Story Talk by Laura Randle

“Avatar the Last Airbender” from Nickelodeon (2005-2008) has been hailed as the “greatest shows of all time,” Avatar Aang and friends have a lot to offer modern audiences. What makes these characters so dynamic? What has made this series so enduringly popular? What made Aang so successful when his sequel heroine Korra was not? Could the series have been made even better? Explore these answers and more in this rich episode of Story Talk. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/story-talk/support

Part 2 of our Double Feature 9beginning with an analysis of “Frozen” in episode 10. When Elsa starts hearing mysterious, haunting voices, she has no choice but to unlock an Enchanted Forest and drag the gang into another magical, chilly, dress-making adventure, right? Take a closer look at some of the powerful elements present in “Frozen II” as well as many of the problems. Then join the conversation on Instagram or Facebook @storytalktime --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/story-talk/support

Part 1 of a Double Feature (continued with “Frozen II” in episode 11)—Frozen has made a big impact on our current culture. If you have been caught up in Frozen fever or if you have just been sick of Frozen, this will be a valuable ex-location of the strengths and significant weaknesses of this mega-hit. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/story-talk/support

How do you approach breaking down a story as long and layered as the one created by Tolkien (and then visualized and retold by Peter Jackson)? The Lord of the Rings series is wonderfully entertaining as a fantasy/action trilogy, but for viewers willing to savor this story through analysis, it becomes a singular treasure. Come explore some of the ways that “The Fellowship of the Ring,” the first of the iconic trilogy, can still yield a wealth of insights for modern viewers. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/story-talk/support

Winner of the “Best Animated Feature” Academy Award in 2019, this gem was largely overlooked in theaters. But, with excellent writing, beautiful visuals, and compelling relevance for our modern context, this film has all the trappings of future cult classic. Explore some of the rich symbolism included in this recent exploration of “Spider-Man.” --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/story-talk/support

Does Toy Story 4 measure up to its rich prequel trilogy? In artistry and micro-writing, almost definitely. But, this installment is towing some big macro-writing problems. Identify the problems and then take a turn resolving them in this episode of Story Talk. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/story-talk/support

A fantastic adventure with real heart, LEGO Movie2 has built in plenty of surprises for us in this recent offering. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/story-talk/support

BLITZ TALK: Disney Studios’ latest remake, “Mary Poppins Returns,” is a well-crafted movie, but does it measure up to its classic predecessor of 1964? Join Laura in analyzing this stunning movie with a rather stagnant script. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/story-talk/support

Break down the barriers to understanding this classic, yet ever-fresh romantic drama and find plenty of humor along the way. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/story-talk/support

Explore the story features of the Cars series by Pixar AnimationStudios with Laura. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/story-talk/support

Explore some of the symbols, themes, and characters developed in this live-action version of the classic fairy tale. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/story-talk/support

What is worth living for? Join Laura in considering some of the ways that Dr. Strange is changing the way you think, and pull apart some of characters, themes, and symbols as presented in Marvel Studios' "Dr. Strange" (2016). --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/story-talk/support