Digest

The Filmcast begins by acknowledging the 10-year anniversary of Jeff Kanata joining the podcast, with a heartfelt message from a listener. They then discuss the surprise release of "Godzilla Minus One" on Netflix, highlighting its critical acclaim and the unusual secrecy surrounding its streaming release. The hosts then move on to their "What We've Been Watching" segment, with David Chen raving about the new Star Wars series "The Acolyte", praising its action sequences, world-building, and fresh take on the Jedi. Jeff Kanata, who has been critical of recent Star Wars offerings, expresses his excitement for the series. David Chen also reviews the documentary "Ashley Madison: Sex Lives and Scandal", finding it a decent overview of the website's history and data leak. Jeff Kanata shares his thoughts on the documentary "Jim Henson: Idea Man", appreciating its focus on Henson's personal life and the insights it provides into his work ethic and legacy. The episode concludes with David Chen's review of "Haikyuu!! The Movie: The Dumpster Battle", a sports anime film that he highly recommends to fans of the series. He also mentions his ongoing journey through the "Planet of the Apes" franchise, reviewing "Conquest of the Planet of the Apes" and highlighting its continuity with previous films. Jeff Kanata shares his thoughts on the documentary "In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon", praising its structure and insights into Simon's career. The episode ends with a humorous exchange about the various streaming services where the mentioned shows are available. The hosts then discuss the new series "Outer Range" starring Josh Brolin, highlighting its sci-fi western elements, time paradox themes, and quirky characters. They then move on to a review of the new Richard Linklater film "Hitman" starring Glenn Powell, with a focus on the film's themes of identity and morality. The hosts discuss the film's unconventional portrayal of a philosophy professor who moonlights as a hitman, and the moral implications of his actions. They also debate whether the film's happy ending undermines its exploration of these themes. The episode concludes with a discussion about the film's use of coincidence and the overall effectiveness of its storytelling.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and 10-Year Anniversary

This Chapter begins with the introduction of the Filmcast podcast and a special announcement celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Jeff Kanata joining the show. A listener email highlights the significance of this milestone and expresses gratitude for the podcast's impact. The hosts reminisce about Jeff's early days on the show and acknowledge his contributions to the podcast's success.

00:02:02

What We've Been Watching

This Chapter dives into the hosts' recent viewing experiences, starting with David Chen's enthusiastic review of the new Star Wars series "The Acolyte". He praises its action sequences, world-building, and fresh take on the Jedi, highlighting its disconnect from previous Star Wars storylines. Jeff Kanata, who has been critical of recent Star Wars offerings, expresses his excitement for the series. David Chen then reviews the documentary "Ashley Madison: Sex Lives and Scandal", finding it a decent overview of the website's history and data leak. Jeff Kanata shares his thoughts on the documentary "Jim Henson: Idea Man", appreciating its focus on Henson's personal life and the insights it provides into his work ethic and legacy.

00:04:32

Anime and Planet of the Apes

This Chapter continues the "What We've Been Watching" segment with David Chen's review of "Haikyuu!! The Movie: The Dumpster Battle", a sports anime film that he highly recommends to fans of the series. He also mentions his ongoing journey through the "Planet of the Apes" franchise, reviewing "Conquest of the Planet of the Apes" and highlighting its continuity with previous films.

00:05:46

Music Documentary

This Chapter concludes the "What We've Been Watching" segment with Jeff Kanata's review of the documentary "In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon", praising its structure and insights into Simon's career. The episode ends with a humorous exchange about the various streaming services where the mentioned shows are available.

01:02:54

Outer Range

This Chapter begins with a discussion about the new series "Outer Range" starring Josh Brolin. The hosts discuss the show's sci-fi western elements, time paradox themes, and quirky characters. They also mention that the show has been renewed for a second season.

01:10:41

Hitman Review

This Chapter begins with a review of the new Richard Linklater film "Hitman" starring Glenn Powell. The hosts discuss the film's unconventional portrayal of a philosophy professor who moonlights as a hitman, and the moral implications of his actions. They also debate whether the film's happy ending undermines its exploration of these themes.

01:23:25

Hitman Spoilers

This Chapter dives into a spoiler-filled discussion about the film "Hitman." The hosts discuss the film's themes of identity and morality, and the moral implications of the main characters' actions. They also debate whether the film's happy ending undermines its exploration of these themes.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the new Star Wars series "The Acolyte" about?

  "The Acolyte" is a mystery series set about a hundred years before the events of the main Skywalker saga, focusing on a Jedi who has fallen away from the Order. It features bold action sequences, compelling world-building, and a fresh take on the Jedi and their role in the galaxy.

• What is the significance of the surprise release of "Godzilla Minus One" on Netflix?

  The surprise release of "Godzilla Minus One" on Netflix is significant because it marks a departure from the usual release patterns for Godzilla films. It also highlights the film's critical acclaim and the unusual secrecy surrounding its streaming release.

• What are some of the key insights provided by the documentary "Jim Henson: Idea Man"?

  The documentary "Jim Henson: Idea Man" provides insights into Henson's personal life, his work ethic, and the impact of his creations on popular culture. It also explores the challenges he faced in balancing his professional and personal life, and the legacy he left behind.

• What makes "Haikyuu!! The Movie: The Dumpster Battle" a compelling sports anime film?

  "Haikyuu!! The Movie: The Dumpster Battle" is a compelling sports anime film because it features realistic depictions of athleticism, teamwork, and the emotional journey of athletes. It also taps into character growth and brings storylines to a head, making it a thrilling experience for fans of the series.

• What are some of the key takeaways from the documentary "Ashley Madison: Sex Lives and Scandal"?

  The documentary "Ashley Madison: Sex Lives and Scandal" examines the website's business practices, the impact of the data leak on individuals, and the ethical considerations surrounding online infidelity. It also highlights the dangers of online anonymity and the potential consequences of engaging in risky behavior.

• What are some of the key themes explored in the documentary "In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon"?

  The documentary "In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon" explores themes of creativity, collaboration, and the evolution of an artist's career. It also provides insights into Simon's personal life, his relationship with Art Garfunkel, and the impact of his music on popular culture.

• What is the significance of Ricardo Montalbán's role in "Conquest of the Planet of the Apes"?

  Ricardo Montalbán's role in "Conquest of the Planet of the Apes" is significant because it highlights the continuity between the films in the franchise. His character, the zookeeper, is a major player in the film and his presence adds a layer of familiarity for viewers who have seen previous installments.

• What are some of the key elements that make sports anime a popular genre?

  Sports anime is a popular genre because it features realistic depictions of athleticism, teamwork, and the emotional journey of athletes. It often explores themes of perseverance, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence, making it relatable and inspiring for viewers.

• What is the legacy of Simon & Garfunkel?

  Simon & Garfunkel's legacy is one of musical innovation, lyrical depth, and cultural impact. Their harmonious vocals and introspective lyrics have resonated with generations of listeners, and their songs have become iconic anthems of the folk-rock era.

• What is Ricardo Montalbán known for?

  Ricardo Montalbán is known for his roles in films and television, including "Star Trek", "Fantasy Island", and "Conquest of the Planet of the Apes". He was known for his charismatic presence and his ability to portray both villainous and sympathetic characters.

• What are the main themes explored in "Hitman"?

  "Hitman" explores themes of identity, morality, and the nature of truth. The film questions whether people can fundamentally change and how our actions shape our identities. It also examines the moral implications of violence and the consequences of our choices.

• What is the main criticism of "Hitman"?

  The main criticism of "Hitman" is that it doesn't fully commit to its exploration of its themes. The film's happy ending and the protagonist's lack of struggle in his journey undermine the film's attempt to explore deeper concepts. The film is also criticized for its use of coincidence and its reliance on Glenn Powell's charm.

• What is the significance of the ending of "Hitman"?

  The ending of "Hitman" is significant because it raises questions about the film's overall message. The main characters kill two people, including a cop, and then have a happy ending. This raises questions about the film's portrayal of morality and the consequences of violence. The ending also highlights the film's tendency to avoid difficult questions and provide easy answers.

Show Notes