The Cult Popcast

Episode 172 ”Obi-Wan Kenobi”

| Review | A long time ago, in the 1970’s… George Lucas created Star Wars, one of the most successful and beloved properties of all time. Since buying out Lucasfilm in 2012, Disney has expanded the universe with new stories, oftentimes to a very divisive reception. Their latest entry is 'Obi-Wan Kenobi,' a six part episodic series about the fan favorite hero that bridges the gap between episodes three and four of the Skywalker saga.

Episode 171 ”Lightyear”

| Review | To infinity… and beyond! All things outer space today as the boys talk ‘Lightyear,’ Pixar’s new animated feature that is also supposed to be the in-universe movie that inspired Andy to get the Buzz Lightyear action figure in ‘Toy Story.’ It’s a little confusing. But is it good? And what’s up with Star Trek these days?

Episode 170 ”This Is Us” Season Six

| Review | Kevin’s many relationships, Kate’s confidence, and Randal’s presidency? Also, does Miguel have his own caboose with Rebecca? Ana is back to discuss the sixth and final season of ‘This Is Us.’

Episode 169 ”Love, Death & Robots” Volume Three

| Review | Sci-fi fans are eating good lately as Netflix drops the third installment of ‘Love, Death & Robots,’ the acclaimed animated anthology series from the minds of Tim Miller and David Fincher. Brought to life by a talented team of storytellers and studios from around the world, there’s a little something for everyone here (as long as you don’t mind the blood and guts).

Episode 168 ”Crimes of the Future”

| Review | In the near future, humanity has lost the ability to feel pain. This is our entry point into ‘Crimes of the Future,’ David Cronenberg’s latest film and his first in 20 years to showcase the body horror practical effects that made him famous. But just like with our characters, there’s a lot more going on here underneath the skin.

Episode 167 ”Jurassic World: Dominion”

| Review | The magic is gone and we killed it, just like the dinosaurs were killed all those millions of years ago. We would love to report differently but based off of Steven’s favorite film of all time, the sixth movie in the franchise, ‘Jurassic World: Dominion’ feels like a giant swing and a miss.

Episode 166 ”Conversations with Friends”

| Review | After a quick recap of some upcoming projects we are excited... and not so excited for, we tackle another Sally Rooney book adapted to Hulu TV, ’Conversations with Friends.’ Ally is back on the cast as we discuss “the voice of a millennial generation,” the inspiration, and the subtext. Warning: This conversation has mentions of self-harm.

Episode 165 ”Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty”

| Review | Earlier in the year HBO put out a heavily dramatized series by Adam McKay about the ’79/’80 Lakers; it’s called ‘Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.’ We have invited our friend Jeff on the podcast to talk NBA lore, history, and the real Lakers feelings about this “accurate” portrayal of their franchise.

Episode 164 ”Top Gun: Maverick”

| Review | Tom Cruise has officially mastered the modern blockbuster. Amongst his highly successful ‘Mission Impossible’ franchise, Cruise has now resurrected an eighties classic with ‘Top Gun: Maverick,’ directed by Joseph Kosinski. A phenomenal sequel and excellent in its own right, this might just be the all-around “best” movie of the year.

Episode 163 ”Petite Maman”

| Review | A quick update on what’s new before we get into this very short French art feature by auteur Céline Sciamma. “Petite Maman” is a beautifully crafted magical realism story that follows Nelly, an 8-year old girl, who encounters her mother at the same age that Nelly is now.