Episode 107: Wicked

Is this musical adaptation pure magic that you should watch or do the beings behind the curtain just pull off an offensive imitation? In this episode of Watch Skip Plus, we dive into a lively discussion about the latest movie adaptation of the beloved musical Wicked. They explore various topics, including Kendrick Lamar's surprise album GNX, natural deodorants, and the background of director John M. Chu. The conversation transitions into a detailed review of Wicked, touching on the cast, themes, and emotional moments, culminating in a spoiler-filled discussion about character arcs and social commentary.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:52 Pluses

17:37 Wicked: Below the Line

29:16 Wicked: Above the Line

37:34 Spoiler Free Thoughts on Wicked

55:35 Wicked: Spoilers Section

01:15:09 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Email us: [email protected]

We are now on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@WatchSkipPlus

Not A Bomb Podcast's Discord Server: https://discord.gg/PGX4RRUe

Watch Skip Plus Episode 106: GLADIATOR 2

HAPPY HOLIDAYS…ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?!!?!?!!!! Turkey-Alex and a thankful Cupcake take on a sequel 24 years in the making - Gladiator 2! The Watch/Skip-er’s are recording back to back episodes so this week and next week’s “wicked” episode are a bit truncated…but we still dive below the line to discuss legendary director Ridley Scott and the screenwriters of this sequel to 2000’s original starring Russell Crow, and above the line with the gorgeous actors - Paul Mescal, Connie Nielsen, Pedro Pascal, Fred Hechinger, Joseph Quinn, and an out of control Denzel Washington (it’s a good thing….he’s mutherfucking KING KONG OF ROME, ok?). Is this a successful follow-up or does this movie not make it out of the Colosseum alive?  #mutantbaboons

Emcee defers his plus, but Cupcake gives TWO…count ‘em TWO….Max streaming options for your holiday!

BEND THE KNEE AND GET IT IN YOUR EARS!

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

03:44 Jose's Plus

11:29 Gladiator 2: Below the Line

19:26 Gladiator 2: Above the Line

26:47 Gladiator 2: Spoiler Free Review

44:29 Glad2ator: Spoiler Section

57:55 Final Thoughts and Outro

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WE ARE WATCH SKIP PLUS! Watch Listen Love!

Email us: [email protected]

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Discord: https://discord.gg/PGX4RRUe

Watch Skip Plus Episode 105: Conclave

YOUR PRAYERS ARE ANSWERED!!!! After a week off due to sickness, the WS+ boys have been resurrected to bring you a new episode. This week, Emcee and Cupcake take on "Conclave" from the director of Netflix's "All Quiet on the Western Front". The latter garned praise and (BAFTA/Academy/Critical) awards. Will this dramatization of the succession/election process for the world's next Pope - starring Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rosselini - stun viewers the same? The Boys deep-dive the stage-y, talk-y film's multifaceted themes of the dynamics of ambition and power, acceptance and diversity, and a twist that might be causing un-intended controversy over the film.

But before that, Alex and Cupcake mind-meld their plusses - each discusses ALL the films they watched while taking the week break.

GENUFLECT AND HIT PLAY!!!!

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

03:14 Q&Alex Icebreaker Question

07:38 Emcee's Plus

16:05 Cupcake's Plus

30:57 Conclave: Below the Line

36:27 Cast Grab

47:46 Spoiler-Free Thoughts on 'Conclave'

01:10:27 Conclave Spoilers

01:35:35 Closing Remarks

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WE ARE WATCH SKIP PLUS! Watch Listen Love!

Email us: [email protected]

IG: https://www.instagram.com/watchskipplus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watchskippluspod

X: https://x.com/watchskipplus

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@WatchSkipPlus

Discord: https://discord.gg/PGX4RRUe

Episode 104: Anora

Emcee and Cupcake open a CANNES of filmic whoop ass and review the always-intriguing, indie filmmaker Sean Baker’s Anora, winner of this year’s Palme D’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. What ostensibly starts as a kind of young love “Pretty Woman”, this romantic comedy drama ends up being quite the wild ride with deep empathetic storytelling and a brilliant star-making turn from Mikey Madison. Emcee loves him some indie fare outside the mainstream, and so will you as the Boys dissect the movie’s character dynamics, its complexities of love and relationships, and the struggle for authenticity.

But first up, Cupcake invites you into his shower for some skincare goodies, while Emcee gives you the 411 (or is that the 101) on one of Hip Hop music’s most progressive and constantly evolving music artists. 

We are Watch Skip Plus…..Watch Listen and LOVE!!!!

Watch Skip Plus Episode 103: Venom: The Last Dance

In this episode, hosts Cupcake and Emcee dive into a lively discussion about their movie review podcast, focusing on 'Venom 3: The Last Dance.' They explore various themes, including their personal lives, lifestyle products, and the film industry. The conversation flows from light-hearted banter about alien relationships to a detailed review of the movie, touching on the cast, crew, and their thoughts on the film's impact. The hosts also share their favorite lifestyle products, including a cozy sweater and new earbuds, making for an engaging and entertaining episode. In this conversation, the hosts review the film 'Venom: The Last Dance', discussing its characters, narrative structure, and overall cinematic experience. They delve into the dynamics between the main characters, the effectiveness of the villain, and the film's thematic elements, particularly around identity and acceptance. The hosts also compare the film to other superhero movies, highlighting its unique qualities and quirks. Ultimately, are the films flaws too much to overcome or it does it follow up on the funny of the previous two movies? Tune in to find out!

00:59 Introduction and Podcast Overview

03:36 Q & Alex Hotshot!

05:56 Lifestyle Twist: Pluses

17:16 Director and Production Insights

26:10 Cast and Character Discussion

40:16 Spoiler Free: Venom 3

01:03:14 Spoiler Section

01:21:05 Final Thoughts and Future Prospects

Email us: [email protected]

We are now on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@WatchSkipPlus

Watch Skip Plus Episode 102: Smile 2

Emcee returns as he and Cupcake tackle the sophomore debut by Parker Finn in his follow-up to the successful Smile film from 2022. They discuss what makes the original Smile so unique, how timing is everything, and how Smile 2 performs as a sequel and on it's own volition.

Is Smile 2 a worthy sequel to the hit 2022 film that makes the audience smile or does it feel like a copy and paste of the original with some different flare? Tune in to find out!

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Welcome to Watch Skip Plus!

03:50 - Q and Alex

10:07 - Lifestyle Twist: The Plus Segment

27:35 - Below the Line

31:34 - Above the Line

43:25 - Spoiler Free Thoughts: Smile 2

01:08:24 - Spoiler Section: In-Depth Analysis

01:31:52 - Podcast Recommendations and Closing Remarks

Email us: [email protected]

We are now on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@WatchSkipPlus

Watch Skip Plus Episode 101: Terrifier 3

The Cinemasochist returns as he and Cupcake take on the box office horror sensation Terrifier 3, and yet again: They get downright philosophical and explore the nature of horror films and icons, "the horror film fan" vs "the Marvel film fan", and along the way, name drop iconic horror directors. No Emcee this week, but he will return next with with a big SMILE (hint hint). The two explore what makes the third installment in the Terrifier franchise unique, where it retreads topics from the first films, and their favorite kills! Is it a must-watch? Tune in to find out!

00:00 Welcome to Watch Skip Plus!

05:50 Icebreaker: Q and Alex (well, how does that work?)

12:42 Lifestyle Twist: The Plus Segment

19:18: Below the Line

30:09: Cast

44:49 Spoiler Free Thoughts: Terrifier Three

01:21:13 Spoiler Section: In-Depth Analysis

02:02:58 Podcast Recommendations and Closing Remarks

Email us: [email protected]

We are now on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@WatchSkipPlus

Watch Skip Plus Episode 100: Deep Dive into Joker Folie à Deux

Join hosts Jose (aka Cupcake) and Alex (aka Emcee) as they celebrate their 100th episode with an in-depth analysis of Joker: Folie à Deux. In this milestone episode of Watch Skip Plus, they debate the film's artistic narrative style, its psychological depth, and character development, as well as its impact as a comic book sequel. The hosts engage in humorous exchanges, providing contrasting opinions and discussing the film's musical elements. Besides, they offer insights on the film industry, lifestyle tips with reviews of non-alcoholic beers, and a new Stephen King adaptation. They also ponder the future of the Joker franchise, contemplating a potential third installment with a chaotic Joker akin to the comics. This episode is a must-watch for film enthusiasts interested in detailed critiques and entertaining discussions.

Just a heads up, we are still adjusting to life on video. The recording software we are trying out couldn't render Cupcake's video, so we had to use a meeting recording that contained both audios and videos which caused some technical difficulties when attempting to mix and master. No multi-cam this week but it should be back for our next episode with some better audio as well.

00:00 Welcome to Watch Skip Plus!

02:28 Icebreaker: Q and Alex

06:23 Lifestyle Twist: The Plus Segment

19:18 Below the Line

30:09 Cast Grab!

44:49 Spoiler Free Thoughts: Joker 2

01:04:51 Spoiler Section: In-Depth Analysis

01:28:15 Podcast Recommendations and Closing Remarks

The Athletic Non-Alcoholic Beer: https://athleticbrewing.com/collections/beer

Will Smith is stinky?: https://variety.com/2024/film/news/will-smith-farted-men-in-black-set-evacuated-three-hours-1236166286/

Email us: [email protected]

We are now on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@WatchSkipPlus

Episode 99: Megalopolis Movie Review - Watch or Skip?

In this episode, hosts Emcee and Cupcake dive into the intricate history and contentious reception of Francis Ford Coppola’s 'Megalopolis.' They discuss the film's problematic production, including cast and crew issues and legal hurdles, alongside the novel but flawed volumetric capture technology used. Alex expresses his intense disappointment, influenced by his viewing experience with Alexus (a FIRST in the history of Watch Skip Plus), while Jose provides a more balanced critique, acknowledging the film's ambition but criticizing its execution.

GET US IN YOUR EARS....or EYES!!! (We are now on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@WatchSkipPlus)

00:00 We are now on Youtube!

01:47 Podcast Introduction

03:36 Q & Alex: Shakespeare Adaptations!

09:02 Pluses

23:04 Megalopolis Production

43:20 Megalopolis Star Studded Cast

53:49 Non-Spoiler Summary (No Spoilers this week!)

01:21:35 Final Thoughts and Reactions

Email us: [email protected]

Episode 98: The Not A Bomb / Watch Skip Plus crossover is here and it’s a TWO AND A HALF HOUR JOURNEY! 

PODCASTERS ASSEMBLE! Not a Bomb and Watch Skip Plus do their first ever epic crossover episode and it’s a doozy: All four hosts were hanging out together live and in person for a whole week so they all just had to share the fun times with all the listeners! 

First up, NAB’s special segment on Baltimore Comic Con and the treasures Troy and Brad found while Cupcake talks popping his Comic Con cherry. And FILMS…the films we watched!!!!  The crossover plus is a surprise taste test of a limited edition drink.

Then the Watch Skip’ers and NAB dudes review Coralie Fargeat’s sophomore feature film: The Substance starring Demi (It’s duh-MEE) Moore and Margaret Qualley. Believe it or not, due to the format of both pods, the film matches both shows’ criteria: a new release and a bomb (box office figures are showing weak weak turnout).  Is this indictment of society’s impossible beauty standards a BOMB or is it a stunning theatrical “Do I keep watching or walk out?”, gross-out body horror experience?

INJECT US IN YOUR EARS!!!!

Timestamps:

(00:01:08) Crossover Event Intro!

(00:03:10) NAB: Baltimore Comic Con

(00:22:53) NAB: Get-together Film marathon

(00:51:36) Crossover Plus / Taste Test

(00:56:32) NAB: vintage ad break

(00:58:50) WS+: Q & Alex icebreaker

(01:05:35) WS+: The Substance above and below

(01:15:19) NAB: Substance B.O. breakdown / Movie Guide (!)

(01:18:38) NAB + WS+ Spoiler free 

(01:44:40) NAB + WS+ Spoilers Ahead 

(02:26:20) Crossover Next Ep / Outro / Pod Roll