The Returners

The Returners
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Two cinema lovers return home to the theater.

Episodes

  1. Triangle of Sadness - A surprising mood changer

    11/16/2022

    Triangle of Sadness - A surprising mood changer

    Jesse and I were in a gloomy place when we walked in to to see the "Triangle of Sadness" by Ruben Östlund. We were ready to walk out at any second but this turned out to be the best possible film to see, our moods completely changed. One of the best films of the year.  Things discussed: The trailer is deceiving. Characters we liked and why we do. Capitalism vs Socialism - the absurdity of that argument. The film indulges in watching the rich suffer. Switching gender roles was enlightening to Ajit. The invisible help. The amazing sound design. The modern argument. Watch it in a group setting and in a theater, if possible.

    30 min
  2. Pearl (2022) with Amory & Carlos; Reacting to the prequel before the original

    10/04/2022

    Pearl (2022) with Amory & Carlos; Reacting to the prequel before the original

    Ajit returns to the theater with Amory and Carlos to watch Pearl, the prequel/sequel to the film X.  After the screening, we talk to another moviegoer about the film who had watched the original and thus had a completely different experience from us.  Other notes: Told in the style of Wizard of OzSpanish Flu of 1918Gone GirlCarlos' favorite moments in theater: The Matrix, American PieAmory's favorite moments in theater: Titanic, Bridesmaids

    26 min
  3. Caraway Drive-In-Theater comes to an end, conversation with Randi Emerman and watching Thor at a Drive-In

    08/29/2022

    Caraway Drive-In-Theater comes to an end, conversation with Randi Emerman and watching Thor at a Drive-In

    This is a packed episode. First, we talk to Randi Emerman, the founder of the Film Fest 919 and the now defunct Caraway Drive-In-Theater. The conversation covers a lot of topics: The origins of the Caraway drive-in-theater and why it was ultimately closed.Starting up the Film Fest 919 and the impact it has had and will have on Chapel Hill and the Triangle.The theater business vs the festival business.The benefits of watching films in theaters.Lumina theater opens up again. Then Jesse and a couple of his family members attend the last screening at the Caraway theater. The film is Thor: Love & Thunder. The conversation is less about the movie and more about experiencing movies including the drive-in experience which can be an experience in itself.

    28 min
  4. Watching TOP GUN: MAVERICK with a Air Force Veteran

    07/12/2022

    Watching TOP GUN: MAVERICK with a Air Force Veteran

    The new Top Gun is out, 38 years after the original blockbuster in 1986. Chris, an Air Force vet, joins Ajit to discuss the film and to share his insights into the world of the Top Gun.  Show notes:  Plane in the original Top Gun: F-14 TopcatPlane in the new film: F-18 Super HornetPlane porn: P-15 MustangBike porn: Kawasaki GPz900RWhat is g-LOC?What does a Combat systems officer (Wizzo) do?Video that shows 633 Squadron influence on Star Wars and Top Gun: Maverick

    26 min
  5. Everything Everywhere All At Once (Guest - Erin Upson Cuevas)

    06/20/2022

    Everything Everywhere All At Once (Guest - Erin Upson Cuevas)

    Erin Upson Cuevas, a collaborator with Ridley & Tony Scott,  joins Ajit to discuss one of the most adventurous films that have come out in a long time.  Things discussed: The Daniels (the directors), Rolling Stone article about them. Charlie Kaufman's films that kinda compare: Being John Malkovich, Synecdoche, New York. Wong Kar-wai's In The Mood Of Love.Ke Huy Quan's performance is amazing.

    26 min
  6. The Godfather - 50 Year Anniversary Release

    05/03/2022

    The Godfather - 50 Year Anniversary Release

    To celebrate the 50 year anniversary of The Godfather, the film is currently screening in theaters across the country.  Since Jesse and Ajit have seen the film countless times, our discussions go into a lot of the stories around the production of this great film.   Things discussed:  Francis Ford Coppola commentary track for the FilmThe Godfather party two and threeNayakan starring Kamal HasanGoodfellasCoppola's Notebook on 'The Godfather'Coppola breaks down his filmsAl Pacino on meeting CoppolaRobert Duvall on CoppolaDeleted scene: The Transition of Power beginsGQ article on CoppolaHearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse (documentary on Apocalypse Now)Casting for the film, more tape.

    37 min
  7. The Batman (Featuring Tripp)

    03/18/2022

    The Batman (Featuring Tripp)

    Jesse & Ajit are joined by Tripp Jarvis to watch the newest Batman iteration. The conversation gets sabotaged by bagel metaphors and Yelp reviews conversation. Overabundance of  laughing.  Things discussed:  Introducing Tripp, his website.Ajit's film on Tripp "Temple of the Heart".Which Batman does the panel prefer?The Batman is almost three hours!!Seven by David Fincher.Watchmen (2009 Film).Inherent nihilism in this iteration.The power of story.

    35 min
  8. Licorice Pizza

    03/07/2022

    Licorice Pizza

    We are both big fans of Paul Thomas Anderson so Licorice Pizza was a must watch for us.   Things we discuss: Has PTA not playing to his strengths? Ajit has some takes. Early career films: Hard Eight, Boogie Nights, Magnolia, Punch Drunk Love, There Will Be Blood.More recent films: The Master, Inherent Vice, Phantom ThreadMore on the eye tracking conversationRushmore Out of SightTaxi DriverThere is so much running in this film, does it work?The BearCity Lights

    29 min
  9. The Tragedy of Macbeth

    02/07/2022

    The Tragedy of Macbeth

    The film that started this podcast and our return to the theater. On this podcast, Jesse and Ajit discuss: How the trailer got us excited about this film!Our feelings about Shakespeare...Our love for Denzel Washington, seriously, we love him! 4:3 aspect ratio vs 16:9Ingmar Berman's influenceBruno Delbonnel's amazing cinematographyDavid LeanAkira KurosawaOther Links Ethan Coen's review of his brother's film

    30 min
  10. C'mon C'mon

    01/28/2022

    C'mon C'mon

    An instant classic by Mike Mills.  Synopsis of film: When his sister asks him to look after her son, a radio journalist embarks on a cross-country trip with his energetic nephew to show him life away from Los Angeles. A lot of the conversation centers around relationships, family, Joaquin Phoenix, the use of drone shots, use of sound and us gushing over this film.  Show notes: Mike Mills (Director) Mike Mills (Musician) The Master George Washington (2000 Film that has a similar vibe) Good Will Hunting - (Here is the crying scene)

    24 min
  11. No Time To Die (Bond)

    01/10/2022

    No Time To Die (Bond)

    Jesse and Ajit return to the theaters to watch the latest iteration of the Bond series.  What was discussed in this episode?   Growing up with BondThe inherent Misogyny in Bond filmsTransactional sexThe long run time, 2 hours and 40 mins, does it need to be this long? Did they choose the wrong villain? Can James Bond learn to love and trust again? Why do almost all Bond villains have accents? The questionable motivations of most Bond Villains (Skyfall being the exception)? Was the second 007 character necessary in the film? The good and bad of nanobots? Lovely usage of wide angle lenses Appreciation of Daniel Craig’s Bond which has come to endWho takes over as Bond?   Links:  SkyfallDiamonds are forever GoldeneyeCary Joji Fukunaga Phoebe Waller-Bridge FleabagThe Bourne SupremacyWe Have All The Time In The World

    30 min
  12. Dune (2021)

    12/30/2021

    Dune (2021)

    Jesse and Ajit return to the theater to watch Dune (2021). Show notes: Silver Spot Cats Parasite Skyscraper Dune Book Dune (David Lynch film) Dennis Vileneuve Sicario Incendies Blade Runner Original Blade Runner Arrival Christopher Nolan and sound design Mad Max: Fury Road Claire Denis Beau Travail Dances of Wolves Avatar The Matrix Moana

    40 min
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Two cinema lovers return home to the theater.

Information

  • Creator
    The Returners
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2022
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Returners
  • Show Website
    The Returners