Abe walks us through his theory about how the horror flick Don’t Breathe (2016) creates a sequence in the first 20-25 minutes that basically walks through the movie right in front of your eyes and you barely notice. Is this a good technique? Does it make the film more enjoyable? You know, write some stuff in the comments. Let’s get an algorithm going, huh! Features: Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganz Support Small Beans and access Addition...
Oct 12, 2021•1 hr 2 min
The first episode of our new deep-dive podcast that chronicles the films of Paul Thomas Anderson and Wes Anderson. We start with the star-studded feature debut of PTA: the tale of an older scam artist who takes a young gambler who’s down on his luck under his wing, only to find that there’s always a cost. The hosts return to their patented format of three spectra: diegesis (a plot walkthrough), pedagogy (symbolism and themes), and “Howdy Do Dat?” (behind the scenes trivia and production notes). ...
Oct 06, 2021•1 hr 37 min
We did it! We reached our 420th podcast (not including exclusives)! Join us in what will be forever remembered as “that movie you watch probably because you’re high!” David Bell sits down and discusses the legacy, the meaning, and the methodical production of undeniably the most influential space movie of all time. We also spend some time telling off Kubrick for being a prick! What a brilliant, egotistical prick who makes great movies! Features: David Bell: https://twitter.com/MovieHooligan Mich...
Sep 25, 2021•1 hr 13 min
Adam walks us through the directorial playbook of the film Full Frontal (2002) and how it’s message, the techniques Soderbergh uses, and it’s annoyingly elusive ending all point to how Steven Soderbergh was never comfortable making Hollywood blockbusters. Features: Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganz Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.te...
Sep 20, 2021•1 hr 14 min
Today’s discussion covers the “breakup album” as in the album you would play during a breakup for whatever reason. The reasons and albums our hosts choose could not be more distant which is fascinating in its own right. Adam picked an album that is just as old as Maggie! Also, Maggie drops the knowledge that her dad is a big fan of Michael Swaim, so he’ll be using that as a power move in the future. Bask in the charm of the Show Me Yours-ers! If you patronize us, feel free to email us suggestion...
Sep 18, 2021•1 hr 35 min
That’s right! It’s the KOK COC episode! So let’s talk about some murderous kids! Abe and Mike discuss King’s relationship with religious tales, the cult-y love for this film, the numerous sequels it birthed, and it’s rank along other King tales. Features: Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepublic.c...
Sep 14, 2021•1 hr 21 min
We wrap up our first trilogy with the third installment of the 50 shades films. Listen as Sarah and Bridgett discuss how these movies are not actually stories but just series of things that happen, how communication would solve all of the protagonists’ problems in their relationship, and how Christian’s numerous red flags seem to be buried by Ana’s inability to see them! Next month, we’ll start diving into our next trilogy. Bridgett goes over it at the end of the podcast. Please comment below yo...
Sep 04, 2021•1 hr 26 min
Ivette Ale (@dignityandpowernow, @justicelanow) and Dahlia Ferlito (@wp4bl) talk with Chanelle Gallant (@ChanelleGallant) about decriminalization and sex work. This is a collaboration between Small Beans and Showing Up for Racial Justice, produced by White People 4 Black Lives. You can find full show notes, including useful links and recommended reading, at patreon.com/smallbeans.
Sep 03, 2021•47 min
Big Bean Bridgett Greenberg sits in to discuss Tom Ford’s 2016 psychological thriller/noir Nocturnal Animals. With quick pacing and two simultaneous stories, this film is not a casual viewing experience, but is it a rewarding one? The group discusses the obvious metaphor surrounding the film, the scenes that made them tense, and how the outside life of a director/storyteller scopes the stories they tell. They all agree that Michael Shannon rules in this movie. Features: Bridgett Greenberg: https...
Aug 31, 2021•1 hr 16 min
This time around Abe tells us about the paint-by-numbers approach of the direction of Jurassic Park 3. It’s not the franchise’s most memorable film by a mile, but the story of Joe Johnston’s artistic involvement in the project makes its production a very unique story. Features: Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganz Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! h...
Aug 28, 2021•1 hr 26 min
Usually a patreon-only release, we decided to bring the Professor Scott Bug podcast to you for free this week! Enjoy! For today’s lecture, Professor Scott Bug explains the sneaky nature of stars, constellations, and the creatures that make them. Abe and Scott are joined by Dr. Uvula Tardonis I who helps us put into perspective the unique lives and psychology of stars. They’re just like us! Features: Professor Scott Bug: https://twitter.com/profscottbug Cody Johnston: https://twitter.com/drmister...
Aug 17, 2021•54 min
After the events of “Bean Town, A 23 Minute Radio Play,” Trish and Barb float in the void that once was time and space. However, there seems to be remnants of the universe seeping into the void. So, in order to prevent boredom, they manifest a TV to watch their favorite program, Ads. What will become of Trish and Barb? What eerie presence seems to be able to pierce the veil of nothingness? Is “Bean Town” like a Boston joke or is it just a pun on our name? What is this thing? ---- Cast List ---- ...
Aug 14, 2021•26 min
2006. Tom Skerritt, Ron Perlman, Steven Weber. A god-like earth spirit destroys a town and local motorists. Seems pretty straight forward. So why do Abe and Michael take an hour to discuss King’s fascination with the “outsider” trope in moral tales, the nature of faith in storytelling, and centrism in Hollywood? Because it’s Kings of King, baby! Features: Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content...
Aug 10, 2021•1 hr 18 min
Old came out this weekend so we wanted to look at Shyamalan’s approach to scene work and camera motivation. In this episode, Adam dissects Unbreakable and offers an explanation as to why some of his films don’t connect with the audience emotionally. Features: Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganz Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepubli...
Aug 03, 2021•1 hr 17 min
As we learned, this franchise is not really a story as much as a continuous series of fantasy scenes. Good thing we have Sarah and Bridgett to walk us through it. At one point, Bridgett slams her leg on their table and like a classic dom, Sarah takes over the podcast. I’m just keeping track of how their status changes through these episodes. Anyway, as Sarah says in this podcast: “Let’s get to the fucking. This movie’s about the fucking. Let’s get to the fucking.” Features: Bridgett Greenberg: h...
Jul 29, 2021•1 hr 14 min
Friend of the pod, Daniel O’Brien, a man from the Garden State himself, joins Michael and Abe to discuss writer/director Zach Braff’s debut, Garden State. The gang talks about how the following years have turned against this once beloved film. As one of the seminal Manic Pixie Dream Girl trope films, they unpack it’s at times misguided narrative, it’s attention to style, and how it’s message could be damaging to teens. Features: Daniel O’Brien: https://twitter.com/dob_inc Michael Swaim: https://...
Jul 24, 2021•1 hr 13 min
It’s a free episode! Tell your friends they can listen! This episode covers the topics: Why does the universe exist? What is morality? Do you believe in an afterlife? Are these all human creations? So pretty low stakes stuff for our podcast that pairs Futurama episodes to Star Trek: The Next Generation episodes. This show exclusively releases every other episode here on the Small Beans patreon. Wimmy Wam Wam Wozzle! Features: Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP David Bell: https://twit...
Jul 23, 2021•1 hr 48 min
Abe and Michael examine the 95 minutes of the 2017 action/adventure film The Dark Tower. Based on an eight book saga, this "sequel" was critically panned and financially a sleeper. Why wasn’t it memorable for some? Does it hold up on a second viewing? Your dads, Abe and Michael, would never fight, but they definitely have a difference in opinion. Look at that! 400 podcasts/videos! Hurrah us! And you! You made this happen! Features: Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: http...
Jul 17, 2021•1 hr 18 min
Adam exposes how The Day After Tomorrow dramatizes science, how it attempts to prepare the viewer for moments of emotional significance, and how Roland Emmerich reels in world-spanning plots into simple parables. As always, we have our theories as to why Emmerich uses specific lenses, staging, and POV to evoke a thesis and an emotional response from you. Does it work? Will we ever figure out what’s happening with the podcast’s introduction guy? Is he dead? Is he a ghost? What’s going on there? F...
Jul 13, 2021•1 hr 9 min
The Casters are back and they’re more Curious than ever! Both of them haven’t seen this film yet! And spoilers, as it came out last week, you may have not seen it either! Episode starts with Bridgett and Sarah pre-Fast 9, then you have about an hour and a half of glorious post-Fast 9 clarity. Features: Bridgett Greenberg: https://twitter.com/BridgettTweets Sarah Griffith: https://twitter.com/sk_griffith Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check o...
Jul 10, 2021•1 hr 44 min
In this Show Me Producer chosen episode, Adam and Maggie each bring the film they consume like comfort food. We check in with Maggie’s cat’s grooming situation. So, I think we’re all squared up. If you patronize us, feel free to email us suggestions for episodes at any time at magsandganz@gmail.com. Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganz Maggie Mae Fish: https://twitter.com/MaggieMaeFish Support Small Beans and access Additional Content: https://www.patreon.com/SmallBeans Check our store t...
Jul 06, 2021•1 hr 11 min
This episode’s guest is streamer, cosplayer, and podcaster: Marina Reimann! Per usual for the pit, we have a disclaimer. We cover being queer, feeling impostor syndrome because we're in monogamous long-term relationships, and a bit of our sexual histories, including Marina's assault and how she came back from that. Features: Marina Reimann: https://twitter.com/HeartFistBrain Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Check our store to buy Small Beans merch! https://www.teepublic.com/stores/t...
Jul 02, 2021•1 hr 6 min
Oh great. The Nazi one. Michael and Abe dissect the very problematic production of Apt Pupil as well as the differences between the film’s execution and the novel. Did y’all know that David Schwimmer is in this? Crazy. Anyway, we also decided which Stephen King adaptation we’ll cover next time! So, you know, you can watch it before! See! We’re prepared! Features: Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Support Small Beans and access Additional...
Jun 15, 2021•1 hr 15 min
Strap on your best kicks! Sarah Griffith and Bridgett Greenberg join forces once again for their THIRD Small Beans show, Shooting Threes! The idea behind this podcast is to cover trilogies, one installment at a time. Listen in to these auditory dunks, swishes, and dimes? It’s a basketball theme. We made logos and everything. They of course decided to call their first shot with the steamy, unrated cut of 50 Shades of Grey. The hosts discuss the nuance of their discomfort and we learn fairly early...
Jun 14, 2021•1 hr 16 min
Willie Muse of College Humor drops by and graces us with several pieces of rough stuff. In this episode, he tells a tale of trying to be the hero of camp and his brother’s tale of an inappropriate walk during a funeral. Plenty oofs this time around. Maybe some yeeshes. Features: Willie Muse: https://twitter.com/Williesillie2 Sarah Griffith: https://twitter.com/sk_griffith Bridgett Greenberg: https://twitter.com/BridgettTweets Rough Stuff Pod: https://twitter.com/roughstuffpod Support Small Beans...
Jun 12, 2021•1 hr 7 min
Abe brings the story of the plagued production of Jan De Bont’s Twister. Not only was it rife with poor weather conditions and rough terrain, but choices made by the production and director made work unbearable for the cast and crew. Adam and Abe also discuss the purview of the director, when it’s invalid, and how to fight for your vision without compromising safety. Features: Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealganz Support Small Beans and acce...
Jun 08, 2021•1 hr 36 min
As promised, it’s still May and you know what that means! Maggie Mae Monkey Movie Madness! The second Frame Rate this month featuring a discussion with film analyst and friend of the pod, Maggie Mae Fish! This episode, we cover George Romero’s Monkey Shines and discuss how it is seriously grounded for a film about a telepathic murder monkey. Features: Maggie Mae Fish: https://twitter.com/MaggieMaeFish Michael Swaim: https://twitter.com/SWAIM_CORP Abe Epperson: https://twitter.com/AbeTheMighty Su...
May 29, 2021•1 hr 8 min
Adam brings the heat with 1995’s Heat. A discussion about how within Michael Mann’s apparent action film follows the beats and scene work of a family drama. Adam elaborates the bag of tricks the director uses to sneakily get you involved in the interpersonal relationships even amongst sweeping thrills. The conversation starts with a discussion of musical theater for some reason, and even before that, it appears our MC has turned into a ghost. Features: Adam Ganser: https://twitter.com/therealgan...
May 18, 2021•1 hr 22 min
In the last of our three LIVE from UCLA episodes, co-hosts Ivette Ale and Dahlia Ferlito talk with Justino Mora and Karla Estrada on immigration. We talk about borders, the DREAM Act, American foreign policy, and policy reform efforts. You can find full show notes, including useful links and recommended reading, at patreon.com/smallbeans.
May 17, 2021•1 hr 5 min
HOW COULD YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN MAGGIE MAE’S MONKEY MADNESS MOVIE MONTH?!?! It’s May! At Small Beans, this apparently means we’ll be covering TWO movies this month with our long time collaborator Maggie Mae Fish! And guess what? They both have monkeys in them! And it’s May! What a time to be alive. This episode, we cover the film Monkeybone and discuss its semi-cult status as well as how this insane film was made. Features: Maggie Mae Fish: https://twitter.com/MaggieMaeFish Michael Swaim: https://t...
May 15, 2021•59 min
