Mourning with those who mourn
In memory of Clementa Carlos Pinckney (1973-2015), Democrat, South Carolina Senate; senior pastor of Mother Emanuel A.M.E. [African Methodist Episcopal] Church; martyred with eight of his congregation.
0 Comments4 Minutes
Jurassic World (2015): What specialists say
Since I haven't had a chance to see Jurassic World yet, I asked the Looking Closer Specialists for their first impressions. Here's what they're saying...
3 Comments5 Minutes
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
It's explosive fun. It's even more fun the second time. And I think it'll be justly celebrated as one of the all-time great achievements in action moviemaking.
0 Comments17 Minutes
Moments of violence, then grace and love
One year ago today, my friends and colleagues at Seattle Pacific University responded to gunshots with courage, selflessness, faith, generosity, and grace.
0 Comments4 Minutes
Do you ever dream a movie?
This morning, my friend Bob Denst — a gifted poet who is studying in Seattle Pacific University's MFA in Creative Writing program — sent me this note: "Had a dream that I was watching a new Terrence Malick movie this morning." But as Malick movies go... this one gets pretty weird.
5 Comments2 Minutes
Music from the ruins of Mars Hill
“If you know anything about the story of Mars Hill,” says Bryan, “if you know the story of the downfall and disintegration of Mars Hill Church, the story of [the pastor’s] resignation, and the relationship between him and Dustin, then you’ll know what Dustin is singing about when you listen to ‘Gallows.’”
0 Comments1 Minutes
From the writer of Amazing Grace
"Our pleasure and our duty,
Though opposite before,
Since we have seen his beauty,
Are joined to part no more..."
0 Comments4 Minutes
Tomorrowland (2015): Tomorrow-bland?
I hoped that Brad Bird would experience a much more positive response to his own passion project — the long-anticipated Tomorrowland — than Andrew Stanton did for his passion project, "John Carter."
5 Comments8 Minutes
Josh Garrels goes Home
I admire Garrels’ willingness to sing honestly about the complicated journey of faith—that is, a journey of doubt, questions, and struggle, as well as hope and joy and gratitude.
1 Comment1 Minutes
The Empire Strikes 35
"Anger, fear, aggression. The dark side are they. Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny."
0 Comments1 Minutes
Milk Carton Kids, Muppets, vampires, and gothic fairy tales
New music from The Milk Carton Kids is streaming. The year's funniest comedy so far is now available for rent. The Muppets have a new TV-series trailer. And more...
0 Comments5 Minutes
First Take: Salt of the Earth, Clouds of Sils Maria, Predestination
I've seen three memorable movies in the last three weeks. Two of them come from world-renowned directors, and one of them is as crazy and strange as time-travel stories get.
0 Comments9 Minutes
Belle and Sebastian’s happy song about sadness
Want an injection of instant joy? I’ve just heard the most joyful song about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Thank you, Belle and Sebastian!
0 Comments1 Minute
Two Days, One Night & Something, Anything
I saw all of the Oscar hopefuls, and none of them have stayed with me as powerfully as these unpredictable, suspenseful, and richly rewarding films.
0 Comments1 Minutes
Bruce Cockburn: Psalms in Seattle
Legendary guitarist and songwriter Bruce Cockburn spoke about the Psalms as he moved from song to song during his short, seven-song set on Thursday in Seattle.
0 Comments2 Minutes
Q&O: Galaxy Quest, 2015’s Best Record, & They Might Be Giants.
Are you excited about Galaxy Quest coming to television? What's your favorite album of 2015 so far? How about They Might Be Giants — what's your favorite album from their 31 years of recording?
1 Comment5 Minutes
Join me for a talk about 2015’s best records so far
What's your favorite record of 2015 so far? Let me know, and I'll try to make find time to mention it during the live podcast recording of the show.
2 Comments1 Minutes
Madonna, Bettye LaVette, Joe Henry: Whose version of Stop is best?
The new album by Bettye LaVette, produced by Joe Henry, features some excellent test cases when it comes to the subject of cover songs.
0 Comments2 Minutes
Looking Closer with Jeffrey Overstreet
(now the ears of my ears awake andnow the eyes of my eyes are opened)
– e. e. cummings, “i thank You God for most this amazing”