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.

Brave New World

Peacock’s take on Aldous Huxley’s dystopian classic is not brave or new, but it does give viewers a salacious world.

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Vivarium

This grim horror/mystery/comedy is far more about smothering life, in one way or another, than living it.

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Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax

The Lorax shows the world at its worst. And it could be a favorite of the folks at Earth First! But here at Plugged In we’ll address other things. The bravery, the violence, the dents and the dings.

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The Old Guard

The Old Guard may feel fresh and new. But in some ways, it’s the same old story.

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Relic

It’s scary and sad and sometimes awful. But Relic also offers a note of hope in that horror.

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Warrior Nun

While some genuine spiritual elements aren’t completely missing here, the positives are nun-too-obvious.

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Greyhound

For those who have Apple TV+, they’ve received a rare cinematic gift: a gripping story with little to gripe about.

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The Twilight Zone (2019)

Rod Serling proved you could make a provocative show without a whiff of content. This Twilight Zone has no such confidence.

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Dark

Netflix’s new series Dark is, in many ways, a lot like its hit show Stranger Things. Except … darker.

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Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts

Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts is creative, engaging and clever. But it’s not Kansas. Indeed, it’s not even Oz.

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Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga

The story here, like the songs and talent we see in most any singing competition, is strangely affecting.

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The Politician

Ryan Murphy’s empty-hearted hero, Payton, takes a run at a state senate seat. But that’s not the only thing that’s racy.

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Alexa & Katie

This Netflix teen sitcom has more than a laugh track. It has a heart, too.

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Crossing Swords

I had hoped to enjoy Crossing Swords. Instead, it just left me cross.

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Looney Tunes Cartoons

Yes, Bugs, Porky, Daffy and all the other Looney Tunes characters are back, with fresh iterations of their well-worn hijinks.

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