Podcasts about Film analysis

The Summer of Cusack continues with a trip home back to 1997's Grosse Pointe Blank, a soft Pulp Fiction send up in the era when hitman roamed free and fell in love easily!If you're enjoying the show, consider buying us a coffee, sending us an email or hitting us up on Letterboxd, Twitter(X), BlueSky or Instagram!You can catch our episodes early and ad free over on Nebula! Sign up with the link below. It really helps out the pod so we thank you in advance!https://go.nebula.tv/theonlypodcastaboutmoviesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Movies are dreams, and directors are like the ultimate dreamweavers, if you think about it. Christopher Nolan certainly thinks so, and in his most autobiographical movie, he has Leonardo DiCaprio play man named Dom Cobb (come on, that's not a real name) who is dressed and styled to look a lot like Christopher Nolan, and he must assemble a team of creatives to help a billionaire in his feud with another billionaire. But actually, it's a movie about uncertainty. No one ever really knows whether they're in a dream, or in the Matrix, or being controlled by a demon. And when you understand that the movie is actually about giving you the experience of living with uncertainty, a lot clicks into place. Or at least it did for Matt. Laci might need to watch Inception a few more times.   Before the movie discussion of Inception, Laci and Matt take you behind the scenes, giving a look at the evolution of Inception from Nolan's days as a student at uni all the way to the final version that made nearly a billion dollars at the box office. Watch Matt's video about Fantasia 2000, the "Trump's Ballroom" of Disney movies: https://youtu.be/y5x3zDnjXrg  Watch this Inception podcast in full on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-XOu8nCE-3g  Get more 1-Week Rental on Patreon: https://patreon.com/1weekrental  Next week (July 24, 2026): The Dark Knight Rises (2012)!   The Summer of Nolan is our summer 2026 miniseries covering the movie career of Christopher Nolan through nine movies on the main feed (plus additional episodes on the Patreon!), presented in chronological order, starting with Memento and going through Oppenheimer. And don't be surprised if our old pal Odysseus drops by to tell us about his long journey home to his wife.   Time stamps: 00:01:24 — Opening thoughts on Inception 00:18:15 — History segment: Christopher Nolan conceives of "dream thief" idea in early '90s and writes early version of screenplay in early 2000s; he rewrites it after The Dark Knight; casting Leonardo DiCaprio; reception & box office; interpretations of Inception 00:57:55 — Movie discussion + Inception film analysis 02:28:35 — Star ratings + final review of Inception   INCEPTION was written and direct by Christopher Nolan. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Eliot Page, Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ken Watanabe, Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy, Dileep Rao, Tom Berenger, Michael Caine, Pete Posthlethwaite, Lukas Haas, and Talulah Riley as a woman.   Sources: "The Nolan Variations: The Movies, Mysteries, and Marvels of Christopher Nolan" by Tom Shone (2020) - https://amzn.to/4yiNtw0  "A Man and His Dream: Christopher Nolan and Inception" by Dave Itzkoff | The New York Times (2010) - https://bit.ly/4eQFcru  "Crime of the Century" by Dan Jolin | Empire (2010) - https://bit.ly/4fuhz8g  "Christopher Nolan: The Iconic Filmmaker and His Work" by Ian Nathan (2026) - https://amzn.to/4oc2lro  "Inception and Philosophy: Because It's Never Just a Dream" edited by David Kyle Johnson (2011) -  https://amzn.to/4fsoAq5 "Why Christopher Nolan gave in and helped a critic interpret his movies" by Josh Rottenberg | The Los Angeles Times (2020) - https://bit.ly/4bCJ1hI  "This Time the Dream's on Me" by A.O. Scott | The New York Times (2010) - https://bit.ly/3TdPVUo "Dream Factory" by David Denby | The New Yorker (2010) - https://bit.ly/4w6xksa    Transcript: https://1weekrentalpod.com/2026/07/inception/#transcript  Artwork by Laci Roth.   Matt has two monthly spin-off podcasts!  PodJob: A James Bond Podcast on Apple Podcast (https://bit.ly/4jRL2K1), Spotify (https://bit.ly/4a8jM6E), and YouTube (https://youtube.com/@podjob007). The Sign Post Up Ahead: A Twilight Zone Recap Podcast on Apple Podcast (https://bit.ly/4vtO6jG), Spotify (https://bit.ly/4w1qDat), and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@TheSignPostUpAhead).   Music by Rural Route Nine. Listen to their album The Joy of Averages on Spotify (https://bit.ly/48WBtUa), Apple Music (https://bit.ly/3Q6kOVC), or YouTube (https://bit.ly/3MbU6tC).   Songs by Rural Route Nine in this episode: "Summer of Nolan" - https://youtube.com/shorts/CAIzthDLrT8  "Winston-Salem" - https://youtu.be/-acMutUf8IM "Snake Drama" - https://youtu.be/xrzz8_2Mqkg "The Bible Towers of Bluebonnet" - https://youtu.be/k7wlxTGGEIQ    The "Summer of Nolan" theme song was written by Matt Stokes. Produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered by TJ Barends. Performed by: TJ Barends - backing vocals Wade Hymel - drums, percussion, and backing vocals Laci Roth - vocals Matt Stokes - vocals, guitar, and bass   Follow 1-Week Rental, a movie podcast: Twitter: @1weekrental | @MattStokes9 | @LRothConcepts Facebook: @1weekrental Instagram: @1weekrental TikTok: @1weekrental | @mattstokes9 Letterboxd: @loadbearinglaci | @mattstokes9 Bluesky: @1weekrental.bsky.social   1-Week Rental used to be Load Bearing Beams.

Tim Burton's Batman and Batman Returns are explored here as two sides of the same dark, imaginative vision, tracing how Burton's signature style shaped Gotham, redefined Batman on screen, and pushed superhero filmmaking toward something stranger, moodier, and more cinematic. From the gothic production design and model work to the unforgettable scores, performances, and studio pressures behind both films, this episode examines how Burton balanced comic-book spectacle with a personal artistic voice, and why his version of Batman still stands out as one of the genre's most distinctive chapters.

Send us Fan MailIt's no secret “Tenet” is hard to follow, and in this episode, we chat about what is hard to understand and whether the fact that it's a Christopher Nolan film has helped set and manage audiences' expectations when trying to decipher what's going on.Let us know what you think and chat with us on X: https://twitter.com/WTF_WithUsTheme Music Credit: Ultra Lights by Stefan Kartenberg (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial  (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/JeffSpeed68/61225 Ft: Javolenus

We're making a top 5 list of our favorite John Cusack movies, and coming in hot is Stephen Frears adaptation of Nick Hornby's High Fidelity. Written by Cusack and his Con Air collaborator Scott Rosenberg, this Ferris Buellers style Chicago confessional is the hangout movie for movie snobs who make lists (like us!)If you're enjoying the show, consider buying us a coffee, sending us an email or hitting us up on Letterboxd, Twitter(X), BlueSky or Instagram!You can catch our episodes early and ad free over on Nebula! Sign up with the link below. It really helps out the pod so we thank you in advance!https://go.nebula.tv/theonlypodcastaboutmoviesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us Fan MailWhat are boy movies? In this episode, we chat about the types of films that are considered “boy movies” and whether there are “girl movies”. More specifically, we chat about how Christopher Nolan's films have all the hallmarks of a “boy movie”, and yet is able to appeal to a broad range of audiences.Let us know what you think and chat with us on X: https://twitter.com/WTF_WithUsTheme Music Credit: Ultra Lights by Stefan Kartenberg (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial  (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/JeffSpeed68/61225 Ft: Javolenus

Let Matt and guest Co-Host Chelsea White be the first to invite you over to the apartment for NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY! Just your standard dinner party where we discuss Olivia Wilde's new film "The Invite." Why what did you think was gonna happen? Get your minds out of the gutter. We have Jamón!If you're enjoying the show, consider buying us a coffee, sending us an email or hitting us up on Letterboxd, Twitter(X), BlueSky or Instagram!You can catch our episodes early and ad free over on Nebula! Sign up with the link below. It really helps out the pod so we thank you in advance!https://go.nebula.tv/theonlypodcastaboutmoviesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1WR is off this week. We're returning in one week with episode 200, but for now, enjoy a free sample from our Patreon podast about Christopher Nolan's Insomnia (2002). Get the full episode by subscribing for $5 a month at https://patreon.com/1weekrental 

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Nolan month! In the lead up to “The Odyssey”, we are watching Lara's favourite Nolan film, “Tenet”. We're starting at the very beginning with the context in which Tenet was released, particularly speaking about the pandemic and how Nolan's previous films may have impacted audiences' perception and expectations of the film.Let us know what you think and chat with us on X: https://twitter.com/WTF_WithUsTheme Music Credit: Ultra Lights by Stefan Kartenberg (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial  (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/JeffSpeed68/61225 Ft: Javolenus

How do you create an emotional connection between a reader and an unlikeable character? That's one of the most common questions we get as editors. The answer lies in understanding the anti-hero protagonist and Birds of Prey offers up a whole group of them to study. And where there are multiple protagonists, there are multiple plotlines. And each of those plotlines needs its own premise statement. It's a full episode this week! Enjoy! -V. Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.Watch us on YouTube!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we dive into the latest Hollywood releases, including Supergirl, Jackass: The Best and The Last, Little Brother, and the new James Gunn DCU projects. We analyze the box office performances, storytelling choices, and what they mean for the future of superhero movies.

The Woman of Tomorrow has hit theaters this weekend and with Shahir vacationing in Metropolis, Matt enlists the power of his name squared and summons guest cohost Matthew "Nando" Kelly of Nando v Movies to help break down all the ways this new 2026 film worked / didn't work while cosplaying as a great film from 2014.If you're enjoying the show, consider buying us a coffee, sending us an email or hitting us up on Letterboxd, Twitter(X), BlueSky or Instagram!You can catch our episodes early and ad free over on Nebula! Sign up with the link below. It really helps out the pod so we thank you in advance!https://go.nebula.tv/theonlypodcastaboutmoviesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Featuring Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Andrew Wiggins, Kel'el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis, Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Pelle Larsson, Keshad Johnson, Pat Riley, and Erik Spoelstra. Subscribe for more Miami Heat news and rumors, NBA trade rumors, NBA free agency coverage, and NBA Draft content. My YouTube Channel My Twitter Intro Song : Pine Island - RadixTheRuler Outro Song : Pull Up Freestyle - RadixTheRuler Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Heather and Cory explore the Predator universe through reviews of 'Killer of Killers' and 'Badlands,' discuss upcoming movies like Spider-Man and Moana, and share their favorite movie connections and Bacon moments.Links:Predator: BadlandsPredator: Killer of KillersYour Side of Bacon for this Episode:Connect Tom Holland to Elle Fanning.

Featuring Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, Andrew Wiggins, Kel'el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis, Nikola Jovic, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Pelle Larsson, Keshad Johnson, Pat Riley, and Erik Spoelstra. Subscribe for more Miami Heat news and rumors, NBA trade rumors, NBA free agency coverage, and NBA Draft content. My YouTube Channel My Twitter Intro Song : Pine Island - RadixTheRuler Outro Song : Pull Up Freestyle - RadixTheRuler Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Christopher Nolan fully became Christopher Nolan with The Prestige—a masterpiece that juggles seven interweaving timelines, multiple perspectives, and red herrings that all snap into focus. Join Laci and Matt for a behind-the-scenes deep dive into how Nolan transformed Christopher Priest's novel into cinema's ultimate puzzle box, plus the career impact this movie had on everything he made after. Laci and Matt go through the history of this movie, starting with the novel by Christopher Priest that inspired it. Then they go behind the scenes of the movie and talk about the Nolan brothers' yearslong struggle to adapt it. One issue for Nolan: Magic on screen is not exciting like magic is in person. So instead,  After that, a look at Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale, and how each of their upbringings and acting styles informs the characters they play. Not only that, Jackman, Bale, Angier, and Borden all reflect parts of Christopher Nolan's schizophrenic directorial personality, torn between a populist, a puzzle maker, a hoity-toity artiste, and a crowd pleaser. Then: The Prestige. We discuss it in depth, theorize about all kinds of weird crap that's going on in the background of the movie, and gush over Bale, Jackman, Michael Caine, and Rebecca Hall, and marvel at how Nolan managed to pull off this magic trick of a movie.   Watch this episode in full on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pdPkvpEMCw0  No new episode next week (July 3, 2026). We'll be back on Friday, July 10, 2026 with episode 200, about The Dark Knight (2008)! The Summer of Nolan is our summer 2026 miniseries covering the movie career of Christopher Nolan through nine movies on the main feed (plus additional episodes on the Patreon!), presented in chronological order, starting with Memento and going through Oppenheimer. And don't be surprised if our old pal Odysseus drops by to tell us about his long journey home to his wife.   Time stamps: 00:01:39 — Opening thoughts on The Prestige 00:09:19 — History segment: Christopher Priest writes the novel The Prestige; Nolan and his brother adapt the novel; career overviews of Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale, and how each informs the character they play; reception and legacy of The Prestige 00:55:00 — Movie discussion + The Prestige film analysis 02:30:45 — Star ratings + final review of The Prestige   The Prestige (2006) was directed by Christopher Nolan. Screenplay by Nolan with his brother Jonah, based on the novel by Christopher Priest. Starring Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Rebecca Hall, Scarlett Johansson, Andy Serkis, David Bowie, Piper Perabo, and Ricky Jay as Milton the Magician.   Sources: "Ten Years Later, Why We're Still Obsessed With 'The Prestige'" by Colin Biggs | Screen Crush (2016) - https://bit.ly/4enO2g9 "'Out of the Furnace' Star Christian Bale on His 'Love-Hate' Relationship with Acting (Q&A)" by Scott Feinberg | The Hollywood Reporter (2013) - https://bit.ly/4eGoKc2  "Pressure as a child formed 'love/hate' relationship with acting" by Ben Child | The Guardian (2013) - https://bit.ly/4xJ5nYx  "Christian Bale on suffering from insomnia and running into Viggo Mortensen in Rome" by Jonathan Heaf | British GQ (2012) - https://bit.ly/4eCGPaJ  "Christopher Priest obituary" by John Clute | The Guardian (2024) - https://bit.ly/4eJQtIZ  "Christopher Nolan (Iconic Directors)" by Dan Jolin (2025) - https://amzn.to/4oEtmE3 "Christopher Nolan: The Iconic Filmmaker and His Work" by Ian Nathan (2026) - https://amzn.to/4oc2lro "Behind the Magic with Prestige Cast" | Access (2006)  "The Prestige: Inside Christopher Nolan's Movie Magic Trick" by Dan Jolin | Empire Magazine (2006) - https://bit.ly/4vv7HRo  "Christian Bale: 'I was asked to do a romantic comedy. I thought they'd lost their minds'" by Rory Carroll | The Guardian (2018) - https://bit.ly/44sb3IQ    Transcript: https://1weekrentalpod.com/2026/06/the-prestige/#transcript  Artwork by Laci Roth.   Check out Laci's coloring videos on YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-kKLhWb2g0bKA-RrvvLh0Q/  Matt has two monthly spin-off podcasts!  PodJob: A James Bond Podcast on Apple Podcast (https://bit.ly/4jRL2K1), Spotify (https://bit.ly/4a8jM6E), and YouTube (https://youtube.com/@podjob007). The Sign Post Up Ahead: A Twilight Zone Recap Podcast on Apple Podcast (https://bit.ly/4vtO6jG), Spotify (https://bit.ly/4w1qDat), and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@TheSignPostUpAhead).   Music by Rural Route Nine. Listen to their album The Joy of Averages on Spotify (https://bit.ly/48WBtUa), Apple Music (https://bit.ly/3Q6kOVC), or YouTube (https://bit.ly/3MbU6tC).   Songs by Rural Route Nine in this episode: "Summer of Nolan" - https://youtube.com/shorts/CAIzthDLrT8  "Winston-Salem" - https://youtu.be/-acMutUf8IM "Snake Drama" - https://youtu.be/xrzz8_2Mqkg "The Bible Towers of Bluebonnet" - https://youtu.be/k7wlxTGGEIQ    The "Summer of Nolan" theme song was written by Matt Stokes. Produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered by TJ Barends. Performed by: TJ Barends - backing vocals Wade Hymel - drums, percussion, and backing vocals Laci Roth - vocals Matt Stokes - vocals, guitar, and bass   Follow 1-Week Rental, a movie podcast: Twitter: @1weekrental | @MattStokes9 | @LRothConcepts Facebook: @1weekrental Instagram: @1weekrental TikTok: @1weekrental | @mattstokes9 Letterboxd: @loadbearinglaci | @mattstokes9 Bluesky: @1weekrental.bsky.social   1-Week Rental used to be Load Bearing Beams.

Wedding and Knicks Debrief at 00:00Disclosure Day Discussion at 16:48Listener Emails at 01:07:40Discussing a filmmaker whose name is synonymous with film-making is daunting at best, but will knowing the truth about Steven Spielberg's Disclosure Day set you free? If you're enjoying the show, consider buying us a coffee, sending us an email or hitting us up on Letterboxd, Twitter(X), BlueSky or Instagram!You can catch our episodes early and ad free over on Nebula! Sign up with the link below. It really helps out the pod so we thank you in advance!https://go.nebula.tv/theonlypodcastaboutmoviesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us comments, suggestions and ideas here! In this week's episode we accomplish part 2 of our deep dive into the sickly yellow abyss of Kane Parson's Backrooms to reveal the unthinkably dense amount of symbolism, mythology and religious allegory lurking just beneath the surface. In the free side of the show we discuss how Mary's shadow can be related to The Wheel of Fortune and the Blasted Tower of the Tarot expanding on the themes already present and giving dimension to Backroom's lore outside the film. In the extended show we discuss Ivan Beck, the Red City, Odin, the Tower of Babylon, the Voyager Disk, The Qlippoth of Kabbalistic Tree of Death and even the Gnostic Demiurge because damn it, Kane Parsons go so hard with easter eggs and clever symbolism I think we may need to determine if he is actually a Moonchild created by Aleister Crowley himself. Thank you and enjoy the show! In this week's episode we discuss: The Formation of the Psychological ShadowThe Wheel of FortunePalm ReadingMother-Daughter Complex The Blasted Tower The Purpose of the Psychological ShadowThe Tower of Babel The Red CityThe Glorious Sun FaceIvan BeckIn the extended show available at www.patreon.com/TheWholeRabbit we go further into the Backrooms than anyone else (at least I'm pretty sure) and discuss: A Sync and OdinFault of MemoryThe Qlippoth: Kabbalistic Tree of DeathStill-LivesEin SophThe Gnostic Demiurge: YaldabaothBarbelo and The Pleroma… and more…. This episode was written by Tim Hacker and Luke Madrid with additional commentaries by Heka Astra and Mari SamaWhere to find The Whole Rabbit:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0AnJZhmPzaby04afmEWOAVInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_whole_rabbitTwitter: https://twitter.com/1WholeRabbitOrder Stickers: https://www.stickermule.com/thewholerabbitOther Merchandise: https://thewholerabbit.myspreadshop.com/Music By Spirit Travel Plaza:https://open.spotify.com/artist/30dW3WB1sYofnow7y3V0YoSupport the show

In this episode of A Lost Plot, Avalon, Andrew, and Maverick discuss the recent release of the film Disclosure Day. This conversation delves into the complexities of character motivations and development in Disclosure Day, a film centered around alien interactions. The hosts analyze the intertwined motivations of the protagonists, Daniel and Margaret, and critique the depth of their character arcs. They discuss the role of the villain, Scanlon, and the film's portrayal of chaos in the world, questioning the assumptions made about the aliens' intentions. The conversation concludes with reflections on the film's narrative structure and the emotional journeys of the characters. The conversation culminates in reflections on the film's lasting impact and the overall effectiveness of its execution, with a consensus that while there are interesting ideas, the film ultimately falls short in its delivery.----------Highlights:0:00 ‘Disclosure Day' Introduction6:59 The Protagonists: Daniel and Margaret25:50 Arguing Over How To Critique Characters38:19 The Villains46:59 Themes & Messages57:12 Lasting Impact#disclosureday #stevenspielberg #aliens #alienmovie #alostplot 

Bob Geldof didn't like Mondays. Garfield didn't like Mondays. We're all out here living for the weekend…or so I have been told. And that is what this film really is: a bunch of eventful weekends spliced together in cinematic form. MONDAY is a 2020 drama romance film starring Sebastian Stan and Denise Gough, directed by Argyris Papadimitropoulos, set in beautiful Greece. You get your laughs. You get your tears. You get your inevitable high-octane police chase. Oh! And watch out for those pebbles…

Mike, Tom, and Kyle close out Season 5 by reflecting on the 1993 class of National Film Registry inductees, handing out superlatives to the standout performances and craftspeople from the season, and formally submitting their Registry picks. Plus, a look ahead to Season 6.  Since 1989, the National Film Registry has selected 25 films each year that are deemed "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant". In each episode, Mike Natale (Yahoo!) and Tom Lorenzo (Men's Journal) bring on a special guest to take a look at one of the films from the registry, to get to the heart of why these films matter.

As we continue your Nancy Meyers retrospective, we arrive at What Women Want (2000). It was a box office hit that doesn't quite hold together, and this episode gets into why. Despite the star power, the film stumbles through scattered storytelling, thin characters, and rushed emotional beats. We break down the gap between its massive commercial success and its actual craft, from the uneven chemistry between the leads to the fake cityscape to the messy ending.

Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox StoryHosts: Clark Coffey & Cullen McFaterIn this episode, Clark Coffey and Cullen McFader discuss the 2007 comedy/biopic parody Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. Starring John C. Reilly and a stacked cast of comedians from the era, the film runs the gamut on tropes from the music biopic genre and features some surprisingly strong tunes lead by Reilly.Subscribe to Soldiers of Cinema for honest, wide-ranging conversations on film, from cult favorites to award-winners - with two filmmakers, decades apart.TrailerDirector: Jake KasdanStarring:John C. ReillyJenna FischerDavid KrumholtzSocials:FacebookTwitterInstagram

Well, well, well ... this has to be THE most interesting presentation of an underdog protagonist that I've ever come across. Not only have the filmmakers gone above and beyond with respect to their audience's expectations, but they've innovated the heck out of the underdog. This you've got to see! And if you're not sure whether you've written a logline or a premise statement for your story (or why you'd need both and when you'd use them) then Melanie's got your back because in this episode, she explains it all. Enjoy! -V. Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.Watch us on YouTube!

Episode Summary Erin and Rachel follow Lightning McQueen and Mater around the globe in this discussion of Cars 2, a spy-themed sequel with a convoluted plot and disappointing politics.  Episode Bibliography Abg 13. (2021, February 21). Cars 2 Tokyo Race Lap One w/ Film Maker Commentary (Subs Included). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eB-qsiCs6us&list=PLkVBJymkFErmVjGA_sJvZwr7CFirexCaa&index=1 Abg 13. (2021, February 27). Cars 2: Making Lemon-Aides (Subs Included). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WnBgTtuILU&list=PLkVBJymkFErmVjGA_sJvZwr7CFirexCaa&index=12 Barnes, B. (2011, October 17). John Lasseter of Pixar Defends ‘Cars 2'. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/18/movies/john-lasseter-of-pixar-defends-cars-2.html Bastoli, M. (2011, March 21). Screenwriter claims Cars was his idea, sues Pixar. The PIXAR Blog. https://web.archive.org/web/20111006214337/http://pixarblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/screenwriter-claims-cars-was-his-idea.html Bastoli, M. (2011, July 28). Victory for Disney/Pixar in Cars lawsuit. Big Screen Animation. https://web.archive.org/web/20120314153029/http://www.bigscreenanimation.com/2011/07/victory-for-disneypixar-in-cars-lawsuit.html Bastoli, M. (2011, July 28). Victory for Disney/Pixar in Cars lawsuit. Big Screen Animation. https://web.archive.org/web/20120314153029/http://www.bigscreenanimation.com/2011/07/victory-for-disneypixar-in-cars-lawsuit.html Billington, A. (2008, September 25). Pixar's Cars 2 Pushed Up to Summer of 2011. FirstShowing. https://www.firstshowing.net/2008/pixars-cars-2-pushed-up-to-summer-of-2011/ Blankenship, M. (2012, October 5). Summer bummer: 5 most disappointing movies. TODAY. https://web.archive.org/web/20121005003851/http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/44260890/ns/today-entertainment/ Brew, S. (2011, July 24). Denise Ream interview: Eraser, Cars 2, stop motion animation, Star Wars and Pixar. Den of Geek. https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/denise-ream-interview-eraser-cars-2-stop-motion-animation-star-wars-and-pixar/ Cars 2. (n.d.). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cars_2 Cars 2. (n.d.). Box Office Mojo. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3091760641/ Cars 2 (2011) - Full cast & crew. (n.d.). IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1216475/fullcredits/ Chang, J. (2011, June 19). Cars 2. Variety. https://variety.com/2011/film/reviews/cars-2-1117945476/ Child, B. (2011, June 20). Cars 2 premiere - in pictures. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/film/gallery/2011/jun/20/pixar-walt-disney-company cinemajudgetv. (2011, August 16). CARS 2 - In the Studio. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EP98hbvjc_s Desowitz, B. (2011, April 19). Lasseter Talks 'Cars 2'. Animation World Network. https://www.awn.com/animationworld/lasseter-talks-cars-2 Ebert, R. (2011, June 22). John Lasseter plays with his cars movie review. RogerEbert.com. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/cars-2-2011 FILM.TV. (2011, July 27). Cars 2: John Lasseter im Exklusiv-Interview. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRBkkuGnL-A Finklea, B.W.  (2014). Examining masculinities in Pixar's feature films: What it means to be a boy, whether  human, fish, car, or toy. [Doctoral dissertation, University of Alabama]. ProQuest Dissertations &  Theses Global.  Greenberg, C. (2011, May 23). State Farm Backs Disney/Pixar's 'Cars 2'. MediaPost. https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/151040/None Hill, J. (2010, June 24). Hamming it up at Disney's Holiday Showcase. Jim Hill Media. https://limegreen-loris-912771.hostingersite.com/hamming-it-up-at-disneys-holiday-showcase/ Hunter, H. (2010, February 15). Cars 2 Gets A Toon Up... Blue Sky Disney. http://www.blueskydisney.com/2010/02/cars-2-gets-toon-up.html Kabuki. (n.d.). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabuki Lasseter, J. (Director). (2011). Cars 2 [Film]. Pixar Animation Studios. Malouf, M. (2017). Behind the closet door: Pixar and petro-literacy. In S. Wilson, A. Carlson, & I. Szeman  (Eds.), Petrocultures: Oil, politics, culture (pp. 138-161). McGill-Queen's University Press. Maltin, L. (2011, June 24). movie review: CARS 2. Indiewire. https://web.archive.org/web/20140108213426/http://blogs.indiewire.com/leonardmaltin/movie_review_cars_2 Ness, M. (2018, January 4). Pixar's First Minor Roadblock: Cars 2. Reactor. https://reactormag.com/pixars-first-minor-roadblock-cars-2/ O, C. (2011, June 28). Inside CARS 2 with Director John Lasseter. 5 Minutes for Mom. https://www.5minutesformom.com/cars-2-john-lasseter/ obsessedwithfilm. (2011, July 21). John Lasseter talks Cars 2. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO76wBgd1D8 O'Connell, M. (2011, October 18). ‘Cars 2' Director John Lasseter Defends Film, Says Sequel Wasn't About Merchandising. The Hollywood Reporter. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/cars-2-director-john-lasseter-249910/ Parks, T. (2009, August 25). Disney 'hints at Cars sequel title'. Digital Spy. https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a173720/disney-hints-at-cars-sequel-title/ Pixar boss reveals Cars movie merchandise made $10bn. (2011, July 21). BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-14209968 Robertson, B. (2011). The World Is Not Enough. Computer Graphics World. https://www.cgw.com/Publications/CGW/2011/Volume-34-Issue-6-June-July-2011-/The-World-Is-Not-Enough.aspx#articletop Rorie, M. (2011, June 27). Was Cars 2 Too Violent For A G-Rating? Screened. https://web.archive.org/web/20110629141858/http://www.screened.com/news/was-cars-2-too-violent-for-a-g-rating/2473/ Saint, J. (2020, April 30). Oops! Disney's Cars Did Eugenics. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6qMgiA-VY0 Slager, B. (2011, June 28). Sell-uloid: The Marketing of CARS 2. chud.com. https://chud.com/58735/sell-uloid-the-marketing-of-cars-2/ Szalai, G. (2011, February 14). Disney: 'Cars' Has Crossed $8 Billion in Global Retail Sales. The Hollywood Reporter. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/disney-cars-has-crossed-8-99438/ Travers, P. (2011, June 23). Cars 2. Rolling Stone. https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-reviews/cars-2-91198/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Brandon and Rob dive into the fascinating world of aliens, Spielberg's 'Disclosure Day', and their thoughts on recent movies and streaming trends. They share insights on filmmaking, acting, and the cultural impact of sci-fi and Hollywood blockbusters.

Stand back because fabulous powers are about to be granted to us as we hold aloft our magic sword between our glorious legs! Skeletor4Prez and Shahir are about to discover the secrets of Castle Greyskull and Travis Knight's rap history as we discuss "Masters of the Universe" If you're enjoying the show, consider buying us a coffee, sending us an email or hitting us up on Letterboxd, Twitter(X), BlueSky or Instagram!You can catch our episodes early and ad free over on Nebula! Sign up with the link below. It really helps out the pod so we thank you in advance!https://go.nebula.tv/theonlypodcastaboutmoviesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us comments, suggestions and ideas here! In this week's episode we grab our “They Live” glasses and descend down into Kane Parson's summer blockbuster horror hit: “The Backrooms” to explore its clever symbolic use of Jungian archetypes and Eastern mysticism to create a cerebral and spooky allegory with the same narrative depth we find in masterpieces like Kubrick's The Shining, Lynch's Twin Peaks or Owaku's Silent Hill 2 but with a retrowave drip that weaponizes nostalgia in a tour of the collective unconscious with obscure doorways straight into Buddhist hell. In the free side of the show we discuss Clark and the symbolism that haunts him, the Backrooms and his shadow; breaking down what it has to do with the infinite, changing and cyclical nature of the Backrooms itself. In the extended side of the show we discuss the Capn Carl, Tarot symbolism, the shadow of the retrowave aesthetic and how the Backrooms are a perfect allegory for the Bardos of the Tibetan Book of the Dead. Join us next week for part 2. That gives you a whole other week to go watch the movie before listening! Thank you and enjoy the show!In this week's episode we discuss:Origins of the BackroomsClark Character AnalysisWater Symbolism The Helm and the Wheel of KarmaSamsara, Maya and DukkhaThe Biology of Memory and RepetitionBird symbolismCarl Jung's Psychological ShadowIn the extended episode available at www.patreon.com/TheWholeRabbit we go deeper down the rabbit hole to discuss:Black Mirrors Descending Into the UnconsciousWeaponizing Nostalgia and the Retrowave AestheticTarot: Two of SwordsGematriaDavey Jones LockerMary and the WindowNavigating the Bardos This episode was written by Tim Hacker, Mari Sama and Luke Madrid with additional commentaries by Heka Astra. Where to find The Whole Rabbit:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0AnJZhmPzaby04afmEWOAVInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_whole_rabbitTwitter: https://twitter.com/1WholeRabbitOrder Stickers: https://www.stickermule.com/thewholerabbitOther Merchandise: https://thewholerabbit.myspreadshop.com/Music By Spirit Travel Plaza:https://open.spotify.com/artist/30dW3WB1sYofnow7y3V0YoSupport the show

We're back, and just in time for summer blockbuster season! Join Chad Perman and new co-host Elizabeth Cantwell as they talk their way through one of the biggest/best summer blockbusters of all time, James Cameron's Terminator 2: Judgment Day, on the occasion of its 35th anniversary next month.

If you're not careful and you noclip out of reality in the wrong areas, you'll end up listening to this week's episode about Kane Parson's Backrooms. Get lost listening to us in liminal spaces!If you're enjoying the show, consider buying us a coffee, sending us an email or hitting us up on Letterboxd, Twitter(X), BlueSky or Instagram!You can catch our episodes early and ad free over on Nebula! Sign up with the link below. It really helps out the pod so we thank you in advance!https://go.nebula.tv/theonlypodcastaboutmoviesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oh. My. Goodness. Are YOU in for a treat!? Hopefully, you're more hopeful than Roger Ebert, who rated this as the worst film of 1988. Fancy a game of top Tom Berenger action? Because it's here!  It's a primetime slice of New York cheesecake coming your way from Donald P. Bellisario, the creator of MAGNUM PI and AIRWOLF. Some say this is his one and only film, others would say he directed AIRWOLF: THE MOVIE, too.  Either way, from the way Ryan and Laura scramble all over themselves to get their favourite moments heard, we can only suspect you'll have as much fun watching this, intoxicated and REALLY SMOKING your cigarettes, as only Tom can.

Sweet Smell of Success (1957) is one of the most visually ruthless films Hollywood ever made — and one that doesn't show up in the conversation as often as it should. We dig into James Wong Howe's New York City cinematography, the Burt Lancaster and Tony Curtis dynamic, and what the Library of Congress saw in it when they added it to the National Film Registry.   Since 1989, the National Film Registry has selected 25 films each year that are deemed "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant". In each episode, Mike Natale (Yahoo!) and Tom Lorenzo (Men's Journal) bring on a special guest to take a look at one of the films from the registry, to get to the heart of why these films matter.  

Filmmaking is a time machine and we're going back to the late 1990s to quietly observe Sasha's family move into a small Vancouver Island community and try to deal with their son Jeremy's ever increasing social disconnection. The subtle sleight of hand in Sophy Romvari's Blue Heron sneaks up on Matt and Shahir in one of the most praised films of the year. If you're enjoying the show, consider buying us a coffee, sending us an email or hitting us up on Letterboxd, Twitter(X), BlueSky or Instagram!You can catch our episodes early and ad free over on Nebula! Sign up with the link below. It really helps out the pod so we thank you in advance!https://go.nebula.tv/theonlypodcastaboutmoviesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Open Range (2003) proves Robert Duvall can carry a western on his back — even when Kevin Costner is standing right next to him.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Find our review of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom here: https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/alostplot/episodes/2026-05-21T22_59_17-07_00 In this episode, the hosts discuss 'Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade,' exploring its plot, character development, and themes. They delve into the significance of Indiana Jones' relationship with his father, the effectiveness of the film's opening sequence, and the roles of supporting characters. The conversation highlights the film's balance of adventure and emotional depth, making it a standout in the Indiana Jones series. The discussion also touches on the film's narrative structure, the effectiveness of its tension, and the significance of familial bonds and reverence for the divine. Ultimately, they reflect on the film's lasting impact and whether it serves as a fitting conclusion to Indiana Jones' story.----------Highlights:0:00 ‘Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade' Introduction7:32 Opening Scene17:01 Indiana Jones23:36 Henry Jones Sr. 29:56 The Antagonists42:38 Raising the Stakes48:03 Themes & Messages52:12 Lasting Impact#indianajones #thelastcrusade #alostplot #filmthoughts #holygrail 

Revisiting Sergeant Bilko brings nostalgic charm despite its outdated humor. Steve Martin's antics as a scheming con man still entertain, though some jokes haven't aged well. We explore the film's roots, its box office flop, and imagine a modern remake. Whether you're a fan or curious, this episode questions if some jokes are best left in the past.

Sicario presented us with a few surprises this week. Valerie thought she'd be analysing a hero, but Kate is an underdog. She's not presented as a typical underdog, nor does she have the typical underdog resolution. On my end, the logline for the movie misses some essential information. I try a new method of creating a premise that clarifies the conflict and story climax, and it delivers a surprising discovery about the real antagonist. -M Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.Watch us on YouTube!

Send us Fan MailJoin us as we explore the latest in movies, TV shows, and Star Wars lore, including reviews of recent films like 'Detective Sheep' and 'The Great,' and an in-depth discussion on the new 'Mandalorian' movie. Perfect for movie buffs and Star Wars fans alike, this episode offers insights, reviews, and predictions for the franchise's future.

Be careful what you wish for because we're breaking the willow branch on Curry Barker's "Obsession" and following madly head over heels!If you're enjoying the show, consider buying us a coffee, sending us an email or hitting us up on Letterboxd, Twitter(X), BlueSky or Instagram!You can catch our episodes early and ad free over on Nebula! Sign up with the link below. It really helps out the pod so we thank you in advance!https://go.nebula.tv/theonlypodcastaboutmoviesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Find our rating of Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark here: https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/alostplot/episodes/2026-05-16T17_01_48-07_00 In this episode, the hosts review 'Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,' discussing its plot, character development, and overall effectiveness as a film. They explore the film's darker themes, the humor that contrasts with its serious elements, and the motivations of Indiana Jones as a character. The conversation highlights the film's shortcomings in tension and character growth, ultimately leading to a critical assessment of its place within the Indiana Jones franchise. They express disappointment in the portrayal of key characters, particularly Willie Scott and the villains, while praising Short Round as a standout character. The discussion also touches on the film's legacy and whether it adds value to the Indiana Jones franchise.----------Highlights: 0:00 ‘Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom' Introduction6:40 Opening Scene11:56 Laughable Stakes22:22 Indiana Jones24:55 Willie Scott & Short Round29:56 The Villains33:11 Themes & Messages34:42 Lasting Impact#indianajones #templeofdoom #alostplot #filmthoughts #harrisonford 

There's nothing like a bit of Father/Son bonding to really bring a family together in times of grief. However, in this case, after the unfortunate passing of the family matriarch, these two men decide to explore something far less conventional and far more controversial. Each other! Just kidding...kind of...

What happens when a crime drama refuses to rely on Hollywood clichés, opting instead for a gritty, uncompromising look at the revolving door of the American penal system?In this episode of The Dana Buckler Show, host Dana Buckler is joined by special guest David Klein to dive deep into the 1978 neo-noir crime masterpiece, Straight Time.Directed by Ulu Grosbard and starring Dustin Hoffman in one of the most fiercely underrated performances of his career, Straight Time follows Max Dembo, a thief newly released on parole who finds himself trapped between the suffocating grip of a sadistic parole officer (played brilliantly by M. Emmet Walsh) and the inevitable pull of the criminal underworld.Dana and David break down: Dustin Hoffman's Transformative Performance: How Hoffman went all-in on capturing the raw, erratic psychological state of a career criminal. The Incredible Supporting Cast: Shining a spotlight on the phenomenal talents of Harry Dean Stanton, Gary Busey, Theresa Russell, and the legendary M. Emmet Walsh. Realism vs. Hollywood Glamour: Why Edward Bunker's source novel (No Beast So Fierce) provided the film with an unmatched level of authentic criminal grit. The Film's Legacy: Why this 70s hidden gem still holds up today as a masterclass in tension, character study, and neo-noir storytelling. Whether you're a die-hard fan of 1970s cinema or discovering this gritty crime drama for the very first time, this conversation offers deep insights, behind-the-scenes trivia, and plenty of cinematic appreciation.Grab your headphones, hit play, and let's talk Straight Time!Listen to David's podcast "I am The Fly" by going to https://www.iamthefly.org/Listen to David's first appearance on this podcast by going to https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-plus-one-with-author-david-klein/id737566691?i=1000697503492You can order "The Plus One" by going to https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DKKZCHHM?ref_=ast_author_mpb   or https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-plus-one-getting-by-on-good-connections-in-the-analog-age/2d554789f316ab0dJoin our Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/danabucklershowJoin my Patreon for early access to all episodes, plus a new exclusive podcast, go to Patreon.com/howisthismovieHelp Support our work : Cash App $DanaBuckler or Venmo @DanaABuckler Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform by going to https://linktr.ee/DanaBucklerShow #TheDanaBucklerShow #StraightTime #DustinHoffman #DavidKlein #70sCinema #CrimeMovies #NeoNoir #MoviePodcast #FilmTwitter #ClassicMovies #HarryDeanStanton #MEmmetWalsh #Cinemaphile 

A Few Good MenHosts: Clark Coffey & Cullen McFaterIn this episode, Clark Coffey and Cullen McFader discuss Rob Reiner's 1992 film 'A Few Good Men,' exploring its cultural impact, performances, and the writing style of Aaron Sorkin. They delve into personal experiences with the film, the direction, and the philosophical questions it raises about the justice system. The conversation also touches on visual storytelling techniques and the balance between performance and cinematography in the film, the limitations of Aaron Sorkin's narrative style, and the performances of the lead actors. They discuss how the film addresses philosophical questions about morality and justice, while also analyzing the character dynamics and emotional depth brought by the supporting cast. The conversation highlights the film's entertainment value and its impact on audiences, reflecting on how perceptions of military culture have evolved over time.Subscribe to Soldiers of Cinema for honest, wide-ranging conversations on film, from cult favorites to award-winners - with two filmmakers, decades apart.TrailerDirector: Rob ReinerStarring:Tom CruiseJack NicholsonDemi MooreSocials:FacebookTwitterInstagram

Get over here as we get nice and toasty with Simon McQuoid's new player in video game adaptations... Mortal Kombat 2! JM8 from Second Wind rejoins the pod and throws us a friendship fatality while we try to figure out if this really was a flawless victory!If you're enjoying the show, consider buying us a coffee, sending us an email or hitting us up on Letterboxd, Twitter(X), BlueSky or Instagram!You can catch our episodes early and ad free over on Nebula! Sign up with the link below. It really helps out the pod so we thank you in advance!https://go.nebula.tv/theonlypodcastaboutmoviesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode of A Lost Plot, Andrew and Maverick delve into the classic film 'Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark.' They discuss the film's impact on the adventure genre, analyze the characters of Indiana Jones and his rival René Belloc, and explore the dynamics of supporting characters like Marion and Sala. The conversation highlights the film's nostalgic elements, character development, and cultural context, providing a comprehensive review of this iconic movie. In this conversation, Andrew and Maverick delve into the intricacies of the film, discussing character dynamics, the role of villains, thematic elements, and the cultural impact of the Indiana Jones franchise. They explore how the film's structure reflects serial storytelling, the competency of Indiana Jones, and the moral complexities presented by the character of Belloc. The discussion also touches on the spiritual undertones of the narrative and the film's legacy in shaping future cinematic adventures.----------Highlights:0:00 ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark' Introduction5:24 Opening Scene10:08 Indiana Jones21:35 Marion & Sallah34:15 Raising the Stakes38:46 The Villains46:52 The Climax50:20 Themes & Messages58:24 Lasting Impact#indianajones #raidersofthelostark #alostplot #filmreview #jungleadventure 

In this episode of Salt & Light, Zena Dell Lowe examines the Academy Award nominated film Blue Moon starring Ethan Hawke and asks an important storytelling question:What happens when a film portrays a broken man truthfully without glorifying him?At first, Blue Moon feels frustrating. Its protagonist, legendary lyricist Lorenz Hart, is bitter, self-destructive, arrogant, emotionally stagnant, and deeply trapped in alcoholism and self-pity.But as the story unfolds, the deeper moral framework begins to emerge.This isn't a story asking us to admire Hart. It's asking us to confront the cost of refusing humility, gratitude, accountability, and change.In this conversation, Zena explores:the difference between tragedy and moral inversionwhy modern culture confuses cynicism with wisdomhow stories portray addiction and human bondagethe difference between understanding a character and endorsing themwhy tragic stories can still communicate moral truthwhat writers should understand about broken protagonistsSalt & Light is a worldview analysis series from The Storyteller's Mission that explores what stories reveal about morality, reality, and the human condition.If you enjoy film analysis, storytelling discussions, screenwriting conversations, worldview critique, or character-driven narratives, this episode is for you.Watch this episode on YouTubeFree Resources for Writers:Seven Deadly Plot Points FREE TRAINING VIDEO Free Video Tutorial for ScreenwritingSign up for The Storyteller's Digest, my exclusive bi-monthly newsletter for writers and storytellers. Each edition delivers an insightful article or practical writing tip straight from me, designed to help you master your craft and tell compelling stories.The Storyteller's Mission Podcast is now on YouTube.  Subscribe to our channel and never miss a new episode or announcement.

Poles apart - and not the dancing kind! Anora won the 2024 Palme d'Or at Cannes and five out of six categories at the 2025 Academy awards including Best Original Screen Play and Best Film. Plus, it was nominated for a multitude of other awards and won its fair share. On Rotten Tomatoes it has an aggregated rating of 93%. That's impressive.  However, we disagree about What Went Right. I saw how the writer director crafted a pessimistic story arc combined with a negative character arc. Valerie believes that nothing went right in this movie because of the characters, dialogue, and lack of originality. If you've seen the movie, let us know what you think. -M Submit your query letter and first 10 pages writing sample at storynerd.ca.For access to writing templates and worksheets, and more than 70 hours of training (all for free), subscribe to Valerie's Inner Circle.To learn to read like a writer, visit Melanie's website.To subscribe to Kat's Keynotes (Substack), click here.Watch us on YouTube!

Why do audiences jump in horror movies? What are some of the greatest jump scares in cinema history? In this episode of Lunatics Radio Hour, Abby and Alan explore the history of the jump scare, from early suspense filmmaking and the famous “Lewton Bus” scene in Cat People to the modern era of loud, fast-paced horror shocks. We break down how jump scares evolved, why they work psychologically, and the films that helped define the technique across horror history.Get Lunatics Merch here. Join the discussion on Discord. Check out Abby's book Horror Stories. Available in eBook and paperback. Music by Michaela Papa, Alan Kudan & Jordan Moser. Poster Art by Pilar Keprta @pilar.kep.SourcesCollider Article: A Brief History of The Jump Scare by Samantha Graves Inverse Article: The Unexpected Psychology of Jump Scares by Ben Guarino An article from The Lineup by Kelsey Christine McConnell: The Hair Raising History of The Jump ScareAn Atlas Obscura Article by Gavia Baker-Whitelaw: The Startling History of The Jump ScareSupport the show

Gird your loins because Matt, Jamie and Shahir are about to give a performance evaluation to one of fashion's most notorious bosses. Put on your best heels because The Devil Wears Prada 2 is sashaying down the runway with the return of Andy, Emily and Nigel in a post print journalistic quagmire!If you're enjoying the show, consider buying us a coffee, sending us an email or hitting us up on Letterboxd, Twitter(X), BlueSky or Instagram!You can catch our episodes early and ad free over on Nebula! Sign up with the link below. It really helps out the pod so we thank you in advance!https://go.nebula.tv/theonlypodcastaboutmoviesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What happens when a story needs something to happen… so the character suddenly stops thinking?In this episode of The Storyteller's Mission, we examine a common storytelling failure: when plot demands override character integrity.From Alex Rider to Sherlock to Game of Thrones, we explore why intelligent characters suddenly make unbelievable decisions—and why audiences immediately feel that something is off.This episode breaks down the difference between tension and frustration, how writers unintentionally manipulate character behavior, and what to do instead.Because when characters stop acting like themselves, the audience stops believing the story.Watch this episode on YouTubeFree Resources for Writers:Seven Deadly Plot Points FREE TRAINING VIDEO Free Video Tutorial for ScreenwritingSign up for The Storyteller's Digest, my exclusive bi-monthly newsletter for writers and storytellers. Each edition delivers an insightful article or practical writing tip straight from me, designed to help you master your craft and tell compelling stories.The Storyteller's Mission Podcast is now on YouTube.  Subscribe to our channel and never miss a new episode or announcement.