Kicking off Season 2 with Wicked: For Good. Returning to oz with us is Blake, isn’t it WONDERFUL?! 💚🩷 A fellow theatre kid to help me unpack this one. We had sky-high expectations going into the film. We deep how the film stacks up against the beloved stage musical, what translated beautifully, what surprised us, and where we it fell short. We break down our favourite moments, and the changes we wish had been handled differently. Ultimately, the conversation turns to the film’s strong Glinda-fixation, how it reshapes the story’s balance, impacts Elphaba’s arc, and what that means for the heart of Wicked.
Last night I saw a 60th anniversary screening of The Sound of Music. In the spirit of that I thought I'd re-release an early episode of the podcast where I covered it.
Happy Holidays everyone!
The hills are alive with the Sound of Music this week! Journey back to the Austrian Alps with us as we explore the magic. We’ll delve into the iconic performance of Julie Andrews as the world’s favourite governess, the captivating presence of Christopher Plummer, and the enduring themes that make this film timeless. More relevant now than ever, discover why this story of sugar and spice, with a powerful message at its heart, continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
This week, we’re getting festive with a deep dive into The Muppet Christmas Carol, joined by returning guest Mike Moroz. We talk about the pure fun of the Muppets, their sharp and timeless humour, and the powerful nostalgia that makes this version so beloved. Beyond the jokes and songs, there is a surprisingly deep emotional and moral messaging at the heart of the film and why it remains one of the most faithful and effective adaptations of Dickens’ classic. We also discuss how it serves as an incredible gateway for kids to engage with classic literature, blending warmth, accessibility, and storytelling in a way only the Muppets can.
References used in the creation of this episode listed below
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) directed by Brian Henson • Reviews, film + cast • Letterboxd
The Muppet Christmas Carol | Rotten Tomatoes
How we made: The Muppet Christmas Carol | Film | The Guardian
The Making of the Muppets Christmas Carol (1992)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xji_h2WDL6E
This week, I revisit the magic and meaning of It’s a Wonderful Life with returning guest and classic film historian Harry Marks. Together, we dig into the film’s fascinating production history, its rocky journey to becoming a beloved holiday staple, and why its message feels just as relevant today as it did in the 1940s. We explore how the film’s small town setting and big hearted story quietly challenge the facade of the American Dream, revealing a deeply human, almost socialist heart beneath its surface. It is an unflinching look at how capitalism can push people to their breaking point. Jimmy Stewart gives an absolutely groundbreaking performance, shaped by his real-life experiences as a World War II veteran, his raw emotional truth helped redefine screen acting forever. Timeless, moving, and surprisingly modern, this episode looks at why It’s a Wonderful Life still matters.
The holidays can be a very dark time for many. If you or anyone you know is struggling please know the world is a better place with you in it. Listed below are resources available:
https://www.iasp.info/suicidalthoughts/
Adrian! This week I am joined by Christian and we chat about his all time favourite movie Rocky. We deep dive the story of Rocky Balboa, the small-time Philadelphia boxer who gets an unexpected shot at the heavyweight title, and why this underdog tale still hits just as hard today.
We unpack the film’s gritty realism, the iconic training montages, and how Sylvester Stallone’s unlikely rise mirrors the character he created. We also dig into the film’s cultural legacy from inspiring generations of sports movies to becoming a symbol of determination and heart. As Rocky says, “It ain’t about how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.”
Make sure you go follow Christian on Tik Tok
https://www.tiktok.com/@christian.x551?_r=1&_t=ZS-91pfdOmpCgC
TW: colonialism, violence against Indigenous Peoples, racism, historical rewriting, exploitation of marginalized communities and cultural erasure. Please listen with care.This week I dive into Disney’s 1995 animated film Pocahontas, a controversial entry in the Disney canon. The movie reimagines the real-life story of Matoaka, known as Pocahontas, an Indigenous Powhatan woman whose life and legacy were romanticized and distorted for mainstream audiences.This is a highly problematic film for SO many reasons, including by not limited to romanticizing the tragic story of the real life Pocahontas, the centering of the narrative of John Smith framing him as a hero and the downplaying the horrible impact of the english on Indigenous People. There is NO excuse. I wish Disney had done the research needed to make this film. Beyond casting Indigenous voice actors the care seems to have stopped there, This film could have much more to say if history was even remotely taken into account. The film centres a European perspective rather than the Indigenous one. The real story is far more complex, brutal, a story of survival under colonial pressure and not of romance. There is something to be said for the music conveying the overall message of shared humanity. As a kid the message I received from this film was the importance of environmental protection, finding the beauty in other cultures, and that the land I live on was/is stolen. Although this is positive it does not make up for the films glaring shortcomings. I’ll end this intro with a quote from Roger Ebert “Having led one of the most interesting lives imaginable, Pocahontas serves here as a simplified symbol.” This episode approaches Disney’s Pocahontas with care and honesty. I will talk about its artistry, its impact, and the painful truths behind its story. Please listen at your own comfort level, and take breaks if you need to.
Wes joins me this week to dance through life and talk about our favourite films. We discuss everything from classic movies, to recent releases, the impact of iconic directors, the significance of the Academy Awards, and our love for musical theatre.
We also both share our go to fun facts to use at a party when there isn't a dog there to pet and you are forced to speak to a human. Tune in to find out what they are...
Thank you again Wes for joining me!
Make sure you give him a follow, links listed below
Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/hoOJ
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@screen_brulee
Instagram: @screen_brulee
Tik Tok: @screen_brulee
Today I am joined by rapper and creator PHZ-Sicks! Together we dive into the intersections of politics, racism, feminism, film, art, and music. We unpack the fallacy of the American Dream, exploring how systemic inequalities are woven into the fabric of western culture. And how artists like PHZ-Sicks use their platforms to challenge, question, and reimagine those narratives
Thank you again PHZ-Sicks for coming on the show, it was an absolute pleasure.
Make sure you give him a follow, below are the links to his music, website and socials.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7ggHiI2NhF8uJVFD85kmmw
https://www.instagram.com/phz_sicks/
https://www.tiktok.com/@phz_sicks?lang=en
https://x.com/PHZ_Sicks?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
Hey guys! Thought I should let you know about a cool event coming up, the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival!
Taking place in Vancouver November 12th to 18th and then online November 19th to December 14th.
Get your tickets now at https://vimff.org/
I've crossed oceans of time to bring you today's episode. Bram Stoker's Dracula, an over the top fever dream (or gothic nightmare) of a film. Gary Oldman is the greatest on screen version of Dracula in this haunting performance. With incredible costumes, practical effects and supporting performances (minus Keanu Reeves .... he is SO BAD) this film is a campy exploration of the life of the infamous vampire.
Along with the film itself the references used in the creation of this episode are listed below
Bram Stoker’s Dracula movie review (1992) | Roger Ebert
The 65th Academy Awards | 1993
Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) directed by Francis Ford Coppola • Reviews, film + cast • Letterboxd
The Blood is The Life-Making of Dracula
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvSqFcGr5LU
Mike Moroz returns for a nostalgic episode, we dust off Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein.
This 1948 film was originally panned by critics but we both agree it is a timeless classic. It is perfect blend of comedy and classic horror has stood the test of time. Plus, we share the joy (and occasional jump scare!) of introducing these old school spooky movies to our own kids proving that good humour and a little fright never go out of style.
Along with the film itself, references used in the creation of this episode are listed below
https://letterboxd.com/film/bud-abbott-and-lou-costello-meet-frankenstein/
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/abbott_and_costello
DVD commentary released in 2000
Marley joins me this week and we dive head first into the twisted world of Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s Cure. This 1997 masterpiece follows detective Kenichi Takabe as he descends into madness trying to understand a series of brutal murders where X marks the spot. Thank you again Marley for joining me and for choosing this film!
Make sure you guys give him a follow and listen to his podcast: The Reel Lovers Podcast
Tik Tok: @marleylovesmovies
Instagram: @marleylovesmovies
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5JLtqevrLudD3FxbP7yQVM?si=18c2ac90f3f242e9
Along with the film itself, below are the references used in the creation of this episode
Cure (1997) directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa • Reviews, film + cast • Letterboxd
Cure: Erasure | Current | The Criterion Collection
Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself? Younger, more beautiful, more perfect? Blake joins me this week to dissect the 2024 body horror The Substance. Demi Moore Elizabeth Sparkle jumps head first into her own downfall by creating Sue. This film is a commentary on the beauty standards for women especially as we age, and the real fear that grips us of losing our currency as the years go by. Tune into the episode to listen to Blake and I discuss how close a lot of this hit home for us.
And remember pretty girls should always smile!
Thank you so much Blake for coming on!
Please give Blake a follow!
Tik Tok: @blizzflixx
Along with the film itself references used in the creation of this episode are listed below
THE SUBSTANCE | Making-Of Featurette | MUBI
The Substance (2024) directed by Coralie Fargeat • Reviews, film + cast • Letterboxd
The Substance | Rotten Tomatoes
The Substance movie review & film summary (2024) | Roger Ebert
Children of the night...welcome to this weeks episode. Together lets deep dive 1931's Dracula, and the birth of the Universal monster universe. This iteration of Dracula is so deeply immeshed into our culture that even if you haven't seen the film every frame will feel familiar. This motion picture helped bridge the gap from silent films to talkies and brought audiences some complex themes in a pre Hays Code world. Grab your crucifix and your wooden state and follow along to Castle Dracula.
Along with the film itself, sources used in the creation of this episode are listed below.
The Road to Dracula
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXv4Lu0xe5s
The Two Faces of Dracula
https://theasc.com/articles/the-two-faces-of-dracula
https://letterboxd.com/film/dracula/
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1006234-dracula
KT joins me to dance with the devil this week, together we deep dive Ryan Coogler’s cinematic masterpiece Sinners. This isn't your average vampire musical; it challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about identity, racism, and cultural appropriation. The core take away from this film is that the true horror is the treatment of the black characters and the systemic oppression inflicted on them.
We also explore how the movie weaves together the complexities of Irish culture with themes of whitewashing and cultural vampirism, pushing boundaries in its depiction of power, heritage, and authenticity. We discuss how Sinners reflects the tension between reclaiming cultural roots and the exploitation of marginalized narratives for mainstream consumption. With both of us having irish roots like the vampire Remmick.
KT and I both acknowledge as two white women there are limitations in our perspective. We approached the creation of this episode with much research and care. We are both committed to the dismantling of systemic racism through learning, reflection and action.
Along with the film itself, references used in the creation of the episode are listed below.
Sinners (2025) | Rotten Tomatoes
Sinners (2025) directed by Ryan Coogler • Reviews, film + cast • Letterboxd
Sinners, Vampire Makeup FX, Behind the scenes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELNkVGS1PJE
Sinners, Spirits of the Deep South, Behind the Scenes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1x1YpJWIHM
Dancing with the Devil, Making of Sinners,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPYEqHYNiBA
Ruh-Roh! Emma of the impact joins me this week to solve the mystery of Scooby Doo. This 2002 millennial classic takes us to Spooky Island where the gang must figure out what is behind the strange behaviour of the kids who visit there. So grab your Scooby Snacks and you have to do is to come out into the dark shadowy part of the woods, where no one can see you.....
Make sure you give Emma a follow and her Podcast a listen, links are below:
https://open.spotify.com/show/06nFe5NzDP9GZqYJAYpV48
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXWwdF0I-RRG-hU_hpNslTg
https://www.tiktok.com/@emmaoftheimpact_?lang=en
https://www.instagram.com/emmaoftheimpact/
JR joins me today for a bonus episode. He is one of my favourite creators. I came across him on my FYP a few months ago and I’ve been hooked on his content ever since. If you are looking for deeply insightful commentary on recent films, retroactive reviews and social issues, JR is your guy to follow. We discussed passion for writing, his go to watches and our mutual love of a good ol’ childhood classic deserving a spot in your @letterboxd top 4. Thanks again JR for joining me!
Make sure you give him a follow!
Instagram: @screened_scored
Tik Tok: screened.scored
Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/c1aEV
Bryan from Mometu joins me today for food, drink and ghosts and perhaps even a few murders. We are deep diving House on Haunted Hill, isn't that amusing? It is a classic B-Horror movie featuring the legendary Vincent Price. As he hosts a party offering his guest $10,000 if they stay the night....and survive.
Thanks again to Bryan for coming on for this one. House on Haunted Hill is available on Mometu, along with a bunch of other awesome films be sure to check in out. Also make sure to follow Bryan and check out all the cool stuff he's doing, he's got his own podcast: More for Me and You Podcast. His links are listed below.
https://watch.mometu.com/
https://www.tiktok.com/@freemometu
https://www.instagram.com/freemometu
https://open.spotify.com/show/0rqj4ehOK6CrD2N5ea2xou?si=23723958be2e4da5
https://www.instagram.com/mometucollegefilmfest/
https://www.instagram.com/bryan_mometu/?hl=en
Along with the film itself, reference used in the creation of this episode are listed below:
https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1010034-house_on_haunted_hill
https://letterboxd.com/film/house-on-haunted-hill/
https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/78581/house-on-haunted-hill#overview
https://franklloydwright.org/site/ennis-house/
The Vancouver International Film Festival is happening October 2nd-12th. I have the privilege this year of attending as press! With 170 different title screening this is an event you dont want to miss!
Listen for whats to come!
Get tickets at: https://viff.org/
Follow along their social media pages:
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@viffest
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viffest/?hl=en
Kicking off Spooky Season here at Get Your Popcorn! No better way to do it than with my fellow Dis-nerds Adam and Emilie. The three of us had an Oogie Boogie Bash of a time discussing all things Disney, tune in for some hard core Disney adulting.
Also my microphone had problems during recording, so my apologies for the less than stellar audio !