Needs Some Introduction
As a lifelong film and TV fan I try to bring historical knowledge of narrative trends to my weekly analysis and reviews (and hopefully a bit of humor also).
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Episodes
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
https://letterboxd.com/needsintro/
mailto:needssomeintroduction@gmail.com
In this episode, the hosts dive into technical recording issues and a rich discussion about the horror film 'Long Legs,' drawing thematic parallels with the iconic 'Silence of the Lambs.' They engage in a spoiler-filled rewatch of 'Silence of the Lambs,' examining its lasting impact and stellar performances. The episode also explores recent and anticipated TV shows like 'Presumed Innocent' and 'Severance.' Additionally, the hosts share their thoughts on Jodie Foster's timeless role and reflect on the state of horror movies, expressing discontent with early 2024 releases compared to 2023. They look ahead to excitement around upcoming horror titles like 'Maxine,' 'The Beast Within,' 'Trap,' 'Alien Romulus,' and 'The Crow,' along with reactions to trailers for 'Smile 2,' 'Heretic,' and a 'Nosferatu' remake. The episode wraps with insights on performance-driven horror and previews future horror series and films.
00:00 Introduction and Apologies for Sound Quality
00:24 Episode Overview: Long Legs and Silence of the Lambs
01:02 Current Events: Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump
02:05 Upcoming Discussions: Presumed Innocent and Severance
03:06 Review: Long Legs Movie Analysis
04:16 Box Office Predictions and Horror Fandom
05:09 Director Oz Perkins and Horror Filmmaking
08:01 Long Legs: Plot and Performances
14:50 Sound Design and Cinematic Techniques
16:27 Spoiler Alert: Breaking Down the Ending
35:57 Rewatching the Classic 'Silence of the Lambs': Initial Impressions
36:14 Character Depth and Performances
37:16 Cultural Impact and Popularity
39:46 Screenplay and Adaptation
40:29 Jonathan Demme's Unique Direction
42:04 Visual Language and Cinematography
43:39 Clarice's Character and Feminist Subtext
49:47 Hannibal Lecter's Escape and Tension
52:10 Comparing to Other Films
01:03:33 Trans Representation and Controversy
01:08:15 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
01:11:21 Hannibal's Dark Side
01:11:39 Reflecting on 2023 Horror Films
01:12:57 The Pope's Exorcist: A Hilarious Horror
01:15:14 Disappointing First Half of 2024
01:16:40 Exciting Upcoming Horror Releases
01:17:17 M. Night Shyamalan's New Film: Trap
01:23:24 The Speak No Evil Remake Controversy
01:28:19 September Horror Highlights
01:30:14 October and Beyond: Anticipated Horror Films
01:37:14 Final Thoughts and Future Discussions
Friday Jul 05, 2024
Friday Jul 05, 2024
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mailto:needssomeintroduction@gmail.com
In this episode, the hosts discuss their plans for the 4th of July and delve deep into the Apple TV series 'Presumed Innocent.' They review the first five episodes, discuss character dynamics, plot developments, and express their opinions about the show's direction. They also touch on the upcoming Apple TV show 'Sunny' and recommend the classic film 'Klute' starring Donald Sutherland and Jane Fonda. The episode concludes with show notes and a preview of upcoming content.
00:00 Introduction and 4th of July Plans
01:04 Discussing 'Presumed Innocent' TV Show
01:21 Overview of Episodes 1 and 2
02:01 Background on Scott Turow and Legal Dramas
04:31 General Opinions and Spoiler Alert
11:38 Character Analysis and Performances
16:20 Episode 1 Breakdown
27:52 Episode 2 Key Points
37:02 Plot Twist and Spoilers
37:28 Episode Three: New Suspects
38:17 Themes of Identity and Secrecy
38:58 Legal Dynamics and Motivations
42:55 Rusty's Aggressive Tactics
44:41 Episode Four Highlights
46:11 Barbara's Affair and Family Dynamics
51:19 Episode Five: Pregame and Trial Setup
01:01:46 Upcoming Shows and Recommendations
Monday Jul 01, 2024
Monday Jul 01, 2024
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mailto:needssomeintroduction@gmail.com
In this episode of Needs Some Introduction Victor and Sona discuss the events of The Bear Season 3. They delve into their detailed thoughts on the highs and lows of the season, character developments, and thematic elements. They also bring up 'Perfect Days', a film likened to The Bear for its thematic overlaps, which is currently available on Hulu. Towards the end, they hint at an upcoming discussion on the Apple TV adaptation of the Scott Turow novel, Presumed Innocent.
00:00 Introduction and Upcoming Reviews
01:31 Box Office Hits and Family Plans
04:08 The Bear Season 3: Initial Impressions
06:30 Diving into the Episodes
16:57 Character Deep Dives and Themes
29:47 Sidney's Family Dynamics
30:06 Didi's Annoying Character
30:36 Emotional Triggers and Pivots
32:33 Sugar's Struggles and Confrontation
33:45 Final Moments and Reflections
36:08 Episode Nine: Apologies
37:22 Penultimate Episode Critique
40:18 Season Finale Cliffhangers
44:58 Carmi's Parental Influences
53:17 Perfect Days: A Movie Recommendation
56:21 Wrap-Up
Friday Jun 28, 2024
Friday Jun 28, 2024
https://letterboxd.com/needsintro/
In this episode of 'Need Some Introduction,' Victor explores the new season of 'The Bear,' offering detailed analysis and predictions. He reflects on his decision to avoid social media reactions until after recording. Before diving into the breakdown, Victor provides three film recommendations for fans of 'The Bear': 'Boiling Point,' 'Pig,' and 'Big Night.' He also addresses usual announcements, including additional content on his Letterboxd page and upcoming episodes. Throughout the episode, Victor shares insights into the show's meta-commentary, character development, and thematic exploration. He critiques the season's execution, the extensive use of stunt casting, and the unresolved cliffhangers, while also highlighting standout episodes and character arcs. Lastly, he speculates on the direction of Season 4 and invites listeners to stay tuned for further discussions and reviews.
00:00 Introduction and Announcements
02:11 Recommendations for Fans of 'The Bear'
02:14 Boiling Point: The Inspiration Behind 'The Bear'
06:07 Exploring 'Pig' with Nicolas Cage
12:25 Big Night: A Culinary Classic
14:57 Diving into 'The Bear' Season 3
17:16 Carmi's Journey and Meta Commentary
23:36 Challenges and Tensions in the Restaurant
29:44 Richie's Role and Character Development
34:58 Falling in Love with the Characters
35:40 The Importance of Reviews
35:58 Episode Five: Children
36:07 Cicero's Visit and Practical Advice
36:58 Chef Terry's Influence and Concerns
37:36 Episode Six: Tina's Backstory
39:29 Tina's Journey and Struggles
41:52 Mikey's Tragic Path
44:55 Episode Seven: Legacy and Decisions
50:08 Episode Eight: Mixed Emotions
52:52 Episode Nine: Apologies and Tensions
55:36 Finale: Reflections and Future
01:01:27 Looking Ahead to Season Four
01:04:00 Final Thoughts and Audience Engagement
Wednesday Jun 26, 2024
Wednesday Jun 26, 2024
https://letterboxd.com/needsintro/
mailto:needssomeintroduction@gmail.com
In this episode of 'Need Some Introduction,' I delve into the season finale of Apple TV's adaptation of 'Dark Matter' by Blake Crouch. The discussion highlights the improvements in the series over the novel, particularly praising Jennifer Connelly's performance. The host also recommends several low-budget time paradox films, including 'Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes' and 'Lola,' offering detailed descriptions and accessibility information. Additionally, updates on 'The Bear' and 'Presumed Innocent' are provided, setting the stage for future episodes and reviews.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:49 News Update: The Bear Season 3
01:23 Upcoming Reviews and Recommendations
01:52 Dark Matter: A High-Budget Adaptation
02:12 Time Paradox Films on a Budget
02:39 Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes: A Clever Japanese Comedy
04:38 River: Expanding on Time Paradox Ideas
05:33 Lola: A British Low-Budget Time Paradox Film
08:08 Dark Matter Season Finale: Initial Thoughts
09:27 Comparing the Adaptation to the Novel
10:20 Character Development and Performances
12:18 Plot Breakdown and Analysis
13:49 The Complexity of Alternate Realities
21:55 The Many Jasons: A Shocking Twist
23:14 Amanda's Heart-Wrenching Decision
24:14 Jason's Parallel Encounters
25:02 The Revelation of Circumstances
26:05 Action-Packed Episode 8
28:03 Daniela's Realization
28:41 The Final Episode's Breathing Room
37:42 The Tragic End of Many Jasons
38:56 Emotional Yet Illogical Ending
45:06 Support and Upcoming Reviews
Friday Jun 21, 2024
Friday Jun 21, 2024
https://letterboxd.com/needsintro/
In this episode, Victor and guest Sona delve into the first two seasons of 'The Bear' while eagerly anticipating its third season. They provide in-depth analyses of episodes, especially from the second season, exploring family dynamics, character developments, and the complexities of running a high-stakes restaurant. They also touch upon other series like 'Presumed Innocent,' 'Dark Matter,' 'House of the Dragon,' and 'The Boys,' and briefly discuss 'Inside Out 2' and its impact on the film industry. Highlights include discussions on thematic elements, character arcs, and the entertainment industry's evolving trends.
00:00 Introduction and Overview
03:28 Initial Reactions to Presumed Innocent
06:15 Inside Out 2 Discussion
10:42 Diving into The Bear
19:48 Season 2 Highlights and Analysis
30:32 Anticipation for Season 3
33:13 Plot Inconsistencies and Final Thoughts
53:00 Family Secrets and Dysfunction
55:55 Carmi's AA Meeting and Reflections
56:54 Sydney's Struggles and Marcus's Journey
01:06:36 Tina's Growth and Carmi's Obsession
01:21:17 Richie's Transformation
01:28:18 Preparing for the Grand Opening
01:33:04 The Tense VIP Tasting
01:38:16 Season Finale: The Bear
Monday Jun 03, 2024
Monday Jun 03, 2024
mailto:needssomeintroduction@gmail.com
In this episode of 'Needs Some Introduction,' host Victor and guest Sona delve into Netflix's new series 'Eric.' They discuss the series' mixed reception, its thematic underpinnings, and the central performances. The podcast covers the show's premise, revolving around a missing child in 1980s New York, and the eclectic, sometimes messy array of storylines touching on urban issues, corporate culture, and personal trauma. They also compare 'Eric' to other series and discuss its potential strengths and weaknesses, including its tone and narrative structure. The discussion includes full spoilers and explores how the show handles multiple suspects, a shifting focus on different characters, and the climactic resolution.
00:00 Introduction and Initial Impressions00:32 Mixed Feelings and Unique Aspects01:49 Spoiler-Free Impressions02:37 Clarifying the True Story04:02 Comparisons to Real-Life Events06:03 Setting and Timeframe Speculations07:37 Character and Plot Development12:03 Themes and Social Commentary20:00 Acting and Performances25:18 Plot Structure and Red Herrings27:53 Muddled Morality and Red Herrings28:49 Netflix's Hook and Binge Culture29:20 Parallel Storylines and Thematic Elements29:56 Character Connections and Social Commentary31:56 Plot Twists and Tone Shifts32:53 Critique of Untreated Mental Illness34:39 Finale and Tone Inconsistencies38:33 Resolution and Moral Ambiguities54:54 Comparative Analysis and Recommendations56:09 Upcoming Reviews and Final Thoughts
Thursday May 30, 2024
Thursday May 30, 2024
In this episode, we explore the disappointing summer movie season, citing 'Furiosa' and 'The Fall Guy' as major flops. They delve into the shift towards streaming platforms and review current TV series like 'Eric', 'Hitman', 'The Veil', and 'Under the Bridge.' The discussion spans the transformation in media consumption, plot and character analysis, and the fidelity of real-life adaptations, with a particular focus on the series' storytelling quality. The hosts critically evaluate the depiction of real-life figures, emphasizing ethical considerations and performance commendations, ultimately providing a nuanced critique of the evolving entertainment landscape.
00:00 Introduction and Furiosa box office00:24 Summer Movie Flops and Streaming Trends02:13 Upcoming High-Profile Shows03:16 Mid-Quality TV Series: The Veil04:25 The Veil: Finale Critique07:07 The Veil: Spoiler Discussion34:01 Under the Bridge: Initial Impressions38:06 Sympathy and Adaptation Issues38:37 Teenage Performances and Finale Highlights39:12 Character Focus and Missed Opportunities41:40 Historical Context and Subplot Critique42:32 Finale's Emotional Impact43:13 Critique of Adaptation Choices47:53 True Story vs. Adaptation57:44 Major Adaptation Mistakes01:15:59 Final Thoughts and Future Discussions
Friday May 17, 2024
Friday May 17, 2024
https://letterboxd.com/needsintro/
mailto:needssomeintroduction@gmail.com
In this episode of 'Need Some Introduction,' host Victor discusses the final two episodes of Colin Farrell's sci-fi noir series 'Sugar' on Apple TV Plus, expressing disappointment and criticism towards its conclusion. He also provides watch recommendations, including a review of 'The Iron Claw' on HBO Max, 'Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,' and an upcoming review of the 'Mad Max' series in anticipation of 'Furiosa.' Victor offers a list of noir sci-fi films that he finds superior to 'Sugar,' such as 'The Matrix,' 'Blade Runner,' 'Looper,' 'Dark City,' and others, highlighting their thematic depth and artistic achievements. The episode delves into detailed critiques of 'Sugar's storytelling, character development, and overall execution while juxtaposing it with the mentioned recommendations. Victor concludes by inviting listener feedback and teasing future content, including a deep dive into 'Dark Matter' and a discussion on 'Dune 2.'
00:00 Welcome to the Show: Breaking Down 'Sugar'00:21 Quick Show Notes and Watch Recommendations02:18 Deep Dive into Sci-Fi Noir: From 'The Matrix' to 'Upgrade'07:03 Exploring the Obscure: Hidden Gems in Sci-Fi Noir19:11 Breaking Down 'Sugar': The Final Episodes32:34 Reflections and Future Directions36:39 Closing Thoughts and Recommendations
Wednesday May 15, 2024
Wednesday May 15, 2024
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In this episode of Need Some Introduction, the host provides an extensive overview of the entire Planet of the Apes movie series, spanning from the original 1968 film to the latest installment, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. The episode kicks off with a discussion on the significance of the series, its cultural impact, and a teaser for upcoming show content including analyses of other series and movies. The host embarks on a detailed analysis of each Planet of the Apes movie, discussing their plots, themes, and how they connect to one another. Special attention is given to the series' exploration of philosophical questions, societal issues, and the evolution of the franchise through various reboots and sequels. The episode concludes with a review of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, noting its successful continuation of the franchise's legacy and the potential for future stories within its universe.
00:00 Welcome & Upcoming Episodes Overview03:34 Deep Dive into Planet of the Apes Series06:44 Exploring the Original Planet of the Apes (1968)13:22 Beneath the Planet of the Apes: A Critical Review21:37 Escape from the Planet of the Apes: A Surprising Turn27:19 Conquest of the Planet of the Apes: Rebellion and Satire31:27 Exploring the Later Planet of the Apes Films32:16 The TV Series and Its Impact36:58 Tim Burton's Controversial Reboot41:35 The Rise of a New Ape Era46:22 Dawn of the Planet of the Apes: A New Classic49:19 War for the Planet of the Apes: Expectations vs. Reality51:02 Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes: A New Chapter Begins58:38 Box Office Analysis and Future Prospects