Roll for Narrative: The Scene and Unseen Show

Richard Parry
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  • TV & FILM

Welcome to Scene & Unseen, a storytelling deep-dive from Roll for Narrative. I explore the narrative magic behind movies, games, and the occasional book. Great legends don’t care what format they’re in, and neither do I. From overlooked characters to the ideas that shape entire worlds, I break down the heart of each story. Whether you’re here for heroes, sacrifice, or the power of community, this is where the tale truly begins.

  1. OCT 5

    Why You Liked … Ghost Recon: Breakpoint (A 2025 Retrospective)

    S04E11: Ever wondered what happened to Ghost Recon: Breakpoint after all the launch drama? Well: this 2019 tactical shooter might've been better than we gave it credit for. Join me as I revisit Ubisoft's controversial entry in the Ghost Recon franchise—from Jon Bernthal's compelling villain to the lush and varied open-world design of Auroa. We'll chat about the RPG mechanics that divided fans, the customisation options that keep things fresh, and whether the post-launch Ghost Experience mode redeemed the whole thing. Is Breakpoint worth your time in 2025? Let's find out, hero. NZ Accent worse than a bullet-sponge boss? Transcript: https://parrydox.com/why-you-liked-ghost-recon-breakpoint-a-2025-retrospectiveSupport the channel by checking out my urban fantasy complete with evil PMC: https://www.books2read.com/NightsFavor 00:00 Intro 01:11 The Core Gameplay Loop: Customisation and the World 04:50 The Story, Missions, and Characters 09:52 The Technicals and Aesthetics 11:34 Room-Sized Elephants: RPGification and Monetisation 14:48 A Testament to Evolution #GhostRecon #Breakpoint #GhostReconBreakpoint #RetroReview #UbisoftGames #TacticalShooter #Gaming2025 #OpenWorldGames #JonBernthal #GamingRetrospective #NZGaming #PCGaming #WorthPlaying #GamingCommunity #LooterShooter #StealthGames #MultiplayerGaming

    17 min

  2. SEP 28

    Why You Liked ... KPop Demon Hunters

    S04E10: Jem and the Holograms walked so KPop Demon Hunters could run (with swords and mic stands). Turns out this K-pop animated spectacle about three demon-hunting musicians is basically Jem for 2024 - and that's the highest compliment I can give. We're talking about a film that uses catchy beats and sword fights to deliver deep messages about self-acceptance, female empowerment, and why your weirdness isn't a bug - it's literally the feature that saves the world. Beyond the epic battles and catchy tunes, KPop Demon Hunters tackles the confusing lies we’re told as we grow up, the crumbling shield of false expectations, and how a few ultra-wealthy oligarchs are basically the real-world demons (minus the cool art style). It’s a metaphor for our messed-up reality and shows that allies can come from unexpected places. In this review, I get into: → The brilliant character development of Rumi, Mira, and Zoey → How the film tackles K-pop industry manufacturing → The stunning Spider-Verse-inspired animation style → Why Ji-noo might be the most complex antagonist of the year → The epic parallels between this and 80s classic Jem → How demons become a perfect metaphor for modern anxieties Fair warning: I get pretty passionate about why this movie celebrates eating what you want in your bathrobe at 2am while watching book reviews on TikTok. That's the energy saves the world. Whether you're here for the K-pop beats, the demon fights, or just want to understand why this became Netflix's most-watched movie, I've got you covered. No spoilers, maximum enthusiasm, and yes - I will totally explain why conservative oligarchs are basically demons. SUPPORT THE CHANNEL: → If you find the New Zealand accent more confusing than K-pop, transcript is here: https://parrydox.com/why-you-liked-kpop-demon-hunters → If you want my take on musicians who save the world, meet Sadie: https://www.books2read.com/ChromedUpgrade → Like if this convinced you to watch (or rewatch) → Subscribe for more one-person exhuming of the animation fossil record #KPopDemonHunters #Netflix #AnimationReview #KPop #JemAndTheHolograms #NetflixAnimation #DemonHunters #SpiderVerse #FemaleEmpowerment #KoreanAnimation #MustWatch2024 #NetflixOriginal #AnimatedMovies #KPopCulture #WomenInAnimation #SupernaturalAnimation #MusicAndAnimation #NetflixReview #AnimationAnalysis #PopCultureReview

    19 min

  3. SEP 21

    Why You Liked ... Eenie Meanie

    S04E09: I've got a new theory I'm calling the Samara Weaving Effect. I've been a big fan of her since Ready or Not, but Eenie Meanie (directed by Shawn Simmons) shows her as a proper A-lister. She's not just a powerhouse of swearing and Aussie charm; here, she's a nuanced actress who gives us a character who is just as lost and uncertain as the rest of us. Eenie Meanie is a heist movie, sure, but it’s a heist of consequences. It flips the script on what we expect, delivering a plot where being stupid or selfish actually costs you. Instead of a slick, glamorous escape like Ocean's 11, we get a messy, visceral ride that feels more like The Hurt Locker. With intense car chases that would make Baby Driver blush and a story that isn't afraid to go dark, this film keeps you on the edge of your seat. It’s more than just action and consequences. Eenie Meanie is a deeply human story about loyalty, family, and what it might cost to do the right thing. It's a film that respects your intelligence, subverts your expectations, and will make you think about your own life long after the credits roll. If you’re ready for a crime flick that isn’t afraid to be different, and to see Samara Weaving truly shine, you have to watch this one. ➡️ New Zealand accent harder to parse than Weaving's Australian one? Transcript here: https://parrydox.com/why-you-liked-eenie-meanie/ ➡️ Support the channel by checking out my vigilante series featuring a hero with mad driving skills: https://www.books2read.com/TheThreeFacesofFate #EenieMeanieMovie #SamaraWeaving #MovieReview #HeistMovie #CrimeFilm #FilmAnalysis #NewMovie #ActionMovie #AussieActors #ShawnSimmons #TheSamaraWeavingEffect #MustWatch

    10 min

  4. SEP 14

    Why You Liked … King Arthur: Legend of the Sword

    S04E08: What if I told you the best King Arthur film you've never seen involves Arthur talking like he runs a protection racket in old Londinium? Guy Ritchie's 2017 "King Arthur: Legend of the Sword" was supposed to launch a six-movie cinematic universe, but instead became one of Hollywood's most spectacular franchise faceplants. In this video, I'm diving deep into why this criminally misunderstood film deserves a second look. Charlie Hunnam radiates King Arthur energy through a Guy Ritchie prism - he's the brothel-raised brawler who fights for the dispossessed with the same ferocity his legendary counterpart fought for noble causes. This isn't your typical Arthurian tale of castles and courtly romance; it's a gritty, funny, and grounded story about everyday heroes. I'll break down what makes this film work (spoiler: it's brilliant), why it bombed at the box office (spoiler: mismarketing and maybe a dash of hubris), and how Ritchie's signature gangster style quickens an ancient legend. From the visual spectacle that still holds up today to Hunnam's perfect casting as the Born King of the people, this film had everything going for it except proper expectations management. It's got rough edges - Ritchie mismanages female characters - but it's also got heart, humour, and some of the most entertaining scenes you'll see. If you're tired of cookie-cutter blockbusters and want to see what happens when you mix Arthurian legend with British gangster films, this is your movie. Come for the sword fights, stay for the unexpected emotional depth. And yes, I will die on the hill that this deserved those five sequels Warner Bros. promised us. What did you think of King Arthur: Legend of the Sword? Let me know in the comments if you loved the Ritchie take or missed the expected love triangle. ➡️ New Zealand accent harder to understand than Proper Gangsta Talk? Transcript's here: https://parrydox.com/why-you-liked-king-arthur-legend-of-the-sword/➡️ Support the channel by checking out my epic|dark fantasy series featuring knights, action, and saving those who don't come from the high houses: https://www.books2read.com/BladeofGlass#KingArthur #LegendOfTheSword #GuyRitchie #CharlieHunnam #UnderratedMovies #BoxOfficeBomb #MovieReview #FilmAnalysis #CinematicUniverse #WarnerBros #MovieDiscussion #FilmCriticism #ActionMovies #Fantasy #BritishCinema #CultClassic #MovieRecommendations #FilmEssay #YouTube #Movies

    16 min

  5. SEP 8

    Why You Liked ... Novocaine

    S04E07: Jack Quaid trades in his Hughie vulnerability for hardcore heroics in Novocaine. You're going to feel every brutal second of it in ways MC Nate can't even 🔥 I break down why Novocaine works as both an action-packed thrill ride and a punch-the-sky story about finding your inner hero. From Jack Quaid's pitch-perfect performance as Nate Caine (a guy who literally can't feel pain but gives us ALL the feels) to Amber Midthunder's complex Sherry, this film delivers the goods in the most wonderful/twisted way possible. With Kick-Ass meets John Wick energy, Novocaine also gives us some serious moral complexity thrown in for good measure. I'll also get into how the filmmakers make us complicit in Nate's Pain Train™. Spoiler alert: we're all sickos. 🔗 New Zealand accent getting you down? Full transcript available at: https://parrydox.com/why-you-liked-novocaine/📚 Want to support me more materially than hitting that Like button? Check out my book The Three Faces of Fate (perfect for anyone who digs high-stakes stories with characters who go to impossible lengths for the people they love). https://www.books2read.com/TheThreeFacesofFate What did you think of Novocaine? What ends would you go to for love? Would you pull the trigger? Drop your thoughts in the comments. Don't forget to Like and Subscribe to appease the algorithm gods. #Novocaine #JackQuaid #AmberMidthunder #MovieReview #ActionComedy #FilmAnalysis #TheBoysActor #SuperheroMovies #OneManArmy #MovieCritic #FilmBreakdown #CinemaReview #ActionMovies #DarkComedy #HeroJourney #MovieAnalysis #FilmDiscussion #MustWatch #UnderratedGems #FilmCommunity

    9 min

  6. AUG 31

    4theWriters: How to Remix Reality (aka A Guide to Cultural Fusion in Storytelling)

    S04E06: If you've ever wondered what Avatar: The Last Airbender has in common with Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara... well, you're weird, but you're MY kind of weird. Spoilers: it's not the plot. It's how they raid the global spice rack to create a fantasy we never even knew we wanted. In this video, I'm spelunking into the art of cultural fusion in storytelling. It wouldn't be fun without a nostalgia hit right to the brainstem, so we'll start with some 80s and 90s classics (looking at you, Thundercats) and see how modern masterpieces carry the torch. This one's for the creators: the writers, the game masters, the D&D and Pathfinder dungeon delvers. Anyone who wants to build a world that feels truly unique is going to find something useful here. I'm giving you my "Cultural Catalyst Framework," a three-step system I developed to help you remix reality the right way (pro tip: cultural appropriation is the devil's playground). Because I don't get enough punishment on the Internet, I'm also showing exactly how I used this toolkit in my own urban fantasy series to blend superhero action with werewolves, voudou, and Judaeo-Christian mythology... which is how we get werewolves that know kung fu. Come geek out with me, find some new inspiration, and learn how to make your own awesome worlds... awesomer? Is that a word? ▶️ FULL TRANSCRIPT: For those traumatised by the New Zealand accent, the full script is available here: https://parrydox.com/4thewriters-how-to-remix-reality-aka-a-guide-to-cultural-fusion-in-storytelling/▶️ WANT MORE HACK WRITER TRICKS? If you dig the framework in this video, you'll get a kick out of my gamified writer's guide. Your story is a dungeon, and The Writer's Campaign shows you how to raid it: https://www.books2read.com/TheWritersCampaign#WritingAdvice #Worldbuilding #DungeonsAndDragons #AvatarTheLastAirbender #CowboyBebop #TTRPG #FantasyWriting #CreativeWriting #Storytelling #Pathfinder

    22 min

  7. AUG 25

    Why You Liked ... The Monkey

    S04E05: For decades, a dark curse has haunted Hollywood: "Thou Shalt Not Make a Good Stephen King Film." Well, it looks like someone finally found the cheat code, because The Monkey is here to stare into your soul, drop a drum solo, then orchestrate some of the most unhinged deaths you'll see all year. 🐒 This isn't your average jump scare movie. It's a big-brained horror-comedy that asks the tough questions, like, "How many ways can a person be creatively dismembered?" and, "Why are all siblings the worst?" Join us as I dissect this bloody good time, including: ► How The Monkey is a masterclass in audience participation, making you scan every scene for potential murder weapons (spoiler: everything is a potential murder weapon). Theo James's incredible 2-for-1 performance as a genuinely decent guy AND his absolute d******d of a twin.The dark magic required to make a wind-up toy with a clown smile the most terrifying screen villain of the year.The film's S-tier inventive kills (yes, we are dedicating a moment of silence for the legendary murder surfboard).Killer cameos from Adam Scott and Elijah Wood, who clearly understood the assignment.Is this movie just a blood-soaked delight, or is there a surprisingly deep message about forgiving your inner demons (and your terrible family)? Let's get into it. Having trouble with the New Zealand accent? Full transcript here: https://parrydox.com/why-you-liked-the-monkey/Support the channel by checking out my own horror-adjacent series: https://www.books2read.com/NightsFavorSo, would you turn the crank? If you wouldn’t turn the crank, click Like!And if you'd throw that devilspawn toy straight into a furnace, consider subscribing since we may share similar views on murder.#TheMonkey #TheMonkeyMovie #MovieReview #StephenKing #TheoJames #HorrorComedy #DarkComedy #FilmAnalysis #VideoEssay #MurderSurfboard

    9 min

  8. AUG 17

    Why You Didn't Like ... The Crow (2024)

    S04E04: I was really hoping the 2024 reboot of The Crow would be a winner, but press F to pay respects. The film fundamentally misunderstands what makes a revenge story tick, spending geologically-relevant levels of time on backstory we already know and then robbing us of a satisfying payoff. In this review, I get into why the film fails all on its own, completely separate from the 1994 classic. I'll cover the systemic pacing issues that kill the first hour, the frustrating misuse of great actors like Laura Birn, and how the film had a perfect blueprint for success in James O'Barr's original graphic novel and chose to... reinvent the wheel as a square. And yes, we will definitely be talking about the mystical puddle-snakes. ▶ Read the full transcript of this review here: https://parrydox.com/why-you-didnt-like-the-crow-2024/ ▶ Fewer Mystical Snakes, More Action! Speaking of supernatural stories where the heroes don't rely on questionable magic, check out my urban fantasy novel, The Three Faces of Fate: https://www.books2read.com/TheThreeFacesofFate Thanks for watching! Let me know down in the comments what you thought of the movie, and don't forget to like and subscribe if you enjoyed the video! #TheCrow #TheCrow2024 #MovieReview #BillSkarsgard #FKAtwigs #LauraBirn #FilmCritique #DannyHuston

    10 min
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About

Welcome to Scene & Unseen, a storytelling deep-dive from Roll for Narrative. I explore the narrative magic behind movies, games, and the occasional book. Great legends don’t care what format they’re in, and neither do I. From overlooked characters to the ideas that shape entire worlds, I break down the heart of each story. Whether you’re here for heroes, sacrifice, or the power of community, this is where the tale truly begins.

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