The Desert of the Reel: A Movie Podcast

• Nefarious (2023) - Jason's Choice #18 - The Desert of the Reel

  Nefarious (2023) Dietz wanted us to explore the big philosophical ideas in this little-known movie. The summary is:"On the day of his scheduled execution, a convicted serial killer tells a psychiatrist that he's a demon who can possess his body. As the evaluation ends, he also tells the doctor that he will soon commit three murders of his own."There are a lot of big ideas found in this movie. We need to use our knowledge to help and uplift others, we are actively choosing to step away from enobeling things, we need to be critical what we put into ourselves, and using a theological lens to look at some of the aspects of this film. What are your thoughts?Favorite possession movie?Is the world getting worse and worse? Share us your thoughts, reviews, and ideas at [email protected]!

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• Dune 2 (2024) - What are you anchored to? - The Desert of the Reel #96 (with special quest Mark Hudson)

  In this episode, we explore our favorite moments and quotes from Dune 2, sprinkled with a few criticism from Jason (unsurprisingly). Ryan introduces the phenomenological lens, which allows us to think about how the situation in which we receive a movie shapes the movie itself. Mark brings in and we discuss the shaping power of the Messiah concept. We also spend a lot of time discussing how and why people participate (or don't participate) in religion, the importance of an anchor in navigating life and improving ourselves, and the importance of anchoring yourself to the best possible elements of life.Apologies for the echo on Mark's mic. We (obviously) still haven't figured out how to effectively invite guests onto the podcast that aren't in the studio.

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• Dune (2021) - We Must Critically Analyze Truth - The Desert of the Reel #95

  Jason said he would never watch the new Dune movies because he loves the book so much. He's read it many times and thinks it is one of the best novels ever written. However, when it came to watching Dune or Harry Potter, he decided it was finally time to check out Denis Villeneuve's 2021 film. We spend a long time praising the many aspects we like from the sensory details, mise-en-scène, the score, and its subtle but effective storytelling. Jason talks about the importance of rhetoric and how it can be used as a weapon. How"truth" can be created. Jason points out that part of the reason this story works is that it still allows Paul to make choices. Ryan uses the eco-critical lens to see how DUNE uses its story to help us think about our own planet and our relationship with nature.

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• Train to Busan (2016) - The Power of Mothers - The Desert of the Reel #94

  Welcome to our discussion of what Jason claims is the most perfect zombie movie ever made: Train to Busan (2016). In this episode, we talk about zombies and zombie movies and explore just what makes this film so effective. For the first time (at least in a while), we focus mainly on the powerfully written and acted characters, rather than the plot. Jason also explains the Constant Escalation of Horror and its cultural reflections. Ryan noticed the central role mothers play in the film, and Jason and Ryan spend much of this episode exploring the various aspects and powers of motherhood.Do you agree that this is the best zombie film? One of the best horror films? One of the best films? Next week, Dune (2016), which Jason swore he would never watch because Hollywood never treats novels he loves with respect. We'll see if his prejudice holds up in the onslaught of the Harkonen. Email us at [email protected] remember, ghost sharks are good.

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• Pirates of the Caribbean Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017) - When a Company Ruins a Franchise - Desert of the Reel #93

  This movie might have broken Jason's brain (or at the very least his patience). He begs not to be forced to watch any movies as bad as this again. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017) is the last Pirates movie made. Do you agree that it is the worst one? Or at least, definitely in the running as the worst? We have two new young actors taking the stage and Jack doesn't feel like Jack at all. Jason and Ryan have a list of cons and very few pros for this film. Ryan offers some rewrites that might have greatly improved the script, but it isn't the best outing for our Pirate friends. Jason brings up Darwinian Ethics and the confounding aspect of Salazar being a "bad guy" in a world where pirates still murder and plunder. Is this a message, or conditioning from studios? Ryan also explores "Franchise Theory" and how Disney has run this franchise, which has ruined this film. What are your thoughts? Next week, Train to Busan (2016).Email us at [email protected] remember, ghost sharks are good.

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