Explore every episode of the podcast Cinema On The Spectrum

In this episode Reed and Micheal discuss the 4th entry in the Disney/Pixar franchise “Toy Story 4”.

Synopsis:

When Woody, Buzz, and the gang join Bonnie on a road trip with her new craft project turned toy, Forky, the innocent little spork's antics launch Woody on a wild quest.

In this episode Reed and Micheal discuss Henry Selick's adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic, "James and the Giant Peach".

Synopsis:

"An orphan who lives with his two cruel aunts befriends anthropomorphic bugs who live inside a giant peach, and they embark on a journey to New York City."

In this episode Reed and Micheal engage in a deep discussion about the Key and Peele feature film, "Keanu".

Synopsis:

When the adorable kitten of an New Orleans crime kingpin suddenly enters the life of two cousins, they will have to go through tough gangs, pitiless hitmen, and ruthless drug dealers who all claim him, to get him back. How hard can it be?

In this episode, Reed and Micheal discuss Henry Selick's most recent animated feature, "Wendell & Wild" co-written by Jordan Peele.

Synopsis:

Two scheming demon brothers, Wendell and Wild, enlist the aid of 13-year-old Kat Elliot to summon them to the Land of the Living.

In this episode Reed and Micheal discuss Henry Selick's modern classic, "Coraline".

Synopsis:

Wandering her rambling old house in her boring new town, a young girl discovers a hidden door to a strangely idealized version of her life that seems too good to be true.

Reed and Micheal continue their journey into the works of Henry Selick discussing his third film, "Monkeybone".

Synopsis:

In a coma, a cartoonist finds himself trapped within his own underground creation and must find a way to get back, while racing against his popular but treacherous character, Monkeybone.

In this very special holiday episode, Reed and Micheal discuss Henry Selick's modern animated classic "A Nightmare Before Christmas".

Synopsis:

Jack Skellington, king of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, but his attempts to bring Christmas to his home causes confusion.

In this episode Reed and Micheal discus Lee Unkrich's latest animated film, "Coco".

Synopsis:

"Aspiring musician Miguel, confronted with his family's ancestral ban on music, enters the Land of the Dead to find his great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer."

In this episode Reed and Micheal do a deep dive into Lee Unkrich's solo directorial debut, "Toy Story 3".

Synopsis:

The toys are mistakenly delivered to a day-care center instead of the attic right before Andy leaves for college, and it's up to Woody to convince the other toys that they weren't abandoned and to return home.

In this episode Reed and Micheal discuss Paul Thomas Anderson's most recent film, "One Battle After Another".

Synopsis:

When their evil enemy resurfaces after 16 years, a group of ex-revolutionaries reunite to rescue the daughter of one of their own.

In this weeks episode, Reed and Micheal discuss Paul Thomas Anderson's coming of age film " Licorice Pizza".

Synopsis:

A young man and a young woman grow up, run around, and fall in love in the San Fernando Valley, 1973.

In this episode Reed and Micheal discuss Paul Thomas Anderson's second collaboration with Daniel Day-Lewis, Phantom Thread.

Synopsis:

Set in 1950s London, Reynolds Woodcock is a renowned dressmaker whose fastidious life is disrupted by a young, strong-willed woman, Alma, who becomes his muse and lover.

In this episode Reed and Micheal discuss Paul Thomas Anderson's venture into documentary filmmaking with the 2015 film "Junun".

Synopsis:

"Musician Jonny Greenwood (Radiohead) travels to Rajasthan, where he performs with a multitude of Indian musicians."

In this episode Reed and Micheal discuss PTA's adaptation of Thomas Pynchon's "unadaptable" novel "Inherent Vice".

Synopsis:

In 1970, drug-fueled Los Angeles private investigator Larry "Doc" Sportello investigates the disappearance of a former girlfriend.

In this episode, Reed and Micheal discuss Paul Thomas Anderson's 2012 period piece "The Master".

Synopsis:

A Naval veteran arrives home from war unsettled and uncertain of his future - until he is tantalized by a cult and its charismatic leader.

In this episode, Reed and Micheal do a deep dive into Paul Thomas Anderson's modern masterpiece"There Will Be Blood" based on the novel by Upton Sinclair. 

Synopsis:

A story of family, religion, hatred, oil and madness, focusing on a turn-of-the-century prospector in the early days of the business.

In this episode Reed and Micheal discuss Paul Thomas Anderson's 2002 dark romantic comedy "Punch-Drunk Love".

Synopsis:

Socially frustrated Barry Egan calls a phone-sex line to curb his loneliness. Little does he know it will land him in deep trouble and will jeopardize his burgeoning romance with the mysterious Lena.

In this episode Reed and Micheal go further into the filmography of Paul Thomas Anderson with his 1999 film "Magnolia".

Synopsis:

An epic mosaic of interrelated characters in search of love, forgiveness and meaning in the San Fernando Valley.

In this episode of "Cinema on the Spectrum," hosts Reed and Michael dive into the world of Paul Thomas Anderson's breakout hit "Boogie Nights." 

Synopsis:

An idealistic porn producer aspires to elevate his craft to an art when he discovers a hot young talent.

In this episode Reed and Micheal shift gears to focus on the works for Paul Thomas Anderson starting with his first film "Hard Eight".

Synopsis:

A stranger mentors a young, troubled Reno gambler.

In this episode Reed and special guest, Jeff Stewart, discuss discuss the sequel to Inside Out.

Synopsis:

A sequel that features Riley entering puberty and experiencing brand new, more complex emotions as a result. As Riley tries to adapt to her teenage years, her old emotions try to adapt to the possibility of being replaced.

In this episode Reed and Micheal discuss John Lasseter's Cars 2, the follow-up to the 2006 Pixar film.

Synopsis:

Star race car Lightning McQueen and his pal Mater head overseas to compete in the World Grand Prix race. But the road to the championship becomes rocky as Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage.

In this episode, Reed and Micheal discuss John Lasseter's wildly successful animated feature film, "Cars".

Synopsis:

On the way to the biggest race of his life, a hotshot rookie race car gets stranded in a rundown town and learns that winning isn't everything in life.

In this episode, Reed and Micheal discuss John Lasseter's 1999 sequel "Toy Story 2".

Synopsis:

When Woody is stolen by a toy collector, Buzz and his friends set out on a rescue mission to save Woody before he becomes a museum toy property with his roundup gang Jessie, Prospector, and Bullseye.

In this episode Reed and Micheal discuss the 1981 classic animated film "The Fox and the Hound". The hosts discuss its historical context, character dynamics, and the role of John Lasseter in its creation. 

Synopsis:

A fox named Tod and a hound named Copper vow to be best friends forever. But as Copper grows into a hunting dog, their unlikely friendship faces the ultimate test.

In this episode, Reed and Micheal discuss Pete Docter's 2020 animated feature film, Soul.

Synopsis:

Joe is a middle-school band teacher whose life hasn't quite gone the way he expected. His true passion is jazz. But when he travels to another realm to help someone find their passion, he soon discovers what it means to have soul.

In this episode Reed and Micheal discuss Pete Docter's emotional masterpiece "Inside Out".

Synopsis:

After young Riley is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San Francisco, her emotions - Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness - conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house, and school.

In this conversation, Reed and Michael delve into the Pixar film 'Up', exploring its themes, character dynamics, and emotional depth. They discuss the significance of Carl and Ellie's relationship, the role of Russell, and the impact of voice acting on the film's narrative. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of the film's themes in relation to childhood, loss, and rediscovery, while comparing it to other Pixar films.

Synopsis:

78-year-old Carl Fredricksen travels to South America in his house equipped with balloons, inadvertently taking a young stowaway.

In this episode, Reed and Michael delve into the beloved Pixar film Monsters Inc., exploring its themes of fear, energy, and emotional connections. They discuss the voice performances, particularly by Billy Crystal and John Goodman, and how the film's world-building creates a unique monster civilization.

Synopsis:

In order to power the city, monsters have to scare children so that they scream. However, the children are toxic to the monsters, and after a child gets through, two monsters realize things may not be what they think.

In this episode Reed and Michael delve into the world of Pixar, focusing on the iconic film Toy Story and the contributions of Pete Docter.

Synopsis:

A cowboy doll is profoundly jealous when a new spaceman action figure supplants him as the top toy in a boy's bedroom. When circumstances separate them from their owner, the duo have to put aside their differences to return to him.

In this episode Reed and Micheal discuss the Andrew Stanton directed episode of the Netflix series Stranger Things, titled "Dig Dug".

Synopsis:

Nancy and Jonathan swap conspiracy theories with a new ally as Eleven searches for someone from her past. "Bob the Brain" tackles a difficult problem.

In this episode Reed and Micheal discuss Andrew Stanton's follow up to "Finding Nemo", 2016's "Finding Dory".

Synopsis:

Friendly but forgetful blue tang Dory begins a search for her long-lost parents and everyone learns a few things about the real meaning of family along the way.

In this episode, host Reed Smith and guest Jeff Stewart discuss the first episode of 'For All Mankind' directed by Andrew Stanton. They explore the themes of parenting, the challenges of television directing, and the balance between storytelling and visual style. The conversation delves into how Stanton's work compares to other directors, particularly in terms of thematic depth and directorial signature.

Synopsis:

A dispute on the moon prompts NASA officials to consider arming astronauts. Ed's past comes back to haunt him.

In this episode, Reed and Michael delve into Andrew Stanton's film 'John Carter,' exploring its themes, character development, and comparisons to other works like 'Avatar.'.

Synopsis:

A war-weary former army captain is inexplicably transported to Mars and reluctantly becomes embroiled in a conflict of epic proportions.

In this episode of Cinema on the Spectrum, hosts Reed and Michael delve into Andrew Stanton's film WALL-E, exploring its themes of environmentalism, corporate influence, and representation of body image.

Synopsis:

A robot who is responsible for cleaning a waste-covered Earth meets another robot and falls in love with her. Together, they set out on a journey that will alter the fate of mankind.

Reed and Micheal discuss Andrew Stanton's second animated feature film, 2003's "Finding Nemo".

Synopsis:

After his son is captured in the Great Barrier Reef and taken to Sydney, a timid clownfish sets out on a journey to bring him home.

Reed and Micheal discuss the directorial debut of Andrew Stanton, 1998's "A Bug's Life".

Synopsis:

A misfit ant, looking for "warriors" to save his colony from greedy grasshoppers, recruits a group of bugs that turn out to be an inept circus troupe.

In this special episode , Reed and Micheal are joined by fellow podcaster, Andre Myette, from the X-Rated: The X-Men Animated Review Show as they discuss the works of David Cronenberg.

In this special episode Reed and Micheal discuss the classic Batman the Animated Series episode "On Leather Wings" as it compares to David Cronenberg's remake of "The Fly".

In this episode Reed and Micheal discuss Spike Jonze's most recent documentary 2020's "Beastie Boys Story" for Apple TV+.

Synopsis:

Here's a little story they're about to tell... Michael Diamond and Adam Horovitz share the story of the band, Beastie Boys, and 40 years of friendship in a live documentary experience directed by friend and collaborator, Spike Jonze.

In this episode Reed and Micheal discuss Spike Jonez's 2013 sci-fi romance, "Her".

Synopsis:

" In the near future, a lonely writer develops an unlikely relationship with an operating system designed to meet his every need."

In this episode Reed and Micheal discuss Spike Jonze's 2009 adaptation of the beloved children's book "Where the Wild Things Are."

Synopsis:

Yearning for escape and adventure, a young boy runs away from home and sails to an island filled with creatures that take him in as their king.

In this episode Reed and Micheal discuss Spike Jonze's documentary about the beloved childrens author Maurice Sendak. 

Synopsis:

A loving look at one of the most cherished and controversial figures in children's literature, Maurice Sendak. In this deeply moving tribute, spend time with the man who spoke to children through his stories and illustrations in a way no one else could.

In this episode, Reed and Micheal discuss Spike Jonze's second film, 2002's "Adaptation".

Synopsis:

A lovelorn screenwriter becomes desperate as he tries and fails to adapt 'The Orchid Thief' by Susan Orlean for the screen.

Reed and Micheal discuss Spike Jonze's first feature film, the high concept comedy "Being John Malcovich".

Synopsis:

A puppeteer discovers a portal that leads literally into the head of movie star John Malkovich.

Listen in as Reed and Micheal discuss Jordan Peele's third film "Nope".

Synopsis:

The residents of a lonely gulch in inland California bear witness to an uncanny and chilling discovery.

In this episode Reed and Micheal do a deep dive into Jordan Peele's second feature film, "Us".

Synopsis:

In order to get away from their busy lives, the Wilson family takes a vacation to Santa Cruz, California. At night, four strangers break into Adelaide's childhood home. The family is shocked to find out that the intruders look like them.

Reed and Micheal discuss Jordan Peele's directorial debut "Get Out" (2017)

Synopsis:

Chris and his girlfriend Rose go upstate to visit her parents for the weekend. At first, Chris reads the family's overly accommodating behavior as nervous attempts to deal with their daughter's interracial relationship, but as the weekend progresses, a series of increasingly disturbing discoveries lead him to a truth that he never could have imagined.

In this conversation, Reed and Michael delve into the film 'Crimes of the Future' by David Cronenberg. They explore various aspects of the film, including its themes of body horror, the evolution of human experience, and the unconventional narrative structure. The discussion also touches on the film's pacing, sound design, and character development, particularly focusing on the protagonist's journey and the ambiguous nature of the story's conclusion.

Synopsis:

Humans adapt to a synthetic environment, with new transformations and mutations. With his partner Caprice, Saul Tenser, celebrity performance artist, publicly showcases the metamorphosis of his organs in avant-garde performances.

Join Reid Smith and special guest Jeff Stewart, as they take a deep dive into the enthralling world of David Cronenberg, the renowned director known for his association with body horror. In this episode, Reid and Jeff discuss Cronenberg's impact on the horror genre and explore how his work compares to other filmmakers such as John Carpenter. They delve into the nuanced definitions of body horror and reflect on Cronenberg's influence, all while considering the elements that categorize movies like Shivers, Rabid, and The Fly. They further engage in a lively discussion about the balance of science and narrative in films and how these elements impact storytelling.

Reid and Jeff also look at the portrayal of science in Cronenberg's films and how it serves the narrative without overwhelming it, particularly in titles like Videodrome. As they draw parallels to newer filmmakers and the evolving depiction of horror, they provide insights into how the genre continues to change. Whether you're a long-time Cronenberg fan or new to his work, this episode offers a detailed exploration of his contributions to cinema.