The ArtHouse Roadshow: Recent Episodes
Hank Spaulding
Hosts Kyle Meyers and Hank Spaulding discuss the wonderful world of arthouse films. Kyle is a professional counselor and Hank is a theologian. The pair discuss the relationship between movies, faith, and mental health. Though primarily aimed at lesser-known arthouse films, the pair will also discuss larger blockbuster films. Expect deep dives into film criticism, simple reviews, and everything in between.
The ArtHouse Roadshow podcast, hosted by Kyle Myers and Hank Spaulding, explores the rich interplay of film, faith, and mental health through thoughtful and engaging discussions. In this episode, the hosts delve into two recent cinematic portrayals of iconic figures: Wildcat, featuring Maya Hawke as Flannery O’Connor, and A Complete Unknown, with Timothée Chalamet as Bob Dylan. Myers and Spaulding examine how these films illuminate the inner lives and struggles of their subjects, reflecting on the intersections of creativity, spirituality, and mental health. With a focus on the deeper narratives these films reveal, the hosts offer fresh perspectives on the ways art helps us wrestle with faith, identity, and the human condition.
It's been a minute! Hank is back with a review of the new Angel Film Bonhoeffer. This film covers the life and times of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. The film is worth watching, but some huge holes and missteps must be addressed. Please listen to this episode and let us know what you think!
Happy Advent, Everyone! Hank is back with another review of a film he received early access to, The Iron Claw. This was one of Hank's most anticipated films of the year. The movie tells the tragic story of the Von Erich wrestling family. Hank highly recommends it, and the review does contain spoilers. However, Hank covers the family's background and how it appears in the film. Ultimately, the movie covers a family that experiences tremendous loss and follows the main character, Kevin Von Erich (played by Zac Effron), and his path to healing. This is Effron's best performance. Please give it a listen and see the film!
A few years in, and the crew finally makes it to episode 25! And on this very special episode, we cover The Exorcist now in its 50th anniversary. Hank and Kyle cover some of the nuances of the history of the film along with the theology and spirituality of the film. Check it out!
Considered by many as one of the best directors and film artists of the twenty-first century, Kyle and Hank discuss the corpus of Wes Anderson. From The Darjeeling Limited to Fantastic Mr. Fox and Asteroid City, Anderson has quite a record of film excellence. The pair discuss their favorite Anderson films and discuss why his approach is a balm to cynical film culture.
Kyle and Hank are back with a tour of a theme on Artificial Intelligence. Mainly exploring the Spielberg/Kubrick A.I. Artificial Intelligence, the pair explore the spiritual journey expressed in the genre. As the pair argue, the best films about AI tell us more about what it means to be human than artificial beings.
Kyle and Hank are back! In today's episode, the pair discuss their long-awaited dive into science fiction and the Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Starting with the 1956 adaptation through the 2007 film Invasion, Kyle and Hank share their thoughts on these films' moral and theological significance and why the idea of a "body snatcher" carries so much weight. Check it out!
Hank and Kyle reunited at last. Their reunion is for the popular movie weekend that just occurred and they cover the film sensation Barbenheimer (Barbie and Oppenheimer). The two reflect on the spiritual journeys of each film and the theological/ethical issues contained therein. The pair also discusses the new Wes Anderson film as an artistic engagement with mental health. Check it out!
Hank is back briefly reviewing the Power Rangers reunion special Once and Always. Hank recounts and provides commentary on the episode's plot while also providing a reflection on the controversy surrounding the special. Check it out.
Hank is back with another very late review of Guardians 3. In this review, Hank reflects on the rich theological themes in this film and the excellent way that the trilogy ends. Hank argues that Guardians of the Galaxy vols 1-3 is the best trilogy in the MCU without question. Spoilers in this episode. Check it out!
Hank is back with a very late, very short movie review of an underappreciated film in A Good Person, written and directed by Zach Braff and starring Florence Pugh and Morgan Freeman. It displays, what Hank calls, toxic goodness versus one that recognizes its limits. Its a great film that everyone should watch. Check it out! Spoilers
The multiverse is in full swing. In this review, Hank is back and covers Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse and The Flash as the newest installments in the multiversal saga of their respective brands. Hank discusses not only the major themes in each movie but the weaknesses and strengths of each film. Check it out! Spoilers
No movie better encapsulates Lent's quiet, confessional nature than Martin Scorsese's Silence. In their 20th episode of the Roadshow, Hank and Kyle discuss this significant film. The pair plunge into the book from which the movie arises and Scorsese's history with it. The pair also discuss their history with the text and movie as well as the theologically rich penultimate scene. Check it out!
Kyle and Hank are back with their final episode in the Rocky/Creed series. The pair cover Creed III now out in theaters. They discuss the themes of redemption and forgiveness in this latest installment and how the film connects to Ryan Coogler and Michael B Jordan's other film, Black Panther. Give it a listen!
Kyle and Hank are back for the second part of their series in the Rocky Universe. The paid cover the neglected Rocky V, Rocky Balboa, and the two Creed films. These four films form a great quadrilogy of their own setting up the entrance of Creed. Check it out!
In preparation for the release of Creed 3, Hank and Kyle begin their series on Rocky/Creed with a look back on Rocky 1-4. They discuss the history of the film and their first encounters with it as well as the themes theological and psychological covered therein. Check it out!
Happy New Year! Hank and Kyle are back to discuss their year in review for films in 2022. Listen as the pair discuss their top 5 films of the year and how they share/differ in their choices. Check it out!
Hank is back with another movie review! Today, Hank covers Darren Aronofsky's new film "The Whale." He discusses the triumphal return of Brenden Fraiser to the big screen and the strengths/weaknesses of the overall themes of this film. Faith, authenticity, and one's humanity all appear through this powerful film. Check it out!
The dynamic duo is back discussing a Christmas classic: the Godfather. Kyle gives an in-depth history of the making of the Godfather including some background on its director Francis Coppola. Check out this episode and stay warm during this winter season.
In today's episode, the roadshow covers two of Greta Gerwig's films Lady Bird and Little Women. Focusing primarily on the former, Kyle and Hank process the Advent themes present in the film. They discuss the positive place of mental health and Christian tradition in the film as well as the movement from guilt to grief. Check it out!
TW: Suicide
Today's episode is a very somber episode as it covers the recent death of Power Rangers star Jason David Frank. Hank discusses the importance of the Power Rangers in his youth and the way that Jason David Frank came to be a part of the show. He also discusses the importance of the show in culture. Kyle then discusses the role of the image in contemporary media.
Hank is back with part one of a series on Wakanda Forever. If you have already watched the film and want to hear Hank's thoughts on some of the more spoiler heavy themes, please check out part two.
Hank here with part two of a double feature for Wakanda Forever. This episode is a review with spoilers. If you want to avoid spoilers, please check out our no-spoiler review.
Hank is back with another movie review. On deck for this review is the recent DC Film Black Adam. In this brief review, Hank discusses the themes and interesting possible developments resulting from this movie for the DCEU.
Kyle and Hank are back! In this episode, the pair celebrate the one-year anniversary of the podcast. They both reflect on the last year and their favorite episodes in the past year. In addition, the pair reflect on the final installment of the new Halloween series after discussing the previous film on their very first podcast. Join us for this full-circle retrospective.
The duo are back again and this time with a Scorsese classic, Shutter Island. If you have not already watched this movie, please watch it before listening to the Podcast if you want to avoid spoilers as always. The pair discuss Scorsese and his influence in general as well as the language of violence that weaves through out the film. Check it out!
As we all head deeper into spooky season, Kyle and Hank return to discuss one of the most prolific directors and movie artists of all time, Alfred Hitchcock. The pair discuss not only Hitchcock's famous films (Psycho, The Birds, etc) but also lesser-known films such as The Wrong Man. Check it out!
Hank and Kyle are back with Episode 9 of the Roadshow! In this episode, the pair discusses the theological and philosophical themes in two spooky films: Nope and Black Phone. Focusing on the aspects of mental health in each film, this episode continues the theme established in episode 8 on the therapeutic moves that cinema offers and the challenges presented to society by filmmakers such as Jordan Peele. In addition, Hank and Kyle discuss Umma and a few other films available on streaming. Check it out!
Kyle and Hank are back!!! After a break over the summer due to weird schedules, Kyle and Hank return to discuss the multiverse. The pair discuss a few movies, most prominently Everything Everywhere All at Once. They also compare this movie to other recent multiverse movies. They also share the films they enjoyed most this year and the ones yet to come. Check it out!
Hank is back with another review. This time Hank covers the Sundance Film darling, Brian and Charles. Hank covers the unique themes of mental health and AI covered in the film. This is a short one, but a good one. Check it out!
Hank is back with a MacGuffin that features all things Marvel Studios. In this episode, Hank gives a review for Thor: Love and Thunder as well as Ms. Marvel. He also gives a reaction to the first trailer for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever as well as the upcoming slate of Marvel Projects announced at SDCC. Check it out!
The Roadshow is back! Hank gives a brief review of Season 4 of Stranger Things. He discusses the apocalyptic themes in the show as well as the language of evil it deploys. Check it out!
The crew is back, albeit late, for another Obi-Wan Kenobi episode review. Prepare your hearts and stomachs for Patrick provides some gut-busting comedy from a galaxy far, far away. The crew also covers their tentative optimism about the episode and speculates about Obi-Wan's future. We hope you enjoy it!
Ready for another Obi-Wan Kenobi review? We have it. In today's episode, the Star Wars crew (Hank, Patrick, Luke) discuss the most recent installment of the Obi-Wan Kenobi series. The trio discusses whether the episode takes a step back, where it missed, and what they liked the most about it. Check it out!
Hank is back with a short review of the first episode of Ms. Marvel. Hank compares it to other Marvel properties and other non-Marvel properties to locate how it is similar and different. Check it out and let us know if you want more of these reviews.
Luke and Hank are back to discuss episode 3 of Obi-Wan Kenobi. They are joined by guest host alum Patrick Taylor. The trio discusses the Vader themes in Episode 3, the callbacks, and where the show may be going. Tune in!
Luke and Hank are back with more Star Wars. Today is the long-awaited review of the first two episodes of the Obi-Wan Series on Disney+. The pair give their reactions, their favorite parts, and the possible direction of the show. Be warned, this is a spoiler-heavy review so make sure you watch before you listen.
Kyle is back for another installment of the Roadshow! Today's episode dives into Fukunaga's Beasts of No Nations. In this episode, Kyle and Hank discuss the nature of violence and the healing power of non-violence. Kyle helps listeners (and his co-host) think with the director by comparing Beasts to earlier films by him. Check it out!
In this special episode, Hank and Luke are back for their final MacGuffin on Star Wars. This time the two discuss Star Wars in the Disney era. They discuss the Disney era movies and shows. Most prominently the pair discuss the Sequel Trilogy though they do discuss the interquels and the Disney+ series as well. Be warned this is a long one, but we would love to hear your thoughts.
Hank is back with his spoiler-heavy review of Dr. Strange 2. He discusses a change in perspective after watching the movie a second time. He also dives into the direction for phase 4 and what fans should look out for on the horizon of this stage in the Marvel story. Wanda plays a very prominent part in the podcast. Hank discusses why you should still have sympathy for her character and an idea for a second season of Wandavision that most certainly will not happen. He also discusses all things cameos, horror, and Strange from the film. Give it a listen.
Hank is back with the most recent installment of his Star Wars MacGuffins leading up to the release of Obi-Wan Kenobi on Disney Plus. Hank is once again joined by friend and Star Wars expert Luke. The pair discuss the new trailer released on Star Wars day (May 4th) and the prequel trilogy. While the pair find the prequels wanting, both reflect on the importance of the series for their lives and the spiritual themes within. Check it out!
Hank is back with another movie review. Today, Hank provides a NO-SPOILER review of the recently released Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness. Hank locates this film within the larger project of the MCU in order to give listeners an idea of who might like this film as well as his favorite characters in this film. Give it a listen and keep a look out for the Spoiler Heavy review next week.
Hank is back to cover the final episode of Moon Knight. Hank ranks this among all of the Marvel shows as well as his thoughts on this episode alone. Check out his reasoning for why this is a generally paint-by-numbers finale that falls a bit flat after the great showing of Episode 5. Even still Hank still likes the episode and gives his thoughts on future seasons. Give it a listen!
In this very late special episode, Hank dives into the Disney+ Series Moon Knight. He covers the character in the comics, his favorite elements of the series, the beauty of the character, and much more. Don't forget to leave a review!
Hank is back for another MacGuffin on the film franchise Star Wars in preparation for the release of the Obi-Wan Series on Disney+. Hank is once again joined by friend and fellow Star Wars Geek Luke Harbaugh. The pair discuss their earliest memories of Star Wars and the high points of the characters, plot, and themes present in these films. Enjoy!
Happy Easter everyone! In today's episode, Kyle and Hank conclude their passion trilogy with a reflection on The Passion of Joan of Arc. For Hank, this is his first silent film. The pair contextualize the historical figure of St. Joan of Arc as well as the movie in its historical context. This episode also connects Joan's passion with the passion of Bobby Sands and Franz Jägerstätter. The conversation covers themes such as tradition, religious experience, and the theological convictions embedded within the Easter Story!
We are back! Kyle and Hank return with their long-awaited conversation on Terrence Malick. In addition, the pair cover the Oscar surprises and winners. In this episode, Kyle and Hank discuss their favorite Malick movies. Though they cover most of the Malick corpus, Hank and Kyle go deep into three films: The New World, The Tree of Life, and A Hidden Life. Check out this Lenten episode.
Hank is back with another episode in his series of MacGuffins on Star Wars leading up to the release of the Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi. Today, Hank is again joined by friend and fellow Star Wars Enthusiast Luke Harbaugh. The pair discuss Star Wars Mythology as well as the high points and low points of the franchise and their continued love of the property. Check it out!
Hank is back with his promised SPOILER review of Matt Reeve's The Batman. Warning this episode will contain spoilers. If you want to hear Hank's spoiler-free thoughts, please check out his earlier review. Hank is joined by friend and Batman enthusiast Patrick Taylor. The pair discuss the main villains, theological themes, and the elements so typical of Batman in 2022 as well as their favorite Batmen and where this movie ranks in comparison.
The ArtHouse Roadshow is back with something a bit different. Today's MacGuffin kicks off a series of MacGuffins in preparation for the Obi Wan Kenobi Series on Disney Plus. Hank will drop a new episode every few weeks until the show premieres on May 25th. In these special MacGuffins, Hank will be joined by special guest Luke Harbaugh who is a Pastor and Star Wars Historian.
Hank was able to score an early preview of The Batman directed by Matt Reeves. He covers his favorite Batmen and ranks where this fits within that list as well as some of the stories that impact the movie. Hank also offers his favorite elements of the film and offers guidance on who would enjoy this most recent adaptation of the Dark Knight.
Hank is back with another movie review AND a review of his first visit to the historic Grauman's Chinese Theater. He discusses his own reactions to the space and provides a brief history of the theater. In addition, he dives into a brief review of the movie he watched in Grauman's: Uncharted. Hank explores the virtues on display in the film as well as a guide to the development of virtue.
The ArtHouse Roadshow gang is back with another full episode. In today's episode, Kyle and Hank discuss the Steve McQueen film Hunger which depicts Bobby Sand's hunger strike in response to the period in Northern Ireland called the Troubles. The pair discuss themes such as empathy versus pity, implicatedness and solidarity versus toxic goodness and much more. Don't forget to leave a review. It is a great way to support the podcast.
It's Oscar Season! Want to know the ArtHouse Crew's thoughts on the nominees? You're in luck! Tune into this short episode for thoughts on the nominations, the snubs, and surprises as well as predictions. Don't forget to leave a review!
Kyle and Hank are back for a brief movie review of Licorice Pizza by P.T. Anderson. The crew discusses the connection between romantic love and immortal longing. They also connect the themes in Anderson's other work with Licorice Pizza. A short review for those who might be interested in the film. Spoilers inside.
Kyle and Hank are back with some words on the 2019 Joker film starring Joaquin Phoenix. The pair discuss the character of the Joker in general as well as a lot of issues raised in the film. Kyle and Hank spend a lot of time exploring the role that film plays in our current moment of time and why we need good films to help encourage virtue in divisive moments.
Hank is back to ring in the new year of the Podcast with a MacGuffin on the Matrix Trilogy and the Matrix Resurrections. In this episode, Hank gives a review of Matrix 4 as well as an evaluation of the previous trilogy. In addition, Hank also gives a brief love note to intro to philosophy and the importance this movie played in his development.
Hank is back with his MacGuffin on Midnight Mass. Hank discusses the themes of death, vampire theology, and religious ceremony. He will also provide his year-end list of favorite movies and films. He also provides a response to a question on his No Way Home review. If you want to avoid spoilers please skip the last 6 minutes of the podcast. If you would like to support the podcast please leave a review of the podcast on Podbean, Apple, or Spotify. This will help people find the podcast. Happy New Year!
Hank is back with a spoiler-heavy review of Spider-Man NWH. In the review, Hank covers the main themes and ideas at play in the movie. He offers a response to the criticisms of the movie and some thoughts on the future of the franchise as a whole.
Kyle is back!!! Today's episode is a bit longer as Kyle and Hank go over a recent film Annihilation starring Natalie Portman and Oscar Isaac. They unpack the spiritual journey of the main character as well as discuss issues such as the destruction, new creation, and the leap of faith. In addition, the pair discuss their favorite Art House films of 2021 and where you can watch them as well as the elusive Christmas movie controversy.
Hank is back with a non-spoiler review of Spider-Man NWH. Hank answers the question, "Who is this movie for?" and covers a few of the themes in the movie without spoiling it. If you know someone or if you are someone who is on the fence please listen to this review. Hank will be back with Spoiler filled review later this week.
In this special episode, Hank gives an update on the Month ahead on the ArtHouse Roadshow and what kind of programming you can expect in the weeks ahead. In addition, he covers the name and title of the podcast in order to help clarify the content of the show. The show will conclude with a connection in two very different films this Holiday Season, namely Dune and the Chosen.
In the first episode of the ArtHouse Roadshow, hosts Kyle and Hank discuss the theme of the show as well as what you can expect from the podcast. The pair also do a review and critique of Halloween Kills and reveal what to expect from future episodes.