Never Seen It Podcast

We are back with returning guest Amber al,ong with Alex, Arnold, and Justin to take on Kevin Costner’s massive western project, Horizon: An American Saga Chapter 1. The pick was Amber’s. She wanted a western ,and the reactions are… well, let’s just say no one is exactly riding off into the sunset with this one.

Justin kicks things off by appreciating some of the gorgeous landscape shots that bring the Old West to life, but he quickly admits some sequences felt oddly cheap. Adrian has gripes of his own, pointing out how the score feels like a knock-off Hans Zimmer soundtrack and how the costumes look suspiciously like they were pulled straight off the racks at a western-themed Anthropology store. Amber, meanwhile, didn’t mince words: the movie felt like a slog to her, dragging out scenes without much payoff.

Even Alex, who usually digs deep into the thematic and artistic elements of movies, admits he just couldn’t muster much interest in the story. That says a lot. Arnold, on the other hand, pulls out his signature “z-rating” or snooze-o-meter review, and surprisingly, he stayed awake more than expected.

The crew also dives into the off-screen controversies surrounding Horizon. Adrian brings up reports of a lawsuit involving Kevin Costner’s alleged predatory behavior toward a male cast member, plus the shocking fact that the production skipped hiring an intimacy coordinator, something that has become standard in modern filmmaking.

And then there’s the elephant in the room: the length. At just over three hours, Justin jokes that the whole thing feels like one really long first act. The entire table is stunned to learn that Costner not only intends this to be the first of four parts but that the sequel might not even make it to release given the film’s disastrous box office performance.

Is Horizon: An American Saga Chapter 1 a misunderstood epic or a misguided vanity project? You’ll have to listen to find out where the gang ultimately lands. Saddle up for this episode, because even if the film was a slog, the conversation sure isn’t.

San Diego Comic-Con 2025 is officially in the history books — and the Never Seen It crew has lived to tell the tale. Four jam-packed days of fandom, spectacle, corporate hype, indie gems, and more than a few unexpected curveballs left us with stories you won’t find in the press releases. This year’s con was a whirlwind of excitement, chaos, and a little bit of sweat (okay… maybe more than a little), and we’re here to break down every chaotic, bizarre, jaw-dropping, and occasionally smelly moment from the show floor.

In this deep-dive postmortem episode, we go far beyond the surface-level coverage. We take you inside the convention center and beyond, from the first badge scan to the final, exhausted shuffle out the doors — dragging swag bags, sore feet, and overloaded brains along the way. We’re covering:

Our boots-on-the-ground perspective from packed panels, buzzing parties, and immersive pop-up experiences that ranged from jaw-dropping to head-scratching.

The biggest reveals and surprise announcements, including the ones that genuinely blew our minds… and the ones that left us wondering, “That’s it?”

Exclusive merch madness — the drops that had fans camping out at ungodly hours, the ridiculous price tags, and the rare treasures worth the wait.

Cosplay highs and lows — from screen-accurate perfection that deserved its own Hall H slot to the endearingly questionable “bless their heart” attempts.

Celebrity encounters, both magical and awkward, plus the art of surviving the human traffic jams of the autograph lines and photo ops.

How SDCC 2025 stacks up to past years, from the overall hype to crowd control, accessibility, and whether the con is still living up to its legendary status.

Behind-the-scenes moments you won’t see in the official highlight reels — the small, strange, and hilarious interactions that make SDCC an experience like no other.

Whether you were in San Diego soaking in the madness, watching the livestreams from your couch, or simply living vicariously through memes and hashtags, this is the unfiltered, brutally honest, and occasionally ridiculous recap you didn’t know you needed. We’ll laugh at the absurdities, gripe about the gripes, and maybe even get a little sentimental about why Comic-Con continues to hold such a special place in the pop culture calendar.

So grab your lanyard, slip into your most comfortable walking shoes, pack a portable charger, and maybe keep a travel-sized deodorant handy — we’re taking you right back into the thick of SDCC 2025. Let’s relive the madness together.

In this episode of The Never Seen It Podcast, we sit down with Kyle Mabson — the wildly creative mind behind our theme song, “Don’t Think I Can Stay,” and part of the project Burn Cycle. Kyle talks about how he builds music that sounds like no one else’s, how he and Alex first crossed paths, and his hilariously strange Instagram page @selfies_food_and_pets, where pop culture gets twisted into something new (and usually unhinged).

We talk artistic process, meme aesthetics, internet chaos, and why Kyle’s approach to sound and humor stands out in a noisy world.

👉 Like what you hear? Don’t forget to like, follow, and drop us a comment!
And definitely check out Kyle’s work on Instagram: @selfies_food_and_pets

In this laid-back but surprisingly deep episode of the Never Seen It podcast, we roll into the world of The Big Lebowski — the 1998 cult hit from Joel and Ethan Coen. From ferrets in bathtubs to White Russians, toe conspiracies, and one hell of a rug, we explore what makes this stoner-detective-comedy so unforgettable.

For Arnold, it's a first watch, and that fresh perspective kicks off hilarious tangents about mistaken identities, the film's nihilist philosophy, and the true meaning behind bowling alleys, flying rugs, and rogue coffee cans full of ashes. Is The Big Lebowski a story about nothing, or a deceptively complex tale about character, chaos, and finding peace in absurdity?

We debate whether “The Dude” is a passive protagonist or a chill philosopher, examine Sam Elliott’s cowboy as a possible manifestation of the Dude’s subconscious, and dive into deep-cut fan theories about schizophrenia, symbolism, and Coen Brothers meta-commentary.

Of course, we also get personal: White Russians, late-night pie binges, VHS memories, and how John Goodman’s unforgettable Walter might be the Redditor we all secretly fear. With meme culture breakdowns, behind-the-scenes trivia, and shoutouts to Grand Theft Auto V, Ghost Story, American Pie, and even True Romance, this episode is an eclectic celebration of all things Lebowski.

Whether you're a diehard fan or new to the film, this episode will have you laughing, thinking, and probably craving a Sprouts apple pie or a drink from The Jesus. So pour yourself a White Russian, kick back, and press play — because the Dude abides, and so do we.

In this special edition of the Never Seen It podcast, the crew trades their usual movie deep dive for a free-form, fast-paced, laughter-filled convo on all things pop culture, Comic-Con, and nostalgia 🧃🧋🎬.

We kick things off with some cheeky boba banter 🥭 and quickly veer into a breakdown of the latest dino-disaster, Jurassic World: Rebirth 🦖🔥. Is it terrible? Kind of. But is it the best terrible one yet? Possibly. The guys roast the franchise's refusal to evolve and pitch their own wild reboot ideas—including a post-apocalyptic dinosaur society twist that sounds... suspiciously brilliant 🧬👀.

Then it's off to the heart of geekdom: San Diego Comic-Con 💥🌴. Longtime attendee Alex spills the beans on immersive “activations” (yes, that’s a thing), merch madness, three-hour waits for FX photo ops, and near-death by boba dehydration 😅🧢. We hear behind-the-scenes stories of Scott Pilgrim parties 🎸, elevator awkwardness with Aubrey Plaza & Michael Cera 🚪, and the good, bad, and cringe of celebrity encounters. Plus: thoughts on the return of indie creators and why Funko Pop might be going the way of the landfill 🗑️🧸.

Also discussed:
🎮 The fall of E3 and rise of indie game devs
🎥 James Gunn’s Superman and why we desperately need fun superhero movies again
🎭 Media literacy, hot takes, and the gang’s beef with military propaganda
💬 Fact-check corner, where we confront our sins (looking at you, Saving Private Ryan)

This episode is one part Comic-Con hype, one part Hollywood cynicism, and one part friendship-powered podcast chaos 🎤👾💚. If you’ve ever waited in line for a con exclusive or had a parasocial crisis about pop culture, this one’s for you.

🎧 About This Episode:
This week on The Never Seen It Podcast, we're diving into the bold, brutally honest world of The Substance — joined by our special guest Kyle Mabson (aka @selfies_food_and_pets), the brilliant mind behind our theme music, “Don’t Think I Can Stay.”

We go deep into the film’s commentary on bodily autonomy, the relentless pressure on women to stay young, and how Hollywood tosses aside aging actresses like they’re past their expiration date. The Substance doesn’t hold back — and neither do we.

We also spotlight the film’s powerhouse director, Coralie Fargeat, and talk about why she’s absolutely one to watch. This is feminist horror with bite — stylish, savage, and seriously unforgettable.

🎧 Hit play and stick around for Kyle’s thoughts on the movie, the music, and all the weird in-between.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and follow — it helps keep the pod alive and weird, just how we like it.

Let me know if you'd like a shortened version for Spotify or Apple Podcasts listings!

This week on The Never Seen It Podcast, we’re talking Pan’s Labyrinth — Guillermo del Toro’s haunting 2006 masterpiece where fairytales collide with fascism.

Set in 1944 Spain, the story follows young Ofelia, sent to live with her ruthless stepfather, Captain Vidal — a man so terrifying, he makes the actual monsters look kind. At night, Ofelia meets a fairy and an ancient faun who tells her she’s a lost princess — if she can survive three brutal, otherworldly tasks.

We break down Del Toro’s unmatched ability to build these grim, mythic worlds, his cooler, grown-up-Tim-Burton energy, and why this story still hits so hard. We also dig into some incredible behind-the-scenes trivia:

📓 Del Toro lost his notebook of years worth of sketches and ideas for the film in the back of a cab — and was miraculously reunited with it.
📽️ He gave up his entire salary to make sure the film got made the way he envisioned.
🧛‍♂️ Stephen King squirmed next to him during the Pale Man scene, and Del Toro said it felt like winning an Oscar.
📝 Oh, and Del Toro personally wrote the English subtitles — he doesn’t trust anyone else with his words anymore.

🎧 Hit play to hear why Pan’s Labyrinth is still one of the most powerful dark fantasy films ever made — and how sometimes the scariest monsters are the ones that wear a uniform.

👉 Don’t forget to like, follow, and share the podcast — it really helps us out and keeps the stories flowing!

#PansLabyrinth #GuillermoDelToro #NeverSeenItPodcast #DarkFantasy #SpanishCinema #MoviePodcast #TimBurtonVibes #FilmDiscussion #CultCinema #FairyTaleForAdults #CreepyMovies #FantasyFilm #Ofelia #CaptainVidal #ThePaleMan #SupportIndiePods #CinemaLovers

This week on The Never Seen It Podcast, we enter the shadowy, hypnotic labyrinth that is David Lynch’s Inland Empire — and honestly, we’re still trying to find our way out.

In true Lynch fashion, this one’s a full-on fever dream: fragmented timelines, identity blurring, eerie rabbits, haunted Hollywood lots, and more emotional dread than you can shake a handheld digital camcorder at. We unpack the film’s lo-fi, almost ghostly aesthetic and how it heightens the surreal, nightmarish mood of the story.

We dive into the heavy themes of abuse, domestic violence, and trauma that bubble beneath the surface. Though even that feels like an understatement, because some parts are so abstract and experimental, they’re almost beyond analysis. Even the cast didn’t fully know what they were filming at times... and that somehow makes it even more Lynchian.

Oh, and we couldn’t talk about Inland Empire without mentioning David Lynch standing in downtown Hollywood with a cow and a sign campaigning for Laura Dern’s Oscar nom. Iconic.

🎧 Give it a listen, and let us know what you think this movie is about (we’re genuinely curious).

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and follow the show — it really helps us out and keeps the weird conversations flowing.

Episode Title: Never Seen It – Didi (2024)

In this episode of The Never Seen It Podcast, we’re diving deep into Didi, a coming-of-age film that hit us all right in the feels. On the surface, it’s a story about a teenage boy navigating identity, family, and growing pains—but underneath, it’s a beautifully layered film packed with cultural nuance, millennial nostalgia, and that bittersweet ache of growing up.

We talk about how Didi felt painfully real—not just for Alex, who shares a similar Asian/Filipino background and found so many personal moments reflected on screen—but for all of us who remember what it felt like to be outsiders trying to figure ourselves out. Adrian opens up about those awkward teen years, and how much he related to Didi’s quiet frustrations and social missteps.

Of course, we also go full nostalgia mode: remember MySpace bulletins? Early YouTube skate videos? Lo-fi miniDV cam aesthetics? We wax poetic about that strange, transitional time—the late 90s/early 00s—when the internet was still finding itself and so were we.

This one’s heartfelt, reflective, and full of laughs. Whether or not you’ve seen Didi, we think you’ll find something to connect with here.

🎧 Listen now and check out more at neverseenitpodcast.com
And don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the pod with a friend who still remembers their MySpace top 8.

In this episode of Never Seen It, we ride into the dusty town of Tombstone—the 1993 cult classic Western that helped redefine the genre for a new generation. With a loaded cast featuring Kurt Russell, Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton, and the late, great Val Kilmer as the unforgettable Doc Holliday, we take a deep dive into what makes this film a fan favorite and how it’s aged over the past three decades.

As we discuss the film's epic shootouts, memorable one-liners, and dramatic tension, we also take a moment to reflect on the recent passing of Val Kilmer. His performance as the sickly but sharp-tongued Doc Holliday remains one of his most iconic roles—delivering one of cinema’s most quoted lines: “I’ll be your huckleberry.” From his sly delivery to his complex portrayal of friendship and mortality, Kilmer’s presence in Tombstone elevated the film into legendary status.

Whether you're a longtime fan of Westerns or someone who, like one of us, had never seen Tombstone until now, this episode is for you. We talk about Wyatt Earp’s mythos, the film’s production history, and how Tombstone stacks up against other Western classics. Plus, we unpack the lasting cultural impact of the film and why Val Kilmer’s performance continues to resonate with audiences.

Don’t miss this tribute to both a classic film and a truly one-of-a-kind actor. Stream now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen—and be sure to follow us @NeverSeenItPod for more episodes, film discussions, and behind-the-scenes content.