Podcast
Movies That Matter
Hosted by Nicole Funari · EN
Movies that Matter is the podcast going beyond basic film criticism to boldly explore a social issue affecting people's lives.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Movies That Matter Says Goodbye
Apr 18, 202501:07:29Tap to summarizeStacy, 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.
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Wicked and the Quest for Popularity
Jan 9, 202500:59:14Tap to summarizeLexy, 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
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Gladiator II and the Cynical Cash Grab
Dec 16, 202400:55:45Tap to summarizeStacy, 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
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Conclave and How We Choose Our Leaders
Nov 11, 202400:54:10Tap to summarizeLexy, 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
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The Wild Robot and Unexpected Parenthood
Oct 25, 202400:50:14Tap to summarizeJustin, 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
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Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and the Nostalgia Play: Part II
Sep 30, 202400:40:18Tap to summarizeNicole, Adam, Garret, Justin, and Lexy discuss Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and the trend of capitalizing on nostalgia in movies. In part II, we discuss what we term "legacy sequels" or the sequel that comes decades afer the original. We explore whether the audiences are demanding these sequels or if the studios are pushing them. Website Store YouTube Facebook Group Page
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Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and the Nostalgia Play: Part I
Sep 16, 202400:32:17Tap to summarizeNicole, Adam, Garret, Justin, and Lexy discuss Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and the trend of capitalizing on nostalgia in movies. In part I, we discuss the movie in comparison to the original. We mostly enjoyed the movied but found the script lacking. Stay tuned for part II where we dive into selling audiences nostalgia and IP. Website Store YouTube Facebook Group Page
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IF and Coping Through Imagination
Jun 18, 202400:43:36Tap to summarizeGarret and Nicole discuss IF and how imaginary friends, and imagination in general, can help get us through the dark times. Unlike most critics, we both liked the movie and its exploration of coping through loss, lonelieness, aging, and the other trials life throws our ways. Yes. There's a lot of crying. Garret recommends self care and Dr. Seuss. Nicole recommends Drop Dead Fred and Hadestown. Website Store YouTube Facebook Group Page
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I Saw The TV Glow and the Beauty of Allegory
Jun 7, 202400:47:56Tap to summarizeStacy and Nicole discuss I Saw The TV Glow and the beauty of using allegory to tell a trans story. Stacy relates to the suffocation of suburbia where Nicole enjoys a unique story told in a unique way. While enjoying the movie for different reasons, we discuss our alternate views on the ending. We discuss the setting of the late 90s and the understanding of transgenderism in that time period for mainstream suburbia. Nicole recommends Philosphy Tube's I Read The Most Misunderstood Philosopher in the World. Stacy recommends getting out into nature. Website Store YouTube Facebook Group Page
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Challengers and Bringing Sexy Back
May 17, 202400:37:57Tap to summarizeLexy and Nicole discuss Challengers and the dearth of fun sexiness in movies and tv. We disagree on the craft and entertaiment value of the film. We talk about how flirtiness and light-hearted sexy times have gone out of style and why people might want it back. Lexy recommends Joy Ride. Nicole recommends The Thinking Woman's Guide to Real Magic. Website Store YouTube Facebook Group Page
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