Popcorn Theology
367 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 147 ratingsPopcorn Theology is a podcast where entertainment and theology meet. We look at film and TV, both new and
old from a Biblical perspective, enjoying the arts to the glory of God. Join in on the conversation!
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Episodes
Episode 152: Bohemian Rhapsody
November 16, 2018 23:18 - 1 hour - 82.4 MBAre you ready, Freddie? Take a listen this week as Richard and James chat about the new Freddie Mercury biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody. The film definitely went in some surprising directions for both of us, and we had a lot to chat about! If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider dropping a few dollars our way over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popcorn Theology and be given access to an exclusive Facebook group jus...
Episode 151: Amadeus
November 07, 2018 10:29 - 1 hour - 92.6 MBRichard, David, and James were honored this week as they were joined by James' wife, Kathryn Harleman! Truth be told, with her apparent love for the film Amadeus... we're not sure we could have kept her away if we tried! And good thing we didn't, as she helped us greatly in discussing the film! If you've been waiting for us to do another movie that is simply tailor-made for our podcast, this is definitely one of those movies! How should we we react and respond when God chooses to use ot...
Episode 150: It (2017)
October 31, 2018 09:36 - 1 hour - 61.4 MBRichard and James were joined this week by Pastor Joe Thorn (known for the incredible podcast Doctrine & Devotion) to chat about 2017's remake of the Stephen King classic, It. You may be surprised just how much substance there is to chat about when it comes to this movie about a killer clown of questionable origins! The idea and theme of Predator vs Prey, the problem of absenteeism (or worse, abusive) parenting, and more. If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our sho...
Episode 149: Gosnell
October 25, 2018 02:46 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MBRichard, David, and James were hugely honored this week as they got the opportunity to speak with Phelim McAleer, one of the producers from the new film Gosnell: The Trial of America's Biggest Serial Killer. Not only that, we were also joined by filmmaker, author, and long-time friend of the podcast Brian Godawa for the discussion! We chatted and picked the brain of Mr. McAleer about the film. What was it that got him first interested in the Gosnell murders and trial? What does he hope th...
Episode 148: Venom
October 25, 2018 01:15 - 1 hour - 70.2 MBJoin Richard, David, and James as they are immersed in the newest Marvel superhero film, Venom! Fair warning folks.. we are almost always positive about films, even to a fault - defending flicks others might not, but Venom provided a heck of a challenge for us! Despite its problems (which we probably chatted about too much - again, we're usually positive!), the movie did provide us good fodder for discussion eventually. Comparisons between Venom and Upgrade abound as we discuss how the two...
Episode 147: The Exorcism of Emily Rose
October 18, 2018 22:15 - 1 hour - 71.9 MBRichard and James got together this week to talk about the very unique horror/court room drama film The Exorcism of Emily Rose. This movie really provided us an opportunity to talk about some important ideas. Should believers enjoy films that deal with demonic plot elements at all? If so, is it possible for this enjoyment to go too far? We also got to discuss the ideas of spiritual vs physical explanations for the unbelievable, as this movie deals heavily with the question of mental illnes...
146: Scream
October 03, 2018 09:29 - 1 hour - 91.6 MBThis year, we have decided we will devote the entire month of October to a genre of film we 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 for this month long journey. We think you'll really enjoy the conversation which jumped around between Horror movie tropes and themes, the rules of horror, and some decent points for reflec...
Episode 145: To Kill a Mockingbird
September 27, 2018 09:20 - 1 hour - 77.1 MBTo 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. If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider dropping a few dollars our way over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popcorn Theology and be given access to an exclusive Facebook group...
Episode 144: The Count of Monte Cristo
September 12, 2018 15:56 - 1 hour - 80.9 MBIn continuing the theme of films based on classic literature, David and James are joined by actor Jamie Costa to discuss 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. We hope you enjoy! If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider dropping a few dollars our way over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint o...
Episode 143: Sense & Sensibility
September 07, 2018 22:12 - 1 hour - 75.4 MBIncrease your vocabulary and feel more historically cultured as we begin 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 our vows and even imitating Christ? Check out the podcast and continue the discussion in the popcorn theology Fa...
Episode 142: Bridge to Terabithia
August 30, 2018 09:29 - 59 minutes - 54 MBTo wrap up this theme month, the 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! If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider dropping a few dollars our way over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron...
Episode 141: Saving Mr. Banks
August 24, 2018 20:41 - 1 hour - 72.9 MBThis 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 spoonful of sugar that helps these deeper truths go down... in the most delightful way! If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider dropping ...
Episode 140: Christopher Robin
August 15, 2018 19:46 - 1 hour - 70.9 MBHoo-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. How do we balance our most pressing worries in life with our need to rest and invest in others? Christopher Robin explores these themes with a distinctly British flavor (with a hint of ...
Episode 139: Hook
August 09, 2018 23:14 - 1 hour - 55.7 MBIn 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, why, it was an awfully big adventure. If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider dropping...
Episode 138: The Incredibles 1 & 2
August 06, 2018 01:16 - 1 hour - 81.1 MBGrab 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, and what it means to be "special". Also: for your own safety, no wearing of capes while listening to this episode. You've been warned. If you li...
Episode 137: Coco
July 28, 2018 02:10 - 1 hour - 74.7 MBBienvenidos! 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. We hope you enjoy! If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider dropping a few dollars our way over on Patreon! If ...
Episode 136: Ant-Man and the Wasp
July 19, 2018 01:39 - 1 hour - 69.3 MBThis week, James and David team up to take on Ant-Man and the Wasp. We took a Goliath level look at the MCU and its pattern of balancing weight with levity, then we shrink down for some (quantum) analysis of the finer themes, including pride, foolishness, pain, salvation, and loving your enemies. If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider dropping a few dollars our way over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popcorn T...
Episode 135: The Greatest Showman
July 13, 2018 23:56 - 1 hour - 80.8 MBSo tell me do you wanna know... what James and David thought of The Greatest Showman? Besides the amazing production quality, the film explores the highs and lows of chasing your dreams and gives some great imagery for discipleship and taking ownership of mockery. When it comes to this movie, this podcast is everything you ever want; it's everything you ever need, and it's here right in front of you... OK, I'll stop. If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consi...
Episode 134: The Karate Kid
July 04, 2018 03:54 - 1 hour - 61.2 MBWhat can The Karate Kid help us think through as it relates to mentoring and discipleship, committing to important projects/training/etc, and being able to trust the Lord even when we can't see how His plan is working out for our good (as is promised)? If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider dropping a few dollars our way over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popcorn Theology and be given access to an exclusive ...
Episode 133: Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
June 26, 2018 22:34 - 1 hour - 80.3 MBThe guys were joined once again by Dr. Marcus Ross, paleontologist and professor at Liberty University, to discuss the newest offering in the Jurassic franchise - Fallen Kingdom! This movie has been getting a lot of hate - but what did the guys at Popcorn Theology think of it? Regardless of how we feel about it, the call to be a mindful consumer remains. As such, we hope you enjoy our conversation about the film - both our feelings towards it as movie goers as well as the important ideas i...
Episode 132: The Terminator
June 20, 2018 09:45 - 1 hour - 72.1 MBThis week, we were sent back in time by our Patreon supporters with one express mission... to cover The Terminator! We wanted to continue with our theme of ethics, technology, human/machine coexistence, etc -- and this film is pretty much the genesis of much of these ideas in cinema. In what ways does this story parallel biblical themes? In what ways does it clearly veer away from, or even invert, those same biblical themes? We talk about the ideas of technology as something to be feared ...
Episode 131: Upgrade
June 13, 2018 22:51 - 1 hour - 62.4 MBJoin Richard, David, and James as we discuss the new, came-out-of-nowhere flick - Upgrade! This movie was of surprising quality in many areas and gave us a lot to talk about. Moral culpability, the sinful nature, comparisons to movies about demon possession, and more! Enjoy! If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider dropping a few dollars our way over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popcorn Theology and be gi...
Episode 130: Jurassic Park
June 06, 2018 19:21 - 1 hour - 64.7 MBRichard, David, and James are joined by Dr. Marcus Ross, paleontologist and professor at Liberty University in order to discuss the classic and widely beloved film, Jurassic Park! We chatted about what has caused this movie to stand the test of time. Dr. Ross managed to ruin Richard's childhood by dispelling some of the ways in which the film is scientifically inaccurate. We then jumped into the meat of the movie, discussing several themes the movie prompts us to consider - ethics and sci...
Episode 129: Solo
May 29, 2018 09:52 - 1 hour - 75.5 MB"If you come with us, you're in this life for good." Big news this week, as Richard and David were joined once again by James Harleman - but this time, 'for good'! But wait, there's more! We were also joined by our regular Star Wars correspondent, as well as apologetic and origins guru, Dr. Jason Lisle! Richard, David, James, and Dr. Lisle spent over an hour talking about the film. What did we like or dislike? What things worked? Did the actor become 'Solo' for us, or not? We got into...
Episode 128: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
May 23, 2018 09:13 - 1 hour - 62.6 MBOnce every month or so, our Patreon supporters get to make film suggestions and vote for which one they'd like us to cover on the podcast. This month, they commissioned us to discuss Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Richard and David have been meaning to talk about this movie for a while and were just looking for an excuse to watch it again! The film really deals with some deep subject matter, from relationship issues to Nietzsche and eternal recurrence. If that last one confuses yo...
Episode 127: A Quiet Place
May 16, 2018 22:12 - 1 hour - 61.2 MBSince James was killed off on a recent episode, Richard and David reached out to Samantha Macarages - fellow admin of the Popcorn Theology facebook group - in order to chat about the hit John Krasinski film, A Quiet Place! What are the primary theme(s) of the film? How does the movie deal with the ideas of guilt, sacrifice, and family? This movie provides a very interesting picture of these things and more! If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider dr...
Episode 126: Derek Webb
May 09, 2018 09:33 - 1 hour - 88 MBThis episode of Popcorn Theology is going to be a little different. We took a break from chatting up movies and television to talk with Derek Webb - a musical artist who has been around for a long time now and has had a very unique journey spiritually. We appreciate Derek's willingness to come on the podcast with us to chat with us about some very serious and important subject matter. He was forthright about where he's coming from (as he no longer identifies as a Christian believer, at th...
Episode 125: Avengers: Infinity War
May 02, 2018 02:08 - 1 hour - 82.8 MBRichard, David, and James all sit down to chat about the newest offering in the Marvel universe as they round out their Month o' Marvel! Will all three hosts survive this epic episode? Only one way to find out! We hope you enjoy listening in as we chat about what we liked and didn't from the movie before diving into the deep end by chatting about how Thanos does and does not look like the biblical God, the idea of trading lives or sacrificing self for others, the omniscience of God and ho...
Episode 124: Captain America: The Winter Soldier
April 25, 2018 22:56 - 1 hour - 68.7 MBAs we continue our journey through some of the older Marvel universe flicks in preparation for next week's Infinity War, we asked our Patreon supporters to choose the last film we would cover - and they chose well! We hope you enjoy our conversation on what many consider to be the finest film in all of the MCU. If you want to hear our fresh thoughts on Infinity War, make sure to check back with us next week! If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider dr...
Episode 123: Captain America: The First Avenger
April 18, 2018 21:18 - 1 hour - 61.8 MBWe continued our trek through some of the earlier MCU films this week by discussing Captain America: The First Avenger! What were Richard, David, and James' initial reactions to this film when it dropped - and how do they feel about it today? A lot of conversation about the nature of heroes in our art and how Captain America was a tricky hero to bring into the modern era - yet was nailed perfectly. Why do we tend toward heroes that are more 'like us' and less upright? Is it somehow related...
Episode 122: Thor
April 13, 2018 00:17 - 1 hour - 63.8 MBRichard, David, and James continue their look back at some of the earlier Marvel movies - flicks that had previously been overlooked on our podcast due to their having been released before the podcast began. Which one is up? Thor! Now a trilogy of films, we had a blast taking a look back on this initial introduction to the important character. There are a lot of themes in this one, including ideas of the prodigal son, being self-righteous, fatherly discipline, and more! We beseech thee...
Episode 121: Iron Man (2008)
April 04, 2018 17:22 - 1 hour - 56.5 MBRichard, David, and James are planning to take the month to discuss some of the earlier movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe - flicks that were missed previously because they were released prior to the beginnings of Popcorn Theology as a podcast. This week, we jumped into that plan by taking a look at the original Iron Man film from 2008! This film really provides some of the most overt themes and obvious imagery, showing us a character who has a complete change of heart both metaphoric...
Episode 120: Threat Level Midnight
April 01, 2018 01:29 - 44 minutes - 40.5 MBJoin Richard, David, and James as they sit down to chat about this relatively underrated indy flick made by some amateur filmmakers in small-town Pennsylvania. The movie, despite its low budget and flaws, really give us a lot to talk about: Vengeance, doing evil so that good may prevail, forgiveness, and more! If you like what you are hearing and want to help support us, consider supporting us on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popcorn Theology and...
Episode 119: Rise of the Planet of the Apes
March 29, 2018 09:24 - 59 minutes - 54.6 MBThis week, our Patreon supporters got to decide what movie we would cover - and they chose that we take a moment to dive into a series we hadn't even touched yet on the podcast; The Planet of the Apes, specifically the first film in the newer movies. While Richard and David have a pretty limited experience with this series, James has seen all but the most recent movie. The flick helps us take a look at a wide range of ideas, from working with others towards a common goal when our motivati...
Episode 118: Scott Pilgrim vs the World
March 24, 2018 23:48 - 1 hour - 67.2 MBToday we finish out our three week dive into Edgar Wright's films by taking a look at Scott Pilgrim vs the World! This was both David and Richard's first time watching this movie (we know, we know!), but it is a longtime favorite of James'. We chatted about the unexpectedly star-studded cast, its very unique style, and then used the story as a spring board to dive into some of the Proverbs, to discuss how past relationships can still affect our present and future, and more! We hope you en...
Episode 117: Shaun of the Dead
March 14, 2018 09:23 - 1 hour - 60.4 MBWe are right in the middle of a series of episodes on some of Edgar Wright's best films, and this week we are discussing what many consider to be his very best: Shaun of the Dead! Listen in as the movie prompts us to discuss themes within the Zombie genre, the idea of sorting life and priorities out, what it looks like to walk through life mindlessly, and even what albums we would (and wouldn't) throw at a Zombie! If you like what you are hearing and want to help support us, consider s...
Episode 116: Hot Fuzz
March 07, 2018 10:36 - 1 hour - 56.6 MBThis week, join Richard, David, and James as they kick off a month of Edgar Wright films! We start this multi-week event by looking at the incredible action/buddy cop/conspiracy/mystery movie, Hot Fuzz! It can be a really bad thing to be worried about outward appearances when the inside of the thing is vile - it wasn't cool when the Pharisees did it, it isn't cool when the people of Sandford do it in Hot Fuzz, and its not cool when we do it. What really is 'the greater good'? If you...
Episode 115: Black Mirror S4
February 28, 2018 01:15 - 1 hour - 96.7 MBJoin Richard, David, and James as they take a long hard look into a Black Mirror. Specifically, the guys focus in on the book end episodes of the season: S4E1 USS Callister and S4E6 Black Museum. This show offers a very dark (but perhaps honest?) look at human nature - not a show for the easily disturbed! We also must warn our listeners that the show can have some racy content, and this is very apparent during a quick scene in the Black Museum episode. We hope you enjoy hearing us chat...
Episode 114: Black Panther
February 22, 2018 00:16 - 1 hour - 94.1 MBJoin Richard, David, and James as they share their thoughts on the newest entry in the Marvel film franchise, Black Panther! The discussion touches on the controversy surrounding the film before release and post release, the idea of reconciliation, victims becoming perpetrators, dealing with the sins of our fathers/role models, the tension between helping others and safety, and much more! We hope you enjoy this episode! If you like what you are hearing and want to help support us, cons...
Episode 113: Baby Driver
February 14, 2018 06:28 - 1 hour - 96.7 MBRichard, David and James (of Cinemagogue) chat about the critically acclaimed Edgar Wright flick, Baby Driver! Conversation ranges from serious to silly, touching on: The idea of enabling the sins of others and whether or not that reflects on our own character, how the world tends to react when they perceive believers as being 'different' from them, music as a coping mechanism, using color in art, and our favorite Getaway Driver tunes! We hope you enjoy this episode! If you like what yo...
Episode 112: Super Bowl 2018
February 07, 2018 06:44 - 1 hour - 79.5 MBThis week, David and James were re-joined by Richard in order to discuss this year's Super Bowl - with a special focus on the ads that aired during the game! These ads cost a lot of money and they are used to promote ethics, worldview, and business - we ought not be mindless consumers, even during the commercials! We hope you enjoy this episode! If you like what you are hearing and want to help support us, consider supporting us on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official...
Episode 111: Les Misérables
February 04, 2018 22:21 - 1 hour - 97.9 MBThis week, David and James (of Cinemagogue) dive head-first into the 2012 musical adaptation of Les Miserables. We discussed the nature and consequences of sin, justice, and grace in this deeply touching film. We hope you enjoy this episode! If you like what you are hearing and want to help support us, consider supporting us on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popcorn Theology and be given access to an exclusive Facebook group just for supporters, gi...
Episode 110: La La Land
January 28, 2018 21:58 - 1 hour - 108 MBThis week, David and guest host James Harleman (of Cinemagogue cine-fame) are joined by Aaron and Patrick of the Feelin' Film Podcast to talk about La La Land. In this surprisingly long episode, we discussed the mixed reactions to this movie, contagious passion, traditionalism vs. revolution, heartbreak and regret, and more. We hope you enjoy this episode! If you like what you are hearing and want to help support us, consider supporting us on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an o...
Episode 109: Sweeney Todd
January 16, 2018 16:08 - 1 hour - 92.4 MBThis week, David is joined by sit-in cohost, James Harleman of Cinemagogue, to discuss Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007). We discussed the film's "off-ness" as a glib musical about mass murder and cannibalism, the nature of sin and its generational impacts, the value of hopelessness in films, and much more! We hope you enjoy this episode! If you like what you are hearing and want to help support us, consider supporting us on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an...
Episode 108: Die Hard
January 01, 2018 05:13 - 1 hour - 81.3 MBThis week, we kill two birds with one stone! This episode serves as both our Patreon Supporter Pick for the month of December as well as our Christmas episode - and what did we decide to chat about? Why, the Christmas Classic, Die Hard! We talked about how the movie set with us (as it was one neither of us had seen in some time), what themes the film touches upon (thanks to James Harleman for his article at Cinemagogue), and more! We hope you enjoy this episode! If you like what you are ...
Episode 107: The Last Jedi
December 18, 2017 14:29 - 1 hour - 76.9 MBRichard and David were super excited to get to continue Popcorn Theology's now three year tradition: having Dr. Jason Lisle (of Biblical Science Institute) on with us to chat about the newest Star Wars movie! What did we think - what did we like, dislike? We chatted about just about all the major plot points and surprises. We also discussed one or two themes that seemed important throughout the film, but we'll let you listen to hear what those are.. wouldn't want to spoil it for anyone who...
Bonus: O Brother, Where Art Thou?
December 06, 2017 00:49 - 1 hour - 78.2 MBWhen we began our Patreon a few months ago, our goal was to release one exclusive episode per month chosen by and for our Patreon supporters. When we realized that was a little difficult on our schedules, our Patreon supporters graciously allowed us to begin releasing these exclusive episodes to the entire Podcast audience - while allowing them the ability to help us choose what to cover, once per month. Now that this is our format, we want to begin dropping the previous exclusive episodes...
Episode 106: The Goonies
November 28, 2017 05:52 - 1 hour - 64.2 MBEach month, our beloved Patreon supporters get to choose one movie for us to cover in an episode of Popcorn Theology. When they heard that David had not yet seen The Goonies, their choice was quickly decided. We did get around to chatting about The Goonies on this episode, but we may or may not have but definitely did start with Richard railing on Thanksgiving and David telling us what he got for his Thanksgiving Gifts (you heard that right.) Once we got to the Goonies, we chatted a bi...
Episode 105: Justice League
November 19, 2017 21:53 - 1 hour - 72.4 MBRichard and David went straight from the Movie Theater to the microphone this week, chatting about Justice League mere moments after having watched it for the first time. That can lead to some scatter-brained thoughts, but we had a good time nonetheless! The movie prompted us to talk about a ton of things, ranging from the casual ( How did we feel about the film? Danny Elfman? The cast? Etc.), to some deeper subjects (such as the need for ethical dealings even when our enemy has no such ne...
Episode 104: Stranger Things S2
November 12, 2017 17:45 - 1 hour - 77.6 MBRichard and David were psyched to sit down this week and talk about Stranger Things Season 2! What did we think of the new characters and new pairings of old characters? What themes did we see over the course of the nine episode show? Conversation ranges from why Sean Astin improves everything to the importance of not feeding your sin nature. We hope you enjoy this episode! If you like what you are hearing and want to help support us, consider supporting us on Patreon! If you do, you'll ...