Popcorn Theology

This week, Marcus and David meet atop the astronomy tower to explore Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.. what could go wrong? As Harry continues his alchemical transformation, biblical parallels abound. Try your luck and drink the potion of Christ imagery, trust, and sacrifice. And join our Slug Club (Patreon) to get early access to our exciting conclusion of the Harry Potter saga.

The last episode releases December 1st, but &...

Join us, if you're not afraid. Jam and Miles take on Lanterns, this DC comic show filmed in the true detective style has garnered much attention and divided opinions. See how the concept of fearlessness and courage is explored in the show and how the Bible might tell you to relate to fear. We discuss the nature of legacy, how people fight over legacy in life and throughout the Bible and we wrestle with the holes in the worldview of...

Grab your courier bag and go for a ride with Kat and James, from remote country roads all the way to Raccoon City, exploring everything from the best RE game to the spiritual themes in Zach Cregger's newest entry in the franchise. This movie is a great example of "life under the sun" and for a film featuring so much death, it yields one surprising, indirect commentary on life.

Chapters:
4;04 - Rating the film
6:37 - Subscri...

Is this movie baaaad, or shear genius? Believe us, you wool be surprised how many biblical themes emerge from this fluffy family film featuring Hugh Jackman and a surprising flock of voice actors. Join us as James discusses the biblical parallels with sheep and shepherd and the film's controversial view of religion, which may depend on how ewe look at it. 

Chapters:
00:00 - Intro & Welcome
01:27 - Popcorn Theology ...

Our supporters asked us for a favor: review The Godfather in honor of the passing of Robert Duvall. This is an episode you can't refuse!

The Godfather is often considered the greatest movie of all time, so we've brought you the greatest podcast of all time. All we ask is that you show your loyalty by not consuming mindlessly. If you do, you'll learn what it takes to be a real godfather.

You'll see how the sins of our society often ...

Is Harry Potter a parable about law, grace, and resistance? In this episode, Marcus and David explore Harry's journey through the darkness and the Sirius consequences. We also take Umbridge with the Ministry of Magic's tyrannical use of the Law, and explore how the Order and Dumbledore's Army reflect the early church and its resistance to the Pharisees. You won't want to miss out on this one. You may not like it, but you can't deny...

James and David are joined by dinosaur expert Marcus to tackle this toothy tale of a fractured family whose lives aren't a walk in the (Jurassic) park; they're running for their lives as dinosaurs stomp through suburbia and test the mettle of this modern stone age family, exposing issues of pride, contentment, faith and how we find salvation and reconciliation. 

Chapters
00:00 - Intro & Welcome
03:22 - Popcorn &...

You are invited to deliberate and deliver a verdict on the 1957 classic 12 Angry Men. This week Bridget and Miles are reminded of the importance of dialogue in understanding complex issues like justice and morality. This film not only entertains but also challenges us to engage critically with the question "what kind of man are you?" Are you humble enough to admit your own hypocrisy and the possibility that you may be wrong? If you...

Love or hate Christopher Nolan's take on The Odyssey? Agree or disagree with changes he made? It's certainly not the most radical revision of this ancient story, as this Coen Brothers' classic does (not to mention Wishbone). However, this is a great example of how (intentional or not) our narratives often have similarities with different window dressing. Revisit this beloved version set in 1930s Mississippi with OG hosts Richard an...

Is Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire demonic? Enjoy David and Marcus' popcorn discussion and hot takes takes warmer than dragon's breath. We dive deep into the biblical imagery, such as Harry's Christ parallels. We also navigate the maze of the inverted Christian symbolism around Voldemort's return. Remember C.S. Lewis (I mean, uh, Cedric)!

Episodes for each Harry Potter film will be released throughout 2026. But for Premium Seat...

Greetings, True Believers! Our intrepid, time-tested web-slinger is breaking box office records and spinning an all new narrative web, so James and Miles are joined by Spider-fan Dr. Paul Marchbanks to see whether this latest entry has legs (two or eight) and what theological perspectives might stick in this film focused on isolation, mystery, self-reliance and more. Swing in and give it a listen! It's guaranteed to be AMAZING. Exc...

Kick the tires and light the fires, big daddy! Our Patron Saint Supporters voted for us to launch a mindful consuming assault on this alien invasion classic from the '90s, and three disparate hosts from across the country converged to converse on this patriotic summer blockbuster. Did James think the film was fresh or stale? Did Eric think it had anything meaningful to say? Did Miles truly get abducted by aliens? Let's just say&hel...

Is Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey great and captures the themes of Homer's epic or does he update it too much for modern sensibilities? Or does it land somewhere in the middle? Eric is joined by Dr. Paul Marchbanks @diginthedirt, and Bridget to discuss the deep and lasting themes of The Odyssey and Odysseus' journey home. 

Chapters:
0:24 - Welcome & Summary
7:18 - Popcorn Ratings
14:56 - Theology Ratings
2...

Raise your flags, grab your flintlocks and follow James and Eric as they take aim at this patriotic piece of cinema and make their declarations about the film's themes, from parenthood and principles to a Christian view of vengeance and justice. Has this historical fiction gone stale, or does it remain an aspirational tale worth revisiting and recommending?

Chapters:
1:05 - Welcome & Summary
4:27 - Popcorn Ratings
1...

Our hosts were disappointed with this movie, but you won't be with this episode. Jam and Miles dive into this messy movie to pull out the themes and redeemable moments.  This movie invites an exploration of finding one's home, seeking justice, and what makes a heart morally bright enough to choose good even when we don't want to. The god shaped hole is large in a world where one is called to be "good."

Chapters
0:52 - Welc...

Do you really know the game that you're playing?  Moneyball asked this question of baseball and this week Eric and Miles ask the same question of you? Are you really focused on the right things in life?  What really counts? Are you willing to sacrifice your ego and face rejection in order to follow what you believe? Listen in and we may all learn what it means to win at life with eternity in mind. Watch the episode here.

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Full Disclosure? Some of us think this film should be renamed "Disappointment Day", while others are more charitable. "Listen" to what we loved, hated or had mixed feelings about as James and Miles are joined by VERY special guest Dr. Paul Marchbanks, professor of literature and film at California Polytechnic State University. Check out his Youtube channel and film reviews via the links below.

Dr Paul Marchbanks @diginthedirt ...

Have you seen Shrek's face? Are you a believer? Shrek turned 25 this year and yet the humor - and deeper narrative threads - feel like they haven't aged a day. James looks into this swamped franchise and sees the ugly truth of fairy tales and friendship, why we should probably listen when an ass is talking, and most importantly why we shouldn't be a Farquaad. Watch the episode here.

Chapters
0:24 - Welcome & Summary
1:2...

*Popcorn Theology Episode: "Spider-Noir – Web of Redemption"*
_(Cue gritty saxophone wail and fedora-tippin' piano riff...)_
Listen up, youse mugs! James, Miles and Eric give the spiritual shakedown to this hard-boiled new Sony picture featurin' one Cagey fella. Hear us patter about dames that'll break your heart, mobsters with tommy guns, and one burned-out ex-superhero tryin' to stay outta the spotlight. If youse a ...