Épisodes

  • Episode 99 - Weapons

    Episode 99 - Weapons
    Aug 17 2025
    🎧 Episode 99: Weapons – Horror, Mystery, and Institutions in Crisis

    In this episode of Mindframes, Michael and Dave welcome special guest Tim Peebles—theologian, pastor, martial artist, and long-time film aficionado—for a deep dive into Zach Cregger’s new film Weapons.

    Cregger, known for Barbarian (2022), returns with a multi-layered, genre-bending thriller where a small town unravels after its children mysteriously disappear into the night. With a Rashomon-style narrative, striking cinematography from Larkin Seiple (Everything Everywhere All at Once), and a cast led by Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, and Benedict Wong, Weapons pushes the boundaries of modern horror.

    🔑 Topics We Discuss

    • The intense bidding war for the film—why even Jordan Peele wanted it

    • How the script stayed almost entirely intact from page to screen

    • A Rashomon-inspired structure and its effect on pacing and suspense

    • Cinematic homages: from Magnolia to The Shining to Italian giallo classics

    • Performances: Brolin’s rugged father figure, Garner’s demanding lead role, and Wong’s unexpected turn as a school principal

    • Themes of institutional failure (schools, police, community) and whether the film offers political commentary

    • The balance of horror, comedy, and surreal mystery that keeps audiences hooked

    🎬 Why It Matters

    Weapons is more than just another horror release—it’s a cultural reflection on distrust of institutions, layered with dread, dark humor, and unforgettable imagery. Our conversation unpacks how Cregger masterfully controls tone, from the eerie to the playful, while still delivering an unnerving ride.

    ⭐ Ratings

    • Dave: 4–4.5 stars – “A thrill ride you’ll want to rewatch.”

    • Michael: 3.5–4 stars – “Ambitious, mixed-genre storytelling with a few tonal bumps.”

    • Tim: Highly recommends – “Dreadful and beautiful, horrifying and humorous—Cregger’s step up from Barbarian.”
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    1 h et 25 min
  • Episode 98: Eddington

    Episode 98: Eddington
    Jul 24 2025
    Film Overview Title: Eddington (2025) by Ari Aster Setting: Small-town New Mexico during the COVID-19 pandemic Premise: Tension and division between a local sheriff (Joaquin Phoenix) and the town's mayor (Pedro Pascal), reflecting broader cultural and social fractures in America. Themes: Polarization, the influence of social media, performative activism, the corporatization of crisis, and the psychological weight of 2020. Cast & Performances Joaquin Phoenix (Sheriff Joe Cross): Widely praised for his layered, committed performance. Considered perfect for the role. Pedro Pascal (Mayor Ted Garcia): Serves as a foil to Phoenix’s sheriff. Also well-cast, though not a co-lead. Emma Stone: Mixed feelings about her casting due to age and tone. Some discussion of alternative casting. Austin Butler: Divisive but ultimately defended. His character is seen as representative of evangelical or conspiracy-driven youth. A recurring homeless man character is discussed as a possible metaphor for society’s ignored truths or the prophetic outsider. Cinematography & Technical Merits Director of Photography: Darius Khondji (corrected after initially being misattributed to Bruno Delbonnel) Visuals praised as among the best of the year—shot in New Mexico using real locations, lighting used to evoke horror pacing and psychological tension. Stylistic comparisons to Hereditary and Seven. Return of Ari Aster's visual motifs: isolation, daylight-to-night transitions, and symbolic elevation (e.g., houses on hills). Genre & Stylistic Notes Described as: “Not quite a horror film, but horror-influenced” A blend of satire, tragedy, psychological thriller, dark comedy, and drama Compared to: No Country for Old Men (tone and landscape) Robert Altman’s Nashville (ensemble structure and social chaos) King of Comedy and Taxi Driver (Scorsese comparisons in the spoiler section) Rejection of Coen Brothers comparisons as too simplistic Thematic Analysis (Spoiler Section) Fragmentation of Reality: The main theme is how social media algorithms and performative digital culture drive people apart. Bothsides-ism: The film avoids heroes or villains; it's more about the system manipulating everyone. Performative Activism: Especially embodied in the youth protest scenes—young people react to national injustices despite their local irrelevance. Corporate Exploitation: A data center being built in the town is the real power move while townsfolk are distracted by culture wars. The Sheriff as a Symbol: Joe Cross embodies both traditional authority and the poisoned populism of social media-age politics. Final Acts of Violence: Symbolize collapse under social pressure and loss of moral compass. ⭐️ Ratings Michael: 4 out of 5 stars – “Bold, sharp, close to perfect…” Dave: 4 out of 5 stars – “Difficult but essential viewing… very funny, deeply human…” 🗣️ Start of Reviews ⏱️ Timestamp: 40:50 Michael opens the review section, defending the film’s boldness, satire, and visual style. Emphasizes how the film captures the chaos and performative energy of 2020. Strong praise for the thematic relevance and technical execution. Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars ⏱️ 46:31 – Dave’s Review Compares the emotional weight of Eddington to films like Civil War and No Country for Old Men. Praises the film for humanizing characters and confronting social disintegration. Final rating: 4 out of 5 stars Ends with a call for the film to be recognized as one of the most thought-provoking of the year. 🧠 Start of Thematic Discussion ⏱️ Timestamp: 50:34 “Let’s talk about the cacophony that is this film in our spoiler section…” 00:20 – Explores how Eddington portrays social media as a force of division, aligning with Ari Aster’s Wired interview. 01:11 – Aster’s quote about telling a coherent story from an incoherent miasma is discussed and praised. 02:15 – Dave references a protest scene and critiques performative activism in a majority-white town. 04:46 – Joe Cross as a stand-in for embodied social media, broadcasting manipulation via megaphone. 06:08 – Dave compares the film to Scorsese’s King of Comedy and Taxi Driver, especially in how antagonists are aggrandized. 07:26 – Michael analyzes characters like Sarah, pointing out value systems shaped entirely by online culture. 08:13 – Cross and the protesters mirror each other’s rhetoric but cannot communicate—highlighting echo chambers. 08:46–12:12 – The unhoused character is explored as a possible prophetic figure. The town ignores real suffering in favor of symbolic outrage. 12:25–14:11 – The sheriff’s arc from performative compassion to violence is unpacked. His choices reflect moral confusion and performative politics.
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    1 h et 25 min
  • Episode 97 - 28 Years Later

    Episode 97 - 28 Years Later
    Jul 7 2025

    After some bad uploads and delays, for what is seems like 28 years after the release, Michael and Dave finally delve into the thematic and tonal complexity of 28 Years Later, a film they describe as both rich in ideas and somewhat disjointed. They focus on death, coming of age, and humanity in a post-apocalyptic world dominated by the infected.

    🎬 Cast and Crew – 28 Years Later

    Director:

    • Danny Boyle – Returns to direct this sequel after helming 28 Days Later (2002), marking a major reunion with the original creative team.

    Writer:

    • Alex Garland – Screenwriter of 28 Days Later and now known for Ex Machina and Annihilation, returns to pen this installment. His writing is noted for rich worldbuilding and philosophical themes.

    Main Cast:

    • Aaron Taylor-Johnson – Plays Spike’s hardened father, a forager from the island community.

    • Jodie Comer – Portrays Spike’s mother, whose illness propels much of the plot.

    • Ralph Fiennes – A mysterious doctor living among the infected on the mainland, deeply tied to the film’s reflections on death and dignity.

    • Jack O’Connell – Reportedly plays the adult version of Jimmy, whose storyline ties back to the film’s prologue and culminates in the cult-like finale.

    • Spike (actor unconfirmed) – A young boy coming of age in a world overrun by the infected; the central emotional figure of the film.

    Producers:

    • Andrew Macdonald

    • Bernard Bellew

    Production Companies:

    • DNA Films

    • Searchlight Pictures
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    55 min
  • Episode 96: The Phoenician Scheme

    Episode 96: The Phoenician Scheme
    Jun 20 2025

    Episode 96 – The Phoenician Scheme (Mindframes Podcast)
    Michael Cockerill and Dave Canfield discuss Wes Anderson's latest film, The Phoenician Scheme. The movie stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Cera, Riz Ahmed, Meena Truppleton, and other regulars from Anderson’s filmography.

    The story centers around Zaza Corda, a wealthy businessman played by Benicio del Toro, who makes the surprising decision to name his daughter—a nun—as his heir. He simultaneously launches a massive infrastructure project in the fictional country of Phoenicia (or Western Phoenicia), encountering opposition from terrorists, rival tycoons, and even his own brother.
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    1 h et 3 min
  • Episode 95 - The Life of Chuck

    Episode 95 - The Life of Chuck
    Jun 14 2025

    Episode 95: The Life of Chuck

    🔗 IMDb - The Life of Chuck (2025)

    Cast & Crew:

    • Director: Mike Flanagan

    • Writer: Mike Flanagan (based on the short story by Stephen King)

    • Cast:

      • Tom Hiddleston as Chuck

      • Mark Hamill

      • Chiwetel Ejiofor

      • Karen Gillan

      • Jacob Tremblay

      • Matthew Lillard

      • Harvey Guillén

      • David Dastmalchian

      • Mia Sara

      • Q'orianka Kilcher

      • Trinity Jo-Li Bliss

      • Benjamin Pajak

    Show Timestamps

    00:00:15 – Michael introduces the film The Life of Chuck, its limited theatrical release, and welcomes special guest Ian Simmons of Kicking the Seat.

    00:02:15 – The hosts briefly reflect on Mike Flanagan’s prior Stephen King adaptations, especially Doctor Sleep.

    00:04:00 – Ian discusses reading the original short story The Life of Chuck after seeing the film, praising its fidelity to King’s source material.

    00:06:03 – Dave and Michael share their personal histories with Flanagan's work, including Dave’s admiration and Michael’s familiarity with Midnight Mass.

    00:08:03 – They begin analyzing Chuck’s character, noting the film's openness to interior interpretation and emotional resonance.

    00:10:13 – Michael points out how Chuck’s dance scene operates like a monologue in conveying depth without dialogue, comparing it to Midnight Mass.

    00:12:11 – Dave reflects on the challenge of adapting writers like Bradbury vs. King, noting King’s folksy, conversational dialogue works well on screen.

    00:14:11 – Ian praises Flanagan’s scriptwriting, which invents dialogue that feels authentically King-like, even though it wasn't from the short story.
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    1 h et 30 min
  • Episode 94: Friendship

    Episode 94: Friendship
    May 31 2025
    🎙️ Mindframes Episode 94: Friendship (2025) Theme: Male friendship, awkwardness, modern masculinity, repression Hosts: Dave Canfield & Michael Cockerill 🎬 Cast & Crew Director: Andrew DeYoung Writer: Andrew DeYoung Cinematographer: Andy Rydzewski Executive Producer: Paul Rudd Cast: Tim Robinson as Craig Waterman – a painfully awkward suburban dad with delusions of friendship. Paul Rudd as Austin – a charming local weatherman with a hidden insecurities. Kate Mara as Craig’s wife – emotionally exhausted, but nuanced and grounded. Austin’s Bro Squad – unnamed ensemble portraying the elusive male friendship circle. In this episode of Mindframes, Dave and Michael unpack Friendship (2025), a darkly comedic exploration of male loneliness, emotional repression, and the often-toxic rituals of adult male bonding. They praise the directorial debut of Andrew DeYoung and standout performances by Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd, noting how the film blends cringe humor with surprising visual and thematic depth. Drawing comparisons to The Master and The Holdovers, the hosts explore how Friendship critiques both the performative coolness of modern masculinity and the isolation it breeds. With humor and insight, they reflect on the film’s sobering message: real friendship is hard—and the world isn’t making it any easier. 🕒 Timestamps & Topics 00:00 – Intro Dave and Michael kick off the show with their signature Mindframes intro and reveal this episode’s focus: Friendship (2025), a genre-bending dark comedy. 00:51 – Film Overview Michael introduces the premise: a painfully awkward suburban dad becomes obsessed with his neighbor in what’s been described as a male Fatal Attraction. 02:28 – Release Status They note it’s in wide theatrical release and encourage people to see it soon. 03:29 – Director & Crew Background Andrew DeYoung's TV roots and lack of prior film experience are discussed, along with Andy Rydzewski’s commercial and TV cinematography background. 07:46 – Visual Style & Influences Muted colors, natural lighting, and inspiration from The Master and other dramas inform the film’s look. Michael mentions how shots are borrowed from Paul Thomas Anderson and how that affects tone. 12:39 – Tone: Comedy vs. Drama Dave and Michael praise the film's ability to mix dark comedy with character-driven drama, comparing it to The Holdovers and Dinner for Schmucks. 14:15 – Performances: Paul Rudd & Tim Robinson Both leads are praised for nuanced, funny, and sometimes heartbreaking performances. Tim reins in his trademark awkwardness to great effect. 16:42 – Casting & Type Discussion They debate whether Paul Rudd is playing against type and explore the contrast between his character here and in Death of a Unicorn. 19:00 – Supporting Cast: Kate Mara Dave praises Mara’s emotionally exhausted wife character as a well-drawn and important part of the story. 19:38 – Review Scores Michael gives it 3.5 stars, citing a lack of surprises; Dave agrees, mentioning a slightly weak ending. 23:29 – Spoiler Section Begins 🚨 Discussion shifts into spoiler-heavy analysis of themes and character arcs. 25:27 – Theme: Male Friendship Recession They reference a Guardian article about the decline of male friendships and reflect on Craig and Austin’s relationship as a modern commentary. 30:02 – Vulnerability & Masculinity They explore the emotional repression of both characters—Craig’s narcissism and Austin’s performative coolness. 34:42 – The Bro Squad & Toxic Dynamics Craig’s failed attempt to integrate with Austin’s friend group illustrates exclusion and fragile male social structures. 41:18 – Performative Masculinity & Props Austin’s toupee, hidden phone, and gold-plated gun are dissected as symbols of insecurity and hollow bravado. 47:22 – Satire, Empathy & the Message Dave and Michael agree the film isn’t offering answers—it’s critiquing the state of male connection and identity through black comedy. 52:51 – Final Thoughts & Outro They emphasize that the lack of resolution is part of the message. The film is a mirror, not a lesson plan. 54:38 – What’s Next on Mindframes? Teasing upcoming episodes on The Life of Chuck, The Phoenician Scheme, and possibly The Ritual. 55:35 – Contact Info Listeners are encouraged to send feedback via mindframesfilm.com and Facebook.
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    57 min
  • Episode 93: Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning

    Episode 93: Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning
    May 25 2025

    🎙️ Mindframe(s) Podcast – Episode 93 Mission: Impossible: Final Reckoning (and Franchise Retrospective) 🎬 Film Details

    • Title: Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning

    • Director: Christopher McQuarrie

    • Writers: Christopher McQuarrie, Erik Jendresen

    • Main Cast:

      • Tom Cruise – Ethan Hunt

      • Hayley Atwell – Grace

      • Esai Morales – Gabriel

      • Ving Rhames – Luther Stickell

      • Simon Pegg – Benji Dunn

      • Rebecca Ferguson – Ilsa Faust

      • Pom Klementieff – Paris

    ⏱️ Timestamps & Highlights

    00:15 – Intro
    Michael and Dave kick off with their usual charm, setting the tone for a franchise deep dive.

    01:00 – Plot Recap
    Ethan Hunt faces off against “The Entity,” a rogue AI threatening global stability.

    02:45 – McQuarrie & Cruise: The Power Duo
    Exploring their partnership from Rogue Nation to Final Reckoning.

    04:00 – The Franchise Evolves
    Reflections on how the series matured post-MI:2, with J.J. Abrams, Brad Bird, and McQuarrie each leaving a mark.

    06:30 – Cast Talk
    Revisiting the ensemble—Benji, Grace, Luther, Gabriel—and a few names we all struggle to remember.

    08:00 – Film Reviews
    Michael: Solid entry but overdramatic.
    Dave: Incredible stunts, a bit scattered narratively.

    13:10 – MI’s Long Legacy
    From its TV origins to blockbuster dominance—what keeps MI relevant?

    17:00 – MI vs. Bond
    An argument for Hunt as the more ethical spy archetype.

    23:00 – The Power of Practical Stunts
    Cruise’s death-defying feats as franchise identity.

    26:00 – John Wick Comparison
    Fun detour comparing franchises—emotional vs. spectacle-driven action.

    29:00 – Celebrating Cruise
    Behind-the-scenes appreciation for Tom Cruise’s intensity and kindness.

    32:30 – Marketing the Stunt
    How each film builds its campaign around a singular Cruise stunt.

    36:00 – Consistency Pays Off
    Why MI might be the most consistent franchise outside the superhero realm.

    42:00 – What’s Next?
    Sneak peek at Friendship and Thunderbolts in upcoming episodes.

    📬 Contact Us

    mindframesfilm.com

    facebook.com/mindframesmovies

    Now Playing Network: nowplayingnetwork.net

    Got feedback or just want to geek out about movies with us? Reach out—we’d love to hear from you!
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    45 min
  • Episode 92: Sinners

    Episode 92: Sinners
    May 2 2025

    Absolutely! Here’s the same set of show notes with chapter timestamps added to guide listeners through the episode:

    🎙️ Mindframes – Episode 92
    “Sinners (2025): Vampires, Blues, and the Power of Community”

    In this episode, Michael and Dave dive deep into Sinners, the bold, original horror-drama from director Ryan Coogler. Featuring Michael B. Jordan in a dual role and a breakout performance by Miles Katon, Sinners blends genre thrills with potent social commentary, historical resonance, and musical mysticism.

    🧛‍♂️ Topics We Cover:

    00:00 – Intro & Background

    • Welcome and overview of Sinners

    • Ryan Coogler’s directorial track record

    • The film’s box office buzz and unique 25-year rights deal

    07:00 – Coogler’s Style and Themes

    • Socially conscious storytelling across Coogler’s films

    • How Sinners fits in with Creed and Black Panther

    09:00 – Cinematography & IMAX Impact

    • Shot in 65mm IMAX—what it adds to the experience

    • Natural light, cloudy skies, and thematic lighting shifts

    • The power of visual framing and mise-en-scène

    20:00 – Editing & Dual Performance Magic

    • How the film nails having Michael B. Jordan play twins

    • Why the editing feels seamless and emotionally grounded

    24:00 – Music, Blues, and the Soundtrack

    • The blues as culture, history, and emotional truth

    • How the score becomes a character in the film

    • A musical that isn’t a musical—but could be

    26:30 – Cast Performances

    • Michael B. Jordan’s award-worthy dual role

    • Miles Katon’s emotional breakout

    • Hailee Steinfeld, Delroy Lindo, and standout supporting cast

    • A Chicago-based cameo worth cheering for

    34:00 – Spoiler-Free Final Thoughts

    • Emotional resonance and thematic impact

    • Horror, humor, heart, and history

    • Why it’s one of 2025’s most complete films

    44:00 – Spoiler Section Begins

    • Vampires as a metaphor for cultural appropriation

    • The meaning of “Pick Poor Robin Clean”

    • The juke joint as sanctuary and symbol

    • The unforgettable ancestral musical scene

    • Thematic reflections on sin, soul, and survival

    🎬 Film on IMDb:

    • Sinners (2025)

    🎧 Mindframes

    • Official Website

    • Apple Podcasts

    • Spotify
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    1 h et 39 min