Episodi
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Zoe dives deep into the Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, the latest installment in the reboot franchise. Zoe is a big fan of the original film Planet of the Apes from 1968, and fell in love with the recent trilogy helmed mostly by Matt Reeves. This new installment comes after what Zoe describes as a perfect trilogy, so how exactly do you follow-up perfection? It is a nearly impossible task, and Zoe said she mostly enjoyed the movie but found some flaws... In this spoiler-filled review, she explains her exact problems with the movie and comparing it to the previous film's execution on characters and social commentary. It's a long rant, thanks for joining!
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In this spoiler-free reel review, Zoe discusses the latest installment to a franchise she loves: Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Admittedly, this franchise may be somewhat niche. There are likely two types of audience go-ers: those who love the trilogy and those who haven't seen any of the previous films. So this poses a challenge for the filmmakers, how do they please both types of audience members or do they just choose one of them? Zoe thinks the filmmakers did a good job at solving this problem, but there's another challenge. The protagonist. How can you create a lovable protagonist after following Caesar's journey for three films? Zoe thinks they did a good job trying to solve this problem, but she has overall mixed feelings as a fan of the franchise. She does however recommend the film if 1) you have proper expectations & 2) don't bring your small children!!! CGI apes does NOT equal kid-friendly movie.
By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. Let us know what movies you want to get the reel review treatment!
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Episodi mancanti?
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In this spoiler-free reel review, Zoe covers the action-packed film The Fall Guy, starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. The film is a love letter to the stunt community, filmmaking, and classic action films. That makes a lot of sense because its directed by David Leitch who got his start in Hollywood by being a stunt man and has now directed several big action films. This action film is pretty good but Zoe cautions those bringing younger family members with its drug references and strong language.
By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. Let us know what movies you want to get the reel review treatment!
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This episode of Reel Review is different. Instead of reviewing a new movie, Zoe is joined with two incredible guests to discuss their new film: Pastor's Kid. The film's director and writer is Benjamin Koppin, who works in L.A. as a commercial producer and independent filmmaker with his wife. The leading actress in the film is played by Courtney Bandeko who loves working in indie-films and has also done a lot of TV shows.
On this podcast episode, they talk with Zoe about their unique faith-based film that is rated R for strong language and themes, but all agree this is actually something a lot of people can resonate and connect with. They talk about the changing Christian filmmaking landscape and the importance of healing in the church.
Pastor's Kid: "In this raw true story of faith and redemption, college student, Riley grapples with her identity after years of abuse and religious hypocrisy. She must face this painful past to find healing."
You can learn more about Ben Koppin's production company on IMDb
And on Instagram @1988.films is where you can learn about his current and new projects.
And you can follow Courtney Bandeko on Instagram click here
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In this Reel 2, Zoe is taking a closer look at the "true story" the movie The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is based on. It turns out this action-backed and violent rated R film may not be as true to the real life events or heroes as it seems. And sadly, that is true with many films based on "true stories" because there is no standard or expectation for how accurate they are supposed to be... Is this a problem? Is it okay to fudge the facts to make it entertaining? Zoe would argue it isn't okay but what do you think?
...By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. Let us know what movies you want to get the reel review treatment!
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In this spoiler-free reel review, Zoe covers the refreshing and entertaining film "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" starring Henry Cavil. Zoe and her husband Sam enjoyed this film but it is definitely for mature audiences with profuse swearing and a glorification of violence. There is one scene which has some nudity from behind, but it is a scene which shows a character how bad these Nazis are, and the scene was done tastefully and purposefully. The film is fast paced and based on the true story of this secret mission to stop the Nazis...
By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. Let us know what movies you want to get the reel review treatment!
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This Reel 2 is a deep dive on the recent film, "Monkey Man". If you are looking for a spoiler free review, that was Reel 1 which you can listen to right now. But this episode is dedicated to unpacking
what makes this film stand out in the action genre and the filmmaker behind it all, Dev Patel. Spoilers ahead!
By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. Let us know what movies you want to get the reel review treatment!
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In this spoiler-free reel review, Zoe covers the surprising film "Monkey Man" which was written, directed, produced and starring Dev Patel. This film is rated R in every way, from the bloody violence, to language, and nudity, but it is also a heavy film wrestling with a lot of themes like religion and politics, revenge, and the treatment of minorities. It is a difficult film to recommend and depends on you, the movie-goer. For sure, it is a provocative film that is full of heart.
By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. Let us know what movies you want to get the reel review treatment!
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In this Reel 2, Zoe asked her resident Godzilla-expert Sam to bring his knowledge to the conversation. Sam discusses why he felt this movie was more of a Kong movie than a Godzilla film, not really a team-up, and he wishes the Legendary studio would make a genuine Godzilla-centered film. They also talk about the monster-verse, franchise-fatigue, and how it is indeed possible to make legitimately good monster movies.... and maybe this one is just "okay".
By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. Let us know what movies you want to get the reel review treatment!
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Big monster fights are not Zoe's cup of tea when it comes to movies but this latest entry in the "monster-verse" franchise from Legendary Studios surprised her! She had a very fun time at the theater and her husband who is a mega Godzilla fan was also pleased. It can't be compared to Japan's film, Godzilla Minus One, from last year, but that's okay because they're two completely different films and it's something Zoe can't wait to talk about in Reel 2.
By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. Let us know what movies you want to get the reel review treatment!
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In this deep dive into Kung Fu Panda 4, Zoe explains why she feels this full shows the greed of Hollywood. One of the film's co-directors, Stephanie Stein, has come out expressing her frustration with DreamWorks and shared her unfortunate experience on the project. Her story explains exactly what went wrong on this film: the bad storytelling decisions, lack of character development, rapid pacing, and how clearly it was all produced to make money. This shouldn't come as a surprise, of course, but it is frustrating none the less. Zoe emphasizes the importance of good storytelling and how disappointing it is to see this happen to a good animated trilogy.
Do you agree or disagree? Let us know and what movie you want reviewed!
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This reel review shares two opinions on the film Kung Fu Panda 4. Zoe found the film lackluster and disappointing but her autistic brother Josh found it hilarious. Perhaps it isn't worth the theater price but it is a passable kids film, if you don't mind your kids watching small bunnies jump with glee for violence.
Reel 2 will contain a spoiler-filled deep dive on the film's flaws and lost potential.... almost ironic, considering a metaphor in the film is a peach pit being the seed to greatness, this film did not develop its potential.
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It's okay if Dune isn't your cup of tea when it comes to film entertainment, but for Zoe its frustrating when people criticize the Dune films for being style over substance. Here in this deeper dive, Zoe shares some background information on the director, Denis Villeneuve, which illustrates what makes him a unique storyteller. He employs "show don't tell" through the tools of cinematic storytelling with cinematography, lighting, and audio design, and he trusts his audience. There is a lot of style in this movie, but there is also a story at the heart of it, and not all movies have heart these days...
By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. Let us know what movies you want to get the reel review treatment!
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This is your spoiler free review of the second part to the recent sci fi saga, Dune. Zoe is very biased on this one since she is a huge fan of sci fi, fantasy, world-building, and the director Denis Villeneuve. So for her, this was a highly anticipated sequel... and you shouldn't walk into a theater with expectations, but lucky for her this sequel was three-hours well spent. However, this may not be everyone's thing, and the film is rated a "hard" pg-13 with intense violence and direct intimacy inferences.
In Reel 2, Zoe hopes to dive into the director's style, "show not tell" in storytelling, and whether art in cinema can be style over substance...
By the way, welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message. Let us know what movies you want to get the reel review treatment!
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Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message.
This is a fun episode where Zoe goes through each of the movie trailers released during the Super Bowl and offers her insight on the films, what she's excited about, looking forward to, and nervous about... the stories we tell matter and impact our culture! How do you feel about these films?
List of films:
A Quiet Place: Day One
Despicable Me 4
The Fall Guy
Kung Fu Panda 4
Deadpool & Wolverine
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Wicked
Twisters
IF
Monkey Man
Inside Out 2
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Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message.
This is Reel 2, Part 2. The deep dive with Zoe's special guest Cable Takenaka continues...Cable and Zoe look at Christian movies as a whole: what their reputation has been, where we stand currently, and what to look forward to from Christian filmmakers--or as Cable and Zoe explain, "filmmakers who are Christian" and the difference that makes.
Filmmakers are artists and storytellers, bearing the image of God through their craft, and hopefully weaving a story that points a viewer back to the greatest storyteller ever: God. It is a challenging thing to do both in terms of the artistic craftsmanship and in character-driven storytelling. But it is important to walk this fine line because stories have the power to make people think and feel...
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Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message.
This is Reel 2, Part 1. The deep dive that Zoe had with her special guest, Caleb "Cable" Takenaka, went longer than expected but it was an interesting conversation so it is split into two parts for your enjoyment. Cable and Zoe look at Christian movies as a whole: what their reputation has been, where we stand currently, and what to look forward to from Christian filmmakers--or as Cable and Zoe explain, "filmmakers who are Christian" and the difference that makes.
Filmmakers are artists and storytellers, bearing the image of God through their craft, and hopefully weaving a story that points a viewer back to the greatest storyteller ever: God. It is a challenging thing to do both in terms of the artistic craftsmanship and in character-driven storytelling. But it is important to walk this fine line because stories have the power to make people think and feel...
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Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message.
Ordinary Angels releases on February 22nd, but here is a spoiler-free review from Zoe because she had the opportunity to see the film early. You'll hear her thoughts on some of the acting, directing, and some of her thoughts on Christian films.
In Reel 2, Zoe plans to bring on a special guest to discuss Christian films in general, their bad reputation, the progress they've made in the past decade, and what she hopes to see in the future...
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Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message.
This is Reel 2, where Zoe and her special guest, mega-fan of Godzilla, Sam, dive into the Godzilla franchise and discuss the historical and cultural significance of the franchise and what it means for this movie: Godzilla Minus One (2023). The first Godzilla movie came out in 1954, and this movie was made in honor of the 70th anniversary of the character. Within those decades, Godzilla has been in 38 films, 33 of which are from Japan. This movie in particular highlights the weight of war's destruction, both on the physical and emotional level.
SPOILER warning!! And if you haven't seen this film, both Zoe and Sam highly recommend it, even if you aren't a Godzilla fan.
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Welcome to Reel Review! This is where Zoe helps answer the question, "Should I see this?" and invites you into a deeper conversation about the story's themes and message.
This episode covers a 2023 film that Zoe didn't get around to seeing till recently but it has been one of the most surprising and satisfying movie experiences she's had: Godzilla Minus One. Produced in Japan with a shockingly low budget, this film has been a massive success financially, critically, and with Godzilla fans. But Zoe, who isn't a Godzilla fan, was impressed but the deep themes and well executed human-centered storytelling... And she shares a few things to keep in mind if you want to see it too.
In Reel 2, Zoe will share the cultural and historical significance of Godzilla and how that plays into this movie being unique and as successful as it is... And she may bring back another popular guest who is a massive Godzilla fan!
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