Saints and Cinema

In our 80th episode, Tim and Jay talk about how much film viewers want or need to know; what makes some people love a film, and others hate it; and, is over-explaining really new? Do you like having a movie explain itself, or would you rather put things together yourself? We talked about some movies. Come find us:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

Jay and Tim talk about what the Academy Awards got right and what they got wrong. We talk about Hollywood, agendas, propaganda, and Oscar surprises.Some of the movies we mention in this episode are: Oscar nominees.Come find us:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

Jay and Tim get into the films they saw from 2024, their favorites, and their less-than-favorites.Some of the films we mention in this episode: The Brutalist, Gladiator II, Challengers, The Substance, Joker: Folie á Deux, Civil War, Trap, Hard Truths, Smile 2, Heretic, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Hundreds of Beavers, Monkey Man, Dune II, Long Legs, Didi, A Different Man, Nosferatu, The Wild Robot, Inside the Yellow Cocoon ShellCome find us:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

Jay and Tim reconnect with Thomas Torrey about his film Long December, new to streaming. We talk about the creative process, music and film, marathon running (well, Jay and Thomas), and how new projects come together when things fall apart. Long DecemberLong December InstagramRegister for a Zoom watch party on December 15 with cast and crew!Our first episode with Thomas about his movies (among other things)Our episode with Thomas on Robert Machoian's The Killing of Two LoversSome of the films we mention in this episode: Long December, Fare, Minor Premise, OnceCome find us:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

Tim and Jay talk about the new movie Heretic, true belief, and playing games with choice and control.Some of the other movies we mention in this episode: Hard Truths, September 5, Small Things Like These, Saw, Nosferatu, and some others that I forgot about.Come find us:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

Tim and Jay talk about the new movie Heretic, true belief, and playing games with choice and control.Some of the other movies we mention in this episode: Hard Truths, September 5, Small Things Like These, Saw, and some others that I forgot about.Come find us:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

Jay and Tim talk with Travis Garcia, the co-director of the features programming team for the Newport Beach Film Festival, two weeks out from its 25th anniversary. We hit some of the films we've already seen, as well as some we're looking forward to. Come and join us, October 17-24!The Newport Beach Film FestivalSee the schedule and get tickets here.Some of the films we mention in this episode: Whatever It Takes, Memoir of a Snail, Wake (short film), Thelma, Hard Truths, The Ghost/An Taibhse, I Can't Be Sorry (short film), Bob Trevino Likes It, Seed of the Sacred Fig, Small Things Like These, Blitz, Come and Save Me (music video), Calf (short film), The Last ShowgirlCome find us:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

Jay and Tim talk about vocation, doing the right thing, how do you know what the right thing is, ambulances, and cigarettes...plus far too many outtakesSome of the films we mention in this episode: The Insider, Bringing Out the Dead, Fight Club, and probably some others that Tim forgot to write downCome find us:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

Tim gets echoey in his new house as he and Jay talk documentaries, history rhyming, and the life you make when you're trying to make something else.Some of the films we mention in this episode: One Day in September, American Movie, Coven, Buena Vista Social Club, Who Took Johnny, Liberated, Abducted in Plain Sight, Love Me, Karl Marx City. Come find us:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

In this episode, Tim and Jay talk about two seemingly opposite films, the primarily French-language Beau Travail and the German-language Run, Lola, Run. But maybe the themes and questions aren't as far apart as we initially thought!We discuss free will, choice, human nature, and a bit of slow cinema.Some of the films we discuss in this episode are: Beau Travail; Run, Lola, Run; Silent Light, The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty, Uncut Gems, Good Time, The Butterfly Effect, Fight Club, High Life, Rosetta; Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles.Come find us:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

In this episode, we get existential, philosophical, and humanistic with Boise-based filmmaker (and NBFF alum) Collin Insley. We work through the implications of Being John Malkovich and Charlie Kaufman's filmography for fame, identity, and what it means to be human. Also puppetry.  Collin's film Scam Likely is here.Some of the films we mention in this episode: Burn After Reading, Magnolia, Being John Malkovich, Rounders, Con-Air, Beau is Afraid, Synechdoche, NY, I'm Thinking of Ending Things, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Adaptation, and Anomalisa.Come find us:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

Tim and Jay talk about two of the highest grossing movies of 1999: M. Night Shyamalan's first major hit, The Sixth Sense, and the beginning of the found-footage explosion, The Blair Witch Project. How do they play 25 years later? What do they tell us about our fears and traumas? What makes a genre film work, or not?Some of the films we mention in this episode: The Sixth Sense, Signs, The Blair Witch Project, Cannibal Holocaust, Nosferatu.Come find us:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

Tim and Jay talk about two defining movies of 1999: The Matrix and Fight Club. How do they hold up? Why do they hold up? Should Tim have kept his word to preach a sermon focused on The Matrix? Or was he just dumb (with sincere apologies to all college students who are not as dumb as he was)? Plus, some good feedback for our Magnolia episode.Some of the movies we mention in this episode: The Matrix, Fight Club, Hackers, The Machinist.Come find us:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

Jay and Tim talk with Pr. Mark Pierson of St. Paul's Lutheran Church (Long Beach, CA) about the first in our 25th anniversary series of films from 1999. We talk about where we were in 1999, and then get into free will, chance, fate, God, confession, forgiveness, salvation...and frogs.Some of the movies we mention in this episode are: Boogie Nights, Sidney/Hard Eight, There Will Be Blood, Fight Club, The Matrix.Tim wrote something about Magnolia in 2017 for The Jagged Word.The brief clip is from Aimee Mann's song "Save Me."Come find us:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

Obviously we haven't seen all of the Oscar-nominated films. Who do you think we are? But we have fun talking about the ones we have seen. 96th Academy Awards air on Sunday, March 10, at 4 pm (Pacific).Some of the films we mention in this episode: Oppenheimer, Poor Things, American Fiction, The Holdovers, Killers of the Flower Moon, Parasite, The Zone of Interest, Barbie, Perfect Days, Society of the Snow, Maestro, Past Lives, Anatomy of a Fall, Four Daughters, To Kill a Tiger, The Eternal Memory, The After, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, Godzilla Minus One, Mission:Impossible - Dead Reckoning, Part 1, May December, Rustin, El Conde, The Boy and the Heron, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.Come find us:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

First episode of 2024, we talk about our favorites of 2023. These might be our most divergent best-of lists so far. Is your favorite on our lists? Are our favorites on your list? Let us know! Some of the films we mention in this episode: Past Lives, Beau is Afraid, Anatomy of a Fall, Sisu, John Wick 4, Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part 1, Oppenheimer, Poor Things, Infinity Pool, American Fiction, Wildcat, Dune 2, The Zone of Interest, The Holdovers, The Iron Claw, Afire, Asteroid City, The Boy and the Heron, Killers of the Flower Moon, Godzilla Minus One, Monster, Tori and Lokita, Talk to Me, The Boys in the Boat, Maestro, Society of the Snow.Come find us:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

In only our second-ever joint episode, we spend some time with Philip Marinello of The Substance discussing whether movies are serious or frivolous. Are they just entertainment or something more significant? How seriously should we take them? Then we each offer up our own frivolous and serious picks. Enjoy!The SubstanceSpecial thank you to Dave Hallahan of The Gospel According To... podcast for editing this episode!Some of the movies we mention in this episode: Dumb and Dumber, Jackass Forever, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Spotlight, After Yang, Columbus, Calvary, A Hidden Life, Silence, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Boondock Saints, The Rock, The Evil Dead.Come find us:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

On the last day of the 2023 Newport Beach Film Festival, we finally catch up with Phillip Yaw Domfeh, NBFF alum, filmmaker, producer, and Senior Manager of Disney's Launchpad short film incubator. We talk about all sorts of things, from music, to his films, including Cary in Retrograde (which he made with his wife, Priya), to the films he's working on now for Disney's Lanchpad, to religion and what he's learned about faith. For this episode, Phillip graciously allowed us to use part of his song from Cary in Retrograde, "Give Up the Ghost," which you can purchase here, or wherever you get digital music.Phillip and Priya's production company, Cosmic Otter ProductionsDisney Launchpad Come find us:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

Jay and Tim preview their favorite week of the year, the Newport Beach Film Festival. We talk film festival programming, feature films, short films, what we've seen, and what we're looking forward to watching. See the schedule and get tickets here: NEWPORT BEACH FILM FEST(Use the code URSpecialNBFF for $5 off a ticket!)Some of the feature films we mention in this episode: Monster, Vincent Must Die, Exposure, Crawdaddy, American Star, The Michoacan File, Gentleman, Remembering Gene Wilder, William Shatner: You Can Call Me Bill, Nyad, Fingernails, Susan Feniger: Forked, The First Day of My Life, Without Her, The Holdovers, May December, High Class.Some of the short films we mention in this episode: Astor Place: The American Dream, David Se Va, Cherubs, Eat Flowers, Dark Moon, The Ruse, Blood, The Chosen One, English Tutor, #followme, Detox, The Stranger, Baseball Behind Barbed Wire, music videos by The National, Zach Bryan, shame, Sparks.Come find us:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

In this episode Tim and Jay talk about The Equalizer 3 and what's going on with some of the symbolism and religious references in the movie. Then we talk about other action franchises, and what sets some apart from others.Some of the films and franchises we mention in this episode: The Equalizer, John Wick, James Bond, Jason Bourne, Mission: Impossible, Taken, Nobody, Transformers, Jurassic Park, The Transporter. Come find us:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

Jay and Tim talk about Christopher Nolan's latest, and where it fits among our favorite Nolan films.Some of the films we mention in this episode: Barbie, Oppenheimer, The Dark Knight, Memento, The Day after Trinity, Paper City, The Prestige, The Dark Knight Rises, Tenet, Dunkirk, Following, Inception, Interstellar. Wendell Berry's essay, "The Way of Ignorance" (2004), from this book (or here).Come find us:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

In our 60th episode, we talk with Josh Larsen of Think Christian and the Filmspotting podcast about his new book Fear Not! A Christian Appreciation of Horror Movies. We talk about what Christians can learn from horror movies about themselves and about the world, and then we give our top 3 horror films.Fear Not! Movies are PrayersThink ChristianFilmspottingBrehm Film at Fuller Theological SeminarySome of the films we mention in this episode: A Nightmare on Elm Street, Funny Games, V/H/S, The Exorcist, The Blair Witch Project, Jaws, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, Vampyr, Train to Busan, Psycho, Rear Window, The Birds, Them (Ils), The Host, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Cache, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Us.Come find us:WebsiteFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

Jay and Tim talk to cinematographer (and fellow Lutheran) Ryan Spacone about Jesus Revolution, Christian movies, cinematography, and how Lutherans understand vocation with respect to film. What does a cinematographer do? How does Ryan choose the jobs on which he's going to work? What makes a film "Christian," and is Jesus Revolution that? What would make a good Christian film? We talked about all that and more.Some of the films (and series) we mentioned in this episode: Jesus Revolution, God's Not Dead, Lawrence of Arabia, National Treasure, The Chosen, Fare (although Tim didn't actually say the name of it).Check out Ryan's work here.Tim wrote something about Jesus Revolution here. Come find us:WebsiteFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

We're not going to lie; the episode gets a little weird. But so is the movie. Tim and Jay talk Beau Is Afraid, the new neurotic nightmare from Ari Aster. There are spoilers. See the movie first. Do not read anything about it before you go!Some other movies we mention in this episode: MidsomMAR, Hereditary, You Were Never Really Here (sort of; we couldn't remember the correct title), Kandahar and The Covenant (or did I just dream that we mentioned those?); Forrest GumpCome find us:WebsiteFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

Tim and Jay talk about what they liked and didn't like about Russell Crowe's new movie, The Pope's Exorcist. How much is Fr. Amorth's story and how much is Hollywood invention? What is it about priests that they make regular appearances in horror movies? Why do exorcism movies continue to get made?  Can anyone make an original exorcism movie after The Exorcist? Some other movies we mention in this episode: The Exorcism of Emily Rose, The Curse of La Llorona, The Exorcist.Tim wrote about The Pope's Exorcist here.Come find us:WebsiteFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

Jay and Tim talk about all sorts of things stemming from The Whale. Does Aronofsky intend Charlie to be a Christ figure? What kind? Are people naturally good? What is religion good for? What does the ending signify? And more. We also mention Noah, Mother!, The Purge, The Wrestler. Song clips:Hard To Be | David Bazan | Pedro The Lion John Wayne Gacy, Jr. | Sufjan StevensCome find us:WebsiteFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

Bonus episode! Tim and Jay talk about the Academy Awards, the movies they would like to see win, and the movies they think will win. Then they mention a few movies that were robbed of nominations and awards.  Some of the movies we mention in this episode: Everything Everywhere All At Once, The Banshees of Inisherin, Top Gun: Maverick, Women Talking, Triangle of Sadness, The Fire of Love, Tár, The Whale, Elvis, Babylon, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris, The Fabelmans, All Quiet on the Western Front, Argentina, 1985, EO, All That Breathes, Navalny, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, An Ostrich Told Me the World is Fake and I Think I Believe It, Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio, Turning Red, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, RRR, Bardo: False Chronicles of a Handful of Truths, Nope, Corsage, Bullet Train, After Yang.Come find us:WebsiteFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

Jay and Tim forget to say who they are, and then talk about Lenten-themed movies. (With an outtake because Tim can never figure out how to end things.)Some of the films we mention in this episode: Hunger, Silence, Last Days in the Desert, The Last Temptation of Christ, The Passion of the Christ, The Gospel According to St. Matthew, Of Gods and Men, Into Great Silence.Tim wrote something about Last Days in the Desert here, and Of Gods and Men here.Come find us:WebsiteFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

In the first episode of the year, Tim and Jay share their top 10 favorite movies of 2022 (as well as a few honorable mentions); Tim tries to prevent Jay from sharing his top 2 (just kidding); and we talk about a couple movies we're anticipating in 2023.Some of the films we mention in this episode: Guillermo del Toro's Pinnochio, Corsage, Barbarian, Nope, Top Gun: Maverick, Broker, Banshees of Inisherin, After Yang, Three Thousand Years of Longing, Men, Decision to Leave, M3gan, All Quiet on the Western Front, Bardo, The Northman, The Lighthouse, Nosferatu, Fablemans, Triangle of Sadness, White Noise, Everything Everywhere All At Once, Black Phone, Elvis, Petite Maman, This Much I Know to be True.Come find us:WebsiteFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

In our final episode of 2022, we revisit our very first episode and our top-100 lists with friend and fellow NBFF programmer, Marco Montenegro. And what is the point of making lists, anyway? Then we talk about the once-a-decade Sight and Sound movie poll, and the top film, Jeanne Dielman, 23 Quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles. Time for you to make your own list!  Marco's Top 100.Tim's Top 100. (Also at our website here.)Jay's Top 100. (Also at our website here.)Some of the films we mention in this episode: Star Wars, Pulp Fiction, Once Upon a Time...In Hollywood, L.A. Confidential, Less Than Zero, True Romance, Annie Hall, Guardians of the Galaxy, Jeanne Dielman, 23, Bicycle Thieves, A Christmas Story, Dumb and Dumber, The Dark Knight, It, Citizen Kane, Vertigo, Rear Window, Winter Light, The Sting, Groundhog Day, Office Space, and more.Come find us:WebsiteFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

Jay and Tim talk with the writer/producer, Mokotsi Rukundo, and director, Brian Lucke Anderson, of the newly available (and Newport Beach Film Festival alum!) film East of Middle West about sons repeating the sins of the fathers, forgiveness, and the possibility of change.WebsiteRent or Buy East of Middle West:on Amazon Prime Videoon iTuneson Google Playon VuduTim wrote something about East of Middle West a year ago.Come find us:WebsiteFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

Tim and Jay resolve to make no more promises about recording episodes at the Newport Beach Film Festival. Instead, here's a recap of what we saw and what we liked. Some of the films mentioned in this episode: Broker, Influencer, Banshees of Inisherin, The Moon and Back, A Little White Lie, All Quiet on the Western Front, Bardo, Empire of Light, The Good Nurse, Holy Spider, Manifest West, Peace in the Valley, The Integrity of Joseph Chambers, The Park, Joyride, The Quiet Girl, The Pez Outlaw, Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.Come find us:WebsiteFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

Jay and Tim preview their favorite week of the year, the Newport Beach Film Festival. It's happening October 13-20 (less than a month away!) in beautiful Newport Beach, California. Jay says this is the best program in the history of the NBFF, so take a listen and find out what we're looking forward to watching. (There's even a movie that was filmed in Wenatchee, Washington!)The Newport Beach Film FestivalGet tickets.Some of the feature films we mention in this episode: Armageddon Time, The Banshees of Inisherin, In Bruges, Corsage, Devotion, The Good Nurse, A Little White Lie, White Noise, Joyride, Bardo, Broker, Influencer, The Integrity of Joseph Chambers, The Killing of Two Lovers, The Park, Calibre, Peace in the Valley, The Pez Outlaw, Lost Daughter, Mothering Sunday, The Worst Person in the World, Belfast, Make Me Famous, Not Okay, Patrick and the Whale, My Octopus Teacher, Wes Schlagenhauf is Dying, Hand of God.Some of the short films we mention in this episode: Dog Lover, Burn It All, Cruise, The F-Word, Legs, Mama Retreat, Melons, Rooted, Sushi Noh, Sissy, Just Hold On, Jumping Into Fire.Come find us:WebsiteFacebookTwitterOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon Grivot

In this episode of Tim Badly Pronouncing French, we look at the 1989 film Jesus of Montreal by Denys Arcand. We talk about efforts to update Jesus and make Him relevant to modern times--and how He refuses to be so.Tim wrote something about Jesus of Montreal for The Jagged Word.Opening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon GrivotCome find us:WebsiteFacebookTwitter

All five Winterstein brothers are together in Olympia for the celebration of their parents' 50th wedding anniversary, so what else would we do but record an episode with all of us? (Excuse the microphone bumps, as we were sitting around a card table...)We reminisce about first theater experiences and movies we remember from our childhood. Then we talk about marriage movies, from rom-com, to happy-ever-after, to the realistic struggle of marriage. Some of the films (and shows) we mention in this episode: About Time, Wedding Crashers, 45 Years, A Hidden Life, Take Shelter, He-Man: Masters of the Universe, Jurassic Park, The Patriot, Scenes From a Marriage, Married at First Sight, Force Majeure, A Ghost Story, When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, Marriage Story.Opening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon GrivotCome find us:WebsiteFacebookTwitter

Tim and Jay talk about Father Stu, "Christian" movies, and where Mark Wahlberg's labor of love fits, both in the cinematic and theological landscapes. Some other films (and TV series) we mention briefly in this episode: Goodfellas (again), War Room, The Passion of the Christ, Fireproof, God's Not Dead, Uncharted, The Americans, Yellowstone.Tim wrote something on Father Stu here.Here's the book with an interview with Mark Wahlberg.Opening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon GrivotCome find us:WebsiteFacebookTwitter

Jay and Tim talk with Pastor Mark A. Pierson about the men's movie night at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Long Beach, California. We also say requiescat in pace to Ray Liotta, Jay sounds like he's in a cavern, Tim badly pronounces French movie titles, and a lot of movies get mentioned.Some of the films we mention in this episode: Silence, Calvary, Field of Dreams, The Lighthouse, Goodfellas, A Hidden Life, First Reformed, Father Stu, Winter Light, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Au Hazard Balthazar, Diary of a Country Priest, and Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.Opening clip from Goodfellas (1990; Directed by Martin Scorsese, performed by Ray Liotta; "Rags to Riches," performed by Tony Bennett)Tim has an essay on Calvary in this book (only $3.99 on Kindle!).Opening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon GrivotCome find us:WebsiteFacebookTwitter

It's the third week of Easter, so Jay and Tim make a list of films where resurrection shows up: Ordet (1955), Cool Hand Luke (1967), Silent Light (2007), The Kid with a Bike (2011), and Happy as Lazzaro (2018).Some other movies we mention briefly: Halloween, La Promesse, The Child, Young AhmedOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon GrivotCome find us:WebsiteFacebookTwitter 

Tim and Jay talk with Rev. Dr. Scott Stiegemeyer, professor of theology and bioethics at Concordia University in Irvine, California, about the new movie After Yang. We talk about technology, memory, grief, and what it means to be human. Some of the movies we mention in this episode: After Yang, Columbus, Blade Runner, Robot and Frank, Drive My Car, Saint Maud. The Blackest Eyes Podcast (Scott co-hosts)Kogonada's websiteOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon GrivotCome find us:WebsiteFacebookTwitter

Tim and Jay mess around, talk about Academy Award nominations and possible winners, don't really put to rest the highbrow/lowbrow art debate, and mention a few more films they hope to see this year.Some films we mention in this episode: The Power of the Dog, West Side Story, Drive My Car, Spencer, After Yang, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, Columbus, Killers of the Flower Moon, Licorice Pizza, Nightmare Alley, Being the Ricardos, The Tragedy of Macbeth, Belfast, The Eyes of Tammy Faye, Shang Chi and the Legend of Ten Rings, Spider-Man: No Way Home.

Everyone has to have a best-of list. This is ours. Some honorable mentions, and then our top five films of 2021 (at least of those we've seen), and then a couple we're looking forward to in 2022.Some of the films we mention in this episode: What We See When We Look At the Sky; Pig; The Tragedy of Macbeth; The Green Knight; Lost Daughter; This is Not a Burial, It's a Resurrection; Belfast; Azor; Licorice Pizza; The Killing of Two Lovers; The Last Duel; The Hand of God; Nobody; Mass; Nightmare Alley; Electric Jesus; The Northman; Mission Impossible 8; Lamb.Opening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon GrivotCome find us:WebsiteFacebookTwitter

'Tis the season! Tim and Jay talk to Pastor Brian Bowes about his annual Christmas movie watch list and what makes a movie a "Christmas movie."Some of the movies we mention in this episode: Elf, Miracle on 34th Street, Holiday Affair, A Christmas Story, Home Alone, The Bells of St. Mary's, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Going My Way, A Charlie Brown Christmas, It's A Wonderful LIfe, The Bishop's Wife, A Christmas Carol (1951), How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966), White Christmas, The Nativity Story, Frosty the Snowman, Deck the Halls, The Holly and the Ivy. Opening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon GrivotCome find us:WebsiteFacebookTwitter

Jay and Tim get all the answers to all their questions about him & her from writer and director Ice Mrozek. Among other things, Ice tells the best story that has ever been told on this podcast, involving his first acting audition, a major director, an award-winning editor, and a dinner party. Our first episode with Ice is here. Keep up with release information for him & her here:Anam Cara FilmsAnam Cara Films on FacebookAnam Cara Films on InstagramOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon GrivotCome find us:WebsiteFacebookTwitter

Tim's and Jay's good intentions go unrealized, they talk about their favorite films from the festival and what they still want to see, what it's like to be a film festival programmer. They also tell you why you should go to a film festival, and why it's like summer camp.Some of the films mentioned in this episode: Belfast, Keeping Company, East of Middle West, C'mon, C'mon, Power of the Dog, The Lost Daughter, Redemption of a Rogue, Set!, Mothering Sunday, Electric Jesus, Catch the Fair One, him and her, Tankhouse.Opening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon GrivotCome find us:WebsiteFacebookTwitter

Jay and Tim keep the Newport Beach Film Festival episodes rolling with the writer/director of Electric Jesus, Chris White, as well as Contemporary Christian Music historian and music advisor for the film, John J. Thompson. We talk about the film, the unique subculture of CCM, '80s Christian rock, the detailed reconstruction of the musical and period setting for the film, and a lot more. Tickets for Electric Jesus at the Newport Beach Film Festival (Thursday, October 28, 7:15 PM)See ELECTRIC JESUS (11/2/21, U.S., Canada, U.K.): https://geni.us/ElectricJesusListen to ELECTRIC JESUS (now!): https://lnk.to/ElectricJesusOfficial Website: www.ElectricJesusFilm.comInsta: www.Instagram.com/ejesusfilmFB: www.Facebook.com/ejesusfilmTwitter: www.Twitter.com/ejesusfilmYouTube (music videos and more!): https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVRvi9RexlwqF9NyYTbB6XAGGqnE064K_John J. Thompson on TwitterJohn J. Thompson in Newport Beach the night before the Electric Jesus screeningTrue Tunes websiteRaised by Wolves, John J. Thompson's book on Christian rockOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon GrivotCome find us:WebsiteFacebookTwitter

Jay and Tim talk about the film him & her with writer/director/actor Ice Mrozek. We get into a little of how [REDACTED] came about, and what it was like to [REDACTED]. We talk about the filmmaking process, the difference between an idea and the finished product, and look forward to the world premiere screening of him & her at the Newport Beach Film Festival on October 24.Anam Cara Films Anam Cara Films on FacebookAnam Cara Films on InstagramTickets to the World Premiere of him & her (with a special surprise!)The Newport Beach Film FestivalOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon GrivotCome find us:WebsiteFacebookTwitter

Unlike our normal, light-hearted content, we turn slightly darker with both the original and the first two episodes of the remake of Scenes From a Marriage. Tim wrote about one scene in the first episode of the remake here.Some of the movies we mention in this episode: Scenes From a Marriage, A Marriage Story, and, briefly, The Card Counter and The Godfather.Opening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon GrivotCome find us:WebsiteFacebookTwitter

Jay and Tim finally get the Saints and Cinema Nicolas Cage episode done. We talk Pig and about 1 % of the rest of his cinematic output. And the return of outtakes.Some of the films we mention in this episode: Pig, Con Air, The Rock, Mandy, Face/Off, Raising Arizona, Bringing Out the Dead, Leaving Las Vegas.Opening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon GrivotCome find us:WebsiteFacebookTwitter

Tim and Jay talk with Dr. Scott Stiegemeyer (ethicist, pastor, professor, and co-host of The Blackest Eyes podcast) about George A. Romero's newly released 1973 film The Amusement Park. It is an anti-ageist film commissioned by the Lutheran Service Society of Western Pennysylvania, but rarely, if ever, seen until now. Aging, religion, churches, horror, and the surreal sense that we end where we begin--all of that and more in this episode.Some of the movies we mention in this episode: The Amusement Park, Night of the Living Dead, St. Maud, Midsommar.The Blackest Eyes PodcastTim wrote something about The Amusement Park here. Opening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon GrivotCome find us:WebsiteFacebookTwitter

On the two-year anniversary of Saints and Cinema, Tim and Jay have a feature-length conversation with friend and filmmaker Thomas Torrey. We talk The Killing of Two Lovers, Thomas's new podcast, fatherhood, indie filmmaking, and if there's anything so far worth putting on a best-of-2021 list. Some of the movies we mention in this episode: The Killing of Two Lovers; Fare; Minor Premise; All the Names We Buried; Soul; Take Shelter; Parallel Love; A Quiet Place, Part 2.Thomas TorreyTwo Friends with a PodcastFareMinor PremiseParallel LoveBad Theology PicturesOpening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon GrivotCome find us:WebsiteFacebookTwitter

Jay and Tim talk revenge movies, what appeals to us about them, and quoting Dumb and Dumber.Movies we mention in this episode include: Dumb and Dumber, Taken, Death Wish, I Saw the Devil, Braveheart, In the Bedroom, and Nobody.Opening music: "Let's Start at the Beginning," Lee RosevereClosing music: "Découvre moi," Marc Senet & Simon GrivotCome find us:WebsiteFacebookTwitter