Cinema Stories Podcast: Recent Episodes
To Be The Church
Stories have a way of captivating us, moving us and if we are paying close attention, to make us think. Welcome to Cinema Stories, a podcast dedicated to talking about the stories we see in film and how they mirror, relate to, or point to the Greatest Story ever told, the Gospel.
Pixar has created so many memorable films over the years and their streak continues as they bring to life a land of mythology for their latest film.
In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about Onward. We discuss a Holy Spirit connection, legacy, being your brother's keeper, back to your roots, manhood, sacrifice and so much more!
Frozen took the world by storm in 2013 as "Let it Go" became the anthem of a generation and of course, because of it's massive success, it would have a sequel.
In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about Frozen 2. We a garden story, a Jesus figure, history, the next right thing, fear and so much more!
Christopher Nolan has become one of the most visionary filmmakers of our time, with his challenging and mind-bending movies that leave audiences guessing as well as thinking.
In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about The Prestige. We discuss total depravity, obsession, pride, power, sacrifice and so much more!
1999 was a landmark year for film as George Lucas continued the Star Wars Sag with The Phantom Menace, but there was another movie that would become just as legendary, The Matrix.
In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about The Matrix. We discuss real vs illusion, born into slavery, willing rebellion, exile, a new creation and so much more!
When it was released in 1987, The Princess Bride was a hit with the critic but never took off at the box office and since that time it has become one of the most beloved films of the last thirty years.
In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about The Princess Bride. We discuss telling the story, loving first, true love, sacrificial love, resurrection, other lovers and so much more!
The Lord of the Rings is one of the most beloved works of literature from the 20th century and it's film adaptations by Peter Jackson have become almost as beloved as well.
In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about The Lord of the Rings trilogy. We discuss the Christ-likeness in many of the characters, the strong vs the weak, hope, the weakness of man, stewardship and so much more!
First published in 1862 the story of Les Misérables is one of the most popular of all time and has spawned adaptations for theater, musicals, radio, television, and film.
In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about Les Misérables. We discuss grace offered and given the law, identity, living a lie, being set free and so much more!
By 2010, Christopher Nolan had cemented himself as one of Hollywood's most inventive and original filmmakers with movies like Memento, The Prestige and his take on The Dark Knight, but nothing could have prepared us for what he had in store next.
In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about Inception. We discuss original sin, unconfessed guilt, trying to control sin, falling short, delusion and so much more!
The Lion King was considered the pinnacle of Walt Disney animated movies in the 90s and every film after that has been compared to it, meaning the subsequent films, especially those in the 90s seemed to vary in quality.
In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about The Hunchback of Notre Dame. We discuss hidden sin, being a pharisee, the law, grace, the image of God and so much more!
After languishing through most of the 80s, Walt Disney animation began its resurgence with The Little Mermaid in 1989 and by 1994, many would consider The Lion King to be the pinnacle of this revival.
In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about The Lion King. We discuss a fall, the lies of the enemy, the world's answer, identity and so much more!
After the success of The Last Crusade, there was always talk from the creative trinity of George Lucas, Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford that they wanted to do more films in the Indy series; who knew it would take nineteen years to get it.
In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. We discuss knowledge for selfish purposes or for the benefit of all, true belief, true treasure, looking like God, identity and so much more!
“The Bridge Over the River Kwai” is the most famous movie about the building of Burma Railway during World War II, but in 2013 the true story of the soldiers forced to build this railroad and survived was brought to life on screen.
In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about The Railway Man. We discuss the destructive nature of sin, the power of love, a new nature, supernatural forgiveness and so much more!
By 1992, Disney animation was in a new golden age and Aladdin continued that tradition with distinction.
In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about Aladdin. We discuss being a slave, power, freedom, gifts and so much more!
Pixar has a way of getting in our heads. Literally. In the 2015 release of Inside Out, Pixar once again proved they understand both kids and their parents in their heartwarming story of family and dealing with life’s changes. In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about the struggle of growing up, the role of grief and love in our lives, and so much more.
It has been 11 years since Iron Man kicked off the Marvel Cinematic Universe and now the end of an era has come as the Avengers face their most difficult test yet. In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about Avengers: Endgame. We discuss Thanos, the garden, crummy gods, rest, the Infinity Stones, sacrifice, responsibility and so much more!
The last few years there have been a plethora of Spider-Man films and for many there has been a real feeling of Spider-Fatigue, so in 2018 when the Spider-Verse hit the big screen it was like a breath of fresh air. In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. We discuss expectations, talents, fathers, choices, family, community and so much more!
Rumored to be like “Big” for the Superhero world, “Shazam” doesn’t fit into any category we’ve seen this far in the DC or Marvel universe. Standing on it’s own, “Shazam” has a lot to say and yet is a laugh from beginning to end. In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about Shazam. We discuss the temptation of power, the allure of sin, and adoption into a family of faith hope and love.
Most people were not sure what to expect when Disney announced that it was going to be making a movie based on one of its most beloved theme park rides, but the film would go on to be one of the biggest hits of 2003. In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. We discuss the lure of sin, the walking dead, names, grace and so much more!
The first female-led Marvel movie has finally made it to screen after 11 years since the start of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about Captain Marvel. We discuss true names, highjacked identity, accusation, the truth, community and so much more!
One of the first things that Disney announced when it bought Lucasfilm is that it would not only do more “Episodes” in the Star Wars saga, but that it would also be doing stand alone stories from throughout the timeline. In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about Rogue One. We discuss enemy territory, hope, sacrifice, a father, choosing a side, unlikely heroes, the Force at work and so much more!
Pixar has become the premier 3D animation studio, with some of the biggest hits ever in the genre and in 2017 they continued their run with a movie about a boy from Mexico and his adventures on Día de los Muertos. In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about Coco. We discuss a great cloud of witnesses, family the body, the impact of our choices, legacy, the afterlife and so much more!
Audiences got their first taste of the character in Batman v Superman in a quick cameo, he was then recruited to help the Justice League fight off an alien invasion and now he has his own solo outing for the first time ever on the big screen. In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about Aquaman. We discuss the fall, being of two worlds, pride, connections to Israel, king vs hero, stewardship, parenthood, mercy and so much more!
There are movies that are beloved the moment they hit the big screen and Walt Disney hit the jackpot with his adaptation of P.L. Travers classic children’s book, Mary Poppins and now the studio has brought the character back for an all-new adventure. In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about Mary Poppins Returns. We discuss faith like a child, hope, perspective, light, greed, family and so much more!
In November of 2016, J.K. Rowling introduced the world a whole new part of the wizarding world through Newt Scamander’s visit to the magical community of 1920s, New York City, which kicked off a new five-part film series. In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. We discuss a fall that causes fractures, perspective, appearance, identity, responsibility and so much more!
The Nutcracker is one of the most beloved ballets in the world, it’s a staple of the Christmas season and this has lead Disney to make a movie with its world as the foundation. In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about The Nutcracker and the Four Realms. We discuss a fall that causes fractures, perspective, appearance, identity, responsibility and so much more!
Most people know John Krasinski from his comedy work on The Office, but this year he made the transition to director with a film that took the world’s breath away. In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about A Quiet Place. We discuss Biblical manhood and womanhood, guilt, a father’s love, strengths and weaknesses and so much more!
In 2009 J.J. Abrams brought us back to the final frontier as he helped Star Trek forge a new warp trail. In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about Star Trek. We discuss purpose, gifts, destiny, having a common mission, no-win scenarios, adversity and so much more!
Disney movies are rife with positive messages but they do not always align with the truth of Scripture. In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about Tangled. We discuss the Christian life, redemption, bringing the light, identity, hiding your light and so much more!
In 2005, Christopher Nolan changed the landscape of the superhero genre with Batman Begins and then he did it again when he released The Dark Knight, leaving only one thing left to do, wrap up his trilogy. In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about The Dark Knight Rises. We discuss a Roman 1 world, fallen idols, ticking time bombs, the pit, dark to light, redemption and so much more!
Winnie the Pooh was created in 1926 and since that time his adventures with his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood have delighted and enchanted children of all ages. In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about Christopher Robin. We discuss the garden, the fall, right relationship and priorities, eternal investment, simplicity, friendship and so much more.
The 90s saw a resurgence for Disney animation starting with the release of The Little Mermaid in 1989 that would start a new golden age for the company. In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about Hercules. We discuss creation, making Greek myth more Christian, exile, being a true hero, identity, earning salvation and so much more!
It’s said that if adventure had a name it would be Indiana Jones and they would be right. The character swung in on his bullwhip in Raiders of the Lost Ark, immediately becoming a cultural icon who would inspire a generation to archeology. In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. We talk about fact or truth, Belief, reading books, a roadmap to salvation, letting go and so much more!
Scott Lang as Ant-Man may have been missing from Infinity War but the answer to where he was is finally here in his latest film. In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about Ant-Man and The Wasp. We discuss broken relationships, needing a partner, doing things at the expense of other, living with no grace and so much more!
In 2015, our love for dinosaurs was reignited with the launch of Jurassic World, where we were once again posed with the question, “What will man do when given unbridled power through technology?” However, in the second film in this trilogy, the problem comes uncomfortably too close to home. In this episode of the Cinema Stories Podcast, Matthew Rushing and Courtney Huskisson talk about Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. We discuss the fall out of the denial of God, what happens when men substitute themselves as God, and the difference between being a consumer or a steward.
The Harry Potter series took the world by storm, with each successive book release, midnight release parties got bigger and then there were the movies, which has lead to theme parks, merchandise and a whole new film series in Fantastic Beasts. In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about the Harry Potter series. We discuss sacrifice, love, the soul, the curse, the will of God, predestination and so much more!
Han Solo has been a favorite character for people since 1977 when Star Wars entered the cultural zeitgeist and now forty-one years later, Larry and Jon Kasdan have given us his origin. In this episode of the Cinema Stories Podcast, Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about Solo: A Star Wars Story. We discuss living in a lawless world, Han vs Qi’ra, everyone serves someone, debts, freedom, family and so much more!
Ten years and eighteen films have lead Marvel Studios to the beginning of the end for it’s original Avengers. In this episode of the Cinema Stories Podcast from the To Be The Church Network, Matthew Rushing and Courtney Huskisson talk about Infinity War. We discuss false gods, who is worthy, Thanos plan vs Jesus, shalom, sacrifice, suffering and so much more!
Pixar’s first film Toy Story changed the landscape of animated movies forever and with each successive film, they’ve continued to up their game by trying new things and wowing audiences with fantastic stories and visuals. In this episode of the Cinema Stories Podcast from the To Be The Church Network, Matthew Rushing and Courtney Huskisson talk about Pixar’s Brave. We discuss an interesting garden, rebellion and redemption, legalism vs freedom, the results of sin and so much more!
The core of Cinema Stories is looking at film through the lens of faith and seeing where it lines up with the Word of God, what it can teach us and then even where it falls short. In Episode 22 of the Cinema Stories Podcast from the To Be The Church Network, Matthew Rushing and Courtney Huskisson talk to Jim Papandrea, author of “From Star Wars to Superman: Christ Figures in Science Fiction and Superhero Films”. We discuss his work, what lead him to write the book, the thought process behind its structure, the importance of thoughtful consumption and so much more! RESOURCES From Star Wars to Superman by Jim Papandrea Jim’s Books – drjimsbooks.com Jim’s Website – jimpapandrea.wordpress.com
In 1962, Madeleine L’Engle publisher her first book in what would become known as the Time Quintet. A Wrinkle in Time would win awards, but more importantly it would win the hearts of children everywhere to become a staple of children’s literature. In episode of the Cinema Stories Podcast from the To Be The Church Network, Matthew Rushing and Courtney Huskisson talk about A Wrinkle in Time. We discuss the adaptation, it’s change in message, good and evil, issues with the changes and so much more!
Last year Wonder Woman changed the way we look at superhero movies and this year something similar has happened with Black Panther. In episode of the Cinema Stories Podcast from the To Be The Church Network, Matthew Rushing and Courtney Huskisson talk about Black Panther. We discuss the truth vs a lie, the villain, us vs them, imago dei and so much more!
The musical is one of the best traditions in Hollywood, with classics like The Sound of Music and Fiddler on the Roof to new favorites such as, The Greatest Showman and La La Land, each thrill audiences with good stories and fantastic musical numbers. In episode of the Cinema Stories Podcast from the To Be The Church Network, Matthew Rushing and Courtney Huskisson talk about Into the Woods. We discuss the wishes, wanting, identity, teaching children, the moral of the story and so much more!
The last few years there has been a proliferation of dystopian films, books and television shows, all feeding off the fear we have of the future and what could go wrong. There have been very few films in last few years that have bucked that trend, but this week we look at one. In episode of the Cinema Stories Podcast from the To Be The Church Network, Matthew Rushing and Courtney Huskisson talk about Tomorrowland. We discuss the role go hope, two wolves, bad news, good news salvation and so much more!
Harry Potter has become a cultural icon and most people assumed that when Rowling was done with the series in 2007 that it would be the last thing we got from that universe. Luckily for fans, as she’d written the series, she’d created a backstory for her characters, Newt Scamander, an author of a Hogwarts’ textbook that spawned a new film series. In episode of the Cinema Stories Podcast from the To Be The Church Network, Matthew Rushing and Courtney Huskisson talk about Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. We discuss the responses to the unknown, the truth, consumers vs stewards, fear, curiosity and so much more!
In 2016, La La Land took the world by storm, bringing the musical back to the forefront and Christmas of 2017 saw a new musical ride into theaters. In episode of the Cinema Stories Podcast from the To Be The Church Network, Matthew Rushing and Courtney Huskisson talk about The Greatest Showman. We discuss the good and bad of dreams, who do you glorify, family, not enough, identity and so much more!
Two years ago, The Force Awakens became one of the highest grossing movies of all time and firmly cemented the Star Wars saga back into the cultural Zeitgeist. Now, the next installment of the sequel trilogy is here.
In this episode of the Cinema Stories Podcast from the To Be The Church Network, Matthew Rushing, and Courtney Huskisson talk about Star Wars: The Last Jedi. We discuss Rey as Jesus, fulfillment of the law, Luke, Ben/Kylo, identity, balance, hope and so much more!
The Chronicles of Narnia is one of the most iconic book series in the world as C.S. Lewis created a world that has lead so many people to actually check the back of their closets to see if it might lead to this magical realm. In episode of the Cinema Stories Podcast, Matthew Rushing and Courtney Huskisson talk about The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. We discuss the set up, the brother dynamic, different experiences, Aslan, the cost of forgiveness, winning?, the power of myth and so much more!
In 2013 Zack Snyder and DC Comics began the DC Film universe and have brought us on a journey to see these characters become the icons that we know from the comics. In episode of the Cinema Stories Podcast, Matthew Rushing and Courtney Huskisson talk about the latest DC Comics film, Justice League. We discuss light and darkness, unity, friendship, the Superman savior motif and so much more!
It’s been nine years and seventeen films since the Marvel Cinematic Universe started and out of its original members, Thor is a brand new film, with a different direction from his first two outings. In this episode of the Cinema Stories Podcast, Matthew Rushing and Courtney Huskisson talk about Thor: Ragnarok. We discuss a first and second Adam, the dead of death, 3 saviors, the power of names and so much more!
Welcome to a very special episode of the Cinema Stories Podcast as Matthew Rushing and Courtney Huskisson talk about their favorite holiday movies for Halloween and Christmas as well as the ways in which many of them point to the most important story of all. What are your favorites? Tweet us or email us and let us know!
Christopher Nolan continues to be one of the best filmmakers of our day, producing some of the most thought-provoking and visually stunning movies of the 21st century. In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about Interstellar. We discuss the curse, toiling in the dirt, being distracted by trinkets, Dr. Mann, the humanistic gospel and so much more!
There are films that come along and change the way we see movies and in 1993 Steven Spielberg did just that with his adaptation of Michael Crichton’s bestseller. In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about Jurassic Park. We discuss the fall, playing god, “natural” selection, control, stewardship and so much more! CONTACT US: cinemastories@tobethechurch.com
Every once in a while a movie is released that does what the best sci-fi does which is, challenge the audience with a story that makes them think deeply about the world, themselves and the metaphysical.
In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about Arrival. We discuss the inherent power of language, how it can bring us together or separate us, words as weapons, time, the importance of suffering and so much more.
CONTACT US: cinemastories@tobethechurch.com
For years Disney has been entertaining us with fairy tales and mythology from around the world and for the first time in their history they based their latest animated film of the off Polynesian mythology. In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about Moana. We discuss the fall, sins impact, Maui, something missing, the paramount importance of history, bad for good and so much more.
CONTACT US: cinemastories@tobethechurch.com
Comic fans have been having the argument for over 70 years about who would win in a fight between Superman and Batman. At the end of Man of Steel the production team was looking for the next challenge that Superman would face and in that conversation the idea was thrown out that it should be Batman. Thus was born the genesis of Batman v Superman.
In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about Batman v Superman: Ultimate Edition. We discuss man vs God, the problem of evil, connection, redemption and so much more.
CONTACT US: cinemastories@tobethechurch.com
After Disney’s immense success with Cinderella, it began looking for the next fairy-tale adventure to bring to life in live action and it turned to a tale as old as time.
In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about Beauty and the Beast. We discuss the effects of the curse, lost humanity, the sin of self, sacrificial love and so much more.
CONTACT US: cinemastories@tobethechurch.com
The character of Spider-man has been incarnated on screen twice in the last in the last fifteen years and now Marvel Studios has struck a partnership with Sony so that the character can become apart of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about Spider-man Homecoming. We discuss where we were coming from walking into the theater, some mentor issues, 98% not being enough, unmerited favor and so much more.
CONTACT US: cinemastories@tobethechurch.com
The character of Superman has existed for over 75 years. Created in 1933 by Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster, the character has transcended comics to become a world-wide phenomenon, to the point that the Superman shield is the second most recognized symbol around the world next to the cross. In this episode of Cinema Stories, Courtney Huskisson and Matt Rushing talk about Man of Steel. We discuss our experiences with this take on Superman, stewardship on Krypton, morality and evolution, a god you can’t control, identity and purpose, partnership, sacrifice and so much more.
CONTACT US: cinemastories@tobethechurch.com
This is one of the oldest fairy tales, it’s been told by the likes of the Grimm Brothers, Charles Perrault and Walt Disney. Now the Disney studios is going back and taking their animated classics and recreating them as live-action movies. In this episode of Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about Disney’s live-action Cinderella. We discuss the creation/fall/redemption arc, identity, salvation, is love free and so much more. CONTACT US: cinemastories@tobethechurch.com
The character of Wonder Woman has existed in the culture zeitgeist for over 75 years and yet it is only now, in 2017, that she has been brought to the big screen in her first solo movie.
This week on Cinema Stories Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about DC Comics latest film Wonder Woman. We discuss the ways in which it parallels may of the truths we see in Scripture and what we can learn from the movie.
CONTACT US: cinemastories@tobethechurch.com
In this introductory episode, Courtney Huskisson and Matthew Rushing talk about their inspiration for doing this podcast and then dive into the Marvel cinematic universe’s latest movie, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 to see what it has to say and where it lines up with what we believe.
CONTACT US: cinemastories@tobethechurch.com