Are There Any Good Politicians? Examining 'Dave' (1993) and 'The Campaign' (2012)

In this episode, Jerome breaks down Blake Snyder's 'beats' as they apply to two political comedies: 'Dave' (1993) starring Kevin Kline and Sigourney Weaver, and 'The Campaign’ (2012) starring Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis. The hosts ask the question, 'Are there any good politicians?' while addressing the intricacies of each film's storyline, character arcs, and thematic depth. The episode also highlights Jerome and Chris's contrasting perspectives on the effectiveness of junior high humor in political satire. To top it off, there's a heartfelt ode to their beloved Detroit Lions. It’s an insightful, humorous discussion about politics, movies, and a touch of sports.

00:00 Introduction and Show Updates

01:22 Election Year and Political Movies

02:34 Drinks and Movie Selection

04:32 Discussion on 'Dave'

06:04 1993 Movie Trivia

09:14 Plot Breakdown of 'Dave'

41:06 Script Analysis and Trivia

44:27 Analyzing 'Twins': A Case of Perfect Rule Breaks

45:24 The Role of Luck in Storytelling

47:22 Rewriting Movies: Fixing Plot Holes

48:20 Character Analysis: Alan's Role in 'Dave'

49:55 Final Thoughts on 'Dave'

50:30 Introducing 'The Campaign'

52:01 Critiquing 'The Campaign'

54:15 Box Office Performance and Cast Insights

56:31 Plot Breakdown: 'The Campaign'

01:14:06 Six Degrees of Separation and Trivia

01:22:34 Closing Remarks and Sports Talk

Buy or Rent Dave (1993)

Buy or Rent The Campaign (2012)

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Stranger Than Wildcat Part Two

Writer's Block & Literary Symbolism in Film - Stranger Than Fiction (2006)

Hosts Chris Wiegand and brother Jerome dive deep into the 2006 film 'Stranger Than Fiction' starring Will Ferrell and Emma Thompson. Jerome meticulously breaks down Blake Snyder's beat structure as applied to the movie. They discuss themes of writer's block and uncover a surprising metaphor that ties the story to religious undertones, alongside this, they share their thoughts on 'Wildcat', ultimately making connections between filmmaking, storytelling, and life's deeper meanings.

00:41 Introduction to Silver Screen Happy Hour

00:50 Recap of Wildcat Episode

01:40 Drinks and Banter

02:44 Discussion on Stranger Than Fiction

02:49 Movie Specs and Box Office Performance

04:58 Cast and Characters

05:40 First Impressions and Viewing Experiences

07:40 Plot Overview and Key Scenes

08:32 Harold's Mundane Life and Narration

12:13 Meeting Anna and Hearing the Narration

13:18 Karen Eiffel and the Rule of Three

17:27 Harold's Transformation and Guitar Purchase

26:39 Harold's Love Life and Discovering Karen

27:19 Climax and Resolution

30:27 The Role of the Wristwatch

30:52 David Mamet's 'Why Here, Why Now?' Concept

31:52 Plot Issues in 'Stranger Than Fiction'

34:49 The Guitar Scene Analysis

37:01 Religious Connotations in Films

43:11 Six Degrees of Separation Game

50:11 Bonus Content: Emotional Reflections

Watch Stranger Than Fiction

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Wildcat (2023)

Movie Breakdown & Tribute

Is Wildcat worthy of an Oscar at the 2025 Academy Awards Ceremony? Multiple Oscars? Yes.

Chris Wiegand and his special guest, wife Jessie, honor the late George Wiegand with a heartfelt tribute in this latest episode. They then get into an emotional and insightful breakdown of Wildcat (2023), starring Maya Hawke, directed by her father, Ethan Hawke. Jerome Wiegand joins in for an in-depth discussion using Blake Snyder's storytelling 'beats,' highlighting the film's artistic achievements and its poignant exploration of Flannery O'Connor's life and work. The hosts discuss the movie's thematic elements, potential Oscar-worthy performances, and the intricate relationship between faith and writing. One of the most compelling films of the year.

00:00 Introduction and Tribute to Uncle George

00:37 Discussing Wildcat and Flannery O'Connor

01:41 Toasting to Uncle George

02:32 Introducing the Silver Screen Happy Hour and Wildcat

07:53 Exploring Flannery O'Connor's Life and Work

10:47 Film's Reception and Artistic Choices

18:04 Personal Reflections and Emotional Reactions

34:02 Character Development and Storytelling Techniques

43:37 Flannery's Defense Mechanism

44:12 The Power of Film Interpretation

44:56 The Emotional Priest Scene

45:42 Opening Image and Flannery's Reality

46:42 Flannery's Writing and Illness

47:39 Meeting the Publisher

48:56 Flannery's Creative Process

53:32 The Role of Regina

54:56 Flannery's Struggle with Illness

57:27 Flannery's Stories and Symbolism

01:07:04 The Midpoint Party Scene

01:10:35 Flannery's Acceptance of Her Illness

01:14:40 Regina's Role in Flannery's Spiritual Journey

01:17:56 Aslan vs. Qui Gon Jinn: A Comparison

01:19:15 The Power of Confession

01:21:30 Gathering the Team: The Five Point Finale

01:22:14 The Writing Process and Identity

01:23:16 Flannery's Personal Struggles and Triumphs

01:34:47 The Wildcat Metaphor and Racism

01:42:26 Final Thoughts and Acknowledgements

Watch We Don’t Run here:

Ethan & Maya Hawke - We Don't Run (from Light in the Attic & Friends)

BUY OR RENT WILDCAT HERE:

Wildcat

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