Cinematic Doctrine

Melvin Benson

Welcome to Cinematic Doctrine, a non-spoiler Christian Movie Podcast where we sit at the table of Cinema and eat. Sometimes we dine on popular cuisine, other times we savor a cult classic!

  • 1 hour 24 minutes
    Bugonia - Rich People Blame You

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    MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

    Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss Bugonia, Yorgos Lanthimos' latest bizarre feature! Is this more accessible than any of his previous flicks? What's up with all the Bees? Is Emma Stone an alien, or are rich people just from another planet? There's a LOT to unpack here, so tune in! 

    Topics:

    • Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:38:13 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
    • Bugonia is more of a dramatic-satire than comedic-satire, despite its marketing implying otherwise.
    • As he does, Melvin begins with something he likes; the acting!
    • Kathryn, "[Bugonia] plays with what it means to be privileged enough to not have to worry about anything anymore and what it looks like for people who are forced to worry about everything."
    • Mostly, Melvin stepped away from Bugonia with negativity.
    • Talkin' bees and what the word "bugonia" means, and the Old Testament "Creation Mandate".
    • Talking about Don, colony collapse disorder, and getting into the ending.
    • It's common in beekeeping to replace the queen. Why isn't that mentioned through this allegory?
    • A call for the wealthy to be kind to the oppressed.

    Recommendations:

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    • Vote on a movie/show we review
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    4 March 2026, 9:00 am
  • 1 hour 5 minutes
    Misericordia - Life After Death (and also Mushrooms)

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    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 our latest Patreon-selected movie, Misericordia! This foreign drama/dark-comedy from Alain Guiraudie offers a lot to talk about: Fall vibes, yearning, secrets, and plenty of small town conflict. Also, mushrooms!

    Topics:

    • (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 27-minutes discussing Movies or art-pieces that become rally-cries for fandoms and garner 10/10 reviews in "support" of those projects, and how this makes Melvin go, "Hmmm..." (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 
    • The setting of the film, a Fall French countryside, is stunning.
    • The film is cozy and even-keeled, but it also has a dash of the grotesque.
    • Melvin hasn't watched a lot of Queer cinema and that's largely due to the genre often included a bit more sexuality in it than other genres.
    • Someone watching movies outside their comfort zone can sometimes help bring a broader understanding to that person's outlook.
    • How we interpret the mushroom as a symbol.
    • Talking about love, justice, and living.
    • Getting into the ending, discussing its abruptness, and closing thoughts.
    • The importance of forgiveness and mercy when expressed and experienced in the right direction, as opposed to from merely observers.

    Recommendations:

    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 & Pins

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    25 February 2026, 9:00 am
  • 48 minutes 43 seconds
    Bottle Rocket - Talking Wes Anderson

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    MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

    Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss Bottle Rocket, Wes Anderson's first feature-length film! The vibes are cozy and the dramedy is light, and the two get into discussions about classism (go figure!), easy-to-watch films, and what it is about Wes Anderson that makes him so mainstream. 

    Topics: 

    • (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 23-minutes discussing Darren Aronofsky's AI-Slop studio "Primordial Soup" which specializes in producing "stories" and "art" through AI programs (LLMs and AGIs a la Chat-GPT and Midjourney) and how this endeavor is actually anti-art. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 
    • Kathryn has stated that Bottle Rocket is her favorite Wes Anderson movie. Is this still true?
    • It's nice to watch a Wes Anderson movie where he isn't overly controlling everything.
    • Talking classism, adulthood, maturity, & empathy.
    • Melvin isn't so sure he likes Wes Anderson's movies as much as everyone else, and he spends some time thinking what it is others see in them.
    • Talking about Dignan, Anthony, and the unique characters therein.
    • The climax of the film feels like a great representation of what Wes Anderson does best.

    Recommendations:

    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 & Pins

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    18 February 2026, 9:00 am
  • 53 minutes 18 seconds
    Iron Lung - Is Cosmic Horror Hope-core?

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    MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

    Shirleon joins Melvin to talk about Markiplier's Iron Lung movie! Is it like the game? Is it claustrophobic? Is it spooky-scary? The game is about 45-minutes whereas the movie is a little over 2-hours... is it bloated? Tune in and find out! 

    Topics:

    • (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 20-minutes talking about the vibes around Chris Pratt, if he's as popular as Hollywood thinks he is, what the financials of his latest features tell us, and where we think he's going next. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 
    • Setting the groundwork for the Iron Lung game so we can talk the Iron Lung movie.
    • Both Shirleon & Melvin liked the movie, and the two chat about what worked for them.
    • The film succeeded in making Shirleon feel very claustrophobic.
    • Why is cosmic horror or weird fiction so difficult in film?
    • Melvin feels Iron Lung showcases Markiplier's talent as a writer/director.
    • Why do we think people love stories that contain such a degree of hopelessness?
    • Some specifics about the ending are a bit confusing, but Melvin doesn't feel it detracts from the experience.
    • Shirleon chats about the creature.
    • In terms of filmmaking, what's next for Markiplier?

    Recommendations: 

    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 & Pins

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    11 February 2026, 9:00 am
  • 1 hour 6 minutes
    Stranger Things S5 - Canon Fanfiction

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    TV-Show Discussion: 

    Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss Stranger Things Season 5! Was it worth the 9-year adventure? How was it in theaters? Is there a secret 9th episode? The two discuss it all, from the insanely large cast of characters to #ConformityGate! 

    Topics:

    • Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:32:13 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
    • It's so nice that Stranger Things is actually over during a time where fiction seems never-ending.
    • Kathryn and Melvin went to the theater for the finale. For Melvin, it was great. For Kathryn... well...
    • Melvin, "It is probably the worst season of Stranger Things."
    • Why couldn't it land the plane?
    • Offering rewrites because that's what podcasts do!
    • So... why does Stranger Things avoid killing major characters?
    • Talking #ConformityGate.
    • Mel, "Good coming-of-age [stories have] consequences."

    Recommendations:

    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 & Pins

    Social Links:

    4 February 2026, 9:00 am
  • 1 hour 8 minutes
    Priest - happy new year i guess

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    PATREON PARTY PLEASER: 

    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 summarize Priest, a forgotten feature from 2011. Loosely based upon a Manhwa of the same name, the two explore some of the neat ideas stuck beneath this unfocused, Syfy-original-like flick. And yes, it starts with a lore dump because of course it does. 

    Topics:

    • Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:22:34 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
    • Priest feels like it should have come out in the early 2000s.
    • Comparing vampire lore.
    • Melvin feels Paul Bettany isn't a leading man, but he has criticisms over the entire casting of Priest.
    • Discussing the vampire design.
    • Priest can't go a few minutes without making mistakes.
    • It's infrequent but occasionally the movie has some cool sci-fi visuals.
    • Shirleon, "It's got good bones."
    • Further vampire-lore conversations.
    • When an ending promises spectacle but pulls the rug out from under you.

    Recommendations:

    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 & Pins

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    28 January 2026, 9:00 am
  • 40 minutes 52 seconds
    Q4 Catch-Up 2025: The Finale!

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    QUARTERLY CATCH-UP: 

    Movies & Us: Podcast, Instagram 

    TV & Us: Podcast, Instagram 

    Quarterly Catch-Up is a co-production between Cinematic Doctrine & Movies & Us! While answering a few questions about watching habits, we also talk about what else we've been up to this quarter, as well as our enjoyment over completing this lil' series. We hope you had a wonderful 2025, and we look forward to what 2026 will bring!

    Things Mentioned:


    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 & Pins

    Social Links:

    7 January 2026, 9:00 am
  • 54 minutes 11 seconds
    The Bishop's Wife - Cucked by an Angel

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    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 The Bishop's Wife, an Oscar winning Christmas flick from 1947! What do they like? What do they dislike? It's got a lot of similarities to It's a Wonderful Life, but how does it compare? And what about that strange ending? Tune in to find out! 

    Topics: 

    • (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 27-minutes discussing the current Avengers: Doomsday trailers - Steve Rodgers, Thor, and X-Men - and our current vibe regarding the MCU in the big '25 (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 
    • Kathryn and Melvin take it easy: they list what they like followed by what they didn't like.
    • The film is structured like a 3-episode sitcom condensed into a single, overly-long movie.
    • Talking characters, and how the two wishes they were better.
    • The two explore how The Bishop's Wife has many narrative and thematic similarities to It's a Wonderful Life, a bonafide perfect movie. 
    • Henry isn't convincing as the character he's supposed to be, and it left Kathryn cold.
    • God builds his church, not man. Not Henry.
    • Kathryn and Melvin spend time trying to figure out why the ending is the way it is.
    • Despite their criticisms, the "Mrs. Hamilton" angle of the ending was appreciated.

    Recommendations:

    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 & Pins

    Social Links:

    31 December 2025, 9:00 am
  • 58 minutes 52 seconds
    Superman (2025) - Curtains for Comic Book Movies?

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    MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

    Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss Superman (2025), James Gunn's latest superhero feature and first of the new DC Studios flicks! The two explore what they like, what they didn't like, how there's an earnest hope in this modern, live-action iteration of Clark Kent/Superman, and if they're excited for any upcoming DC Studios projects. And, because he likes numbers, Melvin breaks down the finances for 2025's comic book movies. 

    Topics: 

    • (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 30-minutes discussing McDonald's entirely "AI" produced Christmas-themed commercial, how it was taken down after receiving intense backlash, and the many philosophical issues regarding "art" made by AI. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
    • Shirleon feels pretty mid-to-good about Superman (2025).
    • Melvin keeps it simple and starts with what he likes followed by his dislikes.
    • There's a nostalgia that feels imbued within the style of the film.
    • Are comic-book movies washed? Let's look at some numbers.
    • Adjusting for inflation, Iron Man nearly cost the same to make as Superman (2025), yet the former outpaces the latter in being a "franchise starter" by a wide margin.
    • Superman (2025) is the most profitable superhero movie of 2025, but it still didn't do crazy numbers at the box-office. Has the "superhero fatigue" officially set in?
    • Why it's nice to watch a protagonist who is kind and hopeful.
    • Discussing the ending and if they're interested in future DC Studios films.

    Recommendations: 

    • R.E.P.O. (2025) (Video Game)
    • Rewatch a movie you love!

    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 & Pins

    Social Links:

    24 December 2025, 9:00 am
  • 12 minutes 9 seconds
    Podcast Update + A Royal Christmas Mini-Game

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    UPDATE: 

    I'm a Store Manager for a popular retail space. For obvious reasons this time of the year is extremely busy for me. Like previous years I thought I could handle my irl work and my podcast work, but that is not the case this year. For the time being, the only guaranteed episode to release in December 2025 is the Patreon-Selected movie at the end of the month. Any other releases this month have released by the skin of their teeth.

    In the meantime, enjoy this bonus semi-rerelease of a lil' mini-game I played with Chris Staron of Truce Podcast. If you want to hear the full episode this mini-game is from, tune in to this episode here.

    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 & Pins

    Social Links:

    10 December 2025, 9:00 am
  • 55 minutes 13 seconds
    Now You See Me - Audiences Deserve Better

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    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 2013's insane surprise financial hit, Now You See Me! Despite being a critical flop the film was a blockbuster blowout earning nearly 5x its budget! So, who's right, the critics or the audiences? 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 1:08:02 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
    • Shirleon says she'd rather rewatch Death Note (2017) than ever watch Now You See Me again.
    • Melvin, "I just thought the movie was bad."
    • Every character basically sucks. If they don't suck, they're boring.
    • Melvin has an issue with how normies and the working-poor are depicted, and he also feels it takes its audience for granted. It thinks its audience is a bunch of morons.
    • Shirleon is overtaken by how much stuff is stuffed into this film, and the two discuss why that's a serious problem.
    • Melvin talks about Safety Not Guaranteed, a movie that's got similar themes of belief and hope but isn't a total mess.
    • Trying to make sense of the ending.

    Recommendations:

    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 & Pins

    Social Links:

    26 November 2025, 9:00 am
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