Cover to Credits

In our final, 200th episode, we look back at seven (going on eight) years of podcasting, reflecting on how Cover to Credits began, our process, reading listener emails and naming our top 10 memorable episodes. Goodbye for now, and thanks for listening!

For our last, regular episode, we're looking at a Stephen King classic and the highest rated movie on IMDB, The Shawshank Redemption, directed by Frank Darabont. We discuss the story's themes of hope and defying authority, as well as the movie's mastery of balancing tone and some of the shocking details from the book that the movie left out!

This episode we look at Ella Enchanted, directed by Tommy O'Haver in 2004 and based on the novel by Gail Carson Levine. We're gonna look at fairy tale politics, groan inducing humor, and a book twist that Ian was NOT expecting. Also, prepare for an unexpected amount of praise for the movie Shrek!

This episode, we visit a classic Stephen King novel, Salem's Lot, and the recent film adaptation that came out this year, directed by Gary Dauberman. We discuss how this novel feels like it paves the way for many of Stephen King's other stories, as well as the lore of the vampires and some of the creative ways the film depicts this fight against evil.

In these uncertain times, it is always a gift to be blessed with another season of Heartstopper to give us the dopamine hit we are all craving! Season 3 premiered this month on Netflix, based on the graphic novel by Alice Oseman, and continues the story of Charlie and Nick as they face new challenges. We discuss Isaac coming into his own this season, the absence of Olivia Coleman, and the future of Imogen.

This episode we look at the only horror film to ever win the Oscar for best picture, The Silence of the Lambs, directed by Jonathan Demme and based on the novel by Thomas Harris. We discuss the captivating performances, detailed writing, and unique cinematography. We also talk about Hannibal Lecter's sense of hospitality and whether he would eat us or not!

This episode we look at the cult classic movie Practical Magic, directed by Griffin Dunne in 1998, and the novel it was based on by Alice Hoffman. Yes, there are plenty of themes to discuss, such as love, fate, and the bonds of sisterhood, but more importantly we have to talk about Midnight MargaritasTM, phone trees, throwing syrup, and holding onto your husbands (girls!)

This episode we go back to an early 2000's Disney hit, The Princess Diaries, directed by Garry Marshall, and based on the novel by Meg Cabot! This film showcases the talents of film royalty Julie Andrews and the fresh talent that was Anne Hathaway, but the silly and sweet tone of the film a significant departure from the novel, which doesn't shy away from all of the frustrations and drama you would expect from a young teenager circa 2000. Both have their own distinct sense of humor, but which one will we prefer?

This episode, we discuss the Colleen Hoover smash hit It Ends With Us, and the highly discussed (for better or worse) film adaptation, directed by Justin Baldoni! We're talking about the heavy themes of the story and how both the book and film approach this subject matter, as well as the ridiculous pacing of the novel, Blake Lively's insane wardrobe, and the juggling act both versions have to do with the tone and plot. If you've been curious about this story and the drama surrounding it (but not enough to read the book or watch the film) this is the episode for you!

This episode we look at a staple of high school english classes, The Outsiders, written by S. E. Hinton and adapted by Francis Ford Coppola. We discuss the AMAZING cast of this film (including "dirty weasel" Tom Cruise), the thematic weight of the novel, and the newer, expanded cut of the film that has become the primary version, for better or worse!

This episode we get to discuss Wes Anderson for the first time with Fantastic Mr. Fox, based on the novel by Roald Dahl! We talk about the movie's charming animation, sharp sense of humor, and how it manages to sandwich the novel's story between a totally unique backstory and finale! What the cuss are you waiting for?!

This episode we return to the works of Jon Krakauer to discuss Into Thin Air, the true story of a group of climbers ascending Everest when tragedy strikes. We're cheating a bit this episode, however, because Everest — despite being based on the same events — isn't technically an adaptation of Into Thin Air, but this unique situation gives us plenty to discuss, along with the rigors of high altitude climbing, the horror story vibes of the novel, and the ethical dilemma of sprinkling fiction into a "true story" of tragic events.

This episode, we return to a new season among the Ton with the third season of Bridgerton, based on the novel Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn. We examine the many new relationships this season of the show, and the unfortunate return of least favorite character from the books: problematic male love interest. We're also discussing glow ups, hot air balloons, sleeves and the Benedict arc we've all been waiting for!

This episode, we conclude our discussion on the new Dune films, directed by Denis Villeneuve and based on the acclaimed novel by Frank Herbert. We discuss creepy murderous children, ask 'what's the deal with lasguns?', and Ian attempts to correct the internet on who Tim Blake Nelson almost played in the film. There's a lot to unpack in this story, so we hope you enjoy this extra long episode!

The time has come! The prophecy foretold! This episode we get to discuss Part One of the new adaptation of Frank Herbert's Dune, directed by Denis Villeneuve! This novel broke so much new ground in science fiction that it still feels like it's pushing boundaries over fifty years later, and Denis Villeneuve brings this story to life with amazing visuals and effects. This episode we're discussing spies, warfare, economics, prophecies, and the new fragrance by Zendaya; blood on a knife!

This episode we look at a classic Hitchcock film, The Birds, based on a short story by Daphne Dumaurier. Although the story is short, it establishes the general premise for the story, but the movie's shift from post-war England to California diverges the subtext of the two versions! We look at the horrors of this premise, the cutting edge visual effects and take a deep dive into the subtext of the film!

This episode we look at one of the most famous and unsettling characters of 20th century literature, Tom Ripley, in the novel The Talented Mr. Ripley, written by Patricia Highsmith with the film adaptation directed by Anthony Minghella. This is a story of obsession, murder and identity, but also terrible plans, blunt objects, speedos and a waste of Cate Blanchett! But which version will we choose? Listen to find out!

This episode we look at the first adaptation of a Jack Reacher story with the film... Jack Reacher! Starring Tom Cruise and adapted from the Lee Child novel, One Shot. We get to discuss so many things this episode, like Tom Cruise, Tom Cruise's height, and what an asshole Tom Cruise is in this film! We also talk about our beloved hometown Pittsburgh, Russian conspiracies a lot about boat shoes!

This episode we get to discuss the only adaptation in Quentin Tarantino's filmography, Jackie Brown, based on the novel Rum Punch by Elmore Leonard! This story of crime and likable anti-heroes feels typical for Tarantino, so it's surprising how faithful it is to the source material, but we still have plenty to discuss, including genre influences, fantastic performances and THE MALL!

This episode we look at the new adaptation of The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan on Disney Plus, created by Rick Riordan himself and Jonathan E. Steinberg. This beloved series explores Greek mythology in a string of wacky hi jinks with the goal of uncovering a massive conspiracy among the Gods. We discuss the humor of the novel, the impeccable casting of the show and some pretty fantastic choreography and visual effects.

This episode we discuss the long awaited adaptation of Killers of the Flower Moon, written by David Grann and directed by Martin Scorsese! This story depicts the real life horrors faced by the Osage tribe in the 1920's when they were murdered for their oil money. The book reads like a detective mystery (at points) and yet the movie took a different approach, putting the relationship between Ernest and Mollie at the center. But how do these two versions compare? And which did we prefer? Hit 'Play' to find out!

This episode we look at the classic Alice Walker novel and Steven Spielberg film The Color Purple. The story of Celie and her struggles as a black women in the early 1900's is full of hardships, but there's also plenty of humor and triumph as well, leading us into discussions on everything from intersectional feminism and queer representation, to Kitchen Nightmares and celebrity feuds.

This episode we look at a popular, contemporary romance novel, Red, White & Royal Blue, and the recent Amazon film adaptation directed by Matthew Lopez. We're discussing classic rom-com tropes, a bi-sexual crisis, and asking the big questions, like "Do the members of the Royal Family know how to ride a bike?"

This episode we discuss a coming of age story that is as tender as it is bloody, Let the Right One In, written by John Ajvide Lindqvist with the film adaptation directed by Tomas Alfredson. We discuss this story's themes of violence, some amazing special effects (with one notable exception) and "the blood at home."

This episode we discuss the classic Judy Blume novel, Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. and the 2023 film adaptation directed by Kelly Fremon Craig. This story perfectly highlights the trials and tribulations of puberty, family, and the mysterious pursuit of God, all while delivering amazing comedy and beautiful moments between friends and family.  

This episode we look at a popular book from the early 2000's, The Namesake, by Jhumpa Lahiri, and the film adaptation directed by Mira Nair. This story examines what it means to be caught between two homes and two cultures, and how the experiences of second generation immigrants can differ from their parents. But don't worry, we also keep it light and discuss awkward sexual tensions, crazy ex girlfriends, and unconvincing age differences between parents and children.

In this episode we enter the world of The Circle, a semi-dystopian tale of social media, technology and privacy, written by Dave Eggers with the film directed by James Ponsoldt. We discuss the overwhelming sense of anxiety brought on by office culture, the changing landscape of satire, and putting microchips in the bones of children!

This episode, we celebrate our new dog, Arwen, by discussing a pig (that behaves like a dog) in the classic film Babe, directed by Chris Noonan, and based on the book by Dick King-Smith. We discuss how this film innovated new special effects techniques, the darker aspects of the story, and exactly why Christmas means carnage!

We return to the world of The Hunger Games this episode for the prequel novel and film, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, written by Suzanne Collins and directed by Francis Lawrence. This story answers so many questions we had about the world of Panem, like "Who invented the Hunger Games?" "Do birds have remotes?" and "What if President Snow but with abs?"

This episode we discuss the hilarious, tragic, and occasionally grim adventures (if you know you know) of a small Alabama town in Fried Green Tomatoes, directed by Jon Avnet and based on the novel by Fannie Flagg. This episode has us talking about queer and black representation, suggestive food fights and the several(?) twists and the end of the film.

We close out this October with a horror classic, The Thing, directed by John Carpenter in 1982, and based on the novella, Who Goes There? by John W. Campbell. We're talking big hats, dog Oscars, confusing blood tests, monsters that are committed performers, and of course, our thoughts on that ending!

We're kicking off October with a horror classic of the early 2000's, The Ring, directed by Gore Verbinski and based on the novel by Koji Suzuki. This film adaptation (although not the first) brings chills and scares aplenty, while the novel managed to horrify us in ways we weren't expecting. This episode we delve into antiquated technology, questionable friendships and Smallpox?

This episode we look at the classic novel by Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre, and its 2011 film adaptation by Cary Joji Fukunaga. This story of gothic romance is one of Adina's favorites and gave us so much to discuss, including the "hideously ugly" leads, the ridiculous pranks of Mr. Rochester and the interesting dom/sub undertones of the Jane's relationships! 

The story of Charlie and Nick continues this episode as we discuss Season 2 of the Netflix series Heartstopper, based on the graphic novel by Alice Oseman! This season was broken up by a beautiful trip to Paris and featured plenty of romantic tension, acts of kindness, and extreme emotional growth, especially by a certain wacky-haired individual! Let the Pride Tide wash us all away!

This episode we discuss the acclaimed novel The Giver, written by Lois Lowry, and the 2014 film adaptation directed by Phillip Noyce. This unique book asks what makes life worth living and what are we willing to sacrifice for comfort and stability, and the film asks "what if Meryl Streep were a hologram?" You can imagine we have a lot to discuss this episode, from grown men sledding, to bathing the elderly, and even BMX motocross jumps.... maybe it would just make more sense for you to listen.

This episode we discuss Nimona, the web-comic turned graphic novel by N.D. Stevenson, and the 2023 film adaptation directed by Nick Bruno and Troy Quane. We discuss the queer themes of both versions, compare the art and animation styles, and ask ourselves why sharks on legs are so damn funny. 

This episode, we're discussing the classic film The Princess Bride (Inconceivable!), directed by Rob Reiner in 1987 and the novel that inspired it, written by William Goldman. We discuss the humor and hijinks of each version, including the deep and fictional mythology of the novel, as well as the amazing cast, our favorite lines, and we even try to count the number of times characters are knocked unconscious (which is quite a lot!)

In this episode we're talking about the acclaimed Coen Brothers film No Country for Old Men (2007) and the Cormac McCarthy novel that it was based on. We discuss cold blooded killings, surprise Stephen Root appearances, and why those two cartel members were in the bathroom together.

This episode, life gets stuck on 'repeat' as we discuss the film Edge of Tomorrow, directed by Doug Liman, and the Japanese light novel that inspired it, All You Need is Kill, written by Hiroshi Sakurazaka. This is one of our favorite sci-fi action films, so we were excited to read the source material, and boy do we have plenty to discuss! Dramatic narrators, convoluted time travel, and "the three types of women" are all points of discussion this episode!

This episode, we discuss the American adaptation (A Man Called Otto, directed by Marc Forster) of the beloved Swedish novel (A Man Called Ove, written by Fredrik Backman). We look at the dark comedy of the novel, the film's earnest tone, and the absolute waste of national treasure Mike Birbiglia. 

This episode we examine the classic Audrey Hepburn film, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and the novella it was based on by Truman Capote. We have fun, surface level topics to discuss (fashion, parties, $50 for the powder room) as well as meatier issues to mull over (racism, child brides, homophobia) so grab your pearl chokers and 3 foot long cigarette holders and settle in! 

This episode we discuss a domestic thriller that blurs the lines of suspense and comedy with A Simple Favor, written by Darcey Bell and its film adaptation directed by Paul Feig. Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively show off their amazing chemistry and comedic chops in this film, but is the book as subversive or witty? This episode we delve into questionable sibling relationships, amazing fashion, and advanced 'mom-ing.'

Let your imaginations run wild this episode as we discuss The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, directed by Ben Stiller and adapted from the James Thurber short story. Despite being only 4-5 pages long, the Thurber story has remained relevent for decades, but of course there was a lot of expanding to be done for the feature film. We look at the way each version approaches Walter's day dreams, the film's globe trotting adventure and the iconic Benjamin Button parody scene which we have a lot of thoughts about!

This episode, love is in the air as we discuss Heartstopper, the Netflix series directed by Euros Lyn and based on the comic series by Alice Oseman. This LGBTQ+ love story is incredibly sweet and touching, but still manages to address a lot of interesting topics, like the struggles of knowing when to come out, the importance of friendship, and the mysterious rules of Rugby.

This episode, we explore the rise and fall of the fictitious band Daisy Jones & the Six, written by Taylor Jenkins Reid and adapted as an Amazon Series in 2023. This story, inspired by real bands such as Fleetwood Mac, explores the romance, drug abuse and conflict going on as the band releases its hit album Aurora. We discuss the unique interview style of the book, the boundaries of commitment and a ghoulish looking Sam Claflin (at least in one scene.

This episode we follow the money and learn about All the President's Men, written by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward, and directed by Alan J. Pakula in 1976. We discuss the facts of this conspiracy, the players involved, and the larger picture of Watergate. Get ready as we analyze subtle head nods, famous pornos, and the battle of facts vs. vibes!

Let the wild rumpus start! Although it took nearly fifty years, Maurice Sendak's beloved children's book, Where the Wild Things Are (1963), finally made it's big screen debut in 2009, written and directed by Spike Jonze. We discuss how innovative the book was for its time, how the film expands on the story, and the fantastic production involved in bringing the story to life. 

This episode we discuss the literary classic, All Quiet on the Western Front, written by Erich Maria Remarque, and the 2022 film adaptation directed by Edward Berger. This somber look at war gives us plenty of heavy topics mull over, but don't worry, there's also plenty of talk about bodily functions and goose stealing too.

Things get very steamy this episode as we discuss the novel Lady Chatterley's Lover, written by D. H. Lawrence, and the recent Netflix adaptation directed by Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre. This story explores topics such as sex, gender, capitalism and systems of power, all while dishing out explicit sex scenes which got the book infamously banned and censored when it was first released. But can a book written in the 20's still be as shocking by today's standards? Yes it can.

The story of Katniss Everdeen and the Hunger Games comes to a conclusion this episode as we discuss Mockingjay Part 2, directed by Francis Lawrence and written by Suzanne Collins. As the war for Panem reaches its climax, we have important things to discuss, like pouty Gale, Capitol decor, scifi jargon and the practicality of creating lizard people!

This episode, the revolution WILL be televised, because we're discussing Mockingjay Part 1, written by Suzanne Collins and directed by Francis Lawrence. This is only the first part of the Hunger Games finale, but we've got plenty to discuss this episode, including the communist inspired District 13, bland love interests and the politics of selling war.