Movie Memory Machine

5 For: Sahara (2005)


Listen Later

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.

        Support the Show!

        Help keep Movie Memory Machine ad-free and artist-owned! Here’s how you can support us:

        1. Become a Patreon supporter – For as little as $1/month, you get access to bonus content for all shows on the Grunt Work Podcast Network. Join at https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod

        2. Leave a rating and review – On Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.

        3. Like, follow, and share on social media – We’re @MovieMemoryMachine on YouTube and @MovieMemoryPod on Letterboxd.

        4. Tell a friend – Word of mouth is how we grow.

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

          Follow Us:

          🌐 Website: https://www.moviememorymachine.com
          📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MovieMemoryMachine
          🎞️ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/moviememorypod/

          ...more
          View all episodesView all episodes
          Download on the App Store

          Movie Memory MachineBy Grunt Work Podcasts

          • 5
          • 5
          • 5
          • 5
          • 5

          5

          5 ratings


          More shows like Movie Memory Machine

          View all
          The Flop House by MaximumFun, Dan McCoy, Stuart Wellington, Elliott Kalan

          The Flop House

          4,407 Listeners

          Grunt Work: THE Podcast about the TV Show Home Improvement by Grunt Work Podcasts

          Grunt Work: THE Podcast about the TV Show Home Improvement

          42 Listeners

          The Countdown of Monte Cristo by Grunt Work Podcasts

          The Countdown of Monte Cristo

          2 Listeners