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MOVIE DISCUSSION:  Kathryn joins Melvin to talk about George Romero's Dawn of the Dead, his zombie-crazed follow-up to Night of the Living Dead! The two discuss the film's dense themes, the complexities of consumerism, ownership, and possessions, and if the film is a clever mashup of both Night of the Living Dead and The Crazies!  Topics: Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:26:59 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!It's bigger, fuller, more effects-heavy, and its commentary on consumerism is clear.It's also one of the single-most dense films in terms of themes, playing with all sorts of ideas and encouraging much thought.Where does Dawn of the Dead fit in with the other Romero films Mel and Kathryn have seen?Is there a throughline about classism? Kathryn thinks so. Melvin isn't so sure.On the value of life at all costs, and Peter being a good character.Breaking down a few themes Melvin observed.Romero's developing leading women of the mainline Dead-Trilogy.How social structures rise and fall, and the curse of complacency.Recommendations: Hellier Season 1 (2019) (Series)Buddy (2026) (Movie) Support the show 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 & PinsSocial Links:  ThreadsWebsiteInstagramLetterboxdFacebook Group

PARTY PLEASER:  Shirleon joins Melvin to summarize Five Nights at Freddy's 2! From it's lore-heavy beginning to the noticeably worse dialogue, the two share their opinions on virtually everything this film tries to offer. The two also ask: what's Mike's problem? Tune in now!  Topics: (FREE PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 22-minutes doing a mini-Movie Discussion on the first Five Nights at Freddy's movie as a general refresher, as well as seeing where Shirleon & Melvin are with the FNAF franchise; both the films and the games. (FREE PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Melvin is an old fan of Five Nights at Freddy's. Shirleon, however, hasn't played the games, and hadn't seen the movies until this episode.Not 5 minutes into the movie and there's already problems...Scott Cawthon co-wrote the first film. This second film? Scott Cawthon is the sole writer. Yikes.Bad dialogue, plot-holes, annoying characters; all in the first 15-minutes.Thoughts on the movie's first scare with the Spectral Scoopers.Thoughts on the second scare: spin-class and nightmares.Virtually none of the characters have much motivation, nor feel the same as their FNAF 1 counterparts.There are legitimate plot holes, or at the very least extreme conveniences, that Melvin notices with the film.Thoughts on the third scare: Toy Chica avenges Abby.Melvin pitches a better version of the FNAF 2 movie to Shirleon.Talking the ending, post-credit scene, and final verdict.Recommendations: Begin a book reading challenge!Delores Claiborne by Stephen King (2018) (Novel)No More Room In Hell (2011) (Video Game) Support the show 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 & PinsSocial Links:  ThreadsWebsiteInstagramLetterboxdFacebook Group

MOVIE DISCUSSION:  Dreadful Digest: Podcast // Instagram // YouTube Tessa Nelson of the Dreadful Digest Podcast joins Kathryn & Melvin to explore the first adaptation of Stephen King's Pet Sematary! Is the gang a fan of the book? How does it hold up against tentpole classic adaptations like Misery and The Shining? Is Dale Midkiff up to the task of playing Louis Creed? All that and more; tune in now! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 20-minutes discussing the announcement of IT: Welcome to Derry Season 2, how this season will handle the "Bradley Gang" story, if Finn Wolfhard will play a gang-member, what other Stephen King books may be brought into the story, and much more. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)How Pet Sematary evokes a reread more than a rewatch. There's never been a sleepier performance than Dale Midkiff as Louis Creed.Bad parents = annoying characters... sometimes.Is the story of Pet Sematary as dark as Stephen King once thought?Kathryn talks about something she initially misinterpreted about the story, and how this misinterpretation still kinda works with the story anwyay.On the burial ground, an allegory for hidden addiction/shame, who's responsible for the events of the story, and Judd.The ending is... rough. But its still fun.So... is dead better?Recommendations: The Cats of Ulthar by H.P. Lovecraft (1920) (Short Story)Visit your local library!The Shining (1997) (Mini-Series)Visit a cat cafe! Support the show 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 & PinsSocial Links:  ThreadsWebsiteInstagramLetterboxdFacebook Group

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!  Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss Nine to Five, a much-loved 1980's office-comedy! The two discuss the incredible performances, clever situational humor, its myriad of feminist ideas, and so much more. Tune in now! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 20-minutes discussing Universal Studios being the first studio to hit $5 billion at the Box-Office in 2026, what's setting them apart from the competition, and why Disney didn't reach this milestone despite Spider-Man: Brand New Day's incredible success. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)It's a comedy film, but it also has these little details that speak to a heavier topic.The main performances from Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton, and Dabney Coleman are incredibly charismatic.Kathryn, "The fact that Dolly Parton herself was so forward in saying, "I'm not a feminist" and it's like, "Okay, but, look at the art you just made!"."Why Doralee's fantasy of Mr. Hart is a clever inversion.Kathryn noticed that aspects of Judy, Violet, and Doralee's fantasies end up happening in one way or another.Applying "fight, flight, or fawn" to the leading ladies at the start of the film.The ending has a soft call-to-action, and Kathryn makes note of a costume detail that motivates this idea.Recommendations: Day of the Dead (1985) (Movie)Ginger Snaps (2000) (Movie) Support the show 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 & PinsSocial Links:  ThreadsWebsiteInstagramLetterboxdFacebook Group

MOVIE DISCUSSION:  Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss Zach Cregger's new adaptation of a popular horror franchise, Resident Evil! How does it compare to his previous, original films Barbarian and Weapons? How much does the film draw from the video games? Should comedy be illegal? Tune in and find out! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 23-minutes discussing 2026's current world-wide box-office winners, from Backrooms to Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and where they're placed alongside a myriad of other movies. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)In good practice, Kathryn & Melvin share their experience with the Resident Evil franchise before discussing Cregger's interpretation.For Kathryn, there was a disparity between how the trailer advertised the film and the film itself.Melvin, "I didn't love it. I don't dislike it. I think it might be Cregger's weakest movie."Is the humor here "Millennial" coded?Cregger made a Resident Evil movie that draws a lot from John Carpenter's The Thing... why not use more practical effects?Melvin wonders if the "controversy" around Cregger's interpretation was bot-motivated, but he shares his thoughts nonetheless regarding the "sanctity" of canon.Is the movie actually about fatherhood, or is it using it as window dressing?There's a lot of similarities between Resident Evil (2026) and Exit 8.Script-doctoring the ending.Comparing the dramatic character arcs of Bryan from Resident Evil and The Lost Man from Exit 8.Recommendations: [REC] (2007) (Movie)Hope (2026) (Movie) Support the show 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 & PinsSocial Links:  ThreadsWebsiteInstagramLetterboxdFacebook Group

PARTY PLEASER: Kathryn joins Melvin to summarize what might be 2026's punching-bag movie, The Runner, featuring Gal Gadot! The two endure against the film's confounding plot, poorly edited "action" sequences, and the continued self-inflicted humiliation of Gal Gadot.  Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 20-minutes discussing The Hollywood Reporter's "‘Resident Evil’ Filmmaker Zach Cregger Reveals the Key Adjustment He Made After Test Screenings" from Brian Davids, specifically how Cregger cut-back on the jokes, and why tone is so important in horror. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Melvin & Kathryn are convinced that the majority of the film is Gal Gadot's stunt-double with Gal's face super-imposed over their body.Melvin tries to go into movies with a bad reputation thinking to himself, "Well, maybe it won't be as bad as people say."... but sometimes people are right.Is the movie confusing, or a plain mess?Maybe they're just "too woke", but Melvin & Kathryn agree there's a moment in the middle of The Runner that gives them the ick.Kathryn cuts to the chase, "I do not like this storyline."Talking the "Gal Gadot" problem.Kathryn reveals something that Melvin missed... something that bums him out!Recommendations: Cheap Magic Inside by Beirut (2011) (Music Video)Colony (Gunche) (2026) (Movie) Support the show 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 & PinsSocial Links:  ThreadsWebsiteInstagramLetterboxdFacebook Group

MOVIE DISCUSSION:  Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss a little-seen existential horror, It Ends, a film about a car that drives on and on... and on. From its curious hook to its Gen Z attitude, the two explore what works, what doesn't, and what it has in common with its modern contemporaries. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 42-minutes discussing The Hollywood Reporter's "Top Genre Filmmakers of 2026: From Curry Barker to Guillermo del Toro", whether its top 10 actually makes sense, why we think these directors are revered so well, and more. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)In honor of the film; Choose two who will attack you and two who will defend you: 50 hawks, a rifleman, 5 gorillas, or 10,000 rats.Kathryn feels the movie is "fine", and found the film both easy to understand and not necessarily engaging.Melvin feels the first act is the strongest, while the second and third act start to meander and run out of ideas.For Kathryn, she didn't connect with the film because she's self-proclaimed, "unc". Melvin, however, feels the characters aren't strong enough to carry the film.Choosing when and how to grow up.Melvin has a few complaints, although some people may call them nitpicks.How the ending probably would have been better if it was part of the second act, and the third act was entirely different.Recommendations: Hidden (2015) (Movie)Reread your favorite book! Support the show 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 & PinsSocial Links:  ThreadsWebsiteInstagramLetterboxdFacebook Group

MOVIE DISCUSSION:  Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss an offbeat in-world horror comedy called Buffet Infinity! The two discuss the ease of watching a film told by commercials, the mysterious sinkhole, what's actually happening to the missing persons, and the film's allegorical exploration of capitalism, institutions, and cults. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 20-minutes imagining what kind of movie would have to be made for Shirleon and Melvin to go full pointing-soy-face-"LOOK!", and whether the other would see their fantasy movie. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Shirleon is "very excited" about Buffet Infinity, and explains why they enjoyed it so much.Comparing the prose of Buffet Infinity to a few in-world/found-footage movies, helping to color what to expect.How things in media influence, or infect, the real world.Melvin reads his Letterboxd review, using it as a jumping-off point for a further discussion on greed, exploitation, and consumption.For a movie told through ads, Shirleon reads the ad that convinced her to watch this movie.Talking about the "ads", and some of their clever trickery.Would we eat that burger?Trying to understand the name "Buffet Infinity", if the film is critical of capitalism, and capitalistic overreach.Thinking through the abstract third act.Recommendations: Easy Small YouTube Playlist (Let's Plays)Learn about local bands, attend their shows, buy their cds! Support the show 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 & PinsSocial Links:  ThreadsWebsiteInstagramLetterboxdFacebook Group

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 & Kathryn join Melvin to talk about a much-loved 80's cult-classic comedy; Better Off Dead! Are teen years really like that? Can we enjoy the comedic work of someone controversial? Did everything work? Tune in and find out! Topics: Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:21:19 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!Kathryn feels Better Off Dead is a movie that people will hate if they despise being uncomfortable.For Shirleon, the film was too "kitchen sink": fully of ideas but nothing to do with them.The comedy progressively becomes more absurd with each passing scene.If the comedy doesn't work for someone, there isn't much in terms of narrative to hold on to.Talking the Dan Schneider problem.Being a teenager is hard, even if teens are irresponsible.As always: the ending.Recommendations: A Sincere Warning About The Entity In Your Home by Jason Arnopp (2015) (Short Story)The Brainrot Apocalypse (a DIY survival guide) (2025) (YouTube)Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie (2025) (Movie) Support the show 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 & PinsSocial Links:  ThreadsWebsiteInstagramLetterboxdFacebook Group

REBROADCAST MOVIE DISCUSSION:  From setting the stage with the world of CCM, to the song I Can Only Imagine's release and world domination, then finally right into the movie itself, Melvin and Daniel dive into many topics throughout this episode! (originally released August 31st, 2021) Topics:  A brief history of CCM in the early 2000's which set the stage for the song I Can Only Imagine. Explaining the impact of the song I Can Only Imagine. Melvin had three not-so-positive (but not deal-breaking) observations that made it hard for him to fully enjoy the movie I Can Only Imagine. I Can Only Imagine is a 'good Christian movie' because "it just does all the things a movie should." Melvin, "I would have liked if the bulk of the movie was the reconciliation between [Bart Millard] and his dad." For Daniel, the ending is too cheesy when compared to the real life events they seem to semi-replicate. I Can Only Imagine, as a movie, isn't trying to sell you anything, and that's likely why it worked well with critics.Recommendations:  John MacArthur's Acts Commentary (Volume One & Two) // Stanley Horton's Acts CommentaryDonut County Erin Morgenstern's "The Starless Sea" Support the show 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 & PinsSocial Links:  ThreadsWebsiteInstagramLetterboxdFacebook Group

REBROADCAST MOVIE DISCUSSION:  Melvin & Dan can only agree on one thing: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is, in fact, a Marvel movie. To focus their attention, Melvin proposes four ambitions that he feels will make-or-break the film for audience members. (originally released November 16th, 2022) Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 44-minutes discussing Kevin Conroy's passing, Video Rental store nostalgia, and media curation (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Melvin liked that Black Panther: Wakanda Forever had a somewhat self-serious profile as opposed to the more flippant, light sensibilities of other Marvel fare. However, Melvin has four headers - ambitions - that he observed within Black Panther: Wakanda Forever that he felt prevented him from "buying in" to the fiction of the film but may actually be beneficial qualities to certain audience members. His first point covers the film's global stage for a political drama between potentially warring counties. His second point covers the personal character stories within the film. A brief aside from the points, Melvin and Daniel agree: the suits at the end of the movie aren't that good. Melvin's third point has to do with the film's metatextual pairing of T'Challa's fictional death and Chadwick Boseman's real-life death. Melvin's final point covers what he would consider inefficient pacing, such as scenes clearly setting up future movies, or scenes having only one purpose at a time rather than being dynamic in detail. Recommendations:  Galatians: An Expositional Commentary by R.C. Sproul (Book) Amy (2015) (Documentary) The Decade-Long Quest For Shadow of the Colossus' Last Secret (YouTube)  Support the show 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 & PinsSocial Links:  ThreadsWebsiteInstagramLetterboxdFacebook Group

MOVIE DISCUSSION:  Ways to support missions: Open Doors International // Mission Next // Wycliffe Bible Translators // The Voice of the Martyrs Daniel, returning from some time off the show, joins Melvin to discuss the latest anticipated MCU entry, Spider-Man: Brand New Day! The two talk about how it's the first proper "New York Spider-Man" movie in the MCU, it's third-act getting lost in the weeds, and their disinterest in Avengers: Doomsday when compared against the smaller, more intimate scale of Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Topics: Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:56:58 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!Daniel, "[Spider-Man] is the perfect superhero for externalizing a lot of the issues that his audience deals with."Mel keeps things simple and shares what he likes followed by what he dislikes.Peter Parker's angst at the start of the movie is simple: "all my friends from high school are not my friends anymore.", and the film cleverly explores this difficult emotional experience.Mel wished he could have focused on Spider-Man: Brand New Day without thinking about future MCU projects.Disney/Marvel has shied from being "too woke" at risk of backlash, yet Spider-Man: Brand New Day feels like the first of many (from Disney/Marvel's perspective) boundary pushing projects.What does the future hold for Spider-Man?Mel, "I have tickets for [Avengers: Doomsday]. I do not actually want to see [Avengers: Doomsday] now. I want to see what's next [after Spider-Man: Brand New Day]!"Daniel, "I want to be excited, but..."Recommendations: Get off the internet!Widow's Bay (2026) (Series)Enduring Word Study Bible: Pastoral Commentary from Every Chapter of the Bible (2025) (Resource)Tinsman Road (2025) (Movie) Support the show 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 & PinsSocial Links:  ThreadsWebsiteInstagramLetterboxdFacebook Group

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!  Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss Sunset Boulevard, a timeless, tragic, Hollywood fairytale. The two meditate on what its like to be transported back in time, the importance of resiliency, finding a place of belonging, and "the medium is the message" as it relates to photography and film.  Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 30-minutes talking about the Avengers: Doomsday trailer, the roster of heroes confirmed, the ones missing, and why there's more excitement behind Spider-Man: Brand New Day (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Kathryn, "Like seeing the source code for filmmaking."The opening act tone setting is really strong.Sunset Boulevard is grounded, but it has a touch of the fantastical.On belonging, resiliency, stagnation, and empowerment.Kathryn notices the mention, or visual use, of animals kept popping up in Sunset Boulevard.Talking about, as Kathryn calls it, "the car, the other car, and the nose".Melvin talks about how photography and film, as mediums of communication, can uniquely impact the world and people, and proposes it as a read for understanding Norma's neurosis.Talking about the haunting, tragic ending.Recommendations: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960) (Novel)Ed Wood (1994) (Movie) Support the show 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 & PinsSocial Links:  ThreadsWebsiteInstagramLetterboxdFacebook Group

MOVIE DISCUSSION:  Kathryn joins Melvin for their first-time watch of The Matrix! The two get into its twists and turns, its partnering of action and philosophy, concepts like self-efficacy and self-actualization, and how "The One" is also a part of the whole. Topics: Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:20:47 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!Kathryn talks about "that" moment, without spoiling it, and how it completely captured her attention.The Matrix joins many other films in exploring the Gen-X post-capital malaise.Melvin, on what he thinks the Wachowski's were thinking when creating their action set pieces, "We can't just put it on the screen. The audience needs to be there [...] to feel it."A movie that's over 2 hours but actually earns it? Say it ain't so!Melvin keeps learning that he loves stories about self-efficacy and self-actualization, and talks more about why.Kathryn found Morpheus, Neo, and Trinity's allegorical depiction of some biblical figures a little silly, but in a good way, so she shares some thoughts.The mind, the body, and the mind & body together.To be consumptive (willingly participating within the Matrix) and to be productive (actively seeking change without the Matrix)Humanity's intrinsic power.Even if there's "The One", they will always be part of a whole, and that collective is what helps "The One" be who they are.Recommendations: The Shadow Over Innsmouth by H.P. Lovecraft (1936) (Novella)Evil Dead Burn (2026) (Movie) Support the show 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 & PinsSocial Links:  ThreadsWebsiteInstagramLetterboxdFacebook Group

MOVIE DISCUSSION: Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss Loner, an underseen in-world/found-footage, semi-horror, semi-drama film! Loner has more than its gorgeous setting to offer, from it's slow, contemplative pace to its curiously complex main character, and the two get into that and more in this episode. Tune in now!  Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 21-minutes discussing Supergirl's shockingly terrible opening box-office numbers, if the age of the Spielberg/Lucas-esque adventure blockbuster is over, and the ever-changing landscape of entertainment in 2026. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)First things first, Loner is more than the average "man lost in woods with camera" movie; the cinematography looks beautiful.Wishing there was more horror in this horror movie, but accepting it as the horror-lite psychological drama that it is.Melvin confesses that his general bitterness toward "male loneliness epidemic" characters prevented him from enjoying the film as much as he could have, and also finds it convicting.Kathryn observed a dichotomy between fantasy and truth, and explores how the film portrayed these things.Melvin, however, approaches it a little differently. He compares the film's portrayal of technology against nature, and how that's explored through manhood; or patriarchy.Melvin, "No person has lived well alone."The ending leaves Melvin a little confused. For Kathryn, the ending seems clearer, albeit still a little strange.Did Angus learn the right lesson at the end?Recommendations: Afflicted (2013) (Movie)Go To Sleep (2026) (Movie) Support the show 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 & PinsSocial Links:  ThreadsWebsiteInstagramLetterboxdFacebook Group