by Manika Dulcio
🎬 Welcome to I've Been Meaning to Watch That! Your go-to podcast for free-flowing, unfiltered conversations about movies, TV, and pop culture. New guest, new topic every single week! From film critics and YouTubers to TikTok creators and industry pros, we dive deep into what makes entertainment great (or not so great). Hosted by a Black woman who loves movies, is always late to the party, but never late to the convo. 🎧 Subscribe now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube!
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🇺🇲
Publishing Since
9/13/2019
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April 20, 2025
<p>🌟 Unlock special gifts with our latest podcast highlights and full VODS. Gain early access on our Patreon: patreon.com/ivebeenmeaningtowatch. 🌐</p><p>In this lively episode, host Monica welcomes back returning favorite James, known online as @moviegoodormoviebad, a sharp-witted content creator and film critic with a keen eye for all things cinema. Together, they dive into the highly anticipated sci-fi release Mickey 17, directed by Bong Joon-ho, while unpacking the latest headlines from the entertainment world.</p><p>The episode kicks off with “Media Mania,” where Monica and James cover a range of buzzworthy stories, starting with the surreal announcement of an A24 Barney film, featuring Daniel Kaluuya and Ayo Edebiri. They reflect on the risks and possibilities of reimagining childhood icons, while also addressing the complexities of representation through the lens of director Amma Asante’s controversial film Where Hands Touch. The conversation expands to the larger landscape for Black women directors and how the industry often misinterprets or under-supports their vision.</p><p>They also discuss the surprising box office performance of The Day the Earth Blew Up, ponder the bizarre Coyote vs. Acme situation (can this film just be released already?), and speculate on how the commodification of nostalgia continues to dominate studio decisions.</p><p>In the second half, Monica and James turn their attention to Mickey 17, Bong Joon-ho’s return to genre filmmaking. They explore Robert Pattinson’s nuanced performance as a clone assigned to die repeatedly for the sake of a colonized planet, and how the film blends existential sci-fi with dark comedy.</p><p>Naomi Ackie’s performance as Nasha earns high praise for breaking new ground as a fully realized Black female lead in sci-fi — a rare feat Bong handles with care. They break down themes of class, body autonomy, and the ethics of immortality, and unpack the role of Mark Ruffalo’s villainous commander, who channels not just authoritarianism, but corporate entitlement and ego.</p><p>They also debate the moral ambiguity of Teemo, the clone who chooses self-preservation, and how that character challenges easy notions of “right” and “wrong” in survival narratives. As the discussion evolves, the duo highlights how Bong subverts the traditional hero arc while creating something deeply human beneath the sci-fi sheen.</p><p>Key Themes:</p><ul><li>The surreal rise of A24’s Barney and rebranding childhood</li><li>Hollywood’s uneasy relationship with Black women directors</li><li>Bong Joon-ho’s genre shift post-Parasite</li><li>Robert Pattinson and Naomi Ackie’s layered performances</li><li>Sci-fi as a lens for class, identity, and rebellion</li><li>The ethics of cloning and disposable labor</li><li>Teemo’s dilemma and survival morality</li><li>Naomi Ackie’s Nasha and rare representation done right</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Movie Good or Movie Bad aks James Linktree</p><p>https://linktr.ee/moviegoodormoviebad</p><p>Manika's Socials</p><p>Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CmokqeLIagz7nYQJfeRIw</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdulcio98/</p><p>Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/manika3000</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manika3000?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1</p><p>Podcast Socials</p><p>YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ivebeenmeaningtowatchthatp2316</p><p>Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenMeaning2Pod</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ivebeenmeaning2pod</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ive-Been-Meaning-To-Watch-That-113280083760521/</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/</p>
April 13, 2025
<p>🌟 Unlock special gifts with our latest podcast highlights and full VODS. Gain early access on our Patreon: patreon.com/ivebeenmeaningtowatch. 🌐</p><p><br></p><p>In this dynamic episode, host **Manika** welcomes back fan-favorite guest **Harvey**, known online as **Harbo Wholmes**, a prominent YouTuber and *Doctor Who* aficionado. Together, they dissect Series 14 of *Doctor Who* and examine the ever-evolving sci-fi landscape through the lens of *Andor*, AI in Hollywood, and the show’s new Disney era.</p><p>The episode begins with “Media Mania,” where Manika and Harvey rave about the upcoming **season of *Andor***. They praise the *Star Wars* series for its sharp writing and character-first storytelling, and compare its grounded realism to the more spectacle-driven approach of other franchise entries. The pair highlight why *Andor* works for both fans and newcomers, and how its narrative strength could serve as a blueprint for shows like *Doctor Who*.</p><p>The conversation then shifts to a hot topic: **the Russo brothers’ controversial interview**, where they expressed a favorable view of AI in filmmaking and made eyebrow-raising comments about Harvey Weinstein’s influence on the Oscars. Manika and Harvey critique the film industry's increasing reliance on AI, discussing ethical implications, corporate motivations, and how AI threatens artistic integrity. They explore whether AI tools are aiding or replacing creativity, and what it means for future directors and screenwriters.</p><p>In the second half, the duo digs deep into *Doctor Who* Series 14, the start of **Ncuti Gatwa’s** run as the Fifteenth Doctor. They explore Gatwa’s charisma, emotional openness, and how his portrayal compares to past incarnations. While Manika appreciates the Doctor’s warmth and energy, both agree the show feels emotionally weightless at times. They question if **the crying trope** is overused and whether the show is playing it too safe under **Russell T Davies** and Disney’s broader influence.</p><p>The discussion also touches on the **lack of stakes** and depth in character arcs—particularly Ruby Sunday’s role as the Doctor’s companion. While Ruby is likable and sweet, Harvey argues she lacks the definition and complexity of past companions like Martha, Donna, and Bill. They also critique the show’s shorter runtime, noting how the reduced number of episodes undermines long-term storytelling and emotional payoff.</p><p>They wrap up the episode by considering the **future of the show**—including speculation about Series 15, Disney’s role behind the scenes, and whether *Doctor Who* might benefit from adopting a structure more like *Andor*, with longer-form arcs and more narrative bite.</p><p>Key Themes:</p><p>- *Andor*’s return and its impact on genre storytelling </p><p>- AI in film: creativity vs convenience </p><p>- Ncuti Gatwa’s debut as the Doctor </p><p>- Emotional tone and writing in Series 14 </p><p>- Ruby Sunday as a companion: does she measure up? </p><p>- Disney’s influence and *Doctor Who*'s evolving format</p><p>Harvey's Socials</p><p>Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@HarboWholmes </p><p>Patreon patreon.com/harbowholmes</p><p>Twitter twitter.com/HarboWholmes </p><p><br></p><p>Manika's Socials</p><p>Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CmokqeLIagz7nYQJfeRIw</p><p>Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/manika3000</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manika3000?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1</p><p>Podcast Socials</p><p>YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ivebeenmeaningtowatchthatp2316</p><p>Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenMeaning2Pod</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ivebeenmeaning2pod</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ive-Been-Meaning-To-Watch-That-113280083760521/</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/</p>
April 5, 2025
<p>🌟 Unlock special gifts with our latest podcast highlights and full VODS. Gain early access on our Patreon: patreon.com/ivebeenmeaningtowatch. 🌐</p><p>Michael Box, the president of Echo Eterna Productions, takes center stage as he uncovers his remarkable journey from writer to filmmaker. With a passion for storytelling that began with a simple screenplay alongside his friend Patrick Haig, Michael shares how their first short film served as an invaluable learning experience, laying the groundwork for their burgeoning careers. Their latest project, "Speakeasy," is a feature film set in a dystopian future, deeply influenced by their shared love for music and self-expression, promising a compelling narrative that challenges the norms.</p><p>Our conversation sheds light on the unconventional paths in the film industry, where hands-on experiences and self-driven projects often outweigh formal education. Michael and I discuss the freedom and creativity that come from learning by doing, encouraging aspiring filmmakers to embrace failures as stepping stones to success. We draw parallels to independent artists in other fields, highlighting how this approach fosters growth and artistic fulfillment, ultimately empowering storytellers to craft unique and resonant narratives.</p><p>Finally, we celebrate the rising influence of independent films on the global stage, with examples of indie successes at the Academy Awards challenging big-budget productions. From Quentin Tarantino to Darren Aronofsky, we explore how indie filmmakers have captivated audiences by prioritizing storytelling over spectacle. Michael shares his insights into the potential shift in studio investments towards more impactful mid-budget films, fueling a resurgence of meaningful cinema. Together, we advocate for a future where compelling narratives take precedence, inspiring the next generation of filmmakers to pursue their passion fearlessly.</p><p>Michael Box's Socials</p><p>Email: <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p><p>Website: <a href="https://echoeterna.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">echoeterna.com</a></p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MikeWritesMovies/</p><p>Podcast Socials</p><p>Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenMeaning2Pod</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ivebeenmeaning2pod</p><p>Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ive-Been-Meaning-To-Watch-That-113280083760521/</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/</p><p>https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNXmim-bDsiyhpi04KEaALA</p><p>Manika's Socials</p><p>YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CmokqeLIagz7nYQJfeRIw</p><p>Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdulcio98/</p><p>Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/manika3000</p><p>Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manika3000?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1</p>
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