Magic Lantern

On this episode we take a look at the film Anora! An Indie film about a Cinderella story. A stripper, named Anora, gets the client of a lifetime, Ivan "Vanya," a billionaire son of an oligarch, hires her for sex and fun and ends up asking her to marry him. Just like Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman!" It's a dream come true for the young Anora, until her world comes crashing down and some shady henchmen and the oligarchs show up to annul the her marriage.Will she survive the henchman and what what happened to her husband Ivan? We also look at this years Oscars and who will win for best picture and what is the criteria that a movie is judged in order to win.

We are back folks with another episode! This time we dive deep into Gattaca. Starring Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude Law! One of Andrews favorite films that explores themes of determinism and ethics of discrimination based on selective gene manipulation. So sit back and enjoy our return episode and a special shout out to cousin Jack on his long drive to Downy! Gattaca: A Dystopian Exploration of Genetic Determinism Gattaca is a thought-provoking science fiction film that paints a chilling picture of a future society where individuals are genetically engineered and categorized based on their perceived genetic potential. The film explores themes of genetic determinism, discrimination, and the human spirit's ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. Key Themes: Genetic Determinism: The film posits a future where a person's worth is largely determined by their genetic makeup. Those born with "valid" genes (genetically engineered) are favored, while those born naturally ("invalids") are often relegated to lower-class jobs. Discrimination: Gattaca depicts a society rife with genetic discrimination. Individuals with "invalid" genes face prejudice and discrimination in employment, education, and personal relationships. Human Spirit: Despite the oppressive societal structures, the film celebrates the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity. The protagonist, Vincent, proves that determination, perseverance, and the will to succeed can triumph over genetic limitations. Central Plot: The film follows Vincent, an "invalid" who dreams of becoming an astronaut. To achieve his goal, he assumes the identity of a genetically superior man, Jerome, who is paralyzed in an accident. Vincent must meticulously conceal his true identity while navigating the challenges of a society that values genetic perfection. Societal Implications: Ethical Concerns: Gattaca raises important ethical questions about genetic engineering and the potential consequences of creating a society where individuals are valued based on their genetic makeup. Human Rights: The film highlights the dangers of discrimination and the importance of protecting human rights, even in a technologically advanced future. Overall, Gattaca is a thought-provoking and cautionary tale that encourages viewers to consider the potential implications of genetic engineering and the enduring power of the human spirit.

On this episode we break down Jean Claude Van Damme's career, his rise and fall and rise again. How did this man from Brussels make it to Hollywood and become the biggest action star during the mid nineties? And how did he blow it all up and lose everything? A story of sex, drugs, alcohol, mental health issues, and overcoming all of it to come out on top again. This is the story of Jean Claude Van Damme and his first direct to video movie, the 1998 film Legionnaire.

"Saltburn" 2023 film, a strange, non conventional film, about the rich, the poor, the middle class, the psychotic, and a sort of "period" piece, circa 2006. On this episode we discuss the stylistic 2023 film Saltburn, a strange, shocking film, comparable to the Matt Damon film, "Talented Mr. Ripley. The meaning of being ultra rich billionaire and what it's like for an outsider looking in. Plus we talk Super Bowl.

On this Episode Andrew and Vartan breakdown the cinematic masterpiece Paris, Texas. Released in 1984 the film tells the story of Travis Henderson, a man with no memory lost in Texas. As Travis slowly gains his memories back, a story that seems like a mystery unfolds into a tale about family, loneliness, what it means to be a parent, and redemption. We also take a look at some Oscar movies from 1985 and why Paris, Texas was not nominated for anything, but won several international awards. So grab some popcorn on your drive home cousin Jack, and enjoy the show.

A special episode! An Oscar Episode! On this episode we list the top 10 Academy Award nominated movies of the last ten years. Covering 2013 to 2023, and of course, two extra films outside of the last decade thrown in as wild cards. We narrow these films down, discuss them, and why we loved them so much. We also narrow the list down to top 3, the results did shock both of us. And finally we pick the best movie from the top 10. Which shocked both of us even more. A throughly overall shocking episode! Join us, Andrew and Vartan, as we dive deep into Oscar Nominated movies and why we might hate them, we might love them, and why sometimes we just don't care for them. Grab your popcorns movie lovers, this was a great episode.

WERE BACK! No we were not cancelled folks. Just took a small break to collect our thoughts. In this episode we talk about the 2013 film THE HUNT! starring Mads Mikkelsen, directed by Thomas Vinterberg. The story follows a kindergarten teacher named Lucas, who is wrongfully accused of being inappropriate with one of the students. Soon all his friends and the whole town turn against Lucas. Lucas cast out and shunned by all, must now set out to prove he is innocent. We also discuss James Bond and the Oscars short list for best foreign films of 2023. ENJOY AND LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE.

Aladdin, Marvels Infinity Wars, Homers Odyssey. What do all these films have in common? They all stole from the 1989 hit movie Sinbad of the Seven Seas! So join us as we dive deep into how this great film was ripped off and all its ideas stolen by Blockbuster Hollywood Filmmakers. In this podcast episode, we delve into the 1987 film "Sinbad of the Seven Seas" starring Lou Ferrigno. We provide a detailed description of the movie, offering insights into its storyline and key elements. Ferrigno's portrayal of the legendary sailor Sinbad and his quest to rescue a princess from the clutches of an evil sorcerer. And we analyze the film's special effects, action sequences, and overall production value. Additionally, Ferrigno's performance and how it contributes to the film's overall appeal. Whether you're a fan of adventure films, Lou Ferrigno, or classic storytelling, this podcast episode is sure to provide an entertaining and informative discussion on "Sinbad of the Seven Seas."

RUMBLE FISH! Nicholas Coppola involves into NICK CAGE! Plus Larry Fishbourne still exists and a whole cast of great actors and a down and out drunk, Dennis Hopper, makes a comeback. There's also a Mickey Rourke and Matt Dillon sighting. In the podcast episode about the film "Rumble Fish," we dive into Francis Ford Coppola's 1983 adaptation of S.E. Hinton's novel. We explore the film's themes, characters, and cinematic techniques that make it a unique and thought-provoking experience. From the mesmerizing black-and-white cinematography to its exploration of youth rebellion and identity, we discuss how "Rumble Fish" captures the essence of Hinton's coming-of-age story and translates it onto the screen. Join us as we dissect the film's symbolism, the performances of its talented cast, and the impact it has had on the world of cinema. Plus a special shout out to Cousin Jack! #godfather #franciscoppola #Nicholascage #film #noir

WE ARE BACK WITH A NEW EPISODE! WE MADE IT TO EPISODE 19. Bringing you your favorite movie podcast, THE MAGIC LANTERN. On this Episode we discuss HIGH LIFE 2018 Directed by Claire Denis. "High Life" is a 2018 science fiction film starring Robert Pattinson. In the movie, Pattinson plays a man who finds himself aboard a spacecraft filled with criminals. They are on a mission towards a black hole to extract its energy. As they navigate the challenges of isolation, desire, and the unknown, the crew's sanity and morality are put to the test. If you're interested in other sci-fi movies that explore similar themes or share a similar tone to "High Life," here are a few recommendations: 1. "Interstellar" (2014) - Directed by Christopher Nolan, this epic space exploration film follows a group of astronauts who travel through a wormhole in search of a new habitable planet for humanity. 2. "Ex Machina" (2014) - This thought-provoking film revolves around a young programmer who is invited to administer the Turing test on an intelligent humanoid robot, blurring the lines between humanity and artificial intelligence. 3. "Moon" (2009) - Set on a lunar base, this atmospheric film tells the story of Sam Bell, a man nearing the end of his three-year stint working alone. As he prepares to return to Earth, he begins to question his reality and identity. 4. "Under the Skin" (2013) - Starring Scarlett Johansson, this haunting sci-fi film follows an alien seductress who preys on unsuspecting men in Scotland. It delves into themes of identity, sexuality, and the human experience. #batman #starware #space #blackhole