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I'm bad, and that's good. I will never be good, and that's not bad. There's no one I'd rather be than me.
Wreck-It Ralph may be really good at wrecking, and Fix-It Felix really good at fixing, but Disney had been working on a video game movie since the late 80s without success. Starting as High Score, and then Joe Jump, it would be 2008 when the project would finally be "rebooted" as Reboot Ralph. At one point Ralph wasn't even the lead character, it was Felix.
But then they realised that following the story of the bad guy, and his journey to redemption, was actually a lot more interesting that following the good guy. Wreck-It Ralph was born, and to legitimise his world, they decided to contact video game companies to licence actual characters for Litwak's Arcade, which went surprisingly well - everyone wanted on board - Nintendo, Sega, Capcom etc. Over 180 characters later, they didn't just have a movie, they had a universe.
They also had a remarkably sweet and brilliant story about just being yourself, not letting others define you, and a reminder that difference is a powerup.
A playable version of Fix-It Felix Jr is available at https://kbhgames.com/game/fix-it-felix-jr
The Who Framed Roger Rabbit episode of The Rewind Movie Podcast is available here
I would love to hear your thoughts on Wreck-It Ralph !
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ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMA
Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.
Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studio
Patrons: Simon E, Sade, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Vern, Cat, Andy, Mike, Griff, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Will, Jack, Dave, Chris, Stuart, Sunni, Drew, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Pete, Heather, Danny, Aly, Tyler, Stu, Brett, Philip and BRAND-NEW PATRON Michele!
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Livestream for the Cure 2023
I'll be appearing, alongside other amazing podcasters and content creators, in the 7th Annual Livestream for the Cure in May 2023 on Twitch! Together, we're aiming to raise $25,000 for the Cancer Research Institute, for a future free from cancer.
I'm sexy, I'm cute, I'm popular to boot... the introductory scene to Bring It On is infamous in 2000s pop culture for its tongue-in-cheek look at the world of cheerleading.
Bring It On though, was born of a fascination with competitive cheerleading, and the fact that as it's seen as primarily a women's sport, and not really a sport in itself, despite the skill and athleticism necessary.
Writer Jessica Bendinger knew she had something special, and it took many pitches to get a studio to believe in her cheerleader comedy, rooted deeply in the politics of cheerleading, as well as cultural appropriation and white guilt, something not many 2000s high school comedies would touch with a ten-foot spirit stick.
But there was another cheerleader movie being made at the same time, one that would steal a lead cast member and tempt another...
I would love to hear your thoughts on Bring It On !
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SUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....
Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review
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ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMA
Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.
Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studio
Patrons: Simon E, Sade, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Vern, Cat, Andy, Mike, Griff, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Will, Jack, Dave, Chris, Stuart, Sunni, Drew, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Pete, Heather, Danny, Aly, Tyler, Stu, Brett and Philip!
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Mentioned in this episode:
Livestream for the Cure 2023
I'll be appearing, alongside other amazing podcasters and content creators, in the 7th Annual Livestream for the Cure in May 2023 on Twitch! Together, we're aiming to raise $25,000 for the Cancer Research Institute, for a future free from cancer.
Hustlers was always going to be a tough sell. Based on the true story of a group of strippers who conned rich, white men, writer and director Lorene Scafaria found herself trying to sell it to... rich white men, who were less than enthusiastic about it.
The key was the involvement of Jennifer Lopez. Not only was it the casting of Scafaria's dreams, Lopez had the skill and connections to make the production a reality. She would also receive lavish praise for her performance as Ramona Vega, and the whole cast would achieve a newfound respect and admiration for strippers through the training they undertook to appear in the film.
While the movie didn't garner the accolades many thought it should have, it's a wonderful time capsule of the late 2000s fashion and music of the era, and the dynamic between Constance Wu and Jennifer Lopez grounds it in heartbreaking reality.
Drain the clock, not the c*ck...
I would love to hear your thoughts on Hustlers (2019) !
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SUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....
Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review
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ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMA
Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.
Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studio
Patrons: Simon E, Sade, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Vern, Cat, Andy, Mike, Griff, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Will, Jack, Dave, Chris, Stuart, Sunni, Drew, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Pete, Heather, Danny, Aly, Tyler, Stu, Brett and Philip!
EPISODE THANKS TO....
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Mentioned in this episode:
Livestream for the Cure 2023
I'll be appearing, alongside other amazing podcasters and content creators, in the 7th Annual Livestream for the Cure in May 2023 on Twitch! Together, we're aiming to raise $25,000 for the Cancer Research Institute, for a future free from cancer.
More than half a century after NASA launched astronauts into space, you’d think all the stories about these groundbreaking missions had been told.
But they hadn't.
Margot Lee Shetterly's father worked at NASA, and the stories of the women of NASA were commonplace among the local community, but the world was yet to know the incredible true story of the African-American female mathematicians, and how integral their work was to the space race.
Lee Shetterly's book, Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Who Helped Win the Space Race, was optioned for a film even before she finished writing it, and told the stories of four African-American women.
While only three of those women's experiences made it into the movie, the story (while containing a few embellishments) is a remarkable one of hard work, grit and determination, set against the backdrop of racially and gender segregated America.
I would love to hear your thoughts on Hidden Figures !
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SUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....
Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review
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ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMA
Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.
Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studio
Patrons: Simon E, Sade, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Vern, Cat, Andy, Mike, Griff, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Will, Jack, Dave, Chris, Stuart, Sunni, Drew, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Pete, Heather, Danny, Aly, Tyler, Stu, Brett and Philip!
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Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is a witty social satire on gender and class that also serves as a celebration of female ingenuity and solidarity, decked out in beautiful brightly coloured ball gowns and diamonds. It’s a love story, but not in the traditional sense; it puts female friendship front and centre, and remains one of the best buddy comedies.
Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe are electric together, their friendship is obvious, they’re flawless, with pitch perfect comedic timing.
It remains a Golden Age Hollywood movie well ahead of its time in relation to sexuality, representation of intelligence, feminism and a celebration of pop culture. It turns 70 years old this year, can you believe?!
A kiss on the hand may be quite continental...
I would love to hear your thoughts on Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) !
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SUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....
Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review
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ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMA
Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.
Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studio
Patrons: Simon E, Sade, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Vern, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Dave, Chris, Stuart, Sunni, Drew, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Pete, Heather, Danny, Aly, Tyler, Stu, Brett and Philip!
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This episode contains a paid Patron promotion for Middle Class Film Class, hosted by patron Pete.
Another Nanorama (episodes slightly shorter, but focusing on interesting titbits of information) on the history and legacy of The Lonely Island's debut and sophomoric cinematic comedies: Hot Rod and Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping
Hot Rod was written originally for Will Ferrell before it ended up in development hell. The Lonely Island, then brand new on Saturday Night Live, were utilising the internet for comedy sketches way before it was cool, and SNL producer Lorne Michaels knew the trio would be perfect for Paramount's Hot Rod script. While Hot Rod wouldn't set the box office alight, it would become a huge hit on DVD, and a cult favourite, propelling The Lonely Island to the big leagues.
Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, unlike Hot Rod, was created, written, directed by and starring The Lonely Island, and drew inevitable comparisons with the king of the music mockumentary This is Spinal Tap. Chronicling the meteoric rise of Conner4Real, former lead singer of The Style Boyz, his fall from grace and ultimate redemption, it's a lovingly scathing parody of the music industry and like Hot Rod, struggled at the box office before finding an audience. It's a good job Conner is so humble...
Time for the catchphrase verse!
I would love to hear your thoughts on Hot Rod & Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping !
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SUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....
Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review
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ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMA
Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.
Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studio
Patrons: Simon E, Sade, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Vern, Cat, Andy, Mike, Griff, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Will, Jack, Dave, Chris, Stuart, Sunni, Drew, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Pete, Heather, Danny, Aly, Tyler, Stu, Brett and Philip!
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It's the apocalypse of 2020 with dragons, and that's really all you need to know about this movie.
But also, in the late '90s, the estimated $300 million spec script for Reign of Fire was toned down and eventually made for just $60 million, starring two future Oscar-winning actors, and visual effects that would leave a lasting legacy on cinematic dragons going forward. It makes Reign of Fire even more impressive a feat than it already is.
Reign of Fire deserves way more respect than anyone gives it, and it all started with Dalmatians and dinosaurs, but not the Spielberg ones you're thinking of...
Let the ReignofFirennaisance begin!
I would love to hear your thoughts on Reign of Fire !
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Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review
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ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMA
Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.
Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studio
Patrons: Simon E, Sade, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Vern, Cat, Andy, Mike, Griff, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Will, Jack, Dave, Chris, Stuart, Sunni, Drew, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Pete, Heather, Danny, Aly, Tyler, Stu, Brett and Philip!
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Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue, and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true. Thanks for supporting 200 episodes of this podcast!
The Wizard of Oz is still as relevant, vibrant and perfect as ever. It was a beloved children’s book, that manifested into a cultural cinematic icon. And despite the colours, the textures, the joyous wonder of the wonderful world of Oz, there’s such a darkness to the story.
The state-of-the-art, beautiful Technicolor world belies the pain, abuse, injuries and illnesses on set. Whoever said "art is pain" did might have been talking about the making of one of Hollywood’s outstanding masterpieces. While memories may have been tarnished over the years, and accounts vastly differ of the experience and treatment, that didn’t stop many from believing the set of The Wizard of Oz was cursed.
MGM took a huge risk making The Wizard of Oz. It would take 20 years to make a profit, but it would become one of the first 25 films to be included in the National Film Registry. It became a yearly family tradition through the advent of TV, then VHS, DVD and Blu-ray to become the most seen and most influential movie of all time.
The Wizard of Oz remains a timeless classic, with one of the most fascinating histories and legacies to ever be included on Verbal Diorama.
For more on the theft and eventual recovery of the ruby slippers, listen to the No Place Like Home Podcast
I would love to hear your thoughts on The Wizard of Oz (1939) !
CONTACT....
SUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....
Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review
Join the Patreon | Buy Merch
ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMA
Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.
Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studio
Patrons: Simon E, Sade, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Vern, Cat, Andy, Mike, Griff, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Will, Jack, Dave, Chris, Stuart, Sunni, Drew, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Pete, Heather, Danny, Aly, Tyler, Stu, Brett and BRAND-NEW PATRON Philip!
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Party on Wayne, and Party on Garth - it's only Aurora's finest basement-dwelling public access cable show. Wayne's World! Wayne's World. Party time. Excellent!
From its beginnings as a Saturday Night Live sketch, to its democratization of America's cable public access TV network, arguably Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar were the YouTubers of their day, and probably also invented podcasts... maybe...
But Wayne's World, for all its humour, pop culture references, fourth wall breaking, introducing the world to megababe Tia Carrere (SCHWING!) and satirization of media and product placement, actually wasn't a particularly easy film to make. Feuding leads, a first-time studio director, bereavement and a big name star post-sex tape scandal may not seem like a recipe for box-office success, but Wayne's World defied its critics to inspire a generation of millennials, and would resurrect Queen's music career in the US, thanks to a certain iconic head banging scene.
But will this episode have the sad ending, the Scooby-Doo ending, or the mega happy ending? Diddly doo, diddly doo, diddly doo, diddly doo....
I would love to hear your thoughts on Wayne's World !
CONTACT....
SUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....
Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review
Join the Patreon | Buy Merch
ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMA
Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.
Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studio
Patrons: Simon E, Sade, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Vern, Cat, Andy, Mike, Griff, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Will, Jack, Dave, Chris, Stuart, Sunni, Drew, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Pete, Heather, Danny, Aly, Tyler, Stu and Brett!
EPISODE THANKS TO....
Adrian, for choosing this episode as part of a charity auction for Dementia UK
Scott, for doing a special cameo
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This episode contains a paid Patron promotion for Middle Class Film Class, hosted by patron Pete.
Seven A.M., the usual morning line-up, start on the chores and sweep 'til the floor's all clean, polish and wax, do laundry, and mop and shine up, sweep again, and by then it's like 7:15
And so I read a book, or maybe two or three, I'll add a few new paintings to my gallery, I'll play guitar and knit, and cook and basically
Just wonder when will my life begin?
Tangled's life began like every other Disney movie. In fact, it was quite similar to Enchanted; a live-action/animation hybrid called Rapunzel Unbraided.
Rapunzel Unbraided would become Rapunzel, which would become Tangled, and unlike Rapunzel's 70ft golden locks, it's a bit of a messy story, with lots of change behind the scenes, lots of delays and a lot of talk of "four quadrant appeal".
Tangled's long, arduous production would lead to it becoming the most expensive animated film ever made - a feat shared with The Lion King (2019), and it would also pave the way for Walt Disney Animation Studio's highest grossing animated film since The Lion King (1994)...
I would love to hear your thoughts on Tangled !
CONTACT....
SUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....
Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review
Join the Patreon | Buy Merch
ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMA
Verbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em.| This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free.
Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studio
Patrons: Simon E, Sade, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Vern, Cat, Andy, Mike, Griff, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Will, Jack, Dave, Chris, Stuart, Sunni, Drew, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Pete, Heather, Danny, Aly, Tyler, Stu and Brett!
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