The MacGuffin

If screenings of clips from Star Trek Into Darkness and Fast & Furious 6 weren’t cool enough, we still had two days worth of studio presentations (Disney, Sony, 20th Century Fox, and Lionsgate) at CinemaCon 2013. Generally the presentations went two ways: either the presenters would briefly mention a bunch of projects but not show anything from them and then show more extensive clips from a few select projects, OR they would show brief clips (or trailers) for many different projects.

Due to the trend of trailers sharing too much of their films’ plots, and thinking of the untapped tween market now that the Twilight franchise has wrapped, I decided to do an experiment with my review for Beautiful Creatures. I am writing half of my review before seeing the movie, to see how accurately my pre-conceived notions will actually align with the end product. Whether it is a pleasant surprise or the same old schlock, I want to find out if expectations match reality.

Spencer is joined for the second episode of audio-only podcasting by MacGuffin team member Ed.

Topics include: the success of Titanic 3D, Transformers the Ride, debating the best James Bond, looking forward to Anthony Hopkins in Hitchcock, and thinking about the most annoying TV characters.

Spencer and John look at series finales in honor of Harry Potter, consider the importance of the release date, and give DVD picks of the week.

Looking over some of the films I’ve recently seen, I’ve noticed that my taste in movies ranges dramatically. From a 1950s Italian comedy to a 1980s tense thriller to a 2011 movie with pirates and mermaids, it seems that there really isn’t a place in film that I won’t at least try (except, of course, snuff films and things like that—thanks but no thanks). It’s hard to limit my taste, because to disregard a certain kind of movie means dismissing a film that you may potentially love if you gave it a shot. Sometimes, I wish I were only interested in one specific genre of film, but alas, that is not the case, and when thinking about it, knowing that I’m drawn to all kinds of genres has led me to only one absolute: I need to watch more movies.

Spencer and John look back on Johnny Depp’s rise to stardom in honor of Pirates of the Caribbean 4, share some things they wish would go away now, and give their DVD picks of the week.

Spencer and John preview the movies slated to be released during the summer of 2011, before closing out with their DVD picks of the week.

Spencer and John discuss the rise of Gore Verbinski for the release of his film Rango, they consider what it takes to make a good film, and give their DVD picks of the week.

Spencer is joined by Jen from Scarecrow.  They open the episode with a discussion of the highest grossing, worst reviewed films – inspired by the success of Transformers 2.  Next they talk about two new releases: The State on DVD & Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince in theaters.  Finally, they conclude with a mention of Scarecrow’s upcoming VHS celebration: Viva VHS.