John Williams

A memorable evening with John Williams’s biographer

On January 8, I interviewed Tim Greiving about his extraordinary journey to becoming the first biographer of the great John Williams.

Luci Shaw

The Generosity (or, why we’re celebrating Luci Shaw’s 97th birthday anyway)

In memoriam: Luci N. Shaw, 1928–2025.

Journal Entry

Sending out a New Year’s SOS, and making a resolution

An update regarding my recent absence, and a resolution — despite my soul’s fatigue — to keep on keepin’ on.

Ryan Coogler

First (and second) impressions of Sinners

Sinners is a film of two halves: daytime and nighttime. The first half is colorful, epic, and full of surprises; the second is shadowy, violent . . . and disappointing.

Little Amélie or the Character of Rain

First impressions of Little Amélie or the Character of Rain

In a year that hasn't been particularly exciting for animation, Little Amélie is a memorable standout.

Jessica Jacobs

Perhaps you need a “Perseverance Prayer”

Here’s a poem that I offer as a prayer for my own weary heart, and for all who long for the opportunity to do what they do best.

By My Lights

By My Lights: A December 17 Surprise Package

Some recent highlights from my recent incoming texts, the news feed, and the Coming Soon movie calendar.

Sixpence None the Richer

NPR celebrates a Sixpence Christmas

Sixpence brings tidings of comfort and joy to NPR’s Tiny Desk!

John Williams

You’re invited to a celebration of John Williams film music!

Join me in Seattle on January 8 for an evening with the author of the first-ever biography of John Williams.

Knives Out

Wake Up Dead Man — a review in progress

Rian Johnson's third film in the Knives Out series is not only my favorite of the series — it's one of the most provocative films about Christian faith I've seen in many years.

Film Review

Train Dreams (2025)

Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar (Sing Sing) collaborate on another enthralling film about men seeking meaning in hard times.

Journal Entry

Breaking this week’s (apparent) silence...

Technical difficulties interrupted my posting this week.

Meet Me at the Edge of the World: the 2025 Nowhere Else Festival keynote address

Here is a revised, expanded version of the keynote address I delivered at the 2025 Nowhere Else Festival in Martinsville, Ohio on Labor Day Weekend.

Songlights

Songlights: Lucinda Williams, Brandi Carlile, The Mountain Goats, David Bowie, Valerie June, and Elbow (live!)

Some of the music that’s kept me moving under dark clouds and torrential rain this last week.

You Can Count On Me

You can still count on Lonergan

A few notes on revisiting You Can Count on Me as we approach its 25th anniversary.

Book Review

Books I’m reading right now — and recommending!

One, two, three ... FOUR! FOUR amazing books that are reminding me just how great it is to be alive, right now, and free to read whatever I please.

Concerts

Overstreet’s Concert Calendar: Robert Deeble, Jeffrey Martin, Anna Tivel, Over the Rhine, The Mountain Goats, Wednesday

Want to join me and Anne for a night of inspiration, enchantment, and soul-searching live music?

Film Review

First impressions of If I Had Legs I'd Kick You

Rose Byrne lives up to the demands of her most intense role in Mary Bronstein’s exasperating, exhausting anxiety attack of a movie.

Site Announcement

Site Update: a great archaeological adventure begins

Here is the first report on the project to restore and enhance 25 years of this website's archives.

Give Me Some Light

If Tolkien were to speak at a No Kings protest . . .

Some words from the letters of J.R.R. Tolkien resonate right now.

The Establishing Shot

Reconstruction of The Fabelmans

Eli Price interviews me about Steven Spielberg's The Fabelmans, and its place in the legendary director's filmography.