Victim Or Monster?: ‘Widow’s Bay’ Explores the Horror of Post-Christian Paganization

(REVIEW) “Widow’s Bay” presents a world in which both modern Western rationalism and Christianity are helpless to defeat the haunted island’s monsters. Characters have to choose between siding with the demons or becoming victims.

‘Bad Counselors’ An Unfunny Christian Satire About Frat Boys Who Learn Nothing About Faith

(REVIEW) When a wild night ends in handcuffs and a campus police escort, two best friends (named Grayson and Tyler are slapped with 120 hours of community service due in two weeks — or they’re expelled. Their genius plan? Pose as counselors at a local Christian youth camp.

Before Greek Myths Reached Movie Theaters, They Were Weapons Of Political Satire

(ANALYSIS) Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey has brought Homer’s epic tale back to the big screen. The film is the latest retelling of a story that is almost 3,000 years old. But why do these ancient Greek stories continue to captivate new generations? Nolan aside, Stephen Fry’s retelling of Greek myths in 2017 and Disney’s “Hercules” film, for example, are part of a much longer tradition of repackaging the ancient world for contemporary audiences.

Inside Christopher Nolan’s ‘Odyssey’: A Pagan Epic Through Christian Eyes

(ANALYSIS) After watching Christopher Nolan's take on “The Odyssey,” Father Dwight Longenecker remembered a comment Steven Spielberg made in a commentary while discussing how viewers react to symbolism. The director was responding to comments that crosses in the “Saving Private Ryan” cemetery scenes suggested the hero was a Christ figure who suffered to save a lost soul.

‘Elijah Peel’ Review: Faith-Based Films Are Still Shackled By Inspirational Formula

(REVIEW) “Elijah Peel” follows a world-famous rock musician whose life of success and addiction comes crashing down after suffering a life-threatening heart attack. But the film still wears the inspirational Christian movie formula like a straitjacket, instead of using it as a sturdy foundation.

When Does Criticizing Israel Become Antisemitism?: Ask Mark Ruffalo

Since the Hamas attack on Israel, the actor has frequently called out Israel’s military action in Gaza, notably wearing an Artists4Ceasefire pin to the 2024 Oscars. In 2024, he was among more than 700 SAG-AFTRA members who signed a letter demanding the actors’ union publicly call for a Gaza ceasefire and protect pro-Palestinian members from what they described as industry blacklisting.

Murders And Theological Debates: Ranking The Anglican Priests Of ‘Grantchester’

After 11 seasons, PBS’s “Masterpiece Mystery!” series “Grantchester” has come to an end. For more than a decade, viewers returned to the quiet village of Cambridgeshire to watch an unlikely crime-solving duo: Anglican vicars and Det. Inspector George “Geordie” Keating.

Want To Solve A Murder? Just Ask An Anglican Priest For A Little Help.

(REVIEW) There’s something about priests solving murders in small towns that people love. A long-running series in this genre that’s just ended is “Grantchester.” The series follows young, good-looking vicars in the fictional sleepy British town who partner with a local lawman to solve murder cases.

‘Hadestown: The Musical’ Shows How Greek Gods Have Captivated A New Generation

(Review) Pagans and Christians alike long for an Orpheus who can sing a song that brings Hades and Persephone back together and rescue Eurydice from the underworld. But Christians know that song already exists. And if we want our lives and world restored, we don’t have to look to a “sad song” or a fantasy future — but to the happy song of a real past and present.

‘In the Hand of Dante’ May Be Entertaining, But Ultimately Not So Divine

(REVIEW) Nick is on an adventure to secure an original manuscript of the famous poem. Unfortunately, the film’s engagement with the “Divine Comedy’s” ideas and themes turns out to be depressingly trivial.

Does ‘The Odyssey’ Understand Ancient Greek Religion?

Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” was made for a religious landscape that looks very different from Homer’s original audience. Does the movie manage to honor the beliefs of the source material — or does it impose modern values on the ancient epic?

Christmas In July: What Zuzu From ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ Taught Me

(ANALYSIS) I met Karolyn Grimes not long after moving back to Washington State in the summer of 2005. Grimes, best known for her portrayal of Zuzu (George Bailey’s daughter) in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” had just turned 65. I learned that she and her husband lived in Fall City.

What ‘DTF St. Louis’ Reveals About America’s Loneliness Crisis

(OPINION) On the surface, “DTF St. Louis” is a sordid tale presented for voyeuristic yucks or titillation, but it actually offers a serious meditation on the human need for meaning.

The Pope, Pixar, Parents, Pastors and ‘Toy Story 5’

(ANALYSIS) At the box office, “Toy Story 5” is nearing $1 billion in global ticket sales. The movie isn’t perfect, but some religious leaders should note what Pixar got right about parents getting involved in the digital lives of their children.

Dr. Phil’s Merit Street Media Moves To Chapter 7 As Fight With TBN Deepens

Merit Street Media, the television venture founded by Dr. Phil McGraw and backed by Trinity Broadcasting Network, has been converted from Chapter 11 reorganization to Chapter 7 liquidation. An independent trustee now controls the estate as litigation between McGraw, TBN, and other creditors continues through the bankruptcy process.

‘Young Washington’ Mixes Faith And The Limits Of A Hero’s Transformation

(REVIEW) The faith-based film industry is shifting from family-friendly dramas toward male-focused, patriotic stories for conservative Christian audiences. “Young Washington” reflects that evolution with strong action, but ultimately weakens its emotional impact by oversimplifying George Washington’s ambition and spiritual transformation, limiting its cultural and thematic potential.

3 Religious And Patriotic Movies To Watch Over Independence Weekend

(ANALYSIS) In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, faith-based filmmakers have pushed out multiple patriotic and history-themed films. This summer has seen a mix of historical dramas, war epics and documentaries — all of which are widely available for Christians (and non-Christians) to watch this Fourth of July weekend.

Amazon’s Second Season Of ‘Hazbin Hotel’ Reinvents Christian Redemption

(REVIEW) To understand post-Christian Western culture, watch “Hazbin Hotel.” As America continues to secularize and divide along religious and political lines, our culture is rewriting how we think about human nature and redemption. With its second season, the series encapsulates our evolving post-Christian imagination — and the ways we’re worse off for it.

Just Too Preachy: Faith-Based Film ‘Just One More’ Struggles to Tell A Dark Story

(REVIEW) “Just One More” has its heart in the right place. But it is held back by a preachy Christian filmmaking culture that leans on telling, not showing.

Steven Spielberg’s ‘Disclosure Day’ Should Have Listened To Religious People More

(REVIEW) Steven Spielberg’s latest film “Disclosure Day” asks how people of faith would deal with finding out aliens are real. Sadly, one gets the distinct impression that Spielberg didn’t talk to any religious people when deciding his answer. Spielberg is responsible for some of the most iconic movies about aliens and faith ever made.

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