PODCASTS

Films, Pop Culture Erich Wenzel Films, Pop Culture Erich Wenzel

Film Deep Dive | Everything Everywhere All At Once

In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by Brandon Wenzel to discuss the film Everything Everywhere All At Once. The film was written and directed by Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert. Starring Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, and Key Huy Quan. We had recorded this conversation earlier in the year, and since then, the film has gone on to be nominated six times for the Golden Globes, winning two of them, one for best actress and one for best actor. I couldn't be more excited for the recognition this film is getting, as I couldn't help but share thoughts on how this film impacted me. At its core, this film is a major step in describing the online experience and how we can be bombarded with anything simultaneously. Life to those online is too much, with no context to put it in its proper place. So please enjoy this deep dive into Everything Everywhere All At Once without further preamble!

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Pop Culture, Films Erich Wenzel Pop Culture, Films Erich Wenzel

Top Gun and The State of Hollywood

In this episode, we discuss some recent films they have enjoyed and how they contrast with other films that did not meet past expectations. We start the discussion with Top Gun: Maverick and why that film feels like a breath of fresh air compared to other sequels. So many sequels over the last decade lack the essence of what made the originals massive successes that have shaped our culture.

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Films, Pop Culture Erich Wenzel Films, Pop Culture Erich Wenzel

Film Deep Dive - The Batman

In this episode, Erich and Jordan discuss Matt Reeves' The Batman. We discussed what we enjoyed about different aspects of the film and compared it to its other superhero films. Naturally, we can't escape comparing it to the Nolan trilogy of Batman films. Overall, we enjoyed the movie and looked forward to what comes next for this version of Batman. With that, we pass this off to you. What did you think of the film, and what are you hoping for next?

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Pop Culture, Films Erich Wenzel Pop Culture, Films Erich Wenzel

Deep Dive: Euphoria - Art is Meant to be Dangerous

In this episode, Erich and Jordan discuss the HBO show Euphoria in this episode. We covered themes, techniques, and character movements we enjoyed about the show. We also give our take based on the controversy the show has faced since it deals with mature topics set in high school. We believe that art in any form allows the audience to confront complex issues so that we may develop a better view of how others live or see the world.

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Films, Pop Culture Erich Wenzel Films, Pop Culture Erich Wenzel

The Oscars, Spiderman and Euphoria (#173)

In today's episode, I am joined by returning friend and guest Jordan Criss, and as always, we have a great conversation centered around Jordan's interests, film, and TV. Of course, that means it's Oscar season, so we dive into the current controversy around the Oscars. Mainly with Spider-Man: No Way Home not having as many awards as one might expect when it garners over $1 billion at the theaters. From there, we highlight films we are looking forward to this year. We finally closed, discussing our thoughts on the controversy around Euphoria.

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Films, Pop Culture Erich Wenzel Films, Pop Culture Erich Wenzel

Film Deep Dive | Dune

The crew sits down to discuss Denis Villeneuve's Dune! We break down the story of the film by combining our unique interests. Jordan brings his love of dialogue and understanding of film. Joe brings his view of psychology and symbolism to the characters and ideas. Finally, Erich brings attention to the technical aspects of the film. Overall, Dune is sci-fi masterfully executed with depth at many levels; you'll find a place for you to enjoy the movie.

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Pop Culture Erich Wenzel Pop Culture Erich Wenzel

May The Force Be With You

May 4 is the day Star Wars nerds rejoice! “May the fourth be with you” in pop culture is the holiday that we all celebrate the impact the galaxy far, far away has on so many of us. At the core of the hero's reimagined journey is a phrase first spoken by Obi-Wan: “May the Force Be With You.” Hearing this phrase for the first time is a bit cheesy. But once you have a deeper understanding of the broader context, it connects you to an in-group. Think about it this way: A phrase has now morphed into a play on words to be celebrated on the day.

Let's rewind time to the 1970s, before George Lucas or anyone else knew what Star Wars would become.

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