Welcome back to The Cinedicate. On today’s episode, we’re taking a wild trip through the world of ultra-low-budget cinema with a commentary experience on the infamous cult classic, Suburban Sasquatch.

Joining me are Katie and Brit from the Grindhouse Girls podcast, as we brave this $500 masterpiece. From questionable costumes and DIY special effects to baffling storylines and even a surprising debate about Bigfoot’s true nature, we’ll laugh, cringe, and (barely) survive the chaos together.

So whether you love digging deep into the best bad movies or just can’t resist a cryptid rampaging through suburbia, grab your popcorn and prepare to witness “cinematic history” as we break down everything you didn’t ask for about Suburban Sasquatch, here on The Cinedicate.

Start the commentary track as soon as you hit play on the movie.

What to expect from the episode:

• A hilarious, unsparing group commentary on Suburban Sasquatch, exploring its low-budget production, questionable costume choices, and unintentionally comedic moments
• Candid discussions about cultural representation, filmmaking competence, and the blurred lines between passion projects and vanity in indie cinema
• Lighthearted banter among the hosts about cryptids, genre tropes, and their own tolerance (or lack thereof) for “so-bad-it’s-good” movies, with frequent pop culture references and personal anecdotes

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Listen to Brit and Katie on their podcast, The Grindhouse Girls.

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Welcome back to The Cinedicate. On today's episode, we're crash-landing into Alien: Earth, the first-ever Alien TV series. We break down the hybrid identity of Wendy, the corporate wars brewing between Weyland Yutani and Prodigy, and ask the big questions: What will humanity become when evolution and technology collide? Was Alien Earth a worthy addition to the Alien legacy, or just another xenomorph cash grab?

So whether you're a lifelong Alien fan, love a good sci-fi debate, or just wonder what happens when memory itself becomes a weapon, join us as we dig through the wreckage and chart the future of the franchise—right here on The Cinedicate.

What to expect from the episode:

• First impressions, debates, and generational perspectives on the new Alien: Earth TV series, including discussion on its connections to the classic films, franchise fatigue, and whether it brings anything new to the Alien universe.
• Deep dive into the show’s major themes: AI consciousness, biotech, corporate power, and the ethics of uploading human minds into synthetic bodies, with comparisons to real-world technology and other sci-fi stories like Blade Runner and Altered Carbon.
• Spirited discussion on the show’s structure, pacing, and narrative choices, including debates over fan service vs. originality, unresolved storylines, the impact of streaming models, and recommendations about whether Alien: Earth is a must-watch for Alien fans (or if you should just go watch Romulus or Blade Runner instead).

Episode Chapters  

00:00:00 - Introduction to Alien: Earth & Central Themes  

00:01:47 - Personal Entry Points to Alien Franchise  

00:08:29 - First Impressions - Alien: Earth

00:11:31 - Series' Retro Aesthetic

00:13:48 - Narrative Structure and Release Strategy  

00:17:52 - Alien: Earth vs. Alien Romulus / Retreading Franchise Territory  

00:20:40 - Hybrid Identity, Biotech, and AI in Alien: Earth

00:30:33 - AI Sentience, Deception, and Control—Parallels to Reality  

00:36:59 - Xenomorphs’ Role: Gore, Threat, and Audience Expectations  

00:39:50 - Timeline and Canon Questions

00:43:17 - Other Alien Species: Significance, Motivation, and Unanswered Mysteries  

00:46:35 - Desire for Narrative Closure: Open-Ended Finale Critique  

00:49:13 - Themes of Power Transfer  

00:50:43 - AVP/Potential Crossovers & Franchise-Building Speculation  

00:55:53 - The Formula and Essence of an Alien Movie  

01:02:42 - Ethical Debate: Should Humanity Weaponize Alien Life or Technology?  

01:14:18 - Government vs. Corporation: Who Should Contain Biohazards?  

01:17:43 - Alien: Earth in the Context of other Alien Media  

01:27:20 - Final Judgment 

01:29:49 - Outro

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Ready for a killer good time? Join Armand and Alex as they unravel the zany, rapid-fire murder mystery of Clue—from cult classic status to its razor-sharp comedy, legendary cast, and the infamous multiple endings. Whether you’re a longtime board game buff or just discovering the film’s madcap magic, this episode dives deep into how Clue turned whodunnit logic into pure cinematic chaos, why Tim Curry steals the show, and whether the movie is the ultimate Halloween pick. Plus: off-the-rails tangents, pop culture connections, and what makes this gleeful satire truly timeless. Stop scrolling and get clued in!

What to expect from the episode:

• A lively exploration of why Clue (1985) is a cult classic, from its rapid-fire comedic delivery and ensemble cast performances to its clever satirical take on the whodunnit genre.
• Behind-the-scenes insights into the film’s production history, alternate endings, casting choices (including the indispensable Tim Curry), and its surprising parallels to contemporary mysteries like Knives Out.
• A spirited discussion on the film’s legacy, why it remains atmospherically perfect for Halloween, and debate around whether a modern remake could ever recapture its unique charm.

Episode Chapters

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:16 - Personal Connection & Pop Culture Impact

00:03:32 - Comedic Tone & Performances

00:06:41 - Plot Summary

00:11:11 - Casting Choices

00:12:18 - Ending Analysis & Spoiler Discussion

00:15:48 - Satire Reception & Background Humor

00:19:36 - Character Motives & Moral Ambiguity

00:27:30 - Plot Twists & Parallels to Knives Out

00:29:42 - Cult Status & Direction

00:33:36 - Adaptations, Remakes & Modern Cinema

00:35:10 - Ensemble Cast vs. Modern Filmmaking

00:37:59 - Franchise Planning & Characterization

00:42:34 - Director’s Intent & Style Speculation

00:44:44 - Remake Feasibility & Contemporary Comedy

00:53:11 - Tim Curry's Importance

00:56:41 - Clue as a Halloween Movie

00:58:48 - Closing

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Dive into the twisted rock 'n' roll nightmare of Brian De Palma's Phantom of the Paradise this Spooptober, where fame devours the soul and every contract's signed in blood. The Grindhouse Girls, Katie and Brit, are joined by the host of The Cinedicate, Armand Haddad, for a wild ride through Faustian bargains, flamboyant beefcakes, and cult classic chaos. Tune in for laughs, lore, and a healthy dose of '70s horror glam—because nothing says Halloween like a phantom who just wants his music back.

What to expect from the episode:

• Hosts unpack Brian De Palma's elevator epiphany that birthed Phantom of the Paradise, blending Beatles rage with Faustian pacts, Edgar Allan Poe nods, and '70s satire.
• Deep dives into standout characters like Jessica Harper's ethereal Phoenix and the effervescent Beef (a Little Richard-inspired beefcake channeling Dennis Reynolds vibes).
• Explorations of the film's enduring ripples on Daft Punk, manga aesthetics, Rocky Horror echoes, and its box-office bomb status turning into underground legend.

Episode Chapters:

00:00 - Spooptober Intro

00:54 - Elevator Rage to Rock Opera: De Palma's Wild Inspiration

03:07 - From Secondhand DVDs to Daft Punk Dreams: How We Found This Gem

05:35 - Box Office Bomb to Cult Icon

06:33 - Chaos Behind the Mask

08:09 - Faust, Frankenstein, and Gothic Roots

10:36 - Rocky Horror Riffs

13:18 - De Palma's Fury

19:01 - Beef's Glittery Grind

22:43 - Pop Culture Nods

38:33 - Ratings, Raves, and Grindhouse Grades

41:31 - Plugs, Previews, and Next Haunts

48:12 - Stephen King Gripes, Adaptations, and Derry Dreams

54:35 - Outro and Stay Spoopy

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Seventeen children vanish without a trace, a small town turns on itself, and a mysterious force called Gladys starts to haunt the shadows—this week on The Cinedicate, Armand, Pete, and Fresh unravel the chilling layers of Zach Cregger's horror film Weapons.

From Pied Piper legends and haunting dream sequences to coded tributes and razor-sharp social commentary, the trio digs into the film’s eerie atmosphere, unforgettable performances, and the real-world grief that inspired it. Is the true monster the witch, or the trauma we carry?

What to expect from the episode:

• An in-depth exploration of Zach Cregger’s Weapons, focusing on its blend of supernatural horror, allegory, and commentary on grief, loss, and community decay
• Spirited discussion about the film’s narrative structure, multidimensional characters, and the symbolism behind key elements (such as the number 2:17, Gladys as a modern witch, and the importance of subtle political themes)
• Honest reactions to the movie’s originality, debate over the need for sequels, and reflections on the future of cinema and attention spans in the age of streaming and rapid media consumption

Episode Chapters

00:00:00 - Introduction and Weapons Overview

00:02:03 - Why Weapons

00:04:08 - First Impressions, Marketing, and Expectations

00:07:06 - Zach Cregger's Background and Comedy Roots

00:09:06 - Cast, Genre, and Film Comparisons

00:11:05 - Plot Summary and Nonlinear Structure

00:13:41 - Viewing Experience, Audience, and Theatrical Release

00:15:28 - Tonal Expectations, Symbolism, and Personal Theories

00:21:47 - Symbolism of 2:17

00:23:01 - Institutions, Community Breakdown, and Parental Roles

00:32:22 - Grief and Character Archetypes

00:36:11 - Gladys’s Nature: Witchcraft, Evil, and Trauma

00:48:56 - James the Tweaker: Comic Relief and Truth Teller

00:51:19 - Climax, Breaking the Cycle, and Lingering Grief

00:56:43 - Comparative Filmmaking and Industry Context

00:58:43 - Subtlety vs. Overt Politics in Horror

01:03:25 - Franchise Potential & Creative Restraint

01:11:20 - The Future of Cinema: Audiences, Streaming, and Generations

01:19:18 - Closing Thoughts and Appreciation

01:20:09 - Outro

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Welcome back to The Cinedicate. On today’s episode, we step into the quiet devastation of Studio Ghibli’s Grave of the Fireflies. Joined by Brit from The Grindhouse Girls podcast, we delve into the haunting story of Saita and Setsuko—two children caught in the firebombing of Kobe during WWII.

Together, we unpack why director Isao Takahata chose to focus on ordinary lives rather than battles or politics, and what the film’s silence around Hiroshima and Nagasaki means for how we understand war. From personal childhood memories to the enduring relevance of this film in today’s world, our conversation explores trauma, national pride, and the fragility of innocence in the rubble of conflict.

Whether you’re a lifelong anime fan or simply curious about what sets Grave of the Fireflies apart from typical war movies, join us as we illuminate the human cost of war, one firefly at a time, here on The Cinedicate.

What to expect from the episode:

• A deep, empathetic exploration of Grave of the Fireflies as a non-traditional war film, focusing on the overlooked human cost of conflict—especially from a child’s perspective—without relying on typical war movie tropes.
• Thoughtful discussion on the cultural context and historical trauma behind the film, including personal stories, the impact of national pride, and comparisons to current global crises like Gaza and Ukraine.
• Critical consideration of animation as a storytelling medium for traumatic real-life events, the film’s enduring relevance, and a candid look at societal indifference toward suffering—past and present.

Episode Chapters

00:00:00 - Introduction to Grave of the Fireflies

00:02:33 - Personal Connections to the Film

00:05:24 - Childhood vs. Adult Perspectives

00:08:00 - Historical Context: Firebombing of Kobe & Societal Collapse

00:14:27 - Autobiographical Roots & Plot Overview

00:16:01 - Pride, Nationalism, and Failure of Community

00:20:40 - Innocence, Isolation, and Societal Neglect

00:23:21 - Survivor Guilt & Fate of War Orphans

00:26:04 - Modern Relevance: Children & War in Today's World

00:28:24 - Japanese Cultural Trauma, Media, and Artistic Approach

00:33:43 - Symbolism of Fireflies

00:37:22 - Indifference, Privilege & Societal Response

00:41:01 - Human Nature During Crisis: The Aunt & Others

00:43:34 - Blame, Guilt, and Responsibility

00:47:18 - Systemic Neglect & Societal Failure (Then & Now)

00:50:44 - Atrocities, Indifference & Speaking Out

00:58:23 - Parenting, Trauma, & Cycles of Harm

01:03:28 - The Ending: Legacy, Memory & Haunting Presence

01:04:57 - Animation vs. Live Action: Medium for Trauma

01:09:33 - Contemporary Reception & Wokeness

01:15:05 - Animation’s Storytelling Power/Pop-Culture Tangents

01:15:45 - Recommendations and Educational Value

01:20:23 - Closing Tangents

01:27:28 - Final Thoughts & Outro

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Listen to Brit on her podcast, The Grindhouse Girls.

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Superman is back—and so is The Cinedicate, diving cape-first into James Gunn’s fresh take on the Man of Steel! We explain how Superman has shaped generations, what the new film gets right (and wrong), and why the world needs a moral hero now more than ever.

From The Justice League animated series to Smallville, expect some hot takes on Lex Luthor, Green Lantern’s bowl cut, and the ever-relevant struggle between hope and cynicism—this discussion soars past nostalgia into a visionary look at what Superman means today.

What to expect from the episode:

• Generational journeys into Superman fandom, from Christopher Reeve classics and Smallville to animated series and modern cinematic portrayals
• A spirited, spoiler-filled review of James Gunn’s Superman featuring debate over characterizations (especially Lex Luthor), the film’s thematic relevance to our fractured world, and its balance between fun and moral clarity
• Honest reactions to the evolving DCU, including hot takes on new and returning characters, cameos, and hopes (and skepticism) for the franchise’s future

Episode Chapters

00:00:00 - Intro, Superman’s Origins & Relevance: Then vs. Now

00:02:22 - First Introductions to Superman and DC.

00:06:26 - Animated & Live-Action Influence: Batman Series, Justice League, and Smallville

00:13:07 - The Shift to Modern Fandom: CW Era, Arrowverse, The Flash

00:19:39 - Superman on Screen: Richard Donner vs. Snyder vs. Gunn

00:26:37 - Superman (2025) First Impressions

00:31:11 - The Ensemble: Justice Gang, Supporting Cast, and Character Portrayals

00:34:42 - Comparing Adaptations: Animation vs. Film, Pacing, Tone, and Style

00:40:50 - Social Commentary & Historical Parallels: Superman as Moral Compass

00:48:32 - Humanizing Superman: Themes of Fallibility & Decency

00:50:08 - The Kents & Family Portrayal: Parental Influence and Nostalgia

00:57:22 - Justice League Characters: Nostalgia, Casting Choices, and Team Setup

01:03:07 - Lex Luthor: Archetypes, Actor Takes, Modern Parallels

01:14:45 - Supporting Cast Critique: Daily Planet, Lois Lane, and Side Characters

01:18:15 - Setting Up the Future: Cameos, Supergirl, Multiverse, and DCU Continuity

01:24:27 - Superman's Legacy: Best On-Screen Takes and Generational Icons

01:31:52 - Fandom Debates

01:39:00 - Thematic Core: Moral Absolutism vs. Ambiguity

01:54:01 - Cultural Relevance: Superman, Antiheroes, and Modern Media

01:55:17 - DCU Outlook: Upcoming Stories, Supergirl, Final Thoughts

02:06:30 - Outro

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Blast off with us as we dive into Netflix’s Three Body Problem—where cosmic mysteries and existential dread meet alien civilizations in the terrifying Dark Forest theory. From the show’s mind-bending rabbit holes, thought-provoking journey through humanity’s place in the universe, and what happens when the universe finally answers back. Whether you’re a sci-fi nerd, an alien skeptic, or just looking for the next binge-worthy show, this discussion will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about life among the stars.

What to expect from the episode:

• A deep dive into Netflix’s Three Body Problem, including its core sci-fi theories (the Fermi Paradox, Dark Forest Theory, and the titular three-body problem) and how these concepts are dramatized for TV
• Honest reactions to the show's origins, adaptation choices, and characters—with comparisons to the book trilogy and candid takes on Game of Thrones creators’ involvement
• Spirited tangents about alien media, first contact scenarios, and philosophical musings on humanity, science, and what real-life alien disclosure could mean for our world

Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 – Introduction and Why Three Body Problem Surprised Us

00:04:21 – Cosmic Silence: The Fermi Paradox & Dark Forest Theory

00:07:59 – The San-Ti Signal: Synopsis and First Contact

00:10:25 – Ye Wenjie’s Journey: Trauma, SETI, and Defiance

00:17:59 – Alien Threat: Sofons, Sabotage, and the Race to Respond

00:20:32 – The VR Game and Solving the Unsolvable

00:23:44 – Can We Coexist? The San-Ti’s Shift Toward War

00:26:19 – Judgment Day: Nanowires and Scientific Warfare

00:28:25 – Humanity Fights Back: Wallfacers and Secret Plans

00:31:03 – What Are the San-Ti? AI, Collective Minds, and Spores

00:36:58 – Aftermath and Season One’s Endgame

00:48:05 – Will’s Fate

00:53:25 – Book vs. Show: What’s Changed?

00:57:43 – Spoiler Zone: Darker Cosmic Forces and Galactic Peril

01:04:25 – Looking Ahead: Season Two, Themes, and Questions

01:09:42 – Alien Disclosure and Real-World Reactions

01:14:47 – Should We Be Sending Signals?

01:27:55 – Who Is Three Body Problem For?

01:29:30 – Final Reflections on Contact and Survival

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Ready to journey back to a galaxy far, far away? This episode is your deep dive into the second season of Andor! Listen in as The Cinedicate and the Grindhouse Girls team up with WSTR: Galactic Public Access to discuss the darker edge Star Wars has taken. We break down real-world parallels, favorite scenes, and even weigh in on the future of storytelling within Star Wars—plus, some wild tangents, epic impressions, and laugh-out-loud moments you don’t want to miss.

What to expect from the episode:

• An in-depth discussion of Andor Season 2, exploring Cassian Andor’s reluctant hero arc, the show’s effective lead-in to Rogue One, and fresh perspectives on familiar characters like Mon Mothma and Luthen Rael
• Thoughtful conversation about the show’s mature tone, real-world parallels to revolution and political unrest, and how Andor challenges traditional Star Wars notions of good and evil
• Lively banter about Star Wars fandom, related media (including spin-offs, comics, and collectibles), and plenty of geeky tangents that include everything from favorite podcast projects to video game recommendations and behind-the-scenes Star Wars lore

Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 - WSTR Intro and Guest Introductions  

00:03:07 - Katie’s Star Wars Fandom and Podcast Background  

00:08:03 - Is Cassian a Hero or a Reluctant Survivor?  

00:10:01 - Does Andor Seamlessly Lead into Rogue One?  

00:13:42 - The Role of Everyday People in the Rebellion  

00:15:29 - Time Jumps and Their Effect on Story Structure  

00:18:17 - Character Arcs and Growth (Mon Mothma, Saw Gerrera)  

00:21:54 - Blaster Logic, Gore, and Plot Armor in Star Wars  

00:28:32 - Luthen Rael’s Strategy and Moral Ambiguity  

00:33:43 - ISB, Krennic, and Deidre’s Political Power Plays  

00:41:02 - Revolution, Protest, and Real-World Parallels  

00:46:40 - Exploring the Shades of Good and Evil  

00:50:52 - Sacrifice, Gorman Massacre, and Rebellion Consequences  

00:54:00 - Comparing Andor’s Tone to Other Star Wars Shows  

01:15:00 - Casting Hypotheticals

01:18:48 - Final Ratings and Thoughts on Andor Season 2  

01:24:46 - News of the Week: Comics and Force Ghosts  

01:38:28 - Cantina Chat: Personal Geeky Interests  

01:39:10 - Clock Tower Game Series and Survival Horror  

01:43:04 - Pee-wee Herman Documentary and Legacy  

01:52:23 - Helldivers, Star Wars in Fortnite, and Darth Jar Jar  

01:55:41 - DC vs Marvel Chat, Doom Prequel, and Summer Trooping  

01:58:08 - Outro and Final Goodbye

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Listen to Katie on her podcast, The Grindhouse Girls.

Listen to Todd and Carla on their podcast, WSTR: Galactic Public Access.

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Get in, loser—it's time for a wild, unfiltered ride through the world of Mean Girls! Armand from The Cinedicate joins the ReShoot crew for an episode packed with hot takes, nostalgia, and musical mayhem. The we debates if the 2024 musical remake is so fetch... or a total flop compared to the iconic original.

What to expect from the episode:

• Spirited discussion comparing the original Mean Girls (2004) and its 2024 musical remake, including debates over character portrayals, humor, and the effectiveness of the musical adaptation
• Critiques of the film’s use (and marketing) of musical elements, with commentary on how social media and generational changes affect the story’s setting, style, and impact
• Creative “fixes” proposed by each guest to improve the new Mean Girls, plus tangents into Broadway adaptations, pop culture nostalgia, and the evolving landscape of high school movies

Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 – Welcome Back!

00:02:00 – Why Cover Mean Girls (2024)?

00:04:30 – Broadway vs. the Movie

00:07:00 – Social Media Integration: Creative or Cringe?

00:09:00 – Ruthie’s First Time & Character Praise

00:14:00 – The Plastics Are Weaker This Time

00:20:00 – Where Did All the Best Lines Go?

00:24:00 – Musical Numbers: Hit or Miss (Mostly Miss)

00:27:00 – Ruthie’s Fix: Zoologist Katie via TikTok

00:33:00 – Ed’s Fix: Dreamy Period Musical Set in 2008

00:36:30 – Armand’s Fix: Embrace Femininity & Filmic Style

00:44:00 – Cultural Flattening & Lost Identity

01:01:00 – Character Analysis: Karen & Janice

01:11:00 – Hector’s Fix & Ratings Defense

01:22:00 – What Was Tina Fey Thinking?

01:26:00 – The Original’s Legacy & Missed Opportunities

01:30:00 – Final Rants: Lines, Scenes, and Disappointments

01:35:00 – Final Fix Roundup: Make It Stylish, Make It Sing

01:38:00 – Wrap-Up & Outro Banter

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