Episode 29: Arrival

In this week's episode, Gavia and Morgan discuss the new sci-fi hit Arrival, a rare non-franchise entry into 2016's blockbuster lineup. Topics discussed include how the film steers clear of alien invasion cliches, the pleasures of a brainy female protagonist, and the effect of the election on pop culture.

Read More

Episode 28: Doctor Strange

This week, Gavia and Morgan take a look at Marvel's latest hit, the Benedict Cumberbatch-fronted Doctor Strange. Why is this movie so critically acclaimed? Will Hollywood ever stop making movies about arrogant genius white men? And what's up with all the racism?

Read More

Episode 26: Nashville

In this episode, Gavia and Morgan dive into Robert Altman's 1975 classic Nashville, a sprawling ensemble set in the 1970s country music scene. Topics discussed include the film's depiction of women, its status as an unconventional musical, its politics, and... Jeff Goldblum.

Read More

Episode 25: LFF 2016 II: Manchester by the Sea, Certain Women & More

In their second dispatch from the London Film Festival, Morgan and Gavia discuss Kenneth Lonergan's heartbreaking masterpiece Manchester by the Sea, as well as Certain Women, Kelly Reichardt's exquisite adaptation of Maile Meloy's Both Ways Is the Only Way I Want It, which won Best Film at the festival's award ceremony. They also run down other films they saw at the fest, including Una, A Quiet Passion, Wolf and Sheep, and more.

Read More

Episode 24: LFF 2016 I: La La Land, Paterson, Personal Shopper

In the first of two dispatches from the London Film Festival, Morgan and Gavia discuss three films: Damien Chazelle's Oscar-buzzy musical La La Land; Jim Jarmusch's drama Paterson, with Adam Driver; and Olivier Assayas odd supernatural drama Personal Shopper, starring Kristen Stewart. Coming soon: Manchester by the Sea, Certain Women, and more.

Read More

Episode 22: The First Presidential Debate

After a brief hiatus, Morgan and Gavia return to discuss the first presidential debate. Through a haze of existential despair, they discuss topics including, but not limited to, debate strategy or lack thereof, Hillary Clinton's extraordinary self-control, Donald Trump's sexist buffoonery, the futility of fact-checking, when ISIS was founded anyway, and whether anything matters.

Read More

Episode 21: Singin' in the Rain

This week, Morgan and Gavia revel in the Gene Kelly classic Singin' in the Rain. Topics discussed include the film's relationship to Hollywood, its treatment of women, its influence on contemporary film, and why it's just so damn fun to watch.

Read More

Episode 20: Summer Movie Season 2016: A Post-Mortem

This week, Gavia and Morgan look back on the summer's movies and wonder what went wrong—possible answers include Hollywood's superhero problem and its remake obsession—and look forward to some of the more dire upcoming big-budget releases. They also recommend some of the best films of the year so far.

Read More

Episode 19: Rio Olympics

This week, Morgan and Gavia (but mostly Morgan) discuss the Rio Olympics, starting with The Saga of Ryan Lochte and moving on to topics including but not limited to the inherent problems with the Olympic Games, NBC's bad coverage, Michael Phelps' hyperbaric chamber, Simone Biles' dominance, and men crying.

Read More

Episode 18: Suicide Squad

In this week's episode, Morgan and Gavia dissect what may be the year's worst film, the DC extended universe's Suicide Squad. They cover the film's many flaws, from its incomprehensible plot to its myriad cast of unnecessary characters to its problems with sexism and violence, in addition to discussing its troubled production history and how it fits into DC's plan for the franchise moving forward.

Read More

Episode 17.5: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

In this bonus episode, Gavia recounts the often bewildering plot of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child to Morgan, who hasn't read it and isn't planning to. Spoilers abound. Other topics include the play's similarity to fanfiction, queerbaiting, reboot culture, and when to just let go.

Read More

Episode 17: America, Season 240: Election 2016

This week, Morgan and Gavia finally go deep on their favorite show, the long-running America, in its historic 240th and final season. They discuss the surprising twist in this season's Republican primary, how the internet fueled Trump and Sanders fandom, perennial representation issues, and what the last few months of the most popular TV show in the country might have in store.

Read More

Episode 15: Children of Men

Gavia and Morgan go deep on one of their favorite films, Alfonso Cuarón's 2006 dystopian quasi-thriller Children of Men. On top of some fond reminiscing and general enthusiasm, they consider the film's technical mastery, how its political commentary has aged, and the glory of Clive Owen at his peak.

Read More

Episode 13: Brexplainer

In a departure from regular programming, Gavia and Morgan spend this week explaining and shouting about Brexit, the EU membership referendum that sent both the United Kingdom and global markets into chaos last week. Their discussion spans the referendum's key figures, from Prime Minister David Cameron to professional toad Nigel Farage, its potential consequences for the UK, the embarrassing state of the Labour Party, and, of course, how Donald Trump fits into everything.

Read More

Episode 12: Frances Ha / Speed Racer

In a slow week for pop culture, Morgan and Gavia try something new: forcing each other to watch something they know they'd only watch under duress. Morgan subjects Gavia to Noah Baumbach's indie dramedy Frances Ha, while Gavia forces Morgan to endure the Wachowskis' psychadelic action flick Speed Racer. Though chosen with the best of intentions, the films... do not go over well. You can't win 'em all.

Read More