The ThawedCast: Conversations About Animation

Philip and Jodi review Christopher Nolan and Universal Pictures' The Odyssey. This 2026 adaptation of the ancient Greek epic poem seeks to put Homer's work onscreen in blockbuster fashion, and the results are indeed epic. This film, shot entirely in IMAX, may not be the most faithful adaptation according to literary stalwarts, but director Christopher Nolan brings his signature grand-scale ambition to the just-shy-of-three-hour project. The perils of the high seas and the treachery of wartime politics keep audiences glued for a fun ride, one filled with more stars than the Aegean night sky. Follow The ThawedCast: Conversations About Animation: twitter.com/thawedcast and instagram.com/thawedcast. instagram.com/philipehlke. Visit thawedcast.com

Jodi and Philip discuss the fifth Toy Story film from Disney/Pixar. The film takes a direct approach to addressing the difficulties of balancing the allure of technology with a healthy childhood. Sherriff Jessie is the leader of the toys that inhabit Bonnie's room, but Bonnie's love of toys isn't shared by her friends, who all have the Lilypad, a smart tablet designed for kids. When Bonnie's parents buy her a Lilypad, it initially seems like this has fixed Bonnies friendship problems, but Jessie recognizes the deeper problems that an abandonment of true play causes. Follow The ThawedCast: Conversations About Animation: twitter.com/thawedcast and instagram.com/thawedcast. instagram.com/philipehlke. Visit thawedcast.com

Philip and Lara discuss Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, a film from Matt Johnson and Jay McCarroll, a comedic duo known for playing fictionalized versions of themselves. They have released mockumentary-style videos since 2007 detailing the adventures of 'Nirvana the Band,' later renamed 'Nirvanna the Band' for legal reasons. Their latest film incorporates footage shot for their original web series dating back to 2008, stringing together an absurd time-travel plot that involves a hilarious series of hijinks and impeccable cinematic craft. Shot on a small, indie-level budget and maintaining a documentary aesthetic throughout, the film manages to deliver impressive setpieces and heartfelt moments befitting of the movies it is paying homage. This genre-bending experience is a clever blend of familiar, experimental, and spectacular. Follow The ThawedCast: Conversations About Animation: twitter.com/thawedcast and instagram.com/thawedcast. instagram.com/partoflarasworld, instagram.com/laraakal, instagram.com/philipehlke. Visit thawedcast.com

Philip and Elliott discuss the latest Star Wars film, The Mandalorian and Grogu, and also dig into the latest Steven Spielberg film, Disclosure Day. In their own ways, these two films are derivative of a legacy of classic pulp sci-fi. They each evoke a sense of nostalgia and empathy in their themes and respective creative visions, and while they don't venture too far from the beaten path, there's enough new territory they cover to make for a worthwhile cinematic experience. Follow The ThawedCast: Conversations About Animation: twitter.com/thawedcast and instagram.com/thawedcast. instagram.com/ellimundo, instagram.com/philipehlke. Visit thawedcast.com

Jodi, Lara and Philip review the independent horror sensation, Obsession, from writer/director Curry Barker. The film follows a group of four friends who work at a local music shop and meet up for weekly trivia nights. In a typical teenage (or in this case, early-twenties) fashion, the 2 girl/2 guy dynamic is far from devoid of romantic tension. And one of the guys, Bear, seeks the help of Ian when he is overcome by his feelings for Nikki. Ian is unable to provide much more than moral support, as Bear will need to take matters into his own hands if he stands a chance with Nikki. Bear buys a gift for Nikki to go along with his date proposal, but he eventually chickens out. His gift, a novelty item called a "One-wish Willow," promises to grant a single wish to the user who cracks it like a glowstick. This seven-dollar children's toy couldn't possibly be the key to winning Nikki's undying affection, could it? Follow The ThawedCast: Conversations About Animation: twitter.com/thawedcast and instagram.com/thawedcast. instagram.com/partoflarasworld, instagram.com/laraakal, instagram.com/philipehlke. Visit thawedcast.com

Philip and Lara discuss the 1954 animated adaptation of George Orwell's 1945 novella, Animal Farm. When a drunk and cruel farmer fails to uphold the duties of his small, rural farm, the animals rise up and drive him and any other humans from the property. The crafty pigs draw up a plan for a new barnyard civilization. The former livestock agree on a set of animal-centric values that enshrine their newfound liberty, emphasizing equality and unity and condemning anything seen as too human. Follow The ThawedCast: Conversations About Animation: twitter.com/thawedcast and instagram.com/thawedcast. instagram.com/partoflarasworld, instagram.com/laraakal, instagram.com/philipehlke. Visit thawedcast.com

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie picks up where The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) left off. Mario and Luigi are now heroes who traverse through magical sewer pipes to different realms, including the Mushroom Kingdom, home of the Toads and Princess Peach. The Mushroom Kingdom is threatened by the son of the defeated Bowser, and our heroes take to the stars to battle the tech-savvy Bowser Jr. Follow The ThawedCast: Conversations About Animation: twitter.com/thawedcast and instagram.com/thawedcast. instagram.com/samara_mitchell9, instagram.com/philipehlke. Visit thawedcast.com

Philip and Bridget discuss Project Hail Mary, the film adaptation of the Andy Weir novel about an attempt to save the world using mostly real-world technology. Ryan Gosling's Ryland Grace is the sole surviving member of a crewed space mission to Tau Ceti aboard the Hail Mary. He was sent to find a cure for "astrophage," a viral organism that is draining the energy of the stars in Earth's vicinity. Tau Ceti is the only one that appears unaffected. Truly a "Hail Mary" of a mission, especially now that has crewmates are dead, the amnesia-stricken Dr. Grace can only hope that a series of unexpected discoveries can somehow salvage any prospect of the mission's success. Follow The ThawedCast: Conversations About Animation: twitter.com/thawedcast and instagram.com/thawedcast. instagram.com/bridget5246, instagram.com/philipehlke. Visit thawedcast.com

Philip and Lara discuss the 2026 film from Pixar, 'Hoppers'. This wacky comedy hearkens to a classical mode of cartooning, where animal robots piloted by humans interact with highly anthropomorphized members of the animal kingdom. This fantasy technology allows the "hopper" to understand and talk to animals, and it works in a similar way to the titular tech from the 'Avatar' films. Mabel, a 19-year-old college student, stumbles upon this technology as she investigates a mysteriously empty wildlife habitat. The one creature she finds happens to be a beaver robot controlled by her professor, Dr. Sam. Mabel commandeers the robot in order to find the missing animals and wild adventures ensue. Follow The ThawedCast: Conversations About Animation: twitter.com/thawedcast and instagram.com/thawedcast. instagram.com/partoflarasworld, instagram.com/laraakal, instagram.com/philipehlke. Visit thawedcast.com

Philip and Jodi discuss the new film from Director Emerald Fennell and Warner Bros. Pictures, 'Wuthering Heights' (2026), based on the 1847 novel by Emily Brontë. Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi star as childhood friends-turned-lovers Catherine and Heathcliff. Tragedy and hardship conspire to separate the pair who are then reunited later in adulthood. Passions reignite in the northern English shire where they shared their upbringing and now live as neighbors. Such a twist of fortune could only be the stuff of fairy tales--or nightmares. Follow The ThawedCast: Conversations About Animation: twitter.com/thawedcast and instagram.com/thawedcast. instagram.com/philipehlke, tiktok.com/@jodipolasky47. Visit thawedcast.com