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This episode of Movie Podcast Weekly is epic. Seven hosts review two movies — in-depth. In Episode 158 we bring you Feature Reviews of The Martian and Sicario. And to help us with these important reviews, we invited three special guests: Film critic Cody Clark and Josh and Rachel Ligairi, the hosts of Movie Stream Cast. This episode is a must-listen! Don’t miss our show or these two remarkable films!
If you’re new to our show… Movie Podcast Weekly typically features four hosts — Jason, Andy, Karl and Geek Cast Ry — along with frequent guests. We give you our verdicts on at least one new movie release from the current year that’s currently playing in theaters, as well as several mini reviews of whatever we’ve been watching lately. And we usually provide specialized genre recommendations. New episodes release every single Wednesday.
SHOW NOTES:
I. Introduction
— Welcome guest Cody Clark
— Welcome Josh and Rachel Ligairi
II. New in Theaters This Past Weekend:
The Walk [ 9/30 on IMAX only ]
Freeheld
Addicted to Fresno
He Named Me Malala [ Limited ]
Shanghai [ Limited ]
Partisan [ Limited ]
FEATURE REVIEWS HAVE TIME STAMPS:
[ 0:05:10 ] III. Feature Review: THE MARTIAN (2015)
Jason = 8.5 ( Theater / Buy it! )
Andy = 10 ( Theater / Buy it! )
Karl = 11 ( Theater / Buy it! )
Ryan = 10 ( Theater / Buy it! )
Josh = 8 ( Theater / Buy it! )
Rachel Ligairi = 9 ( Theater / Buy it! )
Cody Clark = 10 ( Theater / Buy it! )
[ 0:38:23 ] IV. Feature Review: WARNING: SPOILER SECTION FOR THE MARTIAN STARTS RIGHT NOW
[ 1:03:57 ] V. Feature Review: SICARIO (2015)
Jason = 9 ( Theater / Buy it! )
Andy = 8.5 ( Theater / Buy it! )
Ryan = 9 ( Theater / Buy it! )
Josh = 9 ( Theater / Buy it! )
Rachel Ligairi = 9.5 ( Theater / Buy it! )
Cody Clark = 10 ( Theater / Must-See Rental )
[ 1:26:17 ] VI. Feature Review: WARNING: SPOILER SECTION FOR SICARIO STARTS RIGHT NOW
VII. Wrap-Up / Plugs / Ending
COMING UP ON MPW NEXT WEEK:
Episode 159 where we’ll be reviewing “The Walk,” “Pan” and “Wild Horses.” Join us!
Movie Podcast Weekly… The Clown Car of Movie Podcasts.
LINKS FOR THIS EPISODE:
Listen to Rachel and Josh on Movie Stream Cast
Subscribe to Movie Stream Cast free on iTunes
Hear MSC’s EPIC Survivor episode with Cody Clark
Josh recommends: October 23, 2015 at 7 p.m. Mountain. 10th Anniversary screening of “New York Doll” documentary
Cody Clark recommends listening to 60 Words Radio Lab podcast
Contact MPW:
E-mail us: MoviePodcastWeekly@gmail.com.
Leave us a voicemail: (801) 382-8789.
Follow MPW on Twitter: @MovieCastWeekly
Leave a comment in the show notes for this episode.
Ry’s BIO
Ry’s flagship show: Geek Cast Live Podcast
DONATE here to facilitate the creation of more Geek content!
Blog: Geek Cast Live
Web site: Geek Harder.com
Facebook
Twitter: @GeekCastRy
Jason recommends supporting: Operation Underground Railroad
Listen to MPW:
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Josh’s links:
Hear Josh named as one of the Top 5 Up-and-Coming Directors on The Film Vault Podcast!
Twitter: @IcarusArts
Josh covers streaming movies on: Movie Stream Cast
Hear Josh on The SciFi Podcast
Hear Josh on Horror Movie Podcast
If you’re a Horror fan, listen to Jason and Josh on HORROR MOVIE PODCAST
We’d like to thank The Dave Eaton Element and Dave himself for the use of his music for our theme song. Buy Dave’s Eaton’s music: BandCamp.com
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Thanks for listening, and join us again next week for Movie Podcast Weekly.
J – Glad to see you survived editing this 7-host episode. Can’t wait to listen and discuss.
Thanks, Dino. Sorry it’s so damn late… But this particular show was worth it!
J
You’ll hear no complaints on that from me. You can ask Juan… last week, I was saying I hope this episode drops a little late so I could have time to see both THE MARTIAN and SICARIO. And it did, and I did.
So thanks, buddy.
I imagine that editing a show with 7-hosts is no easy task, so I was expecting it to be late anyway.
Like I told Dino earlier today, ask away, bro. But yeah, I can back him up on that. I’m glad he was able to watch both films and *SPOILER ALERT* love them both. I also liked both films quite a lot and they’re in my top 5 movies of the year so far. I’m so happy that everyone seems to feel the same way more or less.
Joooooosssssshhhhh!!!!! I’m pumped to listen. 🙂
Gooooooomez! You weren’t commenting when I was on the show. Looks like you’re a regular. Thanks for the welcome! It’s fun to talk to these guys and you should come join us on the other podcasts too!
Gomez you on Twitter ?
I’m loving the way Rachel is pronouncing her Spanish. You could learn a thing or two from her, Josh. By the way, I love Rachel’s voice. She speaks with an authority that, even if she’s wrong—something that doesn’t happen often, I’m sure—I’d buy into pretty much anything she says. And not to get weird, but she has a very appealing voice. Sorry, Josh and Rachel.
#letsgetweirdyall
Rachel does have a very pleasant voice and she uses it to say some extremely intelligent stuff. She’s great and I wish we heard from her more.
Rachel is flattered because she hates hearing her voice (and actually asked Jay to edit her down). But I’m glad it worked out and my wife is so appealing to you. Thanks a lot, creepers!
If this is actually your subtle reverse psychology to ensure I don’t bring Rachel on any more podcasts, it’s working, Jefe!
Haha not at all. I tried to be as honest as possible without sounding creepy. I think David did the better job. Rachel, if you’re reading this please don’t creep out. I’m a nice guy. Josh can vouch for me, right Josh?
Oh, yeah! Juan’s the best! At least that’s what he’s pounding into our heads all day every day. “I’m so cool. My name is Juan. Nobody knows how to pronounce my name because it’s sooooo complicated you just wouldn’t understand. I like craft beer and vinyls. Houston is soooo much better than San Antonio. Me and my friends don’t wear pants. I’m a devoted Brony. I once killed a drifter for his shoes.Woo woo woo.” Yeah, sounds like a great guy, right?
Oh man, this made me laugh…
hard.
Haha daaaaaaaaaang! Alright, that was cool.
Ha ha, Juan and David, you are both very kind. I’m not creeped out, though I do wish I would have done more research to back up my apparently authoritative-sounding voice (years of teaching helped me perfect the ability to sound like I know what I’m talking about even when I don’t ha ha). I ran across this article soon after the podcast and thought it would have been an interesting addition: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/12/world/americas/portrayal-of-juarez-in-sicario-vexes-residents-trying-to-move-past-dark-times.html?ref=americas&_r=0
I’m not an expert in the subject, and though I follow what I can, I’m not always fully informed in the matters of drug cartels and their effects on Mexico. I’m also not going to pretend like I know what’s really going on because I don’t even live in Mexico anymore. I haven’t been back since 1994. From what I read and from what friends tell me though, the Mexico that I knew is long gone. What I mean to say is, take my words as those of a ranting lunatic.
Your conversation with Andy was great and I loved that you were on basically opposite ends on your stance, which helps illustrate how difficult this situation is. One can’t simply point a finger because there are so many variables. There are so many layers to the effects that cartels have on a community other than explicit violence and a rise in crime. I would say that the most detrimental aspect is corruption because it’s not always perceived as such. It’s the silent killer that’s been chipping away at the country for a very long time. I know corruption is not exclusive to Mexico, and I realize corruption can be too broad of a word to describe a country’s problems, but the level of corruption there is so insane. There’s little sense of honesty, morality, integrity, and goodwill amongst the people with power, even at the lowest levels. Corruption is the easy solution to one’s problems and cartels are very good at manipulating people in need.
I remember stories my dad used to tell me about the cartels back in his days as a teacher in Sinaloa. There is one in particular where he was actually involved in a rather corrupt activity. He met a few cartel members during parent/teacher day — my parents used to be elementary school teachers —and he said they were the nicest people (before he found out what they were really about). They built churches, schools, parks, etc. but there was always a catch. All of this was used as leverage to gain favors from people. It doesn’t matter if you agree to their terms or not, if you can be of help or if you’re in their way, they’ll make sure to have a talk with you. Everyone’s a stepping stone.
When my parents decided to make the move from Sinaloa to Monterrey, my dad had to borrow money from a friend to send us away. He had to stay behind to work off his debt, which was supposed to be a couple of months. Well, this debt soon became quite the nuisance and it wasn’t long before he was asked by his friend to help steal electoral votes from the school he taught at. My dad said he pretty much had no choice, so he did what he was told. This may not seem like that big of a deal, but things like this happen all the time. Actions like these go undetected by the media and a lot of the people who are threatened stay quiet out of fear. And the scary thing is that everyone’s involved. From the government to the church to regular Joes like my dad. You just never know who you’re really dealing with until you yourself find yourself involved somehow. It sounds like a crazy conspiracy theory, but this is the sad reality. The cartels control it all and the biggest one of them all is the government. One doesn’t need to look that far back to find evidence of this. The 2014 mass kidnapping of students from Iguala was such a disgrace. Anyway, I’m just rambling on by this point.
Juan, not to get all mushy and stuff, but this made me realize exactly why I’m so hopeful that an MPN meet-up happens. Here we are, a community of people who have never met and come from different places and backgrounds, but are bound by similar interests. Reading about your dad’s stories and your move from Mexico just made me wish you were telling it to me while drinking a nice beer.
We’ll need to figure out a way to get David across the pond.
Wow, that was so interesting, Juan. And I agree that the situation is so tricky, so many shades of gray. When you live in a society in which corruption has in many cases replaced the rule of law how does everyone not become involved to some extent? Participating in the established system is a means of survival. And you can’t fight corruption with weapons and war of course. This is a pretty funny clip about a group of Mexican comedians who are trying to do what they can to change the cultural attitude regarding rules there, if you haven’t seen it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lh2Zqju3e5o
Considering his profession I was actually quite surprised by Andy’s “everything’s black and white” approach. Though I’m aware that his potentially escapist requirements from movies may not reflect his real-life approach.
I just don’t think it is (or should be presented as) a black and white issue though. Certainly there’s a lot of objectively bad people involved but how many members of these Cartels are enlisted as children or are terrified into participation? I haven’t seen Sicario yet but just from the discussion it sounds to me like the message of the film is just how ethically complex these issues can be.
(Not that Mexico is in any way unique when it comes to a lack of metro etiquette!)
Haha that is so funny! That really takes me back. I learned how to use public transportation at a very early age, so I know firsthand how bad etiquette is. The general cultural attitude needs a big adjustment. There are certain basic rules of conduct that are completely ignored that baffle me, especially after having lived in the US for so long and seeing how differently people behave here. Not to put my country down but it is a very troubled country and I’d love nothing more than for it to flourish. As it is though, I don’t think I’ll ever move back.
Rachel speaks Spanish fluently, Juan. Pretty sure I’m trying harder than the other non-Spanish speakers on the show. I could teach her a thing or two about French and Dutch pronunciation. How many languages do I have to learn before it’s good enough for you, Rey? Señor Perfecto!
Haha you crack me up, Josh. You’re making it sound like I’m this elitist person. I think you have me confused with Dino 😉 Just to set the record straight, I think you’re perfect in every way, Joshito. In a totally platonic way of course 😉
Whatever you say, El Jefe.
Oh God. I hope that doesn’t stick.
Oh, how I hope it does. Haha
Good luck with that, Halloweenie.
Ok, I’ve only listened to the first half so far. Whatta show. Brought out some all-stars for this one, whammy!!! And bringing on Rachel for some poignant comments was a nice touch, especially in this *MEEP*-laden sausage fest of a show. 🙂
Anyway, I loved The Martian, too. It was hilarious and had plenty of peril for me. When he blew out the airlock my stomach was in knots. And I liked that they didn’t tie Damon to any romantic interests back at home. I think the character was supposed to be the type of person who’s focused and doesn’t emit much emotion. I agree with Carl that that’s what NASA does, looks for someone who can handle their *MEEP* in space. And that they showed the two moments of his weakness to reveal his human-ness, was great. I refer to the time immediately after the airlock is blown and he’s in the space-car and he’s just about to start typing a message to NASA and he loses it. I thought it was great. And also, later on, after he patches the hole up, he moans to himself when he hears the impending doom of wind howling outside. Another great touch.
In conclusion, I would like to take a moment to recognize the well-timed, overlooked comment of Ry….”I think I’d Fleetwood Mac that *MEEP*”….ohhh, man, while everyone else was talking over each other and getting there comments in, I was soiling myself. Kudos. 🙂
Great show, so far, all. 🙂
Later
You got a time stamp on the comment?
Random note, but I just thought of a recommendation segment idea that might work really well for Karl. It could be called something like “You always remember your first” and would discuss debut performances in film.
Alternatively, it could be called “Film Virgins.”
But aren’t most debut performances frighteningly awkward, embarrassing and disappointing?
Oh wait, we’re talking about films?
Well played, sir.
That’s definitely not what she said.
Oh boy, do I have a story for you!
Hmmmm….
Dude! How did you know what she said?
You know how.
This is getting even creepier than usual!
This is creepy?!
It’s so weird to hear Jay and Josh being on almost the same page when it comes to “The Martian”.
What’s weird for me is that I agree with Josh’s point, but at the same time, I don’t consider them detractors of the film. Quite the opposite, really. I’ll post my thoughts soon. I actually got to see both back to back but in the wrong order (The Martian, then Sicario). Man that was a rollercoaster of emotions that ended in total bleakness. What a day!
That would have been ROUGH!
Also, I just want to give a shout out to Jay for all the effort he continues to put in. Obviously it’s been said before but he deserves recurrent recognition. The number of offensive terms, curses and spoilers that he has to bleep out must make for a heck of a workload.
I second that….Pyles for President! 🙂
I wonder if Jay would be open to the idea of releasing an unbleeped version of the podcast. That would probably cause him a lot of extra work and storage space, so it doesn’t look like it could happen :/
Good question, Juan.
To answer your question and for simplicity’s sake, let’s use the iTunes designation of “explicit” to represent content that would be PG-13 or R-rated. (I included PG-13 because, for instance, some F-words can be included with that rating; whereas, I never include them in my podcasts.)
Both MPW and HMP (and any of the podcasts I have produced) are non-explicit. My everyday speaking style isn’t explicit, but it generally doesn’t offend me when those around me are. My wife would never tolerate my releasing of explicit podcasts, which is the only real reason I haven’t pursued screenwriting further. The only films I would make would probably be R-rated, and that wouldn’t fly at my house, either. : )
Plus, even though we review and discuss R-rated movies (including Horror movies), I endeavor not to pass on “a legacy of explicit, artistic creations” for my kids. Songs, podcasts, etc. In other words, I personally don’t want to be a creator or generator of “explicit content.”
So, that’s why MPW and HMP aren’t explicit. And yes, you’re right, I’d need twice as much storage space to produce two of every show, explicit and non-explicit.
Not a very sexy answer, I know. But those are the reasons. : ) Thanks for asking, dammit. ha ha
J
Sorry, Jay. Next time I’ll ask you a sexy question 😉
Thank you for the answer and don’t worry, I completely understand where you’re coming from. Believe it or not, it’s very refreshing listening to a podcast devoid of excessive cursing and unnecessary trolling (Ry excluded haha jk, Ry). I appreciate explicit dialogue — I myself use explicit language though not often — so I do sometimes crave hearing Andy, Karl, and Ry curse whenever I hear a bleep. After reading your reasons, I won’t ask you for explicit content anymore. Your reasons are commendable and I respect them. On a related note, you should consider this slogan: The last untainted place on the internet… or something.
Keep it up, bro. For our sanity’s sake, keep it up!
You said taint.
I’ve mentioned before that I have a particularly foul mouth, mostly inherited from years of factory work, and that I feel like the lack of explicit language on these podcasts actually helps to encourage me to reign in my own language. Of course I’m not at all averse to explicit content but sometimes it’s nice to have something to listen that’s (relatively) pleasant and comfortable and family friendly and I also think that without being able to resort to excessive language you guys are put in a position that elicits more creative descriptions and elaborate, explanatory expressions than might otherwise be achieved.
I do somewhat yearn to hear Karl’s Irish swears though.
Truthfully, I don’t have a single problem with the censoring of the podcasts. It makes life easier on you on the homefront, allows MPW and HMP to receive a more family friendly rating on iTunes, and it’s not as if you’re completely removing the cussing. Every time we hear a recording of Andy’s MEEP, we know what’s being said compared to if you just removed the air and there would be a moment of silence, making it unclear if it was an edit or just a technical glitch.
Granted, Karl will likely eventually kill you for censoring out his cuss words, I’m fine with never hearing cuss words on HMP or MPW.
Thanks, Guys. That means a lot to me. Genuinely. Your appreciation literally (and I mean literally in its true sense) — literally — keeps this podcast going. Both MPW and HMP.
Here’s why: When I’m sitting up at 3 a.m. trying to get an MPW or HMP episode edited, falling asleep at my desk, biting my lip and drooling on myself, I always start re-evaluating my life… ha ha. But then, when I get gracious comments like these from David and gomez98, I get my answer. I love it, and you guys appreciate it. And it keeps me going. Thank you so much.
J
Hey Andy! I’m pretty good at drywall because, you know, I’m Mexican 😉
Nice.
A recap of MPW #158 in one line:
Andy: “Can we get to spoilers now?!”
J – Thanks for the expanded discussion of the feature films. I’m sure you and others will agree, this episode was made much better for it. 😉
A few notes on your discussion of SICARIO…
I love that Josh brought up ZERO DARK THIRTY because I was thinking the same exact thing early on when I was watching the movie. Actually, I feel about the same as Josh for the film as a whole, with the end losing a little steam for me as well once it strayed from the procedural structure that it began with.
But, first, I want to rewind to the very beginning of the film and that opening scene. It was mentioned during the discussion, but I wanted to highlight it a little more because it is so extreme and gruesome. It drew several gasps and “oh mys” in my theater crowd, and even as a horror fan I would say it was legit. That opening scene is so brilliant because it immediately transports the audience into this dark and troubling drug world, while also setting our expectations for what’s to come. More than just that, though, the opening scene serves to give Kate a reason to be in this fight. That’s why she was there.
I think it’s pretty clear that Kate is an idealist. She joined the FBI because she wanted to make a difference; to help make the world a better place. And, she not only believed she COULD make a difference, but up to this point she probably thought she WAS making a difference. That’s why the opening scene of the film is such an eye-opener for her (besides the obvious gruesomeness of it), and that forms the motivation for her actions the rest of the film. That’s why she’s there. That’s why she goes along with things even when she’s in the dark or thinks what they’re doing is not “right.” That’s why she goes against her values as an upstanding agent. Because everything she does is under the belief that this is the only way she can really make a difference.
And ultimately, that’s why the character of Kate is so devastatingly tragic in the end. She went through hell and back with the best intentions of doing things right and making a difference. But what she learns on the way is that the only way to make a difference is to engage in activity that she finds “wrong.” And even then you can’t really make a difference, at least not in the way her idealist mind wants to. It’s as Alejandro said early in the film: “Nothing will make sense to your American ears, and you will doubt everything that we do, but in the end you will understand.” In the end, she does understand and the reality is far from her idealized notion of the world and what’s right. She’s completely and utterly defeated. That’s why she signs the paper (well, and also to save her own life). That’s why she doesn’t pull the trigger.
From the other side, Kate had to be there for very real, practical reasons, which are made clear in the film (to make it legal for the CIA to operate on domestic soil). Kate was the perfect “consultant” because she had tactical experience and could handle herself in the field. And more importantly, she had the emotional connection to the mission that would ensure she stuck with it (see: opening scene). Personally, I feel these two reasons, more than the fact that she’s a woman, influenced their decision to select her for the task force.
Another element of the film that I loved was how Kate served as the audience surrogate. She was kept in the dark for most of the film, and then things slowly unraveled as the true purpose and mission of the task force began to reveal itself. This mirrored the experience I had while watching the film; confused for most of it and then slowly realizing what was happening, and just how grim and seemingly hopeless the situation truly was.
Something this film was chock full of were wonderful little character moments. Every character, no matter how long or short a time we spend with them, is fully fleshed out and we have a pretty good understanding of what that person is all about. Josh Brolin’s character, in particular, is so expertly crafted with his nonchalant and self-assured attitude. Another great example is Jeffrey Donovan’s character (the convoy driver near the beginning). These examples are scattered throughout the film. Even the team leader for the military “tunnel” team is given a great character moment with his single line to Kate before they enter the tunnel near the end.
And, yes, the soundtrack is chilling and perfect.
Overall, SICARIO is nearly pitch perfect throughout. The element of the film I disliked the most were the scenes with the state policeman and his family. They felt manipulative and I didn’t like how they were shoehorned into the movie as I was watching it, but the payoff in the final scene made it all worthwhile. In a year replete with really excellent films, SICARIO is a standout. For me, it’s a 9/10, and a must see in theaters.
Incidently, I want to echo what Josh said about director Denis Villeneuve: earlier this week over on the Movie Stream Cast message board, I said I’m ready to call Villeneuve one of the great Canadian directors (http://www.moviestreamcast.com/movie-stream-cast-52-vic-flo-saw-a-bear-2014/#comment-1945). The common thread connecting his last three directorial works – SICARIO, ENEMY and PRISONERS – is that they’re all deep, dark, depressive, and brilliant. I’m excited to see what he does with the Blade Runner reboot.
Some thoughts on THE MARTIAN…
THE MARTIAN to me is very similar to FORREST GUMP in tone and feeling: both are extremely uplifting stories about the human condition, and neither has any real antagonist. In both films, the antagonist is essentially the environment, and the struggle is simply just to survive.
The strength of THE MARTIAN is undoubtedly the science in it, and the problem solving with science. Overall, I think the movie is strong and the story is compelling on its own merit, so I’ll be surprised if anyone really dislikes this film. But, if the science doesn’t hit for you – like it didn’t seem to for J or Josh – then I imagine this film would be a bit of a miss. It’s as if THE MARTIAN is vanilla ice cream – solid, for sure, but probably not anyone’s favorite flavor. But, vanilla ice cream is a great vehicle for toppings; the toppings would be the science in the movie. The vanilla ice cream sunday with excellent toppings makes for a great dessert… unless you don’t like toppings. Then, you’re just left with vanilla ice cream. Solid, but probably not your favorite.
What?
The reason I’m babbling on about ice cream sundays is because I can’t really think of much to say about THE MARTIAN. In some ways, it’s a less interesting film to discuss than SICARIO. However, make no mistake, I absolutely loved THE MARTIAN. There’s so much that I liked about the movie. Matt Damon is such a likable person and his performance as Mark Watney is stellar. The writing and delivery of lines is so good throughout. I especially liked the video journal entries that Watney logs. The science is explained enough that we get a sense of the process, but not so much that we get buried in tiresome details. The soundtrack, while not particularly memorable, had these awesome little “alien-like” flourishes that made it sound otherworldly. And I appreciate that the film didn’t resort to a cheap emotional hook by attaching a family or love story to Watney in order to stir our emotions. It was just a pure story of survival and the process that’s involved, and it totally worked for me.
While I was watching it, I was initially turned off by the lack of conflict. This movie has no antagonist. Everyone is working towards the same goal, and the only conflict is when the environment or science present another obstacle to maneuver around or problem to solve. This actually bothered me at first, until I realized that it just wasn’t “that kind of movie.” After that, I just sat back and enjoyed the ride.
Lastly, I’ll say that I hope everyone saw this film in 3D on the largest screen they could find. Cody and I were discussing good 3D films just the other week. Well, this is a good 3D film. A really good 3D film.
THE MARTIAN is a celebration of nerdery and intelligence. It makes science and being smart cool, and I cannot wait to show this movie to my sons. For me, it’s a 10/10 and a must see in theaters, preferably in 3D on the largest damn screen you can find.
Sorry for such a short reply, but I’m walking out the door to Bridge of Spies … just to be clear … the science did hit for me. In a big way! It was the emotions and character that were lacking.
I wish I could go back in time and was walking out the door to Crimson Peak. Just sayin’
I just walked in the door to see it. Crimson Peak, of course. I’ve zero interest in Bridge of Spies :/
I love politics, I love REAL spies an espionage, I love most Speilberg. Seemed made-to-oder.
*and and *order … guess I can’t comment from my phone when I don’t have an edit button. I’m getting lazy! Also, this was more directed at Dino’s “duh”
Josh, I love politics, real spy stories and espionage, and most Spielberg films too…
but, duh.
That’s sad to hear.
But, then, duh…
You’re right, Josh. My bad for misrepresenting your point. Honestly, I knew that, too… I just got lazy in my writing.
Hi Dino and all,
I too loved The Martian with the only downside being the dumbing down of the science in the book, as well as missing out an awful lot of the science and problem solving.
Obviously understand there are limits to a movie, but this was one film that managed to be great nonetheless. Do read the book if you enjoy problem solving – Watney had so many more than you see!
And yes, a great promotion for NASA and future space exploration. Our world needs more scientists and this movie will help motivate many young ones to follow that path. Thanks.
I’ve heard that criticism from book readers, but I really think the movie would have bogged down if it got too much into the technical details. There are some (like J, perhaps?) who seem to have thought there was too much science in the movie already. Like you said, in film it’s always a fine line to balance between too much book detail and not enough. For me, I think they traversed that line well, but that’s definitely a subjective element.
Ref upcoming MPW on ‘The Walk’ I really hope Jason and his wife have/had a great experience. I give it an 11 without hesitation and hope to see it win some awards. Such a refreshing change from the violent action and similar stuff that the average audience has been brainwashed into expecting and enjoying. I’m no prude and violence is fine if it reflects reality (like Sicario).
I was upset just a little when one of J’s co-hosts made a negative comment/groan when J mentioned going to see The Walk. Come on guys, you cannot pre-judge movies like that, right? Especially something so good as this one! Leave your pre-conceptions in the foyer and watch/enjoy whatever it is.
Again, I give The Walk an 11 (and I could only see the 2D version) and look forward to hearing MPW 159.
Karl: How confident are you that “The Martian” will still be your bee-motee (BMotY) by the end of December?
I wonder if Jay and Karl are still sceptical after seeing this. It looks amazing. I feel like a little kid on Christmas morning with a whole stocking full of Star Wars toys.
Karl says he’s sticking with “The Martian” for now.
It’s too bad that THIS couldn’t have happened 16 years ago, instead of “The Phantom Menace.” The one thing that’s a little strange is the idea that in-universe characters would have forgotten about events from the original three films in Han Solo’s lifetime. As cool as those lines are in a trailer, would anyone *really* not know whether “the stories” about the Darth Vader and the Galactic Empire are true 30-ish years after those events actually happened? Feels kind of like if I were to ask my parents today, “Was there really a USSR?” Or, reaching further back, I was born almost 30 years after World War II ended, but it’s not as though I’ve ever questioned those curious fables about Hitler.
POTENTIAL SPOILERS FOR FORCE AWAKENS TRAILER/MOVIE:
I took it more as a suggestion that the concepts of The Force and The Jedi are still viewed by most as mythical. Which I don’t think is a stretch in regard to the original trilogy when those elements were mostly gone from the galaxy and described as little more than “hokey religion”. by Han Solo. Even Darth Vader’s abilities were openly doubted by some of the Imperial Officers in A New Hope. I’m sure the galaxy still remembers the battle against the Empire and the victory of the rebellion but the finer details, particularly involving Luke And Darth Vader, are likely distorted or all but forgotten. After all that was a more personal conflict between two individuals in a Galaxy of thousands of planets. I think we’ve also got to consider who Han’s talking to in the trailer. We have a guy who appears to be an ex-stormtrooper, likely brainwashed and a girl who seems to live a secluded, lonely life on a back-water planet. It’s possible they’re so disconnected from normal galactic civilisation that history ain’t their strongest subject.
I actually really like the conceit of having the more mystical aspects of the previous films viewed as little more than urban legend by some of the newer characters.
Thanks for the spoiler warning on the trailer. You’re a pal.
Dino, I don’t know how you do it. Your iron will is something to behold.
To quote my former boss, “it’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle.”
Great Martian review!
I mean from Karl…
Also, Josh, if you read the book every single issue you have with the movie was dealt with well. Which is why I place the bad parts of this movie squarely on the shoulders of Ridley Scott.
Which you just said yourself on the podcast….I should stop commenting as I listen and do it after I’ve heard the show.
No, don’t stop. This is more fun. 😛