Episode 94: Friendship
Mindframe(s)
🎙️ 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...
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Episode 93: Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning
Mindframe(s)
🎙️ 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,...
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Episode 92: Sinners
Mindframe(s)
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 ...
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Episode 89: Mickey 17
Mindframe(s)
🎙️ Mindframes Episode 89: Mickey 17 "Clone Wars, Class Wars, and Saucy Politics in Space" In this episode, Dave Canfield and Michael Cockerill dive into Mickey 17, Bong Joon-ho’s long-anticipated follow-up to Parasite. Set on a frozen alien planet, this satirical sci-fi tale stars Robert Pattinson as Mickey Barnes, a worker cloned repeatedly for hazardous missions — until one version survives and meets his successor. 🎬 What We Cover: The Bong Joon-ho Cinematic Universe From Snowpiercer to Parasite to Barking Dogs Never Bite, how Bong’s signature blend of class critique, dark...
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Episode 91 - Warfare
Mindframe(s)
🎙️ Mindframes Podcast – Episode 91: Warfare 🎧 Hosts: Michael Cockerill & Dave Canfield 🎬 Film: Warfare (2025), dir. Alex Garland & Ray Mendoza 📍 Location: Music Box Theatre, Chicago ⏱️ Timestamps & Segment Summaries: [00:00–01:30] — Intro & Film Overview Michael introduces the film Warfare, co-directed by Alex Garland (Ex Machina, Civil War) and Ray Mendoza, a real-life Navy SEAL. Set during the Iraq War in 2006, the film follows a SEAL team as a surveillance mission devolves into a real-time battle for survival. [01:30–03:30] — Garland + Mendoza...
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Episode 90 - Death of a Unicorn
Mindframe(s)
Sure! Based on the transcript from Mindframes Episode 90 – "Death of a Unicorn", here are listener-friendly notes: Episode 90: Death of a Unicorn A Mindframes Film Conversation Guests: 🎙️ (Chicago film critic) 🎬 Basic Info Film: Death of a Unicorn Director: Alex Scharfman (Directorial debut) Genre: Black comedy with horror elements Cast Highlights: Paul Rudd as Elliot Jenna Ortega as Ridley Richard E. Grant as Odell Will Poulter as Shepard Téa Leoni as Odell's wife Anthony Carrigan as Griff Jessica Hynes as Shaw Premiere: South by Southwest (SXSW) Wide Release: This...
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Episode 88 - The Monkey
Mindframe(s)
Mindframes – Episode 88: The Monkey (2025) 🎙️ A sometimes half-assed but always wholehearted film conversation. 🔹 Hosts: Michael Cockerill & Dave Canfield 🔹 Episode Runtime: Approx. 56 minutes 🔹 Film Discussed: The Monkey (2025) 🔹 Directed by: Osgood Perkins 🔹 Based on: The Monkey (1980), a short story by Stephen King (Skeleton Crew) 🎬 General Information – The Monkey (2025) 🔻 Director: Osgood "Oz" Perkins (The Blackcoat’s Daughter, Longlegs, Gretel & Hansel)...
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Episode 87: Companion
Mindframe(s)
Episode Summary In this episode, Dave and Michael discuss Companion, the directorial debut from Drew Hancock. A mix of science fiction, dark comedy, and thriller, Companion follows Iris, a robot companion, as she navigates power dynamics and hidden agendas during a weekend getaway at a remote lakeside estate. The film explores themes of toxic relationships, control, and AI consciousness, all while delivering sharp humor and unexpected twists. Director: Drew Hancock Genre: Sci-Fi, Dark Comedy, Thriller Produced by: Barbarian creative team (Zach Cregger, Roy Lee, J.D. Lipschitz,...
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Episode 86: Presence
Mindframe(s)
Mindframes: The Presence – A Steven Soderbergh Experiment Episode Summary: In this episode of Mindframes, Michael and Dave are joined by special guest Tarek Fayoumi (MoviesWithTarek.com, Chicago Indie Critics) to dissect Steven Soderbergh's new film, The Presence. They explore its unique point-of-view cinematography, thematic connections to isolation in modern horror, and its place within Soderbergh's diverse filmography. The trio also debates the film’s strengths, weaknesses, and whether it truly earns its ghost story label. 🔖 Topics & Timestamps:...
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Episode 85: The Best of 2024
Mindframe(s)
In this episode of MindFrames, Dave and Michael break down the best films of 2024. With themes ranging from authoritarianism and resilience to identity and connection, the hosts discuss how these movies reflect and challenge the cultural zeitgeist. They also dive into the year’s standout horror films and share their thoughts on the Oscars' major contenders. Timestamps and Topics [00:00:16] Welcome and Introduction Dave and Michael set the tone for the episode, outlining their approach to discussing the best films of 2024. [00:01:18] Reflecting on the Year in Film The...
info_outline🎙️ Mindframes Podcast – Episode 91: Warfare
🎧 Hosts: Michael Cockerill & Dave Canfield
🎬 Film: Warfare (2025), dir. Alex Garland & Ray Mendoza
📍 Location: Music Box Theatre, Chicago
⏱️ Timestamps & Segment Summaries:
[00:00–01:30] — Intro & Film Overview
Michael introduces the film Warfare, co-directed by Alex Garland (Ex Machina, Civil War) and Ray Mendoza, a real-life Navy SEAL. Set during the Iraq War in 2006, the film follows a SEAL team as a surveillance mission devolves into a real-time battle for survival.
[01:30–03:30] — Garland + Mendoza Collaboration
The hosts highlight Garland’s visual language from Civil War and Mendoza’s military experience. Mendoza previously worked as a military advisor and makes his co-directorial debut, grounding the action in authenticity.
[03:30–05:30] — A New Kind of War Film
Dave and Michael compare Warfare to cinema verité. It strips away backstory, plot arcs, and even music, placing viewers in the immediacy of war. The film’s realism makes it emotionally immersive rather than glorifying.
[05:30–10:00] — Comparing Garland’s Themes
The hosts reflect on Garland’s previous works (Annihilation, Men, Ex Machina) and how Warfare departs from his usual metaphysical themes. While earlier films centered on confronting unknowns, Warfare is grounded and experiential.
[10:00–16:00] — Tone, Politics & Empathy
Dave emphasizes Warfare’s non-political stance — it doesn't "pick sides" but immerses viewers in the soldiers’ experience. The film resists traditional “hoorah” war tropes, favoring a depiction of camaraderie, trauma, and ambiguity.
[16:00–22:00] — Acting & Realism
Will Poulter is praised for his understated and believable performance. The cast’s lack of exposition or melodrama enhances the film’s immersive feel. The SEALs aren’t framed as superheroes — they’re human, fallible, and professional under extreme duress.
[22:00–30:00] — Real-Time Pacing & Directorial Choices
The podcast explores how real-time pacing increases tension. There’s no music, no time skips, no omniscient viewpoint — just boots-on-the-ground survival. The set was a reconstructed Iraqi neighborhood, shot with handheld cameras and long takes to increase claustrophobia.
[30:00–40:00] — Cinematography as Philosophy
The camera mimics a fellow soldier, crouching behind walls and moving with the characters. Michael and Dave liken this to the immersive style of 1917, though even more stripped down. Observational themes emerge as the camera shifts from viewer to viewed.
[40:00–47:00] — Production Design & Immersive Worldbuilding
Details like era-appropriate gear, drone tech, and consistent physical space reinforce realism. Everything down to military language is authentic, thanks to Mendoza. This reinforces the film’s goal: not storytelling, but situational transference.
[47:00–56:00] — Why It’s Anti-War Without Saying So
Michael and Dave argue that the film's realism is its anti-war statement. There's no need for speeches or political commentary — the relentless brutality and human cost speak volumes. Dave compares this to 1960s anti-war films like The War Game and Overlord.
[56:00–01:01:00] — Final Thoughts & Timelessness
The film ends with ambiguity — no grand victory, just survival and confusion. Michael praises the restraint: “They leave. That’s the ending.” Dave notes how demythologizing war through realism creates a deeper, more honest emotional impact.
💬 Highlight Quotes:
“It’s not about choosing sides. You just happen to be with the Americans.” – Dave
“The movie doesn’t tell you what war is. It makes you feel what it’s like.” – Michael
“Once you strip away the mythology, all that’s left is shellshock and dust.” – Dave
🎖️ Ratings:
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Dave: ★★★★☆ — “One of the best anti-war films since the ‘70s.”
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Michael: ★★★★☆ — “Raw, claustrophobic, and unforgettable.”
📽️ Films Referenced:
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Civil War
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Annihilation
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Ex Machina
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Men
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1917
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Black Hawk Down
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Dunkirk
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Apocalypse Now
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The War Game
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Overlord
🧛 Next Episode Tease:
🎬 Sinners — Michael B. Jordan’s vampire-demon hybrid film might be next on the docket.