Cinematic Doctrine

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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.

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REBROADCAST MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

In this rebroadcasted episode (originally released October 5th, 2021), Melvin & Dan waste no time with banter and jump right into discussing Sony's latest Marvel feature, Venom: Let There Be Carnage!

Topics: 

• Daniel reviews the new Venom track by Eminem. 
• Melvin suspects Venom: Let There Be Carnage will be the worst movie the two of them discuss on the podcast.
• Both Melvin & Dan each had a moment while watching Venom: Let There Be Carnage where they covered their faces with embarrassment.
• Critics seem to be embracing Venom: Let There Be Carnage, warts and all!
• Daniel explains what he likes about the movie.
• Daniel thanks our lovely Patreon Supporters for helping him get AMC Stubs A-List which permits him to see movies for the show at no expense!
• Talking about the source of this particular interpretation of Venom.
• Discussing the mid-credits scene, the only thing truly worth noting about Venom: Let There Be Carnage.
• A semi-continuation of our "Let's Talk" Canon & Continuity discussion regarding which communities will consider or delineate canon.

Recommendations: 

• R.C. Sproul's "Matthew: An Expositional Commentary"
• What We Do in the Shadows (Movie)
• Colossal (Movie)

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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)

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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)

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PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION:

This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard!

Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss Pitch Black, one of Vin Diesel's early action outings! The two explore what's cool and what's not-so-cool. But don't worry, they both agree: the eyes are friggin' cool!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 37-minutes discussing Anthony D'Alessandro's article "As 'Deadpool & Wolverine' Stomps On Superhero Fatigue, Studios Debate Comic-Con's Relevance", where-in D'Alessandro notes some geeky films that are skipping Comic-Con like Joker: Folie à Deux, Venom: The Last Dance, and Lord of the Rings: The War of Rohirrim, and why some studios may start treating SDCC differently. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Shirleon has been on a self-described “Vin Diesel kick” lately, which made covering Pitch Black more enjoyable.
• While watching the film Melvin thought, “Syfy Channel basically copied this movie a thousand times over.”
• Shirleon observed that certain online discourse* compares Pitch Black to John Carpenter’s The Thing. Melvin doesn’t really see it. (*Source: 1 // 2)
• Contrary to its title, it never feels like our characters are in a state of pitch black.
• Old cohost Daniel sent Melvin a list of 7 interesting details about Vin Diesel/Riddick. Melvin reads them aloud.
• The film contains a kind and interesting pre-9/11 depiction of Islam with a throughline about faith.
• Do we like the ending?
• Celebrating Riddick's simple character design in a world of gaudy superhero suits.

Recommendations:

• Gab Smolders (YouTube Channel)
• Call of Duty Campaigns: World at War // Black Ops // Black Ops 2

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LET'S TALK:

Zoetic: Spotify / Instagram / Linktree

Kierstyn St. John, founder/songwriter/producer for the Christian jazz-pop fusion duo Zoetic, joins Melvin to discuss all things Christian Contemporary Music (CCM)! First, Melvin interviews Kierstyn about the Zoetic project, their mix of musical genre, and comfortability with challenging lyrics. Following this, the two discuss two films, Jesus Revolution and The Jesus Music, and how they showcase a semi-CCM-industry-self-portrait on the birthplace of CCM and it's continued development over the decades. Following this, and using the films as a foundation, Melvin asks Kierstyn whether the CCM "vibes" are good, if CCM can overcome the problems she perceives in the industry, and what has her excited for the current world of CCM.

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PARTY PLEASER:

Shirleon joins Melvin in summarizing Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, the forgotten sequel to Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. Mythical monsters abound in this YA-flick, and the two have a fun time chattin' what works and what doesn't in this swan-song of the Percy Jackson theatrical film series.

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 22-minutes playing a Disney Trivia Game that has some pretty dang difficult questions. Can you guess more correctly than Shirleon? (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• The first 10-minutes of the film are expediently-well paced, which for Melvin was a good sign.
• The "Fantasy Racism" from Annabeth to the cyclops Tyson gets to be a bit too much. It's very one-note.
• When the Three Fates Taxi scene took place, despite evoking Harry Potter 3, Melvin thought to himself, "Oh, I think I'm going to like this movie.".
• Percy's character arc is simple, and not all that explicit, but it's very much about the confusion between a found-family and a born-family, as well as concepts of faith.
• Tyson's cyclops CGI is off-putting, which is made worse when we see a cyclops in a flashback and it looks awesome.
• Jake Abel plays Luke as this character who likes being the irritating antagonist but is also really, really chill.
• Rewriting scenes, because that's what you do on a podcast.
• There's a mutuality and wanting more cost or risk within the Percy Jackson films, but that will never happen because there will never be a third film.

Recommendations:

• One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware (2024)
• Shesmadeofwords Podcast
• Lake Mungo (2008)

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MOVIE DISCUSSION:

Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss a late-90's Canadian sci-fi thriller, Cube! Why? Because Melvin has a podcast and he gets to choose what they cover! From talented directing to the intriguing mystery of the cube itself, the two discuss all sorts of exciting material in this episode. Tune in now!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 45-minutes discussing various Google "AI Overview" answers, laughing at their absurdity, and also reviewing how bad AI (or, large language models: LLMs) simply amplify lies, misinformation, or useless search and research practices (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Kathryn and Melvin agree: the direction behind Cube is immensely impressive.
• The Canadian Film Centre is a program that helps network industry partners and volunteers with projects they've chosen to support. Cube was one such project. (Source: Sardonicast 150 [timestamp: 00:16:09])
• There’s a perpetual unease and oppression to Cube that meshes well with its pacing.
• One angle about Cube's story is that of how there are unwitting participants in systematic issues.
• The characters are all named in reference to prison, although not all the characters are named after prison's, as Kathryn learned down the grapevine.
• Melvin, "[Cube] at some point is a math movie."
• Melvin talks about his current fascination with numbers as a definitive thing a world of excessive subjectivities.
• Because the setting and scenario of the cube is so static, the film allows for complex, dynamic character interactions.
• Thoughts on the ending, and the cube as a metaphor for life.

Recommendations:

• Authority by Jeff VanderMeer (2014) (Book)
• Saw (2004) (Movie)

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PARTY PLEASER:

Shirleon joins Melvin in summarizing the sequel to the late-90s Kenan & Kel hit, Good Burger 2! From more silly burger-flippin' hijinks to Ed's absurd antics, the two discuss how things feel kind of the same, things feel a bit different, and borger!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 50-minutes discussing the newly announced "Twisted Childhood Cinematic Universe" - or "Poohniverse", a cinematic universe catapulted by the wild financial success of Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey - and how alternate renditions of classic tales like Peter Pan and Bambi are far from uncommon. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• First things first: No Dan Schneider. He's no where to be seen.
• The comedy in Good Burger 2 is very skit-based. It's SNL-type humor.
• The first film included some absurd cartoon humor that Shirleon & Melvin liked. Good Burger 2 doesn't really have any.
• The actual complicating incident doesn't happen until 40-minutes into the movie, which is super weird.
• Unlike its predecessor, Good Burger 2 isn't very tactile. Things never feel quite real.
• Shirleon, "This movie - as much as there's differences - it's the exact same plot as the first movie. The exact same. That's not how you do nostalgia."

Recommendations:

• Twisted Tale Series of Books (Shirleon's Favorites: So This is Love / Go the Distance / As Old as Time / Part of Your World - [graphic novel])
• Frogman (2023) (Movie)

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PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard!  

Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss a movie neither of them had heard of before: The Man From Earth! John Oldman says he's lived for 14,000 years, but his coworkers aren't so sure. So ensues a film of debate regarding time, materialism, and spirituality. Philosophical pretention abounds! Strap yourself in and tune in now!

Topics: 

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 34-minutes discussing a series of Summer Blockbusters that may or may not be - as Melvin puts it - "Not"busters, or films that flopped at the box office in contrast to their exorbitant budgets, and why that may be. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 
• Shirleon, "There [are] a few moments where, like, it's charming."
• Melvin, "Let's just get out of the gate. Like, this is a poorly directed film."
• There are many interesting things within the film, but the package fails to bring anything together.
• Shirleon and Melvin discuss other movies set in one room that are more visually stimulating and offer better performances.
• Pretentious is a weighty word to use in art criticism, so Melvin first colors what he considers "pretentious" as it relates to film-making before, then, calling The Man From Earth pretentious.
• Discussing the depiction of materialism in the film, and Shirleon does some live fact-checking.
• How the film dives into religious concepts but continues to have nothing to say about humanity, truth, or anything of importance.
• Melvin shares his one note-header, “Athiests make bad movies to!”.

Recommendations:

• The Fast & Furious Franchise
• Stopmotion (2023) (Movie)

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MOVIE DISCUSSION:   

Melvin digs into the archives (read: he found lost audio from 2020) to unearth a surprise Logan Sharp guest appearance! As The Reformed Gamers posted their last episode on January 24th, 2024, Melvin figured it would be fun to release this special episode as a final hoorah to one of his podcasting inspirations. We'll miss you, The Reformed Gamers!

(This audio was recorded in Fall of 2020, close to when they recorded for a Super Mario Bros. episode and far before they recorded Patreon Exclusive discussions, and thus does not include any Patreon Exclusive content. This episode has been posted with approval and encouragement from Logan Sharp.)

Topics:

• Melvin and Logan discuss their experience with the Doom video game series, and whether Doom captured the same atmosphere.
• Doom, like most dudebro sci-fi movies, does not represent its women well. The two get into what makes that so frustrating, and perhaps one reason why it was decided at all.
• Logan, "[Gamers] just want a good movie that [feels] like the game that we played."
• The Doom video games are filled with ultraviolence, yes, but also have a silly atmosphere regarding their setting and motivation. The film doesn't do anything inventive with these ideas. It's basically just a zombie movie.
• Melvin wonders if the Doom property is just unadaptable, and if it's simply at its best as a video game.
• Melvin asks Logan: If you had to sell one good thing about Doom, what would it be?

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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Shirleon and Melvin discuss the popular 2003 Disney family movie Holes, that one where lizards are scary and the line, "I can fix that." is eternally engrained in your brain! We dig into the films surprisingly mature content, occasionally DCOM-esque nature, and how sometimes that movie you liked as a kid is as good as you remember!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 41-minutes discussing Madame Web: or, how movies are products to be sold, which means they are marketed, and we were not convinced the marketing had sold us on the product; an exploration on the importance of marketing; and whether someone can be critical of a film prior to having seen it. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Shirleon read the book, so Melvin asks a few questions about that.
• There’s just a lot about Holes that works on a fundamental level, and it makes the film an enjoyable watch.
• Shirleon & Melvin both observe a comfortability in the film to showcase and explore mature, hard themes while remaining accessible to a family audience.
• Shirleon gives a more specific compare-and-contrast between the book and film.
• The legalistic metaphor of perpetual, listless hole-digging contrasted against deep-and-dynamic characters.
• Shirleon & Melvin agree; all the Sam and Kathryn flashbacks were stellar.
• Discussing and contrasting the two curses.

Recommendations:

• Buy Lego! Build Lego!
• Frances Ha (2012) (Movie)

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MOVIE DISCUSSION:

Geek Devotions Website, YouTube, and Comm Talk Podcast. 

Dallas from Geek Devotions joins Melvin in discussing M. Night Shyamalan's comic-book inspired follow-up to his break-out film: Unbreakable! 

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 33-minutes of Melvin interviewing Dallas about the "Geek Devotions" project; what Dallas and Celeste seek to achieve in reaching out to the world of anime, video games, and netizen-culture; how most geek-experience with spirituality is negative (and they hope to change that); and how fringe, geek communities can satisfy the innate need we all have for community. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Melvin asks Dallas about Geek Devotion's YouTube presence, which involves a LOT of shows, and how they fulfill their mission statement.
• Dallas had seen Unbreakable as a child, and Melvin wonders if there's anything he reflected on during this rewatch.
• For Melvin, this rewatch was nothing short of transcendental.
• Dallas, "[Unbreakable] feels fresh, but it also feels very real. It feels like a genuine story."
• There's a throughline about the relationship between masculinity, power, and gentleness that is explored in David Dunn's story, and the inclusion of his son Joseph adds more importance to David's decision making.
• Early Shyamalan films ask their audience to be patient with the mundane, and that patience is then rewarded.
• Why the "kids with guns" scene (as Melvin calls it) is so jarring, but also kinda works with the film's theming.
• And, of course, thoughts on the ending.

Recommendations:

• Fallout (2024) (Series)
• Shōgun (2024) (Mini Series)
• Breathing Fire (1991) (Movie)

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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)

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TV-SHOW DISCUSSION: 

Faith & Fandom Podcast & Website 

Hector Miray from Faith & Fandom joins Melvin to discuss one of the highest rated anime of the modern age: Your Lie in April! The two discuss it's exploration of music-as-metaphor, depictions of trauma, and, of course, all of the melodrama!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 47-minutes discussing the current atmosphere around the MCU, especially with 2023 being a less-than-stellar year for Disney/Marvel, and 2024 only offering one film, Deadpool & Wolverine, and why fans may be losing some of their longstanding interest. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Hector shares about how he started Faith & Fandom as far back as the early 2010s, his development on several geek-themed devotionals, the time he almost quit (and why he didn't), and so much more!
• Your Lie in April features several classical songs played in various ways, as well as brief, strong lines of poetic dialogue. Hector was a big fan of these details.
• Melvin shares his list of "Things I Liked" and "Things I Disliked" that he wrote during  his watch.
• Hector shares about a new term he learned: the Manic Pixie Dream Girl. 
• Melvin explains his notes in the Dislikes category titled, "Kaori. Entirely.".
• Discussing the depiction of "reaching" someone with their art.
• For Melvin, Kousei is the "audience" stand-in - a troubled prodigy who looks down on themself - and Kaori is the idealized girlfriend of that audience - or, as stated before, the Manic Pixie Dream Girl. 

Recommendations:

• Delicious in Dungeon (2024) (Anime)
• Watashitachi no Shiawase na Jikan (Translation: Our Happy Hours) (2008) (Manga)
• Say "I Love You." (2012) (Anime)

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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Kathryn joins Melvin in discussing an early Junji Ito live-action adaption, Uzumaki! Although the film went into production before the manga had reached its completion, there's still a lot of exciting material to cover in this truly wacky film; and not just because of the spirals! 

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 38-minutes of Kathryn and Melvin competing in a Movie/Entertainment Trivia game, finally figuring out which one of the two knows more about everything Movies and Entertainment! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Kathryn and Melvin are huge fans of Junji Ito, both of which having read his manga for close to 10 years. The two talk about what it is about his work that captures their attention.
• In introducing Uzumaki, the two can't avoid it: They have to talk about the editing first.
• The setting feels fresh and "lived in", and even the various characters within the story feel as though they've known each other for a long time.
• Melvin wonders about the correlation between films about social issues, or that have social awareness, and the size of the community within the fiction (or, the reality they're based on). Kathryn shares her thoughts.
• There's one scene in Uzumaki that is so hauntingly patient that it really affected Melvin. He describes the scene, and the two explore it together.
• Discussing how Kirie and Shuichi are roughly the same characters between both the manga and the movie, but how what they represent in the story in relation to the spirals is different.

Recommendations:

• The Devil's Candy (2016) (Movie)
• The Spiral (Original Title: Rasen) (1998) (Movie)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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PARTY PLEASER:

Guest: Nerds & Jesus Podcast & Instagram 

Mary Howell, lead host of the Nerds & Jesus Podcast, joins Melvin in summarizing a formative experience in Ryan Reynold's Hollywood career, Green Lantern! This stupendously expensive cinematic-universe starter failed to meet expectations, disappointing moviegoers the world over! And now it's time for us to be disappointed! 

Topics: 

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 41-minutes discussing "Cinematic Universe" intrigue and fatigue, as well as specifics like Marvel's current cinematic woes, the coming universe-change to DC, and a plethora of other cinematic universes (Monsterverse, Dark Universe, Conjuring-Universe, etc.). (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Mary shares about her various creative outlets, from podcasting to cosplaying.
• The pervasive criticism against Green Lantern had been its usage of CGI. From the start, Mary & Melvin have thoughts.
• Melvin observed an editing mistake, so he spends some time explaining what went wrong.
• Mary shamefully exposes her greatest sin: seeing Black Adam four times in theaters. 
• Further criticizing the suit and visor.
• Green Lantern as a narrative puts the concept of "fear" entirely in the negative. Mary & Melvin talk about how fear is actually a useful tool in the emotional toolbelt.
• Melvin wishes the movie got into more weird sci-fi space stuff.
• It takes an hour and thirty-five minutes for the action to finally get started in Green Lantern. It's criminal.

Recommendations:

• Set a timer on your mobile device!
• The Fly (1986) (Movie)

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MOVIE DISCUSSION:

Kelsey Kramer McGinnis on Instagram & Christianity Today

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)

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PATREON PARTY PLEASER: 

This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard!  

Shirleon joins Melvin in summarizing and reliving the early DCOM era of television with The Luck of the Irish, a movie that wears its inspiration on its sleeve! From weird patriotism to grotesque food, the two have fun traveling back to the early '00s for some wacky-and-weird high-school hijinks!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 49-minutes of discussing Denis Villeneuve's disinterest in "extended cuts" and "deleted scenes", why we're so enamored with extended/unrated cuts of movies, the concept of fan-edits, and the tragedy of lost versions of films. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• The Luck of the Irish isn't subtle in how it plays with ideas explored in Teen Wolf, although its various changes are far stranger.
• There aren't many showcases of food in the film that ostensibly isn't about food. Even so, every shot of food in this film is truly criminal.
• A main throughline of the film is a conversation on Irish-prejudice. Although this is a very real thing that took place in the U.S., and has also happened overseas, the heft with-which the movie tackles the topic is simultaneously absurd and overly serious.
• It isn't used enough, but the shrink-effect in the film is neat. There's some fun macro-props of otherwise small objects.
• So... like... does the general population know Leprechaun lore?

Recommendations:

• PowerWash Simulator (2022) (Video Game)
• Rings (2005) (Short Film)

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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

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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

The Gospel According To Podcast & Instagram

Dave Hallahan of The Gospel According To podcast joins Melvin in discussing one of Dennis Villeneuve's most accessible and celebrated features, Arrival!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 36-minutes of discussing Dave Hallahan's podcast The Gospel According To, their wide-variety of subject matter, the pursuit of media literacy, and the wonder of curation. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Dave shares about his podcast The Gospel According To, his meme page @youthgroupmemes, and his Substack "Bottom's Up w/ Dave Hallahan".
• Melvin asks Dave about his familiarity with Denis Villeneuve's film work, and the two discuss his films.
• Villeneuve utilizes the 5 senses to serve as various pick-up shots during moments of intense, transfixed awe.
• Melvin, "What do you think it is that makes, like, movies like this a chore to watch?"
• Discussing the beauty of the storytelling mantra, "Show, don't tell".
• Communication is the complexity of a "story in my head" in combined with or against the pursuit of mutuality.
• Dave sharing thoughts in the spoiler-filled section, "The journey to the hardship is also filled with tremendous joy."
• Discussing recurrent visuals, symbols, and motifs.
• The Heptapod B language is a gift because it encourages the self to invest further in the present because of their knowledge of the future.
• Dave, "The point of knowing 'the ending' is it should motivate our 'right now'".

Recommendations:

• About Time (2013) (Movie)
• Man on Wire (2008) (Documentary)
• Terraform: Building a Better World by Propaganda (2021) (Book)
• On Getting Out of Bed: The Burden and Gift of Living by Alan Noble (2023) (Book)
• The Taking of Deborah Logan (2014) (Movie)

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MOVIE DISCUSSION:

@terrorificlady

Brandy, the Terrorific Lady herself, joins Melvin to discuss one of John Carpenter's more offbeat entries into the world of cinema, Prince of Darkness! From the combination of religion and science, to discussions on cosmic, otherworldly fears, and even fun comparisons to the other two films in Carpenter's soft "Apocalypse Trilogy", Brandy and Melvin discuss all sorts of topics within this fun, brisk episode!

Topics:

•  (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 33-minutes of Horror Movie Trivia with Brandy, the Terrorific Lady! Brandy answers a wide-range of horror film trivia while also using the questions as prompts for discussion! Tune in, you might learn something new! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Brandy talks about "Retro Horror School", a discussion series on horror flicks from the 1970s through the 2010s.
• Melvin wasn't a fan of Prince of Darkness the first time he watched it. This time around? Things were much different, and he's excited to share his newfound thoughts.
• In terms of John Carpenter's filmography... is Prince of Darkness confusing?
• A lot of John Carpenter's films leading to this point include a lot of graphic, visceral violence. Prince of Darkness not so much.
• Ranking the soft-titled John Carpenter "Apocalypse Trilogy".
• Interpretations on the ending, and how the tv-edit drastically changes the plot.
• Prince of Darkness creates an "archeological horror" story built around science and religion, not science vs. religion, which makes it unique.
• "Apocalypse Trilogy" endings: which would you prefer to live in?

Recommendation:

• Fan of horror? Build up that physical media collection! Shop ebay.com, visit thrift stores, and flea markets!
• The Strangeness (1985) (Movie)

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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)

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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

@TylerBanarkReviewsMovies

Tyler Banark from @TylerBanarkReviewsMovies joins Melvin to discuss one of his favorite films of 2022, The Menu! Combining culinary arts with cultish antics, this horrific thriller showcases excellent performances, delicious food, and class-warfare all in a tight 107-minutes! And there's a whole lot more where that came from! Tune in now!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 32-minutes recapping David Zaslav's two years as Warner Bros. Discovery's CEO, his bizarre cancelations and removals of streaming exclusives and originals, the current state of Coyote vs. Acme, and discussing how we feel about that as movie fans. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Tyler Banark shares about The League of Cinephiles, going to TIFF, and his favorite movies (right now).
• Initial impressions on The Menu, and fun trivia regarding a TIFF screening and food truck.
• The Menu was one of Tyler's top 5 movies of 2022. He shares the other top 4, and talks about how some movies succeed merely by connecting with its audience.
• Thinking through the hierarchal structure of service work, and the intoxication of chasing perfection.
• Yes, it's bold as day: "The Menu" as a phrase or "thing" is very much a metaphor for life.
• How The Menu portrays the "never meet your heroes" idea.
• How each course lends itself to metaphorical interpretation.
• Interpretations of the ending, and what makes it poignant, and what makes it a little silly.

Recommendations:

• Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974) (Movie)
• Little Manhattan (2005) (Movie)
• Your Name. (2016) (Movie)
• High and Low (1963) (Movie)
• Wings (1927) (Movie)
• Incantation (2022) (Movie)

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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)

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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.

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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)

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PATREON PARTY PLEASER:

This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard!

Shirleon joins Melvin in summarizing one of the single most hated western adaptions of an anime to date: Death Note from Adam Wingard! From sporadic over-the-top violence to an extremely emotional protagonist, Death Note was a Hollywood picture a long-time coming, and while it's soured as a classic example of Netflix' early foibles, we're ready to find out what it is that really separates Death Note from it's anime counterpart.

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 33-minutes of Melvin asking Shirleon what 15-different fictional and non-fictional characters would do if they received the death note, from Dr. Who to John Snow, and how they would be stopped from killing more people. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• A Hollywood adaption of the Death Note story has been shopped around for nearly a decade by the time Netflix got its hands on the project.
• It doesn't take long before Shirleon and Melvin start to notice a series of issues with Death Note (2017).
• Discussing the characteristic disparity between Light Turner and Light Yagami.
• As The Ring is to Ringu, so to is Death Note (2017) to Death Note (2006). Everything is overly Americanized, including the tone.
• The very second L is introduced is when the movie begins to go completely downhill. It gets embarrassing.
• Discussing how the third act makes literally no sense if you spend even a second thinking about it.

Recommendations:

• reMarkable: The Paper Tablet (Technology)
• A Bundle Full of Cats (Video Game Collection)
• Subnautica (2018) (Video Game)

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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)

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MOVIE DISCUSSION:

Melvin's wife Kathryn joins him for an episode discussing Eraserhead, David Lynch's off-beat absurdist film featuring cinema's favorite lil' baby! From encroaching industrialization to a wealth of understated humor, Eraserhead includes an extreme degree of themes and metaphors, and the two  explore it all in this engaging and educational episode!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 28-minutes of Kathryn quizzing her husband Melvin on early childhood development and safety! Their findings will decide the fate of their future child! Hooray! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Eraserhead isn't really about the plot (although it does have a plot!). It's much more a movie about the vibe.
• Eraserhead is likely not only very easy to understand but incredibly related to people who already feel weird, awkward, or ostracized from whatever is considered "normal" in a social environment.
• Discussing the "Woman in the Radiator".
• There's a very clear sexual theme playing throughout Eraserhead but the film itself is by no means sexual, nor is it inherently about sexuality.
• Kathryn, "Say what you will about, like, the weird imagery, but [Eraserhead] is not a movie that divorces sex from life."
• Describing and interpreting the Eraserhead Baby.
• Wondering if the world of the film is literal, metaphorical, but also realizing that ultimately it doesn't matter.
• Discussing the climax and the eraser factory.

Recommendations:

• Cade: The Tortured Crossing (2023) (Movie)
• Iron Lung (2022) (Video Game)

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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!) <--

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PATREON PARTY PLEASER:

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Shirleon joins Melvin in summarizing the late-90s Kenan & Kel hit, Good Burger! From it's absurd burger-flippin' hijinks to Ed's silly antics, the two discuss the positives from the 90s aesthetic, the loss of entertainment complexes, and borger!

Topics: 

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 37-minutes discussing what goes into professionally archiving material, why it's important, how it's influential, and how the loss of various Quibi media is ultimately a very sad thing. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Good Burger starts with a lot of chaotic silliness. Even so, Shirleon realized there wasn't a whole lot about the film she remembered.
• Ed can be frustrating and annoying to some, but Melvin and Shirleon feel he balances well into the "lovable doofus" category.
• Melvin talks about how he misses multi-entertainment complexes that serve food, games, arcades, etc.. Good Burger made him nostalgia for that kind of thing again.
• Figuring out, based upon what we hear and see from the movie, makes up Ed's "Special Sauce".
• Celebrating dance numbers in movies that otherwise seem like they would not have dance numbers.

Recommendations:

• Loki (2021-2023) (TV-Series)
• Malum (2023) (Movie)

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LET'S TALK:

Melvin watched 10 shows on Quibi before its eventual (and predictable) collapse. First things first, Melvin asks Daniel what he thinks a show is about based on its marketing. Then, Melvin describes what it actually is. Afterward, Daniel curiously wonders, "How does this show being on Quibi improve the watching experience?". Throughout all of this, Melvin & Dan try to understand Quibi's failure to solidify its target demographic, and further complain about how Quibi never utilizes it's flip-screen feature for any interesting or creative reasons... until it does?

By the end, Melvin & Daniel movie through a post-mortem of Quibi and discuss shows Melvin missed, what it's like to see media lost in real time, and whether or not Daniel feels the FOMO.

Shows mentioned in this episode:

• Home Movie: The Princess Bride
• The Fugitive (2020)
• Most Dangerous Game
• The Stranger (2020)
• Wireless

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LET'S TALK:

Melvin watched 10 shows on Quibi before its eventual (and predictable) collapse. First things first, Melvin asks Daniel what he thinks a show is about based on its marketing. Then, Melvin describes what it actually is. Afterward, Daniel curiously wonders, "How does this show being on Quibi improve the watching experience?". Throughout all of this, Melvin & Dan explore the grand what-ifs of Quibi like interactive shows, a social media for film a la Letterboxd, and so much more. As such, the Quibi-venture continues!

Shows mentioned in this episode: 

• 50 States of Fright (The Golden Arm, Ball of Twine, Scared Stiff) 
• #FreeRayshawn 
• Agua Donkeys 
• Flipped 
• Run This City 

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LET'S TALK:

Melvin guides Daniel through his Quibi-venture, an exploration of that weird, less-than-one-year-old mobile-only streaming service that came and went in 2020. From it's lead cheerleaders of Jeffrey Katzenberg and Meg Whitman, to how Quibi convinced nearly every production company in Hollywood to invest over $1.75 Billion, as well as those obscenely confusing and downright worthless advertising spots during the Superbowl, Melvin covers everything he can about Quibi's unfulfilled snake-oil promises alongside it's disappointingly awkward service, and ultimately it's quiet, unnoticed downfall. 

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PATREON PARTY PLEASER:

This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard!

Ant Coughlin, a pastor, joins Melvin in summarizing The VelociPastor. Because, of course! The two goof and gaff about this off-beat love-letter to 80's schlock grindhouse horror, and appreciate it's comedically dense yet economically handled runtime!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 1-hour discussing Dan Foster's "The Seven Pointless Things that Christian's Fight About" blog post, and how some of the things he proposes are actually deeply important theological ideas that Christian's would do well to discuss and affirm. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• The VelociPastor starts immediately with some very clever humor, the kind that benefits the learnt in terms of film and film culture.
• Part of what makes the movie so enjoyable is it's borrowing of the superhero origin-story format to explore it's narrative. It's silly, but it works really well.
• If you've ever been curious what The VelociPastor is, it's basically a Daredevil clone but with a strong comedic angle.
• During the film a character waits outside of a church and we can plainly see very real church signage of a real-life location. Melvin curiously Google searches this church and reads aloud some funny reviews. (And, for the sake of the church, does NOT read-aloud their name)
• By the end of the movie it's very clear that The VelociPastor works not just on name alone but because it's a well made comedy film.

Recommendations:

• Everything Sad is Untrue (a true story) by Daniel Nayeri (2020) (Book)
• The Grudge 3 (2009) (Movie)

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• (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.

• A Clockwork Reader Film And TV Journal by Hannah Azerang
• No One Will Save You (2023) (Movie)

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PARTY PLEASER:

Melvin's sister Shirleon joins him on a journey through Disney's latest attempt at making a Haunted Mansion movie. While summarizing Haunted Mansion (2023), the two commentate on what makes this Summer Not-buster awkwardly divisive.

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 30-minutes discussing neat trivia about various Haunted Mansion rides across the globe, their inception, and Shirleon Sharron's mini-review of the 2003 Eddie Murphy The Haunted Mansion film (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Haunted Mansion carries an intense artificiality to it, showcasing nonstop digital effects, weird coloring, cartoonish ghouls, and so much else. It removes a tactile nature from every setting and replaces it with a glossy, plastic sheen.
• There isn't much threat or motivation for the villain's in the movie. Sure, there are reasons characters are doing things insofar as having a ghost around might be a nuisance, but when everything is played like a joke, virtually everything becomes narratively worthless.
• After about 20 minutes the non-stop usage of the Haunted Mansion's excellent melody converted an otherwise brilliant tune into a complete irritant. Melvin couldn't stand it and yet he still had an hour and a half to go.
• For Shirleon, this rendition of The Haunted Mansion on film actually captured the atmosphere of the rides. Melvin prefers the 2003 one.
• Harriette as a character really grew on Shirleon, and in general she really enjoyed all of the characters in their own way.
• By the end of the movie neither Shirleon nor Melvin had taken any notes; there simply wasn't much to write about with regards to the empty plotline.

Recommendations:

• Wheel of Time (2021 - Ongoing ) (Series)
• Totally Killer (2023) (Movie)
• Adopt a Rescue Black Cat

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LET'S TALK: 

Melanie & Melvin dive into one of the most beloved holiday musicals, The Nightmare Before Christmas, alongside two similar features Corpse Bride and Frankenweenie! What connects these films? Why, it's Tim Burton of course! Through varying degrees of involvement, each feature captures the iconography of this Hollywood titan, and the two discuss each film individually while celebrating their unique quirks and perks!

(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 10-minutes of various tangential content regarding special features and stop-motion animation! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 

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PARTY PLEASER:

Melanie & Melvin travel back to the early 2000's to summarize the family-friendly cult-classic Disney Adult horror film The Haunted Mansion! From enjoying detailed sets to the generally fun aesthetic of a haunted house, the two kick off Halloween Month with excitement and laughs!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 33-minutes continuing their discussion on modesty (which started in the previous episode) and looking into two passages from 1 Corinthians for some biblical insight, further asserting the complexity and nuance to clothing, modesty, communication, and social interaction. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Before getting into the movie, Melanie & Melvin describe their experience with The Haunted Mansion ride.
• The cast of normal characters in The Haunted Mansion feel straight out of an 80s or 90s dramedy where one of the parents is a workaholic and everyone else puts up with it. For a film released in 2003 this feels wildly outdated.
• Discussing the aesthetics of the mansion, from setting to atmosphere, and how it's ostensibly the best part of the entire film. Also, Melvin shares his frightening fascination with houses.
• There's never a part in the movie that outright "wows" but the middle where each character is exploring different parts of the mansion is definitely a high point.
• The transitions in The Haunted Mansion go hard.
• Melanie & Melvin discuss if ghosts are real, because it's October and that's what October's all about!
• Based upon a few criteria, Melvin wonders if an original cut of The Haunted Mansion contained a more poignant narrative wrestling with drama, romance, and racism that was trimmed for the sake of marketability.

Recommendations:

• Casper (1995) (Movie)
• Hubie Halloween (2020) (Movie)

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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)

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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)

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MOVIE DISCUSSION:

Melanie introduces Melvin to another long-standing classic drama, Good Will Hunting, and the joy had in overcoming toxic traits of the male psyche!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 25-minutes of Melanie & Melvin playing "Would You Rather?" with some of the most absurd options available! Even so, it leads to some great real-talk about first-impressions, the resilience of the human body, and the fear of losing their memories. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Melanie proposed Good Will Hunting when she first joined the show. Now, they're talking about it. She shares why she felt it would be perfect for the podcast.
• The first counseling session between Sean and Will is a brilliant expression of the psychologically competitive way in which certain men often interact, and how this scene unfolds is dramatically satisfying, as well as quite funny.
• Melvin has two mini-tangents about how Good Will Hunting showcases mentorship, and also how parts of the movie made him think of Barbie. Nice!
• Although Good Will Hunting is undeniably masculine, Skylar is an exceptionally well-written female character.
• Proverbs 19:22 asserts that a person desires steadfast love, or a love that is full and permanent. Often, we presume to think we can never find such love, will never have such love, or that one must work towards it. God, through Christ, showcases something wholly different.
• A lot of movies about characters overcoming shame often - likely inadvertently -  ignore guilt. 

Recommendations:

• No Need to Argue - The Cranberries (1994) (Album)
• Warning: Do Not Play (2019) (Movie)

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PARTY PLEASER:

Melanie & Melvin continue their adventure through the popular Hunger Games saga with Mockingjay - Part 1! They describe the movie from beginning to end, exploring themes of repressed individuality amidst cultural responsibility, and also observe how the film very much feels like half of a book (because it is!).

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 36-minutes discussing the danger of idolizing storytelling, and how the recent news regarding Michael Oher's potential conservatorship with the Tuohy family jeopardizes the fantasy of the "American Dream" as showcased in the successful 2009 Oscar-winning movie The Blind Side. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Brief background on the previous two films, both of which they've done episodes for!
• Although Mockingjay - Part 1 isn't nearly as visually stark and pleasing as Catching Fire, a lot of the movie still looks really great.
• Melvin appreciates that even though the proper Hunger Games have ended, Katniss as a character is still subservient to the game that is cultural codependence, and that Mockingjay - Part 1 still has her character wrestling with who she is, and wants to be, amidst all of these people and expectations.
• The characters in the Hunger Games series, and their dynamics, are quite engaging. They are deceptively complicated figures in a deceptively complicated story.
• Mockingjay - Part 1's climax, like most of the film, is oddly unspectacular, but it definitely feels like that's on purpose. And, just because it's not spectacular doesn't mean it's necessarily bad. Rather, it's pretty dang complex and intense!

Recommendations:

• Madison Ryann Ward (Musician)
• Saw VI (2009) (Movie)

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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)

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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Melanie & Melvin discuss David Cronenberg's Scanners, a contemplative psychological horror with intense bookends! From the film's odd casting to its heady-concepts of individual thought and sovereignty, the two discuss what makes Scanners a worthwhile watch for those searching for a little bit more in their thrillers!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 36-minutes further discussing Wall·E, specifically the film's focus on the transcendental nature of love. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Scanners has great special effects, and they are used sparingly. This undoubtedly makes them more fun.
• Howard Shore's score excels in audibly explaining the effect of the Scanner.
• Stephen Lack's performance as Cameron is undoubtedly unfulfilled but Melvin didn't find it so distracting that it took away from the experience. 
• Melvin, "It's a movie that knows you're smart and can keep up."
• How individual scanners find ways to overcome the internal static, or noise, that they suffer is extremely interesting. Some will coexist with other scanners, others will create art.
• The two think through what makes the scanner so frightening, specifically the invasion of the self.
• While watching Scanners, Melvin contemplated the way in which God created humanity, specifically the individual sovereignty of the body, and how the body creates a natural, secure barrier among others both physically and mentally.
• The two agree: being a scanner probably sucks!

Recommendations:

• Overcooked! (Video Game) (Nintendo Switch)
• It's Alive (1974) (Movie)

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REBROADCAST LET'S TALK:

In this rebroadcast of Cinematic Doctrine's pilot Let's Talk episode (originally released August 24th, 2021), Melvin and Daniel discuss the concept of narrative canon (or, fictional continuity), whether an over-reliance on canon is necessary for enjoying a fictional property like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and how nearly all of American movies and television is a part of the Tommy Westphall Universe Hypothesis, or, how-everything-takes-place-in-a-snow-globe.

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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

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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)

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PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION:

This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! 

Melanie and Melvin discuss one of Pixar's most celebrated, most loved movies, Wall·E!! From consumerism to essentialism, from despair to hope, Wall·E has it all! 

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 29-minutes discussing why some Pixar movies may not have connected with audiences, as well as the concept of remastering early Pixar features (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Wall·E says a lot despite having very little dialogue.
• Products and tools are best utilized as life-enhancers. When they become life itself - something that is functionally impossible - they become self-destructive. 
• Wall·E  is full of theming but it is also easily palatable for children (and adults) who simply want a fun adventure plotline.
• Community perseveres not on consumerism but on cooperation, communication, creativity, and contribution.
• Prior to The Fall of Man seen in Genesis 3, God had already instated both work (the act of carrying out various strenuous actions to complete goals) and the Creation Mandate (to subdue and care for the whole Earth; or, God's creation). Although the curse God put on man after The Fall introduces some changes to how we engage these functions, they are still good and can-and-do produce good in our lives when we fulfill them.
• The way the music in Wall·E helps to communicate in place of dialogue is exceptional. 

Recommendations:

• Ratatouille (2007) (Movie)
• The Blob (1958) (Movie)

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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)

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PARTY PLEASER: 

Melanie & Melvin summarize Beckman, that weird Christian-marketed movie produced by David A.R. White where he plays a John Wick/Taken-esque assassin. The catch? He's a recent Christian convert. Does that stop him from killing dozens of people? Tune in to find out! 

Topics: 

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 27-minutes discussing the content of Christian movies, interpreting what they're communicating, their advertising, and so much more. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 
• Beckman feels like a YouTube movie made by YouTubers back in, like, 2011. You could almost see Freddie Wong making something like it with Corridor Digital, except probably more fun. 
• Melvin never watched Beckman even though he's owned it  since mid-2020. Then, he watched it twice in a row for... reasons. 
• David A.R. White routinely plays pastors in the movies he produces. Melvin finds this to be an odd reoccurrence.
• Gabriel Sabloff shared in the commentary track that he does a hard cut to action in the middle of the first act because he felt audiences would lose interest in the setup. Melvin comments that this is a recurrent problem in which certain director's lack trust in their audience to patiently engage a movie.
• Beckman keeps calling Tabitha his daughter. One big problem: she's not his daughter. They're not even blood related.
• Beckman is too self-serious as a movie to be particularly enjoyable, especially when compared to something like John Wick where the whole franchise is simultaneously "serious" but very aware of its exciting-thrill-ride nature.
• Exploring the wisdom behind applyied violence.

Recommendations:

• Kill Bill Vol. 1 (2003) (Movie) & Vol. 2 (2004) (Movie)
• Missing (2023) (Movie)

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LET'S TALK: 

Melanie and Melvin catch-up on some Superhero entries they missed over the last two months. In release order, the two discuss what made Guardians 3 (02 minutes) a decent return-to-form for Marvel, how Spider-Verse 2 (16-minutes) offered and exhilarating albeit overwhelming theater experience, and how The Flash (34 minutes) defied even the worst expectations. 

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PATREON PARTY PLEASER:
 
This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard!  

Melanie and Melvin summarize Teen Wolf from start to finish with hilarious commentary, goofin' on the supremely weird premise yet laughing over the absurd, hairy comedy within! Plus, stick around to the end for a surprise regarding that rumor!

Topics: 

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 27-minutes discussing the aesthetics and appeal of 80s films. Plus, the celebration of exquisite practical effects prior to the embrace of digital effects in the 90s onward. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 
• Teen Wolf's opening is really strong, setting the groundwork for the drama and comedy that will ensue. 
• Boof is a queen among queens, but she is also very problematic. Especially if we swapped Boof and Scottie's gender.
• The first time Scottie transforms publicly is one of the funniest laughs Melvin has had in a very long time.
• Scottie's dad is a really great movie dad. Facts.
• Melvin exposes Melanie to a long-standing rumor regarding the finale of Teen Wolf, and spent some time rewinding his BD-copy of the film to confirm whether it was true.

Recommendations:

• The Dark Crystal (1982) (Movie)
• Creepshow (1982) (Movie)

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PARTY PLEASER: 

Melanie and Melvin continue their summarization of The Hunger Games franchise following their previous party pleaser on The Hunger Games! This time, Katniss and the Hunger-Games-Gang is pulled into another Hunger Games! Who could have expected that? Melanie and Melvin are ready to pick-apart the political intrigue of Panam and question whether Katniss and Peta will ever stand a chance against President Snow! 

Topics: 

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 23-minutes discussing different ways to engage movies (phone, tv, theater) and hilarious-or-terrible movie theater experiences. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 
• The Hunger Games: Catching Fire succeeds in being a sequel that increases the scope of the world, characters, and everything in between. 
• Despite some of the improvements, parts of Catching Fire essentially re-do the material of The Hunger Games which got a little tiresome for Melvin who wanted to see some new experiences in the Hunger Games universe. 
• During the transition between outside life and the beginning of the Hunger Games the aspect ratio becomes much fuller. This likely helped engross audience members into the passive disorientation of going from clinical science-fiction décor to the outside survivalist environment.
• It's a Young-Adult trope to have the protagonist vie between two romantic partners, but in the world of the Hunger Games it always feels like it's a matter of whether or not Katniss will end up with Peta, not whether Katniss will end up with Peta or Gale.

Recommendations:

• John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023) (Movie)
• Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023) (Movie)

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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)
 

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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Melanie and Melvin discuss the poignantly melancholic New Zealand film, Whale Rider, one of Melanie's favorite movies! 

Topics: 

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 22-minutes of discussing specific qualities we love (and hate!) in movies with examples, and why these things work (or don't!). (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 
• Whale Rider opens on an extremely dour note, which functionally means it's a great tone-setter for a dour movie!
• Keisha Castle-Hughes is particularly stellar in a movie that's already stacked with excellent performances.
• The character of the grandfather made Whale Rider very difficult for Melvin to watch. Not out of anything personal, but just because his character is so insufferable.
• The ending of Whale Rider is conflicting, so Melvin and Melanie explain more about the movie before explaining more about their feelings.
• Regardless of cultural strain, a community often produces the same toxic attributes when it is in deterioration: lethargy, apathy, and a drunken sleaze. Cultural rejuvenation, however, can come in multiple ways.
• The two curiously ponder other movies that contain healthy depictions of non-Anglo-Saxon cultures.
• Melvin angry-rants about the poor streaming quality of Whale Rider on both Peacock and Prime (two services it was available on at the time of recording). He frustratingly ponders the state of film preservation in the age of streaming. 

Recommendations: 

• Little Giants (1994) (Movie)
• Braindead (1992) (Movie) (DVD purchase) (Justwatch)

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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)

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LET'S TALK: 

Melvin coaxes Melanie into the wonderfully tragic and poignant world of Puella Magi Madoka Magica, one of his absolute favorite - if not his favorite - fictional stories ever! From it's deeply rich characters, memorable action set-pieces, and heart-wrenching drama, Puella Magi Madoka Magica and its sequel film Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie Part III: Rebellion are extensively explored in this episode of episode of Cinematic Doctrine! During its first half, enjoy non-spoiler reflections, and during the second half, enjoy a beat-by-beat dissection of Puella Magi Madoka Magica's various revelations! And, if you haven't seen the show yet... check it out! Melvin highly recommends it! 

(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 50-minutes of additional content including Melvin discussing 7 manga spin-offs from the Puella Magi Madoka Magica franchise, talking about how they connect to the original story, what makes them engaging, and which ones to avoid. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 

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LET’S TALK: 

Melanie and Melvin are joined by Kathryn, Melvin’s wife, to discuss the much celebrated psychological-mecha anime Neon Genesis Evangelion and its sequel film Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion. The first half of the episode is a comprehensive non-spoiler discussion on what makes the show and film so enjoyable, provocative, challenging, and rewarding. The second half gets into more spoiler-specific discussions regarding the final two episodes of the show, the iconography of the film, interpretations of the ending, and most importantly: who is best girl? 

(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 1 hour of Melvin talking about the Director's Cut of the last three episodes of the show, and Melanie asking Melvin and Kathryn about other Neon Genesis Evangelion material such as what makes the manga different from the show, whether or not the “Rebuild” films from 2009 to 2021 are worthwhile, and a particular cross-over experience Melvin learned about while investigating extra material. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 

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PARTY PLEASER:

Happy Piccolo day! Melanie and Melvin check out the long forgotten Hollywood live-action adaption of Dragonball!

Topics: 

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 41-minutes discussing what makes Anime/Manga live-action adaptions so difficult to adapt, what unique characteristics separate the mediums, and what Anime/Manga would make a good live-action adaption (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 
• What background do Melanie and Melvin have with the Dragonball franchise?
• The start of Dragonball Evolution is an info dump that immediately confounds the movie. Melvin cross examines the Dragonball Evolution canon against the actual Dragonball canon.
• Dragonball Evolution’s general sense of setting and location is all over the place, and it never permits its audience a solid footing. Is it set on Earth? Is this a fantasy continent? What time period is it?
• There is one truly great thing that has come from Dragonball Evolution and it's a goofy edit someone made for YouTube. Here it is.
• Dragonball Evolution infrequently contains somewhat intriguing setting design choices, such as Master Roshi's house, but most of the time the movie is unpleasant to look at.

Recommendations: 

• Howl's Moving Castle (2004) (Anime)
• Aiura (2013) (Anime)

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MOVIE DISCUSSION:

Happy Ani-May! Melanie and Melvin kick things off this month by discussing Hayao Miyazaki's adult animated feature: Princess Mononoke! 

Topics: 

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 38-minutes discussing comments made about forgiveness in last week's Fireproof episode, as well as a further deep-dive into what God expects from His people regarding the concept (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Melanie and Melvin open by discussing adult nature of Princess Mononoke: political intrigue, warring factions, violence, etc.
• Princess Mononoke sports deep, nuanced characters with incongruent mutual goals. This leads each character to be simultaneously relatable and at odds with the audience, depending on how the audience interprets each figure.
• Despite all reasons for aspiration and conflict, everything dies under the weight of death. The end of Princess Mononoke explores this idea in particular.

Recommendations:

• Inferno Cop (2012) (Anime)
• The Karate Kid (2010) (Movie)

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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)

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MOVIE DISCUSSION:

Melanie joins Melvin in discussing one of her all time favorite flicks, and the two also get into what makes The Prince of Egypt far more palatable than most Bible or Christian-marketed media. 

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 42-minutes discussing a list of movies Christian's say are commonly known by other Christians such as Nacho Libre, The Book of Eli, and many others, and why we think they may be popular in the Christian community (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• What familiarity do Melanie and Melvin have with the Book of Exodus?
• John 1:1 makes it clear by stating that God's word is God Himself, as Christ also is God and therefore also God's word. So, when we create adaptions, we add degrees and opportunities for loss in translation when God's word is already authentic and reliable. This is a deeply important reality necessary for engaging in Biblical or Christian-marketed media: it is degrees away from God's literal word.
• Moses' character, strangely, is sort of depicted as a combination between Jacob and Moses. Other historical figures such as Aaron and Miriam, Moses' brother and sister are also depicted differently from Scripture.
• Getting into what's likely most memorable for people: the music!
• Melanie riffs on the closing song "When You Believe" and how it's full of platitudes.
• The Prince of Egypt stands apart from other Biblical or Christian-marketed materials, and the two discuss why that may be.
• The Prince of Egypt is already a mature PG family flick, but Melvin feels it would have been benefitted by being a little nastier.

Recommendations:

• The Case for Christ (2017) (Movie)
• Beetlejuice (1988) (Movie)

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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)

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MOVIE DISCUSSION:

Melanie, Daniel, and Melvin talk Ladyhawke, Richard Donner’s fantasy family film featuring Rutger Hauer, Michelle Pfieffer, and Matthew Broderick.

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 35-minutes talking about two Disney animated science-fiction box-office failures, Lightyear and Strange World, their absurdly confusing marketing campaigns, and how their lack of success isn't a surprise for keen-eyed film fans (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Melanie specifically wanted to hear what Melvin and Dan thought of Ladyhawke. Melvin, for some reason, initially thought Ladyhawke was a wrestling movie.
• Melvin shares his strange fixation on Matthew Broderick.
• Melanie has been thinking about “remakes” a lot, and apart from the nostalgic joy she has with Ladyhawke, she’s been thinking about what would make for a good remake of this charismatic fantasy flick.
• For Melvin, a remake, reboot, or sequel doesn't necessarily need to be tied down to anything, it merely needs to be in conversation with its predecessor in some fashion. He also proposes practical, fun ideas for a theoretical remake of LadyHawke.
• For Daniel, remakes are only interesting if they adopt ideas or messages and re-adopt them with new information. In other words, how does a political thriller change when the world changes?
• Some movies, even as you watch them, feel like they need a remake. Melvin proposes a couple.
• Remakes, ironically, are also very final. It declares that the old canon is over and that a new canon is being established.

Recommendations:

• The Little Shop of Horrors (1960) (Movie)
• Poltergeist (1982) (Movie)
• Knowing God by J.I. Packer (Book)

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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)

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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Melanie and Melvin discuss Shazam! Fury of the Gods, a decent-enough sequel that’s far-too-late in a far-too-tired genre.

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 30-minutes discussing the future DCCU plans to completely rework the canon, something Melanie wasn’t aware of, and why neither of them are interested in a future with more superhero movies (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Celebrating Shazam!, perhaps DC’s best movie in this particular universe of films.
• Discussing David F. Sandberg as a creator, both in and out of theaters.
• Shazam! Fury of the Gods, like most DC movies, is a film with occasional successes but mostly missed opportunities.
• Noticing the performance disparity between Zachary Levi and Asher Angel, two actors playing different versions of the Barry Batson character.
• Is the Cinematic Doctrinecrew even excited for geek-themed media anymore?
• Are the Daughters of Atlas good villains? Discuss.
• Discussing what is quantifiably the worst part of Shazam! Fury of the Gods: The ending.
• And discussing those credit sequences, which probably don’t matter because the canon is being reworked anyway.

Recommendations:

• Lord of the Rings Movie Trilogy
• Thrifting for Blu-Rays that include (most likely) working Digital Codes

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LET'S TALK:

Melvin carries Daniel through the second half of his Top Ten/Bottom Ten 2022 movie list, giving detailed, bite-sized reviews for each flick as the two discuss what works, what doesn't, all finalizing with Melvin's top film of 2022!

(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 10 additional honorable mentions (across part 1 and part 2) spanning drama, arthouse, horror, and the ever-elusive 'so-bad-its-good' category! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 

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LET'S TALK:

Melvin shares with Daniel the first half of his Top Ten / Bottom Ten 2022 movie list, giving detailed, bite-sized reviews for each flick as the two discuss what makes these films successful or sucky.

(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 10 additional honorable mentions (across part 1 and part 2) spanning drama, arthouse, horror, and the ever-elusive 'so-bad-its-good' category! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 

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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: