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Roll for Narrative: The Scene and Unseen Show
Richard Parry
83 episodes
2 hours ago
Welcome to Scene & Unseen, a storytelling deep-dive from Roll for Narrative. I explore the narrative magic behind movies, games, and the occasional book. Great legends don’t care what format they’re in, and neither do I. From overlooked characters to the ideas that shape entire worlds, I break down the heart of each story. Whether you’re here for heroes, sacrifice, or the power of community, this is where the tale truly begins.
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TV & Film
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All content for Roll for Narrative: The Scene and Unseen Show is the property of Richard Parry and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Welcome to Scene & Unseen, a storytelling deep-dive from Roll for Narrative. I explore the narrative magic behind movies, games, and the occasional book. Great legends don’t care what format they’re in, and neither do I. From overlooked characters to the ideas that shape entire worlds, I break down the heart of each story. Whether you’re here for heroes, sacrifice, or the power of community, this is where the tale truly begins.
Show more...
TV & Film
Episodes (20/83)
Roll for Narrative: The Scene and Unseen Show
Why You Liked … Ghost Recon: Breakpoint (A 2025 Retrospective)

S04E11: Ever wondered what happened to Ghost Recon: Breakpoint after all the launch drama? Well: this 2019 tactical shooter might've been better than we gave it credit for.

Join me as I revisit Ubisoft's controversial entry in the Ghost Recon franchise—from Jon Bernthal's compelling villain to the lush and varied open-world design of Auroa. We'll chat about the RPG mechanics that divided fans, the customisation options that keep things fresh, and whether the post-launch Ghost Experience mode redeemed the whole thing.

Is Breakpoint worth your time in 2025? Let's find out, hero.

  • NZ Accent worse than a bullet-sponge boss? Transcript: https://parrydox.com/why-you-liked-ghost-recon-breakpoint-a-2025-retrospective
  • Support the channel by checking out my urban fantasy complete with evil PMC: https://www.books2read.com/NightsFavor


00:00 Intro

01:11 The Core Gameplay Loop: Customisation and the World

04:50 The Story, Missions, and Characters

09:52 The Technicals and Aesthetics

11:34 Room-Sized Elephants: RPGification and Monetisation

14:48 A Testament to Evolution


#GhostRecon #Breakpoint #GhostReconBreakpoint #RetroReview #UbisoftGames #TacticalShooter #Gaming2025 #OpenWorldGames #JonBernthal #GamingRetrospective #NZGaming #PCGaming #WorthPlaying #GamingCommunity #LooterShooter #StealthGames #MultiplayerGaming

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2 months ago
16 minutes 59 seconds

Roll for Narrative: The Scene and Unseen Show
Why You Liked ... KPop Demon Hunters

S04E10: Jem and the Holograms walked so KPop Demon Hunters could run (with swords and mic stands). Turns out this K-pop animated spectacle about three demon-hunting musicians is basically Jem for 2024 - and that's the highest compliment I can give. We're talking about a film that uses catchy beats and sword fights to deliver deep messages about self-acceptance, female empowerment, and why your weirdness isn't a bug - it's literally the feature that saves the world.

Beyond the epic battles and catchy tunes, KPop Demon Hunters tackles the confusing lies we’re told as we grow up, the crumbling shield of false expectations, and how a few ultra-wealthy oligarchs are basically the real-world demons (minus the cool art style). It’s a metaphor for our messed-up reality and shows that allies can come from unexpected places.

In this review, I get into:

→ The brilliant character development of Rumi, Mira, and Zoey

→ How the film tackles K-pop industry manufacturing

→ The stunning Spider-Verse-inspired animation style

→ Why Ji-noo might be the most complex antagonist of the year

→ The epic parallels between this and 80s classic Jem

→ How demons become a perfect metaphor for modern anxieties

Fair warning: I get pretty passionate about why this movie celebrates eating what you want in your bathrobe at 2am while watching book reviews on TikTok. That's the energy saves the world.

Whether you're here for the K-pop beats, the demon fights, or just want to understand why this became Netflix's most-watched movie, I've got you covered. No spoilers, maximum enthusiasm, and yes - I will totally explain why conservative oligarchs are basically demons.

SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:

→ If you find the New Zealand accent more confusing than K-pop, transcript is here: https://parrydox.com/why-you-liked-kpop-demon-hunters

→ If you want my take on musicians who save the world, meet Sadie: https://www.books2read.com/ChromedUpgrade

→ Like if this convinced you to watch (or rewatch)

→ Subscribe for more one-person exhuming of the animation fossil record

#KPopDemonHunters #Netflix #AnimationReview #KPop #JemAndTheHolograms #NetflixAnimation #DemonHunters #SpiderVerse #FemaleEmpowerment #KoreanAnimation #MustWatch2024 #NetflixOriginal #AnimatedMovies #KPopCulture #WomenInAnimation #SupernaturalAnimation #MusicAndAnimation #NetflixReview #AnimationAnalysis #PopCultureReview

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2 months ago
19 minutes 2 seconds

Roll for Narrative: The Scene and Unseen Show
Why You Liked ... Eenie Meanie

S04E09: I've got a new theory I'm calling the Samara Weaving Effect.

I've been a big fan of her since Ready or Not, but Eenie Meanie (directed by Shawn Simmons) shows her as a proper A-lister. She's not just a powerhouse of swearing and Aussie charm; here, she's a nuanced actress who gives us a character who is just as lost and uncertain as the rest of us.

Eenie Meanie is a heist movie, sure, but it’s a heist of consequences. It flips the script on what we expect, delivering a plot where being stupid or selfish actually costs you. Instead of a slick, glamorous escape like Ocean's 11, we get a messy, visceral ride that feels more like The Hurt Locker. With intense car chases that would make Baby Driver blush and a story that isn't afraid to go dark, this film keeps you on the edge of your seat.

It’s more than just action and consequences. Eenie Meanie is a deeply human story about loyalty, family, and what it might cost to do the right thing. It's a film that respects your intelligence, subverts your expectations, and will make you think about your own life long after the credits roll.

If you’re ready for a crime flick that isn’t afraid to be different, and to see Samara Weaving truly shine, you have to watch this one.

➡️ New Zealand accent harder to parse than Weaving's Australian one? Transcript here: https://parrydox.com/why-you-liked-eenie-meanie/

➡️ Support the channel by checking out my vigilante series featuring a hero with mad driving skills: https://www.books2read.com/TheThreeFacesofFate

#EenieMeanieMovie #SamaraWeaving #MovieReview #HeistMovie #CrimeFilm #FilmAnalysis #NewMovie #ActionMovie #AussieActors #ShawnSimmons #TheSamaraWeavingEffect #MustWatch

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2 months ago
9 minutes 55 seconds

Roll for Narrative: The Scene and Unseen Show
Why You Liked … King Arthur: Legend of the Sword

S04E08: What if I told you the best King Arthur film you've never seen involves Arthur talking like he runs a protection racket in old Londinium? Guy Ritchie's 2017 "King Arthur: Legend of the Sword" was supposed to launch a six-movie cinematic universe, but instead became one of Hollywood's most spectacular franchise faceplants.

In this video, I'm diving deep into why this criminally misunderstood film deserves a second look. Charlie Hunnam radiates King Arthur energy through a Guy Ritchie prism - he's the brothel-raised brawler who fights for the dispossessed with the same ferocity his legendary counterpart fought for noble causes. This isn't your typical Arthurian tale of castles and courtly romance; it's a gritty, funny, and grounded story about everyday heroes.

I'll break down what makes this film work (spoiler: it's brilliant), why it bombed at the box office (spoiler: mismarketing and maybe a dash of hubris), and how Ritchie's signature gangster style quickens an ancient legend. From the visual spectacle that still holds up today to Hunnam's perfect casting as the Born King of the people, this film had everything going for it except proper expectations management.

It's got rough edges - Ritchie mismanages female characters - but it's also got heart, humour, and some of the most entertaining scenes you'll see. If you're tired of cookie-cutter blockbusters and want to see what happens when you mix Arthurian legend with British gangster films, this is your movie.


Come for the sword fights, stay for the unexpected emotional depth. And yes, I will die on the hill that this deserved those five sequels Warner Bros. promised us.


What did you think of King Arthur: Legend of the Sword? Let me know in the comments if you loved the Ritchie take or missed the expected love triangle.

  • ➡️ New Zealand accent harder to understand than Proper Gangsta Talk? Transcript's here: https://parrydox.com/why-you-liked-king-arthur-legend-of-the-sword/
  • ➡️ Support the channel by checking out my epic|dark fantasy series featuring knights, action, and saving those who don't come from the high houses: https://www.books2read.com/BladeofGlass

#KingArthur #LegendOfTheSword #GuyRitchie #CharlieHunnam #UnderratedMovies #BoxOfficeBomb #MovieReview #FilmAnalysis #CinematicUniverse #WarnerBros #MovieDiscussion #FilmCriticism #ActionMovies #Fantasy #BritishCinema #CultClassic #MovieRecommendations #FilmEssay #YouTube #Movies

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3 months ago
16 minutes 29 seconds

Roll for Narrative: The Scene and Unseen Show
Why You Liked ... Novocaine

S04E07: Jack Quaid trades in his Hughie vulnerability for hardcore heroics in Novocaine. You're going to feel every brutal second of it in ways MC Nate can't even 🔥

I break down why Novocaine works as both an action-packed thrill ride and a punch-the-sky story about finding your inner hero. From Jack Quaid's pitch-perfect performance as Nate Caine (a guy who literally can't feel pain but gives us ALL the feels) to Amber Midthunder's complex Sherry, this film delivers the goods in the most wonderful/twisted way possible.

With Kick-Ass meets John Wick energy, Novocaine also gives us some serious moral complexity thrown in for good measure. I'll also get into how the filmmakers make us complicit in Nate's Pain Train™. Spoiler alert: we're all sickos.

  • 🔗 New Zealand accent getting you down? Full transcript available at: https://parrydox.com/why-you-liked-novocaine/
  • 📚 Want to support me more materially than hitting that Like button? Check out my book The Three Faces of Fate (perfect for anyone who digs high-stakes stories with characters who go to impossible lengths for the people they love). https://www.books2read.com/TheThreeFacesofFate


What did you think of Novocaine? What ends would you go to for love? Would you pull the trigger? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

Don't forget to Like and Subscribe to appease the algorithm gods.

#Novocaine #JackQuaid #AmberMidthunder #MovieReview #ActionComedy #FilmAnalysis #TheBoysActor #SuperheroMovies #OneManArmy #MovieCritic #FilmBreakdown #CinemaReview #ActionMovies #DarkComedy #HeroJourney #MovieAnalysis #FilmDiscussion #MustWatch #UnderratedGems #FilmCommunity

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3 months ago
8 minutes 48 seconds

Roll for Narrative: The Scene and Unseen Show
4theWriters: How to Remix Reality (aka A Guide to Cultural Fusion in Storytelling)

S04E06: If you've ever wondered what Avatar: The Last Airbender has in common with Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara... well, you're weird, but you're MY kind of weird. Spoilers: it's not the plot. It's how they raid the global spice rack to create a fantasy we never even knew we wanted.

In this video, I'm spelunking into the art of cultural fusion in storytelling. It wouldn't be fun without a nostalgia hit right to the brainstem, so we'll start with some 80s and 90s classics (looking at you, Thundercats) and see how modern masterpieces carry the torch.

This one's for the creators: the writers, the game masters, the D&D and Pathfinder dungeon delvers. Anyone who wants to build a world that feels truly unique is going to find something useful here. I'm giving you my "Cultural Catalyst Framework," a three-step system I developed to help you remix reality the right way (pro tip: cultural appropriation is the devil's playground).

Because I don't get enough punishment on the Internet, I'm also showing exactly how I used this toolkit in my own urban fantasy series to blend superhero action with werewolves, voudou, and Judaeo-Christian mythology... which is how we get werewolves that know kung fu.

Come geek out with me, find some new inspiration, and learn how to make your own awesome worlds... awesomer? Is that a word?

  • ▶️ FULL TRANSCRIPT: For those traumatised by the New Zealand accent, the full script is available here: https://parrydox.com/4thewriters-how-to-remix-reality-aka-a-guide-to-cultural-fusion-in-storytelling/
  • ▶️ WANT MORE HACK WRITER TRICKS? If you dig the framework in this video, you'll get a kick out of my gamified writer's guide. Your story is a dungeon, and The Writer's Campaign shows you how to raid it: https://www.books2read.com/TheWritersCampaign

#WritingAdvice #Worldbuilding #DungeonsAndDragons #AvatarTheLastAirbender #CowboyBebop #TTRPG #FantasyWriting #CreativeWriting #Storytelling #Pathfinder

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3 months ago
21 minutes 43 seconds

Roll for Narrative: The Scene and Unseen Show
Why You Liked ... The Monkey

S04E05: For decades, a dark curse has haunted Hollywood: "Thou Shalt Not Make a Good Stephen King Film." Well, it looks like someone finally found the cheat code, because The Monkey is here to stare into your soul, drop a drum solo, then orchestrate some of the most unhinged deaths you'll see all year. 🐒

This isn't your average jump scare movie. It's a big-brained horror-comedy that asks the tough questions, like, "How many ways can a person be creatively dismembered?" and, "Why are all siblings the worst?"

Join us as I dissect this bloody good time, including:

► How The Monkey is a masterclass in audience participation, making you scan every scene for potential murder weapons (spoiler: everything is a potential murder weapon).

  • Theo James's incredible 2-for-1 performance as a genuinely decent guy AND his absolute dickhead of a twin.
  • The dark magic required to make a wind-up toy with a clown smile the most terrifying screen villain of the year.
  • The film's S-tier inventive kills (yes, we are dedicating a moment of silence for the legendary murder surfboard).
  • Killer cameos from Adam Scott and Elijah Wood, who clearly understood the assignment.

Is this movie just a blood-soaked delight, or is there a surprisingly deep message about forgiving your inner demons (and your terrible family)? Let's get into it.

  • Having trouble with the New Zealand accent? Full transcript here: https://parrydox.com/why-you-liked-the-monkey/
  • Support the channel by checking out my own horror-adjacent series: https://www.books2read.com/NightsFavor

So, would you turn the crank?

  • If you wouldn’t turn the crank, click Like!
  • And if you'd throw that devilspawn toy straight into a furnace, consider subscribing since we may share similar views on murder.

#TheMonkey #TheMonkeyMovie #MovieReview #StephenKing #TheoJames #HorrorComedy #DarkComedy #FilmAnalysis #VideoEssay #MurderSurfboard

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3 months ago
8 minutes 56 seconds

Roll for Narrative: The Scene and Unseen Show
Why You Didn't Like ... The Crow (2024)

S04E04: I was really hoping the 2024 reboot of The Crow would be a winner, but press F to pay respects. The film fundamentally misunderstands what makes a revenge story tick, spending geologically-relevant levels of time on backstory we already know and then robbing us of a satisfying payoff.

In this review, I get into why the film fails all on its own, completely separate from the 1994 classic. I'll cover the systemic pacing issues that kill the first hour, the frustrating misuse of great actors like Laura Birn, and how the film had a perfect blueprint for success in James O'Barr's original graphic novel and chose to... reinvent the wheel as a square.

And yes, we will definitely be talking about the mystical puddle-snakes.

▶ Read the full transcript of this review here: https://parrydox.com/why-you-didnt-like-the-crow-2024/

▶ Fewer Mystical Snakes, More Action! Speaking of supernatural stories where the heroes don't rely on questionable magic, check out my urban fantasy novel, The Three Faces of Fate: https://www.books2read.com/TheThreeFacesofFate

Thanks for watching! Let me know down in the comments what you thought of the movie, and don't forget to like and subscribe if you enjoyed the video!

#TheCrow #TheCrow2024 #MovieReview #BillSkarsgard #FKAtwigs #LauraBirn #FilmCritique #DannyHuston

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4 months ago
10 minutes 18 seconds

Roll for Narrative: The Scene and Unseen Show
Why You Liked ... Geostorm

S04E03: Is Geostorm secretly a good movie? I know, I know: I should probably check myself into therapy (or jail) for even asking that question.

We all know the premise is ridiculous: magic space lasers, a villain with motivations that would make the Coyote blush, and enough disaster-movie destruction to make Michael Bay proud. But after being forced to watch it on a plane (because this is 100% a plane movie), I realised something shocking. The movie isn't about the geostorm at all.

This is my alternative facts review of Geostorm, a film that uses its absurd premise as a cover to tell a surprisingly effective story about family, rediscovered brotherhood, and why Gerard Butler might actually be a great actor. We break down how the real story is about two brothers fighting over the ultimate video game controller... that can also blow up the planet.

Join me for a deep dive into the B-movie with an A-grade heart.

📖 Read the full transcript of this review here: https://parrydox.com/why-you-liked-geostorm/

🐺 Enjoy stories with ridiculous charm about saving the world? Support the channel by checking out my book, Night's Favor! https://www.books2read.com/NightsFavor

#Geostorm #MovieReview #GerardButler #VideoEssay #DeanDevlin #WhyYouLiked #DisasterMovie #FilmAnalysis #HiddenGems #UnderratedMovies

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4 months ago
8 minutes 51 seconds

Roll for Narrative: The Scene and Unseen Show
Why You Ran Out of Whelms for ... Thunderbolts*

S04E02: Feeling whelmed by the MCU lately? Not overwhelmed, not underwhelmed... just... whelmed? You're not alone. Let's talk about the latest case study in Marvel's creative fatigue: Thunderbolts*.

We were promised a gritty, grounded, street-level story about a team of tarnished heroes. What we got was another giant swirl of sugary candy floss. It looks impressive, but once it's over, you're just left with ennui and a vague sense of creative diabetes.

In this video, I analyse why a film with so much promise went so very wrong. We were promised a gritty, street-level story with a team of flawed antiheroes – Yelena, Ghost, Bucky, Red Guardian – forced to confront their trauma. But what happens when a film can't quite decide what it wants to be?

I explore the film's fundamental identity crisis, which pits our very human heroes against a threat that feels... mismatched, to say the least. I look at how this core confusion leads to some truly squandered potential, sidelining fascinating characters and robbing their personal journeys of any real flavour or consequence.

And as for that climax? I break down why the film's final moments feel so utterly unearned, delivering a resolution that left me less with a sense of catharsis and more with a single, burning question: "WTF just happened?" The need to service the wider MCU machine casts a long shadow here, and we need to talk about it.

So, what did you think of Thunderbolts*? Am I being too harsh, or did you also feel the flavour was missing? Let me know your full thoughts in the comments below!

And if you enjoyed this (slightly pained) analysis, giving the video a 'Like' would be amazing. Thanks for watching!

#Thunderbolts #MCU #Marvel #MovieReview #FilmAnalysis #VideoEssay #YelenaBelova #BuckyBarnes #WinterSoldier #RedGuardian #Sentry #MCUfatigue #Superhero

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4 months ago
15 minutes 48 seconds

Roll for Narrative: The Scene and Unseen Show
Why You Liked ... M3GAN 2.0

S04E01: Step into an alternate timeline with me, one where a movie as fun and clever as M3GAN 2.0 gets the love it truly deserves. In this deep dive, I'm unpacking why this sequel is not only superior to the original but is a criminally underappreciated action-comedy that brilliantly skewers our anxieties about generative AI, corporate greed, and the sluggish pace of tech regulation.

M3GAN 2.0 is the self-aware, synth-pop-infused fun machine that understands the cultural legacy of its robot ancestors, from KITT in Knight Rider to the charming Johnny 5. I'll explore how the film uses its "bubblegum charm" as the perfect delivery system for sharp societal critiques, making heavy topics an easier lift while you're busy laughing at a robot dance-off. This isn't just another killer doll movie; it's a commentary on found family, the importance of making "safe mistakes," and a warning that the real villains are often the humans holding the leash.

Join me as I analyse the sublime performances from Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, a delightfully sleazy Jemaine Clement, and the terrifyingly terrific Ivanna Sakhno. I'll also touch on the film's few "BIOS upgrade failures" and discuss whether calling it a sequel was its biggest misstep.

What did you think of M3GAN 2.0? Let me know in the comments below! Don't forget to Like and Subscribe - Skulls for the Algorithm Throne.

#M3GAN #M3GAN2 #MovieReview #ActionComedy #SocialCommentary #AI #SciFi #UnderappreciatedGems #KnightRider #JemaineClement #AllisonWilliams #VioletMcGraw #IvannaSakhno

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4 months ago
19 minutes 43 seconds

Roll for Narrative: The Scene and Unseen Show
Why You Like ... Really Dope Names

S03E24 Season Finale: So... what separates an Alien masterpiece from the abattoir of also-rans that sometimes plague this franchise? I'm here to tell you the answer isn't the acid-blooded monster, but the nameplate on the rust-bucket ship it stowed away on.

In this deep dive, I'm letting you in on a secret: a good Alien movie has always been about the commentary, not just the body count. I'm revealing my hidden Litmus Test that separates the classics (Alien, Aliens, Romulus) from the rest, and it all comes down to the names of the starships. From the blue-collar grime of the Nostromo to the military might of the Sulaco, these aren't just labels. They're a mission statement.

Strap in, because I'm breaking down:

  • The Conrad Connection: How a 1904 novel I have no intention of ever reading became the secret ingredient for the entire franchise (and why I'm pretty sure David Fincher only read the Cliff Notes).

  • The REAL Monster: A full-throated rant on why the true villain has always been the cold, corporate cyberpunk machine of Weyland-Yutani. (Spoiler alert: the call is coming from inside the capitalist house).

  • When the Commentary Fades: Why the prequels "threw the formula out the airlock" by abandoning blue-collar horror for philosophical slasher flicks where the main characters can't outrun a giant, slow-moving donut.

  • The Litmus Test Passes (Finally!): How Alien: Romulus actually understood the assignment and brought the franchise roaring back home.

  • The Future: My look ahead to the Alien: Earth series and the one question that matters more than any casting rumour or trailer breakdown.

Get your pulse rifles ready. This is my ultimate analysis for anyone who knows the real monster was the friends we made—and then sold for a percentage of the net profits—along the way.

Let me know your thoughts!
What are your favourite cinema or book names? Drop 'em in the comments! And if you want to see Rain and Andy in a new movie (because I sure as hell do), smash that Like button!

#Alien #AlienEarth #FilmAnalysis #VideoEssay #Cyberpunk #WeylandYutani #Nostromo #Sulaco #AlienCovenant #Prometheus #AlienRomulus #JamesCameron #RidleyScott #SciFi #HorrorMovies #InSpaceNoOneCanHearYouScream

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5 months ago
13 minutes 55 seconds

Roll for Narrative: The Scene and Unseen Show
Why You Like ... The Loveable Lunkhead

S03E23: Sometimes the best hero is a walking disaster with a heart of gold.

I'm diving deep into the art of the "Loveable Lunkhead" – that one character who does the right thing in the absolute wrongest way possible, and is usually the only reason a ridiculous B-movie actually works.

In this video essay, I'm breaking down the formula for why we can't get enough of these chaotic good icons. Using three perfect case studies, I'm exploring the sarcastic charm of Guy Pearce in the gloriously unoriginal Lockout, the odd-couple chemistry of Idris Elba and John Cena in Heads of State, and the surprising emotional depth of Dave Bautista's zombie-killing dad in Army of the Dead.

This is my analysis of why we're so charmed by these walking, talking agents of chaos who hate authority, but always manage to get the job done... eventually.

What’s your favourite throwback film to the 80’s, and who’s the action-ready Silverback at the heart of it? Let me know in the comments below!

  • Transcript: https://parrydox.com/why-you-like-the-loveable-lunkhead/
  • Support the channel by checking out my debut, with John Miles, the lunkiest of heads: https://www.books2read.com/NightsFavor

#LoveableLunkhead #VideoEssay #MovieReview #Lockout #HeadsOfState #ArmyOfTheDead #GuyPearce #IdrisElba #JohnCena #DaveBautista #ActionMovies #BMovies #CharacterAnalysis #chaoticgood

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5 months ago
7 minutes 44 seconds

Roll for Narrative: The Scene and Unseen Show
Why You Liked ... The Electric State

S03E22: The critics gave The Electric State a 5.9 and called it a soulless, generic knockoff. I'm here to tell you they missed the point so hard, they might as well have been watching a different movie.

This isn't just another sci-fi blockbuster; it's a brutal look in the mirror at our current world of AI slop and asks the only question that really matters: "Are we the baddies?" Join me as I break down why this supposed "flop" is actually a sharp, funny, and surprisingly human story about corporate greed, unlikely friendships, and why sometimes the robot doesn't have to die for once.

First dibs on Penny Pal. No takesies-backsies.

#TheElectricState #MovieReview #RussoBrothers #SciFi #AIEthics #VideoEssay #WhyYouLiked #SceneAndUnseen #FilmAnalysis #ArtificialIntelligence #Netflix #MillieBobbyBrown #ChrisPratt #SciFiMovies

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5 months ago
7 minutes 16 seconds

Roll for Narrative: The Scene and Unseen Show
Why You Liked ... Ballerina

S03E21: John Wick might be ready for the couch (his knees certainly are), but the franchise is just getting started.

Ana de Armas's Eve isn't just a spinoff character; she's the future, and she's here to get both mad and even.

Forget the "lore enema" of the later chapters. Ballerina is a glorious return to form, bringing back the personal, gritty stakes that made us fall in love with this universe in the first place. This is the story of a new legend—a Kikimora to John Wick's Baba Yaga—who proves you don't need to be a giant to cause a world of hurt. You just need to be smarter, more vicious, and really good with duct tape.

Join me as I break down:

  • 💥 Why Ana de Armas is more than just a "shrink-and-pink Wick."
  • 💥 How the film uses cleverness (and a knife-as-a-steering-column) to evolve Gun-Fu.
  • 💥 Why this isn't just a spinoff, but a necessary passing of the torch.

So, what did you think of Ballerina? Let me know the first moment that made you wince in sympathy in the comments below. If using a flamethrower is on your bucket list, click Like. And thanks for watching!

#Ballerina #JohnWick #MovieReview #AnadeArmas #ActionMovies #KeanuReeves #BallerinaReview #GunFu #FightLikeAGirl

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5 months ago
11 minutes 26 seconds

Roll for Narrative: The Scene and Unseen Show
Why You Liked ... The Accountant 2

S03E20: Family therapy is expensive. Dismantling a criminal conspiracy with your estranged brother to avenge a federal agent? Priceless.

At least, that's the Wolff brothers' method.

Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal are back as Christian and Braxton Wolff in The Accountant 2, and this time, it's personal. I'm diving deep into the sequel to the cult classic to figure out why this high-octane family reunion is one of the most compelling stories of the year. It's not just a sequel; it's a boys' road trip tied up with a body count bow.

Join me as I get into how Christian humanises Braxton's sociopathy, why the action scenes are actually the most effective form of communication, and whether Tolkien really should have just used the eagles.

So pull up a chair, grab your pocket protector, and let's run the numbers on The Accountant 2.

IN THIS EPISODE:

    • Introduction: A Joint Return on Justice
      Your favourite CPA-ssassin is back, but this time he’s not flying solo. Can two brothers reconcile their past while leaving a trail of perfectly balanced destruction?

    • The Fantasy vs. The Reality (Hacker Witches & Warlocks)
      The sequel takes a turn for the fantastical with the Harbor Neuroscience Institute's team of hacker sorcerers. Does it undermine the original's gritty realism, or is it the hand-wavium we needed to get the action started?

    • The Duality of Brothers: A Symbiotic Psycho-analysis
      The heart of the film. I explore the brilliant dynamic where Christian’s steadfastness grounds Braxton’s chaos, and Braxton’s charm opens doors Christian can't. Also, bar fights as a love language.

    • Action as Conversation (aka Violent Therapy)
      Forget words. The Wolff brothers communicate best through perfectly synchronised combat. I look at how the action scenes reveal more about their relationship than any dialogue ever could.

    • A Mission of Justice (And Why Braxton Needs a Puppy)
      The plot isn't a whodunnit; it's a mission of loyalty. I dig into why Braxton, the 40-proof psycho with a heart of gold-ish, is the emotional core of this revenge quest.

    • The Final Calculation: A Different Kind of Love
      The film’s powerful conclusion proves that connection doesn't always look like birthday cards. Sometimes, it's just about deciding someone is worth the calculation.

What did YOU think of The Accountant 2? Let me know in the comments!

And if you enjoyed this analysis, do the math and hit that LIKE button, and make the bold problem-solving step of SUBSCRIBING for more deep dives into the movies you love.

#TheAccountant2 #BenAffleck #JonBernthal #MovieReview #FilmAnalysis #Brotherhood #AutismRepresentation #ActionMovies #Neurodivergent #MovieDiscussion #FilmCriticism #2024Movies #ActionSequel #MovieBreakdown #SiblingRelationships #RepresentationMatters


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6 months ago
11 minutes 43 seconds

Roll for Narrative: The Scene and Unseen Show
Why You Liked ... Nimona

S03E19: Why Nimona is the Pink-Horned Hero We Didn't Know We Needed 🦄

Ever wondered what happens when Disney sacrifices a 70% complete animated masterpiece to the shareholder gods? Spoiler alert: Netflix swoops in like a streaming superhero, and we get blessed with one of the most criminally underrated films of 2023.

Join me as I dive into Nimona - the anarchic shapeshifter story that almost never saw the light of day. I'm breaking down Chloë Grace Moretz's vocal shapeshifting wizardry, Riz Ahmed's perfectly restrained knight-in-crisis, and why pink might just be the most subversive color in animation.

What I'm covering:

  • The wild resurrection story of a doomed Disney project
  • Why Netflix's "trash" reputation is doing this gem dirty
  • Moretz and Ahmed's friendship chemistry that transcends the voice booth
  • The genius of using Barbie pink to disarm your defenses
  • How a children's movie teaches us about othering without being preachy
  • Why this film hits different in our current cultural moment

Key Takeaways:

Without spoiling the magic, let's just say this film tackles friendship, identity, and radical acceptance in ways that'll stick with you long after the credits roll. It's what happens when creators get to tell stories about outcasts - pure collaborative magic.

  • Have you experienced the exhaustion of constantly being "othered"?
  • What does radical acceptance look like in your friendships?
  • Is pink the new symbol of rebellion? (Yes, we're still on this hill)

Like what you heard? Smash that subscribe button if you love friends who see you even on your worst hair days. And if you think pink can be a symbol for radical acts of freedom, you know what to do with that like button.

Get your fresh hot transcript: https://parrydox.com/why-you-liked-nimona/

Speaking of stories about radical acceptance and found family: if you’re craving more tales about characters who refuse to be silently othered, The Three Faces of Fate features characters fighting to define themselves on their own terms.

Got thoughts on Nimona? Drop them in the comments - I read every single one!

#Nimona #Netflix #Animation #ChloëGraceMoretz #RizAhmed #FilmAnalysis #LGBTQ #Friendship #MovieReview #SceneandUnseen

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6 months ago
10 minutes

Roll for Narrative: The Scene and Unseen Show
Why You Didn't Like ... Archive

S03E18: Archive (2020) - When Sci-Fi Dreams Turn Into Nightmares

Ever watched a film that had you completely hooked for 90 minutes, only to have it all come crashing down with one of cinema's most frustrating tropes? Welcome to my review of Gavin Rothery's Archive - a movie that had all the ingredients for sci-fi greatness but committed the ultimate cinematic sin.

In this review, I dive deep into:

  • Why Archive's premise was absolutely brilliant
  • The stunning world-building and S-tier cinematography
  • Theo James and Stacy Martin's phenomenal performances
  • How the film tackles AI consciousness and ethical questions we're facing today
  • The devastating ending that betrays everything the movie built up
  • Why "it was all a dream" is still cinematic kryptonite in 2020

Archive explores grief, obsession, and what it means to be human through the lens of AI & resurrection technology. George's quest to bring back his dead wife Jules raises profound questions about consciousness, sacrifice, and the ethics of creating life. The film's world feels lived-in and authentic, with practical effects that seamlessly blend with CGI.

But then... that ending happened. And it's not just weak - it's a complete violation of the audience contract.

This is a film that could have been an all-time classic but instead becomes a cautionary tale about narrative trust.

What did you think of Archive? Team J2 or Team "Legs Are Optional?" Let me know in the comments!

Support the channel: If you enjoyed this review, give it a thumbs up and subscribe for more film, book, and game reviews! Or check out a cyberpunk trilogy that actually has an ending.

Transcript: https://parrydox.com/why-you-didnt-like-archive/

#Archive #SciFiReview #FilmReview #TheoJames #StacyMartin #GavinRothery #SciFiFilm #MovieReview #ArtificialIntelligence #FilmCriticism #2020Films #SciFiCinema #MovieAnalysis #FilmTheory #CinemaReview #IndependentFilm #SciFiThriller #FilmDiscussion #MovieBuff #SceneandUnseen


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6 months ago
11 minutes 6 seconds

Roll for Narrative: The Scene and Unseen Show
Why You Liked ... The Gorge

S03E17: In my continuing exploration of why I have trust issues, enter The Gorge: a modest-scoring IMDb title, but a cult classic in the making. It's got guns, monsters, and an armistice between Team Washington and Team Moscow. But is that all?

This episode of Scene & Unseen unpacks why "The Gorge," starring the brilliant Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy, hits different. I look beyond the 6.7 rating to explore how two characters, a mercenary and an assassin, forge an unlikely bond that challenges everything they've been taught. Can you trust your enemy? Can you trust a movie the internet deems "average?" I discuss the powerful two-hander performances, the surprisingly refreshing genre twists, and why this story of connection over conflict might just restore a little faith... or at least make you question who the real monsters are.

What did you think of The Gorge? Did it defy your expectations? HMB in the comments. Transcript for great justice: https://parrydox.com/why-you-liked-the-gorge/

#TheGorge #MovieReview #TrustIssues #CultClassic #MilesTeller #AnyaTaylorJoy #SceneAndUnseen #SciFiThriller #HiddenGem #MovieAnalysis

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6 months ago
9 minutes 48 seconds

Roll for Narrative: The Scene and Unseen Show
Why You (Might) Like ... Disciples: Liberation

S03E16: It's 2025, the Pope's from Chicago, and I'm here recommending Disciples: Liberation... a game I actually uninstalled after 14 hours. Yeah, it's complicated. 🫠 

Join me for a not-quite-review, more like a public therapy session, where I explain why Disciples: Liberation is a genuinely WELL-MADE tactical RPG with a gritty story, fantastic characters (Avyanna & Orion are S-tier!), and "paper-rock-scissors roided up" combat... and why, despite all that, it just wasn't for ME. 

Think Game of Thrones without the constant beheadings, where your moral compass spins like it's about to be abducted. If you love deep tactical army-building and deciphering 5D paper-rock-scissors shit in your RPGs, this one might be your new obsession.

This is my ode to a game I respect, even if we had to break up. It's not you, Disciples: Liberation, it's definitely me. 

What do YOU think? 

➡️ Are you Team Small-Squad or Team Tactical-Army? 

➡️ Ever loved a game that just wasn't your kind of game? Let me know in the comments below! 👇 

👍 If you think I'm an idiot for this take (or just appreciate the honesty!), hitting that LIKE button is your civic duty. 

🔔 And if you enjoyed watching me realise I don't know myself as well as I thought, SUBSCRIBE for more self-flagellation. 

Thanks for watching! 

#DisciplesLiberation #GameReview #TacticalRPG #sceneandunseen #ItsNotYouItsMe #FunnyReview #HonestReview #RPG #StrategyGames #TurnBasedTactics #Gaming #PCGaming #AAGame #GamerProblems #SelfFlagellationGaming

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6 months ago
4 minutes 27 seconds

Roll for Narrative: The Scene and Unseen Show
Welcome to Scene & Unseen, a storytelling deep-dive from Roll for Narrative. I explore the narrative magic behind movies, games, and the occasional book. Great legends don’t care what format they’re in, and neither do I. From overlooked characters to the ideas that shape entire worlds, I break down the heart of each story. Whether you’re here for heroes, sacrifice, or the power of community, this is where the tale truly begins.