LAIKA's ParaNorman

Before the MCU, there was X-Men. Kos and Dilo revisit the 2000 film that helped change the landscape of superhero movies, paying tribute to Patrick Stewart and his iconic performance as Professor X. We dig into the behind-the-scenes stories, alternate casting choices, memorable quotes, and how the movie holds up 26 years later. Along the way, we discuss what makes superhero movies such great stoner movies and whether X-Men still delivers the goods.Give us a follow on Instagram and TikTok:@high.expectations.pod on both platformsReach out with comments or suggestions at [email protected] courtesy of Vince Sasso of the Vince Sasso Trio(Check them out on instagram! @vincesassotrio)

Kos, Dilo, and Vince wrap up Spooky Season by revisiting Little Monsters, Teen Wolf, Ernest Scared Stupid, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The conversation gets into the horror scenes that stuck with us, the movies that genuinely scared us growing up, and the films that left a lasting mark. Plus, we tackle one of horror's oldest traditions: why does everyone in a slasher movie seem so damn horny? Nostalgia, childhood trauma, questionable decisions, and plenty of blood. Just another One Hitter.

Vince is back behind the mic with Kos and Dilo for a look at the 1992 movie that started it all. We get into Kristy Swanson's take on Buffy, Luke Perry's peak '90s heartthrob era, Paul Reubens' legendary death scene, and why the movie feels pretty different from the TV series that came after it.Give us a follow on Instagram and TikTok: @high.expectations.pod on both platformsReach out with comments or suggestions at [email protected] courtesy of Vince Sasso of the Vince Sasso Trio(check them out on Instagram! @vincesassotrio)

Spooky Season rolls on with Ernest Scared Stupid. Vince joins us to revisit the 1991 cult classic featuring Jim Varney, a thousand-year-old troll, and a truly unreasonable amount of dairy. We break down Trantor’s surprisingly terrifying look, Eartha Kitt’s presence in an Ernest movie, and a plot that asks us to accept that milk is the troll equivalent of holy water. Plus, we find out if this Halloween favorite still delivers or if we were just easily entertained as kids. Know what I mean, Vern?Give us a follow on Instagram and TikTok: @high.expectations.pod on both platformsReach out with comments or suggestions at [email protected] courtesy of Vince Sasso of the Vince Sasso Trio(check them out on Instagram! @vincesassotrio)

Spooky Season rolls on with Teen Wolf.Vince is back to revisit the 1985 Michael J. Fox classic, where being a werewolf somehow makes you better at basketball, more popular at school, and apparently qualified to drive a van covered in wolves.We get into Michael J. Fox at the absolute height of his 1980s run, Stiles being the real MVP, the Scott/Boof/Pamela situation, the questionable rules of lycanthropy, and whether Teen Wolf is actually as good as we remember.Another Spooky Season classic gets the High Expectations treatment.Give us a follow on Instagram and TikTok: @high.expectations.pod on both platformsReach out with comments or suggestions at [email protected] courtesy of Vince Sasso of the Vince Sasso Trio(check them out on Instagram! @vincesassotrio)

Spooky Season is officially here, and we’re kicking things off with Little Monsters.Vince, our music producer and frequent cohost, joins Kos and Dilo for the first movie in our Spooky Season run. We revisit the 1989 cult classic starring Fred Savage and Howie Mandel, breaking down Maurice, Boy, the infamous apple juice scene, the strange decision to make this a kids movie, and whether Little Monsters is actually better stoned.Let the spooky movies begin.Give us a follow on Instagram and TikTok: @high.expectations.pod on both platformsReach out with comments or suggestions at [email protected] courtesy of Vince Sasso of the Vince Sasso Trio(check them out on Instagram! @vincesassotrio)

Kos and Dilo wrap up the animation series by putting Disney, DreamWorks, Pixar, Illumination, Studio Ghibli, and LAIKA head-to-head. They compare each studio’s style, storytelling, humor, visuals, and overall catalog while looking back at Robin Hood, Shrek, Monsters, Inc., Despicable Me, Ponyo, and ParaNorman. Which studio has the best movies, the strongest identity, and the best lineup to watch while stoned? By the end, only one can come out on top.Give us a follow on Instagram and TikTok: @high.expectations.pod on both platformsReach out with comments or suggestions at [email protected] courtesy of Vince Sasso of the Vince Sasso Trio(check them out on Instagram! @vincesassotrio)

This week on High Expectations, we head to Blithe Hollow for LAIKA’s spooky stop-motion adventure, ParaNorman. We’re talking Norman’s ability to see the dead, a centuries-old witch’s curse, surprisingly sympathetic zombies, and a town that might be scarier than the monsters it fears. Plus, we get into the incredible stop-motion work behind the film, its darker themes about fear and acceptance, and why ParaNorman deserves more recognition as one of LAIKA’s best.Give us a follow on Instagram and TikTok: @high.expectations.pod on both platformsReach out with comments or suggestions at [email protected] courtesy of Vince Sasso of the Vince Sasso Trio(check them out on Instagram! @vincesassotrio)

In this episode we dive into Hayao Miyazaki’s Ponyo, a wildly imaginative story of friendship, family, and a little fish with a serious love for ham. We break down the movie’s unforgettable animation, environmental themes, behind-the-scenes details, and the pure chaos that follows when Ponyo decides she wants to become human. Grab some ramen and join us as we head under the sea for one of Studio Ghibli’s most charming adventures.Give us a follow on Instagram and TikTok: @high.expectations.pod on both platformsReach out with comments or suggestions at [email protected] courtesy of Vince Sasso of the Vince Sasso Trio(check them out on Instagram! @vincesassotrio)

In this episode of High Expectations, Kos and Dilo revisit Despicable Me to find out what turned a story about the world's greatest villain into one of the biggest animated franchises ever made. From Steve Carell's unforgettable performance and the accidental rise of the Minions to iconic quotes, hidden details, and surprisingly heartfelt moments, we break down why Gru's first adventure still stands above the rest. Give us a follow on Instagram and TikTok: @high.expectations.pod on both platformsReach out with comments or suggestions at [email protected] courtesy of Vince Sasso of the Vince Sasso Trio(check them out on Instagram! @vincesassotrio)