Earlier in 2020, Disney Plus gained a new PG-Rated addition in Stargirl, the film adaption of Jerry Spinelli’s much-loved 2000 young-adult fiction novel of the same name. Having found a copy of novel at a used book store, I figured I’d read it, text my sister about doing the same, and the two of us could take some time to chat about the film adaption, as well as the book, here on the podcast.
So, as we get things underway, we contextualize our experience with the film adaption of Stargirl by talking briefly about the book. Afterward, we dive headfirst into talking about the movie and – while we try to keep our book-to-film comparisons light – most readers will sympathize with our experience that, sometimes, the book really is better. However, we do spend some time talking about how both the film adaption and the source material stay largely true to the same theme, that sometimes you have to make a decision: In your actions, whose affection are you seeking, and which do you value more? Afterward, knowing that’s the theme of the story, we easily head into a biblical discussion about the affections we as Christians have for Christ, how those affections may divide our relationships with others, and what makes Christ worth it.
Stargirl is Rated PG for mild thematic elements. It features Grace VanderWaal, Graham Verchere, Giancarlo Esposito, Maximiliano Hernández, and Karan Brar. Directed by Julia Hart. Stargirl is available on Disney Plus.
Consider supporting Cinematic Doctrine on Patreon! As a bonus, you’ll gain access to a once-a-month movie poll where you decide a movie we discuss on the podcast, as well as early unedited episodes of the podcast!!
Melvin Benson is the Founder, Editor-In-Chief, and Lead Host of Cinematic Doctrine. He’s written fiction and nonfiction for over a decade with short stories featured on the Creepypasta Wiki and Wattpad. His novelette Ethereal Temptation, a teen drama with a tinge of magical-realism, can be read for free here. His hope is to see King Jesus glorified as far as the east is from the west!
Cinematic Doctrine is available on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and other major podcast apps.
Cinematic Doctrine 