Meet the Team

Is Cinematic Doctrine a Christian Movie Podcast?

Melvin Benson

Founder, Editor-In-Chief, and Lead Host

Melvin loves a good story. Whether it’s a movie, show, game, comic, or novel, it doesn’t matter. As long as it’s rich, he’s ready and willing to give it a try! When he’s not knee-deep in someone else’s story, he’s writing his own.

Married to his wife Kathryn, the two regularly attend church, study the scriptures, have a tabby-cat named Milo, and stay up way too late watching movies or playing video games.

Favorite Movies

Daniel Braindead

Producer, Content Editor, and Co-Host

As a child, Dan’s pastor father and Conservative Japanese mother wouldn’t let him watch secular TV or movies. His grandparents, however, would babysit him by sticking him in front of a TV showing him movies like Predator and Rambo: First Blood Part II on repeat. This super normal and very healthy upbringing made him the man he is today.

Dan is married to a very understanding woman and attends First Congregational Church. He has a bachelor’s degree in Biblical studies and has experience as a youth pastor and mental health counselor.

Favorite Movies

Cinematic Doctrine is available on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and other major podcast apps.

Dawn of the Dead (1978) – How Social Structures Rise & Fall – Cinematic Doctrine: A Movie Review Podcast Hosted by Christians

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 here!It's bigger, fuller, more effects-heavy, and its commentary on consumerism is clear.It's also one of the single-most dense films in terms of themes, playing with all sorts of ideas and encouraging much thought.Where does Dawn of the Dead fit in with the other Romero films Mel and Kathryn have seen?Is there a throughline about classism? Kathryn thinks so. Melvin isn't so sure.On the value of life at all costs, and Peter being a good character.Breaking down a few themes Melvin observed.Romero's developing leading women of the mainline Dead-Trilogy.How social structures rise and fall, and the curse of complacency.Recommendations:Hellier Season 1 (2019) (Series)Buddy (2026) (Movie) Support the showSupport on Patreon for Unique Perks! Early access to uncut episodes Vote on a movie/show we review One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & PinsSocial Links: ThreadsWebsiteInstagramLetterboxdFacebook Group

Author

Written by

Melvin Benson

Melvin Benson is the Founder, Executive Editor, and Lead Host of Cinematic Doctrine, a mature, millennial-infused film/tv discussion podcast influenced by Acts 17 and Romans 2:4. His hope is to see King Jesus glorified as far as the east is from the west!