Films for All Seasons is a unique guide that brings together film critique and the church calendar. Each chapter contains a brief synopsis of a film, connections to the gospel story and/or the season of the church calendar, and questions for reflection. I really loved the wide variety of movies covered in this guide, which range from Barbie to Paddington, from Rogue One to more obscure titles to add to your watch list. I think the most valuable part of reading this is that it models how we can train our eyes to look for echoes of the biblical narrative in each piece of media that we consume. The story of Christ is truly the best story we can ever hear, and intentionally looking for its themes in other stories is a helpful practice.
I didn't necessarily agree with every connection that was made by the author, but I really love the idea and the overall execution as well. So, I would not hesitate to recommend Films for All Seasons, especially if you are someone who enjoys film or wants to be more intentional in your media consumption.
Thank you to Netgalley and Intervarsity Press for the advanced review copy. All opinions are my own. Films for All Seasons by Abby Olcese releases on October 15.

Unfortunately I cannot in good conscience recommend this book. The collection of essays are based upon opinions of the writers and themes of faith, hope, peace etc. seem faith based. Most people love films for differing reasons. However, I found the selections featured to be anything but faith based, even offensive and counter to family values. I won't be recommending the book.

Two things that I would have never thought could be paired together, much less done so in such a profound way: Fast & Furious 6 and The Pentecost. This is just one of the many examples of pairings in this book. It creates such a unique perspective on film and how it can be interpreted. Although I love the easy access of using a lot of blockbuster and franchise films, I'd also like to see a more personal feeling set of films.

My sister is a film editor and producer for a Catholic studio, and we often speak of the power of media to communicate the transcendentals of truth, goodness, and beauty to us. It is clear that this book is written in that same spirit. I found the essays/commentary to be very insightful and well-thought out, with just enough of a synopsis of each overarching plot to grasp its central story and themes. I did think that a few of the analyses were grasping for connection to the stated liturgical season, but they still provided a good starting point for more contemplation. The discussion questions are simple and straightforward, and wouldn’t necessitate that the audience read the commentary beforehand. Overall would be a good book for small groups, families, or even individuals looking to be more mindful about their media! Thank you to NetGalley and InterVarsity Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of 'Films for All Seasons' All opinions are my own.

I really enjoy watching films and reading about it. It is interesting to explore how the church and religion are featured and influence different films.

Thank you, NetGalley and InterVarsity Press. I am so glad I had an opportunity to review this ARC! Definitely recommend as a resource for families, friends, and ministries/faith community groups. This book is accessible for all; you don’t need to be familiar with the church’s liturgical calendar or a movie buff as the author includes synopses of each season and movie throughout. I especially loved the discussion questions at the end of each movie, good for self-reflection and journaling or discussion with friends and families. In the spirit of ‘teach a man to fish,’ the author also teaches us how to apply the lecto divina spiritual discipline to any film-viewing experience. Excellent book grounded on spiritual truth.