O'hana means family, and this week the Cinematica fam is covering the animated delight, Lilo & Stitch (2002). We take a closer look at why media portrayals of aliens and monsters can't seem to get away from a bipedal human body plan. Then by breaking down the physiology of the monstrosity that is Experiment 626, we uncover: Spiderman's potential Kryptonite, a water hose; Stitch might just be part Pomeranian, part gorilla; and that Dave is way too good at doing this character's voice. Time Po...
Jun 10, 2021•1 hr 6 min
Bad lines, undead tigers, and unbearable characters, oh my! It's Army of the Dead/zombie week. Unfortunately, no amount of plausible science will bring this film back to life. However, the Cinematica team does take a closer look at our favorite brain eating shamblers and really peels away the meat of how zombies might actually work. TIME POINTS 00:00:37- Introduction and News 00:05:13- Movie Discussions 00:19:59- Movie Science 0057:22- Favorite Zombie Movies 01:03:30- Final Thoughts and Sign Off...
Jun 03, 2021•1 hr 6 min
This week, the team is joined by Dr. Kirsty Macleod, an evolutionary ecologist and fellow podcaster (W.E.E.)! We walk through both the weird and wild in the 2018 film Annihilation. From horizontal gene transfer, to plants with Hox genes, to faceless, screaming bears, this movie has us all asking: is this shimmer real or is everyone just absolutely hammered? TIME POINTS: 00:00 - 08:18 Intro and News 08:18 - 21:24 Movie synopsis and thoughts 21:24 - 22:53 plugs 22:53 - 41:14 ASSIMILATION TALK 41:1...
May 27, 2021•1 hr 34 min
The team visits isolated Antartcia research bases to grasp the horror that is the The Thing. Join us as we explore John Carpenter's Masterpiece and...another movie that came out in 2011 trying to make money on nostalgia. Have you ever wondered are aliens LITERALLY living among us? Join us to uncover the mysteries that lurk below the ice. TIME POINTS 00:00 - 08:18 Intro and News 08:18 - 21:24 Movie synopsis and thoughts 21:24 - 22:53 plugs 22:53 - 41:14 ASSIMILATION TALK 41:14 - 49:20 Ecology of ...
May 20, 2021•1 hr 2 min
Taking a slight break from movies, this week is a minisode in which Dave creates a realistic dragon. Well, actually, three dragons. Do Dave's designer dragons pass the ecological and physiological test that Cinematica applies to other movie monsters? What movies would these abominations, I mean, creations star in? Which one would Liam Neeson fight? And please, email us with your dragon ideas! TIME POINTS 00:00:43 – Introduction and News 00:06:08 – Dragons As A Concept In Science 00:11:06- Our Dr...
May 13, 2021•48 min
The Cinematica team dives headfirst into Underwater (2020), with special guest Eva Paulus of the University of Konstanz, Germany. This episode we are plunging into the alien world of the deep, deep sea. What really lives in the Mariana Trench? Is Cthulhu a giant Surinam toad? Does Adam implode if this movie touts itself as Lovecraftian? Should us hosts cosplay in the movies dive suits? The answer to that last one is resoundingly yes. TIME POINTS 00:00:35 – Introduction and News 00:06:24 – Though...
May 06, 2021•1 hr 20 min
Who's afraid of the big, bad wolf? Well, according to science, no one should be. This week the Cinematica squad tears into why the movie The Grey actually cries wolf. We discuss the unjust villianization of wolves, their ecological importance, and just how quickly Liam Neeson's body would cease to function due to exposure. Spoiler alert: pretty damn quick. TIME POINTS 00:00:43 – Introduction 00:04:24 – Thoughts on The Grey 00:12:31 – Science Discussion Introduction 00:13:13 – What is Eyeshine? 0...
Apr 29, 2021•1 hr 4 min
Slither in for a parasitic episode to celebrate Dr. Adam Hasik officially earning his PhD! In honor of his achievement, the Cinematica team breaks down exactly what are parasites with examples from Venom, 28 Days Later, Slither, Alien, The Thing and tons of real world creepy under-your-skin crawlies. TIME POINTS 00:00:36- Introduction and News 00:08:16- Movie and Science Discussions 01:17:14- Final Thoughts and Sign Off
Apr 22, 2021•1 hr 20 min
The Cinematica team is off to the podraces this week with special guest racers Aífe and Dani from the Movie aFISHionados podcast! We are diving in deep to easily the most quotable movie of the Star Wars franchise, The Phantom Menace. Find out what a citizen of Naboo is really called, the real reason Gungans build their underwater ships so sexy, and why this is Sam’s favorite movie of all time. TIME POINTS 00:00:48- Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:07:07- Movie Summary and Discussion 00:22:...
Apr 15, 2021•1 hr 20 min
It’s Godzilla vs Kong on our last episode of Monkey Madness. While we don’t quite know the death toll of the citizens of Hong Kong, we can tell you just how much sedative it would take to calm a giant Titan grimp, why the ecosystem of The Hollow Earth is impossible, and why Godzilla wouldn’t really fight Kong. Oh, and the human characters suck. TIME POINTS 00:00:40- Introduction and News 00:03:23- Godzilla vs Kong Movie Discussion 00:16:16- Movie Science Discussion 01:03:22- Movie Recommendation...
Apr 08, 2021•1 hr 8 min
This week the Cinematica team continues Monke Madness with Gorillas in the Mist. We can't talk about apes without talking about Dian Fossey; the woman responsible for bringing mountain gorillas back from the brink. Listen in to hear about how one woman with no scientific background wrote a leading book in primatology, removed an organ to show dedication to her boss, and used "witchcraft" to take poachers head on. TIME POINTS 00:00:34- Introduction 00:04:59- News & Off Leash Dog Discussion 00...
Apr 01, 2021•58 min
This week kicks off Monke Madness! Up first is Peter Jackson’s 2005 blockbuster, King Kong. We focus in on how severe injuries seem irrelevant to our characters, from permanent brain damage to limb crushing V-Rex bites, as well as the V-Rex's tendencies to dine and dash. The Cinematica team also welcomes guest host Cami, a social anthropologist to discuss the not-so-accurate representation of Skull Island’s indigenous peoples. TIME POINTS 00:00:38- Introduction 00:08:31- Movie Summary and Discus...
Mar 25, 2021•1 hr 10 min
The Cinematica team returns to explore the Korean monster movie classic, The Host. Join them as they discuss the realism of formaldehyde mutation, possible mechanisms for agent yellow, do American's make the best villains, and what is the appropriate punishment for someone stealing one of your squid tentacles. TIME POINTS 00:00:35- Introduction 00:02:56- Movie Summary 00:07:58- Movie Review 00:14:35- Science In The Film 01:01:59- Is This Film Recommended? 01:03:45- Final Thoughts
Mar 18, 2021•1 hr 4 min
The Cinematica team is back and starting off a new season with the 2020 film Love and Monsters (loved by the entire team, especially Adam). Join them as they explore the mutated post meteor/missile wasteland and answer the truly important question, how much do we all absolutely love the dog in this film? Listen to them argue, complain, and try to sort out the science from the fiction. TIME POINTS 00:00:44- Introduction 00:05:52- New Format Discussion and Science News 00:08:44- Movie Review 00:23...
Mar 11, 2021•1 hr 5 min
A quick announcement for the upcoming season.
Mar 10, 2021•2 min
The Cinematica teams up to discuss the use of "real monsters" in Cinema through exploration of Lake Placid (1999), Piranha 3D (2010), and Deep Blue Sea (1999). Would these creatures work in the real world? Would increasing shark brain size cure Alzheimer's? Is Betty White the true monster? Find out by listening in. Guest Start: Libby, the teams "story fixer upper" Time Points 00:34- Discussion of Real Monsters in Cinema 09:00- Lake Placid Discussion 34:54- Piranha 3D Discussion 54:26- Deep Blue ...
Feb 15, 2021•1 hr 10 min
The Cinematica Team follows up with their exploration of the Norwegian Glowing Dragon physiology by discussing the planet of the moorwen. What would this creature eat? What would it's teeth look like? Why do none of the Vikings where sleeves in the winter in this movie? All of these questions and more are answered, other than, why was this movie made?! TIME POINTS 00:33- Introduction 02:28- The Story of Beowulf 11:15- Beowulf in Film 19:30- Moorwen Ecology: Dentistry 25:56- Moorwen Ecology: Food...
Jan 17, 2021•47 min
The Cinematica Team returns to discuss a fan submission from the "cult classic" film Outlander. Join them as they relieve this film and ask themselves questions like: What is a moorwen? Does Ron Perlman do his own stunts? How does space steel kill a monster? Is this movie good? Join us as we get lost in what we think is supposed to be Norway and explore another cinematic monster. TIME POINTS 00:37- Introduction 02:15- Outlander Discussion and Critical Reception 16:43- Physiology Discussion 46:04...
Oct 14, 2020•53 min
Sam ditches the rest of the Cinematica Animalia and teams up Travis from Kaiju Weekly for a special episode. Join them as they discuss Godzilla 1998 in order to determine how it stacks up to the classic precursors and the 2014 reboot in regards to scientific accuracy and overall enjoyment. Check Out Kaiju Weekly: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kaiju-weekly TIME POINTS 00:32- Introduction 05:08- What Is A Kaiju? 10:36- Why Do People Love Godzilla? 15:28- Godzilla 1998 Movie Discussion 21:40- Go...
Jul 05, 2020•1 hr 4 min
The episode that no fans asked for is here. Adam, Sam, and David explore the world of Cats and are as horrified and confused as you might expect. Join them as they discuss how these grotesque creatures might have arisen, learned to dance, and tried to destroy the careers of so many great actors and musicians. TIME POINTS 01:40- Introduction 04:28- Cats Movie Summary 13:06- History of Anthropomorphic Characters in Movies 27:50- Cats Physiology 43:05- Outdoor Cats Discussion 54:25- Versus 57:27- S...
Jun 21, 2020•59 min
Sam, David and Adam dive back into Jurassic Park again to discuss other dinosaur movies, the problems with cloning, should extinct species be brought back, and who was the best movie scientist. Join them to answer the question, would life really find a way? TIME POINTS 00:41- Introduction 04:45- History of Dinosaurs in Film 17:36- DNA Problems, Cloning Issues, and Island Life 40:44- Ethical Discssions 55:14- Michael Crichton and Scientific Concerns 1:05:48- Rating Jurassic Park Scientists 1:12:2...
Jun 07, 2020•1 hr 17 min
am and David ditch Adam this week to explore the world of Jurassic Park on their own, and it does not go well. Join them as they discuss Jurassic vs Cretaceous periods, small Velociraptors, and the realities of the Tyrannosaurus Rex. TIME POINTS 00:41- Introduction 03:18- Discussion of the film 11:43- Jurassic vs Cretaceous 18:34- Dinosaurs with feathers 23:36- Small velociraptors 26:20- Tyrannosaurus vision 29:20- Tyrannosaurus as a ascavenger 32:48- Tyrannosaurus roar 34:44- Jack Horner 36:15-...
May 02, 2020•54 min
The Cinematica team decides to try and tackle the evolutionary paths and potential domestication of the magical world. The discuss if Dumbledore is the true monster, whether a Phoenix would make a good pet, and pest control for a Basilisk. Join them as they create creatures you wouldn't want to touch with your wand. Time Points: 00:40- Introduction 01:56- History of Animal Familiars 08:10- General Ecology of Harry Potter 15:24- Discussion of the Phoenix 24:54- Discussion of the Basilisk 31:52- V...
Apr 18, 2020•36 min
Sam, Adam and David are not invited to Hogwarts, but they decide to sneak in anyway. Join them as they explore some of the creatures that make up the magical world and discuss their possible horrifying anatomy. Leave your house elf at the door. Time Points: 01:30- Discussion of The Film 05:25- Summary of Harry Potter and Magical Monsters 09:19- The Physiology of Harry Potter- The Phoenix 21:36- The Physiology of Harry Potter- The Basilisk 28:30- The Physiology of Harry Potter- The Dementors 34:3...
Apr 04, 2020•39 min
Sam and David explore the world of Sonic, how fast animals work on Earth, and why speeding up and slowing down rapidly might not be good for you. Join us as we ask the horrifying question, what might Sonic look like if he actually wanted to move that fast. Time Points: 02:40- Sonic Overview 05:00- Sonic Movie Review 06:08- Sonic's Limitations & Concerns 17:30- Fastest Life on Earth 25:10- The Fastest Bird and Mammal 31:38- How Sonic Could Run Quickly 35:02- Credits
Mar 18, 2020•36 min
Join the team this week as they talk about the terrifying evolutionary path and environment that would produce the acid saturated monsters of our nightmares. Game over man indeed. Time Points: 2:08- News 3:00- Xenomorph History In Cinema 12:00- Xenomorph Ecology 36:12- Weekly Versus 41:50- Sign Off
Feb 29, 2020•43 min
This week the Cinematica team explores one of their favorite films and dives into the world of Xenomorphs. Listen in for a discussion on acid blood, nest building and termites. As well as discussions of space marines and Paul Reiser. Time Points: 02:01- Movie Summary 09:30- Xenomorph Overview 12:04- Xenomorph Movie Discussion 14:25- Xenomorph Physiology Discussion 42:18- Vet PSA (Wild vs Domestic Animals)
Feb 21, 2020•47 min
Sam, Adam, and David explore the ecology of the Witcher with frequent discussions of Henry Cavill in the bath and each one of them trying their best at impressions. Join them while they try to decide how the arrival of monsters would impact the natural world around us. 01:30- The History of Monster Slayers 11:13- The Ecology of The Continent 25:24- Versus 30:34- Ending Credits
Feb 06, 2020•32 min
Dave digs into the physiology of some of the monsters from Netflix's The Witcher. Can a person grow horns? What passes for a zombie in this world? And why is Henry Cavill not taking more baths? 02:21 - The World of The Witcher 07:47 - Is it any good? 17:18 - Monster Physiology 56:39 - The Vet's PSA
Jan 30, 2020•1 hr 1 min
This week Sam and Adam discuss the creatures of a galaxy far far away. They try to make sense of the Ton Ton, Rancor, Sarlacc Pit, and many more while avoiding the question of who shot first. May the force be with you all! 01:42 Dream Discussion 04:08 Star Wars Summary 06:08- Star Wars Review 08:33- Ecology Discussion 31:52- Closing Remarks
Jan 13, 2020•33 min
