Is 2018's Upgrade a rebirth of 80's sci-fi favorites in the vein of Total Recall? This episode of the Movie Wars Podcast dives deep into the film "Upgrade," highlighting its innovative approach to the sci-fi genre, particularly in how it explores the intersection of technology and humanity. The hosts discuss the significance of the film's unique visual style and action sequences, emphasizing the director Leigh Whannell's ability to create a compelling narrative within a low-budget framework. They analyze the character dynamics, particularly the relationship between the protagonist Gray and the AI Stem, noting how the twist reveals Stem as the true antagonist, which adds depth to the story. Throughout the discussion, they reflect on the broader implications of the film's themes, drawing parallels to societal issues surrounding technology today. The conversation culminates in a passionate exchange about the potential for future films to revive the action sci-fi genre, with a hopeful outlook on what directors like Whannell can achieve.

Movie Wars Podcast dives into the thrilling world of the film "Upgrade," directed by Leigh Whannell. The hosts, Kyle, Seth, and Drew, unpack the intricate layers of this action-packed sci-fi film, which tells the story of Grey Trace, a man who becomes a quadriplegic after a brutal mugging that also claims his wife's life. The narrative takes a twist when Grey receives an experimental computer chip implant, enabling him to regain his mobility and seek vengeance against those who wronged him. Throughout the discussion, the hosts highlight the film's unique blend of practical effects and innovative cinematography, particularly praising the use of a locking camera technique that immerses viewers in Grey's journey of transformation and autonomy. They explore the themes of technology's impact on humanity, ethical dilemmas surrounding AI, and the film's nods to classic 80s action and sci-fi tropes.

The conversation delves into the production challenges faced by Whannell, particularly the film's microbudget of under $5 million, and how that constraint led to creative solutions that enhanced the film's aesthetic and storytelling. The hosts reflect on the cultural commentary embedded in the film, which resonates with contemporary issues of technology dependence and the blurred lines between man and machine. They also draw parallels between "Upgrade" and iconic films like "RoboCop" and "Terminator," discussing how Whannell revives the genre while offering a fresh perspective on familiar narratives. As they share personal insights and reactions, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the film's craftsmanship and thematic depth.

In this lively episode of Movie Wars, listeners are treated to an engaging discourse that not only celebrates the film "Upgrade" but also critiques the broader landscape of sci-fi cinema. The hosts emphasize the importance of well-crafted characters and dialogue, acknowledging that while the film excels visually and thematically, certain narrative elements could have benefited from further development. Ultimately, the conversation encapsulates a love for the genre and a desire for future filmmakers to draw inspiration from the innovative storytelling showcased in "Upgrade." The episode concludes with the hosts expressing their hopes for the future of sci-fi films, leaving listeners excited about the potential for more groundbreaking narratives that challenge the status...

WHEN WILL THE REBOOTS END? The Crew was going to do Falling Down today (we'll do it in a couple of weeks), but then they announced the dreaded American Psycho reboot. Queue the collective groans. This episode dives deep into the cultural implications and frustrations surrounding the incessant trend of Hollywood reboots, with a particular focus on the upcoming American Psycho remake. The crew discusses their thoughts on the original film, its adaptation from Bret Easton Ellis's novel, and how the unique elements of the story may be lost in translation. With lively debates on the effectiveness of the original's satire and the potential pitfalls of a new interpretation, they explore whether the reboot is a necessary addition to the cinematic landscape or just another cash grab. Tune in for insights, critiques, and a few laughs as they navigate the complexities of this controversial topic.

Takeaways:

• The discussion centers around the impact of reboots on beloved films, particularly American Psycho.
• The hosts express frustration over Hollywood's trend of remaking classic films instead of creating original content.
• They explore the psychological elements of American Psycho, emphasizing its dark comedy and satire.
• Willem Dafoe's performance is highlighted as a standout, showcasing his emotional range.
• The cinematography is praised for its intentionality, capturing the surrealist nature of the story.
• The crew reflects on their experiences with adaptations, noting the challenges of translating complex narratives.

The final installment of The Crow series holds its breath and dives into the 2024 reboot that inspired the series in the first place. When the first 2024 trailer was dropped, it marked the only time Kyle marched into his studio and recorded a "reaction" podcast(something Kyle prides himself on never doing). It was there that the MWP Crow series was born. The hosts express their disappointment with the film's failure to capture the essence of the original, highlighting how it lacks the compelling character development and emotional weight that made the 1994 version a classic. As they dissect the film's plot, pacing, and character motivations, they point out that the reboot feels more like a generic action movie, drawing unwarranted comparisons to the beloved original. The conversation reveals a split among the hosts regarding the film's merit, with some leaning towards a more forgiving view while others maintain a critical stance. With engaging banter and insightful commentary, the episode underscores the challenges of rebooting a cherished franchise and the impact of expectations on audience reception.

The discussion centers around The Crow franchise, particularly the latest reboot, which has prompted mixed emotions among the hosts. Kyle expresses his relief at finally wrapping up the Crow series, while Seth shares the challenges of the endeavor, emphasizing that the reboot was essentially an excuse for him to revisit one of his favorite films from 1994. As the conversation unfolds, Kyle critiques the reboot for its lack of originality, insisting that it shouldn't have clung to the original characters' names, Eric Draven and Shelly. The hosts compare the reboot to previous installments, noting how the reboot fails to capture the essence of the original while trying to appeal to a younger audience. Drew suggests that the film could have benefited from a different title altogether, emphasizing that the reboot's reliance on familiar names detracted from its potential to stand alone as a unique story.

As the conversation progresses, the hosts dissect the pacing of the film, lamenting how it takes a significant amount of time before any Crow action occurs. They draw parallels to the original movie, which established the action early on, allowing viewers to invest in the characters and their motivations more deeply. The reboot's slow buildup and emphasis on backstory lead to a lack of emotional investment in the characters, particularly in the romantic relationship between the leads. Despite some positive elements, such as the cinematography and soundtrack, the overall consensus remains that the reboot doesn't live up to the original film's legacy. The conversation concludes with the hosts ranking the films in the franchise, ultimately placing the 1994 Crow at the top, with the reboot falling lower on the list.

The episode effectively captures the hosts' nostalgic reflections on the original Crow film while critiquing the latest reboot for its shortcomings. Their discussion delves into themes of originality, character development, and the challenges of reimagining a beloved franchise. The hosts' camaraderie and humor shine through as they navigate their differing opinions, leading to a thoughtful exploration of what makes a film truly resonate with audiences. Each host brings their unique perspective to the conversation, resulting in an engaging dialogue about the Crow franchise's past, present, and future.

Takeaways:

• The podcast discusses the Crow franchise, wrapping up its commentary on the reboot.
• Listeners are led through a comparison of the Crow reboot to its predecessors.
• The hosts share personal experiences and views on the evolution of the Crow series.
• Critiques focus on the choice of names and character development in the reboot.
• There is a significant discussion about how the setting and lighting impact the...