As Richard and I mentioned in our review of some of the most spiritually and theologically significant films of the decade, the ‘aughts were a particularly good decade for documentaries.  Interestingly enough, some of the best documentaries addressed religious subject matter.  Here is a list of ten significant religious documentaries of the decade. (more…) Read more

Pop Theology contributor Richard Lindsay and I have just completed our list of ten spiritually/theologically significant films of the last decade.  Check it out after the jump and please share your suggestions as well. (more…) Read more

As a sports fan, I am well aware of games’ ability to bring people together and create disharmony.  For every story of cooperation across racial and ethnic lives, we hear about violence at international soccer matches in eastern Europe or post-game violence between parents after their kids’ baseball game.  Clint Eastwood‘s latest film, Invictus, reveals the power of sport to unite people across great distances and to even uplift an entire nation. (more…) Read more

Unless you’ve been in a coma for over a year, you are probably familiar with James Cameron‘s latest film, Avatar.  Touted as the most expensive film ever made, it has received rave reviews for its 3D special effects and stunning other-world scenery.  Unfortunately, the plot is as thin and heavy-handed as its effects are beautiful. (more…) Read more

I recently took a break from my Christmas movie bonanza with all its images of love and peace and togetherness to watch Gomorrah, a brutally realistic film about the Camorra, one of the the largest criminal organizations in the world.  I am well aware of the debates over and problems with violence in film, but I do believe it has a place, and Gomorrah is a perfect example of this. (more…) Read more

Throughout this semester, I have frequently referenced an NPR interview with film scholar David Thomson in which he discussed how desperate times often birth great works of art.  Think of the films that released during the Great Depression (or about it) for example.  Hopefully, these tough economic times in which we find ourselves will be no different and inspire thought-provoking creative works as well.  Jason Reitman‘s latest film, Up In the Air, is certainly reason for optimism. (more…) Read more

Check out Richard Lindsay’s review of Hedwig and the Angry Inch after the jump. (more…) Read more

Roland Emmerich’s disaster films are escapist fantasies that imagine how we humans will respond in the face of certain (almost) global destruction.  As I mentioned in a review of 2012 yesterday, they often present an emotional utopia of family togetherness against this dystopic background.  Another recent film, the post-apocalyptic story, The Road, unfortunately presents a perhaps more realistic portrayal of the human response to global destruction and survival of said catastrophe. (more…) Read more