Tag Archives: movies

The Hunt for Red October’s Chiasmus

Jack is back, and so is Jo! The first Jack Ryan film I uncovered as an example of Cinematic Chiasmus was Patriot Games. It turns out that that is not the only film featuring the famed CIA agent to be … Continue reading

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The Most Surprising Thing About Kung Fu Panda 4

The fourth film in a series is a big make-or-break moment. It is often where a series runs out of ideas and begins recycling old ones or else it becomes a self-parody. That’s true of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom … Continue reading

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A New Cinematic Chiasmus Takes Flight

Flight of the Navigator is one of my favorite films. I loved it growing up, and I enjoy it even more as an adult. The acting is incredible, the story is equal parts mystery and wish fulfillment, and the special … Continue reading

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Big Is a Bridge Between Tom Hanks’ Early and Later Film Career

Like two parts of a piano duet, Big feels like the perfect bridge between Tom Hanks’ early and later career in film. He may have made a Splash in 1984, but it wasn’t until 1988 that he really hit the … Continue reading

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Which Is the Best Adaptation of Dune?

Dune is one of my favorite books. I’ve only read it once, but it stands out in my mind as one of the most immersive literary experiences I’ve ever had. And I’ve admired the many attempts to make it into … Continue reading

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The Natural and Overcoming Addiction

In The Natural, Roy Hobbs is a gifted baseball player who wants to use his God-given talent to make a name for himself. However, he’s brutally shot in the prime of his life and forced to put off becoming a … Continue reading

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How to Keep Christmas with Us All Through the Year

I’ve talked about Christmas Eve on Sesame Street before, noting its impact on me as a child. As a grownup, I’ve discovered something even more profound in it that I want to share with you to possibly change your whole … Continue reading

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Marty McFly and Overcoming Stage Fright

Back to the Future is a perfect movie not only because it’s endlessly entertaining but because it also has numerous life lessons we can glean from it. I’d like to share one such lesson from Back to the Future and … Continue reading

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The Lion King’s Circle of Life Forms a Chiasmus

Jo is back! She asked me if I could look at The Lion King (1994) to see if it’s a chiasmus. That sounded like a reasonable request to me. After all, she sent me her fully fleshed out How to … Continue reading

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I Am So Grateful

The Biblical story of Esther is inspiring. It demonstrates the power of faith. At a critical point in that story, Esther risks her life by entering King Darius’s court without being summoned, an act punishable by death. But she needs … Continue reading

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