cinemagogue is overseen by James Harleman and is composed of a small team of reviewers that operate in “sunny” Seattle, Washington. We are always open to reviews and contributors that share the vision and objectives of this endeavor.

To inquire about becoming part of Cinemagogue, email film@marshillchurch.org.

James Harleman - Founder, Editor-in-Chief

Jim Profit was a fictional character raised in a cardboard box with a hole cut out so he could see the television. He was weened on the boob tube and became an adult with no conscience and an impeccable understanding of human fallibility that he manipulated to his own ends. I wasn’t raised in a cardboard box, but the first quarter century of my life was marked by an immersion in film and television. I got my sarcasm and skepticism from Han Solo and Indiana Jones; I was taught how to be a man by the great thespians Shatner and Hasselhoff. G.I. Joe taught me the importance of teamwork, Optimus Prime was my surrogate father, a mopey Bill Bixby and a green Lou Ferigno embodied my teen angst, and Peter Venkman epitomized by bemused detachment from reality .If life had continued without interruption, I would have worshipped at the altar of Tyler Durden and started my own Fight Club. However, a year before Norton was Pitted against his uberman, my reel world met the real world.

Gasping like Neo using his lungs for the first time and vomiting embryonic gel, I found myself facing a world quite different from my chosen delusion, or the fabricated meaning and existence that grips so much of my culture and community. By the grace of a compassionate Creator, I got a taste of a much better story that was not only satisfying, but actual. Over the years, I began to see where my previous, unfiltered passions for story and particular characters reflected much stronger desires. not simply reflections of a true, triumphant protagonist, but also my own rebelliousness, and my desire to reject or replace that hero. It’s my dearest hope to illuminate these deep reflections, to engage film and popular culture with discernment, and to help others see what a good God has enabled me to perceive.

I have a wonderful wife Kathryn possibly the only woman I know who will watch sci-fi, horror movies and read comic books without cringing who is my partner in this ministry. In my “spare” time I pastor at Mars Hill Church in Lake City, Seattle. We live in North Seattle and are blessed with a great church, family and friends. With a Bachelors in Biblical Studies and continuing education through distance learning, I love studying English, Literature and Theology. I’m currently writing a book on the subject of film and the gospel, as well as a horror fiction novel. I have had the pleasure of writing for film review sites like Hollywood Jesus and interviewing film directors including the founder of the Seattle International Film Festival. I am available for speaking engagements upon request. To contact me, email james@marshillchurch.org

cinemagogue team

Claudine Miller - Managing Editor & Reviewer

If this were a name tag, it would read: “Hello, my name is Claudine. Paul is my hubby, AT-AT my cat. I proofread everything around me, I am an epic nerd, and I love documentaries and French New Wave. Bottle Rocket is one of the best movies of all times. The Lord of the Rings triology is perfect to watch if you’re sick on the couch. The Neverending Story really ought to get more play time as should anything by Godard. Herzog is wonderful as is Von Trier. Wes Anderson is genius and I get giddy when I find a new Focus Films movie. Oh, and I love popsicles.”

Clearly, this would have to be a large name tag.