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Reel World Theology

Reel World Theologywww.reelworldtheology.com
Welcome to Reel World Theology! Host Mikey Fissel welcomes a rotating panel of guests who talk about the popular cinematic narratives that are shaping our culture. The podcast facilitates conversations that illuminate the idea that story is powerful and entertainment is not mindless…
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Episodes

Marvel and Endings (WandaVision Bonus)

Connect with us: Contact david@redeemingculture.com if you want to contribute! Reel World Discord Server Reel World Facebook Discussion Group Support Reel World Theology We are: @fizzification on Twitter @zobijayo on Twitter @ilinamorato on Twitter @reelworldtheo on Twitter Catch Reel World Theology here: Reel World Theology Podcast RSS Feed Reel World Theology on Apple Podcasts Reel World Theology on Spotify Reel World Theology on YouTube Reel World Theology on Google Podcasts Reel World Theolo...

Mar 18, 202210 min

WandaVision: Grief on the Small Screen

Don’t worry. Nothing is wrong here. We’re not stuck inside a hex, kept prisoner by a chaos witch who literally makes us feel her pain as she feels it. We aren’t forced to play roles that are pastiches of famous sitcoms of decades past. Don’t worry. We’re just talking about WandaVision, and how great and funny it is! It doesn’t have anything to do with grief or trauma or a global pandemic. Just enjoy your time in Westview! Connect with us: Contact david@redeemingculture.com if you want to contrib...

Mar 18, 20221 hr 14 minSeason 8Ep. 5

Free Guy: Liberty to the NPCs

This episode is all about 2021’s surprisingly good video game movie, Free Guy (well, I mean, it had Ryan Reynolds and Taika Waititi in it, so how surprising could it be, really?). If you haven’t seen it yet, you may want to check it out on Disney+ before listening in, because we do get into spoilers; but otherwise, please join us for the discussion–and keep the discussion going in our Reel World Discord Server (link below). And in the meantime, don’t have a good day; have a great day! Connect wi...

Feb 26, 20221 hr 8 minSeason 8Ep. 4

Encanto: Mirabel's Miracle

We talk about Bruno, and all of Disney's Encanto . We also recommend some 2020 television shows you might have missed from Netflix, Hulu and many more. This time Ryan and David are less Fizzy as the Redeeming Culture crew stage a hostile takeover of Reel World Theology. Connect with us: Contact david@redeemingculture.com if you want to contribute! Reel World Discord Server Reel World Facebook Discussion Group Support Reel World Theology In this episode, we talked about: Warrior Nun is available ...

Feb 13, 20221 hr 1 minSeason 8Ep. 3

2021 In Review

Getting caught up on all the movies, TV shows, and pop culture we missed out on during our sabbatical, today we're reviewing the year 2021. Connect with us: Contact david@redeemingculture.com if you want to contribute! Reel World Discord Server Reel World Facebook Discussion Group Support Reel World Theology In this episode, we talked about: Encanto is available to watch on Disney+ In The Heights is available to watch on HBO Max The Green Knight is available to purchase on home media Free Guy is...

Jan 29, 20221 hr 16 minSeason 8Ep. 2

2020 In Review

Don't call it a comeback! We come back from a longer-than-expected sabbatical to talk about what we missed while we were away. Connect with us: Contact david@redeemingculture.com if you want to contribute! Reel World Discord Server (this link expires seven days after the episode goes live!) Reel World Facebook Discussion Group Support Reel World Theology In this episode, we talked about: TENET Pitch Meeting Electric Jesus is available on home media and on-demand Pixar's Onward is available to wa...

Jan 14, 20221 hr 27 minSeason 8Ep. 1

S07 E07 - 40: The Temptation of Christ and the Powerful Necessity of Suffering

On this episode of the Reel World Theology: This episode ballooned from a written article into a full-fledged podcast episode. Friend of Reel World Theology, Reed Lackey, wrote the movie 40: The Temptation of Christ and it debuted this past April. Since Fizz isn't driving this plane, we need two staffers, David Atwell and Josh Crabb, to occupy the co-pilot chairs. We discuss Reed's movie and its international take on Christ as he is tempted in the desert. This movie takes a fascinating angle to ...

Jul 17, 20201 hr 3 minSeason 7Ep. 7

S07 E06 - A Christmas Story and Magic in the Margins

On this Christmas episode of the Reel World Theology Podcast: As we do every year, we take a look at a Christmas classic. This year we are compelled to talk about a movie that has varying degrees of appreciation among the RWT staff. Because of this, we rewatch and talk about A Christmas Story . Does it hold up over time? Why does it connect with people this time of year? We hash it out and talk about what makes this one a yearly revisit for many folks. Enjoy!

Dec 25, 201944 minSeason 7Ep. 6

S07 E05 - The Rise of Skywalker and Choosing Our Family

On this episode of the Reel World Theology podcast: What more appropriate way to end an up and down 2019 than with what will likely be one of the most disagreed upon films of the year, The Rise of Skywalker . Leve it to Star Wars, their fans, and the critics to create a whirlwind of expectations that couldn't possibly be met. However, Where did we land on the film? Was it good? Bad? Somewhere in the middle? What about that one decision about Rey? Why did it connect with some audiences and not ot...

Dec 23, 20191 hr 55 minSeason 7Ep. 5

S07 E04 - A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood and Seeing Humanity

On this episode of the Reel World Theology podcast: In a world of division and social media outrage, it is occasionally nice to have a refreshing voice reminding us of the kinder side of humanity. A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood longs to remind audiences to be their best selves and to also never forget the power that one life, earnestly lived, can impact countless others. We discuss how the film holds up to the documentary that came out last year and give some hot takes on Tom Hanks as our M...

Nov 25, 20191 hr 41 minSeason 7Ep. 4

S07 E03 - Zombieland: Double Tap and Sequel Necessity

On this episode of the Reel World Theology podcast: While maybe not an awards contender in 2019, we talk about a movie that we have been anticipating for nearly a decade, a Zombieland sequel. Is it fun? Was it worth the wait? Does it really have anything to say? When do we need sequels? We discuss. Enjoy!

Nov 05, 20191 hr 14 minSeason 7Ep. 3

S07 E02 - Ad Astra and a Cosmic Letdown

On this episode of the Reel World Theology podcast: We continue the latest season of the show talking about one of the most discussed movies that came out during our break, Ad Astra . This movie had a lot going for it, from the cast to a trailer that ticked a lot of sci-fi fan boxes. It also was pushed back to a September release, which is usually a bad sign. Where did this film land for us? Why do we think that some people thought this was a snooze-fest while others thought it was one of the ye...

Oct 31, 20191 hr 21 minSeason 7Ep. 2

S07 E01 - Joker and the Final Joke

On this episode of the Reel World Theology podcast: There has been a lot of conversation (and worry) about the effect that the new Joker film could have on our culture. While this may be another case of over-reaction to a movie that people hadn't yet seen, it remains a divisive film critically. What is the film saying, if anything? There was always a worry about a movie that explored the Joker's past only spoiling the character but does the film actually give us the best of both worlds? We explo...

Oct 25, 20191 hr 21 minSeason 7Ep. 1

RWT: Important Podcast UPDATE!

A quick update from RWT on the recent unannounced hiatus and what you can expect moving forward from the team. Queue it up and check it out!

Oct 23, 201933 min

Reel World: Rewind #042 - Zombieland

On this episode of Reel World: Rewind: Josh finally gets Fizz back on Rewind to talk about a movie he loves to talk about, the 2009 Ruben Fleischer movie Zombieland . With the recent release of the surprise sequel, Zombieland: Double Tap , Fizz and Josh explore their history with the movie, as well as the delightful characters in this movie and one surprise appearance of Bill Murray in probably his best cameo/smaller role in a movie. Ultimately, this movie falls right into the Reel World wheelho...

Oct 15, 201946 min

Reel World: Rewind #041 – Sunshine

On this episode of Reel World: Rewind - Reel World staff members Josh Crabb and Blake Collier are discussing Danny Boyle's 2007 thought-provoking Sci-Fi movie, Sunshine . A portentous movie about a not-so-implausible future where the sun is dying, Boyle's movie ponders transcendence, spirituality, death, and duty. Blake and Josh reflect on some of the quieter moments of the movie but also address the criticisms of the final third and how it may not be as disjointed and abrupt as people have made...

Sep 16, 201949 min

Reel World: Rewind #040 – Jaws

On this episode of Reel World: Rewind - Closing out the summer on a high note, Reel World staffer Josh Crabb invites on his old podcast pal, Blaine Grimes, to discuss a movie that holds incredible significance for Blaine, Steven Spielberg's Jaws . They talk about how the movie remains significant almost 45 years later, what it can teach modern filmmakers and audiences, and concludes with a very personal reflection by Blaine. This is a "do-not-miss" episode of Rewind.

Aug 15, 201937 min

#207 - Stranger Things 3 and Commoditized Community

On this episode of the Reel World Theology podcast: The most popular show on NETFLIX is back and brings with it all the nostalgia and mystery that we have come to expect. Stranger Things enters its third season and there is no sign that its popularity is waning. We talk about what the latest edition to the Stranger-verse does for the show's mythos and lore. We also talk about the interweaving of messaging from both the inclusion of Russians and malls into the latest season. All in all, just like...

Aug 14, 20191 hr 30 min

#206 - Spider-Man: Far From Home and Absolute True Facts

On this episode of the Reel World Theology podcast: Spider-man: Far From Home brings to a close the latest phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Does it truly bring closure? Does it pick up on the incredible success of Homecoming ? We have a lot of opinions on why Sony is fine sitting back and letting Disney make them money along with the complexity of the latest Spider-Man installment. The divide between Parker and Spider-Man is sharp, but is it... absolute?

Jul 25, 20191 hr 41 min

Reel World: Rewind #039 - Apollo 13

On this episode of Reel World: Rewind... In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, RWT staff members Josh Crabb and David Atwell talk about one of the only movies eligible for Rewind dramatizing an Apollo mission, Ron Howard's Apollo 13 . Starring a cavalcade of 1990's stars, this movie highlights the human drama of a real-life crisis, as well as exemplifying humanity's ability to work together to ingeniously solve problems. David and Josh also discuss the movie's hop...

Jul 15, 201959 min

#205 - Toy Story 4 and Necessary Metaphors

On this episode of the Reel World Theology podcast: Another Toy Story movie! Wait, did anyone want this? Surely if they decided to follow up on Toy Story 3 the creators are one-hundred percent sure they had a story that needed to be told. Well, a lot of the talk around Toy Story 4 has been about "how necessary" the film was so we discuss that, and the meta-conversation around describing any film that way. We also have a divided panel about how the film rounded out. Let us know what you think!...

Jul 05, 20191 hr 40 min

#204 - Godzilla: King of the Monsters and Mixed Messaging

On this episode of the Reel World Theology podcast: Another special PATRON sponsored episode. Another of our esteemed Patreon sponsors, Hunter and Stephie Van Wagenen, have selected one monster of a film, Godzilla: King of the Monsters. The 2014 Godzilla film was a hit with the panel but was mixed with audiences and critics. Does King of the Monsters do a good job of following up on its predecessor? Does it lay enough solid groundwork for sequels? We hypothesize.

Jun 25, 20191 hr 17 min

Reel World: Rewind #038 - The Dark Crystal

On this episode of the Reel World: Rewind... Journey into "The Age of Wonder" with co-host Josh Crabb and returning co-host Blaine Grimes as they discuss Jim Henson's 1982 visionary classic, The Dark Crystal . Using the bookends of the forthcoming Netflix series The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance , we talk about the filmmaking legacy this movie has left, how it handles the tension of the hero's journey, and also its spiritual aspects of balance and wholeness. Plus, because it's the two hosts of...

Jun 17, 201950 min

#203 - Tolkien and Differing Expectations

On this episode of the Reel World Theology Podcast: A special PATRON sponsored episode. One of our esteemed Patreon sponsors, Dave Courtney, has selected the latest biopic about the life of JRR Tolkien. We gather the troops to talk about our reactions to the film and what we were hoping to see from the film, what we actually got, and some of the things that may have connected with audiences that really enjoyed the film. Let us know what you thought!

Jun 06, 20191 hr 3 min

#202 - Shazam! and the Power of Family

On this episode of the Reel World Theology podcast: Before Avengers, there was another superhero movie that was bringing great joy to the masses-- from the DCEU of all places. Shazam! proves that DC's cinematic turnaround isn't stalling anytime soon. With a great balance of comedy and heart, the film introduces a new character to the big screen in a way that is impactful and endearing. We speculate how well it could really do and what makes it so enjoyable.

May 24, 20191 hr 21 min

Reel World: Rewind #037 - The Matrix

On this episode of the Reel World: Rewind podcast: We know Kung-Fu. Well, not really, unless Gene forgot to tell us he actually DOES know it. However, one thing we do know is The Matrix is a defining movie in the prolific movie year of 1999. In honor of its 20th anniversary, Reel World staffers Gene Gosewehr and Josh Crabb discuss a movie firmly planted in the pantheon of movies Christians love to talk about. This episode posits why that's not a bad thing, why the movie still resonates deeply wi...

May 15, 201953 min

#201 - Avengers: Endgame and Finishing Well

On this episode of the podcast: It's been a long road to Endgame, but we're finally here. We have a show that tries to run the length of the actual film as we talk about the movie's immediate success, how well we thought it tied off the MCU to this point, and what we connected with, in the film. Much like your favorite TV series having its series finale, we remember these past ten years and over twenty films fondly. Whatever it takes!

May 06, 20192 hr 26 min

#200 - 200th Episode Special: A Naval-Gazing Masterclass

On this VERY special, epic episode of the Reel World Theology Podcast: We cross the 200th episode line! Well, assuming you're not counting mini-sodes or interviews or, well, anything else special we've done, here we are! We thought it was almost absurd that we made it to 100 so now 200 feels every weirder. Some of our Reel World Staff, Josh Crabb, Mark Wingerter, and David Atwell, join Fizz to talk about their favorite memories from RWT's history and how they even got here in the first place. Al...

Apr 25, 20192 hr 1 min

Reel World: Rewind #036 - Southland Tales

On this episode of Reel World: Rewind: Once again, Blake strikes with a challenging and heady movie. Richard Kelly's widely criticized second feature film Southland Tales suffered similar marketing obstacles to his first feature film, the classic film Donnie Darko . Consequentially, his second film has largely been forgotten. Blake Collier and Josh Crabb untangle this serpentine narrative to discuss Kelly's righteous anger, his sharp satirical takedown of LA and popular culture, and how the apoc...

Apr 15, 201954 min
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