I've Been Meaning To Watch That

Manika Dulcio

🎬 Welcome to I've Been Meaning to Watch That! Your go-to podcast for free-flowing, unfiltered conversations about movies, TV, and pop culture. New guest, new topic every single week! From film critics and YouTubers to TikTok creators and industry pros, we dive deep into what makes entertainment great (or not so great). Hosted by a Black woman who loves movies, is always late to the party, but never late to the convo. 🎧 Subscribe now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube!

  1. 5D AGO

    Boxing Biopics and the New Fight for Prestige w/ Vicky Chen

    🌟 Unlock special gifts with our latest podcast highlights and full VODS. Gain early access on our Patreon: patreon.com/ivebeenmeaningtowatch. 🌐 Host Manika sits down with critic Vicky Chen for a clear, spoiler-heavy audit of 2025’s boxing biopics. They open with The Smashing Machine and explain why it left them cold. Starting at Mark Kerr’s peak dulls the underdog arc, addiction is rushed, and the “gentle giant” framing keeps the character at arm’s length despite Dwayne Johnson’s transformation and Emily Blunt’s precision. They pivot to Sydney Sweeney’s Christy and dig into why this boxing vehicle sits far outside her current on-screen brand. The conversation cuts through trailer promises and awards chatter to what audiences actually respond to in a star makeover and what gets mistaken for depth. They spotlight The Fire Inside and why Clarissa Shields’s story rises above the trend. The film’s focus on identity, sacrifice, and life after the medal gives the genre real stakes and a viewpoint that lasts longer than opening weekend buzz. In Media Mania, Manika and Vicky break down studios hiring TikTok editors, the capture of fan edits, Radiohead’s edit-fueled chart return, and how engineered discourse shapes shows like The Summer I Turned Pretty. It is a sober look at algorithmic marketing, labor, and why fan culture cannot just be manufactured. 00:14 Manika welcomes film critic Vicky Chen and sets up a conversation on boxing biopics that will challenge recent hype and marketing narratives. 02:02 Media Mania begins as Manika spotlights studios recruiting TikTok editors and asks what this means for fan edits shaping taste and demand. 25:04 The Smashing Machine becomes the centerpiece as Manika outlines why sports biopics are surging and how physical transformation work is marketed as craft. 27:02 The discussion examines Dwayne Johnson’s Mark Kerr transformation and how aesthetic bulk differs from embodying an athlete’s movement and interiority. 01:12:37 The hosts break down Emily Blunt’s portrayal and the script’s treatment of her character, arguing the film frames her as unreasonable without enough context. 01:43:09 Christy enters the conversation as a Sydney Sweeney vehicle, with a frank assessment that the marketing swing outpaces the fit of her screen presence. 02:00:38 The episode widens to Sweeney’s brand strategy, contrasting star image with character immersion and why audiences still see the celebrity instead of the role. 02:10:47 The Fire Inside takes center stage with praise for its structure beyond the first gold medal and for Brian Tyree Henry’s warmth anchoring the drama. 02:11:42 Vicky explains how the film rejects easy uplift to show systemic barriers after victory and why that choice deepens the sports narrative. 02:13:51 Manika connects Clarissa Shields’ underdog arc to resilience and support gaps, arguing this biopic earns emotional payoff more honestly than recent studio fare. 02:32:50 The conversation returns to The Smashing Machine to underline where the script’s relationship beats feel underwritten and how biopics can confuse conflict with depth. 02:34:55 Watch List closes the show as Manika and Vicky trade film and TV picks that expand on the themes of craft, image, and audience expectation. Follow Vicky on TikTok! https://www.tiktok.com/@chickyvenManika's SocialsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CmokqeLIagz7nYQJfeRIwTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manika3000?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1Podcast SocialsYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ivebeenmeaningtowatchthatp2316Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenMeaning2PodTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ivebeenmeaning2podFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ive-Been-Meaning-To-Watch-That-113280083760521/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/

    2h 43m
  2. OCT 27

    Paradise Review: Sterling K. Brown Leads a Smart Political Thriller w/ Cam Sully

    🌟 Unlock special gifts with our latest podcast highlights and full VODS. Gain early access on our Patreon: patreon.com/ivebeenmeaningtowatch. 🌐 Host Manika and guest Cam take on Hulu’s Paradise: a political-sci-fi thriller where President Cal Bradford (James Marsden) is assassinated and Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown) uncovers a manufactured reality inside a sealed bunker. We cover the premiere’s genre pivot, why the flashbacks matter, Samantha Redmond’s power play, performances, themes (control, grief, complicity), and season-two stakes. Up top, a frank Media Mania segment on the Riyadh Comedy Festival—censorship rules, who accepted/declined, and the paycheck-vs-principles debate—followed by a Watch List of films/series we’re eyeing next. Keywords: Paradise Hulu review, Paradise recap, Sterling K. Brown, James Marsden, Dan Fogelman, political thriller, bunker mystery, dystopian TV, Hulu originals, Samantha Redmond, Media Mania, Riyadh Comedy Festival, comedy censorship, pop culture news. 00:00 — Intro & returning guestWho we are; why Cam’s here; what this episode covers. 00:26 — Guest intro: Cam’s shows and focusCam’s “Jacked Up Review Show,” pop-culture coverage, and new true-crime/history project. 03:02 — Media Mania: Riyadh Comedy Festival explainedWhat the festival is, why it’s controversial, platform rules/censorship claims, who spoke out, who went/declined, and the ethics of “cash vs. principles.” 22:27 — Main review begins: Paradise (Hulu)Premise and pivot: assassination investigation becomes a bunker reality; tone/genre set for the series. 27:00 — Story craft: why the flashbacks matterHow backstory and structure build stakes, clarify loyalties, and pace reveals without stalling momentum. 37:00 — Characters & performances that carry the showXavier vs. Bradford dynamic; Samantha Redmond as power behind the throne; supporting players who elevate tension. 1:03:00 — Mystery mechanics & takeaways (no “mystery-box” bloat)How the show plants clues, avoids gimmicks, and sets up season-two conflicts without losing plausibility. 1:30:00 — Season 2 outlook: stakes, villains, open threadsWhat could shift topside vs. in-bunker; who holds power; what we expect to be answered next season. 1:32:22 — Watch List: what we’re excited to watch nextRecent/coming releases and series on our radar (films, prestige TV, anime), and why. 1:45:37 — Where to find CamCam’s platforms and community plug. 1:46:21 — Plugs & outro Cam's Links The Jacked Up Review Podcast Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-jacked-up-review-show-podcast/id1494236218 Podbean https://jackedupreviewshow.podbean.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jacked_up_podcast/?hl=en Twitter https://x.com/jackedupreview?lang=en Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7Eg8w0DNympD6SQXSj1X3M YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIyMawFPgvOpOUhKcQo4eQQ Podcast Socials YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ivebeenmeaningtowatchthatp2316 Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenMeaning2Pod Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ivebeenmeaning2pod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ive-Been-Meaning-To-Watch-That-113280083760521/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/

    1h 47m
  3. OCT 18

    From JPMorgan to Hollywood: Leon Chills’ Journey to "Believe in the Boy Who Dreams"

    Thanks to our sponsor of the episode! Don't forget to get your copy of "A Charge to Keep" now!https://www.amazon.com/Charge-Keep-Immutable-Leadership-Lessons/dp/B0FKLRLMGCAward-winning screenwriter Leon Chills joins host Manika to discuss his new screenplay "Believe in the Boy Who Dreams" : a moving, anime-inspired story about family, love, and self-discovery. Known for his work on The Wilds (Amazon Prime) and Shadow Force, Chills dives deep into how parenthood, mental health, and representation in storytelling shape his creative process.In this episode, Manika and Leon explore how Believe in the Boy Who Dreams bridges anime influences like Paprika, Demon Slayer, and Bleach with powerful themes of family therapy, black fatherhood, and healing through imagination. Leon also opens up about leaving a corporate career to chase creativity, how storytelling became his therapy, and why animation may be the future of emotional storytelling. 🎬 Subscribe for more in-depth creative interviews. 🔗 Learn more at https://believeintheboywhodreams.com Follow Leon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imchills/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=bc2d8f11-94e4-4e2d-a4a2-aecaf66436b3 Timestamps 00:00 – Intro & Sponsor: *A Charge to Keep* by Rev. Kevin T. Taylor 00:39 – Welcome & Guest Introduction: Who is Leon Chills? 01:32 – Leon’s Mission: Centering Black Characters in Genre 02:20 – Inspiration Behind *Believe in the Boy Who Dreams* 04:10 – Story Overview: DJ’s Nightmares and Family Therapy 06:45 – Exploring the Human Condition Through Anime 09:20 – Fatherhood, Legacy, and Emotional Impact 13:00 – Parenting and Representation in Anime 15:21 – Research, World-Building & Therapy Realism 18:12 – Influences: *Bleach*, *Demon Slayer*, and *Paprika* 20:44 – Character Duality and Mythology in the Script 26:13 – Leon’s Journey: From JPMorgan to Hollywood 31:06 – Writing as Therapy and Creative Growth 36:00 – Mental Health, Therapy, and Representation in Film 40:00 – Behind *The Wilds* and *Shadow Force* 43:30 – What Season 3 of *The Wilds* Would’ve Been 46:46 – Anime, Adaptations & The Future of Animation 51:00 – Why Leon Released His Script Publicly 53:14 – Final Message: Family, Love & Pursuing Happiness 54:33 – Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Leon Manika's SocialsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CmokqeLIagz7nYQJfeRIwInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdulcio98/Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/manika3000Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manika3000?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1Podcast SocialsYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ivebeenmeaningtowatchthatp2316Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenMeaning2PodTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ivebeenmeaning2podFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ive-Been-Meaning-To-Watch-That-113280083760521/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/Thank you so much for listening to the podcast.

    56 min
  4. OCT 12

    My Lady Jane: History vs. Fantasy w/ Princess Weekes

    🌟 Unlock special gifts with our latest podcast highlights and full VODS. Gain early access on our Patreon: patreon.com/ivebeenmeaningtowatch. 🌐 Host Manika teams up with culture critic Princess Weekes to dissect Prime Video’s My Lady Jane—what works in the romance, what fails in the history, and why the cancellation stings. Expect a clear-eyed look at “fantastical racism,” the show’s alt-Tudor politics, and how period dramas can respect real women while still being fun. In our Media Mania opener, we cut through the noise around Ryan Murphy’s Monster: Ed Gein and the true-crime industrial complex, then parse Ridley Scott’s “mediocrity in Hollywood” remarks—what’s fair, what’s bluster, and how to build a smarter watchlist. 00:13 — Intro & Guest: Manika opens; Princess Weekes introduces herself. 01:16 — Media Mania: Monster (Ed Gein): Ryan Murphy’s approach, exploitation vs. “care,” and pushback. 20:25 — Ridley Scott on “Mediocrity”: What he said; how much of it holds up. 27:26 — Segment Wrap → Main Topic: Closing Media Mania; pivot to My Lady Jane. 28:03 — What My Lady Jane Is: Premise, Ethians, cancellation context. 30:15 — Princess’s First Take: Historical accuracy vs. alt-history—why attaching to Lady Jane Grey backfires. 39:40 — “Not a Documentary” Isn’t Enough: Comparisons (e.g., The Apothecary Diaries), stakes, and treatment of women in history. 51:19 — Teen/CW Energy?: Tone, muddled messaging, and audience fit. 55:38 — Fantastical Racism & Metaphors: Why the Ethian allegory feels lazy. 1:09:43 — What Works: The Romance: Slow-burn strengths; brief Bridgerton aside. Princess Weekes Socials Princess Weekes YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@Princess_Weekes Patreon https://www.patreon.com/princessweekes Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@princesspendulum?lang=en Manika's SocialsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CmokqeLIagz7nYQJfeRIwInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdulcio98/Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/manika3000Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manika3000?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1Podcast SocialsYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ivebeenmeaningtowatchthatp2316Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenMeaning2PodTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ivebeenmeaning2podFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ive-Been-Meaning-To-Watch-That-113280083760521/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/

    1h 25m
  5. SEP 29

    Why 40 Acres Stands Out from Typical Doomsday Thrillers w/Alta's Oyster from TikTok

    🌟 Unlock special gifts with our latest podcast highlights and full VODS. Gain early access on our Patreon: patreon.com/ivebeenmeaningtowatch. 🌐 Host Manika sits down with returning guest Alta (Alta’s Oyster) for a full, spoiler-heavy review of 40 Acres (2025)—the post-apocalyptic thriller about a Black and Indigenous family protecting their farmland after a fungal pandemic. We cover Danielle Deadwyler’s commanding lead, the film’s take on isolation vs. community, firearm pragmatism, and why land—not ammo—is the scarce currency here. We also weigh the script’s weaknesses (underwritten family members, a flat foil) and why the movie still stands apart from typical doomsday fare. In Media Mania, we unpack the Jimmy Kimmel suspension following commentary on Charlie Kirk’s shooting and what that signals for late-night, media pressure, and speech norms headed into 2026. We close with a Watch List: October Scaries picks, Weapons, The Long Walk, Highest to Lowest, The Man in My Basement, and more. 00:00 – Intro music 00:09 – Welcome + returning guest Alta (Alta’s Oyster) 01:29 – Media Mania opens 03:20 – What Kimmel said about the Kirk shooting; FCC reaction; suspension 10:11 – “Martyr” discourse, job losses after on-air comments 12:44 – Joy Reid/Melissa Harris-Perry precedent; late-night context 19:35 – Late-night future speculation and platform shifts 24:04 – Main Segment: 40 Acres — premise & setup (farmland as currency) 25:52 – Why this doomsday story feels different; initial reactions 27:12 – Alta’s rating and first take (3/5; “it’s actually thrilling”) 37:32 – Themes: guns, defense vs. offense, “stay on your land” ethics 40:02 – Performances: Haley (Deadwyler), Galen, Emmanuel; family dynamics 1:07:01 – 1:12:30 — World-building & politics done right (how 40 Acres weaves stakes without soapboxing). 1:12:31 – 1:20:30 — Family dynamics & leadership (why Manny was never ready; Rain vs. Manny; who should lead). 1:20:31 – 1:37:24 — Survival ethics (“help no one vs. help some”—where Haley draws the line, why it isn’t selfish). 1:37:25 – 1:42:43 — Side track: Civil War critique (journalism portrayal, shallow allegory). 1:42:44 – 1:45:06 — Back to 40 Acres: verdict (good film with weaknesses; desire for more Black women in thrillers). 1:45:07 – 1:49:05 — Current thrillers roundup (G20, Viola Davis/Kerry Washington vehicles—writing vs. performance). 1:49:06 – 1:51:59 — Danielle Deadwyler focus (craft, role choices; what we want next). 1:52:00 – 1:56:37 — ‘Weapons’ vs. Civil War (suspense done well vs. empty messaging). 1:56:38 – 2:00:24 — Reviews culture & “overhyped” talk (why you review without telling people to go/skip). 2:00:25 – 2:03:10 — What’s next: Spike Lee, DaCosta (respect for Spike; TIFF title, The Marvels production realities). 2:03:11 – 2:09:14 — Black love on screen (why interracial dominates; representation patterns). 2:09:15 – 2:10:29 — Watchlist names & actors (Corey Hawkins, John David Washington, The Piano Lesson). 2:10:30 – 2:11:17 — October ‘Scaries’ plan (Bride, Jennifer’s Body setup). 2:11:18 – 2:12:35 — Sign-off & outro music (where to find Alta; show plugs; music fade). Check out Alta's TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@altasoyster?lang=en Alta's YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@altasoyster Manika's Socials Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CmokqeLIagz7nYQJfeRIw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdulcio98/ Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/manika3000 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manika3000?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1 Podcast Socials Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenMeaning2Pod Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ivebeenmeaning2pod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ive-Been-Meaning-To-Watch-That-113280083760521/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/

    2h 13m
  6. JUL 5

    Why Claudia Is the Real Star of Interview With The Vampire w/Bobbi (@theafternoonspecial)

    🌟 Unlock special gifts with our latest podcast highlights and full VODS. Gain early access on our Patreon: patreon.com/ivebeenmeaningtowatch. 🌐 Manika is back with pop culture critic and first-time guest Bobbi (@theafternoonspecial) for a deep dive into Interview With The Vampire and what happens when monsters fall in love under the weight of race, queerness, and eternal hunger. They unpack how AMC’s Interview With The Vampire reimagines Anne Rice’s gothic classic, exploring the toxic, compelling bond between Louis and Lestat while asking what it costs to love—and be loved—forever. Manika and Bobbi break down why making Louis Black changes everything, forcing audiences to confront race, power, and historical trauma within a genre obsessed with beauty and immortality. They also explore why Claudia is the true heart of the series, how her story hits harder than any vampire media you’ve seen, and why Interview With The Vampire earns its place as a rare reboot that justifies its existence. The conversation expands into vampire media at large—from Twilight to True Blood—asking why we’re drawn to monsters that reflect our desires, loneliness, and the fear of losing ourselves. Manika and Bobbi also touch on the Everybody Hates Chris animated revival, debating what makes a reboot worth it and who these nostalgia projects are truly for. Vampires, race, queerness, and the cost of living forever—this is your guide to Interview With The Vampire, why it’s the vampire show you can’t stop thinking about, and what it reveals about who we really are. Bobbi's Socials TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theafternoonspecial?lang=en Twitter: https://x.com/hiimbobbi Carrd Link https://theafternoonspecial.carrd.co/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyT0sxqeOUOpARawv0zJQnA Manika's Socials Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CmokqeLIagz7nYQJfeRIw Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manika3000?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1 Podcast Socials YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ivebeenmeaningtowatchthatp2316 Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenMeaning2Pod Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ivebeenmeaning2pod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ive-Been-Meaning-To-Watch-That-113280083760521/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/ Thank you so much for listening to the podcast. We really appreciate it.

    1h 55m
  7. JUN 29

    Identity Crisis on Screen: The Rise of Doppelgänger Stories w/Kimberly (@kimberly_tsitsi on TikTok)

    🌟 Unlock special gifts with our latest podcast highlights and full VODS. Gain early access on our Patreon: patreon.com/ivebeenmeaningtowatch. 🌐 Manika is back with film and TV reporter Kimberly (https://www.tiktok.com/@kimberly_tsitsi) for a deep dive into doppelgängers, identity, and the monsters we create to survive late capitalism. They unpack how shows like Severance and films like Mickey 17 and Sinners explore fractured selves, work-life splits, and the fear of losing yourself in a system that demands constant performance. Manika and Kimberly discuss Monster Theory and how doppelgängers in media reflect our anxieties around authenticity, capitalism, and the curated online personas we build to survive. They also dig into the controversy around Shannon Sharpe, the allegations against him, and how public figures navigate accountability and power. The conversation expands into Star Wars, John Boyega’s honest reflections on racism in fandom spaces, and why Black actors often face backlash in large franchises, forcing us to question who truly feels entitled to stories in these universes. The episode also touches on the power of actor-director collaborations, how Michael B. Jordan’s performance in Sinners showcases his range, and why Ryan Coogler’s nuanced approach to the doppelgänger trope sets Sinners apart. Manika and Kimberly explore how Sinners uses vampires and cultural appropriation to interrogate legacy, identity, and community, breaking down the film’s final act and what it says about immortality versus legacy. Doppelgängers, vampires, and fractured selves—this is your guide to the monsters of modern media, and what they reveal about who we really are. Kimberly's Socials TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@kimberly_tsitsi Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kim_nhundu Manika's Socials Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CmokqeLIagz7nYQJfeRIw Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manika3000?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1 Podcast Socials YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ivebeenmeaningtowatchthatp2316 Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenMeaning2Pod Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ivebeenmeaning2pod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ive-Been-Meaning-To-Watch-That-113280083760521/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/ Thank you so much for listening to the podcast. We really appreciate it.

    2h 39m

Ratings & Reviews

3
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

🎬 Welcome to I've Been Meaning to Watch That! Your go-to podcast for free-flowing, unfiltered conversations about movies, TV, and pop culture. New guest, new topic every single week! From film critics and YouTubers to TikTok creators and industry pros, we dive deep into what makes entertainment great (or not so great). Hosted by a Black woman who loves movies, is always late to the party, but never late to the convo. 🎧 Subscribe now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube!

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