Author: Jonathan Butrin

  • Eighth Grade

    Eighth Grade

    Anyone who says they loved eighth grade is lying. It’s the perfect storm. Bullies, hormones, rejection, fear, doubt, and self-loathing. Rinse, repeat. But what was hell on earth is cinema heaven. Enter stand-up comedian Bo Burnham. Eighth Grade is Burnham’s feature film debut, and he couldn’t have picked a time in our lives more rife…

  • Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

    Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

    Could there be a movie more needed in 2018 than Won’t You Be My Neighbor? As fear and tribalism reach fever pitch, we desperately need a mirror held up to our humanity. Fred Rogers was that mirror, not by pointing a finger, but by living a life of selfless love that still resonates today. The…

  • First Reformed

    First Reformed

    Paul Schrader is better known for his writing than directing. Though he’s directed over 20 films, it’s his screenwriting collaborations with Martin Scorsese that have stood the test of time. Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and Bringing Out the Dead highlight Schrader’s proclivities as a writer. All three feature a tortured protagonist walking against the current…

  • Avengers: Infinity War

    Avengers: Infinity War

    In 2008, Marvel Studios took the gamble of the century. They released Iron Man, featuring a virtually unknown character outside the comic book world and starring an actor with a checkered past and little box office success in Robert Downey Jr. Raising the stakes even higher, prior to the release of Iron Man, Marvel committed…

  • Ready Player One

    Ready Player One

    We know what you’re thinking. Another Spielberg podcast? Really? Yes, two episodes after The Post we’re back for another discussion on the legendary filmmaker. But his latest outing couldn’t be more different. Ready Player One, based on the novel by the same name, takes place in the year 2045. The world has devolved into a cramped, dirty…

  • Annihilation

    Annihilation

    Our podcast this month was originally on A Wrinkle in Time. Then we saw the movie… Tune in to the beginning for Jon’s epic rant, and then stay for a discussion of a movie that’s actually worth talking about: Annihilation. Alex Garland is a prolific writer, ranging from novels (The Beach) to screenplays (28 Days…

  • Best Movies of 2017

    Best Movies of 2017

    The 2018 awards season ended with a whimper, not a bang. But in light of last year’s debacle, maybe that’s a good thing. 2017’s Best Picture mix-up was on everyone’s mind as the Oscars got underway Sunday night. Host Jimmy Kimmel addressed the elephant in the room early: “This year, when you hear your name…

  • Poll: Which Movie Should Win Best Picture?

    Poll: Which Movie Should Win Best Picture?

    You’ve read our Oscar picks for the big night. Now it’s your turn. Nine films are nominated for Best Picture. Which movie deserves the gold? Tune in with us this Sunday! We’ll be live-tweeting at twitter.com/cinemafaith.   [socialpoll id=”2490563″]  

  • Oscars 2018 – Who Should Win? (Part Two)

    Oscars 2018 – Who Should Win? (Part Two)

    Welcome to part two of our Oscar picks! Here’s part one if you missed it: Oscars 2018 – Who Should Win? (Part One) Remember, these aren’t the movies that will win, these are the movies that should win. Here are our picks for the most coveted categories of the night…   Best Supporting Actress  …

  • Oscars 2018 – Who Should Win? (Part One)

    Oscars 2018 – Who Should Win? (Part One)

    The 2017 Oscars will be a hard year to top. Not only did the two best movies of the year duke it out for Best Picture, but they were both handed the award in an unprecedented envelope mix-up. Unfortunately for La La Land, Moonlight was the true winner of the evening. But for those of…