The High Ground

In the second part of our look at the music of cinema, we focus this time on composed scores. Some of the big guns come out here: John Williams, Danny Elfman, Alan Silvestri and so on. We consider what some of the greatest scores of all time could be, and how they influence our viewings of our favourite movies. Oh, by the way, did we say John Williams was mentioned? Spoilers for various films. (Originally recorded 8/10/19)

In this quick one we look briefly at the controversy surrounding director Todd Phillips’s use of Gary Glitter’s 1972 song ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll (Part 2)’ in JOKER, the latest critical darling of the comic book movie pantheon. We discuss whether it’s okay to use music from artists who have been convicted of crimes, and whether scenes should be cut if deemed that it isn’t okay, and indeed whether this was a deliberate use or more of a harmless oversight.

In recent media, the legendary Martin Scorcese described the MCU as closer to “theme parks” and that he doesn’t “think they’re cinema”. We weigh in with our two pence, such as it is, in order to determine if he is indeed justified in his opinion. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion in this really happy-go-lucky, receptive, democratic Internet age after all, right? RIGHT? Spoilers for various films. (Originally recorded 8/10/19)

Ok, this is a weird one: we do a what if and imagine that the late, great Sir Christopher Lee- AKA Scaramanga, AKA Dracula, AKA Count Dooku, AKA…well, you know-is an up-and-coming young actor looking to define his career trajectory in today’s cinematic climate. Would he be the amazing villain we all know, or would he have chosen, or been chosen to, take a different path? Spoilers for various films. (Originally recorded 1/10/19)

For the first instalment of our new ongoing series, In Under 10 Minutes, we round up the week’s news with a quick review of Rambo’s latest blood-soaked adventure, and the much-talked about return of Tom Holland to the MCU. See, we told you he’d be back. Spoilers. (Originally recorded 1/10/19)

In the first of a potential multi-parter, we look at the greatest soundtracks in all of moviedom. The rule for this part is: no composed music; in other words, no scores, only soundtracks composed of pre-existing music compiled for the films. So sorry guys, but no John Williams…yet. Spoilers for various films. (Originally recorded 10/9/19)

In the latest outing we discuss (or lament is probably more accurate) the perceived loss of ambiguity and choice in cinema viewing today. As studios pump out more and more family-friendly, clear-cut franchises, is there room anymore for the smaller, braver, independent cinema of ambiguity we saw so much of in decades past? Then again, in a podcast about ambiguity, it’d be remiss of us to let you choose the answer, wouldn’t it? Spoilers for various films. (Originally recorded 3/9/19)

Join our coverage of Disney’s D23 convention as we do commentaries and analysis for the new MANDALORIAN trailer and the latest trailer (the folks at Disney call it a ‘sizzle reel’ but that sounds kind of silly so trailer it is) for the last instalment in the Skywalker saga. Hopefully the force is strong with both of them. We also say what we are looking forward to most on the upcoming Disney +. (Originally recorded 27/8/19)

Tom Holland leaves to join Sony? WHAAAAAT?! Following the news that the web-slinger may potentially be re-joining the Sony Studios ranks, we discuss the ramifications of this and how it would affect the MCU in the shape it is currently in, and the important question: will it actually happen? Spoiler: we don’t think so. As per usual on this show, we meander into Star Wars territory on our way to our conclusions. Sorry guys, addiction is a real condition. Spoilers for various films. (Originally recorded 27/8/19)

Join us on the High Ground train as we check in to the Geek station. Sorry, that was an awful analogy; either way, we look at the rise of the new geek culture (the ‘geek chic’ as the cool kids call it now) and the impact and consequences that come with this (like, say, the sabotage of SOLO! Still bitter!), as well as how the culture has changed but strangely also stayed the course over the years. Spoilers for various films. (Originally recorded 21/8/19)