Reading Between the Reels: Film analysis with snark and heart

RBR #143: “War of the Worlds: The Common Cold Strikes Back”

In War of the Worlds, global annihilation isn’t stopped by genius alien tech or tactical brilliance—it’s ultimately halted by Earth’s smallest, least cinematic residents: germs. Join us for the latest entry in our ongoing series on Steven Spielberg films—and the third in a miniseries exploring alien invasions—as we deconstruct the film’s cinematic craft alongside its panic-fueled chaos and collapsing illusion of control, revealing a quietly brutal irony at its core: the invaders didn’t lose to humanity, but to a planet that’s been quietly enforcing its own rules since day one.

RBR #142: “E.T.: Glow Fingers, Big Feelings”

The third episode of our Spielberg series covers E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and explores how one glowing finger traumatized a generation, turned bikes into pedal-powered UFOs, and made Reese’s Pieces an emotional bribe. We break down suburban chaos, DIY alien tech, government creeps, and the subtle art of guilt-tripping kids via extraterrestrial manipulation. Snark, nostalgia, and your tear ducts are officially invited—bring tissues, chocolate, or both.

RBR #141: “Close Encounters: Signals, Spuds, and Sudden Obsessions”

For the second stop in our Spielberg deep dive, we’re landing straight in Close Encounters of the Third Kind. From the five-note tune that ruins lives to mashed potato mountains, we dissect all the weird, wonderful, and downright confusing choices that make this sci-fi classic unforgettable.
 
Expect snark, speculation, and some obsessive breakdowns of our own. Whether you’re a casual viewer, a die-hard Steven Spielberg fan, or someone who just stares at your dinner way too long, this episode will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about aliens… and potatoes.

RBR #140: “Jaws: The Bite That Won’t Quit”

We’re kicking off our Steven Spielberg series with Jaws, the movie that made beaches terrifying and mechanical sharks famous. Spielberg turns a busted shark into pure panic, proving he’s the master of suspense and blockbuster terror. Dive in as we break down every scream, every shadow, and why this 1975 classic still bites decades later—just don’t go near the water afterward.

RBR #139: “Dream Teams & Dumpster Fires: Building the Perfect Movie”

If you could snap your fingers and assemble the ultimate movie dream team, who’s on your list? The director who actually gets it, the writer who really writes, the composer who makes you feel things, and the actors who could carry it all. In this episode, your three regular podcast hosts—joined by guests Dan Zehr and Jeff McGee—draft their own fantasy crews to build the “perfect” movie. Along the way, they debate directors, champion favorite collaborators, and make the case for the artists they think would bring a film together. Expect near-misses, snarky commentary, and a tour through our fantasy film factory—where actors get drafted (and occasionally reconsidered), creative teams take shape, and everyone tries to build the movie they’d most want to see. Because even with the best of the best, perfection in filmmaking is still a pretty elusive target.

RBR #138: "Oppenheimer - Part Two: Faces, Places, and Consequences"

Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer isn’t just about explosions—it’s a visual and emotional symphony. In “Oppenheimer - Part Two: Faces, Places, and Consequences,” the final episode in our series on Nolan’s films, we unpack the costumes, makeup, set design, and how every character choice builds tension and guilt. All served up with the surgical snark you’ve come to expect.

RBR #137: “Oppenheimer - Part One: Light, Sound, and Panic”

Oppenheimer, directed by Christopher Nolan, hits like a ticking bomb. In “Oppenheimer - Part One: Light, Sound, and Panic,” the penultimate entry in our series on Nolan’s films, we break down why. From cinematography that could start wars to sound design that rattles your soul and dialogue sharper than a physicist’s temper, this episode dives deep into the film’s craft. Snark, insight, and existential dread included.

#StarWarsPodcastDay Bonus Episode: “Solo: A Star Wars Story" (Re-Release)

For this year’s “Star Wars Podcast Day," we go back into the archives for one of our first deconstructions and revisit an early episode of “Coruscant Community College” in which we break down Solo: A Star Wars Story.