Posts in Entertainment
‘A Haunting In Venice’ An Entertaining Film, But Also A Missed Opportunity

(REVIEW) “A Haunting In Venice” is fun for people who like whodunnits and Kenneth Branagh’s interpretation of Hercule Poirot — but it can’t pay off the themes of faith versus reason that it sets up. The film once again features Branagh’s return as both director and star in his third outing of movies based on Agatha Christie’s novels. The movies have had lukewarm reception from both critics and audiences, but have made enough money and been enjoyable enough for Branagh to make another one. 

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‘Dreamin’ Wild’ is A Gentle Triumph of Inner Heartache and Grace

(REVIEW) The film is based on the true story of two brothers, Donnie Emerson (Casey Affleck) and Joe Emerson (Joe Emerson) who recorded the album “Dreamin’ Wild” in the 1970s, only to never achieve the fame they desired, only to decades later find that their album has taken off and they now have to deal with their newfound fame and how this changes their lives and relationships.

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Why Do Christian Films Act Like The World Is Getting Worse?

(ANALYSIS) With the world around us getting better, why do so many faith-based films insist the world is getting worse? And what does that say about the religious right in America?

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The Making And Premiere Of ‘Fiat Lux’: A Radiant Oratorio For A Cathedral Suffused With Light

(REVIEW) The encore performance at Christ Cathedral of “Fiat Lux” was billed as “Pacific Symphony & Pacific Chorale in concert with Paul Jacobs,” and the opening pieces were programmed to additionally celebrate the refurbishment of the cathedral’s Hazel Wright Organ, the fifth-largest pipe organ in the world.

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After So Many Miracles, Why Isn't Indiana Jones A Believer?

(OPINION) In the new film, Jones confesses: "I don't believe in magic, but a few times in my life I've seen things, things I can't explain." But after a life wrestling with sacred mysteries, he concludes: "It's not so much what you believe. It's about how hard you believe it."

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‘Children of the Inquisition’: A Riveting Exploration Of The Jewish Diaspora

(REVIEW) Joseph Lovett’s “Children of the Inquisition” is a feature length documentary exploring the worldwide Sephardic diaspora and recounting the history of various Jewish families seeking refuge during the Spanish Inquisition. 

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'Sabbath' Documentary Shows Religions' Emphasis On Rest in a Burnout Culture

(REVIEW) Martin Doblmeier’s documentary, “Sabbath” explores how each of the monotheistic faiths have tackled the restlessness and consistent hurry of modern culture through adopting some variation on what the weekly Sabbath or time of rest looks like in their respective faith cultures.

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‘Sound Of Freedom’ Is A Preachy Action Film That Will Put You To Sleep

(REVIEW) “Sound Of Freedom” tries really hard to raise awareness about the very real evils of sex trafficking, but in the process creators forgot to also make a good movie. While the goal is worthy, this is one of the most mind-numbingly boring movies I’ve seen in ages. 

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Behind the Duggar Smile: Family’s Troubling Connection to Bill Gothard’s IBLP Uncovered

(REVIEW) “Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets” is the latest docuseries from Amazon Prime that focuses on the family and their connections to the nonprofit organization Institute in Basic Life Principles, created by an unordained teacher named Bill Gothard, who was based in the Chicago suburb of Oak Brook, Ill.

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‘Between Mercy And Me’ Models Truth And Grace For Resolving Racial Conflict

(REVIEW) The film “Between Mercy and Me” centers on Hugo and Mercy, a Black man and White women who bond over their love for music, but find themselves drawn into conflict over the racial division in their city that threatens to divide them as well.

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‘Save Me’ Documentary: Jelly Roll’s Raw And Honest Path To Redemption

(REVIEW) Jelly Roll, a musician with an unusual name, featured in the documentary “Save Me” shows a redemption journey still in progress. The gritty country singer rose to fame with his breakout song “Save Me.” The documentary gives fans a look into a troubled person that has chosen to walk a path of grace through music. 

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What ‘Barry’ Has To Say About Faith and Redemption

(REVIEW) Bill Hader’s phenomenal four-season show has concluded its final season on Max. And the show — always one that dealt deeply with ideas of sin and redemption — chose to end in a deeply religious and Christian fashion, which only made its themes and social commentary stronger.

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Hulu Series Shows The Gravity Of Hillsong’s High And Low Notes

(REVIEW) “The Secrets of Hillsong” uncovers Hillsong culture, abuse and Carl Lentz. The four-part documentary dropped on May 19th. Since Carl Lentz’s fall from grace due to his affair with Ranin Karim, many celebrity gossip and media voices have chimed in to tell Lentz’s story. For the first time since the scandals, both Carl and Laura Lentz tell their own stories in the documentary. 

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Religious Lessons And Symbolism From A King’s Coronation

(ANALYSIS) Above all else, the coronation of this King is a worship service, held in Westminster Abbey and presided over by the Archbishop of Canterbury. It is an explicitly Christian worship service, though it will have participants from many religions. Rishi Sunak, the U.K. prime minister and a serious Hindu, will read from the first chapter of Paul’s letter to the Colossians

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'Big George Foreman': From Rage Fighter to Revived (Two-Time!) Champion

(REVIEW) Fighting Muhammad Ali and losing in 1974, Foreman began a downward spiral. Hit after hit to that newly accrued self-esteem eventually resulted in a near-death experience after a match. It’s after waking up from the blackout that Foreman experiences a transformational conversion, becoming a baptized Christian. 

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With World Championship In Astana, Islam’s Relationship With Chess Comes Into Focus

Since the end of the Cold War, four Muslim-majority countries — Kazakhstan, Libya, Iran and Indonesia — have hosted the FIDE World Chess Championship. Despite the fact that hundreds of Muslim players have been ranked by FIDE over the years, the game remains controversial with many mainstream Sunni and Shia scholars disapproving of chess.

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Faith-Based Drama ‘Jesus Revolution’ Surpasses $50 Million Milestone At Box Office

The Christian movie “Jesus Revolution,” which has surpassed the $50 million mark in theaters, premieres today on digital platforms and soon on Blu-ray. Released by Lionsgate, the movie telling the story of the 1970s Jesus People movement earned more than $51 million in box office receipts. That makes it the ninth highest-grossing faith-based film of all time. 

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Netflix Show ‘In The Name of God: A Holy Betrayal’ Exposes Cults Thriving In South Korea

(REVIEW) The eight-episode series “In The Name of God: A Holy Betrayal” covered Jesus Morning Star, Five Oceans, The Baby Garden, and the God of Manmim cults. Comedian Esther Ku spoke with ReligionUnplugged.com about how the series unearthed an ecosystem of cults in Korea.

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‘He Gets Us’ — But Do We ‘Get’ Those Ads?

(OPINION) The least remarkable thing about the “He Gets Us” campaign — at least the most tiresome thing — is the knee-jerk reactions from both extremes of the  political-religious divide. Both sides have found much to hate.

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