Movie Memory Machine

5 For: Sahara (2005)


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In this Movie Memory Machine: Five For mini-episode, Landen and Truman dig up five cinematic gems that either complement or correct Sahara’s sunbaked chaos. From notorious box office bombs to globe-trotting adventures, these films tackle desert escapism, colonial absurdity, and character chemistry with sharper storytelling and far less Steve Zahn thirst. Also, Tintin.

Films Discussed:

  1. National Treasure (2004)

  2. Ishtar (1987)

  3. Gunga Din (1939)

  4. The Man Who Would Be King (1975)

  5. The Adventures of Tintin (2011)

    Topics Covered:

    • National Treasure as the domestic Da Vinci Code with Nicholas Cage and map-based dad logic

    • Ishtar and Sahara as case studies in studio interference and misunderstood misfires

    • Gunga Din as proto-boy-hangout cinema filtered through colonialist baggage

    • The Man Who Would Be King and why you shouldn’t let your friend become a god

    • Tintin as the platonic ideal of globe-trotting adventure and Spielberg flexing with full flair

      Key Takeaways:

      • Chemistry and character trump camel count

      • Some flops flop for good reason—others are buried treasure

      • Colonialist satire can age weirdly—but still frame genre evolution

      • Never underestimate a Belgian boy reporter with a dog

        Listener Prompt:

        What’s your go-to treasure hunt movie? And has any desert adventure ever topped The Mummy? Let us know using #MovieMemoryMachine.

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        5. Join our Discord – Vote on whether films stay in modern memory or are left forgotten. Visit https://www.moviememorymachine.com for access.

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