Reading Between the Reels: Finding Meaning in the Movies You Love

RBR #66: “Back to the Future”

Back to the Future is a 1985 movie that combines science fiction, comedy, and adventure to create a thrilling and heartwarming classic. For this episode, Ian Doescher (author of the William Shakespeare’s Star Wars series and Get Thee Back to the Future) joins us to discuss the film's inventive premise, memorable soundtrack, iconic imagery, and pitch-perfect performances from Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd.

RBR #65: “Field of Dreams”

Field of Dreams is a 1989 American fantasy-drama film that explores themes of family, redemption, and the power of following one's dreams. With the 2023 MLB season just getting underway, Ross Hollebon ("Fantha Tracks," “Album Cockpit Podcast”) joins us to discuss this baseball movie’s great performances, stunning cinematography, and memorable score.

RBR #64: “John Wick”

John Wick is one of the most successful and beloved action movies in recent years. With its use of highly-choreographed long single takes that blend gunplay with hand-to-hand combat, the film redefined the genre and launched a franchise that continues with John Wick: Chapter 4. In this episode, we dissect the original film’s thrilling action sequences, intricate world-building, and a standout performance from Keanu Reeves.
***Please note, this episode was recorded before the passing of Lance Reddick. RIP***

RBR #63: “Shazam!”

Shazam! is the 7th entry in the DCEU and a movie that blends the superhero genre with family drama and 1980s style horror. With its sequel Shazam! Fury Of The Gods on the horizon, we look back at the original film and discuss why it received critical acclaim.

RBR #62: “Creed”

Creed is the 7th installment in the Rocky series and serves as a sequel, a reboot, and something of a remake of the original movie. With Creed 3 hitting theaters next week, we break down the 2015 film and discuss whether or not it works on its own merits. 

RBR #61: “Ant-Man”

Ant-Man is the 12th entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and humorously blends family drama with the heist genre. With Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania on the horizon, we deconstruct the first film in the series.

#StarWarsPodcastDay Bonus Episode: “The Phantom Menace” (Re-Release)

#StarWarsPodcastDay is a celebration of the anniversary of "Jedi Talk," the very first Star Wars related podcast which premiered back on February 7, 1999. For this year, we go back into the archives for one of our first deconstructions. In this episode, we revisit an early episode of “Coruscant Community College” in which we break down Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace.

DCU Slate Revealed! (Bonus Episode)

After several weeks of speculation, the next slate of DC movies and shows was revealed this week by James Gunn and Peter Safran. And we have thoughts. In this mini-sized bonus episode, we share our first impressions of the future of the DCU.