The Cinedicate: Film & TV Podcast

Welcome back to The Cinedicate. On today’s episode, we’re taking a wild trip through the world of ultra-low-budget cinema with a commentary experience on the infamous cult classic, Suburban Sasquatch.Joining me are Katie and Brit from the Grindhouse Girls podcast, as we brave this $500 masterpiece. From questionable costumes and DIY special effects to baffling storylines and even a surprising debate about Bigfoot’s true nature, we’ll laugh, cringe, and (barely) survive the chaos together.So whether you love digging deep into the best bad movies or just can’t resist a cryptid rampaging through suburbia, grab your popcorn and prepare to witness “cinematic history” as we break down everything you didn’t ask for about Suburban Sasquatch, here on The Cinedicate.Start the commentary track as soon as you hit play on the movie.What to expect from the episode:A hilarious, unsparing group commentary on Suburban Sasquatch, exploring its low-budget production, questionable costume choices, and unintentionally comedic momentsCandid discussions about cultural representation, filmmaking competence, and the blurred lines between passion projects and vanity in indie cinemaLighthearted banter among the hosts about cryptids, genre tropes, and their own tolerance (or lack thereof) for “so-bad-it’s-good” movies, with frequent pop culture references and personal anecdotes----------Listen to Brit and Katie on their podcast, The Grindhouse Girls.

Welcome back to The Cinedicate. On today's episode, we're crash-landing into Alien: Earth, the first-ever Alien TV series. We break down the hybrid identity of Wendy, the corporate wars brewing between Weyland Yutani and Prodigy, and ask the big questions: What will humanity become when evolution and technology collide? Was Alien Earth a worthy addition to the Alien legacy, or just another xenomorph cash grab?So whether you're a lifelong Alien fan, love a good sci-fi debate, or just wonder what happens when memory itself becomes a weapon, join us as we dig through the wreckage and chart the future of the franchise—right here on The Cinedicate.What to expect from the episode:First impressions, debates, and generational perspectives on the new Alien: Earth TV series, including discussion on its connections to the classic films, franchise fatigue, and whether it brings anything new to the Alien universe.Deep dive into the show’s major themes: AI consciousness, biotech, corporate power, and the ethics of uploading human minds into synthetic bodies, with comparisons to real-world technology and other sci-fi stories like Blade Runner and Altered Carbon.Spirited discussion on the show’s structure, pacing, and narrative choices, including debates over fan service vs. originality, unresolved storylines, the impact of streaming models, and recommendations about whether Alien: Earth is a must-watch for Alien fans (or if you should just go watch Romulus or Blade Runner instead).Episode Chapters  00:00:00 - Introduction to Alien: Earth & Central Themes  00:01:47 - Personal Entry Points to Alien Franchise  00:08:29 - First Impressions - Alien: Earth00:11:31 - Series' Retro Aesthetic00:13:48 - Narrative Structure and Release Strategy  00:17:52 - Alien: Earth vs. Alien Romulus / Retreading Franchise Territory  00:20:40 - Hybrid Identity, Biotech, and AI in Alien: Earth00:30:33 - AI Sentience, Deception, and Control—Parallels to Reality  00:36:59 - Xenomorphs’ Role: Gore, Threat, and Audience Expectations  00:39:50 - Timeline and Canon Questions00:43:17 - Other Alien Species: Significance, Motivation, and Unanswered Mysteries  00:46:35 - Desire for Narrative Closure: Open-Ended Finale Critique  00:49:13 - Themes of Power Transfer  00:50:43 - AVP/Potential Crossovers & Franchise-Building Speculation  00:55:53 - The Formula and Essence of an Alien Movie  01:02:42 - Ethical Debate: Should Humanity Weaponize Alien Life or Technology?  01:14:18 - Government vs. Corporation: Who Should Contain Biohazards?  01:17:43 - Alien: Earth in the Context of other Alien Media  01:27:20 - Final Judgment 01:29:49 - Outro

Ready for a killer good time? Join Armand and Alex as they unravel the zany, rapid-fire murder mystery of Clue—from cult classic status to its razor-sharp comedy, legendary cast, and the infamous multiple endings. Whether you’re a longtime board game buff or just discovering the film’s madcap magic, this episode dives deep into how Clue turned whodunnit logic into pure cinematic chaos, why Tim Curry steals the show, and whether the movie is the ultimate Halloween pick. Plus: off-the-rails tangents, pop culture connections, and what makes this gleeful satire truly timeless. Stop scrolling and get clued in!What to expect from the episode:A lively exploration of why Clue (1985) is a cult classic, from its rapid-fire comedic delivery and ensemble cast performances to its clever satirical take on the whodunnit genre.Behind-the-scenes insights into the film’s production history, alternate endings, casting choices (including the indispensable Tim Curry), and its surprising parallels to contemporary mysteries like Knives Out.A spirited discussion on the film’s legacy, why it remains atmospherically perfect for Halloween, and debate around whether a modern remake could ever recapture its unique charm.Episode Chapters00:00:00 - Introduction00:01:16 - Personal Connection & Pop Culture Impact00:03:32 - Comedic Tone & Performances00:06:41 - Plot Summary00:11:11 - Casting Choices00:12:18 - Ending Analysis & Spoiler Discussion00:15:48 - Satire Reception & Background Humor00:19:36 - Character Motives & Moral Ambiguity00:27:30 - Plot Twists & Parallels to Knives Out00:29:42 - Cult Status & Direction00:33:36 - Adaptations, Remakes & Modern Cinema00:35:10 - Ensemble Cast vs. Modern Filmmaking00:37:59 - Franchise Planning & Characterization00:42:34 - Director’s Intent & Style Speculation00:44:44 - Remake Feasibility & Contemporary Comedy00:53:11 - Tim Curry's Importance00:56:41 - Clue as a Halloween Movie00:58:48 - Closing

Dive into the twisted rock 'n' roll nightmare of Brian De Palma's Phantom of the Paradise this Spooptober, where fame devours the soul and every contract's signed in blood. The Grindhouse Girls, Katie and Brit, are joined by the host of The Cinedicate, Armand Haddad, for a wild ride through Faustian bargains, flamboyant beefcakes, and cult classic chaos. Tune in for laughs, lore, and a healthy dose of '70s horror glam—because nothing says Halloween like a phantom who just wants his music back.What to expect from the episode:Hosts unpack Brian De Palma's elevator epiphany that birthed Phantom of the Paradise, blending Beatles rage with Faustian pacts, Edgar Allan Poe nods, and '70s satire.Deep dives into standout characters like Jessica Harper's ethereal Phoenix and the effervescent Beef (a Little Richard-inspired beefcake channeling Dennis Reynolds vibes).Explorations of the film's enduring ripples on Daft Punk, manga aesthetics, Rocky Horror echoes, and its box-office bomb status turning into underground legend.Episode Chapters:00:00 - Spooptober Intro00:54 - Elevator Rage to Rock Opera: De Palma's Wild Inspiration03:07 - From Secondhand DVDs to Daft Punk Dreams: How We Found This Gem05:35 - Box Office Bomb to Cult Icon06:33 - Chaos Behind the Mask08:09 - Faust, Frankenstein, and Gothic Roots10:36 - Rocky Horror Riffs13:18 - De Palma's Fury19:01 - Beef's Glittery Grind22:43 - Pop Culture Nods38:33 - Ratings, Raves, and Grindhouse Grades41:31 - Plugs, Previews, and Next Haunts48:12 - Stephen King Gripes, Adaptations, and Derry Dreams54:35 - Outro and Stay Spoopy----------Listen to Brit and Katie on their podcast, The Grindhouse Girls.----------The Cinedicate on InstagramThe Cinedicate's Discord Community

Seventeen children vanish without a trace, a small town turns on itself, and a mysterious force called Gladys starts to haunt the shadows—this week on The Cinedicate, Armand, Pete, and Fresh unravel the chilling layers of Zach Cregger's horror film Weapons.From Pied Piper legends and haunting dream sequences to coded tributes and razor-sharp social commentary, the trio digs into the film’s eerie atmosphere, unforgettable performances, and the real-world grief that inspired it. Is the true monster the witch, or the trauma we carry?What to expect from the episode:An in-depth exploration of Zach Cregger’s Weapons, focusing on its blend of supernatural horror, allegory, and commentary on grief, loss, and community decaySpirited discussion about the film’s narrative structure, multidimensional characters, and the symbolism behind key elements (such as the number 2:17, Gladys as a modern witch, and the importance of subtle political themes)Honest reactions to the movie’s originality, debate over the need for sequels, and reflections on the future of cinema and attention spans in the age of streaming and rapid media consumptionEpisode Chapters00:00:00 - Introduction and Weapons Overview00:02:03 - Why Weapons00:04:08 - First Impressions, Marketing, and Expectations00:07:06 - Zach Cregger's Background and Comedy Roots00:09:06 - Cast, Genre, and Film Comparisons00:11:05 - Plot Summary and Nonlinear Structure00:13:41 - Viewing Experience, Audience, and Theatrical Release00:15:28 - Tonal Expectations, Symbolism, and Personal Theories00:21:47 - Symbolism of 2:1700:23:01 - Institutions, Community Breakdown, and Parental Roles00:32:22 - Grief and Character Archetypes00:36:11 - Gladys’s Nature: Witchcraft, Evil, and Trauma00:48:56 - James the Tweaker: Comic Relief and Truth Teller00:51:19 - Climax, Breaking the Cycle, and Lingering Grief00:56:43 - Comparative Filmmaking and Industry Context00:58:43 - Subtlety vs. Overt Politics in Horror01:03:25 - Franchise Potential & Creative Restraint01:11:20 - The Future of Cinema: Audiences, Streaming, and Generations01:19:18 - Closing Thoughts and Appreciation01:20:09 - Outro

Welcome back to The Cinedicate. On today’s episode, we step into the quiet devastation of Studio Ghibli’s Grave of the Fireflies. Joined by Brit from The Grindhouse Girls podcast, we delve into the haunting story of Saita and Setsuko—two children caught in the firebombing of Kobe during WWII.Together, we unpack why director Isao Takahata chose to focus on ordinary lives rather than battles or politics, and what the film’s silence around Hiroshima and Nagasaki means for how we understand war. From personal childhood memories to the enduring relevance of this film in today’s world, our conversation explores trauma, national pride, and the fragility of innocence in the rubble of conflict.Whether you’re a lifelong anime fan or simply curious about what sets Grave of the Fireflies apart from typical war movies, join us as we illuminate the human cost of war, one firefly at a time, here on The Cinedicate.What to expect from the episode:A deep, empathetic exploration of Grave of the Fireflies as a non-traditional war film, focusing on the overlooked human cost of conflict—especially from a child’s perspective—without relying on typical war movie tropes.Thoughtful discussion on the cultural context and historical trauma behind the film, including personal stories, the impact of national pride, and comparisons to current global crises like Gaza and Ukraine.Critical consideration of animation as a storytelling medium for traumatic real-life events, the film’s enduring relevance, and a candid look at societal indifference toward suffering—past and present.Episode Chapters00:00:00 - Introduction to Grave of the Fireflies00:02:33 - Personal Connections to the Film00:05:24 - Childhood vs. Adult Perspectives00:08:00 - Historical Context: Firebombing of Kobe & Societal Collapse00:14:27 - Autobiographical Roots & Plot Overview00:16:01 - Pride, Nationalism, and Failure of Community00:20:40 - Innocence, Isolation, and Societal Neglect00:23:21 - Survivor Guilt & Fate of War Orphans00:26:04 - Modern Relevance: Children & War in Today's World00:28:24 - Japanese Cultural Trauma, Media, and Artistic Approach00:33:43 - Symbolism of Fireflies00:37:22 - Indifference, Privilege & Societal Response00:41:01 - Human Nature During Crisis: The Aunt & Others00:43:34 - Blame, Guilt, and Responsibility00:47:18 - Systemic Neglect & Societal Failure (Then & Now)00:50:44 - Atrocities, Indifference & Speaking Out00:58:23 - Parenting, Trauma, & Cycles of Harm01:03:28 - The Ending: Legacy, Memory & Haunting Presence01:04:57 - Animation vs. Live Action: Medium for Trauma01:09:33 - Contemporary Reception & Wokeness01:15:05 - Animation’s Storytelling Power/Pop-Culture Tangents01:15:45 - Recommendations and Educational Value01:20:23 - Closing Tangents01:27:28 - Final Thoughts & Outro----------Listen to Brit on her podcast, The Grindhouse Girls.----------The Cinedicate on InstagramThe Cinedicate's Discord Community

Superman is back—and so is The Cinedicate, diving cape-first into James Gunn’s fresh take on the Man of Steel! We explain how Superman has shaped generations, what the new film gets right (and wrong), and why the world needs a moral hero now more than ever.From The Justice League animated series to Smallville, expect some hot takes on Lex Luthor, Green Lantern’s bowl cut, and the ever-relevant struggle between hope and cynicism—this discussion soars past nostalgia into a visionary look at what Superman means today.What to expect from the episode:Generational journeys into Superman fandom, from Christopher Reeve classics and Smallville to animated series and modern cinematic portrayalsA spirited, spoiler-filled review of James Gunn’s Superman featuring debate over characterizations (especially Lex Luthor), the film’s thematic relevance to our fractured world, and its balance between fun and moral clarityHonest reactions to the evolving DCU, including hot takes on new and returning characters, cameos, and hopes (and skepticism) for the franchise’s futureEpisode Chapters00:00:00 - Intro, Superman’s Origins & Relevance: Then vs. Now00:02:22 - First Introductions to Superman and DC.00:06:26 - Animated & Live-Action Influence: Batman Series, Justice League, and Smallville00:13:07 - The Shift to Modern Fandom: CW Era, Arrowverse, The Flash00:19:39 - Superman on Screen: Richard Donner vs. Snyder vs. Gunn00:26:37 - Superman (2025) First Impressions00:31:11 - The Ensemble: Justice Gang, Supporting Cast, and Character Portrayals00:34:42 - Comparing Adaptations: Animation vs. Film, Pacing, Tone, and Style00:40:50 - Social Commentary & Historical Parallels: Superman as Moral Compass00:48:32 - Humanizing Superman: Themes of Fallibility & Decency00:50:08 - The Kents & Family Portrayal: Parental Influence and Nostalgia00:57:22 - Justice League Characters: Nostalgia, Casting Choices, and Team Setup01:03:07 - Lex Luthor: Archetypes, Actor Takes, Modern Parallels01:14:45 - Supporting Cast Critique: Daily Planet, Lois Lane, and Side Characters01:18:15 - Setting Up the Future: Cameos, Supergirl, Multiverse, and DCU Continuity01:24:27 - Superman's Legacy: Best On-Screen Takes and Generational Icons01:31:52 - Fandom Debates01:39:00 - Thematic Core: Moral Absolutism vs. Ambiguity01:54:01 - Cultural Relevance: Superman, Antiheroes, and Modern Media01:55:17 - DCU Outlook: Upcoming Stories, Supergirl, Final Thoughts02:06:30 - Outro

Blast off with us as we dive into Netflix’s Three Body Problem—where cosmic mysteries and existential dread meet alien civilizations in the terrifying Dark Forest theory. From the show’s mind-bending rabbit holes, thought-provoking journey through humanity’s place in the universe, and what happens when the universe finally answers back. Whether you’re a sci-fi nerd, an alien skeptic, or just looking for the next binge-worthy show, this discussion will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about life among the stars.What to expect from the episode:A deep dive into Netflix’s Three Body Problem, including its core sci-fi theories (the Fermi Paradox, Dark Forest Theory, and the titular three-body problem) and how these concepts are dramatized for TVHonest reactions to the show's origins, adaptation choices, and characters—with comparisons to the book trilogy and candid takes on Game of Thrones creators’ involvementSpirited tangents about alien media, first contact scenarios, and philosophical musings on humanity, science, and what real-life alien disclosure could mean for our worldEpisode Chapters:00:00:00 – Introduction and Why Three Body Problem Surprised Us00:04:21 – Cosmic Silence: The Fermi Paradox & Dark Forest Theory00:07:59 – The San-Ti Signal: Synopsis and First Contact00:10:25 – Ye Wenjie’s Journey: Trauma, SETI, and Defiance00:17:59 – Alien Threat: Sofons, Sabotage, and the Race to Respond00:20:32 – The VR Game and Solving the Unsolvable00:23:44 – Can We Coexist? The San-Ti’s Shift Toward War00:26:19 – Judgment Day: Nanowires and Scientific Warfare00:28:25 – Humanity Fights Back: Wallfacers and Secret Plans00:31:03 – What Are the San-Ti? AI, Collective Minds, and Spores00:36:58 – Aftermath and Season One’s Endgame00:48:05 – Will’s Fate00:53:25 – Book vs. Show: What’s Changed?00:57:43 – Spoiler Zone: Darker Cosmic Forces and Galactic Peril01:04:25 – Looking Ahead: Season Two, Themes, and Questions01:09:42 – Alien Disclosure and Real-World Reactions01:14:47 – Should We Be Sending Signals?01:27:55 – Who Is Three Body Problem For?01:29:30 – Final Reflections on Contact and Survival----------The Cinedicate on InstagramThe Cinedicate's Discord Community

Ready to journey back to a galaxy far, far away? This episode is your deep dive into the second season of Andor! Listen in as The Cinedicate and the Grindhouse Girls team up with WSTR: Galactic Public Access to discuss the darker edge Star Wars has taken. We break down real-world parallels, favorite scenes, and even weigh in on the future of storytelling within Star Wars—plus, some wild tangents, epic impressions, and laugh-out-loud moments you don’t want to miss.What to expect from the episode:An in-depth discussion of Andor Season 2, exploring Cassian Andor’s reluctant hero arc, the show’s effective lead-in to Rogue One, and fresh perspectives on familiar characters like Mon Mothma and Luthen RaelThoughtful conversation about the show’s mature tone, real-world parallels to revolution and political unrest, and how Andor challenges traditional Star Wars notions of good and evilLively banter about Star Wars fandom, related media (including spin-offs, comics, and collectibles), and plenty of geeky tangents that include everything from favorite podcast projects to video game recommendations and behind-the-scenes Star Wars loreEpisode Chapters:00:00:00 - WSTR Intro and Guest Introductions  00:03:07 - Katie’s Star Wars Fandom and Podcast Background  00:08:03 - Is Cassian a Hero or a Reluctant Survivor?  00:10:01 - Does Andor Seamlessly Lead into Rogue One?  00:13:42 - The Role of Everyday People in the Rebellion  00:15:29 - Time Jumps and Their Effect on Story Structure  00:18:17 - Character Arcs and Growth (Mon Mothma, Saw Gerrera)  00:21:54 - Blaster Logic, Gore, and Plot Armor in Star Wars  00:28:32 - Luthen Rael’s Strategy and Moral Ambiguity  00:33:43 - ISB, Krennic, and Deidre’s Political Power Plays  00:41:02 - Revolution, Protest, and Real-World Parallels  00:46:40 - Exploring the Shades of Good and Evil  00:50:52 - Sacrifice, Gorman Massacre, and Rebellion Consequences  00:54:00 - Comparing Andor’s Tone to Other Star Wars Shows  01:15:00 - Casting Hypotheticals01:18:48 - Final Ratings and Thoughts on Andor Season 2  01:24:46 - News of the Week: Comics and Force Ghosts  01:38:28 - Cantina Chat: Personal Geeky Interests  01:39:10 - Clock Tower Game Series and Survival Horror  01:43:04 - Pee-wee Herman Documentary and Legacy  01:52:23 - Helldivers, Star Wars in Fortnite, and Darth Jar Jar  01:55:41 - DC vs Marvel Chat, Doom Prequel, and Summer Trooping  01:58:08 - Outro and Final Goodbye----------Listen to Katie on her podcast, The Grindhouse Girls.Listen to Todd and Carla on their podcast, WSTR: Galactic Public Access.----------The Cinedicate on InstagramThe Cinedicate's Discord Community