The Desert of the Reel: A Movie Podcast

This week, DOTR gives you a film that both Ryan and Jason love: Avatar (2009). In addition to exploring the sheer technological ingenuity of this film, we take a look at the various film lenses this offers us, the history and background of the film itself, the several tropes that surface and how Avatar pushes against them, and various philosophical musings. In fact, Avatar is one of Jason's favorite philosophical playground films. We spend a good chunk of this episode exploring the careful way Cameron created the culture of the Na'vi.

What did you think of Avatar (2009)? Let us know!

Nefarious (2023) Dietz wanted us to explore the big philosophical ideas in this little-known movie. The summary is:

"On the day of his scheduled execution, a convicted serial killer tells a psychiatrist that he's a demon who can possess his body. As the evaluation ends, he also tells the doctor that he will soon commit three murders of his own."

There are a lot of big ideas found in this movie. We need to use our knowledge to help and uplift others, we are actively choosing to step away from enobeling things, we need to be critical what we put into ourselves, and using a theological lens to look at some of the aspects of this film.

What are your thoughts?

Favorite possession movie?

Is the world getting worse and worse?

Share us your thoughts, reviews, and ideas at [email protected]!

In this episode, we explore our favorite moments and quotes from Dune 2, sprinkled with a few criticism from Jason (unsurprisingly). Ryan introduces the phenomenological lens, which allows us to think about how the situation in which we receive a movie shapes the movie itself. Mark brings in and we discuss the shaping power of the Messiah concept. We also spend a lot of time discussing how and why people participate (or don't participate) in religion, the importance of an anchor in navigating life and improving ourselves, and the importance of anchoring yourself to the best possible elements of life.

Apologies for the echo on Mark's mic. We (obviously) still haven't figured out how to effectively invite guests onto the podcast that aren't in the studio.

Jason said he would never watch the new Dune movies because he loves the book so much. He's read it many times and thinks it is one of the best novels ever written. However, when it came to watching Dune or Harry Potter, he decided it was finally time to check out Denis Villeneuve's 2021 film.

We spend a long time praising the many aspects we like from the sensory details, mise-en-scène, the score, and its subtle but effective storytelling.

Jason talks about the importance of rhetoric and how it can be used as a weapon. How"truth" can be created. Jason points out that part of the reason this story works is that it still allows Paul to make choices. Ryan uses the eco-critical lens to see how DUNE uses its story to help us think about our own planet and our relationship with nature.

Welcome to our discussion of what Jason claims is the most perfect zombie movie ever made: Train to Busan (2016). In this episode, we talk about zombies and zombie movies and explore just what makes this film so effective. For the first time (at least in a while), we focus mainly on the powerfully written and acted characters, rather than the plot. Jason also explains the Constant Escalation of Horror and its cultural reflections.

Ryan noticed the central role mothers play in the film, and Jason and Ryan spend much of this episode exploring the various aspects and powers of motherhood.

Do you agree that this is the best zombie film? One of the best horror films? One of the best films?

Next week, Dune (2016), which Jason swore he would never watch because Hollywood never treats novels he loves with respect. We'll see if his prejudice holds up in the onslaught of the Harkonen.

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And remember, ghost sharks are good.

This movie might have broken Jason's brain (or at the very least his patience). He begs not to be forced to watch any movies as bad as this again.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017) is the last Pirates movie made. Do you agree that it is the worst one? Or at least, definitely in the running as the worst? We have two new young actors taking the stage and Jack doesn't feel like Jack at all.

Jason and Ryan have a list of cons and very few pros for this film. Ryan offers some rewrites that might have greatly improved the script, but it isn't the best outing for our Pirate friends.

Jason brings up Darwinian Ethics and the confounding aspect of Salazar being a "bad guy" in a world where pirates still murder and plunder. Is this a message, or conditioning from studios? Ryan also explores "Franchise Theory" and how Disney has run this franchise, which has ruined this film.

What are your thoughts?

Next week, Train to Busan (2016).

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And remember, ghost sharks are good.

Join us as we review and discuss Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides)! In this episode, we finally see the bitter side of Ryan, as he rips into the film. We discuss how, with minor changes to script and casting, this could have been a really good movie. Ryan introduces a new film studies lens called Star Theory, and Jason offers a new philosophical concept regarding free will and happiness.

This film isn't better than an other film, but it does lead to some fun discussion. Let us know what you think at: [email protected].

Buried (2010) stars Ryan Reynolds, buried in a box! We are making a shift from big blockbuster movies to one of the smallest and confined movies. Jason says this is one of only TWO good Ryan Reynolds performances. We are both fans of this chamber piece film!

We talk about how it is a commentary on war in the Middle East, a criticism of bureaucracy, how we need to serve everyone around us, even more critical criticism of bureaucracy, and how social media makes us all feel like we are trapped in a box.

Jason also proposes a new film genre, "horrifying." A way to describe films that are not quite horror, but fill you with dread the whole time.

Email us your thoughts, reviews, recommendations, and anything else at [email protected]

Join us as we review and discuss Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007)! In this episode, most excitingly, Jason admits he was wrong in his prejudice against all sequels, and gushes like a little kid about the emotional power of this film. Ryan introduces a new lens for looking at film, the cognitive lens. Both Ryan and Jason share personal experiences about making it through very difficult times.

Is this film better than The Curse of the Black Pearl? Let us know what you think at: [email protected].

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006) is directed by Gore Verbinski and is the sequel to Disney's surprise megahit from a few years earlier. Jason believes it is the same story as the first; Will and Elizabeth are separated from one another to achieve their goals, and Jack is along to add a mix of unpredictability. Is Jason right?

There are a lot of pros to praise this movie for, from the visual effects to the musical score. But are there significant cons that creep into this sequel?

Do you think that the huge visuals and set pieces make it worthy of looking past some of its flaws?

We also look at the brief history of the real India East Trading Company, explore how this movie is teaching us to find our power wherever we may be, and we look at using the lens of conceptism (or conceptismo) to apply to this movie.

It would help us out a lot if you rated us 5 stars and left a like wherever you listen!

Love you!

Think critically!

Send us your thoughts and reviews at [email protected]