S3E9 - Masters of the Air: Interview with Dee Rees

Masters of the Air is an Apple TV+ World War II series following the 100th Bomb Group as they carry out missions in their B-17 Flying Fortresses. The show follows the brave soldiers as they battle the Nazi forces in unforgiving elements at 25,000 feet in the air. In this episode, Doni and Robert talk with Dee Rees, an Oscar and Emmy-nominated filmmaker who directed episodes 7 and 8 of the series, discussing the importance of the Tuskegee Airmen and what makes a person patriotic.

S3E8 - Avatar and Colonialism

James Cameron’s Avatar movies currently hold the number 1 and number 3 spots on the all time worldwide box office earnings chart making it a household name to even the most casual movie goer. While the movies boast dazzling set pieces, beautiful cinematography, a memorable score, and engaging story, Avatar gives significant commentary about our world. In this episode, Doni and Robert discuss certain themes from Avatar including capitalism, colonialism, cross-cultural engagement, cultural preservation, and destiny. Press play and dive deep with us into the waters of Pandora.

EPISODE NOTES

Hosts: Robert Rivera, Doni Alicea

Producer: Rich Hurtado

Instagram: @mixedtake

Listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Watch on: YouTube

S3E7 - Game of Thrones: House of Diversity

Games of Thrones is an epic series that spans seven seasons. Like many of the other IP in previous episodes, Doni and Robert discuss why George R.R. Martin created a world that lacks ethnic diversity in positions of power and reduces the people of color to positions of slavery and savages. Was this a culturally tone deaf oversight or a creative decision in attempts to reflect the real world? Tune in to this episode of Mixed Take to hear what Doni and Robert have to say on that matter.

Watch now on YouTube!

EPISODE NOTES

Hosts: Robert Rivera, Doni Alicea

Producer: Rich Hurtado

Instagram: @mixedtake

Listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

S3E6 - Blue Beetle's Buzzworthy Representation

In this episode, Ricky Padilla joins the Mixed Take crew to discuss DC's first Latine-led superhero film, Blue Beetle. They discuss what makes the film distinctly Latine and what they hope to see in comic book films moving forward.

EPISODE NOTES

Hosts: Robert Rivera, Doni Alicea, Ricky Padilla

Producer: Robert Rivera

Instagram: @mixedtake

Listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

S3E5 - Marvel at Diversity

In this episode, we highlight some of the ways Marvel has diversified the MCU. With movies like Black Panther, Wakanda Forever, and Shang-Chi showcasing predominate ethnic casts, the question we raise is: Is this powerful representation or is it pandering? Listen to the show and let us know your thoughts.

Watch now on YouTube!

EPISODE NOTES

Hosts: Robert Rivera, Doni Alicea

Producer: Rich Hurtado

Instagram: @mixedtake

Listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

S3E4 - DC Comics and People of Color

DC Comics was first released in 1934. five years before Marvel. Since then, they’ve produced endless comic books, television shows, animated features, and movies.

In this episode, we celebrate some of our favorite DC characters such as Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman. However, as we desire diversity in DC, we discuss whether that should come about via race-bending, gender-swapping, or the introduction of brand-new characters. Listen to the show and let us know your thoughts.

Watch it now on YouTube!


Episode Notes

Hosts: Robert Rivera, Doni Alicea

Producer: Rich Hurtado

Instagram: @mixedtake

Listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

S3E3 - Lord of the Rings: Multicolored Middle Earth

When it comes to character development, rich lore, and and an amazing story, there are few films that compare to the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit. But before the release of the polarizing Prime Video series Rings of Power, we wondered, “Where is the diversity and where are the women?” In this episode, we talk about both our love for the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and our excitement for an ever-diversifying multicolored Middle Earth.

Watch it now on YouTube!

Episode Notes

Hosts: Robert Rivera, Doni Alicea

Producer: Rich Hurtado

Instagram: @mixedtake

Listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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S3E2 - A Million Miles Away: Interview with José Hernández

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A Million Miles Away is a Prime Video original based on the real-life story of NASA flight engineer José Hernández, recounts the story of how he made his childhood dream of going into space a reality. In this episode, Doni and Robert sit down with José Hernández as he offers insight about the accuracy of the film, his opinion of Michael Peña’s portrayal of him, and what it took to overcome the seemingly endless obstacles that stood between him and the stars. Get ready to be inspired.

S3E1 - The Brown Side of the Force

There is no disputing Star Wars’ worldwide cultural impact. It is also held dearly in the hearts of so many people, especially those who grew up watching Star Wars. Robert and Doni are no exception to this. And yet, for so many years, Star Wars has lacked the cultural representation that a diverse galaxy deserves. In this episode, we discuss both our love and frustration over this beloved franchise. And perhaps, in the days ahead, we’ll see more of the Brown side of the Force.

S2E9 - Review: Creed III

It’s finally here and Creed III packs a punch. While I can’t promise that that’ll be the last pun of this review, I can promise that I thoroughly enjoyed this flick. I don’t want to be a prisoner of the moment but this film not only holds up to the high quality of the Creed franchise, it might be my favorite.

We’re taken back to the world of Rocky Balboa… wait, there’s no Rocky. Where’s Rocky? Was he missed? I had a couple of fleeting thoughts about him in the film but Michael B Jordan reprising his roles as Adonis Creed did a more than adequate job filling in the gap. On top of that, this is Michael B Jordan’s directorial debut.

The movie begins with a retiring Adonis Creed… that’s right, he’s no longer the young fighter with a chip on his shoulder. Now he’s a slightly older fighter with some chips in his trophy case. When you’ve become filthy rich by getting punched in the face, retirement looks all too good… especially when your the former “sexiest man alive” and your wife is a multi-platinum-selling singer and producer.

Adonis becomes a stay-at-home father, supporting his wife Bianca (played by Tessa Thompson), and happily attends tea parties with his daughter, Amara (Mila Davis-Kent). This series has faithfully prioritized representation and continues to do so in this third installment. Because Bianca’s hearing is declining and Amara is deaf, there is plenty of ASL in this film. I found it beautiful that the entire Creed family knows sign language and there are some sweet signing moments between Adonis and Amara.

As Adonis steps away from the ring, Creed turns his attention to mentoring young fighters including his shining star: a young Latino champion named Felix Chávez. Any relation to Julio César? Unclear.

But a ghost from Creed’s former life won’t let him forget the past. And that ghost is Damian Anderson, played by Jonathan Majors, who might have stolen the show.

Like it’s predecessors, Creed’s biggest opponent is himself. Following some of the familiar beats from previous Rocky films, Creed will have to face his conflict in the world of boxing before he can face it in life.

It reminds of the great words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 3. “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Like Paul, one thing is certain for Adonis Creed, the past will remain with him till he confront it… of course, not without a good obligatory Rocky-style montage.

While the acting in this film is captivating, I thought Michael B Jordan’s direction was impressive. While there a few scenes that I thought ended awkwardly, I found him to be more than capable in the director’s chair. Aesthetically, the dark tones communicated the burden that Adonis carried as well displayed the gravitas of the story. His use of the first-person perspective in the boxing ring gives us the disorienting feeling that we’ve been stunned. Also, after 6 Rocky movies and 2 Creed films, we’ve seen a fair share of fights. While Michael B captures some intense and emotional boxing matches, he also takes artistic license to give us a fresh new take on the fights that adds both depth and emotion to the already weighty match.   

This movie does not drag at all. The story is credited to Ryan Coogler and penned by Zach Baylin and Ryan’s brother, Keenan Coogler. (By the way, for more on Ryan Coogler, listen to Season 1, Episode 6 of our podcast). Every moment of this story draws us in and moves the plot toward the climactic fight that will remembered amongst the greats of this franchise.

If you’re a lover, you’ll love this movie. If you’re a fighter, you’ll love this movie. If you’re a father you’ll love this movie. If you just appreciate a compelling story, you’ll love this movie.

I loved this movie and can’t wait to go a few more rounds with it. Hey, I kept the puns to a minimum. You’re welcome.

Go, and see Creed III immediately.

Episode Credits:

Writer and Host: Robert Rivera

Music by Rich Hurtado of Deep Blue Sounds, LLC

Producer: Robert Rivera, Rich Hurtado

Executive Producer: Emanuel Padilla

About robert Rivera

He is the co-host of Mixed Take, a World Outspoken podcast exploring the relationship between entertainment and culture through a biblical lens. You can connect with him on Twitter @robriv.

Brothers turn enemies. Watch the final trailer for #Creed3 now, starring Michael B. Jordan, Jonathan Majors, and Tessa Thompson. See the film only in theaters March 3.

Follow #Creed3 on Social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creedmovie/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/creedmovie

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/creedmovie/

CREED III

Directed By: Michael B. Jordan

Screenplay By: Keenan Coogler and Zach Baylin

Story By: Ryan Coogler, Keenan Coogler, and Zach Baylin

Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson, Jonathan Majors, Florian Munteanu

About MGM Studios: Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM) is a leading entertainment company focused on the production and global distribution of film and television content across all platforms. The company owns one of the world’s deepest libraries of premium film and television content as well as the premium pay television network MGM+, which is available throughout the U.S. via cable, satellite, telco and digital distributors. In addition, MGM has investments in numerous other television channels, digital platforms and interactive ventures and is producing premium short-form content for distribution.

Connect with MGM Studios Online

Visit the MGM Studios WEBSITE: http://www.mgm.com/

Check out MGM on TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@mgmstudios/

Follow MGM Studios on INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mgmstudios/

Follow MGM Studios on TWITTER: https://twitter.com/mgmstudios

Like MGM Studios on FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/mgm/

CREED III | Final Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/MGM

Article - How Thirteen Lives Can Unite the World

In a society often divided by our differences, it’s easy to lose hope for humanity. While many work tirelessly to bring about education and open lines of dialogue in an effort to bring unity, there is something particularly remarkable about how a crisis can bring people together. Perhaps this is why there is a soft spot in my heart for inspiring movies based on real life events that demonstrate the goodness in humanity.

Mixed Take was invited to watch an advance screening of Ron Howard’s Thirteen Lives, a movie that recounts the incredible true story of the rescue of a boys’ soccer team trapped in the Tham Luang cave in Thailand, starring Viggo Mortensen and Colin Farrell. The film, while inspiring, also has its fair share of heart-pounding, claustrophobic moments. While I was given an entire movie theater seat, I only occupied the edge. The film captures the emotion of anxious parents, as they worry that they have already seen their boys for the last time. It captures the pressure felt by the local Thai government as they scramble for solutions before a spectating world. It captures the sacrificial hearts of those involved in the rescue. It captures the idea that every single life on earth is precious. At end of the day, that’s what moves me most. For all of the stereotypes we harbor and prejudice we face, crisis brings us together and produces greatness. 

A boys soccer team and their coach pick the wrong day to travel into a tourist cave. They venture too far in when a flash flood traps them. The only way to reach them is cave diving, a dangerous activity in the best conditions - even for experienced divers. With rising waters, as monsoon season commences, the audience feels the ever-mounting stress of how to rescue these boys. You can suffer through all of the stress like me, thank you very much. Rather, I marveled at what came next. 

(L to R) Thira ‘Aum’ Chutikul as Commander Kiet, Popetorn ‘Two’ Soonthornyanakijas Dr Karn, Joel Edgerton as Harry Harris, Colin Farrell as John Volanthen and Viggo Mortenson as Rick Stanton in Thirteen Lives. Photo credit: Vince Valitutti

Mortensen and Farrell, along with Joel Edgerton and a few others play the roles of volunteer divers. These are European/Australian men who dive as hobbyists but are recognized for their skill. Unlike in many "White Savior" stories where the white character solves the problem or completes the rescue alone, this movie makes it clear that the task is too big for them alone. Local farmers agree to sacrifice their crops, their livelihood, in an effort to redirect water from the mountain pouring into the cave. Thai military and relief workers work tirelessly against the clock of the rising waters. In fact, when it was all said and done, thousands of volunteers from Thailand and all around the world, came to offer their help. All this for thirteen lives? What does it say about humanity that we are willing to spend so much money, time, resources, as well as sacrifice safety, for the sake of thirteen people? If this is your thought, you’re not alone. The Pharisees once thought as you did. 

The call for help, answered by the multitudes, demonstrates the heart of the gospel. If you recall in Luke 15, after the Pharisees grumble that Jesus would associate himself with a tax collector, Jesus shares what has become a popular parable. He points out that a person with a hundred sheep would leave the ninety-nine to save the one. And when he saves the one, it would lead to great rejoicing. The tax collector that turns to Jesus is the one sheep of his parable. 

The gospel is all about abandoning money, time, resources, and safety to save a few. The events of Thirteen Lives demonstrates the gospel in not only sacrifice, but in unity. For a short time, cultural, ethnic, and economic differences are set aside for the sake of accomplishing something greater. Something that requires many people from diverse backgrounds using different skills. 

Director Ron Howard on the set of Thirteen Lives. Photo credit: Vince Valitutti

The movie not only recounts this feat of unity, it tells it in a way that honors the Thai people. The gospel is not American, nor are we God’s nation. I appreciate Howard’s direction. Representatives of the Thai culture helped him preserve the language and customs in order to frame the film as a Thai story that invites others to join in. Success can only come from humility.  Egos, in a situation like this only serve to sabotage the efforts. 

As inspiring as this is, I am discouraged that the sense of urgency fades when the crisis is averted and “normal” tragedies resume. Neither poverty nor injustice nor brokenness nor separation from God has been able to unite humankind, let alone the Church. Perhaps a movie like this can serve as a wakeup call as it provides a snapshot of what humankind can accomplish in a time of crisis. With the odds, ever so insurmountable, we could almost excuse the idea of surrendering hope to an inevitable doom in Tham Luang. What I found most encouraging was how when one group lost hope, another stepped up to suggest the impossible. The cycle of encouragement, paired with the accountability of the world watching, erased the idea of giving up as an option. If we desire to meet a hurting world, perhaps it will require us to surrender our own egos for a unified, multi-generational church representing the nations of the world. 

About ROBERT RIVERA

He is the co-host of Mixed Take, a World Outspoken podcast exploring the relationship between entertainment and culture through a biblical lens. You can connect with him on Twitter @robriv.

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