Midday Movies – Details, episodes & analysis
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Ep 277: Reviewing “Weapons” (2025) and The Consequences of Disappearing School Children
Season 2 · Episode 77
jeudi 20 novembre 2025 • Duration 10:43
In this episode, Laura and Stephen discuss the 2025 film “Weapons,” a spooky and mysterious movie featuring a unique plot and stellar performances from actors linked to the MCU. They delve into the film's strange story about the disappearance of 17 third graders, the intriguing roles played by Julia Gardner, Benedict Wong, and Josh Brolin, and the unexpected horror elements that make it a standout. Tune in to hear more about the film's peculiar scenes, character dynamics, and the upcoming prequel. Streaming on HBO Max.
00:00 Introduction to the 2025 Film 'Weapons'
01:16 Plot Overview: The Mysterious Disappearance
02:09 Key Characters and Performances
03:43 The Investigation and Unraveling the Mystery
06:59 The Unexpected Resolution and Sequel Announcement
08:01 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
10:07 Closing Remarks and Community Engagement
Follow the Umbrella Podcast Collective on IG at @umbrellapodcastcollective or Facehuggers and Friends @facehuggersandfriendspod for updates on “Facehuggers and Friends: An Alien RPG.”
We want to know what you think about our podcast! Let us know in this brief survey here.
Listen to us on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media to stay up to date on upcoming shows and announcements! Instagram Facebook Linktree
Check out our new merch shop here for tees, totes, stickers and more!
Ep 276: Industry Insights & “GRQ the Movie” with Hollywood Writer-Director Steven Bernstein
Season 2 · Episode 76
mardi 18 novembre 2025 • Duration 01:07:24
Insights on Filmmaking and Creativity with Steven Bernstein
In this episode of “Midday Movies,” hosts Laura and Stephen are joined by veteran filmmaker Steven Bernstein. Known for his work on seminal films like “Monster” (2003) and “Like Water for Chocolate” (1992) (as well as fan favorites like “Water Boy” and “White Chicks”) Bernstein shares his deep insights into the filmmaking industry. The discussion delves into the importance of character over story, the chaotic nature of creation, and practical advice for aspiring filmmakers. Bernstein also speaks on the methodology behind his award-winning book and upcoming film, “GRQ the Movie,” and his approach to leadership and collaboration on set. This episode offers a rich, philosophical, and practical understanding of the creative process and the importance of nurturing authenticity in filmmaking.
00:00 Introduction to Midday Movies Podcast
00:47 Meet Steven Bernstein: Cinematographer and Director
01:25 Insights on Hollywood and Filmmaking
06:39 The Making of “Monster” (2003): A Turning Point
10:03 From BBC to Music Videos: Early Career
15:17 Radical Philosophy of Creation
19:15 The Language of Cinema
25:25 Character Over Story: A New Approach
29:03 The Future of Filmmaking
35:45 Exploring Literary Interiority
37:03 From Draft to Film Adaptation
37:25 The Creative Process and Self-Discovery
39:28 The Thrilling Plot of “GRQ the Movie”
41:26 Challenges in Filmmaking
48:04 Leadership and Trust on Set
59:51 The Art of Improvisation
01:04:01 Final Thoughts and Farewell
For more thoughts from this thoughtful Hollywood professional, Steven Bernstein, check out the following:
- His new book GRQ being turned into a movie in 2026
- His social media
- His podcast Filmaker and Fans
For more Laura and Stephen, follow the Umbrella Podcast Collective on IG at @umbrellapodcastcollective or Facehuggers and Friends @facehuggersandfriendspod for updates on “Facehuggers and Friends: An Alien RPG.”
We want to know what you think about our podcast! Let us know in this brief survey here.
Listen to us on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media to stay up to date on upcoming shows and announcements! Instagram Facebook Linktree
Check out our new merch shop here for tees, totes, stickers and more!
Ep 267: Reclaiming “Jennifer's Body” (2009) Misunderstood Teen Horror Turned Cult Favorite
Season 2 · Episode 67
jeudi 16 octobre 2025 • Duration 37:16
In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen take a deep dive into the 2009 film “Jennifer's Body,” written by Diablo Cody, directed by Karyn Kusama and starring Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried. Initially panned by critics, the film has since gained cult status for its exploration of themes like fame, friendship, and femininity. The hosts discuss the film's misunderstood reception, its clever script by Diablo Cody, and its cultural re-evaluation in the post-#MeToo era. They also touch upon the performances, production design, and both classical and modern elements that make “Jennifer's Body” a uniquely good entry in the teen horror genre. The episode provides thoughtful analysis and contextual discussion, highlighting the film’s deeper themes and its reflection of societal attitudes towards women.
00:00 Introduction to Midday Movies Podcast
00:09 Overview of Jennifer's Body
02:06 Cultural Context of 2009
03:41 Character Analysis and Cast
06:40 Diablo Cody's Writing and Direction
07:38 Plot Breakdown and Key Scenes
09:00 Jennifer's Transformation and Theories
12:40 The Sacrifice and Its Consequences
18:12 Bonus Demon and Tragedy Exploitation
18:40 Jennifer's Transformation and Heathers Comparison
20:39 Needy's Concern and Jennifer's Agency
21:53 Codependency and Queer Interpretation
23:49 Jennifer's Sexual Power and High School Dynamics
28:16 Jennifer's Body as a Cultural Mirror
33:52 Marketing Missteps and Feminist Narrative
35:27 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Follow the Umbrella Podcast Collective on IG at @umbrellapodcastcollective or Facehuggers and Friends @facehuggersandfriendspod for updates on “Facehuggers and Friends: An Alien RPG.”
We want to know what you think about our podcast! Let us know in this brief survey here.
Listen to us on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media to stay up to date on upcoming shows and announcements! Instagram Facebook Linktree
Check out our new merch shop here for tees, totes, stickers and more!
[Remaster] Ep 3: Imagine If Horses Were Cheap
Season 1 · Episode 202
mercredi 18 décembre 2024 • Duration 21:49
WELCOME TO THE REMASTER SERIES, where we take the first 20 episodes of your favorite podcast, MIDDAY MUSINGS, and update them with improved audio and material.
We talk about Autumn/Winter holidays, coffee, historic chapels, an app for friends, an app for horses and the Metaverse. Also polling goats about the state of America. Let’s get into it!
We want to know what you think! Let us know in this brief survey here.
Listen to us on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media to stay up to date on upcoming shows and announcements! Instagram Facebook Linktree
Check out our new merch shop here for tees, totes, stickers and more!
We're now a part of the Umbrella Podcast Collective! Learn more about our podcast partners here.
[Remaster] Ep 1: Medieval Duck Walk
Season 1 · Episode 201
mardi 17 décembre 2024 • Duration 24:18
WELCOME TO THE REMASTER SERIES, where we take the first 20 episodes of your favorite podcast, MIDDAY MUSINGS, and update them with improved audio and additional material.
Today we talk about medieval guilds, differences between medieval times and the current age, as well as the changing face of unicorns. Cited sources include lauded medieval folk historian, Eleanor Janega. Let’s get into it!
We want to know what you think! Let us know in this brief survey here.
Listen to us on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media to stay up to date on upcoming shows and announcements! Instagram Facebook Linktree
Check out our new merch shop here for tees, totes, stickers and more!
We're now a part of the Umbrella Podcast Collective! Learn more about our podcast partners here.
Ep 200: Friendsgiving / Thanksgiving Celebration 🎉 (Love Letter to Our Listeners & What’s Up Next)
Season 1 · Episode 200
jeudi 28 novembre 2024 • Duration 19:57
Today marks the last episode of Midday Musings’ season 1, so we’re celebrating with a Thanksgiving-slash-Friendsgiving episode! We’re sharing what we’re grateful for from this last year of production, shouting out some special listeners and the incredible pod friends we’ve made along the way, as well as sharing what to expect from the season break and the many new goodies we have coming your way. It has been a truly formative experience working for you and with you and we’re DEEPLY EXCITED for what comes next. Let’s get into it!
We want to know what you think! Let us know in this brief survey here.
Listen to us on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media to stay up to date on upcoming shows and announcements! Instagram Facebook Linktree
Check out our new merch shop here for tees, totes, stickers and more!
We're now a part of the Umbrella Podcast Collective! Learn more about our podcast partners here.
#UmbrellaPodcastSpotlight: Dark History Podcast
This week, we’re putting the spotlight on the incredible Dark History Podcast! If you love exploring the sinister and shadowy moments of the past, this is the podcast for you. Each episode dives deep into chilling stories you won’t hear in history class—fascinating, unsettling, and absolutely binge-worthy.
Start listening now: Dark History Podcast
Discover the full Umbrella Podcast Collective lineup here: www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/umbrella
Together, we’re building a community of incredible creators—and helping you find your next favorite show!
#DarkHistoryPodcast #PodcastCommunity #UmbrellaPodcastSpotlight #TrueCrime #HistoryNerds #PodcastLife
And if you are listening for a workout, you can download Podbeat FREE in the App Store and add a beat to this podcast!Follow us on your favorite podcast platform for more!Instagram: @middaymusingspod Linktree: https://linktr.ee/middaymusingspod Podbeat: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/podbeat/id1605270538
Ep 199: Reviewing “A Real Pain” (Oscar Nominated, Dir. Jesse Eisenberg, 2024)
Season 1 · Episode 199
mercredi 27 novembre 2024 • Duration 31:35
CONTENT WARNING: the Holocaust, WWII, and self-harm
Today we’re discussing the Sundance-premiered indie drama, “A Real Pain” (Searchlight Pictures, 2024). Written, directed, and starring Jesse Eisenberg alongside a sparkler-bright performance by Kieran Culkin, “A Real Pain” follows odd-couple cousins on a Holocaust tour of Poland to honor their survivor grandmother who recently passed. This small tour group comprised of recent retirees (Liza Sadovy, Daniel Oreskes), a divorcee (Jennifer Grey), a Rwandan genocide survivor (Kurt Egyiawan), and an Oxford scholar (Will Sharpe) play as an audience for the familial clashes and uncomfortable vulnerability of these two men who were once inseparable but seem now irreparably separate. Profound, funny, heart-breaking, and cathartic, “A Real Pain” is a road movie for the ages. Let’s get into it!
Listen to us on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media to stay up to date on upcoming shows and announcements! Instagram Facebook Linktree
We're now a part of the Umbrella Podcast Collective! Learn more about our podcast partners here.
Ep 198: Reviewing “Elevation,” a Monster Movie w/ Mac-N-Cheese & Big Heart (Anthony Mackie, 2024)
Season 1 · Episode 198
mardi 26 novembre 2024 • Duration 24:50
Today we’re reviewing recently-released mountainous monster movie, “Elevation” (Vertical Entertainment, 2024). Produced by Brad Fuller — who brought you all the Purge movies and all the Quiet Place films — and starring Anthony Mackie as one of the survivors of an alien apocalypse 3 years prior, we begin clustered in a 200-person village in the Colorado Rockies, where residents are menaced by unkillable monsters at any elevation lower than 8,000 feet. But necessity leads a group of survivors (Mackie, Morena Baccarin, and Maddie Hasson) to launch a perilous plan to descend 3,000 feet to the city of Boulder for medical supplies and answers. Beautifully acted, narratively thrilling, and set against some of America’s most stunning landscapes, “Elevation” (2024) represents a triumph of the human spirit. Let’s get into it!
Listen to us on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media to stay up to date on upcoming shows and announcements! Instagram Facebook Linktree
We're now a part of the Umbrella Podcast Collective! Learn more about our podcast partners here.
Ep 197: Space Mining with Friends in “Deep Rock Galactic” (Video Game Review)
Season 1 · Episode 197
jeudi 21 novembre 2024 • Duration 23:37
Today we’re reviewing the 2020s cooperative first person shooter and mining simulator, “Deep Rock Galactic.” Created by Danish games company, Ghost Ship Games, “Deep Rock Galactic” has you playing a dwarf miner on alien planet Hoxxes IV — an environment rich in minerals and hostile wildlife. With four playable classes and nine game modes, you can live out your fantasy of breaking rocks for the pleasure of faceless corporate overlords. The gameplay loop is addictive, with distinct biomes and procedurally generated cave systems that present novelty and challenge. I’ve already sunk 12 hours into this video game and all I want is more — let’s get into it!
Listen to us on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media to stay up to date on upcoming shows and announcements! Instagram Facebook Linktree
We're now a part of the Umbrella Podcast Collective! Learn more about our podcast partners here.
Umbrella Collective fam, it’s time to get spooky! This week’s featured podcast is Audibly Haunted, the go-to podcast for eerie, real-life hauntings and otherworldly encounters. They deliver every story with suspense and just the right touch of fear! If you’re into dark and mysterious tales, give Audibly Haunted a listen... but maybe not alone in the dark. 🕯️
#FeaturedPodcast #UmbrellaPodcastCollective #AudiblyHaunted #SupportPodcasters #SpookySeason
Ep 196: “Anora” Seduces, Surprises, and Subverts (Best Picture Nominee, Dir. Sean Baker, 2024)
Season 1 · Episode 196
mercredi 20 novembre 2024 • Duration 22:49
Today we’re reviewing the new Sean Baker film, “Anora” (2024). Winner of the golden palm award (Palme d’Or) at this years Cannes Film Festival, this romantic comedy/drama follows exotic dancer, “Ani”/“Anora” (Mikey Madison) in a Cinderella-esque whirlwind romance with Ivan (Mark Eydelshteyn), a Russian oligarch’s son. After news of their marriage reaches Ivan’s parents, however, wheels are set in motion that result in Anora’s kidnapping by Armenian henchmen. Part glitter-and-neon streaked romcom and part Hangover-esque odyssey, this remarkable film is rich with hilarity and heart. You’ll fall in love with every character and with the idiosyncratic twists in plot. It might be my favorite film this year — let’s get into it!
Listen to us on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social media to stay up to date on upcoming shows and announcements! Instagram Facebook Linktree
We're now a part of the Umbrella Podcast Collective! Learn more about our podcast partners here.









