Secrets of Movies and TV Shows

With a sequel to the 1988 film now out, Thomas Salerno, Robert King, and Patrick Mason revisit the beloved original, examining its connections to other fantasy, like Tolkien's works, and the bigger themes the story addresses. The post The Secrets of Willow appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Home Alone is one of the funniest Christmas movies with its bumbling burglar antics. Dom Bettinelli, Mike Denz, and Andrew Hermiz also find that it's a touching story about family, faith, and forgiveness and the ability to change at any age. The post The Secrets of Home Alone appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Each person's life touches so many others and when they're gone, they leave a hole. Dom Bettinelli, Shelly Kelly, and Mike Denz discuss one of the greatest Christmas movies and its classic themes of the importance of every life, redemption, and the unsung heroics of the people who live among us. The post The Secrets of It’s A Wonderful Life appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Dom Bettinelli, CEO of StarQuest, has a special Advent and Christmas greetings for all listeners and an important message about the mission of StarQuest. The post Blessed Advent, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year from StarQuest appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Charles Schulz's beloved Peanuts comic strip has also been a set of beloved holiday TV specials for many decades. Thomas Salerno, Shelly Kelly, and Mike Denz discuss why these are so beloved and the Gospel message that was often able to come through before a mass audience. The post The Secrets of Peanuts TV Specials appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Manifest is coming back on Netflix. Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter discuss the former NBC show, its mysteries, the moral questions it raises, and how to deal with marriage when your spouse thought you were dead for five years. The post The Secrets of Manifest appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Can you escape fallen human nature in this world? Dom Bettinelli, Mike Creavey, and Mike Denz discuss the M. Night Shyamalan classic with its trademark twist including the themes of sin, redemption, and faith that it contains. The post The Secrets of The Village appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 4th Indiana Jones movie has a reputation as the worst of the franchise. But Dom Bettinelli, Shelly Kelly, and Thomas Salerno discuss how the movie has improved with age as overhyped expectations were replaced with joy at the campy, throwback action and comedy. The post The Secrets of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull appeared first on StarQuest Media.

They talked about the Godfather movies, and so now Dom Bettinelli, Mike Creavey, and Andrew Hermiz tackle the series that showed the making of the Godfather, whether it's worthwhile as entertainment and documentary, as well as its interesting viewpoint. The post The Secrets of The Offer appeared first on StarQuest Media.

What if the Soviets beat the US to the moon? Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier discuss this AppleTV+ series, how the alternate history unspools, and the moral choices it creates for the protagonists over its 3 seasons so far. The post The Secrets of For All Mankind appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Few would claim The Last Starfighter is one of the great scifi movies of all time. But Dom Bettinelli, David Handlos, and Thomas Sanjurjo all agree that it's a great fun movie with a hero you want to root for and some incredibly groundbreaking effects for its day. The post The Secrets of The Last Starfighter appeared first on StarQuest Media.

What is the gray moral area that a CIA agent lives in? Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Chip Hines, and Thomas Sanjurjo discuss this Netflix blockbuster in which an assassin has boundaries he won't cross and must risk is life for it. The post The Secrets of The Gray Man appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Another Batman. Andrew Hermiz, David Handlos, and Irving Nestor discuss the latest Batman movie, starring Robert Pattinson, and the way this film reinterprets the Caped Crusader once again. The post The Secrets of The Batman appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Close Encounters launched the UFO craze of the late 70s and Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Salerno, and Mike Denz discuss the cultural impact, the idea of alien contact, and the connections to reported real world UFO encounters. The post The Secrets of Close Encounters of the Third Kind appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Who was the real Father Stu behind the movie character? Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Joanne Mercier discuss Fr. Cory's memories of Father Stu, plus how the biopic depicts priestly life and formation and its reminder of the beauty of redemptive suffering. The post The Secrets of the Real Father Stu appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The story of St. Thomas More came to the big screen in a classic 1996 film. Dom Bettinelli, Mike Creavey, and Mike Denz discuss the movie and how it portrays the great saint of conscience in public service, including how his example still applies today. The post The Secrets of A Man for All Seasons appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Bookending their look at the Blade Runner films, Thomas Sanjurjo, Thomas Salerno, and Jack Baruzzini discuss the sequel and its continued exploration of what it means to be human, including whether replicants and AIs can have souls. The post The Secrets of Blade Runner 2049 appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The first summer blockbuster, Jaws has had wide impact on our cultures, our attitudes about sharks and open water, and on films in general. Dom Bettinelli, Mike Denz, and Thomas Salerno discuss this Spielberg classic. The post The Secrets of Jaws appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Madness! Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Chip Hines have their instant hot take on the new MCU movie, including discussion of Messiah complexes, finding happiness, and whether audience superhero fatigue is on the horizon. The post Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness – Coffee and Cinema appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Rounding out their discussion of Coppola's trilogy, Dom Bettinelli, Andrew Hermiz, and Mike Creavey talk about why this installment doesn't measure up to the others; the Vatican conspiracy plotline and its connection to history; and the theme of redemption and contrition or lack thereof. The post The Secrets of The Godfather Part III appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Coffee and Cinema returns! Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Chip Hines are back with their quick, on-the-spot review of the Mark Wahlberg movie, Father Stu, and they discuss the authenticity of the vocational journey it depicts as well as some of the more controversial aspects of the film. The post Father Stu – Coffee and Cinema appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 1995 Tom Hanks movie highlights NASA's finest hour and Dom Bettinelli, Shelly Kelly, Joanne Mercier, and Mike Denz discuss how the movie matches up to what really happened and delve into behind-the-scenes and real-life details of the 1970 Apollo accident. The post The Secrets of Apollo 13 appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Star Wars changed everything about SciFi at the movies. Thomas Sanjurjo, David Handlos, and Dom Bettinelli look at the distinct eras and genres of science fiction movies from the 1950s to 1977 and then the non-space-opera SciFi afterward. The post The Secrets of Classic Science Fiction appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Christopher Nolan's 2014 film Interstellar presents a vision of a future where humanity struggles to survive. Dom Bettinelli, Jack Baruzzini, and Mike Creavey discuss the themes of fatherhood; a materialist view of love; and the morality of fighting off extinction at all costs. The post The Secrets of Interstellar appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The original Blade Runner is a beloved blend of cyberpunk and noir detective story. Thomas Sanjurjo, Jack Baruzzini, and Thomas Salerno delve deep into this groundbreaking film, its themes of life and death and hope and despair, and the several versions released over the years. The post The Secrets of Blade Runner appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Swing into one of the biggest MCU hits with Fr. Andrew, Andrew H., Mike, and Thomas for a huge discussion about Spider-Man: No Way Home, including how incredibly fun it is and honors all the many characters it brings in, both villains and heroes, but also gives a deep message about heroism, brotherhood, redemption, and sacrifice, making those themes a crucial part of Peter Parker's MCU origin story and sets him up for what comes next. The post The Secrets of Spider-Man: No Way Home appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Lost Skeleton is a lovingly crafted homage to the old sci-fi B movies of the 50s, and Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and David Handlos have a blast discussing the hilarious script full of quotable lines, the nods to old-style filmmaking, and just how much fun this film will be for the whole family. The post The Secrets of the Lost Skeleton of Cadavra appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Hawkeye seemed like an unlikely candidate for his own series, but as Dom Bettinelli, Mike Denz, and David Handlos discuss, the fun Christmas-set series gave us the next generation of Hawkeye and Black Widow; brought back the best part of the Netflix Marvel series; and showed us what a good dad Clint is. The post The Secrets of Hawkeye appeared first on StarQuest Media.

As Amazon's adaption of Robert Jordan's epic series debuts, Dom Bettinelli, Shelly Kelley, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss how it varies and stays true to the books; where the philosophies present in the story draw from both Eastern and Western spirituality; and spoiler-free thoughts on where it will go from here. The post The Secrets of Wheel of Time, Season 1 appeared first on StarQuest Media.

What makes this 2003 Oscar-winner such a good movie? Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini discuss the story's uncomplicated approach to this tale of the Age of Sail that doesn't impose modern sensibilities and that showcases the heroic virtues, but also the moral failings of these men of the sea. The post The Secrets of Master and Commander appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Christmas TV specials include animated stories, variety shows, and Christmas episodes of regular shows, and Dom, Joanne, Mike, and Thomas discuss their favorites, including both the well-known and obscure and have a lot of Christmas joy while doing it. The post The Secrets of Christmas TV Specials appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Die Hard is a Christmas movie! Dom Bettinelli, Mike Denz, Thomas Sanjurjo, and David Handlos settle that question quick and then discuss how this was also the birth of the modern comedy action movie featuring a tough but brekable action hero. The post The Secrets of Die Hard appeared first on StarQuest Media.

At last, the new Dune movie is out and Thomas Sanjurjo and Jack Baruzzini are here to discuss it, including how it measures up to previous screen adaptations, their favorite moments and themes, and what they expect in the future. The post The Secrets of Dune (2021) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The possibilities are endless, as Andrew Hermiz and Mike Denz consider the Marvel series What If?, including what its wider ramifications for the rest of the MCU will be, plus their own "what if?" scenarios that they'd like to see. The post The Secrets of Marvel’s What If? appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Marvel series Loki reimagines the Asgard god of mischief and Thomas Sanjurjo, Andrew Hermiz, and David Handlos discuss how the series brings up questions of identity and free will and the choices we make between good and evil. The post The Secrets of Loki appeared first on StarQuest Media.

As fans await the long-delayed Dune movie, Thomas Sanjurjo, Jack Baruzzini, and Andrew Hermiz continue their Dune series by discussing the book that started it all, its grand scope and worldview, and the movies it inspired. The post The Secrets of Dune the Book appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Patriot is one of the only films set in the War of Independence. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Chip Hines, and Mike Denz ask why that might be; discuss what they enjoy about the movie; discuss its historical innacuracies; and examine the themes of faith, family, loyalty, and patriotism. The post The Secrets of The Patriot appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Braveheart launched Mel Gibson's career as a serious director; was one of the first epic, bloody battle movies; and ignited a serious push for Scottish independence. Dom Bettinelli, Mike Denz, and Andrew Hermiz discuss the Oscar winner and why it remains a classic. The post The Secrets of Braveheart appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The next step in the evolution of the MCU? Thomas Sanjurjo, Andrew Hermiz, and Mike Denz discuss the latest Disney+ streaming series from the Marvel Universe, including how it deals sensitively with hot button issues and what it portends for the next phase of Marvel stories. The post The Secrets of The Falcon and The Winter Soldier appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The release of the Snyder cut of Justice League was a virtually unprecedented cinema event where a director was able to completely remake his film through editing. Dom Bettinelli, Andrew Hermiz and Fr. Chip Hines discuss where the original and re-cut movies differ, what's improved, and where DCEU goes from here. The post The Secrets of Zach Snyder’s Justice League appeared first on StarQuest Media.

WandaVision is a huge hit and Andrew Hermiz, Fr. Andrew Kinstetter, and Mike Denz discuss why and how Wanda is a broken hero struggling to cope with grief in a way that she realizes is hurting those around her. But it is her hope in the end that ultimately satisfies. The post The Secrets of WandaVision appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Coen Brothers made an homage to old Hollywood in Hail Caesar! Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Sanjurjo, and Jack Baruzzini discuss the story of a good man, a father figure, trying to do a thankless job in a system full of make-believe, selfish agendas, and bad behavior. The post The Secrets of Hail Caesar! appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Cult film maker Alejandro Jodorowsky attempted to make the most bizarre, avant-garde version of "Dune" in the mid-1970s. Thomas Sanjurjo, Andrew Hermiz, and Jack Baruzzini discuss the 2013 documentary about it and how, despite failing to get made, it influenced decades of films afterward. The post The Secrets of Jodorowsky’s Dune appeared first on StarQuest Media.

In the iconic modern Boston-set movie, Good Will Hunting broaches themes of forgiveness, vocation, potential, and loyalty. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Chip Hines, and Andrew Hermiz discuss these deeper themes, while also highlighting the fun of the classic fish-out-of-water theme. The post The Secrets of Good Will Hunting appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Godfather, Part II is considered one of the greatest movies of all time. Dom, Andrew, and Mike discuss the film's masterful portrayal of the effects of the desire for power and control and of the generational and familial effects of sin. The post The Secrets of The Godfather, Part II appeared first on StarQuest Media.

In the mid-80s, John Hughes had an amazing run of teen-focused movies, including this one. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Chip Hines, Andrew Hermiz, and Shelly Kelly go beyond the humor and nostalgia to the deeper themes of not seeing people as stereotypes; recognizing the danger of oppressing the souls of young people; and getting a new perspective on those nearest us every day. The post The Secrets of The Breakfast Club appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Is having a wish fulfilled a kind of cheating? Dom, Angela, Maria, Andrew, and Fr. Chip discuss the Wonder Woman sequel, including its particular feminine genius; its exploration of truth, lies, and heroism; care for children; and uncomfortable moral issues as well. The post The Secrets of Wonder Woman 84 appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Continuing their look at theatrical versions of the classic scifi novel "Dune", Thomas Sanjurjo, Jack Baruzzini, and Andrew Hermiz look at the SciFi Channel's 2000 miniseries adaptation, which had some advantages over the previous David Lynch version. The post The Secrets of Dune (2000) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

StarQuest (SQPN) wishes you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We are grateful for all your support in 2020 whether by listening to our programs, sharing them with your friends, or providing financial support. Please consider supporting our media apostolate with a US tax-deductible gift and help us continue making the programs you love. The post Blessed Advent, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year from StarQuest appeared first on StarQuest Media.

As we await the now-delayed new Dune movie, Thomas, Andrew, and Jack discuss the infamous 1984 David Lynch version, including what could have been, why some younger fans have a new appreciation for the nearly 40-year-old movie, and how a movie should approach adapting this book. The post The Secrets of Dune (1984) appeared first on StarQuest Media.