Episode 315 – THE MARVELS

The Matineecast

Runtime

88 minutes

Show Contents

0:00 Introduction

2:35 Know Your Enemy with Guest – Hillary Butler

21:46 The New Slang: THE MARVELS

67:35 The Other Side: Hillary and Ryan talk further reading after Nia DaCosta’s film

Thoughts from your host…

For the most part, we don’t talk about “the bigger films” here on the podcast. For instance, looking at the top ten films at the box office so far this year, we haven’t done an episode on any of them.

Last year? One

The year before? Three.

There’s nothing wrong with these movies (I usually see most of them), it’s just not what interests me for a topic of discussion. As you can see though, occasionally we make exceptions (like today’s ‘things-go-boom’ selection).

For that reason, it surprises me that my guest and I will be talking about a big franchise movie that a lot of people will not see. Not because I feel like a film like todays is essential viewing, but more because it has found itself in this weird overlap of abandonment. Those who don’t like the genre have found a whole new line of ammo to riddle it with thanks to a cover story in an industry outlet that didn’t say a single new piece of information.

Meanwhile a sizeable section of “the fans” are abandoning it because they don’t agree with who and what it represents. They believe that this story doesn’t serve their interests, and have a troubling relationship with the lead actor.

What all of this means is that while this podcast episode is focusing on a “bigger film” in brand, it’s actually a smaller film where interest and exposure are concerned – which is seven kinds of weird. It’s weird because of the specific way in which the venn diagram of disinterest for the film overlaps, but it’s most weird because the film is a truly enjoyable romp. It’s bright, it’d goofy, it’s heartfelt, and it’s a lot of fun.

And yet, for entirely different sets of reasons, both sides of the divide are turning their back on it. This is a real pity – perhaps for no other reason than the fact that it is a decision that is just riddled with baggage.

For those of you who saw the film and who are here to listen – we truly hope you enjoy!

Everyone else? Well…tune in anyway. Perhaps we can convince you.

Links Mentioned in Episode 315:

SECRETARY poster:

Captain Mervel panels written by Kelly Sue DeConnick – “…every little girl flies”:

Matineecast 161 where we talked about GHOSTBUSTERS (2016)

SNL Hall of Fame Podcast where I championed Kristen Wiig

Matineecast 253 where we talked about PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN

Trailer for 2005’s EVERYTHING IS ILLUMINATED:

The Matinee’s reaction to Brie Larson’s 2017 film UNICORN STORE

Hillary’s Twitter feed can be found here. Comments and feedback are welcome and thank you very much for listening.

Enjoy!