Get Your Popcorn

This week, we start our 3 part series on Gone with the Wind. Released in 1939 and starring the iconic Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable, This film weaves a complex tapestry of survival set against the backdrop of the American Civil War. Join me as I explore Scarlett O’Hara, a character often hailed as a feminist icon, while also confronting the disturbing realities of racism and harmful stereotypes depicted throughout the film. I’ll unravel the layers of whitesupremacist propaganda embedded in its narrative and discuss why it’s crucial to understand systemic racism in media. Tune in for a thought-provoking journey that not only revisits a beloved classic but also challenges us to reconsider its legacy in today’s world.

Mr Christian this week we are covering the 1935 version of Mutiny on the Bounty. Starring Clark Gable (the time moustache-less unfortunately) and Charles Laughton, they take to the high seas in search of breadfruit in the paradise of Tahiti. Cruelty and tyranny will rear their ugly heads, ultimately leading to the mutiny of the ages that has been told time and time again.Get in your life boat and tune in.

This week, we’re diving headfirst into the wild, romantic chaos of True Romance, a film where love hits like a bullet and burns just as bright. Written by Quentin Tarantino and directed by Tony Scott, it’s a whirlwind of comic-book dreams, brutal violence, and one unforgettable love story.We follow Clarence and Alabama, two outsiders who find each other and decide to go all in on love, on risk, on a life that feels like a movie. As Clarence says, “You’re so cool,” and somehow that simple line becomes one of the most iconic declarations of love ever put on screen.So grab some pie, put on your purple leopard print, and join us for a love story that’s as dangerous as it is dreamy.

Make it pink 🩷 No! Make it blue! 🩵 No! I know, make it an episode where we deep dive Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. The film’s stunning animation and excellent voice work put it miles ahead of contemporary works in this genre. In my opinion one of the most beautiful films ever made and technically well crafted. Tune in this week and walk with me once upon a dream 💭

What's that? Well it's the man behind The Bitterwolf! Isaiah joins me today to discuss One Cut of the Dead. An independent Horror/Comedy that is full of inside baseball references on film making and an inventive plot twist. We also dive head first into why we both love the horror and what drew us to it. Such a fun conversation with one of my favourite creators! Tune in for a spooky good time.Make sure you give Isiah a follow! Links belowhttps://www.instagram.com/thebitterwolf/?hl=enhttps://www.realbitterwolf.com/thehorrormosaic.htmlhttps://www.youtube.com/@TheRealBitterWolfhttps://www.tiktok.com/@the.bitter.wolfhttps://tr.ee/AwnQ1O6-Jl

This week Inglourious Basterds, A year ago I released this episode. A historical fiction film that despite its reimagining elements convey the very dark truth of fascism, its victims, villains and the people who chose to stay silent for their own comfort.You'll hear me talking about what was the upcoming Canadian election, and the beginnings of Trump and his Goon Squad administration. The dog whistles were always there.Yesterday VA ICU RN Alex Pretti was executed on camera by federal agents.The administration is actively lying about the murder despite the fact the footage is available for us to see.“The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears. It was their final, most essential command.” ― George Orwell, ⁠1984⁠

This week I get all the way up in Michael Mann’s 1995 crime epic Heat. I am joined by Drew, aka Mr. Movie Guy from TikTok. We break down the legendary performances from Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, and why their shared scenes have become some of the most iconic moments in film history. We also talk about Pacino’s bold, operatic choices and dare we say ❄️ inspired versus De Niro’s cool minimalism, and how that contrast elevates the film far beyond a standard.The conversation turns to Heat’s puzzling legacy with the Academy, discussing how such an ambitious, technically masterful, and emotionally complex film went largely undervalued during awards season, despite its influence and staying power.References used in the creation of this episode are listed below'Heat' at 25: The Making of a Modern Classichttps://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113277/?ref_=ttpl_ov_bkhttps://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/heat_1995https://letterboxd.com/film/heat-1995/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/heat-1995

Last night I saw a 60th anniversary screening of The Sound of Music. In the spirit of that I thought I'd re-release an early episode of the podcast where I covered it. Happy Holidays everyone!The hills are alive with the Sound of Music this week! Journey back to the Austrian Alps with us as we explore the magic. We’ll delve into the iconic performance of Julie Andrews as the world’s favourite governess, the captivating presence of Christopher Plummer, and the enduring themes that make this film timeless. More relevant now than ever, discover why this story of sugar and spice, with a powerful message at its heart, continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.

This week, I revisit the magic and meaning of It’s a Wonderful Life with returning guest and classic film historian Harry Marks. Together, we dig into the film’s fascinating production history, its rocky journey to becoming a beloved holiday staple, and why its message feels just as relevant today as it did in the 1940s. We explore how the film’s small town setting and big hearted story quietly challenge the facade of the American Dream, revealing a deeply human, almost socialist heart beneath its surface. It is an unflinching look at how capitalism can push people to their breaking point. Jimmy Stewart gives an absolutely groundbreaking performance, shaped by his real-life experiences as a World War II veteran, his raw emotional truth helped redefine screen acting forever. Timeless, moving, and surprisingly modern, this episode looks at why It’s a Wonderful Life still matters.The holidays can be a very dark time for many. If you or anyone you know is struggling please know the world is a better place with you in it. Listed below are resources available:https://988.ca/https://bc.211.ca/https://www.iasp.info/suicidalthoughts/

TW: colonialism, violence against Indigenous Peoples, racism, historical rewriting, exploitation of marginalized communities and cultural erasure. Please listen with care.This week I dive into Disney’s 1995 animated film Pocahontas, a controversial entry in the Disney canon. The movie reimagines the real-life story of Matoaka, known as Pocahontas, an Indigenous Powhatan woman whose life and legacy were romanticized and distorted for mainstream audiences.This is a highly problematic film for SO many reasons, including by not limited to romanticizing the tragic story of the real life Pocahontas, the centering of the narrative of John Smith framing him as a hero and the downplaying the horrible impact of the english on Indigenous People. There is NO excuse. I wish Disney had done the research needed to make this film. Beyond casting Indigenous voice actors the care seems to have stopped there, This film could have much more to say if history was even remotely taken into account. The film centres a European perspective rather than the Indigenous one. The real story is far more complex, brutal, a story of survival under colonial pressure and not of romance. There is something to be said for the music conveying the overall message of shared humanity. As a kid the message I received from this film was the importance of environmental protection, finding the beauty in other cultures, and that the land I live on was/is stolen. Although this is positive it does not make up for the films glaring shortcomings. I’ll end this intro with a quote from Roger Ebert “Having led one of the most interesting lives imaginable, Pocahontas serves here as a simplified symbol.” This episode approaches Disney’s Pocahontas with care and honesty. I will talk about its artistry, its impact, and the painful truths behind its story. Please listen at your own comfort level, and take breaks if you need to.

Today I am joined by rapper and creator PHZ-Sicks! Together we dive into the intersections of politics, racism, feminism, film, art, and music. We unpack the fallacy of the American Dream, exploring how systemic inequalities are woven into the fabric of western culture. And how artists like PHZ-Sicks use their platforms to challenge, question, and reimagine those narrativesThank you again PHZ-Sicks for coming on the show, it was an absolute pleasure.Make sure you give him a follow, below are the links to his music, website and socials. https://www.phzsicks.com/https://open.spotify.com/artist/7ggHiI2NhF8uJVFD85kmmwhttps://www.instagram.com/phz_sicks/https://www.tiktok.com/@phz_sicks?lang=enhttps://x.com/PHZ_Sicks?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

I've crossed oceans of time to bring you today's episode. Bram Stoker's Dracula, an over the top fever dream (or gothic nightmare) of a film. Gary Oldman is the greatest on screen version of Dracula in this haunting performance. With incredible costumes, practical effects and supporting performances (minus Keanu Reeves .... he is SO BAD) this film is a campy exploration of the life of the infamous vampire. Along with the film itself the references used in the creation of this episode are listed belowBram Stoker’s Dracula movie review (1992) | Roger EbertThe 65th Academy Awards | 1993‎Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) directed by Francis Ford Coppola • Reviews, film + cast • LetterboxdThe Blood is The Life-Making of Draculahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvSqFcGr5LU