Verbal Diorama

Verbal Diorama is a podcast all about How It's Done. It being movies, and to be honest, this one is as Golden as they come. I'm Free to Takedown the history and legacy of KPop Demon Hunters, with the outcome of me becoming Your Idol. This is What It Sounds Like... my little Soda Pop.When director Maggie Kang set out to create an animated musical combining K-pop, Korean mythology, and a demon-slaying girl group, she had a clear vision: to make a film authentically rooted in Korean culture. After more than a decade working on major animated projects, Kang pitched what she called her "love letter to K-pop" and her Korean heritage to Sony Pictures Animation. The result was KPop Demon Hunters, a film that would go on to become a global phenomenon that no-one saw coming.The film's success exceeded all expectations. KPop Demon Hunters became Netflix's most-watched film ever with over 500 million views, surpassing even Squid Game. The soundtrack made history as the first film soundtrack to place four songs in the Billboard Hot 100's top ten simultaneously, with lead single "Golden" holding the number one spot for eight weeks. The song earned five Grammy nominations, and songwriter EJAE became the first Korean American woman nominated for Song of the Year.KPop Demon Hunters represents a significant evolution in the Korean Wave. Created by a largely non-Korean production team in America, the film nonetheless maintained deep cultural authenticity, from its references to Korean girl groups of the past, and to Korean shamanism, to the small details like how characters use their chopsticks. It combines vibrant animation with KPop culture, creating a unique visual and audible feast. The soundtrack is not just catchy; it's Golden.Play me on repeat 끝없이 in your head.Support Verbal DioramaLoved this episode? Here's how you can help:⭐ Leave a 5-star review on your podcast app💰 Join the Patreon for bonus content and early access☕ Send a tip to support the show📱 Share this episode with fellow film loversGet In TouchI would love to hear your thoughts on KPop Demon HuntersTwitter: @verbaldioramaInstagram: @verbaldioramaFacebook: @verbaldioramaLetterboxd: @verbaldioramaEmail: verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comWebsite: verbaldiorama.comAbout Verbal DioramaEar Worthy 2024 Best Movie Podcast Winner | Golden Lobes 2025 Earworm Award Nominee | Ear Worthy 2025...

They scare, because they care. But do they? Do they really?Animation Season 2026 kicks off with Pixar's fourth feature, turning 25 years old this year, the incomparable Monsters, Inc.In the world of Monsters, Inc., fear is a power source, and children's screams fuel the world of Monstropolis, which is both clever and a bit dark. This is a bright colourful movie, that cleverly hides its darkness from kids, but adults will see it everywhere.James P. Sullivan, as Monsters Incorporated's number one scarer, has no idea that his world is literally about to be changed by a three-year-old human girl, who finds herself in Monstropolis. His best friend Mike Wazowski is an eyeball with arms and legs who just wants to put that thing back where it came from, or so help me!Originally titled Monsters, Monsters, Inc transformed from the story of an accountant in their 30s reliving childhood fears of monsters, to a story about scaring just being the monsters' day jobs. Neither Sulley nor Mike were in the original pitch, both characters evolved massively over time.The production of Monsters, Inc. involved significant technological advancements for Pixar - only six years after Toy Story - especially in fur animation, making Sulley's character feel more lifelike and relatable. And bizarrely, also tentacles.Animation isn't just for kids; it’s a versatile art form that can tell deep stories, as seen in the exploration of themes like fear and love in Monsters, Inc. It cleverly critiques societal fears and misconceptions, showing how characters are shaped by the narratives they believe—like the monsters thinking children are toxic.I'm pretty sure kids aren't toxic, though, right? RIGHT?Support Verbal DioramaLoved this episode? Here's how you can help:⭐ Leave a 5-star review on your podcast app💰 Join the Patreon for bonus content and early access☕ Send a tip to support the show📱 Share this episode with fellow film loversGet In TouchI would love to hear your thoughts on Monsters, Inc.Twitter: @verbaldioramaInstagram: @verbaldioramaFacebook: @verbaldioramaLetterboxd: @verbaldioramaEmail: verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comWebsite: verbaldiorama.comAbout Verbal DioramaEar Worthy 2024 Best Movie Podcast Winner | Golden Lobes 2025 Earworm Award Nominee | Ear Worthy 2025 Best Movie Podcast NomineeVerbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and...

Santa Claus: The Movie was an ambitious holiday spectacular that was supposed to save the Salkinds' crumbling film empire. Fresh off the disappointing performances of Superman III and Supergirl, producers Alexander and Ilya Salkind bet $50 million on creating the definitive cinematic Santa Claus origin story, complete with backstory, a North Pole workshop brought to life, and a modern-day New York adventure featuring Dudley Moore as a renegade elf.The Salkinds' signature approach to filmmaking, taking beloved existing characters and mounting lavish international co-productions outside the Hollywood system, had worked brilliantly for the first Superman films but was now straining under financial pressure. The father-son team assembled an impressive cast, constructed elaborate sets at Pinewood Studios, and poured resources into cutting-edge visual effects for Santa's flying sleigh. They envisioned a franchise that would become as iconic as their Superman films, a movie that would define Santa Claus for generations of children.Instead, the film became another expensive disappointment that Christmas season, unable to recoup its massive budget despite its technical achievements and heartfelt performances. The planned holiday classic flopped at the box office in the US, but it has nonetheless found an affectionate cult following in the decades since, especially here in the UK.It remains one of Britain's most loved Christmas movies. It’s pricey, overly-stuffed, extravagant, best enjoyed with a tipple, and full of nostalgia - a little bit like a traditional British Christmas to be honest.I wish all of you and your families a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a fantastic New Year. See you all in 2026!I would love to hear your thoughts on Santa Claus: The Movie !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes.CONTACT....Twitter @verbaldioramaInstagram @verbaldioramaFacebook @verbaldioramaLetterboxd @verbaldioramaEmail verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] comWebsite verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Give this podcast a five-star Rate & ReviewJoin the Patreon | Send a TipABOUT VERBAL DIORAMAVerbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for...

Scrooged, a modern 80s retelling of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" stars Bill Murray as a cynical, mean-spirited TV executive who finally learns the true meaning of Christmas, but its production was marred with difficulties.After a four-year hiatus following the overwhelming success of Ghostbusters, Bill Murray returned to acting for this passion project. But before signing on, Murray literally tore apart the original script with screenwriters Mitch Glazer and Michael O'Donoghue to completely rework it, particularly the romantic subplot and family scenes.What followed was one of Hollywood's most notorious productions. Director Richard Donner and Murray clashed constantly throughout the three-month shoot in New York City and Hollywood. Murray felt Donner rushed through takes and kept pushing him to perform louder and broader, while Donner struggled with Murray's improvisational style.The $32 million production took a physical toll as well. Murray worked on dusty, smoky sets filled with fake snow that made him cough up blood. Co-star Carol Kane accidentally split his lip so badly during a scene that filming had to stop for several days. Co-writer O'Donoghue was equally miserable, claiming less than half the original script survived.The film's iconic ending speech was almost entirely improvised by Murray, who went off-script and received a spontaneous ovation from the crew. O'Donoghue was less than impressed, but the moment became one of cinema's most memorable holiday monologues. Scrooged adds layers of comedy and modern critique to Dickens' original text, showcasing not just the spirit of Christmas but a satirical look at the entertainment industry, and the commercialization of Christmas. Yule Love It!I would love to hear your thoughts on Scrooged !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes.CONTACT.... Twitter @verbaldiorama Instagram @verbaldiorama Facebook @verbaldiorama Letterboxd @verbaldiorama Email verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] com Website verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMAVerbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique StudioPatrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat,...

In his chaotic quest for a Turbo Man doll, Howard Langston goes to extremes to find the toy on Christmas Eve. It's the stuff of Christmas slapstick comedy, right? In reality, society has always been obsessed with 'the must-have' gifts during the holiday season and parents have gone to even more extreme lengths for their kids, with both the Cabbage Patch riots of 1983 and the Power Rangers craze of 1993 proving beleaguered mums and dads will do anything to get the latest toy for their children, including chasing trucks and beating up store staff.Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as Howard, a great mattress salesman, but a less-than-adequate husband and father. When his disappointed son tells him he wants a Turbo Man action figure, Howard springs into action on Christmas Eve, only to find every store out of stock. This is why you don't leave your Christmas shopping to the last minute!Despite the initial poor reception, Jingle All the Way has become an unlikely holiday classic, and an effective satire of the commercialization of Christmas. The movie has found new life through annual holiday season rewatches, with nostalgia playing a significant role in its enduring popularity.And in a weird twist of fate, the movie, which came out in November 1996, predicted exactly what parents would do to get a Tickle Me Elmo that year...I would love to hear your thoughts on Jingle All the Way !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes.CONTACT.... Twitter @verbaldiorama Instagram @verbaldiorama Facebook @verbaldiorama Letterboxd @verbaldiorama Email verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] com Website verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMAVerbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique StudioPatrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Heather, Danny, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle, Aaron and ConnerThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

The Men in Black phenomenon started as rumours of a government agency, where strange men wearing black suits would visit witnesses of UFO sightings, and coerce and threaten them into silence. Real-life Men in Black sightings inspired countless conspiracy theories, making them a staple of UFO folklore since their first appearance in the late 1940s. It was only a matter of time before these sinister men were turned into a comic book, and then adapted into a movie, but how did a dark, obscure comic get transformed into a summer blockbuster that would gross over $589 million worldwide and launch a franchise?Director Barry Sonnenfeld and screenwriter Ed Solomon made the bold decision to completely reimagine Men in Black as a buddy-cop action-comedy, keeping only the core premise while building something entirely new around it, with the premise of New York being the hub of alien activity, and Earth a sanctuary for alien refugees.Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones' on-screen chemistry made the titular Men in Black iconic, with Jones bringing his signature stoic humour to create the perfect counterbalance to Smith's energetic comedy, resulting in one of cinema's most memorable buddy cop pairings.Men in Black's impressive practical effects work earned Rick Baker's team an Academy Award, with cutting-edge animatronics and makeup seamlessly blended with CGI from Industrial Light & Magic, creating a visual experience that still holds up today.It's the perfect summer blockbuster, that was never intended or seen as a summer blockbuster. The script was constantly evolving, even into post-production, and the movie's plot was changed after test screenings forced an edit, and those changes would make Frank the Pug one of the most important characters in the movie...I would love to hear your thoughts on Men in Black !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes.CONTACT.... Twitter @verbaldiorama Instagram @verbaldiorama Facebook @verbaldiorama Letterboxd @verbaldiorama Email verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] com Website verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMAVerbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique...

(500) Days of Summer arrived at a pivotal moment for romantic comedies. While the genre had dominated the box office throughout the early 2000s with reliable hits like The Proposal and 27 Dresses, audiences were growing weary of predictable formulas. Marc Webb's directorial debut, based on screenwriter Scott Neustadter's painful real-life breakup, offered something different: a relationship movie that openly declared itself "not a love story."What made the film revolutionary wasn't just its structure, but its willingness to interrogate the rom-com fantasy itself. Tom isn't a charming hero—he's a guy who projects his own idealized narrative onto Summer, a woman who's been honest about not wanting a relationship. It influenced how a generation thought about relationships and romantic expectations. The film's famous split-screen "Expectations vs. Reality" sequence became an instant classic for how brutally it captured the gap between romantic fantasy and truth. It sparked endless debates: was Summer the villain, or was Tom?500 Days of Summer arrived just as the traditional studio rom-com was beginning its decline. It represented a self-aware turning point; proof that audiences were ready for more complex, honest explorations of modern relationships. In deconstructing the romantic comedy, it created something that resonated even more deeply: a bittersweet, deeply human story about growth, self-delusion, and the messy reality of love.I would love to hear your thoughts on (500) Days of Summer !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes.CONTACT.... Twitter @verbaldiorama Instagram @verbaldiorama Facebook @verbaldiorama Letterboxd @verbaldiorama Email verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] com Website verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMAVerbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique StudioPatrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Heather, Danny, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle, Aaron and ConnerThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:...

From a doomed Arnold Schwarzenegger/Ridley Scott collaboration to Will Smith's blockbuster hit, the journey of I Am Legend to the screen is as dramatic as the apocalypse it depicts. Three wildly different film adaptations, a legendary unmade version; this story of humanity's end keeps haunting Hollywood.This is not the first adaptation of Richard Matheson's book I Am Legend. Vincent Price battled zombie-vampires in 1964's stark black-and-white thriller The Last Man on Earth. Charlton Heston faced off against intelligent albino mutants called "the Family" in 1971's, The Omega Man. Each adaptation changed the creatures, the cause of the apocalypse, and crucially, gave audiences hope where the book offered none.With only 16 weeks of prep time, the Will Smith/Francis Lawrence version, this time named I Am Legend, spent years in development hell, and quickly went from a 40-page outline to a greenlit blockbuster, and to say it was chaotic is an understatement. Whole New York City blocks were closed off for filming, and one scene on the Brooklyn Bridge cost $5 million for just six nights of filming. One week into filming, director Francis Lawrence panicked and switched from practical makeup effects to CGI, extending post-production and inflating the budget. The team was still seeing finished visual effects shots just one month before the film's release, leading to last-minute reshoots to adjust the controversial ending.I Am Legend offers a unique blend of action and deep emotional storytelling, highlighting human isolation and the struggle for survival, with one of the bestest canine companions in film. Will Smith's performance as Dr. Robert Neville is both captivating and heartbreaking, showcasing his character's descent into loneliness, and the eerie depiction of an empty New York City resonates deeply in today's world, reflecting on themes of loss and solitude in a pandemic context. The Amalgamated Dynamics Ridley Scott version makeup tests are hereI would love to hear your thoughts on I Am Legend (2007) !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes.CONTACT.... Twitter @verbaldiorama Instagram @verbaldiorama Facebook @verbaldiorama Letterboxd @verbaldiorama Email verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] com Website verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMAVerbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is...

Yeah, baby, yeah! We've been cryogenically frozen and thawed out in 1997 to explore the groovy phenomenon that was Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery. Mike Myers brought his vision of a swinging '60s spy to life on a modest budget of just $16.5 million, creating a comedy with a vibrant retro aesthetic, pulling inspiration from James Bond, Our Man Flint, and classic '60s films like A Hard Day's Night. It's a clever mix of satire and slapstick, poking fun at spy movies while also creating its own universe.Oh, behave! Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery became a cultural touchstone, introducing catchphrases and characters that defined late '90s comedy. From Elizabeth Hurley's Vanessa Kensington to Myers' dual role as both Austin and Dr. Evil, the film's irreverent humour and physical comedy created something truly shagadelic, commenting on societal changes between the 60s and 90s, addressing how attitudes towards love, sex, and espionage have evolved over the decades. Do I make you horny, baby? The legacy of Austin Powers is more than just catchphrases; it challenged the norms of masculinity and relationships, making him a relatable and beloved character across generations. It's smashing, baby! Alexa, play Soul Bossa Nova!I would love to hear your thoughts on Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes.CONTACT.... Twitter @verbaldiorama Instagram @verbaldiorama Facebook @verbaldiorama Letterboxd @verbaldiorama Email verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] com Website verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMAVerbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique StudioPatrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Heather, Danny, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle, Aaron and Conner.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Happy Halloween!Evil Dead II was not the sequel to The Evil Dead that Sam Raimi intended. With a bigger budget, and more experience, he essentially remade the first film with a comedic twist. Released in 1987, Evil Dead II became the perfect bridge between horror and comedy.Ash Williams transforms from every man survivor to wisecracking action hero. Campbell's physical comedy is next-level; the guy gets beaten up by his own possessed hand. His performance became so iconic, it launched an entire franchise and Ash as a cult hero. Practical effects, makeup, and prosthetics created some truly memorable (and gross) moments.Evil Dead II helped define the horror-comedy genre and influenced countless filmmakers. It became a cult classic that's still celebrated decades later, leading to Army of Darkness and eventually the Ash vs Evil Dead TV series. Bruce Campbell and Sam Raimi became legends in genre filmmaking.Evil Dead II proved you could be terrifying and hilarious at the same time. It's a masterclass in creative filmmaking on a budget, and proof that sometimes the best sequels are the ones that aren't afraid to reinvent themselves.Groovy.I would love to hear your thoughts on Evil Dead II !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes.CONTACT.... Twitter @verbaldiorama Instagram @verbaldiorama Facebook @verbaldiorama Letterboxd @verbaldiorama Email verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] com Website verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMAVerbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique StudioPatrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Heather, Danny, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle,Aaron and ConnerThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Before 20-year-old Sam Raimi could make The Evil Dead, he had to convince investors that three friends from Michigan could pull off a horror masterpiece. Enter "Within the Woods," a short film that became the ultimate pitch; screened across Detroit until enough people bought in. The result? An initial $85,000 and a one-way ticket to a freezing, abandoned cabin in Tennessee with no heat, no plumbing, and 12 weeks of pure filmmaking chaos.Bruce Campbell's on-screen suffering was real—those bruises, cuts, and exhausted reactions weren't acting. The crew ended up living in the dilapidated cabin, inventing techniques and visual effects out of creativity and desperation. It was the epitome of low budget, inexperienced but passionate filmmaking.The Evil Dead could have easily disappeared into low budget horror movie obscurity, though. They struggled to find domestic distribution until Stephen King saw it at Cannes and called it "the most ferociously original film of the year." That single endorsement transformed everything.When it was released in the UK, it became the best selling VHS of the year in 1983. It was subsequently banned as the "number one video nasty" in the UK, and called too extreme for mainstream distribution. Thanks, Mary Whitehouse.The Evil Dead rewrote the rules. It proved indie horror could be artful, that gore could be kinetic poetry, and that a cabin in the woods could become the most terrifying place on Earth. It showed a generation of filmmakers that you don't need studio money to make something revolutionary; you just need vision, determination, and friends willing to suffer for the cause.I would love to hear your thoughts on The Evil Dead (1981) !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes.CONTACT.... Twitter @verbaldiorama Instagram @verbaldiorama Facebook @verbaldiorama Letterboxd @verbaldiorama Email verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] com Website verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMAVerbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique StudioPatrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Heather, Danny,

Hocus Pocus represents something special in cinema: proof that a film's legacy isn't written on opening weekend. It's a testament to how the right movie can find its audience, even if it takes decades to get there, to become one of the most beloved family Halloween classics of all time.Virgins! Get ready to light the black flame candle, and summon the iconic Sanderson Sisters, played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, who brought the sistahhhs to life with their unforgettable chemistry. It would lead to Hocus Pocus' eventual resurgence, with the Sanderson sisters as queer icons, and huge influences on the drag community. What started as a simple bedtime story evolved after years stuck in development hell. It would be The Divine Miss M herself who essentially got the movie greenlit, and Midler fully committed to the bit.But after a disappointing July 1993 release, VHS and DVD releases started to make it profitable and Hocus Pocus become a Halloween staple, as well as a cult classic.You could say it ran amok, Amok amok amok!I would love to hear your thoughts on Hocus Pocus !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes.CONTACT.... Twitter @verbaldiorama Instagram @verbaldiorama Facebook @verbaldiorama Letterboxd @verbaldiorama Email verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] com Website verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMAVerbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique StudioPatrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Heather, Danny, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle, Aaron and Conner.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Before Scream made meta-horror mainstream, Wes Craven created something truly unique: a horror film where the actors played themselves, filmed in the real New Line Cinema offices, exploring what happens when fictional evil breaks into reality.Freddy Krueger had officially died in Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare in 1991, and from 1984 his character had evolved from terrifying villain to quipping and comedic, and New Line Cinema had already started merchandising the character. Realizing that maybe they had killed Freddy too soon, New Line wanted a way to resurrect him without actually resurrecting him. There was always something deeply unnerving about putting Krueger on a pedestal, and no-one thought it more than his original creator, Wes Craven… Wes Craven's New Nightmare cleverly blurs the line between fiction and reality, creating a unique meta-narrative, starring original final girl Heather Langenkamp as herself, focusing on her journey from horror star to mother and how that reflects the personal impact of the franchise on her fictional life. Craven specifically wanted to focus on how horror movies affect children, showcasing the blurred boundaries between protection and temptation. Despite its initial box office struggles, New Nightmare has gained a cult following, mostly in the wake of Wes Craven's next project, Scream, which took what New Nightmare had attempted and refined it. Wes Craven said that Scream was a movie for people who watch horror movies, and New Nightmare was a movie for people who make horror movies. Scream is credited for refreshing the slasher, but we all know New Nightmare is Wes Craven’s real life meta masterpiece.I would love to hear your thoughts on Wes Craven's New Nightmare !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes.CONTACT.... Twitter @verbaldiorama Instagram @verbaldiorama Facebook @verbaldiorama Letterboxd @verbaldiorama Email verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] com Website verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMAVerbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique StudioPatrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy,...

How did a British ghost story set in a Liverpool council estate became America's most haunting urban legend?In 1992, director Bernard Rose transformed Clive Barker's British ghost story, The Forbidden, into one of horror's most intelligent and thought-provoking slashers. But the inspiration ran deeper than fiction. The tragic 1987 murder of Ruthie Mae McCoy, who called 911 claiming someone was breaking into her Chicago apartment through her bathroom mirror, is a chilling real life inspiration to one of cinema's most enduring, and gothically romantic horror icons.Candyman is not just a horror movie; it’s a reflection of societal fears, racial injustice, and the haunting legacy of violence against black people in America, specifically black men. The film, set in the Cabrini Green housing project, serves as a backdrop for a story that’s both supernatural and tragically real. Tony Todd's portrayal of Candyman is chilling yet tragic, highlighting the character's backstory as a victim of racial injustice rather than just a typical horror villain. Helen Lyle, a white woman who becomes entangled in the Candyman myth, exposes the privilege and naivety that often accompany the quest for truth. The contrast between her character and the realities faced by the residents of Cabrini Green is not just a plot device; it’s a commentary on who gets to tell stories and which voices are heard.I dare you to say his name five times... Candyman, Candyman, Candyman, Candyman.... I would love to hear your thoughts on Candyman (1992) !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes.CONTACT.... Twitter @verbaldiorama Instagram @verbaldiorama Facebook @verbaldiorama Letterboxd @verbaldiorama Email verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] com Website verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMAVerbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique StudioPatrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Heather, Danny, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle, Aaron and ConnerThis podcast uses the following third-party services for...

What happens when you mix Keanu Reeves, a scenery-chewing Al Pacino, and a Faustian bargain?Andrew Neiderman's novel was originally going to be adapted in the early 90s, directed by Joel Schumacher and starring Brad Pitt, but casting Satan proved difficult and so the project was halted.Speak of the devil, the O.J. Simpson trial gave new life to this story, and everyone became interested in courtroom drama and corrupt lawyers. The movie was resurrected, with Keanu Reeves choosing it over Speed 2, and the production desperate to entice Al Pacino to play the devil. Maybe they made a deal with the devil? In a bizarre twist worthy of the film itself, a copyright violation lawsuit forced the studio to digitally amend key scenes, proving that even fictional devils face real-world consequences.Inspired by John Milton's Paradise Lost, Dante's Inferno, and the Faust legend woven into late 90s Manhattan, The Devil's Advocate remains a fascinating time capsule of '90s excess while asking timeless questions about the price of success and the susceptibility of human ambition and greed. Have a listen to The Midnight Myth's excellent episode on The Devil's Advocate hereI would love to hear your thoughts on The Devil's Advocate (1997) !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes.CONTACT.... Twitter @verbaldiorama Instagram @verbaldiorama Facebook @verbaldiorama Letterboxd @verbaldiorama Email verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] com Website verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMAVerbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique StudioPatrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Heather, Danny, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle, Aaron and ConnerThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Verbal Diorama meets Verbal Kint in a neo-noir crime thriller, based somewhat on a true story, from the mind of Oscar-winning screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie.An idea based on a line from Casablanca, The Usual Suspects takes five felons in a line-up and creates the layers of deceit and twists, before the final realisation that Keyser Söze may not be who we thought it was - or was he?Who is Keyser Söze?With a heavyweight cast of big names and character actors, everyone in this movie is impeccable to the very end. The film's iconic twist ending cleverly invites viewers to question everything they thought they knew about the characters. The Usual Suspects' atypical non-linear storytelling made it stand out against other neo-noir crime dramas of the 90s, along with its extremely unreliable narrator. What is true? What isn't? The line-up scene and Benicio del Toro's unexpected flatulence during filming is very true, and led to a scene that became one of the film's most memorable and humorous moments. But really the legacy of the film and how it became a cult classic, aided by a brilliant marketing campaign, is the lingering mystery and pop culture creation of Keyser Söze. I would love to hear your thoughts on The Usual Suspects !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes.CONTACT.... Twitter @verbaldiorama Instagram @verbaldiorama Facebook @verbaldiorama Letterboxd @verbaldiorama Email verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] com Website verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMAVerbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique StudioPatrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Heather, Danny, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle, Aaron and Conner.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

30 years on, the tide is turning for Showgirls.Showgirls is remembered for its outlandish dialogue, the over-the-top performances, culminating in controversy, cult status, and unapologetic campiness. It's widely regarded as a mess, a critical and commercial flop, and poor Elizabeth Berkley took the brunt of the blame.Showgirls is polarizing, for many it's a guilty pleasure drenched in excess, but for others, it’s a train wreck that’s hard to look away from. This movie is no financial flop though, in fact it's one of MGM's most lucrative of all time. Sex sells. Nomi Malone hitchhikes her way to Las Vegas, dreaming of stardom and glory in the world of top tier showgirls. Writer Joe Eszterhas dreamed of a script that contained the real life stories of the women who worked in Vegas clubs, but director Paul Verhoeven wanted a not-so-subtle commentary on the darker side of fame and ambition in show business.It’s looking at the American dream in a dark, twisted mirror, showing the misogynistic rot of show business, the dark reality of a patriarchal society that on the surface claims to love, idolise and promote women, it actually exploits and degrades women in the name of entertainment. Just like what happened to Elizabeth Berkley.I would love to hear your thoughts on Showgirls !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes.CONTACT.... Twitter @verbaldiorama Instagram @verbaldiorama Facebook @verbaldiorama Letterboxd @verbaldiorama Email verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] com Website verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMAVerbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique StudioPatrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Heather, Danny, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle, Aaron and brand-new patron Conner! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a person in possession of a birthday must be in want of a celebration. However little known the feelings or views of such a person may be on their first entering into another year of life, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of their surrounding acquaintance, that they are considered as the rightful object of some one or other of their neighbours' party-planning endeavours."My dear friends," began our heroine (for heroine she must be called, being the celebrated birthday personage of our tale), "I find myself in the most peculiar situation of having reached another year of existence, and I am given to understand that such an occasion demands commemoration."It is hoped that all persons of good breeding and cheerful disposition will find it agreeable to listen, for what is a birthday celebration without the society of one's most valued listeners?Joining this celebration of the utmost importance are the honoured guests of Dr Alice and Dr Kimberly of Fetch the Smelling Salts. Ladies of noble achievement in high society, whose warm and witty conversation has made this episode most agreeable indeed. Alice's slightly racier podcast, Austen After Dark, is also a most welcome pursuit for those who enjoy lively discourse on more amorous activities."For what," our heroine might well exclaim, "is the pleasure of a birthday without the warmth of friendship to illuminate it?"Therefore, let all who receive these words consider themselves most cordially and affectionately invited to join in what promises to be an episode of unparalleled enjoyment.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Hi Barbies, hi Kens!Podcast Barbie hosts this very special pink, plastic fantastic episode on the history and legacy of Barbie - the doll and the movie!From her humble beginnings in the late 50s, through various controversies along the way, Barbie has been symbolic of girlhood, and of embracing the idea that girls can be whatever they want to be through play, not just as mothers with babydolls.As Barbie is based on the body of an actual young woman, the idea of a live action Barbie movie made sense. The first attempt was in 1986, and throughout the years, various studios have tried to make a live action Barbie film, while in the background, Barbie has been a staple in animation.It wasn't until real life Producer Barbie, Margot Robbie, contacted Mattel, with her ideas for a meta take on Barbie that Warner Bros started to take notice. Producer Barbie contacted Director Barbie, Greta Gerwig, and together they assembled the brightest and best Barbies in Hollywood to join them to celebrate Barbieland and all their achievements by having Barbie and Ken going to the real world and discovering that Barbieland's version of matriarchy isn't quite the experience of the real world.The Kens, well, they're just Ken.I would love to hear your thoughts on Barbie !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes.CONTACT.... Twitter @verbaldiorama Instagram @verbaldiorama Facebook @verbaldiorama Letterboxd @verbaldiorama Email verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] com Website verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMAVerbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique StudioPatrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Heather, Danny, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle, Aaron and brand-new patron Conner! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Red Sonja is based on Red Sonja, which is, in turn, partially based on Red Sonya. The Red Sonya interpretation is credited as such for this movie, however it's actually based on Red Sonja, not Red Sonya. And during production, it was briefly called Red Sonia.Confused? I'm not surprised.So many Sonjas/Sonyas/Sonias. And what about Conan, I mean, Kalidor?Sonja/Sonya's evolution from Robert E. Howard's historical 16th-century warrior to Roy Thomas and Barry Windsor-Smith's iconic Marvel Comics fantasy heroine, each brought something unique to the Red Sonja legacy.Kalidor (definitely not Conan!) is in an interesting case study of Hollywood rights navigation, where creative solutions led to a character that channels the spirit of Conan while remaining legally distinct. Red Sonja's innovative approach to special effects, and the decision to shoot everything in-camera created a distinctive visual style that prioritized practical filmmaking techniques over post-production polish.While it has its flaws, Red Sonja represents an ambitious chapter in fantasy filmmaking that pushed boundaries and took creative risks, offering valuable insights into the evolution of the sword-and-sorcery genre and Hollywood's ongoing relationship with strong female protagonists.I would love to hear your thoughts on Red Sonja (1985) !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards and was nominated for the Earworm Award at the 2025 Golden Lobes.CONTACT.... Twitter @verbaldiorama Instagram @verbaldiorama Facebook @verbaldiorama Letterboxd @verbaldiorama Email verbaldiorama [at] gmail [dot] com Website verbaldiorama.comSUPPORT VERBAL DIORAMA....Give this podcast a five-star Rate & Review Join the Patreon | Send a Tip ABOUT VERBAL DIORAMAVerbal Diorama is hosted, produced, edited, researched, recorded and marketed by me, Em | This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song. Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe. Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!) Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique StudioPatrons: Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Ian, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Heather, Danny, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle and Aaron.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy