Ranking BLACK MIRROR Season 3

Last updated on: October 24, 2016 at 6:57 pm By J. Ryan Parker

We all agree that Black Mirror is superb television and one of the best series going…right?!?! But, within that certainty, no doubt, lie disagreements on best and/or favorite individual episodes. Check out the Pop Theology rankings of the new season’s six episodes below. While much of this is, of course, personal preference, some of these episodes feel more vital than others, given the volatile political and cultural times and spaces in which we find ourselves. It’s nearly a tie for the top spot... Read more

Reflections on THE BIRTH OF A NATION

Last updated on: October 7, 2016 at 10:23 am By J. Ryan Parker

New Pop Theology contributor and Killer Serials co-host, Tony Jones, offers up some reflections on the controversial new film, The Birth of a Nation, which releases in theaters nation-wide on Friday, Oct. 7th. More after the jump. (more…) Read more

#KillerSerials: LUKE CAGE, Eps. 1 & 2

Last updated on: October 5, 2016 at 6:29 pm By J. Ryan Parker

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the new Netflix hit, Luke Cage, and talk about how it’s folding in current events and concerns, celebrating black history and culture, and drawing on religious imagery and narratives. They’re also well aware that as a couple of white guys, they’re probably only scratching the surface of the series’ themes and references. Take a listen. (more…) Read more

The Maltese Falcon and the MacGuffin of the Spirit

Last updated on: October 4, 2016 at 8:25 pm By Richard Lindsay

As I revel in my return to the Bay Area, I continue to catch up on classics that have to do with San Francisco. Last weekend I rewatched The Maltese Falcon (1941). Truth be told, the film version, based on the Dashiell Hammett novel, could have taken place anywhere. Other than some stock footage of San Francisco, the place names, and “view” of the Oakland Bay Bridge behind Sam Spade’s desk, the city doesn’t play much of a role. It’s... Read more

Music Review: Bon Iver’s 22, A MILLION

Last updated on: October 4, 2016 at 1:55 pm By J. Ryan Parker

Resident Pop Theology music critic, Benjamin Griffin, offers a review of Bon Iver’s latest album, 22, A Million. More after the jump. (more…) Read more

#KillerSerials: 2016 Emmys

Last updated on: October 3, 2016 at 6:28 pm By J. Ryan Parker

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker, as PhDs are want to do, belatedly discuss this year’s Emmys, what they say about pop culture, what we think about the winners, and what our next Killer Serial will be. (more…) Read more

MAGNIFICENT SEVEN and PTSD

Last updated on: September 29, 2016 at 9:32 am By J. Ryan Parker

Tony Jones joins the magnificent ranks of Pop Theology with a brief reflection on this week’s #1 box office hit, The Magnificent Seven. (more…) Read more

#KillerSerials: STRANGER THINGS

Last updated on: September 19, 2016 at 5:46 pm By J. Ryan Parker

Tony Jones and Ryan Parker welcome John Bucher to the podcast to talk all things STRANGER THINGS. They look back on the entire first season, talk about where the second season might go, the series’ themes of sacrifice (self and otherwise), and whether or not Eleven is a Messiah figure and the boys are her disciples. Listen after the jump. (more…) Read more

San Francisco: The Movie

Last updated on: September 11, 2016 at 11:34 pm By Richard Lindsay

“I’ve come to the conclusion that there are really only two types of people in San Francisco…’Jeanettes’…and ‘Tonys.’ Jeanettes are people who think that the city’s theme song is ‘San Francisco’ as sung by Jeanette MacDonald. Tonys think it’s Tony Bennett singing ‘I Left My Heart in San Francisco.’ Everyone falls into one camp or another . . . in a manner of speaking.” — Michael Tolliver in Armistead Maupin’s Further Tales of the City. For the last two weeks... Read more

#KillerSerials: LAST CHANCE U

Last updated on: September 8, 2016 at 2:09 pm By J. Ryan Parker

After an August break, Killer Serials is back with an episode on the hit documentary series of the summer, Netflix’s Last Chance U. Tony Jones and Ryan Parker discuss the power of football in America and higher education, different ways of teaching and learning, and the cast of characters that enrich the series. (more…) Read more