Join Drew, Grace, Lucius, and Paola as they react, review, and reflect on Takashi Yamazaki's profoundly moving 70th anniversary Godzilla film and recommend some thematically related books and films.

(00:00) Intro

Welcome to Soul on Screen

(01:03) React

Surprised by the deeply human narrative, emotional impact that brought tears and lasting reflection—this is no American Godzilla blockbuster!

(08:57) Review

The "minus color" black and white version heightened emotional depth and connection with the 1954 original, powerful score that honors and renews themes from the original, masterful VFX on a budget that served the story rather than dominating it, intimate cinematography emphasizing character over spectacle

(22:11) Reflect

Examining the tension between cultural values of collectivism -vs- individualism, reframing the true meaning of duty and sacrifice, exploring moments of forgiveness and heart change, identifying Christ-like figures throughout the narrative

(01:01:11) Recommend

Related books and movies:

• 1954 Godzilla film
• On Getting Out of Bed by Alan Noble
• When the Church Was a Family by Joseph Hellerman
• One Life (film)
• Southern Reach trilogy by Jeff VanderMeer

Join Drew, Grace, Lucius, and Paola as they react, review, and reflect on Greta Gerwig's surprisingly philosophical pink phenomenon Barbie, and share recommendations of some thematically related books and films.

(00:00) Intro

Welcome to Soul on Screen

(1:20) React

Initial skepticism turned to delighted surprise at the meaningful content packed into a story about a plastic doll, nostalgia for childhood Barbie experiences, appreciation for the film's earnestness and refusal to take itself too seriously, and varied emotional responses to America Ferrera's pivotal monologue

(9:04) Review

Praise for flawless production design that brought Barbie Land to life, the stark material contrast between plastic artificiality and real-world textures, exceptional pacing and editing, clever intertextual references and humor, outstanding music that carries the story's tone, and a script that balances fun with substance

(21:13) Reflect

Examining the film as a lament about artificial perfection versus authentic humanity, themes of creator and creation through Ruth Handler's role, the complexity of victim-villain dynamics in both Barbie and Ken's journeys, questions of identity and free will, the cost and beauty of choosing real life with its pain and imperfection, and incarnational themes of embracing embodied existence

(45:23) Recommend

Related books, movies, and more:

• Blade Runner 2049
• Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
• The Bear (seasons 1-2)
• Embracing the Body by Tara Owens
• The Gift of Being Yourself by David Benner
• Christians for Biblical Equality
• Never Cast Out by Jasmine Holmes

Join Lucius, Paola, Grace, and Drew as they react, review, and reflect on Denis Villeneuve's epic sci-fi adaptation of Dune: Parts One & Two, and share recommendations of some thematically related books and films.

(00:00) Intro

(00:45) React

Initial impressions from both book readers and newcomers, being completely absorbed by the intricate world-building, emotional reactions to the story's unexpected turns, and appreciation for accessible storytelling despite the source material's legendary complexity

(11:36) Review

Praise for Hans Zimmer's incredible score and groundbreaking sound design, the documentary-style visual approach, stunning desert cinematography, striking visual sequences that enhance the alien atmosphere, and thoughtful adaptation choices that successfully translate Herbert's dense universe to cinema

(30:06) Reflect

Examining themes of power and corruption, religious manipulation and political control, questions of destiny versus choice, the nature of leadership and sacrifice, and how the story's worldview contrasts with Christian perspectives on authority, hope, and redemption

(55:19) Recommend

Related books, movies, and more:

• Dune (audiobook)
• Dune (1984 film)
• Dune (1992 video game)
• Ecclesiastes
• Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
• Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
• A Mist Sprite's Study of Being Human by Kyra Hinton
• The Atlas of AI by Kate Crawford
• Orbital by Samantha Harvey

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