Posts tagged Film
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 stand up to 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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May The Force Be With You

May fourth 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 journey reimagined 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.

Now let's rewind time and go back to the 1970s before George Lucas or anyone had any idea what Star Wars would become.

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Jordan Criss: Screenwriting, Film, and Growth

In this conversation, we get pretty granular and talking about how he looks at his writing process, why he is choosing to do screenwriting, As such a niche field, screenwriting can feel like a lost cause or something that is a pipe dream, for lack of a better term. And I even asked this question to him is what would you say to someone who says, why are you doing this? Screenwriting seems like a waste of time.

And beyond that, we have a great discussion around the film as an industry and loving critiques of it. What shows are good or great? What makes compelling stories?

We get into what is a fulfilling life like what drives someone to do something and fully immerse yourself in it. For Jordan, it's not leaving anything on the table. So with that, everyone, please enjoy this conversation with my good friend, Jordan Criss.

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Brian Kluska: Media, Challenging Assumptions and Being A Military Spouse

In this episode, we are joined by Brian Kluska. Brian grew up in Blairstown, NJ, and received a B.A. in Mass Media and Communications from Mount Saint Mary College. Brian worked for ten years as Videographer and Video Editor for a few production companies. Projects spanned from corporate commercials, interviews and deposition, long and short-form comedy, and even a product highlight video for U.S. Senate Appropriation Committee.

Brian's personal and professional path has provided experience in a wide variety of situations and experiences. Marrying his high school sweetheart of 13 years has brought even more opportunities in life. Brian is now a military spouse that brings a new chapter that has enabled further personal and professional growth.

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#59 - John Tenuto: Pop Culture, Technology and Teaching

John Tenuto is a Sociology professor at the College of Lake County, IL, with over 25 years of teaching experience. He has given dozens of public presentations and media interviews on the sociology of the "Star Trek" film and television shows. Professor Tenuto has appeared on the Netflix series "The Toys That Made Us" for the Star Wars and Star Trek episodes. In this conversation, we talk about John's interest in pop culture and how it shaped his lens of the world. We take a deeper dive into John's interest in Star Trek. His research takes him now the path to understand and highlight those who helped make the show what it was. We close with how he views teaching and what he does for his students. What comes through is his caring and authenticity in the role of a teacher.

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