A Lost Plot

DC is punching back at Marvel's extended universe with a new addition: Blue Beetle. But does Jaime Reyes have what it takes to take on Kord Industries... or more importantly, a great movie worth rewatching? In this episode, Maverick and Avalon have an animated discussion on this new movie, and how Joseph Campbell's roadmap to a great story can be followed TOO closely.

Is Darth Vader conflicted and saving his son? Or is he a slave to the will of the Emperor? We all know this old tale, but in this episode Maverick and Andrew nerd out trying to get inside the masked man's head, and determine once and for all if Star Wars episode 6, Return of the Jedi, is a great movie in the Star Wars franchise.

Whether it's set in the real world, or in a completely fictional universe, every story has some level of world building, to create a believable world. In this episode, Maverick and Avalon discuss how a great world is built, and how that affects a great plot line. 

There's never been a more artistic blend of comedy and horror. In this episode, Maverick and Avalon discuss the unique piece known as The Menu. Is it a movie with a good plot? How do the themes and values stand up with its strong societal message? Find out in this episode.

Everyone knows the classic line "I see dead people". But few movies have plot twists as monumental as Malcolm's. In this episode, Maverick and his guest Patrick discuss the strengths and shortcomings of The Sixth Sense, and how good movie plots like the sixth sense are remembered even today. But be careful, can you trust what your protagonist is showing you?

The power of the sun in the palm of my hand... No this isn't Spiderman, this is actual history. In this episode of a lost plot, Maverick and Andrew discuss the creation of the atomic bomb by its father J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan's latest release. Does one great work absolve you of a multitude of sins? Find out in this episode, and consider if Oppenheimer is a movie worth watching.

Ethan Hunt comes back with dark secrets and an elusive enemy. In this episode, Maverick and his guest Avalon discuss the values presented and the tension created. A classic tension-ratcheting movie, Mission Impossible is back with Tom Cruise's seventh installment in the series. But is adding tension worth sacrificing compelling, believable characters?

Conflict is the basis for every story. Sometimes it's worth it to go back to the basics. In this episode, Maverick and Avalon discuss the seven types of conflict, and the different ways those conflicts are manifested, to make a movie truly worth watching.

Is a cliffhanger really a sign of a great plot? Are all cameos equal, or do some give fans a bad taste? In this episode, Maverick and Andrew discuss the benefits and drawbacks of Spiderman, Across the Spiderverse, and the purpose of a movie's climax.

Spiderman has been a beloved icon of the superhero genre for decades. But is Peter Parker the one, true Spiderman? In this episode, Maverick and Andrew take the first dive into the animated universe, and observe if Miles Morales has what it takes to create a compelling story, and give you a movie worth watching.

The absolute classic everyone points back to is on the chopping block. In this episode, Maverick and Avalon review Casablanca, and see if this is movie deserves a good review, or is it simply an overrated piece of World War II propaganda?

No one anticipates a good movie quite like a good plot twist. In this episode, Maverick and Avalon discuss how plot twists - though not necessary - can make a movie rise to great heights... or fall from memory.

Some people want nonstop, full action movies. In this episode, Maverick and Avalon discuss how pauses are not a bad addition, and can in fact really build a movie and the audience's investment in the characters.

Steven King is known for his stories - stories that carry strength in books and in movies. In this episode, Maverick, Avalon, and Patrick discuss the morals, the maniacs, and the mouse, and how each makes this movie on death row a masterpiece.

Everyone loves a good laugh, but at what cost? In this episode, Maverick and Avalon discuss the concerns of humor, and how humor can destroy a great plot. Does humor never have a point in a great action movie? Or is it only a distraction? Pulling from recent examples and otherworldly adventures, Maverick & Avalon make their case.

Rocket is a creep. Peter Quill is a drunk. Gamorra is a rogue assassin. And then Adam Warlock shows up. Here's the latest movie review for Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3. In this episode, Maverick and Nicholas discuss the latest installment of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise, and the themes, character arcs, and villains they portrayed. Is this movie a fitting farewell to James Gunn's Marve...

It's not easy to find good movie plots in sequels. Do the Guardians do it justice? In this episode, Maverick and his guest Nicholas discuss the changes to the team, and how the team separated affects everything in the movie. Is Ego a believable villain? Is Nebula's change authentic? And does Guardians of the Galaxy volume 2 surpass the first movie? Check it all out in this episode, and determine f...

A great movie is built on conflict. Without that essence, there is nothing compelling to bring the audience back to the show. In this episode, Maverick and Avalon discuss the essence of conflict, and how that basic building block is followed - or broken - in movies today.

A classic in the superhero team franchises, Guardians of the Galaxy made its debut in 2014. A mix of serious, humor, and some serious humor. In this episode, Maverick and Nicholas discuss the plight of Starlord's hand-holding techniques to stop bad guys. Looking for action movies with good plots? Look no further. Here's our Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 1 review.

The best movies are the ones that stick with you. You never forget it. In this episode, Maverick and Avalon discuss what makes a great movie memorable, and go back to some absolute classics to prove their point. 

Can humor add to a great plot? Or can it ruin all the momentum? In this episode, Maverick is joined by Avalon Dickson and Patrick Avanto to discuss the recent release based on a classic game. Edgin goes on an adventure to save his daughter from an evil lord. Classic. Listen in to hear the rating of Dungeons and Dragons, Honor Among Thieves!

A great antagonist is feared for a reason. Ergo, action movies with good plots are driven - in part - by the great villains driving the conflict. In this episode, Maverick and Avalon discuss villains, fear, and the chaos and rules they live by.

Sometimes a movie should really be a TV show... Is that the case here? In this episode, Maverick and Avalon discuss the merits of Forrest Gump, and how one man can have a lasting impact - even beyond the film, as an acclaimed movie today. But does the story portrayed really make this movie worth watching?

The story goal is what drives a good plot. If this piece isn't integrated well, you will not see a good movie plot. In this episode, Maverick and Avalon discuss ideas surrounding creating and integrating a great motive and goal into action movies to make them compelling. Including classics like Lord of the Rings to a more recent noteworthy movie like Inception, there are numerous examples of compe...

Do all Michael Bay movies suck? In this Michael Bay classic, Maverick and Nicholas discuss the iconic Transformers original movie. With Optimus Prime, Megatron, and Shia LaBeouf, this plot has a lot of potential - and a lot to fall short by. Do the Autobots have what it takes to create a movie franchise worth watching? Or did this movie earn its Razzie Awards for a reason?