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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Join Drew, Grace, Lucius, and Paola as they react, review, and reflect on the Broadway musical turned cinematic hit Wicked, and share recommendations of some thematically related movies and books.

(00:00) Intro

Welcome to Soul on Screen

(01:13) React

Initial impressions, varying appreciation for musicals, family viewing experiences, comparisons to The Wizard of Oz, Harry Potter, and Hunger Games, and personal connections

(15:49) Review

Praise for Cynthia Erivo's (Elphaba) expressive acting and vocals, discussion of Ariana Grande's (Glinda) performance, the visual design of a fantastical world, the challenge of adapting stage to film, the impact of live-recorded vocals

(31:27) Reflect

Considering the film's central question "Why does wickedness happen?", critiques of racism, societal labeling, and propaganda, themes of mimicry, scapegoating, the ability to choose, and the cost of good character

(01:03:31) Recommend

Related movies and books:

• Wizard of Oz (1939)
• Return to Oz (1985)
• The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis
• Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life by Luke Burgis
• The Wood Between the Worlds: A Poetic Theology of the Cross by Brian Zahnd

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Join Grace, Drew, Lucius, and Paola as they react, review, and reflect on the Oscar winning 2024 film Conclave. Stick around at the end for recommendations of thematically related movies and books.

(00:00) Intro

Welcome to Soul on Screen

(00:37) React

Initial viewing impressions, watching with family/spouses, tension and suspense despite minimal action, exceeded expectations

(07:09) Review

Stunning visual composition, masterful performances (Fiennes, Tucci), use of space and lighting, sound design, multiple languages authentically portrayed

(21:52) Reflect

Faith vs. church politics, sacred vs. profane tension, pastoral leadership vs. ambition, the twist-ending and its meaning, women's roles in the church structure

(01:04:01) Recommend

• The Two Popes
• A Hidden Life
• Silence
• The Mission
• The Sparrow
• Together in Ministry
• In the Name of Jesus

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