Have you ever wanted to know the TRUE story that inspired King Arthur? Did you know that Arthur was a freedom fighter battling for the independence of Britannia? Wait until you see what armor Guinevere preferred to wear into battle! And don’t forget Tristan and his faithful falcon! Join us and Jon Gabrus (High &Continue reading “KING ARTHUR (2004)”
Author Archives: Justin Khoo
STARSHIP TROOPERS (1997)
Liam Billingham (Die Hard on a Blank / OuevreBusters) joins us to discuss Paul Verhoeven’s meta-propaganda Brechtian war film Starship Troopers. We discuss the film’s odd mixture of big budget VFX with soap opera stars, how it’s three movies in one, the nature of meaning in a world devoid of conflict, and art that risks embarrassment. It’sContinue reading “STARSHIP TROOPERS (1997)”
STAR WARS EP. 1 – THE PHANTOM MENACE (1999)
The Phantom Menace has weathered the highs and (mostly) lows of fan appraisal. Once derided, then reclaimed, where does it stand in 2023? We issue the definitive assessment: it is good (kind of). Matt Teichman (Elucidations Podcast) brings his colleague Jar Jar Binks along for the ride, as we discuss pod racing, queen wardrobes, lightsaberContinue reading “STAR WARS EP. 1 – THE PHANTOM MENACE (1999)”
ROMA (2018)
We sit down with my colleague Agustín Rayo (Professor of Philosophy, Dean of SHASS at MIT, and winner of the big number duel) to discuss Alfonso Cuarón’s autobiographical film, Roma. We discuss memory, dreams, guilt, class, background, lenses, digital formats, and, of course, Mexico City. When I was older, I used to be a sailor. ButContinue reading “ROMA (2018)”
OPPENHEIMER (2023)
Join us and Bilge Ebiri (New York Magazine / Vulture) to discuss Christopher Nolan’s deconstructed biopic about the man who birthed a very big bomb. Deconstructed narratives, quantum mechanics, moral dilemmas, subjective inflection, brilliant and sure-handed intercutting… and we set the record straight on whether Nolan’s films are funny and whether his female characters areContinue reading “OPPENHEIMER (2023)”
WHAT MAISIE KNEW (2012)
Joining us to talk about What Maisie Knew (2012) is the film’s producer, Daniela Taplin Lundberg (whose feature credits include The Kids Are All Right, Beasts of No Nation, and Honey Boy)! We talk about the challenges making independent feature films, the film’s portrayal of divorce and new beginnings, and how it captures the feelingContinue reading “WHAT MAISIE KNEW (2012)”
TÁR (2022)
We sit down with Lydia Tár expert Emily St. James to talk about guilt, repression, cancel culture, subjectivity, moral hazards, the Todd Field Cinematic Universe, and… you guessed it… Oklahoma! How is any of this possible? Tune in to find out! The problem with enrolling yourself as an ultrasonic epistemic dissident is that if Bach’sContinue reading “TÁR (2022)”
GREMLINS (1984)
Bright light! Bright light! We sit down with Brandon Polite (Philosophy, Knox College) to discuss Joe Dante’s horror comedy masterpiece. Topics include: Chekov’s rules of Gremlin lore, Mogwai metaphors, slapstick humor, why you shouldn’t show this movie to young children, practical special effects, old and new Hollywood, capitalism, and what we can learn from Gizmo.Continue reading “GREMLINS (1984)”
SOLARIS (2002)
How did Steven Soderbergh remake an obscure Soviet art-house film based on an even more obscure science fiction novel starring the most bankable A-list movie star? And how did he pull it off?! We sit down with Phil Iscove (Sleepy Hollow / Podcast Like It’s…) to unpack the film’s poetry and vibes, and explore whatContinue reading “SOLARIS (2002)”
THE BOX (2009)
Our guest Matt Strohl (Philosophy, Montana; author of Why It’s OK to Love Bad Movies) thinks Richard Kelly’s 2009 film THE BOX is due for a critical reappraisal, and we agree. We talk about altruism, self-deception, faith, freedom, Hell, Sartre, and why this is a freaking Christmas movie! Buckle up for a weird and wildContinue reading “THE BOX (2009)”
Cows in the Field 