‘Brave The Dark’ Puts A Spotlight On Our Boy Crisis
Angel Studios’ “Brave the Dark” spotlights a teacher’s fight to help a struggling young man in a story that balances heartwarming mentorship with a raw portrayal of modern masculinity. The film breaks from faith-based norms, focusing on relatable, traditionally male dynamics that reflect empathy, tough love and understanding. With standout performances and thoughtful craftsmanship, it’s a hopeful step forward for faith-driven storytelling.
Bono: The Most Existentially American Non-American
Bono, frontman of U2 and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, embodies an existentially American spirit — captivated by the country’s ideals and contradictions while never shying away from critique. U2’s iconic album “The Joshua Tree” reflects this duality, blending spiritual longing with raw political commentary. Bono’s artistry transcends walls, whether dividing secular and sacred or faith and justice, offering a blueprint for bridging worlds through music.
The Story of Silent Night
At the heart of Christmas traditions lies “Silent Night,” a carol that has transcended centuries, cultures and languages to become a global symbol of peace and hope. Its origins in a small Austrian village — crafted by Joseph Mohr and Franz Gruber — carry a quiet magic, blending lullaby-like melodies with profound theological depth. Whether sung in a candlelit church or played in bustling malls, “Silent Night“ invites us to pause, reflect and long for tranquility.
New Netflix Film Wants To Make Mary Accessible to All
Netflix’s “Mary,” directed by D.J. Caruso, offers a compelling look at the mother of Jesus, told from her own perspective. With Anthony Hopkins as Herod and newcomer Noa Cohen as Mary, the film presents her not just as a holy icon but as a relatable young woman navigating faith, sacrifice and courage. Caruso hopes the film’s beauty and humanity make Mary’s story accessible to all, regardless of belief.
How Christmas Movies Have Changed Over The Last 20 Years
Faith-based films are reshaping Christmas movies, bridging timeless traditions with modern audiences. As Hollywood shifts toward niche storytelling, faith-centered Christmas films are gaining traction, connecting deeply with families seeking meaning in the holiday season. With overlapping themes of family, hope and reconciliation, these films could redefine what it means to create a Christmas classic. Could faith-based movies become the future of holiday storytelling?
‘Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints’: Reverent Look At Christian Heroes
Martin Scorsese’s “The Saints” offers a reverent portrayal of Christian heroes, blending dramatized storytelling with the director’s signature grit and grace. Through lives like Joan of Arc and Maximillian Kolbe, the series invites viewers to reflect on sacrifice, flaws and faith. While the docudrama doesn’t dive as deeply as some might hope, it’s a compelling introduction to saints who shaped history and whose legacies still inspire.
Will ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ be a Christian crossover miracle?
Dallas Jenkins’ latest film, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” lands amid political tension but aims for something deeper than headlines. With backing from Christian media giants and Hollywood talent, Jenkins hopes to craft a crossover Christmas classic. Based on Barbara Robinson’s beloved novel, the film brings to life a message of unity, kindness and fresh perspectives on faith — timely reminders in an era of division. Will it bridge audiences this season?
Making Theological Decisions Scenes in ‘The Chosen'
“The Chosen” blends faith and creativity in ways that challenge viewers to see the Gospels from a fresh perspective. Theological experts play a key role in shaping the show’s portrayal of Jesus, guiding the balance between biblical accuracy and storytelling. A look behind the scenes reveals how carefully crafted moments invite viewers to engage more deeply with familiar stories.
‘Exhibiting Forgiveness’ Wrestles With The Right Questions
When forgiveness feels impossible, how do we move forward? ‘Exhibiting Forgiveness’ follows an artist as he confronts the pain of reconciling with his estranged father, raising questions about trauma, healing and redemption. With stunning imagery and a heartfelt narrative, the film challenges the boundaries of forgiveness and whether it always leads to reconciliation. It’s a story that asks you to reflect on your own relationships and what it takes to truly forgive.
‘Rings Of Power’ Season 2: Dramatic Finale Offers Up A Mixed Triumph
The finale of "Rings of Power" Season 2 delivers a mix of triumph and missteps, offering a more faithful take on Tolkien’s world while still wrestling with some awkward writing and plot contrivances. Sauron’s manipulations intensify, Galadriel’s growth in humility takes center stage, and the humanization of orcs adds new layers. For fans of rich storytelling despite imperfections, this finale delivers plenty to unpack.
Prison Drama ‘Sing Sing’ Captures Faith of the Formerly Incarcerated
Based on the real-life story of the maximum-security prison’s Rehabilitation Through the Arts program, founded in 1996, the film follows inmates who form a theater troupe while serving their sentences, processing their emotions through musical performances and acting.
The Lord of the Rings and Redemptive Art
‘Lord of the Rings’ holds out a distant but profound hope of complete renewal and joy. You have to read very carefully, but mainly in the songs and poems, we learn about a future consummation in which “the world is mended” and about reunions at a distant day when “the lands that lie under the wave are lifted up again” and they “may meet in the Spring.”
‘The Promised Land’ tells Moses’ story in the style of ‘The Office’
“The Promised Land” leans into the irony baked into the biblical narrative, using the “mockumentary” style made famous by hits like “The Office,” “Parks and Rec” and “Abbott Elementary.” The pilot episode features Moses dealing with every absurd complaint the Israelites bring to him.
Faith-Based Animated Series ‘Fleur De Lis’ Innovates With Humor And AI
Regardless of concerns about AI, “Fleur de Lis” remains an entertaining show that is worth watching and supporting for people who want entertainment based deeply in a Christian imagination and who also want the content to be authentically dramatic and funny.
A Primer on “The Screwtape Letters” by C. S. Lewis
“The Screwtape Letters” by C. S. Lewis, published in 1942, is an imagined peek into the spiritual world, both humorous and frightful. Since its publication in 1942, this classic has resonated deeply with readers worldwide. The book’s enduring popularity stems from its unique format, engaging narrative, and witty and accessible approach to complex theological concepts.
Art: Encountering God and Great Truths
Good art, good poetry, and true mythology communicate, without our knowing it, that life is not just a series of insulated, unrelated events.
Martin Scorsese To Produce Docuseries On The Saints
Famed movie director Martin Scorsese signed a deal with FOX Nation to produce and host an eight-part docudrama series presenting the “remarkable stories of eight men and women who risked everything to embody humanity’s most noble and complex trait—faith.”
‘How Great Thou Art’ Gets New Ending
The well-known and beloved-by-many words of “How Great Thou Art” have had a long and varied trajectory from Swedish poem to German hymn to a tradition at Billy Graham crusades. In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the hymn’s popular English translation, Grammy-winning Christian singer-songwriter Matt Redman has teamed up with 15 other artists and released a new version, continuing the hymn’s transatlantic trek that has led it to be featured in countless hymnals and recorded on hundreds of albums.
Jon Batiste, Jelly Roll And The 2024 Grammys
Two notable but very different musical artists, both of whom are open about their Christian faith, are nominated for top awards at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, which will take place Sunday, Feb. 4, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
‘The Prince Of Egypt: The Musical’ Is A Triumph Of Faith And Art
‘The Prince of Egypt’ is a rousing triumph of both faith and stagecraft. It is one of the most satisfying viewing experiences I’ve had all year and is a stunning reminder of what can be accomplished when faith and art are put together well.