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"Is This Thing On?": Christian Review Highlights Concerning Spiritual Themes

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Tuesday, December 30th 2025 at 16:00 GMT by Movieguide

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"Is This Thing On?" – A Christian Perspective: Comedy with a Concerning Spiritual Undercurrent

"Is This Thing On?", a recent comedy film released in 2023, attempts to capitalize on the burgeoning world of podcasting and online content creation. While marketed as a lighthearted romp through the chaotic lives of aspiring podcasters, MovieGuide’s review reveals a film riddled with problematic themes and questionable spiritual undertones that warrant serious caution for Christian families. The review, penned by T.M. Parrish, highlights both the film's comedic potential and its significant shortcomings from a faith-based perspective, ultimately assigning it a "Questionable" rating.

The premise of “Is This Thing On?” revolves around Jack (played by William Powell), a struggling radio host who loses his job and decides to pivot to podcasting with his quirky and eccentric friends. The group – including the overly enthusiastic Sarah (Kate Eaton) and the cynical, perpetually-broke Ben (Spencer Torkovски) – embarks on a journey to create a successful paranormal investigation podcast. Their initial attempts are disastrous, leading to hilarious mishaps as they fumble through recording equipment, interview techniques, and the very concept of what makes a compelling podcast. The film leans heavily into physical comedy and awkward situations, which initially provides some genuine laughs.

However, the humor quickly becomes intertwined with concerning elements that move beyond simple slapstick. The core narrative revolves around the group’s pursuit of “evidence” of paranormal activity – specifically, attempting to contact spirits through various methods like Ouija boards and EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon) recordings. This is where MovieGuide's review raises its most significant concerns. The film treats these practices with a casualness that downplays their potential spiritual danger. As Parrish points out, the Bible explicitly warns against dabbling in occult practices and seeking communication with spirits outside of God’s will (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). "Is This Thing On?" essentially normalizes behavior that Scripture condemns.

The film's portrayal of spiritualism is particularly troubling because it lacks any clear condemnation or cautionary message. While the characters might express some apprehension, their curiosity and desire for fame often outweigh any sense of fear or respect for the unseen realm. The review notes a disturbing lack of discernment among the protagonists; they readily accept unexplained phenomena as proof of paranormal activity without considering alternative explanations or seeking guidance from trusted sources. This aligns with MovieGuide’s broader stance on media content, which emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and recognizing potential spiritual deception. (See Movieguide's principles for evaluating movies at [ https://www.movieguide.org/about-us/our-principles/ ]).

Beyond the spiritual concerns, the review also addresses other problematic elements. The film contains frequent profanity (over 200 instances), crude humor, and suggestive content that is unsuitable for younger viewers. While MovieGuide acknowledges that some comedic moments are genuinely funny, they are often overshadowed by these offensive elements. The portrayal of relationships is also questionable, with a focus on superficial connections and a lack of genuine emotional depth.

Furthermore, the film’s underlying message about fame and validation through online platforms is subtly problematic. The characters' relentless pursuit of podcasting success seems to prioritize external approval over personal integrity and spiritual well-being. This reinforces a culture obsessed with social media influence and fleeting popularity, which can be detrimental to developing a strong sense of self-worth rooted in faith.

The review also touches upon the film’s attempts at satire. While "Is This Thing On?" aims to poke fun at the world of online content creation and paranormal investigation, it often falls flat. The humor feels forced and relies heavily on predictable tropes rather than offering genuinely insightful commentary. This lack of sophistication further contributes to the film's overall disappointing quality.

MovieGuide’s rating system considers several factors beyond just objectionable content. They evaluate the film’s moral environment, worldview, and potential impact on viewers. In this case, "Is This Thing On?" receives a “Questionable” rating due to its pervasive spiritual themes, offensive language, and questionable values. The review strongly advises parents to exercise extreme caution before allowing children to view the film. They suggest that families engage in open discussions about the dangers of dabbling in the occult and the importance of seeking truth from reliable sources – namely, Scripture.

Ultimately, "Is This Thing On?" serves as a cautionary tale for Christian audiences. While it may offer fleeting moments of comedic relief, its underlying spiritual themes and problematic content outweigh any potential entertainment value. MovieGuide’s review reinforces the need for discernment when consuming media and prioritizing values that align with biblical principles. Families seeking wholesome and uplifting entertainment are encouraged to explore alternative options that promote positive moral messages and avoid potentially harmful influences. For more information on Movieguide's rating system and other movie reviews, visit [ https://www.movieguide.org/ ].

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