Join Paula, Grace, Drew, and Lucius as they react, review, and reflect on Dallas Jenkins' 2024 adaptation of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, comparing it to the classic 1983 TV movie and discussing why this Christmas story has endured across generations.

(00:00) Intro

Welcome to Soul on Screen

(00:46) React

Vastly different reactions to the film—from delighted surprise to frustrated boredom—set up a lively and genuine discussion shaped by generational perspectives and varying familiarity with the source material

(08:27) Review

Outstanding child performances that carry the film, debate over the soft lighting and heavy voiceover narration, intentional 1980s period piece aesthetics that create a timeless storybook feel, authentic depiction of poverty, and comparing Dallas Jenkins' adaptation choices to the original book and TV movie

(27:37) Reflect

Hearing the gospel story afresh through outsider eyes, critiquing nominal Christianity and church exclusion, the power of simple storytelling that still manages to surprise, questioning whether this adaptation plays it safe for modern audiences, and wondering what a truly provocative retelling might look like today

(01:03:03) Recommend

Related movies and books:

• The Nativity Story
• Tokyo Godfathers
• Lars and the Real Girl
• The Family Man
• Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth Bailey
• BibleProject: Birth of the Messiah
• The Chosen
• The Shepherd
• The First Advent in Palestine by Kelley Nikondeha
• Winter Fire: Christmas with G.K. Chesterton by Ryan Whitaker Smith
• Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

(01:18:46) Christmas Benedictions

The hosts share personal messages, wishes, and reflections on the meaning of Christmas

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Join Drew, Grace, Lucius, and Paola as they react, review, and reflect on Takashi Yamazaki's profoundly moving 70th anniversary Godzilla film and recommend some thematically related books and films.

(00:00) Intro

Welcome to Soul on Screen

(01:03) React

Surprised by the deeply human narrative, emotional impact that brought tears and lasting reflection—this is no American Godzilla blockbuster!

(08:57) Review

The "minus color" black and white version heightened emotional depth and connection with the 1954 original, powerful score that honors and renews themes from the original, masterful VFX on a budget that served the story rather than dominating it, intimate cinematography emphasizing character over spectacle

(22:11) Reflect

Examining the tension between cultural values of collectivism -vs- individualism, reframing the true meaning of duty and sacrifice, exploring moments of forgiveness and heart change, identifying Christ-like figures throughout the narrative

(01:01:11) Recommend

Related books and movies:

• 1954 Godzilla film
• On Getting Out of Bed by Alan Noble
• When the Church Was a Family by Joseph Hellerman
• One Life (film)
• Southern Reach trilogy by Jeff VanderMeer

Join Drew, Grace, Lucius, and Paola as they react, review, and reflect on Greta Gerwig's surprisingly philosophical pink phenomenon Barbie, and share recommendations of some thematically related books and films.

(00:00) Intro

Welcome to Soul on Screen

(1:20) React

Initial skepticism turned to delighted surprise at the meaningful content packed into a story about a plastic doll, nostalgia for childhood Barbie experiences, appreciation for the film's earnestness and refusal to take itself too seriously, and varied emotional responses to America Ferrera's pivotal monologue

(9:04) Review

Praise for flawless production design that brought Barbie Land to life, the stark material contrast between plastic artificiality and real-world textures, exceptional pacing and editing, clever intertextual references and humor, outstanding music that carries the story's tone, and a script that balances fun with substance

(21:13) Reflect

Examining the film as a lament about artificial perfection versus authentic humanity, themes of creator and creation through Ruth Handler's role, the complexity of victim-villain dynamics in both Barbie and Ken's journeys, questions of identity and free will, the cost and beauty of choosing real life with its pain and imperfection, and incarnational themes of embracing embodied existence

(45:23) Recommend

Related books, movies, and more:

• Blade Runner 2049
• Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
• The Bear (seasons 1-2)
• Embracing the Body by Tara Owens
• The Gift of Being Yourself by David Benner
• Christians for Biblical Equality
• Never Cast Out by Jasmine Holmes