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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In this episode of "The Watch List," Russ Matthews and Ben McEachen dive deep into the faith-driven narrative of "The Forge," a new film by the Kendrick Brothers. They scrutinize the film’s approach to mentorship, discipleship, and the depiction of Christian values within modern culture. A blend of praise, critique, and insightful, making it a must-listen for film enthusiasts and faith-focused audiences alike.

As they dissect various elements, Russ and Ben explore the portrayal of mentorship through the character of Joshua Moore and his relationship with the young, directionless Isaiah. Discussing the appropriateness of evangelizing from a position of authority and examining its elements of wish fulfillment against the backdrop of real-life evangelism. Highlighting both the strengths and potential missteps in "The Forge," this episode brings forth a balanced perspective on its impact on Christian viewers and broader audiences.

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In this engaging episode of "The Watch List," host Russ Matthews joins forces with Ben McEachen from Hope 103.2 to delve into two captivating films, Trap by M. Night Shyamalan and It Ends With Us, an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. The episode kicks off with an exploration of Trap, a thriller set against a concert backdrop in Philadelphia, where a father and daughter encounter unexpected chaos due to a serial killer known as "The Butcher". They unpack the film's thematic depth and discuss its comparison to Hitchcock's work while also considering how it differs from Shyamalan's previous hits.

Transitioning to It Ends With Us, the conversation shifts to a romantic drama intertwined with a potent message about domestic violence. With Blake Lively leading the cast, the movie attempts to marry aesthetic allure with a poignant narrative. Ben and Russ discuss its effectiveness in handling such a sensitive topic while comparing its appeal to the book's vast readership.

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Russ Matthews and Ben McEachen dive deep into the highly anticipated yet controversial film, 'Deadpool and Wolverine.' This film, which brings together Ryan Reynolds' Deadpool and Hugh Jackman's Wolverine into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), is dissected and analyzed from multiple angles. They discuss everything from the film’s unprecedented level of crudeness and violence to its surprising depth and underlying themes of friendship and purpose.

They critique the film's high-quality production and the superb chemistry between the leads, yet remain cautious about its explicit content. They touch upon the narrative complexity of the multiverse concept and how well-known villains Cassandra Nova and Mister Paradox add a vital layer of tension and conflict. The episode also questions the morality and purposefulness of modern superheroes, raising the intriguing debate of whether they mirror our current societal values.

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Russ Matthews and Laura Bennett get caught up in "Twisters", a brand-new, standalone sequel the disaster film "Twister" from 1996. Starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, Anthony Ramos and Glen Powell, this exciting disaster flick will have you on the edge of your seats.

With a keen eye on the evolution of disaster films, they explore the dynamic performances of the cast, the jaw-dropping special effects, and the deeper, more nuanced storytelling that sets this movie apart. This episode also touches on themes of human resilience, the illusion of control in the face of natural disasters, and who is really in control of it all.

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Russ Matthews and Laura Bennett tackle "The Bike Riders," a new film by Jeff Nichols featuring Tom Hardy, Jodie Comer, and Austin Butler. They delve into the film's exploration of male camaraderie, the transformation of a motorcycle club into something darker, and the significance of belonging and community. Laura critiques the narrative approach, while Russ appreciates its visceral portrayal of gang life. They discuss the unexpected artistic direction and whether the film meets audience expectations. Join the conversation on this independent film's hits and misses.

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