Verbal Diorama

Voilà! In view, a humble vaudevillian veteran, cast vicariously as both victim and villain by the vicissitudes of Fate. This visage, no mere veneer of vanity, is a vestige of the vox populi, now vacant, vanished. However, this valorous visitation of a bygone vexation stands vivified, and has vowed to vanquish these venal and virulent vermin vanguarding vice and vouchsafing the violently vicious and voracious violation of volition! The only verdict is vengeance; a vendetta held as a votive, not in vain, for the value and veracity of such shall one day vindicate the vigilant and the virtuous. Verily, this vichyssoise of verbiage veers most verbose, so let me simply add that it's my very good honour to cover V for Vendetta, and you may call me Verbal Diorama.I would love to hear your thoughts on V for Vendetta!GET IN TOUCH....Twitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaEmail verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comWebsite verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Leave a 5-star rating/review: Apple Podcasts or Podchaser Join the Patreon: patreon.com/verbaldioramaThank you to all the patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Jason, Kristin, Cat, Andy, Mike, Griff and brand new patron Luke!NEW! Buy Merch! https://teespring.com/stores/verbaldioramaTees, mugs, hoodies and totes are available!EPISODE THANKS TO....Twitter peeps@derekjones198@capunderstands@Oral_mfc@Wizard_Matt@Cut_totha_Chase@simon_exton@VixenVVitch@ThePeterBriggs@geeksaladradio@SeanGeekPodcastInstagram folkNone this timeFacebook chumsNone this timeTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

SURPRISE!!I kept this off the schedule just in case I couldn't quite pull it off, but having recently rewatched it, I decided to do a bonus episode on Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight just for Halloween, which deserves WAY more recognition than it gets.From a great well-known cast of faces, such as William Sadler, Jada Pinkett, Billy Zane, Dick Miller and Thomas Haden Church to some genuinely spooky great practical effects and world building, Demon Knight really delivers in a way most low-budget horror movies don't. Not to mention it's probably the only horror movie where a black woman is the final girl and she saves the world! I never thought I'd say that Billy Zane was the best part of anything.... he chews the scenery like never before or again as The Collector. Maybe he's entranced me into doing this episode? Maybe I'm possessed? What is this green goo?! Happy Halloween!  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Listen, for all the online discourse in 2016, Ghostbusters (2016) is in no way as bad as it's been made out to be. Is it perfect? No. Is it the superior Ghostbusters? No. Is it the Anti-Christ of the Ghostbusters universe? No. Do I find it hilariously funny and love these women? YES! Is Chris Hemsworth the most gifted human being in the world other than Keanu Reeves? Probably! Joining me with his own proton pack of appreciation for Ghostbusters, is Simon Brew. Editor of Film Stories magazine/website and host of Film Stories podcast. Together we're taking on the ghosts of reboots, and taking aim at the misogynists and hate-spewers of the world. Just because Ghostbusters 2016 exists, and it exists for a reason mind you, it doesn't erase or belittle Ghostbusters or Ghostbusters II. There's enough room for all these incredibly talented and funny actors to bust ghosts in Hollywood.Ghostbusters III had been in the pipeline for years and years, until a reboot of the story was optioned instead and announced to be a female team. The trailer, released online in early 2016, quickly generated a slurry of hateful, misogynistic and racist remarks and even death threats to its director. Death threats! For a movie! You can't make this up.... While I'll admit it's not my favourite Ghostbusters movie, Ghostbusters 2016 has a special place in my heart and it does some brilliantly innovative things with its visuals and 3D. I'm sad we won't get to see these characters again. Especially Holtzmann, she's AWESOME! Thank you to the wonderful Simon Brew for being brilliant and occasionally hilarious. You can find his work at https://www.filmstories.co.uk/ or on Twitter @filmstoriespod and listen to the Film Stories podcast if you like what I do, but you want someone who's much much better at it (despite his insistence to the contrary).Charge the lines, create the vortex, break the barriers.....I would love to hear your thoughts on Ghostbusters (2016)!GET IN TOUCH....Twitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaEmail verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comWebsite verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Leave a 5-star rating/review: Apple Podcasts or Podchaser Join the Patreon: patreon.com/verbaldioramaThank you to all the patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Jason, Kristin, Cat, Andy, Mike and Griff!NEW! Buy Merch! https://teespring.com/stores/verbaldioramaTees, mugs, hoodies and totes are available!Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Before we start, a trigger warning.Scream is unfortunately inspired by some gruesome, horrific true crime events which are mentioned briefly in this episode. Although I don't go into details, I do mention violence and sexual assault, so if you'd rather not hear this part of the story, please skip the following times 15:54-17:53. I do mention a warning before it starts too. The section lasts just under two minutes.Full disclosure - I had not seen Scream until watching it for this episode. I had seen clips, such as Drew Barrymore's phone call scene, but nothing else. It's safe to say that clip stuck with me, and ever since I was frightened to watch it. But watch it I have! Hear what I think of it in the episode! Viewers' love of watching people being (fictionally) killed is certainly not limited to 20th/21st century horror movies, but undoubtedly Scream's biggest claim to fame is the fact it's credited with reviving the dead (excuse the pun!) slasher genre. There was another that came before it though, something that also tried to be bold and blur the lines between tired horror clichés and tropes. Another Wes Craven movie....As pretty much a total non-horror fan, researching this episode has opened up a fascinating world of horror fact and fiction, and might have actually made me want to watch some other horror classics (but it might take me a while - Scream did scare me!)From Scream's true crime roots, to its well-known cast and ability to mix horror and comedy, it remains a firm horror fan favourite. I can see why. The opening scene is, probably, one of the most iconic of modern cinema, with maybe one exception.... I would love to hear your thoughts on Scream!GET IN TOUCH....Twitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaEmail verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comWebsite verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Leave a 5-star rating/review: Apple Podcasts or Podchaser Join the Patreon: patreon.com/verbaldioramaThank you to all the patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Jason, Kristin, Cat, Andy, Mike and Griff!NEW! Buy Merch! https://teespring.com/stores/verbaldioramaTees, mugs, hoodies and totes are available!EPISODE THANKS TO....Twitter peeps@AtTheFlicksPod@PulpCereal@90sCourt@BLCAgnew@afcfilmgeek@filmbustersben@Oral_mfc@MovieReviewsIn@geeksaladradio@need_3_mugs@TSPOE_podsInstagram folk@blackcasediariespodcastFacebook chumsClaudiaTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

I thought we'd play a game....It's been 9 months since I last featured a Laika movie, and I've waited a long time on purpose to bring Coraline to the podcast. Because Coraline is scary. It's a genuine horror movie that just happens to be animated. And like most horror, it's the real life elements that Coraline speaks about; family, trust, attempted kidnap and deceptive adults that are the real horror elements at play. We all wish for another version of our lives, but is the grass always greener on the other side?Based on the excellent Neil Gaiman novella, and expertly directed by Henry Selick, of The Nightmare Before Christmas and James and the Giant Peach fame, Coraline is a masterpiece of stop motion, an expertly devised web of horror and this was only Laika's first attempt to make their own animated features. With sprinkles of The Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland, as well as one of very few films to really make excellent use of 3D, keep your eye on Coraline.... Laika's achievement is, as always, simply astonishing.Now you're going to stay here forever. I would love to hear your thoughts on Coraline!GET IN TOUCH....Twitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaEmail verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comWebsite verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Leave a 5-star rating/review: Apple Podcasts or Podchaser Join the Patreon: patreon.com/verbaldioramaThank you to all the patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Jason, Kristin, Cat, Andy, Mike and Griff!NEW! Buy Merch! https://teespring.com/stores/verbaldioramaTees, mugs, hoodies and totes are available!EPISODE THANKS TO....Robin of Black Case Diaries for allowing me to share her theories on Coraline and parenting (Black Case Diaries can be found on Twitter @blackcasediary and Instagram @blackcasediariespodcast - go check out their The Nightmare Before Christmas episode!)Twitter peeps@geeksaladradio@WomansOne@SYIMS_Podcast@coolnesspodryan@holmesmoviespod@BLCAgnew@russlovesmovies@SoWizardPodcast@CalumTheFilmGuy@KirstieBennett8@EssayHollywoodInstagram folk@fwm_pod@bookofliespodcastFacebook chumsNone this time!Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Scooby-dooby-doo! Where are you? We've got some work to do now!I'm joined by my furry sidekick Jess (she's not happy we're discussing a movie about a dog!) to talk all about the 2002 live-action adaptation of Scooby-Doo (and a little about its sequel Monsters Unleashed).We all grew up with some iteration of Scooby-Doo, and it's that nostalgia that fuels this movie, along with some great performances from its young core cast, including real-life couple Freddie Prinze Jr and Buffy herself, Sarah Michelle Gellar as Fred and Daphne, alongside a scene-stealing Matthew Lillard as Shaggy and pitch perfect Linda Cardellini and Scooby-Doo, as himself.Originally conceived as a slightly more risqué movie, with more sexual references, drugs and bad language, it was seriously watered down to appeal to the family friendly audience, but titbits of that previous R-rated cut remain.Scooby-Doo was never going to win Academy Awards, but it's super fun, super self-aware and so very very super 2000s and I'm here for it for all those reasons and more. Here's the original animated intro to this movie, which is brilliant - https://youtu.be/QepaSw6w5bs Hang on, that's not Jess.... it's..... Lady Katrina Pussenkatz, host of Verbal Diorama's rival podcast! And she would have got away with it too, if it weren't for you meddling listeners!I would love to hear your thoughts on Scooby-Doo!GET IN TOUCH....Twitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaEmail verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comWebsite verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Leave a 5-star rating/review: Apple Podcasts or Podchaser Join the Patreon: patreon.com/verbaldioramaThank you to all the patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Jason, Kristin, Cat, Andy, Mike and Griff!NEW! Buy Merch! https://teespring.com/stores/verbaldioramaTees, mugs, hoodies and totes are available!EPISODE THANKS TO....Twitter peeps@need_3_mugs@gundam_guyver@TheMidnightMyth@chriswelford6@Oral_mfc@slakmac@youre_on_claud9Instagram folk@fwm_pod@vegimorph@whythisfilmpodcastMy sisterFacebook chumsNone this time!Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

There are many astonishing things about The Rocketeer.... Its origins in pulp serialsits authentic comic book styleits unknown leading manits innocence and timelessnessits beautiful score by James Hornerits stunning art deco posterBut the most amazing, brilliant, incredible thing about The Rocketeer, is how much people love it. Despite its lacklustre box office, and the fact that Disney have never seemed to care much about it, people who watch The Rocketeer LOVE The Rocketeer.Maybe because of its charm and innocence? Maybe because you can get lost in this anachronistic retro-yet-modern 1930s period Los Angeles?Or maybe that its because it depicts a nice, kind every-man hero who finds a jet-pack and realises he can use it to fly? And he then uses that power to fight Nazis? Maybe it really is just that simple? The Rocketeer might be a simple story, well executed, but it's one of Disney's truly underrated gems. We need less people saying "The Rocka-who?" and more people discovering the joy of Dave Stevens' iconic superhero.I would love to hear your thoughts on The Rocketeer!GET IN TOUCH....Twitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaEmail verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comWebsite verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Leave a 5-star rating/review: Apple Podcasts or Podchaser Join the Patreon: patreon.com/verbaldioramaThank you to all the patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Jason, Kristin, Cat, Andy, Mike and Griff!NEW! Buy Merch! https://teespring.com/stores/verbaldioramaTees, mugs, hoodies and totes are available, and for the month of September 2020 only, get 15% off all items with promo code VD15OFFEPISODE THANKS TO....Twitter peeps@geeksaladradio@FFTLpodcast@30Podcast@MSMRpod@PulpCereal@Stuntgoat75@BLCAgnew@gundam_guyver@OGFlaya@Oral_mfc@Remedi_RPM@CookinWithGrief@Erikakamoviefan@definingdisney@KrutchesMcGee@Bennythefish75@AaronishJackson@Rachelherrera11@BingeMovies@chancewhitmore5@AttheflicksPod@movieshelfpod@matsmoviereviewInstagram folk@fwm_pod@tfgifpodcastFacebook chumsNone this time!Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

This is it. The Princess Bride. As You Wish. Death cannot stop my true love for this movie. All it can do is delay it for 59 episodes.Verbal Diorama, inconceivably, goes downhill from here because there is no movie as perfect as one about fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love AND miracles...There's a shortage of perfect movies in the world. It would be a pity not to cover this one.From William Goldman's perfect novel, to the many attempts to get it made, to Rob Reiner's insistence it was the perfect movie for him, it truly is a tale of overcoming adversity, believing in yourself, fighting for want you want and, unironically, twue wuv!Because everyone involved loves this movie, and pretty much everyone who watches it loves it too. True love is real, and it's all for The Princess Bride. Life is pain (highness) right now in the world, but there's no to blave going on here, this movie will make you feel better. Have fun storming the castle!Don't rush me, sonny. You rush a podcaster, you get rotten podcasts! Maybe I could come over and read it again to you tomorrow.....Jill Bearup's YouTube video on the sword fight of Westley and Inigo from a stage combat point of view can be found hereI would love to hear your thoughts on The Princess Bride!GET IN TOUCH....Twitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaEmail verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comWebsite verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Leave a 5-star rating/review: Apple Podcasts or Podchaser Join the Patreon: patreon.com/verbaldioramaThank you to all the patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Jason, Kristin, Cat, Andy, Mike and Griff!NEW! Buy Merch! https://teespring.com/stores/verbaldioramaTees, mugs, hoodies and totes are available, and for the month of September 2020 only, get 15% off all items with promo code VD15OFFEPISODE THANKS TO....Twitter peeps@geeksaladradio@90smoviespod@MoviesWork@TimeShiftersPod@OSWpodcast1@BLCAgnew@pleasewatchpod@pretendium@Emily_IDYP@Oral_mfc@bubandgobbzshow@TroytlePower@Geesebumps_Pod@ThePeterBriggs@AttheflicksPod@derekjones198@matsmoviereview@EpicFilmGuysInstagram folk@mimimellon@moviesatthematt@tpfospodFacebook chumsErikTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

In a change to the scheduled programming, Death Becomes Her moves up the schedule slightly and marks the first appearances on the podcast for global Hollywood icons Meryl Streep and Goldie Hawn.Yes, Bruce Willis is also in this movie, and he's quite good, but the appeal for Death Becomes Her has always, for me, been Streep and Hawn, who wanted a star vehicle for them both and when Thelma and Louise fell through, in swooped Robert Zemeckis, a man who needs little introduction.Death Becomes Her is an effects-driven, yet cautionary tale on society's obsession with youth and beauty, the pitfalls (or should that be stairfalls?) of female rivalry, as well as highlighting what really is important in life. It comments on Hollywood's obsession with female starlets seemingly never ageing and the pressures women are under to be constantly beautiful, thin and desirable. It's also wickedly funny and bitingly satirical. Critics at the time, however, did not agree. Style over substance was essentially many a critics' thought.Meryl Streep would rule out ever returning to effects-driven movies, but the legacy of Death Becomes Her lives on in other ways....I would love to hear your thoughts on Death Becomes Her!GET IN TOUCH....Twitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaEmail verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comWebsite verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Leave a 5-star rating/review: Apple Podcasts or Podchaser Join the Patreon: patreon.com/verbaldioramaThank you to all the patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Jason, Kristin, Cat, Andy, Mike and Griff!NEW! Buy Merch! https://teespring.com/verbaldioramaTees, mugs, hoodies and totes are available, and for the month of September 2020 only, get 15% off all items with promo code VD15OFFEPISODE THANKS TO....Twitter peeps@NFTDT@PodcastRiddle@LaunchingTPilot@whythisfilmpod@Oral_mfc@geeksaladradioInstagram folk@tfgifpodcastFacebook chumsNatalieTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

I hate the way you talk to me, and the way you cut your hair.I hate the way you drive my car, I hate it when you stare.I hate your big dumb combat boots and the way you read my mind;I hate you so much it makes me sick, it even makes me rhyme.I hate the way you're always right, I hate it when you lie,I hate it when you make me laugh, even worse when you make me cry.I hate it when you're not around, and the fact that you didn't call,But mostly I hate the way I don't hate you, not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all.The truth is, there's not even 1 Thing I Hate About 10 Things I Hate About You. Not even close, not even a little bit, not even at all.It's got pitch perfect Julia Stiles, as rebellious, headstrong Kat Stratford and a breakthrough performance by Heath Ledger. Together, they're dynamite.There's honestly more than 10 Things I Love About 10 Things I Hate About You (and there's a difference between like and love, because I like my Skechers, but I love my Prada backpack!). It's just too good to be true, and defies expectations of '90s teen movies, while simultaneously ignoring and respecting its Shakespearean heritage. The Taming of the Shrew is notoriously problematic and seen as an impossible text to adapt, but when you have Kirsten Smith and Karen McCullah writing the script, you'll naturally be in good hands.Who needs affection when I have blind hatred?(I can confirm, you can indeed be whelmed in Europe.)I would love to hear your thoughts on 10 Things I Hate About You!GET IN TOUCH....Twitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaEmail verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comWebsite verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Leave a 5-star rating/review: Apple Podcasts or Podchaser Join the Patreon: patreon.com/verbaldioramaThank you to all the patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Jason, Kristin, Cat, Andy, Mike and Griff!NEW! Buy Merch! https://teespring.com/verbaldioramaTees, mugs, hoodies and totes are available, and for the month of September 2020 only, get 15% off all items with promo code VD15OFFEPISODE THANKS TO....Twitter peeps@BLCAgnew@OSWpodcast1@chancewhitmore5@thisfilmislit@afcfilmgeek@need_3_mugs@stuckonarrakisInstagram folk@fwm_podFacebook chumsLaurelTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

It's got awe-inspiring practical puppets, flawless CGI, fantastic performances, awesome cinematography and Unix systems (I know this!). Welcome to Jurassic Park!27 years later, it's still the T-Rex of action, adventure, horror and sci-fi, as billionaire John Hammond and his team of scientists spend so much time thinking they could, they don't stop to think if they should.Directed by Steven Spielberg, it remains one of his most enduring and appealing classics, and shades of his earlier classic Jaws are apparent throughout. The primary cast; Sam Neill, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum are returning for next year's Jurassic World: Dominion but as fun as those 'World' movies are (and I enjoy the first one very much), the pure Adrenalin, fear, sardonic wit and exquisite framing of Jurassic Park simply can never be topped by other dinosaur movies.Many have questioned why they thought it would be a good idea to resurrect man-eating dinosaurs for a theme park, and surely humans aren't that dumb and selfish. There are humans out there that won't even wear a goddamn face mask to protect others though, so....The truth is.... women really did inherit the Earth in Jurassic Park. I would love to hear your thoughts on Jurassic Park!GET IN TOUCH....Twitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaEmail verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comWebsite verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Leave a 5-star rating/review: Apple Podcasts or Podchaser Join the Patreon: patreon.com/verbaldioramaThank you to all the patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Jason, Kristin, Cat, Andy, Mike and Griff!EPISODE THANKS TO....Twitter peeps@PulpCereal@geeksaladradio@NFTDT@MoviesWork@BLCAgnew@afcfilmgeek@BlkGirlsDoStuff@jcstu@Sophia_etcInstagram folk@sophieboogFacebook chumsErikTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Mutation: it is the key to our evolution. It has enabled us to evolve from a single-celled organism into the dominant species on the planet. This process is slow, and normally taking thousands and thousands of years. But every few hundred millennia, evolution leaps forward. X-Men, based on the comic books created in 1963 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, like many projects in Hollywood, moved around from studio to studio until it landed at Fox and in the lap of producer Lauren Schuler Donner. It turned out that her young assistant would make waves on this production, and end up becoming the most powerful name in superhero cinema.... but more on him another time.We have a lot to thank X-Men for. Despite being a team of super-powered mutants, X-Men's grounded style, deep roots in real life civil rights history and a real historical setting mean it remains relatable and focused on real marginalised groups, discrimination, ostracization and the fear of the unknown, unlike other superhero movies. It remains surprisingly relevant twenty years after release, which calls to the strength of Stan Lee's creations.Other better X-Men movies came and went (and arguably some worse ones!) and then other better Marvel movies arrived and took the X-Men's crown, and while X-Men will forever be tarnished due to the serious allegations made towards its director, its legacy in not just superhero cinema, but arguable modern cinema, remains unrivalled. Simply put.... X-Men was a game-changer and in that regard it's x-ceptional.I would love to hear your thoughts on X-Men!GET IN TOUCH....Twitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaEmail verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comWebsite verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Leave a 5-star rating/review: Apple Podcasts or Podchaser Join the Patreon: patreon.com/verbaldioramaThank you to all the patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Jason, Kristin, Cat, Andy, Mike and Griff!EPISODE THANKS TO....Twitter peeps@derekjones198@capunderstands@geeksaladradio@MovieReviewsIn@SeanGeekPodcast@Stuntgoat75@BeaverDoes@dazzalovesmovie@BlkGirlsDoStuff@afcfilmgeek@youre_on_claud9@bestfilmeverpod@NFTDTInstagram folk@whythisfilmpodcastFacebook chumsNone this timeTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Make way, make way for Disney's first computer generated animated foray into the Polynesian islands, mythology and culture (although not the first animated foray - that goes to Lilo and Stitch!) to the island of Motonui, and its future chief Moana; a young woman who feels a call to the ocean (not surprising as her name literally means 'ocean') and is tasked with finding the demigod Maui, restoring the stolen heart of Te Fiti, and in doing so re-establish the natural ecological harmony, rediscover her voyaging heritage and save her people.Just an average mission for any sixteen-year-old girl, am I right?Directed by Disney stalwarts John Musker and Ron Clements, Moana is gorgeous, vibrant and dazzling; the characters are interesting and relatable, the almost entirely Polynesian cast are fantastic and the music.... you do not need to get me started on the music! The soundtrack is a delight from start to finish. Lin-Manuel Miranda really is a shiny treasure fit for the shell of Tamatoa. Moana is a Disney Princess for all to aspire to be like. Auli'i Cravalho is such a revelation in this movie. Her voice belies her young years (lest we forget, she was just 14-years-old when cast, and 15 when performing!)Sure, Moana has issues and I'd be remiss not to mention Disney's attempts to be inclusive and culturally sensitive, despite having an Oceanic Story Trust to advise on cultural sensitivity, have backfired for some Pacific Islanders on the depictions of Maui and the Kakamora, but on the whole Moana is a JOY. It's the best movie Disney have released in the last 20 years, despite it being trounced by its Disney stable-mate Zootopia at awards season.... (Zootopia is great, but I prefer Moana, personally)I am a girl who loves my island. I am the girl who loves the sea. Moana calls me.Here's the link to Lindsay Ellis' YouTube video essay on Pocahontas, where she compares it to Moana.I would love to hear your thoughts on Moana!GET IN TOUCH....Twitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaEmail verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comWebsite verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Leave a 5-star rating/review: Apple Podcasts or Podchaser Join the Patreon: patreon.com/verbaldioramaThank you to all the patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Jason, Kristin, Cat, Andy, Mike and Griff!EPISODE THANKS TO....Twitter peeps@geeksaladradio@BLCAgnew@fwm_pod@gtthpod@gundam_guyver@TheMidnightMyth@derekjones198@ThePeterBriggs@paulngriffshow@OSWpodcast1@CineChatOnline@Rachelherrera11@TrailerWhat@anightmarepodInstagram folkNone this timeFacebook chumsNone this timeTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Computer, what topic is episode 54 on?"Galaxy Quest"Episode 54 is on Galaxy Quest!Pedal to the metal, and get ready for some vertical Thermian handclaps for the crew of the NSEA Protector with returning special guest Crewman #6..... aka Andy from Geek Salad! You may remember him from Episode 23 on Mystery Men. He's the plucky comic relief in this episode, and unlike Guy Fleegman's Crewman #6 on the show, he lives to the end of episode 54!Galaxy Quest's historical documents have been off-air for 18 years but the illustrious crew are still making appearances at conventions near you!We have Jason Nesmith, as the handsome, brave Commander Peter Quincy Taggart; Gwen (just how does she fit her boobs into her suit, though?) DeMarco as Lt. Tawny Madison; By Grabthar's Hammer, it's Alexander Dane as Dr. Lazarus; Tommy Webber, who's grown up so fast, as Lt. Laredo and Fred Kwan as the sardonic, sarcastic Tech Sgt Chen.It might have been off-air, but the fans still love the historical documents. Especially the Thermian people, who take cosplay to a whole new level and recreate the ship, from scratch, and even include an authentic "bad guy". These really are fans from another world!And if there's any movie that celebrates fan culture and appreciates fandom, it's Galaxy Quest.Never Give Up! Never Surrender!I would love to hear your thoughts on Galaxy Quest!SPECIAL THANKS.... to the out-of-this-world brilliant podcaster and all-round excellent human being, Andy for joining me to chat about Galaxy Quest. Give him a hand, he's (not) British.You can find his podcast Geek Salad on all good podcast apps, their website https://geeksalad.podbean.com/ and make sure you check out Episode 197 - We Can Remember It For You Wholesale (ft. me!), and the other 196 quality episodes on movies, video games, music, tv.... basically a veritable smorgasbord of great content!You can follow Andy on Twitter @geeksaladradio, check out Geek Salad on Facebook or watch Geek Salad's Retro Reviews on the Geek Salad YouTube channel!GET IN TOUCH....Twitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaEmail verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comWebsite verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Leave a 5-star rating/review: Apple Podcasts or Podchaser Join the Patreon: patreon.com/verbaldioramaThank you to all the patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Jason, Kristin, Cat, Andy, Mike and Griff!Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Serenity, the continuation and culmination of Joss Whedon's one-season space western TV show Firefly, had the full backing of Universal after acquiring the rights of Firefly from Fox, who really didn't have a clue what Firefly was, or even the common decency to air all the episodes in order.... this is not the first time Fox have been world-class a-holes on something I've featured on this podcast.Although arguably Serenity exists because of Universal's desire for the project, Joss Whedon's skills as a writer/director and the returning cast for bringing these beloved characters back to life, it actually exists because of one reason:The Browncoats.Fandom is power, passion, strength and unity. Fandom grew Firefly and made Serenity happen. Without the Browncoats, we would never have had Serenity. They don't just aim to misbehave, they aim to transform this miscarriage of justice.Although fandom wasn't enough to resurrect Firefly for a second season or create a sequel to Serenity, the fact we got Serenity at all is miraculous. This cancelled TV show, this ragtag crew of underdogs ended up with a feature length movie that introduced new characters, tied up arcs, looked and sounded beautiful and was a worthy end to the stories of Mal Reynolds and his crew. It was also loved by fans and critically acclaimed. That just doesn't happen for one-season TV shows, let alone TV shows that were unduly cancelled.Firefly and Serenity are the rare and precious jewels in Joss Whedon's crown. Or should that be his pretty floral bonnet.....?I would love to hear your thoughts on Serenity or Firefly!GET IN TOUCH....Twitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaEmail verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comWebsite verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Leave a 5-star rating/review: Apple Podcasts or Podchaser Join the Patreon: patreon.com/verbaldioramaThank you to all the patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Jason, Kristin, Cat, Andy, Mike and new patron Griff!EPISODE THANKS TO....Twitter peeps@geeksaladradio@NFTDT@ContrarianPrime@derekjones198@gotstratosphere@BLCAgnew@gholson@chriswelford6@Oral_mfc@SwayzeofArabia@EmRayGunz@WordSaladRadioAnd a special thanks to Hellboy writer @ThePeterBriggs for a wonderful little anecdote about his small involvement in the production!Instagram folk@rockythezombie@conveniencestorecatFacebook chumsChristopherNatalieTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

The Nice Guys, upon its release in May 2016, found itself facing off against a comedy sequel, an animated movie of a million-selling mobile game and two separate superhero franchise sequels. It's really no wonder it suffered at the U.S. box office. An original idea, from the always brilliant mind of Shane Black, needed room to breathe and find its feet. Sadly, it never got to do that. Had it been released in June, like it was supposed to, it might have made the $217 million that the other comedy buddy movie it swapped release dates with did. Can you tell I'm bitter about that? The Nice Guys had two big name stars (Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling), several up-and-comers (Margaret Qualley and the terrific Angourie Rice) and a Hollywood icon (Kim Basinger) in its cast. It followed Shane Black's other directorial efforts; his debut Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and the 20th highest grossing movie of all time, Iron Man 3. It's really quite brilliant, actually. For the titular (and ironic) "nice guys who aren't actually nice guys"; as Private Investigator Holland March, Ryan Gosling excels at physical comedy, with Russell Crowe's Jackson Healy as the grumpy tough-guy straight man. As casting decisions for a comedy go, you'd never suspect they'd be this perfect together, but they are.The script is witty, dark and hilarious. The setting, 1977 Los Angeles, centred around the adult movie industry, feels seedy yet exuberant.Seriously - this movie should have made buckets of cash!!Although The Nice Guys failed commercially, critically it passed with flying colours. The few who did see it raved about it and arguably it's well on its way to cult classic status. It deserves to be talked about on a podcast, and most importantly it deserves to be watched and enjoyed. I really do think it's one of Shane Black's best.I would love to hear your thoughts on The Nice Guys!GET IN TOUCH....Twitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaEmail verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comWebsite verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Leave a 5-star rating/review: Apple Podcasts or Podchaser Join the Patreon: patreon.com/verbaldioramaThank you to all the patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Jason, Kristin, Cat, Andy and MikeEPISODE THANKS TO....Twitter peeps@PulpCereal@MovieReviewsIn@GriefBurrito@Create__Collect@CookinWithGrief@BLCAgnew@IWriteUrWrong@DanielBerrios93@PiecingPodInstagram folk@sassylassy76Facebook chumsNone, and stuffTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Paying tribute to the classic no-sex sex comedies from the late '50s and early '60s, Down With Love is a wonderful, bright, kitschy romcom classic that seems to be well regarded, if not completely well remembered.Renee Zellweger (fresh from Chicago) and Ewan McGregor (fresh from Moulin Rouge) tackle roles similar to those made famous by girl-next-door-turned-sex-symbol Doris Day and serious-actor-turned-romantic-lead Rock Hudson, in a genuinely wonderful pastiche to their movies Pillow Talk (1959), Lover Come Back (1961) and Send Me No Flowers (1964). (I watched Pillow Talk as part of my prep for this episode, and I have to say it's a truly delightful movie and Doris Day is incredible in it! Please watch it if you can!)Down With Love is so impressive in its desire to not only be set in the sixties, but also to be filmed like it were filmed in the Sixties. It's meant to look like it was filmed in Technicolor. The thought that went into it is insane, from authentic props and vintage fabrics for costuming, to wanting the sets to actually look just like sets. Down With Love is not a film steeped in realistic depictions of 1962 New York. It's meant to look wonky. It relishes, and adores, the world its set in. The entire cast look like they're having the best time ever.Did I mention how hot Ewan McGregor is? I'm not sure I did....And if, like me, you start the movie as a Down With Love girl (or guy, or person), you'll end it stating "Here's To Love".I would love to hear your thoughts on Down With Love!GET IN TOUCH....Twitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaEmail verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comWebsite verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Leave a 5-star rating/review: Apple Podcasts or Podchaser Join the Patreon: patreon.com/verbaldioramaThank you to all the patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Jason, Kristin, Cat, Andy and MikeEPISODE THANKS TO....Twitter peeps@geeksaladradio@trivia_chic@Oral_mfc+10 announcement commentsInstagram folk@moviesatthematt+2 announcement commentsFacebook chums+3 announcement commentsTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Here we are.... 50 episodes later! It's been a genuine delight to produce fifty episodes of this podcast and I wanted to do something special for #50.There's no animated movie so ingrained in modern culture, so beloved by everyone and such a pioneer in modern animation than Pixar's Toy Story. But I didn't just want to tell the story of Toy Story, because the story of Pixar is integral to the story of Toy Story.Pixar knew they wanted to make the first feature-length fully computer animated film. They knew they could do it. They just had to figure out how....The whole creation of Toy Story was fraught with issues. It's remarkable it ever made it to the screen at all.But it did, and look what it did.....The early test animation for Toy Story, featuring a completely different character of Woody, can be found hereThe Toy Story full length live-action remake can be found hereWhether this is your first episode listening or your 50th episode.... thanks for being here. I've really appreciated your support. Here's to the next 50 episodes (or infinity!) and beyond....!I would love to hear your thoughts on Toy Story!GET IN TOUCH....Twitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaEmail verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comWebsite verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Leave a 5-star rating/review: Apple Podcasts or Podchaser Join the Patreon: patreon.com/verbaldioramaThank you to all the patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Jason, Kristin, Cat, Andy and MikeEPISODE THANKS TO....Twitter peeps@geeksaladradio@EatCrime@bestfilmeverpod@SeanGeekPodcast@BLCAgnew@_SonOfBen_@GoldenTalesGeekFacebook chumsErikLaurelRobTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

It’s time to play the music, it’s time to light the lights, it’s time to meet The Muppets on Verbal Diorama tonight... today...In this special Patron-chosen episode, I go behind the curtain on 2011's The Muppets. The Muppets have been in everyone's lives, whether through The Muppet Show, the eight big screen offerings, or just through general media. Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo, Animal et al. are some of the most famous faces and names in Hollywood.This episode is a little different to most episodes of Verbal Diorama. I wanted to pay tribute to The Muppets, to this movie and to the people behind the scenes, but without losing any of the magic that make The Muppets such a unique and wonderful part of all our lives. It's important to have those warm, safe feelings of nostalgia and also to introduce the things we love to the next generation.The Muppets teach us to always be kind, to love others and yourself and to embrace your weirdness. We could all do with more of The Muppets in our lives.Whether you're a man or a muppet, or just having a me party, life's a happy song when you look at the pictures in your head. So join the lovers, the dreamers and me in finding the rainbow connection. I would love to hear your thoughts on The Muppets!GET IN TOUCH....Twitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaEmail verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] com Website verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Leave a 5-star rating/review: Apple Podcasts or Podchaser Join the Patreon: patreon.com/verbaldioramaThank you to all the patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Jason, Kristin, Cat, Andy and MikeEPISODE THANKS TO....Twitter peeps@MoviesWork@gundam_guyver@geeksaladradio@Stuntgoat75@derekjones198@MoviesAtTheMatt@BLCAgnew@WallsoInstagram pals@blackcasediariespodcastFacebook chumsSheenaTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

When it came to thinking of a horror movie I'd love to feature, The Thing (1982) was top of my list. It's not a movie most would associate with someone who admits to not liking horror, but the combination of science fiction and horror remains one of my favourite genre mixes (see also Alien!)It's also a movie that continues to delight and terrify me. The practical effects, created by Rob Bottin (only 21 years of age at the time) still hold up as visually inventive, repulsive and unforgettable, almost 40 years later. It's an accolade that the recent 2011 prequel could never have lived up to (and yes, I saw it recently, so I will talk about it a little, if only to serve as a highlight to how excellent the 1982 movie really is!)On the surface a graphic, gory body horror, but it's not the gore that makes it scary, it's the emotional and mental horror, as it depicts the descent into fear, madness and paranoia that this group of twelve men encounter and the toxic masculinity which prevents them from actually working together to face their fears.The titular alien, nameless and faceless, remains sentient even at a cellular level, which adds to the fear factor. How do you know every cell of The Thing is dead? It's a stark contrast to 1982's other well-known alien movie, where that alien (E.T: The Extra-Terrestrial) is sweet, kind and befriends small children.Then critically derided, now critically lauded; it's a true masterclass in showing the isolation and despair of the characters and the lengths to which The Thing will go to survive, gift wrapped in glorious nightmare-fuel special effects by Rob Bottin.But how do you know this is the real episode 48? Could it just be a copy? Look for the light in my eyes....The original Randall William Cook stop-motion Blair-Thing can be seen in this clip hereThe Fangoria art contest entries from 1981 are available to view here!I would love to hear your thoughts on The Thing! You can get in touch onTwitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaor you can email me general hellos, feedback or suggestions:verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] com or visit the website at https://verbaldiorama.comThank you to patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Jason, Kristin, Cat, Andy and new patron Mike for supporting Verbal Diorama.You can rate or review the show at Apple Podcasts or Podchaser and I'd very much appreciate that!Thanks to the following for their contributions to this episode:Twitter peeps@geeksaladradio@LaunchingTPilot@SYIMS_Podcast@gundam_guyver@simlew86@JamieRu17498667@BLCAgnew@realhuntermmm@GriefBurrito@bitchenboutique@wafflesthemagic@WordSaladRadio@CookinWithGrief@ShartSelectPod@winstolf@FlyOnTheWallPo1@CoffeeBreathCo1Instagram pals@sassylassy76@moviesatthemattTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Princess Mononoke, or Mononoke Hime to give it its Japanese name, could have been covered in February for the anniversary along with Howl's Moving Castle, My Neighbour Totoro or Spirited Away, but honestly I'm glad I can devote a whole regular-sized episode to it, because it's so jam-packed full of greatness. As much as I love all the aforementioned movies from the legendary writer/director Hayao Miyazaki, Princess Mononoke really is something more epic.It's more adult, more complex, more violent and graphic, and while Mr Miyazaki himself would never admit to it being a masterpiece, it truly is.With an English dub written by Neil Gaiman, it's widely considered one of the best translations of the original Japanese script. While Ghibli loved Gaiman's work, his name was removed from the credits and the U.S. release of Princess Mononoke was purposely ruined by real-life villain and nasty piece of work Harvey Weinstein, who gets mentioned several times just for being a massive a-hole when Disney appointed Miramax the distributor. No surprise there.Princess Mononoke, though, is a masterclass of character and world building, all encompassed in a beautiful shell of traditional animation, with the minimal of CGI (in places you wouldn't expect!) and doesn't actually have a true antagonist. Every character struggles with being consumed by hate, even the empathetic Ashitaka - one of few male lead characters featured in Miyazaki's stories, but who remains a force for good, despite the evil growing within him.We all have the power to co-exist with each other, and with the natural world. Now, more than ever, the demon of hate is threatening to consume modern society. Princess Mononoke might be set during feudal Japan, but its message of love, acceptance and co-existence is more relevant now than it has ever been.Whole Hog Theatre's incredible stage production of Princess Mononoke can be found hereJoshua Garrity's video can be found hereI would love to hear your thoughts on Princess Mononoke! You can get in touch onTwitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaYouTube @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaor you can email me general hellos, feedback or suggestions:verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] com or visit the website at https://verbaldiorama.comThank you to patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Jason, Kristin, Cat and new patron Andy for supporting Verbal Diorama.You can rate or review the show at Apple Podcasts or Podchaser and I'd very much appreciate that!Thanks to the following for their contributions to this episode:Twitter peeps@derekjones198@alteredunivers1@TheMidnightMyth@BLCAgnew@SchoolOfMovies@Oral_mfc@LanodantheonFacebook chumsErik CarlsonRichard SmethurstAndy DeSistoTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Rogue One was the first anthology movie announced post the Disney takeover of Lucasfilm in 2012; the year after Star Wars Episode VII The Force Awakens had enticed and delighted audiences across the world. The rogue one, you might say...Rogue One, born of the simple question "how did the Death Star plans end up with Princess Leia?" is probably most famous for its CGI recreations of Grand Moff Tarkin and Princess Leia, and its enduring of lengthy re-shoots to change the narrative of the third act and insert additional scenes. To be honest, it's not as dramatic a change as people think it is. The trailer contained shots that were never intended to even be in the finished movie.Grand Moff Tarkin.... well that's another issue entirely. At least Carrie Fisher was alive to approve her younger likeness....As a spin-off of the existing Skywalker Saga, Rogue One remains separate to the existing story enough to be talked about independently, but connected enough to matter in the timeline between Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Episode IV: A New Hope.In fact, I'd argue it enriches the world of Star Wars. It shows the true sacrifice of rebellion; the nameless soldiers who gave their lives for a greater cause are given names. It's a powerful reminder on the cost of war. We never hear about Jyn, Cassian, Chirrut, Baze, Bodhi, Saw or K-2SO ever again (ignoring the fact that we can't, because the characters didn't exist in 1977!!) because we never hear the names of soldiers lost to war.Moral, ethical and character issues aside, it remains one of my favourite Star Wars movies. Not the favourite, but certainly up there. It's enjoyable, with some great cinematography, memorable characters, and like all rebellions, it's built on hope.Right now, we could all do with a little more of that.I would love to hear your thoughts on Rogue One! You can get in touch onTwitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaYouTube @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaor you can email me general hellos, feedback or suggestions:verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comThank you to patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Jason, Kristin and Cat for supporting Verbal Diorama.You can rate or review the show at Apple Podcasts or Podchaser and I'd very much appreciate that!My website is at https://verbaldiorama.comThanks to the following for their contributions to this episode:Twitter peeps@geeksaladradio@derekjones198@robinhoodpod@NerdsWithFriend@MoviesWork@TheMidnightMyth@DeepintoHistory@PulpCereal@AlamoLauren@CalumTheFilmGuy@Oral_mfc@OSWpodcast1@waffles_marioInstagram folk@_lady_hendo_Facebook chumsErik CarlsonTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Little Shop of Horrors, based on the off-Broadway musical, in turn based off the 1960 Roger Corman dark comedy The Little Shop of Horrors... is probably my favourite ever screen musical.It contains within several elements that never fail to delight me:-Rick Moranis - a true gem of a man, on-and-off screen, who was a regular for all us 80s and 90s kids growing up-It's a musical - with music and lyrics by the award-winning team of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman-Practical effects - the puppet work is some of the greatest ever put to screen, with Frank Oz at the helm and a talented team of professional puppeteers (including Brian Henson), Audrey II feels real, tangible and a genuine threat to our heroes Seymour and AudreyAt the time, the most expensive motion picture Warner Bros had ever released, it had a lot riding on its mean, green shoulders. It failed to deliver at the box office but has since become a cult classic on VHS, and it was the first ever DVD to be recalled for content.... and not for the busting of balls, although the song "Mean, Green Mother From Outer Space" was the first song containing naughty words to be nominated for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards. It didn't win, sadly. And nor did it win for Visual Effects, but at least it lost that to Aliens....The cast is flawless and an 80s/90s kid's dream;Rick Moranis is the perfect nerdy, unconfident Seymour that we can all immediately root for. Ellen Greene (reprising her role from the stage) has a meek, shrill voice for Audrey, which transforms into a powerful set of pipes once singing, showing Audrey's inner strength. Steve Martin's Orin Scrivello (D.D.S!) is memorable and threatening enough to be fed to a carnivorous plant without us caring all that much for his loss and additional cameos from Bill Murray, Jim Belushi, Christopher Guest and John Candy just add to the brilliance of the production.And finally, Levi Stubbs just IS Audrey II. His charisma and charm flows through an inanimate puppet, adding to the experience of seeing Audrey II come to life on screen.Famously filmed with an original ending which was scrapped due to a very negative test screening, a new ending was hastily put together and it was the only ending available until the previously only black-and-white footage was digitally coloured and enhanced for released in 2012. "Don't Feed The Plants" - the final song and footage from the Director's Cut, is available on YouTube. It's all table-top miniatures created by Richard Conway and it's delightful - watch it here!A remake is in the pipeline, but I guarantee it will never be able to emulate the charm, nostalgia or dream-like quality of this, and while this in itself is a remake, it's hard to not fall completely in love with everything about it. For me, this really is THE Little Shop of Horrors.Just don't feed the plants!I would love to hear your thoughts on Little Shop of Horrors! You can get in touch onTwitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaYouTube @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaor you can email me general hellos, feedback or suggestions:verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comThank you to patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Jason, Kristin and new Patron Cat for supporting Verbal Diorama.You can rate or review the show at Apple Podcasts or Podchaser and I'd very much appreciate that!My website is at https://verbaldiorama.comThanks to the following for their contributions to this episode:Twitter peeps@NFTDT@TimeShiftersPod@PulpCerealInstagram folk@friends_and_flayers@somewherethatsellengreene@steveharveyisboss@tfgifpodcastFacebook chumsAndy DeSistoTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

STOMP-STOMP-CLAPSTOMP-STOMP-CLAPSTOMP-STOMP-CLAPSTOMP-STOMP-CLAPIt's the unmistakable beat of Queen's 1977 anthem "We Will Rock You", filling an arena, as a massive crowd of people do a human wave. The competitors enter the stadium and the crowd goes wild at seeing their favourite sportsperson. The competitors are announced loudly, as a hush falls over the crowd, and the sport begins....It could be the scene at any modern sporting event, except it's actually in medieval Europe, the sport is actually jousting (and occasionally sword fighting) and Heath Ledger's William Thatcher is the star of the show. It was supposed to be his master Sir Ector, except he's sadly no longer of the mortal realm, or as Roland puts it, he's pooped himself to death (except he didn't use pooped!) William, with the help of his friends Roland, Wat and Geoffrey (Chaucer!) becomes the seeker of serenity, the protector of Italian virginity, the enforcer of our Lord God, the one, the only, Sir Ulllrrrich von Lichtenstein.... to prove that you don't need to be noble to be a knight.While not his most accomplished or memorable performance in his short career, it's a role Heath Ledger is perfect for - a charming, handsome, down-on-his-luck squire who just wants to change his fortunes and be more than what his destiny as a peasant offers him. It's something we can all relate to; the want to change our stars.A Knight's Tale isn't high art, award-winning or historically accurate, it's just a really fun time. It's got sport, it's got dancing, it's got David Bowie (music, not in-person) and it's got a cast that genuinely had a great time together making this movie.If anything, this movie just highlights what a brilliant and special young talent Heath Ledger was; it wasn't his first role, but it was his first lead role and his face alone was the focus of a massive marketing campaign for the movie, which ended up being marred by a critic called David Manning. He may sound familiar....While Heath Ledger undoubtedly went on to star in bigger and better roles in Brokeback Mountain and The Dark Knight, his untimely death aged just 28 is still a dagger to my heart. Just imagine what he could have achieved had he not passed away so young....Thankfully, we have wonderful performances like this to remember him by.I would love to hear your thoughts on A Knight's Tale! You can get in touch onTwitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaYouTube @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaor you can email me general hellos, feedback or suggestions:verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comThank you to patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Jason and Kristin for supporting Verbal Diorama.You can rate or review the show at Apple Podcasts or Podchaser and I'd very much appreciate that!My website is at https://verbaldiorama.comThanks to the following for their contributions to this episode:Twitter peeps@NFTDT@FilmBustersPaul@BeyondTheBoxSet@laurahhorsfall@Git_Shiddy@wafflesthemagicInstagram folk@blackcasediariespodcast@contrarianprime@bookofliespodcastFacebook chumsAndy DeSistoTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

In 1943, Philip K. Wrigley (of chewing gum fame!) founded the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) in order to maintain sport and public morale during World War II, at a time when many eligible young men, including professional sportsmen, were drafted to fight overseas.Whilst A League of Their Own is a mostly fictional account of the players and founders behind the AAGPBL, it still tells a story of the real-life resilience, spirit and tenacity of the young women involved, many of whom had husbands fighting in the war, coming together to provide entertainment and boost the morale of the nation through sport, despite the sexism and misogyny of the era.Penny Marshall's 1992 movie remains my favourite, and dare I say it, the greatest sports movie of all time. A story of determination, sisterly love, sacrifice and friendship within the very real backdrop of World War II, when women could finally prove they were more than just potential housewives and mothers.Geena Davis embodies the 40s starlet as the statuesque, seemingly perfect Dottie Hinson. Tom Hanks, playing against type as alcoholic ex-player-turned-manager Jimmy Dugan delivers most of the movie's iconic lines. Lori Petty as Kit Keller, just wants to step out of her older sister's perfect shadow and Madonna, in probably one of her most beloved screen roles, as "All The Way" Mae Mordabito, with a great on-screen comedic partnership with Rosie O'Donnell's brash Doris Murphy.Even though the real AAGPBL was dismantled in 1954, its legacy lives on in this movie. It encapsulates a time in recent history that not many are still alive to tell the story of. Sadly, Mary Pratt, the last remaining member of that inaugural 1943 Rockford Peaches roster, passed away just before this episode was released. She lived to 101 and spent her life championing women's sport.These women were inspirational, trail-blazing, legacy-creating and really were in a league of their own.I would love to hear your thoughts on A League of Their Own! You can get in touch onTwitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaYouTube @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaor you can email me general hellos, feedback or suggestions:verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comThank you to patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek Jason and Kristin for supporting Verbal Diorama.You can rate or review the show in iTunes or at Apple Podcasts and Podchaser and I'd very much appreciate that!My website is at https://verbaldiorama.comThanks to the following for their contributions to this episode:Twitter peeps@derekjones198@geeksaladradio@sophieBooGC1@movie_drone@numberonererun@TroytlePower@eRockReviews@rewindmoviecastInstagram folk@moviesatthematt@jjb_born_90Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

For clarification, this episode discusses and spoils:John WickJohn Wick: Chapter 2John Wick: Chapter 3 ParabellumThe Boogeyman. Baba Yaga. Mr Wick. Jonathan. Jardani Jovonovich.... John Wick is known by many names, but everyone knows of him and everyone should fear him. Especially if you kill the one thing he loves most in the world, and the only link to his recently deceased wife; the one woman who helped him leave this life behind. John Wick does what John Wick does best: rains vengeance on everyone involved, digging himself even deeper into the world he was so desperate to leave.John Wick is a man of myth and legend, so who better to join me to talk mythology, history and Slavic folklore than the incomparable Derek and Laurel of The Midnight Myth; two of the kindest and smartest people podcasting right now. It was a genuine joy to dissect these incredibly in-depth and beautiful movies with them.It's easy to dismiss the John Wick movies as mindless violence, and to declare Keanu Reeves a one-trick pony (I would never!), but we discuss the real life myths and legends surrounding the movie, how Keanu is the perfect John Wick and that these movies are deeper and more meaningful than you think they are.It was never just a puppy....I would love to hear your thoughts on John Wick, John Wick: Chapter 2 or John Wick: Chapter 3 Parabellum! You can get in touch onTwitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaYouTube @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaor you can email me general hellos, feedback or suggestions:verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comMassive thanks to Derek and Laurel for being involved in this episode. You can download all episodes of The Midnight Myth from any podcast app, or visit their website at midnightmyth.com. They're also available on Twitter @themidnightmyth, Instagram & Facebook @midnightmythpodcast and I highly recommend their amazing podcast!Thank you to patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek, Jason and Kristin for supporting Verbal Diorama.You can rate or review the show in iTunes or at Apple Podcasts and Podchaser and I'd very much appreciate that!My website is at https://verbaldiorama.comTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

The perfect homage and satire of classic 50s monster B-movies, Tremors initially failed to set the box office alight. Like most cult classics it found a resurgence on VHS and ended up spawning multiple sequels, a prequel, a 2003 one-season TV show and a failed 2018 TV pilot starring Kevin Bacon, back as Val McKee.Praised for its special effects work, the chemistry between Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward and a female lead character who's actually there to do something more than just look pretty and be damseled, Tremors remains a cult and fan favourite 30 years after its release in 1990. There's good reason why; it mixes humour and terror perfectly.This movie gave me serious nightmares as a child, and watching it now it's easy to see why. The Graboids are more than just dumb monsters, they learn and evolve and attempt to outwit the humans at every turn. The creature design is equal parts phenomenal and terrifying. Emulating Jaws by not showing the monster initially and only what it could do, worked wonders for a creature that made you afraid to walk through the desert. Having fully practical effects meant each Graboid (and their little snakey mouths) felt tangible and a real threat to our heroes.Substandard CGI-driven monster movies are ten-a-penny nowadays (thanks, Sharknado!) and Tremors is a movie that will no doubt be remade one day, but it'll never capture the heart, humour and horror that made the original such a classic.Everyone seems to love Tremors (except my mother....!)I would love to hear your thoughts on Tremors! You can get in touch onTwitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaYouTube @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaor you can email me general hellos, feedback or suggestions:verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comThank you to patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek and Jason, and new Patron Kristin for supporting Verbal Diorama.You can rate or review the show in iTunes or at Apple Podcasts and Podchaser and I'd very much appreciate that!My website is at https://verbaldiorama.comThanks to the following for their contributions to this episode:Twitter peeps@gundam_guyver@ThatSequelGuy@Le_Meanderthals@VersusYours@chriswelford6@PheonixAnomaly@geeksaladradioInstagram folk@[email protected] chumsSheenaErikTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

I find Paul Feig's directorial career fascinating; Spy, The Heat, A Simple Favour and Ghostbusters, all female-fronted and each of them a lot of fun and very enjoyable in their own right.2011's Bridesmaids really was the catalyst, not only for Paul Feig's career, but the Hollywood careers of Saturday Night Live alumna Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph, for Rose Byrne to prove her comedic timing and for a standout Oscar-nominated performance by Melissa McCarthy. This is more than just "the female Hangover". This is Bridesmaids. It's better, it's funnier, it treats its characters like people and it's more relatable. Without Bridesmaids, we would almost certainly not have Girls Trip, Pitch Perfect, Booksmart or Trainwreck, among others, and our lives would be less rich without all of them. (They're all great - I highly recommend them!)Bridesmaids didn't just get a nomination for a supporting actress Oscar either; Kristen Wiig & Annie Mumolo's screenplay was also nominated for Best Original Screenplay.You think women can't be funny? Well, you're wrong. Women can be funny, they can be gross, they can be sweet and they can be powerful. Bridesmaids means more for women in Hollywood than you might think. It means more for women than you might think. It means a hell of a lot just to me.Bridesmaids, while it does resort to hilarious potty humour (literally!) also has a deep and meaningful core of the values of friendship, beneficial relationships and mental health that The Hangover doesn't dare go near. These women are real women, flaws and all, and they deserve that effing cookie!I would love to hear your thoughts on Bridesmaids! You can get in touch onTwitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaYouTube @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaor you can email me general hellos, feedback or suggestions:verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comThank you to patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek and Jason for supporting Verbal Diorama!You can rate or review the show in iTunes or at Apple Podcasts and Podchaser and I'd very much appreciate that!My website is at https://verbaldiorama.comThanks to the following for their contributions to this episode:Twitter peeps@geeksaladradio@joshmikeking@BetamaxPod@robinhoodpod@Dave_J_Wood@emhig@sophieBooGC1@KirstieBennett8Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Four years after Hellboy, Hellboy II: The Golden Army came out. Bigger, bolder and more del Toro than its predecessor, it concentrated on its existing characters and introduced a more complex and interesting antagonist in the dedicated, skilled warrior Prince Nuada - fighting for the survival of his dying race as humanity continues its greed and desire to consume everything around it.Influences of Tolkien and del Toro's other famous works are apparent throughout, as is the lack of the occult and horror elements of the previous movie. This time, we have tooth fairies, trolls and elves to deal with, not to mention the small matter of 4900 golden mechanical indestructible robots.There will never be a day I don't lament the fact we will never see this trilogy come to fruition with a third Hellboy movie, but boy, am I glad we got Hellboy and Hellboy II: The Golden Army. In a world of superhero and comic book movies, these stand out independently and together as some of the most original, beautiful and interesting adaptations of their source material.While Peter Briggs did not co-write the sequel to Hellboy, he features once again to talk about the spin-off he was asked to write that ultimately never materialised: Hellboy: Silverlance. Thanks to Peter for permitting me to include this.I would love to hear your thoughts on Hellboy II: The Golden Army! You can get in touch onTwitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaYouTube @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaor you can email me general hellos, feedback or suggestions:verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comThank you to patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek and Jason for supporting Verbal Diorama!You can rate or review the show in iTunes or at Apple Podcasts and Podchaser and I'd very much appreciate that!My website is at https://verbaldiorama.comThanks to the following for their contributions to this episode:Massive thank you to the wonderful Peter Briggs, co-writer of Hellboy (2004) @ThePeterBriggs for being involved in this episode and for telling us all about the proposed spin-off Silverlance!.Twitter peeps@TheMidnightMyth@geeksaladradio@BLCAgnew@MoviesWork@SeanGeekPodcast@Stuntgoat75@Gaming_DadPaul@DWLundbergInstagram folk@wars_and_sawsTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Hellboy, as a concept, shouldn't work as well as it did in 2004. (Well, we saw what rebooting it in 2019 did....)Mike Mignola's comic blends folklore, mythology, the paranormal and Lovecraftian horror, and needed a director who could take all that and make it visually appealing, and coherent to the layman. It also needed a lead actor who could portray the strength, vulnerability and humour needed for a main character who would put off the most conservative of viewer just by being a big red demon with the word 'hell' his name.The winning combination of Guillermo del Toro's direction and Ron Perlman headlining made Hellboy from what could have been a dull, lifeless mess to a rich, funny, heartwarming, visually stunning story of a comic book hero that came years before the MCU made superheroes the norm.Ron Perlman simply is Hellboy. He will always be Hellboy. Sorry David Harbour, but it's true.With a cast rounded out by the master of bodily expression Doug Jones, a subdued but intense Selma Blair and the always wonderful late John Hurt, Hellboy really stands out as something special against the X-Men and Spider-Man movies of the same era.This episode also includes a virtual interview with the co-writer of the screen story, Peter Briggs, who very kindly took some time out to answer some questions I sent him and recorded his responses. He can be found on Twitter @ThePeterBriggs. This is only the second interview he has ever done on Hellboy, so I'm delighted he was able to feature on this episode! The first interview is available here and is an interesting read!Next week we conclude this double feature with Hellboy II: The Golden Army!I would love to hear your thoughts on Hellboy! You can get in touch onTwitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaYouTube @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaor you can email me general hellos, feedback or suggestions:verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comThank you to patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel, Derek and special thanks to new Patron Jason, who's joined as a Ted Theodore Logan patron, for supporting Verbal Diorama!You can rate or review the show in iTunes or at Apple Podcasts and Podchaser and I'd very much appreciate that!My website is at https://verbaldiorama.comThanks to the following for their contributions to this episode:Massive thank you to the wonderful Peter Briggs, co-writer of Hellboy (2004) @ThePeterBriggs for being involved in this episode.Twitter peepsAndy @geeksaladradio@cinema_recall@Stuntgoat75@realhuntermmm@schoolofmovies, who also have a Hellboy episode, and it's phenomenal. I highly recommend you check it out!@BLCAgnewTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Verbal Diorama returns from partying with the Haitians..... I mean from the hiatus.... for one of the greatest comedies ever made - Clueless.On the surface, just like any of the umpteen other 90s teen movies, but dig a little deeper and Clueless is a sharp, satirical and heartfelt look at teenagers; the way they speak, dress and think, in a thinly veiled adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel Emma. Witty, sweet and way existential, Amy Heckerling directed, wrote and and enlisted a perfect ensemble cast of relative unknowns who have mostly all gone on to bigger and better things; including the likes of Paul Rudd and the late Brittany Murphy.The star of the show is undoubtedly Alicia Silverstone, plucked from an Aerosmith video, into the role of shallow, but sweet Cher. Misguided in love and life (other than trips to the mall) but don't underestimate her. Cher contains surprise depth and character growth and knows her Shakespeare as well as her Alaia (it's like, a totally important designer!). Alicia Silverstone deserved to be a big star, but despite a few choice roles in the late 90s and early 00s her star never really materialised, but whatever.... she's a total Betty in this movie.This movie taught me the words 'sporadic' and 'tardy', and that there was such a thing as a Pauly Shore movie. There's not many movies that you can say teach you vernacular and that hold up this well 25 years later.And in conclusion may I please remind you that it does not say R.S.V.P. on the Statue of Liberty.I would love to hear your thoughts on Clueless! You can get in touch onTwitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaYouTube @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaor you can email me general hellos, feedback or suggestions:verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comThank you to patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel and Derek for supporting Verbal Diorama!You can rate or review the show in iTunes or at Apple Podcasts and Podchaser and I'd very much appreciate that!My website is at https://verbaldiorama.comThanks to the following for their contributions to this episode:Sade from @offscreenbabble, for suggesting the episode and providing her thoughts in audio form.Twitter peepsAndy @geeksaladradio@kolbymac@TimeShiftersPod@TheSavageSlavInstagram pals@moviesatthematt@ec12172001@kerry_wadhwaFacebook chumsErik CarlsonTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Welcome to the first episode of year two and the final episode of my ten-episode animation season.Gosh, Treasure Planet is stunning. Every detail of its aesthetic is glorious to behold, and the fact that its directors Ron Clements and John Musker were so determined to get it made is truly an outstanding achievement.From its illustrious pedigree, to the 70/30 rule, to the use of Deep Canvas, this is a technical marvel of an animated movie that just seems to have been largely forgotten, but it doesn't deserve to be.While there are issues, it really does stand up as one of the most beautiful Disney movies I've ever seen. And it's quite like Titan A.E. In more ways than one.I would love to hear your thoughts on Treasure Planet! You can get in touch onTwitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaYouTube @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaor you can email me general hellos, feedback or suggestions:verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comThank you to patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel and Derek for supporting Verbal Diorama! To support the show on Patreon from just $2 a month, have a look over at https://www.patreon.com/verbaldiorama and choose your Keanu - you can now get the majority of episodes early too!You can rate or review the show in iTunes or at Apple Podcasts and I'd very much appreciate that!My website is at https://verbaldiorama.comThanks to the following for their contributions to this episode:Twitter peeps@TheMidnightMyth@hanszargowInstagram pals@mobisze@whythisfilmpodcast@tmi_podcast2018Facebook chumsErik CarlsonAndy DeSistoTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Verbal Diorama has been going for one year! To celebrate, I asked Twitter to choose between Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke or Laputa: Castle in the Sky. Twitter chose Spirited Away.Sen to Chihiro no KamikakushiThank you so much for listening and supporting the podcast for the past year - you rock! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Verbal Diorama has been going for one year! To celebrate, here's the first ever Studio Ghibli movie I saw as a child - My Neighbour Totoro.Tonari no TotoroThank you so much for listening and supporting the podcast for the past year - you rock! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Verbal Diorama has been going for one year! To celebrate, here's my favourite Studio Ghibli movie - Howl's Moving CastleHauru no Ugoku ShiroThank you so much for listening and supporting the podcast for the past year - you rock! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

"Alright, let's do this one last time. My name is Peter Parker. I was bitten by a radioactive spider, and for 10 years, I've been the one and only– Spider-Man. I'm pretty sure you know the rest.""Alright, people, let’s do this one last time. My name is Peter B. Parker. I was bitten by a radioactive spider. And for the last 22 years– I thought I was the one and only Spider-Man. What a day. I'm pretty sure you know the rest."""Alright, people. Let’s start at the beginning one last time. My name is Gwen Stacy. I was bitten by a radioactive spider, And for the last 2 years, I've been the one and only Spider-Woman. You guys know the rest.""My name is Peter Parker. I was bitten by a radioactive spider. In my universe, it's 1933 and I’m a private eye. I like to drink egg creams and I like to fight Nazis. A lot. Sometimes, I let matches burn down to my fingertips just to feel something, anything.""Hi, guys! Konichiwa! Hajimemashite yoroshiku! My name is Peni Parker. I was bitten by a radioactive spider. I'm from New York in the year 3145. I have a psychic link with a spider who lives inside my father's robot, and we're best friends forever.""My name is Peter Porker. I was bitten by a radioactive pig. I'm a photographer for the Daily Beagle. When I'm not pooching around, I'm working like a dog trying to sniff out the latest story. I frolic, and I dance, and I do this with my pants....""Okay, let's do this one last time, yeah? For real this time. This is it. My name is Miles Morales. I was bitten by a radioactive spider, And for like 2 days, I've been the one and only Spider-Man. I think you know the rest. I finished my essay, saved a bunch of people, got hit by a drone, I did this with my dad, met my roommate finally, slapped a sticker where my dad's never gonna find it, and when I feel alone, like no one understands what I'm going through, I remember my friends who get it. I never thought I'd be able to do any of this stuff, but I can. Anyone can wear the mask. You could wear the mask. If you didn't know that before, I hope you do now. 'Cause I'm Spider-Man, and I'm not the only one. Not by a long shot."I would love to hear your thoughts on Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse! You can get in touch onTwitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaYouTube @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaor you can email me general hellos, feedback or suggestions:verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comThank you to patrons Simon E, Sade, Jardiel, Claudia, Simon B, Laurel and Derek for supporting Verbal Diorama! To support the show on Patreon from just $2 a month, have a look over at https://www.patreon.com/verbaldiorama and choose your Keanu - you can now get the majority of episodes early too!You can rate or review the show in iTunes or at Apple Podcasts and I'd very much appreciate that!My website is at https://verbaldiorama.comThanks to the following for their contributions to this episode:Twitter peepsAndy @geeksaladradio@capunderstands@derekjones198@FilmBustersPaul@trivia_chic@TimeShiftersPod@bingeablespod@FWESpodcast@moviesandteapod@TCbyTC@Stuntgoat75@TroytlePowerInstagram pals@kolbytoldme@eatcrime@friends_and_flayers@contrarianprimeFacebook chumsLaurel Hostak JonesTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

One day, a talented lass or fellow,a special one with face of yellow,will make the Piece of Resistance foundfrom it's hiding refuge underground,and with a noble army at the helm,this Master Builder will thwart the Kragle and save the realm,and be the greatest, most interesting, most important person of all times.All this is true because it rhymes.Lego, the most popular toy in the entire world, does not need a movie based on it. In fact, Lego executives originally didn't want it to be made. They didn't want it to potentially tarnish their legacy; a brand that had been successful for almost 70 years and sold 600 billion bricks.The fact that The Lego Movie exists is amazing in itself. That it's not just a shameless feature-length advertisement for toys is even more so. It's witty, smart, fun and appeals to all ages, a lot like the toy bricks it's representing but unlike those bricks, there are no rules other than the rule of enjoyment.It parodies everything, pays homage to everything, details everything and exaggerates everything. This movie really does have everything.EVERYTHING IS AWESOME!I would love to hear your thoughts on The Lego Movie! You can get in touch onTwitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaYouTube @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaor you can email me general hellos, feedback or suggestions:verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comThank you to our Patreon Producer Sade, patrons Simon E, Jardiel, Claudia and Simon B for supporting Verbal Diorama! To support the show on Patreon from just $2 a month, have a look over at https://www.patreon.com/verbaldiorama and choose your Keanu - you can now get the majority of episodes early too!You can rate or review the show in iTunes or at Apple Podcasts and I'd very much appreciate that!My website is at https://verbaldiorama.comThanks to the following for their contributions to this episode:Twitter peepsAndy @geeksaladradio@derekjones198@Pulp Cereal@TheIridescentA1Instagram pals@heamcast@snuggles2005Facebook chumsAndy DeSistoErik CarlsonTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios.SPACESHIP!SPACESHIP!SPACESHIP! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Most parents think their kids are gifted. Most kids think their parents are heroes (whilst also being really embarrassing!). Most families are super, but only the Parr family is Incredible.Unlike the other movies featured in the animation season so far, The Incredibles was a massive critical and commercial success for Brad Bird, the first out-of-house film-maker Pixar brought into the fold. While his previous movie, The Iron Giant (see episode 17!) failed to make a mark at the box office, The Incredibles flew high, without capes, into the hearts and minds of millions.But don't be fooled. It's not just your standard superhero movie. It has layers and layers of complexity in its style and substance. It's a study about family, mid-life crises, marital problems and identity, and it does it whilst balancing action, comedy and character perfectly and most importantly, it never sugar-coats the serious real-world danger of being a superhero.It's bright, colourful, gorgeous, fun and endlessly quotable. This is my favourite Pixar movie for a reason. I think it's super.You sly dog, you got me monologuing! (Well, it's a solo podcast, so it's kinda inevitable)I would love to hear your thoughts on The Incredibles! You can get in touch onTwitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaYouTube @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaor you can email me general hellos, feedback or suggestions:verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comThank you to our Patreon Producer Sade, patrons Simon E, Jardiel, Claudia and Simon B for supporting Verbal Diorama! To support the show on Patreon from just $2 a month, have a look over at https://www.patreon.com/verbaldiorama and choose your Keanu - you can now get the majority of episodes early too!You can rate or review the show in iTunes or at Apple Podcasts and I'd very much appreciate that!My website is at https://verbaldiorama.comThanks to the following for their contributions to this episode:Twitter peepsAndy @geeksaladradioDave @NFTDTSade @offscreenbabble - Patreon producer Sade, here!@SeanGeekPodcast@derekjones198@AttheflicksPod@iused2watchthis@FriendsNFlayers@PulpCereal@kevin_thecritic@hugospostsFacebook chumsErik CarlsonLorraine PurdonTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios.Go, confront the problem. Fight! Win! And call me when you get back, darling. I enjoy our visits. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

If you saw Kubo and the Two Strings, you'd probably be in agreement with me when I say that's it's the most stunning achievement in stop motion filmmaking, and Laika deserve all the accolades.The problem is, not many people did see it. In fact although it's arguably Laika's best work, it's also one of their biggest financial failures, which is a travesty and we should all hang our heads in shame (me included - I first saw it on Blu-Ray!).Telling the story of a young boy on an epic quest, it's a tale of the bond of family (especially mothers and sons), found family, courage, power, memories and ultimately that kindness is a strength, not a weakness.The sheer feat of skill, technology, engineering, innovation and determination is etched into every snowflake and leaf all the way up to a record breaking 16 foot tall skeleton puppet.In short, this movie surpasses technical achievement. It's exceptional. And, like me, you'll probably cry a lot.Visit Laika's YouTube Channel hereI would love to hear your thoughts on Kubo and the Two Strings! You can get in touch onTwitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaYouTube @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaor you can email me general hellos, feedback or suggestions:verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comThank you to our Patreon Producer Sade, patrons Simon E, Jardiel, Claudia and Simon B for supporting Verbal Diorama! To support the show on Patreon from just $2 a month, have a look over at https://www.patreon.com/verbaldiorama and choose your Keanu - you can now get the majority of episodes early too!You can rate or review the show in iTunes or at Apple Podcasts and I'd very much appreciate that!My website is at https://verbaldiorama.comThanks to the following for their contributions to this episode:Twitter peeps@SYIMS_Podcast@FalseStartsPod@Robnoady@TheMiddleborne@GnarlyJimbobInstagram folk@mobisze@vegimorph@thisfilmislitTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

The animation season continues with Akira, pre-recorded in November 2019, live at SAMM's Peterborough, where I met up with my special guests Anita and Ciara from The Unexceptionals podcast, and quite frankly they couldn't have been nicer and more brilliant.Set in 2019, the legendary anime Akira is more relevant to our real 2019 than our 1988 could have possibly predicted. It's a story of isolation, fear and the corruption of power and youth, and asks questions about our existence and the evolution of humanity post-disaster. This version of Neo-Tokyo contrasts between the bright beautiful neon cityscape and the dismal dark downtown streets where young people like Tetsuo and Kaneda face an uncertain future.It's also a movie that continues to influence other movies; Inception, Chronicle and The Matrix all take themes from Akira and with a Taika Waititi-directed live-action remake in the pipeline, Akira will continue to inspire cinema for years to come. We also talk about the movies that influenced Akira's look, such as Blade Runner and Tron. Basically, this movie looks, sounds and feels stunning.In summary, I recorded Akira with the collective noun "A-Ciara" and we had, quite frankly, a massive amount of fun talking about an iconic anime that you should be watching!It's worth noticing there is occasionally a bit of an echo on my voice (because their mics also picked me up!) but I've tried to reduce it. Hopefully it's not too off-putting!Massive thanks to the hilarious and amazing Anita and Ciara for guesting on Akira. They can be found and followed at @_unexceptionals on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook, and the first season of The Unexceptionals can be downloaded wherever you get your podcasts from. The second season will be out early this year, so watch out for that!I would love to hear your thoughts on Akira! You can get in touch onTwitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaYouTube @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaor you can email me general hellos, feedback or suggestions:verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comThank you to our Patreon Producer Sade, patrons Simon E, Jardiel, Claudia and new patron Simon B for supporting Verbal Diorama! To support the show on Patreon from just $2 a month, have a look over at https://www.patreon.com/verbaldiorama and choose your Keanu!You can rate or review the show in iTunes or at Apple Podcasts and I'd very much appreciate that!My website is at https://verbaldiorama.comTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios.Thanks to SAMM's Peterborough for allowing us use of their basement at the venue for recording! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Our animation season kicks off with a heartwarming family Christmas favourite, starring Dasher, Dancer, Prancer....erm, Bambi, John, the one with the white ear and Santa's youngest son Arthur, who'll do anything to get young Gwen Hines a present on Christmas morning after she's accidentally missed by Santa's high-tech delivery system.It's a movie that comments on inter-generational conflict, inheritance, our reliance on technology and loss of tradition, as well as our own egotistical behaviours, but mostly it's about the true meaning of Christmas - compassion, family, belief and the joy of giving.It's also gorgeous and very British, courtesy of the genius of Aardman Animation.Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all!PS I swear I was not drunk during recording! Also, Jess was around for editing.I would love to hear your thoughts on Arthur Christmas! You can get in touch onTwitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaYouTube @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaor you can email me general hellos, feedback or suggestions:verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comThank you to our Patreon Producer Sade and patrons Simon, Jardiel and Claudia for supporting Verbal Diorama! To support the show on Patreon from just $2 a month, have a look over at https://www.patreon.com/verbaldiorama and choose your KeanuYou can rate or review the show in iTunes or at Apple Podcasts and I'd very much appreciate that!My website is at https://verbaldiorama.comTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Keanu Reeves is often criticised for not "acting" enough in his movies. He may not be the John Constantine of comic book fans dreams, but with his literal devil-may-care attitude and cynical despondence on full display, I think he pretty much nails this John Constantine - a man at the end of his life, desperate to save enough souls from damnation so he can go to Heaven after a teenage suicide attempt leaves him with no option but to go to Hell.Pair him with Rachel Weisz, (a woman who could make a movie of herself cooking eggs and I'd watch it), and her effervescent charm, it really is great to watch them together.Religious subtexts aside, this is a movie about faith in humanity too. John's faith is restored by his dealings with Weisz's bereaved police detective Angela Dodson and although he becomes a hero, it's not really about his journey to heroism, more about giving the finger to authority and doing the right thing.Listen, I know you know how much I loved Dredd for its ability to adapt its source material so effectively, and Constantine is not without source material (and a more faithful TV show), but if this movie was called anything else, it wouldn't be as derided as it unfortunately was. It still looks good after 15 years, and while some of the performances stand out as being less than hellblazing (I'm looking at you Gavin Rossdale!), Keanu's is pretty great actually - and I'm not the only person who thinks so (thankfully!)I would love to hear your thoughts on Constantine! You can get in touch onTwitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaYouTube @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaor you can email me general hellos, feedback or suggestions:verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comThank you to our Patreon Producer Sade, patrons Simon and Jardiel and new patron Claudia for supporting Verbal Diorama! To support the show on Patreon from just $2 a month, have a look over at https://www.patreon.com/verbaldiorama and choose your Keanu (John Constantine is an option!!)You can rate or review the show in iTunes or at Apple Podcasts and I'd very much appreciate that!My website is at https://verbaldiorama.comThanks to the following for their contributions to this episode:Twitter peeps@WooLongTalks@FilmbustersPaul@MoviesWork@movievirginspod@Capt_Hangry@kevin_thecritic@NerdsWithFriend@simon_exton@trivia_chic@tepidville@ComicsinMotionP@JRSP_1978@nle318@RobWadeVision@lukesolo73Instagram folk@talesofpeckTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Once upon a time, there was a prince. His name was Neil Gaiman. He wrote a book called Stardust. He wished upon a fallen star for it to be excellent, be directed by the extremely talented Matthew Vaughn and star some of Hollywood's all time greats plus a league of British comedic talent and a young up-and-coming actor called Charlie Cox.His wish came true.He lived happily ever after.The end.Stardust is great! Even my nephew loves it and he's three!Oh and I just realised Captain Shakespeare is a literal Sky Captain. Call back to Sky Captain!I would love to hear your thoughts on Stardust! You can get in touch onTwitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaYouTube @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaor you can email me general hellos, feedback or suggestions:verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comThank you to our Patreon Producer Sade, and patrons Simon and Jardiel for supporting Verbal Diorama! To support the show on Patreon from just $2 a month, have a look over at https://www.patreon.com/verbaldiorama and choose your Keanu.....You can rate or review the show in iTunes or at Apple Podcasts and I'd very much appreciate that!My website is at https://verbaldiorama.comThanks to the following for their contributions to this episode:Twitter peeps@NFTDT@trivia_chic@thisfilmislitInstagram folk@contrarianprime@sherbert_lemons@bookofliespodcastReal LifeMy sisterMy 3 year old nephew!Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

2016's Passengers, starring Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence and Hollywood heartthrob Chris Pratt should have had an easy journey to sci-fi greatness. Its script was championed in the 2007 Hollywood Black List, it enticed an Oscar nominated director and Sony believed in it so much they upped the budget to $120 million. There was a lot riding on the success of the Starship Avalon's 120-year voyage to Homestead II.The problem is..... it's meant to be romantic, but just ends up feeling, well, really creepy.Passengers is a movie with a lot of promise. It wants to be a cautionary tale on our reliance on technology and trusting of big corporations, the social and class divide between the rich and the poor, for us to ask questions about moral quandaries, to empathise with a character’s isolation and loneliness and the broader implications of artificial intelligence but it kinda takes all these interesting and rich discussions and bookends them with “yeah, but they’re both really hot” and never really satisfactorily answers any of the moral questions it asks of itself. It's a shame. The thing is, it could very easily be fixed with a few choice edits....I would love to hear your thoughts on Passengers! You can get in touch onTwitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaYouTube @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaor you can email me general hellos, feedback or suggestions:verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comThank you to our Patreon Producer Sade, and also our new patrons Simon and Jardiel for supporting Verbal Diorama! To support the show on Patreon from just $2 a month, have a look over at https://www.patreon.com/verbaldiorama and choose your Keanu.....You can rate or review the show in iTunes or at Apple Podcasts and I'd very much appreciate that!My website is at https://verbaldiorama.comThanks to the following for their contributions to this episode:Twitter peeps@BlkGirlsDoStuff@capunderstands@SYIMS_Podcast@BTipplers@MoviesWork@iused2watchthis@alwayscriticpod@RoleplayRetcon@robinhoodpod@kolbytoldme@core_xtra@cwordpod@CuylerisGreen@litgamingarena@reeltroublepod@agentcoop007@RobynandDani@Wizard_Matt@JasonKruppaInstagram folk@contrarianprime@eatcrimeFacebook budsErik CarlsonTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

"When you doubt your powers, you give power to your doubts."I'm joined by the mysterious and manly Andy from Geek Salad to discuss whoever smelled it dealt it, disco not being dead and clouds of radically fluctuating deviant chaotrons.With a huge and established cast of great 90s comedians and character actors as the Six Very Nearly Dead Guys With a Temporary Reprieve, 1999's Mystery Men had everything going for it. It was smart, daft and funny, it commented on capitalism and superhero cynicism but also came out well before the superhero genre boomed. In many ways, it was a movie before its time. Roughly 15 years before its time.It also had the unfortunate experience of coming out in the same day in America as The Sixth Sense, which dominated the box office, leaving Mystery Men feeling like the Invisible Boy at most cinemas. It also feels very reminiscent of Joel Schumacher's Batman movies, with a bright colour palette and vibrant neon CG cityscapes. Not the most pleasant comparison in the world to make, but a comparison it is. In the modern era of superhero movies dominating the box office, as well as all the merchandising and branding, it's refreshing to see a movie tackle the "other guys" and the fact that they are just everyday normal people, trying their best to be exceptional and to do the right thing. Everyone loves an underdog story. These are the forking biggest underdogs. No need to Shovel it in your face. I don't want to make you Furious.Will we ever find out if Lance Hunt and Captain Amazing are the same person? Lance Hunt wears glasses you see, and Captain Amazing doesn't, so it's really tricky to tell if those rumours are true....Slight mistake in the episode: Janeane Garofalo's character is called Carol, not Karen! Ooops. Don't set Carmine the Bowler on me, please!I would love to hear your thoughts on Mystery Men! You can get in touch onTwitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaYouTube @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaor you can email me general hellos, feedback or suggestions:verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comYou can rate or review the show in iTunes or at Apple Podcasts and I'd very much appreciate that!My website is at https://verbaldiorama.comThanks to the following for their contributions to this episode:Andy, from Geek Salad, obviously! He can be found over @geeksaladradio on Twitter and he's an absolute joy!Twitter peeps@BlkGirlsDoStuff@capunderstands@MoviesWork@ThefilmB@ContrarianPrime@FilmbustersPaul@trivia_chic@LatteThunder@FriendsNFlayers@ColbsBulbs@filmcellar@Hoovalicious84@AnotherfilmnerdInstagram folk@moviesatthemattTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Can't even shout, can't even cryThe Gentlemen are coming byLooking in windows, knocking on doorsThey need to take seven and they might take yoursCan't call to mom, can't say a wordYou're gonna die screaming but you won't be heard.Happy Halloween! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Never judge a book by its cover.We're told that as children and throughout life, and yet we all still do it. We all revert to those tired stereotypes that blondes are dumb, ice-cold or overtly sexual bombshells who steal husbands.The truth is, although those tropes have been around in movies since the 1930s, change is coming. And whilst that change didn't start with Legally Blonde, it was definitely a massive catalyst for Hollywood to change its way of thinking, and also us... the viewing public.Reese Witherspoon gives us a smart, funny, kind and thoughtful Elle Woods who just happens to be super popular and President of her sorority. Whoever you are, you can root for and find common ground with Elle. She's the feminist hero you never knew you needed, but we all need a bit more Elle in our lives.Getting into Harvard Law..... what, like it's hard?! It's really not, actually.I would love to hear your thoughts on Legally Blonde! You can get in touch onTwitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaYouTube @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaor you can email me general hellos, feedback or suggestions:verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comYou can rate or review the show in iTunes or at Apple Podcasts and I'd very much appreciate that!My website is at https://verbaldiorama.comThanks to the following for their contributions to this episode:Twitter peeps@TheMidnightMyth@BlkGirlsDoStuffInstagram folk@moviesatthematt@_unexceptionals@lorraine_purdon_Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Edge of Tomorrow is not just your typical action sci-fiEdge of Tomorrow is not just your typical Tom Cruise action sci-fiEdge of Tomorrow is not just your typical Tom Cruise action sci-fi with time loopsEdge of Tomorrow is not just your typical Tom Cruise action sci-fi with time loops where he dies spectacularly and hilariously every single time.Edge of Tomorrow is an Emily Blunt action sci-fi; because whilst Tom Cruise headlines the movie, Emily Blunt is the star and so is her character Rita Vrataski.So, forewarning, this episode contains strong feelings towards Emily Blunt.... but to be fair I am nice about Tom Cruise too. This Cruise is my favourite Cruise and this movie is all the better for his performance.......but mainly because of Emily Blunt.I would love to hear your thoughts on Edge of Tomorrow! You can get in touch onTwitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaYouTube @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaor you can email me general hellos, feedback or suggestions:verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comYou can rate or review the show in iTunes or at Apple Podcasts and I'd very much appreciate that!My website is at https://verbaldiorama.comThanks to the following for their contributions to this episode:Twitter peepsAndy from @geeksaladradio@capunderstands@robinhoodpod@NerdsWithFriend@CookinWithGrief@Dreamofdragons@trevorcarlee@kevin_thecritic@30Podcast@jonboy274Instagram folk@shuffleonline@fuelled_funny@tfgifpodcast@moviesatthematt@vegimorphTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Hugh Jackman's swansong as Wolverine is nothing like any superhero comic book movie ever. It's a brutal, gory, painful look at the life of an ageing hero, a man whose life consists of numbing his pain with booze whilst caring for a frail, elderly, dementia suffering Charles Xavier. You feel every inch of their suffering and vulnerability in a world where mutants are no longer born and where Charles is so unpredictable they've declared his brain a weapon of mass destruction.....And so we meet Laura - a young mutant very much like Logan, a young mutant who brings Charles joy and gives Logan a reason to not walk away from this fight.Fox Studios could have made a standard CGI-filled world-ending standard superhero movie. The fact they chose to make something so personal, so character-driven and so emotionally-weighted with real world stakes was such a massive risk.It paid off. Critically, commercially and, most importantly, for characters we've known and loved since 2000.We need to see more studios make more movies like this.I would love to hear your thoughts on Logan! You can get in touch onTwitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaYouTube @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaor you can email me general hellos, feedback or suggestions:verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comYou can rate or review the show in iTunes or at Apple Podcasts and I'd very much appreciate that!My website is at https://verbaldiorama.com (I always forget to say it in the episode!)Thanks to the following for their contributions to this episode:Twitter peepsAndy from @geeksaladradio@capunderstands@trivia_chic@derekjones198@MoviesWork@robinhoodpod@cinema_recall@kevin_thecritic@GenuineChitChat@SSOUITSpodcast@gtthpodInstagram folk@thosemovieguyspodcast@moviesatthemattTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Have you seen that movie by Edgar Wright?Shaun of the Dead? I love that movie.No, the other one.Hot Fuzz - I always quote it!No, neither of those, the one with the young lad as the leadBaby Driver! Oh my god, such a cool movie, great soundtrackNone of those! The other other other other Edgar Wright movie!The World's End?Get out!If this conversation has happened to you, you're not alone. Scott Pilgrim vs The World is actually brilliant, but so are all of Edgar Wright's other movies, and so poor Scott Pilgrim tends to be forgotten.I want to change that. Scott Pilgrim has a phenomenal cast, great music, brilliant fight choreography and more video game references than all video games combined (probably). It about heart, strength, character and defeating your new loves' evil exes. What's more relateable than that?Most importantly, I've found a new ringtone and a way to swear on the podcast without actually swearing - all thanks to this movie!I would love to hear your thoughts on Scott Pilgrim vs The World! You can get in touch onTwitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaYouTube @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaor you can email me general hellos, feedback or suggestions:verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comYou can rate or review the show in iTunes or at Apple Podcasts and I'd very much appreciate that!My website is at https://verbaldiorama.com (I always forget to say it in the episode!)Thanks to the following for their contributions to this episode:Twitter peeps@capunderstands@Le_Meanderthals@Wyattrocks@PulpCereal@trivia_chic@foodhistorypod@thedcabrera@TroytlePowerInstagram folk@contrarianprime@thethirstpod@thereal_johngTheme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme SongMusic by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe FacebookLyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy