Lesson 369: Star Trek (2009): Kirk & Crew Redux (Spoilers)
Release Date: 09/14/2023
The Filmlosophers
Deck the halls with boughs of... floating embers? This week, The Filmlosophers gather for a holiday episode that feels more like a fever dream than a silent night. Hosts Eddie and Spencer, joined by Intern Manager/Managing Intern Amy, attempt to navigate the dizzying spectacle of James Cameron’s latest over-produced and over-complicated sci-fi epic, Avatar: Fire and Ash. The crew shares their full and genuinely confused thoughts on the volcanic "Ash People," the endless tech-specs, and whether Cameron has finally disappeared too far into his own motion-capture abyss. Before they escape the...
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The southern drawl is back, and the stakes have never been higher! This week, The Filmlosophers—Hosts Eddie and Spencer along with Intern Manager (and Managing Intern) Amy—gather in the studio to crack the case of Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. The crew gives their full, riveting thoughts on Rian Johnson’s latest installment in the hit mystery franchise. From Daniel Craig’s ever-evolving performance as Benoit Blanc to the film's star-studded ensemble and its twisty, gothic-tinged plot, the trio discusses whether this third outing successfully captures the magic of the original...
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The power is out, the vents are noisy, and The Filmlosophers are back! Hosts Eddie and Spencer, and Intern Sarah are using their deep video game knowledge to give their full, unreserved thoughts and opinions on the recently released sequel from Blumhouse, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2. The crew dives headfirst into the new, improved (and withered) world of the second Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza location. They’ll dissect everything from the overwhelming jump scares and the increased animatronic count (hello, Mangle and Marionette!) to the film's attempts to weave in more of the intricate, often...
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The Filmlosophers are back with a surprisingly joyous review of Disney's latest animated sequel, Zootopia 2! Hosts Eddie and Spencer, and Intern Manager/Managing Intern Amy dive deep into this long-awaited return to the metropolis, exploring how the film successfully built upon the original's themes, characters, and truly exceptional bunny-fox partnership. The crew celebrates the film's thoughtful handling of new social commentary (addressing the reptile/mammal divide and historical injustice) and praises the continued, endearing chemistry between Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde that anchors the...
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The "OVERSTUFFED" series continues as The Filmlosophers dish out another review they couldn't miss! Hosts Eddie and Spencer, and Intern Manager/Managing Intern Amy take on the latest Stephen King adaptation for 2025: the surprisingly faithful and brilliant rendition of The Running Man. The crew was completely blown away by this film, noting how Director Edgar Wright managed to balance King’s dark, prescient satire with his own signature, subtle jabs and kinetic energy. They celebrate the powerful performances that came from both likely and highly unlikely places. Specifically, they delve...
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Happy Thanksgiving! The Filmlosophers are serving up a generous helping of cinema with their special holiday series, "OVERSTUFFED!" Hosts Eddie and Spencer, and Intern Manager/Managing Intern Amy are tackling films they've seen this holiday season, but couldn't squeeze into the regular schedule. First on the table is the mystifying (but maybe not that mystifying) trilogy entry: Now You See Me: Now You Don't. The crew feels that the latest installment fell short of its magical origins. They dive into why the film seems to have misplaced its focus, operating less as a magic movie that utilizes...
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The long-awaited conclusion is here! Hosts Eddie and Spencer, and Intern Manager/Managing Intern Amy dive into their full, unreserved thoughts on the sequel to last year's musical smash hit, Wicked: For Good. The crew applauds the dynamic duo of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, recognizing that their strongest performances yet—both vocally and emotionally—power this finale, echoing their explosive chemistry both on and off-screen. However, despite the powerhouse performances, the team grapples with why this highly anticipated entry into the pink and green franchise ultimately falls short....
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The Filmlosophers are ready to dissect a cinematic creation of exquisite beauty and tragedy! Hosts Eddie and Spencer, and Intern Manager/Managing Intern Amy dive deep into the beautiful and amazing macabre world of Director Guillermo del Toro in his Netflix original film, Frankenstein. The crew will explore del Toro's signature style, analyzing how he handles the emotional weight of Mary Shelley's classic tale, the stunning practical effects, and the thematic depth that defines his approach to the monstrous and the human. Is this the definitive adaptation of the Creature's tragic story? And...
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The descent into Cosmic Horror-Tastic Month continues! This week, The Filmlosophers—Hosts Eddie and Spencer, and Intern Manager/Managing Intern Amy—are setting coordinates for Hell as they tackle the terrifying 1997 sci-fi cosmic horror classic, Event Horizon. The crew will dive deep into this film's unique blend of futuristic terror and pure, Lovecraftian dread. They'll dissect its shocking visuals, the incredible set design, and the palpable atmosphere of dread as the Lewis and Clark crew investigates the ship that's been... somewhere else. They’ll debate whether the film’s brutal...
info_outlineThe Filmlosophers and Ensign Amy warp to their next destination in a parallel universe as they embrace the master of the lens flare director J.J. Abrams’ fresh take in Star Trek (2009).
The Romanticized Romulans discuss how this reboot checks off a lot of the boxes many fans didn’t know they needed to check. But does this watered-down Shatner-ness of Kirk really satisfy fans of the franchise? Or has this film only ushered in a new age of Star Trek that fans can actually unanimously get behind? Set your phasers to stun and find out in this week's special episode of The Filmosphers!