Ep.280 | Stranger Things Returns, IMAX Debate, Warner Bros to Netflix?, Jack Harlow Theory + More!
Digest
The Mallory Bros. podcast, in episode 280, kicks off with reflections on a recent holiday, acknowledging their milestone of 280 episodes. They recap Thanksgiving, emphasizing family time, and discuss their Black Friday experiences. A nostalgic fashion discussion leads to movie references, and they share post-holiday recovery and new music updates. The hosts recount an exciting overtime football game and their experiences as Bronco fans at RFK Stadium. A hot take suggests replacing turkey drives with alternative food drives, sparking a debate on the declining popularity of turkey. The conversation then shifts to a heated discussion about whether a plain bagel with everything bagel seasoning constitutes an "everything bagel." They delve into Stranger Things Season 4, discussing its production gaps and the impact on audience engagement. The potential Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery is analyzed, including James Cameron's strong stance against it and his views on theatrical releases and the Oscars. The evolving landscape of film consumption, theatrical versus streaming, and the box office performance of Avatar 2 are explored. The hosts also discuss 50 Cent's media empire, the "Power" franchise, and the use of 70mm film by directors like Nolan and Tarantino. A debate on film criticism bias and the unconventional release of a "Kill Bill" scene on Fortnite follows. The episode features an in-depth discussion about rapper Jack Harlow's career and his challenges in the current hip-hop landscape, including Wale's comments on J. Cole. NFL standings and playoff predictions are analyzed, with a focus on the Seahawks, Broncos, Bills, and Chiefs. A significant portion of the podcast is dedicated to debating Jaden Daniels (JD5) and Caleb Williams, discussing whether JD5 is a "system quarterback," comparing their situations, and evaluating their potential. Finally, they touch upon the casting of a new actor as "Jamie St. Patrick" in "Raising Kanan," criticizing the choice and the perceived over-extension of the franchise, before wrapping up with shoutouts and mentions of new music.
Outlines

Podcast Introduction and Holiday Reflections
The Mallory Bros. podcast marks episode 280, reflecting on a recent holiday, expressing exhaustion, and looking forward to future milestones. They recap their Thanksgiving and Black Friday experiences, including family time and brand support.

Nostalgia, Football, and Hot Takes
A discussion about a nostalgic shirt leads to movie references. The hosts recount an exciting overtime football game with premium seating and share their experiences as Bronco fans at RFK Stadium. A controversial hot take suggests replacing turkey drives with alternative food drives due to declining turkey popularity.

The Everything Bagel Debate and Stranger Things
A heated debate ensues over the definition of an "everything bagel." The hosts then delve into Stranger Things Season 4, discussing character development, story importance, and the impact of long production gaps on audience engagement.

Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery, and The Future of Film
The potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Netflix is discussed, including James Cameron's criticism and his strong stance on the importance of theatrical releases for film integrity and the Oscars. The evolving landscape of theatrical versus streaming is explored, alongside the box office performance of Avatar 2.

50 Cent's Media Empire and Film Format Debates
Conversation covers 50 Cent's media ventures, the "Power" franchise, and the impact of its spinoffs. A debate arises on whether 50 Cent is a film mogul, contrasting his work with directors like Nolan and Tarantino, and discussing the influence and distinct approaches to 70mm filmmaking.

Critiquing Film and Unconventional Releases
The hosts debate the nature of film criticism, questioning whether evaluations are based on objective merit or personal biases. They discuss Quentin Tarantino's controversial release of a "Kill Bill" scene on Fortnite.

Jack Harlow, Hip-Hop Landscape, and Artist Self-Doubt
An in-depth discussion about rapper Jack Harlow's career, his place in the current hip-hop scene, and the challenges he faces post-Drake/Kendrick beef. Wale's comments on J. Cole and artist self-doubt are also explored.

NFL Standings and Playoff Predictions
Analysis of current NFL standings, surprising team performances, and predictions for NFC and AFC favorites, including the Seahawks and Broncos. Discussion touches on team performance, playoff picture, and specific team strengths.

QB Debate: Jaden Daniels vs. Caleb Williams
The podcast features a detailed debate on Jaden Daniels (JD5) and Caleb Williams, questioning if JD5 is a "system quarterback," comparing their situations, and evaluating their potential to lead teams to championships. The Chicago Bears' success and the Commanders' performance are discussed in this context.

Sports Updates and Entertainment Critiques
Brief sports updates are provided, including a Wizards win and a close Bucks game. The conversation transitions to critiques of the casting for "Jamie St. Patrick" in "Raising Kanan," with skepticism about the actor's fit and the show's direction.

Critiques of \"Raising Kanan\" and Franchise Expansion
The casting of a new actor as Jamie St. Patrick is met with criticism regarding aesthetic fit. The show "Raising Kanan" and its spin-offs are discussed, with a negative review and critique of the perceived over-extension of the franchise.

Desired Character Focus and Narrative Progression
The discussion expresses a desire for the character "50 Cent" to appear in the show, rather than a continued focus on a young "Kanan." There's a feeling that the narrative has been stretched too thin, with a lack of progression in the storyline.

Podcast Wrap-up and Shoutouts
The podcast episode concludes with a barber shop-style chat, including shoutouts to Toronto, Canada, and the "Behind the Bros" podcast. Mentions of new music singles and an upcoming show season are made.
Keywords
Thanksgiving
A national holiday celebrated in the United States and Canada, focused on gratitude, family gatherings, and feasting.
Black Friday
The Friday following Thanksgiving, known for significant retail discounts and the start of the Christmas shopping season.
Stranger Things
A popular American science fiction horror drama television series created by the Duffer Brothers, set in the 1980s.
Netflix
A leading streaming service offering a wide variety of TV shows, movies, and documentaries, known for its original content.
Warner Bros. Discovery
A major American media and entertainment conglomerate formed by the merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery, Inc.
Theatrical Release
The initial, widespread release of a film in movie theaters, a traditional benchmark for a film's success.
Oscars (Academy Awards)
The annual awards ceremony honoring cinematic achievements in the film industry, considered one of the highest accolades.
Everything Bagel
A type of bagel topped with a mixture of dried garlic, dried onion, poppy seeds, and coarse salt, known for its savory flavor.
50 Cent's Media Empire
Encompasses 50 Cent's diverse business ventures, including television production (like the "Power" franchise) and film.
"Power" Franchise
A popular television series universe created by 50 Cent, known for its crime drama and complex characters, which has spawned several spin-off series.
70mm Film Format
A high-resolution film format offering superior image quality and immersion, utilized by directors like Christopher Nolan and Quentin Tarantino.
Film Criticism Bias
The tendency for critics or viewers to evaluate a film based on personal preferences rather than objective merits.
Fortnite Game Platform
A popular online video game that has expanded to include various forms of entertainment, including film content releases.
NFL Playoff Picture
The current standings and potential matchups for the National Football League playoffs, tracking team performance and divisional rankings.
Jaden Daniels (JD5)
A highly-touted college quarterback, often discussed in the context of his performance, potential, and comparisons to other rising stars.
Caleb Williams
A prominent college football quarterback, frequently compared to Jaden Daniels, with discussions about his potential and system fit.
System Quarterback
A term describing a quarterback whose success is heavily attributed to the offensive system they play in, rather than solely their individual talent.
Raising Kanan
A television series, potentially a spin-off, that is being discussed critically regarding its direction and casting.
Q&A
What is the main topic of discussion in the first part of the podcast?
The podcast begins with the hosts reflecting on the recent Thanksgiving holiday, expressing feelings of exhaustion, and celebrating episode 280 of their show, looking forward to reaching 300 episodes.
What was the hosts' experience with Black Friday shopping?
One host did not shop on Black Friday, while the other mentioned supporting brands like "Welcome Pain" and "Happy Memories Don't Die." They also discussed seeing TikToks of shopping hauls.
What controversial "hot take" did one of the hosts present regarding Thanksgiving?
The host suggested that turkey drives should be discontinued and replaced with alternative food drives or gift cards, arguing that turkey has fallen in popularity as a Thanksgiving favorite.
What is the central debate regarding "everything bagels"?
The hosts argue about whether a plain bagel with everything bagel seasoning sprinkled on top qualifies as a true "everything bagel," with one host insisting it does and the other disagreeing.
What are the hosts' thoughts on the long production gaps between Stranger Things seasons?
They acknowledge the show's consistent quality despite the delays but question if the extended wait is truly necessary or if it's a strategy to build anticipation and maintain relevance.
What is James Cameron's main concern regarding Netflix potentially buying Warner Bros. Discovery?
Cameron believes it would be a disaster because he feels Netflix prioritizes streaming over theatrical releases, potentially devaluing the Oscars and the integrity of films that don't have a significant theatrical run.
How do the hosts view the future of theatrical releases versus streaming?
They acknowledge the shift towards streaming and digital consumption but express a continued love for the theatrical experience, fearing that if theaters disappear, it could negatively impact the creation of films.
What was the sentiment regarding the box office performance of "Avatar 2"?
The discussion suggests that while the film was expected to perform well, there was a sentiment that its success was tied to its theatrical release, and the creators were stressed about its financial returns.
What is the main criticism leveled against 50 Cent's "Power" spinoffs?
The criticism is that the proliferation of spinoffs may have diluted the original show's impact and value, leading to a perception that the franchise has been stretched too thin.
How do directors like Nolan and Tarantino differ in their use of 70mm film?
Nolan uses 70mm for scale, immersion, and realism in films like "Interstellar" and "Oppenheimer," while Tarantino employs it for texture, nostalgia, and composition, as seen in "The Hateful Eight."
What is the core question about critiquing films?
The central question is whether one is critiquing the film they are watching or the film they wish they had made, highlighting the potential for personal bias to influence judgment.
Why is Quentin Tarantino's release of a "Kill Bill" scene on Fortnite controversial?
It's seen as a departure from his advocacy for theatrical releases and a potential "money grab," contradicting his previous stance against watching films on phones.
What challenges does Jack Harlow face in the current hip-hop climate?
Post-Drake/Kendrick beef, his sound, which is similar to Drake's, might be perceived negatively, and the overall dense nature of current hip-hop releases makes it difficult for his style to stand out.
Is Jaden Daniels (JD5) considered a system quarterback?
There is an ongoing debate about whether Jaden Daniels is a "system quarterback." Some argue his success is tied to the team's offensive scheme, while others believe he possesses significant individual talent that drives the team's performance.
Who is favored to make it out of the AFC in the NFL playoffs?
While the speaker's own team (Broncos) is not their pick, Buffalo and Kansas City are considered strong contenders to make it out of the AFC. The Patriots' easy schedule is noted, but their ability to compete is questioned.
How does Caleb Williams' potential compare to Jaden Daniels' past achievements?
The conversation explores whether Caleb Williams could surpass Jaden Daniels if he leads his team to a championship. Factors like rings and the quality of the supporting squad are considered in this comparison.
What are the criticisms surrounding the casting of the new Jamie St. Patrick?
Critics feel the new actor does not fit the "Jamie aesthetic," citing differences in skin complexion and hairstyle. There's a general sentiment that the casting choice is not believable and doesn't align with the character's established image.
What is the general sentiment towards the TV show "Raising Kanan"?
The sentiment towards "Raising Kanan" and its spin-offs is largely negative. Critics feel the franchise has been stretched too thin, with a lack of compelling storylines and a desire for the focus to shift to the "50 Cent" character.
Show Notes
On this episode of the Mallory Bros. Podcast, the guys kick things off with a full Thanksgiving weekend recap. From family time and cooking to getting the kids and the ladies holiday-ready, it was a packed few days. Terrance drops a spicy take on why should stop turkey drives and give out different food, which somehow turns into a wild debate about… everything bagels. Only brothers. They shift gears into Film and TV with reactions to "Stranger Things" returning with a BANG and predictions on what’s next. They then speak to some of the biggest film news of the week, which is Netflix's Cash Offer to buy Warner Bros. Discovery. They talk James Cameron's comments, and what this could mean for the Future of Theatrical Releases. The guys speak to 50 Cent’s Diddy documentary and challenge 50’s impact on film, which leads directly into another passionate 70mm IMAX debate involving Quentin Tarantino, Christopher Nolan, and Ryan Coogler. Music talk ramps up as Terrell brings an interesting theory on Jack Harlow’s recent silence and the current climate for white rappers after last year’s beef took more of a cultural turn. They also discuss Wale’s comments on J. Cole and the possibility of a future Verzuz. To close things out, the guys recap the NFL standings and playoff picture, and get into a quick debate over JD5 vs. Caleb Williams.
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