Get Your Popcorn

Last night I saw a 60th anniversary screening of The Sound of Music. In the spirit of that I thought I'd re-release an early episode of the podcast where I covered it.

Happy Holidays everyone!

The hills are alive with the Sound of Music this week! Journey back to the Austrian Alps with us as we explore the magic. We’ll delve into the iconic performance of Julie Andrews as the world’s favourite governess, the captivating presence of Christopher Plummer, and the enduring themes that make this film timeless. More relevant now than ever, discover why this story of sugar and spice, with a powerful message at its heart, continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.

This week, we’re getting festive with a deep dive into The Muppet Christmas Carol, joined by returning guest Mike Moroz. We talk about the pure fun of the Muppets, their sharp and timeless humour, and the powerful nostalgia that makes this version so beloved. Beyond the jokes and songs, there is a surprisingly deep emotional and moral messaging at the heart of the film and why it remains one of the most faithful and effective adaptations of Dickens’ classic. We also discuss how it serves as an incredible gateway for kids to engage with classic literature, blending warmth, accessibility, and storytelling in a way only the Muppets can.

References used in the creation of this episode listed below

‎The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) directed by Brian Henson • Reviews, film + cast • Letterboxd

The Muppet Christmas Carol | Rotten Tomatoes

How we made: The Muppet Christmas Carol | Film | The Guardian

The Making of the Muppets Christmas Carol (1992)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xji_h2WDL6E

This week, I revisit the magic and meaning of It’s a Wonderful Life with returning guest and classic film historian Harry Marks. Together, we dig into the film’s fascinating production history, its rocky journey to becoming a beloved holiday staple, and why its message feels just as relevant  today as it did in the 1940s. We explore how the film’s small town setting and big hearted story quietly challenge the facade of the American Dream, revealing a deeply human, almost socialist heart beneath its surface. It is an unflinching look at how capitalism can push people to their breaking point. Jimmy Stewart gives an absolutely groundbreaking performance, shaped by his real-life experiences as a World War II veteran, his raw emotional truth helped redefine screen acting forever. Timeless, moving, and surprisingly modern, this episode looks at why It’s a Wonderful Life still matters.

The holidays can be a very dark time for many. If you or anyone you know is struggling please know the world is a better place with you in it. Listed below are resources available:

https://988.ca/

https://bc.211.ca/

https://www.iasp.info/suicidalthoughts/

Adrian! This week I am joined by Christian and we chat about his all time favourite movie Rocky. We deep dive the story of Rocky Balboa, the small-time Philadelphia boxer who gets an unexpected shot at the heavyweight title, and why this underdog tale still hits just as hard today.

We unpack the film’s gritty realism, the iconic training montages, and how Sylvester Stallone’s unlikely rise mirrors the character he created. We also dig into the film’s cultural legacy from inspiring generations of sports movies to becoming a symbol of determination and heart. As Rocky says, “It ain’t about how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.”

Make sure you go follow Christian on Tik Tok

https://www.tiktok.com/@christian.x551?_r=1&_t=ZS-91pfdOmpCgC

TW: colonialism, violence against Indigenous Peoples, racism, historical rewriting, exploitation of marginalized communities and cultural erasure. Please listen with care.This week I dive into Disney’s 1995 animated film Pocahontas, a controversial entry in the Disney canon. The movie reimagines the real-life story of Matoaka, known as Pocahontas, an Indigenous Powhatan woman whose life and legacy were romanticized and distorted for mainstream audiences.This is a highly problematic film for SO many reasons, including by not limited to romanticizing the tragic story of the real life Pocahontas, the centering of the narrative of John Smith framing him as a hero and the downplaying the horrible impact of the english on Indigenous People. There is NO excuse. I wish Disney had done the research needed to make this film. Beyond casting Indigenous voice actors the care seems to have stopped there, This film could have much more to say if history was even remotely taken into account. The film centres a European perspective rather than the Indigenous one. The real story is far more complex, brutal, a story of survival under colonial pressure and not of romance. There is something to be said for the music conveying the overall message of shared humanity. As a kid the message I received from this film was the importance of environmental protection, finding the beauty in other cultures, and that the land I live on was/is stolen. Although this is positive it does not make up for the films glaring shortcomings. I’ll end this intro with a quote from Roger Ebert “Having led one of the most interesting lives imaginable, Pocahontas serves here as a simplified symbol.” This episode approaches Disney’s Pocahontas with care and honesty. I will talk about its artistry, its impact, and the painful truths behind its story. Please listen at your own comfort level, and take breaks if you need to.

Wes joins me this week to dance through life and talk about our favourite films. We discuss everything from classic movies, to recent releases, the impact of iconic directors, the significance of the Academy Awards, and our love for musical theatre.

We also both share our go to fun facts to use at a party when there isn't a dog there to pet and you are forced to speak to a human. Tune in to find out what they are...

Thank you again Wes for joining me!

Make sure you give him a follow, links listed below

Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/hoOJ

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@screen_brulee

Instagram: @screen_brulee

Tik Tok: @screen_brulee

Today I am joined by rapper and creator PHZ-Sicks! Together we dive into the intersections of politics, racism, feminism, film, art, and music. We unpack the fallacy of the American Dream, exploring how systemic inequalities are woven into the fabric of western culture. And how artists like PHZ-Sicks use their platforms to challenge, question, and reimagine those narratives

Thank you again PHZ-Sicks for coming on the show, it was an absolute pleasure.

Make sure you give him a follow, below are the links to his music, website and socials. 

https://www.phzsicks.com/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/7ggHiI2NhF8uJVFD85kmmw

https://www.instagram.com/phz_sicks/

https://www.tiktok.com/@phz_sicks?lang=en

https://x.com/PHZ_Sicks?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Hey guys! Thought I should let you know about a cool event coming up, the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival!

Taking place in Vancouver November 12th to 18th and then online November 19th to December 14th.

Get your tickets now at https://vimff.org/

I've crossed oceans of time to bring you today's episode. Bram Stoker's Dracula, an over the top fever dream (or gothic nightmare) of a film. Gary Oldman is the greatest on screen version of Dracula in this haunting performance. With incredible costumes, practical effects and supporting performances (minus Keanu Reeves .... he is SO BAD) this film is a campy exploration of the life of the infamous vampire.

Along with the film itself the references used in the creation of this episode are listed below

Bram Stoker’s Dracula movie review (1992) | Roger Ebert

The 65th Academy Awards | 1993

‎Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) directed by Francis Ford Coppola • Reviews, film + cast • Letterboxd

The Blood is The Life-Making of Dracula

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvSqFcGr5LU

Mike Moroz returns for a nostalgic episode, we dust off Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein.

This 1948 film was originally panned by critics but we both agree it is a timeless classic. It is perfect blend of comedy and classic horror has stood the test of time. Plus, we share the joy (and occasional jump scare!) of introducing these old school spooky movies to our own kids proving that good humour and a little fright never go out of style.

Along with the film itself, references used in the creation of this episode are listed below

https://letterboxd.com/film/bud-abbott-and-lou-costello-meet-frankenstein/

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/abbott_and_costello

DVD commentary released in 2000