Cinema On The Spectrum

Episode 42: Up (2009)

In this conversation, Reed and Michael delve into the Pixar film 'Up', exploring its themes, character dynamics, and emotional depth. They discuss the significance of Carl and Ellie's relationship, the role of Russell, and the impact of voice acting on the film's narrative. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of the film's themes in relation to childhood, loss, and rediscovery, while comparing it to other Pixar films.
Synopsis:
78-year-old Carl Fredricksen travels to South America in his house equipped with balloons, inadvertently taking a young stowaway.

Episode 41 - Monsters Inc. (2001)

In this episode, Reed and Michael delve into the beloved Pixar film Monsters Inc., exploring its themes of fear, energy, and emotional connections. They discuss the voice performances, particularly by Billy Crystal and John Goodman, and how the film's world-building creates a unique monster civilization.
Synopsis:
In order to power the city, monsters have to scare children so that they scream. However, the children are toxic to the monsters, and after a child gets through, two monsters realize things may not be what they think.

Episode 40 - Toy Story (1995)

In this episode Reed and Michael delve into the world of Pixar, focusing on the iconic film Toy Story and the contributions of Pete Docter.
Synopsis:
A cowboy doll is profoundly jealous when a new spaceman action figure supplants him as the top toy in a boy's bedroom. When circumstances separate them from their owner, the duo have to put aside their differences to return to him.
 
 

Episode 39: Stranger Things: "Dig Dug" (2017)

In this episode Reed and Micheal discuss the Andrew Stanton directed episode of the Netflix series Stranger Things, titled "Dig Dug".
Synopsis:
Nancy and Jonathan swap conspiracy theories with a new ally as Eleven searches for someone from her past. "Bob the Brain" tackles a difficult problem.

Episode 38: Finding Dory (2016)

In this episode Reed and Micheal discuss Andrew Stanton's follow up to "Finding Nemo", 2016's "Finding Dory".
Synopsis:
Friendly but forgetful blue tang Dory begins a search for her long-lost parents and everyone learns a few things about the real meaning of family along the way.

Episode 37: For All Mankind "Rules of Engagement" (2021) w/ Jeff Stewart

In this episode, host Reed Smith and guest Jeff Stewart discuss the first episode of 'For All Mankind' directed by Andrew Stanton. They explore the themes of parenting, the challenges of television directing, and the balance between storytelling and visual style. The conversation delves into how Stanton's work compares to other directors, particularly in terms of thematic depth and directorial signature.
Synopsis:
A dispute on the moon prompts NASA officials to consider arming astronauts. Ed's past comes back to haunt him.

Episode 36: John Carter (2012)

In this episode, Reed and Michael delve into Andrew Stanton's film 'John Carter,' exploring its themes, character development, and comparisons to other works like 'Avatar.'.
Synopsis:
A war-weary former army captain is inexplicably transported to Mars and reluctantly becomes embroiled in a conflict of epic proportions.

Episode 35: WALL.E (2008)

In this episode of Cinema on the Spectrum, hosts Reed and Michael delve into Andrew Stanton's film WALL-E, exploring its themes of environmentalism, corporate influence, and representation of body image.
Synopsis:
A robot who is responsible for cleaning a waste-covered Earth meets another robot and falls in love with her. Together, they set out on a journey that will alter the fate of mankind.

Episode 34: Finding Nemo (2003)

Reed and Micheal discuss Andrew Stanton's second animated feature film, 2003's "Finding Nemo".
 
Synopsis:
After his son is captured in the Great Barrier Reef and taken to Sydney, a timid clownfish sets out on a journey to bring him home.

Episode 33 - A Bug's Life (1998)

Reed and Micheal discuss the directorial debut of Andrew Stanton, 1998's "A Bug's Life".
Synopsis:
A misfit ant, looking for "warriors" to save his colony from greedy grasshoppers, recruits a group of bugs that turn out to be an inept circus troupe.