Join Drew, Grace, Lucius, and Paola as they react, review, and reflect on Rian Johnson's third installment in the Knives Out series, Wake Up, Dead Man, discussing how this murder mystery becomes a meaningful commentary on power, the church, and what it means to truly live out Christian calling.

(00:00) Intro

Welcome to Soul on Screen

(01:01) React

From Lucius feeling this was an improvement after Glass Onion, to Paola being floored by unexpected spiritual depth, the hosts share their enthusiastic reactions to a film that proved to be both entertaining and surprisingly meaningful

(07:03) Review

Masterful cinematography and lighting, outstanding performances with impressive shifts from comedy to despair, exceptional writing with subtle dialogue that rewards close attention, intentionally theatrical production design fitting the classic murder mystery genre, and questions about whether the mystery or the social commentary serves as the primary vehicle for the story

(22:38) Reflect

Father Jud as a beautiful vision of pastoral ministry and faithful witness, the radical nature of Christian forgiveness depicted through confession and grace, critiques of nominal Christianity and religious power-seeking, and a call to action for the church to "wake up" and embody true faith

(01:06:52) Recommend

Related movies and books:

• Lucius's Holy Scripture of Film list, including:

  • Children of Men

  • First Reformed

  • A Hidden Life

  • Silence

  • mother!

• More from Rian Johnson

  • Brick

  • Looper

• Hercule Poirot series with Kenneth Branagh

• Chariots of Fire

• A Farewell to Mars by Brian Zahnd

• Renovation of the Church by Kent Carlson and Mike Lueken

• The Deeply Formed Life by Rich Villodas

• In Good Time by Jen Pollock Michel

• A Rule for the Rest of Us by Jen Pollock Michel (forthcoming)

Join Paula, Grace, Drew, and Lucius as they react, review, and reflect on Dallas Jenkins' 2024 adaptation of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, comparing it to the classic 1983 TV movie and discussing why this Christmas story has endured across generations.

(00:00) Intro

Welcome to Soul on Screen

(00:46) React

Vastly different reactions to the film—from delighted surprise to frustrated boredom—set up a lively and genuine discussion shaped by generational perspectives and varying familiarity with the source material

(08:27) Review

Outstanding child performances that carry the film, debate over the soft lighting and heavy voiceover narration, intentional 1980s period piece aesthetics that create a timeless storybook feel, authentic depiction of poverty, and comparing Dallas Jenkins' adaptation choices to the original book and TV movie

(27:37) Reflect

Hearing the gospel story afresh through outsider eyes, critiquing nominal Christianity and church exclusion, the power of simple storytelling that still manages to surprise, questioning whether this adaptation plays it safe for modern audiences, and wondering what a truly provocative retelling might look like today

(01:03:03) Recommend

Related movies and books:

• The Nativity Story
• Tokyo Godfathers
• Lars and the Real Girl
• The Family Man
• Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth Bailey
• BibleProject: Birth of the Messiah
• The Chosen
• The Shepherd
• The First Advent in Palestine by Kelley Nikondeha
• Winter Fire: Christmas with G.K. Chesterton by Ryan Whitaker Smith
• Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

(01:18:46) Christmas Benedictions

The hosts share personal messages, wishes, and reflections on the meaning of Christmas

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Join Drew, Grace, Lucius, and Paola as they react, review, and reflect on Takashi Yamazaki's profoundly moving 70th anniversary Godzilla film and recommend some thematically related books and films.

(00:00) Intro

Welcome to Soul on Screen

(01:03) React

Surprised by the deeply human narrative, emotional impact that brought tears and lasting reflection—this is no American Godzilla blockbuster!

(08:57) Review

The "minus color" black and white version heightened emotional depth and connection with the 1954 original, powerful score that honors and renews themes from the original, masterful VFX on a budget that served the story rather than dominating it, intimate cinematography emphasizing character over spectacle

(22:11) Reflect

Examining the tension between cultural values of collectivism -vs- individualism, reframing the true meaning of duty and sacrifice, exploring moments of forgiveness and heart change, identifying Christ-like figures throughout the narrative

(01:01:11) Recommend

Related books and movies:

• 1954 Godzilla film
• On Getting Out of Bed by Alan Noble
• When the Church Was a Family by Joseph Hellerman
• One Life (film)
• Southern Reach trilogy by Jeff VanderMeer