A Lost Plot

Maverick Dickson
  • 5.0 (30)
  • FILM REVIEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A Lost Plot: where cinematic plots are taken apart piece by piece to determine what makes that movie great, or why it has been forgotten today.

  1. 17H AGO

    The Matrix Resurrections: The Rise & Falll of Neo

    Find our Matrix review here: https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/alostplot/episodes/2026-01-30T16_36_07-08_00  In this episode, Maverick and Andrew delve into 'The Matrix Resurrections', exploring its themes, character arcs, and overall execution. They discuss their initial ratings, the film's opening scene, and the reintroduction of Neo and Trinity. The conversation highlights the film's strengths and weaknesses, particularly in character development and the portrayal of villains like Agent Smith and The Analyst. Ultimately, they critique the film's failure to resonate emotionally and its undermining of the original trilogy's legacy.  ----------- Highlights: 0:00 ’The Matrix Resurrections’ Introductions 4:55 Opening Scene 8:15 The New Matrix 13:28 When Good Premises Go Awry 17:11 Neo 22:05 Agent Smith & The Analyst 31:13 Trinity 44:10 Bugs 47:00 Character Arcs & Themes 49:15 Lasting Impact #thematrix #matrixresurrections #alostplot

    1 hr
  2. The Matrix Revolutions: A Satisfying Flop?

    5D AGO

    The Matrix Revolutions: A Satisfying Flop?

    Find our The Matrix Reloaded review here: https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/alostplot/episodes/2026-02-04T04_00_00-08_00  In this episode, Maverick and Andrew review 'Matrix Revolutions', discussing their initial impressions, character arcs, and the film's themes. They explore the reintroduction of characters, the fight for Zion, and the roles of Neo and Agent Smith. The conversation delves into the film's dialogue, character development, and the overarching themes of choice and consequence, ultimately reflecting on the film's impact and legacy in the Matrix franchise. ---------- Highlights:  0:00 ‘The Matrix Revolutions’ Introduction 3:42 Opening of the Film 10:08 Themes of the Film 12:39 The Fight at Zion 25:05 The Helm's Deep Comparison 36:50 Neo & The Machines 51:26 Agent Smith & The Machines 1:00:38 Themes & Messages 1:03:07 Lasting Impact #matrix #matrixrevolutions #characteranalysis #alostplot #wachowskis #sciencefiction #movie #film #filmthoughts

    1h 7m
  3. The Matrix Reloaded: Fight Scenes vs. Narrative

    FEB 4

    The Matrix Reloaded: Fight Scenes vs. Narrative

    Find our review of The Matrix here:  https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/alostplot/episodes/2026-01-30T16_36_07-08_00  In this episode, Maverick and Andrew delve into the complexities of 'The Matrix Reloaded,' exploring its plot, character dynamics, and thematic elements. They discuss Neo's development, the significance of love and sacrifice, and critique the film's extensive fight scenes. They delve into the complexities of character choices and themes in the Matrix series, particularly focusing on Neo's dilemma between saving Trinity and humanity, the evolution of villains, and the implications of belief and love. They discuss the effectiveness of cliffhangers and the film's themes of free will versus determinism, ultimately reflecting on the film's impact and success despite its critiques. ---------- Highlights: 0:00 ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ Introduction 6:15 Neo 16:06 Does the Film Raise the Stakes? 27:12 The Architect's Revelation 36:36 The Agents & The Architect 39:12 Morpheus & Trinity 49:18 Themes & Messages 52:15 Conclusion & Lasting Impact #matrix #matrixreloaded #neo #morpheus #keanureeves #alostplot #wachowski #film #filmreview #fightscenes #love #cliffhanger #ai #agentsmith

    59 min
  4. The Matrix: Reality vs. Illusion: Themes, Tropes, & Expectations

    JAN 31

    The Matrix: Reality vs. Illusion: Themes, Tropes, & Expectations

    In this episode, Maverick and Andrew delve into the iconic film 'The Matrix,' exploring its themes of reality, truth, and social conditioning. They analyze the character of Neo, his journey of self-discovery, and the role of Morpheus as a mentor. The conversation also touches on the cultural influences that shaped the film and its lasting impact on society. Through their discussion, they highlight the film's exploration of choice, belief, and the implications of knowledge in a digital age. The dialogue highlights the impact of the film on popular culture and its lasting legacy, while also addressing personal expectations and experiences with the movie. ---------- 0:00 ‘The Matrix’ Introduction 6:17 Neo / Thomas Anderson 14:22 Themes & Messages 30:19 Morpheus 36:27 Trinity 42:34 Cypher 47:08 The Oracle 49:38 Agent Smith & His Team 52:30 Conclusion & Lasting Impact #thematrix #neo #agentsmith #alostplot #film #filmthoughts #thomasanderson #mranderson #morpheus #keanureeves #laurencefishburne #hugoweaving #storyline #plot

    59 min
  5. Ad Astra: Strong Themes, But At What Cost?

    JAN 22

    Ad Astra: Strong Themes, But At What Cost?

    Find our V for Vendetta review here: https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/alostplot/episodes/2026-01-15T19_09_04-08_00  In this episode of 'A Lost Plot,' hosts Maverick and Avalon delve into the 2019 science fiction film 'Ad Astra,' directed by James Gray. They explore the film's themes of isolation, familial relationships, and the human condition set against the backdrop of space exploration.   They delve into the complex themes and character dynamics of the film, particularly focusing on the relationship between Roy McBride and his father, H. Clifford McBride. They discuss the emotional climax of the film, where Roy confronts his father, who has become consumed by his mission to find intelligent life in space.  The hosts also analyze the film's overarching themes, such as the struggle for meaning in life, the importance of human connections, and the consequences of emotional detachment. They emphasize how Roy's journey mirrors his father's, as he grapples with the choice between pursuing his father's legacy or forging his own path. The episode concludes with a discussion on the film's lasting impact and its place within the broader context of space exploration narratives in cinema. ---------- Highlights: 0:00 ‘Ad Astra’ Introduction #adastra #bradpitt #tommyleejones #alostplot #film #filmthoughts #podcast #tothestars #neptune #space #spaceexploration #internalconflict #stoic #storyarc #intelligentlife #roymcbride #hcliffordmcbride #jamesgray

    39 min
  6. V for Vendetta: Symbolism of Resistance (A Critical Review)

    JAN 16

    V for Vendetta: Symbolism of Resistance (A Critical Review)

    Find our discussion on our rating system here: https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/alostplot/episodes/2026-01-10T23_10_31-08_00  In this episode, Maverick and Andrew delve into the 2005 film 'V for Vendetta', exploring its themes, character development, and execution. They discuss their initial impressions and ratings, the significance of the opening scene, and the complexities of the main characters, including Evie, V, and Chief Inspector Finch. The conversation highlights the film's symbolism, narrative structure, and the effectiveness of its characters in conveying the overarching message of resistance against tyranny. The conversation critiques the film's messaging, noting its preachiness and lack of nuanced character development, while also acknowledging its cultural impact and legacy. ---------- Highlights: 0:00 'V for Vendetta' Introduction 4:37 Opening Scene 10:12 Is Evey Hammond Compelling? 19:10 Gordon Deitrich 22:11 Chief Inspector Eric Finch 26:03 V: A Hero or a Villain? 35:50 How V for Vendetta Raises the Stakes 52:58 Themes and Messages of the Film 1:00:14 Lasting Impact #vforvendetta #eveyhammond #dystopian #dystopianbritain #alostplot #hugoweaving #natalieportman #alanmoore

    1h 4m
  7. Decoding the Art of Storytelling: How We Review Films

    JAN 11

    Decoding the Art of Storytelling: How We Review Films

    The new 9 Points Rating System is coming soon! In this episode, Maverick and his co-hosts Avalon and Andrew discuss the Nine Point Rating System for reviewing films, focusing on the importance of storytelling and character development.  They explore the significance of the opening scene, the necessity of character flaws for growth, and the role of side characters in enhancing the narrative. The conversation emphasizes the need for a critical approach to film analysis while acknowledging the diversity of storytelling across genres. In this segment of the conversation, the participants delve into the intricacies of storytelling, focusing on the roles of protagonists, supporting characters, and villains. They discuss how character motivation is essential for audience engagement and how the presence or absence of supporting characters can shift the weight of the narrative onto the protagonist. The conversation also explores the importance of themes and messages in storytelling, emphasizing that a well-crafted story should leave the audience with something to reflect upon. The participants agree that while multiple themes can exist, a cohesive message enhances the overall impact of the narrative. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of film analysis, focusing on themes, character development, and the impact of plot twists. They discuss the importance of heightened tension in storytelling, the significance of world-shattering loss, and how revelations can shape audience engagement. The dialogue emphasizes the need for character transformation and the nuances of how characters respond to challenges, ultimately shaping the viewer's experience and understanding of the narrative. In this final segment of the podcast, the hosts discuss the closure and denouement of films, focusing on the overall satisfaction of the story's ending and the final image's reflection on character journeys. They delve into the nine points system used for film reviews, debating its applicability across different genres, including romance and horror. The conversation emphasizes the importance of narrative structure and audience engagement, while also considering the need for clarity in the review questions. ---------- Highlights: 0:00 Introduction 8:28 Do Film Openings Matter? 21:14 Main Character Flaws 30:21 Side Characters 43:43 Main Character's Motive 57:32 The Villain 1:00:52 Themes in Film 1:06:12 Themes Building into a Message 1:10:41 Heightened Tension 1:14:37 Great Loss for the Hero 1:25:26 Transformation of the Hero 1:37:51 Transformation & Character Development 1:44:40 Closure 1:55:31 Purpose of the Rating System 2:08:16 Final Thoughts #storytelling #alostplot #filmreview #ratingsystem #filmthoughts #cinema #villains #hero #josephcampbell #psychology

    2h 11m
  8. WarGames: AI Lessons from the Dial Up Age

    JAN 1

    WarGames: AI Lessons from the Dial Up Age

    Find the 9 Points Rating System here: https://www.alostplot.com/9-points/  In this episode, Maverick and Nick delve into the 1983 film WarGames, exploring its themes of technology, youth, and the ethical implications of automation. They analyze the protagonist, David, and the antagonist, WOPR, discussing how the film reflects on the dangers of technology without human oversight. The conversation highlights the film's relevance in today's discussions about AI and the human experience, making it a thought-provoking review of a classic 80s film. ---------- Highlights: 0:00 ‘WarGames’ Introduction 4:40 Opening Scene 11:24 David the Protagonist 15:20 WOPR, Joshua, and the Machine 21:53 Tension & Stakes 29:03 The Climax 33:51 Themes & Messages 36:38 Side Characters 40:20 Lasting Impact #wargames #matthewbroderick #warfilm #alostplot #podcast #film #filmthoughts #dialup #ai #coldwar #sovietunion #1980scinema #1980s

    43 min
See All (183)

Trailer

5
out of 5
30 Ratings

About

A Lost Plot: where cinematic plots are taken apart piece by piece to determine what makes that movie great, or why it has been forgotten today.

Information

  • Creator
    Maverick Dickson
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    183
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Maverick Dickson
  • Show Website
    A Lost Plot