THE END IS NOW UPON US! At least for the podcast in this medium.  After nine years of audio podcasts, Mike and I are going to make the jump to video reviews.  We aren't leaving, just changing form.  So in the meantime we hope you enjoy this last podcast, in which we do what we said we would never do. We review the third and hopefully last movie in the "God's Not Dead" franchise. Then we take a look at the HBO series The Righteous Gemstones.  See you on the other side!

THE END IS NIGH! At least for the hero of this month's movie review, The Shack, starring Sam Worthington of Avatar fame. He's back from Pandora (not really) and has an encounter with God as he goes after the killer of his daughter (yes, really). And in TV Corner, we examine a show which seems to have its own sub-genre: that of the mystery solving priest.  "Cadfael" and "Father Dowling Mysteries" are two examples of this, but we will be examining the British offering "Father Brown," starring Mark Williams of Harry Potter fame. Look for some dynamic changes soon in the CTGPodcast!

Hello! It's been a while, and I know you've missed us.  We review a quality movie and TV show for you toady, to make up for the long absence. We have acclaimed indie film First Reformed and hit CBS show "God Friended Me." Look for some more exciting news in the future, we have big plans for the next step of the podcast.

Nuns are fascinating. Through the years, so many movies and TV shows have drawn inspiration from their lives, from the sublime (The Nun's Story) to the ridiculous ("The Flying Nun").  Our selections fall widely along that spectrum but, all of them are recent, having been released in that last few years.  First up, is the comedy The Little Hours and the drama Novitiate. We follow those movies with the melodramatic BBC show "Call the Midwife" and the Netflix true-crime docu-series "The Keepers." The Decameron Novitiate Catholic News review Novitiate IMDb reviews Priest's DNA Not A Match We look at more recently released media next month, with the new Ethan Hawk effort First Reformed and the popular CBS series "God Friended Me"

What was Fred Rogers most scandelous secret? The docudrama at the heart of today's podcast, Won't You Be My Neighbor?, delves into this provocative question and other details from Fred Rogers' life.  (Apparently, the most scandelous thing he did was give a generation a sense of entitlement because he taught them that everyone was special!) We also take a trip down memory lane and recall some of our favorite episodes of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," of which many episode can be found streaming on Amazon Prime. The movie is now available for streaming and on Blu-Ray or DVD. Mister Rogers' Neighborhood Episode Guide Mister Rogers' Nieghborhood on Amazon Prime Won't You Be My Neighbor? Official Site Seeing that the new horror film The Nun is in theaters, we decided NOT to review that movie.  Insead we will look at some other movies about sisters of faith, including the 2017 film Noviciate and the comedy The Little Hours.  Carrying on the theme in TV corner, we'll look at the British show "Call the Midwife" and the Netflix original "The Keepers." So come back next time, you'll have thing you'll want to talk about. We...will...too!

Heretics and Devils. Some would say they are not mutually exclusive, some would look closer at who is calling the kettle black. Then there are some who would say, "That's a good idea for a TV show!" That's what were talking about on today's podcast, the result of the latter.  Come Sunday is a docudrama and "Lucifer" is a crime procedural.  "Wait...huh?" you might say, but yes, Lucifer has more in common with Castle than it does with American Horror Story. Both shows will soon be on Netflix...coincidence? Wikipedia - Carlton Pearson Lucifer TV Series: One Million Moms Continues to Urge FOX to Discontinue TV Series, Lucifer Netflix saves Lucifer TV series Another theme episode is in store for our next podcast. We will look at the life and work of Fred Rogers as we review Won't You Be My Neighbor? (which should be available for home viewing by the time the episode is released) and the eternal show "Mr Roger's Neighborhood" (of which at great deal of episodes can be found on Amazon Prime).

Hello again, we are here in a timely fashion to give you three reviews!  We bring you the Pureflix version of Samson, as well as Paul: Apostle of Christ.  The cool thing about the last movie is that we got to see a rough cut sneak preview of the film in February, about a month and a half before it was realesed in theaters on Easter weekend.  Then, in TV Corner, we talk about the live, Easter Sunday broadcast of NBC's Jesus Christ Superstar. Next episode, we will look at teh Netflix film Come Sunday and the recently cancelled "Lucifer" which is still available on Hulu. For all our American listeners, happy 4th of July. For all of our international listeners, we apologize.

A happy Jesus morning to you, as Eanest Angley would say.  We have another themed episode all about Televangelists. First up is the Steve Martin classic, Leap of Faith, with a whole cast of "look who that was before they were famous!" Then in TV corner, we watch some real evengelists, taking a look at Pat Robertson's "The 700 Club," Jim Bakker's new YouTube channel, and local NE Ohio televangelist Ernest Angley. IMDb -  Leap of Faith (1992) This Former 700 Club Producer Wants to “Make Amends to a Whole Generation of Christians” ABC Family, No Matter What It Calls Itself, Can’t Get Rid of Pat Robertson’s The 700 Club The Jim Bakker Show The shocking allegations rocking Rev. Ernest Angley’s Ohio megachurch Appeals court overturns ruling against televangelist Ernest Angley over use of unpaid workers at buffet Guardians sue Ernest Angley Ministries on behalf of elderly Chicago woman Next time we look at just a few of the plethora of movies that have arrived in time for Easter this year, Samson and Paul, Apostle of Christ. In TV corner we have the live Easter special "Jesus Christ Superstar" We'll see you then!  

Do you ever experience what I call the "Moebius Strip of Conversation?" I experience it quite often.  It is where one starts a conversation on one subject, and then through the natural process of carrying on a rambling conversation, one comes through the twists and turns of that palaver to the same subject. We do that here in our review of last year and what we look forward to this year.   Next time we return to our regular format, going back to the old Steven Martin vehicle Leap of Faith. Keeping with the theme we will look at variety of local and national televangelist shows to see where they are in the current day and age.

Faith based movies are getting better, both in production values and the quality of the end product.  But does The Case for Christ live up to these expectaions? And why doesn't "Kevin (Probably) Saves the World"? have any buzz?  We attempt to answer these questions and moree in this episode. The Case for Christ official website The Case for Christ (2017) - IMDb Kevin (Probably) Saves the World - Wikipedia 'Kevin (Probably) Saves the World' Renewed or Cancelled for Season 2 TVLINE Kevin (Probably) Saves the World (TV Series 2017– ) - IMDb Next episode will be our Easter Special, 2017 in review and a 2018 preview. Thanks once again for listening!

Sorry about the wait for this episode, I started work again for the church and my time for editing has greatly decreased. The good news is that Mike and I have two more episodes in the can and they will be released shortly. But our latest episode is here, and we are watching the Oscar nominated Persepolis, about an Iranian girl's experience growing up in Iran and France, and the Indian import "Buddha," dramatising the life of the ancient sage.  Persepolis (2007) - IMDb Guatama Buddha - Wikipedia Next episode we tackle more familiar territory with another docu-drama based on the life of prominent Christian, Lee Strobel, The Case for Christ. Then in TV corner, the ABC comedy "Kevin (Probably) Saves the World." See you soon...

What does it mean to be one of God's chosen? Is it a blessing, a curse, a responsibility, or a privilege? Or is it all of the above? The film The Chosen People? A Film About Jewish Identity, asks these very questions. This movie is an independent effort by filmmaker Joshua Gippin. After getting funded on Kickstarter three years ago, Josh is ready to release his film October 9th, 2017 at the Summit of Faiths during Peace Week in our hometown of Akron, OH.  Look for it at a film festival near you.  Mike and I got to see a preview of the movie this summer.  I am especially excited about this film, because not only did I help fund the movie on Kickstarter, but I also have a small part in the movie itself!   Mike and I have also eagerly anticipated the Starz adaptation of Neil Gaiman's novel of the same name, "American Gods."  I read the book at Mike's recommendation, and he has not steered me wrong.  But does the show stand as tall as the novel? Listen to find out.   Next time we will continue our exploration of religions other than Christianity.  (We need a break after the massive amount of Christploitation we covered in our last episode!) First up is the French-Iranian animated feature Persepolis based on the graphic novels, and then the Indian television series “Buddha” which is available to stream on Netflix. Until then, shalom.   The Chosen People? A Documentary on Jewish Identity http://www.chosenpeoplefilm.com/ American Gods Official Site | STARZ  

This is our 50th episode! We've been podcasting for 6 years! We're releasing this episode on the 4th of July! And we have 7 Christploitation movies watched and reviewed in this episode! It's a triple celebration, Christ-ploitation, extravaganza! (Triple-ation-Christ-ploitation-stravaganza!!!) As you can tell, I like to make up words and use exclamation points, but Mike and I are very excited about today's episode. We give our reviews on a slew of Christian faith based films. They include: God's Not Dead 2 Do You Beleive? Joseph and Mary The Young Messiah Christian Mingle Miracles from Heaven Risen Then we do a quick update of all the TV shows we have done in our 6 year history. I mean real quick, this is not a 2 hour podcast, I promise! Next episode is going to be another special one. We are reviewing a new movie by independent filmmaker Joshua Gippin titled The Chosen People? A Film About Jewish Identity. I had the opportunity to be a part of this film and we got to see a sneak preview. The film will soon be in the film festival circuit so you might be able to catch it there. Then in TV Corner we are looking at the new Starz show "American Gods" based on the book by Neil Gaiman. Be warned, this show is not for the easily offended. So, thank you for listening and we'll do this again at episode 100! 

Have you ever wondered what really tough Christian ministry looks like? Martin Scorsese gives us a glimpse into the hardships and trials of two 17th century monks witnessing in Japan in his 2016 passion project, Silence. Mike and I have never been as divided in opinion over a movie as this. But we we equally flummoxed by the cable TV show "The Young Pope." What's it's message? Maybe you will know. Next time we have our 50th episode, and we have so much in store for you, we are going to take a quick look back at all of the shows we reviewed in TV Corner. Then, we are going to review no less than 7 Christ-ploitaion movies for you. God's Not Dead 2 Do You Believe? Joseph and Mary The Young Messiah Christian Mingle Miracles From Heaven Risen We will see you then to celebrate 6 years and 50 episodes of Checking the Gate: A Film and Religion Podcast.

Welcome, to what has inadvertantly become a bimonthly podcast. The Bible tells us that Jesus spent forty days in the desert fasting, and at the end of those day he was tempted by the devil. Did you ever wonder what happend on the other 39 days? Well, you can keep wondering, because you will not find a satisfactory answer in the Ewan McGreggor vehicle Last Days in the Desert. After Mike and I give our review on that film (with, naturally, a tangent into the artistic quality of the Star Wars Special Editions), we review the funny but now defunct TV Land show "Impastor." Next time we will dive into Scorcese's new and misunderstood movie Silence starring Andrew Garfield, Liam Neeson and Adam Driver. (Expect more Star Wars tangents, it's a safe bet.) And in TV Corner we review the recent HBO series "The Young Pope" staring Jude Law, Diane Keaton, and James Cromwell. The Young Pope trailer in IMDB Silence trailer on YouTube  

Welcome back to the podcast after our holiday break. Back at the begining of the season, our Thanksgiving weekend, Michael and I gave our thoughts about the classic comedy Defending Your Life by Albert Brooks and the new NBC somedy about "The Good Life."  Both are very similar in concept, exploring and sending up our notions of the afterlife. If you want to know if they are similar in quality, just listen to the episode. Next time we review the indie movie Last days in the Desert and the recently cancelled TV Land show "Impastor." See you next month! PS Get ready for our 50th Episode coming up soon. We have something special in store for you!

Hello faithful listeners! We recently completed our Star Wars Trilogy, this episode rounds out another trilogy of sorts on the podcast.  We have previously reviewed Doubt and Calvary, and this episode covers the Oscar winner for best picture, Spotlight. Christopher Marlowe Officially Credited As Co-Author Of 3 Shakespeare Plays George Lucas In Love (1999) (Short Film) on Vimeo The Resurrection of Gavin Stone The Boston Globe– The Story Behind the “Spotlight” Movie                 (Contains links to the original exposé) Was The First Season Of 'Preacher' Even Necessary? -Uproxx BBC – Rev. Shaun Of TheDead / Hot Fuzz / The World's End (Blood And Ice Cream Trilogy) [Blu-ray] Next time we delve into laughs in the afterlife in the old movie Defending Your Life, and the new TV show“The Good Place.”  See you on the othe rside! PS Yes, that is me cosplaying as Jesse Custer, the Preacher.

Hello media fanatics!  This month we offer up to you a smorgasbord of TV goodness (Well, most of it was good). With the new season of fall TV just around the corner, we take a look at some of the shows that graced our screens this last spring and summer. Four shows from four networks: Hulu's original show "The Path," AMC's comic book adaptation "Preacher," the short lived "Of Kings and Prophets" from ABC, and Nat Geo's documentary series "The Story of God" are all reviewed here. For extra info, you can check out these: The Path on Hulu In the Footsteps of...En Sabah Nur The Story of God with Morgan Freeman Of Kings and Prophets on Hulu Of Kings and Prophets Cancelled by ABC Cop Rock on DVD Preacher on AMC Preacher: What's Going On? Next episode will look at the award winning film Spotlight, and TV Corner will be BBC's "Rev." Until then, Blessings!

“Greetings, exalted one!”  This episode is the last in our series on Star Wars.  The first was on how religion and myths influenced the creation of the Star Wars saga.  In last month’s review of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, we found the film had more style than substance, and that the only mythology that it relied on was its own.  This episode is the reverse of the first one, we look at how Star Wars has influenced religion in real life.  We look at how Jediism has become an actual thing, where people take the values, teachings and concepts from the movie and apply them to daily life. Like any religious movement, there are several views on how to follow through on this application, and we look at two of them. But it still begs the question: Is this actually a religion? And our TV corner is the recently aired live show “Tyler Perry’s The Passion” Jedi census phenomenon-Wikipedia AT OVER 255,000 STRONG THE CHURCH OF JEDIISM IS A FORCE The Jedi Foundation www.jedichurch.org  So Many Australians Are Claiming 'Jedi' as Their Religion That It's Becoming a Problem In next month’s episode we offer our Summer TV Round-Up.  Mike and I will look at four shows that have graced the airwaves, the cable, and the streaming devices. There are so many choices now, and you’ll get our opinions on them. Until then, blessings!

Sorry about another long wait friends and listeners, but this podcaster had another round of eye surgeries which prevented me from doing many things, including the things I love like talking about Star Wars.  But Mike and I are back and we have loads to talk about. We have the next several episode planned out, movies and TV shows viewed, and we are going to do a marathon of recording to get them to you in a regular schedule. First, we need to present the second in our Star Wars trilogy, our review of Star Wars VII. Next time we will finish up our Star Wars extravaganza by getting the perspective of the real world followers of the Jedi religion. Much of FIlm And Religion literature looks at how religion is portrayed in the movies, here is an excellent opportunity to see things  flow in the other direction: how films impart ideas to religion. Vatican newspaper upset at absence of evil in new Star Wars film | Film | The Guardian  Is Star Wars The Force Awakens a rip off? JJ Abrams explains why it had to be similar to the original films All the Backstory You Desperately Want to Know About The Force Awakens  Backward-looking The Force Awakens might pay the price beyond the west | Film | The Guardian [Video] George Lucas Calls Disney “White Slavers” in Charlie Rose Interview | Deadline How Star Wars The Force Awakens Should Have Ended - YouTube