iCritic LIVE

Kevin T. Rodriguez
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Film History
  • Updated Weekly

The official podcast for iCritic.net! Here, your host Kevin T. Rodriguez discusses movies, pop culture, and life in-between!

  1. 3d ago

    Former Square Enix President Calls PS5 Physical Media Fans 'Narcissists'

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we unpack the controversy surrounding a bold statement from Square Enix’s former president, who recently labeled PlayStation 5 physical media collectors as “narcissists.” What did he mean by that—and is there any truth behind the claim? Join us as we explore the tension between digital convenience and the pride of physical ownership, the psychology of collecting, and how this debate reflects broader shifts in gaming culture. We’ll also look at how fans and industry insiders reacted, and what this says about the future of physical releases in a streaming‑dominated world. Topics Covered: The quote that sparked the backlashWhy collectors defend physical mediaThe economics of digital vs. physical distributionHow identity and nostalgia shape gamer behaviorPerfect for anyone who loves gaming discourse, industry drama, and the deeper meaning behind how we play and collect. Support the show ►Want a question answered on iCritic Live? Send a question here and we'll answer it (if it's a reasonable question): https://streamelements.com/kevintrod/tip ►Get free money just from buying gas!  Download GetUpside to start making an average of $50 a day: https://upside.app.link/5TMVT ►Want to invest in stocks commission-free?  Use Robinhood!  Sign up through this link to get a free stock: https://share.robinhood.com/kevin1823 ►PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/KevinTRod Website: http://www.icritic.net E-Mail: greatmediauniverse@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icritic_official/ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/KevinTRod/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kevintrod/pins/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/KevinTRod My Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/22VIH93Q0H9EP/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_gm__wl My Criterion Wish List: https://www.criterion.com/wishlist/392515 If you would like to send me snail mail, please send all (legal) packages to: iCritic PO Box 2130 Huntington Beach, CA 92647 All view are protected by the First Amendment and all images and video clips used are protected under Fair Use.

  2. Jul 27

    The Practical (Boring) Reason "Avatar: Aang The Last Airbender" Was Dumped onto Paramount+

    Send us Fan Mail Why did Avatar: Aang The Last Airbender—a high‑profile expansion of one of Nickelodeon’s most valuable franchises—quietly bypass theaters and broadcast in favor of a straight drop onto Paramount+? In this episode, we cut through the hype, nostalgia, and corporate PR to unpack the actual, decidedly unglamorous business logic behind the decision. From shifting subscriber targets to internal cost‑recovery math, from licensing constraints to the cold reality of modern kids’ content performance, we break down how a franchise with massive cultural weight ended up serving a far more practical purpose: plugging a hole in Paramount’s streaming pipeline. If you’ve ever wondered how boardroom strategy shapes the fate of beloved IP, this is the episode that lays it all out—calmly, clearly, and without the studio spin. Support the show ►Want a question answered on iCritic Live? Send a question here and we'll answer it (if it's a reasonable question): https://streamelements.com/kevintrod/tip ►Get free money just from buying gas!  Download GetUpside to start making an average of $50 a day: https://upside.app.link/5TMVT ►Want to invest in stocks commission-free?  Use Robinhood!  Sign up through this link to get a free stock: https://share.robinhood.com/kevin1823 ►PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/KevinTRod Website: http://www.icritic.net E-Mail: greatmediauniverse@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icritic_official/ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/KevinTRod/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kevintrod/pins/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/KevinTRod My Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/22VIH93Q0H9EP/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_gm__wl My Criterion Wish List: https://www.criterion.com/wishlist/392515 If you would like to send me snail mail, please send all (legal) packages to: iCritic PO Box 2130 Huntington Beach, CA 92647 All view are protected by the First Amendment and all images and video clips used are protected under Fair Use.

  3. Jul 20

    Why PlayStation Users Should Worry About What's Happening at Crunchyroll

    Send us Fan Mail Sony’s anime empire might be facing a crossroads — and PlayStation fans could be next in line to feel the impact. In this episode of iCritic LIVE, Kevin T. Rodriguez unpacks the growing controversy surrounding Crunchyroll’s business decisions, from subscription changes to licensing shake-ups, and how they could signal a broader shift in Sony’s entertainment strategy. What does this mean for PlayStation’s ecosystem, cross-media integration, and the future of anime streaming? Kevin connects the dots between corporate synergy and fan backlash, offering a sharp, collector-minded perspective on why this story matters far beyond the anime community. Support the show ►Want a question answered on iCritic Live? Send a question here and we'll answer it (if it's a reasonable question): https://streamelements.com/kevintrod/tip ►Get free money just from buying gas!  Download GetUpside to start making an average of $50 a day: https://upside.app.link/5TMVT ►Want to invest in stocks commission-free?  Use Robinhood!  Sign up through this link to get a free stock: https://share.robinhood.com/kevin1823 ►PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/KevinTRod Website: http://www.icritic.net E-Mail: greatmediauniverse@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icritic_official/ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/KevinTRod/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kevintrod/pins/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/KevinTRod My Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/22VIH93Q0H9EP/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_gm__wl My Criterion Wish List: https://www.criterion.com/wishlist/392515 If you would like to send me snail mail, please send all (legal) packages to: iCritic PO Box 2130 Huntington Beach, CA 92647 All view are protected by the First Amendment and all images and video clips used are protected under Fair Use.

  4. Jul 1

    Sony Kills Physical Games (And GTAVI is to Blame)

    Send us Fan Mail Sony’s latest business decisions have sent shockwaves through collectors and gamers alike — but is Grand Theft Auto VI the real culprit behind the death of discs? In this episode of iCritic LIVE, Kevin T. Rodriguez dives deep into how Rockstar’s digital-first juggernaut may have accelerated Sony’s retreat from physical media. From the economics of digital distribution to the cultural loss of tangible ownership, this discussion explores what happens when convenience overtakes collectibility. Expect sharp analysis, industry insight, and a passionate defense of the video game shelf as Kevin breaks down why this shift isn’t just about gaming — it’s about the future of media itself. Support the show ►Want a question answered on iCritic Live? Send a question here and we'll answer it (if it's a reasonable question): https://streamelements.com/kevintrod/tip ►Get free money just from buying gas!  Download GetUpside to start making an average of $50 a day: https://upside.app.link/5TMVT ►Want to invest in stocks commission-free?  Use Robinhood!  Sign up through this link to get a free stock: https://share.robinhood.com/kevin1823 ►PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/KevinTRod Website: http://www.icritic.net E-Mail: greatmediauniverse@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icritic_official/ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/KevinTRod/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kevintrod/pins/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/KevinTRod My Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/22VIH93Q0H9EP/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_gm__wl My Criterion Wish List: https://www.criterion.com/wishlist/392515 If you would like to send me snail mail, please send all (legal) packages to: iCritic PO Box 2130 Huntington Beach, CA 92647 All view are protected by the First Amendment and all images and video clips used are protected under Fair Use.

  5. Jun 8

    Netflix Creates Biggest Talent PR Disaster for Themselves

    Send us Fan Mail This week, The New York Times dropped a bombshell story about Netflix’s new film chief, Dan Lin, and the internal chaos surrounding his leadership. What was meant to be a fresh era of creative collaboration has instead turned into a public relations nightmare — one that’s shaking Hollywood’s confidence in the streamer’s talent relations. In this episode of iCritic LIVE, we break down: What the Times report revealed about Lin’s management style and Netflix’s internal cultureHow the fallout is affecting Netflix’s relationships with top filmmakers and showrunnersWhy this story could redefine how streaming giants handle creative leadershipThe broader implications for Netflix’s brand and its future in Hollywood🎧 Why This Story Matters Netflix built its empire on talent trust and creative freedom — but this latest controversy exposes cracks in that foundation. Join us as we unpack how a single executive profile became the biggest PR disaster Netflix has faced in years. Support the show ►Want a question answered on iCritic Live? Send a question here and we'll answer it (if it's a reasonable question): https://streamelements.com/kevintrod/tip ►Get free money just from buying gas!  Download GetUpside to start making an average of $50 a day: https://upside.app.link/5TMVT ►Want to invest in stocks commission-free?  Use Robinhood!  Sign up through this link to get a free stock: https://share.robinhood.com/kevin1823 ►PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/KevinTRod Website: http://www.icritic.net E-Mail: greatmediauniverse@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icritic_official/ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/KevinTRod/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kevintrod/pins/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/KevinTRod My Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/22VIH93Q0H9EP/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_gm__wl My Criterion Wish List: https://www.criterion.com/wishlist/392515 If you would like to send me snail mail, please send all (legal) packages to: iCritic PO Box 2130 Huntington Beach, CA 92647 All view are protected by the First Amendment and all images and video clips used are protected under Fair Use.

  6. Apr 15

    The Shocking Twist in the Fight to Save LA's Cinerama Dome

    Send us Fan Mail For years, film lovers have been waiting for the lights to come back on at the legendary Cinerama Dome. Closed since the start of the pandemic, the Dome has become a symbol of both Hollywood nostalgia and the uncertain future of theatrical exhibition. One passionate fan launched a grassroots campaign to save it—rallying supporters, raising awareness, and pushing for answers. But in a twist no one saw coming, the campaign has been abruptly halted after the theater’s owners filed a police report, claiming the fan’s efforts amounted to harassment. What began as a love letter to a historic landmark has now spiraled into a legal and ethical controversy. In this episode of iCritic LIVE, we break down: - The history and cultural importance of the Cinerama Dome   - Why the theater has remained closed since COVID   - How one fan’s campaign gained traction—and why it suddenly stopped   - The owners’ harassment allegations and what they mean for the Dome’s future   - What this situation reveals about transparency, fandom, and preservation in Hollywood   🎧 Why This Story Matters The fight for the Cinerama Dome isn’t just about a building—it’s about the soul of moviegoing, the power of community activism, and the complicated relationship between fans and the institutions they love. Join the conversation as we unpack the latest developments and what they could mean for the Dome’s fate. Support the show ►Want a question answered on iCritic Live? Send a question here and we'll answer it (if it's a reasonable question): https://streamelements.com/kevintrod/tip ►Get free money just from buying gas!  Download GetUpside to start making an average of $50 a day: https://upside.app.link/5TMVT ►Want to invest in stocks commission-free?  Use Robinhood!  Sign up through this link to get a free stock: https://share.robinhood.com/kevin1823 ►PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/KevinTRod Website: http://www.icritic.net E-Mail: greatmediauniverse@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icritic_official/ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/KevinTRod/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kevintrod/pins/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/KevinTRod My Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/22VIH93Q0H9EP/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_gm__wl My Criterion Wish List: https://www.criterion.com/wishlist/392515 If you would like to send me snail mail, please send all (legal) packages to: iCritic PO Box 2130 Huntington Beach, CA 92647 All view are protected by the First Amendment and all images and video clips used are protected under Fair Use.

  7. Apr 2

    Mario Fans vs. Film Critics (Myself Included)

    Send us Fan Mail The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has become the latest battleground in the never‑ending war between film critics and passionate fandoms. Critics—myself included—have been largely unimpressed with the film’s storytelling, pacing, and creative choices. Fans, on the other hand, have embraced it wholeheartedly, defending it with the kind of intensity usually reserved for console wars and championship games. In this episode of iCritic LIVE, we dig into why this divide has become so heated, why some fans believe critics are “out of touch,” and how online discourse has escalated to the point of personal insults and accusations. This isn’t just about one movie—it’s about the growing cultural gap between professional criticism and fan‑driven enthusiasm. 🔍 In this episode, we explore: Why critics responded negatively to The Super Mario Galaxy MovieWhy fans feel critics “don’t get it”The emotional investment fandoms bring to beloved franchisesHow nostalgia, expectations, and brand loyalty shape reactionsThe personal backlash I received—and what it says about the state of film discourseWhether critics and fans are even watching the same movie anymore🎧 Why this conversation matters The Mario debate isn’t an isolated incident. It reflects a larger shift in how audiences engage with media, how critics communicate value, and how fandoms defend the stories that mean something to them. This episode takes a clear-eyed look at the divide—and asks whether there’s still room for meaningful conversation in the middle. Support the show ►Want a question answered on iCritic Live? Send a question here and we'll answer it (if it's a reasonable question): https://streamelements.com/kevintrod/tip ►Get free money just from buying gas!  Download GetUpside to start making an average of $50 a day: https://upside.app.link/5TMVT ►Want to invest in stocks commission-free?  Use Robinhood!  Sign up through this link to get a free stock: https://share.robinhood.com/kevin1823 ►PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/KevinTRod Website: http://www.icritic.net E-Mail: greatmediauniverse@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icritic_official/ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/KevinTRod/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kevintrod/pins/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/KevinTRod My Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/22VIH93Q0H9EP/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_gm__wl My Criterion Wish List: https://www.criterion.com/wishlist/392515 If you would like to send me snail mail, please send all (legal) packages to: iCritic PO Box 2130 Huntington Beach, CA 92647 All view are protected by the First Amendment and all images and video clips used are protected under Fair Use.

  8. Mar 20

    Does Netflix Still Have Theatrical Ambitions?

    Send us Fan Mail Netflix once treated theaters like an afterthought—but in 2026, the story is more complicated. In this episode of iCritic LIVE, Kevin breaks down the streamer’s latest moves: from investing in theatrical comedies to promising 45-day windows for premium VOD, and even experimenting with IMAX releases for select titles. Is this a genuine pivot toward theatrical respect, or just strategic optics after the Warner Bros acquisition? We’ll explore: - Netflix’s 2026 film strategy and why it’s betting on originals over sequels   - The implications of its failed Warner Bros bid and what it means for theatrical releases   - How Dan Lin and Ted Sarandos are positioning Netflix in a post-pandemic exhibition landscape   - Whether the Stranger Things finale and Narnia IMAX release signal a lasting change—or a one-off stunt   Join the conversation as we ask: is Netflix finally ready to play by Hollywood’s theatrical rules, or is it just rewriting them? #Netflix #TheatricalRelease #StreamingWars #FilmIndustry #iCriticLIVE #TedSarandos #DanLin #WarnerBros #MovieTheaters #FilmCriticism #Podcast Support the show ►Want a question answered on iCritic Live? Send a question here and we'll answer it (if it's a reasonable question): https://streamelements.com/kevintrod/tip ►Get free money just from buying gas!  Download GetUpside to start making an average of $50 a day: https://upside.app.link/5TMVT ►Want to invest in stocks commission-free?  Use Robinhood!  Sign up through this link to get a free stock: https://share.robinhood.com/kevin1823 ►PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/KevinTRod Website: http://www.icritic.net E-Mail: greatmediauniverse@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icritic_official/ Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/KevinTRod/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kevintrod/pins/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/KevinTRod My Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/22VIH93Q0H9EP/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_gm__wl My Criterion Wish List: https://www.criterion.com/wishlist/392515 If you would like to send me snail mail, please send all (legal) packages to: iCritic PO Box 2130 Huntington Beach, CA 92647 All view are protected by the First Amendment and all images and video clips used are protected under Fair Use.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The official podcast for iCritic.net! Here, your host Kevin T. Rodriguez discusses movies, pop culture, and life in-between!

Information

  • Creator
    Kevin T. Rodriguez
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    106
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 iCritic LIVE
  • Show Website
    iCritic LIVE