High n' Dry Podcast

What Movie Should We Do Next?

James Gunn's Superman delivers a powerful message about radical kindness in a cynical world, earning our highest podcast rating ever with its vibrant visuals and standout performances.

• Superman embodies genuine goodness without being naive or simplistic
• David Corenswet brings warmth and authenticity to the iconic role
• Rachel Brosnahan delivers the most compelling Lois Lane in decades
• Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor parallels modern tech billionaires with superb depth
• Punk rock soundtrack enhances the film's theme of standing up against corrupt systems
• Supporting characters including Mr. Terrific and Hawkgirl add rich dimension
• Story focuses on doing what's right versus what's politically expedient
• Colorful visuals and cinematography mark a refreshing departure from previous DCEU films
• Superman chooses to follow his moral compass despite criticism and pushback
• Film demonstrates that superhero stories can be optimistic without sacrificing depth

This superhero film proves that good storytelling doesn't require moral ambiguity to be compelling—sometimes what we need most is a reminder that choosing kindness is the most radical act of all.

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What Movie Should We Do Next?

We dive into the Naked Gun reboot, a comedy that delivers jokes at breakneck speed while updating the franchise for modern audiences without losing its absurdist roots.

• Liam Neeson takes on the Leslie Nielsen role with mixed results, though the film still delivers constant laughs
• Pamela Anderson surprises with her comedic talents and willingness to poke fun at herself
• The film avoids problematic humor typical of early 2000s comedies while maintaining a high joke-per-second ratio
• Standout scenes include a jealous, murderous snowman yelling "Daddy!" and an owl with unexpected personality
• The movie literally names a "Plot Device" as its MacGuffin, acknowledging its focus on comedy over storytelling
• At 3.5/5 stars, it's a solid comedy that succeeds at what it sets out to do: make people laugh consistently
• The film subtly comments on social issues like police brutality and tech billionaires without becoming preachy
• Perfect for getting "blasted and just sitting there laughing" rather than analyzing deep narrative structure

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What Movie Should We Do Next?

We dive into Zach Cregger's latest horror film "Weapons," a twisted tale about a small town where multiple children mysteriously disappear simultaneously, leaving only one student behind.

• Josh Brolin delivers a standout performance as a desperate father searching for answers
• The film brilliantly uses multiple character perspectives to gradually reveal its supernatural mystery
• A witch has infiltrated the town, using mind control and manipulation to pursue her sinister agenda
• Every character harbors personal flaws and addictions that blind them to the danger until it's too late
• The cinematography creates persistent tension through innovative camera work and thoughtful framing
• Benedict Wong's character represents one of the few moral anchors in a town descending into chaos
• Scenes like the hair-cutting sequence create profound unease without relying on traditional jump scares
• The 217 reference and AK-47 dream sequence sparked intense debate about their symbolic meaning
• Each character story reveals another puzzle piece, culminating in the final revelation through Alex's eyes
• The film earns its 4/5 rating through strong performances, atmospheric direction, and genuine scares

If you enjoyed our review of "Weapons," be sure to check it out in theaters while you can for the full experience. This is one horror film that deserves to be seen on the big screen!

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What Movie Should We Do Next?

The High and Dry Podcast team delivers a scathing review of "Nobody 2," rating it a dismal 1.5 out of 5 stars for its incoherent plot, poor performances, and problematic messaging.

• Bob Odenkirk returns as a violent family man whose ultraviolence is inexplicably portrayed as heroic
• The film oscillates between serious and campy tones, creating a disorienting viewing experience
• Christopher Lloyd appears underutilized, with his character barely developed despite potential
• Sharon Stone's villain makes inexplicable choices that defy basic logic
• Poor cinematography makes action sequences feel jumpy and lacking impact
• The film's treatment of women is particularly problematic, suggesting wives should accept and participate in their husband's violence
• The plot contains numerous logical inconsistencies, including the small-town setting having multiple violent crime syndicates
• Several characters' motivations and actions make little sense within the narrative

If you enjoy our reviews, please subscribe and check out our other episodes where we analyze films with a lot more coherence than this one displayed.

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What Movie Should We Do Next?

Ryan Coogler's "Sinners" blends vampire horror with a profound exploration of cultural identity through the lens of a 1930s juke joint under siege by Irish vampires. The film's exceptional cinematography and soul-stirring soundtrack elevate it to our highest-rated movie yet.

• Michael B. Jordan delivers a standout dual performance as twins, creating two distinct characters who share significant screen time
• The film uses aspect ratio changes brilliantly, expanding the screen as the narrative's scope widens
• Score and soundtrack integrate blues and Irish music to tell a story about cultural preservation and amalgamation
• Vampires as Irish immigrants creates a powerful metaphor about historical racial dynamics in America
• The contrasting approaches to cultural blending—sharing versus consuming—forms the core thematic tension
• Cinematography shines particularly during musical sequences where visuals and sound become fully integrated
• Despite some third-act predictability, the film maintains its artistic integrity and emotional impact

Watch Sinners in IMAX if possible for the full intended experience with its expansive visuals and immersive sound design.

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What Movie Should We Do Next?

We dive into the recently released zombie thriller 28 Years Later, exploring its place in the franchise and evaluating what makes it stand out in the horror genre.

• Film serves as both sequel and standalone story accessible to viewers unfamiliar with earlier films
• Strong performances from Aaron Taylor Johnson and Ralph Fiennes anchor the emotional core
• Cinematography blends nostalgic handheld camera work with innovative visual techniques
• Soundtrack creates unexpected emotional resonance, particularly during pivotal scenes
• Story explores coming-of-age themes through a post-apocalyptic lens
• Different types of infected expand the franchise mythology in interesting ways
• Tracksuit-wearing cult hints at fascinating directions for future sequels
• Film makes thoughtful points about death, acceptance, and human nature amid horror
• High rewatch value with many subtle details to discover
• Earns a solid 4 out of 5 rating from High and Dry Podcast

If you enjoyed our review of 28 Years Later, please subscribe to High and Dry Podcast wherever you get your podcasts and let us know what you thought of the movie.

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What Movie Should We Do Next?

Robert Pattinson delivers a masterful dual performance in Bong Joon-ho's Mickey 17, a sci-fi satire that explores identity, expendability, and the dark side of colonial expansion. The film follows a man who is repeatedly cloned and sacrificed for a fledgling colony on an alien planet, ultimately challenging the authoritarian leadership threatening both human settlers and indigenous life.

• Pattinson plays both Mickey 17 and Mickey 18, showcasing distinct personalities despite being clones
• Mark Ruffalo portrays Kenneth Marshall, a Trump-like authoritarian leader complete with red-cap-wearing supporters
• The film features strong performances from Naomi Ackie and Toni Collette in supporting roles
• Bong Joon-ho's direction creates a deliberately muted visual palette that brightens only when characters experience freedom
• The storyline draws clear parallels to contemporary politics while examining the ethics of colonialism
• Originally scheduled for release in 2022, the film faced multiple delays including one following an assassination attempt on Donald Trump

If you enjoyed our review of Mickey 17, please rate and subscribe to High and Dry Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. We'll be back next week with another film breakdown!

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What Movie Should We Do Next?

High n' Dry takes "Nosferatu" and intertwines humor and horror while exploring deeper themes surrounding desire and repression. Through personal anecdotes and critical assessments, the discussion reveals the film's artistic merit and how it resonates with contemporary issues in vampire storytelling.

• Examination of cinematic techniques and symbolism 
• Personal stories linking to key film elements 
• Discussion of character arcs, particularly Dafoe 
• Analysis of the film's place in modern vampiric narratives 
• Exploration of community engagement and shared experiences

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What Movie Should We Do Next?

Is "Die Hard" the ultimate Christmas movie, or is it just an action-packed romp with a holiday backdrop? Join us this Christmas Eve as we sip on Knob Creek bourbon and indulge in some Black Friday cannabis deals, while tackling this age-old debate with our signature high and dry flair. We reminisce about the 80s, fondly recalling TV classics and new panel shows featuring Michael Ian Black, before diving into our structured three-part method to dissect "Die Hard." From assessing the film's quality, to exploring its deeper themes, and finally imagining ourselves in the movie, it's a conversation filled with whiskey-fueled insights and spirited debates.

As the conversation unfolds, we don't shy away from the polarizing reception of films like "Avatar," juxtaposing its storytelling with classics like "Dances with Wolves" and discussing the audience's thirst for mature thrillers akin to "The Thomas Crown Affair." We dissect Bruce Willis's everyman appeal and Alan Rickman's villainous charm, sparking debates over his performances in other films like "Dogma" and "Galaxy Quest." A humorous critique of J.K. Rowling's characterization choices in the Harry Potter series adds a whimsical twist to our analysis, while the iconic elements of "Die Hard" — from its dynamic cinematography to its diagenic music choices — keep us hooked.

In the final chapters, we venture into the realm of societal norms, the notion of the ends justifying the means, and the evolution of character dynamics in "Die Hard." We muse over the film's surprising progressiveness, lack of outdated stereotypes, and the complexities of John McClane's relationships. With a speculative twist, we imagine how a new character could shake up the plot, and explore precision in handling dangerous situations, all while humorously reimagining "Die Hard" with fresh perspectives. As we plan our holiday movie lineup, we look forward to "Muppet Christmas Carol" for New Year's, wrapping up our episode with laughter, whiskey, and a nod to the classics.

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The episode explores the ongoing debate about whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie by diving deep into its story, acting, and underlying themes. Through lively discussions, we uncover insights into the beloved film and challenge our listeners to engage with their perspectives on this classic.

• Introduction to the holiday podcast theme 
• Nostalgia for the 80s and cultural references 
• Overview of Die Hard's plot and significance 
• Ratings breakdown focusing on story and acting 
• Analysis of Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman's performances 
• Discussion on deeper themes of masculinity and resilience 
• Insights on why Die Hard has shaped holiday viewing traditions 

Reach out and tell him how you found us, please, and why you listened and if you liked it!

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