High-Key Book Club

In the first part of this episode we're providing our much-anticipated spoiler free review of Ralph Breaks the Internet, as well as some commentary on the impact that Wreck-It-Ralph had on us! In the second part we dive deeper into Ralph Breaks the Internet, the idea of brand integration, the influence of social media, the difficulties of depicting the internet, and the power of Disney. Recorded 11/25/2018.

This episode we found ourselves lost between the spooky and holiday seasons, so we decided to sit down and chat about upcoming releases we're excited for, the obscure shows we've been watching and reflecting on 1 year of High-Key!

We discuss Detective Pikachu and Pokemon Let's Go, Fortnite, Ralph Breaks the Internet, the trend of authenticity, Superstore, Sabrina, and whether Inception was good or not. Yes we were a bit all over the place but it's true to form especially considering our very first episode. Recorded 11/18/2018.

Spoiler alert! This week we're continuing our Harry Potter sequence with Chamber of Secrets! We know this is generally the least popular Potter movie AND book, so throughout the episode we're trying to focus on answering the question of WHY? We talk about the many coincidences, the various new things we're introduced to from the wizarding world, and the cinematography choices. Recorded 11/3/2018.

We're wrapping up our High-Key Spook Season with a forgotten gem (currently on Netflix), the theatrically releases live-action movies: Scooby Doo and Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed! If you haven't watched/rewatched these movies in a while, we recommend you do so! We discuss why we disagree with the critics (haters), the death of the campy horror genre, and the rumored more "adult" cuts of these movies. In the second part of the episode, we deep-dive into Spooky Island for the first movie and then Coolsville for the second, monster-filled movie.

This episode we're continuing our High-Key Spook Szn with one of the most commonly played movies on TV every October, Hocus Pocus! Starring Bette Midler, this movie has established itself as a campy spooky movie with a memorable musical number, and we're discussing all of it. From the current lull in the campy horror genre, to recasting a confirmed remake, to why they virgin-shame so much in this movie, we try our best to unpack it! Recorded 10/21/2018.

This episode we are deep diving in the magical world of Harry Potter! We go over our impressions about meeting each character for the first time, the key differences from the book to the movie, and why Harry Potter totally counts as a Halloween movie. Recorded 10/14/2018.

We're very excited to be back from hi(key)atus this week to book club A Star is Born! In the spoiler-free first part of the episode we talk about Zelenny's long history of being a huge Lady Gaga fan, speculate on what it's like to direct and star in your own movie, think about how other A-list stars would've performed these roles, and comment on the brilliant soundtrack. In the spoiler part of the episode we talk about specific moments that moved us, the commitment to realism throughout the movie, and the portrayal of various big themes like fame and mental illness. Recorded 10/6/2018.

This episode we're book-clubbing Making It, the new NBC reality show with a Great British Baking Show feel, hosted by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman! In the first part we discuss reality TV and "kind media" in the Trump era, whether we recommend watching this show, and how it compares to other creative competition shows. In the second (spoiler) part, we determine whether the winner deserved their win, which crafts were our favorites, and our own experience with craft-type hobbies! Recorded 9/16/2018.

This week we're trying something new to have some fun and challenge each other with quizzes from some of our favorite shows! Cameron gets challenged on American Idol and The Office, while Zelenny gets challenged on America's Next Top Model and Friends. We compete for points and finally both get tested on one of our favorite movies, Titanic! Who will win? Listen to find out! Recorded 9/9/2018.

This episode we're talking about the first season of The Good Place! In the spoiler-free part of this podcast, we discuss the genius of the official Good Place podcast, the innovation the show brings to the comedy sitcom format, and how the show came to be. In the spoiler parts of this episode, we dive deep into the themes of the show, our theories of what it might parallel, and our own experience with philosophy education! Recorded 9/3/2018.