In this episode of Scene This, the hosts discuss their recent movie watches, including holiday favorites and the impactful film 'The Voice of Hind Rajab.' They delve into the emotional weight of the film, which addresses real-life events in Gaza, and reflect on the moral complexities of war and the importance of awareness. The conversation encourages listeners to engage with current events and consider their own beliefs, while also recommending various films that resonate with these themes.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Holiday Reflections
01:59 What We've Seen
12:30 The Voice of Hind Rajab: A Powerful Review
31:43 Spirituality vs. Organized Religion
35:00 The Complexity of Faith and Suffering
39:22 The Call to Action
45:46 The Commodus Scale
48:44 Double Feature Recommendations
54:37 Drafting Stock
01:00:03 Wrap Up
Website, Socials, Interview, Merch & More
In this conversation, Mike Ornelas speaks with director Charlie Polinger and actor Everett Blunck about their film 'The Plague.' They discuss the film's themes of adolescence and bullying, the creative process behind its conception, the casting choices, and the personal experiences that influenced the story. The conversation also touches on underseen films that the guests recommend, showcasing their passion for cinema and storytelling.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to The Plague
02:02 The Conception of the Story
05:50 Inspiration Behind the Performance
07:39 Casting Choices and Character Fit
09:36 Ben's Journey: From Innocence to Darkness
11:02 The Role of Adult Supervision in Camps
12:36 Under-seen Movie Recommendations
In this episode, the hosts review various films, focusing on the emotional depth and performances in 'Hamnet,' directed by Chloe Zhao. They discuss the impact of Shakespeare's work on the film, the symbolism present in the narrative, and the performances of the cast, particularly Jessie Buckley and Jacobi Jupe. The conversation also touches on the themes of grief and how different characters cope with loss. The episode concludes with double feature recommendations that resonate with the themes explored in 'Hamnet.'
Chapters
00:00 Introduction & What We've Seen
09:36 Hamnet Spoiler Free Review
20:22 The Commodus Scale
21:19 Spoiler Review
37:46 Double Feature Recommendations
40:20 Drafting Stock
44:19 Wrap Up
Website, Socials, Merch & More!
In this episode of Scene This!, hosts Mike Ornelas, Erica McMullen, and Adrian Cedeno discuss their recent movie viewings, including 'Five Nights at Freddy's' and 'K-pop Demon Hunters'. The main focus is on the film 'The Plague', a psychological drama about bullying and adolescence set in a water polo camp. The conversation delves into the film's themes, character performances, and the portrayal of childhood dynamics. The hosts also engage in a spoiler-filled discussion, analyzing the film's deeper meanings and the impact of its messaging. They conclude with recommendations for double features and a draft stock segment, highlighting the talents involved in the film.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:50 What We've Seen This Week
07:24 Main Movie Review: The Plague (Spoiler Free)
25:25 The Commodus Scale
27:00 Spoilers Review
47:32 Double Feature Recommendations
51:00 Drafting Stock
56:31 Wrap Up
Website, Socials, Merch & More
In this episode of Scene This, hosts Mike Ornelas, Erica McMullen, and Adrian Cedeno dive into a lively discussion about the film 'Left-Handed Girl.' They explore various themes such as family dynamics, cultural nuances, and the emotional weight carried by the characters. The conversation also touches on holiday movie traditions, recent films they've watched, and the significance of storytelling in cinema. As they dissect the film's plot and character arcs, they share personal anecdotes and insights, culminating in a thoughtful analysis of the film's impact and relevance.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:01 What We've Seen This Week
10:39 Left-Handed Girl Spoiler Free Review
20:25 The Commodus Scale
24:38 Spoiler Review
43:00 Double Feature Recommendations
46:41 Drafting Stock
51:40 Wrap Up
Website, Socials, Merch & More!
In this episode of Scene This, hosts Mike Ornelas, Erica McMullen, and Adrian Cedeno dive into a lively discussion about their recent movie viewings, including a detailed review of 'Die My Love' starring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson. The conversation explores themes of postpartum depression, the chaotic nature of motherhood, and the film's surreal elements. The hosts analyze character dynamics, symbolism, and the emotional impact of the film, while also sharing their personal insights and recommendations for similar movies. The episode wraps up with a fun draft of actors and directors, highlighting the unique talents of the featured cast.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and What We've Seen This Week
06:16 Die, My Love Spoiler Free Review
16:36 Commodus Scale
20:56 Spoiler Review
31:14 The Role of the Dog and Baby
37:20 Double Feature Recommendations
41:17 Drafting Stock
48:24 Wrap Up
In this episode, the hosts discuss the film '1001 Frames,' exploring its heavy themes surrounding the audition process and the real-life implications for women in the industry. They analyze character dynamics, cinematic techniques, and the director's vision, while also reflecting on personal experiences and recommending related films.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests
02:31 What We've Seen This Week
04:05 1001 Frames Spoiler Free Review
11:26 Commodus Scale
12:12 Spoiler Review
32:49 Double Feature Recommendations
36:18 Drafting Stock
41:02 Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts
In this episode of Scene This, host Mike Ornelas interviews director Mehrnoush Alia about her debut feature film, 1001 Frames. The film, which premiered at AFI Fest, explores power dynamics in the audition process from a woman's perspective. Mehrnoush shares her inspiration, challenges faced during production in Iran, and the genre-blending nature of her film. The conversation delves into the psychological horror elements and the empowering message for women.
Chapters
00:00:00 Introduction to Mehrnoush Alia and 1001 Frames
00:03:00 Inspiration and Personal Experiences
00:09:00 Filming Challenges in Iran
00:15:00 Genre-Blending and Cinematography
00:21:00 Empowering Women Through Film
00:27:00 The Film's Ending and Recommendations
In this conversation, writer-director Afia Nathaniel discusses her short film 'Don't Be Late Myra,' which explores the heavy themes of harassment through the eyes of a young girl. Afia shares her experiences in the festival circuit, the casting process for the lead role, and the personal connection she has to the story. She emphasizes the importance of visual storytelling, sound design, and collaboration with her cinematographer to create a powerful narrative. The discussion also touches on the cathartic process of sharing her story and the impact it has on audiences.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Afia Nathaniel
01:56 Casting Myra: Finding the Right Actress
06:25 The Personal Connection: Afia's Story and Motivation
08:12 The Cathartic Process of Filmmaking
10:11 Symbolism in Visuals: Balloons and Innocence
11:36 Family Dynamics: Myra's Role in the Household
13:43 Collaboration with the DP: Capturing Tone and Emotion
16:20 Recommendations and Closing Thoughts
In this episode, the hosts celebrate their podcast's anniversary while diving into a discussion about Guillermo del Toro's adaptation of Frankenstein. They explore various films they've watched recently, share their thoughts on the performances, themes, and visual effects of Frankenstein, and engage in a spoiler-filled analysis of character dynamics and narrative structure. The conversation wraps up with recommendations for double features that complement the film
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:13 What We've Seen This Week
13:30 Frankenstein (Spoiler Free Review)
27:39 Spoiler Review
35:22 Commodus Scale
39:19 Double Feature Recommendations
45:10 Drafting Stock
50:09 Wrap Up
In this episode, Mike Ornelas, Erica McMullen, and Adrian Cedeno engage in a lively draft of movies from the year 2000. They discuss various categories including comedy, drama, horror, and best performance, while sharing insights and personal anecdotes about the films. The conversation highlights the cultural significance of the movies from this era, the impact of 9/11 on cinema, and the importance of representation in film. The hosts also reflect on their favorite performances and the evolution of comedy in the early 2000s, culminating in a fun and nostalgic exploration of a pivotal year in film history.
In this episode, Mike Ornelas and Adrian Cedeno dive into a variety of topics, starting with a recap of the World Series and their experiences as fans. They transition into film discussions, reviewing recent movies including 'The Secret Agent' and 'After the Hunt', while also reflecting on Adrian's experience at the AFI Film Fest. The duo shares their top 10 films from the festival, exploring themes of community, rebuilding, and the importance of representation in cinema. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to engage with the podcast and upcoming film discussions.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:05 What We've Seen
10:54 Discussion on After the Hunt
22:14 Adrian's AFI Film Fest Experience
26:35 Adrian's Top 10 Films at AFI Fest
56:16 Wrap Up
In this conversation, director Gabe Polsky discusses his documentary 'The Man Who Saves the World?', which explores the life of Patrick McCollum and his mission to unite indigenous tribes of the Americas. Gabe shares his personal spiritual journey, the challenges of filmmaking, and the complex themes of mental health, cultural narratives, and the white savior complex. The discussion emphasizes the importance of connection, exploration, and the impact of storytelling in understanding our world.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Documentary and Gabe Polsky
01:53 Gabe's Spiritual Journey and Beliefs
04:53 Meeting Patrick: The Ordinary and Extraordinary
06:23 The Role of the Filmmaker in the Prophecy
09:00 Exploring Mental Health and Cultural Narratives
10:52 The White Savior Complex: A Nuanced Discussion
14:26 Shaping Future Work: Spiritual Influence on Filmmaking
17:13 The Takeaway: What Should Viewers Learn?
20:54 Underseen Films: The Importance of Hidden Gems
The Man Who Saves The World? Website
In this special edition of Scene This, Mike sits down with acclaimed Inuk filmmaker Zacharias Kunuk for a deep dive into his new feature film Wrong Husband (Inuktitut title Uiksaringitara) which premiered at TIFF. Set in Igloolik circa 2000 BCE, the story follows two young lovers, Kaujak and Sapa, whose lives are torn apart by fate, tradition and the eerie presence of a shaman and troll-like creature.
In this episode of Scene This, Mike Ornelas and Erica McMullen revisit the beloved 1995 classic Casper — the friendly ghost who defined a generation. They dive into their nostalgic memories, unpack the film’s character dynamics, and even imagine what a modern sequel or recast might look like.
The duo also explore how the film holds up today, touching on cultural sensitivity, language, and direction, while sprinkling in plenty of trivia, fun facts, and a few double-feature recommendations for fellow '90s movie fans.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Context of Casper
03:42 Does This Still Slap?
06:54 Unnecessary Sequel
09:43 No Fly Zone
12:35 Twist Ending Ideas
13:34 Hot Takes
17:11 Best Prop/Clothing to Steal
18:24 Recasting
20:08 Double Feature Recommendations
24:59 Nitpicks
31:36 This Movie Needs a Latin
34:38 Most Underrated Character
36:08 Oh Shit Moment
36:59 Emotional Moments in Casper
38:37 Best Dressed
40:28 Directorial Vision for a New Casper
44:46 And The Oscar Goes To...
47:21 IMDb Trivia
56:06 Wrap Up
Join me for an in-depth conversation with filmmaker Ulises Porra, director of Bajo El Mismo Sol (Under the Same Sun), a powerful period drama set in the early 19th-century Caribbean. The film explores themes of colonialism, cultural hybridity, survival, and belonging, following the uneasy alliance of a Spanish heir, a Chinese weaver, and a Haitian deserter.
In this episode, the hosts celebrate the 25th anniversary of 'Scary Movie,' discussing its impact on the comedy genre, the legacy of its sequels, and the performances that launched the careers of Anna Faris and Regina Hall. They explore what has and hasn't aged well in the film, the clever twist ending, and share hot takes on its humor. The conversation also touches on recasting ideas, recommendations for similar films, and the Wayans family's significant contributions to comedy. Fun facts and trivia about the film's production and cultural impact are also shared, making for a comprehensive discussion on this iconic parody.
Chapters
00:00 Celebrating 25 Years of Scary Movie
03:57 Does This Still Slap?
06:25 Sequel Ideas
08:44 No Fly Zone
11:58 Twist Ending
15:18 Hot Takes
17:14 Best Prop/Clothing to Steal
18:00 Recasting
21:08 Double Feature Recommendations
23:32 Nitpicking the Comedy
24:53 This Movie Needs a Latino
27:30 Underrated Character
28:58 Oh Shit Moment
31:29 Emotional Gut Punch
32:35 Best Dressed Characters
33:27 New Director?
34:54 And The Oscar Goes To...
41:01 IMDb Trivia
45:40 Wrap up
In this episode, the hosts discuss their top 10 underrated and underappreciated horror films for the Halloween season. They explore a variety of genres, including psychological thrillers, comedic horror, and classic films, while sharing personal anecdotes and insights about each movie. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community in film appreciation and culminates in a collaborative effort to finalize a top 10 list that reflects diverse tastes and preferences.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction & What We've Seen This Week
06:35 Nominating Films For Our Top 10 List
36:58 Top 10 Shortlist
44:38 Top 10 List
49:02 Wrap Up
In this episode, the hosts discuss the 50th anniversary of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, sharing personal experiences and opinions about the film. They debate its cultural impact, representation, and whether it still holds up today. The conversation includes thoughts on potential sequels, what hasn't aged well, and the performances of the cast, particularly Tim Curry. The episode wraps up with recommendations for double features and final thoughts on the film's legacy. In this episode, the hosts delve into the cultural significance of 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show,' discussing its representation of sexuality, the impact of Tim Curry's performance, and the film's legacy as a cult classic. They explore underrated characters, shocking moments, and the fashion that defines the film, while also considering potential remakes and the directorial vision that could bring new life to the story. Trivia and behind-the-scenes insights provide a deeper understanding of the film's production and its lasting influence on pop culture.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Rocky Horror Picture Show
06:00 Does This Movie Still Slap?
13:16 Unnecessary Sequel
16:20 No Fly Zone
18:25 Twist Ending
20:16 Hot Takes
24:28 Best Props and Costumes to Steal
25:44 Recasting
27:24 Double Feature Recommendations
29:51 Nitpicks
34:02 This Movie Needs a Latin
35:13 Most Underrated Character
36:51 Oh Shit Moment
42:30 Emotional Gut Punch
42:57 Best Dressed
45:10 New Director Suggestions
47:24 And The Oscar Goes To...
50:43 IMDb Trivia
01:00:12 Wrap up
In this episode, the hosts discuss their recent movie experiences, focusing on the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and the film 'One Battle After Another' directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. They share their thoughts on various films, character performances, and the cinematic techniques used in the movies. The conversation delves into themes of revolution and resistance, highlighting the emotional weight of the characters and their journeys. The hosts also engage in a lively spoiler discussion, analyzing specific scenes and character motivations. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into the intricacies of character dynamics, the role of music in film pacing, and the emotional depth of performances in Paul Thomas Anderson's latest work. They explore themes of memory and identity, cultural commentary, and the significance of character development. The discussion also includes film pairings and a lively debate on drafting cast members, showcasing their passion for cinema and insightful analysis.
Chapters
00:00 Intro & What We've Seen This Week
08:09 One Battle After Another Spoiler Free Review
20:55 The Commodus Scale
21:27 Spoiler Review
43:13 Double Feature Recommendations
53:08 Drafting Stock: The Cast and Crew
01:04:17 Post Credit Behind-the-Scenes