Movies That Matter

Movies That Matter Says Goodbye

Stacy, Adam, Garret, Lexy, Justin and Nicole give a final send-off to the podcast. The hosts reflect on making the podcast, memorable moments on mic and off, and favorite episodes. We thank everyone who participated and everyone who listened along the way. We'll miss you.

Wicked and the Quest for Popularity

Lexy, Garret, and Nicole discuss Wicked and how much of society still operates like status in high school. We rave about the movie from the performances, to the costumes, to the cinematography, and the utter triumph Jon Chu created. The social issues in the movie are presented through the lens of high school and the movie's most popular song, Popular, which is resonant to the way we seek status in our adult lives. Nicole recommends a Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers classic The Gay Divorcee. Lexy recommends the movie podcast Guilty Pleasures. Garret recommends the original Oz books. Website Store YouTube Facebook Group Page  

Gladiator II and the Cynical Cash Grab

Stacy, Lexy, Adam, Justin and Nicole discuss the Gladiator sequel and its cynical cash grab. Everyone disliked the movie although most were entertained mainly finding fault with shoddy writing and Paul Mescal and liking the fights and Denzel Washington. We talk about the legacy of sword and sandal movies and the first Gladiator. We find the movie as a pretty cynical cash grab without any meaning or purpose. Justin recommends Black Spartacus, Lexy recommends Y2K, Adam recommends The King, Nicole recommends visitn Antelope Canyon. Website Store YouTube Facebook Group Page  

Conclave and How We Choose Our Leaders

Lexy, Garret, and Nicole discuss Conclave and election and how we decide what our future should be. We praise the craft of the movie from the lighting to the cinematography to the costume design. We wrap our head around a movie about an election recording the day after our U.S. presidential election. We talk about how the decisions of the conclave between left and right mirrors the most recent U.S. election. Lexy recommends Agatha All Along. Garret recommends The Davinci Code and being kind to yourself. Nicole recommends The Book of Doors.  Website Store YouTube Facebook Group Page

The Wild Robot and Unexpected Parenthood

Justin, Stacy, and Lexy discuss The Wild Robot and the trope of unexpected parenthood. We praise the movie's animation and emotional beats. We also discuss the time-honored trope of a childless loner finding themselves accidentally a parent. We find the movie still finds unexplored territory, surprising us with a more modern view of motherhood. The movie tackles the challenges of being a parent along with the rewards and the need for cooperation in a hostile world. Lexy recommends The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and Justin recommends The Prince of Egypt and The Penguin. Website Store YouTube Facebook Group Page