Geoff Blackwell, the legal director for American Atheists and co-host of the Not So Grand Jury podcast, joins for a humorous dissection of "Suing the Devil." They hilariously critique the film's ludicrous premise of a lawsuit against Satan, poking fun at its absurd legal inaccuracies. From outrageous claims for $8 trillion in damages to the chaos of courtroom antics, the discussion serves up witty banter and sharp commentary on the film's failings. Expect a mix of legal insight and comedy that sheds light on the ridiculousness of such a fictional trial.
The podcast humorously critiques the courtroom scenes in 'Suing the Devil', highlighting the absurdities of legal procedures portrayed in the film.
Geoff Blackwell's presence underscores the importance of community engagement within atheist circles, particularly through events like the American Atheists Annual Convention.
The analysis reveals how the film's depiction of morality is filled with contradictions, as flawed human characters attribute their issues to Satan.
The podcast mocks the film's over-the-top climax and lack of coherent moral lessons, emphasizing the challenges of blending serious themes with comedy.
Deep dives
The Check Engine Light and Legal Objections
The episode kicks off with a humorous reference to O'Reilly Veriscan while the hosts anticipate lively objections during a courtroom scene. The defense attorney, played by multiple voices, hilariously throws various objections, likening it to a chaotic answering machine. The speaker finds amusement in the comedic portrayal of the courtroom drama, imagining a scenario where a court reporter defends against the collective barrage of objections. This sets the tone for the comedic exploration of a legal movie, blending humor with the often-stoic world of court proceedings.
Guest Introduction and Upcoming Convention
The host welcomes Jeff Blackwell, a legal director from American Atheists, to the show, emphasizing both his expertise and excitement to have him onboard. Jeff expresses his enthusiasm about participating in the upcoming American Atheists Annual Convention in Minneapolis, where he looks forward to engaging with attendees. The hosts create camaraderie by joking about their shared experiences with Christian cinema and the absurdity of the film they are about to dissect. Promoting the convention highlights the importance of community and dialogue among atheists, setting a positive tone for the episode.
A Synopsis of the Film's Premise
The hosts summarize the film 'Suing the Devil', introducing the bizarre plot that centers on a man suing Satan for all the wrongs in his life. They share the absurdity of the main character’s motivations, which include seeking revenge for his mother’s death and attributing societal issues to the devil's influence. The hosts also note the film's overt blend of legal procedures with supernatural elements, hinting at the ridiculousness to follow. This establishes the groundwork for their comedic analysis, framing the film as an outrageous addition to Christian cinema.
Comedic Commentary on Legal Inaccuracies
As the narrative progresses, the hosts delve into the legal inaccuracies portrayed in the film, highlighting the nonsensical depiction of court proceedings. They share humorous critiques about characters' flimsy arguments and the screenplay's lack of understanding of legal norms. Jeff brings in real-life legal knowledge, illustrating the ridiculousness of how the courtroom antics unfold on screen compared to actual legal practices. This commentary illustrates the show's goal of not just reviewing the film but also providing entertaining insights into the absurdities of how the law is depicted.
The Depiction of Christianity and Morality
The hosts discuss the film's themes of morality and its depiction of Christian values through its characters. They analyze the moronic logic that suggests Satan is the root of all evil while the human characters often display more flawed morality themselves. The conversations illuminate the irony and hypocrisy in how the film tries to convey its messages, emphasizing the juxtaposition of a war against evil with the character’s personal failings. This exploration highlights the broader commentary on Christian cinema's connection to morality and the often contradictory messages it delivers.
Plot Twists and Character Developments
The storyline takes a dramatic turn as Luke's wife Gwen is revealed to have cancer, adding depth to his character while still leaning into melodrama. The hosts reflect on how this personal tragedy is juxtaposed against the ludicrous nature of the legal battle, making the film's emotional points feel exaggerated and farcical. They express skepticism about the film’s ability to seriously address such themes while simultaneously offering a comedic narrative. This duality in storytelling speaks to how Christian cinema often mishandles sensitive subjects for humor.
The Resolution and Aftermath
As the film reaches its climax, the characters grapple with the ridiculousness of the trial's resolution, where the jury unexpectedly awards Luke $8 trillion. The hosts mock this over-the-top conclusion and discuss how the film fails to deliver coherent moral lessons despite its intentions. They further dissect the ridiculous courtroom antics and the ludicrousness of the final scene where everything is resolved like a cheap twist. This ending solidifies the film's absurdity and serves as a comedic reminder of the pitfalls of attempting to blend serious themes with farcical comedy.
This week, American Atheists' legal director Geoff Blackwell joins us for an atheist review of Suing the Devil, possibly the least accurate court room drama ever made.
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Learn more about American Atheists' annual convention by clicking here.
Hear more from Geoff on his podcast, The Not So Grand Jury.
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