Nit Picket Podcast #30, District 9/Thirst/Ponyo/Paper Heart
| Download | Duration: 00:56:32
Thirty is the new twenty. Nit Picket Podcast #30.
Aaron and I finally put down our Magic: The Gathering cards to talk about the newest summer
blockbuster, District 9, and whether it's an enduring Sci-fi flick or a bunch of hot air. We also talk about Park Chan-Wook's latest gore filled flick, Thirst, and somehow find time to
discuss the new Miyazaki film, Ponyo, and the Charlene Yi mock/dock, Paper Heart.
Questions/Comments? contact@nitpicket.com
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So say we all.
Posted by Leland Brungardt at 8/22/2009 2:10 PM 
Categories: podcasts
Tags: Hayao Miyazaki Leland Brungardt Paper Heart Thirst Peter Jackson Aaron Fenn Park Chan-Wook District 9 Ponyo Charlene Yi Michael Cera Nit Picket Podcast
Categories: podcasts
Tags: Hayao Miyazaki Leland Brungardt Paper Heart Thirst Peter Jackson Aaron Fenn Park Chan-Wook District 9 Ponyo Charlene Yi Michael Cera Nit Picket Podcast
Hey there, guys. I've been a longtime listener to the show, and I just want to say congrats on episode 30. I always look forward to what you guys have to say. Take it easy and keep up the good work!
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Thanks for listening, Glenn! We'll keep at it!
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Aaron, don't be ashamed about your love of Magic: The Gathering. You'd be surprised how many players are out there. I was once one myself--but it's not something I normally bring up in conversation.
I liked that both of you were willing to criticize District 9. The film's praise has been over the top, and not well deserved, in my opinion. District 9 beats you over the head with its message, using obvious metaphors like the use of racial slurs for the aliens. It even sets the film in South Africa just to make sure you, the simple-minded viewer, understand it. District 9 insults your intelligence at every turn.
The action sequences at the end, too, are ridiculous and comically unsubtle. Seeing the protagonist hop in a bipedal mechanical robot and blow everyone's guts all over screen seemed like a parody of other mindless action movies. It's hard to believe anybody's taking it seriously.
Most people defending this movie say it's not as bad as Transformers II, G.I. Joe, or Terminator: Salvation. I haven't seen any of those movies, and I don't doubt that they're worse, but I don't think that's any reason to give this movie a pass. The film should be evaluated on its own merit--not by how it compares to last week's blockbuster.
In any case, I always enjoy listening to your show, regardless of whether or not I agree or disagree. I listen to a lot of movie podcasts, and yours is one of the best.
By the way, Aaron, to avoid feeling "creepy," I suggest seeing the late showing of kids' films. That's what I did with Ponyo, and there were't any kids there--just Miyazaki fans.
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I ALWAYS open conversations by confessing I have a BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER action figure collection. Women love it.
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Magic: The Gathering is the shit! I wish I still played but I guess I'll settle for nerding out on XBOX.
And to be clear, as much as we picked apart District 9, I absolutely LOVED the film and what it accomplished. My only real complaint is that it abandons the "documentary" style and switches to regular filmmaking. But I did absolutely love it, it's by far my favorite "summer-type" movie. Moreso than Star Trek even.
Thanks for listening to the show!!!
p.s. I went to the 7:40pm showing! I'm going later next time! LOL
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