Contributor: Paul Asay

Paul Asay has been part of the Plugged In staff since 2007, watching and reviewing roughly 15 quintillion movies and television shows. He’s written for a number of other publications, too, including Time, The Washington Post and Christianity Today. The author of several books, Paul loves to find spirituality in unexpected places, including popular entertainment, and he loves all things superhero. His vices include James Bond films, Mountain Dew and terrible B-grade movies. He’s married, has two children and a neurotic dog, runs marathons on occasion and hopes to someday own his own tuxedo. Feel free to follow him on Twitter @AsayPaul.

Movie Monday: ‘Weapons’ Attacks the Box Office

‘Freakier Friday’ attacked the box office with nostalgic power, but it was no match for Warner Bros.’ new horror flick ‘Weapons.’

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fantastic four

‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Is Surprisingly Pro-Life

In ‘The Fantastic Four,’ even with the fate of the world weighing down the other end of the scales, Sue Storm chooses life for her baby.

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Episode 298: Great Bible-Based Entertainment for Your Kids. Plus, ‘Sketch’

We’ll talk about some entertainment options that might spark a Christian conversation. Then, we’ll talk about the new movie Sketch.

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Episode 297: Is ChatGPT Making Us Dumber? Plus, a Chat With ‘The Bad Guys 2’ Director

Is ChatGPT making us dumber? A new study says so. Then, we’ll talk briefly with the Pierre Perifel, the director behind The Bad Guys 2.

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The Life of Chuck

The Life of Chuck lands its R rating for its harsh language. But this optimistic, life-affirming film might speak to us in deeper, more profound ways, too.

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Episode 296: It’s Nostalgia Time! Plus, Is It Time to Stop Talking to AI?

LISTEN TO THE PLUGGED IN SHOW, EPISODE 296 It’s been hard to craft a good Fantastic Four movie. Every decade or so, Hollywood tries: Richard Corman allegedly directed a take on Marvel’s First Family in 1994—but it was never released. The 2005 Fantastic …

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Acapulco

Acapulco, Apple TV+’s bilingual comedy, is almost as kind-hearted as Ted Lasso, but without as much crass language

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foundation

Foundation

Apple TV+’s take on Isaac Asimov classic sci-fi series takes some unwanted liberties with the source material.

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Episode 295: The Jesus Glow. Plus, ‘Smurfs’

What does the “Jesus Glow” trend on TikTok say about the impact influencers have on faith? Plus, the new movie, Smurfs.

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Five Reasons Why Superman (the Character) Really Is Super

When I was about 5 years old, I argued with a friend of mine (over a Pringles-and-Kool-Aid snack, as I recall) about whether Superman was real or not. He said yes. I said no. (Even then, I was a cynic.) Thankfully, we knew how to settle the matter: Go …

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Episode 294: Is Superman Just Too Good? Plus, a Super-Important Announcement

Everything you need to know about the new Superman flick and Nintendo’s Mario Kart World for the Switch 2.

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Ballard

‘Ballard,’ a spinoff from the long-running ‘Bosch’ television shows, comes with the same crime procedural DNA—and many of the same problems.

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The Old Guard 2

Despite being about a bunch of immortal fighters, Netflix’s ‘The Old Guard 2’ nevertheless feels pretty disposable.

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Squid Game

Netflix might not have banked on Squid Game being its most popular show ever. But it sure knew it wanted it bloody.

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The Last Rodeo

For a faith-based movie, The Last Rodeo is a bit of a bumpy ride. But if you make it to the buzzer, the payoff is surprisingly sweet.

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