Recently, our editor, Ian Max Eyre, and his wife watched the latest film from a blockbuster writer-director known for clever banter and nonstop action. But instead of escapism, what they found felt more like exhaustion. Between the endless profanity, relentless violence, and a runtime that felt more self-indulgent than entertaining, the film’s cleverness couldn’t quite mask its emptiness.

It left them wondering: When did a night at the movies become something we need to recover from?

Because for most of us, films are meant to offer a reprieve — a breather from the noise of everyday life. We want laughter, relaxation, and maybe even a touch of meaning. But when every scene feels louder, longer, and heavier than the last, it stops being an escape at all.

This week, we’re exploring that very question — how movies can stay sharp and exciting without losing their soul... or the audience that still craves both.

Set on the cliffs of Malta, this globe-trotting adventure stars David A.R. White as a retired DEA agent drawn into a conspiracy that’s equal parts mystery and redemption. Directed by Matt Shapira, the film continues his run of faith-adjacent action stories, blending clean thrills with quiet conviction and a touch of heart. It’s a reminder that courage and compassion still make a compelling team.

WHERE TO WATCH →

This black-and-white fever dream from Ryland Brickson Cole Tews proves that action and comedy still thrive on creativity, not excess. Following a fur trader’s misadventures through a wilderness of slapstick chaos, Hundreds of Beavers blends Looney Tunes energy with silent-film ingenuity... and somehow lands it all with heart. It’s proof that you don’t need endless killings or profanity to keep an audience hooked — just imagination, craft, and the courage to take creative risks.

WHERE TO WATCH →

What happened to movies that could make us laugh and hold our breath in the same scene? The kind that made room for heart between the punchlines and explosions and still left us rooting for something good?

Over time, the action-adventure genre has evolved: bigger budgets, flashier stunts, higher stakes. But somewhere along the way, many films forgot what made them fun, trading warmth for vulgarity and excitement for noise. The best ones still get it right, though, showing that entertainment and empathy don’t have to live in different worlds.

Filmmakers like Matt Shapira and David A.R. White are helping restore that balance, at least with movies geared towards younger adults. Working with Pinnacle Peak Pictures, they’re shaping stories that move fast but stay grounded, packed with action yet driven by purpose.

Because when a film remembers both courage and care, it becomes more than entertainment — it becomes something worth remembering.

The results are in! 57% of you voted for Remembering God’s in control in last week’s poll: Every great story has setbacks. What helps you find grace in yours?

Currently fundraising on Wefunder, this upcoming adventure from Ryland Brickson Cole Tews — co-creator of Hundreds of Beavers and Lake Michigan Monster — reimagines the legend of D.B. Cooper with pulp energy and 70s flair. Shot on Super 16 mm and drawing inspiration from James Bond and classic Jackie Chan action, it’s a playful ode to practical effects and fearless filmmaking. And judging by the animated antics in Hundreds of Beavers, we can expect a Monty Python-level blend of creativity and storytelling in Ryland’s latest project.

For those who love genre stories that take big swings (and have fun doing it), this might be one worth backing.

_{*Plumb News is not affiliated with Oriental Snatch or Wefunder and does not receive compensation for featuring it. We’re highlighting it because we believe stories like this deserve support.}

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” - Philippians 4:8 (ESV)

At first glance, this verse may read like a list. But it’s actually an invitation — a way to choose what fills our minds and hearts. Paul isn’t warning us to avoid the world; he’s reminding us to look for what’s good within it and hold our attention there.

In a culture where so much feels loud, cynical, or overdone, that kind of focus becomes a quiet act of joy. It’s not about rejecting excitement or humor, but about finding the type that restores rather than drains.

In movies and in life, maybe “whatever is pure” simply means seeking what leaves you lighter. Because when joy filters through truth and goodness, what remains isn’t dull — it’s lasting. It’s the kind of joy that stays with you after the credits roll and makes the real world feel brighter.

Until next time,

THE PLUMB NEWS TEAM