Last year, a film used dogs to make a political, cultural, and religious statements about immigrants in Europe. White God received critical acclaim, but a limited theatrical release (you can now streat it on Netflix). This year, another indie film out of Minnesota sends an equally strong message through the story of one man’s bond with a stray dog. Here’s hoping for easy access to Musa Syeed’s film, A Stray, because it’s one that many people need to see. (more…) Read more
Demolition might be one of the better films you’ll see this year. It’s got it all where it counts, an inspired script, smart direction, and a captivating lead performance by Jake Gyllenhaal. It’s as raw and emotionally authentic examination of grief and loss as I’ve seen in some time. It’s also a stinging commentary on the spiritual vacuity of much of our culture. (more…) Read more
Jeff Nichols is one of my favorite directors. His new film, Midnight Special, isn’t my favorite of his films, but you’ll definitely want to see it when it releases widely on Friday. (more…) Read more
If you’ve seen The Monuments Men, then you’re somewhat familiar with The Liberators, the new doc that premieres at SXSW about stolen religious art from WWII that reappeared in Whitewright, TX. (more…) Read more
After the jump, listen to me and Tony Jones discuss this week’s episode of The People v. OJ Simpson, the destruction of Marcia Clark, F. Lee Bailey and the N-word, and whether or not Tarantino is getting out of hand. (more…) Read more
You have solemnly professed before God, Angels and Men, that the Cause of your leaving your Country, Kindred and Fathers houses, and transporting your selves with your Wives, Little Ones and Substance over the vast Ocean into this waste and howling Wilderness, was your Liberty to walk in the Faith of the Gospel with all good Conscience according to the Order of the Gospel… “A Brief Recognition of New England’s Errand into the Wilderness” – Samuel Danforth The problem for... Read more
After the jump, listen to Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the fifth episode of American Crime Story: The People v. OJ Simpson, the city of Los Angeles as a character, the rise of Courtney B. Vance, and the naivete of Marcia Clark. (more…) Read more
The foundational event in Han Kang’s thrilling novel, The Vegetarian, doesn’t sound like the grounds from which a great book would emerge. Yet Kang’s brilliance as a writer lies in her ability to weave a gripping, horrific narrative from the most innocuous of choices. (more…) Read more
After the jump, listen to Tony Jones and Ryan talk about this week’s episode of The People v. OJ Simpson, the ascendancy of Johnny Cochran, the implosion of Marcia Clark, and the justice of perception. (more…) Read more
It’s been a bit longer of a wait for the latest issue of The Goddamned, but the wait, thankfully, is worth it. The third issue, “Children of Eden,” releases today and it doesn’t disappoint…well, another thrilling cliffhanger aside. (more…) Read more
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