The Incredible Hulk - A Strange Anomaly in the Marvel Cinematic Universe

MOVIE DISCUSSION:

@terrorificlady

Brandy, the Terrorific Lady herself, joins Melvin to discuss one of John Carpenter's more offbeat entries into the world of cinema, Prince of Darkness! From the combination of religion and science, to discussions on cosmic, otherworldly fears, and even fun comparisons to the other two films in Carpenter's soft "Apocalypse Trilogy", Brandy and Melvin discuss all sorts of topics within this fun, brisk episode!

Topics:

•  (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 33-minutes of Horror Movie Trivia with Brandy, the Terrorific Lady! Brandy answers a wide-range of horror film trivia while also using the questions as prompts for discussion! Tune in, you might learn something new! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Brandy talks about "Retro Horror School", a discussion series on horror flicks from the 1970s through the 2010s.
• Melvin wasn't a fan of Prince of Darkness the first time he watched it. This time around? Things were much different, and he's excited to share his newfound thoughts.
• In terms of John Carpenter's filmography... is Prince of Darkness confusing?
• A lot of John Carpenter's films leading to this point include a lot of graphic, visceral violence. Prince of Darkness not so much.
• Ranking the soft-titled John Carpenter "Apocalypse Trilogy".
• Interpretations on the ending, and how the tv-edit drastically changes the plot.
• Prince of Darkness creates an "archeological horror" story built around science and religion, not science vs. religion, which makes it unique.
• "Apocalypse Trilogy" endings: which would you prefer to live in?

Recommendation:

• Fan of horror? Build up that physical media collection! Shop ebay.com, visit thrift stores, and flea markets!
• The Strangeness (1985) (Movie)

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PATREON PARTY PLEASER:

This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard!  

Shirleon and Melvin travel back a whopping thirty years to summarize The Mighty Ducks, the early 90's hockey trilogy-starter! What a throwback! From simple-yet-compelling characters to an outright scumbag of a villain, The Mighty Ducks sure offered a lot to discuss! Tune in now! Quack Quack!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 31-minutes discussing the dynamics of nostalgia. We discuss its dictionary definition, how content like Urban Exploration is cultivated around nostalgia, and how nostalgia isn't always a yearning for things in our own childhood. We also discuss some Bible verses that speak into the dangers of over-indulging nostalgia rather than mere acceptance of its experience. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Shirleon reveals a groundbreaking insight into the hit 1992 hockey movie The Mighty Ducks... does Gordon Bombay have a house?
• The start of the movie has a weird, sped-up, slapstick heavy sequence that seems out of place. Shirleon proposes a clever re-write.
• Melvin wonders if most sports movie villains were based around infamous high-school basketball coach Bobby Knight.
• There's a subtle thread throughout the film that Gordon, after the loss of his father, is still struggling to grow without a father figure, and for the film's sake is in between two options: Coach Reilly or Hans.
• Talking about how 90s and early 2000s fashion is so in right now.
• That odd moment where Charlie asks Gordon to pursue his mother.
• The entirety of the third act, most notably the film's climax, is a great, simple, and accessible depiction of recovering from past trauma. It's clever!

Recommendations:

• Expedition Roasters (Coffee Beans)
• The Way of the Househusband (2021) (Anime)
• The Way Back (2020) (Movie)

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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

@TylerBanarkReviewsMovies

Tyler Banark from @TylerBanarkReviewsMovies joins Melvin to discuss one of his favorite films of 2022, The Menu! Combining culinary arts with cultish antics, this horrific thriller showcases excellent performances, delicious food, and class-warfare all in a tight 107-minutes! And there's a whole lot more where that came from! Tune in now!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 32-minutes recapping David Zaslav's two years as Warner Bros. Discovery's CEO, his bizarre cancelations and removals of streaming exclusives and originals, the current state of Coyote vs. Acme, and discussing how we feel about that as movie fans. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Tyler Banark shares about The League of Cinephiles, going to TIFF, and his favorite movies (right now).
• Initial impressions on The Menu, and fun trivia regarding a TIFF screening and food truck.
• The Menu was one of Tyler's top 5 movies of 2022. He shares the other top 4, and talks about how some movies succeed merely by connecting with its audience.
• Thinking through the hierarchal structure of service work, and the intoxication of chasing perfection.
• Yes, it's bold as day: "The Menu" as a phrase or "thing" is very much a metaphor for life.
• How The Menu portrays the "never meet your heroes" idea.
• How each course lends itself to metaphorical interpretation.
• Interpretations of the ending, and what makes it poignant, and what makes it a little silly.

Recommendations:

• Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974) (Movie)
• Little Manhattan (2005) (Movie)
• Your Name. (2016) (Movie)
• High and Low (1963) (Movie)
• Wings (1927) (Movie)
• Incantation (2022) (Movie)

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PARTY PLEASER:

Shirleon joins Melvin in summarizing Chris Columbus' return to the YA genre, Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief! From an ill-defined protagonist to it's swiftly resolved mile-a-minute narrative hurdles, this late-stage entry into the world of YA-movie adaptions tries its darndest to make it out alive. Will Shirleon and Melvin find something to appreciate in the end? Tune in to find out!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 31-minutes discussing a new frustrating trend in publish: "Fast Fashion" Books. These books are written poorly, unedited, printed, and sold on book shelves everywhere, and Shirleon has a thing or two to say about them! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Do Shirleon and Melvin like Greek Mythology? What do they know about the Pantheon?
• Whenever a problem arises in the film it is solved almost instantaneously.
• Comparisons to Harry Potter are necessary when discussing the YA genre. It has to happen. So it does.
• As each mythological creature is unveiled, Melvin has difficulty figuring out the reason why these creatures and demi-gods have to be hidden in the first place.
• Melvin believes that ten years after Chris Columbus successfully jumpstarted the Harry Potter film series, 20th Century Fox wanted him to do it again with Percy Jackson. He remarks on the difficulty to catch lightning in a bottle twice and ponders some current industry woes that seem similar to this issue.
• The language-laden post-chorus of Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" is prominently heard during a casino montage and Melvin is positive it is not the censored version.
• The lack of caution present in Percy, Grover, and Anna Beth really frustrated Shirleon.
• Even the movie is ready to be over by the time the last half hour hits.

Recommendations:

• Cuckool Microwavable Heating Pad
• The Unknown (1927) (Movie)

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MOVIE DISCUSSION:

Kathryn joins Melvin in discussing one of Wes Anderson's most celebrated films, The Royal Tenenbaums. The two enjoy discussing it's silly-yet-serious family drama, the effects of negligent parenting, and the absurdity of that scene involving a pop-song and a bathroom mirror. But most of all, the two enjoy discussing the idea that it's never too late to do the right thing.

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 20-minutes discussing Asteroid City, Wes Anderson's latest film. Melvin asks Kathryn about Wes Anderson's ever-meticulous and quirky style, whether he's getting better with each movie or too hands-on, how the actors feel about playing such understated characters, and so much more. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• In their married couple, Kathryn is the spouse that watches Wes Anderson flicks. So, Melvin asks Kathryn about Anderson's portrait-like style, dead-pan humor, and favorite tropes.
• Melvin, "Everything's extravagant, but the family problems are 100% relatable."
• Watching Royal's maturation throughout the film is truly satisfying, and it's a delight to see him go from selfish leech to curiously caring father/grandfather.
• Discussing a few characters from the film, their dynamics, and what makes them different.
• As Henry Sherman shows kindness and respect to each of the Tenenbaums, each character has a moment of reflection wherein they see something better than they had as children.
• Eli Cash: To Be Pitied.
• Because Margot Tenenbaum has constantly been introduced as "adopted", it's no wonder she spent her life carelessly searching for where she belongs.
• Chas spends his time chasing safety and security likely in response to the lack of safety and security he felt with Royal while growing up.
• Discussing that scene with Richie.
• The symbolism of Richie's bird and learning to safely coexist.

Recommendations:

• Purchase an External 4K Blu-ray Player for your PC so you can watch region-free films via VLC player, digitally store materials, and so much more!
• Pursue self-care with good, old hobbies and other simple enjoyments.

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PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION:

This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard!

Shirleon joins Melvin in discussing this month's Patron-Pick, On Golden Pond! This Oscar-winning feature stars Katherine Hepburn, Henry Fonda, and Jane Fonda in a complex-yet-comedic tale of old-age, generational trauma, and the endurance of love. Tune in to hear the two discuss all manner of topics from this deceptively deep story!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 28-minutes discussing the importance, or lack thereof, of award shows, both with film and literature, and how it's all a glorified expression of curation. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• On Golden Pond is very much about the inevitability of change alongside the hardship of relational stagnation. It's a simple story with rich, complex dynamics.
• Norman is undoubtedly a curmudgeon, but he's also a ventilator; someone who releases tension through biting comments.
• Ethel stands as a titan of female strength against a cavalcade of frustrated and emotional characters.
• On Golden Pond explores the dichotomy between fear and love, and how the two struggle to endure with one another.
• Norman's character showcases a comforting depiction of the difficulty in self-identification. Even at 80 years old he is still struggling to find out who he is, and it's through the kindness of those around him that he is able to persevere in this identity crisis. Both Melvin and Shirleon find this comforting as individuals who struggle with their identity.
• Discussing various iconography throughout the film, including the loons and the deadfall.
• Melvin appreciates that the leads of On Golden Pond are older folk, finding that they're more relatable and more interesting than if they were just a buncha youngin's.

Recommendations:

• God of War (PS4) (Video Game)
• Was it Good? - God of War (2005) (Josh Strife Plays) (YouTube Video)
• Possum (2018) (Movie)

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks!

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PATREON PARTY PLEASER:

This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard!

Shirleon joins Melvin in summarizing one of the single most hated western adaptions of an anime to date: Death Note from Adam Wingard! From sporadic over-the-top violence to an extremely emotional protagonist, Death Note was a Hollywood picture a long-time coming, and while it's soured as a classic example of Netflix' early foibles, we're ready to find out what it is that really separates Death Note from it's anime counterpart.

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 33-minutes of Melvin asking Shirleon what 15-different fictional and non-fictional characters would do if they received the death note, from Dr. Who to John Snow, and how they would be stopped from killing more people. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• A Hollywood adaption of the Death Note story has been shopped around for nearly a decade by the time Netflix got its hands on the project.
• It doesn't take long before Shirleon and Melvin start to notice a series of issues with Death Note (2017).
• Discussing the characteristic disparity between Light Turner and Light Yagami.
• As The Ring is to Ringu, so to is Death Note (2017) to Death Note (2006). Everything is overly Americanized, including the tone.
• The very second L is introduced is when the movie begins to go completely downhill. It gets embarrassing.
• Discussing how the third act makes literally no sense if you spend even a second thinking about it.

Recommendations:

• reMarkable: The Paper Tablet (Technology)
• A Bundle Full of Cats (Video Game Collection)
• Subnautica (2018) (Video Game)

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks!

• Early access to uncut episodes
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MOVIE DISCUSSION:

Kathryn joins Melvin in discussing an early English adaption of George Orwell's ground-breaking, genre-defining, and highly-influential novel Nineteen Eighty-Four. In this semi-live BBC rendition, one whose controversy is as historic as it is ironic, Kathryn and Melvin discuss not only the impact of this adaption but also the debilitating hopelessness and powerful insight that only Nineteen Eighty-Four can offer.

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 16-minutes of Kathryn playing "Would You Rather" except, in the theme of 1984, whatever option Kathryn chooses for herself means the opposite happens to Melvin! Hilarity ensures! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• This version of Nineteen Eighty-Four is a combination of pre-recorded and live-stage performances streamed to its original audience, and thus includes some interesting quirks that Melvin finds endearing and fascinating.
• Kathryn begins by explaining the complicated history behind this particular adaption of Nineteen Eighty-Four, including the controversy surrounding its initial screening.
• For insight (and giggles!), Kathryn reads a collection of quotes from reviews criticizing the content and tone of this adaption of Nineteen Eighty-Four upon its release.
• Melvin briefly compares this adaption of Nineteen Eighty-Four with the later released Michael Radford version, stating his preferences, and what works so well in this adaption.
• People were so disgusted with the tone and content of Nineteen Eighty-Four that cast and crew members had even received bomb threats.
• Pondering the myth of the Mickey Snow-Globe. Or, as it's known; Snow-Globe Gate.
• Discussing the iconography of the Snow-Globe.
• Discussing the monologue on language destruction and thought control delivered by Syme in the film (which is an extra fictional essay in the book).
• Discussing the oppression of power and Big Brother.

Recommendations:

• Slapstick, or Lonesome No More! by Kurt Vonnegut (1999) (Book)
• Papers, Please (2013) (Video Game)

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MOVIE DISCUSSION:

Melvin's wife Kathryn joins him for an episode discussing Eraserhead, David Lynch's off-beat absurdist film featuring cinema's favorite lil' baby! From encroaching industrialization to a wealth of understated humor, Eraserhead includes an extreme degree of themes and metaphors, and the two  explore it all in this engaging and educational episode!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 28-minutes of Kathryn quizzing her husband Melvin on early childhood development and safety! Their findings will decide the fate of their future child! Hooray! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Eraserhead isn't really about the plot (although it does have a plot!). It's much more a movie about the vibe.
• Eraserhead is likely not only very easy to understand but incredibly related to people who already feel weird, awkward, or ostracized from whatever is considered "normal" in a social environment.
• Discussing the "Woman in the Radiator".
• There's a very clear sexual theme playing throughout Eraserhead but the film itself is by no means sexual, nor is it inherently about sexuality.
• Kathryn, "Say what you will about, like, the weird imagery, but [Eraserhead] is not a movie that divorces sex from life."
• Describing and interpreting the Eraserhead Baby.
• Wondering if the world of the film is literal, metaphorical, but also realizing that ultimately it doesn't matter.
• Discussing the climax and the eraser factory.

Recommendations:

• Cade: The Tortured Crossing (2023) (Movie)
• Iron Lung (2022) (Video Game)

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PARTY PLEASER:

thereformedgamers.com

Logan Sharp of The Reformed Gamers Podcast joins Melvin in summarizing the biggest horror hit of the year, Five Nights at Freddy's! Despite failing to reach critics, Five Nights at Freddy's has decimated various box-office records, and the two talk about the video game franchise, it's oddly melancholic tone, and the extreme charisma of the Core Four themselves.

Topics:

• (FREE PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 38-minutes talking to Logan Sharp from The Reformed Gamers about their podcast, their YouTube, and playing 5 rounds of "2 Truths, 1 Lie: The Christian Video Game Edition" where-in Melvin names and describes three games to see if Logan can spot the lie! And yes, you'll wish some of these games were fake! (FREE PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Logan gives us an update on The Reformed Gamers and how things have changed since he was last on!
• Melvin & Logan get into their history with the FNAF games and what it is about them that makes them so gripping.
• Melvin points out the use of an often-annoying and routinely distracting sound effect used during the beginning of the movie... because that's the sort of thing he does.
• Mike as a depression-coded character is far more expressive in his dream-state than his awake-state, further asserting his unwieldy and unrealistic determination to find his brother.
• For a series of games built around the unique stress of resource management, it's surprising that the movie seldom uses dramatic irony to increase tension almost ever.
• Discussing the bite of 2000.
• The FNAF games share lore through dream-like cutscenes. It only made sense that dreams would be utilized as a story mechanic in the film.
• Fort-building: Slay or Nay?
• Oddly enough, the dialogue in the third-act is noticeably worse than previous scenes. It's... weird.

Recommendations:

• The Reformed Gamers (Podcast)
• RoboCop (1987) (Movie)
• Devour (2021) (Video Game)

--> Popcorn Theology's "Five Nights at Freddy's" Episode (w/ Melvin!) <--

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