James Harleman's Blog, page 6
October 13, 2018
SCREAM and Scream Again…
This year, I teamed up with Popcorn Theology to devote the entire month of October to a genre of film they have historically (mostly) neglected: the Scary Movie! Scream felt like a fitting choice to jump in as it directly and explicitly deals with the genre in the film itself, providing us an excellent starting point […]
On Accusations: TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
To wrap up our classic literature month, our Patron Saints voted for To Kill a Mockingbird (1962). James and David compare the film and the book(s), talk about their cultural impact, and explore the Christ-like character of Atticus Finch. Finch is oft-described as one of film’s greatest heroes, (and I have to agree) defending a […]
Revenge: THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO
In continuing the theme of films based on classic literature, David and James are joined by actor Jamie Costa to discuss ope of Costa’s favorite films, The Count of Monte Cristo (2002). We talk about why revenge stories are so compelling, the biblical view of vengeance and justice, and Edmond Dantes as a Christ figure. CLICK THE […]
Lacking SENSE AND SENSIBILITY…
Increase your vocabulary and feel more historically cultured as we feature a month Reviewing classic literature films! David and James explore the difference between Sense and Sensibility with Emma Thompson‘s Academy award-winning adaptation of Jane Austen‘s classic novel (starring Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, and more). What does this narrative teach us about keeping […]
August 30, 2018
Crossing The BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA
To wrap up this theme month, our “Patron Saints” have voted for us to cover Bridge to Terabithia. This imaginative film led James and David to discuss childlike wonder, what it looks like to “overcome evil with good”, the importance of biblical theology, grief, and culpability in sin. Take the rope swing and join us! […]
SAVING MR. BANKS: Mary Me…
This week, James and David continue the theme of adulthood and forgotten childhood with Saving Mr. Banks, the 2013 story about the making of Mary Poppins. In this film, we explore love and loyalty for fictional characters, the sunny and rainy sides of life, as well as grief, forgiveness, and redemption. This film is a […]
August 19, 2018
CHRISTOPHER ROBIN: A Movie Full of Pooh
…Winnie the Pooh, that is! Hoo-Hoo-Hoo-HOO! Grab your red balloon and bounce with David and James as they explore Disney’s return to the 100-acre wood with Christopher Robin. This film follows a familiar formula of an adult man caught up in the concerns of the world, desperately needing a childlike refresher on what’s truly important. […]
August 11, 2018
By HOOK or by crook…
In preparation for the release of “Christopher Robin”, James and David are thinking happy thoughts and flying back in time to the 1991 classic “Hook”. This magical film explores several topics, including regaining child-like wonder, abdicating adult responsibility, the Christography of Pan, and the battle for the hearts of Peter’s children. To record this podcast… […]
August 6, 2018
Twice as INCREDIBLES
Grab your super-suits and join us ASAP for this week’s episode, as we soar into adventure with a double-header of The Incredibles and long-awaited sequel, Incredibles 2! Our reviewing heroes “Movie-Man” David and James “The Pontificator” take off their masks and get candid on the films’ flexible views on family, what leads to villainous intent, […]
August 1, 2018
Making Music With COCO
Bienvenidos! This week, the Patron Saints (our patreon supporters) voted and introduced James and David to Disney and Pixar’s Coco. This fun and vibrant film lent itself to a surprising amount of deep conversation, including the theology of Dia de los Muertos, “seizing your moment” at all costs, and the importance of family and remembrance. […]
