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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:
National Treasure (2004)
Ishtar (1987)
Gunga Din (1939)
The Man Who Would Be King (1975)
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:
Support the Show!
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
Leave a rating and review – On Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.
Like, follow, and share on social media – We’re @MovieMemoryMachine on YouTube and @MovieMemoryPod on Letterboxd.
Tell a friend – Word of mouth is how we grow.
Join our Discord – Vote on whether films stay in modern memory or are left forgotten. Visit https://www.moviememorymachine.com for access.
Follow Us:
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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:
National Treasure (2004)
Ishtar (1987)
Gunga Din (1939)
The Man Who Would Be King (1975)
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:
Support the Show!
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
Leave a rating and review – On Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.
Like, follow, and share on social media – We’re @MovieMemoryMachine on YouTube and @MovieMemoryPod on Letterboxd.
Tell a friend – Word of mouth is how we grow.
Join our Discord – Vote on whether films stay in modern memory or are left forgotten. Visit https://www.moviememorymachine.com for access.
Follow Us:
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