AKAPAD the FILM BUFF Podcast

Kicking off the work week, Peter dives into an emerging film genre he's recently begun exploring. The latest addition to this deep dive, Summer of '69, just dropped on Hulu. Breaking conventions in everything from casting to plot, this film enriches the cinematic experience for all moviegoers.

Animation Weekend: How Lilo & Stitch Redefined Disney

This Animation Weekend, AKAPAD The Film Buff dives into Lilo & Stitch, the Disney B-movie that became a cultural phenomenon and reshaped the studio’s creative trajectory. Join us as we explore how this quirky, heartfelt tale of an unconventional ohana transformed Disney animation.

The Studio, now streaming on Apple TV+, joins a storied tradition of Hollywood turning the camera on itself, yet it stands out as a testament to the industry’s storytelling prowess. This series exemplifies the creative strength of modern television, blending sharp wit with incisive commentary. Seth Rogen, who stars in and co-created the show, reaffirms his place as one of today’s most compelling storytellers. His ability to weave humor with heartfelt narrative demands attention, marking The Studio as a must-watch and Rogen as a creative force to follow closely.

Those who brought The Studio to The Film Buff.

Main Cast:

Seth Rogen as Matt Remick (head of Continental Studios)

Catherine O'Hara as Patty Leigh (former studio head, Matt's mentor)

Ike Barinholtz as Sal Seperstein (Matt's colleague and best friend)

Kathryn Hahn as Maya (head of marketing at Continental Studios)

Chase Sui Wonders as Quinn (creative executive, Matt's assistant)

Bryan Cranston as Griffin Mill (CEO of Continental Studios, guest star)

Keyla Monterroso Mejia as Petra (Matt's secretary, guest star)

Dewayne Perkins as Tyler (marketing team member, guest star)

Rebecca Hall as Linda (Matt's girlfriend, pediatric oncologist)

Notable Guest Stars (Appearing as Themselves or in Cameo Roles):

Martin Scorsese

Anthony Mackie

Charlize Theron

Zack Snyder

Zoë Kravitz

Ice Cube

Paul Dano

Zac Efron

Quinta Brunson

Ziwe

Greta Lee

Adam Scott

Ron Howard

Ted Sarandos

Antony Starr

Aaron Sorkin

Devon Bostick

Steve Buscemi

Lil Rel Howery

Peter Berg

David Krumholtz

Nicholas Stoller

Matt Belloni (voice cameo)

Key Crew:

Seth Rogen (Creator, Co-Writer, Co-Director, Executive Producer)

Evan Goldberg (Creator, Co-Writer, Co-Director, Executive Producer)

Peter Huyck (Creator, Executive Producer)

Alex Gregory (Creator, Executive Producer)

Frida Perez (Creator, Executive Producer)

James Weaver (Executive Producer)

Alex McAtee (Executive Producer)

Josh Fagen (Executive Producer)

Production Companies:

Point Grey Pictures

Lionsgate Television

WATCHMEN THE ULTIMATE CUT - THE GOAT

From Netflix comes a film crafted to captivate. Has the world rediscovered the joy of simply enjoying a movie, or does a feverish, cynical mindset still strip away the ability to immerse in a story as lives hang in the balance? AKAPAD, The Film Buff, does what he does best: dives into a new Netflix release and breaks it down for you.

Didi (2024), streaming on Hulu, delivers a poignant American drama that revitalizes the genre. This immensely significant film deserves acclaim for its authentic portrayal of the complex, often elusive teenage experience—a theme that has challenged filmmakers across generations.

The Film Buff is grateful for those who brought us DIDI.

• Izaac Wang as Chris Wang (Dìdi)
• Joan Chen as Chungsing Wang (Chris's mother)
• Shirley Chen as Vivian Wang (Chris's older sister)
• Chang Li Hua as Nai Nai (Chris's grandmother)
• Mahaela Park as Madi (Chris's love interest)
• Raul Dial as Fahad (Chris's friend)
• Aaron Chang as Soup (Chris's friend)
• Chiron Cillia Denk as Donovan
• Sunil Mukherjee Maurillo as Cory (credited as Sunil Maurillo)
• Montay Boseman as Nugget
• Alysha Syed as Jade
• Alaysia Simmons as Ellie
• Tarnvir Kamboj as Hardeep
• Shiu Fang Wang as Shiu Fang
• Jayden Chiang as Max
• Joziah Lagonoy as Josh
• Joshua Hankerson as Mack
• Georgie August as Georgia (credited as Dalila George August)

• Director: Sean Wang
• Writer: Sean Wang
• Producers:
• Executive Producers (under AntiGravity Academy, Spark Features, and Maiden Voyage Pictures banners):
• Music Composer: Giosuè Greco
• Music Supervisor: Toko Nagata
• Cinematographer: Not explicitly listed in provided sources, but credited on IMDb as Sam A. Davis (Director of Photography)
• Editor: Not explicitly listed in provided sources, but credited on IMDb as Arielle Zakowski
• Production Companies: AntiGravity Academy, Spark Features, Maiden Voyage Pictures
• Distributor: Focus Features

CastCrew

THE FILMS OF PAUL W.S. ANDERSON

Revenge of the 5th - Star Wars Visions - Sith

MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU - STAR WARS (1977)

THE GOOFY SCENARIO - how Disney lost a huge segment of it's audience