Cinematic Doctrine: A Movie Review Podcast Hosted by Christians
Cinematic Doctrine is a mature, millennial-infused film/tv discussion podcast from Melvin Benson that features Movie Discussions (conversational episodes about specific movies), Party Pleasers (movies fully-summarized from start to finish to discern if its a 'Party Pleaser' or 'Party Pooper'), and Let's Talks (prepared film-or-Christian related topical episodes). Influenced by Acts 17 and Romans 2:4. Podcast Magazine says Cinematic Doctrine "uses the shared value of human life as a springboard into deeper conversations". // CinematicDoctrine.com
Dawn of the Dead (1978) - How Social Structures Rise & Fall
MOVIE DISCUSSION:
Kathryn joins Melvin to talk about George Romero's Dawn of the Dead, his zombie-crazed follow-up to Night of the Living Dead! The two discuss the film's dense themes, the complexities of consumerism, ownership, and possessions, and if the film is a clever mashup of both Night of the Living Dead and The Crazies!
Topics:
Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:26:59 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon he...Five Nights at Freddy's 2 - Retconable
PARTY PLEASER:
Shirleon joins Melvin to summarize Five Nights at Freddy's 2! From it's lore-heavy beginning to the noticeably worse dialogue, the two share their opinions on virtually everything this film tries to offer. The two also ask: what's Mike's problem? Tune in now!
Topics:
(FREE PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 22-minutes doing a mini-Movie Discussion on the first Five Nights at Freddy's movie as a general refresher, as well as seeing where Shirleon & Melvin are with the FNAF franchise; both the films and the games. (F...Pet Sematary (1989) - w/ Dreadful Digest on The CliffsNotes Adaptation
MOVIE DISCUSSION:
Dreadful Digest: Podcast // Instagram // YouTube
Tessa Nelson of the Dreadful Digest Podcast joins Kathryn & Melvin to explore the first adaptation of Stephen King's Pet Sematary! Is the gang a fan of the book? How does it hold up against tentpole classic adaptations like Misery and The Shining? Is Dale Midkiff up to the task of playing Louis Creed? All that and more; tune in now!
Topics:
(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 20-minutes discussing the announcement of IT: Welcome to Derry Season 2, how this season will handle the "B...Nine to Five - Fonda, Tomlin, and Dolly Save Feminism
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 Nine to Five, a much-loved 1980's office-comedy! The two discuss the incredible performances, clever situational humor, its myriad of feminist ideas, and so much more. Tune in now!
Topics:
(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 20-minutes discussing Universal Studios being the first studio to hit $5 billion at the Box-Office in 2026, what's setting them apart from th...Resident Evil (2026) - Devoid of Thought; Fun to Watch
MOVIE DISCUSSION:
Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss Zach Cregger's new adaptation of a popular horror franchise, Resident Evil! How does it compare to his previous, original films Barbarian and Weapons? How much does the film draw from the video games? Should comedy be illegal? Tune in and find out!
Topics:
(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 23-minutes discussing 2026's current world-wide box-office winners, from Backrooms to Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and where they're placed alongside a myriad of other movies. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)In good practice, Kathryn & Melvin share their experience w...The Runner - Gal Gadon't
PARTY PLEASER:
Kathryn joins Melvin to summarize what might be 2026's punching-bag movie, The Runner, featuring Gal Gadot! The two endure against the film's confounding plot, poorly edited "action" sequences, and the continued self-inflicted humiliation of Gal Gadot.
Topics:
(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 20-minutes discussing The Hollywood Reporter's "‘Resident Evil’ Filmmaker Zach Cregger Reveals the Key Adjustment He Made After Test Screenings" from Brian Davids, specifically how Cregger cut-back on the jokes, and why tone is so important in horror. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Melvin & Kathryn are convinced that the major...It Ends - horror in lower case
MOVIE DISCUSSION:
Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss a little-seen existential horror, It Ends, a film about a car that drives on and on... and on. From its curious hook to its Gen Z attitude, the two explore what works, what doesn't, and what it has in common with its modern contemporaries.
Topics:
(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 42-minutes discussing The Hollywood Reporter's "Top Genre Filmmakers of 2026: From Curry Barker to Guillermo del Toro", whether its top 10 actually makes sense, why we think these directors are revered so well, and more. (P...Buffet Infinity - Cult of (Commercial Television) Personality
MOVIE DISCUSSION:
Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss an offbeat in-world horror comedy called Buffet Infinity! The two discuss the ease of watching a film told by commercials, the mysterious sinkhole, what's actually happening to the missing persons, and the film's allegorical exploration of capitalism, institutions, and cults.
Topics:
(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 20-minutes imagining what kind of movie would have to be made for Shirleon and Melvin to go full pointing-soy-face-"LOOK!", and whether the other would see their fantasy movie. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Shirleon is "very excited" about B...Better Off Dead - Teens Are Absurd
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 & Kathryn join Melvin to talk about a much-loved 80's cult-classic comedy; Better Off Dead! Are teen years really like that? Can we enjoy the comedic work of someone controversial? Did everything work? Tune in and find out!
Topics:
Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its o...I Can Only Imagine - A Monumental Song, A Serviceable Movie
REBROADCAST MOVIE DISCUSSION:
From setting the stage with the world of CCM, to the song I Can Only Imagine's release and world domination, then finally right into the movie itself, Melvin and Daniel dive into many topics throughout this episode! (originally released August 31st, 2021)
Topics:
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever - Ambitious and/or Bloated
REBROADCAST MOVIE DISCUSSION:
Melvin & Dan can only agree on one thing: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is, in fact, a Marvel movie. To focus their attention, Melvin proposes four ambitions that he feels will make-or-break the film for audience members. (originally released November 16th, 2022)
Topics:
(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 44-minutes discussing Kevin Conroy's passing, Video Rental store nostalgia, and media curation (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) Melvin liked that Black Panther: Wakanda Forever had a somewhat self-serious profile as opposed to the more flippant, light sensibilities of other Marvel fare. How...Spider-Man: Brand New Day - w/ Daniel Braindead on Consequences and Growing Up
MOVIE DISCUSSION:
Ways to support missions: Open Doors International // Mission Next // Wycliffe Bible Translators // The Voice of the Martyrs
Daniel, returning from some time off the show, joins Melvin to discuss the latest anticipated MCU entry, Spider-Man: Brand New Day! The two talk about how it's the first proper "New York Spider-Man" movie in the MCU, it's third-act getting lost in the weeds, and their disinterest in Avengers: Doomsday when compared against the smaller, more intimate scale of Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
Topics:
Editor's Note: No P...Sunset Boulevard - Resilience, Belonging, & the Impact of Film
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 Sunset Boulevard, a timeless, tragic, Hollywood fairytale. The two meditate on what its like to be transported back in time, the importance of resiliency, finding a place of belonging, and "the medium is the message" as it relates to photography and film.
Topics:
(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 30-minutes talking about the Avengers: Doomsday tra...The Matrix - The Mind, the Body, the Leather
MOVIE DISCUSSION:
Kathryn joins Melvin for their first-time watch of The Matrix! The two get into its twists and turns, its partnering of action and philosophy, concepts like self-efficacy and self-actualization, and how "The One" is also a part of the whole.
Topics:
Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:20:47 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!Kathryn talks about "that" moment, without spoiling it, and how it completely c...Loner - Underseen and Understated
MOVIE DISCUSSION:
Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss Loner, an underseen in-world/found-footage, semi-horror, semi-drama film! Loner has more than its gorgeous setting to offer, from it's slow, contemplative pace to its curiously complex main character, and the two get into that and more in this episode. Tune in now!
Topics:
(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 21-minutes discussing Supergirl's shockingly terrible opening box-office numbers, if the age of the Spielberg/Lucas-esque adventure blockbuster is over, and the ever-changing landscape of entertainment in 2026. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)First things first, Loner is more t...Frogman - Cryptids, Found-Footage, & Self-Destruction
PARTY PLEASER:
Shirleon & Kathryn join Melvin to summarize Frogman, a surprise found-footage horror feature from 2023 about the Loveland Frogman! The three discuss their familiarity with Frogman, the inherent qualities of Found-Footage narratives, and whether they're frog people or rat people!
Topics:
(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 33-minutes describing three cryptids, exploring their history, and deciding, "Do we believe?". (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Asking the important questions: what's Frogman, and is he a swamp-mermaid?Each scene cleverly employs a new framing device, helping the film keep a healthy forward momentum.So... what...Vertigo - The iPad Kid Killer
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 Vertigo, a film many consider Alfred Hitchcock's greatest achievement! From it's haunting atmosphere to its incredibly performances, the two discuss love, memory, deceit, and whether Vertigo would cause an iPad kid's head to explode!
Topics:
(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 32-minutes discussing some do's and don'ts when it comes to purchasing physical media. (PAT...Grant Gow on "What's Theater Programming?" at the Hiway Theater
LET'S TALK:
Grant Gow: Instagram // Letterboxd // Cult Cinema Club
Grant Gow, Assistant Programmer for Renew Theaters, joins Melvin to discuss what goes into Theater Programming. With the financial failure of Mandalorian & Grogu amidst success for both Obsession and Backrooms, Melvin's been curious about the theater-side of this whole ordeal, and asks Grant, "So, what's Theater Programming anyway?". From new-and-current run films to special screenings, Theater Programming is a nuanced curation process with legal hurdles and audience influence, and Grant shares some insight into how this whole "running a theater" thing works! Tune in...
Obsession - w/ Dreadful Digest on Female Agency and Pathetic Men
MOVIE DISCUSSION:
Dreadful Digest: Podcast // Instagram // YouTube
Tessa Nelson from Dreadful Digest joins Kathryn & Melvin to discuss one of 2026's most surprising successes, Obsession! Is the film really as scary as many say it is? What about Bear: is he a "nice guy"? And who's the actual villain of the film? There's so much to explore, so tune in now!
Topics:
(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 31-minutes discussing what might be attributing to the exorbitant success of horror movies, most notably with Obsession & Backrooms, over the last few years. ...Backrooms - The Liminal Space Between Character & Vibes
MOVIE DISCUSSION:
Shirleon & Kathryn join Melvin to discuss Kane Parsons' silver-screen debut for his hugely popular web-series; Backrooms! How does Parsons handle the transition from in-world storytelling to omniscient camera storytelling? The web-series doesn't really have character-driven narratives, so what do they think of Clark & Mary as the film's leads? And most importantly... is it good? Tune in and find out!
Topics:
(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 37-minutes discussing The Mandalorian & Grogu's shockingly awful 70% second-weekend drop-off against Obsession's generational box-office legs & Backrooms' incredible first weekend, and what this might signal for t...Josee, the Tiger and the Fish - "I will not remember this film."
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 an underseen 2020 anime flick, Josee, the Tiger and the Fish! Why a tiger? What's the fish? Who's a Josee? All these questions - about romance, symbolism, and if the two even liked the movie - and more are answered in this finale episode to Ani-May! Tune in!
Topics:
(FREE...Serial Experiments Lain - w/ Beneath the Tangles on Loving Lain
TV-SHOW DISCUSSION:
Beneath the Tangles: Instagram // YouTube // X // Website
Twwk (Charles) from Beneath the Tangles joins Melvin to discuss a massive cult-classic sci-fi anime: Serial Experiments Lain! In this incredibly dense episode about an incredibly dense show, the two explore transhumanism, self-sacrifice, predictive fiction, and the show's wildly popular opener song, 'Duvet' by Bôa!
Topics:
Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:46:37 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on...Tomie - Toxic Femininity Explored
MOVIE DISCUSSION:
Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss Tomie, another early Junji Ito live-action adaptation! The two talk about the film's varying quality, constantly curious ideas, and toxic-femininity; something they've rarely seen explored in film.
Topics:
(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 24-minutes discussing about Zach Cregger's Resident Evil movie teaser trailer as well as responding to the surprisingly divisive online reaction. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)Kathryn & Melvin have both read the Tomie manga, but only Kathryn has finished reading it, and the two share their thoughts.Kathryn, "[Tomie] is a good highlight re...My Neighbor Totoro - w/ Paryss Bryanne on Childhood Whimsy as Adults
MOVIE DISCUSSION:
Legacy XP Coaching
Paryss Bryanne: Instagram // Tiktok // YouTube // Snapchat
Pixel Paryss: Instagram // Tiktok // YouTube // Twitch
Paryss Bryanne joins Melvin to talk My Neighbor Totoro! The two kick-off Ani-May with a much-beloved Studio Ghibli classic! Nostalgia, curiosity, and a whole lotta whimsy fill this episode from start to finish! Tune in now!
Topics:
Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:35:43 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tu...Rear Window - The Voyeurism Episode
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 in discussing Rear Window, a quintessential Hitchcock film! The two get into the film's fascination with voyeurism, L.B. Jefferies complex character, whether or not people can change, and what it means to clearly see others.
Topics:
(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 22-minutes discussing the Forbes report from Rob Salkowitz "Disney Layoffs Hit Marvel Studios Hard", how...Exit 8 - Notice Your Neighbor
MOVIE DISCUSSION:
Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss another indie-horror-game-turned-movie, Exit 8! First off, how is it as an adaptation? Also, can a 40-ish minute game really get turned into a 90-minute movie? And what about a dramatic throughline; what's keeps audiences emotionally hooked?
Topics:
(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 25-minutes discussing The Hollywood Reporter's "Inside PIxar's Scrapped Movie 'Be Fri' and the "Devastating" Aftermath" by Ryan Gajewski, how we feel about Disney/Pixar canceling a Magical Girl movie, and how it's hard to tell if this is a win or loss post-KPop D...IT: Welcome to Derry - w/ Dreadful Digest on Not-Your-Dad's-Stranger-Things
TV-SHOW DISCUSSION:
Dreadful Digest: Podcast // Instagram // YouTube
Tessa & Sam of the Dreadful Digest podcast join Melvin to discuss IT: Welcome to Derry, the spin-off prequel series to Andy Muschietti's IT duology! How does the show balance its original and familiar material? Is it scarier than the movies? What's the pulse on Bill Skarsgård's interpretation of Pennywise? Tune in to this INSANELY dense episode and find out!
Topics:
Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:57:10 len...Significant Other - w/ Janecka Olen on Al(ien)pine Divorce
MOVIE DISCUSSION:
Scream Queen Podcast: Podcast // Instagram // TikTok // BlueSky
Janecka Olen, creator and host of the Scream Queen Podcast, joins Melvin to discuss a criminally underseen, economically paced sci-fi thriller that's stuck in streaming jail: Significant Other! This 2022 film is loaded with surprises, including an emotional depth seldom seen in "invasion"-type movies. But, is it really an invasion film? It's a lot of things. Tune in and find out!
Topics:
Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down fro...undertone - dumbest movie of the decade?
MOVIE DISCUSSION:
Kathryn joins Melvin to talk a surprise horror hit of 2026, undertone! This spooky flick has been helmed "the scariest movie you'll ever hear" by Collider, but is that actually true? Also, what's with all the catholic imagery? And does everything gel well together, or would this have been better as a short-film?
Topics:
Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:30:31 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!K...Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey - On Kids Movies
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 latest Patreon-Picked movie, Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey! The two finish out March with a family film about talking animals and giving trust a chance!
Topics:
(PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 22-minutes of Kathryn & Melvin discussing the Spider-Man: Brand New Day trailer, their interest levels, and where they are with their relationship to th...The Fly (1986) - w/ Horror Hour with the Hannas on Fragile Bodies, Men, and Stomachs
MOVIE DISCUSSION:
Horror Hour with the Hannas: Podcast // Instagram // TikTok // YouTube
Welcome to Twin Peaks: Podcast // Instagram
Hannah & Matt Hanna from Hour Hour with the Hannas join Melvin to discuss one of David Cronenberg's most loved pictures; The Fly! From its brisk pacing to dense themes, the three get into the grotesque ins-and-outs of this vile, visual treat!
Topics:
Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:50:27 length, so if you want to hear the...Scream 7 - Kalshi, MetaAI, and Israel Controversy
MOVIE DISCUSSION:
Kathryn & Melvin discuss the latest ghostface outing, Scream 7! Overwhelmed with controversy, this hugely popular modern slasher franchise brings back its original final girl, Sydney Prescott, in an attempt to salvage its reputation. Did it pay off? Is the whodunnit of it all still good? What's the meta commentary this time around? What about the boycott? We get into it all; tune in now!
Topics:
Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:19:54 length, so if you wa...Bugonia - Rich People Blame You
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...Misericordia - Life After Death (and also Mushrooms)
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, an...Bottle Rocket - Talking Wes Anderson
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...Iron Lung - Is Cosmic Horror Hope-core?
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 gro...Stranger Things S5 - Canon Fanfiction
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 fi...Priest - happy new year i guess
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 int...Q4 Catch-Up 2025: The Finale!
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:
A Man on the Inside (2024-X) (Series)Hedda (2025) (Movie)Jane Austen's Period Drama (2024) (Short Film)Sorry, Bab...The Bishop's Wife - Cucked by an Angel
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...