Get Your Popcorn

Take a bite out of this week's episode on JAWS!  We are joined again this week by guest  Michael Moroz. Together we unpack this 1975 horror classic, the first ever summer blockbuster. Steven Speilberg's masterful direction keeps you on your toes through the entire movie, strategically hiding the shark until it can make maximum impact. The political themes in this movie of the mayor wanting to keep the beach open in order to protect business above people seems more relevant now more than ever? (Sounds very 2020) So let's dive deep into the waters of Amity…if you dare. 

Along with the film itself, these were some of the references I used in the creation of this episode

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYtYIF_g-T4&t=101s

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-jaws-1975

https://www.nytimes.com/1975/06/21/archives/screen-entrapped-by-jaws-of-fear.html

https://abcnews.go.com/US/50th-anniversary-jaws-film-impacted-public-perception-sharks/story?id=122572296

In this episode, we revisit the 1967 classic The Graduate!  Dustin Hoffman’s breakout role as Benjamin Braddock, our unlikely hero who is wooed by the charms of Anne Bancroft as the Iconic Mrs Robinson, gets tangled in a very awkward love triangle. A film which is still referenced frequently in today’s pop culture world. Is there a person on earth who hasn’t heard the soundtrack, even if you haven’t seen the movie you know the songs by heart. Join me as we deep dive The Graduate. 

And yes I am trying to seduce you into this one…

As well as the film itself, my primary source for the creation of the episode  is linked below. 

The Making of “The Graduate” | Vanity Fair

This week on Get Your Popcorn, we’re joined by a very special guest: Harry Marks from Let’s Go to the Lobby! Together, we dive deep into our shared love of classic cinema. From our favourite movies and directors, to how classic film impacts the world of today. We talk about what makes classic films so enduring, the stars who defined generations, and the magic of the movie theatre experience.

Of course, no conversation about Hollywood history would be complete without a little righteous outrage...and yes, we agree: Judy Garland was absolutely robbed!! (Don’t worry, we explain.)

Get Your Popcorn and Let’s go to the Lobby for this one! 

And to find more with Harry below is his Linktree to his content!

https://linktr.ee/hcmarks?ref=lobbyintros.com

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This week on Get Your Popcorn, we dive into No Country for Old Men — a film that thrives on silence, tension, and the terrifying unpredictability of fate. Join me as I unpack the Coen Brothers' chilling masterpiece, which, for the first time, actually won me over.

This was my first viewing and the first time I truly connected with a Coen Brothers film and I’ll tell you why. From Javier Bardem’s haunting performance as Anton Chigurh to the oppressive quiet that makes every moment feel like a coin toss with death, we explore how the film weaponizes stillness and strips away traditional storytelling in favor of something far more unsettling.

We’ll talk about the film’s refusal to give easy answers, its meditation on inevitability and morality, and why that ending left me sitting in stunned silence. Is fate random? Is evil unstoppable? And can silence be louder than any score?

In this episode, we dive deep into Michael Cimino’s 1978 epic The Deer Hunter. A film that won Oscars, divided critics, and left a lasting (and complicated) mark on American cinema. We explore its legacy, both celebrated and criticized: from its haunting depiction of Vietnam War trauma to the controversy around its historical accuracy and portrayal of Vietnamese characters.

We’ll unpack why Christopher Walken’s performance remains a career defining, soul crushing revelation, even decades later. But we’ll also confront the uncomfortable truth...despite its ambition and artistry, The Deer Hunter doesn’t entirely hold up. From its bloated pacing to a romanticized view of what it means to be a man, there's a lot that feels out of step with today’s lens.

Is it a masterpiece? Is it propaganda? Or is it something messier, more human, and more tragic? Let’s talk about the film that made roulette a metaphor for war and America.

Along with the film, here are some of the sources used in the creation of this episode:

One Shot – The Making Of The DeerHunter by Jay Glennie

https://theasc.com/articles/flashback-photographing-the-deer-hunter

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-deer-hunter-1979

https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/packages/html/movies/bestpictures/deer-re.html?scp=19&sq=%22John%20Cazale%22&st=cse

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

https://letterboxd.com/film/the-deer-hunter/

https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1979

In this episode, we dive into Black Panther (2018)—the crown jewel of the MCU and, frankly, the only one truly worth your time. We explore the stunning world-building of Wakanda, a sci-fi Afro-futurist dream that feels both mythic and grounded. From the vibrant costume design to the rich cultural textures, it’s a visual and emotional celebration of heritage, and strength. Ryan Coogler’s sharp, purposeful direction elevates the superhero genre into something far more meaningful. It’s not just a Marvel movie—it’s a movement.

Along with the film itself below of a list of sources used to create this episode 

https://youtu.be/TN3rhneknow?si=QkxB0jhr5V1VByN0

Welcome to Wakanda: How Black Panther's production designer created a world never seen on film | CBC Arts

A journey into Wakanda: How we made Black Panther | CNN

In this episode, we explore Frank Capra's timeless 1934 masterpiece; It Happened One Night. Join me as I discuss the the performances of Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert, whose chemistry set the standard for romantic comedies, however they were dragged kicking and screaming all the way through production. I'll also delve into the film's significance in black-and-white filmmaking and its esteemed place in the American Film Institute's Top 100. Lets tear down the "Wall of Jerico" to see what secrets lie behind it.

A bonus episode for autism awareness month.  Rain man. The first portrayal of autism in film and one of my favourites of all time. This film brought mainstream awareness to autism at a time it was poorly understood. Although overtime there is more nuanced discussions to be had. This film shows how terrible misunderstanding and treatment people on the spectrum in the 20th century. It highlights the difficulties families can face particularly in this time period of institutionalization and shame. This film also shows the beauty of autism and some of the amazing things that people on the spectrum bring to our world. Dustin Hoffman’s brilliant performance is based on real people he worked with for over a year in order to portray Raymond with the respect and accuracy he deserved. He thanked the men he based his performance on in his acceptance speech for their work. Dr Ruth Sullivan consulted on the film to assist with the portrayal of autistic individuals and their experiences. Although through a 2025 lens we can discuss the importance for more diverse portrayals of autism across the spectrum,  the implications of the term “savant” and having a non autistic actor in the role. At the time this film was the first, and still is one of the only films to have an autistic character protagonist. As a proud family member of the most beautiful individual with autism this film touches my soul in a way I can’t explain. I’m so grateful to have such a beautiful story available to the public. Please enjoy this bonus episode. This month, and every month please bring awareness, kindness and curiosity to autism. Advocate for people on the spectrum and their families. Let’s do better in cinema going forward to amplify the voices of people on the spectrum and have more nuanced portrayals.

Below are the references I used to gather information about the episode. As always all opinions are my own.

Levinson, Barry, dir. 1988. Rain Man. United States: MGM/UA Communications Co.

Oscars. 2010. “Dustin Hoffman Wins Best Actor | 61st Oscars (1989).” YouTube. January 4, 2010. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErqHXzhSuv4.

Rensin, David. 1989. “Director Barry Levinson on Making ‘Rain Man’ Starring Tom Cruise, Dustin Hoffman.” Rolling Stone. January 12, 1989. https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/barry-levinson-on-the-making-of-rain-man-66029/.

“Siskel & Ebert - Rain Man.” 2009. Www.youtube.com. July 7, 2009. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdGn7ZNasKs.

Wikipedia Contributors. 2019. “Rain Man.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. October 15, 2019. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rain_Man.

In this episode, we dive deep into David Fincher’s haunting 2007 crime thriller Zodiac. A masterpiece that’s as meticulous as the killer it portrays. We unpack Fincher’s obsessive attention to detail, the film’s eerie stillness, and how it redefined the genre without ever needing a final answer. Plus, a look at Robert Downey Jr.’s scene-stealing performance, which feels less like acting and more like a sharp, self-aware impression of his own chaotic charm. Tune in as we explore why Zodiac remains one of Fincher’s most underrated and unsettling achievements.

References used in the creation of this episode, as always all opinions are my own.

Bradshaw, Peter. “Zodiac Review – David Fincher’s Terrific, Seductive Account of Real-Life Serial Killings.” The Guardian, May 18, 2007. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2007/may/18/thriller.robertdowneyjr.

Lewis, Hilary. “David Fincher Responds to ‘Zodiac’ Critics: ‘That’s the Book That We Bought.’” The Hollywood Reporter, June 24, 2023. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/david-fincher-zodiac-critics-thats-the-book-that-we-bought-1235522968/.

Piccotti, Tyler. “A Netflix Docuseries Offers New Clues about the Zodiac Killer’s Identity.” Zodiac Killer, 2024. https://www.biography.com/crime/zodiac-killer.

Zilko, Christian. “‘zodiac’ Turns 15: Behind-the-Scenes Facts You Didn’t Know about the David Fincher Movie.” IndieWire, March 2, 2022. https://www.indiewire.com/feature/zodiac-david-fincher-behind-the-scenes-trivia-1234702993/.

Zodiac. United States: Paramount Pictures, 2007.

“Zodiac.” Rotten Tomatoes, March 2, 2007. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/zodiac. 

In this episode, I dive into the beloved 1994 adaptation of Little Women, a film that continues to charm decades later. Explore the timeless themes of sisterhood, resilience, and identity that make it a movie you can watch again and again. The film has  exceptional casting, Winona Ryder shines as the fiercely independent Jo March, while a young Christian Bale delivers a memorable and heartfelt performance as Laurie. I know it’s a remake but it not only honours the source material but, in many ways, elevates it. Proving that sometimes, remakes are worth it. 

References used for the creation of this episode, as always all opinions are my own.

Doyle, Katie. “Little Women (1994) Retrospective Review.” The Film Magazine, February 29, 2020. https://www.thefilmagazine.com/little-women-1994-gillian-armstrong-movie-review/.

Ebert, Roger. “Little Women Movie Review & Film Summary (1994).” Roger Ebert, December 21, 1994. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/little-women-1994.

Handler, Rachel. “How 1994 Little Women Director Gillian Armstrong Convinced Men to See Her Film.” Vulture, December 23, 2019. https://www.vulture.com/2019/12/interview-with-1994-little-women-director-gillian-armstrong.html.

“Little Women (1994).” ‎Little Women (1994) directed by Gillian Armstrong • Reviews, film + cast • Letterboxd. Accessed May 23, 2025. https://letterboxd.com/film/little-women-1994/.

Little women. USA: Columbia Pictures, 1994.

“Little Women.” Rotten Tomatoes, December 21, 1994. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1058517-little_women.

Spencer, Ashley. “‘Little Women’: An Oral History of the 1994 Adaptation - The New York Times.” The New York Times, September 12, 2019. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/12/movies/little-women.html.