Best Forgotten Maverick Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 102: Code 8 Review: Indie Films, Plot Holes, and the Superhero Genre 1:10:43

3h ago1:10:43

1:10:43

Find the 9 Points Rating System here: https://www.alostplot.com/9-points/ Maverick and Avalon discuss and review the 2019 independent crowdfunded film “Code 8”. Code 8 is an indie superhero film set in an alternate world where superpowered people exist. The story follows Connor, a powered person with electric abilities, who is trying to save his dy…

1
Robert Boyd & Peter Richerson — How Culture Drove Human Brain Size, Enabled Us To Dominate Earth, And Is Leading Us Astray 2:23:59

7h ago2:23:59

2:23:59

Robert Boyd and Peter Richerson are anthropologists based in America. Their partnership was central to the development of Dual-Inheritance Theory, a framework that applies Darwinian evolution to culture and explains how genes and culture have intertwined to shape our species. This is their first ever joint interview. Full transcript available at: j…

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Episode 101: Back to the Future: Meeting Your Parents, Developing Characters, and Knights in Shining Armor 1:32:36

5d ago1:32:36

1:32:36

Maverick, and his co-hosts Avalon and Andrew review the 1985 release of Back to the Future. The hosts discuss the introduction of the film and the character of Marty McFly. They explore the flaws and relatability of Marty, noting his hot-headedness and fear of failure. They also discuss the mirroring of Marty and his father, George McFly, in terms …

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Episode 100: Star Wars IX: The Rise of Skywalker: Destroying Arcs, Breaking Rules, and Violating Fans Expectations 1:52:48

12d ago1:52:48

1:52:48

In this episode, Andrew, Sean, and Maverick discuss the 9th installment in the Star Wars franchise. The hosts discuss the opening of the film and the introduction of the main character, Rey. They explore the confusion and lack of foreshadowing surrounding the return of Palpatine and the impact it has on the story. They also discuss Rey's character …

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5. Is It Too Early To Call Top Gun: Maverick a Classic? | Glaring Admissions 1:32:08

17d ago1:32:08

1:32:08

Nick and Raekwon are back to chat about Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick on the latest episode of Glaring Admissions! Be sure to drop your thoughts on whether or not the 2022 sequel to Top Gun can really be considered a classic already down in the comments, as well as your thoughts on the series as a whole. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters…

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Yuliya Solntseva: the forgotten queen of Soviet film 17:29

15d ago17:29

17:29

In this profile, written by critic and curator Rachel Pronger and first published on the Klassiki Journal, we introduce you to one of the most consequential and misunderstood figures in Soviet film history: Yuliya Solntseva. A silent star who became one half of Ukraine’s most influential creative marriage but whose place in history has been obscure…

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Episode 99: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey: Stretching Stories, Adding Content, and Bad Manners 1:14:28

20d ago1:14:28

1:14:28

In this episode, Maverick and Philip St. Jean discuss the first movie in the Hobbit trilogy, 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.' They explore the differences between the book and the movie, the main character's role, and the fable-like aspects of the film. They also touch on the rating system and the opening scene. The conversation delves into the…

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The fight for the future of Georgian film 27:48

22d ago27:48

27:48

Host Sam Goff is joined by two representatives of the so-called “film movement” in Georgia – Keti Machavariani of the Georgian Film Institute, and Keto Kipiani of the Documentary Association of Georgia – to discuss cinema’s place in the ongoing protest movement against the increasing authoritarianism of the country’s government. They explain the si…

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Episode 98: Star Wars VIII: The Last Jedi Review: Two Opposing Viewpoints 1:37:10

27d ago1:37:10

1:37:10

Maverick, Sean, and Andrew review and debate the merits of Star Wars VIII: The Last Jedi. The main themes discussed include the character development of Poe Dameron, the portrayal of legacy and legends, and the roles of Admiral Holdo and Princess Leia. The hosts have differing opinions on the execution of these themes and the overall quality of the…

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Springtime for Soviet cinema: the films of the Thaw 17:35

1M ago17:35

17:35

In this guide, first published on the Klassiki Journal and written and read by host Sam Goff, we introduce the cinema of the Soviet Thaw. As a new era of cultural freedom swept the USSR after the death of Stalin, iconic directors like Mikhail Kalatozov and Marlen Khutsiev created a new cinematic language defined by sincerity and stylistic innovatio…

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Episode 97: The Silence of the Lambs: Power Dynamics, Horror, and the Lasting Impact of Lecter 1:12:25

1M ago1:12:25

1:12:25

In this conversation, Maverick and Patrick discuss the film 'The Silence of the Lambs' and its standout elements. They highlight the impact of the character Hannibal Lecter, the tension-building in the plot, and the compelling development of the protagonist, Clarice Starling. They also touch on the power dynamics between Hannibal and Clarice, as we…

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Żuławski, Parajanov, and me: adventures in Eastern Europe with Dan Bird 40:39

1M ago40:39

40:39

Dan Bird is one of the world’s leading specialists on cult cinema from Eastern Europe. His work in restoration and distribution has played a key role in preserving the legacies of iconic filmmakers like Andrzej Żuławski and Sergei Parajanov. He joins host Sam Goff to discuss a career spent traversing Eastern Europe in search of hidden gems. Klassik…

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Episode 96: Collateral: A Hitman, A Cab Driver, and Making Every Moment Count 1:01:52

2M ago1:01:52

1:01:52

Maverick and Avalon discuss and review the 2004 release “Collateral”. The conversation discusses the movie Collateral and focuses on the characters of Max and Vincent, as well as the side plot involving Detective Ray. Max's character arc is explored, highlighting his initial apathy and fear of taking risks, and how his involvement with Vincent forc…

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The humanism and surrealism of the Czech New Wave 18:51

1M ago18:51

18:51

In this piece, first published on the Klassiki Journal by critic Sonya Vseliubska and read here by host Oliver Hunt, we introduce the wild world of the Czech New Wave, one of the most influential movements in Central and Eastern European cinema. Blending aesthetic and philosophical innovations from France and Italy, the New Wave gave us legendary f…

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4. Independence Day (Should We Celebrate Independence Day?) | Glaring Admissions 1:13:58

1M ago1:13:58

1:13:58

Independence Day is a 1996 action/disaster blockbuster that was directed by Roland Emmerich. It stars Bill Pullman, Will Smith, and Jeff Goldblum (among many others) as humans forced to scramble to fight off an alien invasion in the days leading up to the 4th of July. The film was released to massive success back in the 90s and briefly held the tit…

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Episode 95: Spirited Away: Shintoism, Anime, and Eastern Influences on Modern Films 1:33:36

2M ago1:33:36

1:33:36

In this conversation, Maverick and Chad discuss and review the Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away. They explore the themes of courage, cultural differences in storytelling, and the contrast between Western and Eastern narratives. They also discuss the symbolism and mirroring in the film, as well as the character development of Chihiro. The conversati…

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Agnieszka Holland on her urgent and politically charged refugee drama Green Border 24:06

2M ago24:06

24:06

Legendary Polish director Agnieszka Holland joins host Oliver Hunt to discuss her ripped-from-the-headlines new film, Green Border. Tackling the refugee crisis that unfolded along the Poland-Belarus border in 2021, the film provoked political controversy within Poland, and shows Holland at her humanist best. Green Border is out in the UK from 21 Ju…

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Episode 94: Good Will Hunting: Finding Purpose, Fulfilling Potential, and Fighting Personal Demons 1:01:32

2M ago1:01:32

1:01:32

Maverick and his co-host Avalon review Good Will Hunting from 1997. They discuss the character development of Will Hunting, the protagonist of the film, and his journey of self-exploration. They highlight the compelling motive of Will's character, which is to avoid going to jail. They also discuss the pivotal role of Sean, the psychologist, in chal…

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Behind the scenes of the Romanian New Wave with Ada Solomon 40:12

2M ago40:12

40:12

Film producer extraordinaire Ada Solomon joins host Sam Goff to take us behind the scenes of Romanian’s troubled but brilliant post-communist cinema. One of Eastern Europe’s most vital producers, Ada outlines the origins of the Romanian New Wave, the movement that rocked Europe in the 2000s. She also gets into her work with Radu Jude and others, an…

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Episode 93: The Big Short: The Economics of Corruption 1:24:59

2M ago1:24:59

1:24:59

Maverick and his guest Philip review the 2015 release “The Big Short”. They discuss the plot, characters, and themes of the film, as well as their personal opinions and ratings. They explore the unique structure of the movie, which follows multiple storylines and incorporates elements of comedy and documentary. The hosts also discuss the flaws and …

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From Toronto to Ararat: Atom Egoyan on his career in the Armenian diaspora 46:24

2M ago46:24

46:24

Acclaimed Canadian-Armenian filmmaker Atom Egoyan joins host Sam Goff to discuss the role his Armenian heritage has played in his career. From his early features to his historical epic Ararat, Atom discusses how he’s grappled with personal and national history onscreen and the gems of classic Armenian film that have inspired him. Delve into Atom’s …

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Episode 92: The Dead Don’t Hurt: Pacing, Unclear Motives, and Introversion Gone Wrong 50:07

3M ago50:07

50:07

Maverick and Avalon review Viggo Mortenson’s “The Dead Don’t Hurt”. The conversation revolves around a review of the movie 'The Dead Don't Hurt' and delves into the characters, themes, and overall storytelling of the film. The hosts discuss the lack of clarity in character motives, the non-linear storytelling, and the absence of a clear overarching…

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3. Mulholland Drive (Baby's First Lynch Movie) | Glaring Admissions 1:20:46

2M ago1:20:46

1:20:46

Mulholland Drive is a 2001 surrealist drama/mystery that was written and directed by David 'Garmonbozia' Lynch. The film stars Naomi Watts and Laura Harring as two women investigating the circumstances that brought Harring's character (Rita) to Watts' (Betty, not Betsie's, I promise) door. Along the way, surrealism happens. Ya know, Lynch stuff.Cha…

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Ian Christie on Eccentrism, the forgotten mavericks of the Soviet avant-garde 36:56

2M ago36:56

36:56

Film historian Ian Christie joins host Sam Goff to discuss his new book on the Factory of the Eccentric Actor: one of the most striking and under-appreciated corners of Soviet avant-garde cinema. Ian talks us through the wild world of 1920s Petrograd, how Eccentrism predicted the French New Wave, and the lessons it still bears for students of Russi…

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Lucy Turnbull — Urbanism, YIMBYism, and Solutions to Australia's Housing Crisis (Bonus Live Episode) 46:43

2M ago46:43

46:43

Lucy Turnbull is an urbanist, businesswoman and philanthropist. She was the first female Lord Mayor of Sydney, from 2003-4. From 2015-20, she was the inaugural Chief Commissioner of the Greater Sydney Commission, tasked with delivering strategic planning for the whole of metropolitan Sydney. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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Episode 91: The Social Network: Is Mark Misunderstood, Friendship, and Fictional Events 42:42

3M ago42:42

42:42

The Social Network is a 2010 American biographical drama film about the founding of Facebook. The movie takes creative liberties with the true story, but raises interesting questions about the importance of accuracy in storytelling. The main character, Mark Zuckerberg, is portrayed as a smart but arrogant individual who becomes obsessed with provin…

1
Radu Jude on TikTok and the future of film 35:19

3M ago35:19

35:19

Romania’s provocateur in chief Radu Jude joins host Sam Goff to discuss the runaway success of his hilarious new film, Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World. Along the way, Jude explains the the East-West crisis in European politics, his evolving approach to national history, and how TikTok is forcing filmmakers to adapt – or die. Watch …

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Episode 90: The Lighthouse: Complexity, Meaning, Modern Art, and Mythology 1:11:45

3M ago1:11:45

1:11:45

Maverick, Avalon, and Patrick discuss the 2019 film by the Egger brothers, and get into a deeply divided discussion on the merits of this movie, it’s meaning, and its contribution to film as a whole. ---------- Highlights: 0:00 "The Lighthouse" Introduction and Rating 10:41 Maverick's Movie Philosohy 14:52 Greek Mythology 19:28 Opening Scene 25:59 …

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Coming Soon: The Klassiki Podcast 1:59

3M ago1:59

1:59

Klassiki is a streaming platform with a difference. Dedicated to cinema from eastern Europe, we offer subscribers an ever-evolving library of classic and contemporary titles, featuring iconic figures like Andrei Tarkovsky and Kira Muratova as well as hidden gems, documentaries, animation, and more. Subscribers get access to all this, as well as fil…

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Episode 89: Wonka Review: Emotional Stakes, Character Growth, and Uncompelling Characters 57:55

3M ago57:55

57:55

Maverick and Philip discuss and review the 2023 release of “Wonka”. The conversation revolves around the movie 'Wonka' and the character of Willy Wonka. The hosts discuss their expectations of the film and their impressions of the main character, played by Timothy Chalamet. They explore the depth of the character and his motivations, noting that Ch…

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Bryan Caplan — The Economics of Housing Abundance 1:50:14

3M ago1:50:14

1:50:14

Bryan Caplan is Professor of Economics at George Mason University. A bestselling author, his books include The Case Against Education, Open Borders, and Build, Baby, Build: The Science and Ethics of Housing Deregulation. Full transcript available at: josephnoelwalker.com/bryan-caplan-155 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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Episode 88: The Fall Guy: Romance versus Action, and Stock Villains 56:35

3M ago56:35

56:35

The Fall Guy is an action comedy film that revolves around the main character, Colt Sievers, a former stuntman who gets pulled back into the industry to find a missing actor. The primary theme of the movie is the relationship between Colt and his ex-girlfriend, Jodie, and whether they will get back together. The movie explores the themes of honesty…

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Episode 87: Kingdom of Heaven: Themes, Righteousness, and Theocracies With Chad Garrett 1:28:02

4M ago1:28:02

1:28:02

Maverick brings on the short film creator Chad Garrett to discuss and review one of Chad’s favorite films, Kingdom of Heaven. ---------- Highlights: 0:00 “Kingdom of Heaven” Introduction 15:00 Balian As A Flawed Character 26:08 Side Characters and Villains 34:42 Themes 44:38 The Villain 53:01 Enemies From All Sides 57:49 Revelations 1:04:16 Message…

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2. Total Recall is Apparently Indiana Jones on Mars? | Glaring Admissions 1:03:40

4M ago1:03:40

1:03:40

Total Recall is a 1990 Paul Verhoeven directed adaptation of the Phillip K. Dick story "We Can Remember It For You Wholesale." It stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as Douglas Quaid, a construction worker who dreams of going to Mars and stops at Rekall Incorporated to have the memories of one such trip implanted into his brain. However, something goes wro…

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