Film Buds

Hey film buds,

Summer is a unique time of year. 

It conjures up both the excitement of possibility and the nostalgia of Summers-past. And though we all have different ways of enjoying it, we all feel that Summer call to shed layers and run out into the heat. 

Though it is certainly fun to experience that Summer feeling in the fantastical films of Jaws or Do the Right Thing, we thought it could be just as fun to experience something grounded in reality with two documentary films. 

Introduction - 00:00

• Opening Chat
• Summer Season

First is one of the most iconic films in documentary and sporting history; The Endless Summer. It was a labor of love, working in an old-fashioned documentary form, and it is often credited with being the film that made surfing mainstream. We’ll discuss the history of surfing, how it evokes that Summer feeling, and surfing in movies overall. 

The Endless Summer - 13:04

• History of Surfing 
• Review and Discussion

Our second film is one that recently won the Oscar for Best Documentary. Questlove’s Summer of Soul is a concert movie event that captures the power, fun, and energy of a moment forgotten to time. We’ll discuss how documentaries changed, why concert movies do or don’t work, and more. 

Summer of Soul (Or When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) - 36:12

• Review and Discussion

To close out our show we’ll talk about what we’re watching, media news, and more. 

End of Show - 51:27

Be sure to come back next week, and make sure you check out last week’s episode. Also be on the look for our Marcel the Shell With Shoes On review next week. 

Thanks y’all,

The Buds

Total Runtime - 57:30

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Hey film buds,

Happy Independence Day to those who celebrate. I guess that’s something a lot of us have in common: independence days from Britain. 

July 4th is of a certain interest to me because in many ways I feel it has become Summertime Christmas. It is a holiday that feels with each passing year more and more divorced from whatever it was supposed to be about. For many, a holiday that celebrates a declaration of war has now become apolitical. But the truth is, no part of American history is apolitical and so we’re bringing some civic topics to today’s episode. 

Introduction - 00:00

• Opening Chat
• Independence Day

Early American History (A Sloppy Crash Course) - 15:16

For our first discussion, we’ll review All the President’s Men. The film was based on a book written by the reporters who broke the Watergate scandal, giving it gripping realism. We’ll discuss the modern day potency of the Watergate scandal, the depiction of history, and what it says about America in that moment. 

All the President’s Men - 33:36

• Review and Discussion

Our second film may deal with still entirely too topical of ideas and imagery, but is actually nearing 40 years old: Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing. It is a complicated masterpiece about intersection of love, hate, legacy, pride, and race. We’ll discuss how the film is still relevant today, Spike Lee’s style, and depictions of one of the world’s most renown cities, New York. 

Do the Right Thing - 57:02

• Review and Discussion

That’s all there is this week folks. Be sure to listen to last week’s episode, and be sure to come back next week when we review some summer documentaries. Also, sign up for our newsletter.

End of Show - 1:23:54

Happy 4th of July, y’all, and remember that the ideas of life, liberty, and property, the ideals of this Republic that we hold dear, are a promise we must keep and protect together. For ourselves, and our posterity. 

Thanks y’all, 

The Buds

Total Runtime - 01:27:24

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Hey film buds, 

Art is a place to explore. To dive in and see what makes us tick. It is how we share our experiences, using a universal language of emotions as conveyed by light and sound. 

Horror is then a place to face one’s fears, or show how fearful the circumstances of one’s life can be. That is why Horror has been a powerful device for marginalized groups to express themselves and share their fears. This holds especially true for the LGBTQIA+ community. 

Introduction - 00:00

• Opening Chat
• Queer Horror

This week we are joined by Friend of the Show, Madelaine Davis, as we jump into our Pride final Pride Celebration with Freaky. 

Freaky is a genre mashup from Christopher Landon and Michael Kennedy. The film taps into the humor and horror of bodies with a Body-Swap story featuring Vince Vaughn and Kathryn Newton, all while splattering the scene in blood and guts. We’ll also discuss genre mashups, other Body-Swap roles, and the legacy of Queer Horror. 

Freaky - 11:25

• Review and Discussion

For the end of the show we have two fun conversations. First, we’ll talk about What We’re Watching. Then, we’ll have Madelaine answer our brand-new Friend of the Show Questionnaire. 

End of Show - 42:53

• What We’re Watching
• Friend of the Show Questionnaire w/ Madelaine

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out last week’s episode and all our Pride episodes. Also, be sure to come back next week when we start our Summer Movie Season. You can follow Mad and her work on her Instagram, Twitter, and personal website. Here is the link to her adaptation article on ScreenRant.

Thanks y’all,

The Buds

Total Runtime - 01:05:30

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Hey film buds,

If Pride is so fun, then why has the show been such a downer? I mean, the historic struggle is important and a key part of Pride, but I’m sure you’re wondering “Paul and Lauren, why are you tanking Pride month?”

Well worry no more. 

Drag is one of the most visual elements of Pride and the LGBTQIA+ community. It provides an opportunity for the performer to escape, and the audience to challenge their understanding of gender. So, this week we’re sharing with y’all the history of Drag before reviewing one of film’s most iconic Drag-centric stories. 

Introduction - 00:00

• Opening Chat

The History of Drag - 11:50

The Australian film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is a staple of Drag and of LGBTQIA+ representation in film. The landmark film is an icon for its use of not only cross-dressing, but entirely trans characters at a time when it was little scene and rarely given earnest portrayal. We’ll review the film as well as discuss the themes of love and family, and how well it works as a form of representation today. 

The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert - 21:27

• History and Background
• Review and Discussion

Our final discussion will feature some of the usual suspects. First up is Media News with Ezra Miller developments, Joker 2 news, and the Persuasion trailer. Then we talk what we’re watching and Paul’s VR purchase.

End of Show - 41:55

• The Ezra Miller debacle
• New Trailers
• Persuasion
• Blonde
• What We’re Watching
• Playstation VR

As always, be sure to check out last week’s episode. Also, make sure you share your favorite episode of The Film Buds (and tag us) on social media for a chance at one of our digital codes. 

Thanks y’all,

The Buds

Total Runtime - 59:59

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Hey film buds,

Last week began Pride Month. It is a special time of year designed to promote a sense of community, celebrate love, and remember the hard work and loss that went into making a world more open and accepting of the LGBTQIA+ community. 

Introduction - 22:02

• Opening Chat
• Movies, TV, and HIV/AIDS

Part of the struggle that has defined the activism and awareness of the Gay community is undoubtedly the HIV/AIDS crisis. So, as a part of our Pride celebration we’ll be reviewing a film that puts the AIDS crisis at the center of the discussion. 

HIV/AIDS History - 46:45

The Normal Heart is an adaption of the play by Larry Kramer, directed for television by Ryan Murphy. The HBO movie from 2014 stars Mark Ruffalo as Ned Weeks, a stand-in for Kramer, as the AIDS epidemic starts to claim the lives of his friends, partners, and even friendly rivals. We review and discuss the film, how it portrayed the history, and more.

The Normal Heart - 24:37

• History and Background
• Review and Discussion

To end the episode we’ll discuss What We’re Watching. Our big new movie recently was Top Gun: Maverick, which we briefly discuss. For our final review and discussion we share our thoughts on the new Disney+ series, Obi-Wan. 

End of Show - 1:08:14

• What We’re Watching
• Top Gun: Maverick
• Obi-Wan

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out last week’s episode. Also, make sure to join us next week when we discuss Drag performance and the Australian outback. 

Thanks y’all,

The Buds

Total Runtime - 1:17:12

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• Paul’s Letterboxd

Hey film buds, 

This June we are continuing to recognize and celebrate humanity’s diversity on film. 

For those unaware, June is Pride Month. It is a unique celebration born from protest and activism with a presence now felt around the world. Here at the Film Buds, we’ll be spending Pride looking at the interesting history and modern representation of the LGBTQIA+ community on film. 

Introduction - 00:00

• Opening Chat
• Welcome to Pride Month

Pride History - 13:31

To give our discussion historical context, we’re beginning with a film that’s over 100 years old. Different from the Othersis a German social issue film that is currently incomplete. We’ll review the film as well as discuss its presentation of Gay characters, the history of the film, and other social issue movies. 

Different from the Others - 24:37

• History and Background
• Review and Discussion

For the end of the show, we have a fun final discussion. First, we’ll talk about What We’re Watching. Then we’ll move onto media news including the new Pinocchio trailer and Netflix’s policy change. For the end of the show, we’ll also discuss the passing of Ray Liotta and his legacy. 

End of Show - 53:22

• What We’re Watching
• Star Wars
• Top Gun
• New Trailers 
• Pinocchio 
• Netflix Shake-up

If you haven’t already, be sure to listen to last week’s episode, and make sure you’re signed up for the Film Buds Newsletter. Also, here is our episode on Wings.

Thanks y’all, 

The Buds

Total Runtime - 01:15:44

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Hey film buds, 

We all love a good laugh. We always have. Comedy is one of the oldest genres that humans have ever understood in our plays and stories. To celebrate AAPI Heritage this week, we decided to look at Comedies made by AAPI Filmmakers, and some of the history of AAPI people in film. 

Introduction - 00:00

• Opening Chat
• Thoughts on Comedy

AAPI History: Sessue Hayawaka - 10:46

To begin our AAPI discussion, we start with some history on Japanese film star Sessue Hayakawa. Our first film is Slacker-Sports Comedy Ping Pong Playa. Co-Written by its star, it often bucks most media portrayals of AAPI people. We’ll discuss Slacker characters, what we like about Comedy, and how it also reflects the time in which it was made. 

Ping Pong Playa - 23:43

• Review and Discussion

Second, we’ll review and discuss the Martial Arts Comedy The Paper Tigers. The film is a labor of love, that took years to realize. We’ll talk about the production history, compare it with other Martial Arts films, and discuss the similarities between Ping Pong Playa and The Paper Tigers.

The Paper Tigers - 35:55

• Production History/Background
• Review and Discussion

Our final discussion will focus on three segments. First, we’ll dive into What We’re Watching. Second, we’ll get all caught up on recent media news, including the new Thor: Love and Thunder and Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning – Part 1trailers and a new study on critic demographics. And lastly, we’ll get Lauren to be our tester of the new Film Buds Questionnaire.

End of Show - 54:53

• What We’re Watching
• Men
• Chip & Dale: Rescue Rangers
• Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
• New Gender in Media Study
• New Trailers 
• Thor: Love and Thunder
• Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning - Part 1
• DEBUT: Friend of the Show Questionnaire

If you haven’t already be sure to check out last week’s episode, and make sure to come back next week when we begin our new theme with a new episode. Of course, if you want to to find out the theme early, then sign up for the Film Buds Newsletter. 

Thanks y’all, 

The Buds

Total Runtime - 01:25:09

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Hey film buds,

As much as we all love some good old fashioned fiction, it can sometimes be necessary, even refreshing, to us film and television as a way to explore our own world more directly. That's the power of the documentary. It is a way to present an idea, form an argument, and use the hard facts of our world as it is to create a compelling case for a particular view point. Or, that's what it is supposed to do at its best.

This week, as part of our continued look at AAPI Heritage in film, we'll be looking at documentary work to bring the voices and concerns of AAPI people to the forefront of the discussion. Primarily, we'll be looking at documentaries on immigration and representation.

Introduction - 00:00

• Opening Chat
• Documentaries and Their Functions

AAPI Collection on Streaming Platforms - 11:59

First is the CNN backed documentary Documented from 2013. From Pulitzer Prize Winner Jose Antonio Vargas, Documented is a personal film about his journey in America as an undocumented person, his coming out to the public, and his work in immigration advocacy. We'll be reviewing the film and discussing its message, how well it was conveyed, and what tools it used to craft that message.

Documented - 31:23

• Production History/Background
• Review and Discussion

Second is the 2017 pop-culture documentary television special The Problem with Apu. Comedian Hari Kondabolu spent several years working to realize his personal film about how he felt seen on TV. The film, though still about serious issues for the AAPI community, manages to work in humor in a natural way, which we'll discuss along with the information as it was presented and who we feel the audience was for this film.

The Problem with Apu - 52:21

• Production History/Background
• Review and Discussion

We're rounding out our show with a little brief conversation. First, we dive straight into media news. Primarily we discuss the recent Netflix layoffs, followed by reactions to the She-Hulk and Prey trailers. Lastly, we wrap everything up with a brief discussion about what we're watching.

End of Show - 01:12:53

• What We’re Watching
• Netflix Layoffs and Corporate Culture
• New Trailers

If you haven't already be sure to check out last week's episode and don't forget to join us again next week when we finish AAPI Heritage Month.

Thanks y'all,

The Buds

Total Runtime - 01:29:49

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Sources:



• Nielsen
• US Census
• Morning Consult

Hey film buds,

Filmmaking is perhaps the only art form one can say is predominately American in origin. Though it is an amalgamation of many arts and it has had contributions made to the form from around the world, its form and functions were largely formed in America. In fact, for a long time, America was the world provider of film. That's precisely why it is so important to highlight the vast range of Americans that have contributed to our collective cinematic history.

AAPI people have been involved in film since the birth of the industry, but like all non-white groups, have suffered to truly find inclusion in the space. During the month of May, we're highlighting those achievements and how AAPI people have been contributing to film. This week is all about Family Drama, particularly in the home of recent immigrants to the country.

Introduction - 00:00

• Opening Chat
• Family Drama Movies

AAPI Pop History (Bruce Lee’s Death to the 1990s) - 11:56

Background/History on Amy Tan - 18:05

First is considered the first film to ever feature an all-Asian cast, 1993's The Joy Luck Club. Adapted from a novel of the same name, the film is a narration heavy story about the trials and tribulations of eight Asian women, four mothers and their daughters. We'll review the film, discuss the structure of the story, Disney's involvement in production, and the life of author Amy Tan.

The Joy Luck Club - 21:56

• Production History/Background
• Review and Discussion

Second is the recent pseudo-memoir from 2021, Minari. Though about people in America, the film is spoken almost entirely in Korean. We review the film, as well as compare and contrast it with Joy Luck, discuss the language controversy of the film, talk about autobiography, and more.

Minari - 49:12

• Production History/Background
• Review and Discussion

Ending the show, we'll have a brief discussion. Lauren and Paul will share some life updates, and we'll talk What We're Watching, Scream 6 news, and more. If you haven't already, be sure to listen to last week's episode.

End of Show - 01:13:48

• What We’re Watching
• Westworld Season 4
• The New Doctor Who
• Scream 6 News

Thanks y'all,

The Buds

Total Runtime - 01:29:51

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