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‘Rings of Power’ Season 2 Confronts its Critics

“The Rings of Power is not a great show, but it is not nearly as bad as the haters are saying.” · Josh Hugo

Stephen R. Lawhead’s King Raven Trilogy Optioned for Film Version

While the Bentkey platform adapts “The Pendragon Cycle,” filmmaker Brent Ryan Green has optioned the author’s King Raven trilogy. · A. D. Sheehan

‘Journey to Bethlehem’ Gets Lost on Its Way

Given the film’s wildly altered and modernized storyline, I can’t bring myself to give Journey to Bethlehem the support I usually give biblical fiction and musicals. · Marian Jacobs

The Little Mermaid’s Live-Action Remake Fares Better Than Critics Forecast

Some new songs may flounder, but Ariel’s voice and Triton’s character redeem the 2023 Disney film. · Marian Jacobs

‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ Hints at Redemption from Postmodern Pain

Marvel’s new space adventure is here to remind us of what the MCU used to be, with clear conflict and competent villains and no political preaching. · A. D. Sheehan

Brilliant Acting Elevates Common Tropes That Possess ‘Nefarious’

Despite clichéd characters and worn dialogue, this horror film from God’s Not Dead producers proves surprisingly good. · Josiah DeGraaf

‘Star Trek: Picard’ Resists Alien Assimilation to Boldly Celebrate Heroes and Family

If you’ve heard bad about “new Trek” but good about Picard’s final season, here’s how to best enjoy this sublime sci-fi. · E. Stephen Burnett

‘The Wingfeather Saga’ Season 1 Sings a Wondrous Finale

Thanks to sincere storytelling and positive changes from text to screen, Angel Studios’ animated fantasy sings with success. · Elijah David

‘Encanto’ Shows Legalism’s Ruin and God’s Gift of Grace

Disney’s film explores more than general redemption by comparing works-righteousness with refreshing Gospel solutions. · Shannon Stewart

106. What If Homeschool Families Can Help Christian Fantasy Grow for Generations?

Amazon ‘Rings of Power’ Promos Threaten to Burn Middle-Earth in the Fires of Industry

The studio’s teaser trailer and fake “superfans” video appropriates J. R. R. Tolkien’s canon and the good will of fans. · Mike Duran

I Grieve for My Granny Yet Find Some Comfort in Our Love of Monster Movies

My grandmother now lives with Jesus, yet leaves me a legacy of loving fantastical creature stories. · Parker J. Cole

Let’s Not Excuse Movie and TV Porn For the Sake of ‘Redemptive’ Stories

If we defend hypersexualized visual fiction, we ignore real-world wisdom, stories’ power, God-given biology, and God’s word. · Cap Stewart

‘West Side Story’ Shows a Fantastical World That Groans for Hope

Steven Spielberg’s 2021 film respects yet reimagines the 1961 musical, including one key moment of eternal longing. · Marian Jacobs

Duke Leto Also Shows How Christians Can Practice Shrewd Wisdom in a Hostile World

Frank Herbert’s novel Dune shows the crafty head of House Atreides using many ploys against the enemies who seek to destroy him. · Josiah DeGraaf

Why ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ Can’t Deliver Holiday Joys

What’s this? Elijah David explores how the cult classic lacks substance. · Elijah David

Christians Can’t Consistently Blame Leftist Fiction While Pushing Our Own Propaganda

Secular critics and some Christians keep wielding stories as weapons. · Josiah DeGraaf

‘The Green Knight’ Film May Not Outmatch the Original Poem’s Challenge of Human Virtue

Critics praising David Lowery’s new movie may reveal another Hollywood retelling that’s been stripped of gospel armor. · Shannon Stewart

‘Thor’ Hammers Home the Story of Two Prodigal Norse Gods

In Kenneth Branagh’s 2011 fantasy film, Thor shows heroic repentance, while Loki takes the role of self-righteous brother. · Emily Hayse

Flagging the Cheap Grace of Marvel’s ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’

Heroes don’t get realistically redeemed from abusive actions by making one good choice. · Josiah DeGraaf

‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ Explores Flawed Themes in a Gorgeous World

Disney’s latest heroine must learn trust and forgiveness, but Raya’s story feels redundant as she seems to learn little. · Elijah David

Pixar’s ‘Onward’ Wears the Symbolism of Pants

Dan Scanlon’s film leans into the bitterness of loss with its core symbol, leading the audience to a realistic yet redemptive theme. · Shannon Stewart

Meet Your Family’s Next Favorite Film: Kiki’s Delivery Service

Miyazaki’s coming-of-age tale reenchants the follow-your-heart trope. · Shannon Stewart

The Mandalorian is a Religious Fundamentalist, and Here’s Why That’s Awesome

Din Djarin from the Star Wars series often finds his strong moral code challenged. · Josiah DeGraaf

How God Uses Story Villains for Our Good

We can love villains when they reveal our brokenness and lead us to God’s grace. · Zackary Russell

‘One Piece’ Manga Reaches Chapter 1000: How Did This Pirate Become King?

This manga and anime have won their own crew of loyal friends, thanks to creator Eiichiro Oda’s love for adventure, comedy, and exposure of evil. · L. Jagi Lamplighter

Christopher Nolan’s ‘Tenet’ Collides with Itself

The time-inverting action film is not a great sci-fi thriller, but does offer fantastic and even wholesome spectacle. · Josh Hugo

Wonder Woman 1984 v. Disneyfied Imagination: A Spoiler-Filled Defense

Some critics pretend like superhero movies are mainly about wish-fulfillment, but Wonder Woman 1984 directly challenges this idol. · Anthony G. Cirilla

The Chosen’s Speculation Meets a True Savior

This series may be one of the best Christian stories in our lifetime. · Cap Stewart