Sparrows UnderReview: 1992 (2024)

Episode Summary:

Stacey and JR dive into the gritty world of 1992, a heist thriller set during the first night of the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Directed by Ariel Vromen and starring Tyrese Gibson, Scott Eastwood, and the late Ray Liotta, the film captures the chaos and intensity of this historical moment through the lens of crime and survival. The hosts discuss the film’s atmosphere, the performances, and how it uses the backdrop of the LA riots to heighten the stakes. They also explore the director’s choice to simplify the title from April 29, 1992 to 1992 and how it impacts the film’s narrative focus.

In This Episode:

•Historical Setting: Stacey and JR examine how the film portrays the tension and urgency of the 1992 LA riots.

•Character Dynamics: A breakdown of the performances by Tyrese Gibson and Scott Eastwood, highlighting their chemistry and how they drive the film’s narrative.

•Ray Liotta’s Role: A special segment dedicated to Liotta’s performance and legacy in crime cinema.

•Visuals and Atmosphere: Discussion on Frank G. DeMarco’s cinematography and how it enhances the chaotic, gritty feel of the movie.

•Directorial Choices: The hosts debate Ariel Vromen’s storytelling approach and the impact of changing the film’s title.

Tune in to hear Stacey and JR’s full breakdown of 1992 and whether they think it’s a fresh take on the heist genre or a missed opportunity!

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Stacey and JR dive into this psycho thriller and it’s utter similarities with reality

Zoe Kravitz, in her directorial debut, from a script she wrote with E.T. Feigenbaum. The film stars Naomi Ackie, Channing Tatum, Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Adria Arjona, Haley Joel Osment, Kyle MacLachlan, Geena Davis, and Alia Shawkat. It tells the story of a group of people invited to the private island of a billionaire tech mogul as something strange happens with the female attendees.

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Stacey and Jr give an update whats goin and what’s in store for October ..

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Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is a 2024 American dark fantasy comedy horrorfilm directed by Tim Burton from a screenplay by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar. A sequel to Beetlejuice(1988) and the second film of the Beetlejuice franchise, the film stars Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O'Hara reprising their roles alongside new cast members Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, Jenna Ortega, and Willem Dafoe. Set more than three decades after the first Beetlejuice, it follows Lydia Deetz, now a mother, struggling to keep her family together in the wake of a loss as the specter Betelgeuse[a] returns to haunt her.

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Episode Summary:

In this episode of Sparrows Under Review, J.R. and Stacie dive into the world of animation domination that has taken over the summer. They discuss their thoughts on recent animated movies and TV shows, including the highly anticipated 2024 adaptation of Garfield by Nickelodeon. The hosts offer a detailed review of the new Garfield movie, comparing it to the original comics and TV show, and sharing their insights on the characters, plot, and overall execution.

Key Points:

• Introduction: J.R. and Stacie introduce the episode and discuss the prevalence of animated films this summer.
• Garfield (2024) Overview: An introduction to the new Garfield movie, including details on its production and cast, with Chris Pratt voicing Garfield.
• Nostalgia and Expectations: Comparing the new movie to the Garfield of the 80s and how it measures up for fans of the original series.
• Character Analysis: Deep dive into the characters, particularly Garfield and his father, and the backstory provided in this adaptation.
• Plot and Storyline: Discussion on the plot, character development, and key moments of the film.
• Comedy and Appeal: Analyzing the humor and target audience of the movie, and how it compares to other recent animated films like Despicable Me 4.
• Final Thoughts: J.R. and Stacie share their final opinions on the movie, including its strengths and weaknesses.
• Listener Engagement: Inviting listeners to share their thoughts and recommendations via email and social media.

Quotes:

• "When I think of Garfield, I think about his love for lasagna. So it was weird seeing him indulge in everything else." - Stacie
• "The plot...this was a redemption story of the father, and it was all really predictable after 30 minutes." - J.R.
• "It's a decent movie with its funny parts, but probably not something I'm going to go back and watch again." - Stacie

Connect with Us:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: Sparrows Under Review
• Letterboxd: Follow J.R. for more movie reviews and ratings

Listener Questions:

• Do you have any movie or TV show recommendations for us to review?
• What are your thoughts on the new Garfield movie?
• How do you feel about the recent surge in animated films this summer?

Share your thoughts with us on Instagram or via email, and your suggestions might be featured in our next episode!

Tune in Next Time:

Stay tuned for our next episode, where we will be reviewing another summer blockbuster and diving into more animated adventures!

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Summary: In this episode of Sparrows Under Review, Stacey and JR dive into the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli, focusing on the beloved film "Ponyo." They discuss their preferences for media databases, the animation's vivid details, and the unique storytelling of Studio Ghibli. Join them as they share their thoughts on the movie's visual effects, voice talent, and the captivating plot.

Topics Covered:

1. Introduction to the Episode

• Stacey and JR introduce themselves and the topic for this episode.
• Brief discussion about media databases: IMDb vs. Wikipedia.

1. Studio Ghibli Overview

• Introduction to Studio Ghibli and its renowned animated films.
• Mention of the availability of Studio Ghibli films on Max (formerly HBO Max).

1. Discussion on Ponyo

• Stacey and JR's initial thoughts on "Ponyo."
• Visual effects and animation quality.
• The captivating storytelling and character development.

1. Voice Talent and Characters

• Highlighting the notable voice actors in "Ponyo," including Liam Neeson, Cate Blanchett, and Tina Fey.
• Discussion on the characters and their roles in the story.

1. Personal Reflections

• Stacey's and JR's experiences watching Studio Ghibli films.
• The impact of vivid animation and engaging plots on their viewing experience.

1. Home Theater Experience

• Recommendations for setting up a home theater.
• Importance of quality sound and visuals in enhancing the movie-watching experience.

1. Listener Engagement

• Inviting listeners to share their preferences for media databases and why.
• Encouraging listeners to reach out for home theater setup recommendations.

Links and References:

• Studio Ghibli Films on Max
• IMDb
• Wikipedia
• Letterboxd
• Nebula Capsule Projector

Follow Us:

• Instagram: @SparrowsUnderReview
• TikTok: @SparrowsUnderReview

Contact Us:

• Email: [email protected]

Support the Show:

• If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and share it with your friends!

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Hosts: Jr and Stacey

Podcast: Sparrows UnderReview

Episode Summary: In this episode of Sparrows UnderReview, Jr and Stacey explore their thoughts on the much-anticipated 2024 Borderlands movie. As avid fans of the Gearbox video games, they went into the film with high expectations. Unfortunately, the movie didn’t quite hit the mark for them.

Join them as they discuss:

• The Movie vs. The Games: How does the Borderlands movie compare to the original games and their spinoffs? Did the film manage to capture the franchise's signature chaotic energy and dark humor?
• Pacing & Storytelling: A deep dive into the movie’s pacing issues and its struggles with plot development, despite an abundance of game references.
• Character Analysis: Jr and Stacey evaluate how well the movie adapted fan-favorite characters from the games. Were the vault hunters brought to life, or did they fall flat?
• Action & Humor: An analysis of how the movie’s action sequences and humor measure up to the games' distinctive style.
• Final Verdict: The hosts share their concluding thoughts on whether the movie is worth watching, particularly for die-hard Borderlands fans.

Key Takeaways:

• The Borderlands movie struggled to capture the essence of the beloved game series.
• Issues with pacing and storytelling prevented the film from reaching its full potential.
• While it was an ambitious project, it ultimately fell short for long-time fans of the franchise.

Tune in to hear the full review and decide for yourself if the Borderlands movie is worth your time!

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Episode Summary:

In this episode, JR and Stacey share their unique dining experience at the Wood Grill Buffet. The conversation meanders through their initial impressions, favorite dishes, and some candid moments that make the episode a delightful listen. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Introduction

• JR kicks off the episode with Stacey.
• The usual morning routine is briefly discussed.

2. The Decision to Visit Wood Grill

• JR and Stacey's spontaneous decision to visit Wood Grill after a day of activities.
• JR's excitement about trying out Wood Grill for the first time.

3. First Impressions

• Describing the buffet layout and variety of food options.
• JR's take on Wood Grill being a "top shelf Golden Corral."

4. Food Highlights

• Stacey’s favorite dishes including mushrooms, steak, and pot roast.
• JR’s enjoyment of the Southern-style dishes like collard greens and Brussels sprouts.

5. Dessert Section

• Discussion on the variety of desserts available.
• JR's restraint due to diabetes and Stacey's observation of the dessert options.

6. Price and Value

• The cost of dining at Wood Grill, with a note on lunch and weekend prices.
• Comparison to other buffet experiences.

7. Overall Experience

• The friendly service and atmosphere.
• A shoutout to their waiter, humorously referred to as "Geronimo."

8. Final Thoughts

• JR and Stacey's plan to return to Wood Grill, possibly during lunch hours for better value.
• Encouragement for listeners to try Wood Grill if they are in the Charlottesville or Harrisonburg areas.

9. Wrap Up

• A quick reminder of the podcast email for listener feedback and suggestions.

Listener Feedback:

We'd love to hear your thoughts on this episode! If you’ve ever visited Wood Grill or have suggestions for future episodes, please email us at [email protected].

Subscribe & Follow:

Stay updated with our latest episodes by subscribing to Sparrows UnderReview Podcast. Follow us on social media for more behind-the-scenes content and updates!

Thank you for listening! Tune in next time for more reviews and discussions on your favorite spots and hidden gems.

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Introduction:

• JR and Stacey kick off the episode with a playful exchange about their recording setup and intro routines.
• Stacey expresses her occasional reluctance in starting the show, while JR explains the technical difficulties they sometimes face.

Main Discussion:

• Album Overview:
• Stacey, a huge Taylor Swift fan, introduces the topic of this episode: Taylor Swift's "Tortured Poets Department: Anthology Edition".
• JR provides a quick background on the album's release and mentions his own listening experience during a long drive.
• Track-by-Track Review:
• Fortnite (featuring Post Malone): JR praises the song's structure and Post Malone's contribution, highlighting its commercial success.
• Florida (featuring Florence and the Machine): JR and Stacey discuss the impressive collaboration and songwriting.
• Down Bad: Stacey's favorite track, which she frequently listens to.
• Other Notable Tracks: JR mentions several songs like "The Albatross," "Clara Bow," and "The Manuscript," discussing their storytelling and musical composition.
• General Impressions:
• JR compares Taylor Swift's prolific songwriting and musical versatility to legends like Prince and Michael Jackson.
• Stacey talks about the fun of following fan theories and discussions on TikTok regarding Taylor's lyrics and their meanings.

Concert and Tour Insights:

• JR and Stacey discuss the ongoing tour and the speculation around recorded performances for streaming platforms like Disney+ and Netflix.
• They suggest fans experience concert films in theaters for a more immersive experience if they can't attend live shows.

Additional Notes:

• JR and Stacey hint at their side project, "Sometimes Cinema," where they offer projector rentals for at-home theater experiences.

Conclusion:

• JR wraps up the episode by reiterating Taylor Swift's impact on the music industry and encouraging listeners to explore the Anthology Edition of "Tortured Poets Department."
• Stacey signs off with a reminder for listeners to stay tuned for more reviews and discussions on "Sparrows Under Review."

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Hosts: J.R. and Stacey

Show Notes

Introduction:

• Welcome and introduction by J.R. and Stacey
• Today's episode is focused on J.R.'s favorite subject: the Marvel Universe

Marvel Universe Breakdown:

• Overview of Marvel movies under different umbrellas: Walt Disney, Fox Entertainment, and Sony
• Acquisition of 20th Century Fox by Disney and its impact on Marvel properties

Deadpool 3 Overview:

• Introduction to the 34th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Deadpool 3
• Screenplay by Ryan Reynolds and others
• Rated R, notable for being one of the first R-rated Marvel movies under Disney

Hugh Jackman's Return:

• Explanation of Wolverine's return despite the events of the movie "Logan"
• Brief history of Wolverine and Deadpool in the Fox Marvel Universe

Movie Highlights:

• Insights into the movie's plot and its connection to the multi-universe theme
• Warning for new viewers: Watching previous Wolverine movies recommended for context
• Deadpool 3 ties into the larger Marvel narrative in a fun, edgy, and comedic way

Production and Release:

• Impact of the SAG-AFTRA strike on the movie's production
• High praise for the movie's quality and special effects
• Runtime: 128 minutes
• Budget: $200 million, approaching $420 million globally

Theater Etiquette:

• Reminder for parents to be considerate of others in the theater

Cameos and Easter Eggs:

• Numerous cameos from various characters in the Marvel Universe
• Homage to 20th Century Fox Marvel movies
• Specific Easter egg involving an X-Men character from a canceled movie

Post-Credit Scenes:

• Explanation of the importance and humor of the post-credit scenes

Overall Impressions:

• J.R.'s appreciation for the movie and its contribution to the Marvel Universe
• Stacey's perspective as a non-super fan, finding some parts confusing but overall enjoyable
• Acknowledgment of the film's humor and real-life references

Final Thoughts:

• J.R.'s belief that Deadpool 3 has the potential to save Marvel due to its strong character and humor
• Stacey's take on the movie's rewatchability

Outro:

• Shout out to the production team and cast
• Rest in peace to Ant-Man in the context of the film
• Smoke monsters reference from Lost and their impact

Where to Find Us:

• Instagram: @SparrowsUnderReview
• TikTok: @SparrowsUnderReview
• Email: [email protected]

Closing:

• Thank you for listening
• Stay tuned for more reviews and insights on movies, TV shows, and pop culture

Be sure to check out our other episodes and follow us on social media for more updates and content!

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