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In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen discuss Ana Lily Amirpour's 2014 debut film, “A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night,” described as the world's first Iranian vampire western. Set in a fictional and decaying Bad City, the film follows Arash, a kindhearted boy, and a girl who loves pop music and happens to be a vampire. Filmed entirely in black and white, the movie blends elements of gothic horror, Nouvelle Vague, and Persian-American culture. The discussion delves into the film's themes of decay, loneliness, and predation, while highlighting its unique aesthetic and dreamlike quality. The hosts also appreciate the film's rich cultural influences and its novel approach to the vampire genre. They conclude with a recommendation to watch the movie, emphasizing its haunting beauty and timeless appeal.
00:00 Introduction to Midday Movies Podcast
00:09 Overview of 'A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night'
01:31 Setting and Filming Locations
02:52 Characters and Cultural Influences
07:42 Themes of Isolation and Predation
09:36 Meet Cute: A Vampire Romance
11:50 Arash and the Girl's Cloak Scene
12:42 Disco Ball and White Lies' “Death”
14:43 The Girl's Design and Cobra Symbolism
16:21 Melancholy and Romanticism in the Film
19:14 Gothic Horror and Urban Decay
22:15 The Sublime and Smallness in Bad City
24:45 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Follow the Umbrella Podcast Collective on IG at @umbrellapodcastcollective or Facehuggers and Friends @facehuggersandfriendspod for updates on “Facehuggers and Friends: An Alien RPG.”
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In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen dive deep into the 1964 Japanese art house horror film “Onibaba.” Set in war-torn medieval Japan the movie follows the grim story of two nameless women and a deserting soldier caught in a love triangle amidst the ominous tall reeds until the arrival of a samurai general in a demonic mask changes everything. With themes of survival, sin, and potentially supernatural elements, the film offers a stark critique of war and its dehumanizing effects. Amidst their discussion, Laura and Stephen break down the film's unique aesthetics, aggressive jazz soundtrack, and the characters' complex dynamics. They also explore the eerie socio-political backdrop of 14th-century Japan, punctuated by persistent civil wars and societal decay. Their conversation delves into the psychological and folkloric elements of the story, raising questions about what truly transforms people into monsters. Tune in for a comprehensive analysis of a classic that continues to resonate even after nearly 60 years.
00:00 Introduction to Midday Movies Podcast
00:09 Overview of Onibaba
01:13 Initial Impressions and Cultural Context
02:07 Setting the Scene: Medieval Japan
03:38 Character Analysis: The Nameless Women
04:06 Symbolism in Costumes and Actions
05:56 The Reeds: A Supernatural Element
08:01 Anti-War Themes in Japanese Cinema
08:51 Romantic Drama Amidst Chaos
10:37 The Power Dynamics and Survival
13:06 Survival and Family Dynamics
13:42 The Masked Samurai's Arrival
15:11 The Mother-in-Law's Plan
17:40 The Folklore of Oni Baba
20:24 Themes of War and Survival
23:36 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Follow the Umbrella Podcast Collective on IG at @umbrellapodcastcollective or Facehuggers and Friends @facehuggersandfriendspod for updates on “Facehuggers and Friends: An Alien RPG.”
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In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen take a deep dive into the 2009 film “Jennifer's Body,” written by Diablo Cody, directed by Karyn Kusama and starring Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried. Initially panned by critics, the film has since gained cult status for its exploration of themes like fame, friendship, and femininity. The hosts discuss the film's misunderstood reception, its clever script by Diablo Cody, and its cultural re-evaluation in the post-#MeToo era. They also touch upon the performances, production design, and both classical and modern elements that make “Jennifer's Body” a uniquely good entry in the teen horror genre. The episode provides thoughtful analysis and contextual discussion, highlighting the film’s deeper themes and its reflection of societal attitudes towards women.
00:00 Introduction to Midday Movies Podcast
00:09 Overview of Jennifer's Body
02:06 Cultural Context of 2009
03:41 Character Analysis and Cast
06:40 Diablo Cody's Writing and Direction
07:38 Plot Breakdown and Key Scenes
09:00 Jennifer's Transformation and Theories
12:40 The Sacrifice and Its Consequences
18:12 Bonus Demon and Tragedy Exploitation
18:40 Jennifer's Transformation and Heathers Comparison
20:39 Needy's Concern and Jennifer's Agency
21:53 Codependency and Queer Interpretation
23:49 Jennifer's Sexual Power and High School Dynamics
28:16 Jennifer's Body as a Cultural Mirror
33:52 Marketing Missteps and Feminist Narrative
35:27 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Follow the Umbrella Podcast Collective on IG at @umbrellapodcastcollective or Facehuggers and Friends @facehuggersandfriendspod for updates on “Facehuggers and Friends: An Alien RPG.”
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In this episode of 'Midday Movies,' hosts Laura and Stephen dive into the 1998 cult classic 'Practical Magic,' directed by Griffin Dunn and starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. They discuss the movie's whimsical and cozy vibes, despite its tonal inconsistencies, and highlight its appeal as the perfect feel-good fall staple. Shot in the idyllic town of Coupeville, Washington, the film features charming family dynamics, magical elements, and a soundtrack saturated with Stevie Nicks. The hosts explore the movie's narrative about sisterhood, love curses, and overcoming grief, while emphasizing its emotional impact and lasting cultural significance. They also hint at upcoming episodes featuring more Halloween-themed films like 'Jennifer's Body.'
00:00 Introduction to Midday Movies Podcast
00:10 Setting the Scene: Practical Magic Overview
00:46 Autumn Vibes and Seasonal Magic
01:08 The Owens Sisters and Their Whimsical World
03:12 The Curse and Its Origins
05:46 The Owens Family Dynamics
08:12 The Love Curse and Sisterly Bonds
12:24 Jimmy Angelo: The Bad Ex-Boyfriend
14:02 Officer Gary and the Unexpected Love Spell
17:00 The Emotional Impact of Practical Magic
18:32 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes
Follow the Umbrella Podcast Collective on IG at @umbrellapodcastcollective or Facehuggers and Friends @facehuggersandfriendspod for updates on “Facehuggers and Friends: An Alien RPG.”
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In today's episode of Midday Movies, Laura and Stephen delve into Ari Aster's 2019 cult horror film 'Midsommar.' They discuss the disturbing tale set in a remote Swedish commune, featuring Florence Pugh as the emotionally scarred Dani. The podcast explores the film's cult tactics, its folklore inspirations, and the powerful catharsis intertwined with Danny's traumatic journey. The hosts also touch on the film's thematic parallels to classics like 'The Wizard of Oz' and highlight its haunting impact and unique approach to horror. Tune in to hear an in-depth analysis and reflections on how 'Midsommar' stands out in the genre of daylight horror.
00:00 Welcome to Midday Movies Podcast
00:09 Introduction to Midsommar
00:50 Personal Reflections and Initial Reactions
01:54 The Iconic Final Frame and Themes
03:24 Character Analysis and Symbolism
06:20 The Journey to Haga
08:31 Pele's Cult Tactics
10:23 Arrival and Community Life in Haga
13:30 The Lifecycle and Rituals of Haga
14:52 The Elder Sacrifice Ritual
15:09 Outsiders React to the Ritual
16:21 Christian's Thesis Decision
17:53 Haga's Empathy and Darkness
19:24 Communal Crying Scene
20:24 Danny's Emotional Isolation
22:04 Haga's Intoxicants and Hallucinogens
23:10 Danny's Recruitment and Transformation
28:40 The May Queen Ceremony
30:09 Final Thoughts on Midsummer
Follow the Umbrella Podcast Collective on IG at @umbrellapodcastcollective or Facehuggers and Friends @facehuggersandfriendspod for updates on “Facehuggers and Friends: An Alien RPG.”
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Hosts Laura and Stephen discuss the South Korean breakout hit zombie horror film “Train to Busan” (2016) on their podcast 'Midday Movies.' This deep dive conversation delves into the movie's plot, which centers on a father-daughter relationship strained by the father's workaholism, set against a zombie outbreak on a high-speed train. They explore themes such as social commentary, character development, and the film's subversion of typical zombie tropes. Highlights include the father’s transformation through crisis, the film’s critique of ruthless individualism, and the emotional and action-packed sequences that make the movie stand out. This is the first episode in our fall Halloween film series. Look out for spooky classics all October!
00:00 Introduction to Midday Movies Podcast
00:09 Overview of Train to Busan
00:43 Personal Reflections on Public Transit
01:17 Train to Busan: A Thrilling Ride
04:04 The Protagonist's Struggle
10:32 Meet the Key Characters
11:35 Unique Aspects of Train to Busan
13:01 The Zombies of Train to Busan
15:32 Character Dynamics and Themes
17:07 SueAnn: The Emotional Core
19:37 Societal Tensions on the Train
22:47 Class Divide and Leadership
24:55 Zombie Fight Scene Breakdown
28:26 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Follow the Umbrella Podcast Collective on IG at @umbrellapodcastcollective or Facehuggers and Friends @facehuggersandfriendspod for updates on “Facehuggers and Friends: An Alien RPG.”
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Hosts Laura and Stephen conclude their discussion on Harper Bazaar's list of the 25 best Halloween films in their podcast, Midday Movies. They cover influential horror titles from the last 50 years, focusing on films released post-2016. The discussion includes detailed critiques of 'Midsommar,' 'It,' 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show,' and 'Jennifer's Body,' among others. They delve into film themes, notable performances, and how these movies can inspire Halloween costumes. They finalize their top three picks: 'Get Out,' 'Psycho,' and 'Scream.' The hosts encourage listener engagement and take audience suggestions for films to review in-depth.
00:00 Introduction to Midday Movies Podcast
00:36 Halloween Season Excitement
01:33 Recap of Harper Bazaar's Top 25 Halloween Movies
02:09 Midsommar: Horror in Broad Daylight
04:48 IT: The New Age of Stephen King Horror
06:06 Rocky Horror Picture Show: Cult Classic
08:22 Jennifer's Body: High School Horror
10:21 Train to Busan: Zombies on a Train
11:04 The Shining: Kubrick's Masterpiece
12:44 The Craft: Teenage Witchcraft
16:48 Exploring an Iranian Vampire Movie
17:35 The Charm of The Addams Family (1991)
20:42 Jordan Peele's Masterpiece: Get Out (2017)
22:19 Alfred Hitchcock's Classic: Psycho (1960)
23:50 The Ultimate Halloween Movie: Scream (1996)
27:09 Reflecting on the List and Halloween Costumes
29:31 Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts and Farewell
Follow the Umbrella Podcast Collective on IG at @umbrellapodcastcollective or Facehuggers and Friends @facehuggersandfriendspod for updates on “Facehuggers and Friends: An Alien RPG.”
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Listen to us on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media to stay up to date on upcoming shows and announcements! Instagram Facebook Linktree
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In this episode of Midday Movies, Laura and Stephen dive into the Halloween spirit with an engaging discussion on fall ambiance and costume ideas. They explore a curated list from Harper's Bazaar of the top 25 Halloween movies, providing detailed insights and personal anecdotes about each film's significance and impact. Covering classics like 'Hocus Pocus,' 'Nosferatu,' and 'Silence of the Lambs,' the pair shares their excitement for the spooky season and hints at their own Halloween plans. The episode ends with a tease for the next part, where they will continue with the top 12 Halloween movie recommendations.
00:00 Spooky Greetings and Fall Vibes
01:07 Halloween Costume Ideas
01:58 Top Halloween Movies: Hocus Pocus
04:46 Top Halloween Movies: Nosferatu
06:14 Top Halloween Movies: Shaun of the Dead
07:29 Top Halloween Movies: Beetlejuice
09:36 Top Halloween Movies: The Witches of Eastwick
10:46 Top Halloween Movies: Candyman
11:41 Top Halloween Movies: Silence of the Lambs
13:20 Top Halloween Movies: Corpse Bride
13:55 Tim Burton's Halloween Mastery
14:37 Carrie: The Nightmare of High School
15:41 Practical Magic: A Generational Favorite
17:36 Nicole Kidman: Ubiquitous Star
19:01 Oni Baba: A Japanese Classic
20:16 Death Becomes Her: A Campy Classic
22:36 Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter
23:37 Wrapping Up and What's Next
Follow the Umbrella Podcast Collective on IG at @umbrellapodcastcollective or Facehuggers and Friends @facehuggersandfriendspod for updates on “Facehuggers and Friends: An Alien RPG.”
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In this episode, Laura introduces the Cinemax series “The Knick” (now streaming on HBO & Hulu), which stars Clive Owen and is set in a 1910s San Francisco public hospital named The Knickerbocker. The show is praised for its historical accuracy, having been based off a real-life pioneering surgeon with a substance use disorder, and covers themes like pioneering surgical procedures, drug addiction treatment, and societal issues of the time, including the bubonic plague in Chinatown. The discussion also touches on emotional attachment to objects and the evolution of mental health treatments. Listeners are encouraged to check out “The Knick” for its thrilling and sometimes challenging content.
00:00 Introduction to Midday Mini
00:06 Overview of 'The Knick'
00:15 Historical Accuracy and Setting
00:28 Character and Plot Highlights
01:43 Comparisons to Other Shows
01:56 HBO's Prestige Television
02:16 Technological and Social Changes
03:08 Emotional Attachment to Objects
04:16 Mental Health and Asylums
06:22 Conclusion and Recommendations
07:32 Closing Remarks and Call to Action
Follow the Umbrella Podcast Collective on IG at @umbrellapodcastcollective or Facehuggers and Friends @facehuggersandfriendspod for updates on “Facehuggers and Friends: An Alien RPG.”
We want to know what you think about our podcast! Let us know in this brief survey here.
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Laura and Stephen continue their podcast 'Midday Movies' by discussing Collider's list of the 28 Best Back-to-School Films, focusing on the top 14. They highlight timeless John Hughes classics, influential comedies, and heartwarming stories of academic excellence. Films like 'School of Rock,' 'Rushmore,' 'Grease,' 'Footloose,' 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High,' '10 Things I Hate About You,' 'Akeelah and the Bee,' 'Election,' 'Legally Blonde,' 'Dead Poets Society,' 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone,' 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off,' 'The Breakfast Club,' and the top pick 'Mean Girls' are discussed in depth. Each movie is praised for its unique storytelling, cultural impact, and unforgettable characters. The episode invites listeners to vote on which film they should cover next in a detailed review.
00:00 Welcome to Midday Movies
01:22 Kicking Off with School of Rock
03:02 Rushmore: Wes Anderson's Classic
04:37 Grease: A Timeless Musical
06:17 Footloose: Dancing Through Restrictions
08:53 Fast Times at Ridgemont High
10:16 10 Things I Hate About You
12:02 Akeelah and the Bee: Spelling Triumph
13:27 Reese Witherspoon's Dark Satire: Election
14:26 Legally Blonde: Overcoming Expectations
15:55 Dead Poets Society: The Gold Standard
17:13 Harry Potter: The Sorcerer's Stone
19:31 Ferris Bueller's Day Off: A Whimsical Rebellion
21:41 The Breakfast Club: Detention Bonding
23:22 Mean Girls: High School Hierarchy
26:20 Conclusion and Farewell
Follow the Umbrella Podcast Collective on IG at @umbrellapodcastcollective or Facehuggers and Friends @facehuggersandfriendspod for updates on “Facehuggers and Friends: An Alien RPG.”
We want to know what you think about our podcast! Let us know in this brief survey here.
Listen to us on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media to stay up to date on upcoming shows and announcements! Instagram Facebook Linktree
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