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Casually Critical

Casually Critical

By Daniel Carpenter & James Newton

Storytellers James Newton and Daniel Carpenter discuss modern entertainment, with all of its flaws and merits.
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Media Criticism and the Pursuit of Excellence

Casually CriticalJun 09, 2023

00:00
58:22
Media Criticism and the Pursuit of Excellence
Jun 09, 202358:22
A Special Announcement for Season Four

A Special Announcement for Season Four

Help us shape our fourth season!

Take the short survey here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdStOaxvzkxaxlzwG_iBMGMGHCKkMI2zuoc6cml1x9_7DcAIA/viewform?usp=sf_link

• • • • •

Casually Critical: Season Four will premiere on June 9, 2023. Until then...

Check us out on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/casuallycriticalpodcast/

We have a Facebook, too:

https://www.facebook.com/CasuallyCriticalPodcast/

Maybe email is more your thing:

casuallycriticalpodcast@gmail.com

• • • • •

Executive Producers and Hosts: Daniel Carpenter, James Newton

Sound Design and Audio Mixing: Daniel Carpenter

Social Media: James Newton

Feb 17, 202301:16
Casually Critical's Season Three Finale

Casually Critical's Season Three Finale

Daniel and James wrap up season three by bringing back the Entertainment Awards, followed by a forecast for 2023's new releases.

Don't worry, you can rest easy: the entire episode is spoiler-free!

• • • • •

Season Three's Entertainment Awards:

  • The Casually Critical Fan Club Award - 3:49
  • The One-Man Hype Train Award - 4:54
  • Franchise Killer Award - 6:40
  • "Good on Paper" Award - 7:35
  • Marketing Team Creative Influence Award - 9:35
  • Lemonade Award - 12:33
  • Participation Award - 14:10
  • Achievement in Acting - 16:00
  • Host's Personal Favorite Season Three Episode - 19:09
  • Achievement in Storytelling - 21:37
  • Creative Dumpster Fire Reigning Champion - 26:37

• • • • •

2023 Movie Forecast:

  • John Wick: Chapter 4 - 32:35
  • Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves - 35:07
  • Dune: Part Two - 38:34
  • Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3 - 40:52
  • Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny - 42.57
  • The Super Mario Bros. Movie- 45:23
  • Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania - 48:50
  • Coyote vs. Acme - 52:40
  • The Flash - 56:17
  • Strays - 59:33
  • Haunted Mansion - 1:04:09
  • Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse - 1:07:26

Off-the-Air Movie Recommendations - 1:14:38

• • • • •

Stay tuned for Casually Critical: Season Four, premiering June 9, 2023. Until then...

Check us out on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/casuallycriticalpodcast/

We have a Facebook, too:

https://www.facebook.com/CasuallyCriticalPodcast/

Maybe email is more your thing:

casuallycriticalpodcast@gmail.com

• • • • •

Executive Producers and Hosts: Daniel Carpenter, James Newton

Sound Design and Audio Mixing: Daniel Carpenter

Social Media: James Newton

Dec 30, 202201:17:41
"The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" Is Actually Quite Nuanced
Dec 23, 202231:18
We Finally Watched "Rings of Power"

We Finally Watched "Rings of Power"

You taunted us. You cajoled us. So we finally did it: we watched the entire season of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022). Was it worth the eight-hour investment? Did we have any regrets, or did our viewing experience cause us to do a heel turn on our initial thoughts? Let's face it, you wouldn't be reading this description unless you were a mite bit curious. Go on, then: give this episode a listen.

The review begins at 10:00.

Spoiler Review begins at 18:57.

• • • • •

Want to join in the conversation? We'd love to answer some of your burning questions or hear your feedback about the show. Who knows? Your questions could be featured on one of our episodes!

Check us out on Instagram:

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https://www.facebook.com/CasuallyCriticalPodcast/

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casuallycriticalpodcast@gmail.com

• • • • •

Executive Producers and Hosts: Daniel Carpenter, James Newton

Sound Design and Audio Mixing: Daniel Carpenter

Social Media: James Newton

Dec 16, 202247:04
Peeling Back the Layers of "Glass Onion"

Peeling Back the Layers of "Glass Onion"

Here's a mysterious inquiry: how could Rian Johnson top what he did in his previous whodunit, Knives Out? Is it possible for a sequel to be bigger AND better? And can you objectively appreciate a well-crafted story even when you subjectively disagree with the themes it conveys? Daniel and James grab their cigars, tie their ascots, and polish their spectacles as they seek those confounding answers in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022).

Spoiler Review begins at 24:21.

• • • • •

Want to join in the conversation? We'd love to answer some of your burning questions or hear your feedback about the show. Who knows? Your questions could be featured on one of our episodes!

Check us out on Instagram:

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casuallycriticalpodcast@gmail.com

• • • • •

Executive Producers and Hosts: Daniel Carpenter, James Newton

Sound Design and Audio Mixing: Daniel Carpenter

Social Media: James Newton

Dec 09, 202257:40
Casual Correspondence: Fan Theories & Is "Die Hard" a Christmas movie?

Casual Correspondence: Fan Theories & Is "Die Hard" a Christmas movie?

Daniel and James take a break, relax, and answer questions from listeners of the podcast.

What's your favorite movie soundtrack? Is music essential to telling a story in film? (3:54)

What's a fan theory you wish was true or would improve the property it's about? (14:56)

What are the most consistent themes that stick out to you in a film? (23:52)

Have you noticed any thematic patterns in the top-grossing box office films of the past decade? (28:45)

Is film the best form of storytelling in our generation? (45:17)

Should film be the main tool for telling stories in less technologically-advanced cultures? (53:52)

Is there a literary/cinematic trope that is necessary for a good story? (1:02:41)

What makes a scene truly emotional? (1:12:08)

Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? (1:22:03)

Daniel's question for James (1:32:48)

James's question for Daniel (1:35:49)

• • • • •

Want to join in the conversation? We'd love to answer some of your burning questions or hear your feedback about the show. Who knows? Your questions could be featured on one of our episodes!

Check us out on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/casuallycriticalpodcast/

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https://www.facebook.com/CasuallyCriticalPodcast/

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casuallycriticalpodcast@gmail.com

• • • • •

Executive Producers and Hosts: Daniel Carpenter, James Newton

Sound Design and Audio Mixing: Daniel Carpenter

Social Media: James Newton

Dec 02, 202201:48:03
Feminism and the Marvel Brand in "She-Hulk"

Feminism and the Marvel Brand in "She-Hulk"

Featuring Abbey Frisco as this episode's guest!

The two critics step back into the murky, money-dense waters of Marvel Studios as a corporate filmmaker joins them in discussing the first season of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022). Is the show a milestone in female representation, or the latest example of poor, hot-button writing? What if it's both? What if it's neither? Abbey shares her experience as a filmmaker, a marketing professional, and a woman. James unpacks the oversaturation of Marvel's franchise and Daniel keeps confusing She-Hulk for a movie instead of a streaming series.

Spoiler Review begins at 47:30.

• • • • •

Want to join in the conversation? We'd love to answer some of your burning questions or hear your feedback about the show. Who knows? Your questions could be featured on one of our episodes!

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casuallycriticalpodcast@gmail.com

• • • • •

Executive Producers and Hosts: Daniel Carpenter, James Newton

Sound Design and Audio Mixing: Daniel Carpenter

Social Media: James Newton

Nov 25, 202201:57:15
"Thank You for Smoking" Puffs up Edgy Satire

"Thank You for Smoking" Puffs up Edgy Satire

Is smoking actually bad for you? It is. But this movie isn't (at least in terms of lung cancer)! Daniel and James shed some light onto the inner workings of this dark comedy. What does a tastefully edgy movie look like? How can you trust your audience with your movie's message without blatantly giving it away? Tune in to this episode and find out.

Spoiler Review begins at 20:05.

• • • • •

Want to join in the conversation? We'd love to answer some of your burning questions or hear your feedback about the show. Who knows? Your questions could be featured on one of our episodes!

Check us out on Instagram:

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casuallycriticalpodcast@gmail.com

• • • • •

Executive Producers and Hosts: Daniel Carpenter, James Newton

Sound Design and Audio Mixing: Daniel Carpenter

Social Media: James Newton

Nov 18, 202231:56
Not All Movies Should Be Like "Top Gun: Maverick"

Not All Movies Should Be Like "Top Gun: Maverick"

Look, up in the sky! Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it a Boeing F/A - 18/F Super Hornet piloted by Oscar-nominee Tom Cruise?! Is it coming right for me? Am I going to live? When will the questions end? Why is Top Gun: Maverick (2022) so good and yet so worrisome? When will Daniel and James finally turn their brains off and realize that fighter jets go VROOM, end of story?

Spoiler Review begins at 19:30.

• • • • •

Want to join in the conversation? We'd love to answer some of your burning questions or hear your feedback about the show. Who knows? Your questions could be featured on one of our episodes!

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casuallycriticalpodcast@gmail.com

• • • • •

Executive Producers and Hosts: Daniel Carpenter, James Newton

Sound Design and Audio Mixing: Daniel Carpenter

Social Media: James Newton

Nov 11, 202237:52
"God's Not Dead 4" and the Pitfalls of Christian Films

"God's Not Dead 4" and the Pitfalls of Christian Films

Featuring Pastor Dan Chapin as the show's first-ever guest!

Daniel and James find themselves in a new level of appalling creativity as they attempt to wade through the treacherous waters of God's Not Dead: We the People (2021) alongside a real-life pastor. God may not be dead, but this franchise should be.

Spoilers last for the entire episode so you don't have to bother watching the movie. You're welcome.

• • • • •

Want to join in the conversation? We'd love to answer some of your burning questions or hear your feedback about the show. Who knows? Your questions could be featured on one of our episodes!

Check us out on Instagram:

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casuallycriticalpodcast@gmail.com

• • • • •

Executive Producers and Hosts: Daniel Carpenter, James Newton

Sound Design and Audio Mixing: Daniel Carpenter

Social Media: James Newton

Nov 04, 202201:43:34
Evolving the Horror Genre in "Alien"

Evolving the Horror Genre in "Alien"

What makes you think of Halloween? Local costume parties? Trick-or-treating through the neighborhood with family? How about outer space? James and Daniel take spooky season into the stars as they dissect the legendary sci-fi horror film Alien (1979). Daniel rants about holograms. James compares the movie with the original Star Wars.

Spoiler Review begins at 18:02.

• • • • •

Want to join in the conversation? We'd love to answer some of your burning questions or hear your feedback about the show. Who knows? Your questions could be featured on one of our episodes!

Check us out on Instagram:

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We have a Facebook, too:

https://www.facebook.com/CasuallyCriticalPodcast/

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casuallycriticalpodcast@gmail.com

• • • • •

Executive Producers and Hosts: Daniel Carpenter, James Newton

Sound Design and Audio Mixing: Daniel Carpenter

Social Media: James Newton

Oct 28, 202238:41
Why We Didn't Finish "The Rings of Power"

Why We Didn't Finish "The Rings of Power"

Amazon's new show The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022) is the most expensive show in television history. But how much good story can money really buy? Why didn't Daniel and James finish watching it? More importantly, why didn't Amazon simply give Daniel and James some of the money they spent on this production? The two hosts certainly need it: hosting a podcast does not guarantee opulence, as it turns out. Also included in the beginning is banter about the new Super Mario Bros. movie teaser from Illumination Entertainment. God help us all.

The review begins at 9:55.

Spoiler Review begins at 34:05.

• • • • •

Want to join in the conversation? We'd love to answer some of your burning questions or hear your feedback about the show. Who knows? Your questions could be featured on one of our episodes!

Check us out on Instagram:

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https://www.facebook.com/CasuallyCriticalPodcast/

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casuallycriticalpodcast@gmail.com

• • • • •

Executive Producers and Hosts: Daniel Carpenter, James Newton

Sound Design and Audio Mixing: Daniel Carpenter

Social Media: James Newton

Oct 21, 202257:41
Don't Be "Hoodwinked" by This Low-Budget Classic

Don't Be "Hoodwinked" by This Low-Budget Classic

James attempts to put aside both his childhood and his nostalgia blindness as he joins Daniel in trying to properly analyze Hoodwinked (2005). The critics unlock James's mind and dive deep into his origins, Daniel finds himself in an internal debate over art vs. heart, and the two men dissect the role of cute side characters in animated films.

Spoiler Review begins at 28:03.

• • • • •

Want to join in the conversation? We'd love to answer some of your burning questions or hear your feedback about the show. Who knows? Your questions could be featured on one of our episodes!

Check us out on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/casuallycriticalpodcast/

We have a Facebook, too:

https://www.facebook.com/CasuallyCriticalPodcast/

Maybe email is more your thing:

casuallycriticalpodcast@gmail.com

• • • • •

Executive Producers and Hosts: Daniel Carpenter, James Newton

Sound Design and Audio Mixing: Daniel Carpenter

Social Media: James Newton

Oct 14, 202253:52
"Severance" Shows Who's Boss

"Severance" Shows Who's Boss

The two reviewers dive into the dark and sometimes strangely comedic world of Severance, Season 1 (2022). The review makes Casually Critical history, Daniel gets the green-eyed monster from the show's writing, and James unpacks his love-hate relationship with the more suspenseful moments. If you've read this far and haven't seen the show, drop everything (unless you're holding a baby, gently set it down) and watch this show stat.

The episode remains spoilers-and-plot-details free until 10:18.

Spoiler Review begins at 22:35.

• • • • •

Want to join in the conversation? We'd love to answer some of your burning questions or hear your feedback about the show. Who knows? Your questions could be featured on one of our episodes!

Check us out on Instagram:

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• • • • •

Executive Producers and Hosts: Daniel Carpenter, James Newton

Sound Design and Audio Mixing: Daniel Carpenter

Social Media: James Newton

Oct 07, 202257:03
"Moneyball" Isn't Just Fun and Games

"Moneyball" Isn't Just Fun and Games

Daniel and James put on their batting hats and hit the baseball diamond in their review of Moneyball (2011). Or, in this case, they hit the baseball...offices? The world of baseball clashes with a Nolanesque story as America's pastime is analyzed through the lens of its managers, who are in turn analyzed by our two critics...are you confused yet? Good.

Spoiler Review begins at 18:10.

Shout out to Troy L. for recommending this movie for us to review!

• • • • •

Want to join in the conversation? We'd love to answer some of your burning questions or hear your feedback about the show. Who knows? Your questions could be featured on one of our episodes!

Check us out on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/casuallycriticalpodcast/

We have a Facebook, too:

https://www.facebook.com/CasuallyCriticalPodcast/

Maybe email is more your thing:

casuallycriticalpodcast@gmail.com

• • • • •

Executive Producers and Hosts: Daniel Carpenter, James Newton

Sound Design and Audio Mixing: Daniel Carpenter

Social Media: James Newton

Sep 30, 202250:09
Digging Into "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner"

Digging Into "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner"

What things do you typically discuss while around the dinner table? Is it lighthearted discourse about the recent sports game? Some merry conversation regarding hilarious work escapades?  Well, in this episode, Daniel and James sit back and relax with some banter about heavy societal issues and crippling cinematic cultural hyperanalysis with Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967). James questions monologues, Daniel brings about a second round of roastings directed at Gone with the Wind, and the two explore the difference between collectivism and individualistic expression in media.

Spoiler Review begins at 22:15.

• • • • •

Want to join in the conversation? We'd love to answer some of your burning questions or hear your feedback about the show. Who knows? Your questions could be featured on one of our episodes!

Check us out on Instagram:

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Maybe email is more your thing:

casuallycriticalpodcast@gmail.com

• • • • •

Executive Producers and Hosts: Daniel Carpenter, James Newton

Sound Design and Audio Mixing: Daniel Carpenter

Social Media: James Newton

Sep 23, 202255:26
"Kung Fu Panda 3" Has a Kick To It

"Kung Fu Panda 3" Has a Kick To It

Dreamworks Animation flexes its franchise-building chops with Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016). The two reviewers gush over scale-shrinking trilogies, James geeks out over toon shading, and Daniel confesses that he doesn't cook. Daniel and James enter the Build-A-Better-Villain workshop together and also concoct a surprisingly intriguing pitch for Kung Fu Panda 4.

Spoiler Review begins at 25:54.

• • • • •

Want to join in the conversation? We'd love to answer some of your burning questions or hear your feedback about the show. Who knows? Your questions could be featured on one of our episodes!

Check us out on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/casuallycriticalpodcast/

We have a Facebook, too:

https://www.facebook.com/CasuallyCriticalPodcast/

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casuallycriticalpodcast@gmail.com

• • • • •

Executive Producers and Hosts: Daniel Carpenter, James Newton

Sound Design and Audio Mixing: Daniel Carpenter

Social Media: James Newton

Sep 16, 202201:02:29
"Kubo and the Two Strings" Doesn't Monkey Around

"Kubo and the Two Strings" Doesn't Monkey Around

Did you have a great day today? Well, if you haven't yet watched Kubo and the Two Strings (2016) then the answer to that question is a "no". The two critics pull no punches with this film review, analyzing everything from the stop-motion techniques to the overall narrative structure, discussing representation in the film industry, and Daniel forgets what year it is and what movie they are reviewing.

Spoiler Review begins at 21:00.

• • • • •

Want to join in the conversation? We'd love to answer some of your burning questions or hear your feedback about the show. Who knows? Your questions could be featured on one of our episodes!

Check us out on Instagram:

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We have a Facebook, too:

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casuallycriticalpodcast@gmail.com

• • • • •

Executive Producers and Hosts: Daniel Carpenter, James Newton

Sound Design and Audio Mixing: Daniel Carpenter

Social Media: James Newton

Sep 09, 202246:33
Disney's "Enchanted" is a Spellbinding Subversion

Disney's "Enchanted" is a Spellbinding Subversion

The two critics find themselves caught between fairy tales and divorce lawyers in Enchanted (2007), an interesting movie made within an interesting era in Disney's history. Daniel recalls the podcast's traumatic past with movie musicals, James expresses a shocking desire to cut the movie's animation budget, and the two reviewers put Patrick Dempsey's performance on trial.

Spoiler Review begins at 19:12.

Shout out to Milan H. for recommending this movie for us to review!

• • • • •

Want to join in the conversation? We'd love to answer some of your burning questions or hear your feedback about the show. Who knows? Your questions could be featured on one of our episodes!

Check us out on Instagram:

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We have a Facebook, too:

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casuallycriticalpodcast@gmail.com

• • • • •

Executive Producers and Hosts: Daniel Carpenter, James Newton

Sound Design and Audio Mixing: Daniel Carpenter

Social Media: James Newton

Sep 02, 202252:09
Things Go South in "Gone with the Wind"

Things Go South in "Gone with the Wind"

Daniel and James go back in time to review Gone with the Wind (1939), their oldest reviewed film to date. Along the way, the two critics face shallow characters, cringe at overdramatized romance, roast death, see unrealized potential, and confront the unfortunate reality of historical racism.

Spoiler Review begins at 26:08.

Shout out to Emily D. for recommending this movie for us to review!

• • • • •

Want to join in the conversation? We'd love to answer some of your burning questions or hear your feedback about the show. Who knows? Your questions could be featured on one of our episodes!

Check us out on Instagram:

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We have a Facebook, too:

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casuallycriticalpodcast@gmail.com

• • • • •

Executive Producers and Hosts: Daniel Carpenter, James Newton

Sound Design and Audio Mixing: Daniel Carpenter

Social Media: James Newton

Aug 26, 202256:44
"The Sea Beast" Reaches Unexpected Depths

"The Sea Beast" Reaches Unexpected Depths

With the world becoming full of Minions and Pixar films that don't make you cry, is there any hope for animation? Netflix rises to the nonexistent challenge with The Sea Beast (2022), a gorgeous animated film with a lot more to offer than just pretty visuals. The two reviewers reawaken their nostalgia for past animated classics and share their enthusiasm for big monster go boom. Daniel commits an egregious heresy against the animation industry while James exposes thematic dangers in children's media.

Spoiler Review begins at 20:59.

• • • • •

Want to join in the conversation? We'd love to answer some of your burning questions or hear your feedback about the show. Who knows? Your questions could be featured on one of our episodes!

Check us out on Instagram:

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casuallycriticalpodcast@gmail.com

• • • • •

Executive Producers and Hosts: Daniel Carpenter, James Newton

Sound Design and Audio Mixing: Daniel Carpenter

Social Media: James Newton

Aug 19, 202252:00
Casual Correspondence: Podcast Origins & Disney Speculations

Casual Correspondence: Podcast Origins & Disney Speculations

In this first-ever standalone episode of “Casual Correspondence”, Daniel and James take a break from their relentless criticism of media and answer questions from listeners of the podcast.

What actor would you want to play you in a feature film? (2:58)

What are your top movies of each year from the past five years? (6:25)

Favorite genre to watch alone and in a group? (19:49)

If you could watch only rom-coms or only dramas for the rest of your life, which would you choose? (24:22)

What's a famously disliked movie that you like? (27:18)

Rank the Disney+ Marvel shows. (29:37)

What did you think of the crossovers in "Spider-Man: No Way Home"? (34:40)

Why is Disney trying to strangle Pixar into streaming-only releases? (41:35)

What are some films you're surprised you liked as much as you did?  (49:47)

Favorite art movie? (52:06)

When analyzing a film, how much focus do you place on story as opposed to character? (55:28)

If a film can only have writing or cinematography, which is more appealing? (1:00:54)

What qualities make an animated movie and anime excellent, and how do they differ? (1:05:34)

What do you think the next step is for film? (1:09:35)

Where does storytelling belong in the world of marketing? (1:23:10)

What was the biggest challenge you had to face before and after the podcast's official release? (1:38:05)

What was the movie/TV show that got you into movies and TV? (1:44:16)

Why did you start this podcast? (1:49:28)

What's one thing you hope people gain from tuning in? (1:51:18)

Daniel's question for James (1:57:40)

James's question for Daniel (2:03:08)

• • • • •

Want to join in the conversation? We'd love to answer some of your burning questions or hear your feedback about the show. Who knows? Your questions could be featured on one of our episodes!

Check us out on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/casuallycriticalpodcast/

We have a Facebook, too:

https://www.facebook.com/CasuallyCriticalPodcast/

Maybe email is more your thing:

casuallycriticalpodcast@gmail.com

• • • • •

Executive Producers and Hosts: Daniel Carpenter, James Newton

Sound Design and Audio Mixing: Daniel Carpenter

Social Media: James Newton

Aug 12, 202202:06:50
"Minions: The Rise of Gru" Drives Us Bananas

"Minions: The Rise of Gru" Drives Us Bananas

Daniel and James plug their noses and dive butt-first into the sludge of Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022). James has an epiphany that is simultaneously encouraging and depressing, Daniel dives deep into the Despicable Me lore, and the two reviewers collectively go bananas as they rage against the butt-shaped machine that is Illumination Entertainment.

Spoiler Review begins at 20:05.

• • • • •

Want to join in the conversation? We'd love to answer some of your burning questions or hear your feedback about the show. Who knows? Your questions could be featured on one of our episodes!

Check us out on Instagram:

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https://www.facebook.com/CasuallyCriticalPodcast/

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casuallycriticalpodcast@gmail.com

• • • • •

Executive Producers and Hosts: Daniel Carpenter, James Newton

Sound Design and Audio Mixing: Daniel Carpenter

Social Media: James Newton

Aug 05, 202249:59
"Thor: Love and Thunder" Doesn't Bring the Thunder

"Thor: Love and Thunder" Doesn't Bring the Thunder

Marvel Studios might have truly done it: corrupting even the previously unstoppable Taika Waititi. Daniel and James perform a reluctant biopsy on the beloved director's latest product, this time attempting to trace the MCU's recent string of failures back to the source. Also mentioned is Joker's enchanted makeup, an unpaid promotion for the 2018 God of War video game, and a discussion on LGBT representation in modern films and media.

Spoiler Review begins at 15:17.

• • • • •

Want to join in the conversation? We'd love to answer some of your burning questions or hear your feedback about the show. Who knows? Your questions could be featured on one of our episodes!

Check us out on Instagram:

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We have a Facebook, too:

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casuallycriticalpodcast@gmail.com

• • • • •

Executive Producers and Hosts: Daniel Carpenter, James Newton

Sound Design and Audio Mixing: Daniel Carpenter

Social Media: James Newton

Jul 29, 202248:15
The Fresh "Prince of Egypt"

The Fresh "Prince of Egypt"

Despite being a 'Christian movie', The Prince of Egypt (1998) continues to impress both Christian and Non-Christian audiences. But why? What's the secret sauce? Your two favorite reviewers dig further, unearthing this old masterpiece of a movie. Also, Daniel and James rip apart animation haters and collectively lose their sanity over Frozen-themed beach towels. James expresses his yearning for background paintings.

Spoiler Review begins at 23:05.

• • • • •

Want to join in the conversation? We'd love to answer some of your burning questions or hear your feedback about the show. Who knows? Your questions could be featured on one of our episodes!

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• • • • •

Executive Producers and Hosts: Daniel Carpenter, James Newton

Sound Design and Audio Mixing: Daniel Carpenter

Social Media: James Newton


Jul 22, 202250:14
Turning Horror Upside Down with "Stranger Things, Season 4"

Turning Horror Upside Down with "Stranger Things, Season 4"

Thirteen hours is a long time to be doing anything, but that's the total length of Stranger Things, Season 4 (2022). If our time on this earth is finite, should we be watching this gargantuan Netflix juggernaut? In this episode, Daniel and James do just that by examining the long-awaited installment, complaining about Soviet Russia, and attempting amateur ASMR.

Spoiler Review begins at 24:00 if you want to truly go ham on those Demogorgons.

• • • • •

Want to join in the conversation? We'd love to answer some of your burning questions or hear your feedback about the show. Who knows? Your questions could be featured on one of our episodes!

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casuallycriticalpodcast@gmail.com

• • • • •

Executive Producers and Hosts: Daniel Carpenter, James Newton

Sound Design and Audio Mixing: Daniel Carpenter

Social Media: James Newton

Jul 15, 202201:17:49
"Inside" the Mind of Bo Burnham

"Inside" the Mind of Bo Burnham

Can a lonely artist stuck inside his home make anything good? Moreover, can he make anything funny? Daniel and James aren't going to directly answer that, since they themselves record and edit the podcast in their respective homes. Instead, they're going to unpack Inside (2021), a comedy special unlike any other, while James grapples with Daniel's inadequate friendship.

Spoiler Review begins at 20:49.

• • • • •

Want to join in the conversation? We'd love to answer some of your burning questions or hear your feedback about the show. Who knows? Your questions could be featured on one of our episodes!

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casuallycriticalpodcast@gmail.com

• • • • •

Executive Producers and Hosts: Daniel Carpenter, James Newton

Sound Design and Audio Mixing: Daniel Carpenter

Social Media: James Newton


Jul 08, 202241:58
Does "Frozen" Hold a Candle to "Encanto"?

Does "Frozen" Hold a Candle to "Encanto"?

Critiquing Disney's animated movies is no small undertaking, which is why Daniel and James are reviewing two-Frozen (2013) and Encanto (2021)-and pitting them against each other. They had good childhoods, we swear. Also included in the review are words that would make Josh Gad fans writhe in agony and derail the Disney hype train. Upset? Just let it go.

This entire episode is full of spoilers! Watch both films before listening.

• • • • •

Want to join in the conversation? We'd love to answer some of your burning questions or hear your feedback about the show. Who knows? Your questions could be featured on one of our episodes!

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• • • • •

Executive Producers and Hosts: Daniel Carpenter, James Newton

Sound Design and Audio Mixing: Daniel Carpenter

Social Media: James Newton

Jul 01, 202201:07:34
Why "The Batman" is Riddled With Excellence

Why "The Batman" is Riddled With Excellence

The reviewers repress their love of Matt Reeves as they attempt to give an honest examination, detective-style, of the world of The Batman (2022). They compare Robert Pattinson to previous Batmen, Casually Critical faces its most significant score discrepancy to date, and Daniel shares his trivial knowledge of anamorphic lenses and psychology.

Spoiler Review begins at 20:00.

• • • • •

Want to join in the conversation? We'd love to answer some of your burning questions or hear your feedback about the show. Who knows? Your questions could be featured on one of our episodes!

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Maybe email is more your thing:

casuallycriticalpodcast@gmail.com

• • • • •

Executive Producers and Hosts: Daniel Carpenter, James Newton

Sound Design and Audio Mixing: Daniel Carpenter

Social Media: James Newton


Jun 24, 202252:23
Spicing Up Sci-Fi With "Dune"

Spicing Up Sci-Fi With "Dune"

DJ Vanilla New-Wave is back, this time with a greatly anticipated movie jam-packed with celebrities and based on a classic book. But does it live up to the hype? Could it somehow beat "The Force Awakens"? Will Daniel ever find his Dream Girl™? Stay tuned for the answers in this review of Dune (2021).

Spoiler Review begins at 13:20.

• • • • •

Want to join in the conversation? We'd love to answer some of your burning questions or hear your feedback about the show. Who knows? Your questions could be featured on one of our episodes!

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Maybe email is more your thing:

casuallycriticalpodcast@gmail.com

• • • • •

Executive Producers and Hosts: Daniel Carpenter, James Newton

Sound Design and Audio Mixing: Daniel Carpenter

Social Media: James Newton

Jun 17, 202235:47
How Marvel's "Multiverse of Madness" Motivates Mediocrity

How Marvel's "Multiverse of Madness" Motivates Mediocrity

The two quirky reviewers are back, this time to tackle the increasingly problematic Marvel Cinematic Universe by using Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness (2022) as a case study.

The Film Review begins at 5:37. Spoiler Discussion starts at 32:10.

• • • • •

Want to join in the conversation? We'd love to answer some of your burning questions or hear your feedback about the show. Who knows? Your questions could be featured on one of our episodes!

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Maybe email is more your thing:

casuallycriticalpodcast@gmail.com

• • • • •

Executive Producers and Hosts: Daniel Carpenter, James Newton

Audio Mixing: Bryan Winn

Sound Design and Final Mix: Daniel Carpenter

Social Media: James Newton

Jun 10, 202258:16
Serenity (2005) and Superior Adaptations

Serenity (2005) and Superior Adaptations

This continuation of "Firefly" may be in a different medium, but has a lot to say regarding proper adaptations.

Casual Correspondence: 9:17

Spoiler Discussion: 12:20

Contact us on Instagram or Facebook @CasuallyCriticalPodcast for a chance to be featured on our show.

Jul 17, 202033:57
Firefly (2002-2003) and How to Win the World in 14 Episodes

Firefly (2002-2003) and How to Win the World in 14 Episodes

Hailed by many as one of the greatest science-fiction shows of all time, Daniel and James finally discuss the cult classic "Firefly".

Casual Correspondence: 11:01

Spoiler Discussion: 13:49

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Jul 10, 202039:35
Space Force, Season 1 (2020) and Greg Daniels Syndrome

Space Force, Season 1 (2020) and Greg Daniels Syndrome

Daniel and James tackle the latest show from the creator of "The Office" and "Parks and Recreation".

Casual Correspondence: 9:39

Spoiler Discussion: 19:00

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Jun 27, 202040:09
Ip Man (2008) and Kung Fu Gary Stu

Ip Man (2008) and Kung Fu Gary Stu

Donnie Yen kicks some serious butt in this often-overlooked martial arts film, but perhaps there are some narrative flaws just as overlooked.

Local Forecast - Slower Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

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Jun 19, 202030:46
Marriage Story (2019) and Theater-Going Reminicers

Marriage Story (2019) and Theater-Going Reminicers

Divorce can be messy, and the narrative of Marriage Story is no exception. But does the movie's narrative juggle authenticity or fall into unrealistic blandness?

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Jun 05, 202031:48
The Dragon Prince, Seasons 1-3 (2018-2019) and Parks and Recreation Special Mini-Review

The Dragon Prince, Seasons 1-3 (2018-2019) and Parks and Recreation Special Mini-Review

This Netflix-exclusive series contains many similarities to Avatar: The Last Airbender, but with some different flaws.

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May 30, 202041:36
Singin' in the Rain (1952) and Wonder Lost

Singin' in the Rain (1952) and Wonder Lost

This forgotten musical of yesteryear may still teach us a thing or two about modern movies today. Daniel and James debate the good, the bad, and even the philosophical elements of this energetic feature.

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May 22, 202033:51
10 Cloverfield Lane (2016) and Perfect Parallels

10 Cloverfield Lane (2016) and Perfect Parallels

This movie took theaters by surprise and had a significant impact on one of the hosts, but who? Also, Daniel and James dissect your favorite movie directors and brainstorm an improved ending to the movie!

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May 15, 202040:35
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003) and Guilty Pleasures

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003) and Guilty Pleasures

What makes an adaptation great? The two hosts take a deep dive into the legendary trilogy, recommended by you, our fans! Also, stick around to listen to Casual Correspondence for a special announcement.

Contact us on Instagram or Facebook @CasuallyCriticalPodcast for a chance to be featured on our show.

May 08, 202040:11
Anomalisa (2015) and Quirky Quarantines

Anomalisa (2015) and Quirky Quarantines

The two hosts take a deep dive into the surreal and even learn a few things about themselves in the process.

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May 01, 202039:35
Knives Out (2019) and Dissing Nolan

Knives Out (2019) and Dissing Nolan

Daniel and James tackle a film that subverts, and yet simultaneously respects, the whodunit genre. Stay tuned to learn about the host's favorite directors and then delve into a discussion including cynicism in modern movies.

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Apr 24, 202034:32
Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011) and Screaming in the Dark

Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011) and Screaming in the Dark

This sequel has some significance...and detriments. Daniel and James dissect the powerful panda in this episode.

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Apr 17, 202035:21
The Greatest Showman (2017) and Future Possibilities

The Greatest Showman (2017) and Future Possibilities

Daniel and James tackle one of 2017's greatest hits and analyze the beating heart behind this musical juggernaut.

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Apr 10, 202037:05
Stranger Things, Seasons 1-3 (2016-2019) and Parasite Prophets

Stranger Things, Seasons 1-3 (2016-2019) and Parasite Prophets

Daniel and James go ham on those Demogorgons, lemme tell yah.

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Apr 03, 202040:36
Whiplash (2014) and Strange Wholesomeness

Whiplash (2014) and Strange Wholesomeness

How scary could jazz be, really? A lot more than you think. Also, Daniel and James challenge the perceived nature of art.

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Mar 27, 202032:36
Arrival (2016) and DJ Vanilla New-Wave

Arrival (2016) and DJ Vanilla New-Wave

The podcasting duo delves into a mind-blowing science-fiction feature.

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Mar 20, 202030:40
Onward (2020) and Pantless Potential

Onward (2020) and Pantless Potential

The podcasting duo shares some differing opinions regarding Pixar's latest feature.

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Mar 14, 202033:60
Parasite (2019) and Groundhog Actors

Parasite (2019) and Groundhog Actors

Season 2 kicks off with last year's "Best Picture" winner, but does it live up to the hype? Daniel and James dissect the film and give their thoughts on the recent Oscars ceremony.

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Mar 06, 202037:51