Verbal Diorama

Erin Brockovich proves that sometimes the biggest heroes come in the most unexpected packages, like a single mum with a penchant for swearing and a relentless drive for justice. With zero legal training but a whole lot of heart, Erin uncovers a scandal involving toxic waste poisoning a small California town’s drinking water, proving that you don't need a fancy law degree to take on a multi-billion dollar corporation. Julia Roberts, who snagged her first, and so far only, Oscar for her portrayal of Erin Brockovich, didn't just play a role; she smashed through Hollywood's glass ceiling, becoming the first woman to score a $20 million salary for her performance. Because who doesn’t love a good underdog story where the hero wears a tank top and has a potty mouth?This is 98% of a true story of David and what's-his-name?, with real-life implications of hexavalent chromium contamination and its devastating effects on the residents of Hinkley, California. Erin Brockovich isn't just a feel-good movie; it’s a sobering reminder of the real-world consequences of corporate negligence. Erin Brockovich reminds us that behind every legal fight, there are real people with heart-wrenching stories and dreams of better futures. I would love to hear your thoughts on Erin Brockovich !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! I won the Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards recently. I am beyond thrilled, and hugely grateful to the Ear Worthy team. It means so much to me to be recognised by a fellow indie outlet, and congratulations to all the other winners!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: Claudia, Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Dave, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Pete, Heather, Danny, Aly, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Michele, 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

03-20

39:17

Queen Elizabeth I was a formidable leader who defied the norms of her time, cleverly balancing the expectations placed upon her as a woman with her ambitions as a ruler. An Indian director and an Australian lead actor came together to bring us a truly brilliant biographical drama on the ascension to the-then Catholic English throne of the Protestant Elizabeth I, in Shekhar Kapur's Elizabeth.Queen Elizabeth I was a powerful female figure in a male-dominated society, and Elizabeth accurately emphasizes her real life ability to navigate political waters with grace and power. Cate Blanchett's performance as the young Elizabeth is not just iconic; it's a masterclass in acting, showcasing her transformation from a naive young woman to a formidable queen. That doesn't mean this movie is particularly historically accurate in other things, though.There was no poisoned dress. It was totally fabricated. ;-)Regardless of accuracy, Elizabeth's legacy gives us a glimpse of what life may have been like for the UK without the Virgin Queen's influence, and its implications for contemporary discussions on gender and power. Elizabeth herself is not just as a historical figure but a symbol of resilience and strength for women everywhere. I would love to hear your thoughts on Elizabeth (1998) !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! I won the Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards recently. I am beyond thrilled, and hugely grateful to the Ear Worthy team. It means so much to me to be recognised by a fellow indie outlet, and congratulations to all the other winners!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: Claudia, Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Dave, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Pete, Heather, Danny, Aly, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Michele, 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

03-13

43:19

This month on Verbal Diorama, we celebrate Women’s History Month, and it’s the perfect time to highlight the Agojie; fierce African warriors of the kingdom of Dahomey, who fought not just for their country, but for a legacy that resonates today. Watching The Woman King is like stepping into a vivid tapestry of history, action, and empowerment that celebrates the resilience of women in an often overlooked narrative - 19th century black women in positions of power and influence.It’s not just about battles and victories; it's about the emotional journey of these women, their struggles, and their triumphs against the backdrop of a kingdom at war. There's no way to sugar coat the fact that the film's portrayal of Dahomey's involvement in the Atlantic slave trade isn't entirely accurate, however there are always nuanced discussions about historical representation in movies that are here primarily to entertain.And The Woman King does indeed entertain, as well as tell an important story of sisterhood, strength, bravery and shines a light on black women's excellence. While The Woman King is fictionalized, it still sheds light on significant female roles in African history - history that we may not know without this movie's existence.Representation matters, and The Woman King serves as a powerful example of how narratives centred around strong black women can inspire future generations. Let's just hope Hollywood sees fit to make more of them... I would love to hear your thoughts on The Woman King !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! I won the Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards recently. I am beyond thrilled, and hugely grateful to the Ear Worthy team. It means so much to me to be recognised by a fellow indie outlet, and congratulations to all the other winners!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: Claudia, Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Dave, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Pete, Heather, Danny, Aly, Stu, Brett, Philip M,...

03-06

49:13

This podcast is now six! And to celebrate, some post-Renaissance Disney.If Atlantis really existed, no one wrote about it until Plato, who did so 9,000 years after its destruction. Atlantis: The Lost Empire draws from Plato's original Atlantis myth, as well as classic adventures stories like Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth (1864) and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas (1870), Victorian-era adventure fiction and steampunk, various New Age interpretations of Atlantis, and elements from Edgar Cayce's "readings" about Atlantis.This movie's interpretation of the Atlantis myth is firmly rooted in a technologically advanced civilization, with its own language (a language that only Milo Thatch can read!), and visually inspired by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola; everything about Atlantis: The Lost Empire was huge, in both style and scope. It remains one of the most beautiful and epic movies of Disney’s animated back catalogue. Despite its lacklustre box office, it's grown into a true cult classic and fan favourite in the years since its release, but it has also been accused of white saviour tropes, clichéd characters and plagiarism...I would love to hear your thoughts on Atlantis: The Lost Empire !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! I won the Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards recently. I am beyond thrilled, and hugely grateful to the Ear Worthy team. It means so much to me to be recognised by a fellow indie outlet, and congratulations to all the other winners!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: Sade, Claudia, Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Dave, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Pete, Heather, Danny, Aly, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Michele, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle & Aaron.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

02-20

47:44

This podcast is now six! And to celebrate, some Renaissance Disney.The story of Heracles is revered across Greek mythology, but this isn't Heracles. This is Hercules. Same guy, kind of, but this isn't just a retelling of a Greek myth—it's a whole exploration of what makes a true hero; taking some "creative liberties" with the original myth—goodbye tragic backstories, hello superhero narratives (as well as Disney's penchant for merchandise!)Hercules’ journey from zero to hero is basically the story of Superman (with a bit of Rocky thrown in for good measure) and the celebrity of Michael Jordan, introducing everything from his quirky sidekick Phil, antagonist Hades, love interest Megara, and the Muses who steal the show with their gospel flair. It's a stark contrast to the serious, more Oscar-bait films that preceded it, like Pocahontas and The Hunchback of Notre Dame.A movie about Hercules isn't really focused on Hercules though, because Hades exists, and Meg is also one of Disney's most complex and interesting heroines. The film's animation style was a bold departure from previous Disney works, merging traditional and modern techniques, taking inspiration from Gerald Scarfe.Hercules is fun, flawed and fascinating, it’s timeless and so very late '90s, and only exists so that John Musker and Ron Clements could make the movie they actually really wanted to make instead.... I would love to hear your thoughts on Hercules (1997) !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! I won the Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards recently. I am beyond thrilled, and hugely grateful to the Ear Worthy team. It means so much to me to be recognised by a fellow indie outlet, and congratulations to all the other winners!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: Claudia, Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Dave, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Pete, Heather, Danny, Aly, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Michele, Xenos, Sean, Ryno,...

02-17

50:03

This podcast is now six! And to celebrate - some pre-Renaissance Disney.Basil may just be a little mouse, but this little mouse packed a mighty punch for Disney during a time when the animation studio was teetering on the edge of disaster. With a mix of clever storytelling, dark visuals, and a villain who’s as charismatic as he is frightening, Basil proves that sometimes, the smallest heroes can save the day—or in this case, an entire animation division! The Great Mouse Detective (or Basil the Great Mouse Detective!) played a crucial role in ushering in the Disney Renaissance, and how its success helped revive the company's animation legacy, after the critical and financial disaster that was The Black Cauldron.Coming out at a crucial time for Disney, with a changing of the senior management guard, and combining traditional animation with early CGI, Basil has never had the acknowledgement he deserves for persuading Disney's senior management that investing in new movies, rather than just re-releasing old ones, was the way forward...And they did all of this in one year, with a massively reduced budget. I would love to hear your thoughts on (Basil) The Great Mouse Detective !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! I won the Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards recently. I am beyond thrilled, and hugely grateful to the Ear Worthy team. It means so much to me to be recognised by a fellow indie outlet, and congratulations to all the other winners!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: Sade, Claudia, Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Dave, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Pete, Heather, Danny, Aly, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Michele, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle & Aaron.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

02-13

46:19

Shrek and Fiona, fresh off their 'happily ever after', are invited to a Royal Ball in celebration of their marriage. It's being held, far far away in the kingdom of Far Far Away, by Fiona's parents, the King and Queen of Far Far Away, aka Mum and Dad. But hold on to your boots (Puss), because Shrek, being an actual ogre, faces a bit of a challenge fitting in with the royal family—especially when they expected the dashing Prince Charming, instead of a swamp-dwelling ogre. Shrek 2 builds on its predecessor, exploring themes of self-acceptance and the chaos of familial relationships, giving us more depth, elaborating on the story we’ve seen, and carrying it on naturally. He’s married the princess, now he has to meet the parents. Shrek 2 is seen by many as a perfect sequel. Not a perfect movie, but a perfect sequel. This is also a movie with heart, with a great central villain who’s clearly been in it for the long run, and all Fairy Godmother wants is her boy on the throne. Shrek getting a sequel was obvious, but wait, isn't this series making fun of Disney constantly churning out mediocre sequels? It's a good job this one is actually decent, right? But really, aren't we all just here for Puss in Boots? Just look at him, in his little boots! Awwwww!And where have all the good men gone? I would love to hear your thoughts on Shrek 2 !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! I won the Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards recently. I am beyond thrilled, and hugely grateful to the Ear Worthy team. It means so much to me to be recognised by a fellow indie outlet, and congratulations to all the other winners!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: Sade, Claudia, Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Dave, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Pete, Heather, Danny, Aly, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Michele, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine. Kyle & Aaron.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe -

02-06

54:00

In 1992, US President George H.W. Bush famously remarked, during a speech at the Annual Convention of the National Religious Broadcasters, that the American family needs to be “a lot more like the Waltons and a lot less like the Simpsons.”The longest-running American animated series, longest-running American sitcom, and the longest-running American scripted primetime television series, both in seasons and individual episodes. The Simpsons is, quite frankly, a phenomenon, and the long-awaited The Simpsons Movie took nearly two decades to come to fruition, as fans eagerly anticipated a feature film adaptation of their beloved show. But despite being a long-running, beloved show, the making of the movie wasn't easy, and it faced numerous rewrites, with the script being revised over a hundred times before its release. Many iconic characters from the series made appearances, with a total of over 320 characters included throughout the movie, with creator Matt Groening aiming to create a cinematic experience that would appeal to both long-time fans and newcomers to the franchise. But appealing to newcomers led to many fan-favourite characters being omitted from the script, and somehow Arnold Schwarzenegger and Rainier Wolfcastle exist within the same universe? But who copied whom? I guess we'll never truly know... I would love to hear your thoughts on The Simpsons Movie (2007) !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! I won the Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards recently. I am beyond thrilled, and hugely grateful to the Ear Worthy team. It means so much to me to be recognised by a fellow indie outlet, and congratulations to all the other winners!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: Sade, Claudia, Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Dave, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Pete, Heather, Danny, Aly, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Michele, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle & Aaron.This podcast uses the following third-party services for...

01-30

47:16

Speaking of a family with gifts, young Norman Babcock happens to be able to speak to the dead, making him a social outcast to humans, but also probably the only person who can stop zombies rising from their graves...ParaNorman's unique approach to horror allows it to explore serious societal issues through animation, and creatively blends animated horror with heartfelt themes of acceptance and understanding. Laika Studios have never been one to follow the leader, and while other studios were focusing on CG animation, Laika removed it's CG department purely for stop-motion. Developing groundbreaking techniques first used on Coraline, enhanced further for ParaNorman, including colour 3D printing, to create over 31,000 props. ParaNorman, which also features the first openly gay character in an American animated film, emphasizes the importance of communication and empathy in overcoming fear and prejudice. This is a movie that doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of the past, with historical references shaping ParaNorman’s story, particularly the Salem witch trialsLike Norman’s Grandma says when Norman tells her the zombie eats brains… “he’s going to ruin his dinner. I’m sure if they just bothered to sit down and talk it through, it would be a different story”.I would love to hear your thoughts on ParaNorman !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! I won the Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards recently. I am beyond thrilled, and hugely grateful to the Ear Worthy team. It means so much to me to be recognised by a fellow indie outlet, and congratulations to all the other winners!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: Sade, Claudia, Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Dave, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Pete, Heather, Danny, Aly, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Michele, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle & Aaron.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:...

01-23

50:34

Welcome to The Family Madrigal, and the Surface Pressure hiding underneath the perfect façade of a magical family with wonderful gifts - everyone except Mirabel. Who probably wonders "What Else Can I Do?" on the regular, when her Abuela seems to blame her for everything.All Of You probably know the intergenerational trauma this movie perfectly depicts, but it's also a movie that took the time to show deep love and respect for Colombia, mi encanto. By having a Colombian Cultural Trust, and directors willing to take on suggestions and ideas, to make Encanto diverse and representative of real Colombian life, traditions and culture.Tuns out, Stephanie Beatriz was also Waiting on a Miracle, while recording that exact song.We Don't Talk About Bruno, except we do. Because Bruno is one of the most complex and interesting characters in this movie. And while Abuela has suffered great loss, become a refugee and a single parent to triplets in the space of one day, beautifully encapsulated by the Academy Award-nominated Dos Orugitas, she's also making her entire family suffer through her own anxiety and trauma.Basically Encanto is pretty special, and it's one of Disney's greatest modern animated films because of it.And that's why coffee's for grown-ups!I would love to hear your thoughts on Encanto !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! I won the Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards recently. I am beyond thrilled, and hugely grateful to the Ear Worthy team. It means so much to me to be recognised by a fellow indie outlet, and congratulations to all the other winners!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: Sade, Claudia, Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Dave, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Pete, Heather, Danny, Aly, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Michele, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle & Aaron.This podcast uses the following third-party services for...

01-16

46:51

There's Nobody Like U, Turning Red.Turning Red is a ground-breaking animated film, rightfully kicking off Animation Season 2025 in style, with magical puberty front and centre, that addresses the universal struggles of adolescence through the story of Mei Lee, a 13-year-old girl caught between her familial obligations and her burgeoning independence.Domee Shi's feature-length directorial debut represents a significant milestone as Pixar's first solo female director and first female director of colour, as well as having the first all-female lead team, and a unique animation style influenced by anime and traditional Chinese culture, enhancing its visual storytelling. And Red Panda Mei is SO FLUFFY!It's also a deft exploration of cultural identity reflecting the immigrant experience, of balancing family expectations with personal desires, as well as tackling periods; a subject that remains taboo in most situations, encouraging open conversations about menstruation. It captures the awkwardness and excitement of teenage life—particularly for girls who feel the weight of both cultural and familial expectations.Critically acclaimed yet hugely financially underperforming, Turning Red highlights the challenges faced by diverse narratives in mainstream cinema. It's more than just a children's movie; it is a celebration of the regular, normal, everyday experiences that shape us all. Let's relive our awkward teen experiences together!4*Town 4 EVER!!!I would love to hear your thoughts on Turning Red !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! I won the Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards recently. I am beyond thrilled, and hugely grateful to the Ear Worthy team. It means so much to me to be recognised by a fellow indie outlet, and congratulations to all the other winners!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: Sade, Claudia, Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Dave, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Pete, Heather, Danny, Aly, Stu, Brett,...

01-09

45:50

Before we learn how all about the history and legacy of a modern Christmas classic, let's recite the "Code of the Elves," shall we? Number one; "Treat every day like Christmas." Number two; "There's room for everyone on the nice list." Number three; "The best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear."Just for those listeners on Santa's nice list, the enduring appeal of Elf lies in its ability to resonate with audiences of all ages, and the importance of believing in the magic of Christmas, just like Buddy the Elf. Heavily inspired by the Rankin Bass animated Christmas specials of the 1960s, Jon Favreau's vision for Elf included using practical effects to evoke nostalgia, as well as keep it timeless. And casting Will Ferrell's as Buddy was a masterstroke; his improvisation ended up making the character even more innocent and funny. It didn't mean the movie was without issues though. The film's production faced legal scrutiny over its inspiration from those Rankin Bass holiday specials, but ultimately it was cleared of any infringement. The stop-motion, by the Chiodo Brothers, is a small but mighty part of how the movie feels as fresh as it did in 2003.Elf's heart-warming message of kindness, believing in magic, and family togetherness cements it as the modern Christmas classic. There are a lot of strange links to Lord of the Rings, though, and all of them are intentional.Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays to you all!I would love to hear your thoughts on Elf !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! I won the Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards recently. I am beyond thrilled, and hugely grateful to the Ear Worthy team. It means so much to me to be recognised by a fellow indie outlet, and congratulations to all the other winners!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: Sade, Claudia, Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Dave, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Pete, Heather, Danny, Aly, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Michele, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip...

12-23

42:50

Looks like you've found yourself on Santa's Naughty List!How the Grinch Stole Christmas isn't just a beloved holiday classic; it’s a deep dive into the complexities of acceptance, compassion, and the true spirit of Christmas, that also contains a Mean One!From Dr. Seuss's iconic original story to its 1966 animated version and the 2000 live-action adaptation featuring Jim Carrey, the Grinch's transformation from a cynical hermit to a figure of redemption mirrors our own struggles with loneliness and societal pressures during the holiday season. The live-action movie's rights were auctioned by Dr Seuss' widow, Audrey Geisel, in 1998; with a list of strict rules the winning studio had to follow. Ron Howard's idea to flesh out the backstory of the character, and to give more agency to Cindy Lou Who was part of the winning bid, and Geisel wanted a big name star like Jim Carrey to play her late husband's iconic green character.She got Jim Carrey. But his gruelling makeup and costume process would cause tensions on the elaborately designed set that brought Whoville to life.Christmas is about more than just presents; it's about togetherness and the power of kindness, regardless of how big our hearts might be. The Grinch's story is ultimately one of of acceptance and the true spirit of Christmas.I would love to hear your thoughts on How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! I won the Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards recently. I am beyond thrilled, and hugely grateful to the Ear Worthy team. It means so much to me to be recognised by a fellow indie outlet, and congratulations to all the other winners!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: Sade, Claudia, Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Dave, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Pete, Heather, Danny, Aly, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Michele, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle and Aaron.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

12-19

40:29

Perennial Christmas classic Lethal Weapon redefined the buddy cop genre with its festive setting, unique characters and the undisputed chemistry between Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. Shane Black's screenplay combined humour and action and made it a benchmark for future action films, and Richard Donner's direction brought a skilled touch to the film's pacing and storytelling. Unlike other buddy cop or action movies of the 80s, it also explores deep themes of depression, grief, and trauma, particularly through Riggs's character. Lethal Weapon broke new ground by incorporating themes of emotional vulnerability in its portrayal of masculinity.The cultural impact of Lethal Weapon is also prevalent, particularly how it addresses themes of race and the changing portrayal of law enforcement in cinema. The narrative resonates differently in today's context, especially regarding ongoing discussions about police conduct and racial dynamics in America. Lethal Weapon isn't just as a successful action film, but as a poignant commentary on friendship, trauma, and societal issues, as well as the power of found family - even if the dinner's aren't all that great... I would love to hear your thoughts on Lethal Weapon (1987) !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! I won the Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards recently. I am beyond thrilled, and hugely grateful to the Ear Worthy team. It means so much to me to be recognised by a fellow indie outlet, and congratulations to all the other winners!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: Sade, Claudia, Simon, Laurel, Derek, Cat, Andy, Mike, Luke, Michael, Scott, Brendan, Lisa, Sam, Jack, Dave, Stuart, Nicholas, Zo, Kev, Pete, Heather, Danny, Aly, Stu, Brett, Philip M, Michele, Xenos, Sean, Ryno, Philip K, Adam, Elaine, Kyle and BRAND-NEW PATRON AARON!This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podscribe - https://podscribe.com/privacyOP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy

Before I begin, I notice that Chancellor Jarnathan is not present...?I'm back from an extended break, deciding to do an episode on Dungeons & Dragons, and its fifty-year history and legacy as the most popular TTRPG in the world. Easing myself back into podcasting slowly, then, because it's safe to say nothing has impacted geek culture like Dungeons & Dragons, since its debut in 1974. It evolved from its early iterations to mainstream popularity, especially with the rise of its fifth edition. It wasn't without its controversies, though. Its associations with the 'Satanic Panic' significantly affected its public perception in the 1980s, and led to Evangelical Christian groups linking it with suicides.This isn't the first time Dungeons & Dragons has been adapted to the screen either, with the popular 1983-1985 animated series, and the not-so-popular movie in 2000, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves started its earliest conception in 2013, and had plenty of delays along the way.Despite ongoing rights issues and a global pandemic, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves remarkably manages to honour D&D's legacy and lore, while ensuring authenticity for fans, and accessibility for non-fans and casual moviegoers alike. Despite its critical success, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves faced challenges at the box office, mostly due to some Italian plumbers, but also a fan backlash against owners Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast. This movie deserves to find an audience, and hopefully it will, once Jarnathan arrives... Interested in finding out more about D&D or listening to others' campaigns? Here's some great indie D&D podcasts:Time to Die - https://timetodie.podbean.com/ Join The Party - https://www.jointhepartypod.com/ Dungeons & Dragons & Daughters - https://dungeonsdragonsdaughters.podbean.com/ Do Dragons Dream of Scorched Sheep? - https://shows.acast.com/scorchedsheep I would love to hear your thoughts on Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves !Verbal Diorama is now an award-winning podcast! I won the Best Movie Podcast in the inaugural Ear Worthy Independent Podcast Awards recently. I am beyond thrilled, and hugely grateful to the Ear Worthy team. It means so much to me to be recognised by a fellow indie outlet, and congratulations to all the other winners!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 a...