The Desert of the Reel: A Movie Podcast

Captain America: Civil War is Jason's first 5 star movie from the MCU! Join us as we discuss what makes Civil War stand out from all the crap (and not so crap) that has come before.

We dive deep into plot holes; reactions to author (the Four Tendencies philosophy), utilitarian vs. empathetic ethics, and deepfakes.

What do you think of this movie? Is it better than others? How many stars do you give it?

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Hello, critical thinkers.

In this episode of "Desert of the Reel," we look at 2005's Lord of War. Jason wanted to watch this one and talk about the ethics and philosophy behind it. This Nicholas Cage movie has a gun runner single handedly distribute the guns for war and rebellion throughout the world in the 80s and 90s.

We talk about the philosophical questions the movie proposes to us. We ask if the world is doomed. Jason argues that all the world needs are people who know their strengths and are willing to use them to change things.

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Is Ant-Man the most mediocre MCU movie so far? Join us as we discuss Ant-Man for Jason's first watch. What does a philosophy teacher think about it?

We dive deep in our discussions of art house cinema, the auteur theory, Darwinian ethics, and the philosophy behind the objectives on which we focus our lives.

What do you think of this movie? Is it better than others? How many stars do you give it?

Email us at [email protected]

We present you the first-ever two-part episode! This is part two!

Do audiences think critically about MCU movies? We had a lot to say about the second Avengers movie. We talk about all sorts of things. Jason has many frustrations but will say this has some of the best philosophical ideas in all the MARVEL movies.

Part 1 has Jason's summary, and our positive, and negative thoughts on the movie.

Part 2 we argue a LONG time about Iron Man, and then talk about the philosophy, ethics, and film studies we see in this movie!

It's a good time! Christy Hudson joins us! What are your thoughts on this movie? Email us at [email protected]

We present you the first-ever two-part episode! Do audiences think critically about MCU movies? We had a lot to say about the second Avengers movie. We talk about all sorts of things. Jason has many frustrations but will say this has some of the best philosophical ideas in all the MARVEL movies.

Part 1 has Jason's summary, and our positive, and negative thoughts on the movie.

Part 2 we argue a long time about Iron Man, and then talk about the philosophy, ethics, and film studies we see in this movie!

It's a good time! Christy Hudson joins us! What are your thoughts on this movie? Email us at [email protected]

Desert of the Reel is a movie podcast where a philosophy teacher (Jason) is watching the MCU for the very first time! Usually, he thinks they aren't worth his time, but he might have finally found one he likes on a deeper level.

We talk about Prudent ethics, diegetic vs non diegetic music, philosophy, and if swearing should be in movies.

We ask, "What larger contexts should we be connected to?"

Email us your thoughts and movie reviews at [email protected]

And leave a rating and follow us along!

Join us as Jason introduces Ryan to Oculus (2013).

Is this a "philosophical-horror" movie? Jason says it is! Jason also breaks down how this movie plays with reality to be scary. Ryan brings up Lacan theory stuff! (Totally planned) and Jason says how Loyalist ethics is a weak ethic to follow!

And, of course, we talk haunted antique armoires!

Email us at [email protected]

Is Captain America: The Winter Soldier better than the first Captain America? Is it the best movie in the MCU so far? What can we learn about film, philosophy, and creativity from this movie? Jason and Ryan are joined by their colleague Chris Loomis as they dig deeply into the next addition to the MCU. If you want to share your thoughts with us, send us an email at [email protected].

Is Thor the Dark World better than most people remember? Is it better than the first Thor movie?

Join us as Jason works past his way through his grumpiness and we talk Thor 2! This one seems to be lumped down in the bottom of people's MCU rankings, but is that right? Is Jason going to enjoy this one at all? What do you think?

If you want to share your thoughts with us, send us an email at [email protected]

For Iron Man 3 (2013) Jason has many thoughts about Tony’s