Review It Yourself

Sarah is back! She and Sean finally discuss one of their oddly favourite films, Prometheus (2012).Discussion Points:-Sean likes this film, but can see it's faults.-Sarah really appreciates the story's set-up and the unusual landscape.-The film's aesthetics and themes versus the execution and uneven tone.-Sarah loves films where people grapple with their faith.-Sarah's recollections of watching the med-pod scene.-The incredibly awful line reads.-Sarah loved the well-rounded character of Doctor Elizabeth Shaw.-Sean and Sarah discuss Alien: Romulus (2024).Raised Questions:-Is this film trying to insult your intelligence?-Does every tie-in with the Alien franchise weaken the direction that Prometheus was trying to take?-Is the script "too hand-hold-y"?-Does the film feel over-edited to you?-Is the crew of 17 too big?-Why does humanity seek answers?-Is the script "too ham-hocked"?-Is David infatuated with Elizabeth Shaw?-Why doesn't Idris Elba's character do anything until the end?-What happens if Archaeologists find the Engineer's robe?Time Stamps:0:06 Welcome to Review It Yourself1:23 The Long-Awaited Prometheus Review7:21 The Film's Opening and Visuals12:38 Themes of Creation and Faith16:18 Exploring the Characters and Their Dynamics20:59 The Engineers and Their Significance25:59 The Unfolding of the Plot29:33 The Role of David and AI Commentary32:41 Critique of Character Development34:51 Action vs. Atmosphere in Storytelling35:50 The Philosophical Questions Raised37:03 The Flaws and Strengths of Prometheus44:43 Love, Relationships, and Their Portrayal49:01 Conclusion: A Mixed Bag of Ideas1:14:10 Character Introductions1:15:23 David's Understanding of Love1:20:58 Quarantine Procedures1:23:42 The Importance of Emotional Reactions1:29:30 The Horrors of Creation1:30:27 Themes of Control and Gender1:37:48 The Nature of Faith1:47:18 The Engineers' Intentions1:52:39 The Final Confrontation1:58:08 The Complexity of Faith2:09:14 A Mixed Bag of Themes2:18:17 The Implications of Scientific Discovery2:20:14 The Value of Long-Form DiscussionsThanks for Listening!Find us here: X: @YourselfReviewInstagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠

Sean is joined by Jamie from 'Old Shipping Lines' YouTube Channel to review the Norwegian film, Konvoi (2023), known internationally as The Arctic Convoy.The film appears to be based upon the true story of the 1942 PQ17 convoy, one of the first major Anglo-American convoys of the Second World War. Discussion Points:-Sean needs his nautical fix. -Why this film is one of Jamie's favourite films.-The poor promotional poster.-The fantastic script, sound design and special effects.-Sean was surprised to see RAF Coastal Command.-The importance of the Atlantic and the Artic (Russian) Convoys in the Second World War. -Jamie and Sean were impressed by the depth of characters.-The dynamic between the Captain and the First Mate.-The reasons why this film focuses upon the Norwegian Merchant Sailors, who lost 4,000 lives during the war.-Sean and Jamie empathise with different characters.Raised Questions:-Do you love film recommendations from friends?-Why is this film one of Jamie's favourite films?-Are Norwegian films the best out there right now?-Why do the British always get derided in modern war films?-Why don't you eat pickled herring at your desk?-What is the difference between the words 'disperse' and 'scatter'?-Is the Naval side of the Second World War difficult to translate films?The Norwegian War Sailor's Register (Krigsseilerregisteret):https://www.krigsseilerregisteret.no/enRecommendations:-PQ17: An Artic Convoy Disaster (2014), a BBC documentary, hosted by Jeremy Clarkson.Time Stamps:0:24 Welcome and Introductions2:04 Film Overview: The Arctic Convoy3:07 Personal Connection to Norwegian Cinema8:46 Historical Context of Convoys13:36 Character Dynamics and Interactions17:56 The Captain's Leadership Style21:40 Tension Between the First Mate and Captain25:02 The Battle Scenes and Tactics28:45 Thematic Exploration of Fear and Duty32:31 Emotional Moments and Character Development35:55 The Role of the Radio Operator38:19 Confrontations and Power Struggles46:52 The Plan to Escape49:03 The Icy Challenges Ahead55:31 Recommendations for Similar Films59:55 Closing Thoughts and Future PlansThanks for Listening!Find us here: X: @YourselfReviewInstagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠

Stew from 'Stew World Order' joins Sean to try and answer the question:Modern Films, are they flying or dying?Stew believes we're in a golden age, Sean does not...Time Stamps:1:29 Film Debate: Flying or Dying?1:40 Generational Nostalgia6:02 Access to Diverse Films10:48 Voices in Cinema14:41 The Case Against Modern Films17:12 Poor Writing and World Building20:02 Death of Comedy22:38 The Decline of Movie Stars45:24 The Shift in Film Quality1:04:08 Conclusion: Quality vs. Quantity1:08:21 Podcast Wrap-UpThanks for Listening!Find us here: X: @YourselfReviewInstagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠

Sean is feeling the pressure this week as he and Sarah review his Auntie's favourite film: What Ever Happened To Baby Jane? (1963).Discussion Points:-What the hell happened to acting and film-making.-The tour de force performances from Bette Davis and Joan Crawford.-Sarah and Sean were surprised by the sheer class of the entire production.-The career of Davis and Crawford.-The golden age of Hollywood.-The outstanding performances of the supporting cast.-Sarah loves a sad and cynical film.-The impeccable sound design.-Sean and Sarah can't wait to watch 'The Letter' (1940).-Whether Award-winning films have become more forgettable.-The death of Hollywood star power and 'learning your craft'.-Sean has nothing personally against Zendaya, he was just making a point about the lack of acting prowess in the "go-to actors and actresses" of today.-The promotional tours the actresses went on.Raised Questions:-Have you ever made up your own words?-Why don't we get films like this anymore?-Why do older films see to be so much better than what we get now?-Did the film make you question your own sanity?-How have the Jane sister's become so isolated from the world?-Are they in a cage of their own making?-Who is the one really orchestrating the situation?-Why doesn't Blanche just shout out of the window?-Why are leading ladies pushed so much in modern-day films and series, when we had amazing actresses like Joan Crawford and Bette Davis in the past?-How amazing was Bette Davis?-Have we collectively dropped our expectations for films?Time Stamps:0:11 Introduction3:43 Film Overview: What Ever Happened to Baby Jane8:34 The Performances: A Masterclass in Acting21:33 The Complex Relationship of Jane and Blanche29:00 Cinematic Techniques: Lighting and Sound Design35:42 The Twisted Backstory Unveiled44:00 The Climax: Tension Builds50:21 The Film's Conclusion: Layers of Manipulation and Resentment52:28 Talent and Resentment59:16 Playing the Victim?1:08:20 Hollywood's Shifting Star Power1:20:37 The Art of Acting1:26:55 Behind the Scenes of Baby Jane1:33:19 The Real-Life Drama1:40:58 A Plea for Quality Modern-Day Cinema1:44:07 Listener Engagement and Future TopicsThanks for Listening!Find us here: X: @YourselfReviewInstagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠

Sean gives his initial thoughts to Alex Garland's Civil War (2024).Discussion Points:-Sean was reminded of The Road (2009) and Nightcrawler (2014), with the intent of this film.-Typical American understatement. -Whether this film felt futuristic or not.-The strange sense of normality that people still adhere to, in the midst of a civil war.-Sean goes on tangent about Tesco.-The strange way they marketed the film.-How unexpectedly dark and gritty this film is.-America and foreign intervention.-The film's lack of answers or things to say.Raised Questions:-Did the marketing harm this film?-Where has Kirsten Dunst been?-Did the vague reasons for the war work for you?-Do you like a thought-provoking film?-Did you enjoy the "fantastically-at-odds with the horror" music choices?-Do you think the film fully-commits to the horror?Thanks for Listening!Find us here: X: @YourselfReviewInstagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠

Sean welcomes back massive friend of the show Luke, from The Howdy Beans Podcast! to discuss the first Wallace and Gromit film. What follows is a celebration of English television.With the shops shut on a Bank Holiday, A Grand Day Out (1989) sees an inventor Wallace and his pet dog Gromit travel to the moon in their home-made rocket ship, in order to replenish their cheese supplies. Because you can't have dry crackers can you?Discussion Points:-In the preamble, Sean and Luke still don't see eye to eye on Signs (2002), Bruce Willis's later film roles, and Gladiator II.-The genesis of Wallace and Gromit and the labour of love from Nick Park to get this film made. -"Let's bow to the inevitable"-Sean and Luke try to avoid tangents.-The size of Wallace's "door-stop" cheese slices.-Aardman films over the years.-The cooker on the moon and his dreams of skiing on Earth. -The death of Boomerang, CITV and Cartoon Network.-Luke is still disgusted with Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget (2023).-Luke and Sean discuss subsequent Wallace and Gromit films The Wrong Trousers (1993), A Close Shave (1995), The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005), A Matter of Loaf and Death (2008), and Vengeance Most Fowl (2024).Raised Questions:-How many aliases does Luke actually have?-Where's Sarah?-Do you need to describe Wallace and Gromit for the Americans?-Is it ridiculous to call this Wallace and Gromit, the one with the most unrealistic?-How did this film save an entire cheese?-Do you remember surround sound speakers around the room?-Is 'reverse-recency bias' a thing?-Is Moon Cheese just a different variety?Time stamps:0:09 Introduction and Sighs2:09 Signs Discussion5:28 A Grand Day Out Overview10:25 Nick Park and Aardman12:05 Wallace and Gromit Characters16:57 Animation Techniques23:03 Peter Sallis and Voice Acting28:08 Personal Memories of A Grand Day Out30:32 Favorite Wallace and Gromit Films37:49 Nostalgia and British Culture55:14 Ending Reflections1:01:04 Film Length and Experience1:02:53 Aardman's Future and Challenges1:08:15 Podcast Promotion and Closing RemarksNamed TV Shows:-Creature Comforts (1989-Present).-Brum (1991-2002).-Mr Bean (1990-1995).-Open All Hours (1976-1985).-Still Open All Hours (2013-2019)-Come Outside (1993-1997).-Mr Benn (1971-1972).-Pingu (1990-2006).-The Clangers (1969-Present).-Fireman Sam (1987-Present).-Joshua Jones (1992).-William's Wish Wellingtons (1994-1996).-The Queen's Nose (1995-2003).-The Demon Headmaster (1996-1998, 2019).-My Parents Are Aliens (1999-2006).-Jungle Run (1999-2006).-50/50 (1997-2005).-Get Your Own Back (1991-2004).-Cow and Chicken (1995-1999). -The Cramp Twins (2001-2004).-Ed, Edd and Eddy (1999-2006).-Dexter's Lab (1996-1998, 2001-2003).-Recess (1997-2001).-The Powerpuff Girls (1998-2005)-Courage the Cowardly Dog (1999-2002).-Hole in the Wall Game Show (2008-2009).-Shaun the Sheep (2007-Present).Thanks for Listening!Find us here: X: @YourselfReviewInstagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠

Sean is joined once again by Marie from '2 Girls, 1 Reusable Cup Podcast' and 'We Needed Roads' to lay into the poorly-executed Batman: The Killing Joke (2016).Discussion Points:-The DVD read-through returns.-Marie brings her comic book knowledge, whilst Sean brings his views without having read the comic. Neither were impressed.-The baffling creative choices behind this adaptation, particularly the horrific depiction of Barbara Gordon.-Sean questions Barbara Gordon's garment choices.-Marie and Sean discuss studios "subverting expectations".-The failure of the writers to write women properly.-Sean and Marie consider alternative story arcs for this film.-The glimpses of inspiration.-Marie thinks the animation was "lifeless" and misses the vibrant, dynamic look of the comic book.                                                          -THAT ending.-The awful post-credits scene.Raised Questions:-Why is Batman a cameo in his own film?-How did they get it so badly wrong?-Should they have bothered adapting this comic book?-We're here to see Batman, so where is he?-Did Luke from 'The Howdy Beans Podcast' appreciate the late night voice-message about this film?-Is Sean a bit of a contrarian?-Are you a fan of the Loony song?-Which line almost made Marie choke?*Sean was trying to think of Julianne Moore in The Fugitive.**Sean was thinking of Steve Kloves, who did all-but-one of the Harry Potter film screenplays.Chapters:0:09 Introduction to The Killing Joke3:19 The Killing Joke Overview44:38 Dissecting the Controversy1:14:12 Closing Thoughts on AdaptationThanks for Listening!Find us here: X: @YourselfReviewInstagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠

Sean and Sarah review one of their favourite films, M. Night Shyamalan's Signs (2002). They once again examine what the top critics think, before embarking on an in-depth dive into the film. Discussion Points:-The way this film divides people.-The Bad Reviews return!-The laser focus of this film.-Sean isn't happy to be taught how to pronounce a word by Sarah, someone from the South. -Sarah and Sean wonder if people trust mainstream critics anymore.-Whether people consider films art or content.-Studios treating the audience as if they are wrong. -The VERY outside interference in this film. -Sean and Sarah DISAGREE regarding a character. -Sarah thinks the time setting is ambiguous.-Merrill's 'miracle' and Graham's loss of faith.-The way that brothers (Graham and Merrill) interact.-The lack of a female role in the family.-Sean is horrified by the idea of a sequel to this film.Raised Questions:-Have you met anyone who is on the fence about this film?-Are you fed up of 'faffy' words in critic's reviews?-Why are reviews always trying to be funny?-Do people need to stop comparing this to 'The Sixth Sense' (1999)?-Why do people talk to Graham in a strange way?-Did the ending pay off for you?-Would Sarah and Sean's sarcasm be welcome in America?-How good is Cherry Jones?-Why won't the family call a vet?-Is this Mel Gibson's best performance?-Why does Sarah love a dinner party scene?-Do the aliens have a sense of vengeance?-What is the film actually about?Time stamps:0:20 Introduction to Film Reviews1:39 Chasing the Right Tone3:05 Bad Reviews and Polarizing Opinions7:38 Diving into Rotten Tomatoes11:22 Critics’ Takes on Signs11:31 The Weight of Expectations16:15 Critiquing Film Criticism27:34 Audience Reactions to Signs47:52 Analysing Character Dynamics52:01 The Emotional Core of the Film59:16 Themes of Grief and Loss1:06:16 Community Responses to Crisis1:18:50 The Timelessness of Signs1:24:15 Eerie Settings and Rural America1:32:02 Notable Characters and Their Impact1:38:29 The Role of Communication2:01:11 Emotional Connections and Relationships2:14:47 The Alien Threat Emerges2:27:41 Regaining Faith and Purpose2:34:32 Critiquing Modern Cinema2:42:06 Reflections on Humanity and Hope2:43:55 Final Thoughts and FarewellsThanks for Listening!Find us here: X: @YourselfReviewInstagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠

Marie from '2 Girls 1 Reusable Cup Podcast' and 'We Needed Roads Podcast' finally guests on Review It Yourself and what a film she picked! Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010).Warning, this episode contains spoilers.Discussion Points:-Sean and Marie discuss animated Batman films.-Marie lays out her relationship with Batman animated films and comics.-Sean explains his love of superhero films (no, really!).-The fantastic portrayal of the Joker.-The incredibly dark tone.-The great use of flashbacks.Raised Questions:-Is this one of the best Batman films ever?-Are animated films under less scrutiny and pressure?-Why was Sean so impressed by Fantastic Four: The Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007)?-Have we had "too much of a good thing" with superhero films?-How long has it been since Sean vented about 'The Batman'?-What the hell is Night Wing doing for half the films? -Is the Red Hood trying to kill Batman or not?Sean Recommends: Gladiator II (2024).Timestamps:0:05Welcome to Review It Yourself1:22Introducing Batman: Under the Red Hood4:57Exploring Animated Batman Films11:32The Joker's Brutal Nature33:41The Complexity of Bruce Wayne46:25The Mystery of the Red Hood47:53Characters Matter49:23A Labour of Love49:32The Training of Jason Todd54:06The Joker's Chaos55:56Emotional Turmoil59:09The Al Ghul Connection1:02:35The Final Showdown1:07:31The Impact of Loss1:09:50A New Direction1:18:22The Dangers of CGI1:22:05Future of DCU1:22:49The Penguin's Potential1:25:47Thoughts on Gladiator 21:31:50Where to Find MarieThanks for Listening!Find us here: X: @YourselfReviewInstagram: reviewityourselfpodcast2021YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReviewItYourself⁠