E40: WICKED on the Big Screen

Buzz, Woody and Jessie are Back in 'Toy Story 5'.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You, Me & Tuscany (2026) follows Anna (Halle Bailey), a grieving ex-culinary student who impulsively travels to Italy. After crashing an empty villa belonging to Italian agent Matteo (Lorenzo de Moor), she is mistaken for his fiancée by his family. She plays along, falling for his adopted brother, vineyard owner Michael (Regé-Jean Page).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

INTRODUCING UNDISTRACTED with Laura Bennett When the afternoon slump starts to hit, Laura’s fun and quirky personality provide just the lift you need. And getting the kids home has never been more enjoyable – putting the ‘pick me up’ in the afternoon pick up – with this entertaining show that’s safe for young ears to listen to.   Our guest today is Australian actor George Xanthis, who plays John on 'The Chosen', the global hit series about the life of Jesus and his disciples. The next season is one the biggest as they face the crucifixion of Christ and in this episode, George not only talks about that, but about how a local Sydney boy got this gig, pressure to be a religious icon and how his spirituality has evolved during filming. Listen to more from our Hope Podcasts collection at hopepodcasts.com.au. And send the team a message via Hope 103.2’s app, Facebook or Instagram.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2016 Disney introduced us to 'Moana', an adventurous teen living in ancient Polynesia set on saving her people. 8 years later Moana and her pal Maui are back, venturing into the deep waters of Oceania to help Moana become a master way-finder. Russ from Reel Dialogue and Laura debate how memorable the sequel will be without the music of Lin Manuel-Miranda.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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." Have your say on their take or just drop us a comment at hopepodcasts.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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   Have your say on their take or just drop us a comment at hopepodcasts.com.au.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.