Episode Summary:

In this riveting episode of "The Watch List," host Russ Matthews dives deep into the much-anticipated film "Joker: Folie à Deux," starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga. With "Joker" having made a significant impact both culturally and financially with its first installment, expectations for its sequel are notably high. However, Russ offers a critical review, suggesting that despite its star-studded cast and intriguing premise, the film struggles to reach the critical acclaim of its predecessor.

Russ notes that "Joker: Folie à Deux" tries to blend diverse components, such as musical numbers showcasing Lady Gaga's talents, with a complex narrative set in Gotham’s gritty landscape. However, he argues the film falls short due to its lengthy and ineffective courtroom scenes, which detract from the otherwise promising setup found in the first "Joker" movie. Amidst this, Russ points out how the film provides fertile ground for discussions on mental health and moral ambiguity, allowing audiences to explore deep societal questions through the lens of the film's narrative. Tune in to this episode for a thought-provoking discussion that not only critiques "Joker: Folie à Deux" but also raises important questions about the portrayal of mental health in media.

Key Takeaways:

• While "Joker: Folie à Deux" boasts an impressive cast and premise, it struggles to meet the high bar set by its predecessor.

• The film features numerous musical numbers, which, although initially engaging, become excessive and detract from its narrative.

• Extended courtroom scenes reduce the potential for dynamic action in the storyline, creating a less engaging cinematic experience.

• The film prompts meaningful discussions on mental health and moral ambiguity, offering audiences a chance to reflect on these issues post-viewing.

Notable Quotes:

• "Why did we have to spend half the film in a courtroom?"

• "In this era of moral relativism, thankfully, we can know the truth between good and evil."

• "Joker Folie à Deux. Didn't really quite make it as a film, but boy, did it give us some great conversation starters."

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Episode Summary:

Russ Matthews and Ben McEachen dive into "The Wild Robot," exploring why it’s not only the best animated film of the year but also one of the best films overall. They discuss the visual splendor, rich themes, and emotional depth of the movie, comparing it to classics like "The Iron Giant" and Studio Ghibli films. With voices from Mark Hamill and Pedro Pascal, this film touches on themes of motherhood, grief, and belonging, making it a must-watch for all ages. Tune in for a heartfelt review and insightful discussion on this cinematic gem.

Key Takeaways:

Best Animated of the Year: Russ Matthews boldly states that "The Wild Robot" is not only the best animated movie of 2023 but also stands as one of the best films overall.

Emotional Depth: The film succeeds in drawing audiences into its heartfelt narrative, making even adults and children tear up, as evidenced by Ben’s and his daughter's reactions.

Visual Masterpiece: With its stunning combination of CGI, hand-drawn animation, and anime-inspired visuals, "The Wild Robot" offers a rich cinematic experience, comparable to Studio Ghibli classics.

Themes and Messages: The movie addresses significant themes such as belonging, programming versus free will, sacrifice, forgiveness, and the nature of community in a manner accessible to all ages.

AI and Humanity: The discussion also speculates on the broader implications of AI, as the film humanizes a robot character, presenting questions about the future relationship between humans and artificial intelligence.

Notable Quotes:

"I’m going to say that it's the best animated film of the year, but also it's one of the best movies of the year." - Russ Matthews

"She and I had a fantastic time with this incredible story about a robot crash landing to earth in this island populated by animals." - Ben McEachen

"It's one of those great stories that uses things that aren't human to reflect back to us human things." - Ben McEachen

"They’re able to tap into also this kind of love, this mother's relationship with this gosling, which seems so strange but really does work." - Russ Matthews

"The movie could make me care so much about a robot, like you can really connect on an emotional level." - Ben McEachen

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In this episode of The Watch List, Russ Matthews and Ben McEachen visit the spine-tingling world of Tim Burton's latest release, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. The duo explores the sequel, which revives the beloved characters and macabre humor that first captured audiences over 36 years ago. While Michael Keaton reprises his iconic role as the titular Beetlejuice, much of the film centers on its female stars, Winona Ryder, Jenna Ortega and Catherine O'Hara. The hosts delve into what makes this sequel stand out, touching upon its imaginative storytelling, dark comedic elements, and the evolution of Tim Burton's directorial style.

The discussion navigates through the main plot points of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, highlighting how the characters, both old and new, come together in this fantastical narrative. By juxtaposing elements from the original Beetlejuice with the contemporary sequel, Russ and Ben discuss the film's thematic depth, particularly regarding the afterlife. They also explore how Tim Burton's unique approach to humor and horror provides a rich ground for discussions around spirituality and existentialism, making the film a significant talking point for faith-based audiences.

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