Story Talk Podcast
By Laura Randle
Story Talk is an effort to unveil the complex mechanics of stories and become intentional about how they affect our identities and behaviors. Join the conversation: storytalk.club
Story Talk PodcastJul 24, 2020
00:00
02:33:57
Airbender Aang and the Incredible Character Dynamics of “Avatar”
“Avatar the Last Airbender” from Nickelodeon (2005-2008) has been hailed as the “greatest shows of all time,” Avatar Aang and friends have a lot to offer modern audiences. What makes these characters so dynamic? What has made this series so enduringly popular? What made Aang so successful when his sequel heroine Korra was not? Could the series have been made even better? Explore these answers and more in this rich episode of Story Talk.
Jul 24, 202002:33:57
Reviewing the Romanticized Resolutions of “Frozen II”
Episode 11: “Frozen II” Disney Animation Studios (2019) Part 2 of our Double Feature 9beginning with an analysis of “Frozen” in episode 10. When Elsa starts hearing mysterious, haunting voices, she has no choice but to unlock an Enchanted Forest and drag the gang into another magical, chilly, dress-making adventure, right? Take a closer look at some of the powerful elements present in “Frozen II” as well as many of the problems. Then join the conversation on Instagram or Facebook @storytalktime
Mar 25, 202002:27:54
The Incredible and Incredibly Frustrating “Frozen” (DOUBLE FEATURE)
Episode 10: “Frozen” by Walt Disney Animation (2013) Part 1 of a Double Feature (continued with “Frozen II” in episode 11)—Frozen has made a big impact on our current culture. If you have been caught up in Frozen fever or if you have just been sick of Frozen, this will be a valuable ex-location of the strengths and significant weaknesses of this mega-hit.
Mar 24, 202002:25:60
Explore the World-changing High-fantasy: “The Fellowship of the Ring”
Episode 09: “Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” by P. Jackson and J.R.R. Tolkien (2001) How do you approach breaking down a story as long and layered as the one created by Tolkien (and then visualized and retold by Peter Jackson)? The Lord of the Rings series is wonderfully entertaining as a fantasy/action trilogy, but for viewers willing to savor this story through analysis, it becomes a singular treasure. Come explore some of the ways that “The Fellowship of the Ring,” the first of the iconic trilogy, can still yield a wealth of insights for modern viewers.
Dec 19, 201902:41:26
Meet Miles in his Epic Origin Story “Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse”
Episode 08: “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-verse” by Columbia, Sony, and Marvel (2018) Winner of the “Best Animated Feature” Academy Award in 2019, this gem was largely overlooked in theaters. But, with excellent writing, beautiful visuals, and compelling relevance for our modern context, this film has all the trappings of future cult classic. Explore some of the rich symbolism included in this recent exploration of “Spider-Man.”
Nov 06, 201901:25:37
The Confusing Emotional Stew of “Toy Story 4”
Episode 07: “ Toy Story 4” by Pixar Animation Studios (2019) Does Toy Story 4 measure up to its rich prequel trilogy? In artistry and micro-writing, almost definitely. But, this installment is towing some big macro-writing problems. Identify the problems and then take a turn resolving them in this episode of Story Talk.
Aug 20, 201958:20
Listen to your Heart (and that great beat) with “The LEGO Movie 2”
Episode 06: “The LEGO Movie 2: the Second Part” by Warner Brothers Pictures (2019)
May 29, 201949:45
Stunning Movie, Stagnant Script—Blitztalk on “Mary Poppins Returns”
BLITZ TALK: Disney Studios’ latest remake, “Mary Poppins Returns,” is a well-crafted movie, but does it measure up to its classic predecessor of 1964? Join Laura in analyzing this stunning movie with a rather stagnant script.
Mar 30, 201946:19
The Anatomy of Romance in “Pride and Prejudice”
Episode 04: “Pride and Prejudice” by the BBC (1995)
Jun 28, 201801:57:53
How to Win at Life with Lightning McQueen in “Cars”
Episode 03: “Cars” (and the sequels) by Pixar Animation Studios (2006, 2011, 2017)
Mar 21, 201801:51:02
Layering Romance and Symbolism in the Modernized Classic “Cinderella”
Like a golden butterfly from a chrysalis of interwoven symbols, Ella emerges as Queen from this fresh, yet classic, rendition of the tale.
Feb 17, 201801:26:28
Exploring the Great Questions of Life with “Dr. Strange”
Episode 01: “Dr. Strange” by Marvel Studios (2016)
Feb 03, 201840:12