The Plugged In Show, Episode 171: ‘The Thorn’ and ‘Creed III’

LISTEN TO THE PLUGGED IN SHOW, EPISODE 171

You think winter packs a punch? Just look at what Spring brings.

Every year, the season carries with it a reminder of history’s greatest spiritual bout—Jesus’ victory over death itself. Easter reminds us that literally everything changed with that knockout blow, when the stone rolled away and the living Christ walked out of the tomb.

The Thorn is one of Christendom’s most creative retellings of Jesus’ ministry and miracles, his life and death and life again.  Some have described this lavish production as The Greatest Story Ever Told meets Cirque du Soleil. Now, after 25 years playing to audiences on stage, it’s hitting the big screen March 6-7 in the form of a Fathom Event.

I talk with John Bolin, The Thorn’s creator, about the production’s fascinating history, audacious theatrics and its transition from stage to screen.

Then we transition into another comeback story—the one chronicled in Creed III. Bob Hoose, Adam Holz and I discuss this durable franchise (which extends all the way back to a little 1976 film called Rocky) and whether this latest installment is a knockout itself.

We’ll dive into another Name That Movie contest, too—and right here, you’ll have a chance to join in! Participate by thinking of a one-sentence descriptor for a popular film, and win your very own copy of Jonathan McKee’s book Parenting Generation Screen. (See official contest rules at the end of this blog.) And if you don’t enter the contest, feel free to chime in with your own thoughts on the show via Facebook, Instagram or via email ([email protected])

And you know what’s also on the end of this blog? Links to everything we talked about.

Additional Resources:

• Plugged In Review: Jesus Revolution
• Plugged In Blog: “Plugged In Talks to the Jesus Revolution Cast & Directors”
• Plugged In Show Episode 170: “A Look at the ‘Jesus Revolution’”
• Plugged In Review: Battlefield Earth
• Plugged In Blog: “’The Thorn’ Moves from Stage to Screen”  
• Plugged In Review: Creed
• Plugged In Review: Creed II
• Plugged In Review: Creed III
• Plugged In Review: Rocky Balboa

• Plugged In Movie Awards: Best Movies for Kids (2023)
• Plugged In Movie Awards: Best Movies for Teens (2023)
• Plugged In Movie Awards: Best Movies for Adults (2023)
• Plugged In Movie Awards: Best Christian Movies (2023)

• Focus on the Family: Setting Media Standards
• Focus on the Family: Making Wise Entertainment Choices
• Plugged In: Tech Guide
• Focus on the Family: How to Develop Media Intelligence in Your Home