Once again it is Easter time, and here at CTGPodcast we are celebrating by watching what we think should be required viewing for all mature Christians: Monty Python’s Life of Brian. In TV Corner we begin discussing the merits of the show “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” but somehow end up debating the cost of pledging devotion to Vin Diesel.  “Huh?” you might say to yourself; just listen.

Monty Python’s Life of Brian – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Monty Python’s Flying Circus – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Friday Night, Saturday Morning – Monty Python’s Life of Brian – YouTube

Next month, we have another theme show in which review the movie Contact and in TV Corner the meme source “Ancient Aliens.”  Be sure to listen in on our mobile site at http://ctgpodcast.podbean.com/mobile/  He is Risen!

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Hello folks!  I know you guys were expecting a full podcast but things are still a little crazy from the holiday busy-ness.  We will still be giving you a podcast covering Stargate and Stargate SG-1, only it will be arriving in the beginning of February.  In the meantime, Mike and I have some exciting news to share so download this brief segment for the big announcement. Also, here are some interesting websites Mike and I have dug up to satiate you film and religion desires.

The Superhero Delusion: How Superhero Movies created the Sad Perfect Badass Messiah, and what that says about America | PopWatch | EW.com

Jedis And Pastafarians: Real Religion Or Just A Joke?

Avengers – Meeting God – MEME, Funny Pictures and LOL

Big Mike’s Everything Emporium – YouTube

See you next month!

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Welcome to the Halloween episode of Checking the Gate, where we examine the religious veracity of the classic horror movie “The Exorcist” and the more recent (and not so classic) “Constantine.”  We look at the fictions put forth in these movies, the former based on a novel and the latter based on graphic novels, to see if they line up with reality.  We have a lot of laughs along the way!

http://theexorcist.warnerbros.com/

The Exorcist (1973) – IMDb

Constantine (2005) – IMDb

CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Demonic Possession

Removing Demonic Oppression | Leadership Journal

CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Suicide

Next month we will have a Kirk Cameron Special!  We will watch the movie “Fireproof” and also mention the film “Left Behind.”  In TV Corner we will discuss the merits of the new game show “The American Bible Challenge” hosted by Jeff Foxworthy on the Game Show Network. See you in a few weeks!

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“A planet where apes evolve from men?”  This and other mind boggling questions are tackled in this month’s epic podcast on the “Planet of the Apes” series of movies.  In our TV/Book corner we review Stephen King’s post-apocalyptic spiritual spectacular: The Stand. We have not had as much fun recording since our “Dune” episode, and we hope you enjoy it too.  As always, here are some links for further study.

Planet of the Apes: The Forbidden Zone

*Planet of the Apes* as American Myth: Race, Politics, and Popular Culture – Eric Greene – Google Books

The Stand – Stephen King – Google Books

OverDrive – Global distributor of digital eBooks, audiobooks, music & video for library, school & retail

Audible.com

Next show is in October which is Halloween time.  So, in honor of this ancient holiday we will be watching two movies: “The Exorcist” and “Constantine;” both are different takes on the Catholic-inspired horror genre and should make for some interesting comparison. See you all then!

Update: Since we recorded this episode, one of the stars of the 2001 “Planet of the Apes,” Micheal Clarke Duncan, has passed away at the age of 54 due to natural causes following a heart attack.  Our thoughts and prayers are for his family, friends, and fans.  All of us will miss him.

Michael Clarke Duncan Dead at 54 | Fox News Latino

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Welcome to episode sixteen, on  Lang’s classic Metropolis and the short lived Caprica, of Checking the Gate: A Film and Religion Podcast.  As you may remember, we delayed this episode to focus on Christ centered movies for Easter earlier in the year.  At last, we are able to turn our attention to the Medieval religious imagery in an an Expressionist film, to the ethics of cheating death and playing God, and to lamenting unfulfilled promises.  Here are some links for those of keen interest.

Metropolis

The Complete Metropolis – Kino Lorber Home Video

Japanese Visual Culture: Explorations in the World of Manga and Anime – Mark Wheeler MacWilliams – Google Books

Caprica | Syfy

FOX Broadcasting Company – Fringe TV Show – Fringe TV Series – Fringe Episode Guide

Septembers episode is going to cover another classic sci-fi piece, the original “Planet of the Apes.”  We will most likely touch on the sequel ”Beneath the Planet of the Apes” and the 2001 remake, but the later two are not required viewing.  We will also be discussing the book/miniseries of Stephen King’s The Stand, as TV Corner slowly morphs into Book Corner.  Until then remember, the mediator of the hed and the hands must be the heart…so say we all!

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