(REVIEW) “Hulk Hogan: Real American” succeeds not because it answers questions, but because it refuses to. It presents Hogan as a deeply contradictory figure: A man who inspired millions while struggling to live up to his own ideals, a public hero whose private life was often marked by pain and failure and a Christian who spent much of his life in and out of the ring.
Read More(ANALYSIS) The popularity of musical biopics across both Hollywood and faith-based industries reflects the deep connection between religion and music in the shaping modern culture. It also reveals two different frameworks for interpreting that influence. Ideally, audiences can engage both and think more deeply about what each suggests for their own lives.
Read More(REVIEW) Netflix’s new four-part docuseries “Trust Me: The False Prophet” gives viewers never-before-seen access to the inner workings of a high-control religion and cult. It’s a fascinating true story of danger, moral conviction, sacrifice, redemption and justice. Cult psychology expert and former mainstream Mormon, Christine Marie and her filmmaker husband, Tolga Katas, move to the area to support the FLDS community and document their lives.
Read More(REVIEW) The film is an example of how Hollywood uses Christian metaphysical assumptions when dealing with non-Christian faiths — all while denying Christianity and promoting these same pre-Christian religions. “Lee Cronin’s The Mummy” has nothing remotely to do with Egyptian mythology. But that doesn’t mean it has nothing to say about our modern relationship with faith.
Read MoreOn this week’s show, Joseph Holmes interviewed Jon Gunn, “House of David” executive producer. The two talked through this balance of myth and reverence, the evolution of faith in film, the complications of portraying romance in a time when arranged marriage was the norm and much more.
Read MoreWhile many think “primum non nocere” — “First, do no harm” — was an oath created by the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, it’s actually found in a top-secret bible handed to Hollywood players when they are placed in charge of the box-office franchises that keep their operations alive.
Read More(ANALYSIS) The manosphere is a catchall term for websites, forums, blogs and influencers promoting hypermasculinity, from the belief that women and feminism are the cause of men’s problems to calls to legalize rape. Groups within it — including pickup artists, men’s rights groups and “involuntary celibate” or “incel” communities — portray themselves as victims of modernity.
Read More(REVIEW) “A Great Awakening” explores the friendship between Benjamin Franklin and George Whitefield, using their relationship to examine faith’s role in America’s founding. However, the film lacks the power and impact that it claims Whitfield had on his audiences.
Read More(REVIEW) What will the legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese add to these depictions of Mary that we haven’t seen before? Frankly, not much.
Read More(ANALYSIS) “Solo Mio,” a low-budget romantic comedy starring Kevin James, blends classic rom-com tropes with overt Catholic elements, raising questions about whether it’s faith-based or mainstream. Its strong box office return highlights growing interest in profitable, faith-friendly films as Hollywood shifts away from big-budget franchises toward niche genres.
Read More(REVIEW) “The House of David” Season Two improves on its strengths while refining its flaws, delivering a compelling biblical epic about power, faith and leadership. Despite some uneven pacing and character development, it offers a timely, countercultural vision of heroism grounded in moral responsibility.
Read MoreEven Chuck Norris’s granddaughter bought into the memes that described her Papa as indestructible. He was, as she wrote recently, the man who “counted to infinity twice, the man who got bit by a cobra and the cobra died.” Chuck Norris didn’t do pushups, she added; he “would push the earth down.”
Read MoreWhen “The Faithful: Women of the Bible” trusts the Bible’s voice, it does a great job of giving voice to the women that it portrays. Unfortunately, far too often, the filmmakers shout their own voices too loud for you to hear the real women they claim to be elevating.
Read MoreKendra Duggar, wife of former “19 Kids and Counting” TV star Joseph Duggar, has been arrested in Arkansas. Both she and her husband are now facing misdemeanor child endangerment and false imprisonment charges.
Read MoreA former star of the TLC reality series “19 Kids and Counting” has been arrested on felony child sex abuse charges in Florida.
Read MoreThe movie has all the beats you want: Likeable characters, a clear villain, good pacing, decent scares and a clear social fear it’s tapping into. It also has the typical horror contrivances where characters have to be extremely obtuse or be insanely unlucky to keep them from getting out of the situation almost immediately.
Read More(REVIEW) “Midwinter Break” is a film that, from its synopsis, seems quaint and charming, but beneath this charm, the tensions and conflicts run deep. It’s a meditative movie on the nature of faith and relationships that’s sure to have an impact — particularly for those who believe their lives need a major change.
Read More(ANALYSIS) “KPop Demon Hunters,” a global hit, has sparked debate among Christians over whether its themes are spiritually dangerous. The controversy reflects deeper cultural shifts in Korea and the U.S., where declining organized religion and rising spirituality are widening divides between traditional beliefs and a newer ethos.
Read More(ANALYSIS) “Write what you know,” is advice given to many who feel inspired to take up the pen — or, these days, sit at a computer. When it comes to writing about religion, though, including the Catholic Church, it’s amazing how little some writers know (including those who are Catholic themselves). This is evident, where scenes depict liturgies or other expressions of faith and get them wrong.
Read MoreWith the Oscars being awarded this Sunday, Religion Unplugged’s Culture Editor Jillian Cheney and chief film critic Joseph Holmes sat down with theologian Paul Anleitner, an author and the President and CEO of Goodmakers. Cheney, Holmes and Anleitner discussed the spiritual and religious themes of some of this year’s most-beloved nominees.
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