MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Dreadful Digest: Podcast // Instagram // YouTube

Tessa Nelson from Dreadful Digest joins Kathryn & Melvin to discuss one of 2026's most surprising successes, Obsession! Is the film really as scary as many say it is? What about Bear: is he a "nice guy"? And who's the actual villain of the film? There's so much to explore, so tune in now! 

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 31-minutes discussing what might be attributing to the exorbitant success of horror movies, most notably with Obsession & Backrooms, over the last few years. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Tessa catches the gang up with what Dreadful Digest is up to during their lil' hiatus, what to look forward to, and a "bucket list" episode they want to do.
• Some background about Curry Barker & Cooper Tomlinson, their YouTube work, Milk & Serial, and now Obsession.
• Tessa isn't head-over-heels for Obsession, but she has a lot of respect for it.
• Kathryn stepped away wildly impressed, considering it a great experience overall.
• On the ride home from the theater, Melvin remarked to Kathryn, "I want to buy a ticket and see it again this weekend."
• These characters are layered, and even have a level of realistic antagonism amongst one another, leaving Tessa thinking about them long after the film's ended.
• Melvin feels Curry Barker is innovating whereas a director he looks up to, Ari Aster, is wasting time. Tessa disagrees.
• Talking about Bear, as well as the friend group, and whether he is a "nice guy" or not.
• Having true Nicky appear every-so-often is a brilliant writing choice.
• What's with all the "cat" imagery in the film?
• Talking about the incredible ending.

Recommendations:

• Hereditary (2018) (Movie)
• The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003) (Movie)
• Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones (2014) (Movie)
• Phantom Thread (2017) (Movie)

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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Shirleon & Kathryn join Melvin to discuss Kane Parsons' silver-screen debut for his hugely popular web-series; Backrooms! How does Parsons handle the transition from in-world storytelling to omniscient camera storytelling? The web-series doesn't really have character-driven narratives, so what do they think of Clark & Mary as the film's leads? And most importantly... is it good? Tune in and find out!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 37-minutes discussing The Mandalorian & Grogu's shockingly awful 70% second-weekend drop-off against Obsession's generational box-office legs & Backrooms' incredible first weekend, and what this might signal for the industry (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• This is the first of Kane Parsons' "Backrooms" entries to be character-led, whereas the rest of the story has been largely ambient and abstract. How did it turn out?
• Rather than overloading the film with "lore-bloat", Backrooms cleverly adds nods to fans of the web-series through background material, visual trickery, dialogue, and much more.
• Thoughts on the characters of Clark & Mary.
• When the film ends... are they still in the Backrooms?
• The correlation between the Backrooms and people's consciousness.
• Clark's pivot in the third act feels like it jumps the shark, but the gang still thinks the ending works.
• Talking about Kane Parsons' appreciation of Valve and his impressive exploration of the deteriorating 90s aesthetic despite being born in the later 2000s.

Recommendations:

• I Found a Lost Hallway in a Dying Mall by Ben Farthing (2024) (Book)
• The real story behind the Backrooms (2025) (YouTube Video)
• People Still Live Here (2025 - X) (YouTube Series)

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PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

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

Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss an underseen 2020 anime flick, Josee, the Tiger and the Fish! Why a tiger? What's the fish? Who's a Josee? All these questions - about romance, symbolism, and if the two even liked the movie - and more are answered in this finale episode to Ani-May! Tune in!

Topics:

• (FREE PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 35-minutes discussing how audience interests have been changing over the years, kicking things off with The Mandalorian and Grogu's weak opening box-office numbers followed by reflecting on the last few year's tentpole flicks, both socially and commercially (FREE PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• For Kathryn, Josee, the Tiger and the Fish is largely innocuous and inoffensive.
• For Melvin, there's a few things he enjoyed but otherwise thought the film "wasn't my thing".
• Too much melodrama drowns out quiet romantic moments.
• Melvin, "All the stuff that's working is crowded out by stuff that's annoying."
• Breaking down the title and what each part of it means.
• The ending, and how the third act is really messy.
• Melvin feels like a particular plot development is a little too mean when considering the character's background and possible maturity.

Recommendations:

• Tales from the Umbrella Academy: You Look Like Death (2021) (Graphic Novel)
• Dead Grandma (2026) (Short Film)

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TV-SHOW DISCUSSION: 

Beneath the Tangles: Instagram // YouTube // X // Website

Twwk (Charles) from Beneath the Tangles joins Melvin to discuss a massive cult-classic sci-fi anime: Serial Experiments Lain! In this incredibly dense episode about an incredibly dense show, the two explore transhumanism, self-sacrifice, predictive fiction, and the show's wildly popular opener song, 'Duvet' by Bôa! 

Topics:

• Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:46:37 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
• Charles catches Melvin up with his appreciation for Makoto Shinkai, Beneath the Tangles new interview series 'Something Genuine', and his thoughts on AI (LLMs & AGI).
• The two remark on the plethora of ideas the show covers in it's 13 episodes.
• Serial Experiments Lain feels intentionally confusing at times.
• Reflecting on the changing Anime landscape and asking, "Are there any Seinen Anime coming out?"
• Melvin feels Serial Experiments Lain is predictive fiction in its exploration how impressionable minds engage the internet; among other things.
• Talking about the opening of Serial Experiments Lain.
• Is love, or loving one another, the next step in human evolution?
• How transhumanism is a delusion antithetical to the Gospel, and therefore antithetical to loving others.

Recommendations:

• Needy Girl Overdose (2026) (Anime)
• Audition (2000) (Movie)

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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss Tomie, another early Junji Ito live-action adaptation! The two talk about the film's varying quality, constantly curious ideas, and toxic-femininity; something they've rarely seen explored in film. 

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 24-minutes discussing about Zach Cregger's Resident Evil movie teaser trailer as well as responding to the surprisingly divisive online reaction. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Kathryn & Melvin have both read the Tomie manga, but only Kathryn has finished reading it, and the two share their thoughts.
• Kathryn, "[Tomie] is a good highlight reel of Tomie the manga."
• Tomie is playing with a lot of ideas, but very few feel fully realized.
• Perhaps the main idea explored in Tomie, which is inherent to the character, is toxic femininity, and a woman's ability to use their feminine power for their own desires.
• Toxic gender ideologies deny the truth of image-bearing; that both man AND woman bear God's image when in healthy relationship (platonic and/or romantic).
• Talking about Tomie as a character.
• Talking about flowers, and the choice to reveal Tomie's face later in the film.
• Trying to understand the ending, which introduces some complex ideas to an already layered film.
• Cross-examining Tomie and Tsukiko; what they share, how they differ, and forgiveness (or, the lack thereof). 

Recommendations:

• Black Paradox (2007-2008) (Manga)
• Hauntress (Zashiki Onna) (1993) (Manga)

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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Legacy XP Coaching

Paryss Bryanne: Instagram // Tiktok // YouTube // Snapchat

Pixel Paryss: Instagram // Tiktok // YouTube // Twitch

Paryss Bryanne joins Melvin to talk My Neighbor Totoro! The two kick-off Ani-May with a much-beloved Studio Ghibli classic! Nostalgia, curiosity, and a whole lotta whimsy fill this episode from start to finish! Tune in now! 

Topics:

• Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:35:43 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
• Paryss shares about her love of Undertale, her desire to see people grow through Legacy XP Coaching, and how she's wrestling with horror media.
• Paryss, "[My Nieghbor Totoro] does such a good job of taking you back into the shoes of a child."
• Where do Paryss and Mel rank My Neighbor Totoro against other Miyazaki/Ghibli movies?
• On big emotions, and how emotions become more complicated as an adult.
• Enduring against melancholic nostalgia.
• Melvin, "Did you kinda just feel like [My Neighbor Totoro] was, like, really heavenly?"
• Talking Totoro, and wondering if he actually exists.
• Getting into the ending.

Recommendations:

• The Village (2004) (Movie)
• Lucid Blocks (2026) (Video Game)

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PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

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

Kathryn joins Melvin in discussing Rear Window, a quintessential Hitchcock film! The two get into the film's fascination with voyeurism, L.B. Jefferies complex character, whether or not people can change, and what it means to clearly see others. 

Topics: 

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 22-minutes discussing the Forbes report from Rob Salkowitz "Disney Layoffs Hit Marvel Studios Hard", how visual effects artists switching from full-time to contract work may increase project leaks, and why these layoffs happened in the first place. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 
• The film is exceptionally well paced, and the way it turns people into "television channels" is as gross as it is curious.
• The dialogue in Rear Window is top notch, even if it's very scripted and forgoes any sense of realistic, human communication. Everything's so clever.
• Despite its ups and downs, Melvin really loved the romance and drama between L.B. Jefferies and Lisa Fremont.
• Where does a person's insatiable desire for information come from?
• Talking about perspectives and framing.
• Talking about L.B. Jefferies and the intricacies of his character.
• The ending is only the tiniest bit clunky, but it's strong nonetheless.

Recommendations:

• His Girl Friday (1940) (Movie)
• Loner (2025) (Movie)

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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss another indie-horror-game-turned-movie, Exit 8! First off, how is it as an adaptation? Also, can a 40-ish minute game really get turned into a 90-minute movie? And what about a dramatic throughline; what's keeps audiences emotionally hooked?

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 25-minutes discussing The Hollywood Reporter's "Inside PIxar's Scrapped Movie 'Be Fri' and the "Devastating" Aftermath" by Ryan Gajewski, how we feel about Disney/Pixar canceling a Magical Girl movie, and how it's hard to tell if this is a win or loss post-KPop Demon Hunters. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• What is Anomaly Horror, and what are Kat & Melvin's thoughts on the original indie game?
• For Kathryn, it felt like a really good Twilight Zone episode. For Melvin, there was a moment where he wondered if it'd become his #1 film for 2025.
• How does the film embrace the Anomaly Horror genre, and why is Anomaly Horror so popular nowadays?
• How do we respond during "everyday" anomalies, things that disrupt the status quo?
• There's so much humanity to this story.
• Mel, "It is interesting that his dramatic thing is that, "If I'm not caring for my neighbor, how can i care for my family?""
• The ending feels like a call to action.

Recommendations:

• Cube (1998) (Movie) (Podcast Episode)
• The Fly II (1989) (Movie)

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TV-SHOW DISCUSSION: 

Dreadful Digest: Podcast // Instagram // YouTube

Tessa & Sam of the Dreadful Digest podcast join Melvin to discuss IT: Welcome to Derry, the spin-off prequel series to Andy Muschietti's IT duology! How does the show balance its original and familiar material? Is it scarier than the movies? What's the pulse on Bill Skarsgård's interpretation of Pennywise? Tune in to this INSANELY dense episode and find out! 

Topics:

• Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:57:10 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
• Tessa & Sam explore what's at the heart of their show, if a movie has ever been better than its book, and if there are any in-name-only adaptations that are still good.
• Sam, "This actually is extremely faithful to the book..."
• Tessa is glad she stuck with the show despite episode 3, and the gang talks about why episode 3 is so uniquely bad.
• Melvin liked the show but wishes the whole season carried the tone and attitude of the first episode.
• Finally, a good prequel series to a popular story.
• Nobody can talk about It: Welcome to Derry Season 1 without talking about Stranger Things Season 5.
• Praising Chris Chalk for his performance as Dick Hallorann.
• Overcoming fear and trauma through companionship.
• Thinking about future seasons.
• Talking the ending and all the new Pennywise lore stuff.

Recommendations:

• Castle Rock (2018-2019) (Series)
• Something Very Bad is Going to Happen (2026) (Series)
• Read the original source material of a movie you love!

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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Scream Queen Podcast: Podcast // Instagram // TikTok // BlueSky 

Janecka Olen, creator and host of the Scream Queen Podcast, joins Melvin to discuss a criminally underseen, economically paced sci-fi thriller that's stuck in streaming jail: Significant Other! This 2022 film is loaded with surprises, including an emotional depth seldom seen in "invasion"-type movies. But, is it really an invasion film? It's a lot of things. Tune in and find out! 

Topics:

• Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:32:25 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here! 
• Talking about Janecka's goals, from building her podcast & Instagram, getting her screenplay made, and her work on "The Horror Community's Ep****n List".
• Janecka loves outdoorsing, and the general fears that come with it kick off Significant Other.
• Yeah, but... what genre is Significant Other?
• How opposites are exhibited through the film, including land & sea.
• Talking various twists and turns, of which there are SEVERAL.
• Significant Other draws from a lot of films, but one of those choices doesn't sit right with Melvin.
• Janecka, "The interesting thing about [Significant Other]... is the emotional aspect."
• The ending is a bit strange, so the two ponder what its saying about relationships.

Recommendations:

• Pretty Lethal (2026) (Movie)
• Something Very Bad is Going to Happen (2026 - X) (Series)
• Forbidden Fruits (2026) (Movie)
• Tomie (1998) (Movie)

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MOVIE DISCUSSION:

Kathryn joins Melvin to talk a surprise horror hit of 2026, undertone! This spooky flick has been helmed "the scariest movie you'll ever hear" by Collider, but is that actually true? Also, what's with all the catholic imagery? And does everything gel well together, or would this have been better as a short-film? 

Topics:

• Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:30:31 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
• Kathryn, "I bet you this movie was written and directed by a man."
• Melvin, "Well, there's a really good short film in there."
• There's a lot in undertone, but a lot of it is done much better in other movies, so Melvin lists a few and explains how.
• Pacing, and the film's sense of time, is really off.
• Kathryn enjoyed Nina Kiri's performance, and is curious to see what she does next after otherwise carrying this film on her own.
• As a podcasting hobbyist, Melvin complains about how undertone does podcasting.
• Is the movie dumb? Discuss.
• What does the antagonistic force in undertone have to do with sound?
• Melvin, "There's better movies out there. Watch those instead!"
• Talking about the ending... I guess...

Recommendations:

• Wolf in White Van by John Darnielle (2015) (Book)
• Be My Valentine (2026) (Movie)

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PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

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

Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss the latest Patreon-Picked movie, Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey! The two finish out March with a family film about talking animals and giving trust a chance!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 22-minutes of Kathryn & Melvin discussing the Spider-Man: Brand New Day trailer, their interest levels, and where they are with their relationship to the MCU. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 
• First things first: the movie is humane to its animal "actors", and the two reflect on that.
• The cinematography is top notch.
• Melvin gets distracted by Disney and... Mormons?
• It's undeniable; anyone watching will catch themselves smiling. A lot.
• Talking about why Kids/Family movies are kinda interesting, and mentioning a few that the podcast has covered.
• Learning to trust others, and learning to care about what others care for.
• There isn't a lot to say about the ending, but its definitely cute.

Recommendations:

• The Good Earth (1931) (Novel)
• Livescream (2018) (Movie)

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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Horror Hour with the Hannas: Podcast // Instagram // TikTok // YouTube 

Welcome to Twin Peaks: Podcast // Instagram

Hannah & Matt Hanna from Hour Hour with the Hannas join Melvin to discuss one of David Cronenberg's most loved pictures; The Fly! From its brisk pacing to dense themes, the three get into the grotesque ins-and-outs of this vile, visual treat! 

Topics:

• Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:50:27 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
• Hannah & Matt talk about their varied catalog of episodes and their relationship with the horror genre.
• Positivity all around; Hannah, Matt, and Melvin loved The Fly!
• Matt fell in love with The Fly, and it reminded him why he loves movies in the first place.
• Hannah explores why she stepped away from The Fly feeling... giddy?
• The film leaves Melvin profoundly emotional by the time the credits roll.
• Getting into the specifics of the film's gender politics, man's relationship with his legacy, and Stathis.
• Intimacy demands vulnerability, and vulnerability is often rejected by men through insecurities.
• Reacting to the absolutely bonkers ending.
• Discussing that one scene where Stathis shows a sort of respectful kindness to Ronni, and why that felt like a strange yet extremely important moment in the story.

Recommendations:

• Raw (2017) (Movie)
• Together (2025) (Movie)
• The Ugly Stepsister (2025) (Movie)
• Prometheus (2012) (Movie)
• The Wolf Man (1941) (Movie)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Kathryn & Melvin discuss the latest ghostface outing, Scream 7! Overwhelmed with controversy, this hugely popular modern slasher franchise brings back its original final girl, Sydney Prescott, in an attempt to salvage its reputation. Did it pay off? Is the whodunnit of it all still good? What's the meta commentary this time around? What about the boycott? We get into it all; tune in now! 

Topics:

• Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:19:54 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
• Giving an overview of the Scream franchise, something the Cinematic Doctrine podcast hasn't formally covered on the podcast.
• Scream as a franchise isn't usually all that gory, but Scream 7 pushes those boundaries. Kat isn't about it.
• There is no sense of time or space in the film, and, frankly, that's the least of its problems.
• Scream as a franchise at its best is smart, and at its worst is a little strange. But here, its worst is downright stupid.
• Melvin explores why a lot of fans were "boycotting" the movie; partnerships with Kalshi, MetaAI, and the firing of Melissa Barrera.
• How Hal Lindsey's book The Late Great Planet Earth continues to damage the Western Christian understanding of Israel/Palestine relations, the Scriptures, and now... the Scream franchise?
• How Scream 7 really stretched the patience of its audience, and how it has the worst ghostface unmasking.

Recommendations:

• This Is How You Get JARHEAD Sequels (20260 (YouTube Video)
• Amnesia: Rebirth (2020) (Video Game)

Support the show

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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss Bugonia, Yorgos Lanthimos' latest bizarre feature! Is this more accessible than any of his previous flicks? What's up with all the Bees? Is Emma Stone an alien, or are rich people just from another planet? There's a LOT to unpack here, so tune in! 

Topics:

• Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:38:13 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
• Bugonia is more of a dramatic-satire than comedic-satire, despite its marketing implying otherwise.
• As he does, Melvin begins with something he likes; the acting!
• Kathryn, "[Bugonia] plays with what it means to be privileged enough to not have to worry about anything anymore and what it looks like for people who are forced to worry about everything."
• Mostly, Melvin stepped away from Bugonia with negativity.
• Talkin' bees and what the word "bugonia" means, and the Old Testament "Creation Mandate".
• Talking about Don, colony collapse disorder, and getting into the ending.
• It's common in beekeeping to replace the queen. Why isn't that mentioned through this allegory?
• A call for the wealthy to be kind to the oppressed.

Recommendations:

• Giant-Size X-Men: Tribute to Wein & Cockrum (2025) (Graphic Novel)
• Savageland (2015) (Movie)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

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PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

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

Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss our latest Patreon-selected movie, Misericordia! This foreign drama/dark-comedy from Alain Guiraudie offers a lot to talk about: Fall vibes, yearning, secrets, and plenty of small town conflict. Also, mushrooms!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 27-minutes discussing Movies or art-pieces that become rally-cries for fandoms and garner 10/10 reviews in "support" of those projects, and how this makes Melvin go, "Hmmm..." (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 
• The setting of the film, a Fall French countryside, is stunning.
• The film is cozy and even-keeled, but it also has a dash of the grotesque.
• Melvin hasn't watched a lot of Queer cinema and that's largely due to the genre often included a bit more sexuality in it than other genres.
• Someone watching movies outside their comfort zone can sometimes help bring a broader understanding to that person's outlook.
• How we interpret the mushroom as a symbol.
• Talking about love, justice, and living.
• Getting into the ending, discussing its abruptness, and closing thoughts.
• The importance of forgiveness and mercy when expressed and experienced in the right direction, as opposed to from merely observers.

Recommendations:

• Good News in January (you might have missed) (2026) (YouTube)
• Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs (2013) (Video Game)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss Bottle Rocket, Wes Anderson's first feature-length film! The vibes are cozy and the dramedy is light, and the two get into discussions about classism (go figure!), easy-to-watch films, and what it is about Wes Anderson that makes him so mainstream. 

Topics: 

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 23-minutes discussing Darren Aronofsky's AI-Slop studio "Primordial Soup" which specializes in producing "stories" and "art" through AI programs (LLMs and AGIs a la Chat-GPT and Midjourney) and how this endeavor is actually anti-art. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 
• Kathryn has stated that Bottle Rocket is her favorite Wes Anderson movie. Is this still true?
• It's nice to watch a Wes Anderson movie where he isn't overly controlling everything.
• Talking classism, adulthood, maturity, & empathy.
• Melvin isn't so sure he likes Wes Anderson's movies as much as everyone else, and he spends some time thinking what it is others see in them.
• Talking about Dignan, Anthony, and the unique characters therein.
• The climax of the film feels like a great representation of what Wes Anderson does best.

Recommendations:

• Brick (2006) (Movie)
• Amnesia: The Dark Descent (2010) (Video Game)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Shirleon joins Melvin to talk about Markiplier's Iron Lung movie! Is it like the game? Is it claustrophobic? Is it spooky-scary? The game is about 45-minutes whereas the movie is a little over 2-hours... is it bloated? Tune in and find out! 

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 20-minutes talking about the vibes around Chris Pratt, if he's as popular as Hollywood thinks he is, what the financials of his latest features tell us, and where we think he's going next. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 
• Setting the groundwork for the Iron Lung game so we can talk the Iron Lung movie.
• Both Shirleon & Melvin liked the movie, and the two chat about what worked for them.
• The film succeeded in making Shirleon feel very claustrophobic.
• Why is cosmic horror or weird fiction so difficult in film?
• Melvin feels Iron Lung showcases Markiplier's talent as a writer/director.
• Why do we think people love stories that contain such a degree of hopelessness?
• Some specifics about the ending are a bit confusing, but Melvin doesn't feel it detracts from the experience.
• Shirleon chats about the creature.
• In terms of filmmaking, what's next for Markiplier?

Recommendations: 

• Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith: Episode III (2025) (Novel)
• FoundTV (Streaming App)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
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TV-Show Discussion: 

Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss Stranger Things Season 5! Was it worth the 9-year adventure? How was it in theaters? Is there a secret 9th episode? The two discuss it all, from the insanely large cast of characters to #ConformityGate! 

Topics:

• Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:32:13 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
• It's so nice that Stranger Things is actually over during a time where fiction seems never-ending.
• Kathryn and Melvin went to the theater for the finale. For Melvin, it was great. For Kathryn... well...
• Melvin, "It is probably the worst season of Stranger Things."
• Why couldn't it land the plane?
• Offering rewrites because that's what podcasts do!
• So... why does Stranger Things avoid killing major characters?
• Talking #ConformityGate.
• Mel, "Good coming-of-age [stories have] consequences."

Recommendations:

• A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel (2015) (Graphic Novel)
• The Crazies (1973) (Movie)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
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PATREON PARTY PLEASER: 

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

Shirleon joins Melvin to summarize Priest, a forgotten feature from 2011. Loosely based upon a Manhwa of the same name, the two explore some of the neat ideas stuck beneath this unfocused, Syfy-original-like flick. And yes, it starts with a lore dump because of course it does. 

Topics:

• Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:22:34 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
• Priest feels like it should have come out in the early 2000s.
• Comparing vampire lore.
• Melvin feels Paul Bettany isn't a leading man, but he has criticisms over the entire casting of Priest.
• Discussing the vampire design.
• Priest can't go a few minutes without making mistakes.
• It's infrequent but occasionally the movie has some cool sci-fi visuals.
• Shirleon, "It's got good bones."
• Further vampire-lore conversations.
• When an ending promises spectacle but pulls the rug out from under you.

Recommendations:

• The Devouring Light by Kat Ellis (2025) (Book)
• Tech Billionaires Want Us Dead by Taylor Lorenz (YouTube)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
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QUARTERLY CATCH-UP: 

Movies & Us: Podcast, Instagram 

TV & Us: Podcast, Instagram 

Quarterly Catch-Up is a co-production between Cinematic Doctrine & Movies & Us! While answering a few questions about watching habits, we also talk about what else we've been up to this quarter, as well as our enjoyment over completing this lil' series. We hope you had a wonderful 2025, and we look forward to what 2026 will bring!

Things Mentioned:

• A Man on the Inside (2024-X) (Series)
• Hedda (2025) (Movie)
• Jane Austen's Period Drama (2024) (Short Film)
• Sorry, Baby (2025) (Movie)
• Train Dreams (2025) (Movie)
• Mr. Scorsese (2025) (Series)
• It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This (2023) (Movie)
• Occult (2009) (Movie)
• Good Boy (2025) (Movie)

Support the show

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• Early access to uncut episodes 
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PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

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

Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss The Bishop's Wife, an Oscar winning Christmas flick from 1947! What do they like? What do they dislike? It's got a lot of similarities to It's a Wonderful Life, but how does it compare? And what about that strange ending? Tune in to find out! 

Topics: 

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 27-minutes discussing the current Avengers: Doomsday trailers - Steve Rodgers, Thor, and X-Men - and our current vibe regarding the MCU in the big '25 (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 
• Kathryn and Melvin take it easy: they list what they like followed by what they didn't like.
• The film is structured like a 3-episode sitcom condensed into a single, overly-long movie.
• Talking characters, and how the two wishes they were better.
• The two explore how The Bishop's Wife has many narrative and thematic similarities to It's a Wonderful Life, a bonafide perfect movie. 
• Henry isn't convincing as the character he's supposed to be, and it left Kathryn cold.
• God builds his church, not man. Not Henry.
• Kathryn and Melvin spend time trying to figure out why the ending is the way it is.
• Despite their criticisms, the "Mrs. Hamilton" angle of the ending was appreciated.

Recommendations:

• Popcorn Bucket Cookies (Recipe)
• Suspiria (1977) (Movie)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss Superman (2025), James Gunn's latest superhero feature and first of the new DC Studios flicks! The two explore what they like, what they didn't like, how there's an earnest hope in this modern, live-action iteration of Clark Kent/Superman, and if they're excited for any upcoming DC Studios projects. And, because he likes numbers, Melvin breaks down the finances for 2025's comic book movies. 

Topics: 

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 30-minutes discussing McDonald's entirely "AI" produced Christmas-themed commercial, how it was taken down after receiving intense backlash, and the many philosophical issues regarding "art" made by AI. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Shirleon feels pretty mid-to-good about Superman (2025).
• Melvin keeps it simple and starts with what he likes followed by his dislikes.
• There's a nostalgia that feels imbued within the style of the film.
• Are comic-book movies washed? Let's look at some numbers.
• Adjusting for inflation, Iron Man nearly cost the same to make as Superman (2025), yet the former outpaces the latter in being a "franchise starter" by a wide margin.
• Superman (2025) is the most profitable superhero movie of 2025, but it still didn't do crazy numbers at the box-office. Has the "superhero fatigue" officially set in?
• Why it's nice to watch a protagonist who is kind and hopeful.
• Discussing the ending and if they're interested in future DC Studios films.

Recommendations: 

• R.E.P.O. (2025) (Video Game)
• Rewatch a movie you love!

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
• Vote on a movie/show we review 
• One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

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• Facebook Group 

UPDATE: 

I'm a Store Manager for a popular retail space. For obvious reasons this time of the year is extremely busy for me. Like previous years I thought I could handle my irl work and my podcast work, but that is not the case this year. For the time being, the only guaranteed episode to release in December 2025 is the Patreon-Selected movie at the end of the month. Any other releases this month have released by the skin of their teeth.

In the meantime, enjoy this bonus semi-rerelease of a lil' mini-game I played with Chris Staron of Truce Podcast. If you want to hear the full episode this mini-game is from, tune in to this episode here.

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

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PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

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

Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss 2013's insane surprise financial hit, Now You See Me! Despite being a critical flop the film was a blockbuster blowout earning nearly 5x its budget! So, who's right, the critics or the audiences? Tune in and find out! 

Topics:

• Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:08:02 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
• Shirleon says she'd rather rewatch Death Note (2017) than ever watch Now You See Me again.
• Melvin, "I just thought the movie was bad."
• Every character basically sucks. If they don't suck, they're boring.
• Melvin has an issue with how normies and the working-poor are depicted, and he also feels it takes its audience for granted. It thinks its audience is a bunch of morons.
• Shirleon is overtaken by how much stuff is stuffed into this film, and the two discuss why that's a serious problem.
• Melvin talks about Safety Not Guaranteed, a movie that's got similar themes of belief and hope but isn't a total mess.
• Trying to make sense of the ending.

Recommendations:

• What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher (2023) (Novel)
• Smiling Friends (2020-X) (Series)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss Osgood Perkins' second movie of 2025, Keeper! Has Perkins created another commercially accessible psychological-horror success, or has he returned to his undeniably divisive slow-burn roots? And is Keeper another one of his female-led soft-feminist tales? Tune in and find out! 

Topics: 

• Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:44:01 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
• Because the trailers didn't seem representative of the final product, Melvin pitches the movie a little differently by explaining what the movie actually is.
• Kathryn and Melvin get the impression that Osgood Perkins isn't so much interested in characters as he is the film as a whole, and thus his work is often vibes-heavy.
• Osgood Perkins, from Melvin's perspective, creates dense films that often appear simple.
• Kathryn felt the overly-exposited third-act somewhat muddled the film.
• Talking about some recurrent visuals and motifs, like the water and the dream sequences.
• Specifically talking about what Melvin is calling the "Mini Minka" scene.
• Discussing the line, "We are your children and all the women that came before you."

Recommendations: 

• The Devil You Know with Sarah Marshall (Podcast)
• Occult (2009) (Movie)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
• Vote on a movie/show we review 
• One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss Death Note: The Last Name, a sequel to 2006's Japanese live-action adaptation, Death Note, that released 3-months later. The two look at the film as a unit with its predecessor, its successes as a stand-alone sequel, and compare it to the anime (as well as the Western Netflix adaptation).

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 26-minutes discussing "Evil AI is Boring Now - Which is Kind of Scary", a think piece from James Hibberd on The Hollywood Reporter, and wondering what makes AI/AGI movies interesting, or not, in 2025. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• How Death Note: The Last Name truncates the the latter-half of the source material, reordering some things and altering others outright, works pretty well.
• Shirleon enjoyed seeing the Death Note story unfold in a new, better-handled manner. It helped her better understand what she likes about the overall narrative.
• If these adaptations are missing anything, it's the monologues.
• Melvin wonders why a "Set in the world of Death Note" anthology movie or series hasn't been created, and he elevator-pitches five ideas that could be explored.
• Talking about the recurrent line "Sacrifices are necessary.".
• Melvin felt the ending satisfied the main thematic beats of its source material. Shirleon feels different.

Recommendations:

• Alien: Earth (2025) (TV Series)
• Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991) (Movie)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
• Vote on a movie/show we review 
• One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss Scott Derrickson's latest horror feature, Black Phone 2! The two get into what sets it apart from other franchises like A Nightmare on Elm Street, how it holds up against the first film, and how it's... more Christian? Oh snap! 

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 23-minutes discussing Sigourney Weaver saying at NYCC 2025 that there's a "very strong first 50 pages" script of Alien that includes Ripley, and where she is at the time, and the two wonder both earnestly and cynically about the idea of a Ripley-included Alien sequel in the 2020s (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 
• First things first... is it A Nightmare on Elm Street meets Friday the 13th?
• Exploring the pervasive online joke that The Grabber, as a new "slasher icon", is an industry plant, and why it may feel that way.
• The dialogue here is bad. Full stop. The drama works if you buy into it, but the bad dialogue is a heavy cost.
• Kathryn and Melvin both had this fear: is Scott Derrickson just gonna do Sinister again? Thankfully, the answer is more nuanced than that.
• The spirituality isn't Deistic and the way Gwen prays and interacts with Jesus is as though Jesus is an active, non-corporeal character in the film.
• Talking Terrence, The Grabber, and Finn.
• There's no doubt in Melvin's mind that Scott Derrickson is evoking real-life Protestant Camp abuse tales with the drama and setting in Black Phone 2, including Kanakuk Kamp, LifeWay Camp, and Matt Chandler's church.
• Kathryn, "Knowing the truth, believing the truth, and speaking the truth can be really scary."

Recommendations:

• In the Mouth of Madness (1995) (Movie)
• Caveat (2021) (Movie)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
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PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION:

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

Shirleon & Kathryn join Melvin to discuss Weapons, Zach Cregger's sort-of-sophomore flick after Barbarian! Horror fans have been eating good throughout 2025, and the gang explores whether the film continues this trend. They also ponder the wide variety of themes throughout, attempting to make sense of a dense and non-linear story.

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 28-minutes discussing Elizabeth Olson saying that they only want to be in theatrical releases, the dynamics and differing optics between streaming-only vs theatrical-first flicks, and if streaming as a form of primary distribution has improved or diminished the aura of the Hollywood star. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Kicking things off by briefly chatting Barbarian, as it helps set the groundwork for Cregger's current style.
• Everyone agrees: Weapons is good. But, not everyone agrees its great.
• Kathryn, "I wish this movie was structured differently."
• Melvin points to something he read in the IMDB trivia to explain why the film feels a bit... discombobulated.
• There are 2 plot contrivances that Melvin was a little irritated by, so he complains about them.
• The gang proposes some rewrites, because that's what podcasts do!
• Kathryn stepped away frustrated by the middle of the film, calling it "irresponsible".
• Contrasting Justine & Aunt Gladys
• The beginning of the film is strong, but the ending of the film is incredible.

Recommendations:

• Keep your eyes peeled for New York Times "Cookie Week 2025" (Past Recipes Kathryn recommends: Hibiscus-Spiraled Ginger Cookies & Peppermint Brownie Cookies)
• A Lonely Broadcast: Book One by Kel Byron (2023) (Novel)
• A Short Stay in Hell by Steven L Peck (2012) (Novel)
• WNUF Halloween Special (2013) (Movie)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
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PARTY PLEASER: 

Shirleon joins Melvin to summarize The Haunting Hour: Don't Think About It, a late-2000s direct-to-video family-friendly horror movie based on R.L. Stine's short stories! Is it possible to be scary without being gory? How frightening can a PG-rated horror movie be, anyway? And does it even capture that spooky Halloween spirit?

Topics:

• (FREE PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 38-minutes discussing the usage of AI-generated voices of real-life, still-living actors like Frank Welker for a Scooby-Doo fan-film called "Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? In... Springtrapped!", why it matters even though this is a fan-film, and how distractions cloud the quality of all kinds of art-projects. (FREE PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Melvin gets excited when "Special Make-Up and Effects by Greg Nicotero and Howard Berger" pops up during the opening credits. 
• Talking "school envy", where films and shows will not only make High School extremely cool but usually the environment is just all-around awesome.
• The licensed tracks in the film are extremely blunt and obvious about how our characters are feeling or the general setting, and Melvin wonders... what other movies have done this?
• The main trio of characters are distinct, lending to a decent-enough interplay needed for the film.
• The subtitle "Don't Think About It" doesn't really play into the story at all.
• When the horror stuff starts to kick in, the two agree: it's pretty decent for a family-accessible horror flick.
• So... how's the monster look?

Recommendations:

• I Found Puppets Living in my Apartment Walls by Ben Farthing (Book) (2024)
• Final Destination 2 (2003) (Movie)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Shirleon and Kathryn join Melvin to discuss George Romero's groundbreaking, culture-making horror feature Night of the Living Dead (1968)! From its rich characters to the longstanding influence of horror in US culture and abroad, the gang explores the ins-and-outs of this undeniable classic! 

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 36-minutes discussing the concept of "Cursed Actors", actors like Jared Leto who had a meteoric rise but then started to be in bad movies, showcase bad performances, or simply give the general populace "the ick", and our thoughts on a few of these figures. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 
• George Romero's impact on the horror genre cannot be understated. 
• The film has a lot in common with natural-disaster movies where-in its characters are stuck trying to figure out how best to survive.
• Shirleon previously disliked the character of Barbra. Now? She stan Barbra!
• Melvin feels horror movies are quintessential to the America experience.
• How the film is like a social microcosm.
• Talking about Harry Cooper, a character who may be more complex than people initially believe.
• Chattin' the nightmarish "zombie feast" and how the entire third-act is a crazy escalation.
• Talking the incredibly evocative ending.

Recommendations:

• You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron (2023) (Novel)
• Squirrels at the window (YouTube)
• Tales from the Hood (1995) (Movie)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss The Long Walk, a film whose premise is extremely simple yet whose content is incredibly challenging. Based on a novel influenced by the woes of the Vietnam War, this film adaptation from Francis Lawrence is updated for a modern yet not-so-different demographic. Class solidarity, the importance of beauty, the vile oppression of facism; The Long Walk has it all! 

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 25-minutes discussing LA Comic-Con's inclusion of an AI Stan Lee sideshow attraction where-in guests may pay to "talk" to "Stan Lee", and how this is actually the scariest thing we could talk about during the spookiest month of the year. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Melvin found The Long Walk extremely affecting, and says it's his favorite movie of 2025.
• Kathryn read the book, so she brings some reader-insights to the table.
• Why Melvin feels the film is prescient, and also seemingly unmakeable outside of releasing Summer 2025.
• Kathryn on how some may consider The Long Walk an exploitation movie, but in reality it's a movie about how these young men are being exploited.
• Talking about the characters and how the system exploits them differently.
• Talking about the ending, both the film & the book ending, and what makes them both satisfying.

Recommendations:

• Night of the Living Dead (1968) (Movie)
• David Romero (YouTuber)

Support the show

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• Early access to uncut episodes 
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QUARTERLY CATCH-UP:

Movies & Us: Podcast, Instagram

TV & Us: Podcast, Instagram

Quarterly Catch-Up is a co-production between Cinematic Doctrine & Movies & Us! While answering a few questions about watching habits, we also spend time talking about the industry we love, specifically budgets, revenue, and the profitability of this years films overall (so far!). Otherwise, here's what to expect in Quarterly Catch-Up:

1. What have we been watching?
2. What else is happening?
3. What else are we up to?

Things Mentioned:

• The Conversation (1974) (Movie)
• Whale Rider (2003) (Movie) (Cinematic Doctrine Podcast Episode)
• Highest 2 Lowest (2025) (Movie)
• High and Low (1963) (Movie)
• 12 Angry Men (1957) (Movie)
• The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) (Movie)
• Clown in a Cornfield (2025) (Movie)
• Ash (2025) (Movie)
• The Fourth Kind (2009) (Movie)
• Predator: Badlands (2025) (Movie)
• Frankenstein (2025) (Movie)
• Slow Horses (2022 - X) (Series)
• Bugonia (2025) (Movie)
• Good Boy (2025) (Movie)
• Black Phone 2 (2025) (Movie)
• Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025) (Movie)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
• Vote on a movie/show we review 
• One-time reward of two Cinematic Doctrine Stickers & Pins

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• Threads
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• Facebook Group 

PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

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

Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss one of the most influential horror movies of the modern era: The Blair Witch Project! How does it fare against modern horror? What does a first-time watcher think of the film? Did the Blair Witch cause Heather, Josh, and Michael to go missing or was something more sinister going on? And is the movie actually kind of, like, really feminist? Tune in and find out!

Topics:

• Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:56:19 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
• Opening with some background on the film, the genre, and dovetailing into their thoughts as a veteran and a newbie.
• Melvin begins his feminist diatribe, chronicling how the film may be an incidentally-feminist tragedy.
• How third-wave feminism in the 1990's clashes with the witch-trials of the 1780s.
• Due to the film being shot without union protections, The Blair Witch Project continues to have a controversial legacy with updates as recent as Summer 2025.
• Melvin lands the plane as to why he reads the film in this way.
• Talking about the conventions of Found-Footage/In-World filmmaking.
• Against incredible adversity, traditional gender-norms showcase their fallibility and are replaced with mutual support.
• Talking about Heather Donahue's great monologue at the end of the film.
• Discussing the "Josh & Michael are murderers" theory, and getting off the fence about it. 

Recommendations:

• Strange Houses: A Novel by Uketsu (2025) (Book)
• Strange Pictures: A Novel by Uketsu (2025) (Book)
• The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025) (Movie)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
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PARTY PLEASER: 

Kathryn joins Melvin to summarize this year's cherry-picked so-bad-its-good movie, War of the Worlds (2025)! Featuring a cast of fairly known names (Ice Cube, Eva Longoria, Devon Bostick, Clark Gregg, and many more) this odd adaptation of the H.G. Wells classic limits its prose to a computer screen. What could go wrong?  

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 20-minutes discussing Chris Columbus' pull quote on the Harry Potter Reboot, "What's the point?", and the unique nature of rebooting Harry Potter as a series unlike other franchises that offer spinoffs, prequels, or alt-universe tales. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 
• The entire film is told through the prose of a computer screen (and sometimes cellphone screen). How do Kathryn and Melvin feel about this?
• Ultimately, the film is in over its head, and it isn't even sure how to handle dialogue and drama let alone thrills and action sequences.
• Yapping about how movies sometimes advertise products and how Tesla does NOT come out of War of the Worlds (2025) looking good.
• Beefing with Will Radford since he's a bad character and a bad dad.
• Melvin ponders why movies like this take off and how the streaming as a distribution format influences this sort of thing.
• The third act of the film, specifically the climax, is when everything bizarre and noteworthy happens.

Recommendations:

• Castle Rock (Season 1) (2018) (TV-Series)
• Friday the 13th Part III (1982) (Movie)

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LET'S TALK: 

In the Church Library: Podcast

Kelsey Kramer McGinnis: Instagram // Substack // Christianity Today

Marissa Franks Burt: Instagram // Substack // Author Page

Out October 14th - Pre-Order: The Myth of Good Christian Parenting: How False Promises Betrayed a Generation of Evangelical Families by Marissa Burt & Kelsey McGinnis 

Kelsey Kramer McGinnis & Marissa Franks Burt join Melvin to explore Shiny Happy People season's 1 and 2. Exploring both the Duggar Family of 19 Kids And Counting and Teen Mania, helmed by Ron Luce, the three discuss everything from why they suspect so many people were drawn to such a challenging series, what's distinct (and yet oddly similar) between each season's subject matter, and how they're processing these large systematic issues.

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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Kathryn joins Melvin return to the MCU to discuss The Fantastic Four: First Steps! It's been 2 years since the gang has talked about Marvel, so what's it like to discuss this latest feature? Also, does it stand well on its own? At the end of the day... is it even good? Tune in and find out!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 25-minutes looking at the budgets for each 2025 Marvel release and matching them against their world-wide gross, then speculating on what these finances spell for the future of Marvel flicks. Spoiler: it's not the best! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Kathryn, "It was very interesting to basically have a movie from Marvel where one of the most important things about it is the fact a baby is going to be born."
• Melvin thought the movie was good... but didn't think it was great.
• Pedro Pascal never feels like he's part of the movie. He never comes across convincingly in the world of the film.
• Is Melvin back on the MCU train?
• Melvin pondering 17 years of the MCU, "I just don't know what these movies are anymore, and I don't know what to expect."
• Discussing some of the drama explored in the latter-half of the film.
• How Marvel does the Trolley Problem, and how Marvel doesn't really challenge its audience.
• Discussing the ending, the end-credits stinger, and if we even care anymore.

Recommendations:

• All Quiet on the Western Front (1929) (Book)
• The Other (2025) (Movie)

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PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

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

Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss Sinners, Ryan Coogler's massive 2025 hit. As the film continues to dominate conversation, the two discuss it's myriad of themes, whether the film mixes its ideas together well, how they interpret the dichotomy between Smoke and Stack, and the relationship between music, creativity, power, and community. 

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 20-minutes discussing the announcement that John Krasinski will be returning for A Quiet Place Part III despite A Quiet Place: Day One turning out to be the best of those films and he wasn't even attached to it, and whether it's even theater worthy or a "wait-till-streaming" kind of thing. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 
• Shirleon absolutely loved Sinners in every way possible.
• Melvin didn't love it but he did think it was good, and he spends some time exploring what he believes are the film's 3 parts: drama, themes, and vampires.
• Contrasting coalescence and coexistence, two things Melvin observed in the film.
• Shirleon was consistently in awe of the film, noting not only the visuals but the dialogue as well.
• Thinking about "it" movies and whether movies can be "objectively good" or "objectively bad".
• Talking about the music and THAT scene.
• Melvin, "...when you are excellent you are attractive to more than just good people. You are also attractive to evil as well."
• Talking about the title and how some spiritual leaders have misaligned priorities.
• How Sammie exists as a "what comes next" kind of character, both literally within the story and thematically in its metatext.

Recommendations:

• Primal (2019-X) (TV Show)
• The Running Man (1987) (Movie)

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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Jessica LM Jenkins: Podcast // Instagram // YouTube // WeWhoThirst.com

Jessica LM Jenkins joins Melvin to discuss a massive Pixar favorite; The Incredibles! From the simple-yet-deep "traditional" family stereotypes explored among the Parr family, the relationship between self-expression and conformity, and the similarities between Mr. Incredible and Syndrome. Jessica and Melvin get into it all and so much more! 

Topics:

• Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:28:51 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
• Jessica shares about her fascination with Biblical history, wrestling with the modern church's relationship with gender, and how her fascination with God has only increased in her work.
• Yes, in every respect The Incredibles is still a stellar movie.
• By being a movie about older, mature heroes, the film is able to explore topics that several phases of Marvel movies have yet to touch.
• Ever since watching the first third of Soul Melvin has yearned to see Pixar animate an ostensibly "normal" adult drama. Despite having superpowers... The Incredibles feels like that movie.
• How the Parr family's powers metaphorically represent societal expectations within a family unit.
• Helen Parr's "code switching".
• How the superpowers function as representations of both indelible desires and trained skills, both of which demand expression.
• Helen Parr is queen energy.
• The allure of power is in unfettered free-expression.
• Bob Parr and Syndrome both idolize Mr. Incredible.

Recommendations:

• Incredibles 2 (2018) (Movie)
• The Eye (2002) (Movie)

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REBROADCAST MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

In this rebroadcast episode (originally released September 28th, 2021), Melvin & Dan talk about one of Laika's several family-friendly horror-animated features, ParaNorman! 

Topics: 

• ParaNorman has a comfortable, cozy Fall atmosphere.
• Laika takes advantage of it's medium to create a fun, charismatic animation style that separates itself from the competition.
• Melvin shares about an extremely lonely period in his life where he tried talking to ghosts because he had no one else to talk to.
• Melvin, "When you're just feeling distant and weird, all you want is someone to step into your world and spend time with you."
• How ParaNorman isn't really all that scary, especially compared to something like Coraline.
• But also, how ParaNorman can have these intensely emotional moments elevated by the children's story-book nature of the movie.
• Discussing what it's like to be an outcast, or treated differently, for your interests (in particular, Melvin & Dan being Christians who like horror movies).
• In this particular case, most Christians who enjoy horror movies have a strong understanding as to why they enjoy them than most Christians have with non-horror movies.
• "Weird" people know that they're "weird" and see how others treat people who are also "weird", and it can become a perpetual self-isolating and self-preservation machine to try and keep away from those who may target their "weirdness" for laughs, bullying, or with disappointment.
•  In Christian circles, when people are ostracized for certain qualities, social ticks, or "abnormal" hobbies, it's not a far-cry for people to start thinking the Lord sees them in a similar fashion: weird, different, separate, and superfluous.
• And, finally, we talk about that one joke between characters Mitch and Courtney that apparently became the big talking point during the time of ParaNorman's release, despite there being so much more to talk about (as proven by the rest of the episode).

Recommendations: 

• Nate Pickowicz's "How to Eat Your Bible: A Simple Approach to Learning and Loving the Word of God"
• Parents: Learn to be interested in your kid's lives!
• Gilmore Girls // Dark Matter

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REBROADCAST MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Before Dune, Daniel saw a trailer for Redeeming Love. After the trailer played, he leaned over to his friend and said, "I think that's supposed to be a sexy Christian movie.". So, here we are talking about that "sexy Christian movie". Boy, there sure is a lot to talk about here. (originally released March 22nd, 2022)

Topics: 

• Redeeming Love contains some rather extreme and transgressive content despite having a serious lack of context. 
• Daniel details some background for Redeeming Love, author/screenwriter Francine Rivers, and director D.J. Caruso. 
• Redeeming Love is loosely based on the Minor Prophet book Hosea from the Bible. 
• Each character feels devoid of personality which may work in both a shorter and more artistic film than Redeeming Love ends up being. 
• Where Redeeming Love works is where it leans heavily into its "inspiration", but even then, that's not success from talent, that's success from... copying Scripture. 
• Discussing the comparatively excessive conveniently censored nudity in Redeeming Love. 
• Additionally, discussing all the other crazy content that borders on "Christian misery porn." 
• As we continue our discussion, the 2+hour runtime of the film continues to be a recurring issue. 
• At least the sets and outfits are fun! 
• Questioning why the film didn't display the complicated dynamics of sexuality (gentle self-sacrifice vs aggressive selfishness) in a way that can be both edifying to its performers and beneficial to the narrative structure. 
• One glaring issue throughout the film is each character's severe lack of agency. 
• Observations from other reviews and responses to Redeeming Love. 
• Is this a Christian exploitation film in the traditional sense of an exploitation film? 

Recommendations:

• The Boice Commentary Series: The Minor Prophets, Volume 1 // The Preacher's Commentary Vol 22 & Vol 23 
• Derry Girls (Show) 
• Before the Coffee Gets Cold: A Novel by Toshikazu Kawaguchi (Book)

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PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION:

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

Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss the 1960s Village of the Damned! Combining weird fiction with childhood mischief, this sci-fi horror offers a lot to chew on, and the two try and parse through everything they can. Join them as they explore concepts of power, small-town fear, homegrown ideological invasions, and so much more! 

Topics:

• Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:45:52 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
• The hook for the film is incredible, and each new development is stranger than the last.
• Shirleon talks about the original book "The Midwich Cuckoos".
• There is a complete dearth of information surrounding the event of Midwich which undoubtedly adds to the cosmic horror.
• Melvin talks about what he believes is "the philosophy of the film" which is essentially about the personhood and potential of children.
• Shirleon reads a passage from the book and explores what it is she loves so much about this story.
• Getting into the ending and its culmination of themes.
• Age-based dynamics of mature and immature uses of power.
• Self-destruction is the result of holding self-preservation too tightly.

Recommendations:

• Clair Obscur Expedition 33 (2025) (Video Game)
• The Blair Witch Project (1999) (Movie)

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LET'S TALK: 

Kelsey McGinnis: Instagram // Christianity Today // Podcast

Pre-Order: The Myth of Good Christian Parenting: How False Promises Betrayed a Generation of Evangelical Families by Marissa Burt & Kelsey McGinnis 

Kelsey Kramer McGinnis, contributor to Christianity Today, returns to the podcast for an impromptu sequel to last year's Let's Talk "Zoetic & the CCM Coconut Tree". As Michael Tait faces truly heinous allegations about his sexual misconduct and substance abuse, Melvin felt it prudent to invite Kelsey to discuss a "Part 2" discussion on specifically the film The Jesus Music, as the film prominently covers both DC Talk and Michael Tait's later career as a massive religious force in the "Evangelical Industrial Complex". The two further lay the groundwork surrounding the film's saccharine presentation of the Contemporary Christian Music industry, the industry's obsession with conflating capital gains and spiritual influence while propagating an unhealthy mono-culture, and what makes us hopeful about seeing change for the future.

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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss an early 1990s horror feature, Jacob's Ladder! That's right, the gang heads back to the 90s to discuss another cult-classic horror feature, and the two get into all its metaphors, scares, and the joy of having changed opinions on rewatched movies. 

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 23-minutes discussing Martin Shore's write-up on WhatToWatch titled, "Are movies really getting longer? Were films in the 1980s really shorter? We test the data..." and exploring why that may be. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 
• Jacob and Jacob's Ladder as a movie are both very holistic; the whole film explores the whole-person of Jacob.
• Melvin was caught off guard with how emotional he found the film, especially as this was his second watch, and he shares why he thinks that is.
• Melvin yells at cloud and wants more movies about adults, and he praises Jacob's Ladder for exploring adult experiences.
• Exploring the various metaphors at play within the film.
• Ruminations on memento mori.
• Jacob cries a lot in the movie which is a nice depiction of manhood. 
• Understanding the ending as a representation of tragic classism, and the death of the American Dream.

Recommendations:

• King of the Hill (1997-X) (TV Show)
• Labyrinth (1986) (Movie)

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QUARTERLY CATCH-UP:

Movies & Us: Podcast, Instagram

TV & Us: Podcast, Instagram

Quarterly Catch-Up is a co-production between Cinematic Doctrine & Movies & Us! In it, the gang answers 3 questions:

1. What have we been watching?
2. What are we anticipating?
3. What else are we up to?

Things Mentioned:

• How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (2024) (Movie)
• DJ Ahmet (2025) (Movie)
• Liquor Bank (2025) (Short Film)
• PAPOTA (2025) (Short Film)
• Sinners (2025) (Movie)
• The Phoenician Scheme (2025) (Movie)
• The Pitt (2025) (TV Show)
• Dept. Q (2025) (TV Show)
• Thunderbolts* (2025) (Movie)
• Bring Her Back (2025) (Movie)
• Hairspray (1988) (Movie)
• The Bear (2022-X) (TV Show)
• The Old Guard 2 (2025) (Movie)
• Highest 2 Lowest (2025) (Movie)
• A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (2025) (Movie)
• One Battle After Another (2025) (Movie)
• Predator: Badlands (2025) (Movie)
• Weapons (2025) (Movie)
• Five Nights at Freddy's 2 (2025) (Movie)

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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Whistler the Deer (previously SolSilver): Instagram // YouTube // Discord 

Whistler the Deer joins Melvin to discuss a much loved early 2000's Disney animated feature, Lilo & Stitch! With the live-action adaptation bringing new life to the franchise, the two dive headfirst into the story that started it all, discussing their love for its mix of comedy and drama and the importance of "Ohana"! 

Topics:

• Editor's Note: No Patreon Exclusive discussion! But, I do intend to trim this episode down from its original 1:26:55 length, so if you want to hear the UNCUT version, tune in on Patreon here!
• SolSilver shares about his faith, how he became interested in fursuiting, and what he's trying to do with his online fursona, Whistler.
• Celebrating the impressive art direction and animation of the film.
• Talking Ohana.
• Melvin, "Kids deserve good movies, too!"
• The relationship between Lilo and Nani.
• There isn't really a villain in Lilo & Stitch other than circumstance.
• Enduring love; voluntarily maintaining an other-oriented hope.

Recommendations:

• Sonic the Hedgehog (2020) (Movie)
• Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022) (Movie)
• Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024) (Movie)
• The Iron Giant (1999) (Movie)

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PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION:

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

Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss June's Patreon-Picked movie, Event Horizon! This late 90's sci-fi horror feature includes some excellent set-design and atmosphere, but does it satisfy the needs of a horror movie? And what themes are present in this early Paul W.S. Anderson picture?

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 20-minutes discussing Carly Thomas' write-up on The Hollywood Reporter "James Gunn Says the "Movie Industry is Dying" Due to Films Being Made with Unfinished Scripts" and whether we believe in Gunn's interpretation of Hollywood's current hurdles or if the issue is more complicated than that. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• For Kathryn, Event Horizon was a mix of big surprises with a few small disappointments.
• The film balances "being fun" and "about something" without impeding either
• Rewatching a movie sometimes makes it better.
• Is the pursuit of knowledge worth the cost?
• In Event Horizon the antagonistic force is completely evil.
• Each act of the film feels distinct and exciting, with the third act being an explosive climax mixing everything together.

Recommendations:

• Muppets from Space (1999) (Movie)
• Strange Darling (2024) (Movie)

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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss an early 2025 critical hit, Companion! How does the film balance its mix of thriller and comedy? Are the themes heavy-handed or are they handled with maturity? At the end of the day... is it even good? Tune in and find out! 

Topics:

• (FREE PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 25-minutes discussing Thunderbolts* being a critical success but failing financially, why we think that may be, and using Felipe Rangel's "10 Biggest Reasons Thunderbolts*'s Box Office Is So Disappointing" as a jumping-off point for each possible reason. (FREE PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Companion successfully balances its thriller/horror and comedy material from start to finish.
• Kathryn thinks they're currently over "gender commentary" movies and explains their reasoning.
• There is a lot to explore in the film about independence, emancipation, and love.
• Companion isn't copying other movies but it comfortably wears its influences on its sleeve.
• Using technology to channel our sinful nature does not relinquish our responsibility to be good people.
• Director Drew Hancock does well to pace out revelations within the film to keep it fresh and engaging.
• The relationship between love, independence, and mutual understanding.
• The ending is clear but also open-ended in that it asserts the endless possibilities that come with independence.

Recommendations:

• The Bay (2012) (Movie)
• Final Destination Bloodlines (2025) (Movie)

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PARTY PLEASER: 

Shirleon joins Melvin to summarize another DCOM: Smart House! This one is routinely mentioned whenever peeps bring up the world of Disney Channel Original Movies, and the two run a play-by-play of all its worthwhile moments (or, lack thereof) to decide if it's a "Party Pleaser" or "Party Pooper"! 

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 25-minutes discussing the Five Nights at Freddy's 2 teaser trailer, discussing mascot-horror, and so much more! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• The two consider to themselves, "So... are we having fun yet?". The answer: not really.
• The tech in Smart House is weird, not least of which is the "floor absorbers" which feels like something out of the backrooms.
• Melvin, "There is not a lot of movie to the movie."
• Talking about a scene they liked... because there weren't that many.
• The only things that seem worthwhile are the gadgets (barely) and the drama scenes (of which there are only two).

Recommendations:

• Delicious in Dungeon (2024) (Anime)
• Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978) (Movie)

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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

The Substance Podcast: Podcast // Instagram // Threads // Letterboxd 

Philip Marinello of The Substance Podcast joins Mel to discuss one of their favorite movies; The Texas Chain Saw Massacre! There is a wealth to chew on in this cannibal-crazed horror film, and the two get into everything from its cultural criticism of the late-60s and early-70s, its stellar filmmaking craft, and so much more. Tune in now!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 30-minutes discussing "The 5 Biggest Box-Office Bombs of 2024 Ranked by How Many Millions They Lost" from Gillian Blum on Collidor, why we think each movie failed to succeed, and what it means for the industry at large. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Philip shares about how The Substance Podcast has changed over the years, his goal with curating voices, and much more.
• Philip, "[The Texas Chain Saw Massacre] feels like a cursed movie."
• The film is pointedly upsetting, and Melvin thinks a lot of what turns people off is that they personally do not know how to feel "bad" emotions well.
• In short, the film is exhausting, sweaty, and violent.
• The two discuss the commonalities between the co-eds and the cannibals and what they believe it represents.
• The cultural shock of the Vietnam War for Suburbanites is present in the contextless violence throughout the movie.
• Discussing the absolutely perfect ending.

Recommendations:

• The Hills Have Eyes (1977) (Movie)
• Freaky Tales (2024) (Movie)

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PATREON LET'S TALK: 

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

In response to his disgust with No Game No Life: Zero, Melvin interviews his friends Isabella, David, and Melanie about Anime, PDF-File/incest material, and the broader disappointment with male-produced fetishistic content.

Song Credits:

InMyHeadBGM by ceethewhite -- https://freesound.org/s/795402/ -- License: Attribution 4.0

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/aaron-paul-low/lemon-merengue
License code: WDB4IXI2UDO4TBO8

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/albert-behar/puzzle-pieces
License code: 977UJ2MEOOJXANGW

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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss Death Note (2006)... but not the one you're thinking of! No, they discuss the live-action adaptation that released earlier the same year as its anime counterpart. The two discuss how this adaptation functions on its own as well as compare it to the anime adaptation, and explore the ins-and-outs of Death Note as a whole. 

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 22-minutes discussing which of the two movies, The Fantastic Four: First Steps or Superman, will receive the better box-office numbers, if the industry will even be impressed with their sales, and if general audiences have moved on from superheroes. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• There's some deviation between this live-action adaptation and the anime, but nothing quite as egregious as the Western Netflix adaptation.
• Briefly talking Ryuk and the CGI.
• There's an "it" factor that's missing with this adaptation, and Melvin takes some time to explore what that may be.
• Death Note has a lot of monologues, but they seem to be missing from this live-action adaptation. The two discuss why that might matter.
• Light Yagami is very self-controlled but profoundly emotional, and neither this live-action adaptation nor the Western Netflix adaptation have figured out how to handle that pairing.
• Talking about L's live-action portrayal.
• Talking about the ending.

Recommendations:

• Andor (2022-2025) (Series)
• Yami Shibai (2013 - X) (Anime)

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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss one of the most pivotal anime-film releases to ever grace the silver-screen; Akira! This 1988 film not only pushed the genre of animation to its limits, it also introduced anime to the west as a serious new genre of entertainment! Does it still hold up? Spoilers: absolutely it does!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 18-minutes discussing the ins-and-outs of the cyberpunk aesthetic, what makes it distinct from other sci-fi settings, and whether its our preference. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• The vibes are strong with Akira.
• The quality is strong with Akira.
• When Melvin first saw the film he liked it but wasn't impressed. This time around? He thinks its incredible.
• Although the characters aren't profoundly deep, they are a clever, complicated mix of different figures amidst a chaotic, epic story.
• Every 10 minutes something crazier than the last happens on screen.
• Kathryn wasn't totally wowed by Akira but she totally understands its titan-status in filmmaking.
• Discussing Building, Rebuilding, and Destruction.
• Talking about Kaneda.
• Discussing the line, "Time isn't clear, and there ought to be a future we can choose."
• Getting into that absolutely insane ending.

Recommendations:

• The Thing From Another World (1951) (Anime)
• Steins;Gate (2011) (Anime)

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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss what is perhaps Hayao Miyazaki's most popular feature, Spirited Away! Its music, its character, it's magic; Spirited Away continues to dominate the conversation among Ghibli and anime fans alike, and the two get into all the good stuff in their latest episode!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 23-minutes of wondering if we're back on the MCU train with the success of Thunderbolts*, and also playing a rapid-fire MCU trivia game! (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Shirleon, "I really don't think I can say anything bad about the movie."
• Melvin does a rundown of similarities he's observed between the 3 Miyazaki-directed movies they've covered on the show.
• Chihiro grows from someone who fears a lack of agency into someone empowered with determination.
• Spirited Away is a little different from other family-accessible movies in that its complicating incident isn't the fault of it's child-protagonist but rather their parents.
• The concept of "work" is constantly on the mind of the movie.
• Talking about the "weeping rice-cake" scene.
• If we spend time meditating on the blessings of our lives, we start to notice how supported and how resilient we are.

Recommendations:

• Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (2006) (Anime)
• Durarara!! (Season 1) (2010) (Anime)

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PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

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

Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss our latest Patreon-picked movie; Her! The two discuss the ins-and-outs of digital romance, modern sexuality, and so much more all in a post Chat-GPT world!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 26-minutes discussing disc rot, media preservation, and the difficulty of preserving media in general all because Melvin found on his copy of On Golden Pond a Documentary special-feature he can't find any record of online, either on Wikipedia, IMDB, or YouTube. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Melvin & Kathryn both kick things off with some positives. 
• With that out of the way... the cat's out of the bag: neither Melvin nor Kathryn liked Her.
• Melvin, "[Her] is wrapped up in a visually pleasing film with performers who are very impressive and I find that that might actually be distracting from the flaws of the film."
• Theo is codependent, and Sam is an enabler.
• Melvin & Kathryn take turns explaining things they didn't like while using examples from other movies they feel better represent those ideas.
• Melvin felt the technology in the film was kind of terrible.
• Theo is uncomfortable with the idea that a woman would have a desire conflicting with his own.
• Kathryn, "[Theo] has a "pornified" style of relating to women."
• Discussing the initial sexual encounter with Sam & the "surrogate sex" scene.
• Melvin, "[Theo] is not capable of having a safe sexual encounter with this born-beautiful-yesterday-manic-pixie-dream-girl."

Recommendations:

• You know we're cooked when middle class normalities are trending by Ashley Embers (YouTube)
• Possibly in Michigan (1983) (Short Film)

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Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
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PARTY PLEASER: 

Shirleon joins Melvin to summarize a late-90s retelling-with-a-twist adaptation of a beloved fairytale: Snow White: A Tale of Terror! From its surprisingly nuanced characters to its downright diabolical antagonist, the two enjoy discussing the horrific ins-and-outs of this late-20th century oddity! 

Topics:

• The opening tone-setter for Snow White: A Tale of Terror really sells the atmosphere of dark fantasy.
• Interestingly, the opening dynamic between Claudia, the "Evil Queen" equivalent, and Lilli, the "Snow White" equivalent, is more of Claudia seeking a good relationship with Lilli while Lilli acts consistently bratty.
• Once the movie goes grimdark, it doesn't stop topping itself with bizarre dark fantasy ideas.
• Discussing why they think classic fairytale villains, Disney or otherwise, are so compelling.
• The film is undeniably a horror film, but it's largely psychological with some horror-lite sequences.
• The "Seven Dwarves" equivalent are essentially Highwaymen, and each one has some form of physical deformity or ailment which contrasts with Claudia's unabashed vanity.
• The whole "catatonic Snow White" sequence that the fairytale is famous for starts and ends near immediately.
• The film is loaded with "show don't tell", but sometimes it's to a fault.

Recommendations:

• Fairest of All by Serena Valentino (2009) (Book)
• Mirror, Mirror by Jen Calonia (2019) (Book)
• Event Horizon (1997) (Movie)

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MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss Jon Favreau's grounded indie-style flick, Chef! The two explore themes of maturing and parenthood, the relationship between the artist and the observer, and the importance of passion in everyday life. 

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 25-minutes talking about those insane A Minecraft Movie screenings where people are throwing their popcorn and bringing live chickens, and how that's wildly different to otherwise incredibly engaging fan screenings of The Room or Rocky Horror Picture Show. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Kathryn shares what it is about Chef that she really enjoys.
• Melvin compares Chef to Parks & Recreation, saying how it's a movie with conflict but ultimately everyone still kinda likes each other.
• It's fairly clear that Chef is somewhat an artistic response to John Favreau's experience with Marvel, Iron Man 2, and the subsequent critical response to it.
• Which food in the movie got us the most hungry.
• The movie explores the dynamics of the artist and the observer (or, critic), and Melvin spends some time categorizing what he thinks are variations of these archetypes.
• Chef depicts professionalism and the pursuit of maturity well.
• Sometimes eating food is like time travel.
• Seeking to live a life by design, not by default.

Recommendations:

• Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Mastering the Elements of Good Cooking (2017) (Cookbook)
• Salt Fat Acid Heat (2018) (Cooking Show)
• Try new and exotic foods, and be adventurous with what you eat!

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• Early access to uncut episodes 
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QUARTERLY CATCH-UP:

Movies & Us: Podcast, Instagram

TV & Us: Podcast, Instagram

Quarterly Catch-Up is a co-production between Cinematic Doctrine & Movies & Us! In it, the gang answers 3 questions:

1. What have we been watching?
2. What are we anticipating?
3. What else are we up to?

Things Mentioned:

• Better Days (2019) (Movie)
• Insecure (2016-2021) (TV Show)
• Sing Sing (2024) (Movie)
• Black Bag (2025) (Movie)
• Heretic (2024) (Movie)
• The Residence (2025) (TV Show)
• Bad Sisters (2022-2024) (TV Show)
• The Midnight Meat Train (2008) (Movie)
• My Little Pony: The Movie (2017) (Movie)
• The Mouse Trap (2024) (Movie)
• A Minecraft Movie (2025) (Movie)
• Together (2025) (Movie)
• Final Destination Bloodlines (2025) (Movie)
• Sinners (2025) (Movie)
• The Bear (2022-X) (TV Show)
• Death in Paradise (2011-X) (TV Show)
• Paradise (2025) (TV Show)
• The Pitt (2025) (TV Show)
• The White Lotus (2021-X) (TV Show)
• A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (2025) (Movie)
• Ballerina (2025) (Movie)
• Caught Stealing (2025) (Movie)
• Screamboat (2025) (Movie)

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PARTY PLEASER: 

Systematic Geekology: Spotify / Instagram

Will Rose of Systematic Geekology joins Melvin for a second time to summarize North Shore, a little-seen surfer flick in the vein of Karate Kid! Will shares a ton about the dynamics of surfing culture, and Melvin celebrates the layers of North Shore's coming-of-age story. Plus, they can't get enough of those glorious Hawaiian waves, and neither will you!

Topics:

• Will Rose catches us up with where he's at and what Systematic Geekology's been up to since our Spawn Party Pleaser episode.
• There was hype behind North Shore for Will Rose as a kid, and he recounts his experience seeing the film in theaters.
• The music, visuals, and pacing are all pretty solid, and that's made apparent within the first 15 minutes.
• Surfing etiquette 101.
• North Shore features a ton of classic surfing legends, and Will shares all the cool trivia about them.
• Surfing is dangerous and it demands wave/ocean literacy, and North Shore asserts the importance of understanding this as a "coming of age" drama.
• The brisk pace of the film allows the film to explore various "coming of age" tropes.

Recommendations:

• World Surf League (Instagram)
• Surf's Up (2007) (Movie)
• Big Wednesday (1978) (Movie)
• Riding Giants (2004) (Documentary)
• Primer (2004) (Movie)

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Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

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PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: 

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

Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss our latest Patron-Selected movie, Exodus: Gods and Kings! Can Ridley Scott give this paramount Bible story the Gladiator treatment? Does it play fast and loose with the historical account? Was it, at the very least, enjoyable? Tune in to find out!

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 33-minutes discussing the various drama leading up to Snow White (2025)'s release as well as it's Rotten Tomato Score debut. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Shirleon, "I hated it. I hated the direction that it went."
• Melvin, "It's super rare to find movies that feel like they're devoid of content."
• What deflates the material is how remedial it is compared to the rich complexities of the Biblical text.
• A follow-up to criticism's mentioned in the Journey to Bethlehem episode regarding bible-reading statistics.
• The film doesn't just mischaracterize historical figures, it mischaracterizes biblical figures, texts, and God Himself, all in ways that can't be considered concessions of the medium.
• Melvin talks about the one scene in the movie he liked.
• The two agree: It's not just a bad biblical adaptation, it's also a bad movie.

Recommendations:

• Read Exodus from the Bible
• The Prince of Egypt (1998) (Movie) (Cinematic Doctrine Episode)
• The Ten Commandments (1956) (Movie)
• The Midnight Meat Train (2008) (Movie)

Support the show

Support on Patreon for Unique Perks! 

• Early access to uncut episodes 
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