Cinematic Doctrine

Send us a Question!PATREON LET'S TALK:In response to his disgust with No Game No Life: Zero, Melvin interviews his friends Isabella, David, and Melanie about Anime, PDF-File/incest material, and the broader disappointment with male-produced fetishistic content.Song Credits:InMyHeadBGM by ceethewhite -- https://freesound.org/s/795402/ -- License: Attribution 4.0Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/aaron-paul-low/lemon-merengueLicense code: WDB4IXI2UDO4TBO8Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/puzzle-piecesLicense code: 977UJ2MEOOJXANGW Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group

Send us a Question!MOVIE DISCUSSION: Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss Death Note (2006)... but not the one you're thinking of! No, they discuss the live-action adaptation that released earlier the same year as its anime counterpart. The two discuss how this adaptation functions on its own as well as compare it to the anime adaptation, and explore the ins-and-outs of Death Note as a whole. Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 22-minutes discussing which of the two movies, The Fantastic Four: First Steps or Superman, will receive the better box-office numbers, if the industry will even be impressed with their sales, and if general audiences have moved on from superheroes. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)There's some deviation between this live-action adaptation and the anime, but nothing quite as egregious as the Western Netflix adaptation.Briefly talking Ryuk and the CGI.There's an "it" factor that's missing with this adaptation, and Melvin takes some time to explore what that may be.Death Note has a lot of monologues, but they seem to be missing from this live-action adaptation. The two discuss why that might matter.Light Yagami is very self-controlled but profoundly emotional, and neither this live-action adaptation nor the Western Netflix adaptation have figured out how to handle that pairing.Talking about L's live-action portrayal.Talking about the ending.Recommendations:Andor (2022-2025) (Series)Yami Shibai (2013 - X) (Anime) Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group

Send us a Question!MOVIE DISCUSSION: Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss one of the most pivotal anime-film releases to ever grace the silver-screen; Akira! This 1988 film not only pushed the genre of animation to its limits, it also introduced anime to the west as a serious new genre of entertainment! Does it still hold up? Spoilers: absolutely it does!Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 18-minutes discussing the ins-and-outs of the cyberpunk aesthetic, what makes it distinct from other sci-fi settings, and whether its our preference. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)The vibes are strong with Akira.The quality is strong with Akira.When Melvin first saw the film he liked it but wasn't impressed. This time around? He thinks its incredible.Although the characters aren't profoundly deep, they are a clever, complicated mix of different figures amidst a chaotic, epic story.Every 10 minutes something crazier than the last happens on screen.Kathryn wasn't totally wowed by Akira but she totally understands its titan-status in filmmaking.Discussing Building, Rebuilding, and Destruction.Talking about Kaneda.Discussing the line, "Time isn't clear, and there ought to be a future we can choose."Getting into that absolutely insane ending.Recommendations:The Thing From Another World (1951) (Anime)Steins;Gate (2011) (Anime) Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group

Send us a Question!MOVIE DISCUSSION: Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss what is perhaps Hayao Miyazaki's most popular feature, Spirited Away! Its music, its character, it's magic; Spirited Away continues to dominate the conversation among Ghibli and anime fans alike, and the two get into all the good stuff in their latest episode!Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 23-minutes of wondering if we're back on the MCU train with the success of Thunderbolts*, and also playing a rapid-fire MCU trivia game! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Shirleon, "I really don't think I can say anything bad about the movie."Melvin does a rundown of similarities he's observed between the 3 Miyazaki-directed movies they've covered on the show.Chihiro grows from someone who fears a lack of agency into someone empowered with determination.Spirited Away is a little different from other family-accessible movies in that its complicating incident isn't the fault of it's child-protagonist but rather their parents.The concept of "work" is constantly on the mind of the movie.Talking about the "weeping rice-cake" scene.If we spend time meditating on the blessings of our lives, we start to notice how supported and how resilient we are.Recommendations:Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (2006) (Anime)Durarara!! (Season 1) (2010) (Anime) Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group

Send us a Question!PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss our latest Patreon-picked movie; Her! The two discuss the ins-and-outs of digital romance, modern sexuality, and so much more all in a post Chat-GPT world!Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 26-minutes discussing disc rot, media preservation, and the difficulty of preserving media in general all because Melvin found on his copy of On Golden Pond a Documentary special-feature he can't find any record of online, either on Wikipedia, IMDB, or YouTube. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Melvin & Kathryn both kick things off with some positives. With that out of the way... the cat's out of the bag: neither Melvin nor Kathryn liked Her.Melvin, "[Her] is wrapped up in a visually pleasing film with performers who are very impressive and I find that that might actually be distracting from the flaws of the film."Theo is codependent, and Sam is an enabler.Melvin & Kathryn take turns explaining things they didn't like while using examples from other movies they feel better represent those ideas.Melvin felt the technology in the film was kind of terrible.Theo is uncomfortable with the idea that a woman would have a desire conflicting with his own.Kathryn, "[Theo] has a "pornified" style of relating to women."Discussing the initial sexual encounter with Sam & the "surrogate sex" scene.Melvin, "[Theo] is not capable of having a safe sexual encounter with this born-beautiful-yesterday-manic-pixie-dream-girl."Recommendations:You know we're cooked when middle class normalities are trending by Ashley Embers (YouTube)Possibly in Michigan (1983) (Short Film) Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group

Send us a Question!PARTY PLEASER: Shirleon joins Melvin to summarize a late-90s retelling-with-a-twist adaptation of a beloved fairytale: Snow White: A Tale of Terror! From its surprisingly nuanced characters to its downright diabolical antagonist, the two enjoy discussing the horrific ins-and-outs of this late-20th century oddity! Topics:The opening tone-setter for Snow White: A Tale of Terror really sells the atmosphere of dark fantasy.Interestingly, the opening dynamic between Claudia, the "Evil Queen" equivalent, and Lilli, the "Snow White" equivalent, is more of Claudia seeking a good relationship with Lilli while Lilli acts consistently bratty.Once the movie goes grimdark, it doesn't stop topping itself with bizarre dark fantasy ideas.Discussing why they think classic fairytale villains, Disney or otherwise, are so compelling.The film is undeniably a horror film, but it's largely psychological with some horror-lite sequences.The "Seven Dwarves" equivalent are essentially Highwaymen, and each one has some form of physical deformity or ailment which contrasts with Claudia's unabashed vanity.The whole "catatonic Snow White" sequence that the fairytale is famous for starts and ends near immediately.The film is loaded with "show don't tell", but sometimes it's to a fault.Recommendations:Fairest of All by Serena Valentino (2009) (Book)Mirror, Mirror by Jen Calonia (2019) (Book)Event Horizon (1997) (Movie) Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group

Send us a Question!MOVIE DISCUSSION: Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss Jon Favreau's grounded indie-style flick, Chef! The two explore themes of maturing and parenthood, the relationship between the artist and the observer, and the importance of passion in everyday life. Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 25-minutes talking about those insane A Minecraft Movie screenings where people are throwing their popcorn and bringing live chickens, and how that's wildly different to otherwise incredibly engaging fan screenings of The Room or Rocky Horror Picture Show. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Kathryn shares what it is about Chef that she really enjoys.Melvin compares Chef to Parks & Recreation, saying how it's a movie with conflict but ultimately everyone still kinda likes each other.It's fairly clear that Chef is somewhat an artistic response to John Favreau's experience with Marvel, Iron Man 2, and the subsequent critical response to it.Which food in the movie got us the most hungry.The movie explores the dynamics of the artist and the observer (or, critic), and Melvin spends some time categorizing what he thinks are variations of these archetypes.Chef depicts professionalism and the pursuit of maturity well.Sometimes eating food is like time travel.Seeking to live a life by design, not by default.Recommendations:Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking (2017) (Cookbook)Salt Fat Acid Heat (2018) (Cooking Show)Try new and exotic foods, and be adventurous with what you eat! Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group

Send us a Question!QUARTERLY CATCH-UP:Movies & Us: Podcast, InstagramTV & Us: Podcast, InstagramQuarterly Catch-Up is a co-production between Cinematic Doctrine & Movies & Us! In it, the gang answers 3 questions:What have we been watching?What are we anticipating?What else are we up to?Things Mentioned:Better Days (2019) (Movie)Insecure (2016-2021) (TV Show)Sing Sing (2024) (Movie)Black Bag (2025) (Movie)Heretic (2024) (Movie)The Residence (2025) (TV Show)Bad Sisters (2022-2024) (TV Show)The Midnight Meat Train (2008) (Movie)My Little Pony: The Movie (2017) (Movie)The Mouse Trap (2024) (Movie)A Minecraft Movie (2025) (Movie)Together (2025) (Movie)Final Destination Bloodlines (2025) (Movie)Sinners (2025) (Movie)The Bear (2022-X) (TV Show)Death in Paradise (2011-X) (TV Show)Paradise (2025) (TV Show)The Pitt (2025) (TV Show)The White Lotus (2021-X) (TV Show)A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (2025) (Movie)Ballerina (2025) (Movie)Caught Stealing (2025) (Movie)Screamboat (2025) (Movie) Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group

Send us a Question!PARTY PLEASER: Systematic Geekology: Spotify / InstagramWill Rose of Systematic Geekology joins Melvin for a second time to summarize North Shore, a little-seen surfer flick in the vein of Karate Kid! Will shares a ton about the dynamics of surfing culture, and Melvin celebrates the layers of North Shore's coming-of-age story. Plus, they can't get enough of those glorious Hawaiian waves, and neither will you!Topics:Will Rose catches us up with where he's at and what Systematic Geekology's been up to since our Spawn Party Pleaser episode.There was hype behind North Shore for Will Rose as a kid, and he recounts his experience seeing the film in theaters.The music, visuals, and pacing are all pretty solid, and that's made apparent within the first 15 minutes.Surfing etiquette 101.North Shore features a ton of classic surfing legends, and Will shares all the cool trivia about them.Surfing is dangerous and it demands wave/ocean literacy, and North Shore asserts the importance of understanding this as a "coming of age" drama.The brisk pace of the film allows the film to explore various "coming of age" tropes.Recommendations:World Surf League (Instagram)Surf's Up (2007) (Movie)Big Wednesday (1978) (Movie)Riding Giants (2004) (Documentary)Primer (2004) (Movie) Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group

Send us a Question!PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss our latest Patron-Selected movie, Exodus: Gods and Kings! Can Ridley Scott give this paramount Bible story the Gladiator treatment? Does it play fast and loose with the historical account? Was it, at the very least, enjoyable? Tune in to find out!Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 33-minutes discussing the various drama leading up to Snow White (2025)'s release as well as it's Rotten Tomato Score debut. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Shirleon, "I hated it. I hated the direction that it went."Melvin, "It's super rare to find movies that feel like they're devoid of content."What deflates the material is how remedial it is compared to the rich complexities of the Biblical text.A follow-up to criticism's mentioned in the Journey to Bethlehem episode regarding bible-reading statistics.The film doesn't just mischaracterize historical figures, it mischaracterizes biblical figures, texts, and God Himself, all in ways that can't be considered concessions of the medium.Melvin talks about the one scene in the movie he liked.The two agree: It's not just a bad biblical adaptation, it's also a bad movie.Recommendations:Read Exodus from the BibleThe Prince of Egypt (1998) (Movie) (Cinematic Doctrine Episode)The Ten Commandments (1956) (Movie)The Midnight Meat Train (2008) (Movie) Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group

Send us a Question!MOVIE DISCUSSION: Shirleon and Kathryn join Melvin to discuss Annihilation, Alex Garland's sophomore feature adaption of Jeff VanderMeer's celebrated weird-fiction book. Additionally, both Kathryn and Melvin have read the book, so how does the movie stack up? Also, what is the movie trying to say? Tune in to find out! Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 45-minutes discussing leaked Avengers: Doomsday concept art, characters that are included, the surprising setting and aesthetic, suspicions regarding character backstory, who the heroes will be, and whether we're excited or not. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)The gang steps away from Annihilation conflicted, and they discuss the different things that impeded their enjoyment.The movie is so loosely based on the book that they only share Area X, small plot details, and distant interpretations of characters.Melvin begins his critical descent into madness, and how he feels Annihilation is "just a stupid movie based on a smart and moving book".He also complains about reductionism in popular culture; quippy jokes defining a film's reputation, the tiktokification of public spaces, and interpreting kindness and manners as sexual interest.Kathryn shares some of her beef with the characters, frustrated that everyone's "tragic backstory" is so rudimentary.Despite it being a "theme", the film has nothing to say about self-destruction.Discussing a few key scenes and going script doctor.Sharing our interpretations of the ending and wishing the film was weirder.Melvin monologues his frustrations one last time.Recommendations:At the Mountains of Madness by H.P. Lovecraft (1936) (Short Story)Cult of the Lamb (2022) (Video Game)Prometheus (2012) (Movie) Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group

Send us a Question!MOVIE DISCUSSION: Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss The Monkey, one of the first horror hits of the year, and possibly the first of two new Osgood Perkins films in 2025! For a movie whose tagline is "Everybody dies. And that's F#$*ed up.", is it cynical? Or, is a little heart tossed in with this horror comedy? Also, and perhaps most importantly... is it funny? Tune in to find out!Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 28-minutes discussing Longlegs, Osgood Perkins' 2024 satanic-panic horror-thriller cop drama, and ponder how it stands with his other films, if it exceeded the hype, and how Melvin compares it to The Blackcoat's Daughter, one of his favorite movies. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)It's premise is simple, and it's idea is absurd, lending itself to an easily digest horror/comedy.Everything in the film is in service of jokes.The industry is timid around horror/comedy films, but a film with a reasonable budget offers a lot of opportunity.This is Osgood Perkins' first movie with a male-led cast, and the two explore his representation of gender across his filmography.Chuckling over silly deaths.Amidst all the comedy, Osgood Perkins' still makes sure to add a level of heart the film needs to give it decent pacing, both in its metatext as he processes grief and literally as the film showcases a throughline regarding generational trauma.Talking about the ending, and how you can read into the drama if you want.Recommendations:The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams (2010) (Book)@Niall.Breen.Comics (Instagram) Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group

Send us a textMOVIE DISCUSSION: Sons of Patriarchy: Podcast, Instagram, Website / Outreach Idaho: WebsitePeter Bell, host of the Sons of Patriarchy podcast, joins Melvin to discuss a little-seen 2015 documentary titled Welcome to Leith. As Peter podcasts about the ideological invasion of Douglas Wilson and Christian Nationalism over Moscow, Idaho, Melvin was reminded of the Welcome to Leith - a documentary about notorious white supremacist Craig Cobb's attempted local government takeover of Leith, North Dakota - and jumped at the opportunity to discuss it with Peter!Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 30-minutes discussing the importance of including a mix of Christian & non-Christian voices in journalistic endeavors, the differences between the two, and how the pursuit of truth requires media literacy. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Peter ponders the relationship between truth and bravery, and teases out what to expect with Sons of Patriarchy Season 2.Similarities between the "invasions" of Moscow, Idaho and Leith, North Dakota, and also Douglas Wilson and Craig Cobb.Has the internet increased the danger of radicalization?It takes less than a year for an evil man to destabilize a community.The impact of complex trauma.How the Quiverfull Movement is actually just Birtherism; or better understood as familial slavery and eugenics.The end of the film and aftermath between 2015 and 2025.Recommendations:Barbie (2023) (Movie)42 (2013) (Movie)Katherine Stewart (Author)Marissa Burt (Author)Go outside! Be kind! Talk to strangers!The Book of Common Prayer (Book) (2019)My Scientology Movie (2015) (Documentary) Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group

Send us a textPATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss our latest Patreon-picked movie, When Evil Lurks! This Argentinian horror flick made the rounds in 2023, catching a lot of attention and exploding in popularity once it landed on Shudder. It's also a combination of grounded & crazy! The two get into it all!Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 20-minutes discussing the trailer for Jurassic World: Rebirth, Gareth Edwards' upcoming Summer blockbuster, and how it might be doing away with Trevorrow's... lackluster style and embrace being a horror-filled island adventure! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)When Melvin received the push-notification that a Patreon Supporter had submitted When Evil Lurks for February's Patreon Pick, he audibly reacted. It's a visceral film, and the two talk about that for a bit.Is it weird to like a movie that's so pointedly miserable?Kathryn, "This movie just evoked in me a lot of 'social sadness'.".The film isn't drawing attention to it, but virtually every character within the film exists in a state of marginalization.When Evil Lurks has conviction. It trusts what it's doing, and it trusts you'll understand it.It's not as vicious as Terrifier 2, but the violence here is pretty nuts."Evil loves children. And children love evil."Discussing those two crazy shocking scenes in the film. You know the ones.When a system fails, the marginalized are the first to suffer.Discussing the ending and how it left us.Recommendations:Becoming Free Indeed: My Story of Disentangling Faith from Fear by Jinger Vuolo (2024) (Book)Terrified (2017) (Movie) Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group

Send us a textMOVIE DISCUSSION: Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Wes Anderson's follow-up to The Royal Tenenbaums. It's comedy, it's drama, it's silly outfits are all on the table as the two explore ideas of legacy, found-family, and so much more.Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 37-minutes discussing the games Kathryn & Melvin are playing, including an "uglicy" in Sims 3 and reflections on over and decade of Call of Duty games. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Kathryn has seen more Wes Anderson movies than Melvin, and something about his style was getting to her. Melvin, however, really enjoyed the film.Melvin shares what resonated with him, contrasting it with what he felt The Royal Tenenbaums wasn't able to do a year ago.Steve Zissou is constantly thinking about his future, and is clearly ruminating on his past, and the film takes these things to task as it orients him toward his present.One's legacy is at the forefront of the film, and this is contrasted against nature's beautiful indifference.Kathryn, "...the emotional heart of this movie is definitely Ned."Discussing the ending, and why Melvin loved it so much.Recommendations:And Then We Grew Up: On Creativity, Potential, and the Imperfect Art of Adulthood by Rachel Friedman (2019) (Book)The Peanut Butter Solution (1985) (Movie) Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group

Send us a textMINI-SERIES DISCUSSION: Marissa Burt: Instagram, Substack, Author PageMarissa Burt returns to the podcast to discuss the BBC's 1995 adaption of Pride & Prejudice! Ready for some quintessential girl-cinema? We've got so much to chew on! Tune in now!Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 41-minutes playing a guessing-game called "Douglas, Dobson, Driscoll, and Tate" where guest Marissa Burt will hear a sourced quote and have to attribute it to the correct manosphere pastor or figure-head. Then, after every few quotes, the two discuss what makes them so bad! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Marissa shares about her upcoming book The Myth of Good Christian Parenting: How False Promises Betrayed a Generation of Evangelical Families, coauthored with Kelsey Kramer McGinnis, and Melvin asks why Christian's still think spanking is biblical (protip: it's not).Marissa has rewatched Pride & Prejudice several times over and loves revisiting this Austen classic.Melvin really enjoyed Pride & Prejudice, not only because he enjoys “chickflicks” or “girl cinema” but also because the dialogue is extremely good.Celebrating Elizabeth's independence, and how women at the time had to be clever to flourish in such passive, deeply rooted subjugation.How the culture exploits its women, and how some women use this exploitation to their advantage rather than rejecting it.Talking about Elizabeth and Darcy, two amazing characters.Exploring the ending's showcase on marriage.Recommendations:Becoming Jane (2007) (Movie)Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney Mystery Book Series (2022-2025)Jennifer's Body (2009) (Movie) Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group

Send us a textMOVIE DISCUSSION: Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss the first non-Krasinski sequel to a wildly popular and super accessible horror/thriller series, A Quiet Place: Day One! Director Michael Sarnoski is tasked with seeing our story through New York City, tossing in some immense heart and drama into an otherwise concession-filled franchise. But, of course he did. He directed Pig, after all!Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 24-minutes discussing an article on deadline titled "James Mangold Doesn't Want To Be "Handcuffed" To 'Star Wars' Lore", some comments to this headline & article Melvin noticed, and general frustration with the concept of "Fandom". (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)First things first: you don't have to watch the first two films to enjoy A Quiet Place: Day One. It's entirely its own thing with its own characters.Apart from an apocalyptic event, Shirleon didn't know what to expect. By the end, she'd been completely won over, tears and all.Celebrating Eric, Joseph Quinn's character, as a well-rounded man who is expressive, emotional, and brave, rather than some testosterone-led survival aficionado ready to fight some aliens.Melvin felt this was the best of the three films by a long shot.Reading the poem “Bad Math”, then discussing our interpretations.The significance of the pizza, and healthy uses of fantasy.Discussing the ending.Recommendations:The Terror (2018) (TV-Series)The Endurance (2015) (Book)The Book of Henry (2017) (Movie) Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Substack Instagram Facebook Group

PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss Jane Schoenbrun's I Saw the TV Glow! Owen's curiosity in a late-night television show called "The Pink Opaque" leads him to meet Maddy, an upper-classmen at his school. Sounds normal, but it's an off-beat arthouse coming-of-age psychological drama (with a tinge of horror) from the director of We're All Going to the World's Fair, so of course there's more to it! Tune in now!Topics:Most people over the age of, like, 40 years will likely reject the film as too weird or too complex, as a lot of what's at play is very late Millennial/Gen Z.Melvin found the film "emotionally devastating", and begins to explore what that means to him.A lot of dialogue personally connected with Melvin, whereas a lot of visuals personally connected with Kathryn, and the two share specifics.Melvin shares how Cinematic Doctrine hasn't really talked about LGBTQIA+ topics on the podcast because it's such a loaded topic in the Christian community. Even so, one of I Saw the TV Glow's main topics of exploration is gender identity and fluidity, and how it correlates to the coming-of-age experience. As such, they get into the weeds.Does it really make sense to gender-restrict activities when they have nothing to do with one's born-sexuality? How do things in the real world become representative of genitalia?Television may exist in I Saw the TV Glow to represent desire, and the dichotomy between getting lost in the fantasies of our desires or being propelled to act on our desires.Owen's decision at the end of the film hits the way it does because he's finally making a decision about what he's endured the whole film.I Saw the TV Glow is extremely dense and profoundly nuanced, and Melvin is positive that Kathryn and he have barely scratched the surface.Recommendations:Jim Henson Idea Man (2024) (Documentary)Smile 2 (2024) (Movie)MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard!Shirleon & Melvin wish you a Merry Christmas while discussing a Family-friendly biblical musical, Journey to Bethlehem! The story is simple - a dramatization of the birth of King Jesus - but what about the music? And more importantly, how is it as a biblical adaptation? Tune in to find out!Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 23-minutes discussing Shirleon & Melvin reflecting on the movies they've discussed through 2024, whether they have any new feelings about them, and the experience of improving one's critical thinking. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Spoilers are truly irrelevant for discussing the adaption of the immaculate conception and birth of King Jesus, so Shirleon and Melvin kick things off strong talking about everything.Shirleon was moved by two songs: Mother To A Savior And King & In My Blood.Melvin felt it wasn't really his thing, and the whole of the project felt largely forgettable.Discussing how virtually every musical number could be removed because they weren't integrated into the plot or pacing of the film.Shirleon & Melvin disagree on some things, and the two go back and forth.Talking Lacrae as the angel Gabriel. Or, as Melvin calls it, "Lacrangel".Is the song Mary's Getting Married supposed to be a Feminist or Trad Wife anthem? It's messaging is unclear.No matter how minimal, Melvin never overcame a perpetual unease over the film's alterations of the biblical account.Recommendations: One by One by Ruth Ware (2021) (Book)The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley (2020) (Book)Top of the Morning Coffee (Blueberry Blast, specifically)Terrifier 2 (2022) (Movie)MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

PARTY PLEASER: Shirleon, Kathryn, and Melvin summarize Winter-2024's most discussed film... Hot Frosty! Excited for some seasonal silliness? They've got you covered, along with some fun commentary as well! Tune in now! Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 25-minutes of Kathryn and Shirleon figuring out which review-blurb from RottenTomatoes goes to which poorly rated Sony Spider-Man(less) Universe film; Morbius, Madame Web, or Kraven the Hunter! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Hot Frosty is clearly evoking some Hallmark motifs – Lacey Chabert notwithstanding – so how does it compare to the standard visual profile of a Hallmark feature?Craig Robinson can be fun, but his police-officer character was more irritating than enjoyable, save for one or two jokes.Hot Frosty gender-swaps the “Born Beautiful Yesterday” trope that so many films have explored (and is closely related to the “Fish Out of Water” trope). How does the gang feel about this?Can a man be kind without the magic of Christmas?Recommendations:Jay & Miles X-Plain the X-Men (Podcast)They Live (1988) (Movie)Dungeon Crawler Carl: A LitRPG/Gamelit Adventure (Audio Book) (2021)MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

MOVIE DISCUSSION: Marissa & Aaron Burt: At Home with the Lectionary Podcast / Marissa Burt Instagram & SubstackMarissa Burt & Kelsey McGinnis upcoming book: The Myth of Good Christian Parenting: How False Promises Betrayed a Generation of Evangelical FamiliesMarissa & Aaron Burt of the At Home with the Lectionary Podcast join Melvin to discuss The Unknown, a silent-era flick from classic horror director Todd Browning! This film has got it all: profound characters, incredible drama, twists and surprises, and so much more! Tune in now!Topics:(FREE PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 30-minutes discussing how Christian celebrity may differ from secular celebrity, the use-cases for Christian celebrity both for the individual and the masses, and the responsibility thrust upon celebrities in general. (FREE PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Marissa & Aaron Burt share about their podcast At Home with the Lectionary, where their inspiration came from, and then Marissa shares about her past fiction books and upcoming nonfiction book.Don't be fooled by The Unknown being a silent film: this film is disturbingly dense! So… why is it titled The Unknown?Todd Browning cleverly utilizes everything at his disposal to tell a complex, layered story about possession, power, and gender.The whole gang agrees: these characters are deeply resonant.Talking about arms, because we literally must!Ranting and raving about the brilliant twists and turns this story unveils.Discussing and interpreting the ending statement.Recommendations:Fantasy Island (TV-Series) (1977-1984)Invaders from Mars (Movie) (1986)Lark Rise to Candleford (TV-Series) (2008-2011)Luther (Movie) (2003)Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (Video Game) (2024)MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard!Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss another early M. Night Shyamalan success, Signs! Many consider this another knock-outta-the-park, while others look back and say, “It's all downhill from here.”. Regardless, there's plenty to discuss from this semi-spiritual alien-invasion flick.Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 24-minutes discussing how 20% of Americans regularly get their news from influencers rather than old-media institutions, as per the Pew Research Center. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Shirleon liked the movie, and felt it was easily digested. Melvin, however, felt it was the beginning of the end.Mel Gibson left a lot to be desired even if a few of his scenes were decent.Melvin see's what people love about Signs but feels it's flip-flops between Shyamalan at his best and Shyamalan at his absolute worst.Discussing the usage of doors, doorways, framing, and staging.How a PG-13 rating may have made Signs hugely accessible to filmgoers and families, and how that may have helped make the "Brazilian Birthday Scene" so frightening (...even when it's not that scary).How the ending feels both rushed and sluggish.Recommendations:Vampire Survivors (2022) (Video Game)Arcane (2021) (TV-Series)The Fog (1980) (Movie)MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

MOVIE DISCUSSION: Movies & Us: Podcast, Instagram, ThreadsTV & Us: Podcast, Instagram, ThreadsJen & Sarah from the Movies & Us podcast join Melvin to discuss a surprise financial and critical flop of 2024, Joker: Folie à Deux! Is it really as bad as everyone says? At the very least there's a LOT to talk about, and everyone takes turns diving deep into Todd Phillips' follow-up to his billion-dollar success!Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 30 minutes discussing 2 favorites from 2024 and 1 favorite first-time watch for 2024, why they're favorites, and a few honorable mentions at the end. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Recap: What do Jen, Sarah, and Melvin think of Joker (2019)?Sarah on Joker: Folie a Deux, “…anytime [Lady Gaga's Harley Quinn] was at the center, I'm like “Okay! I'm happy!”.”.Jen feels the first film is ostensibly a better made product, but found this sequel was far more thought-provoking.Melvin outright liked the movie, saying that he could understand why people didn't like the movie but had extreme difficulty seeing the film as “bad” or even “mid”.All three agree: Joker: Folie a Deux is prime for becoming a future cult classic.Discussing music, the usage of Arthur Fleck's color scheme, embracing artistic flare at the expense of logic, and “build a mountain”.Turning trials of justice into entertainment.Does Arthur deserve to die?Talking Gary Puddles.Talking Lady Gaga's “Lee Quinzel”.Discussing that controversial ending that left a lot of fans sour.Melvin, “It's sad to see [Arthur] go.”Recommendations:Anatomy of a Fall (2023) (Movie)Touch grass (no, literally!)Broad Church (2013-2017) (TV-Show)V/H/S/Beyond (2024) (Movie)MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

MOVIE DISCUSSION: Sheila Gregoire: Bare Marriage Podcast / Bare Marriage Blog / Author Page Sheila Gregoire of the Bare Marriage podcast joins Melvin to discuss The Assistant, a hidden gem of pure psychological drama! It's depiction of modern office work in the film industry is understated, dour, and timely, as it tackles a combination of workplace inequality, systematic issues, and the thin line between the complacent and the complicit.Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 21-minutes discussing a report finding that bait, controversy, and enragement posting bolstered lucrative engagement on Threads (similar to other social media), and how this negatively impacts the platform, but also demands we utilize them in a healthier way. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)The Assistant is a bleak depiction of not only workplace abuse but also of human relationships.Although uneventful, the film has perpetual unease and eeriness.Sheila observed how the film depicts food, and the two discuss its non-nutritious showcase of a biological workplace distraction.Medication plays a significant role in the setting of the film, making overt allusions to the film's boss as a caricature of Harvey Weinstein.Exploitation, abuse, and unethical practices in a company are ultimately anti-capitalist, even if the line is going up and to the right.Pondering if abusive hierarchical structures are more common and dangerous in the church than in the workplace.Sheila, “Often we feel like when we are in these situations that we are powerless… but quite often we do.”Is Jane complicit?Recommendations:For Our Daughters (2024) (Short Film)TÁR (2022) (Movie)Bombshell (2018) (Movie)MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

MOVIE DISCUSSION:   Geek Freaks: Podcast / Instagram / YouTube / Website Frank from the Geek Freaks Podcast Network joins Melvin to discuss a nostalgic hit from 2018, Ready Player One! From it's barrage of "Do-You-Remember-That?" to it's mix of live-action and CG storytelling, Spielberg takes us on a futuristic, rebellious journey through the Oasis! Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 1-hour discussing all 34 MCU films ranked least-to-greatest as per the Rotten Tomatoes score rankings, sharing momentary thoughts and reflections on each entry since the beginning! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Frank shares about his passion for podcasting, whether his own show or supporting others with theirs, and two “bucketlist” shows he'd love to make if time and money allowed.Regarding the book… both Frank & Melvin couldn't finish it. In fact, they had barely started it before putting it down.The start of the film is an utterly bombastic, visually cluttered, overwhelming action set-piece that did not start Melvin off on the right foot. After about 20 minutes, things got better.Frank on the film's heavy-handed commentary, “It's like if Michael Bay were to make a Black Mirror.”Melvin wonders how a film predicated on nostalgia becomes its own marketable brand.Talking favorite Easter Egg challenges.Frank & Melvin agree: the Halliday B-Plot is the best.Frank & Melvin also agree: The Curator is super cool.Frank on the ending, "I would have appreciated if they just, like, had a stance and went for it.".Recommendations:Revisit Steven Spielberg's filmography (Jaws, Jurassic Park, Saving Private Ryan, any Amblin film).The Crippled Masters (1979) (Movie)MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss this month's Patreon Supporter selected film, Shadowlands! Based upon the later life of C.S. Lewis, specifically his growing romance with his wife Joy Gresham, and evoking much of his literature, the two discuss this much-celebrated early 90's feature that garnered an Oscar nomination for actor Debra Winger! Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 20-minutes discussing a new wave of Filmmakers utilizing YouTube to attract the attention of Hollywood studios and fans around the world, either by showcasing their skillset, producing short films, or releasing high-quality feature-length flicks like Milk & Serial! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Kathryn cried. A lot. Melvin wished he was more emotional, only finding the film "decent".Thinking about the film in comparison to Christian-Marketed films like God's Not Dead or War Room, and how it passes what Melvin calls the "Christian Bechdel Test".Kathryn, "I think that [Shadowlands] is very clear on what it is saying about the transition from childhood to adulthood... [and] the requirement of love to have vulnerability..."Melvin celebrates how the film doesn't have any "member-berries", something that plagues most modern nostalgic or referential media.Discussing a few icons and symbols within the film, including, of course, the wardrobe.The perfection of desire, and the fear of experiencing disappointment or shame.How the film displays what Melvin calls "Three Stages of Men".Pondering the lines "Praying doesn't change God, but it changes me." & "Forgive me, Lord. Perhaps I have loved her too much.".Recommendations:Schedule regular medical checkups! Stay healthy!The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 (1986) (Movie)MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

PARTY PLEASER:Shirleon, Kathryn, and Melvin dive into that long-forgotten non-DCOM, Tower of Terror! If you remember programming on ABC called "The Wonderful World of Disney", then you'll remember this early Disney Parks ride-adaption! Ready to relive some memories? Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 30-minutes playing a horror-themed trivia wherein Melvin & Kathryn duke it out over who knows more horror trivia! Who knows, maybe you'll score more points than they do while listening? (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Parts of the film are shot on the real Florida Tower of Terror location.Tower of Terror is part of the canon 80s & 90s films wherein strange men hang out with younger counterparts, specifically teen girls… which surely makes you think…For a film based on the The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ride, the few special effects leave a bit to be desired.The very minor romance subplot (if you can call it that) is not only cheesy, it's also lame.So... if the ghosts are chill, why are they trying to scare everyone away?The drama during the climax is effective, and Shirleon & Melvin stepped away enjoying it.Recommendations:Maid (2021) (Series)Oddity (2024) (Movie)The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022 - X ) (Series)MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

MOVIE DISCUSSION: Liz & A Movie: Instagram / YouTube / LetterboxdLiz from Liz & A Movie (and Court from The B-Movie Critics Podcast!) join Melvin to discuss one of his old-school favorites: Donnie Darko! They get into the drama, the angst, and everything in between! Topics:Melvin asks Liz & Court a few questions about their movie tastes, as well as learns about their reticence for "super boys". Donnie Darko produces a lot of deep feelings, even if a lot of the film is hard to understand.Melvin's rewatch was surreal, and he shares why he thinks it impacted him so much.Donnie Darko plays with a mix of genres, tones, and characters, and this narrative fragmentation builds a picture of Donnie's confused world.Contrasting the loneliness of Donnie and the loneliness of Cherita. The passage of time, time travel, and change are all ideas at play within Donnie Darko.A lot of Donnie Darko starts to explore dynamics of predestination.Melvin recalls the explanation for the movie Richard Kelly provided with regards to all of the weird, paranormal, timey-wimey stuff that happens in the film... and it's as bonkers as you think it is (and also not that important!).Recommendations:Late Night with the Devil (2023) (Movie)Dark (2017) (Series)Twisters (2024) (Movie)Chronicle (2012) (Movie)MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

MOVIE DISCUSSION:  Ways to support missions: Mission Next // Wycliffe Bible Translators // The Voice of the Martyrs Daniel comes out of hiding to discuss The Crow with Melvin, but not before explaining why he vanished from the podcast. The two then explore both the original comic and the 90's production of The Crow. Afterward, they ponder the weirdness of remaking such a beloved film.Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 41-minutes of Daniel pitching the Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars: Rebels shows and why he now understands the deep connection Star Wars fans have with the material. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Daniel has been in Mission's during his time away from the podcast. He shares why that's not only important but also a lot easier to assist than you might realize.Daniel & Melvin discuss James O'Barr's original The Crow comic book and use it as a foundation for their discussion.The Crow feels inextricably personal to its creator.Daniel explains how the film represents one of the more faithful hero adaptions prior to the 2000s.The special effects put a lot of modern visual effects to shame.Daniel, "Brandon Lee hangs heavily over this particular project... [it] imbues every scene that he's in with this kind of, just, interesting eeriness."Discussing why it's so cool.Complete confusion regarding The Crow (2024), which Daniel & Melvin both have not seen, but surely have a lot to say about it.The IMDB trivia page for the remake is filled with pull-quotes from cast and crew members of the original film stating how they are against the idea, and how some had yet to see the original.Recommendations:E-sword.net (Website)Reformed Companion (App)Literal Word Bible App (App)Relight.app (Website)An Evening with Tim Heidecker (2020) (Comedy Special)MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

PARTY PLEASER: Systematic Geekology: Spotify / Instagram Will Rose of Systematic Geekology joins Melvin to summarize Spawn, a notoriously bad superhero movie from the 90s! From John Leguizamo imitating Jim Carrey's The Mask, to shockingly bad CGI, the two get into the not-so-good, the pretty dang bad, and the stupendously ugly. It's a trip! Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 34-minutes discussing Robert Downey Jr. returning to the MCU as Dr. Doom, and playing a trivia game called "Boo or False?" where, after guessing true or false, Pastor Will Rose has to utilize the trivia fact as a sermon illustration. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Will Rose shares a brief history of how the Lord cultivated his enjoyment of comic books into a means for evangelism. Also, surfing!As is tradition with most Party Pleaser episodes, the movie begins with a lore-dump to make sure the audience knows what's going on.The filmmaking, aesthetic, and basically the whole package feels like a TV-production, not a Hollywood blockbuster.Will & Melvin talk about the shockingly bad CGI, something that precedes the film in a lot of online film spaces.The subtitles for the film were often adult in nature compared to the actual film, leading Melvin to believe the project was made "PG-13" during editing.Will finally realizes why he can't stand John Leguizamo's Clown; he's doing his version of Jim Carrey's The Mask.The final fight scene is incomprehensible. Good luck understanding what's happening.Recommendations:Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow (2022) (Graphic Novel)Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 (2015) (Video Game)MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard!Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss Synchronic, one of the later Benson & Moorhead productions before they transitioned into television. The two get into all of the interesting ideas at play, while also accepting the fact that a lot of the ideas only somewhat work.Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 24-minutes discussing the National Association of Theater Owners (NATO) is investing $2.2 Billion over 3-years to revamp theaters, which include AMC, Regal, and Cinemark to have laser-projection, arcades, and even... ziplines? (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Melvin kicks things off by discussing the directing duo of Benson & Moorhead.Shirleon & Melvin agree: Synchronic may have been better as a mini-series.Shirleon & Melvin also agree: the first half of the film's tone is not only completely different to the second half, it's also just a better movie.By the time the film ends, it feels like it didn't earn its ending. Almost in every way.Defining the actual word "Synchronic", and how the fictional drug is correlated to Ayahuasca (and also doesn't make sense).Melvin, "There's just, like... the kitchen sink, man. It just gets bad."Rewriting the ending, because that's what podcasts do.Recommendations:Age of Mythology: Retold (2024) (Video Game)As Above, So Below (2014) (Movie)MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

MOVIE DISCUSSION: Beneath the Tangles: Instagram / YouTube / X / WebsiteTwwk (Charles) from Beneath the Tangles joins Melvin to discuss the hugely popular anime film Your Name. from Makoto Shinkai. From its Studio Ghibli-esque accessibility, its stunningly detailed animation, and Shinkai's filmography, the two discuss all sorts of topics in this dense episode! Tune in now!Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 43-minutes playing an "Anime Draft" where-in Charles & Melvin each draft 5 anime in competition, discuss each show/movie mentioned along the way, and then decide which projects they'd watch in the end. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Beyond the Tangles has a lot of functions and contributors: a blog, cosplayers, twitch streamers, podcasts, and a social media presence. Charles shares all about it, and Melvin asks about their mission.Charles was surprised to hear that Your Name. is still a critical success in the west, as he never saw the film as a “critic's movie”.Melvin was disappointed he didn't connect with the film, and distinctly remembers being in the movie theater during its western premiere and thinking during a pivotal scene, “I wish I was emotional right now. I wish I was crying right now.”It seems Your Name. is playing with a mixture of various anime tropes, Japanese folklore, and even details in Shinkai's filmography.Discussing themes of threading relationships.Melvin complains about the twist, and how it didn't really work for him.The whole film functions on a breakneck pace. Mundanity is thrown to the wayside.Discussing and appreciating the ending.Recommendations:Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (2023) (Anime)Chainsaw Maid (2007) (Claymation)MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

MOVIE DISCUSSION: Movies & Us: Podcast, Instagram, Threads TV & Us: Podcast, Instagram, Threads Jen & Sarah from the Movies & Us Podcast join Melvin to discuss an early 2010's indie classic, Frances Ha! From it's deep relatability to it's clever humor, the three explore what makes the film stand out as a testament to growing up even when you're all grown up.Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 40-minutes discussing three trailers - The Monkey, the live-action Snow White, and Kraven the Hunter - and ranking their excitement based on these wildly different films. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Jen & Sarah just celebrated their 6-year podcasting anniversary. Melvin spends some time asking about what they've learned throughout that experience.There's a showcase of girlhood and sisterhood that is gently explored throughout the film.The film is in black and white, and Melvin feels this highlights the "color" experienced in Frances and her relationships.Money is consistently an issue throughout the movie, and Sarah, Jen, and Mel all appreciated how the film doesn't imply that having more money is the solution to Frances' problems.Celebrating an ending that ties every theme together.Jen, "Man, I love this type of movie and would love to see more of these types of small stories get funded and onto the big screen."Recommendations:The Forty-Year-Old Version (2020) (Movie)The Harder They Fall (2021) (Movie)Annie Hall (1977) (Movie)MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

MOVIE DISCUSSION: The Filmjoe Podcast: Spotify / Instagram / YouTubeJoe Velazquez of The Filmjoe Podcast joins Melvin to discuss Francis Ford Coppola's The Outsiders, the movie based upon a staple grade-school book-assignment! The two discuss the atmosphere of a realized world, experiences soaked in nostalgia, and the painful beauty in growing up. Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 25-minutes of discussing SDCC 2024 with Joe, who was at the convention, about what the experience was like, what were his highlights, and the general vibe around the Robert Downey Jr./Dr. Doom announcement in a post-Marvel fatigue world. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Joe shares about being “pushed” into podcasting, how he's innovated on his podcast format, and his favorite episode (which you can listen to here!).Joe, “In my opinion, outside of The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, [The Outsiders] is one of his best films.”Melvin watched the film but felt like he didn't pick up everything he wanted. But, no worries, because he liked it so much that he just watched it again the following day.There are constant little moments where characters allude to a newfound awareness of their age, or how things have changed.The movie is gentle in depicting what are literal social outsiders; people most wouldn't even bother to observe or respond to.At least in the director's cut (The Outsiders: The Complete Novel) there are tons of licensed tracks, specifically from Elvis Presley.There are many times when one of the boys is so overwhelmed with emotion that they run away from a situation.Discussing the ending, both the theatrical cut and the director's cut.Recommendations:Cine-ful Cuts (Podcast)Ouch, Was That a Ghost? (Podcast)Trap (2024) (Movie)MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION:  This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss our Patreon Selected film, Pulse! This early 2000's Japanese horror film explores isolation, death, and human relationships amidst the infancy of an internet age, and the two dissect what makes the film so dense, so unsettling, and so predictive about internet technology.Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 27-minutes playing Sloppy Synopsis Movie Edition, a game where-in one person describes a film poorly and the other guess which movie it is! Play along with Kathryn and Melvin and see how many films you guess right! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Pulse is eerie and spooky as opposed to shocking and violent.Pulse has been celebrated as being predictive in how it explores the internet and its effects on relationships and the individual, as well as a "safe" window into curiosities.Melvin thinks Pulse would work perfectly as a double-feature alongside The Last Broadcast, as both films are oddly predictive in how they understand media in an internet age a decade before the explosive growth of social media and smart phones.Kathryn and Melvin are very much a part of the generation that grew up with unfettered, unfiltered internet access. In this way, the two deeply resonated with a lot of what the film explores.Pulse is the kind of movie that proposes all kinds of different reads and understandings. You can interpret so much from this film.Discussing the apocalyptic ending.Melvin, "It's barely even "man" that has killed each other. It is, like, the technology that is put in their hands that is killing themselves."Recommendations:Destined for Glory: The Meaning of Suffering by Margaret Clarkson (1983) (Book)Pick a country that is not the U.S. (or English speaking) and watch their movies for a while.MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the Show.Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

REBROADCAST MOVIE DISCUSSION:  In this rebroadcasted episode (originally released October 5th, 2021), Melvin & Dan waste no time with banter and jump right into discussing Sony's latest Marvel feature, Venom: Let There Be Carnage!Topics: Daniel reviews the new Venom track by Eminem. Melvin suspects Venom: Let There Be Carnage will be the worst movie the two of them discuss on the podcast.Both Melvin & Dan each had a moment while watching Venom: Let There Be Carnage where they covered their faces with embarrassment.Critics seem to be embracing Venom: Let There Be Carnage, warts and all!Daniel explains what he likes about the movie.Daniel thanks our lovely Patreon Supporters for helping him get AMC Stubs A-List which permits him to see movies for the show at no expense!Talking about the source of this particular interpretation of Venom.Discussing the mid-credits scene, the only thing truly worth noting about Venom: Let There Be Carnage.A semi-continuation of our "Let's Talk" Canon & Continuity discussion regarding which communities will consider or delineate canon.Recommendations: R.C. Sproul's "Matthew: An Expositional Commentary"What We Do in the Shadows (Movie)Colossal (Movie)MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the Show.Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

REBROADCAST MOVIE DISCUSSION:  In this rebroadcasted episode (originally released September 20th, 2022), you'll hear Melvin & Dan talk about one of Mel's favorite movies, The Blackcoat's Daughter, perhaps the most painstakingly slow burning, brooding mood slashers ever made. Also, Melvin gets really honest about why he loves The Blackcoat's Daughter so much. Topics: Melvin has wanted Daniel to watch The Blackcoat's Daughter since they started the podcast. Finally, it happened. The Blackcoat's Daughter shows various aspects of alienation, loneliness, and general social dysfunction despite its small cast. Despite The Blackcoat's Daughter being set at a spiritually indistinguishable denominational school, an aesthetic choice likely chosen to add flavor to the horror, Melvin finds himself deeply connecting with the general atmosphere present within the film. The structure of The Blackcoat's Daughter is extremely subtle, with even its timeline giving small yet pivotal narrative clues. Daniel read that Ozgood Perkins wanted the film to be about loneliness, which as stated before clearly comes through the film. The Blackcoat's Daughter lends itself well to rewatching, both in shedding light on the narrative, and introducing more curiosities. When either a secular or religious person has no support system, they are prone to fill the void of community, companionship, and intimacy with risky and dangerous solutions often because those are easier or simpler to implement than an entire social structure. Melvin feels The Blackcoat's Daughter displays a convincing, gentle, yet clear perspective as to why one may be attracted to evil, and he feels the film can help bring a sense of clarity and compassion toward an otherwise contentious subject matter.There's a really strong dream-like logic to The Blackcoat's Daughter in which things don't necessarily make real-world sense but heavily improve the film's overall tone.Daniel, "Helping somebody who's [overtly] choosing something other than God; that's a tough one. Because there's something about the thing they're choosing that calls to them uniquely."Melvin, "In terms of [The Blackcoat's Daughter], a resolution to loneliness is companionship. But learning... learning to be a good friend is hard."Recommendations: Global Impact Bible: ESVFind and visit your local pop-up Spirit Halloween!Young Justice (Show) & Batman: The Brave and the Bold (Show)MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the Show.Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

MOVIE DISCUSSION:  The Infinity Bros Podcast: Spotify / Instagram / Website  Isaac Edlund of The Infinity Bros Podcast joins Mel to discuss Dream Scenario, a movie whose hook is so good you'll run to the theater to see it! Then, you'll see it and go... huh? We discuss what we like, what we don't like, and the hazard of chasing your dreams!  Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 43-minutes discussing a rumor that the Russo Brothers may have been asked to return for Avengers 5 and 6, as well as discussing James Hibberd's article "The ‘Gladiator II' Trailer Is Getting Review Bombed for Three Reasons", what those criticisms are, and why this sort of hubbub is so tired. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Isaac shares about The Infinity Bros. Podcast, an all-purpose geek discussion podcast that covers a mix of TV, film, video and board games, and so much more!Dream Scenario's premise and casting is on point for creating an elevator pitch that will capture anyone's attention.Dreams are often abstract expressions of deeply rooted desires and fears, and they also don't pull any punches.Where Dream Scenario goes and what it wants to do is will likely test the patience and interest of casual audiences.Melvin talks about his favorite scene where characters try to recreate one of these dreams only for it to fail in epic proportions.Our dreams may showcase abstract depictions of our desires and fears, but it's in our waking hours where we have power to decide what is moral, sensible, and useful in attaining or denying such things.Isaac observes how Paul's journey is indicative of the overall theming behind Ecclesiastes; that Paul doesn't realize his pursuits are vanity no matter how far to the top he reaches.The ending is frustrating, and the film doesn't end in a way that feels complete.Recommendations:Twisters (2024) (Movie)Godzilla Battle Line (Mobile Game)MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the Show.Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss Pitch Black, one of Vin Diesel's early action outings! The two explore what's cool and what's not-so-cool. But don't worry, they both agree: the eyes are friggin' cool! Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 37-minutes discussing Anthony D'Alessandro's article "As 'Deadpool & Wolverine' Stomps On Superhero Fatigue, Studios Debate Comic-Con's Relevance", where-in D'Alessandro notes some geeky films that are skipping Comic-Con like Joker: Folie à Deux, Venom: The Last Dance, and Lord of the Rings: The War of Rohirrim, and why some studios may start treating SDCC differently. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Shirleon has been on a self-described “Vin Diesel kick” lately, which made covering Pitch Black more enjoyable.While watching the film Melvin thought, “Syfy Channel basically copied this movie a thousand times over.”Shirleon observed that certain online discourse* compares Pitch Black to John Carpenter's The Thing. Melvin doesn't really see it. (*Source: 1 // 2)Contrary to its title, it never feels like our characters are in a state of pitch black.Old cohost Daniel sent Melvin a list of 7 interesting details about Vin Diesel/Riddick. Melvin reads them aloud.The film contains a kind and interesting pre-9/11 depiction of Islam with a throughline about faith.Do we like the ending?Celebrating Riddick's simple character design in a world of gaudy superhero suits.Recommendations:Gab Smolders (YouTube Channel)Call of Duty Campaigns: World at War // Black Ops // Black Ops 2MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the Show.Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

LET'S TALK: Zoetic: Spotify / Instagram / Linktree Kierstyn St. John, founder/songwriter/producer for the Christian jazz-pop fusion duo Zoetic, joins Melvin to discuss all things Christian Contemporary Music (CCM)! First, Melvin interviews Kierstyn about the Zoetic project, their mix of musical genre, and comfortability with challenging lyrics. Following this, the two discuss two films, Jesus Revolution and The Jesus Music, and how they showcase a semi-CCM-industry-self-portrait on the birthplace of CCM and it's continued development over the decades. Following this, and using the films as a foundation, Melvin asks Kierstyn whether the CCM "vibes" are good, if CCM can overcome the problems she perceives in the industry, and what has her excited for the current world of CCM.MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the Show.Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

PARTY PLEASER: Shirleon joins Melvin in summarizing Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, the forgotten sequel to Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. Mythical monsters abound in this YA-flick, and the two have a fun time chattin' what works and what doesn't in this swan-song of the Percy Jackson theatrical film series. Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 22-minutes playing a Disney Trivia Game that has some pretty dang difficult questions. Can you guess more correctly than Shirleon? (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)The first 10-minutes of the film are expediently-well paced, which for Melvin was a good sign.The "Fantasy Racism" from Annabeth to the cyclops Tyson gets to be a bit too much. It's very one-note.When the Three Fates Taxi scene took place, despite evoking Harry Potter 3, Melvin thought to himself, "Oh, I think I'm going to like this movie.".Percy's character arc is simple, and not all that explicit, but it's very much about the confusion between a found-family and a born-family, as well as concepts of faith.Tyson's cyclops CGI is off-putting, which is made worse when we see a cyclops in a flashback and it looks awesome.Jake Abel plays Luke as this character who likes being the irritating antagonist but is also really, really chill.Rewriting scenes, because that's what you do on a podcast.There's a mutuality and wanting more cost or risk within the Percy Jackson films, but that will never happen because there will never be a third film.Recommendations:One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware (2024)Shesmadeofwords PodcastLake Mungo (2008)MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the Show.Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

MOVIE DISCUSSION: Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss a late-90's Canadian sci-fi thriller, Cube! Why? Because Melvin has a podcast and he gets to choose what they cover! From talented directing to the intriguing mystery of the cube itself, the two discuss all sorts of exciting material in this episode. Tune in now!Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 45-minutes discussing various Google "AI Overview" answers, laughing at their absurdity, and also reviewing how bad AI (or, large language models: LLMs) simply amplify lies, misinformation, or useless search and research practices (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Kathryn and Melvin agree: the direction behind Cube is immensely impressive.The Canadian Film Centre is a program that helps network industry partners and volunteers with projects they've chosen to support. Cube was one such project. (Source: Sardonicast 150 [timestamp: 00:16:09])There's a perpetual unease and oppression to Cube that meshes well with its pacing.One angle about Cube's story is that of how there are unwitting participants in systematic issues.The characters are all named in reference to prison, although not all the characters are named after prison's, as Kathryn learned down the grapevine.Melvin, "[Cube] at some point is a math movie."Melvin talks about his current fascination with numbers as a definitive thing a world of excessive subjectivities.Because the setting and scenario of the cube is so static, the film allows for complex, dynamic character interactions.Thoughts on the ending, and the cube as a metaphor for life.Recommendations:Authority by Jeff VanderMeer (2014) (Book)Saw (2004) (Movie)MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the Show.Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

PARTY PLEASER: Shirleon joins Melvin in summarizing the sequel to the late-90s Kenan & Kel hit, Good Burger 2! From more silly burger-flippin' hijinks to Ed's absurd antics, the two discuss how things feel kind of the same, things feel a bit different, and borger! Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 50-minutes discussing the newly announced "Twisted Childhood Cinematic Universe" - or "Poohniverse", a cinematic universe catapulted by the wild financial success of Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey - and how alternate renditions of classic tales like Peter Pan and Bambi are far from uncommon. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)First things first: No Dan Schneider. He's no where to be seen.The comedy in Good Burger 2 is very skit-based. It's SNL-type humor.The first film included some absurd cartoon humor that Shirleon & Melvin liked. Good Burger 2 doesn't really have any.The actual complicating incident doesn't happen until 40-minutes into the movie, which is super weird.Unlike its predecessor, Good Burger 2 isn't very tactile. Things never feel quite real.Shirleon, "This movie - as much as there's differences - it's the exact same plot as the first movie. The exact same. That's not how you do nostalgia."Recommendations:Twisted Tale Series of Books (Shirleon's Favorites: So This is Love / Go the Distance / As Old as Time / Part of Your World - [graphic novel])Frogman (2023) (Movie)MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the Show.Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION:  This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard!  Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss a movie neither of them had heard of before: The Man From Earth! John Oldman says he's lived for 14,000 years, but his coworkers aren't so sure. So ensues a film of debate regarding time, materialism, and spirituality. Philosophical pretention abounds! Strap yourself in and tune in now! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 34-minutes discussing a series of Summer Blockbusters that may or may not be - as Melvin puts it - "Not"busters, or films that flopped at the box office in contrast to their exorbitant budgets, and why that may be. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Shirleon, "There [are] a few moments where, like, it's charming."Melvin, "Let's just get out of the gate. Like, this is a poorly directed film."There are many interesting things within the film, but the package fails to bring anything together.Shirleon and Melvin discuss other movies set in one room that are more visually stimulating and offer better performances.Pretentious is a weighty word to use in art criticism, so Melvin first colors what he considers "pretentious" as it relates to film-making before, then, calling The Man From Earth pretentious.Discussing the depiction of materialism in the film, and Shirleon does some live fact-checking.How the film dives into religious concepts but continues to have nothing to say about humanity, truth, or anything of importance.Melvin shares his one note-header, “Athiests make bad movies to!”.Recommendations:The Fast & Furious FranchiseStopmotion (2023) (Movie)MAILBAG: Send questions with your First Name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the Show.Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

MOVIE DISCUSSION:   Melvin digs into the archives (read: he found lost audio from 2020) to unearth a surprise Logan Sharp guest appearance! As The Reformed Gamers posted their last episode on January 24th, 2024, Melvin figured it would be fun to release this special episode as a final hoorah to one of his podcasting inspirations. We'll miss you, The Reformed Gamers! (This audio was recorded in Fall of 2020, close to when they recorded for a Super Mario Bros. episode and far before they recorded Patreon Exclusive discussions, and thus does not include any Patreon Exclusive content. This episode has been posted with approval and encouragement from Logan Sharp.) Topics:Melvin and Logan discuss their experience with the Doom video game series, and whether Doom captured the same atmosphere.Doom, like most dudebro sci-fi movies, does not represent its women well. The two get into what makes that so frustrating, and perhaps one reason why it was decided at all.Logan, "[Gamers] just want a good movie that [feels] like the game that we played."The Doom video games are filled with ultraviolence, yes, but also have a silly atmosphere regarding their setting and motivation. The film doesn't do anything inventive with these ideas. It's basically just a zombie movie.Melvin wonders if the Doom property is just unadaptable, and if it's simply at its best as a video game.Melvin asks Logan: If you had to sell one good thing about Doom, what would it be?MAILBAG: Send questions with your First Name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the Show.Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

MOVIE DISCUSSION:  Shirleon and Melvin discuss the popular 2003 Disney family movie Holes, that one where lizards are scary and the line, "I can fix that." is eternally engrained in your brain! We dig into the films surprisingly mature content, occasionally DCOM-esque nature, and how sometimes that movie you liked as a kid is as good as you remember! Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 41-minutes discussing Madame Web: or, how movies are products to be sold, which means they are marketed, and we were not convinced the marketing had sold us on the product; an exploration on the importance of marketing; and whether someone can be critical of a film prior to having seen it. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Shirleon read the book, so Melvin asks a few questions about that.There's just a lot about Holes that works on a fundamental level, and it makes the film an enjoyable watch.Shirleon & Melvin both observe a comfortability in the film to showcase and explore mature, hard themes while remaining accessible to a family audience.Shirleon gives a more specific compare-and-contrast between the book and film.The legalistic metaphor of perpetual, listless hole-digging contrasted against deep-and-dynamic characters.Shirleon & Melvin agree; all the Sam and Kathryn flashbacks were stellar.Discussing and contrasting the two curses.Recommendations:Buy Lego! Build Lego!Frances Ha (2012) (Movie)MAILBAG: Send questions with your First Name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the Show.Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

MOVIE DISCUSSION: Geek Devotions Website, YouTube, and Comm Talk Podcast. Dallas from Geek Devotions joins Melvin in discussing M. Night Shyamalan's comic-book inspired follow-up to his break-out film: Unbreakable!  Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 33-minutes of Melvin interviewing Dallas about the "Geek Devotions" project; what Dallas and Celeste seek to achieve in reaching out to the world of anime, video games, and netizen-culture; how most geek-experience with spirituality is negative (and they hope to change that); and how fringe, geek communities can satisfy the innate need we all have for community. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Melvin asks Dallas about Geek Devotion's YouTube presence, which involves a LOT of shows, and how they fulfill their mission statement.Dallas had seen Unbreakable as a child, and Melvin wonders if there's anything he reflected on during this rewatch.For Melvin, this rewatch was nothing short of transcendental.Dallas, "[Unbreakable] feels fresh, but it also feels very real. It feels like a genuine story."There's a throughline about the relationship between masculinity, power, and gentleness that is explored in David Dunn's story, and the inclusion of his son Joseph adds more importance to David's decision making.Early Shyamalan films ask their audience to be patient with the mundane, and that patience is then rewarded.Why the "kids with guns" scene (as Melvin calls it) is so jarring, but also kinda works with the film's theming.And, of course, thoughts on the ending.Recommendations:Fallout (2024) (Series)Shōgun (2024) (Mini Series)Breathing Fire (1991) (Movie)MAILBAG: Send questions with your First Name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the Show.Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION:  This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard!  Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss this month's Patreon-Picked flick: When Marnie Was There! Boy do they cover a lot of ground! From discussing its strong melancholy vibes to its extremely profound yet simple characters, no stone is left unturned!Topics:(FREE PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 44-minutes discussing a trailer for an AI produced short film called "Next Stop Paris" that will debut on TCLtv+ Summer 2024, as well as other AI related discussions and surprises. (FREE PATREON EXCLUSIVE)When Marnie Was There's opening is dour, and the whole film has a patient melancholy to it as well as strong depictions of the hijacking nature of anxiety on the body.Taking time to discuss how haunting the film feels, and the lyrics to Priscilla Ahn's "Fine on the Outside" theme song.The film drew a lot of personal experiences out of both Shirleon and Melvin, and the two discuss it further.Melvin explains the end of the film, as well as how that caught a lot of people off guard. Or, specifically, how they felt "queerbaited", and how Melvin thinks that's a wildly uneducated and inappropriate read of the film.When Marnie Was There is so overtly about the transforming benefits of practiced, personal, platonic love that Melvin has difficulty observing the film in any other way.Getting into various biblical stories that showcase practiced, personal, platonic love that produced hope.How the image of the Yukata being cleaned is a fitting icon of hope.Mailbag Responses:Tips for watching horror movies as a Christian (Maddy from Texas) [00:39:47 > 00:48:31]Recommendations:Vinland Saga (2019) (Anime)Texhnolyze (2003) (Anime)MAILBAG: Send questions with your First Name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the Show.Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

TV-SHOW DISCUSSION:  Faith & Fandom Podcast & Website Hector Miray from Faith & Fandom joins Melvin to discuss one of the highest rated anime of the modern age: Your Lie in April! The two discuss it's exploration of music-as-metaphor, depictions of trauma, and, of course, all of the melodrama! Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 47-minutes discussing the current atmosphere around the MCU, especially with 2023 being a less-than-stellar year for Disney/Marvel, and 2024 only offering one film, Deadpool & Wolverine, and why fans may be losing some of their longstanding interest. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Hector shares about how he started Faith & Fandom as far back as the early 2010s, his development on several geek-themed devotionals, the time he almost quit (and why he didn't), and so much more!Your Lie in April features several classical songs played in various ways, as well as brief, strong lines of poetic dialogue. Hector was a big fan of these details.Melvin shares his list of "Things I Liked" and "Things I Disliked" that he wrote during  his watch.Hector shares about a new term he learned: the Manic Pixie Dream Girl. Melvin explains his notes in the Dislikes category titled, "Kaori. Entirely.".Discussing the depiction of "reaching" someone with their art.For Melvin, Kousei is the "audience" stand-in - a troubled prodigy who looks down on themself - and Kaori is the idealized girlfriend of that audience - or, as stated before, the Manic Pixie Dream Girl. Recommendations:Delicious in Dungeon (2024) (Anime)Watashitachi no Shiawase na Jikan (Translation: Our Happy Hours) (2008) (Manga)Say "I Love You." (2012) (Anime)MAILBAG: Send questions with your First Name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the Show.Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

MOVIE DISCUSSION:  Kathryn joins Melvin in discussing an early Junji Ito live-action adaption, Uzumaki! Although the film went into production before the manga had reached its completion, there's still a lot of exciting material to cover in this truly wacky film; and not just because of the spirals!  Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 38-minutes of Kathryn and Melvin competing in a Movie/Entertainment Trivia game, finally figuring out which one of the two knows more about everything Movies and Entertainment! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Kathryn and Melvin are huge fans of Junji Ito, both of which having read his manga for close to 10 years. The two talk about what it is about his work that captures their attention.In introducing Uzumaki, the two can't avoid it: They have to talk about the editing first.The setting feels fresh and "lived in", and even the various characters within the story feel as though they've known each other for a long time.Melvin wonders about the correlation between films about social issues, or that have social awareness, and the size of the community within the fiction (or, the reality they're based on). Kathryn shares her thoughts.There's one scene in Uzumaki that is so hauntingly patient that it really affected Melvin. He describes the scene, and the two explore it together.Discussing how Kirie and Shuichi are roughly the same characters between both the manga and the movie, but how what they represent in the story in relation to the spirals is different.Recommendations:The Devil's Candy (2016) (Movie)The Spiral (Original Title: Rasen) (1998) (Movie)MAILBAG: Send questions with your First Name and we'll answer them in future episodes! Support the Show.Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group

MOVIE DISCUSSION:  Eli Price's The Establishing Shot Podcast, @establishingshotpod on Instagram, and @EliPrice on Letterboxd. Happy Ani-May! Eli Price, host of The Establishing Shot Podcast, joins Melvin in discussing one of Hayao Miyazaki's most beloved films, Howl's Moving Castle! From its fairytale atmosphere to child-like wonder, the two get into what makes the film so meaningful to many, as well as what their biggest takeaways were regarding the material.Topics:(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 30-minutes discussing Joker: Folie à Deux's trailer, whether or not these two film-fans are itching to watch a DC-villain themed juke-box musical, and if the inclusion of brief full nudity in the film will be a deterrent. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Eli shares about his podcast The Establishing Shot, a show where he takes deep-dives into a director's filmography and discusses them with a variety of guests, picking apart the nuances and history of a specific film each episode.Eli has seen Howl's Moving Castle several times. This is Melvin's first time seeing the film.Eli observes in Miyazaki a child-like way of storytelling where it seems he often "blindly" watches where his characters are headed and explores their reactions to a myriad of situations.In the film there's a thread about the idolization of beauty and youth, and even the unique joys found in cross-generational relationships.Howl has main character syndrome... but he's not the main character; Sophie is.Discussing the use of curses in the story, and how they manifest within the film.The two discuss the tension between imbued desires and the fear of self-indulgence.Melvin talks about how much he likes the Witch of the Waste "face reveal" and what the rest of the movie does with that.Talking about the controversial, bizarre ending.Recommendations:My Neighbor Totoro (1988) (Movie)Ikiru (1952) (Movie)Tokyo Story (1953) (Movie)Ring 2 (1999) (Movie)Want to share your thoughts on a Movie? Send us a Text! We'll respond in an episode! Support the Show.Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins Social Links: Threads Website Instagram Facebook Group