by Case Aiken
Case Aiken and Sam Alicea take a look at movies that they find fascinating but flawed and make suggestions on what could have been done at the time.
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🇺🇲
Publishing Since
12/26/2019
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1 available
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April 18, 2025
<div id="app-0"> <div> <p class="">Case and Sam are looking back at the earliest episodes of the show! Check out their thoughts on the seventeenth episode when Case sat down with Ben Milton and Addy Thomas and chatted about The Hobbit Trilogy!</p> </div> <div><strong>Overview</strong> <div> </div> </div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div>In the latest Podcast Discussion meeting, hosts Case and Sam explored a meta-review of their previous episode on The Hobbit trilogy, originally recorded after their first year of podcasting. The discussion began with an overview of the original episode, highlighting a consensus that three films were excessive for the source material. They praised Martin Freeman’s casting as Bilbo while critiquing Peter Jackson for trying to align the film’s style with The Lord of the Rings, particularly noting that the addition of the villain Azog was unnecessary. They also pointed out issues with character design and narrative structure, suggesting a two-film adaptation could have better captured character arcs and pacing, particularly with scenes involving Smaug. The Battle of Five Armies was identified as the weakest film, marred by excessive padding and a lack of personal stakes compared to earlier battles in the franchise. The hosts expressed the importance of subtlety in fan service and connections to The Lord of the Rings while reflecting on their own views from the initial episode. They concluded by sharing their love for film and announced upcoming episodes focused on Captain America and Alien Resurrection, while encouraging listener engagement through their Discord server.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p> </p> <div id="app-1"> <div><strong>Notes</strong></div> <div> <div> <div> <div><strong>Introduction and Episode Context (00:00 - 09:47)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Case and Sam introduce this meta-episode reviewing a previous podcast about The Hobbit trilogy</div> </li> <li> <div>The original episode featured Case, Ben, and Addie discussing at 'CPOV Studios'</div> </li> <li> <div>They note this was recorded after completing the first year of the podcast</div> </li> <li> <div>Main critique established immediately: three movies was far too many for The Hobbit source material</div> </li> <li> <div>The hosts mention they didn't rewatch the entire trilogy for this meta-review</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>Initial Critique of The Hobbit Films (09:48 - 19:09)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>The hosts praise Martin Freeman's casting as Bilbo as a perfect choice that connects to Elijah Wood's Frodo</div> </li> <li> <div>They criticize Peter Jackson for trying to make The Hobbit fit the style and scale of Lord of the Rings</div> </li> <li> <div>The unnecessary villain Azog (the pale orc) is identified as a major problem</div> </li> <li> <div>They note Jackson used artificial narrative structures to create three separate arcs where the source material didn't support it</div> </li> <li> <div>Discussion of how Lord of the Rings doesn't rely on personified villains, but on evil as a force</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>️ Character and Design Issues (19:09 - 28:25)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>The hosts criticize the framing device that has Bilbo explaining the dwarven kingdom's history</div> </li> <li> <div>They argue Bilbo should be an uninformed viewpoint character discovering the world along with the audience</div> </li> <li> <div>The dwarves' inconsistent design is highlighted as problematic (either caricatures or just normal people)</div> </li> <li> <div>They discuss how the dwarves don't feel cohesive like in Lord of the Rings and lack distinct personalities</div> </li> <li> <div>Case praises the Gollum scenes as genuinely excellent despite other issues</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>️ Proposed Two-Movie Structure (28:25 - 37:07)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Case suggests ending the first movie at Lake Town as a natural breaking point</div> </li> <li> <div>This would create a moment where Bilbo has a true choice to continue or turn back</div> </li> <li> <div>They discuss how this cut would make Bilbo's character arc work better for the first film</div> </li> <li> <div>The second film could focus on Thorin's character arc</div> </li> <li> <div>They criticize how the actual film cuts (especially the Desolation of Smaug ending) feel like TV cliffhangers</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>Smaug and Pacing Issues (37:07 - 46:35)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>The hosts praise the actual Smaug and Bilbo conversation scenes</div> </li> <li> <div>They criticize the extended Smaug chase/forge scenes as unnecessary padding</div> </li> <li> <div>Discussion of how Jackson is good at bringing book scenes to life but struggles when expanding material</div> </li> <li> <div>They propose that the second movie should open with the dwarves finding the door to the Lonely Mountain</div> </li> <li> <div>They critique the narrative weight of many extended sequences that don't actually advance the story</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>️ Battle of Five Armies Criticisms (46:36 - 55:45)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>The Battle of Five Armies is identified as the weakest film with the most padding</div> </li> <li> <div>They argue the battle should have been the third act of a movie, not an entire film</div> </li> <li> <div>Discussion of how the battle needed to feel smaller and more personal than Lord of the Rings battles</div> </li> <li> <div>They appreciate the decision to make Bilbo more active in the battle than in the book</div> </li> <li> <div>The hosts criticize the 'video game' quality of action sequences like the barrel rider scene</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>️ Fan Service and Connections to Lord of the Rings (55:45 - 01:04:58)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>They discuss how Legolas' inclusion made sense for the first film but was forced in later films</div> </li> <li> <div>They appreciate seeing Saruman before his fall to evil</div> </li> <li> <div>The hosts criticize heavy-handed references to Lord of the Rings (like mentioning Aragorn/Strider)</div> </li> <li> <div>They note how forcing connections to the original trilogy hurt the story</div> </li> <li> <div>Discussion of the 'video game' quality of action sequences compared to Lord of the Rings</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>Meta-Discussion of the Episode (01:04:58 - 01:15:51)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Sam and Case reflect on the original episode, finding it thorough and well-argued</div> </li> <li> <div>Sam admits not rewatching the trilogy for this meta-review as it would be too time-consuming</div> </li> <li> <div>They reaffirm that the trilogy's main problem is its excessive length</div> </li> <li> <div>Sam praises the costumes while Case notes the 48 FPS format made everything look fake</div> </li> <li> <div>They discuss how watching the entire Middle-earth saga chronologically would be challenging</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>Final Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes (01:15:51 - 01:32:34)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Case reiterates that a good two-movie cut exists within the trilogy's footage</div> </li> <li> <div>They agree the first film is the most watchable of the three</div> </li> <li> <div>Both hosts express their love for the first Captain America film (their next episode topic)</div> </li> <li> <div>Sam mentions she didn't rewatch the Hobbit films as they would take 10+ hours</div> </li> <li> <div>They provide information about their Discord server and social media presence</div> </li> <li> <div>Upcoming podcast episodes announced: Alien Resurrection and Captain America: The First Avenger</div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="app-2"> <div><strong>Action items</strong></div> <div> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Join and participate in the Discord server for further discussion (01:31:00)</div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>
April 4, 2025
<div id="app-0"> <div><strong>Matt aka Stormageddon emerges from a pipe to surprise Case and Sam with the power up of a movie, The Super Mario Bros. Movie! Can they make it through with only three continues?</strong></div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Music by Vin Macri and Matt Brogan</strong></div> <div><strong>Podcast Edited by Sophia Ricciardi</strong></div> <div> </div> <div><strong>Overview</strong> <div> </div> </div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div>In the podcast recording discussion titled "Another Pass at The Super Mario Bros Movie," hosts Case Aiken and Sam Alicea, joined by guest Matt (Stormageddon), delve into their cinematic experiences of the 2023 film, praising its 92-minute runtime and appeal to both children and nostalgic adult fans. They highlight standout performances, notably Jack Black as Bowser and Anya Taylor-Joy as a proactive Princess Peach, while critiquing Chris Pratt's portrayal of Mario as merely average. The hosts discuss the film’s visual splendor and numerous Easter eggs, though they express disappointment over its reliance on pop music rather than classic Mario compositions. Despite some criticisms of the plot's formulaic nature and suggestions for improvement, the overall consensus is positive, deeming the film entertaining while respecting the franchise's legacy; potential sequels and upcoming projects are also touched upon as they conclude the episode.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p> </p> <div id="app-1"> <div><strong>Notes</strong></div> <div> <div> <div> <div><strong>Introduction to The Super Mario Bros Movie Discussion (00:02 - 08:33)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Matt (Stormageddon) returns as a guest to discuss The Super Mario Bros Movie (2023)</div> </li> <li> <div>Case Aiken introduces podcast with co-host Sam Alicea</div> </li> <li> <div>The hosts discuss their viewing experiences of the film</div> </li> <li> <div>The 92-minute runtime is highlighted as a positive factor that keeps the movie from overstaying its welcome</div> </li> <li> <div>Initial thoughts: The film works well for both children and nostalgic adult Nintendo fans</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>Cast Performance and Character Representation (08:33 - 18:50)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Jack Black as Bowser receives unanimous praise as a standout performance</div> </li> <li> <div>Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach also praised for making the character active rather than a damsel</div> </li> <li> <div>Charlie Day as Luigi received positive reviews</div> </li> <li> <div>Chris Pratt as Mario described as 'just fine' - not as bad as internet feared but not exceptional</div> </li> <li> <div>The group appreciates Charles Martinet's cameo as Mario's father and Giuseppe</div> </li> <li> <div>The opening commercial sequence featuring the 'Super Mario Super Show' song noted as a clever homage</div> </li> <li> <div>Keegan-Michael Key's performance as Toad highlighted as charming</div> </li> <li> <div>The film successfully modernizes Princess Peach as a proactive character rather than a damsel in distress</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>Music, Visuals and Fan Service (18:50 - 30:01)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Major criticism: The film relies too heavily on pop music needle drops instead of using iconic Mario game music</div> </li> <li> <div>Case and Matt express disappointment that classic Koji Kondo compositions weren't featured more prominently</div> </li> <li> <div>The DK rap inclusion was appreciated, though Grant Kirkhope wasn't properly credited initially</div> </li> <li> <div>The visual design receives high praise, described as 'one of the most gorgeous animated films' they've seen</div> </li> <li> <div>The group appreciates the many Easter eggs and references to various Mario games</div> </li> <li> <div>Notable references: Mario Kart customization, power-ups, Rainbow Road, and Luigi's Mansion sequence</div> </li> <li> <div>Film balances content for children with nostalgic references for adult fans of the games</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>️ Plot Structure and Pacing (30:01 - 40:01)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>The basic plot follows Mario Brothers from Brooklyn to the Mushroom Kingdom</div> </li> <li> <div>Main criticism: The plot feels 'paint by numbers' and moves from set piece to set piece for fan service</div> </li> <li> <div>The hosts appreciate the quick pace preventing the film from becoming boring</div> </li> <li> <div>Donkey Kong's substantial role questioned as potentially excessive for this film</div> </li> <li> <div>The 'plumbing scene' at the beginning described as feeling too 'illumination-style' and skippable</div> </li> <li> <div>The Mario Kart sequence, while visually impressive, doesn't serve the plot significantly</div> </li> <li> <div>The movie makes excellent use of character power-ups during action sequences</div> </li> <li> <div>Luma (star creature) from Mario Galaxy highlighted as a standout supporting character</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>Suggested Improvements (40:01 - 50:06)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Matt suggests removing or reducing the Kong Kingdom sequence to streamline the story</div> </li> <li> <div>The hosts discuss using more game music instead of pop songs for needle drops</div> </li> <li> <div>Fred Armisen's casting as Cranky Kong questioned; suggestions of other older actors who might have been better</div> </li> <li> <div>The group agrees the final act works well in terms of hero's journey storytelling</div> </li> <li> <div>Suggestions that Donkey Kong could have been integrated differently - as a mid-boss or obstacle rather than major character</div> </li> <li> <div>Discussion of how the film could have better incorporated game mechanics into the storytelling</div> </li> <li> <div>The movie's brief runtime (92 minutes) praised as preventing it from overstaying its welcome</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>Final Thoughts and Future Discussion (50:07 - 01:00:38)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Overall positive consensus: While not groundbreaking, the film is entertaining and respects the source material</div> </li> <li> <div>The film succeeds as a fun, colorful movie for kids while providing nostalgic entertainment for adults</div> </li> <li> <div>Comparison to other video game adaptations like Detective Pikachu and Sonic</div> </li> <li> <div>Discussion of potential sequels and the upcoming Donkey Kong movie</div> </li> <li> <div>The hosts appreciate the film's visual quality while acknowledging its formulaic approach to storytelling</div> </li> <li> <div>Matt mentions returning for future episodes to discuss the Venom movies</div> </li> <li> <div>Discussion wraps with information about where to find the hosts and their other podcasts</div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>
March 20, 2025
<p class="" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Case and Sam are looking back at the earliest episodes of the show! Check out their thoughts on the sixteenth episode when Case sat down with Geoff Moonen and chatted about X-Men 3: The Last Stand!</p> <p class="" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Note: The original episode we're discussing was made before Elliot Page transitioned publicly.</p> <div id="app-0"> <div><strong>Overview</strong> <div> </div> </div> <div> <div> <div> <div> <div>In the Podcast Discussion and Analysis meeting titled "Another Pass at Another Pass at X-Men 3: The Last Stand," hosts Case and Sam explored various aspects of the film "X-Men 3: The Last Stand" through the lens of their podcast format, 'Another Pass at Another Pass.' They discussed audio quality improvements with guest Geoff Moonen, while delving into the film's production limitations and character choices. Key pitches for story improvements included intertwining the Dark Phoenix Saga with Days of Future Past and critiques of character underutilization, particularly Magneto and Storm. The conversation also highlighted the film's inconsistent narrative structure and missed opportunities for deeper character relationships, particularly among female characters. The meeting concluded with plans for future episodes focusing on The Hobbit trilogy and updates on upcoming podcast content and social media engagement. Action items included listening to upcoming episodes and joining community discussions on Discord.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p class="" data-pm-slice="1 1 []"> </p> <div id="app-1"> <div><strong>Notes</strong></div> <div> <div> <div> <div><strong>️ Podcast Introduction and Discussion Format (00:06 - 14:20)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Case and Sam introduce the 'Another Pass at Another Pass' podcast format where they review earlier episodes</div> </li> <li> <div>They discuss an episode featuring Geoff Moonen about X-Men 3: The Last Stand</div> </li> <li> <div>Case mentions audio quality issues, noting Geoff's voice actor quality sounds good</div> </li> <li> <div>They explain how they added ADR (additional dialogue recording) at the end for plugs</div> </li> <li> <div>The original episode focused on fixing X-Men 3's issues with a sense of urgency</div> </li> <li> <div>Geoff and Case begin discussing production limitations of X-Men 3, including director changes</div> </li> <li> <div>Bryan Singer left due to time constraints and Matthew Vaughn declined for similar reasons</div> </li> <li> <div>They acknowledge actor limitations including James Marsden asking to be killed off</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>Story Improvement Pitches (14:20 - 33:45)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Case proposes combining Dark Phoenix Saga with Days of Future Past storyline</div> </li> <li> <div>The pitch includes starting with future timeline showing Phoenix as a psychic 'Hound'</div> </li> <li> <div>Suggests Kitty Pryde as time traveler (played by Elliot Page) instead of Wolverine</div> </li> <li> <div>Proposes Jean Grey possessing Mystique's body, explaining Rebecca Romijn's limited role</div> </li> <li> <div>Geoff suggests frontloading the 'cure' storyline as the main focus with Phoenix as secondary</div> </li> <li> <div>They discuss the missed opportunity with Angel/Warren Worthington III character</div> </li> <li> <div>Critique of wasted characters including Vinnie Jones as Juggernaut</div> </li> <li> <div>Discussion of poor integration between the cure storyline and Dark Phoenix plot</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>Character Assassination and Film Issues (33:45 - 50:00)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Both agree Magneto's characterization was inconsistent with previous movies</div> </li> <li> <div>Criticism of Magneto's 'the pawns go first' line showing callous disregard for other mutants</div> </li> <li> <div>Criticism of the third act's tactical choices as nonsensical</div> </li> <li> <div>Discussion of Storm's missed potential as a counterforce to Phoenix</div> </li> <li> <div>Critique of the film having good individual scenes but poor overall structure</div> </li> <li> <div>Discussion of the Mystique character being abandoned by Magneto as out of character</div> </li> <li> <div>Acknowledgment of good casting choices that were underutilized</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>Post-Episode Analysis (50:01 - 01:06:20)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Sam states this was one of her favorite episodes featuring Case and Geoff</div> </li> <li> <div>Discussion of Bryan Singer controversies not known at the time of original recording</div> </li> <li> <div>Case acknowledges being dismissive of X-Men comics at that point in his fandom</div> </li> <li> <div>Praise for the creative idea of Phoenix possessing Mystique's body</div> </li> <li> <div>Discussion of Geoff's observation about the 'cure' storyline being an inversion of the first film</div> </li> <li> <div>Sam praises the urgency and focus of the original discussion</div> </li> <li> <div>Analysis of the film trying to be serious but failing to deliver on its stakes</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>️ Character Relationships and Missed Opportunities (01:06:23 - 01:26:17)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Sam criticizes Storm's relationship portrayal, particularly with Jean Grey</div> </li> <li> <div>Discussion of female characters existing in 'bubbles' only relating to male characters</div> </li> <li> <div>Suggestion that Storm should have confronted Dark Phoenix instead of Wolverine</div> </li> <li> <div>Critique of the film not properly explaining Phoenix's power and danger level</div> </li> <li> <div>Suggestion that the 'cure' storyline could stand alone with Phoenix hints for a sequel</div> </li> <li> <div>Discussion of ethical questions that could have been explored more deeply</div> </li> <li> <div>Case suggests the Phoenix suppression by the cure could have led to a post-credits setup</div> </li> <li> <div>Planning for future podcast episodes including The Hobbit trilogy</div> </li> </ul> </div> <strong>Podcast Updates and Social Media (01:26:17 - 01:30:46)</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Decision to skip discussing the 2017 clip show episodes as too meta</div> </li> <li> <div>Next Another Pass at Another Pass episode will cover The Hobbit trilogy</div> </li> <li> <div>Update on recent and upcoming main podcast episodes including Farragut Forward</div> </li> <li> <div>Upcoming Super Mario Bros episode with Matt/DJ Storm</div> </li> <li> <div>Information on where to find Sam and Case on social media</div> </li> <li> <div>Mention of Discord server at certainpov.com</div> </li> <li> <div>Case's social media handle: @Case Aiken on Bluesky</div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p class="" data-pm-slice="1 1 []"> </p> <div id="app-2"> <div><strong>Action items</strong></div> <div> <div> <div> <div><strong>Audience</strong> <div> <ul> <li> <div>Listen to the upcoming Another Pass at Another Pass episode on The Hobbit trilogy (01:25:37)</div> </li> <li> <div>Check out the upcoming main podcast episode on Super Mario Bros with Matt/DJ Stormageddon (01:26:59)</div> </li> <li> <div>Join the Discord server through the link at certainpov.com for community discussion (01:28:05)</div> </li> <li> <div>Follow Case on Bluesky at @Case Aiken (01:28:20)</div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>
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