Philosophy In Film
Episode 98: Lean On Me Season 5 marches on as the gang steps into the halls of Eastside High for John G. Avildsen’s 1989 drama Lean On Me, where Principal Joe Clark takes on failing systems, fraying hope, and a school on the brink with nothing but a bullhorn, a baseball bat, and a stubborn belief in his students. Craig rings the bell with Producer’s Notes (9:52), setting the tone for a spirited class session, while Alain sketches out the ups, downs, and hard lines in the Beauclair Synopsis (29:56). Chris takes the lectern in Philosopher’s Corner (1:07:24), reflecting on the film’s...
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Episode 97: Weapons Just in time for a Halloween Spooktacular, the gang is back for Season 5 of Philosophy in Film, and the reel’s already spinning! First up in the tray: Zach Cregger’s eerie ensemble horror Weapons (2025), where seventeen schoolchildren vanish at 2:17 a.m., forcing a town to ask: what if the monster isn’t outside, but inside the story? In search of answers, Craig sounds the alarm with Producer’s Notes (8:31) while Alain opens the Beauclair Synopsis (17:23), laying out the tangled threads of characters, each chasing a truth they’re too afraid to face. Chris slips...
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Episode 96: Eddington This week on Philosophy in Film, the gang rides into the dust and disinformation of Ari Aster’s 2025 neo-Western Eddington. Set during the upheaval of 2020, the film pits Joaquin Phoenix’s stoic, conspiracy-prone sheriff Joe Cross against Pedro Pascal’s pragmatic mayor Ted Garcia in a small New Mexico town splintered by mask mandates, social media warfare, and secrets. Craig sounds the warning in Producer’s Notes (9:59), rallying the posse to get ready; Alain draws the map of conflict in the Beauclair Synopsis (20:57), threading the political grievance, personal...
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Episode 95: Sinners This week on Philosophy in Film, the gang steps into the blood-soaked confessional of Ryan Coogler’s 2025 thriller, Sinners. Nestled in the indie-crime-vampire-redemption-gangster genre, the film follows Eli Morgan, a disgraced pastor-turned-defense attorney, as he’s pulled into the moral murk of faith, failure, and a client who might not be entirely human. Craig hacks away at Producer’s Notes (9:37) with only slight collateral damage, while Alain cracks open the Book of Beauclair (21:04) to lay out Eli’s twilight descent. Chris then lights a candle for...
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Episode 94: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Our long journey through Middle-earth reaches its end as the gang takes on the towering finale of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy: The Return of the King. Craig lights the beacons with Producer’s Notes (8:03), rallying the realm for the final leg of our quest. Alain draws his sword for the Beauclair Synopsis (20:22), charting the last stand against darkness with Aragorn’s path to the throne and Frodo’s climb toward Mount Doom. Chris raises the light of Eärendil in Philosopher’s Corner (47:28), exploring the...
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The battle for Middle-earth rages on as Philosophy in Film journeys into The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. This episode delves into the shifting alliances, moral dilemmas, and heroic struggles that define the second chapter of Peter Jackson’s legendary trilogy. Craig sounds the Horn of Helm’s Deep with Producer’s Notes (9:02), while Alain embarks on a perilous march through Synopsis Pass (19:35), charting the intertwined fates of Frodo, Aragorn, and the fractured Fellowship. Chris then lights the way in Philosopher’s Corner (42:38), exploring Sam’s rally of resilience,...
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The gang at Philosophy in Film embarks on a wild ride with Sean Baker’s Palme d’Or-winning dark comedy, Anora. This episode explores the intricate narrative of Anora Mikheeva, a Brooklyn-based sex worker portrayed by Mikey Madison, whose impulsive marriage to Vanya Zakharov, the son of a Russian oligarch, leads to unforeseen challenges when his family intervenes. Craig reveals his impulsivity as he proposes with Producer’s Notes (7:39), setting the stage for Alain’s 4-carat Beauclair Synopsis (22:18), where he lays out the twists and turns of Anora’s high-stakes journey. Chris then...
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Embark on an epic journey with the gang as we delve into Peter Jackson’s cinematic masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. With the fate of Middle-earth resting on a perilous quest, the crew unites to explore the deep lore, unforgettable characters, and weighty themes that set this legendary saga in motion. Taking his farthest step outside the Shire, Craig sets us on the path with Producer’s Notes (7:16), Alain braves the mines of the Beauclair Synopsis (23:26), and Chris embarks on a quest to unravel the secrets in the Philosopher's Corner (57:36). The council...
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This week on Philosophy in Film, we light up the holiday season with the 1990 holiday classic, Home Alone! Directed by Chris Columbus and written by John Hughes, this iconic family comedy follows Kevin McCallister, a pint-sized troublemaker accidentally left behind when his family heads to Paris for Christmas. As Kevin defends his home from two bumbling burglars, Harry and Marv, he discovers not only his knack for improvisation but also the true meaning of family and forgiveness. Craig jingles all the way through Producer’s Notes (7:38), Alain unwraps the details with the Beauclair Synopsis...
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Episode 88: Alien: Romulus Shaking up the release schedule with Episode 88 of Philosophy in Film, the gang boards the hauntingly dark Alien: Romulus, the latest installment in the storied sci-fi horror franchise. Returning to the series’ roots, this new chapter explores themes of survival, creation, and the horrifying unknown. Craig starts the countdown with Producer’s Notes (6:54), setting the stage for Alain’s Beauclair Synopsis (17:12), which pieces together the film’s gripping narrative. Chris navigates the depths of terror and existential inquiry in Philosopher’s Corner (43:35),...
info_outlineFor the 69th episode of Philosophy In Film Podcast, the gang takes a swing at M. Night Shyamalan's 2002 sci-fi horror, 'Signs'. This week, we explore the dark phenomenons of the podcast, including Producers' Notes (10:39), the Beauclair Synopsis (25:19), Philosopher's Corner (36:35), the Round Table Discussion (45:32), crop-circling back to Reviews (91:12), and heading down the stretch with #Mailbag (103:07). As always, we engage in a discussion of all the philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the movie that cropped up.
Featured Beer: Scona Gold - from Alley Kat Brewing Company (Edmonton, Alberta)