The ThawedCast: Conversations About Animation

Philip and Jodi review Christopher Nolan and Universal Pictures' The Odyssey. This 2026 adaptation of the ancient Greek epic poem seeks to put Homer's work onscreen in blockbuster fashion, and the results are indeed epic. This film, shot entirely in IMAX, may not be the most faithful adaptation according to literary stalwarts, but director Christopher Nolan brings his signature grand-scale ambition to the just-shy-of-three-hour project. The perils of the high seas and the treachery of wartime politics keep audiences glued for a fun ride, one filled with more stars than the Aegean night sky. Follow The ThawedCast: Conversations About Animation: twitter.com/thawedcast and instagram.com/thawedcast. instagram.com/philipehlke. Visit thawedcast.com

Jodi and Philip discuss the fifth Toy Story film from Disney/Pixar. The film takes a direct approach to addressing the difficulties of balancing the allure of technology with a healthy childhood. Sherriff Jessie is the leader of the toys that inhabit Bonnie's room, but Bonnie's love of toys isn't shared by her friends, who all have the Lilypad, a smart tablet designed for kids. When Bonnie's parents buy her a Lilypad, it initially seems like this has fixed Bonnies friendship problems, but Jessie recognizes the deeper problems that an abandonment of true play causes. Follow The ThawedCast: Conversations About Animation: twitter.com/thawedcast and instagram.com/thawedcast. instagram.com/philipehlke. Visit thawedcast.com

Philip and Lara discuss Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, a film from Matt Johnson and Jay McCarroll, a comedic duo known for playing fictionalized versions of themselves. They have released mockumentary-style videos since 2007 detailing the adventures of 'Nirvana the Band,' later renamed 'Nirvanna the Band' for legal reasons. Their latest film incorporates footage shot for their original web series dating back to 2008, stringing together an absurd time-travel plot that involves a hilarious series of hijinks and impeccable cinematic craft. Shot on a small, indie-level budget and maintaining a documentary aesthetic throughout, the film manages to deliver impressive setpieces and heartfelt moments befitting of the movies it is paying homage. This genre-bending experience is a clever blend of familiar, experimental, and spectacular. Follow The ThawedCast: Conversations About Animation: twitter.com/thawedcast and instagram.com/thawedcast. instagram.com/partoflarasworld, instagram.com/laraakal, instagram.com/philipehlke. Visit thawedcast.com

Philip and Elliott discuss the latest Star Wars film, The Mandalorian and Grogu, and also dig into the latest Steven Spielberg film, Disclosure Day. In their own ways, these two films are derivative of a legacy of classic pulp sci-fi. They each evoke a sense of nostalgia and empathy in their themes and respective creative visions, and while they don't venture too far from the beaten path, there's enough new territory they cover to make for a worthwhile cinematic experience. Follow The ThawedCast: Conversations About Animation: twitter.com/thawedcast and instagram.com/thawedcast. instagram.com/ellimundo, instagram.com/philipehlke. Visit thawedcast.com

Jodi, Lara and Philip review the independent horror sensation, Obsession, from writer/director Curry Barker. The film follows a group of four friends who work at a local music shop and meet up for weekly trivia nights. In a typical teenage (or in this case, early-twenties) fashion, the 2 girl/2 guy dynamic is far from devoid of romantic tension. And one of the guys, Bear, seeks the help of Ian when he is overcome by his feelings for Nikki. Ian is unable to provide much more than moral support, as Bear will need to take matters into his own hands if he stands a chance with Nikki. Bear buys a gift for Nikki to go along with his date proposal, but he eventually chickens out. His gift, a novelty item called a "One-wish Willow," promises to grant a single wish to the user who cracks it like a glowstick. This seven-dollar children's toy couldn't possibly be the key to winning Nikki's undying affection, could it? Follow The ThawedCast: Conversations About Animation: twitter.com/thawedcast and instagram.com/thawedcast. instagram.com/partoflarasworld, instagram.com/laraakal, instagram.com/philipehlke. Visit thawedcast.com