Tag: Movies

Onward is a Magical Adventure for Families

Pixar’s Onward is one of the more peculiar films in the legendary animation studios amazing history, one that covers the last quarter of a century and has delivered some of the best films in that time frame; the Toy Story franchise, Inside Out, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles. You’ll even find folks who enjoy The Good Dinosaur for its sweet story and amazing visuals. Wall*E is found on a lot of top Pixar lists. The Cars franchise has become a merchandising behemoth and has its own theme park section at Disneyland. Basically, whatever Pixar gives us is almost sure to leave some kind of lasting impression.

So where does Onward fall in the ranks of the collection? The answer, as is usually the case, may not be as easy as simply putting a number on it and filing it alongside the rest of the batch.

Directed by Dan Scanlon, who also helmed Monsters University, and starring Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Octavia Spencer, is the story of two elf brothers who embark on a journey to bring back their deceased father for one day. And as Ian and Barley, voiced by Holland and Pratt respectively, find themselves on an adventure met with some precarious circumstances, they find out more about themselves along the way that will help guide them in their quest and help them in the next phase of their lives.

Scanlon wrote the story from personal experience, having lost his father at a young age and wondering what it would be like to meet him, and anyone who has lost a parent–especially at a young age when the memories and moments may be few–will immediately connect with the story. And how could you not? Ian is a teenage elf who is completely unsure of himself in pretty much every situation. He’s essentially a loner who is desperately craving socialization, and in one meant-to-be-cringey moment, something as mundane as inviting others to a birthday party becomes an exercise in humiliation. Nothing goes right and Ian is left feeling the pain that comes from not knowing how to pull himself out of this and become the confident young elf he desires to be. And he does desire to be many things, as he keeps his own to-do list on how to become the elf he dreams of being.

Barley, Ian’s older and wilder brother, is carefree and happy. He is the epitome of positivity and adventure. He wants to take the road less traveled because it’s probably filled with all kinds of mysterious shenanigans. He’s really the opposite of Ian, and is an example of how two people who have lost someone so very close can handle their loss in very different ways. Ian is closed off, more alone to himself and his thoughts, but wants to break out. Barley wants to rush out and do the crazy things without much regard for what seems more practical. He’s not so much the rule breaker as he is the curious fan of life. But as you watch the film, it’s so very obvious that he’s in pain from the loss of his father, and he’s had to bear a great weight for his family.

The mother, Laurel Lightfoot, voiced by Dreyfus, is as you would expect her to be; a loving mom who is struggling to be the sole parent for her two kids who have entered into that wild age between older child and young adult. It’s all coming at her so fast that she’s just trying to make due the best she can. The character of Laurel certainly isn’t a main point in this film, and thus the themes of the role take a backseat to the main story of the Lightfoot Brothers. But it’s no less important in the overall story; she wants to see her boys safe but also understands that they are at a fork in the road and they may need to take some chances. Still, she’s a mother, so of course she’s going to go after them, and she has some tricks up her sleeves in her own quest to make sure her boys have their best chance of succeeding.

The story is predictable in nature, and as such, the characters have to be that much more interesting to make up for anything that would be easy to catch. Scenes happen pretty quickly, and some could do with some extension. You can feel a moment happening at certain points and then as quickly as it hits, it’s on to the next one. Beat to beat, the story suffers from being rushed. But the characters of Ian and Barley are so incredibly endearing that–while it doesn’t make up for the faster pace that hurts the impact–it definitely keeps it from falling into the well of mediocrity.

And that’s where the rubber meets the road with Onward. It’s less about the story and much more about the relationship of Ian and Barley. Barley really is trying to guide his younger elf brother through the trenches of teenage life–in the best way he can–while also not having any fatherly guidance himself. He’s been tasked with a difficult job. And Ian is trying to fill the void of not having his father in his life. And it’s the little moments where the characters get to breathe that show the heart of the film. When Barley admits to Ian that his longing for magical quests and his decision to be completely fearless stems from a moment where he gave in to the fear, is really something that we can all connect with on some level, even if we haven’t experienced what Barley has.

Onward is filled with fun moments, of course. My favorite is shown in the trailer, when Ian shrinks Barley, and we get to watch how Ian is forced to make some tough decisions that will either end their dream of seeing their father, or keep them on the path towards their ultimate treasure.

It’s also quite sweet. Not heartbreaking, per se, but you hurt for the Lightfoot family, not because they want to be pitied or are even pining for anyone’s sympathies, but because they keep going despite the hurts of the past. They are an incredibly endearing family, and can be a shining example of hope and decency when you are facing tough times.

Onward gets a B+ grade from me. Whatever weaknesses may come from the predictable story are simply minimized by the charming characters that we track with over this movie.

Where does it rank in the echelon of Pixar films? I don’t know. I don’t like to play that game. I would much prefer to be entranced with the film in front of me than worry about how a film like Onward lines up with Toy Story or The Incredibles. It’s a different kind of movie than those, and whether you enjoy it or not will totally depend on what you like to see from your story. For my time and money, it’s a winner.

Can Endgame Dethrone Avatar’s Worldwide Box Office Dominance? May Movies & Theater Etiquette | #177

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Can Endgame Dethrone Avatar's Worldwide Box Office Dominance? May Movies & Theater Etiquette | #177
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Alrighty folks, we’re back again with another round of movie talk. On today’s show, we’re going back into Avengers Endgame, and discussing Josh’s second viewing of the epic conclusion to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s intense 11 year narrative. We go over some theater etiquette as well, question whether you should bring a baby to a three hour movie (you shouldn’t), and then we go into the month of May with some tempered expectations.


Solo: A Star Wars Story Spoiler-Free Review | Episode 128.1

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Solo: A Star Wars Story Spoiler-Free Review | Episode 128.1







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Happy Memorial Day! We want to take a moment to thank all the men and women who serve our country, who put their lives on the line for our freedom every single day. Thank you to them, thank you to their families, and we wish you a wonderful day today.

On today’s episode, we’re discussing the latest film in the Star Wars universe, “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” and to be totally honest with you right at the top of this, we have to say we loved it. We’re not going to mince words here; if you are someone who disagrees with the direction Disney is taking with this franchise, it may be time for you to move on. But if you want to hear a fun take on the latest film, give us a listen and let us know what you think!

‘Til we meet again!

122.1 Rampage Starring The People’s Champ, The Rock

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122.1 Rampage Starring The People's Champ, The Rock







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⚬ Do you smell what The Rock is cooking? That’s what we’re asking you today on this episode as we discuss the latest film starring the People’s Champ, Rampage. Jordan saw this one, and even though Josh didn’t see it, he feels like he’s probably seen it before with some variation here and there.

⚬ WrestleMania was last week, and Josh was able to convince Jordan to give it a try. Is Jordan now the biggest wrestling fan this side of the Stale Popcorn Podcast? Or was this just a one-off? And if we were wrestlers, what would our catchphrases be? Let’s see if Jordan can create one on the spot. Because Josh has young children, his would likely be some form of, “It’s time to flush the toilet,” and his finisher would most definitely be, “THE TOILET BOMB!” Let’s get that trademarked as soon as possible.

⚬ Speaking more on The Rock, which version do we prefer? Is it early, learning-the-acting-ropes Rock, where we were treated to such gems as The Tooth Fairy, Walking Tall, The Game Plan, and The Rundown? Or would we rather watch this current iteration of the Great One, the one that rips turret guns off of helicopters or flexes enough to break through an arm cast? We have an answer to this question, and it may surprise you.

⚬ As always, thanks for listening! Now go and be the best version of YOU! Or we’ll lay the smack down on you!

114.1 Black Panther Review

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114.1 Black Panther Review







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Black Panther is the latest film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and we give our spoiler-free review. If you love MCU films, you’ll find so many things to enjoy about this movie, starting with the strong world building and ending with a third act that rivals anything else we’ve seen from a superhero film.

Black Panther is directed by Ryan Coogler and stars Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Daniel Kaluuya, Laetitia Wright, Martin Freeman, Andy Serkis, Sterling Brown, and many more.

Podcast Player One – The Year’s Most Anticipated Films | 108

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Podcast Player One - The Year's Most Anticipated Films | 108







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Today on the show we give our annual list of the most anticipated films of the first part of the year, as well as the films that we think aren’t going to be worth getting excited for. We also talk about a certain world leader’s strange tweets, and I gush about something I’ve been waiting to happen for 17 years.

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Kingsman: The Golden Circle & Elton John is the Action Star We Need | 93

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Kingsman: The Golden Circle & Elton John is the Action Star We Need | 93







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We discuss the latest movie in the Kingsman universe, The Golden Circle.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle is incredibly chaotic, stylistically insane, and a perfect sequel to the great Kingsman: Secret Service. Watch it immediately!” – Josh

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Bye, Summer! See Ya ‘Round the Bend!

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Bye, Summer! See Ya 'Round the Bend!







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On this mini episode, Josh discusses the disappointing summer box office report, and gives his thoughts on what needs to be done in the future.

74 | Edge Of Tomorrow & Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog

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74 | Edge Of Tomorrow & Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog







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On episode 74, we talk about herd mentality, the idea that a group of people begin to think similarly about the same thing. We also review Edge of Tomorrow, and Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog.

73 | Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2

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73 | Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2







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Today we discuss one of the most anticipated films of the year, Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2! We also talk some movie news, declare our rivals, and briefly speak on hometown dining. Enjoy. Our theme song is “Thing Of Gold” by Snarky Puppy

Guardians Vol. 2 Hype Week: Guardians Vol. 1 Review

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Guardians Vol. 2 Hype Week: Guardians Vol. 1 Review







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(There is a slight hum in today’s episode. Nothing major, but we did want to let you know) Today we continue hype week with a quick discussion  about the original Guardians Of The Galaxy. Enjoy.

72 | King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword

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72 | King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword







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This week we got to attend an early screening for King Arthur: Legend Of The Sword. We talk about the film’s cast which includes the almighty David Beckham, and we give our review of the film overall. Enjoy. Our theme song is “Thing Of Gold” by Snarky Puppy.

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Our theme song is “Thing Of Gold” By Snarky Puppy

Mentioned In Todays Episode

King Arthur Full Cast
Game Of Thrones
David Beckham

71 | Adam Sandler, Passengers Revisited, And Movie News

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71 | Adam Sandler, Passengers Revisited, And Movie News







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Today we discuss a ton of topics which include junior sports, Guardians Of The Galaxy, The Fast And The Furious Franchise, how Passengers could have been made into a better film, and the legendary career of Adam Sandler. Enjoy. Our theme song is “Thing Of Gold” by Snarky Puppy.

0:00 – 14:34 – Intro/Youth Soccer
14:34 – 34:58 – Movie & Misc News
35:00 – 48:40 – Revisiting Passengers
48:53 – 1:02:59 – Is Vin Diesel the 3rd wheel in the Fast & Furious Franchise?
1:03:02 – 1:20:10 – The Rise & Fall of Adam Sandler
1:20:11 – End – Outro

Mentioned In Todays Episode

James Gunn to write and direct Guardians Vol 3
Joss Whedon to direct Catwoman 
Star Wars Battlefront 2 Trailer
NES Mini Discontinued
Final Fantasy 6
Passengers Rearranged by Nerdwriter1

 

The Fate of The Furious, The Last Jedi Trailer | Ep. 70

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The Fate of The Furious, The Last Jedi Trailer | Ep. 70







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Today, we talk a LOT about Star Wars and the brand new trailer for Star Wars VIII: The Last Jedi. We also talk about The Fate of the Furious and how the series holds up in its 8th entry. Enjoy.

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Our theme song is “Thing Of Gold” By Snarky Puppy

Mentioned In Todays Episode

Star Wars VIII: The Last Jedi Trailer
Ewoks
The Fate Of The Furious Cast
Fur-less Tickle Me Elmo
S Town Podcast
Just Between Us Youtube Channel

68 | Ghost In The Shell

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68 | Ghost In The Shell







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Today, Jordan and Josh discuss Ghost In The Shell, as well as the career of Ms. Scarlett Johansson. Jordan also gives his review of Edge Of Seventeen. Enjoy

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Our theme song is “Thing Of Gold” By Snarky Puppy

Mentioned In Todays Episode

Ghost In The Shell Cast
The Edge Of Seventeen Trailer
Wreck It Ralf Sequel 
“IT” Trailer
The War Of Art by Stephen Pressfield