Get Your Popcorn

KT joins me to dance with the devil this week, together we deep dive Ryan Coogler’s cinematic masterpiece Sinners. This isn't your average vampire musical; it challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about identity, racism, and cultural appropriation. The core take away from this film is that the true horror is the treatment of the black characters and the systemic oppression inflicted on them. We also explore how the movie weaves together the complexities of Irish culture with themes of whitewashing and cultural vampirism, pushing boundaries in its depiction of power, heritage, and authenticity. We discuss how Sinners reflects the tension between reclaiming cultural roots and the exploitation of marginalized narratives for mainstream consumption. With both of us having irish roots like the vampire Remmick. KT and I both acknowledge as two white women there are limitations in our perspective. We approached the creation of this episode with much research and care. We are both committed to the dismantling of systemic racism through learning, reflection and action.  Along with the film itself, references used in the creation of the episode are listed below.Sinners (2025) | Rotten Tomatoes‎Sinners (2025) directed by Ryan Coogler • Reviews, film + cast • LetterboxdSinners, Vampire Makeup FX, Behind the sceneshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELNkVGS1PJESinners, Spirits of the Deep South, Behind the Sceneshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1x1YpJWIHMDancing with the Devil, Making of Sinners,https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPYEqHYNiBA

Ruh-Roh! Emma of the impact joins me this week to solve the mystery of Scooby Doo. This 2002 millennial classic takes us to Spooky Island where the gang must figure out what is behind the strange behaviour of the kids who visit there. So grab your Scooby Snacks and you have to do is to come out into the dark shadowy part of the woods, where no one can see you.....Make sure you give Emma a follow and her Podcast a listen, links are below:https://open.spotify.com/show/06nFe5NzDP9GZqYJAYpV48https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXWwdF0I-RRG-hU_hpNslTghttps://www.tiktok.com/@emmaoftheimpact_?lang=enhttps://www.instagram.com/emmaoftheimpact/

JR joins me today for a bonus episode. He is one of my favourite creators. I came across him on my FYP a few months ago and I’ve been hooked on his content ever since. If you are looking for deeply insightful commentary on recent films, retroactive reviews and social issues, JR is your guy to follow. We discussed passion for writing, his go to watches and our mutual love of a good ol’ childhood classic deserving a spot in your @letterboxd top 4. Thanks again JR for joining me! Make sure you give him a follow! Instagram: @screened_scored Tik Tok: screened.scored Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/c1aEV

Bryan from Mometu joins me today for food, drink and ghosts and perhaps even a few murders. We are deep diving House on Haunted Hill, isn't that amusing? It is a classic B-Horror movie featuring the legendary Vincent Price. He hosts a party offering his guest $10,000 if they stay the night....and survive. Thanks again to Bryan for coming on for this one. House on Haunted Hill is available on Mometu, along with a bunch of other awesome films be sure to check in out. Also make sure to follow Bryan and check out all the cool stuff he's doing, he's got his own podcast: More for Me and You Podcast. His links are listed below.https://watch.mometu.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@freemometuhttps://www.instagram.com/freemometuhttps://open.spotify.com/show/0rqj4ehOK6CrD2N5ea2xou?si=23723958be2e4da5https://www.instagram.com/mometucollegefilmfest/https://www.instagram.com/bryan_mometu/?hl=enAlong with the film itself, reference used in the creation of this episode are listed below:https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1010034-house_on_haunted_hillhttps://letterboxd.com/film/house-on-haunted-hill/https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/78581/house-on-haunted-hill#overviewhttps://franklloydwright.org/site/ennis-house/

The Vancouver International Film Festival is happening October 2nd-12th. I have the privilege this year of attending as press! With 170 different title screening this is an event you dont want to miss!Listen for whats to come!Get tickets at: https://viff.org/Follow along their social media pages:Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@viffestInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/viffest/?hl=en

Kicking off Spooky Season here at Get Your Popcorn! No better way to do it than with my fellow Dis-nerds Adam and Emilie. The three of us had an Oogie Boogie Bash of a time discussing all things Disney, tune in for some hard core Disney adulting. Also my microphone had problems during recording, so my apologies for the less than stellar audio !

Writer/Director Andrew Koltuniuk joins me today to discuss his new film "Letting Go of Jack." This coming of age, road trip film follows Brandon on route to Colorado in his old Ford Broncho when a break down leads him to meeting Amber who joins him for the journey. It is available on Amazon Prime to stream. Check it out and support independent film. Make sure you give Andrew and The Guild a follow! Links below.https://www.tiktok.com/@thewanderingdirector_?_t=ZS-8zVjlX5046T&_r=1https://www.instagram.com/thewanderingdirectorhttps://www.instagram.com/theguildfilms/

Ending our Summer of Spielberg with a film that I feel he was the wrong director for.TW: This episode is a heavy one guys. The Color Purple is the 1985 film adaption of Alice Walkers novel of the same name. It deals with topics of child sexual abuse, incest, and spousal abuse. Steven Spielberg a controversial director of this film given the nature of the story being about predominantly African American characters. The film and the book have been criticized by the NAACP for the depiction of black men as abusers with little redeeming qualities. This must be acknowledged and respected. Although Spielberg has been defended and praised heavily by the cast for the last 40 years for his work, and the care he took in telling a story that for them felt sincere, he received criticism from audiences.He also shied away from the queer relationships in the book at his admission of being out of his depth, which is such a pivotal and important part of the novel. I think it’s important to discuss this film, as it has had a huge impact on cinema. I think it’s important to criticize directors for their missteps even when it seems to be done with good intentions. We also need to acknowledge white washing of narratives, and call out when white directors have been given opportunities that were not given to equally talented black directors.Institutional racism needs to be broken down from within, not just from the outside. Steven Spielberg was not the best choice for director for this film, and through this Summer of Spielberg series I feel it would do a disservice to only discuss his wins, I need to cover the controversies of his career as well. Which includes an opportunity that should have been given to someone else.I will try to handle this as sensitively as I can and I want to ensure I take as much care with this review as possible. This is not to take away from the actors in the film that are incredible, including but not limited to Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover and Oprah. Their performances are what make this film as good as it is. And they deserves their flowers for their accomplishments in truly making an emotionally moving motion picture.Along with the film itself references used in the creation of this episode are linked belowhttps://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/color_purplehttps://letterboxd.com/film/the-color-purple/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-color-purple-1985https://www.blackfilm.com/20030321/features/alicewalker.shtmlhttps://www.sfgate.com/books/article/alice-walker-on-the-making-of-the-film-the-color-3000001.phphttps://youtu.be/TN34IySTNlg?si=EwrImCgmfiSdW0DF

In this episode, I chat with Christian from Dragon Talks Filmz 🐉 🍿 about our shared love for cinema. We dive into the timeless legacy of The Godfather and the influence of 1970s and 1980s movies on modern storytelling. Christian reflects on growing up with the Disney Channel and how those early experiences shaped his love of film. We also explore the surprising benefits of TikTok, how it connects film lovers across continents and creates a global community for movie discussions.Please make sure to give Christian’s TikTok a follow!https://www.tiktok.com/@christian.x551?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

This week I deep dive The Fabelmans. This incredibly personal film based on the real story of Steven Spielberg's childhood. This 2022 masterpiece hit so close to home for me, and it has now made it to my Letterboxd Top 4. This film is a 40 million dollar therapy project as declared by Spielberg himself. It lets us as the audience look behind the magic to the real person underneath.Along with this film itself references used in the creation of this episode are listed below.https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-fabelmans-movie-review-2022https://variety.com/2022/film/reviews/the-fabelmans-review-steven-spielberg-1235368194/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/steven-spielberg-on-making-the-fabelmans/https://newsletter.oscars.org/news/post/the-fabelmans-steven-spielberg-academy-conversationshttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-making-of-steven-spielberg-180981184/

You talking to me? This week I’m joined by Dan from @reeltakesreviews. We discuss our shared love of movies, upcoming projects, and swap stories about our favourite actors and performances that have stayed with us. We also explore how film and politics often intersect, shaping stories, influencing audiences and sparking conversations that go way beyond the silver screen. This was such a fun conversation, thank you again Dan for joining me! Make sure you give him a follow! Below are links to his content/socials. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reeltakesreviews?igsh=MTJ2aHdkNmQwcmI4Mg==Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@reel.takes?_t=ZS-8ytzG2GHdRZ&_r=1Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/6Mfv5Good Will Podcasting https://open.spotify.com/show/1uzrYBxA9oX6Cclr12WOJ2?si=BSPpggz0QjqSJnifvh2Vbg

In this bonus episode, Dan Jean joins me to discuss all things film and tv. I had an absolute blast with this one!  We talk about our mutual respect of the horror and comedy genres, Academy Awards Politics and the hot take that Tim Burton's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" is the best one. Dan is a creator I connected with through Instagram and Tik Tok, his content is awesome guys please check it out, handles are below! Tik Tok: @movieswdanLetterboxd: @movieswdanInstagram: @movieswdan

Hold onto your butts! For this week's episode I’m deep diving Jurassic Park! This 1993 action packed cinematic achievement takes us along for the ride as we watch what happens when life finds away. A classic example of what Spielberg has to offer, arrested development, tight sequences and a whole lot of heart. Join me for some nostalgia and remember they can only see you if you move. 🦖 Along with the film itself, references used in the creation of this episode are listed below.The making of Jurassic Parkhttps://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2ymqb4https://variety.com/1993/film/reviews/jurassic-park-2-1200432562/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/jurassic-park-1993https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1994

Junior! Brian from @midnightfilmreview joins me to deep dive Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade! The third instalment in the franchise and the last one covered on my Summer of Spielberg. The film gets back to the series roots of religious mysticism and punching Nazis.  I hope you have as much fun listening to this episode as I had recording it! Thanks again Brian for joining me! I’ve linked Brian’s social media links below, please follow him if you aren’t already and give his podcasts Midnight Film Review and Late Fees Files a listen as well. And don't forget your Charlemagne…Tik tok  https://www.tiktok.com/@midnightfilmreview?_t=ZM-8yLJN1wi43E&_r=1Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/midnightfilmreview/Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1synIuzB27rihic8pDePjZhttps://open.spotify.com/show/05zxNbLdirB5kg9lXw1NDA?si=QcAw5qupSuKfCrvh2sKzVgAlong with the film itself references used in the creation of this episode are listen below https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/indiana-jones-and-the-last-crusade-1989https://scrapsfromtheloft.com/movies/indiana-jones-last-crusade-1989-review-pauline-kael/#google_vignettehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNLUB_9XhAo&t=12s

Hold onto your potatoes for this one. Today we deep dive into Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, the second film released but is actually a prequel to Raiders. This action packed darker in tone film has a number of elements that haven't aged well, however there is no denying it has the best action sequences of the entire franchise. So let's journey together to Pankot Palace, and keep your wits about you, after all anything goes.As well as the film itself sources used in the creation of this episode linked below, as always all opinions are my ownhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYWn0ugqqsw&t=77shttps://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/indiana-jones-and-the-temple-of-doom-1984https://www.theguardian.com/culture/article/2024/may/23/indiana-jones-temple-of-doom-anniversaryhttps://movieweb.com/indiana-jones-temple-of-doom-why-banned-india/

Grab your fedora and whip! This week our adventure is  Raiders of the Lost Ark! We unpack the thrill and charm of Indiana Jones' first big-screen adventure, from snakes and booby traps to ancient treasures and nonstop action. Harrison Ford is peak action hero!  Steven Spielberg’s masterful direction for this 1981 classic helped shape modern adventure films. Plus, we talk about the iconic Disney park ride that keeps the Indy magic alive and why this film still makes us feel like kids on the edge of our seats. Trust me after this one you’ll be writing love you on your eyelids.Along with the film itself below are the resources used in the creation of this episode, as always all opinions are my own.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmNsn-kiogEhttps://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/raiders-of-the-lost-ark-1981https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/raiders_of_the_lost_arkhttps://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/jul/23/the-making-of-raiders-of-the-lost-ark-film-1981

Come fly with me in our Summer of Spielberg here at the Get Your Popcorn Podcast. I am joined today by special guest Brooklyn Mellson to discuss her favourite of his films Catch Me if You Can. This 2002 cat and mouse inspired by a “true” story, tells the self embellished story of con-man Frank Abagnale Jr.  This fun film has an all star cast and is of course directed by the man himself Steven Spielberg!Please enjoy this bonus episode.As well as the film itself, sources used in the creation of this episode are linked below. All opinions are my own. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/catch-me-if-you-can-2002https://www.theguardian.com/film/2003/feb/02/philipfrenchhttps://nypost.com/2023/03/13/catch-me-if-you-can-conman-frank-abagnale-lied-about-his-lieshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GXCxfZsBlMhttps://whyy.org/segments/the-greatest-hoax-on-earth/

Take a bite out of this week's episode on JAWS!  We are joined again this week by guest  Michael Moroz. Together we unpack this 1975 horror classic, the first ever summer blockbuster. Steven Speilberg's masterful direction keeps you on your toes through the entire movie, strategically hiding the shark until it can make maximum impact. The political themes in this movie of the mayor wanting to keep the beach open in order to protect business above people seems more relevant now more than ever? (Sounds very 2020) So let's dive deep into the waters of Amity…if you dare. Along with the film itself, these were some of the references I used in the creation of this episodehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYtYIF_g-T4&t=101shttps://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-jaws-1975https://www.nytimes.com/1975/06/21/archives/screen-entrapped-by-jaws-of-fear.htmlhttps://abcnews.go.com/US/50th-anniversary-jaws-film-impacted-public-perception-sharks/story?id=122572296

In this episode, we revisit the 1967 classic The Graduate!  Dustin Hoffman’s breakout role as Benjamin Braddock, our unlikely hero who is wooed by the charms of Anne Bancroft as the Iconic Mrs Robinson, gets tangled in a very awkward love triangle. A film which is still referenced frequently in today’s pop culture world. Is there a person on earth who hasn’t heard the soundtrack, even if you haven’t seen the movie you know the songs by heart. Join me as we deep dive The Graduate. And yes I am trying to seduce you into this one…As well as the film itself, my primary source for the creation of the episode  is linked below. The Making of “The Graduate” | Vanity Fair

This week on Get Your Popcorn, we’re joined by a very special guest: Harry Marks from Let’s Go to the Lobby! Together, we dive deep into our shared love of classic cinema. From our favourite movies and directors, to how classic film impacts the world of today. We talk about what makes classic films so enduring, the stars who defined generations, and the magic of the movie theatre experience.Of course, no conversation about Hollywood history would be complete without a little righteous outrage...and yes, we agree: Judy Garland was absolutely robbed!! (Don’t worry, we explain.)Get Your Popcorn and Let’s go to the Lobby for this one! And to find more with Harry below is his Linktree to his content! https://linktr.ee/hcmarks?ref=lobbyintros.comNew episodes drop every Sunday—subscribe now so you don’t miss a reel. 🍿🎬