Racking Focus Podcast

Josiah and John finally chat about MoonKnight, one of John's favorite Marvel Comics characters. The full series conversation is chock full of spoilers, so beware. This is a show to watch without the stain of foreknowledge. 

TIMESTAMPS:

1. Moonknight Conversation- 0:10

2. Weekly Watch- 30:17

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Jordan Peele inspired Josiah and John to create this podcast, and so it is appropriate that his film, NOPE, is the subject of our 100th episode. Nope is a genre breaking critique of the modern (and ultimately) human infatuation with spectacle. The film channels Jaws, the great westerns of the 1950s and 60s, a host of paranoid, alien invasion films, and Spielberg's cinematic style. All of that is supported by beautiful visual imagery, stellar acting, deep cinema history references, and a well crafted plot. Josiah and John have been waiting since seeing US to review and discuss Peele's work on the podcast and they don't skip a beat. The conversation is their reaction and unrehearsed analysis and, like the film, does not kick into high gear until midway through the conversation. It is all great fun, but the meat comes after some verbal antipasto. Check out the timestamps below to see where you want to join into the dialogue.

TIMESTAMPS:

1. Welcome to Episode 100- 0:10 

2. Nope: Spoiler Free Review- 2:45

3. The Weekly Watch- Game of Thrones, Fat City - 11:30

4. Nope: Discussion Begins- 18:00

5. Just like NOPE, 30 minutes in we start hitting the real themes- 40:48

6. Closing- 1:16:30

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Back after a hiatus filled with births and death, Josiah and John journey to the realms of the gods to explore Taika Waititi's second Thor film. This one has met with some controversy, but love it or butcher it, Love and Thunder opens a path in the Bifrost for much more MCU magic. Richly Waititiesque, Love and Thunder is both tonally inconsistent and emotionally satisfying. 

TIMESTAMPS:

1. Catching Up with our Lives. 0:10
2. The Weekly Watch - 1:18
3. The Review - 10:00
4. Closing - 1:13:02

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Tom Cruise knows how to deliver on high octane action and Top Gun: Maverick is a perfect blend of nostalgia and adrenaline! Hands down one of the best sequel films to exist and we can't get enough of it! Get ready for our spoiler free, and spoiler filled review! What did you think of the film? Send us a DM or a voice message at the link below and let us know your thoughts!

TIMESTAMPS:

1. Spoiler Free Review - 0:10
2. The Weekly Watch - 6:10
3. The Review - 21:44
4. Closing - 1:05:45

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And we're back after a few weeks off due and we're discussing and reviewing the newest addition to the MCU, Dr. Strange In The Multiverse of Madness. Raimi fans will love it. Non-Raimi fans might have problems with it. We fall into both categories and appreciate the filmmaking aspect, but also think that some of Raimi's specific style really causes... you know what? Just listen to the podcast and hear our critique. Normally we're pretty forgiving with MCU films, but we really have some issues here. What did you think of the film? Send us a DM or a voice message at the link below and let us know your thoughts!

TIMESTAMPS:

1. The Weekly Watch - 0:10
2. The Review - 16:20
3. Ads On Netflix, HBO, & Disney+? - 1:04:22
3. Closing - 1:13:30

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The Northman is a downright brutal film. And we talk about all of it. Our review and conversation about The Northman covers everyting from the intensity of the music, to the unbelievable shots, and the entire epic-ness of it all, and so much more. We actually had to stop ourselves because we could've talked for another hour together about this film. Eggers certainly delivered on a $90 Million Viking epic. As usual, there are spoilers ahead on this episode.

TIMESTAMPS:

1. Watch We've Been Watching - 0:41
2. The Review - 14:27
3. Closing - 52:49

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If you're someone who says that original movies aren't being made, well you couldn't be more wrong. Everything Everywhere All At Once is a prime example of a wildly original idea that is both absurd and full of emotion and heart. This is hands down one of the best films of 2022 and it's only April! There are spoilers everywhere in this episode and we highly encourage you to watch this film without any expectations so that you can experience the magic that is Everything Everywhere All At Once without any pre-conceived ideas. So that means skip this episode, watch the film, and come back and listen to us talk about the movie.

TIMESTAMPS:

1. Watch We've Been Watching - 0:41
2. The Review - 14:27
3. Closing - 52:49

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We have some catching up to do. Welcome to another multi-movie mash up episode where we're briefly discussing Free Guy, The French Dispatch, and The King's Man. Our favorite film of these three may surprise you so be sure to listen to find out which film we prefer. We'll be doing these mashup episodes from time to time as there's just so much to cover and not enough time to podcast review all of the films and shows being released.

TIMESTAMPS:

1. The Weekly Watch - 1:08
2. Free Guy - 17:10
3. The French Dispatch - 31:53
4. The King's Man - 45:10
5. Coming Soon + Rumors - 1:06:07

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Another year, another Batman reboot. HOWEVER, this one is different. Pattinson wears the cowl this time and his Batman is striking, and his Gotham is more grounded in the real world. Is it better than Nolan's The Dark Knight? Well, we discuss that, of course, along with with everything from Greig Fraser's astounding cinematography to Michael Giacchino's brilliant scoring, to all of the little things like Batman gadgets, Kravitz's Catwoman, and so much more. Seriously, we could've talked for another hour.

TIMESTAMPS:

1. Watch We've Been Watching - 0:35
2. The Review - 11:40
3. Coming Soon + Rumors - 1:04:23

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Before he was the legendary treasure hunter, Nathan Drake was just a normal guy... or at least that's the case with the film adaptation. That's right. We're talking all about Uncharted, and sharing some of the major differences and similarities between the story you all know and love from the Playstation to the silver screen. There are spoilers ahead. You've been warned! In addition to our review about Uncharted, you'll also hear about what other films we have been watching since our last episode and what films we're looking forward to later this year.

TIMESTAMPS:

1. Watch We've Been Watching - 0:30
2. The Review - 10:28
3. Coming Soon + Rumors - 56:53

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In our review and conversation of HBO's recent release, Kimi, starring Zoë Kravitz and directed by Steven Soderbergh, we discuss our admiration for the director, it's homage to movies like Rear Window, along with the technical aspects like camera work, production design, and costuming, in addition to a glaring issue or two that caught John completely off guard. You'll also hear about what other films we have been watching since our last episode and what films we're looking forward to reviewing in future episodes of the podcast.

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In our review and conversation of Guillermo del Toro's latest film, Nightmare Alley, we touch on topics such as the differences between this and the original 1947 film, the morality of our characters, our issues with the casting, and the filmmaking aspects like the blocking, cinematography, and production design. You'll also hear about what other films we have been watching since our last episode and what films we're looking forward to reviewing in future episodes of the podcast.

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In our review and conversation of Ridley Scott's latest film, The Last Duel, we're heading back 14th century France to witness three accounts of Jean de Carrouges, Jacque le Gris, and Marguerite, and in the process, make our own assumptions of who is telling the truth. In the end, the truth will be revealed by God as we witness a trial by combat between de Carrouges and le Gris that will determine the fate of Marguerite. This film is full of subtle performances, precise direction, and attention to detail. We're discussing much of this film from both a filmmaking and storytelling perspective so join us for a great conversation about this film!

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SPOILERS EVERYWHERE! We are discussing Season 2, episodes 6 and 7. We'll recap the entirety of it and have a great time talking all things Witcher. Those things include things like... the massive reveal at the end, who hired Reince, who were those riders in the desert, and what is with all the monoliths?

Josiah has read the books and played countless hours in Witcher 3 and therefore, may end up merging or confusing what happens in each as it relates to the show. John has read through Blood of Elves and that is the extent of his knowledge of the source material. We're hoping that this makes for some very different outlooks on the show and for a good discussion.

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SPOILERS EVERYWHERE! We are discussing Season 2, episodes 6 and 7. We'll recap the entirety of it and have a great time talking all things Witcher. Those things include things like... what's all the fuss about elder blood; who is this witch and why does she matter; another awesome fight scene, what is this temple; and what is in store for the season finale?

Josiah has read the books and played countless hours in Witcher 3 and therefore, may end up merging or confusing what happens in each as it relates to the show. John has read through Blood of Elves and that is the extent of his knowledge of the source material. We're hoping that this makes for some very different outlooks on the show and for a good discussion.

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SPOILERS EVERYWHERE! We are discussing Season 2, episodes 4 and 5. We'll recap the entirety of it and have a great time talking all things Witcher. Those things include things like... Dijkstra's incredible character introduction; what the heck he's doing talking to an owl; what does Elder Blood mean; and who is that chick in Ciri's subconscious?

Josiah has read the books and played countless hours in Witcher 3 and therefore, may end up merging or confusing what happens in each as it relates to the show. John has read through Blood of Elves and that is the extent of his knowledge of the source material. We're hoping that this makes for some very different outlooks on the show and for a good discussion.

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SPOILERS EVERYWHERE! We are discussing Season 2, episodes 2 and 3. We'll recap the entirety of it and have a great time talking all things Witcher, what we thought about Kaer Morhen, Ciri's new look, all the stuff with Eskel, and what we're excited for going forward.

Just a disclaimer, Josiah has read the books and played countless hours in Witcher 3 and therefore, may end up merging or confusing what happens in each as it relates to the show. John has read through Blood of Elves and that is the extent of his knowledge of the source material. We're hoping that this makes for some very different outlooks on the show and for a good discussion.

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SPOILERS EVERYWHERE! We are heading back to The Continent filled with Monsters, Elves, Mages, and of course, Witchers! Season 2 of The Witcher is back on Netflix and it's better than ever! We dive into Season 2, episode 1 and recap the entirety of it and have a great time talking all things Witcher.

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SPOILERS EVERYWHERE! If you don't want this movie spoiled for you, which you shouldn't because the film is too good and there's too many great surprises that you should want to go into this movie fresh. That said, Tom Holland's Spidey swings into his third "solo" film in a way that is sure to delight Spiderman fans of all ages. This is the Spiderman film you've wanted and have been waiting for and it does not disappoint.

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We finally saw Eternals! Marvel took a different approach to this film than other films in the MCU. It was both refreshing and yet, we had some issues with plotting. Find out all our thoughts and opinions in this spoiler filled episode.

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We are back after a bit of a break due to a crazy jam packed fall season to enter the world of Frank Herbert's, Dune. We'll say it right up front, this deserves to be seen on the biggest screen possible. If there was ever a film to see in IMAX or at the theater, it's Dune. From stunning imagery, to incredible sounds, and all around great filmmaking, we discuss it all. Spoilers ahead!

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007 is back. Craig's tenure as Bond has been one of the most exciting and we can't wait to see where they take the franchise next. Craig returns to go out on a high note in this action packed, emotional, gadget filled Bond film. We talk everything from action set pieces, to character arcs, and cinematography/sound design, and more. Spoilers ahead!

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This week we re-enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe with one of the best films for a Marvel newbie to enter that comic book cosmos. Shang Chi takes John and Josiah on a journey to the world of Wuxia, Chinese martial arts cinema. Marvel has balanced the cultural touchstones with their tried and true storytelling to build a strong foundational film for the future of the MCU. We include an approximately 10 minute long SPOILER FREE segment at the beginning of the podcast and then leap into an arena filled with spoilers. 

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What do you get when Disney wants to revitalize one of their most beloved rides at their parks with the help of The Rock? Two hours of scenes and characterizations from many other successful franchises to assure that the movie works.... but it doesn't really. John, Josiah and Steph spend a few ill paced hours riding up the Amazon toward adventure and a new design for the Jungle Cruise ride at Disneyworld. 

We'll likely be going live on Stereo at some point throughout the run of this series, so follow us there at the links below.

This week John and Josiah dive into the first episode of What If... featuring Captain Carter as the First Avenger. We're very excited about this series and the potential it brings for future stories in both animated form and live action in the MCU. Hear our thoughts and theories about this episode. Spoilers ahead as well!

There is a special bonus segment this episode featuring Steph who watched the film on HBO Max instead at the theatre with the guys.

We'll likely be going live on Stereo at some point throughout the run of this series, so follow us there at the links below.

This week John and Josiah dove headlong into the world of the DCEU with a few reservation but, unlike many in the suicide squad, have ended their mission alive and satisfied. Jame Gunn delivers on the promise of the original Suicide Squad while presenting a master class on action filmmaking  rich with character and heart. Gun pokes fun at the DCEU film failings, moves his camera in joyful dance, and permits his actors to do their best work, even in the smallest role.  

There is a special bonus segment this episode featuring Steph who watched the film on HBO Max instead at the theatre with the guys.

We'll likely be going live on Stereo at some point throughout the run of this series, so follow us there at the links below.

Spoiler filled episode where Josiah + John follow Sir Gawain on his quest to find The Green Knight at the green chapel in David Lowry's newest film, The Green Knight. It's not often that we are a bit speechless, but this film absolutely requires additional viewings before we can have a worthy discussion so bear that in mind as you listen to this episode. We will be back with a second episode follow up for this film in the weeks to come.

We'll likely be going live on Stereo at some point throughout the run of this series, so follow us there at the links below.

The finale of Loki is the launching point for the next phase of the MCU and this episode is chock full of great characters, clever storytelling and amazing acting. We are conquered by Jonathan Majors as our a new villain. This episode has wonderful visuals, solid action, and real emotional depth. We loved it. Watch it and then join our discussions because THERE ARE SPOILERS HERE at the end of time! 

We'll likely be going live on Stereo at some point throughout the run of this series, so follow us there at the links below.

So many LOKIs and so little time.... Things get mutiversed at the end of time with LOKI, Silvie and the whole variant gang in the best episode of the season full of references to Peter Pan, the Wizard of Oz and classic Marvel comics. A penultimate episode with charming humor and rich character development.

We'll likely be going live on Stereo at some point throughout the run of this series, so follow us there at the links below.

John + Josiah are back in the theaters after nearly two years to watch a Marvel film. It's been a longtime coming and in the meantime there has been some great television and limited series arrive from Marvel on Disney Plus, but they are very excited to be back and watching Black Widow on the big screen. They discuss everything from the pacing, to the plot, to what they found as disjointed with regards to what might be editing and directing. Essentially, they take a big ol' dump on the film for about an hour and then tell you that you should definitely go watch the film because it's worth seeing... not sure how any of this makes sense, but it's just what they do. Enjoy!

We'll likely be going live on Stereo at some point to chat about a few films.

John + Josiah viewed Krasinski's follow up to A Quiet Place with a solid sequel that delivers on every level. They'll talk about everything from sound design, to character's decision, costume and production design, and everything in between. It's a rich film filled with complex levels of tension and suspense that will keep you glued to the edge of your seat.

We'll likely be going live on Stereo at some point to chat about a few films.

Josiah and John have caught up with Loki just as the TVA does and now they join Loki and Silvie as they go "off to see the wizard".... well the Timekeepers. Today's episode was recorded in a SUV on the way to a Phillies game in a massive storm so there is some charming ambience of rain pounding the car along with comments from everyone's favorite third member of the pod, Steph. 

Today's episode dives deep into the confusion and the storytelling of marvel's Asgardian miniseries.... enjoy.

We'll likely be going live on Stereo at some point throughout the run of this series, so follow us there at the links below.

Episode 3 of Loki is as much Dr Who as Marvel when Loki and his female variant-self run and run and run to escape the impending apocalypse on the appropriately named moon Lamentis. Trickery, a long Asgardian folk song, some personal revelations and no significant explanation of the physics of time litter this stand alone buddy film on a Kree moon. John and Josiah have serious questions about how this one fits into the storytelling structure of the series.

We'll likely be going live on Stereo at some point throughout the run of this series, so follow us there at the links below.

Back to work for John and Josiah after a break full of personal and professional transitions..... 

This week we catch up with LOKI on the Sacred Timeline for the first two episodes of the Disney+ series. We are in a super stylized world that feels like the foundation for the full blow marvel multiverse. Join us in this discussion of the series each week...

We'll likely be going live on Stereo at some point throughout the run of this series, so follow us there at the links below.

Wrapping up our series of Falcon & The Winter Soldier is episode 6 titled "One World, One People." Spoilers ahead. We watch our two heroes come into their own, especially Sam, who is paving the way as the new Cap. The episode is a jumping off point for Marvel to take these characters into new places in the MCU and we are very excited wondering where we'll see Walker, Zemo, and Sharon pop up next.

We'll likely be going live on Stereo at some point throughout the run of this series, so follow us there at the links below.

This week we are watching Promising Young Woman, a masterwork of inverted expectation and genre bending narrative full of extraordinary cinematography and marvelous acting. This film, which is still to be released on steaming services, is the stuff of great conversation and serious self reflection.

Marvel is giving us one of the best conversations about race and America wrapped up in a slam bang action adventure that has ever graced our screens. The mixture of actions sequence and rich dialogue makes "TRUTH" the best episode from the marvel streaming catalogue. Previous narrative weaknesses which challenged the impact of the show are stripped away by beautifully crafted scenes and iconic visual imagery. Everything is in place for a dynamic final episode but before that finale, we dig deep into the rich thematic ideas in episode 5.

We'll likely be going live on Stereo at some point throughout the run of this series, so follow us there at the links below.

We're discussing Sound of Metal this week. Spoilers ahead since it's difficult to even talk about this film from a spoiler free perspective. We can't recommend this film enough. It's powerful, moving, emotional, beautiful, hopeful, and heartbreaking all within two hours. Films like these are important because it gives the majority of people an inside look into those who are different from them. This film allow us to see what life is like for those in the deaf community and that their deafness is not something they consider a weakness. We discuss everything from the obvious sound design, to the cinematography, and story structure and characters. You can watch Sound of Metal now on Amazon Prime.

Smashed Flag Smashers, Super Soldier Serum on the loose, death, betrayal, the Dora Milaje in action and one of the best scenes in Marvel history..... Episode Four of Falcon and the Winter Soldier continues the conversation about race, policing, power and privilege. John and Josiah dig deeply into the wealth of character revelations and plot twists in this episode. Spoilers ahead.

We'll likely be going live on Stereo at some point throughout the run of this series, so follow us there at the links below.

The battle to end all battles. A God vs. a King. Who will win? Listen to one of the most fun conversations we've ever had on this podcast. John + Josiah (and Steph) cover everything about this film, from all it's crappiness to all the of the wonderfully amazing things. It's a ridiculously enjoyable ride and we highly recommend catching it on the big screen if you feel comfortable, or at least on HBOMax until the end of April 2021.

BARON Zemo dances. Agent 13 kicks butt. Sam gets a phone call, and Bucky arranges the most bizarre prison break in cinema history all under the watchful eye of the Power Broker in episode 3 of the Disney+ limited series Falcon and the Winter Solider. Things are heating up, not just because we are on the balmy island of Madripoor. John and Josiah dig deeply into this action packed episode. Their conversation about America, race, power and the disenfranchised mingles with speculation and easter eggs. Join in the analysis. 

We'll likely be going live on Stereo at some point throughout the run of this series, so follow us there at the links below.

John & Josiah discuss all that episode 2 of The Falcon & The Winter Soldier has to offer. This episode is titled The Star-Spangled Man, a call back to Captain America: The First Avenger released 10 years ago. They discuss everything from how racism is very real in the MCU, to personal character moments, to the action set pieces, and some predictions on what might happen and what needs to happen in order for our protagonists to reach their desired character arcs.

We'll likely be going live on Stereo at some point throughout the run of this series, so follow us there at the links below.

Part Lord of the Rings, part Avengers, part generic brand commercial, the musically enigmatic splash page of a move, Justice League The Snyder Cut blasted onto HBO almost derailing the streaming service. John and Josiah watched the 4 plus hour film and shared their insight into the massive film in a mighty contained aspect ration. Their epic journey through a time of heroes, and another time of heroes and perhaps a post credit time (I mean epilogue) of heroes, was fruitful and exhausting. What does it mean for a director to have freedom to make his own vision? Can DC comics survive on the big screen? How much exposition can you fit in a four hour movie? Well, go watch it, even if you break it into several viewing and then join the conversation. 

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John and Josiah take flight with episode 1 of The Falcon & The Winter Soldier titled New World Order. They discuss everything from personal character moments, to the action set pieces, and some predictions on what might happen and what needs to happen in order for our protagonists to reach their desired character arcs.

We'll likely be going live on Stereo at some point throughout the run of this series, so follow us there at the links below.

John and Josiah go on the road to explore the 2020 Golden Globe Winner Nomadland directed by Chloé Zhao and featuring
Frances McDormand and David Strathairn. The story of a woman living amongst displaced people crossing the west in America finding home and community rolls along the screen with an almost documentary like feel. Beautifully shot and acted, even with the amateur actors used throughout, Nomadland is worth of recognition and conversation. Join John and Josiah in theirs.

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John & Josiah discuss a new Netflix original film, The Dig, which is based on the story of the Sutton Hoo excavation. They talk about everything from cinematography, to the wonderful performances, and why this film is definitely worth at least one viewing if you have Netflix.

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