💜 THE SQUASH:
That time Randy and Kevin dived headfirst into the underworld (literally) with Henry Selick’s Wendell and Wild. They discuss whether the film’s dazzling world-building and dark humor outweigh its convoluted storyline—or if it’s just the kind of ambitious chaos the animation world needs.

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💜 THE STRETCH:
In this episode of Squash 'n' Stretch, Randy and Kevin explore the twisted brilliance of Wendell and Wild, a stop-motion delight from director Henry Selick (The Nightmare Before Christmas) and producer Jordan Peele (Get Out). They dig into the film’s stunning character design, innovative world-building, and themes of trauma, identity, and resilience.

The conversation doesn’t shy away from the film’s ambitious complexity, tackling its subversive narrative, underworld amusement parks (yes, really), and the chemistry of its mischievous demon duo. Randy and Kevin also highlight the importance of diversity and representation, celebrating Wendell and Wild as a bold, visually arresting step forward in animation.

From breaking cycles of trauma to creating worlds that feel alive, this episode celebrates how Selick’s unique vision challenges traditional animation norms—and how ambitious storytelling can resonate with audiences young and old.

Join the hosts as they examine whether Wendell and Wild is a Halloween classic in the making or a misunderstood masterpiece waiting for its moment.

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💜 CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Introduction to Squash and Stretch Podcast

01:58 - Exploring 'Wendell and Wild' and Henry Selick's Vision

06:23 - Plot Overview and Character Dynamics

08:06 - World Building and Visual Design

12:31 - Character Design and Artistic Choices

17:22 - Target Audience and Thematic Depth

22:00 - Diversity and Production Insights

25:00 - Improv and Chemistry in Animation

27:00 - Underworld Amusement Parks: A Recurring Theme

30:00 - Convoluted Storylines and Faction Dynamics

31:00 - Exploring Trauma and Memory in Storytelling

33:00 - Themes of Breaking the Cycle and Rehabilitation

36:00 - Subversive Elements in Animated Storytelling

38:30 - Diversity and Representation in Animation

40:00 - Visual Design and Character Representation

41:00 - Final Thoughts on Ambition and Audience Engagement