Cinema Bones

In this episode, Masie & Stuart close out their examination of the filmography of Goro Miyazaki by checking out his second feature film, From Up On Poppy Hill. Has Goro learned any lessons from his first directorial outing with Tales from Earthsea? Or does he crash straight downhill? Listen as our hosts discuss this film's interesting historical setting, architecture, and character designs, but also its bizarre romantic conflict and mayhaps overly nostalgic perspective of 1960's Showa-era Japan.   Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram and Letterboxd for podcast updates.   Additional Reading/Sources: Inside Studio Ghibli's From Up on Poppy Hill: Grounding a Romance in Memories NYT Interview with Goro Miyazaki

In this episode, Masie and Stuart take a boat to the fantasy lands of Ursula K. Le Guin's Earthsea book series for Studio Ghibli's 2006 adaptation titled Tales from Earthsea. Along with the director Goro Miyazaki, this film has quite a negative reputation among Ghibli's otherwise illustrious catalogue of animated productions. But does it deserve said reputation? Well, our hosts on their travels unfortunately find a film with a strong lack of visual identity and craft with a script that is... confusing to say the least. Tune into our hosts journey through turbulent waters as they discuss its strange adaptation decisions as well as how the film points to Ghibli's weaknesses as a studio.   Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram and Letterboxd for podcast updates.   Additional Reading/Sources: Interview with Toshio Suzuki about the Production of Tales from Earthsea Archive of Ursula K. Le Guin's Response to the Tales from Earthsea  

In this episode, Masie & Stuart finally wrap up their pride month duo after a moving hiatus by digging up the 2017 queer coming of age film Call Me By Your Name. A critical and financial success upon its release, Luca Guadagnino and James Ivory's film adaptation of Andre Aciman's novel has garnered a much messier reputation in the eight years since due to its age gap romance and the unfortunate presence of actor Armie Hammer. Our hosts explore the film's beautiful Italian vistas and often great performances and cinematography, while trying to untangle and dissect the many troubling elements tarnishing this film's ongoing legacy in gay cinema.   Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram and Letterboxd for podcast updates.   Additional Reading/Sources: We Need to Talk About Call Me By Your Name - Video Essay by Lola Sebastian Spanish Article with Andre Aciman's Comments about Taboo

In this episode, Masie & Stuart celebrate pride month by watching Andrew Ahn's 2022 film Fire Island, a loose adaptation of Pride and Prejudice set on the titular gay resort. As queer fans of Jane Austen, our hosts find much to admire in this film's smart adaptation decisions and joyful, but critical examination of gay male community that subverts and examines stereotypes around race, class, and body type. Listen as they gush about the authentic cast of gay actors, recount the film's many good romcom moments, and discuss the parts of the script that could've been cut or used a bit more consideration.   Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram and Letterboxd for podcast updates.   Additional Reading/Sources: Filmmaker Magazine Interview with Director Andrew Ahn

In this episode, Masie & Stuart arrive in a galaxy far far away to complete their tribunal of JJ Abram's by covering Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Unearthing over a decade of mixed (mostly negative) feelings about this sequel trilogy, our hosts find that while they are still compelled by the characters and their actors' performances, there are many early signs of the confused, aimless direction future sequel entries would take. Listen as our hosts discuss the film's awkward copy and pasting from the structure and character arcs of A New Hope and eventually devolve into a full dissection of the Walt Disney Corporation and it's many baffling executive and creative decisions with this trilogy.   Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram and Letterboxd for podcast updates.   Additional Reading/Sources: Jenny Nicholson's Star Wars Hotel Review Disney Plus Wrongful Death Lawsuit

In this episode, Masie & Stuart begin an epic journey into space to examine the sci-fi franchise reboots of director JJ Abrams. Beginning with his 2009 Star Trek film, our hosts find much to appreciate about the movie's casting and set design. However, our resident Trekkie Masie has more than a few critiques. From 2009-era misogyny, to a script more interested in being high octane and action-packed than it is in expanding upon the unique qualities of the beloved original TV series, our hosts find themselves warping through complaints faster than the film does through its many action set pieces.   Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram and Letterboxd for podcast updates.

In this episode, Masie & Stuart return to the world of animation to cover the strange 2002 anime film, A Tree of Palme, directed by Takashi Nakamura. A critical and financial failure upon its release, this odd Pinocchio-inspired sci-fi adventure movie has faded into obscurity over the years, but our hosts are here to spread the word that this film may be deserving of a reappraisal! Listen as they discuss its gorgeous art design and fascinating worldbuilding, as well as its overstuffed and often confusing script.   Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram and Letterboxd for podcast updates.   Addtional Reading: Tree of Palme ADV Films DVD Booklet Animetudes: Takashi Nakamura

In this episode, Masie & Stuart finally enter the world of animation by discussing the 2023 film Nimona. Rescued from Disney's closure of its production studio, our hosts find plenty to appreciate about this queer kid's adventure flick. How does it hold up compared to the original graphic novel by ND Stevenson though? Listen as our hosts discuss the film's lovable characters and crazy production history, as well as its many strange adaptation decisions.   Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram and Letterboxd for podcast updates.   Addtional Reading: Disney Disapproved Same Sex Kiss in Nimona How Nimona Rose From The Ashes of Blue Sky Studios by Jade King The Second Coming of Megan Ellison  

In this episode, Masie & Stuart get kidnapped and taken on a crazy roadtrip by Jonathan Demme's 1986 comedy-thriller film Something Wild. The second part of Stuart's pairing of manic-pixie dream girl films, our hosts find much to discuss about this film whose tone, characters, and plot developments are truly... well, wild. Listen as our hosts gush about the film's shockingly likable male protagonist, Melanie Griffith's iconic (but sometimes culturally questionable) costuming, the main couple's interesting power dynamics, and more in the longest episode of Cinema Bones released yet.   Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram and Letterboxd for podcast updates.   Addtional Reading: Something Wild: Wild Things - Criterion Essay Jonathan Demme Video Interview Referenced in the Episode is Available on the Criterion Collection Blu-Ray Release. Check it out from your local library!

In this episode, Masie & Stuart take a flight back to 2002 to examine Paul Thomas Anderson's romantic comedy film Punch-Drunk Love. Part of Stuart's pairing of manic-pixie dream girl films, they went in expecting to find more to critique, but mostly have positive things to say! From the considered and striking cinematography, to the excellent lead performances by Adam Sandler and Emily Watson, they find plenty to love about this quirky early 2000's romp. Listen as our hosts analyze the autistic-coded protagonist Barry Egan and gush about Jon Brion's lush and ecclectic score.   Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram and Letterboxd for podcast updates.

In this episode, Masie & Stuart take a look at an alternate vision of 2025 in Spike Jonze's 2013 sci-fi romance film Her. The second part of their examination of the divorce films of Spike Jonze and Sofia Coppola, our hosts scroll through to find a film made up of beautiful surfaces with a cynical view of romance beneath the surface. Listen as they discuss the film's beautiful production design and general aesthetics, while also getting frustrated when talking about its portrayal of women and (not-so-subtle) self-insert qualities.   Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram and Letterboxd for podcast updates.   Additional Reading/Sources: Interview with Production Designer K.K. Barrett

In this episode, Masie & Stuart take a (imaginary) trip to Japan to examine the 2003 Oscar-darling film, Sofia Coppola's Lost in Translation. The first part of a duology covering the divorce films of Sofia Coppola and Spike Jonze, our hosts find themselves treading in familiar Coppola-territory. How does this story of two priveleged people experiencing isolation and existential crises in Tokyo hold up today? Does Coppola portray the city and Japanese culture with care and sensitivity? The answers likely won't shock you based on her track record, but our hosts still find plenty to discuss and enjoy in the film's moody atmosphere and aesthetics.   Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram and Letterboxd for podcast updates.   Additional Reading/Sources: Lost in Translation 20th Anniversary Interview Sofia Coppola's Defense Against Criticism Over the Film's Depiction of Japan

In this episode, Masie & Stuart return to the Green Hills of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise to discuss its second live-action feature film Sonic the Hedgehog 2. How does this sequel compare to the first? Is it faster and stronger, or does it struggle to get off to a speedy start? Listen as our hosts discuss the film's many improvements from its predecessor as well as its repeated failures. Then, stay tuned in to the end for a year-end wrap up where Masie & Stuart discuess their favorite and least favorite movies covered for Cinema Bones in 2024 in addition to their favorite first watches from the year outside of the podcast! Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram, Twitter, and Letterboxd and Cinema-Bones on Tumblr for podcast updates.

In the episode, Masie & Stuart gotta run (not so fast) through the 2020 film Sonic the Hedgehog in preparation of the video game adaptation franchise's third installment releasing this month. Along the way, our hosts discuss the film's surprising strengths as well as its annoyingly Millenial sense of humor. Listen as they ponder over the interesting implications of Sonic's film backstory and how the film is oddly emblematic of the modern state of children's media.   Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram, Twitter, and Letterboxd and Cinema-Bones on Tumblr for podcast updates.

In this episode Malkovich Malkovich Malkovi--**cough cough Excuse me. In this episode, Masie & Stuart rediscover the surreal 1999 dramedy film Being John Malkovich: the feature film debut of both director Spike Jonze and screenwriter Charlier Kaufman. Crossing the small threshold into the film's strange world, our hosts find a bevy of amazing actor performances and a compelling set of themes. Listen as our hosts dive into these topics as well as the film's unexplored gender moments.   Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram, Twitter, and Letterboxd and Cinema-Bones on Tumblr for podcast updates.   Additional Reading/Sources: The two primary sources referenced are the 2011 Criterion interview with actor John Malkovich and the on-set documentary "All Non-Combatants Off Set", which are both featured on the Criterion Collection blu-ray/DVD editions of the film. Check them out from your local library!

In this episode, Masie & Stuart return to the aisles of 2000's feminine cinema with the 2005 film adaptation of Jennifer Weiner's sibling drama novel In Her Shoes. Perusing the film's selection of pairs, our hosts discover a shockingly compelling family melodrama that thoughtfully tackles themes of mental illness and generational trauma in a way uncommon for other films of its era. Listen as our hosts discuss the film's compelling central sibling relationship as well as its weird 2000's beauty standards and portrayal of Toni Collette's character.   Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram, Twitter, and Letterboxd and Cinema-Bones on Tumblr for podcast updates.   Additional Reading/Sources: In Her Shoes - Screen Queens Retrospective Curtis Hanson NPR Interview

In this episode, Masie & Stuart take a trip back to Italy where they explore the warm and fuzzy 2003 film adaptation of Frances Mayes' memoir Under the Tuscan Sun. Searching through the streets of Tuscany presented on screen, our hosts find a lot to enjoy about director and writer Audrey Wells' film. Listen as they discuss the charming performances of Diane Lane and Sandra Oh, the film's generally lovely vibes, as well as some of its weirder romcomy and heteronormative qualities.   Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram, Twitter, and Letterboxd and Cinema-Bones on Tumblr for podcast updates.   Additional Reading/Sources: Under the Tuscan Sun Costume Design Retrospective Audrey Wells' Unreleased Film "The Fugees"  

In this episode, Masie & Stuart take a trip to the cruel and twisted realm of Ryan Murphy with his wildly successful 2010 film adaptation of Elizabeth Gilbert's bestselling memoir Eat Pray Love. Garnering its fair share of criticism over the years, our hosts sample the film's bizarre brand of white feminism and its often racist portrayal of countries in the Global South, while trying to find the parts of its menu that are worthy of praise.   Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram, Twitter, and Letterboxd and Cinema-Bones on Tumblr for podcast updates.   Additional Sources & Reading: Confessions of a Seduction Addict Eat Pray Spend

In this episode, Masie & Stuart return to the realm of space operas with the Wachowski sisters' sci-fi blockbuster film Jupiter Ascending. A critical and finacial failure upon release, the reputation of this movie is often quite negative in online film circles. However, our hosts are here to argue that it might have some compelling ideas... some 90's shojo isekai ideas in fact. Listen as our hosts try to argue in favor of this film's charming, feminine, anime-esque version of a power fantasy, and why maybe the script probably could've used a couple more drafts.   Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram, Twitter, and Letterboxd and Cinema-Bones on Tumblr for podcast updates.   Additional Sources & Reading: Jupiter Ascending - Toronto Sun Director Article Wachowski Sisters' Video Interview

In this episode, Masie & Stuart revisit the Wachowski Sisters' & Tom Tykwer's 2012 epic Cloud Atlas. Developing a cult-following since its initial divisive release, how does this messy conceptual adaptation of the 2004 David Mitchell novel of the same name hold up? Well, our hosts return from their autopsy with some unfortunate findings! Listen as they delve into the film's fascinating creative choices, its blatant racism, and the many strange adaptation changes made across its nearly 3 hour run time.   Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram, Twitter, and Letterboxd and Cinema-Bones on Tumblr for podcast updates.