Reading Between the Reels: Film analysis with snark and heart

Nineteen years after the Last Crusade, Indiana Jones returns to crack an ancient mystery involving crystal skulls, Soviet agents, and extraterrestrials. Because apparently, the Holy Grail wasn't weird enough. In this episode, we dig into Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull—the CGI monkeys, the infamous fridge, the family reunion nobody ordered, and the extraterrestrial twist that sent a generation of fans into archaeological mourning. Did Spielberg and Lucas uncover a forgotten treasure, or did they unearth something best left buried? Grab your fedora. Leave your expectations at home. We're going somewhere nuclear. ----more---- Thank you so much for listening! Please help us spread the word by leaving us a 5-star review!    Hosts: Craig Dickinson: x.com/CraigMDickinson Corey Heitschmidt: x.com/darkheitmet Justin Eldon: x.com/justineldon7   Connect with us:  Website: readingbetweenthereels.podbean.com X: x.com/ReadBtweenReels Facebook: facebook.com/ReadBtweenReels Email: [email protected] SpeakPipe: speakpipe.com/ReadingBetweentheReels   You can also join our Facebook group. It’s a safe place to share your thoughts and discuss all things related to movies. You can find us at facebook.com/groups/readbtweenreels   Visit our TeePublic store for t-shirts, hats, hoodies, mugs, and more!   If you are interesting in advertising on this podcast, please go to: podbean.com/advertiseonRBR   Looking for an amazing online recording platform for your podcast, webinar, or video marketing? Try Riverside today!   The following music was used for this media project: Music: "Neon Fury" by Sascha Ende Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/12190-neon-fury License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade has Nazis, death traps, a tank, a motorcycle chase, River Phoenix showing everyone how it's done, and Sean Connery proving that nothing says “quality time with Dad” like repeatedly putting your son in mortal danger. Then there's the Grail, because apparently the fate of the world hinges on Indiana Jones picking the right cup. But here's the real question: Did Spielberg actually make the best Indiana Jones movie on his third try?  ----more---- Thank you so much for listening! Please help us spread the word by leaving us a 5-star review!    Hosts: Craig Dickinson: x.com/CraigMDickinson Corey Heitschmidt: x.com/darkheitmet Justin Eldon: x.com/justineldon7   Connect with us:  Website: readingbetweenthereels.podbean.com X: x.com/ReadBtweenReels Facebook: facebook.com/ReadBtweenReels Email: [email protected] SpeakPipe: speakpipe.com/ReadingBetweentheReels   You can also join our Facebook group. It’s a safe place to share your thoughts and discuss all things related to movies. You can find us at facebook.com/groups/readbtweenreels   Visit our TeePublic store for t-shirts, hats, hoodies, mugs, and more!   If you are interesting in advertising on this podcast, please go to: podbean.com/advertiseonRBR   Looking for an amazing online recording platform for your podcast, webinar, or video marketing? Try Riverside today!   The following music was used for this media project: Music: "Neon Fury" by Sascha Ende Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/12190-neon-fury License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Where the adventure is bigger, the villains are nastier, and apparently open-heart surgery is just part of the itinerary. Fortune. Glory. Ancient cults. Monkey brains. One extremely hands-on medical procedure. It’s darker, weirder, and considerably more unhinged than anyone asked for—and somehow, it’s still a family movie.   And as a bonus, we are joined once again by Jeff McGee and Pam Johnston. They share their insights on Temple of Doom– as well as exciting news about their new project: “31 Days of Halloween: A Spooky Advent Calendar.” ----more---- Thank you so much for listening! Please help us spread the word by leaving us a 5-star review!    Hosts: Craig Dickinson: x.com/CraigMDickinson Corey Heitschmidt: x.com/darkheitmet Justin Eldon: x.com/justineldon7   Connect with us:  Website: readingbetweenthereels.podbean.com X: x.com/ReadBtweenReels Facebook: facebook.com/ReadBtweenReels Email: [email protected] SpeakPipe: speakpipe.com/ReadingBetweentheReels   You can also join our Facebook group. It’s a safe place to share your thoughts and discuss all things related to movies. You can find us at facebook.com/groups/readbtweenreels   Visit our TeePublic store for t-shirts, hats, hoodies, mugs, and more!   Connect with Jeff on X: x.com/TheJeffMcGee Check out the “31 Days of Halloween: A Spooky Advent Calendar” and all of Jeff’s other shows at marvindogmedia.com and anywhere you listen to podcasts!   Looking for an amazing online recording platform for your podcast, webinar, or video marketing? Try Riverside today!   If you are interesting in advertising on this podcast, please go to: podbean.com/advertiseonRBR   The following music was used for this media project: Music: "Neon Fury" by Sascha Ende Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/12190-neon-fury License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license  

Raiders of the Lost Ark is what happens when archaeology, Nazi-hunting, supernatural artifacts, and spectacularly poor decision-making collide. In this episode, we return to our Steven Spielberg series to revisit this classic adventure, take a look at Indiana Jones at his most reckless, and explore why the movie still absolutely rules—even when its hero is basically committing felony-level archaeology. ----more---- Thank you so much for listening! Please help us spread the word by leaving us a 5-star review!    Hosts: Craig Dickinson: x.com/CraigMDickinson Corey Heitschmidt: x.com/darkheitmet Justin Eldon: x.com/justineldon7   Connect with us:  Website: readingbetweenthereels.podbean.com X: x.com/ReadBtweenReels Facebook: facebook.com/ReadBtweenReels Email: [email protected] SpeakPipe: speakpipe.com/ReadingBetweentheReels   You can also join our Facebook group. It’s a safe place to share your thoughts and discuss all things related to movies. You can find us at facebook.com/groups/readbtweenreels   Visit our TeePublic store for t-shirts, hats, hoodies, mugs, and more!   If you are interesting in advertising on this podcast, please go to: podbean.com/advertiseonRBR   The following music was used for this media project: Music: "Neon Fury" by Sascha Ende Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/12190-neon-fury License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

For our first show back from summer break, we’re looking back at the movies that hit theaters during Summer 2026. We break down our favorite new releases, debate which movies delivered and which fell flat, and reveal the shows and movies we caught up on while we were away.  ----more---- Thank you so much for listening! Please help us spread the word by leaving us a 5-star review!    Hosts: Craig Dickinson: x.com/CraigMDickinson Corey Heitschmidt: x.com/HeitSolo Justin Eldon: x.com/justineldon7   Connect with us:  Website: readingbetweenthereels.podbean.com X: x.com/ReadBtweenReels Facebook: facebook.com/ReadBtweenReels Email: [email protected] SpeakPipe: speakpipe.com/ReadingBetweentheReels   You can also join our Facebook group. It’s a safe place to share your thoughts and discuss all things related to movies. You can find us at facebook.com/groups/readbtweenreels   Visit our TeePublic store for t-shirts, hats, hoodies, mugs, and more!   If you are interesting in advertising on this podcast, please go to: podbean.com/advertiseonRBR   The following music was used for this media project: Music: "Neon Fury" by Sascha Ende Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/12190-neon-fury License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this year’s 6th and final installment of Star Wars 101, Aaron Harris joins my English classes for another conversation from a galaxy far, far away. Together, we explore the characters, themes, and ideas that have made Star Wars one of the most beloved stories ever told.  ----more---- Thank you so much for listening! Please help us spread the word by leaving us a 5-star review!  Hosts: Craig Dickinson: x.com/CraigMDickinson Corey Heitschmidt: x.com/HeitSolo Justin Eldon: x.com/justineldon7  Connect with us:  Website: readingbetweenthereels.podbean.com X: x.com/ReadBtweenReels Facebook: facebook.com/ReadBtweenReels Email: [email protected] SpeakPipe: speakpipe.com/ReadingBetweentheReels You can also join our Facebook group. It’s a safe place to share your thoughts and discuss all things related to movies. You can find us at facebook.com/groups/readbtweenreels Visit our TeePublic store for t-shirts, hats, hoodies, mugs, and more!   Connect with Aaron on X: x.com/taharris121079 You can also hear him weekly on the “Star Wars Reactions” podcast.  –X: x.com/SWReactionsPod –Website: starwarsreactions.com –Available wherever you listen to podcasts!   If you are interesting in advertising on this podcast, please go to: podbean.com/advertiseonRBR The following music was used for this media project: Music: "Neon Fury" by Sascha Ende Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/12190-neon-fury License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this year’s fifth installment of Star Wars 101, Jeff McGee joins my English classes for a conversation about the stories, themes, and ideas that have made Star Wars one of the most beloved franchises in pop culture. Along the way, we'll explore storytelling, character development, and why sometimes the greatest lessons come from a galaxy far, far away. Because if there's one thing Star Wars has taught us, it's that poor planning has consequences—especially when you're building moon-sized battle stations. ----more---- Thank you so much for listening! Please help us spread the word by leaving us a 5-star review!  Hosts: Craig Dickinson: x.com/CraigMDickinson Corey Heitschmidt: x.com/HeitSolo Justin Eldon: x.com/justineldon7  Connect with us:  Website: readingbetweenthereels.podbean.com X: x.com/ReadBtweenReels Facebook: facebook.com/ReadBtweenReels Email: [email protected] SpeakPipe: speakpipe.com/ReadingBetweentheReels You can also join our Facebook group. It’s a safe place to share your thoughts and discuss all things related to movies. You can find us at facebook.com/groups/readbtweenreels Visit our TeePublic store for t-shirts, hats, hoodies, mugs, and more! Connect with Jeff on X: x.com/TheJeffMcGee Check out all of Jeff’s shows at marvindogmedia.com and anywhere you listen to podcasts! If you are interesting in advertising on this podcast, please go to: podbean.com/advertiseonRBR The following music was used for this media project: Music: "Neon Fury" by Sascha Ende Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/12190-neon-fury License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this year’s fourth installment of Star Wars 101, David Jesse joins my English classes to explore family relationships in Star Wars. From fathers and sons to siblings, mentors, found families, and generational legacy, we examine how the saga uses family to drive conflict, redemption, and hope. Because every family has drama. Most just don't end with someone losing a hand. ----more---- Thank you so much for listening! Please help us spread the word by leaving us a 5-star review!  Hosts: Craig Dickinson: x.com/CraigMDickinson Corey Heitschmidt: x.com/HeitSolo Justin Eldon: x.com/justineldon7  Connect with us:  Website: readingbetweenthereels.podbean.com X: x.com/ReadBtweenReels Facebook: facebook.com/ReadBtweenReels Email: [email protected] SpeakPipe: speakpipe.com/ReadingBetweentheReels You can also join our Facebook group. It’s a safe place to share your thoughts and discuss all things related to movies. You can find us at facebook.com/groups/readbtweenreels Visit our TeePublic store for t-shirts, hats, hoodies, mugs, and more! You can hear David on the “Tatooine Sons” podcast   Website: tatooinesons.com X: x.com/TatooineSons Facebook: facebook.com/TatooineSons Instagram: instagram.com/tatooinesons If you are interesting in advertising on this podcast, please go to: podbean.com/advertiseonRBR The following music was used for this media project: Music: "Neon Fury" by Sascha Ende Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/12190-neon-fury License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this year’s third installment of Star Wars 101, bestselling author Ian Doescher joins my English classes to explore how Star Wars uses storytelling, symbolism, character development, and the Force to create one of the most enduring myths of the modern era. Because if the Force can bind the galaxy together, it can probably hold a classroom's attention for fifty-two minutes. ----more---- Thank you so much for listening! Please help us spread the word by leaving us a 5-star review!  Hosts: Craig Dickinson: x.com/CraigMDickinson Corey Heitschmidt: x.com/HeitSolo Justin Eldon: x.com/justineldon7  Connect with us:  Website: readingbetweenthereels.podbean.com X: x.com/ReadBtweenReels Facebook: facebook.com/ReadBtweenReels Email: [email protected] SpeakPipe: speakpipe.com/ReadingBetweentheReels You can also join our Facebook group. It’s a safe place to share your thoughts and discuss all things related to movies. You can find us at facebook.com/groups/readbtweenreels Visit our TeePublic store for t-shirts, hats, hoodies, mugs, and more! Connect with Ian Doescher Facebook: facebook.com/authoriandoescher Instagram: instagram.com/ian.doescher Find out more about Ian and his books at iandoescher.com If you are interesting in advertising on this podcast, please go to: podbean.com/advertiseonRBR The following music was used for this media project: Music: "Neon Fury" by Sascha Ende Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/12190-neon-fury License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this year’s second installment of Star Wars 101, Din from F-105 joins my English classes to explore the causes and consequences of galactic conflict in a galaxy far, far away. Because sometimes the best way to understand the real world is to analyze a fictional one filled with space wizards and laser swords. ----more---- Thank you so much for listening! Please help us spread the word by leaving us a 5-star review!  Hosts: Craig Dickinson: x.com/CraigMDickinson Corey Heitschmidt: x.com/HeitSolo Justin Eldon: x.com/justineldon7  Connect with us:  Website: readingbetweenthereels.podbean.com X: x.com/ReadBtweenReels Facebook: facebook.com/ReadBtweenReels Email: [email protected] SpeakPipe: speakpipe.com/ReadingBetweentheReels You can also join our Facebook group. It’s a safe place to share your thoughts and discuss all things related to movies. You can find us at facebook.com/groups/readbtweenreels Visit our TeePublic store for t-shirts, hats, hoodies, mugs, and more! Connect with Din on X: x.com/f105music --F-105 Website: f105music.com If you are interesting in advertising on this podcast, please go to: podbean.com/advertiseonRBR The following music was used for this media project: Music: "Neon Fury" by Sascha Ende Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/12190-neon-fury License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license