Movieology

Joe, Michael, and our first-time guest, Rusty, discusss Spike Jonze’s ‘Her’: the thought-provoking story about the relationships of Theodore Twombly. This lonely writer develops an unlikely relationship with his computer’s OS that is designed to behave like a sentient being. ‘Her’ stars Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson, Amy Adams, and Chris Pratt.

Eric, Joe, and Michael tear down Denis Villeneuve’s "Prisoners" (which stars Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Viola Davis) and before the guys wrap up, Eric and Michael review the end of AMC’s "Breaking Bad." "Prisoners" seems to make a mess of a simple suspense yet most audiences like it. What’s going on here?! What’s with the tree bark, toy whistle, and the villain’s black juice?

The guys discuss their like/hate relationship with ‘Elysium’—what went wrong with the film and why it matters. Does it live up to ‘District 9’ for director Neill Blomkamp? While exploring it from all facets right down to its absurd foundation, the guys breakdown its origins in liberalism and video games, and its all so surprising biblical themes.

In this episode of Moveiology, Joe Darnell joins Michael and Eric to discuss TV shows, rip-offs, episodic filmmaking, in-depth storylines, character development… and primarily in review, Michael and Eric discuss AMC’s “Breaking Bad.” Since Joe hasn’t watched the show, he fields questions that people interested in getting started with the series might like the answers to. And as always, Eric and Michael wax eloquent in their thoughtful film analysis, and good-natured sarcasm.

The Academy has awarded the “Best Picture” to 2012’s ‘Argo’. Is this a case of politicized art or aestheticized politics? Or both? Some think that Hollywood is up to some trick — both political and sensational — with this elaborate movie. Michael and Eric debate the merits of the Academy’s choice, its film craft, and its self-contradicting political themes. Does ‘Argo’ really deserve to be “The Year’s Best Film?” Is the true story of 1979 lost in the pursuit of entertainment?

‘Silver Linings Playbook’ walks the genre tightrope in an exemplary fashion, defying its category of Romantic Comedy. Many times over ‘Silver Linings’ takes the viewer by surprise. It proves that not all Rom Coms need to be formulaic to be successful. From The Daily Grind in Marietta, GA, over some french roast and blueberry scones, Eric and Michael explore what makes a great romance story work.

Eric and Michael wax eloquent for the musical ‘Les Miserables’. In their in-depth discussion, they dig deep into the heart of the conflict: the theology of grace versus law. What are the merits in Javert’s worldview? What does the film have in store for Christians? And while dwelling on the craft of ‘Les Mis’, the dynamic duo consider what the ethical limits are for Christians to exploit sin in film narrative.

‘Life of Pi’ is given the royal treatment in the pilot episode of the Movieology podcast. From Joe Darnell’s back porch, hosts Eric Rauch and Michael Minkoff scrutinize everything from Pi Patel’s nuanced religious relationship with Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam, to the 200+ drafts of the script. Along the way, Eric and Michael debate the relevance of movies for religious audiences, the distinction between pluralism and relativism, and the craft and importance of 3D film special effects.