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: ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ Rises to Top

Despite a strong challenge from last week’s champ, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts rolled to the top of the box-office standings.

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Fast X

Fast X

As the Fast & Furious franchise winds down, this entry features a few storyline surprises. But its content concerns are no surprise at all.

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The Lazarus Project season 1

The Lazarus Project

A mysterious organization has the ability to go back in time. But most families won’t want to make time for The Lazarus Project.

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Mayans MC season 5

Mayans M.C.

This Sons of Anarchy spinoff looks and feels much the same: motorcycle gangs, family conflict and lots of blood.

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Another Problem With HBO’s ‘Idol’-atry

HBO’s The Idol has been touted by Rolling Stone as a “darker, crazier and more risqué version of Levinson’s smash-hit Euphoria.”

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Are You There God It's Me Margaret 2023

Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.

Based on Judy Blume’s beloved book, this film ports in all of that book’s honesty, heart, and—depending on the family—issues.

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Movie Monday: Spider-Man Crosses Into the Money-Verse

In one weekend of work, Across the Spider-Verse has already cracked the year’s top 10.

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An Interview With ‘On a Wing and a Prayer’ Director Sean McNamara

We chatted with Sean McNamara about his latest film, how his faith impacts his work and what advice he has for other Christian storytellers.

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Manifest season 4

Manifest

Manifest dives deeper into the spiritual realm—and not entirely in a good way.

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The Rising season 1

The Rising

The sun rarely shines in The Rising, which seems wholly fitting. It is a gloomy, humorless slog through scandal, secrets and murder.

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The Plugged In Show, Episode 184: Focus on Filters: What’s the Big Deal? Plus, Jonas Bros.’ ‘The Album’

Social media filters can be fun or potentially damaging. The Plugged In team breaks them down. Then we discuss Jonas Bros.’ The Album.

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Movie Tuesday: ‘The Little Mermaid’ Makes a Splash

The Little Mermaid made big waves at the box office, swimming to an estimated $95.4 million during the traditional three-day weekend.

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Spinning Gold 2023 movie

Spinning Gold

Great songs and strong performances can’t pull this problematic docudrama out of its musical muck.

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The Little Mermaid (2023)

The movie doesn’t just take its forerunner and turn it into something new. It embraces it—and gives us something familiar.

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American Born Chinese Jin

American Born Chinese

American Born Chinese is fun, funny and exciting, standing apart from Disney+’s prominent franchises. But it’s not perfect.

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