In the fifth Harry Potter movie, Harry is placed into a teacher role, and Voldemort is on the rise. Jason, who refuses to see big-blockbuster movies, is pleasantly surprised. He actually likes this one. He hated the fourth movie, but thinks this might be the pinnacle of what Harry Potter movies have to offer.
Does this movie have bigger ideas than the other HP films? Is Professor Umbridge the worst villain in the franchise? Does it have the most real-world connections?
We discuss: The importance of asking "Why?" We go over the tools of critical thinking to defend our brains. We look at the dangers of bureaucracy, the power of fear, go over some of the differences from the book, and use the Mind-Body theory (posthuman) lens to analyze Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
It's a good time. Newfound appreciation for this movie. Also, there is a significant time when Ryan's baby is on his lap!
What do you think? Where does this movie fall in your HP rankings?
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In this episode about Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005), both Jason and Ryan recognize that this probably isn't the best of the Harry Potter movies. Aside from the logical flaws that Jason is obsessed with, the plot-heavy, character-light approach the film takes leaves us without a deepening attachment to most of the characters. Interestingly, it also leaves out a lot of the plot of the novel, which also weakens the film.
We discuss rule-bound ethics, rebellion against unjust or illogical laws, death studies, and the need for us to be aware of our strengths and weaknesses so we can be effective in life, and have the power to attack the injustice in the world.
What are your thoughts on this movie? share us your review or anything else at all at desertofthereelpod@gmail.com
In this episode about War for the Planet of the Apes (2017), Jason complains about the logical flaws in the sewer system. Ryan completely changes Jason's mind about the arc of Caesar and the main meaning of the film. We discuss the essential nature of both logos and pathos components in our quest to de-other, and we examine the ethics of the Colonel's choice to kill his son.
What are your thoughts on this movie? share us your review or anything else at all at desertofthereelpod@gmail.com
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) should swap names with Rise. But this is seriously one of the best sequels of all time. This movie is the follow-up to Caesar and all the escaped apes, 10 years after the events of the first film. The apes are met with humans, and both groups are just trying to survive and do what is best for their groups. The result? ETHICAL PROBLEMS!
Perfect for this podcast. Some of the questions we ask about this movie are: Is hate more powerful than love? What happens when hate enters a community of love? What happens when you do nothing? How do we avoid one person or one example to represent an entire group?
We explore some it the ideas of rewiring our brain to "de-other," inaction vs action, weaponizing love, rewiring our brains, and what makes someone truly human?
What are your thoughts on this movie? share us your review or anything else at all at desertofthereelpod@gmail.com
Jason's rebellion against the tyranny of Harry Potter has been successful! Welcome to the DOTR Planet of the Apes episodes. In this episode, we discuss possible reasons why this trilogy doesn't show up in the discussion of the best trilogies of all time.
Ryan introduces the critical animal studies lens and we explore how it help us more effectively interact with the concept of the Other.
Jason explores what various ethical schools of thought might say about animal testing. They also explore the idea of rage as a vehicle for change.
We hope you enjoy this episode and exploring the Planet of the Apes with us!
A very special thank you and shout-out to Toon My Heart Podcast for their lovely gift!
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban 2004) is the third Potter film where we find dementors, Sirius Black, and patronus spells! Is Jason says that this movie doesn't bring anything new from the previous Harry Potter films. Is he right?
Ryan jumps right in and talks about Alfonso Cuaron's directing style and use of cinematography. Jason has a list of pros and cons and discusses the themes of fear and its role in our lives.
We look at the lens of the Fantastic by Tzvetan Todorov and discuss what it is. We examine key motifs dealing with glass/mirrors and time/cycles. Jason has issues with "illogical" things the characters do, and we have a good time!
Is this the best Harry Potter movie?
What film is your favorite?
Next week, we are changing gears and watching Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011). Jason needed a break from the wizarding world.
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Sure love ya!
Back to Hogwarts, and this time into the Chamber of Secrets. For the second Harry Potter film, we are welcomed back with another mystery. However, Jason argues that this is just a retread of the first film, and Ryan argues that the lore and story is expanding and deepening. What do you think?
We go over pros and cons. According to Jason, some of this film's major flaws are several logical flaws (most of which surround the basilisk) and Ron's "whiny voice." But there is still a lot to love!
And we explore the deeper meanings and insights we had while watching. We explore the ideas behind the concept of our choices vs our abilities, structuralism and binary opposites, and use a post-humanist lens.
What are your thoughts on the second Harry Potter film?
What HP movie do you think is the worst one?
Email us your thoughts, reviews, and anything else at desertofthereelpod@gmail.com
Despite Jason not wanting to watch the Harry Potter movies because "they are all the same," he can't deny that there is something special about this movie.
Harry Potter is clearly a huge and successful franchise, and we attempt to understand why it is so.
We go over our positives and favorite lines, talk about negatives, and find a lot of deep ideas to talk about. We go over the themes of fate, love, character archetypes, personality types, and explore character motivation and what philosophies they align with from Machiavelli to Sartre.
Have you read Walden by Henry David Thoreau?
What are your thoughts on the Harry Potter franchise? Do you like this first film of the franchise?
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Thank you for listening to us for 100 episodes!
For our 100th episode special, we watch and analyze three episodes of the children's show Bluey: "Flat Pack," "Bin Night," and "Sleepytime."
We explore what these episodes (and the show as a whole) are doing in their short 7-minute segments. From encouraging imagination to teaching parents how the creators feel parents should be, Bluey definitely isn't a socially-neutral show. Is that bad? Is that good? Are there socially-neutral shows? Is it possible to think critically about children's television?
Come with us as we look for the answers to those questions.
Next week, Harry Potter!
E-mail us with comments and questions at desertofthereelpod@gmail.com.
Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)! We have one of our most heated debates about this movie. Ryan and Jason have not argued like this since the days of Tony Stark.
We spend a little bit of time talking about the technical aspects of this film, but we spend a very long time arguing back and forth if this is a good movie, or a remake and awful movie. Who do you agree with? Is this an example of a great film and an excellent sequel? Or is it a classic example of a sequel not doing anything new?
Jason (and special guest Martin) are under the impression that there is nothing deep or philosophical like the first one. But Ryan says that there are enough changes made and interesting depths explored that it IS a worthy successor for the first.
We look at this movie with a Media Ecology/Techno theory, Narrative Theory, whether there is enough character change and growth, and what the movie says (or doesn't say) about happiness.
Share us your thoughts about Avatar 2, because we'd love to hear your thoughts! desertofthereelpod@gmail.com
Up next, our 100th episode special, where we will take a fun look at Bluey, hurray!
And then we will step into Hogwarts with taking Jason on a magical trip with Harry Potter!
This week, DOTR gives you a film that both Ryan and Jason love: Avatar (2009). In addition to exploring the sheer technological ingenuity of this film, we take a look at the various film lenses this offers us, the history and background of the film itself, the several tropes that surface and how Avatar pushes against them, and various philosophical musings. In fact, Avatar is one of Jason's favorite philosophical playground films. We spend a good chunk of this episode exploring the careful way Cameron created the culture of the Na'vi.
What did you think of Avatar (2009)? Let us know!
Nefarious (2023) Dietz wanted us to explore the big philosophical ideas in this little-known movie. The summary is:
"On the day of his scheduled execution, a convicted serial killer tells a psychiatrist that he's a demon who can possess his body. As the evaluation ends, he also tells the doctor that he will soon commit three murders of his own."
There are a lot of big ideas found in this movie. We need to use our knowledge to help and uplift others, we are actively choosing to step away from enobeling things, we need to be critical what we put into ourselves, and using a theological lens to look at some of the aspects of this film.
What are your thoughts?
Favorite possession movie?
Is the world getting worse and worse?
Share us your thoughts, reviews, and ideas at desertofthereelpod@gmail.com!
In this episode, we explore our favorite moments and quotes from Dune 2, sprinkled with a few criticism from Jason (unsurprisingly). Ryan introduces the phenomenological lens, which allows us to think about how the situation in which we receive a movie shapes the movie itself. Mark brings in and we discuss the shaping power of the Messiah concept. We also spend a lot of time discussing how and why people participate (or don't participate) in religion, the importance of an anchor in navigating life and improving ourselves, and the importance of anchoring yourself to the best possible elements of life.
Apologies for the echo on Mark's mic. We (obviously) still haven't figured out how to effectively invite guests onto the podcast that aren't in the studio.
Jason said he would never watch the new Dune movies because he loves the book so much. He's read it many times and thinks it is one of the best novels ever written. However, when it came to watching Dune or Harry Potter, he decided it was finally time to check out Denis Villeneuve's 2021 film.
We spend a long time praising the many aspects we like from the sensory details, mise-en-scène, the score, and its subtle but effective storytelling.
Jason talks about the importance of rhetoric and how it can be used as a weapon. How"truth" can be created. Jason points out that part of the reason this story works is that it still allows Paul to make choices. Ryan uses the eco-critical lens to see how DUNE uses its story to help us think about our own planet and our relationship with nature.
Welcome to our discussion of what Jason claims is the most perfect zombie movie ever made: Train to Busan (2016). In this episode, we talk about zombies and zombie movies and explore just what makes this film so effective. For the first time (at least in a while), we focus mainly on the powerfully written and acted characters, rather than the plot. Jason also explains the Constant Escalation of Horror and its cultural reflections.
Ryan noticed the central role mothers play in the film, and Jason and Ryan spend much of this episode exploring the various aspects and powers of motherhood.
Do you agree that this is the best zombie film? One of the best horror films? One of the best films?
Next week, Dune (2016), which Jason swore he would never watch because Hollywood never treats novels he loves with respect. We'll see if his prejudice holds up in the onslaught of the Harkonen.
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And remember, ghost sharks are good.
This movie might have broken Jason's brain (or at the very least his patience). He begs not to be forced to watch any movies as bad as this again.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017) is the last Pirates movie made. Do you agree that it is the worst one? Or at least, definitely in the running as the worst? We have two new young actors taking the stage and Jack doesn't feel like Jack at all.
Jason and Ryan have a list of cons and very few pros for this film. Ryan offers some rewrites that might have greatly improved the script, but it isn't the best outing for our Pirate friends.
Jason brings up Darwinian Ethics and the confounding aspect of Salazar being a "bad guy" in a world where pirates still murder and plunder. Is this a message, or conditioning from studios? Ryan also explores "Franchise Theory" and how Disney has run this franchise, which has ruined this film.
What are your thoughts?
Next week, Train to Busan (2016).
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And remember, ghost sharks are good.
Join us as we review and discuss Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides)! In this episode, we finally see the bitter side of Ryan, as he rips into the film. We discuss how, with minor changes to script and casting, this could have been a really good movie. Ryan introduces a new film studies lens called Star Theory, and Jason offers a new philosophical concept regarding free will and happiness.
This film isn't better than an other film, but it does lead to some fun discussion. Let us know what you think at: desertofthereelpod@gmail.com.
Buried (2010) stars Ryan Reynolds, buried in a box! We are making a shift from big blockbuster movies to one of the smallest and confined movies. Jason says this is one of only TWO good Ryan Reynolds performances. We are both fans of this chamber piece film!
We talk about how it is a commentary on war in the Middle East, a criticism of bureaucracy, how we need to serve everyone around us, even more critical criticism of bureaucracy, and how social media makes us all feel like we are trapped in a box.
Jason also proposes a new film genre, "horrifying." A way to describe films that are not quite horror, but fill you with dread the whole time.
Email us your thoughts, reviews, recommendations, and anything else at desertofthereelpod@gmail.com
Join us as we review and discuss Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007)! In this episode, most excitingly, Jason admits he was wrong in his prejudice against all sequels, and gushes like a little kid about the emotional power of this film. Ryan introduces a new lens for looking at film, the cognitive lens. Both Ryan and Jason share personal experiences about making it through very difficult times.
Is this film better than The Curse of the Black Pearl? Let us know what you think at: desertofthereelpod@gmail.com.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006) is directed by Gore Verbinski and is the sequel to Disney's surprise megahit from a few years earlier. Jason believes it is the same story as the first; Will and Elizabeth are separated from one another to achieve their goals, and Jack is along to add a mix of unpredictability. Is Jason right?
There are a lot of pros to praise this movie for, from the visual effects to the musical score. But are there significant cons that creep into this sequel?
Do you think that the huge visuals and set pieces make it worthy of looking past some of its flaws?
We also look at the brief history of the real India East Trading Company, explore how this movie is teaching us to find our power wherever we may be, and we look at using the lens of conceptism (or conceptismo) to apply to this movie.
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Love you!
Think critically!
Send us your thoughts and reviews at desertofthereelpod@gmail.com