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

Join Lucius, Paola, Grace, and Drew as they react, review, and reflect on Denis Villeneuve's epic sci-fi adaptation of Dune: Parts One & Two, and share recommendations of some thematically related books and films.

(00:00) Intro

(00:45) React

Initial impressions from both book readers and newcomers, being completely absorbed by the intricate world-building, emotional reactions to the story's unexpected turns, and appreciation for accessible storytelling despite the source material's legendary complexity

(11:36) Review

Praise for Hans Zimmer's incredible score and groundbreaking sound design, the documentary-style visual approach, stunning desert cinematography, striking visual sequences that enhance the alien atmosphere, and thoughtful adaptation choices that successfully translate Herbert's dense universe to cinema

(30:06) Reflect

Examining themes of power and corruption, religious manipulation and political control, questions of destiny versus choice, the nature of leadership and sacrifice, and how the story's worldview contrasts with Christian perspectives on authority, hope, and redemption

(55:19) Recommend

Related books, movies, and more:

• Dune (audiobook)
• Dune (1984 film)
• Dune (1992 video game)
• Ecclesiastes
• Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
• Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
• A Mist Sprite's Study of Being Human by Kyra Hinton
• The Atlas of AI by Kate Crawford
• Orbital by Samantha Harvey

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Join Drew, Grace, Lucius, and Paola as they react, review, and reflect on the Broadway musical turned cinematic hit Wicked, and share recommendations of some thematically related movies and books.

(00:00) Intro

Welcome to Soul on Screen

(01:13) React

Initial impressions, varying appreciation for musicals, family viewing experiences, comparisons to The Wizard of Oz, Harry Potter, and Hunger Games, and personal connections

(15:49) Review

Praise for Cynthia Erivo's (Elphaba) expressive acting and vocals, discussion of Ariana Grande's (Glinda) performance, the visual design of a fantastical world, the challenge of adapting stage to film, the impact of live-recorded vocals

(31:27) Reflect

Considering the film's central question "Why does wickedness happen?", critiques of racism, societal labeling, and propaganda, themes of mimicry, scapegoating, the ability to choose, and the cost of good character

(01:03:31) Recommend

Related movies and books:

• Wizard of Oz (1939)
• Return to Oz (1985)
• The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis
• Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life by Luke Burgis
• The Wood Between the Worlds: A Poetic Theology of the Cross by Brian Zahnd

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Join Grace, Drew, Lucius, and Paola as they react, review, and reflect on the Oscar winning 2024 film Conclave. Stick around at the end for recommendations of thematically related movies and books.

(00:00) Intro

Welcome to Soul on Screen

(00:37) React

Initial viewing impressions, watching with family/spouses, tension and suspense despite minimal action, exceeded expectations

(07:09) Review

Stunning visual composition, masterful performances (Fiennes, Tucci), use of space and lighting, sound design, multiple languages authentically portrayed

(21:52) Reflect

Faith vs. church politics, sacred vs. profane tension, pastoral leadership vs. ambition, the twist-ending and its meaning, women's roles in the church structure

(01:04:01) Recommend

• The Two Popes
• A Hidden Life
• Silence
• The Mission
• The Sparrow
• Together in Ministry
• In the Name of Jesus

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Take your seat alongside Drew, Grace, Lucius, and Paola as they share their journeys to finding meaning in movies. Discover the vision behind Soul on Screen and join us for a preview of the conversations to come.

(00:00) Opening

(00:37) Backstory

(02:06) Introductions

(11:04) Intersections: Film & Spirituality

(28:09) The Name: Soul on Screen

(38:54) The Format: React, Review, Reflect

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