Cinematic Doctrine
CINDOC
Cinematic Doctrine is a mature, millennial-infused film/tv discussion podcast from Melvin Benson that features Movie Discussions (conversational episodes about specific movies), Party Pleasers (movies fully-summarized from start to finish to discern if its a 'Party Pleaser' or 'Party Pooper'), and Let's Talks (prepared film-or-Christian related topical episodes). Influenced by Acts 17 and Romans 2:4. Podcast Magazine says Cinematic Doctrine "uses the shared value of human life as a springboard into deeper conversations". // CinematicDoctrine.com
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Top 10 Cinematic Doctrine Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Cinematic Doctrine episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Cinematic Doctrine for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Cinematic Doctrine episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Tower of Terror - More Theme Park Silliness
Cinematic Doctrine
10/23/24 • 72 min
PARTY PLEASER:
Shirleon, Kathryn, and Melvin dive into that long-forgotten non-DCOM, Tower of Terror! If you remember programming on ABC called "The Wonderful World of Disney", then you'll remember this early Disney Parks ride-adaption! Ready to relive some memories?
Topics:
- (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 30-minutes playing a horror-themed trivia wherein Melvin & Kathryn duke it out over who knows more horror trivia! Who knows, maybe you’ll score more points than they do while listening? (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
- Parts of the film are shot on the real Florida Tower of Terror location.
- Tower of Terror is part of the canon 80s & 90s films wherein strange men hang out with younger counterparts, specifically teen girls... which surely makes you think...
- For a film based on the The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ride, the few special effects leave a bit to be desired.
- The very minor romance subplot (if you can call it that) is not only cheesy, it's also lame.
- So... if the ghosts are chill, why are they trying to scare everyone away?
- The drama during the climax is effective, and Shirleon & Melvin stepped away enjoying it.
Recommendations:
- Maid (2021) (Series)
- Oddity (2024) (Movie)
- The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022 - X ) (Series)
MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes!
Support on Patreon for Unique Perks!
- Early access to uncut episodes
- Vote on a movie/show we review
- One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins
Social Links:
1 Listener
Frances Ha - w/ Movies & Us on Adulting
Cinematic Doctrine
09/11/24 • 75 min
MOVIE DISCUSSION:
Movies & Us: Podcast, Instagram, Threads
TV & Us: Podcast, Instagram, Threads
Jen & Sarah from the Movies & Us Podcast join Melvin to discuss an early 2010's indie classic, Frances Ha! From it's deep relatability to it's clever humor, the three explore what makes the film stand out as a testament to growing up even when you're all grown up.
Topics:
- (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 40-minutes discussing three trailers - The Monkey, the live-action Snow White, and Kraven the Hunter - and ranking their excitement based on these wildly different films. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
- Jen & Sarah just celebrated their 6-year podcasting anniversary. Melvin spends some time asking about what they’ve learned throughout that experience.
- There’s a showcase of girlhood and sisterhood that is gently explored throughout the film.
- The film is in black and white, and Melvin feels this highlights the "color" experienced in Frances and her relationships.
- Money is consistently an issue throughout the movie, and Sarah, Jen, and Mel all appreciated how the film doesn't imply that having more money is the solution to Frances' problems.
- Celebrating an ending that ties every theme together.
- Jen, "Man, I love this type of movie and would love to see more of these types of small stories get funded and onto the big screen."
Recommendations:
- The Forty-Year-Old Version (2020) (Movie)
- The Harder They Fall (2021) (Movie)
- Annie Hall (1977) (Movie)
MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes!
Support on Patreon for Unique Perks!
- Early access to uncut episodes
- Vote on a movie/show we review
- One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins
Social Links:
1 Listener
The Assistant - w/ Sheila Gregoire on Toxic Workplaces and How They (Don't) Manage
Cinematic Doctrine
11/13/24 • 71 min
MOVIE DISCUSSION:
Sheila Gregoire: Bare Marriage Podcast / Bare Marriage Blog / Author Page
Sheila Gregoire of the Bare Marriage podcast joins Melvin to discuss The Assistant, a hidden gem of pure psychological drama! It's depiction of modern office work in the film industry is understated, dour, and timely, as it tackles a combination of workplace inequality, systematic issues, and the thin line between the complacent and the complicit.
Topics:
- (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 21-minutes discussing a report finding that bait, controversy, and enragement posting bolstered lucrative engagement on Threads (similar to other social media), and how this negatively impacts the platform, but also demands we utilize them in a healthier way. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
- The Assistant is a bleak depiction of not only workplace abuse but also of human relationships.
- Although uneventful, the film has perpetual unease and eeriness.
- Sheila observed how the film depicts food, and the two discuss its non-nutritious showcase of a biological workplace distraction.
- Medication plays a significant role in the setting of the film, making overt allusions to the film’s boss as a caricature of Harvey Weinstein.
- Exploitation, abuse, and unethical practices in a company are ultimately anti-capitalist, even if the line is going up and to the right.
- Pondering if abusive hierarchical structures are more common and dangerous in the church than in the workplace.
- Sheila, “Often we feel like when we are in these situations that we are powerless... but quite often we do.”
- Is Jane complicit?
Recommendations:
- For Our Daughters (2024) (Short Film)
- TÁR (2022) (Movie)
- Bombshell (2018) (Movie)
MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes!
Support on Patreon for Unique Perks!
- Early access to uncut episodes
- Vote on a movie/show we review
- One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins
Social Links:
1 Listener
Pitch Black - The Proto Syfy Channel Original Movie
Cinematic Doctrine
07/31/24 • 80 min
PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION:
This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard!
Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss Pitch Black, one of Vin Diesel's early action outings! The two explore what's cool and what's not-so-cool. But don't worry, they both agree: the eyes are friggin' cool!
Topics:
- (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 37-minutes discussing Anthony D'Alessandro's article "As 'Deadpool & Wolverine' Stomps On Superhero Fatigue, Studios Debate Comic-Con's Relevance", where-in D'Alessandro notes some geeky films that are skipping Comic-Con like Joker: Folie à Deux, Venom: The Last Dance, and Lord of the Rings: The War of Rohirrim, and why some studios may start treating SDCC differently. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
- Shirleon has been on a self-described “Vin Diesel kick” lately, which made covering Pitch Black more enjoyable.
- While watching the film Melvin thought, “Syfy Channel basically copied this movie a thousand times over.”
- Shirleon observed that certain online discourse* compares Pitch Black to John Carpenter’s The Thing. Melvin doesn’t really see it. (*Source: 1 // 2)
- Contrary to its title, it never feels like our characters are in a state of pitch black.
- Old cohost Daniel sent Melvin a list of 7 interesting details about Vin Diesel/Riddick. Melvin reads them aloud.
- The film contains a kind and interesting pre-9/11 depiction of Islam with a throughline about faith.
- Do we like the ending?
- Celebrating Riddick's simple character design in a world of gaudy superhero suits.
Recommendations:
- Gab Smolders (YouTube Channel)
- Call of Duty Campaigns: World at War // Black Ops // Black Ops 2
MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes!
Support on Patreon for Unique Perks!
- Early access to uncut episodes
- Vote on a movie/show we review
- One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins
Social Links:
Your Name. - w/ Beneath the Tangles on Shinkai's Melancholic Filmography
Cinematic Doctrine
09/18/24 • 72 min
MOVIE DISCUSSION:
Beneath the Tangles: Instagram / YouTube / X / Website
Twwk (Charles) from Beneath the Tangles joins Melvin to discuss the hugely popular anime film Your Name. from Makoto Shinkai. From its Studio Ghibli-esque accessibility, its stunningly detailed animation, and Shinkai's filmography, the two discuss all sorts of topics in this dense episode! Tune in now!
Topics:
- (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 43-minutes playing an "Anime Draft" where-in Charles & Melvin each draft 5 anime in competition, discuss each show/movie mentioned along the way, and then decide which projects they'd watch in the end. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
- Beyond the Tangles has a lot of functions and contributors: a blog, cosplayers, twitch streamers, podcasts, and a social media presence. Charles shares all about it, and Melvin asks about their mission.
- Charles was surprised to hear that Your Name. is still a critical success in the west, as he never saw the film as a “critic’s movie”.
- Melvin was disappointed he didn’t connect with the film, and distinctly remembers being in the movie theater during its western premiere and thinking during a pivotal scene, “I wish I was emotional right now. I wish I was crying right now.”
- It seems Your Name. is playing with a mixture of various anime tropes, Japanese folklore, and even details in Shinkai’s filmography.
- Discussing themes of threading relationships.
- Melvin complains about the twist, and how it didn't really work for him.
- The whole film functions on a breakneck pace. Mundanity is thrown to the wayside.
- Discussing and appreciating the ending.
Recommendations:
- Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (2023) (Anime)
- Chainsaw Maid (2007) (Claymation)
MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes!
Support on Patreon for Unique Perks!
- Early access to uncut episodes
- Vote on a movie/show we review
- One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins
Social Links:
Free Guy - Summer Blockbuster in Winter!
Cinematic Doctrine
12/28/21 • 74 min
PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION:
This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard!
2021 is over! Well, almost! Tune into this last episode of Cinematic Doctrine for 2021 with the last Patreon Pick of the year! Patreon Supporters didn't disappoint with their votes, and we're happy to discuss the Summer Blockbuster Free Guy!
Topics:
- Melvin and Daniel's experience with video games, and how their gaming history impacted some of the comedy and atmosphere to Free Guy.
- Free Guy has a decent amount of clever, video-game themed jokes that are clearly written by people who actually play video games.
- It's great that Free Guy doesn't take itself too seriously while also flavoring in serious concepts of individuality, the value of the moment, experience, etc.
- Unfortunately, a lot of people reacted to Free Guy in exactly the way Melvin hates; talking about a ridiculous, non-serious film as a means to discuss theology.
- Talking about other alternate-world video game stories.
- The romance subplot was really effective for Melvin.
- ...except Daniel notices that the ending of the romance subplot is literally the ending of the short-film Paper Man.
- To Melvin's chagrin, there's some light biblical introspection: Does it matter if we're living in a fake world? Would that revelation change how we move or live through this world?
- For Daniel: Does Guy have value if he's an AI? Or are how a human treats an AI more indicative of the human's character than the AI's value?
- All of the Twitch culture stuff in the movie is really bad and really cringe.
- Where does Free Guy rank among video game movies?
Recommendations:
- Steve Gregg - "Revelation: Four Views, Revised & Updated"
- Defunctland (YouTube Channel)
- Steven Hall - "The Raw Shark Texts" and "Maxwell's Demon"
Support on Patreon for Unique Perks!
- Early access to uncut episodes
- Vote on a movie/show we review
Social Links:
MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes!
Support on Patreon for Unique Perks!
- Early access to uncut episodes
- Vote on a movie/show we review
- One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins
Social Links:
Eraserhead - About Maturing, Sex, and Philadelphia
Cinematic Doctrine
12/12/23 • 65 min
MOVIE DISCUSSION:
Melvin's wife Kathryn joins him for an episode discussing Eraserhead, David Lynch's off-beat absurdist film featuring cinema's favorite lil' baby! From encroaching industrialization to a wealth of understated humor, Eraserhead includes an extreme degree of themes and metaphors, and the two explore it all in this engaging and educational episode!
Topics:
- (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 28-minutes of Kathryn quizzing her husband Melvin on early childhood development and safety! Their findings will decide the fate of their future child! Hooray! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
- Eraserhead isn't really about the plot (although it does have a plot!). It's much more a movie about the vibe.
- Eraserhead is likely not only very easy to understand but incredibly related to people who already feel weird, awkward, or ostracized from whatever is considered "normal" in a social environment.
- Discussing the "Woman in the Radiator".
- There's a very clear sexual theme playing throughout Eraserhead but the film itself is by no means sexual, nor is it inherently about sexuality.
- Kathryn, "Say what you will about, like, the weird imagery, but [Eraserhead] is not a movie that divorces sex from life."
- Describing and interpreting the Eraserhead Baby.
- Wondering if the world of the film is literal, metaphorical, but also realizing that ultimately it doesn't matter.
- Discussing the climax and the eraser factory.
Recommendations:
- Cade: The Tortured Crossing (2023) (Movie)
- Iron Lung (2022) (Video Game)
MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes!
Support on Patreon for Unique Perks!
- Early access to uncut episodes
- Vote on a movie/show we review
- One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins
Social Links:
TT: A Quiet Place Part 2, Tenet, Morbius
Cinematic Doctrine
02/04/20 • 71 min
TRAILER TALK:
In this episode of Trailer Talk, Dan and Melvin look at January 2020 and talk about A Quiet Place: Part II, and whether JJ Abrams is disappointed he didn’t get the chance to add A Quiet Place into the Cloverfield franchise, Tenet, and how Christopher Nolan is creative insofar as he’s allowed to have men wear suits and ties while talking somberly in an office building, Morbius, a movie that Melvin literally forgot they talked about and still can’t take seriously, and The New Mutants, which is honestly their most anticipated movie of 2018!
January 2020 provided a very strange batch of trailers, and it's a common thread that, throughout their discussion, they're far more interested in what’s going on behind the scenes with these movies than the movies themselves. Sometimes, that’s where the better story is, but they're still hoping these movies turn out great.
Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine!
//
Trailer Talk is a podcast/article released at the end of every month and contains an informative and entertaining discussion of a month's trailers.
Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon
Website: CinematicDoctrine.com
Trailers: http://bit.ly/TT01-20CinDoc
Email: [email protected]
Daniel's Twitter: @TomRhonda1
MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes!
Support on Patreon for Unique Perks!
- Early access to uncut episodes
- Vote on a movie/show we review
- One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins
Social Links:
Black Christmas (1974) - A Response to the Sexual Revolution
Cinematic Doctrine
11/28/19 • 38 min
PATRON MOVIE REVIEW:
This movie was selected by my patron supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard!
Considered a proto-slasher along the likes of The Town that Dreaded Sundown, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Psycho, we're nowhere near the holiday favorites of A Christmas Carol, A Christmas Story, or even Die Hard. Nope, this is Black Christmas, and we're getting our seasons greetings from Pi-Kappa-Sigma.
This isn't your normal Christmas movie, and there's no guessing what's wrapped up under the tree, but why don't you go ahead and press that play button and I can give you a couple clues?
(First clue: read the title!)
Tune in weekly for new episodes of Cinematic Doctrine!
Black Christmas (1974) is Rated R. It has no detailed certificate, so here's my own certificate: Frightening images, violence and gore, brief sexual imagery, mild nudity, occasional vulgar speech, strong language, and crude humor.
It features Olivia Hussey, Keir Dullea, Margot Kidder, Andrea Martin, and John Saxon.
Directed by Bob Clark.
Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon
Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc
Letterboxd: http://bit.ly/LetterboxdCinDocList
Website: CinematicDoctrine.com
Email: [email protected]
MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes!
Support on Patreon for Unique Perks!
- Early access to uncut episodes
- Vote on a movie/show we review
- One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins
Social Links:
Sinister - w/ film_junkie_reviews in Home Videos Hide Horrible Histories
Cinematic Doctrine
10/15/20 • 68 min
MOVIE DISCUSSION:
Are you enjoying your October? I know I am! It’s been nice watching the leaves change their color, have a chilly breeze flow through the open windows, and eat copious amounts of candy when nobody’s looking.
I’ve eaten... just... so many Crunch bars.
Last week we had a great time talking with Logan Sharp of The Reformed Gamers about the South Korean zombie film, Train to Busan. This week, we’re comin’ back state-side for Sinister, another fun, accessible, and tame horror flick that we feel fits the spooky-Halloween spirit just right!
As we get things started, Carter and I talk about Sinister’s clever pacing and parallels, how we often view our history and hopes with rose-colored glasses, and the dangers of chasing nostalgia rather than focusing on our responsibilities. Following that, we discuss some fun trivia about the conception of Sinister and give a bit of love to film over digital in the movie-making field. We also lament the transition to digital, even if it is cost effective. And lastly, during our spoiler discussion, Carter talks about how easy our temptations can manipulate us, and I posit another message within Sinister’s subtext, while also scratching my head about the resolution of the film.
Sinister is Rated R for disturbing violent images and some terror. It features Ethan Hawke, Juliet Rylance, Vincent D'Onofrio, James Ransone, Fred Dalton Thompson, and Clare Foley. Directed by Scott Derrickson. Sinister is currently available on Peacock.
- Patreon: http://bit.ly/CinDocPatreon
- Website: CinematicDoctrine.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Twitter: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineTwitter
- Instagram: http://bit.ly/CineDoctrineInsta
- Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBCinDoc
MAILBAG: Send questions with your first name and we'll answer them in future episodes!
Support on Patreon for Unique Perks!
- Early access to uncut episodes
- Vote on a movie/show we review
- One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins
Social Links:
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FAQ
How many episodes does Cinematic Doctrine have?
Cinematic Doctrine currently has 263 episodes available.
What topics does Cinematic Doctrine cover?
The podcast is about Culture, Christianity, Theology, Film, Faith, Discussion, Religion & Spirituality, Humor, Comedy, Entertainment, Reviews, Podcasts, Movies, Analysis, Tv & Film, Christian and Film Reviews.
What is the most popular episode on Cinematic Doctrine?
The episode title 'Frances Ha - w/ Movies & Us on Adulting' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Cinematic Doctrine?
The average episode length on Cinematic Doctrine is 65 minutes.
How often are episodes of Cinematic Doctrine released?
Episodes of Cinematic Doctrine are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of Cinematic Doctrine?
The first episode of Cinematic Doctrine was released on Mar 20, 2019.
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