Film Overview Title: Eddington (2025) by Ari Aster Setting: Small-town New Mexico during the COVID-19 pandemic Premise: Tension and division between a local sheriff (Joaquin Phoenix) and the town's mayor (Pedro Pascal), reflecting broader cultural and social fractures in America. Themes: Polarization, the influence of social media, performative activism, the corporatization of crisis, and the psychological weight of 2020. Cast & Performances Joaquin Phoenix (Sheriff Joe Cross): Widely praise...
Jul 24, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 98
After some bad uploads and delays, for what is seems like 28 years after the release, Michael and Dave finally delve into the thematic and tonal complexity of 28 Years Later , a film they describe as both rich in ideas and somewhat disjointed. They focus on death, coming of age, and humanity in a post-apocalyptic world dominated by the infected. 🎬 Cast and Crew – 28 Years Later Director: Danny Boyle – Returns to direct this sequel after helming 28 Days Later (2002), marking a major reunion with...
Jul 07, 2025•55 min•Ep. 97
Episode 96 – The Phoenician Scheme (Mindframes Podcast) Michael Cockerill and Dave Canfield discuss Wes Anderson's latest film, The Phoenician Scheme . The movie stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Cera, Riz Ahmed, Meena Truppleton, and other regulars from Anderson’s filmography. The story centers around Zaza Corda, a wealthy businessman played by Benicio del Toro, who makes the surprising decision to name his daughter—a nun—as his heir. He simultaneously launches a massive infrastructure projec...
Jun 20, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 96
Episode 95: The Life of Chuck 🔗 IMDb - The Life of Chuck (2025) Cast & Crew: Director: Mike Flanagan Writer: Mike Flanagan (based on the short story by Stephen King) Cast: Tom Hiddleston as Chuck Mark Hamill Chiwetel Ejiofor Karen Gillan Jacob Tremblay Matthew Lillard Harvey Guillén David Dastmalchian Mia Sara Q'orianka Kilcher Trinity Jo-Li Bliss Benjamin Pajak Show Timestamps 00:00:15 – Michael introduces the film The Life of Chuck , its limited theatrical release, and welcomes special gu...
Jun 14, 2025•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 95
🎙️ Mindframes Episode 94: Friendship (2025) Theme: Male friendship, awkwardness, modern masculinity, repression Hosts: Dave Canfield & Michael Cockerill 🎬 Cast & Crew Director: Andrew DeYoung Writer: Andrew DeYoung Cinematographer: Andy Rydzewski Executive Producer: Paul Rudd Cast: Tim Robinson as Craig Waterman – a painfully awkward suburban dad with delusions of friendship. Paul Rudd as Austin – a charming local weatherman with a hidden insecurities. Kate Mara as Craig’s wife – emoti...
May 31, 2025•57 min•Ep. 94
🎙️ Mindframe(s) Podcast – Episode 93 Mission: Impossible: Final Reckoning (and Franchise Retrospective) 🎬 Film Details Title: Mission: Impossible – Final Reckoning Director: Christopher McQuarrie Writers: Christopher McQuarrie, Erik Jendresen Main Cast: Tom Cruise – Ethan Hunt Hayley Atwell – Grace Esai Morales – Gabriel Ving Rhames – Luther Stickell Simon Pegg – Benji Dunn Rebecca Ferguson – Ilsa Faust Pom Klementieff – Paris ⏱️ Timestamps & Highlights 00:15 – Intro Michael and Dave kick ...
May 25, 2025•45 min•Ep. 93
Absolutely! Here’s the same set of show notes with chapter timestamps added to guide listeners through the episode: 🎙️ Mindframes – Episode 92 “Sinners (2025): Vampires, Blues, and the Power of Community” In this episode, Michael and Dave dive deep into Sinners , the bold, original horror-drama from director Ryan Coogler. Featuring Michael B. Jordan in a dual role and a breakout performance by Miles Katon, Sinners blends genre thrills with potent social commentary, historical resonance, and mus...
May 02, 2025•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 92
🎙️ Mindframes Episode 89: Mickey 17 "Clone Wars, Class Wars, and Saucy Politics in Space" In this episode, Dave Canfield and Michael Cockerill dive into Mickey 17 , Bong Joon-ho’s long-anticipated follow-up to Parasite . Set on a frozen alien planet, this satirical sci-fi tale stars Robert Pattinson as Mickey Barnes, a worker cloned repeatedly for hazardous missions — until one version survives and meets his successor. 🎬 What We Cover: The Bong Joon-ho Cinematic Universe From Snowpiercer to Pa...
Apr 24, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 89
🎙️ Mindframes Podcast – Episode 91: Warfare 🎧 Hosts : Michael Cockerill & Dave Canfield 🎬 Film : Warfare (2025), dir. Alex Garland & Ray Mendoza 📍 Location : Music Box Theatre, Chicago ⏱️ Timestamps & Segment Summaries: [00:00–01:30] — Intro & Film Overview Michael introduces the film Warfare , co-directed by Alex Garland ( Ex Machina , Civil War ) and Ray Mendoza, a real-life Navy SEAL. Set during the Iraq War in 2006, the film follows a SEAL team as a surveillance mission d...
Apr 19, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 91
Sure! Based on the transcript from Mindframes Episode 90 – "Death of a Unicorn", here are listener-friendly notes: Episode 90: Death of a Unicorn A Mindframes Film Conversation Guests: 🎙️ Tarek Fayoumi (Chicago film critic) 🎬 Basic Info Film: Death of a Unicorn Director: Alex Scharfman (Directorial debut) Genre: Black comedy with horror elements Cast Highlights: Paul Rudd as Elliot Jenna Ortega as Ridley Richard E. Grant as Odell Will Poulter as Shepard Téa Leoni as Odell's wife Anthony Carrig...
Mar 28, 2025•1 hr 21 min
Mindframes – Episode 88: The Monkey (2025) 🎙️ A sometimes half-assed but always wholehearted film conversation. 🔹 Hosts: Michael Cockerill & Dave Canfield 🔹 Episode Runtime: Approx. 56 minutes 🔹 Film Discussed: The Monkey (2025) 🔹 Directed by: Osgood Perkins 🔹 Based on: The Monkey (1980), a short story by Stephen King ( Skeleton Crew ) 🎬 General Information – The Monkey (2025) 🔻 Director: Osgood "Oz" Perkins ( The Blackcoat’s Daughter, Longlegs, Gretel & Hansel ) 🔻 Screenplay: O...
Mar 12, 2025•57 min
Episode Summary In this episode, Dave and Michael discuss Companion , the directorial debut from Drew Hancock. A mix of science fiction, dark comedy, and thriller, Companion follows Iris, a robot companion, as she navigates power dynamics and hidden agendas during a weekend getaway at a remote lakeside estate. The film explores themes of toxic relationships, control, and AI consciousness, all while delivering sharp humor and unexpected twists. Director: Drew Hancock Genre: Sci-Fi, Dark Comedy, T...
Feb 19, 2025•1 hr 29 min
Mindframes: The Presence – A Steven Soderbergh Experiment Episode Summary: In this episode of Mindframes , Michael and Dave are joined by special guest Tarek Fayoumi ( MoviesWithTarek.com , Chicago Indie Critics) to dissect Steven Soderbergh's new film, The Presence . They explore its unique point-of-view cinematography, thematic connections to isolation in modern horror, and its place within Soderbergh's diverse filmography. The trio also debates the film’s strengths, weaknesses, and whether it...
Feb 04, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 86
In this episode of MindFrames , Dave and Michael break down the best films of 2024. With themes ranging from authoritarianism and resilience to identity and connection, the hosts discuss how these movies reflect and challenge the cultural zeitgeist. They also dive into the year’s standout horror films and share their thoughts on the Oscars' major contenders. Timestamps and Topics [00:00:16] Welcome and Introduction Dave and Michael set the tone for the episode, outlining their approach to discus...
Jan 28, 2025•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 85
Mindframes Episode: Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu Summary: In this episode of Mindframes , Michael and Dave explore Robert Eggers' reimagining of the classic silent film Nosferatu . They discuss Eggers’ meticulous approach to filmmaking, the legacy of Nosferatu , and the cultural evolution of vampires in cinema. The conversation touches on German Expressionist cinematography, standout performances, and the thematic depth of the film. They also reflect on how vampires mirror societal fears across deca...
Jan 14, 2025•1 hr 22 min
Podcast Episode Description: In this episode of Mindframes , Michael Cockerill and Dave Canfield dive into the chilling world of Heretic , the latest horror film by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods ( A Quiet Place ). We explore the film's themes of faith, control, and belief, contrasting its intellectual horror with its visceral thrills. Join us as we analyze Hugh Grant's standout performance as the sinister Mr. Reed, the dynamic interplay between the two Mormon missionaries, Sister Barnes and Sister ...
Dec 11, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Episode 82 on The Substance Summary In this episode, Michael and Dave dive into The Substance , a film by Coralie Fargeat. The film explores the dark and gritty side of Hollywood’s obsession with youth, following Elizabeth Sparkle (Demi Moore), a former aerobic star who turns to a mysterious serum for a youthful transformation. This risky choice leads her into a twisted psychological battle with her younger self, Sue (Margaret Qualley), as the two are forced to switch bodies every seven days. Ke...
Oct 30, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 82
Oct 09, 2024•59 min•Ep. 81
Episode Summary: In this fun and lively episode, Michael and David take a break from their usual thematic deep dives to enjoy the highly anticipated film "Deadpool and Wolverine." Join them as they explore the movie's humor, fourth-wall breaks, cameos, and more. This episode is packed with laughs, insightful critiques, and a healthy dose of fan service. Key Discussion Points: Introduction (00:15 - 01:11): The usual format involves pulling out one theme from a movie, but this episode is kept ligh...
Aug 07, 2024•49 min
Mind Frames Podcast - Episode 79: Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga Overview: In this episode, Michael and Dave delve into the newest installment of the Mad Max universe, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. Directed by George Miller, this film explores the origin story of Imperator Furiosa, previously portrayed by Charlize Theron in Mad Max: Fury Road, now played by Anya Taylor-Joy. Join the hosts as they discuss the film's thematic elements, casting choices, and how it fits into the larger Mad Max franchise. Key To...
Jun 11, 2024•53 min•Ep. 79
May 31, 2024•46 min•Ep. 78
The Complexities of "Civil War" and the Intricacies of Alex Garland's Direction In this episode of "Mindframes," hosts Dave and M.W. Cockerill delve into Alex Garland's latest film, "Civil War," exploring its portrayal of a polarized America and the role of media in war contexts. The discussion traverses Garland's filmography, highlighting his distinctive approach to filmmaking and thematic consistency across his works. The episode also touches on broader film genres, notably the categorization ...
May 07, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 77
Episode 76, "Navigating the Sands of Dune Part Two" Episode Summary: In this enthralling episode, Michael and Dave embark on a journey through the expansive deserts of Denis Villeneuve's "Dune Part Two." From the continuation of Paul Atreides' epic saga to the deep philosophical underpinnings of messianism and political intrigue, the hosts dissect the film's thematic complexities and its directorial prowess. Join us as we compare Villeneuve's adaptation to its cinematic and literary predecessors...
Apr 01, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 76
Dave and Michael discuss their five go-to movies for 2023, along with some initial Oscar reactions, and a lot of honorable mentions. The Mindframe(s) must-sees of 2023 Killers of the Flower Moon Oppenheimer Barbie The Holdovers
Feb 05, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 75
Anaita Wali Zada as Donya Jeremy Allen White as Daniel Gregg Turkington as Dr. Anthony Hilda Schmelling as Joanna Avis See-tho as Fan Siddique Ahmed as Salim Taban Ibraz as Mina Timur Nusratty as Suleyman Eddie Tang as Ricky Jennifer McKay as Lin Divya Jakatdar as Amaya Fazil Seddiqui as Aziz Molly Noble as Molly Enoch Ku as Jason Sich Liu as Restaurant Worker Bettina Devin as Ellen (uncredited) Gisele Matocq as Restaurant Patron (uncredited) Corey Seaver as Deliveryman (uncredited) Nisha Steige...
Sep 19, 2023•59 min•Ep. 74
This episode’s topics Start - 18:23 Greta Gerwig and the people who made Barbie 18:23 - 41:35 Mindframes reviews Conversation 1: Barbie and the Millennial experience Conversation 2: IP in films, are more toys movies coming (yes) Film info Imdb https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1517268/ Barbie suffers a crisis that leads her to question her world and her existence. In wide release and coming to IMAX….somehow! Crew Greta Gerwig as director and co-writer Noah Baumbach as co-writer Robbie Brenner as prod...
Aug 28, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 73
In this episode of Mindframe(s), Michael and Dave discuss Christopher Nolan's new film, Oppenheimer . Our hosts praise the film's technical achievements and discuss the flaws and triumphs of the titular character in the non-spoiler section. Cillian Murphy gives a stunning performance, and you'll have to listen to find out how much forgiveness and sympathy our hosts ended up giving this depiction of the "Father of the Atom Bomb." Crew Director: Christopher Nolan Screenwriters: Christopher Nolan, ...
Aug 02, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 72
The Flash Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
Jul 20, 2023•1 hr 16 min
Introduction: Welcome to "Mindframe(s)", the podcast where Dave and Michael try to pull themes and ideas relevant to our modern world from the world of movies. Overview: In this episode, Dave and Michael discuss Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and its portrayal of America's complicated, diverse, and intersected youth. Timestamps: 00:00 - 20:29 Intro 20:30 - 27:05 Spoiler-free reviews 27:05 - 59:42 Spider-Man across the Spider-verse and Intersectionality 59:52 - End Outro Links and Resources:...
Jun 05, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 70
Blackberry is a comedy that won't waste your minutes.
May 15, 2023•46 min•Ep. 69
