Why are people watching this?

This week, Justin, Ashley, and Dave watched You People. Here’s the synopsis: “A new couple and their families reckon with modern love amid culture clashes, societal expectations and generational differences.” Despite the controversy surrounding this film given its portrayal of race relations, both Dave and Justin were mostly upset at how easily the main character could start a "career" as a podcaster. Ashley, who comes from a professional background working on diversity, equity, and inclusion, was nervous at first that this would be a difficult film to tackle on the podcast, but the crew handled these potentially divisive issues with ease. 

This week, Justin, Ashley, and Dave watched JUNG_E. Here’s the synopsis: “In a post-apocalyptic near-future, a researcher at an AI lab leads the effort to end a civil war by cloning the brain of a heroic soldier -- her mother.” Ashley cried at the end when the nice robot lady hugged her daughter. Justin loved all the robot stuff, but was confused as to what anyone's motivation was, how (and why) they cloned people's brains, and why the main character appeared to be a Vulcan. Dave couldn't figure out what this crazy space war was all about even through there were multiple expositions scenes about it. 

This week, Justin, Ashley, and Dave watched That '90s Show. Here’s the synopsis: “In the summer of 1995, Leia Forman makes friends with a new generation of Point Place kids while visiting her grandparents, Red and Kitty, in Wisconsin.” Dave couldn't figure out the target demographic for this show, but eventually concluded that it was 8 to 12 year-olds. Justin got outraged at the bootleg scene, and declared the multicam live-audience sitcom format officially DEAD. Ashley loved Kitty and Red, but not too much else. Aron, who was brought on as a special guest because of his expected love for this show, did not, in fact, love it.

Is boycotting effective?

This week Justin, Ashley, and Dave watched Ginny and Georgia - Season 2, Episode 1. Here’s the synopsis: “The kids spend Thanksgiving with Zion, who helps Ginny through an emotional ordeal; Georgia has an awkward dinner with Paul's parents.” Ashley determined that this show probably only appeals to old ladies who like soap operas. Dave argued convincingly that the little boy with glasses had no business being in this show. Justin could not figure out who anyone was, or why nobody was talking about THE MURDER that they otherwise glossed over.

If you're all so smart, what would you do to make a good Netflix show?

This week, Justin, Ashley, and Dave watched  Matilda. Here's the official synopsis:  “Matilda, an extraordinary girl armed with a sharp mind and a vivid imagination, dares to take a stand against her oppressive parents and head teacher to change her story with miraculous results.” We had two very special guests on this week's episode: musical theatre experts Carolyn and Matt. Carolyn enjoyed Matilda and praised the many subtle details that made it fun to watch, although she hated the cake eating scene. Matt had seen Matilda on Broadway and in Toronto, and was able to pull back the curtain to show exactly how and why musical theatre gives us the feels. Dave, despite not being a musical theatre fan, had almost only nice things to say about Matilda. Justin expressed his admiration for Tim Minchin and the insanely talented child actors.  Ashley got sidetracked by Irn-Bru. 

What alternatives are there to funeral homes when it comes disposing of human remains? *trigger warning: we talk about death and dead bodies. It gets dark. 

This week, Justin, Ashley, and Dave watched Glass Onion. Here’s the synopsis: “Tech billionaire Miles Bron invites his friends for a getaway on his private Greek island. When someone turns up dead, Detective Benoit Blanc is put on the case." Justin and Ranke both loved this film, and watched it twice in preparation for this podcast. Dave enjoyed the film's take down of modern culture's deification of fame, disruption, and wealth. Ashley wanted to gently cup Daniel Craig's butt. 

This week, Justin, Ashley, and Dave watched Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio. Here’s the synopsis: “A father's wish magically brings a wooden boy to life in Italy, giving him a chance to care for the child.” Everyone appreciated the artistry that went into this film, although Dave could have done without all the nonsensical whale scenes. Justin had a real change of heart by the end of the film, having started out hating it but waxing poetic about the beauty of death by the end of it. Ashley loved Pinocchio's character arc (which Justin insists did not exist), as well as the cricket character (which Justin insists was superfluous to the story).