Reading Between the Reels: Film analysis with snark and heart

Bonus Episode: RBR in Class #2 (Featuring Jeff McGee)

Jeff McGee (@TheJeffMcGee) recently took time out of his busy schedule and graciously joined us for a Star Wars Zoom meeting with some of our students. This special bonus episode contains the audio from that discussion. It’s a fun conversation that we think you’ll enjoy. 

RBR #20: “The Rise of Skywalker”

The Rise of Skywalker is said to be the end of the Skywalker saga, and therefore carries the weight of the 40+ year legacy of Star Wars. In this extended-length episode, we discuss the filmmakers’ choices and debate whether or not Episode IX concludes the series in a satisfying way.

Bonus Episode: RBR in Class #1 (Featuring Ian Doescher)

Ian Doescher (author of the William Shakespeare’s Star Wars series) was kind enough to speak to some of our students in a recent Star Wars Zoom meeting. Please enjoy the audio from that discussion in this special bonus episode.

RBR #19: “The Last Jedi” (Part 2)

In the second half of our two-part conversation with Dan Zehr from the “Coffee with Kenobi” podcast, we continue our examination of The Last Jedi and discuss the film’s overarching themes--including identity, family, and mentorship.

RBR #18: “The Last Jedi” (Part 1)

The Last Jedi is arguably the most controversial Star Wars film ever made. Dan Zehr from the “Coffee with Kenobi” podcast joins us for the first of two episodes to help deconstruct the film and to discuss the passionate responses--both positive and negative--that Episode VIII continues to generate within the Star Wars fanbase.

RBR #17: “The Force Awakens”

The Force Awakens is the long-awaited sequel to the original Star Wars trilogy, the first Star Wars film of the Disney era, and the first produced without the involvement of George Lucas. In this episode, we take a closer look at Episode VII to discuss its strengths and weaknesses and to determine whether or not the film lives up to the legacy of its predecessors.

RBR #16: ”Return of the Jedi”

Return of the Jedi is the culmination of the original Star Wars trilogy and was the final word on the saga for 16 years. In this episode, we revisit the film and discuss both its merits as an individual film and its current place in the overall canon.

RBR #15: “The Empire Strikes Back”

The Empire Strikes Back is the Star Wars film that most people claim as their favorite. This week, we take a closer look at the movie’s finer points and discuss why--even after 40 years-- Episode V remains the gold standard by which all other Star Wars films and most sequels are measured.