Sunday Morning Matinee

As we all hunker down, Adam and Matt revisit Edgar Wright's 2004 zombie rom-com, Shaun of the Dead. In the first segment, they discuss why Shaun of the Dead is still relevant for ministry in the age of coronavirus. In the second segment, they consider the lectionary for March 22nd and how it intersects with Shaun of the Dead. Finally, Matt talks about Austin and Adam talks about local history. As you find something else to do while you are home, join Sunday Morning Matinee for a conversation that will eat up at least 45 minutes of your day!

On this week's Sunday Morning Matinee, Adam and Matt welcome Sarah Kinney Gaventa, Dean of Students at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, to talk about work, sexism, Dolly Parton, and the 1980 hit movie, 9 to 5. In the first segment, the group discusses the sad ways in which this 1980's workplace farce diagnosis our current problems of sexism in the workplace. Then the discussion turns to the wonder of Dolly Parton and her ability to cross boundaries. In the second segment, the group discusses 9 to 5 and its relevance for the lectionary passages for Lent 2, March 8. Finally, Matt takes a sabbath and Adam sort of recommends a book.

On this week's Sunday Morning Matinee, Matt and Adam talk comedy, identity, and Billy Wilder's classic, Some Like it Hot. In the first segment, Matt and Adam talk about how a radical vision of gender ambiguity animates the comedy of Some like it Hot. The conversation turns to a discussion about how the famous last line of the movie has deeply theological implications. In the second segment, the two discuss the scripture passages for Transfiguration Sunday and how Christ's new form and Some like it Hot intersect at questions of revealed identities and what is hidden in the midst of revelation. Finally, Matt talks about movies he watched on a plane, and Adam discusses an article he read.

On this week's Sunday Morning Matinee, Matt and Adam talk about how the Academy Awards disrupted their own narrative by awarding the Best Picture award to Bong Joon Ho's masterpiece, Parasite. After heaping praise on Parasite (and scorn on the award show) Matt and Adam discuss a great year in movies and note some of their own favorites.

On this week's Sunday Morning Matinee, Matt and Adam talk about the papacy, the burdens of ministry, and The Two Popes. In the first segment, Matt and Adam discuss how two of the most powerful people in the world can still struggle with the quotidian trials of ministry. Popes! They are just like us. The conversation also turns to how failure prepares people for leadership. In the second segment, Matt and Adam discuss the advent texts for Epiphany 2 and how the sound of the calling shapes the one being called. Finally, Matt loves British television and Adam loves bad television. So after you watch two guys talk to each other for a full movie, come and listen to two guys talk to each other about the movie where two guys talk to each other!

On this special Christmas Eve Sunday Morning Matinee, Matt and Adam talk about stories, Christmas and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Considering that Star Wars might be the most important pop culture property of the past 100 years, it is fitting to gather and talk about the last film in the Skywalker Saga. Matt and Adam talk about the problems and merits of The Rise of Skywalker before trying to connect the story to the season of Christmas and Epiphany. Finally, the two end the show with a discussion of film archives and christmas bobby traps. So if you are driving home for Christmas or have run out of things to say to your family, come and join Matt and Adam for a little holiday fun.

On this week's Sunday Morning Matinee, Matt and Adam talk sacrifice, small town life, Christmas movies, and the Frank Capra classic, It's a Wonderful Life. In the first segment, Adam share his distaste before Matt provides an affectionate rebuttal. Then Adam softens and Matt gets critical. In the second segment, the discussion turns to the lectionary passages for Advent 4A and how the connect to It's a Wonderful Life. Specifically, talk centers around Matthew's birth narrative and how mission and calling help us understand Christmas. Finally, Matt loves movies about reading and Adam loves Little Baby Yoda. It's doesn't matter if you prefer Pottersvile or Bedford Falls, you will always find a home at Sunday Morning Matinee.

On this week's episode of Sunday Morning Matinee, Matt and Adam talk aging, gangsters, repentance and Martin Scorcese's new film, The Irishman. In the first segment, Matt and Adam discuss their thoughts of the movie, it's three and half hour runtime, and its place within the genre. The discussion then turns to themes of repentence and the formation of identity in a violent world. In the second segment, the discussion turns toward the lectionary passages for this coming week, December 15, 2019. Specifically, the conversation examines the back and forth of John the Baptist and Jesus and the way in which hearing and seeing Christ in the world undermines the propensity to do terrible things. Finally, in the final segment, Matt goes tech geek and Adam learns that reading is pretty great. So, when you finally finish The Irishman, stop in and join the conversation!

On this week’s Sunday Morning Matinee, Adam and Matt are joined by Bromleigh McCleneghen to discuss the new Fred Rogers movie, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. In the first part of the show, the group discusses the peculiarity of Fred Rogers and the theological lessons he taught the world. The group also tries to understand the value of Fred Rogers in our divided time. In the second segment, attention turns to the lectionary passages for the first week in Advent, year A. Spending time with the Isaiah passage, the group discusses the types of imagination and work needed to turn swords into plowshares. Finally, in the last segment, Matt goes click and clack and Adam lets out his inner Roman Catholic. You know, it IS a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Won’t you join us?

In anticipation of Frozen 2, Matt and Adam revisit Disney's 2013 mega-hit, Frozen. In the first segment, the conversation turns to questions of sacrifice, atonement, and true love. Additionally, the hosts can't escape talking about the staying power and meaning of the ubiquitous ear-worm of a song, "Let it Go." In the second segment of the show, Matt and Adam turn their attention to the lectionary passages for November 17th and talk about how Frozen can help us understand the New Jerusalem and the grace of ice. Finally, in the final segment, Adam talks banned books and Matt pours one out for some bloggers. Friends, let it go--all of it--it's time for Sunday Morning Matinee!

On this week's Sunday Morning Matinee, Matt and Adam talk about skateboarding, family, brokenness and Bing Lau's incredible film, Minding the Gap. In the first segment, Matt and Adam discuss the themes of the film and how they intersect with life, theology and ministry. Specifically, the conversation examines the way in which violence shapes, deforms and inspires the main characters. In the second segment, Matt and Adam discuss the movie in light of the lectionary scriptures for this coming Sunday, November 3rd. Specifically, the conversation centers around Habbakuk, the alternate Psalm and the interplay of truth, waiting, and patience. Finally, in the last segment, Matt talks parasites and Adam talks waves. Minding the Gap  is an amazing film, go watch it. Once you have, come and join the conversation!

On this week's Sunday Morning Matinee, Adam and Matt reflect on the the many themes of the movie Joker and how they might inform our theologies and support our ministries. In the first segment, the conversation revolves around the all the ways Joker tries to be something other than a superhero movie, while also trying to be a superhero movie. In the second segment, Matt and Adam look at the lectionary passages for October 20th, 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C and discuss how they connect to Joker. Finally, Matt talks about another stand up comic movie and Adam talks about a comic book... book.

On this week's episode of Sunday Morning Matinee, Matt and Adam are joined by Villanova University professor, Christy Lang Hearlson to talk about adolescence, anger and Olivia Wilde's newest movie, Booksmart. In the first segment, Justification by Faith, the group talks about teen movies, the struggle with "being a relationship," and what maturity requires. In the second segment, the trio turns to the lectionary passages for October 6, Ordinary 22, World Communion Sunday. The conversation revolves around the laments of the texts and the struggles of growing up. Finally, in the postludes, Matt talks about an old tv show and Adam talks about a meal he once ate. So, one last night before graduation. Should you go to that great party? No! Stay in and listen to Sunday Morning Matinee.

In the first episode of the season, Matt and Adam welcome Brennan Breed to talk about apocalypse, transhumanism, and Terminator 2 Judgement Day. In the first segment, the discussion centers around theological questions of apocalypse, human hubris, and the technocratic impulses of our world. In the second segment, the group discusses Terminator 2 in light of the lectionary passages for September 22. In the final segment, Matt talks Veronica Mars and Adam gives thanks for his liberal arts education. So break out your Guns and Roses casette tape and jump on your dirt bike, it's time for another week of Sunday Morning Matinee.

In anticipation of the new season of Sunday Morning Matinee here is a quick discussion of Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade at the Alamo Draft House in Austin, TX. As guests of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Austin, TX, Adam and Matt discuss holiness, the grail, and fathers in front of a live audience that has just watched the movie.