Cinematic Doctrine

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

A Quiet Place: Day One - The Best Quiet Place (So Far!)

5 februari 2025 | 76 min

I Saw the TV Glow - Emotionally Devastating

29 januari 2025 | 92 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Journey to Bethlehem - A Conviction of Fiction

25 december 2024 | 73 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Hot Frosty - The Hottest Movie of 2024!

18 december 2024 | 77 min

The Unknown – w/ At Home with the Lectionary on Perpetual Actors

4 december 2024 | 90 min

Signs - A Contrived Deus Ex Machina

27 november 2024 | 64 min

Joker: Folie à Deux - w/ Movies & Us on How it Might be Good?

20 november 2024 | 106 min

The Assistant - w/ Sheila Gregoire on Toxic Workplaces and How They (Don't) Manage

13 november 2024 | 72 min

Ready Player One - w/ Geek Freaks on Nostalgia Overwhelming

6 november 2024 | 65 min

Shadowlands - Desire, Suffering, Love

30 oktober 2024 | 71 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Tower of Terror - More Theme Park Silliness

23 oktober 2024 | 73 min

Donnie Darko - w/ Liz & A Movie on Teen A(ngst)gnosticism

16 oktober 2024 | 82 min

The Crow (1994) - w/ Daniel Braindead on Life, Death, Love, & Hate

9 oktober 2024 | 93 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Spawn - w/ Systematic Geekology on Nobody's 90s Nostalgia

2 oktober 2024 | 64 min

Synchronic - Kitchen Sink Sci-Fi

25 september 2024 | 70 min

Your Name. - w/ Beneath the Tangles on Shinkai's Melancholic Filmography

18 september 2024 | 72 min

Frances Ha - w/ Movies & Us on Adulting

11 september 2024 | 75 min

The Outsiders – w/ The Filmjoe Podcast on a Golden, Sophomoric, Teenage Reflection

4 september 2024 | 67 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Pulse - A Lonely, Traumatic, Dead Internet

28 augusti 2024 | 92 min

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.

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Venom: Let There Be Carnage - It's Embarrassing and Weird

21 augusti 2024 | 85 min

The Blackcoat's Daughter - The Horror of Spiritual Loneliness

14 augusti 2024 | 81 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Dream Scenario - w/ The Infinity Bros Podcast on Ideals, Self-Image, and Vanity

7 augusti 2024 | 79 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Pitch Black - The Proto Syfy Channel Original Movie

31 juli 2024 | 81 min

Zoetic and the CCM Coconut Tree (Jesus Revolution, The Jesus Music)

24 juli 2024 | 120 min

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters - Cartoonish YA Silliness

17 juli 2024 | 76 min

Cube - Intriguing, Intelligent, and Well Directed

10 juli 2024 | 91 min

Good Burger 2 - Edible but Expired Nostalgia

3 juli 2024 | 85 min

The Man from Earth - Hollow, Pretentious, and Poorly Directed

26 juni 2024 | 68 min

Doom - w/ The Reformed Gamers on Misguided Video Game Adaptions

19 juni 2024 | 45 min

Holes - Yeah, It's as Good as You Remember

12 juni 2024 | 73 min

Unbreakable - w/ Geek Devotions on Power, Gentleness, and a Perfect Movie

5 juni 2024 | 107 min

When Marnie Was There - Personal Anxiety, Western Queerbaiting, and Transformative Love

29 maj 2024 | 98 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Your Lie in April - w/ Faith & Fandom in the Manic Pixie Dream Girl Episode

22 maj 2024 | 79 min

Uzumaki - Editing, Obsession, Acceptance

14 maj 2024 | 95 min

Howl's Moving Castle - w/ Establishing Shot Pod on Turmoil and Kindness

7 maj 2024 | 108 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Damsel - w/ Shesmadeofwords on Millie Bobby Brown, Scary Dragons, & Wanting More

30 april 2024 | 79 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Shin Godzilla - w/ Monster Island Film Vault on 3/11 and Existential Titan Horror

23 april 2024 | 101 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Animal Farm (1954) - Historically Important Well-Made Propaganda

16 april 2024 | 80 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Green Lantern - w/ Nerds & Jesus Podcast on The "Sam's Club" Tire-Buying Movie

9 april 2024 | 77 min

The Stepford Wives (1975) - w/ Kelsey Kramer McGinnis On Tradwives and Asking: "Do Stepford Men Even Like Women?"

2 april 2024 | 89 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

The Luck of the Irish - Our Luck Has Run Out

26 mars 2024 | 72 min

Dune: Part 2 - w/ Jerry Dugan Spittin' Dune Facts!

19 mars 2024 | 102 min

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

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Arrival - w/ The Gospel According To Making the Most of Misery

12 mars 2024 | 92 min

Prince of Darkness - w/ Terrorific Lady and the Dimensions of Horror

5 mars 2024 | 54 min

The Mighty Ducks - The 90s Are In! (Also Dads, Hockey, and Disney Movies)

27 februari 2024 | 83 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

The Menu - w/ TylerBanarkReviewsMovies who's Seated for Two

20 februari 2024 | 70 min

Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief - The Death Knell of YA Adaptions

13 februari 2024 | 89 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

The Royal Tenenbaums - The Godfather for Liberal Art Students

6 februari 2024 | 64 min

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.

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

On Golden Pond - Nostalgia, Perception, and Old Age

30 januari 2024 | 76 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Death Note (2017) - Criminally Westernized

26 december 2023 | 89 min

Nineteen Eighty-Four (1954) - Wow, It's Just Like 1984

20 december 2023 | 68 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Eraserhead - About Maturing, Sex, and Philadelphia

12 december 2023 | 65 min

Five Nights at Freddy's - w/ The Reformed Gamers Surviving All Five Nights

5 december 2023 | 96 min

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!) <--

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Good Burger - 90s Throwback Time

28 november 2023 | 76 min

The Quibi Quandary Part 3: Lost Media in Real Time

21 november 2023 | 84 min

The Quibi Quandary Part 2: Melvin & Dan Explore the Quibi-Verse

14 november 2023 | 57 min

The Quibi Quandary Part 1: How it Came Before it Went

7 november 2023 | 92 min

The VelociPastor - w/ Ant Coughlin (a normal Pastor)

31 oktober 2023 | 55 min

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)

24 oktober 2023 | 85 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Haunted Mansion (2023) - Secondhand Embarrassment

17 oktober 2023 | 84 min

Tim Burton's Stop-Motion Saga (The Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bride, Frankenweenie)

10 oktober 2023 | 71 min

The Haunted Mansion - Ghost Cuckoldry? In my Haunted Mansion? It's More Likely Than You Think.

3 oktober 2023 | 80 min

The Mummy (1999) - A Simpler, More Adventurous Time

26 september 2023 | 58 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Rashomon - A Trial of Lies, Sensationalism, and Humanity

19 september 2023 | 54 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Good Will Hunting - Healing Masculinity

12 september 2023 | 58 min

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay: Part 1 - Different Game, Different Rules

5 september 2023 | 82 min

Barbie as The Princess and the Pauper - Queen Cinema

29 augusti 2023 | 65 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Scanners - Boundary Breaking & Head Popping

22 augusti 2023 | 71 min

Canon, Continuity, and the Tommy Westphall Universe Hypothesis

15 augusti 2023 | 63 min

Tickled - Grippingly Awkward, Absurdly Silly, Excellent

8 augusti 2023 | 90 min

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

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Barbie - No Genitals. No Problems.

1 augusti 2023 | 70 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Wall·E - Consumerism, Connection, Community

25 juli 2023 | 62 min

Smile - w/ Ant Coughlin and how Smile is Engaging, Derivative, and Irresponsible

18 juli 2023 | 75 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Beckman - The Supposed Christian John Wick

11 juli 2023 | 94 min

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, The Flash

4 juli 2023 | 68 min

Teen Wolf - 80s Comedy Galore

27 juni 2023 | 70 min

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire - Bigger in Scope

20 juni 2023 | 88 min

Skinamarink, Creepypasta, and the Culmination of Internet Horror

13 juni 2023 | 114 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Whale Rider - Artificial Hope Is Naturally Hopeless

6 juni 2023 | 74 min

A Silent Voice - You Can't Say It Didn't Shoot For the Moon

30 maj 2023 | 66 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Madoka Magica is Beautifully Tragica

23 maj 2023 | 89 min

Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Legacy of Evangelion

16 maj 2023 | 97 min

Dragonball Evolution - A Movie You Forgot Exists

9 maj 2023 | 66 min

Princess Mononoke - Exploring the Universal Problem of Death

2 maj 2023 | 57 min

Fireproof - Weirdly Voyeuristic, Strangely Intriguing, Awkward

25 april 2023 | 80 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

The Prince of Egypt - Knowledgeable, Reverential, Beautiful

18 april 2023 | 61 min

The Tree of Life - w/ Eric Nevins and Growing Up in a Broken, Glory-Filled World

11 april 2023 | 58 min

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 Himself (TV Series)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Ladyhawke - What Makes a Film Prime Remake Material?

4 april 2023 | 58 min

The Hunger Games - Odds? In My Favor? It's More Likely Than You Think!

28 mars 2023 | 84 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Shazam! Fury of the Gods - Decent, but Tired

21 mars 2023 | 64 min

Best & Worst of 2022 (Part 2)

14 mars 2023 | 43 min

Best & Worst of 2022 (Part 1)

7 mars 2023 | 45 min

Belle - Dysfunctional Digital Duality

28 februari 2023 | 64 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania - The Multiverse Homework Problem

21 februari 2023 | 70 min

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:

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Drag Me to Hell - Shame, Consequence, and Body Fluids

14 februari 2023 | 57 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

George Washington - Heartfelt, Adolescent, Spiritual, Poetic

7 februari 2023 | 69 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Daredevil - Is It As Bad As We All Remember?

1 februari 2023 | 76 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Where the Scary Things Are - Delightfully Terrible in All the Right Ways

27 december 2022 | 72 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

A Royal Gremlins Christmas w/ Chris Staron

24 december 2022 | 50 min

Avatar: The Way of Water - w/ Jerry Dugan and Celebrating Great CGI

20 december 2022 | 59 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery - A Solid Whodunnit

13 december 2022 | 59 min

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever - Ambitious and/or Bloated

16 november 2022 | 81 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

She-Hulk: Attorney at Law - Melvin Officially Has Marvel Exhaustion

8 november 2022 | 53 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Black Adam - Rentable

1 november 2022 | 68 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

David Gordon Green's Halloween Trilogy and Changing Opinions

31 oktober 2022 | 90 min

Hangman's Curse (Part 2) - The Official Hangman's Curse Devotional

27 oktober 2022 | 69 min

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)
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006) (Movie)
Bring It On: Che

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Hangman's Curse (Part 1) - Talking Frank Peretti's First Spooky Film Adaption

25 oktober 2022 | 96 min

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:

Spy x Family (Show)
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006) (Movie)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Halloween Ends - Bonkers

18 oktober 2022 | 80 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Oculus - Decent Despite Disappointments

27 september 2022 | 62 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

The Blackcoat's Daughter - The Horror of Spiritual Loneliness

20 september 2022 | 81 min

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) & Batman: The Brave and the Bold (Show)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

The Bear (S1) - The Most Loving Show on Television

30 augusti 2022 | 85 min

WB Discovery Repels Artists through David Zaslav's Wild Management Style

23 augusti 2022 | 77 min

Not Okay - The Better Evan Hansen

16 augusti 2022 | 63 min

Prey - Or, the Actual First Sequel to Predator

9 augusti 2022 | 66 min

It's Not Just Batgirl; HBOmax May Be Canceled Too

4 augusti 2022 | 68 min

Nope - w/ Ant Coughlin and the Consequence of Spectacle

2 augusti 2022 | 76 min

Ms. Marvel - A Great Teen Superhero Show Nobody Watched

26 juli 2022 | 73 min

Jurassic World Dominion - Oof

19 juli 2022 | 86 min

Thor: Love and Thunder - Tripping Over Itself

12 juli 2022 | 95 min

Stranger Things S4 - "There really is nothing like it!"

5 juli 2022 | 79 min

Tickled - Grippingly Awkward, Absurdly Silly, Excellent

28 juni 2022 | 93 min

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:

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Stranger Things S1-3 Retrospective

21 juni 2022 | 88 min

So... About That Halo Show...

14 juni 2022 | 80 min

Top Gun: Maverick - Everyone Loves it, Including Your Dad!

7 juni 2022 | 79 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Archive 81 - Analog Horror & Quality Cancelations

31 maj 2022 | 87 min

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)
Unmatched (Board Game)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Moon Knight - Not Quite Weird, Not Quite Experimental

24 maj 2022 | 89 min

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness - The Anti-No Way Home

10 maj 2022 | 92 min

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)

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

CODA - A Disney Channel Original Best Picture Winner

3 maj 2022 | 69 min

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)
Everything Everywhere All at Once (Movie) (Currently in Theaters)
Moon Knight by Lemire & Smal

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Thor: Love and Thunder Trailer Reaction and the Future of DC in Film

19 april 2022 | 72 min

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - Gotta Go Faster!!

12 april 2022 | 77 min

Morbius - Skippable

5 april 2022 | 76 min

The House - We Are Extremely Interested in This Podcast

29 mars 2022 | 80 min

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 Segment 3: "I thought it was a great way to illustrate the way you're not tied down to hereditary suffering."

Recommendations:

Does God Care

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Redeeming Love - A Marriage of Sacred & Secular

22 mars 2022 | 103 min

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
Derry Girls (Show)
Before the Coffee Gets Cold: A Novel by Tosh

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Turning Red - Heritage, Teenagers, & Puberty: Oh My!

15 mars 2022 | 80 min

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

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review

Social Links:

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

The Batman - Peak Comic Noir

8 mars 2022 | 92 min

A Normie's Best & Worst of 2021

1 mars 2022 | 86 min

Texas Chainsaw Massacre - Thanks, I Hate It

23 februari 2022 | 86 min

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:

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review

Social Links:

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Hiatus Prayers and Computer Problems

21 februari 2022 | 25 min

Free Guy - Summer Blockbuster in Winter!

28 december 2021 | 74 min

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"

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review

Social Links:

TikTok

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Spider-Man: No Way Home - Super Spider Bros.

21 december 2021 | 110 min

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)
Young Rock (TV-Show)
Only Murders in the Building (TV-Show

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Is Cinematic Doctrine a Christian Movie Podcast?

14 december 2021 | 38 min

The Marc Webb Spider-Man Duology

7 december 2021 | 66 min

Dear Evan Hansen (Part 3) - The Anti-Bojack Horseman

2 december 2021 | 21 min

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"

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review

Social Links:

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Dear Evan Hansen (Part 2) - Problematic, Incomplete, Dangerous

1 december 2021 | 69 min

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"
Jenny Nicholson - "A Needlessly Thorough Roast of Dear Evan Hansen"

Support on Pa

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Dear Evan Hansen (Part 1) - 2021's Movie Punching Bag

30 november 2021 | 57 min

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 Bible, Paraphrased - Reference Edition"
The Ezra Klein Show - "The Case Against Loving Your Job"

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

The Sam Raimi Spider-Man Trilogy

23 november 2021 | 86 min

Dune (2021) - Succeeds Where Eternals Fails

16 november 2021 | 87 min

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 "Starship Troopers" (Book)
Linoleum Knife's "

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Eternals - Certified Rotten

10 november 2021 | 100 min

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 "Psalms 76-150: Holman Old Testament Commentary"
Jack Stauber's "

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Dune Episode When, Zoomer Youth Group and Media, Eternals Certified Rotten??

2 november 2021 | 53 min

Halloween Kills - Deliciously Divisive

29 oktober 2021 | 105 min

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 Commentary"
The Last Broadcast (Movie)
Inside Job (Adult Animated S

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Over the Garden Wall - A Dream-Like Fairy-Tale of Fear

26 oktober 2021 | 66 min

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.

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review

Social Links:

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Nightbooks and Family-Friendly Horror Movies

22 oktober 2021 | 49 min

Ernest Scared Stupid - w/ Chris Staron and Halloween Hijinks

19 oktober 2021 | 75 min

What If...? - A Chaotic Episode for a Chaotic Show

12 oktober 2021 | 61 min

Venom: Let There Be Carnage - It's Embarrassing and Weird

5 oktober 2021 | 84 min

ParaNorman - How it Feels to be Weird and Lonely

28 september 2021 | 70 min

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:

Nate Pickowicz's "How to Eat Your Bible: A Simple Approach to Learning

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Malignant - Pulpy Horror Mystery with a Killer Third Act

21 september 2021 | 96 min

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"

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review

Social Links:

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Candyman (2021) - Black Gaslighting, Exploitation, and Gentrification

14 september 2021 | 76 min

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 "Revelation - eBook"
2Pac's "Me Against the World"

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings - Martial Arts and Future Hopes

7 september 2021 | 84 min

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...?

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review

Social Links:

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

I Can Only Imagine - A Monumental Song, A Serviceable Movie

31 augusti 2021 | 90 min

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
Erin Morgenstern's "The Starless Sea"

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Canon, Continuity, and the Tommy Westphall Universe Hypothesis

24 augusti 2021 | 66 min

The Chosen (S1) - Depictions of Jesus & Media Literacy

17 augusti 2021 | 90 min

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 on the Pentateuch, 2nd edition: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy
Read your Bible and keep an honest journal of your reading
Dane Ortl

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Masters of the Universe: Revelation (P1) - Critics vs. Fans, A Tale as Old as Time

10 augusti 2021 | 94 min

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

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks!

Social Links:

Twi

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Bo Burnham: Inside - A Musical Memoir about Mental Health, the Internet, and 2020

3 augusti 2021 | 86 min

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:

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

The Queen's Gambit - Peak Feminist Cinema

27 juli 2021 | 84 min

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 & Amphibia

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks!

Soci

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Loki (S1) - Self-Love and Reflection, and Cultural Observation

20 juli 2021 | 93 min

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:

Lyman Coleman's CSB Life Connections Study Bible

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Black Widow - A Middling Marvel Movie

12 juli 2021 | 93 min

Invincible (S1) - Brilliantly Complex and Intensely Human

5 juli 2021 | 85 min

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier - Too Much Too Little

28 juni 2021 | 69 min

WandaVision - A (Marvel) Grief Observed

21 juni 2021 | 73 min

Inside Out - How Emotions Put the Podcast on Hiatus

14 juni 2021 | 57 min

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:

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks!

Social Links:

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 usually is not useful to helping understand our emotions.

Case in point: sadness is not a bad emotion, but perpetual wallowing in despair is a toxic response to sadness as

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Long Hiatus Underway

29 januari 2021 | 2 min

The Mandalorian (S2) - w/ ShatterCast and a Love of Star Wars

7 januari 2021 | 92 min

MMN: Warner Media's Industry-Changing Decision

31 december 2020 | 57 min

TT: Loki, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, What If...?

29 december 2020 | 53 min

Onward - The Magic of Family & Self-Sacrifice

24 december 2020 | 59 min

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: [email protected]
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Update and Tenet Episode

15 december 2020 | 6 min

Ernest Saves Christmas - w/ Chris Staron and Slapstick Silliness

10 december 2020 | 79 min

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: [email protected]
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc

Truce Podcast: https://trucepodcast.com/

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Jiu Jitsu - A Messy Martial Arts Misfire

2 december 2020 | 64 min

The Santa Clause - My Wife Cheers when Tim Allen Kills Santa

25 november 2020 | 62 min

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: [email protected]
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

The Mandalorian (S1) - How Slow-Paced Character Building Isn't "Filler", You're Just Droning

18 november 2020 | 35 min

Enola Holmes - w/ film_junkie_reviews in the Gender Discussion Episode

13 november 2020 | 67 min

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: [email protected]
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

MMN: AMC Tries to Survive, 'Soul' on Disney Plus, Speculative Distribution Changes

6 november 2020 | 62 min

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: [email protected]
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

TT: Monster Hunter, Mank, Jiu Jitsu

3 november 2020 | 59 min

God Convicted Me with 'Last Shift', and I Must Fear God Over Man

29 oktober 2020 | 20 min

Killer Camp - Real Life "Among Us" with Real Life Consequences

23 oktober 2020 | 66 min

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: [email protected]
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Sinister - w/ film_junkie_reviews in Home Videos Hide Horrible Histories

15 oktober 2020 | 69 min

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: [email protected]
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Train to Busan - w/ The Reformed Gamers Treasuring Trains and Zombies

7 oktober 2020 | 74 min

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: [email protected]
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc

The Reformed Gamers Website:

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

TT: WandaVision, Dune, The Mandalorian Season Two

4 oktober 2020 | 64 min

Tenet - w/ film_junkie_reviews in the Predestination Episode

30 september 2020 | 92 min

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: [email protected]
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

She Dies Tomorrow - Anxiety is Infectious, Sympathy is Key

16 september 2020 | 74 min

TT: The Batman, Zack Snyder's Justice League, WW84

9 september 2020 | 76 min

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: [email protected]
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

An American Pickle - Two Seth Rogans for the Price of One!

27 augusti 2020 | 72 min

A Ghost Story - On Time, Grief, and Interpreting Media

21 augusti 2020 | 67 min

Stargirl - Discussing Adaptions and Christ's Joy in Kindness

17 augusti 2020 | 71 min

MMN: Ambler Theater Interview, Supporting Local Venues, Tenet Codependency

4 augusti 2020 | 82 min

Hamilton - w/ Chris Staron in Total Geek Out

29 juli 2020 | 99 min

The Avengers - w/ ShatterCast in a Phase One Finale and Retrospective

24 juli 2020 | 77 min

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: [email protected]
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc
Shattered Studios: http://www.shatteredstudios.net/

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Captain America: The First Avenger - Half Pure, Half Schlock

15 juli 2020 | 87 min

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: [email protected]
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Thor - w/ Brad Bates and Asking if the Past Defines Us

8 juli 2020 | 65 min

MMN: VOD, Masks in Theaters, Gone with the Wind

4 juli 2020 | 88 min

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: [email protected]
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

TT: The King's Man, Bill & Ted 3, Connected

1 juli 2020 | 75 min

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: [email protected]
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Quarantine Binge: What We've Been Watching

29 juni 2020 | 50 min

American Gospel: Christ Alone - Challenging, Empowering, Overwhelming

23 juni 2020 | 85 min

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: [email protected]
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Iron Man 2 - w/ Caleb Young and Enjoying Things that Stink

16 juni 2020 | 86 min

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: [email protected]
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc
The Polymath Roundtable: https://polymathroundtable.com/

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

The Incredible Hulk - A Strange Anomaly in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

10 juni 2020 | 65 min

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: [email protected]
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Iron Man - w/ Caleb Young and Revisiting an Old Friend

5 juni 2020 | 97 min

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: [email protected]
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc
The Polymath Roundtable: https://polymathroundtable.com/

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Tigertail - w/ film_junkie_reviews on Overcoming Pride and the Immigrant Experience

30 maj 2020 | 63 min

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: [email protected]
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc
Film_Junkie_Reviews Instagram: https://bit.ly/FilmJunkieReviews

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Samson - How My Wife Got Me To Watch This Despite Us Knowing Better

17 maj 2020 | 73 min

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: [email protected]
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

I Am Legend - w/ film_junkie_reviews on Will Smith, Zombies, and Community

13 april 2020 | 73 min

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: [email protected]
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/CinDocInsta
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc
Film_Junkie_Reviews Instagram: https://bit.ly/FilmJunkieReviews

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

To All the Boys I've Loved Before - The Teen Drama/Dating/Romance Episode

24 mars 2020 | 79 min

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: [email protected]
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

Super Mario Bros. - w/ The Reformed Gamers and Reliving Trauma

17 mars 2020 | 61 min

Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives - Accessible and Amazing

13 mars 2020 | 15 min

MMN: Bob Iger & Disney Plus, Coronavirus and the Looming Writers Strike, Quibi

11 mars 2020 | 87 min

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: [email protected]
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter
Instagram: http://bit.ly/CinDocInsta
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc

Early access to uncut episodes
Vote on a movie/show we review
One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

Social Links:

TT: Fast and Furious 9, Candyman, The Green Knight

6 mars 2020 | 57 min

Contagion - Strangely Predictive (and Not Because of the Coronavirus)

27 februari 2020 | 20 min

Sonic the Hedgehog - A Messy Franchise, a Messy Film

20 februari 2020 | 71 min

Birds of Prey - and the Fantabulous Discussion of One Christian Podcast

14 februari 2020 | 104 min

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: [email protected]
Daniel's Twitter: @TomRhonda1