusic Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show <b
Bonus · Tue, December 15, 2020
Update and Tenet Episode
Send us a Question! PODCAST UPDATE: Quick episode detailing the content we're producing for the end of the year (special Quibi episode, Trailer Talk , Monthly Movie News , and Patreon Supporter chosen film), as well as pointing you lovely people to our Tenet podcast episode and written post from September! Tenet Episode: https://bit.ly/TenetCinDoc Tenet Written Review: https://bit.ly/TenetDemandsARewatch Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E72 · Thu, December 10, 2020
Ernest Saves Christmas - w/ Chris Staron and Slapstick Silliness
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: I love Chris Staron and I love Truce Podcast , so of course I had him back on the show this Christmas season to talk about one of his favorite Christmas flicks (and that's after chatting one of his favorite musicals !). When he suggested we chat Ernest Saves Christmas , I jumped at the opportunity to revisit Jim Varney’s classic character. I don’t typically throw this term around much, but rewatching Ernest Saves Christmas was very wholesome , and reminded me of the comfort one can have watching holiday films. As we get started, Chris and I dive deep into our general thoughts on Ernest as a character, slapstick as a bygone comedy format, and how nostalgia glasses are virtually required when rewatching films we liked as a child. Then, our trivia section borderline advocates string-theory as we ponder the consistent themes, tropes, and overlapping characteristics of many Christmas films featuring Santa Claus, and how there may be a secret Santa cinematic universe. Chris also shares some amazing history on how Jim Varney and John R Cherry III built "Ernest P. Worrell" into a dominating advertising icon and popular Disney character. And lastly, we have a candid discussion on how comedy and slapstick can often be at the expense of others, and how sometimes Christians are uncomfortable with that. So, we head to scripture for some literary parallels between the book of Esther and the book of 1st Samuel , and how one can be read with comedic intentions, and the other would be inappropriate to read for kicks. Ernest Saves Christmas is Rated PG . Here's a custom certificate: thematic elements and mild humor. It features Jim Varney, Douglas Seale, Noelle Parker, Gailard Sartain, Bill Byrge, and Oliver Clark. Directed by John R. Cherry III. Ernest Saves Christmas is available on VUDU . Sleigh Bell noise by GrowlerMusic Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Truce Podcast: https://trucepodcast.com/ Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we rev
S1 E71 · Wed, December 02, 2020
Jiu Jitsu - A Messy Martial Arts Misfire
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: October saw the release of this wild martial arts trailer about Nicolas Cage training warriors to fight aliens. That alone set Twitter aflame, and even Cinematic Doctrine’s website saw increased traffic from our write-up on the site. Jiu Jitsu looked crazy fun. People punching and kicking to stop an alien warrior invader? Sign us up! And then… we watched it. And boy, Daniel and I sure have some thoughts! We’re no stranger to camp, let-alone Nicolas Cage camp, but Jiu Jitsu’s overly serious and convoluted plotline leaves a lot to be desired. From the get-go, before we even get the chance to give you logistics, Daniel and I air out some grievances about the film with tangible confusion. Then, not soon after, we jump right into decrypting the bizarre choices behind the filmmaking. From first-person martial arts to a camera acting like a fidget-spinner, there’s a lot going on in Jiu Jitsu that was not expected. Afterward, stick around for some fun trivia regarding Nicolas Cage’s martial arts training, Dimitri Logothetis’ run-in with Martin Scorsese, and how Jiu Jitsu was based on a comic book… sort of. Jiu Jitsu is Rated R for violence throughout. It features Nicolas Cage, Alain Moussi, Frank Grillo, Tony Jaa, JuJu Chan, Marie Avgeropoulos, and Rick Yune. Directed by Dimitri Logothetis. Jiu Jitsu is currently available on VUDU . Sleigh Bell noise by GrowlerMusic Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E70 · Wed, November 25, 2020
The Santa Clause - My Wife Cheers when Tim Allen Kills Santa
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! First things first: thanks so much for your patience with this Patreon voted episode! It’s been a while since we’ve had a perfectly normal chance to produce a perfectly normal episode, and I can tell you from our side of things that this is a huge blessing. So, we hope this episode is as enjoyable for you as it was for us! Second, my wife does not like Santa. And, maybe by the end of this episode you’ll feel I've hyperbolized her distaste, because she does enjoy a Santa movie or two, but she has good reason to not like Santa. Stick around to hear all about that. Also, hear why she likes this movie despite the things she doesn’t like about Santa! Oh, and hear my thoughts, too, because this movie is wild if you really spend any amount of time thinking about it. Third, hang out for our trivia section and hear about a few lil' Easter eggs hidden in this holiday flick, as well as a lot of fun background on Tim Allen’s immense popularity back in the 90s. And lastly, Kathryn and I double-down on this Santa talk as we navigate why Christians aren’t comfortable with Santa. Then, we talk about why Christians may still find him fascinating as a modern mythical and fictional character. The Santa Clause is Rated PG for a few crude moments. It features Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson, Eric Lloyd, and David Kruholtz. Directed by John Pasquin. The Santa Clause is currently available on Disney Plus . Sleigh Bell noise by GrowlerMusic Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack <a href='https://instagram.com/cinematicd
Bonus · Wed, November 18, 2020
The Mandalorian (S1) - How Slow-Paced Character Building Isn't "Filler", You're Just Droning
Send us a Question! REBROADCAST TV-SHOW REVIEW: Enjoy this rebroadcast of an early 2020 episode on The Mandalorian Season One and how some of its criticism for being 'slow' sparked an interesting thought process on how good things are worth waiting for. The Mandalorian is Rated TV-PG . It has no detailed certificate, so here's a Melvin certificate: Sci-fi action through-out, and brief mild language. It features Pedro Pascal, Carl Weathers, Gina Carano, Werner Herzog, Nick Nolte, Taika Waititi, and Giancarlo Esposito. Created by Jon Favreau. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E69 · Fri, November 13, 2020
Enola Holmes - w/ film_junkie_reviews in the Gender Discussion Episode
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: If I’m being honest, I’ve always found it strange that Sherlock Holmes is as popular as he is. Like, as a property. I guess I understand the lasting appeal. Mysteries are always a good time if you don’t have them spoiled. Maybe it’s just that I don’t remember enjoying the Robert Downey Jr. Sherlock Holmes’ movies, or that my interest in the BBC Sherlock waned drastically as the series continued. Also, and I even mention this in the episode, I don’t like snarky lead characters. I’m not selling this episode well, I’m sorry! That’s not my job! I’m supposed to make sure you’re excited to tune into our thoughts on Enola Holmes , so let me do that now! As we get under way, Carter and I share some divisive opinions on Enola Holmes as I found this film largely inoffensive and kind of fun, even if I wanted more, while Carter not only disliked the film, but shares a particular insight that, for him, was a real deal breaker. This leads to an interesting, albeit challenging discussion as the two of us unfold his stance and detail some biblical approaches to Enola Holmes . And that’s all without film spoilers! Then, stay tuned for some fun facts during our trivia section regarding the production of Enola Holmes and how some people aren’t happy with the film. Lastly, Carter and continue our discussion had in the general non-spoiler discussion with further details. You know, now that we can chat spoilers. Enola Holmes is Rated PG-13 for some violence. It features Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, Sam Claflin, Helena Bonham Carter, and Louis Partridge. Directed by Harry Bradbeer. Enola Holmes is available on Netflix . Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Fri, November 06, 2020
MMN: AMC Tries to Survive, 'Soul' on Disney Plus, Speculative Distribution Changes
Send us a Question! MONTHLY MOVIE NEWS: To kick things off, Carter and I discuss the continued strain that is 2020 on movie theaters, and how AMC is looking to make some major changes regarding it’s stocks and, what I predict, will be its assets due to the direction things are headed. Carter also shares insight on how stocks function, because I only know so much about them, and how people like me should view them. Then we discuss Disney’s change from releasing Pixar’s upcoming film Soul from theaters to Disney Plus. As the film will be releasing directly to streaming via Disney Plus, and be included in your Disney Plus subscription as opposed to Mulan’s $30 price-tag, we discuss the massive changes in terms of film-distribution, a topic closely related to the changing theater scene. And yes, we also discuss the controversy surrounding Mulan , and how it may have affected Disney’s pursuit of a PVOD model. Also, we continue our speculation on whether a precedent has been set regarding typical streaming distribution practices, such as the difference between Premium Video on Demand (or, purchasing a film to watch for a lot of money) and simply dropping a film on Netflix or Prime. All in all, this episode fascinates me. I love industry talk sometimes even more than I love movies. It may sound a bit Greek at times but I feel we handle the minutia of this discussion well enough that anyone can listen and learn some new things about the film industry, theater industry, and the streaming giants of Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney Plus. We even talk about generational differences and how our generation, millennials, consumes media in a totally different way to those younger than us, Zoomers, who consume a ton of free media via apps like YouTube and TikTok, and how that alone makes a lot of these industry changes all the more complex and exciting. Lastly, Carter and I decide on whether Wonder Woman 1984 will either stick to its December 25th release date, be moved into 2021, or if Warner Bros. has another trick up its sleeve… Hopefully by the time this is posted (and you’re listening), Warner Bros. hasn’t made a decision yet. Either way, it’s fun hearing how we rationalize what we think may happen. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time rewar
Bonus · Tue, November 03, 2020
TT: Monster Hunter, Mank, Jiu Jitsu
Send us a Question! TRAILER TALK: To kick things off, Carter and I talk about Monster Hunter , and how this is not the first Capcom licensed property to hit the big screen from director Paul W.S. Anderson, nor starring Milla Jovovich. And, frankly, we don’t think it will be the last. Even so, we have a good time chatting about our… reserved thoughts on Monster Hunter , whether we even like big-monster movies to begin with, and if fans of the video game will be satisfied with what this movie has to offer. Then we talk about David Fincher’s upcoming Netflix feature, Mank . Carter grounds us on what to expect with Fincher’s latest picture, and carries us into 1930’s Hollywood and the creation of what many consider cinema’s greatest achievement, Citizen Kane . This sparks a really interesting discussion regarding Netflix’s annual bid for the Oscars, how their pursuit of big-name directors is a sign of a changing corporate culture at Netflix, and how both of us pretty much agree that Mank will probably turn out great. And finally, we chat Jiu Jitsu , an upcoming less-than B-grade martial arts pic featuring Nicolas Cage. I asked Daniel to introduce us to Jiu Jitsu with a brief call-in so look forward to hearing everyone’s favorite WWE fan and his infectious excitement. Then, Carter and I take the mantle as we the joy of candy-style movies where just from the trailer you know what you’re gonna get , and if things pay off well, Jiu Jitsu is going to be a great time. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E68 · Thu, October 29, 2020
God Convicted Me with 'Last Shift', and I Must Fear God Over Man
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE REVIEW (SORT OF): Tune in to this unconventional episode for clarification, transparency, and an apology I owe our Patreon Supporters - and you, the listener - for not properly vetting ' Last Shift ', the movie that won the Patreon-Poll for October. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E67 · Fri, October 23, 2020
Killer Camp - Real Life "Among Us" with Real Life Consequences
Send us a Question! TV-SHOW DISCUSSION: Due to the Coronavirus pandemic there are a lot of films and tv-shows that aren’t producing right now. Not only that, just before the shutdown, a looming writer’s strike was coming in Hollywood, which meant scripted television was going to have a slump. With this in mind, most production companies embrace reality-television as a means for cheap, unscripted, and quickly produced content. This is why you can have some wild shows like The Masked Singer or I Can See Your Voice , two absurdly bonkers singing competition shows, on television during the largest economic crises in ages. It’s cheap, easy, and quick to produce. Alongside this, American TV channels may license foreign gameshows and reality shows to fill timeslots in their schedule, and this Summer a British gameshow called Killer Camp made the rounds on the CW. Killer Camp’s premise is absolutely wild, and Kathryn and I talk about the excitement present in this reality gameshow’s gimmick, it’s easily compelling and engaging mechanics, and also how the Killer Camp game was ripe with strife and division. This sparks a conversation about watching ‘entertainment television’ that contains real-life events and conversations that hurt people. Then, we discuss various trivia regarding the difficulty of producing Killer Camp on such a tight schedule, and how the killing-scenes of each murdered contestant was executed (pun intended). And, lastly, when we dive into spoilers, we share our surprise at certain revelations within the show, and how I’ve used a tactic we see in Killer Camp during a game of Mafia back in my Youth Group days. Killer Camp is Unrated . Here's a custom TV-14 certificate: Graphic violence, language, and suggestive content. Presented by Bobby Mair. Directed by Mike Parker. Killer Camp is currently available on CWTV . Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Subs
S1 E66 · Thu, October 15, 2020
Sinister - w/ film_junkie_reviews in Home Videos Hide Horrible Histories
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Are you enjoying your October? I know I am! It’s been nice watching the leaves change their color, have a chilly breeze flow through the open windows, and eat copious amounts of candy when nobody’s looking. I’ve eaten… just… so many Crunch bars. Last week we had a great time talking with Logan Sharp of The Reformed Gamers about the South Korean zombie film, Train to Busan . This week, we’re comin’ back state-side for Sinister , another fun, accessible, and tame horror flick that we feel fits the spooky-Halloween spirit just right! As we get things started, Carter and I talk about Sinister’s clever pacing and parallels, how we often view our history and hopes with rose-colored glasses, and the dangers of chasing nostalgia rather than focusing on our responsibilities. Following that, we discuss some fun trivia about the conception of Sinister and give a bit of love to film over digital in the movie-making field. We also lament the transition to digital, even if it is cost effective. And lastly, during our spoiler discussion, Carter talks about how easy our temptations can manipulate us, and I posit another message within Sinister’s subtext, while also scratching my head about the resolution of the film. Sinister is Rated R for disturbing violent images and some terror. It features Ethan Hawke, Juliet Rylance, Vincent D'Onofrio, James Ransone, Fred Dalton Thompson, and Clare Foley. Directed by Scott Derrickson. Sinister is currently available on Peacock . Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram <a href='https://www.facebook.c
S1 E65 · Wed, October 07, 2020
Train to Busan - w/ The Reformed Gamers Treasuring Trains and Zombies
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Logan from The Reformed Gamers has previously joined us here at Cinematic Doctrine to talk about everybody’s favorite video game movie, Super Mario Bros. , which was an amazing experience if I do say-so myself! And while we had an absolute grand time recollecting the bizarre experience of watching such an absolute train-wreck of a film, Logan and I are excited to talk about another film that’s a different kind of train-wreck. You know, the kind that isn’t bad, because there’s literal trains and wreckage in it (see what I did there? Puns!!). So, what is Train to Busan ? It’s a South Korean zombie flick that has landed itself squarely in Logan’s favorite horror films to date, and with the way he speaks about the movie, and the insight he shares, you’d be hard-pressed to think it was anything other than an absolute favorite movie of his in general . With that in mind, our initial non-spoiler discussion is filled with some truly great nuggets of value as we think about the zombie genre’s ability to recontextualize disaster, and how sometimes we ignore disaster unless it’s brought to our doorstep. Then, when we dive into our non-spoiler trivia section, we share the extreme level of popularity and success Train to Busan saw not only in its home continent, but also here in the states as it’s exposure grew over the course of a few years. And lastly, as we dive headfirst into our spoiler section, Logan and I talk about Matthew 6 and how people bear fruit based upon where they lay their treasures. Are their treasures collected and cherished on Earth, or are they looking beyond the horizon of mortality on the promise of God’s goodness and the New Earth? For the treasures we set our eyes upon, those treasures we worship. You’d be surprised how great Train to Busan expresses this reality through two pivotal characters. Train to Busan is Rated TV-MA . There is no certificate, so here's a custom certificate: Strong bloody violence and intense sequences throughout, disturbing images, and language. It features Gong Yoo, Ma Dong-seok, Jung Yu-mi, Choi Woo-shik, Ahn So-hee, Kim Soo-an, Kim Eui-sung, and choi Gwi-hwa. Directed by Yeon Sang-ho. Train to Busan is currently available on Amazon Prime . Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.
Bonus · Sun, October 04, 2020
TT: WandaVision, Dune, The Mandalorian Season Two
Send us a Question! TRAILER TALK: First off, Carter and I dig into WandaVision , the first new property to release in the much-loved Marvel Cinematic Universe! Carter and I dig into the mystery surrounding this strange trailer that seems to only give us just enough without giving us too much , but what we get is awesome. A weird, pseudo retro sitcom with superheroes trying to fit in, paired alongside some typical Sci-Fi fighting action? Sounds great! Then, we take a look at Warner Bros. next big blockbuster, Dune! First things first, we see whether or not Carter or I have actually read the classic sci-fi novel of the same name, and then fangirl over virtually everything about this trailer from the somber and petrifying themes, unbelievable cast, and Director Denis Villeneuve. We also get into a great conversation regarding content awareness, and supporting content creators who, in the past, have done some questionable or sinful things. ( UPDATE : As of recording this episode, the release date has changed for Dune from December 2020 to October 2021) Then, lastly, we go wild talking about the upcoming Star Wars property that everyone loves, The Mandalorian , and we go right into our excitement for Season two, speculate on what we see in the trailer and put forth our hopes for what we’ll see in this upcoming season. Then, we decide on which of these projects we’re most excited for, so stick around to the end to hear where we land! Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E64 · Wed, September 30, 2020
Tenet - w/ film_junkie_reviews in the Predestination Episode
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: There’s this running gag in film communities about how if you join a film course in college and the teacher asks everyone their favorite director, 9 out of 10 students will answer Nolan or Tarantino. It’s a little cynical, since mostly the joke is aimed at people who cinephiles would say “like movies” but don’t really “watch movies”. In other words, they check out tentpole films and blockbusters but they’re not really digging into the community that much. That’s all well and good, and honestly both Nolan and Tarantino have some great movies, so it’s not a bad thing! But that’s just two of many great directors out there, so I always find it a bit comical. Granted, one of my favorite movies of 2019 was Once Upon a Time in Hollywood , so I guess I’m falling into the trap, too! Jokes aside, we’re just glad to be talking about another Nolan flick. He has a unique and easily recognizable style, and Carter and I dig right into that from the start. Through-out our spoiler free discussion, you can hear us talk about his tactical-spy-thriller with a sci-fi twist, it’s absurd level of complexities, and how the film's generally great qualities are undermined by one detrimental issue. Then, join us for some spoiler-free trivia that details various aspects of production, from a funny story with Robert Pattinson talking to Christopher Nolan about his role, as well as the very Nolan-esque way actors were permitted to read the script for Tenet . Then, in our last section, Carter and I talk about various spoilers within the movie, try to make sense of its extremely complex plot, and discuss a contentious topic among Christians: the doctrine of Predestination. Tenet is Rated PG-13 for violence and intense action. It features John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, and Kenneth Branagh. Directed by Christopher Nolan. Tenet is currently in theaters. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: <a href='https://ww
S1 E63 · Wed, September 16, 2020
She Dies Tomorrow - Anxiety is Infectious, Sympathy is Key
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Hey guys, just wanted to let you know this episode delves into a very difficult topic, including content that might otherwise be uncomfortable, offensive, and triggering to those listening. As such, I have marked this episode explicit in the shownotes. In this episode, Daniel and I take some time setting the groundwork for this tonally challenging film, giving you some details on the content within. It may seem a bit abrasive, but we promise we wouldn’t be covering the movie if it weren’t tame. Then, Daniel and I get into our immediate, non-spoilery thoughts regarding the films expression of anxiety, and how different characters exhibit different responses to anxiety. Following this, we chat about a small cameo that horror fans will enjoy when watching She Dies Tomorrow . Afterward, we dig into spoilers and talk about the more nuanced themes and projections of anxiety and how certain characters resolve their struggles, and how Daniel and I as Christians believe it’s important to recognize and sympathize with those who have anxiety, as well as approaching it with the confidence that, in Christ, there are eternal and practical solutions to battling anxiety. She Dies Tomorrow is Rated R for language, some sexual references, drug use and bloody images. It features Kate Lyn Sheil, Jane Adams, Katie Aselton, Chris Messina, Kentucker Audley, Tunde Adebimpe, and Jennifer Kim. Directed by Amy Seimetz. She Dies Tomorrow is available to rent or buy on VUDU . Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Wed, September 09, 2020
TT: The Batman, Zack Snyder's Justice League, WW84
Send us a Question! TRAILER TALK: First up, the excitement of a new Batman movie gets Daniel and I talking about martial arts, various practices, and our hands-on experience in self-defense. Then, we discuss the new Wonder Woman 84 trailer, how this latest marketing bid left Daniel and me a tad unimpressed, and the skeleton in the closet that is Wonder Woman’s initial comic-book conception. Afterward, we discuss the mythical Snydercut , or as is now officially titled, Zack Snyder’s Justice League , and see what it is about this official sneak peak at Zack Snyder’s supposed original vision for the Justice League. And, we also dig into the curious nature of Schrodinger’s Movie, or as Daniel digs into it further, how the Snydercut movie inside our head might actually be better then what we see next year on HBOmax. And, after being inspired for a few minutes to talk about martial arts after watching Batman fight a guy in his latest trailer, Daniel and I chat about The Batman . Daniel turns total fangirl and expresses his unbelievable excitement for the movie, while I worry that the scenes we see in the trailer might not actually make it into the final film due to a few key factors. Lastly, we look at the trailer for You Cannot Kill David Arquette , which is entirely a movie that Daniel would be excited for, and because we’re good friends I wanted to give him some time to flex his wrestling knowledge with us. By the way, the history behind this documentary sounds fascinating, so stick around and hear Daniel tell us everything he knows! Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E62 · Thu, August 27, 2020
An American Pickle - Two Seth Rogans for the Price of One!
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our patron supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! 2020 has been a year where new movies are a hard to come by. But, as cinephiles persevere, more movies arrive! This time around, we’re checking out a new Seth Rogan led comedy where we have not one but two Seth Rogan’s to enjoy. Whether you think that’s the best thing in the world or the absolute worst , well, I guess that’s up for you to decide! Even so, Daniel and I head into our discussion on An American Pickle by starting out with some straight-A cringe. Then, we go right into our immediate experience with An American Pickle and how it was my comfiest movie experience in a while. Then, Daniel shares some frustration over how An American Pickle could have been a much better movie, but still stepped away with a few nuggets of joy. Then, after our Trivia section which includes some fun behind-the-scene special FX tidbits, we dig into the meat of An American Pickle (or, the salty brine) and take an intensive look at its often unsuccessful but somewhat chuckle-worthy comedy, as well as discuss the films commentary on a family's legacy against modern Jewish culture. An American Pickle is Rated PG-13 for some language and rude humor. It features Seth Rogan and Sarah Snook. Directed by Brandon Trost. An American Pickle is available on HBOmax . Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E61 · Fri, August 21, 2020
A Ghost Story - On Time, Grief, and Interpreting Media
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: We’ve been covering an obscene amount of Disney productions lately what-with the Marvel films and two Disney Plus exclusives – Hamilton and Stargirl respectively – so I think it’s safe to say we’re ready to move away from Disney for a while. Or, as long as we can, because Disney clearly has a hold on the market. We’ll inevitably get back to it, but we want to head into more independent and creative atmospheres, and that’s where A Ghost Story comes in. In this episode of the podcast, you’ll get a chance to hear how Daniel and I initially reacted to the trailer for A Ghost Story back in 2017 (you know, seeing an atmospheric, visually stunning film with a man wearing a sheet-ghost costume). After that, you’ll hear about Daniel’s excellent theater experience with a random stranger. Then I dig into how a scene emotionally destroyed me, and how A Ghost Story uses simple yet prolonged sequences to produce strong emotions. Among those emotions, we discuss how, for a lot of people, laughter seemed to be a predominant reaction to a lot of scenes that take place in A Ghost Story . And finally, Daniel and I dig into the concept of interpretation, and how certain art-pieces are created to provoke emotions or feelings, and less concerned with giving definitive answers. A Ghost Story is Rated R for brief language and a disturbing image. It features Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara. Directed by David Lowery. A Ghost Story is currently available on Netflix . Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack <a href='https://ins
S1 E60 · Mon, August 17, 2020
Stargirl - Discussing Adaptions and Christ's Joy in Kindness
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Earlier in 2020, Disney Plus gained a new PG-Rated addition in Stargirl , the film adaption of Jerry Spinelli’s much-loved 2000 young-adult fiction novel of the same name. Having found a copy of novel at a used book store, I figured I’d read it, text my sister about doing the same, and the two of us could take some time to chat about the film adaption, as well as the book, here on the podcast. So, as we get things underway, we contextualize our experience with the film adaption of Stargirl by talking briefly about the book. Afterward, we dive headfirst into talking about the movie and - while we try to keep our book-to-film comparisons light - most readers will sympathize with our experience that, sometimes, the book really is better . However, we do spend some time talking about how both the film adaption and the source material stay largely true to the same theme, that sometimes you have to make a decision: In your actions, whose affection are you seeking, and which do you value more? Afterward, knowing that’s the theme of the story, we easily head into a biblical discussion about the affections we as Christians have for Christ, how those affections may divide our relationships with others, and what makes Christ worth it. Stargirl is Rated PG for mild thematic elements. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Tue, August 04, 2020
MMN: Ambler Theater Interview, Supporting Local Venues, Tenet Codependency
Send us a Question! MONTHLY MOVIE NEWS: Our first segment is an interview with the Ambler Theater , a local venue in my area to hear about their story during COVID-19, how they’ve responded to it, how it’s affected their community, and how people can help. While you’ll be hearing about how things are being handled in my community, I hope that it’s a helpful jumpstart to how you can begin thinking about your local community and how you can help. Immediately after, Carter and I will discuss what’s heard in the interview and share how the two of us have been able to engage our community theaters and screenings during a time where it’s so difficult to visit them. Following this, Carter leads us into the symbiotic relationship between Theater re-openings and Tenet delays, and we discuss a few factors in play that make this story so important. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Ambler Theater Website: https://amblertheater.org/ Film_Junkie_Reviews Instagram: https://bit.ly/FilmJunkieReviews Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E59 · Wed, July 29, 2020
Hamilton - w/ Chris Staron in Total Geek Out
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our patron supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Chris Staron is the creator of Truce , the award-winning Christian podcast that looks at history to deep dive into the Christian Church. You’re going to hear more about him and his work when you press that play button - and all of it is such good stuff - but my goodness , after hearing his podcast, I just had to have him on the show! In fact, the latest episodes of Truce, as of this recording, have been on the founding fathers and other important aspects of American history, so it made sense to have him on for our Hamilton episode! For starters, Chris shares his absolute love for Hamilton , and how he’s been a huge fan since it toured! We also dig into its questions on legacy, pride, and the unique benefit to having a story span many years. Then, we run headfirst into some fascinating trivia I collected for this episode, which sparks some great conversations on cut content and cultural impact. Afterward, Chris shares some historical inaccuracies that give insight into the way Lin-Manuel Miranda refined the flow of his play. And finally, I ask Chris what he thinks about the criticism helmed against Hamilton for its somewhat ironically titled ' whitewashing ' of the founding fathers. Hamilton is Rated PG-13 for language and some suggestive material. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Truce Podcast Website: https://trucepodcast.com/ Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E58 · Fri, July 24, 2020
The Avengers - w/ ShatterCast in a Phase One Finale and Retrospective
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Longtime listeners of the Cinematic Doctrine podcast may recognize the names Derrick Whitmore and John Weiand. In July of 2019, I was in Florida visiting Derrick about his non-profit organization Shattered Studios . During that trip, I appeared in an episode of their Christian pop-culture podcast ShatterCast discussing Spider-Man: Far From Home . You can find the episode on their YouTube channel for ShatterCast and, apart from seeing what I look like in real life, you’ll also catch a glimpse of what Derrick and John do at Shattered Studios. Considering they invited me on their show to chat a Marvel film, I figured it only made sense to invite Derrick and John from ShatterCast to chat another Marvel film with me, and what better film than the one that convinced us this Marvel Cinematic Universe thing was going to be a real juggernaut: The Avengers ! So, travel back to 2012 with Derrick, John, and me as we talk about revisiting this genre-defining and, dare I say, industry-defining movie . Then, listen in as we think through Phase Two and Three, as well as figure out which Marvel villains are our favorite. Then, Derrick’s got some hot takes to share - or as he calls them, “small gripes” - regarding a few strange things in The Avengers . And finally, hear what each of us thinks about The Avengers' pervasive themes of unity, teamwork, and fighting for justice no matter what! The Avengers is Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action throughout, and a mild drug reference. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Shattered Studios: http://www.shatteredstudios.net/ Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E57 · Wed, July 15, 2020
Captain America: The First Avenger - Half Pure, Half Schlock
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: In case you didn’t already notice, Cinematic Doctrine has been going through Phase One of the MCU , and while you’ll see we took a momentary break to discuss our Patreon-voted episode on America Gospel: Christ Alone , as well as catch up on our monthly segments Trailer Talk and Monthly Movie News , we returned with a discussion on Thor and are now getting closer and closer to The Avengers. But first, here we are, ready to talk about one more film before the big climax: Captain America: The First Avenger . In this episode, Daniel and I talk about how Captain America: The First Avenger’s first hour has a lot of fun, clever, and poignant character drama mixed in with creative action sequences only to boil into the second hour of… something completely different. Then we take a look at the history of the MCU and how it came into being (you know, some behind the scenes stuff), and how Captain America: The First Avenger feels like the last of those early-era films before fully embracing the Disney-Marvel writing room. Then, Daniel brings to light some fascinating Easter Eggs that permeates throughout the entirety of the film, as well as a few that have some comedic ramifications throughout both the film franchise and Marvel television programs. Also, and we’re not apologizing about this, we have a brief X-Men tangent somewhere in the middle of the episode, so look forward to that! Captain America: The First Avenger is Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links:
S1 E56 · Wed, July 08, 2020
Thor - w/ Brad Bates and Asking if the Past Defines Us
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: As I’ve become more engaged in Christian podcasting communities I’ve come to enjoy finding new podcasts that really speak to me, and The Angry Christian Podcast is one such show that’s kept my interest. While one might think The Angry Christian Podcast is nothing more than some bent-outta-shape Christians complaining about life’s inconveniences, it’s the opposite! It’s Christians fighting for the fruit of the Spirit amidst angering and difficult times, and because of their willingness to talk culturally difficult topics, I knew inviting Brad Bates on to the Cinematic Doctrine podcast was a no-brainer. First, Brad and I share our somewhat confused thoughts on the tone of Thor as it balances between science-fantasy epic and fish-out-of-water romance. Then we deconstruct Thor's character arc from the arrogant prince of Asgard to the somewhat less arrogant prince of Asgard. And finally, we think about the difficult question of birth-right, and whether our past ultimately defines our future, and what that means for us as Christians. Thor is Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence. It features Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Stellan Skarsgård, Kat Dennings, Clark Gregg, Idris Elba, and Colm Feore. Directed by Kenneth Branagh. Thor is available on Disney Plus . Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc The Angry Christian Podcast: https://eagerfortruth.com/ Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Sat, July 04, 2020
MMN: VOD, Masks in Theaters, Gone with the Wind
Send us a Question! MONTHLY MOVIE NEWS: Like our recently revived Trailer Talk monthly segment, Daniel and I decided to use this time for Monthly Movie News to involve a bit more than simply news from the month of June… Because it’s been several months since our last episode. Our first topic on the docket is the booming trend of Video-on-Demand popularity. With movies like Trolls: World Tour , Capone , and many others seeing success skipping the theaters and landing on streaming services such as Amazon Prime and Vudu, more out of necessity than anything, Daniel and I contemplate what these changes in the industry may mean for movies as a whole, whether they’ll remain permanent as things return to, quote-unquote, normal, and if we can see certain companies regretting their over-commitment to VOD services. Then we get into the contentious topic of mask-wearing, as theater chains AMC and Cinemark demand visitors to wear masks to their properties when they eventually open (as that date seems to change depending on the week you’re in). We also talk about the strange politicization of mask-wearing, because Lord knows two Christian cinephiles in your podcast app are the most qualified to have that discussion. And finally, Daniel and I dive headfirst into yet another contentious topic: contextualized racism. Warner Brothers were recently under fire for temporarily removing the popular Gone with the Wind for the purpose of contextualizing racist attitudes and depictions within the film. The two of us dig into the nuanced discussion surrounding historical recontextualization because, again, we’re Christian cinephiles and Lord knows we’re the most qualified to have this conversation. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Wed, July 01, 2020
TT: The King's Man, Bill & Ted 3, Connected
Send us a Question! TRAILER TALK: Welcome back to Trailer Talk ! Cinematic Doctrine’s monthly segment in which my cohost Daniel and I talk about trailers that released in the past month. At least, that was our typical practice… but everything shut down mid-March, Daniel’s work-week skyrocketed, and I got super sick… Plus, movie trailers stopped coming out. Until now! 3.5 months later, Daniel and I have been able to accrue enough movie trailers to return with a proper, well-deserved Trailer Talk , and we’re really happy to get the ball rolling again. First, we dive into Connected , the upcoming Sony Animation picture film. We talk about the excitement of seeing another Sony animated feature that embraces the creativity of their previous successful film, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse , while approaching that creativity with a generational film about a family struggling with technology. Then we talk about The Kings Man , the latest in bombastic and violent Kingsmen films that takes us back to the origin of secret organization. Daniel shares his fond experiences with The Kingsmen franchise, while I tell you what my mom thinks of this franchise. After that, we look at the much-anticipated Bill & Ted Face the Music , the long-awaited sequel to Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey that has been in the works for years! We talk about our cautious excitement, build upon why we feel this will turn out well, but also think about the value of comedy in an ever-changing culture. And finally, the last trailer we talk about is Peninsula , or as has been advertised here in the west: Train to Busan Presents: Peninsula . Set within the world of the popular Korean film Train to Busan , Peninsula takes us back to the zombie-infested country of Korea. Daniel shares, yet again, his cautious excitement for this amped up semi-sequel to one of his favorite movies. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads <a href='https://cinematicdoc
Bonus · Mon, June 29, 2020
Quarantine Binge: What We've Been Watching
Send us a Question! BONUS EPISODE: So this was a segment originally intended for June 2020’s Monthly Movie News where Daniel and I start the episode by giving you a quick catch-up on what we’ve been doing, watching, all that jazz, now that we’re able to get back into a steady rhythm of recording. However, the two of us ( and by two of us, I mean Daniel) went a little long talking about all the movies and shows we’ve been watching, as well as sharing our motivation for what we’ve been watching during such a, keyword incoming , unprecedented time. From listing off every single movie I’ve watched from March till July to Daniel sharing his fascination with the WWE, his traumatic experience watching Tom Hooper’s Cats , and his frustration with Christian-outrage culture toward a particular Disney animated film, we hope you enjoy this little bonus episode. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E55 · Tue, June 23, 2020
American Gospel: Christ Alone - Challenging, Empowering, Overwhelming
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our patron supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! American Gospel: Christ Alone has been a word-of-mouth juggernaut in Christian circles both online and offline. I remember the impact it had on social media Reformed groups back in 2018, and I even remember when my pastor was recommending it at the pulpit during morning announcements. It was crazy. Now, in 2020, it’s landed on Netflix and you would think it was American Gospel: Christ Alone’s second coming, as groups online and offline have been praising its successes. Through-out the episode we talk about balancing an appropriate appreciation of the documentary alongside healthy critique, how American Gospel: Christ Alone has both an excitement and frustration within its response to the prosperity gospel, and in our closing section, which runs quite long this time around, Daniel shares at length his first-hand experience with the prosperity gospel, and reveals how deep its damaging roots have entered the American culture. Featuring talking heads with Matt Chandler, Paul Washer, and Benny Hinn's nephew Costi Hinn, American Gospel: Christ Alone explores the core question of Christianity - “What is the Gospel?” - and juxtaposes the gospel proposed in Scripture against the gospel proposed by popular western televangelists. In doing so, it shines a light on real-life accounts from several prosperity gospel survivors and the dangers that lurk around every corner when misunderstanding and twisting the word of God for monetary gain. American Gospel: Christ Alone is Rated TV-PG . IMDB doesn’t have a detailed certificate, so I’m going to run off what Netflix describes in their certificate: suicide, substances, and language. It features Costi Hinn, Paul Washer, Matt Chandler, Mark Dever, Justin Peters, Kenneth Copeland, Benny Hinn, Bill Johnson, and Todd White. Directed by Brandon Kimber. American Gospel: Christ Alone is currently available on Netflix . Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review </l
S1 E54 · Tue, June 16, 2020
Iron Man 2 - w/ Caleb Young and Enjoying Things that Stink
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: As Cinematic Doctrine works our way through reviewing Phase One of the Marvel Cinematic Universe , we couldn’t help but bring back Caleb to talk about Iron Man 2 , which at the time of release was the highly anticipated sequel to 2008’s total breakout film, Iron Man . Caleb hails from The Polymath Roundtable , a semi-weekly Christian podcast that produces bite-sized reviews and topical discussions on all sorts of media. Some episodes he is talking about movies , other’s he’s discussing books , and at other times he’s looking at video games . It’s well-rounded and often balanced pursuit makes for easy listening on your daily drive for when you need some good Christian thoughts on all kinds of topics. And with Caleb’s return, we eagerly looked forward to talking about the divisive Iron Man 2 . Right off the bat, we start talking about how our thoughts on the film don’t seem to be the same as everyone else’s. In fact, we both really enjoyed Iron Man 2 . And this led to a great discussion on enjoying something that’s not only divisive but has a difficult history, as those who followed the production of Iron Man 2 may recall. The Lord kept us on that topic as we question the value of using products that come from a problematic history, or engaging media produced by people whose sin has been made public. It may sound like we get a bit off track, but I implore you to keep listening because I think it’s the kind of discussion we should be having. Looking at the history of the media we watch is as important as the media we watch. Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! Iron Man 2 is Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, and some language. It features Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, Mickey Rourke, Samuel L. Jackson, and Clark Gregg. Directed by Jon Favreau. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http
S1 E53 · Wed, June 10, 2020
The Incredible Hulk - A Strange Anomaly in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Funnily enough, Daniel and I recorded this a few weeks ago and had stepped away disappointed. We felt it wasn’t very good, but when you have deadlines to meet you gotta do with what you have. Then I started editing the episode and thought to myself, “You know what, this episode isn’t that bad!” So there you have it. Quote me on it! This episode isn’t that bad! I’m, of course, joking around. It really did turn out well, but the circumstances of recording were difficult. I had just gotten over being sick, Daniel had been awake for well over 24 hours… it was amazing we ever recorded at all. But God took care of everything, as it were, and the conversation turned out well. From the start, we talk about what a strange experience The Incredible Hulk is, and how this anomaly is still considered canon in the Marvel Cinematic Universe despite having very little direct mentions or callbacks to the events of the film. We also contemplate how The Incredible Hulk functions as a stand-alone movie with little-to-no involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe at large, save for ridiculously small allusions that are easy to miss. And finally, we discuss the maturity of not just watching a movie, but laughing or mocking it, despite the time and effort many people have in making them. The Incredible Hulk is Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense action violence, some frightening sci-fi images, and brief suggestive content. It features Edward Norton, Liv Tyler, Tim Roth, William Hurt, and Tim Blake Nelson. Directed by Louis Leterrier. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E52 · Fri, June 05, 2020
Iron Man - w/ Caleb Young and Revisiting an Old Friend
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: We here at Cinematic Doctrine are happy to kick off a series of reviews on Phase One of the Marvel Cinematic Universe . From Iron Man to The Avengers , we’ll be looking at each film and discussing them one by one, and along the way we’ve decided to bring on a few guests from other Christian podcasts, starting with Caleb Young . Caleb hosts the popular Polymath Roundtable , a Christian podcast that produces bite-sized reviews and topical discussions on all sorts of media. Some episodes he is talking about movies, other’s he’s discussing books, and at other times he’s looking at video games. It’s well-rounded and often balanced pursuit makes for easy listening on your daily drive for when you need some good Christian thoughts on all kinds of topics. And so, with Cinematic Doctrine offering a larger format than bite-sized 20-minute episodes, Caleb and I had a lot of time to really dig into Iron Man . From the start, we discuss what it was like to revisit this modern classic in the comic-book film canon, as well as discuss a few issues we have with the film including, but not limited to, some surprisingly sensual sequences. We also discuss the stark themes of legacy and responsibility from the perspective of Tony Stark’s struggle with arrogance. And finally, we close out with an introspective discussion on what it means to be a film critic as we weigh the value of Iron Man both culturally and morally. Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! Iron Man is Rated PG-13 for some intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, and brief suggestive content. It features Robert Downey Jr., Terrence Howard, Jeff Bridges, and Gwyneth Paltrow, and Shaun Toub. Directed by Jon Favreau. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc The Polymath Roundtable: https://polymathroundtable.com/ Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads </li
S1 E51 · Sat, May 30, 2020
Tigertail - w/ film_junkie_reviews on Overcoming Pride and the Immigrant Experience
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our patron supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Tigertail released on Netflix around the beginning of that big worldwide event that I can't type out without algorithms blacklisting my website , and while there were two Netflix properties released around that time with the word “tiger” in it, Tigertail really got the short end of the stick. I guess when you get right down to it, the United States is far more interested in gawking at the bizarre characteristics of human depravity than watching a challenging film about immigration and growing up… but who am I to judge? Besides, I have Carter Bennett for that, and he can make all the judgments. Just kidding. I had completely forgotten that Tigertail and Tiger King released around the same time until now, and we recorded this episode a few days ago so I guess that was a missed opportunity for some good material. Oh well! Like I said, Carter Bennett is visiting with us yet again. You may remember him as the guest on our last Patron-voted movie discussion, I Am Legend . If you haven’t heard that one already, go give it a listen. If not, that’s cool too! Just be sure to check out Carter’s Instagram @ Film_Junkie_Reviews for some great Christian movie reviews. In this episode Carter and I talk about how Tigertail was a breath of fresh air after what was turning out to be a lackluster year for movies, what with the aforementioned worldwide event going on as of posting this episode. Then we talk about the difficulty of tackling past experiences and traumas in pursuit of becoming a better man while also recognizing the unique difficulties immigrants face in transitioning from one culture to another. And finally, Carter and I gauge the value of Tigertail as a steppingstone for learning about the immigrant experience. Tigertail is Rated PG for some thematic elements, language, smoking, and brief sensuality. It features Tzi Ma, Christine Ko, Hong-Chi Lee, Fiona Fu, Joan Chen, Kuei-Mei Yang, James Saito, Hayden Szeto, and Cindera Che. Directed by Alan Yang. Tigertail is available to stream on Netflix . Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter <b
S1 E50 · Sun, May 17, 2020
Samson - How My Wife Got Me To Watch This Despite Us Knowing Better
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: I’ve been bouncing around the idea of having Kathryn join me for an episode of Cinematic Doctrine for quite some time, and finally, a year since creating the podcast, the two of us have settled on a film to review together. Samson , or any Pureflix film for that matter, was not necessarily a film we ever thought we would jump on for this opportunity, but as you will hear later in the episode, the timing was surprisingly perfect. And with Samson streaming on Netflix, it only made sense for us to give it a go. Within this episode, we open with why we watched Samson of all things, followed by our general thoughts regarding the film. As one would suspect, we conveniently transition into discussing whether Pureflix’s Samson is biblically accurate, and how we feel about the film’s handling of the material. Not only that, but we also head into a discussion about the difficulty of adapting anything historical, let-alone biblical, and what can cause a biopic or historical adaption to risk bearing false witness. And lastly, as one can suspect, when discussing anything Pureflix, the two of us share our candid thoughts regarding the self-proclaimed wholesome and Christian film production company, and how their mission, as well as their subsidiary QualityFlix, may not be coming from a position of moral decency but actually capitalistic opportunity. Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! Samson is Rated PG-13 for violence and battle sequences. It features Taylor James, Caitlin Leahy, Billy Zane, Jackson Rathbone, Rutger Hauer, Lindsay Wagner, and Greg Kriek. Directed by Bruce MacDonald. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E49 · Mon, April 13, 2020
I Am Legend - w/ film_junkie_reviews on Will Smith, Zombies, and Community
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Just before calling the hiatus, I had Carter Bennett of Film_Junkie_Reviews join me on the Cinematic Doctrine podcast for a fun discussion of the popular Will Smith film, I Am Legend! Rather than have everyone, including Carter, wait a few weeks before the release of this episode, I figured I'd dredge up what energy I had during this quarantine to produce this last episode to its completion. Back-pain be darned to heck and back, I will get this episode out! So here it is in all its glory, and it sure was a fun one! From the get-go, Carter and I talk about what it was like to return to I Am Legend after spending so many years apart from it, the cultural impact it had upon its release, whether or not we're even Will Smith fans to begin with, and how I Am Legend paints an interesting picture of community - or the lack thereof it - despite stripping away so much of what seems apparent in the legacy of Richard Matheson's classic novel. And just a reminder, this will be the last episode of Cinematic Doctrine for quite some time. Patron Supporters will not be charged for the month of May. However, we are working behind the scenes to bring you new episodes after the hiatus. Tune in [SOMEDAY] for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! I Am Legend is Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence. It features Will Smith, Alice Braga, Charlie Tahan, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, and Willow Smith. Directed by Francis Lawrence. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CinDocInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Film_Junkie_Reviews Instagram: https://bit.ly/FilmJunkieReviews Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Faceb
S1 E48 · Tue, March 24, 2020
To All the Boys I've Loved Before - The Teen Drama/Dating/Romance Episode
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by my patron supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Out of the last few discussion episodes we’ve had here on Cinematic Doctrine , I must say going through this episode was a real treat. Prepping for this episode was a little difficult as the few discussion points we approached with To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before seemed as though they wouldn’t spark any worthwhile or meaty discussions. Now, I say that, and that’s after we did a discussion episode on Sonic the Hedgehog , so maybe I’m just being a little ridiculous ! Even so, we walked away from this episode discussion the clever creativity present within To All the Boys I've Loved Before , our high school experience and what makes high-school romantic-comedies relatable despite their hyperbole, and most interestingly, our thoughts on dating as Christians. This led to what might be my favorite discussion on the podcast so far, as it heads into the importance of learning to express oneself romantically while remaining biblically appropriate, discussing the importance of building a foundation for relationships to encourage healthy decision making, and how these thoughts and opinions on dating are largely counter-culture to the modern American-Christian lifestyle that kissed dating goodbye. All in all, my worries were pointless, and this episode turned out some extremely interesting and thought-provoking content. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is Rated TV-14 . It doesn’t have a detailed certificate, so here’s a Melvin certificate: mild sexual references and language. It features Lana Condor, Noah Centineo, Anna Cathcart, Madeleine Arthur, Israel Broussard, John Corbett, Janel Parrish, and Emilija Baranac. Directed by Susan Johnson. To All the Boys I've Loved Before is available on Netflix . Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine S
S1 E47 · Tue, March 17, 2020
Super Mario Bros. - w/ The Reformed Gamers and Reliving Trauma
Send us a Question! PARTY PLEASER: Logan Sharp of The Reformed Gamers has been an incredibly helpful guide during my podcasting venture. Apart from his many years of podcasting experience, his heart overflows with wisdom and knowledge that has helped me to understand deeper what it is to be a Christian engaging culture in such an explicit manner. And it's because of his strong kindness that I couldn't help but take advantage of it and demand we discuss one of the worst video game movies , if not the worst video game movie of all time , on the Cinematic Doctrine podcast. Yup, that's right, we're talking Super Mario Bros. , and after a year of successful video game movie releases ( Pokemon Detective Pikachu and Sonic the Hedgehog ), I felt it was good to ground ourselves and our expectations for the future. Sometimes... just sometimes... video game movies turn out horrendous. But also, it's their stereotypical failure that makes for hilariously good content, and in this joint episode of Cinematic Doctrine , you get to hear Logan and I try and figure out what the HECK the Super Mario Bros. movie is all about... and it just might break us... Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! Super Mario Bros. is Rated PG for sci-fi action, mild language and sensuality (although we here at Cinematic Doctrine would caution a PG-13 rating). It features Bob Hoskins, John Leguizamo, Dennis Hopper, Samantha Mathis, and Fisher Stevens. Directed by Annabel Jankel and Rocky Morton The Reformed Gamers Website: https://thereformedgamers.com/ Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Fri, March 13, 2020
Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives - Accessible and Amazing
Send us a Question! REPOST MOVIE REVIEW: Happy Friday the 13th! Yep, you guessed it, we're reviewing a Friday the 13th movie on Friday the 13th. Can't get enough Friday the 13th? Don't worry, there are far too many Friday the 13th movies, but for your own good, I picked out the best Friday the 13th movie to review! Jason Lives is not only a Friday the 13th film that doesn't assault your senses, but it's also a genuinely good roller-coaster-like film, and hopefully, I can convince you it's well worth a watch! Tune in Wednesday nights for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives is Rated R but has no detailed certificate. So, here's my here's my own certificate: Frightening images, violence and gore, brief sexual content, and language. It features Thom Mathews, Jennifer Cooke, David Kagen, and C.J. Graham. Directed by Tom McLoughlin. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CinDocInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Wed, March 11, 2020
MMN: Bob Iger & Disney Plus, Coronavirus and the Looming Writers Strike, Quibi
Send us a Question! MONTHLY MOVIE NEWS: For February 2020 Daniel and Melvin decided to talk about a hodgepodge of topics. In fact, this might be their most loose and casual episode to date. For starters, what begins as a discussion of Bob Iger’s recent choice to step down as CEO of Disney goes straight into a discussion on the Coronavirus and how COVID-19 has been affecting the film industry at large. Then they swing headfirst into a discussion over Disney Plus. For the foreseeable future, Bob Iger will oversee Disney Plus’s development, and to put things in perspective Daniel and Melvin discuss their experience with Disney Plus, how it’s fought to differentiate itself from the competition, and what sort of changes may happen in the months to come. They also take some time to discuss a potential Writers Strike that may hit the film industry in the near future, and look back to the writer’s strike of 2007 for some guidance on what to expect from such an event. And finally, because Melvin's been bugging Daniel about it for so long, they're going to talk about Quibi. What’s Quibi, you might ask? Just the strangest upcoming streaming service you’ve never heard of, and they're here to tell you about its bizarrely fascinating mission to be the most interesting yet miscalculated app to join the streaming wars! Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! // Monthly Movie News is a podcast/article released at the end of every month and contains a discussion of the month's most interesting, funniest, or ground-breaking movie-related news. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CinDocInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Fri, March 06, 2020
TT: Fast and Furious 9, Candyman, The Green Knight
Send us a Question! TRAILER TALK: In this episode of Trailer Talk , Dan and I look at February 2020 and talk about Candyman , the latest horror reboot slash pseudo-sequel that likely ignores all the previous films except the original in the Candyman franchise while still offering interesting commentary on western racial tensions, Spiral , the latest horror reboot slash pseudo-sequel that likely ignores all the previous films except the original in the Saw franchise while still offering interesting commentary on western racial tensions, The Green Knight , a dark fantasy film distributed by the ever consistent quality measure of A24 and our excitement over the promises offered in this stark, visually pleasing trailer, and finally F9 , or Fast and Furious 9 , or The Fast Saga , the latest in the never-ending Fast and Furious franchise, and Daniel’s unfettered excitement at another bonkers, absurd car movie where people defy the functional laws of creation and look cool while doing it. February 2020 gave us some interesting trailers, and by all accounts, these are really just some teaser trailers , but it’s amazing the wealth of information let alone effectiveness these trailers had on getting us pumped for some cool movies coming out this year. Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! // Trailer Talk is a podcast/article released at the end of every month and contains an informative and entertaining discussion of a month's trailers . Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Trailers: http://bit.ly/TT02-20CinDoc Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter FB: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc FB Group: http://bit.ly/CinDocFBGroup Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E46 · Thu, February 27, 2020
Contagion - Strangely Predictive (and Not Because of the Coronavirus)
Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE REVIEW: This movie was selected by my patron supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! During the early 2010s like most other teenagers, I had a fascination with zombies and the zombie sub-culture. If I wasn’t watching The Walking Dead , I was playing Left 4 Dead 2 nonstop with my friends on Xbox 360. I would watch zombie short films on YouTube and play tons of flash games on Kongregate.com in the zombie sub-category. All of this to say, when I went to see Contagion in theaters, I didn’t get it. I mean, I got it, it was a plague movie, but I didn’t get it. I thought it was slow. I thought it had too much talking. I thought there wasn’t enough action. And I also thought to myself, “Why bother making a plague movie without zombies?” And I know I’m far removed from who I was nearly 10 years ago, but my goodness was I off my rocker. I need to personally thank you, my patron supporters, for getting me to rewatch this movie because my goodness was I an idiot! There's so much we can talk about here, and I can't wait to get this review started! Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! Contagion is Rated PG-13 for disturbing content and some language. It features Gwyneth Paltrow, Tien You Chui, Josie Ho, Matt Damon, Griffin Kane, Laurence Fishburne, John Hawkes, and Jude Law. Directed by Steven Soderbergh. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E45 · Thu, February 20, 2020
Sonic the Hedgehog - A Messy Franchise, a Messy Film
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: In response to Daniel's message about doing a discussion episode for Birds of Prey I said, "That sounds great, but we haveta talk about Sonic the Hedgehog , too." Let me tell you, this was a blast to record! Daniel and I had some very interesting thoughts regarding the debut Hollywood feature film for the blue blur, and it's one of the most entertaining pieces of Cinematic Doctrine media you can find. Trust me! In this discussion episode, Daniel and I share fun stories about playing the Sonic video games, our immediate (and hilarious) takeaways from this bizarre film and how Jim Carrey steals the show, and whether it's wise to indulge a film as nothing more than candy or background noise. Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! Sonic the Hedgehog is Rated PG for action, some violence, rude humor, and brief mild language. It features Ben Schwartz, Tika Sumpter, Jim Carrey, and James Marsden Directed by Jeff Fowler Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/CinDocFBGroup Letterboxd: http://bit.ly/LetterboxdCinDocList Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Daniel's Twitter: @TomRhonda1 Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E44 · Fri, February 14, 2020
Birds of Prey - and the Fantabulous Discussion of One Christian Podcast
Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: A few weeks ago, Daniel sent me a text on Messenger: Hey man, I like Harley Quinn. Birds of Prey looks neat. Want to do a discussion episode? And now, here we are, Cinematic Doctrine’s first-ever film discussion episode! This will be very different to the typical movie reviews, or better yet, audio essays that Cinematic Doctrine has previously offered. However, a lot of the process going into this episode has remained the same. Daniel and I still did our research, we still prepared some talking points, we still approached Birds of Prey’s cultural talking points with a biblical perspective. Perhaps the biggest change you’ll notice between this episode and any other film-review offered from Cinematic Doctrine is that it will be far less eloquent. Even though, that’s fine. Most podcast aren’t eloquent. For this episode, Daniel and I will talk about our immediate thoughts on Birds of Prey and how it’s R-Rating might negatively impact its themes of women’s empowerment. We talk about its underwhelming opening weekend box office numbers and the many things keeping the Birds of Prey from taking flight. We dig into its connections with perhaps one of the worst superhero films ever made, Suicide Squad , and how that film may have impacted Birds of Prey in more negative ways than one. And finally, Daniel and I discuss the value of watching a film whose main character is a villain from start to finish, and lightly contrast that to last years breakout Comic Book movie Joker . Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn ) is Rated R for strong violence and language throughout, and some sexual and drug material. It features Margot Robbie, Rosie Perez, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Ella Jay Basco, Ewan McGregor, and Chris Messina Directed by Cathy Yan Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/CinDocFBGroup Letterboxd: http://bit.ly/LetterboxdCinDocList Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Daniel's Twitter: @TomRhonda1 Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: </p
Bonus · Thu, February 06, 2020
MMN: The Bizarre Legacy of the Golden Globes and How They're a Sham
Send us a Question! MONTHLY MOVIE NEWS: For their January 2020 episode of Monthly Movie News , Melvin and Daniel decide to dig head-first into the Golden Globes. Although they were almost a month ago, and the Oscars are literally happening in a matter of days, Daniel went deep-diving into some fascinating subjects regarding the Golden Globes. Throughout this episode, you’ll hear our deliberations on the results of the Golden Globes, the never-ending controversy surrounding them, their mysterious and borderline conspiracy-sounding history, and ultimately, whether or not they truly matter apart from being a manufactured scheme to sell more home-video copies of popular movies. It’s an amazing adventure as we navigate the value of award shows, whether the cultural definition of good is equal to the Christian definition of good, and how, despite all of this chit-chat, we still look forward to hearing the results of the award shows. Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! // Monthly Movie News is a podcast/article released at the end of every month and contains a discussion of the month's most interesting, funniest, or ground-breaking movie-related news. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Daniel's Twitter: @TomRhonda1 Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Tue, February 04, 2020
TT: A Quiet Place Part 2, Tenet, Morbius
Send us a Question! TRAILER TALK: In this episode of Trailer Talk , Dan and Melvin look at January 2020 and talk about A Quiet Place: Part II , and whether JJ Abrams is disappointed he didn’t get the chance to add A Quiet Place into the Cloverfield franchise, Tenet , and how Christopher Nolan is creative insofar as he’s allowed to have men wear suits and ties while talking somberly in an office building, Morbius , a movie that Melvin literally forgot they talked about and still can’t take seriously, and The New Mutants , which is honestly their most anticipated movie of 2018! January 2020 provided a very strange batch of trailers, and it's a common thread that, throughout their discussion, they're far more interested in what’s going on behind the scenes with these movies than the movies themselves. Sometimes, that’s where the better story is, but they're still hoping these movies turn out great. Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! // Trailer Talk is a podcast/article released at the end of every month and contains an informative and entertaining discussion of a month's trailers . Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Trailers: http://bit.ly/TT01-20CinDoc Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Daniel's Twitter: @TomRhonda1 Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E43 · Sat, February 01, 2020
First Reformed - Hope and Despair
Send us a Question! PATRON MOVIE REVIEW: This movie was selected by my patron supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! I remember seeing First Reformed in theaters with my wife. We were sitting in the middle of the theater and two older women were sitting way in the back. About 2/3rds into the film, when the strangest thing started to happen on screen, I over-heard one of the older women lean over to her friend and whisper, "Okay, it's lost me!" I think that's the best way to prepare anyone going into First Reformed . It's a strange movie, no doubt about that, and when you have writer/director Paul Schrader at the helm, it's a no-brainer to think things are going to get a little... cerebral. And when tackling a pastors struggle with his faith in a world that's falling apart, maybe cerebral is just what this story needs to make itself understood. So, thanks to my lovely Patrons, let's dig into First Reformed , and I'll let you know what I think of Paul Schrader's Oscar-nominated feature! Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! First Reformed is Rated R for some disturbing violent images. It features Ethan Hawke, Amanda Seyfried, Cedric the Entertainer, Victoria Hill, Philip Ettinger, Michael Gaston, and Bill Hoag. Directed by Paul Schrader Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/CinDocFBGroup Letterboxd: http://bit.ly/LetterboxdCinDocList Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E42 · Fri, January 24, 2020
A Hidden Life - Conscientious Objection and the Christian Walk
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: More often than not, when talking to other Christians who enjoy cinema they bring up Terrence Malick. In fact, when I visited Florida for a job opportunity, I had this exact thing happen to me. At the time, I hadn't seen a single Malick film, but I started to get some serious Malick FOMO when I saw The Tree of Life end up on a ton of "Best of the Decade" lists. Thankfully, I was near a theater showing A Hidden Life , the auteur's 10th film, and made it a priority to grab a ticket. Considering the premise of the film - the persecution of a man of faith who resists swearing allegiance to Hitler - I considered it a fairly appropriate film to review this week, so here we are. Let's dive in, and let me tell you what I thought about A Hidden Life! Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! A Hidden Life is Rated PG-13 for thematic material including violent images. It features August Diehl, Valerie Pachner, Maria Simon, Tobias Moretti, Ulrich Matthes, and Fanz Rogowski. Directed by Terrence Malick. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/CinDocFBGroup Letterboxd: http://bit.ly/LetterboxdCinDocList Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E41 · Fri, January 17, 2020
The Mandalorian (S1) - How Slow-Paced Character Building Isn't "Filler", You're Just Droning
Send us a Question! TV SHOW REVIEW: It’s finally here! The long-awaited first-ever live-action Star Wars series has landed. And, to everyone's surprise, both critics and general audiences love it! With a healthy percentage on Rotten Tomatoes, The Mandalorian is turning out to be a welcome success for Disney. As such, it's garnered plenty of social media engagement, dominating everything across the board with its precious cargo, Baby Yoda. Hilarious when considering the democratic debates were getting less online engagement thanks to an infant space alien. But, social media engagement is one thing. What matters is if The Mandalorian is any good. So, is it? Well, let's find out! Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! The Mandalorian is Rated TV-PG . It has no detailed certificate, so here's a Melvin certificate: Sci-fi action through-out, and brief mild language. It features Pedro Pascal, Carl Weathers, Gina Carano, Werner Herzog, Nick Nolte, Taika Waititi, and Giancarlo Esposito. Created by Jon Favreau. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Thu, January 09, 2020
MMN: Star Wars Production Rumors, Thoughts on The First Temptation of Christ
Send us a Question! MONTHLY MOVIE NEWS: Did you all have a wonderful December? Well, we're about a week into January, so we hope you did, and hopefully, your prospects for 2020 are looking good, because boy, do we have an episode for you! In this episode of Monthly Movie News , Daniel and Melvin take you on the journey of recording-so-late-they-missed-all-the-actual-news and actually-just-covering-controversial-stuff-because-it's-both-interesting-and-buzzworthy. Yup, you read that right (hyphens and all)! Things got a little busy at the end of December, and perhaps the best idea would have been to push this off until the end of January, but we love you guys, and we love what we're doing, so here we are! We're ready to talk to you about some rumored behind-the-scenes info on the latest Star Wars release, and a particularly inflammatory Netflix special. Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! // Monthly Movie News is a podcast/article released at the end of every month and contains a discussion of the month's most interesting, funniest, or ground-breaking movie-related news. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Daniel's Twitter: @TomRhonda1 Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Fri, January 03, 2020
TT: Black Widow, Wonder Woman 1984, Mulan
Send us a Question! TRAILER TALK: In this episode of Trailer Talk, Melvin and Dan look at the month of December and talk about No Time to Die , the latest James Bond Film, Ghostbusters Afterlife , and the concept of a franchise giving fans what they want, Black Widow , and their patient expectations, Wonder Woman 1984 , and how Melvin's growing tired of ‘80s nostalgia, Mulan – and whether or not it’s quality can overshadow its controversy, and the teaser trailer for A Quiet Place: Part II . This episode was recorded on December 19th, so toward the end, you’ll hear them sharing their predictive thoughts about the end of 2019, as far as movies are concerned, and you get to see if what they thought might happen, well, happened! Not only that, you get to hear their thoughts on the homogenization of film, and Daniel tasking you, the listener, with some homework! Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! // Trailer Talk is a podcast/article released at the end of every month and contains an informative and entertaining discussion of a month's trailers . Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Trailers: http://bit.ly/TT12-19CinDoc Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Daniel's Twitter: @TomRhonda1 Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E40 · Tue, December 31, 2019
A Quiet Place - Efficient Mom Horror
Send us a Question! PATRON MOVIE REVIEW: This movie was selected by my patron supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Perhaps one of the most talked-about movies of 2018, A Quiet Place took theaters by storm! Anyone and everyone were running out to catch this low-budget horror flick and it's all largely due in part to an excellent trailer campaign. I don't know about you, but I remember theaters treating the trailer for A Quiet Place with more reverence than the movie that would show afterward! And so, for this month's Patron-voted review, and the last episode of Cinematic Doctrine for the year, let's talk about A Quiet Place , it's effectiveness, and why I would consider it to be a part of a cheeky, new sub-genre of movie called Mom Horror! Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! A Quiet Place is Rated PG-13 for terror and some bloody images. It features Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Millicent Simmonds, and Noah Jupe. Directed by John Krasinski. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Facebook Page: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/CinDocFBGroup Letterboxd: http://bit.ly/LetterboxdCinDocList Mom Horror List: http://bit.ly/MomHorror Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E39 · Fri, December 27, 2019
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker - Let's Talk About Idol Worship
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: It's finally here! The conclusion to Disney's sequel trilogy has arrived, and it's time for the latest episode in the Skywalker saga to conclude 42-years of Star Wars films. And, as one would suspect, the disparity between critic and audience reception is as typical as ever. With a not-so-favorable percentage on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and a fairly positive response from audiences, The Rise of Skywalker is turning out to be another divisive Star Wars film across the community. Who would have guessed? Nonetheless, The Rise of Skywalker went on to make plenty of money in its opening weekend, dominating other films that debuted at the same time, not least of which was Tom Hooper's latest musical adaption, Cats (which barely made 5% of its projected budget). But, money is money is money. What matters is whether or not Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is any good. So, is it? Well, let's find out! Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is Rated PG-13 for sci-fi violence and action. It features Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Ian McDiarmid, Richard E. Grant, Domhnall Gleeson and Kelly Marie Tran. Directed by J.J. Abrams. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/CinDocFBGroup Letterboxd: http://bit.ly/LetterboxdCinDocList Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Thu, December 05, 2019
MMN: Feige Responds to Scorsese, James Dean Recast, Disney+
Send us a Question! MONTHLY MOVIE NEWS: November came and went and it's already time for the rush of Christmas shopping, so if your last thirty-some days were a blur, don't worry! Daniel and I are here to catch you guys up on some big film news that debuted over the last month. Not only that, we dig into some of the latest box-office news regarding the month of November which saw the release of Terminator: Dark Fate, Doctor Sleep, and Charlie's Angels followed up with Joker officially crossing the $1 billion mark. So press that play button and hear some candid thoughts from November's Monthly Movie News where Daniel and I talk about Kevin Feige's response to Martin Scorsese's recent opinion piece, the surprising news of James Dean's new casting, and whether or not Disney Plus' first month was worthwhile. Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! // Monthly Movie News is a podcast/article released at the end of every month and contains a discussion of the month's most interesting, funniest, or ground-breaking movie-related news. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Daniel's Twitter: @TomRhonda1 Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Mon, December 02, 2019
TT: Sonic the Hedgehog, Soul, Bad Boys for Life
Send us a Question! TRAILER TALK: We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! As you're headed back to work or buying Christmas presents, Daniel and I are here to give you some background to six new trailers that dropped during the month of November. From the much anticipated Sonic the Hedgehog redesign to two separate films hoping to start a shared cinematic universe, there sure were some interesting offerings last month. But what are you waiting for? Press that play button and let's get started with November 2019's Trailer Talk! Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! // Trailer Talk is a podcast/article released at the end of every month and contains an informative and entertaining discussion of a month's trailers . Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Trailers: http://bit.ly/TT11-19CinDoc Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Daniel's Twitter: @TomRhonda1 Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E38 · Thu, November 28, 2019
Black Christmas (1974) - A Response to the Sexual Revolution
Send us a Question! PATRON MOVIE REVIEW: This movie was selected by my patron supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Considered a proto-slasher along the likes of The Town that Dreaded Sundown , The Texas Chainsaw Massacre , and Psycho , we're nowhere near the holiday favorites of A Christmas Carol , A Christmas Story , or even Die Hard . Nope, this is Black Christmas , and we're getting our seasons greetings from Pi-Kappa-Sigma. This isn't your normal Christmas movie, and there's no guessing what's wrapped up under the tree, but why don't you go ahead and press that play button and I can give you a couple clues? (First clue: read the title!) Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! Black Christmas (1974) is Rated R . It has no detailed certificate, so here's my own certificate: Frightening images, violence and gore, brief sexual imagery, mild nudity, occasional vulgar speech, strong language, and crude humor. It features Olivia Hussey, Keir Dullea, Margot Kidder, Andrea Martin, and John Saxon. Directed by Bob Clark. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Letterboxd: http://bit.ly/LetterboxdCinDocList Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E37 · Thu, November 21, 2019
Lady and the Tramp (2019) - Uncanny Valley for Dogs
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: Disney+ is finally here, and no, I didn't watch The Mandalorian . Not yet, at least. I decided my time was better spent watching another shameless live-action remake of a beloved Disney classic. You know, because reasons! Cynicism aside, I plan on binge-watching The Mandalorian later this year, and since Disney+ debuted with a limited supply of new movies, I figured Lady and the Tramp would be a great film to start with. Although I must admit (and let's keep this between us...) , I haven't seen the 1955 original. I know, I know. It's practically a sin, but let's just call this review a nostalgia-free experience where I look at Charlie Bean's Lady and the Tramp with a clear lens. And, well, it sure was an experience. So, press that play button and let's get started! Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! Lady and the Tramp (2019) is Rated PG for some mild thematic elements and action/peril. It features Tessa Thompson, Justin Theroux, Sam Elliot, Thomas Mann, and Kiersey Clemons. Directed by Charlie Bean. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Letterboxd: http://bit.ly/LetterboxdCinDocList Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E36 · Wed, November 13, 2019
The King (2019) - Royalty and Responsibility
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: Released November 1st on Netflix, The King is a new take on Shakespeare's Henriad . Although, one would be forgiven for the immense tonal differences between the two, as screenwriter Joel Edgerton, who also performs as Falstaff in the film, decided it was best to pen the tale in a far more brooding, horrific image. Some might find this a stretch from the source material, if not also a historical departure on multiple fronts, and beg the question, "What's the point of all this?" But, dare I say it, I think that's the point . So, join me as we talk about David Michôd's latest film, The King! Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! The King is Rated R for some strong violence, and language. It features Timothée Chalamet, Joel Edgerton, Sean Harris, Ben Mendelsohn, and Robert Pattinson. Directed by David Michôd. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Letterboxd: http://bit.ly/LetterboxdCinDocList Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E35 · Thu, November 07, 2019
The Book of Eli - A Product of General Revelation
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: The Book of Eli is a strange film, to be sure. Released in January of 2010, Denzel Washington's post-apocalyptic samurai-like action flick seemed to shoot for the stars, and seemed to fall into the strangest of places: the Christian community. To this day, I occasionally hear chatter over the film among church-goers, and I've always found it a little interesting considering the violence within the film. Not that I've shied from watching violent flicks, as anyone who listens to this podcast knows, but it's always interested me that Christians talk about The Book of Eli among other church favorite films like The Princess Bride or the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Because of this, it was a no-brainer to give The Book of Eli a look on the Cinematic Doctrine podcast, so without further ado, press that play button and let's get into it! Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! The Book of Eli is Rated R for some brutal violence and language. It features Denzel Washington, Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis, Ray Stevenson, and Jennifer Beals. Directed by The Hughes Brothers. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Letterboxd: http://bit.ly/LetterboxdCinDocList Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Gamers Guide to the Galaxy Podcast #164: Gary Whitta: http://bit.ly/GGG164GaryWhitta Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Mon, November 04, 2019
MMN: Joker Aftermath, Martin Scorsese on Marvel, and Kevin Feige's Promotion
Send us a Question! MONTHLY MOVIE NEWS: October sure was a fascinating month for movies. Not only did we see the release of Todd Phillip's Joker , a long-awaited sequel in Zombieland: Double Tap , and the stateside release of Palme D'Or winner Parasite , we've had plenty of movie-related controversies break the month apart. The first few weeks were reserved entirely around worries of Joker's influence, while the last few weeks have seen a nonstop debate on whether or not we can call Marvel movies 'cinema'. Certainly, this was the perfect month to unveil a new segment on Cinematic Doctrine called Monthly Movie News . In it, my cohost Daniel and I take a look at some movie-related news we found interesting, entertaining, and worthwhile. Be sure to press that play button to hear our candid thoughts on the aftermath of the #1 Rated R movie Joker , Martin Scorsese's comments on the MCU (and whether or not he would consider producing a Neil Breen movie!), speculation regarding Kevin Feige's promotion over Marvel TV and Comics, and a few other choice stories that caught our attention in this debut episode of Monthly Movie News! Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! // Monthly Movie News is a podcast/article released at the end of every month and contains a discussion of the month's most interesting, funniest, or ground-breaking movie-related news. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Daniel's Twitter: @TomRhonda1 Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Fri, November 01, 2019
TT: The Rise of Skywalker, Dolittle, Birds of Prey
Send us a Question! TRAILER TALK: Starting with our first look at Warner Bros.' Birds of Prey trailer and offering us an official look at Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker , October's brought us quite an offering of new trailers for us to munch on. Whether you're enamored with theories surrounding all of these fascinating IP, or simply interested in hearing about a few new trailers from this month, Daniel and I are here to get you guys caught up on what's happening in the world of cinema! And, let us tell you, it's pretty crazy. Apart from the bizarre rumors surrounding Dolittle's production, or even how a film like The Turning is secretly a passion project, there is a lot of juicy stuff in this debut episode of Trailer Talk! Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! // Trailer Talk is a podcast/article released at the end of every month and contains an informative and entertaining discussion of a month's trailers . Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Trailers: http://bit.ly/TT10-19CinDoc Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Daniel's Twitter: @TomRhonda1 Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E34 · Fri, November 01, 2019
28 Days Later - Genre Defining, if Not a Little Flawed
Send us a Question! PATRON MOVIE REVIEW: This movie was selected by my patron supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! At this day and age, it's hard to imagine the zombie genre resurrecting in full force. Yet, interestingly enough, that was the same feeling surrounding the kitschy horror zombie genre prior to the release of 28 Days Later , a film often considered alongside the great Romero films of the late 60's early 70's. And, like with 28 Days Later , we could be one film away from a resurgence of brain-eating, flesh-rotting, gross-looking, culture-shocking zombie flicks. But until then, let's look back at what gives 28 Days Later it's staying power, and think about the fascinating concepts surrounding the genre from questionable ethics, to cultural interest! Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! 28 Days Later is Rated R for strong violence and gore, language and nudity. It features Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, Noah Huntley, Brendan Gleeson, and Christopher Eccleston. Directed by Danny Boyle Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Letterboxd: http://bit.ly/LetterboxdCinDocList Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E32 · Thu, October 17, 2019
Joker - Dangerously Cathartic
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: The Golden Lion is the most prestigious award a film can receive at Venice Film Festival and is regarded alongside the Palme D'Or and Golden Bear, the highest prize awards at the Cannes Film Festival and Berlin Film Festival respectively. This year, Joker won the Golden Lion and garnered an eight-minute standing ovation. Alongside immense critical praise, Joker has also seen its fare share of criticism. Considered irresponsible and even dangerous, Joker finds itself under flack for what others believe is too hyper-violent and cynical. So where does Joker actually land? Is it as ground-breaking as Venice Film Festival would have you believe, is it as unsafe as publications say it is or is it a bit of both? Or, maybe neither? Press that play button, and I'll letcha know! Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! Joker is Rated R for strong bloody violence, disturbing behavior, language and brief sexual images. It features Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen, and Zazie Beetz. Directed by Todd Phillips. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Letterboxd: http://bit.ly/LetterboxdCinDocList Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E31 · Fri, October 04, 2019
Halloweentown - I Can't Believe This Episode is 20 Minutes
Send us a Question! PATRON MOVIE REVIEW: This movie was selected by my patron supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon . Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! It's October! Finally! Time to bring out the creepy skeletons, spooky candles, and eat loads of candy! And what better way to start out this Spooky-Season than watching Halloweentown ? That's the thought-process of my Patron Supporters who, for the month of September, voted in a Patron-exclusive poll for me to review Halloweentown ! And you know what? That's awesome! So grab that pumpkin spice latte, toss on your sweatpants, get comfy, and get ready to go on a needlessly long adventure as I not only talk about Halloweentown as a movie, but also compare its modern depiction of magic against what we read about magic in Scripture (more specifically, Deuteronomy 18:9-11). Yeeeeeup. It sure is a weird episode, but it'll still be fun... right? Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine ! Halloweentown is Rated TV PG but has no detailed certificate. So, here's my own certificate: Frightening images, and mild violence. It features Debbie Reynolds, Judith Hoag, and Kimberly J. Brown. Directed by Duwayne Dunham. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Letterboxd: http://bit.ly/LetterboxdCinDocList Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E30 · Thu, September 26, 2019
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (S1) - Exceptional Creativity and Confidence
Send us a Question! TV SHOW REVIEW: Another world, another time! We're back at it again with The Dark Crystal , the Jim Henson Company's epic fantasy tale, and diving headfirst into the new Netflix series, and. it's. AMAZING! A dark and twisted tale, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance is not only frightening, menacing, and undeniably sinister, it's romantic, heart-warming, and awe-inspiring! It's the sort of show that only comes along every once in a while, the sort of creativity and majesty one can only dream of! By golly, you need to watch it! If you need some convincing, then press that play button, because I'm going to do my best to sell this to everyone I can. Trust me, it's worth it! Tune in Wednesday nights for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine ! The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance is Rated TV PG and contains a warning about flashing lights that may cause epileptic seizures, but has no detailed certificate otherwise. So, here's my own certificate: Violence, frightening images, and thematic elements. It features puppetry from Warrick Brownlow-Pike, Dave Chapman, Kevin Clash, Alice Dinnean, Damian Farrell, Louise Gold, Beccy Henderson, Nick Kellington, Helena Smee, Katherine Smee, Neil Sterenberg, Olly Taylor, and Victor Yerrid. It features voice work from Taron Egerton, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jason Isaacs, Simon Pegg, Benedict Wong, Mark Hamill, Andy Samberg, Ralph Ineson, Keegan-Michael Key, Awkwafina, Bill Hader, Mark Strong, Helena Bonham Carter, Alicia Vikander, and Natalie Dormer. Directed by Louis Leterrier. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E29 · Thu, September 19, 2019
The Dark Crystal - A Charming, Ancient Tale
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: Who doesn't love puppets? Well, I guess they can be pretty freaky at times, especially marionettes, but we're not here to talk marionettes, we're here to talk puppets! Well, okay, not really, we're here to talk The Dark Crystal , Jim Henson and Frank Oz's high-fantasy movie from 1982, the same Dark Crystal that just saw a prequel released on Netflix (but more on that in another episode!). We're here to review The Dark Crystal and its puppet magic, so why don't you press that play button and join me on an adventure in another world, and another time! Tune in Wednesday nights for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! The Dark Crystal is Rated PG but has no detailed certificate. So, here's my own certificate: mild violence and frightening images. It features voice acting and performances from Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Kathryn Mullen, and Dave Goelz, and Stephen Garlick. Directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Letterboxd: http://bit.ly/LetterboxdCinDocList Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E28 · Fri, September 13, 2019
Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives - Accessible and Amazing
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: Happy Friday the 13th! Yep, you guessed it, we're reviewing a Friday the 13th movie on Friday the 13th. Can't get enough Friday the 13th? Don't worry, there are far too many Friday the 13th movies, but for your own good, I picked out the best Friday the 13th movie to review! Jason Lives is not only a Friday the 13th film that doesn't assault your senses, but it's also a genuinely good roller-coaster-like film, and hopefully, I can convince you it's well worth a watch! Tune in Wednesday nights for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives is Rated R but has no detailed certificate. So, here's my here's my own certificate: Frightening images, violence and gore, brief sexual content, and language. It features Thom Mathews, Jennifer Cooke, David Kagen, and C.J. Graham. Directed by Tom McLoughlin. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Letterboxd: http://bit.ly/LetterboxdCinDocList Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E27 · Thu, September 12, 2019
IT Chapter Two - A Boring, Repetitive Snooze-Fest
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: It's been 27 years, and the Loser's Club is back in Derry, Maine to fulfill their promise. "If It comes back, we come back to kill it." But, strangely enough, nobody can remember why they left, nor a single thing from their childhood. To defeat It once and for all, the gang must remember their past to save the future. IT: Chapter Two is the highly-anticipated conclusion to 2017's IT , featuring an A-list cast of young and old stars alike. Tune in Wednesday nights for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! IT: Chapter Two is Rated R for disturbing violent content and bloody images throughout, pervasive language, and some crude sexual material. It features Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, Bill Hader, Isaiah Mustafa, Jay Ryan, James Ransone, Bill Skarsgård, Jaeden Martell, Wyatt Olef, Jack Dylan Grazer, Finn Wolfhard, Sophia Lillis, Chosen Jacobs, and Jeremy Ray Taylor. Directed by Andy Muschietti. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Letterboxd: http://bit.ly/LetterboxdCinDocList Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E26 · Wed, September 11, 2019
IT (2017) - A Satisfying Adaption of an Ambitious Novel
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: IT destroyed box office records, solidifying the power of a well crafted R-rated horror blockbuster and reminded everyone of Stephen King's prolific storytelling. And while this isn't the first adaption of the over-one-thousand paged epic, it has become an absolute favorite for many. I mean, goodness, who doesn't love a good coming-of-age story where a bunch of kids fight an insane clown? Tune in Wednesday nights for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! IT is Rated R for violence/horror, bloody images, and for language. It features Finn Wolfhard, Jack Dylan Grazer, Jaeden Martell, Wyatt Oleff, Sophia Lillis, Jeremy Ray Taylor, and Bill Skarsgård. Directed by Andy Muschietti. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Letterboxd: http://bit.ly/LetterboxdCinDocList Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E25 · Wed, September 04, 2019
Cloverfield - One Big Giant Mystery
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: It's May 22nd, 2008, and Rob's friends are throwing him a party. He just received a huge promotion, and soon he'll be in Japan far away from New York's troubles and woes. But sooner, rather than later, it seems everything's been put on hold when an explosion shakes Manhattan island from north to south. Things only get worse when Rob and his friends learn there's a giant monster rampaging down central park. Something about Cloverfield has kept the attention of fans for years. Maybe it's the found-footage film-making, maybe it's the never-ending questions that parade its audience from start to finish, or maybe people just like giant monster movies. Whatever the case, it's here to stay, and I couldn't help myself from rewatching this modern classic kaiju film for the podcast! Tune in Wednesday nights for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine ! C loverfield is Rated PG-13 for violence, terror and disturbing images. It features Michael Stahl-David, Jessica Lucas, Lizzy Caplan, and T.J. Miller. Directed by Matt Reeves. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Letterboxd: http://bit.ly/LetterboxdCinDocList Website: CinematicDoctrine.com PopTheo Cloverfield Episode : http://bit.ly/PopTCloverfield Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E24 · Thu, August 29, 2019
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood - For the Times They Are a-Changin'
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: Rick Dalton has reached his peak, and it's all downhill from here. Nobody cares that he was a part of a #1 serialized western. That's old news. Now he's just an extra, a star that's bounced around shows to bring in viewers and grow the ego of new, younger stars. He knows it's not long until he's nothing but an old memory in the minds of the world, and that terrifies him. Tune in Wednesday nights for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine ! Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is Rated R for language throughout, some strong graphic violence, drug use, and sexual references. It features Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, and Margaret Qualley. Directed by Quentin Tarantino. Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc Letterboxd: http://bit.ly/LetterboxdCinDocList Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@Gmail.com Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E23 · Sun, August 18, 2019
The Boys (S1) - A Revealing Picture of Western Culture
Send us a Question! TV SHOW REVIEW: Cinema is crawling with them. You can't escape them. Superheroes are everywhere, and their mythos has gone from strictly nerd culture to passive general knowledge. From grand selfless acts to amazing feats of strength, a superhero represents truth and justice the world over. And yet, we live in a world that feels sick, hopeless, and cynical. 'Things can't get worse than they already are, because they're already the worst they've been.' That sort of attitude permeates the culture around us, and at times, it's so painfully aggressive, we can't help but think the same. Where does this worldview come from, and why do we resonate so well with it? The Boys contains a harsh reality where hope and faith seem elementary, but that's not all it harbors. There's something smart about The Boys , and it's begging to be talked about. Cinematic Doctrine is testing out a new release schedule, but you can still expect episodes to release on Wednesday. The Boys is Rated TV-MA . It contains nudity, sexual content, violence/gore, and pervasive and provocative language. I recommend reading the IMDB Parent's Guide . It features Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty, Dominique McElligott, Jessie T. Usher, Laz Alonso, Chace Crawford, Tomer Capon, Karen Fukuhara, Nathan Mitchell, and Elisabeth Shue. Created by Eric Kripke, Evan Goldberg, and Seth Rogan. Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Facebook: bit.ly/FBCinDoc Email: CinematicDoctrine@gmail.com ShatterCast Guest Appearance: bit.ly/ShatterCastSpiderManCinDoc Christian Sexual Assault Resources: thewartburgwatch.com /// spiritualsoundingboard.com RAINN Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673 Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E22 · Wed, August 14, 2019
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark - Fun, Preteen Horror
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: I have fond memories of reading Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark and More Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark back in Elementary school. Well, when I say reading, I mean looking at all the spooky illustrations. Even so, I still remember having a grand old time with my friends telling each other stories from the pages of Alvin Schwartz anthologies. Although I must admit, I never got around to reading his third volume. But I did get out of the house and catch the film adaption of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark , and it captured an adolescent atmosphere with expert precision (whether that's a compliment is for you to decide). Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is Rated PG-13 for terror/violence, disturbing images, thematic elements, language including racial epithets, and brief sexual references. It features Zoe Margaret Colleti, Michael Garza, Gabriel Rush, Austin Zajur, Lorraine Toussaint, and Dean Norris. Directed by André Øvredal. Tune in Wednesday nights for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@gmail.com Letterboxd List: http://bit.ly/LetterboxdCinDocList ShatterCast Guest Appearance: http://bit.ly/ShatterCastSpiderManCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E21 · Wed, August 07, 2019
The Farewell - The Heavy Weight of Lying
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: Which is better: to ignore the truth, or confront it? Sometimes, it doesn't feel that simple. Sometimes we tell half-truths or skip around it with ease. For Billi's family, lying is at the forefront of their every action after learning her grandmother has stage-four lung cancer. Rather than telling her outright, they treat it like nothing's happened and put up a ruse to keep her from ever finding out. But the morality of the situation puts Billi in a hard place, and she can't help but question her family's motives. The Farewell is Rated PG for thematic material, brief language and some smoking. It features Awkwafina, Tzi Ma, and Diana Lin. Directed by Lulu Wang. Tune in Wednesday nights for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@gmail.com Letterboxd List: http://bit.ly/LetterboxdCinDocList Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E20 · Wed, July 31, 2019
The Art of Self-Defense - Toxic Masculinity and the Importance of Community
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: Casey Davies is different, fragile, soft-spoken, qualities that make for a vulnerable man, and all it took was a single mugging to put him on edge. Fearing the worst, he decides to join a Karate class to toughen up, but there's more to this than meets the eye. It's not just about getting stronger, but feeling confident, feeling powerful, feeling comfortable around... other men? Yes, you read that right! Casey Davies is afraid of his own gender, and to prepare himself for male relationships, he's learning how to handle himself from the insanely charismatic Sensei, a mysterious yet manly-man who seems to know everything about what it's like to be a proper man's man! The Art of Self-Defense is Rated R for violence, sexual content, graphic nudity and language. It features Jesse Eisenberg, Alessandro Nivola, and Imogen Poots. Directed by Riley Stearns. Tune in Wednesday nights for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@gmail.com Letterboxd List: http://bit.ly/LetterboxdCinDocList My guest appearance on War Machine VS. War Horse : http://bit.ly/WMvsWHEP334 My guest appearance on The Reformed Gamers : http://bit.ly/TRGResidentEvilPt1 Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E19 · Thu, July 25, 2019
Manchester by the Sea - Quick Audiences and Dysfunctional Families
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: It's often difficult to put into words the kind of experiences we've had, and sometimes we have to skirt around the idea that we can be vulnerable, open, emotionally available. Sometimes we feel like we need to put up a wall, and that's the best way we can protect ourselves, like a callous of the heart. One of the most difficult things to do is understand someone. I'm talking really understand someone , yet understanding is a fundamental aspect of relationships. Sometimes, though, you come across those who are cut off, separated from everyone else, and trying to understand them is a difficulty in its own right. For Lee Chandler, you'll find yourself wondering why he's so irritable, so quiet, so distant, and sometimes, it's hard to come to terms with what you learn. Manchester by the Sea is Rated R for language throughout and sexual content. It features Casey Affleck, Lucas Hedges, Michelle Williams, and Kyle Chandler. Directed by Kenneth Lonergan. Tune in Wednesday nights for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@gmail.com Letterboxd List: http://bit.ly/LetterboxdCinDocList My guest appearance on War Machine VS. War Horse : http://bit.ly/WMvsWHEP334 My guest appearance on The Reformed Gamers : http://bit.ly/TRGResidentEvilPt1 Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E18 · Thu, July 18, 2019
Let the Right One In - An Intimate Innocence
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: What does it mean to be a child whose lonely, angry, and callous in a world that's left you nothing but the cold, bitter snow of winter? More appropriately considered a childhood drama with vampires in it, Let the Right One In has won over 40 awards during its festival run. Haunting, patient, a master craft of depressive thrillers, you'll want nothing more than to bundle up with a hot chocolate when watching this film. But even then, you may still feel a chill run down your spine as Tomas Alfredson carries you through the dark and dismal world of his critically acclaimed adaption. Let the Right One In is Rated R for some bloody violence including disturbing images, brief nudity and language. It features Kåre Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson, Per Ragnar, Peter Carlberg, and Karin Bergquist. Directed by Tomas Alfredson. Tune in Wednesday nights for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@gmail.com Letterboxd List: http://bit.ly/LetterboxdCinDocList My guest appearance on War Machine VS. War Horse : http://bit.ly/WMvsWHEP334 My guest appearance on The Reformed Gamers : http://bit.ly/TRGResidentEvilPt1 Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
Bonus · Tue, July 16, 2019
OT: The Steep 'Learning Curve' of Panos Cosmatos
Send us a Question! ARCHIVED EPISODE // ON TOPIC: There are tons of movies out there that may seem off-putting. They're alienating from start to finish, often called 'artsy-fartsy' or 'pretentious', and at their worst can repel most people. Other films can seem too good to be true and you can't help but press play, wading through what seems the most bizarre plot line with unrealistic characters. And then, there are other films that seem a little... too weird. They make you go, "That's it?" and you move on. Or... so you think. // On Topic's are [DEFUNCT] bonus episodes between the standard reviews and will not be numbered. They largely contain 'cutting room floor' content from main episodes, and will be released irregularly. Audio transcripts available at CinematicDoctrine.com Cinematic Doctrine Mandy review: bit.ly/MandyCinDoc Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E17 · Wed, July 10, 2019
Spider-Man: Far From Home - A Safe Epilogue to Phase Three
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: If Avengers: Endgame wasn't surreal enough, Spider-Man: Far From Home will really get you thinking about the MCU as a whole. With this being the first foray into a post-Endgame world, there's something familiar yet undeniably different about its offerings, and the big question will be how Kevin Feige and the rest of the crew back at Disney/Marvel decide on the franchise future. So how does this film handle itself as both an epilogue to Phase 3, but also whispers of Phase 4? Spider-Man: Far From Home is Rated PG-13 for sci-fi action violence, some language and brief suggestive comments. It features Tom Holland, Zendaya, Samuel L. Jackson, Jake Gyllenhaal, Jon Favreau, and Marisa Tomei. Directed by Jon Watts. Tune in Wednesday nights for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@gmail.com Cinematic Doctrine - Avengers: Endgame episode: bit.ly/AvengersEndgameCinDoc Letterboxd List: http://bit.ly/LetterboxdCinDocList My guest appearance on War Machine VS. War Horse : http://bit.ly/WMvsWHEP334 My guest appearance on The Reformed Gamers : http://bit.ly/TRGResidentEvilPt1 Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E16 · Wed, July 03, 2019
Yesterday - A Day in the Life Without The Beatles
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: Could you imagine waking up in a world where you're the only person who knows your favorite artists? Most hipsters don't need to think hard about that, but what if it was the Beatles? And worse yet, they never existed in the first place? A real nightmare indeed, a nightmare Jack Malik realizes is all too real. To cope, he struggles to remember every single Beatles song he can, but can't help himself from touring as though they were his own songs. But that sounds a little like plagiarism, doesn't it? Yesterday is Rated PG-13 for suggestive content and language. It features Himesh Patel, Lily James, Kate McKinnon, and Ed Sheeran. Directed by Danny Boyle. Tune in Wednesday nights for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@gmail.com Letterboxd List: http://bit.ly/LetterboxdCinDocList My guest appearance on War Machine VS. War Horse : http://bit.ly/WMvsWHEP334 My guest appearance on The Reformed Gamers : http://bit.ly/TRGResidentEvilPt1 Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E15 · Thu, June 27, 2019
The Happening - You Almost Can't Believe It Happened
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: We're reviewing The Happening for this episode. You know The Happening gets a bad rap? It's got a cool premise, it's got comedy. You like The Happening, right? By the way, I think I know what's going on, and I want to let you know before it's too late. I was at the thrift store a while ago. There was a really good-looking DVD on the shelf. Really good-looking . I went up to it and grabbed it from the shelf. I didn't even have cash, and I almost bought it. I'm talking a completely superfluous DVD on the shelf. Cost like six bucks. The Happening is Rated R for violent and disturbing images. It features Mark Wahlberg, Zooey Deschanel, John Leguizamo, and Betty Buckley. Directed by M. Night Shyamalan. Tune in Wednesday nights for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@gmail.com Letterboxd List: http://bit.ly/LetterboxdCinDocList My guest appearance on War Machine VS. War Horse : http://bit.ly/WMvsWHEP334 Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E14 · Thu, June 20, 2019
Rocketman - Love Lost is Hard to Find
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: Producers wanted nothing more than Rocketman to push for a PG-13 rating, yet Elton John would say every time: I have not led a PG-13 life . And when it comes right down to it, I don't think most people have. I believe that's what makes this film such a fascinating, magical experience. Brilliant visuals and mystical moments in Rocketman are more than simply a dream-inspired retelling of Elton John's life, but a translation of what it's like to be human, to remember, to want, to hope, to love. Sometimes, that's a hard road to walk, and it can either make us or break us. Rocketman is Rated R for language throughout, some drug use and sexual content. It features Taron Egerton, Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Jamie Bell. Directed by Dexter Fletcher. Tune in Wednesday nights for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! Website: CinematicDoctrine.com Email: CinematicDoctrine@gmail.com Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E13 · Thu, June 13, 2019
Mandy - Furious, Starless Love
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: Earning a 4-minute standing ovation at Cannes Film Festival, Mandy embraces the world of art-house cinema while comfortably fitting itself amidst popular midnight movies. It's the best of both worlds, and that's not the only thing about Mandy that flips like a coin. Perhaps it's most alienating quality is it's most attractive, and I seek to engage its passionate love and furious anger in this latest episode of Cinematic Doctrine! Mandy was a movie voted on by members of Cinematic Doctrine's Facebook Group. If you're interested in having your voice heard, join here! http://bit.ly/CinDocFBGroup Mandy is Unrated , but here's my own certificate: Rated R for intense graphic/bloody violence and gore, graphic nudity, sexual content, pervasive drugs and alcohol, and language. It features Nicolas Cage, Andrea Riseborough, Linus Roache, and Bill Duke. Directed by Panos Cosmatos. Tune in Wednesday nights for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! CinematicDoctrine.com Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E12 · Thu, June 06, 2019
Godzilla: King of the Monsters - Fun, Dumb, and Ironic
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: Michael Dougherty has said Godzilla: King of the Monsters is to Godzilla (2014) as Aliens is to Alien , and while I can understand the logic, I don't know if the comparison works entirely. At the very least, both films feature inventive motion capture, if you can call 3 actors playing the individual Ghidorah heads inventive. Trivia aside, how does Godzilla: King of the Monsters handle in comparison to not only Godzilla (2014) , but even the much appreciated 1954 original? Come join me as I contemplate what it means for a franchise to change so much over the years, and whether or not King of the Monsters is a worthy addition to a much-loved franchise. Godzilla: King of the Monsters is Rated PG-13 for sequences of monster action violence and destruction, and for some language. It features Vera Farmiga, Ken Watanabe, Sally Hawkins, Millie Bobby Brown, and Bradley Whitford. Directed by Michael Dougherty. Tune in Wednesday nights for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! CinematicDoctrine.com Popcorn Theology Cloverfield Episode : http://bit.ly/PopTCloverfield Intro / Outro song - Kevin Macleod's 'Happy Alley' Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E11 · Thu, May 30, 2019
Brightburn - A Failed Attempt at Everything (Except Passion)
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: What if Superman was evil? That's been the marketing focus of Brightburn since day one. It's been the question everyone's wondered about, and at the very least, it makes for a very interesting high concept advertisement. But a film is more than a concept, and what we watch in the theater lays testament to what we hype up during the seasons leading up to release. So, now that it's out, what's the strange amalgamation of Superhero and Horror genre like on the big screen? Brightburn is Rated R for horror violence/bloody images, and language. It features David Denman, Elizabeth Banks, and Jackson A. Dunn. Directed by David Yarovesky. Tune in Wednesday nights for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! CinematicDoctrine.com Intro / Outro song - Kevin Macleod's 'Happy Alley' Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E10 · Fri, May 24, 2019
John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum - Murderously Dream-like
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: John Wick is back in theaters with shock and awe, and let me tell you, It. Is. WILD! You've never seen anything quite as crazy as this film, and I think Chad Stahelski and Keanu Reeves had a bit too much fun this time around, but who can blame them? So come on in and press that play button as we get into the thick of what makes John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum both a daring addition to the franchise, and may signal a bit of a change in the property as a whole. John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum is Rated R for pervasive strong violence, and some language. It features Keanu Reeves, Halle Berry, Ian McShane, Laurence Fishburne, and Asia Kate Dillon. Directed by Chad Stahelski. Tune in Wednesday nights for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! CinematicDoctrine.com Intro / Outro song - Kevin Macleod's 'Happy Alley' Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E9 · Wed, May 15, 2019
Pokémon Detective Pikachu - Unironically Postmodern
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: One of the strangest, most unexpected contributions of the year has to be Pokemon Detective Pikachu . It may not seem all that weird until you really sit down and think to yourself, "Wait a minute... a Pokémon movie built entirely around a missing person, and a talking Pikachu is on the case? Who thought of this!?" Well, I can confirm it's as weird as you might suspect, although I'm eager for things to get weirder, and I think this film is the franchise tip of an iceberg! Pokemon Detective Pikachu is Rated PG for action/peril, some rude and suggestive humor, and thematic elements. It features Ryan Reynolds, Justice Smith, Bill Nighy, and Kathryn Newton. Directed by Rob Letterman. Tune in Wednesday nights for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! CinematicDoctrine.com Intro / Outro song - Kevin Macleod's 'Happy Alley' Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E8 · Wed, May 08, 2019
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog - A Love Letter to New Media
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: After that Avengers: Endgame review, you'd think I didn't know how to have fun, but we're going to set things straight and talk about a cult favorite from Joss Whedon. Alongside, we'll take a look at what surrounded the release of Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog historically and what makes its existence unique amidst the cinematic world. Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog is Rated TV-PG . It features Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion, and Felicia Day. Directed by Joss Whedon. Tune in Wednesday nights for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! CinematicDoctrine.com Intro / Outro song - Kevin Macleod's 'Happy Alley' Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E7 · Wed, May 01, 2019
Avengers: Endgame - The Grand Finale to 21 Feature-Length Commercials
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: They finally did it! The moment we've all been waiting for has finally arrived, and Avengers: Endgame has graced the cinematic screen this weekend. Garnering over 1 billion dollars in less than a week, Kevin Feige and the rest at Disney are pouring the champagne and celebrating financial success. Money is one thing, but how is the film itself? Just a tad over 3 hours, is Endgame worth holding it in, or is it fine to skip a few scenes and come back at the end? Avengers: Endgame is Rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and some language. It features Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Josh Brolin, and many, many more. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo. Tune in Wednesday nights for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! CinematicDoctrine.com Intro / Outro song - Kevin Macleod's 'Happy Alley' Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E6 · Thu, April 25, 2019
Pet Sematary (2019) - Sluggishly Mediocre, Highly Forgettable, Disappointing
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: Despite being rather tame in comparison to other Stephen King novels, Pet Sematary is known for its merciless psychological horror. Bordering on brutal, how does the seemingly hopeless world of Pet Sematary translate to the big screen? In this second film adaption of the popular literary work, do we end up with something remarkable or detestable? Pet Sematary (2019) is Rated R for horror violence, bloody images, and some language. It features Jason Clarke and Amy Seimetz. Directed by Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer. Tune in Wednesday nights for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! CinematicDoctrine.com Intro / Outro song - Kevin Macleod's 'Happy Alley' Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E5 · Wed, April 17, 2019
Hellboy (2019) - Worst Film of the Year (and Possibly the Decade)
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: A third Hellboy film has been in development hell for years (pun intended). Since then, it's gone from being a finale to Guillermo Del Toro's previous films into a hard-R reboot. Yet, now that the film has released was it worth the wait, or should we do everything we can to return it back to the 9 circles of hell? Hellboy (2019) is Rated R for strong bloody violence and gore throughout, and language. It features David Harbour, Milla Jovovich, Ian McShane, and Sasha Lane. Directed by Niel Marshall. Tune in Wednesday nights for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! CinematicDoctrine.com Intro / Outro song - Kevin Macleod's 'Happy Alley' Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E4 · Thu, April 11, 2019
Shazam! - A Meta Superhero Film (And Another Good DC Movie!)
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: Aquaman was an over-the-top absurd film that dared to be stupid and it paid off. DC was hurting for something fun, and it delivered. Can Shazam! do the same? Can it be fun? Can it exceed expectations? Can it actually make more sense than Aquaman did? Spoilers, it is! Thoroughly enjoyable, incredibly goofy, filled to the brim with heart, Shazam! perhaps has a little too much fun with itself, and you know what? More power to it! If this is where DC wants to go, let's keep going! I don't ever want to see the breaks turned on for this! Shazam! is Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action, language, and suggestive material. It features Zachary Levi, Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Grazer, and Mark Strong. Directed by David Sandberg. Tune in Wednesday nights for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! CinematicDoctrine.com Intro / Outro song - Kevin Macleod's 'Happy Alley' Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E3 · Wed, April 03, 2019
Colossal - A Small Tale About Big Problems
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: Absolute power corrupts absolutely. So they say, at least. But I don't think it takes absolute power to corrupt, even the smallest amount of it can drive someone drunkenly mad, and Colossal is all about drunken power. Or maybe, the lack of it? Actually, it's probably both. Walk with me as I take apart Nacho Vigalondo's genre-bending dramedy and try to make sense of a film that is equal parts bizarre as it is funny! Colossal is Rated R for language. It features Anne Hathaway, Jason Sudeikis, and Dan Stevens. Directed by Nacho Vigalondo. Tune in Wednesday nights for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! CinematicDoctrine.com Intro / Outro song - Kevin Macleod's 'Happy Alley' Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E2 · Wed, March 27, 2019
Us - A Parable of Division
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: Jordan Peele's new film Us is breaking records, but what is it about the film that makes it so special? And what does it speak to? But most importantly, is it even a good movie? I must confess, I had to see this movie twice to gauge a good estimate for my thoughts. There were plenty of things I wanted to talk about, but I constantly second-guessed everything I put on the page. It wasn't that I didn't get it , because I did. I think it was a matter of better understanding what Jordan Peele was really saying with this film. Thankfully, round two rewarded me with exactly what I needed, and hopefully, that translates well in this episode! Us is Rated R for violence/terror, and language. It features Lupita Nyong'o, Winston Duke, Elisabeth Moss, and Tim Heidecker. Directed by Jordan Peele. Tune in Wednesday nights for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! CinematicDoctrine.com Intro / Outro song - Kevin Macleod's 'Happy Alley' Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
S1 E1 · Wed, March 20, 2019
It Follows - How to Engage 'Extreme Content' as a Christian
Send us a Question! MOVIE REVIEW: In the first episode of Cinematic Doctrine, I review It Follows . However, due to the content of this film, I felt it important to elaborate on my thoughts about adult content in a narrative. Adult content can include sexual content, nudity, pervasive language, graphic violence, and anything that might seem overly uncomfortable. I also discuss how film as a medium is unique to other types of storytelling such as photography, books, etc. Afterward, I (finally) talk about some fascinating trivia regarding the production of It Follows and contemplate its themes both on what the film seems to be saying, and what David Robert Mitchell wanted to say when he conceived the project. If you'd like to hear only my thoughts on the film and not a mini-dissertation on adult content, skip to about 9 minutes in. I have tagged this episode as EXPLICIT due to the nature of the discussion and the rating of the film reviewed. It Follows is Rated R for disturbing violent and sexual content including graphic nudity, and language. It features Maika Monroe, Keir Gilchrist, and Daniel Zovatto. Directed by David Robert Mitchell. Tune in Wednesday nights for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine! CinematicDoctrine.com Intro / Outro song - Kevin Macleod's 'Happy Alley' Support the show Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group
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