The ThawedCast

 Episode 111 - Wendell & Wild

Philip, Bridget and Alex discuss Wendell & Wild from Coraline and Nightmare Before Christmas director Henry Selick. Released October 2022 on Netflix, the film stars Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele respectively as the eponymous duo Wendell and Wild, two mischievous demons in the service of arch-demon Buffalo Belzer. The film was originally conceived by Henry Selick with additional writing contribution by Jordan Peele, who also produced the film. The film follows Kat, voiced by Lyric Ross, a troubled 13-year-old who is enrolled in a Catholic boarding school after spending time in juvenile detention. The school is one of the few remaining establishments in the cursed town of Rust Bank, which is now mostly uninhabited. The sinister family responsible for Rust Bank's woes has nearly achieved their goal of breaking ground on a new prison, but when Kat discovers her connection to the demons Wendell and Wild, the town's fate takes a surprising turn, and now the forces of the underworld have a major role to play. Can Wendell and Wild achieve their dream of escaping Belzer and building their Dream Faire? Can the tortured Kat ever truly find home? Follow @thawedcast on Twitter and Instagram. Email: genresavvypodcast@gmail.com. Find us: @philipehlke, @ayeedeezy, @bridget5246

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Episode 112 - Zootopia+

Philip and Bridget discuss Zootopia+ from Walt Disney Animation Studios, the six-part anthology set in the world of the film Zootopia from 2016. Other topics in this this episode include Grogu and the Dust Bunnies from Lucasfilm and Studio Ghibli, Taylor Swift’s Midnights, and future Avatar: The Last Airbender spin-offs. Follow @thawedcast on Twitter and Instagram. Email: genresavvypodcast@gmail.com. Find us: @philipehlke, @bridget5246

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 Episode 113 - Enchanted

Jodi, Bridget, and Philip discuss the seminal 2007 Disney animated/live-action hybrid Enchanted, from director Kevin Lima. This film would usher in the post-Rennaissance era of the Disney Princess which saw a soft revival with The Princess and the Frog and truly exploded with CGI hits like Tangled and Frozen. Amy Adams portrays Giselle, a beautiful princess hidden away in the countryside of the kingdom of Andalasia. With a prologue lifted mostly from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, an evil queen desperate for power refuses to allow her stepson Prince Edward's marriage to Giselle to go through. Giselle is banished to another realm and finds herself in 2007 New York City, where she meets and befriends Patrick Dempsey's Robert and his daughter, Morgan. Entrenched in his own busy lifestyle, Robert has no time for Giselle and her fantasies but somehow can't help but be drawn to her. When Giselle is followed to New York by Edward and the Queen's henchman, a plot ensues that could spell a dire fate for Giselle and everyone around her. Follow @thawedcast on Twitter and Instagram. Email: genresavvypodcast@gmail.com. Find us: @philipehlke, @bridget5246, @jodipolasky

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 Episode 114 - Disenchanted

Jodi, Bridget, and Philip return to the world of Enchanted in its sequel 15 years in the making. Set around a decade after the original film, Giselle and Patrick have a child of their own, the infant Sofia, and Morgan is entering her senior year of high school. They move from their Manhattan apartment to the idyllic suburb of Monroeville, but Morgan (and to a lesser extent Robert) is unhappy with the change. Despite having a more-or-less amicable relationship with her teenage stepdaughter, the added friction of the move casts a gloom over the household that Giselle attempts to lift by resorting to magic. Using a wishing wand gifted to Sofia by King Edward and Queen Nancy of Andalasia, Giselle wishes for the fairytale life she was hoping Monroeville would provide, but the wand's spell proves to be far more effective than Giselle ever would have anticipated.... Follow @thawedcast on Twitter and Instagram. Email: genresavvypodcast@gmail.com. Find us: @philipehlke, @bridget5246, @jodipolasky

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 Episode 119 - ThawedChat 2 - AI Fan Art

Philip and Bridget discuss a variety of pop-culture topics including AI art being sold at conventions, free shipping, the gig economy, and the pressures of standardized education. The rapid movement of commerce via online and tech-based innovation has been a source of tremendous excitement since the advent of the Internet, but eventually the excitement wears off and people necessarily adapt to a more sustainable model. Sure, there are those who will try to exploit the recent advancements in things like AI and online streaming, but there are inevitable costs to these new technologies of which we can only speculate. How to improve education poses an increasing challenge as one's mental health can easily be affected by the pressures of meeting standards, to the detriment of proper education and enrichment. Follow @thawedcast on Twitter and Instagram. Email: genresavvypodcast@gmail.com. Find us: @philipehlke, @bridget5246

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 Episode 118 - Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)

The first entry in the now-ubiquitous Sonic the Hedgehog film franchise starring James Marsden and Jim Carrey, with Ben Schwartz providing the voice of the classic Sega mascot, Sonic the Hedgehog was released in early 2020 to an enthusiastic audience. The movie managed to win over a younger crowd who had inherited the legacy of the 90s icon, and it generally appealed to longtime fans of the series. Jim Carrey delivers his fully-fledged singular brand of physical comedy in a true return to form, and Paramount Pictures narrowly avoided crippling disaster by revamping its original CGI Sonic model featured in the teaser trailer, later immortalized as "Ugly Sonic" from Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers (2022). Philip, Bridget, and Alex break down the film's merits and discuss a broad range of video game-related topics including streaming series and theme parks, along with some A.I. talk. Follow @thawedcast on Twitter and Instagram. Email: genresavvypodcast@gmail.com. Find us: @philipehlke, @ayeedeezy, @bridget5246

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 Episode 117 - Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is the sequel to 2011's Puss in Boots and is the sixth film in the Shrek franchise from DreamWorks Animation. Philip and Bridget discuss this new theatrical release, the studio's 43rd feature, and measure it up against today's cinematic landscape. Puss in Boots: The Last Wish finds the literary hero Puss reckoning with his potential demise. The dashing rogue's hard living has nearly caught up to him, and he now finds himself on his ninth and final life. He befriends a stray dog and is roped into one last adventure with Kitty Softpaws. They must steal the map to the wishing star from the evil Jack Horner and brave a treacherous, ever-changing forest full of dangers and temptations. Follow @thawedcast on Twitter and Instagram. Email: genresavvypodcast@gmail.com. Find us: @philipehlke, @bridget5246

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 Episode 116 - Strange World

Philip and Bridget discuss Strange World from Walt Disney Animation Studios. The Walt Disney Company celebrates its 100th anniversary and its feature animation division's 61st animated film, coinciding with a new castle logo redesign to celebrate the centennial milestone. With a premise pulled from pulp novels of the early twentieth century, Strange World places viewers in the mysterious Victorian-styled land of Avalonia. Jaeger Clade is a famous explorer whose life's mission is to find passage through the impenetrable mountains surrounding the known world. Raised to follow in his father's footsteps, Searcher Clade abandons exploration in favor of science and learns to cultivate an energy-rich plant called Pando that technologically revolutionizes Avalonia. When the power of Pando is suddenly threatened, three generations of Jaegers must attempt to solve the problem and learn to work together as a family that hasn't always seen eye-to-eye. Follow @thawedcast on Twitter and Instagram. Email: genresavvypodcast@gmail.com. Find us: @philipehlke, @bridget5246

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 Episode 115 - Andor

Philip is joined by his sister Samara and her husband Elliott in discussing the new Star Wars series on Disney+, Andor. This live-action sci-fi drama details the origin of Cassian Andor, co-protagonist of the 2016 film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story about the mission to steal the Death Star plans from the evil Galactic Empire. Cassian finds himself a reluctant participant in a nascent rebellion after his talents are noticed by rebel organizer Luthen Rael. With the secret backing of key political figures like Senator Mon Mothma and the versatility of operatives like Andor, Rael seeks to unite the rebel cause against an increasingly oppressive Empire. It is a deadly game of duplicity and intrigue in which no one is safe, and anyone is liable to be sacrificed for the greater good of ridding the galaxy of its Imperial shackles. Although, perhaps opinions differ on how much of one's humanity may be sacrificed whilst retaining hope for a brighter future. Follow @thawedcast on Twitter and Instagram. Email: genresavvypodcast@gmail.com. Find us: @philipehlke, @samara_mitchell9, @ellimundo

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 Episode 120 - The Sea Beast

Jodi, Bridget and Philip review and discuss the 2022 animated film The Sea Beast from Netflix. Walt Disney Animation Studios veteran Chris Williams writes and directs on a film that follows in the footsteps of his past efforts including Bolt, Big Hero 6, and Moana. The Sea Beast offers epic adventure on the high seas where we follow the crew of the Inevitable, the greatest hunters of the terrible sea creatures that haunt the deep. Maisie Brumble is an orphan obsessed with Hunter lore and stows away on the Inevitable to ingratiate herself with Captain Crow and officers Jacob Holland and Sarah Sharpe. Maisie's quick thinking saves the ship during a creature encounter but causes herself and Jacob to be stranded on an island full of creatures. In order to escape, they must rethink their entire relationship to the sea beasts and reevaluate their place amongst the Hunters. Follow @thawedcast on Twitter and Instagram. Email: genresavvypodcast@gmail.com. Find us: @philipehlke, @bridget5246, @jodipolasky

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 Episode 121 - Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio

Jodi, Bridget and Philip review the 2022 Pinocchio adaptation from renowned filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and Netflix. Filmed using stop-motion puppetry, del Toro co-directs with Mark Gustafson a film that reflects the signature dark whimsy of del Toro's earlier films, unafraid to delve into heavy symbolism involving war and loss. The wartime setting is punctuated by numerous colorful characters and moments of strong levity, offering a familiar yet fresh take on the classic story. Pinocchio's journey through late-1930's Italy is full of twists and turns that leave you breathless. Discover how Pinocchio narrowly escapes peril in this life and beyond, seeking to somehow return to a place of peace and belonging alongside his cricket companion his father Geppetto. Follow @thawedcast on Twitter and Instagram. Email: genresavvypodcast@gmail.com. Find us: @philipehlke, @bridget5246, @jodipolasky

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 Episode 122 - Everything Everywhere All at Once

Bridget, Jodi and Philip review the Oscar-winning Everything Everywhere All at Once, a wild visual spectacle from directors Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert and A24 Films. Released in April 2022 in the United States, Everything Everywhere All at Once features a Chinese immigrant couple struggling to keep up with the pressures of their laundromat business. During a visit to the local IRS office, Evelyn, played by Michelle Yeoh, is visited by an alternate version of her husband Waymond (Ke Huy Quan) suddenly inhabiting his body. He informs her that the Evelyn from his universe was a scientist who discovered inter-dimensional travel, but now he needs the help of laundromat-Evelyn to save the multiverse from collapsing. Can Evelyn awaken the hero lying dormant inside her, or will all of existence succumb to the certain doom that awaits her business--and perhaps her family as well. Follow @thawedcast on Twitter and Instagram. Email: genresavvypodcast@gmail.com. Find us: @philipehlke, @bridget5246, @jodipolasky

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 Episode 123 - The Super Mario Bros. Movie

The Super Mario Bros. Movie is the record-shattering 2023 film adaptation of the beloved Super Mario Bros. video game franchise from Nintendo. Philip, Bridget, and Alex review the new animated release from Universal Pictures and Illumination, delving into the whimsical fantasy of the Mushroom Kingdom along with New York City plumbers Mario and Luigi, whose epic adventure finds them face-to-face with all kinds of colorful characters. The menacing King of the Koopas, Bowser, is bearing down on Princess Peach's castle in his latest move toward conquest. Meanwhile, Mario and Peach set out to seek aid from the neighboring jungle and its leaders Kranky and Donkey Kong. Is their any hope of stopping Bowser? Are Mario and Luigi doomed to meet their fate in this strange magical world? Follow @thawedcast on Twitter and Instagram. Email: genresavvypodcast@gmail.com. Find us: @philipehlke, @ayeedeezy, @bridget5246

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 Episode 124 - The Mandalorian - Season 3

Philip and Bridget talk about season 3 of Lucasfilm's The Mandalorian on Disney Plus. This season finds Din Djarin and Grogu searching for the Living Waters of Mandalore. Din believes he can work with his fellow Mandalorians to restore their homeworld and reunite their people. The disgraced Bo-Katan Kryze is one of the few people who can lead a fractured Mandalore, but first she must earn the trust of the fundamentalist Children of the Watch along with her own former band of mercenaries. Meanwhile, Imperial remnants are secretly reorganizing, threatening a vulnerable New Republic. Follow @thawedcast on Twitter and Instagram. Email: genresavvypodcast@gmail.com. Find us: @philipehlke, @bridget5246

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 Episode 125 - Fired on Mars

Jodi, Bridget and Philip discuss the new Max Original animated series Fired on Mars available on HBO Max. Jeff Cooper is a graphic designer for the tech giant Mars.ly, and has recently been transferred to their corporate offices on planet Mars. He awaits the day when he can finally start a new life with his partner Hannah, who is scheduled to arrive the following year. Jeff’s life is thrown into disarray when he is notified that his position has been laid off, leaving him stranded on Mars without a job and completely at the mercy of the Mars.ly facilities. Deprived of a sense of belonging, Jeff embarks on a quest to find a new purpose: hopefully one that can help him improve his self-confidence and acquire the skills necessary to fill one of the few roles available on the lonely red planet. Follow @thawedcast on Twitter and Instagram. Email: genresavvypodcast@gmail.com. Find us: @philipehlke, @bridget5246, @jodipolasky

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Episode 126 - Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 

Philip and Elliott discuss the latest release from Marvel Studios, Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3 written and directed by James Gunn. The Guardians must race to save the life of one of their members after a surprise encounter with an agent of the High Evolutionary, a maniacal scientist and warlord with aims to create a perfect utopia under his control. Follow @thawedcast on Twitter and Instagram. Email: genresavvypodcast@gmail.com. Find us: @philipehlke, @ellimundo

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Episode 127 - The Little Mermaid (2023)

Philip and Jodi are joined by The Little Mermaid-superfan Lara Akal to review the 2023 The Little Mermaid from Disney. This film reimagines the 1989 Disney animated original in live action with a fresh cast and additional songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Alan Menken returns to score and Howard Ashman's legendary lyrics have been revived once again for an ambitious encore. This latest adaptation of a Disney classic is sure to be one of the most celebrated, despite having its share of criticism and controversy. The mermaid Ariel is a princess of peerless song and beauty and seeks to build a bridge with the world above her--the brave, seafaring Prince Eric being the perfect partner with whom to do so. The magic of the underwater realm can afford her the ability to exist on land, but her hastily-chosen spellcaster has ulterior motives that could spell doom for Ariel and her father's kingdom. Follow @thawedcast on Twitter and Instagram. Email: genresavvypodcast@gmail.com. Find us: @philipehlke, @jodipolasky, @laraakal

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 Episode 128 - Elemental

Elemental is the new film from Pixar Animation and Walt Disney Studios, directed by Peter Sohn. Philip and Bridget discuss the new film all about two characters who are of two opposite extremes. Ember is a being made of fire who comes from an immigrant family and Wade comes from the city's long-established water community. Their conflict blossoms into a potential romance as they discover the ways they complement each other through their differences. Discover how such hyperbolic characters manage to navigate each one's professional-, home-, and love-life through such precarious circumstances as would be experienced by persons entirely composed of water, earth, fire, or air. Follow @thawedcast on Twitter and Instagram. Email: genresavvypodcast@gmail.com. Find us: @philipehlke, @bridget5246

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Episode 129 - Nimona 

Nimona is an animated film released by Netflix on June 30, 2023. It was produced by Annapurna Pictures and the animation team formerly of Blue Sky, the studio behind Ice Age (2002) and Spies and Disguise (2019) and a casualty of the Disney/21st Century Fox acquisition. Nimona is set in a world of futuristic technology combined with medieval chivalry and opens on the televised knighting ceremony of Ballister Boldheart. Immediately upon being knighted, Sir Ballister is framed for assassination and forced on the run. Wounded and desperate, he encounters a mysterious young girl who seems impervious to danger. Nimona is a shapeshifter who volunteers to assist Ballister in his efforts to evade capture and clear his name. This uneasy alliance could upend everything Ballister has come to value as a knight, exposing a darkness that has always existed within the order he has sworn to protect. Follow @thawedcast on Twitter and Instagram. Email: genresavvypodcast@gmail.com. Find us: @philipehlke, @bridget5246, @jodipolasky

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Episode 130 - Barbie 

Bridget, Lara, and Philip discuss Barbie from Warner Bros. and Mattel. This motion picture phenomenon is directed by Greta Gerwig and stars Margot Robbie as Barbie, or "Stereotypical Barbie" as distinguished from all the other Barbies in Barbieland. Ryan Gosling plays her Ken, who exists to impress Barbie but often goes underappreciated. We follow Stereotypical Barbie as she starts feeling sensations of dissatisfaction with her idyllic yet highly artificial existence. With the guidance of "Weird Barbie," Barbie learns she must go to the real world and find the doll owner who is sending out these negative thoughts. Can Barbie's mission resolve her existential crisis or could this risk jeopardizing the entirety of Barbieland should these feelings of existential crisis continue to spread? Follow @thawedcast on Twitter and Instagram. Email: genresavvypodcast@gmail.com. Find us: @philipehlke, @bridget5246, @laraakal

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Episode 131 - Oppenheimer 

Philip and Jodi discuss the latest film from Christopher Nolan and Universal Pictures, Oppenheimer, documenting the Manhattan Project and the life of its co-leader and chief researcher, J. Robert Oppenheimer. Oppenheimer would earn the nickname "Father of the Atomic Bomb" and later "American Prometheus" as the person most responsible for the creation and testing of nuclear weapons, of which only two have ever been used in combat. Despite this, the implications of this technology are haunting, and Oppenheimer retains one of the most complicated legacies of any key figure of the twentieth century. This film details the political manipulation he endured as a morally flawed, tortured genius whose work would inevitably be used in ways he abhorred, but for which he is ultimately responsible--a fitting avatar for mankind itself. Follow @thawedcast on Twitter and Instagram. Email: genresavvypodcast@gmail.com. Find us: @philipehlke, @jodipolasky

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