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Christ, Culture, and Cinema
Christ, Culture, and Cinema
Author: Jeffrey Skopak
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© Jeffrey Skopak
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Jeffrey Skopak and Michael Popp explore the intersection of faith, cinema, and the contemporary context of American culture. Using both classic movies as well as new releases, Skopak and Popp discuss how the cultural collisions of the twenty-first century are reflected in the movies and how Scripture speaks faith, comfort, and direction for the follower of Jesus.
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In this episode we explore why mentors are so important in finding our voice and way in this world. We also look at how Hollywood over-dramatizes story over and against what really happens in life.
So what happens when a Science Fiction Movie rubs eerily close to our contemporary context? What was "out there" is now "right here." in a span of 21 years the movie I, Robot went from thrilling science fiction a drama about the technological edge of which we stand. What does faith have say about it? How do we address technology that is moving faster than our morality and laws can keep up?
Before listening to this podcast make sure you watch the movie first! With twists and turns, characters with personal flaws and ambitions, a murder takes place and a fortune from the past remains missing. Join Benoit Blanc as he takes us on a journey of sin and grace, penance and mercy, death and restoration.
This week we delve into the hot new streaming show on Apple TV, The Studio, With a core cast that interacts with real life Hollywood actors, actresses, directors, and producers, we get a glimpse in to the chaos that leads to our entertainment. Often times the situations make us cringe, yet we can't look away. Do our lives, vocations, and occupations lead us into similar moments? Can we, as Christians, become cringe worthy characters?
Do the sins of the father resist upon the son? This week we look at one of the greatest sequel movies ever made - Godfather 2. By paralleling Vito Corleone with his son Michael, Director Francis For Coppalla gives us a picture of generational sin, moral decay, and fractured morality. Join us as we examine how these two characters are separate and yet intertwined.
With the Winter Olympics upon us, we visit a true story about a British man who learned how to ski jump in order to make the British Olympic Team...but there was one problem, he wasn't very good. But that's not the point! Eddie Edwards had a simple goal: Make the Team; and playing by the rules that were set before him, he was able to do exactly that! When looking back at the 1988 Olympics people remember two things: The Jamaican bobsled team and Eddie "The Eagle" Edwards . Why? Both demonstrate the power of the human spirit and are stories that move us to remember the true joy of sports - competing!
We open season 11 with a hockey movie in honor of the upcoming Winter Olympics . considered one of the best hockey movies ever made, we take a slightly different turn with this movie as we consider a minor league hockey team that is valued by the player/coach and his team; is valued by their hometown fans when they begin to win...but is NOT valued by the owner who is set to shut down the team for a tax right off. Join us as we explore this classic film and welcome back to our new season!
In our final Winter Break offering, we revisit the movie You People. This is a challenging look at racism and the inherent challenges of a multi-cultural society. Starring Eddie Murphy and Jonah Hill, join us for some laughs and insightful commentary on this important film.
Is there such a thing as a "perfect trilogy" of movies? Well, our guest Jarod Skopak contends that there is - AND the Hangover Trilogy is it! Join us as we revisit one of our most popular podcasts of season 9.
I discovered this movie on a flight from Athens to Atlanta. Based on a true story, this movie engages relationships, value, and what we can ultimately learn...from a penguin!
Join us as we revisit this important and well done movie staring Pamela Anderson. Looking at the struggles of career, age, family, and friends!
As we conclude our Tenth Season we have tried to find, yet again, a New Year's Eve movie...and what we continue to find are movies that are not very good! However, this movie caused Michael and Jeffrey to take a good hard look at culture and the intersecting point of faith for Christians. How does a Christian "live and interact" with "Samaria?" How do we demonstrate Christian Love and Care while also not affirming the sin that surrounds us? Join us for the conclusion of season 10 and don't worry if you haven't seen the movie...we don't recommend you watch it!
Our favorite week of the year - the time when we determine "IF" a movie "IS" a Christmas movie or not. This year season we take on Goodfellas, a brilliant movie that is based on a true story. Directed by Martin Scorcese, we find elements of Christmas - Christmas trees and a bar decorated for Christmas. The infamous Lufthansa Heist (that takes place on December 11,1978)...BUT...is it a Christmas movie or not? Join Michael and Jeffrey as they deliver a definitive answer (while exploring this great film)
On our journey to Christmas today we stop at a movie that exams family, dysfunction, communication, and laughter as we arrive on the "other side." As we look through the lenses of laughter we begin to understand that all families have the quirks, trials, and chaos. The question is where does love, faith, and forgiveness fit in. This is a "worth the watch" kind of movie as we get closer and closer to Christmas Day.
A Christmas classic - Tim Allen brings to life Santa Claus in this fun, heart-felt, and funny take on Christmas. He has 11 months to convince everyone that he really is Santa Claus - a monumental task when factoring in an ex-wife, her husband, co-workers, and friends. If you sat down with a stranger would they be able to figure out your identity? Would they know you are a Christian by how you talk, act, and behave?
This week we enter into our favorite time of year - Christmas. This year we look at a movie that has great star power but did not do well at the box office. Mythical creatures, naughty and nice, disillusionment and hope - some of the many themes and characters that jump off the screen. And yet we are drawn to the age old question: What determines naught and nice? Who is righteous? And who determines it all?
Thanksgiving - or is it Friendsgiving? As we consider this movie we do so in the backdrop of the national holiday. So what do you do when celebrating this holiday? Why do you celebrate it? And most importantly, who do you celebrate it with and why? This movie takes us on a journey of shallow relationships and ill-fated attempts at humor. But what if it chose to be more purposeful and develop relationships that were supportive, meaningful, and a blessing to each other? Join us we consider these important themes.
As we remember Veterans Day we turn our attention to an Academy Award wining movie. This movie mixes music, cinematography, and a powerful story to show the stark reality of war vs the idealism that drives 17 year olds to join the German Army and risk all...and they will ultimately loose "all." How do you view war? How do you view the people around you? Do you know their story and does that story make sense. Join us for this challenging and thoughtful movie.
In this episode we look at the 2024 movie Wicked - a movie that consider the back story that leads up the classic film, the Wizard of Oz. Taking its cue from the Broadway smash musical, the movie explores the back story of Elphaba, Glinda, the Wizard, and many others. Everyone has a story - before you judge do you know their story...and for that matter, do they know your story?
It's time for our annual Halloween Movie and this year we have chosen the reboot of The Haunted Mansion. This movie weaves disconnected characters, spirits, and lots of "easter eggs" as a homage to the famous Haunted Mansion ride at Disneyland/Disneyworld. This is a movie where you can have a "Bingo Card" trying to find all of those scenes, references and, and moments regarding the ride. But along the way prepared to be entertained and see how unintentional community can be found! And don't be surprised that this year's Halloween episode is number 13 for this season...




