Thirty Minute Reviews

Adam and Josie are joined by Peter to break down Chronicle, the 2012 found-footage superhero film from director Josh Trank.

The group discusses whether the movie’s found-footage format holds together, the uneven visual effects, Andrew’s transformation into the antagonist, the handling of his abusive father, and how a simple framing device could have made the film’s collection of cameras and perspectives feel more coherent.

Before the review, they react to Marvel and Disney’s announcements from D23 2015, including Captain America: Civil War, Doctor Strange, Kingdom Hearts III, Disney’s planned Star Wars attractions, and the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They also briefly revisit the 2012 Red Dawn remake and discuss whether Warcraft, Ratchet & Clank, or another adaptation could finally produce a successful video-game movie.

Originally recorded in August 2015. Some announced projects, rumors, terminology, and predictions reflect what was known at the time.

Adam and Josie revisit the original 1984 Red Dawn, examining how its vision of a Soviet-led invasion reflected Cold War anxiety, how the film gradually reveals the scale of the conflict, and why its willingness to let major characters die gives the story lasting weight.

The episode also covers the disastrous launch of 2015’s Fantastic Four, Sesame Street’s original move to HBO, early reports of a Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reboot, and the first public discussion of two prospective MWP comic-book concepts: Western Defenders and the reality-spanning world of Sandbox.

Originally recorded on August 13, 2015. Some news, terminology, production plans and historical claims reflect the information and language used at the time.

Adam and Josie look ahead at the crowded 2016 movie calendar and predict which upcoming superhero films will succeed, disappoint, dominate the box office, and receive the strongest reviews. The conversation covers Deadpool, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Captain America: Civil War, X-Men: Apocalypse, Suicide Squad, Gambit, and Doctor Strange.

Then, inspired by Birdman, they debate whether Hollywood’s reliance on superhero movies, sequels, and familiar franchises is crowding experimental films and emerging filmmakers out of mainstream culture.

Originally recorded in August 2015. Some release dates, announced projects, predictions, and industry information reflect what was known at the time.

In the pilot episode of Thirty Minute Reviews, Adam and Josie introduce the show’s original format and preview the movies and larger cultural discussions they plan to cover.

They discuss the troubling signs surrounding 2015’s Fantastic Four, the unconventional marketing campaign for Deadpool, and their early expectations for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The conversation also covers comic-book adaptations, alternate continuities, spoiler policies, streaming accessibility, and the challenge of choosing movies listeners can reasonably watch before each episode.

Originally recorded on August 4, 2015. Some announced projects, release information, rumors, and predictions reflect what was known at the time.