CRWN Cinema Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, we break down SICARIO and its dark, gripping story. We analyze the most intense scenes, revealing how they build suspense and tension. From the morally complex characters to the stunning cinematography, we dive into why Sicario is a modern thriller masterpiece. We also discuss the major changes made to the original script that amplified the film’s impact. If you’re looking for a deep analysis of Sicario, its best moments, and its storytelling, this is for you.

SICARIO is about: After rising through the ranks of her male-dominated profession, idealistic FBI agent Kate Macer receives a top assignment. Recruited by mysterious government official Matt Graver, Kate joins a task force for the escalating war against drugs. Led by the intense and shadowy Alejandro, the team travels back-and-forth across the U.S.-Mexican border, using one cartel boss to flush out a bigger one.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Post watch conversation: Ending reaction & the studs behind the movie

00:03:17 Why Emily Blunt was cast as Kate

00:07:46 The true events Taylor Sheridan based the script on

00:09:27 Denis Villeneuve drastic change to the original script

00:13:57 How Sheridan pits different beliefs against each other

00:21:00 Benicio Del Toro's incredible portrayal of dark mystery

00:24:07 How they trick the audience to reveal Alejandro's true darkness

00:28:02 The potential threat cartels are facing in real life

00:29:34 The ending that leaves you questioning your own beliefs

00:32:16 An example of Denis Villeneuve's genius directing

00:37:59 The symbolic use of color and darkness

00:39:41 Benicio Del Toro & Emily Blunt fought to change the ending

00:41:26 The extreme detail of the final scene 

00:42:12 Ending explained: Don't become a wolf

00:45:50 Josh Brolin reveals how weird the set experience was

00:50:05 The significance of the films title & sequel discussion

00:52:15 The odd but realistic goal of the characters

00:53:14 Our ratings out of 10

00:56:00 Final thoughts: Fun fact about Sheridan’s attempt to have it made

00:58:37 Looking at the ridiculously long Canne standing ovations

01:00:57 Cue the music

In this episode, we give our full review of NOSFERATU (2024), diving deep into its rich visuals, impressive storytelling, and eerie atmosphere. We break down the incredible acting, point out the very sexual undertones, and analyze how these elements heighten the overall experience. Join us as we discuss the powerful performances, the gothic aesthetic, and how Nosferatu redefines the vampire genre for a new era.

NOSFERATU is about: In the 1830s, estate agent Thomas Hutter travels to Transylvania for a fateful meeting with Count Orlok, a prospective client. In his absence, Hutter's new bride, Ellen, is left under the care of their friends, Friedrich and Anna Harding. Plagued by horrific visions and an increasing sense of dread, Ellen soon encounters an evil force that's far beyond her control.

Chapters:

00:00 Post watch reaction and review

06:00 Hiding Nosferatu in a plague

10:51 The very sexually suggestive undertone

14:56 Thomas never had a shot

15:56 Why does Nosferatu have a mustache?

19:54 When the ladies start acting crazy, dope em up

24:05 Discussing vampire strategies

26:38 Willem Dafoe is that man

30:25 Ellen really screwed over her friends

33:45 The lighting and camera work

35:23 The most ruthless scene in the movie

40:02 Where the movie didn't hit

41:41 Discussing the ending

44:13 The deep connection the story has to humanity

48:15 Final thoughts

49:47 Our ratings out of 10

53:24 Cue the music

This week, we’re talking about INDIANA JONES AND THE RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK—a film that is textbook perfect in almost all aspects. We’ll break down its themes, explore deeper meanings behind the scenes, and discuss character motivations. Plus, we’ll talk a little sh*t.

INDIANA JONES AND THE RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK is about:  Epic tale in which an intrepid archaeologist tries to beat a band of Nazis to a unique religious relic which is central to their plans for world domination. Battling against a snake phobia and a vengeful ex-girlfriend, Indiana Jones is in constant peril, making hair's-breadth escapes at every turn in this celebration of the innocent adventure movies of an earlier era.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Post movie rating & reaction

00:08:11 Breaking down it's perfect opening scene

00:12:55 Flawless execution setting the stakes

00:16:48 Love interest + genius foreshadowing

00:20:56 The interesting thing about 'the whip'

00:24:18 Discussing the iconic casting

00:27:17 The original version of the character

00:31:49 The ark seemed kinda easy to get + snake talk

00:38:37 The accidental iconic moment

00:43:17 Why the ark burns the box it's held in

00:48:47 Why don't they make movies like this anymore? 

00:57:19 Final thoughts

📢 Join the Conversation:

What did you think of INDIANA JONES AND THE RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK? Do you agree with our analysis? Let us know in the comments! And if you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe.

This week, we’re talking about GHOSTBUSTERS— the classic comedy horror movie that stays enjoyable while also not really being about anything. We’ll break down its themes, explore deeper meanings behind the scenes, and discuss character motivations. Plus, we’ll talk a little sh*t.

GHOSTBUSTERS is about: After the members of a team of scientists (Harold Ramis, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray) lose their cushy positions at a university in New York City, they decide to become "ghostbusters" to wage a high-tech battle with the supernatural for money. They stumble upon a gateway to another dimension, a doorway that will release evil upon the city. The Ghostbusters must now save New York from complete destruction.

📢 Join the Conversation:

What did you think of GHOSTBUSTERS? Do you agree with our analysis? Let us know in the comments! And if you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe.

This week, we’re talking about SMILE—a 2022 horror movie that is about as scary as they come. We’ll break down its themes, explore deeper meanings behind the scenes, and discuss character motivations. Plus, we’ll talk a little sh*t.

SMILE is about:  After witnessing a bizarre, traumatic incident involving a patient, Dr. Rose Cotter starts experiencing frightening occurrences that she can't explain. As an overwhelming terror begins taking over her life, Rose must confront her troubling past in order to survive and escape her horrifying new reality.

Chapters:

00:00 Post movie reaction & rating

07:04 The movie playing mind games on you

10:55 The scariest looking monster they could've made

12:50 Discussing the ending and the message

18:57 This could have been avoided 

20:32 What we would do if we had the curse

25:41 A-Train got tf out of there

27:27 She did a terrible job explaining what was going on

29:10 The 4th option to beat the curse

33:00 Smile pranks & discussing Smile 2

40:03 The cops didn't notice a 20 case string of connections??

43:23 How much control does the curse have over you?

45:41 Final thoughts

47:17 SMILE :)

📢 Join the Conversation:

What did you think of SMILE? Do you agree with our analysis? Let us know in the comments! And if you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe.

This week, we’re talking about SCREAM—a film that is equally funny as it is dark. We’ll break down its themes, explore deeper meanings behind the scenes, and discuss character motivations. Plus, we’ll talk a little sh*t.

SCREAM is about: A year after the murder of her mother, a teenage girl is terrorized by a masked killer who targets her and her friends by using scary movies as part of a deadly game.

Chapters:

00:00 Post movie rating & reaction

04:32 Hiding the killer from the audience

07:28 Perfectly executed jump scares

09:39 The perfect opening scene

11:50 The killer is a terrible fighter + the movie's self awareness

15:38 Discussing the killers and their motivation

20:40 Billy wanted to get laid too much

23:23 To be fair the dad kind of sucked

25:12 The scream franchise & horror movies

33:51 Breaking down the cinematography

36:23 Off-brand Johnny Depp as the killer

40:32 Avoiding the overly corny

42:15 Final thoughts

📢 Join the Conversation:

What did you think of SCREAM? Do you agree with our analysis? Let us know in the comments! And if you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe.

This week, we’re talking about JOKER: FOLIE à DUEX—a film that has been major flop upon release. Is it really that bad? Find out in this episode! 

JOKER: FOLIE à DUEX is about: Struggling with his dual identity, failed comedian Arthur Fleck meets the love of his life, Harley Quinn, while incarcerated at Arkham State Hospital.

Chapters:

00:00 *Spoiler free* rating & review

11:53 *spoiler alert* Discussing the ending...

17:15 Our major complaints

22:05 Arkham Asylum was actually pretty chill + ruining characters for no reason

26:19 "It's basically a null movie"

29:54 Was this movie just a trick?

33:02 Still bothered about the ending

37:52 Discussing the Harvey Dent appearance

40:08 Lady Gaga & Joaquin are the only redeemable part 

44:14 Final thoughts

45:21 Outro

📢 Join the Conversation:

What did you think of [movie title]? Do you agree with our analysis? Let us know in the comments! And if you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe.

This week, we’re talking about A FEW DOLLARS MORE—a film that Gray heavily disagrees with Kade & Scott on. We’ll break down its themes, explore deeper meanings behind the scenes, and discuss character motivations. Plus, we’ll talk a little sh*t.

A FEW DOLLARS MORE is about: In the Wild West, a murderous outlaw known as El Indio (Gian Maria Volonte) and his gang are terrorizing and robbing the citizens of the region. With a bounty on El Indio's head, two bounty hunters, Monco (Clint Eastwood) and Col. Douglas Mortimer (Lee Van Cleef), come to collect the prize. Upon their first meeting, the two men view each other as rivals, but they eventually agree to become partners in their mutual pursuit of the vicious criminal.

Chapters:

00:00 Post movie rating & review

05:56 Is the dialogue that bad?

09:49 Why Gray thinks the bank robbery is dumb

13:54 The bounty hunter stand off

16:37 How does Gray feel about the acting in this one?

19:59 Favorite moments

28:01 The story behind The Man With No Name

30:13 The movie is supposed to be funny

31:53 It starts to get heated

34:42 Debating if John Wayne movies are performed better

38:06 Debating the importance of dialogue

39:56 Gray's about had it

42:32 Final thoughts

 44:31 Outro

📢 Join the Conversation:

What did you think of A FEW DOLLARS MORE? Do you agree with our analysis? Let us know in the comments! And if you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe.

This week, we’re talking about A FIST FULL OF DOLLARS—the first movie of the spaghetti western trilogy Quentin Tarantino claims is the greatest trilogy of all time. We’ll break down its themes, explore deeper meanings behind the scenes, and discuss character motivations. Plus, we’ll talk a little sh*t. Tune back in next week to here us talk about the next movie in the trilogy, "FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE" A FIST FULL OF DOLLARS is about: Wandering gunfighter Joe arrives in the Mexican village of San Miguel in the midst of a power struggle among sheriff John Baxter and the three Rojo brothers. When a regiment of Mexican soldiers bearing gold is waylaid by the Rojo brothers, Joe is hired by Esteban to join the gang, but he plays one side against the other. Chapters: 00:00 Post movie rating & review 12:47 Clint Eastwood acting debate 15:52 Why this movie stands out 20:18 The laughs went way too hard 22:10 Don't stack the odds against Clint + unique action scenes 26:44 Clint Eastwood vs John Wayne 32:12 The importance of the eyes 35:32 Working on a tight budget 37:19 Pressing Gray on his criticisms 40:25 Calling out Kade for being a dictator 43:30 Final thoughts 47:48 Outro 📢 Join the Conversation: What did you think of A FIST FULL OF DOLLARS? Do you agree with our analysis? Let us know in the comments! And if you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe.

This week, we’re talking about "3:10 TO YUMA"—a film that’s badassery doesn’t get enough praise. We’ll break down its themes, explore deeper meanings behind the scenes, and discuss character motivations. Plus, we’ll talk a little sh*t.

"3:10 TO YUMA" is about: Outlaw Ben Wade (Russell Crowe) terrorizes 1800s Arizona, especially the Southern Railroad, until he is finally captured. Wade must be brought to trial, so Dan Evans (Christian Bale), the owner of a drought-stricken ranch, volunteers to escort him to the train. Along the trail, a grudging respect forms between the men, but danger looms at every turn, and the criminal's men are in pursuit.

Chapters:

00:00 Post movie rating & review

05:50 Perfectly contrasting your characters + character discussion

11:16 Let's discuss the problems of this movie

19:05 Analyzing Russell Crowe's character

27:47 Getting the most important part of a western right

30:31 Shout-out to the horse doctor

32:57 The nicest prisoner handlers in the west

34:48 What a tough time to be alive

36:30 The killer performances & Russell Crowe movies

40:38 Russell Crowe's character & The Bible

46:11 Outro

📢 Join the Conversation:

What did you think of "3:10 TO YUMA?" Do you agree with our analysis? Let us know in the comments! And if you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe.