Cover to Credits

This episode we look at Ella Enchanted, directed by Tommy O'Haver in 2004 and based on the novel by Gail Carson Levine. We're gonna look at fairy tale politics, groan inducing humor, and a book twist that Ian was NOT expecting. Also, prepare for an unexpected amount of praise for the movie Shrek!

This episode, we visit a classic Stephen King novel, Salem's Lot, and the recent film adaptation that came out this year, directed by Gary Dauberman. We discuss how this novel feels like it paves the way for many of Stephen King's other stories, as well as the lore of the vampires and some of the creative ways the film depicts this fight against evil.

In these uncertain times, it is always a gift to be blessed with another season of Heartstopper to give us the dopamine hit we are all craving! Season 3 premiered this month on Netflix, based on the graphic novel by Alice Oseman, and continues the story of Charlie and Nick as they face new challenges. We discuss Isaac coming into his own this season, the absence of Olivia Coleman, and the future of Imogen.

This episode we look at the only horror film to ever win the Oscar for best picture, The Silence of the Lambs, directed by Jonathan Demme and based on the novel by Thomas Harris. We discuss the captivating performances, detailed writing, and unique cinematography. We also talk about Hannibal Lecter's sense of hospitality and whether he would eat us or not!

This episode we look at the cult classic movie Practical Magic, directed by Griffin Dunne in 1998, and the novel it was based on by Alice Hoffman. Yes, there are plenty of themes to discuss, such as love, fate, and the bonds of sisterhood, but more importantly we have to talk about Midnight MargaritasTM, phone trees, throwing syrup, and holding onto your husbands (girls!)

This episode we go back to an early 2000's Disney hit, The Princess Diaries, directed by Garry Marshall, and based on the novel by Meg Cabot! This film showcases the talents of film royalty Julie Andrews and the fresh talent that was Anne Hathaway, but the silly and sweet tone of the film a significant departure from the novel, which doesn't shy away from all of the frustrations and drama you would expect from a young teenager circa 2000. Both have their own distinct sense of humor, but which one will we prefer?

This episode, we discuss the Colleen Hoover smash hit It Ends With Us, and the highly discussed (for better or worse) film adaptation, directed by Justin Baldoni! We're talking about the heavy themes of the story and how both the book and film approach this subject matter, as well as the ridiculous pacing of the novel, Blake Lively's insane wardrobe, and the juggling act both versions have to do with the tone and plot. If you've been curious about this story and the drama surrounding it (but not enough to read the book or watch the film) this is the episode for you!

This episode we look at a staple of high school english classes, The Outsiders, written by S. E. Hinton and adapted by Francis Ford Coppola. We discuss the AMAZING cast of this film (including "dirty weasel" Tom Cruise), the thematic weight of the novel, and the newer, expanded cut of the film that has become the primary version, for better or worse!

This episode we get to discuss Wes Anderson for the first time with Fantastic Mr. Fox, based on the novel by Roald Dahl! We talk about the movie's charming animation, sharp sense of humor, and how it manages to sandwich the novel's story between a totally unique backstory and finale! What the cuss are you waiting for?!

This episode we return to the works of Jon Krakauer to discuss Into Thin Air, the true story of a group of climbers ascending Everest when tragedy strikes. We're cheating a bit this episode, however, because Everest — despite being based on the same events — isn't technically an adaptation of Into Thin Air, but this unique situation gives us plenty to discuss, along with the rigors of high altitude climbing, the horror story vibes of the novel, and the ethical dilemma of sprinkling fiction into a "true story" of tragic events.