District of Cinema: Recent Episodes
The Eagle
District of Cinema is The Eagle's podcast for the Silver Screen section where coverage on new releases, silliness and genuine commentary about film thrives.
In classic DOC fashion, Spenser, Koz and Tristan go off the rails and tackle the hard, pressing questions of our time. Why is the plot of “Don’t Worry Dealing” a mashup of “Ready Player One” and “Get Out”? Why does Taylor Swift randomly show up in movies? Why is Ramy on Hulu one of the best shows of the year? And finally, what’s up with the rooster sauce rebranding at Roaming Rooster?
In this episode, Tristan, Spenser and Koz discuss the rising popularity of celebrities becoming actors. Unfortunately, Harry Styles does make an appearance.
Tristan, Spenser and Koz celebrate their second annual Halloween spectacular with costumes, chaos and a little bit of cinema.
Tristan, Spenser and Koz discuss the movies they enjoyed this summer and the media circus that has been the press circuit of Don't Worry Darling. Koz loves dads, and Spenser is a certified hater.
Films Referenced: Elvis (2022), Minions: The Rise of Grunge (2022), Nope (2022), Hereditary (2018), Jaws (1975), Mr. Malcolm’s List (2022), Persuasion (2022), Top Gun Maverick (2022), Dunkirk (2017), The Bob’s Burgers Movie (2022), Predator (1987), Prey (2022), Alien (1979), West Side Story (2021), Not Okay (2022), Purple Hearts (2022), Don’t Worry Darling (2022).
Spencer, Koz and Tristan return for a special summer episode filled with praise and criticism for Baz Luhrmann's latest film, "Elvis," as well as daring costumes that would make even Priscilla Presley proud. The gang gets serenaded by Spenser's perfect Elvis impression and questions the strangeness of Tom Hanks' off-kilter performance.
In the final episode of the semester, Spenser, Koz and Tristan list the summer releases they are most excited about. They then bid farewell to Editor-in-Chief Clare Mulroy by subtly roasting her favorite movies. Finally, they thank the multimedia and online team at The Eagle and all the contributors of the podcast so far. Koz can't wait for "Minions: The Rise of Gru," and Spenser learns about the secret Buzz Lightyear movie, the fitting watch to prepare for this summer's "Lightyear."
Clare’s Favorite Movies:
Good Will Hunting
Silver Linings Playbook
Arrival
Love and Other Drugs
Stuck in Love
Lady Bird
500 Days of Summer
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Titanic
Donnie Darko
Beautiful Boy
Gone Girl
About Time
If Beale Street Could Talk
Spenser, Koz and Tristan play a guessing game of deciphering a movie's plot based on its title alone. Tristan can't stop talking about "The Nut Job," Koz shames Spenser for his lack of "Mamma Mia" knowledge, and Spenser thinks that "Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son" is definetly a problem. All movies discussed are considered cinematic masterpieces.
Spenser, Koz and Tristan reveal what films they personally think are overrated. Tristan then informs his co-hosts about the cinematic masterpiece, "Morbius," and the new publicity techniques the film has been using. The trio also agree that the use of Discord to promote "Morbius" backfired in the funniest way. Spenser and Tristan bond over their disdain for Ben Affleck movies, and Koz lays into "The Godfather."
Spenser, Koz and Tristan go off the rails about the snacks they enjoy at the theaters and the best films that explore food. Koz reveals her obsession with moss and Spenser does the same with rocks. Tristan questions how normal it is for Koz to bring a pepper grinder into the theater for her popcorn. He also doesn't know how to pronounce "Campbells."
Films Referenced: The Andy Warhol Diaries, Grand Budapest Hotel, Tampopo, Don't Look Up, Howl's Moving Castle, Parasite, James and the Giant Peach, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, The Princess and the Frog, Beauty and the Beast (1991), Mulan (1998), Ratatouille, Stuart Little, Ratatoing, Matilda, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, After Yang, The Mask, Gone Girl, Alice in Wonderland (1951), Cinderella (1950), Koker Trilogy (1987-1994)
Spenser, Koz and Tristan review "The Batman," "After Yang" and "Turning Red." They also discuss the different controversies "Turning Red" has caused online, such as a critic calling the film "limiting in its scope." Tristan reveals that "After Yang" made him cry after 30 minutes and Spenser unexpectedly connects with the doodles of Mei-Lin Lee from "Turning Red."
Films Referenced: The Batman, After Yang, Turning Red, Everything Everywhere All at Once.
In this special episode, staff writer Audrey Barnett talks to filmmakers Kiley Kraskouskas, Leola Calzolai-Stewart and Rachell Shapiro about their new film, "The American Diplomat." The three filmmakers run FLOWSTATE Films, a production company based in D.C. The film follows three Black U.S. diplomats as the Cold War and the Civil Rights Movement complicates their foreign missions of spreading democracy.
Koz, Spenser and Tristan get together to discuss which characters remind them of themselves and each other. Tristan also brings birthday surprises for Spenser, and the episode quickly becomes a musical.
Tristan, Koz and Spenser take another look at the nominees for the upcoming 2022 Oscars. They talk about esteemed editor Hank Corwin, the bristling of Peter's comb in "The Power of the Dog," and the various incendiary oversights of the Academy. As always, emotions run high and tirades ensue.
Don't Look Up, Dune (2021), Encanto, Parallel Mothers, The Power of the Dog, There Will Be Blood, Bee Movie, Belfast, No Time to Die, West Side Story (2021), Cruella, Cyrano, Nightmare Alley, CODA, Being the Ricardos, The Trial of the Chicago 7, The Lost Daughter, King Richard, Hamilton, Cats, Passing, Lazy Town, tick, tick...BOOM!, The Tragedy of Macbeth, Drive My Car, Moonlight, La La Land, The Eyes of Tammie Faye, Spencer, Licorice Pizza, The Piano, Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan, Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), Zola, C'mon C'mon, Red Rocket, Vice, The Worst Person in the World, Selena
Tristan, Koz and Spenser discuss the happy surprises, numerous snubs and laughable gaffs of the 2022 Oscar nominees. Topics discussed include the need for greater documentary and short film distribution, Lin Manuel Miranda, Suicide Squad, prosthetics, the challenges of adapting screenplays and much more. "Don't Look Up Fans" be warned: this episode is not for you.
Films Referenced: Dune (2021), Free Guy, No Time to Die, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Bicycle Thieves, Vertigo, Rear Window, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Blade Runner 2049, Nightmare Alley (2021), The Power of the Dog, The Tragedy of Macbeth, West Side Story (2021), The French Dispatch, The Green Knight, Drive My Car, Flee, The Hand of God, Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom, The Worst Person in the World, Encanto, Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), Ascencion, Attica, Writing with Fire, Luca, The Mitchells vs the Machines, Raya and the Last Dragon, Coming 2 America, Cruella, The Eyes of Tammy Faye, House of Gucci, Sucide Squad, Don't Look Up, King Richard, Tick, Tick...Boom, The Long Goodbye, Belfast, Licorrice Pizza, Anchor Man, Step Brothers, Taladega Nights, The Revenant, The Departed, Phantom Thread, CODA, The Lost Daughter, Dune (1984)
Tristan, Koz and Spenser unpack "Honey Boy," the deeply personal project written from actor Shia LaBeouf's own experiences. The crew rate Alma Har'el's directorial debut as powerful to various extents; they agree that the performances are solid, yet the narrative leaves a little to be desired. With everyone's favorite holiday around the corner, the crew then recommends their picks for a romantic, or at least entertaining, Valentine's Day.
Films Referenced: Honey Boy, Punch-Drunk Love, Uncut Gems, About Time, Chungking Express, West Side Story (2021), Emma, Pride & Prejudice, Titanic, Black Mirror (2011-2019)
Tristan, Koz and Spenser revel over the mastery of Ryusuke Hamaguchi's newest film, "Drive My Car." With its deep connection and homage to the theater, Koz appreciates the unique, multilingual approach the film takes within its narrative. They then list their favorite comfort films, as Koz recovers from her wisdom teeth surgery. We also don't know how she was able to record hours after that.
Films Referenced: Drive My Car, Parasite, Fargo, Napoleon Dynamite, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Shrek 2, La La Land.
Tristan, Koz and Spenser unpack "Cold War," a complicated romance film that follows two Polish musicians through displacement and artistic passion, all under the backdrop of a tumultuous, volatile post-war Europe. The crew then share their favorite films of 2021, including some that they covered for The Eagle. Koz gets to share her undying love for "Zola" again.
Tristan’s top 3:
-
“Limbo”
-
“Quo Vadis, Aida?”
-
(Tie) “Dune,” “The French Dispatch”
Tristan’s “this movie was good because it had Tony Leung in it” Award: “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”
Spenser’s top 3:
-
“C’mon C’mon”
-
“Mass”
-
“Titane”
Koz’s top 3:
-
“Zola”
-
“The French Dispatch”
-
(Tie) “Old,” “West Side Story”
Films Referenced: Cold War (2018), Bridge of Spies, Tinker Tailor Solider Spy, The Pianist, Schindler's List, Zola, C'mon C'mon, Limbo, The French Dispatch, Mass, Quo Vadis, Aida?, Old, West Side Story (2021), Titane, Dune (2021), Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
In the first episode of the spring, Life Managing editor Tristan, Arts & Entertainment editor Koz and Silver Screen editor Spenser review "Paper Moon," a comedic road movie that follows an orphan and a conman as they scam their way through the Depression-era Midwest. They then talk about the controversies surrounding the HFPA that led to a lowkey Golden Globes ceremony. Koz wonders why musicals and comedies are grouped in the same category at the Globes. Is "West Side Story" really a comedy?
Films Referenced: Paper Moon
In the final episode of the semester, Tristan, Olivia and Spenser are joined by Editor-in-Chief Clare Mulroy to talk about their favorite movie scores. Clare shares how the "Titanic" soundtrack helped her sleep, Tristan and Spenser defend Uncut Gems again and everyone gets emotional about "Up."
Films Referenced: Black Swan, The Theory of Everything, Titanic, Little Women (2019), The Grand Budapest Hotel, Isle of Dogs, The Shape of Water, Licorice Pizza, Punch Drunk Love, Phantom Thread, Lady Bird, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, If Beale Street Could Talk, Moonlight, Call Me by Your Name, Whiplash, La La Land, Coco, Arrival, Shutter Island, Anna Karenina, Alice in Wonderland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Edward Scissorhands, Jurassic Park, Schindler's List, West Side Story (2021), Ready Player One, Ratatouille, Up, The Incredibles, House of Gucci, Cruella, Guardians of the Galaxy, Jojo Rabbit, Yi Yi: A One and a Two..., In the Mood for Love, Happy Together, Chungking Express, Jackie Brown, Django Unchained, The Great Gatsby, Baby Driver, Uncut Gems, Madagascar, Shrek, Watchmen.
In this episode, Tristan, Olivia, and Spenser sit down to talk about their favorite and least favorite biopics. Get ready for a good old lesson on ethics and a few giggles from the Peanut Gallery.
In this episode, Tristan, Olivia and Spenser explore the realm of A24, and agree that all their movies are bangers. Spenser also specifies that “Uncut Gems” is nothing like “The Godfather.” This is how we win.
Films referenced: Lady Bird, The Green Knight, Zola, Jackie, Jackie Brown, Minute Men, The Florida Project, Ex Machina, Black Mirror, Good Time, Uncut Gems, Meyerowitz Stories, Marriage Story, The Godfather, Minari, Euphoria, Ramy, Malcolm & Marie, The Farewell, Coco, Never Goin’ Back, Hereditary, Midsommar, Lady Macbeth, Saw, The Conjuring, Romeo + Juliet, The Great Gatsby, The Last Black Man in San Francisco, Sons of Anarchy, Lamb, French Dispatch, C’mon C’mon, Twentieth Century Women, The Lighthouse Columbus and After Yang.
Eagle writers Thais and Audrey interview directors Nuria Frigola Torrent and Christopher Kahunahana about their feature films showcased at the Native Cinema Showcase, hosted by the Museum of the American Indian. Check out the review for Kahunahana's film, "Waikiki" here. Read The Eagle's review of three other featured films at the Native Cinema Showcase here.
In this episode, Tristan, Olivia, and Spenser are joined by Eagle writers Sara Winick and Liah Argiropoulos to talk about their favorite Pixar films. Brace yourself for a lot of bad character impressions and tangential conversations.
Films Referenced: Luca, Inside Out, The Incredibles, Incredibles 2, WALL-E, Up, Cars, Titane, Cars 2, Cars 3, Monsters University, Monsters, Inc., Coco, Ratatouille, Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Toy Story 4, The Good Dinosaur, Brave, Tangled, Ralph Breaks the Internet, Soul, Onward, Frozen II, Zootopia, Raya and the Last Dragon, Ghost in the Shell, Flushed Away.
In this episode, Tristan, Olivia and Spenser discuss the value of the cinematic Blockbuster and the importance of visiting your local Dave & Busters. And don’t worry, Spenser finally got his shot at hosting.
Films Referenced: Dunkirk, Transformers Series, Jurassic Park, Face/Off, Little Women, Ladybird, The Green Knight, Midsommar, The Shape of Water, 1917, Spectre, Skyfall, American Beauty, Avengers, Avenger: Endgame, Avengers: Infinity War, Blade Runner, Blade Runner: 2049, Star Wars Sequel Trilogy, Avatar, Titanic, Saving Private Ryan, Harry Potter Franchise, Black Widow, Hereditary, Bumble Bee, Fast and Furious Series, Hobbes & Shaw, Olympus Series, White House Down, Godzilla (200?), The Godfather Series, Goodfellas, Streetcar Named Desire, On the Waterfront, Apocalypse Now, Wandavision, Loki, Frozen, Frozen II
The podcast gang are joined by The Eagle's investigative editor, Dan Papscun, to talk about "Dune (2021)," Villeneuve's other films and the realm of sci-fi cinema. They collectively question how to pronounce the word "oeuvre," and Olivia and Spenser work together to do a flawless Darth Vader impression.
Films Referenced: Dune (2021), Dune (1984), Blade Runner 2049, Arrival, Blade Runner, Prisoners, Sicario, The Hunger Games, Back to the Future, 2001: A Space Odyssey, Ex Machina, Her, Children of Men, Black Mirror (2011-), District 9, Black Mirror: USS Callister, Battlestar Galactica, Alien, Cowboys & Aliens, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Passengers, Prospect, The Road, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, The Tomorrow War, The Expanse (2015-), Spaceballs, Paul, Sonic the Hedgehog and Guardians of the Galaxy.
Tristan, Spenser, and Olivia dress up and get honest about their favorite halloween movies. Tristan becomes enlightened about this truly American experience. And for this very spooky episode, they even filmed themselves!
Films Referenced: Breaking Bad, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Crazy Rich Asians, Halloween (1978), Halloweentown, Halloweentown High, Beetlejuice, Heathers, Edward Scissorhands, The Breakfast Club, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Frankenweenie, ParaNorman, Young Frankenstein, Clue, The Exorcist, The Conjuring, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Scared Shrekless, Shrek 2, Coraline, Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, Chicken Run, Kubo and the Two Strings, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Isle of Dogs, It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, Paddington, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, Pocahontas, Fantasy Island.
Ep. 7: Silver Screen editor Tristan Au and Life staff members Olivia Kozlevcar and Spenser Hoover discuss the highs and lows of movie musicals. Spenser shows up woefully unprepared and, as expected, chaos ensues.
Films Referenced: My Fair Lady (1964), The Phantom of the Opera (2004), The King and I (1956), A Star is Born (2018), A Star is Born (1976), Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), The Wizard of Oz (1939), Annie (1982), Annie (2014), Grease (1978), Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies (Date TBA), Singin’ in the Rain (1952), Moulin Rouge! (2001), Mamma Mia! (2008), Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018), Les Misérables (2012), The Last 5 Years (2014), The Greatest Showman (2017), Cats (2019), Chicago (2002), Gigi (1958), La La Land (2016), Dear Evan Hansen (2021), Wicked (Date TBA), Hamilton (2020), Annette (2021), The Lion King (1994), Aladdin (1992), Shrek (2001), Shrek the Musical (2013), Frozen (2013), Aladdin (2019), Beauty and the Beast (2017), Happy Feet (2006), Sing (2016)
Ep. 6: Silver Screen editor Tristan Au, Life staff members Olivia Kozlevcar and Spenser Hoover, and Eagle Contributer Siena Maxwell discuss the rationale and relevancy of Coen Brothers films. Due to the presence of an actual film connouseuir, they are forced to discuss real things such as auteur and cinematography.
Films Referenced: Dear Evan Hansen (2021), Hail, Caesar! (2016), Fargo (1996), No Country for Old Men (2007), Inside Llewyn Davis (2013), The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018), The Big Lebowski (1998), True Grit (2010), Barton Fink (1991), Blood Simple (1984), The Hudsucker Proxy (1994), A Serious Man (2009), The Tragedy of Macbeth (2021), The Searchers (1956), How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (1967), Reservoir Dogs (1992), Pulp Fiction (1994), Inglourious Basterds (2009), Once Upon a Time...In Hollywood (2019)
Ep. 5: Silver Screen editor Tristan Au and Life staff members Olivia Kozlevcar and Spenser Hoover discuss all of the movies that make them cry. Tristan tears up, and there's a lot more singing this episode than is usually featured on the podcast. Stay tuned for Spenser's Celine Dion impression and Tristan pretending he's Ewan McGregor.
Films Referenced: Blue Bayou (2021), The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2021), Bohemian Rhapsody (2018), Finding Nemo (2003), Christopher Robin (2018), Paddington (2014), Bambi (1942), Up (2009), The Fox and the Hound (1981), WALL·E (2008), Toy Story (1995), Toy Story 2 (1999), Coco (2017), Selena (1997), Titanic, Tokyo Story (1953), Big Fish (2003), Trainspotting (1996), Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005), Moulin Rouge! (2001), Theory of Everything (2014), Marley & Me (2008), Hachi-ko (1987), Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009), The Art of Racing in the Rain (2019), Eight Below (2006), Lion (2016), Roman Holiday (1953), La La Land (2016), Casablanca (1942), In the Mood for Love (2000), Roma (2018)
Ep. 4: Silver Screen editor Tristan Au and Life staff members Olivia Kozlevcar and Spenser Hoover discuss their favorite documentaries and documentary genres. They also bond over Guy Fieri and the dangers of spicy noodles. Can someone send in a STEM major to verify the math on this one?
Films Referenced: Paris is Burning (1990), Tiger King (2020), Shirkers (2018), Athlete A (2020), The Great Hack (2019), Dirty Money (2018-), 13th (2016), Ugly Delicious (2018-), Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (2013-2018), Diners, Drive-ins and Dives (2006-), Hot Ones (2015-), Happy Feet (2006), Surf's Up (2007), A Bug's Life (1998), The Lion King (1994), Planet Earth (2006), The Blue Planet (2001), Blue Planet II (2017), Don't F**k with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer (2019), Wild Wild Country (2018), Behind the Curve (2018), Fyre (2019)
Ep. 3: Silver Screen editor Tristan Au and Life staff members Olivia Kozlevcar and Spenser Hoover discuss speculations about the new Cinderella, as well as famed filmmaker Wes Anderson. They also challenge the integrity of Amazon films: who will win?
Films Referenced: Cinderella (2021), The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004), Rushmore (1998), Moonrise Kingdom (2012), Isle of Dogs (2018), The French Dispatch (2021), Limbo (2020), Pulp Fiction (1994), 8½ (1963), Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009), Nomadland (2020), Eternals (2021), Untitled Lion King Prequel (TBD), Star Wars Franchise (1977-2019), The Hateful Eight (2015), Once Upon a Time... In Hollywood (2019), PAW Patrol: The Movie (2021), My Little Pony: A New Generation (2021), My Little Pony: A Very Minty Christmas (2005), Sound of Metal (2019), Annette (2021), Bliss (2021), The Tomorrow War (2021), Tropic Thunder (2008), The Princess Bride (1987)
Ep. 2: Silver Screen editor Tristan Au and Life Staff Members Olivia Kozlevcar and Spenser Hoover are joined by Life managing editor Isabella Goodman to discuss the new release Candyman, as well as their thoughts on the best and worst executions of CGI. Tristan apologizes in advance to those named Renesmee.
Films Referenced: Candyman (1992, 2021), Paddington (2014), Blade Runner 2049 (2017), I, Tonya (2017), Inception (2010), Avatar (2009), Cats (2019), The Irishman (2019), The Mummy Returns (2001), The Twilight Saga (2008-2012), Star Wars Prequel Trilogy (1999-2005), Black Widow (2021), Iron Man (2008), Avengers: Endgame (2019), Harry Potter Franchise (2001-2011), Birdemic: Shock and Terror (2010), Sharknado (2013), Jaws (1975), Anaconda (1997), Snakes on a Plane (2006), The Call of the Wild (2020), Tom & Jerry (2021), Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988), Loony Tunes: Back in Action (2003), Space Jam (1996).
Ep. 1: Join Silver Screen editor Tristan Au along with Life Staff Members Olivia Kozlevcar and Spenser Hoover on The Eagle's newest film podcast, District of Cinema. This episode, the trio discuss new releases Annette and The Suicide Squad, as well as their least favorite films of all time. They talk a bit about cinematography and way too much about geography. As expected, chaos and hilarity ensues.