A Lost Plot

Maverick and Avalon discuss  and review the new Netflix release “Leave the World Behind” by Sam Esmail.  ————— Episode Contents: 0:00 "Leave the World Behind" Introduction and Rating 5:19 Amanda and Her Opening Scene 11:11 Side Characters 13:50 Setting 18:33 What Opposes the Protagonist? 23:54 Entering the Fray 26:53 Heightened Tension 27:53 Cinematography and Music in Story 37:36 Themes 42:57 Rev...

In this podcast episode, Maverick and Andrew review John Wick, the original movie. They discuss how the plot is developed, is the 9 Point system the right way to review a movie, and the carnal nature of John Wick and how that speaks to us as the audience. Notice, this content is a little more graphic at the end.  ----------  Show Notes:  0:00 "John Wick" Introduction and Rating 4:27 How Compelling...

Maverick and Avalon review the new release of Scott Ridley’s Napoleon, and the grand sweeping narrative and issues that go with it. Starring Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby. ---------- Moments: 0:00 “Napoleon” Introduction 3:25 Napoleon as the Main Character 18:25 Napoleon's Motivations 22:25 The Guillotine 26:49 Side Characters 40:59 Who is Napoleon's Enemy? 48:32 Josephine 58:52 Themes and Sat...

Maverick and Avalon review the new Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Coryo (Coriolanus Snow), Lucy Gray, Sejanus, and more all play masterful roles in the story presented on screen.  ---------- Key Moments: 0:00 "The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" Introduction 2:37 Opening Scene, Characters, and Setting 11:06 What's At Stake? 13:49 Snow's Opposition 21:17 Coryo's Motives...

Maverick and Avalon discuss "The Marvels". The discussion ranges from who is the main character, to fundamental universe rules, to the power of the villain.  ----------  Show Notes:  0:00 "The Marvels" Introduction  1:24 Summary and Rating  4:32 Opening Scene  8:46 Who is the Main Character?  19:46 Rules of the Universe  28:57 What's at Stake Here?  34:24 TikTok Emotions  38:53 The Villain  43:02...

Maverick and his guest Patrick discuss the release "The Marsh King's Daughter". But this is one of those times where pacing, subplots, and conflict can be too simple. Are good themes and values enough to make up for a few weak plot points?  ---------- Highlights: 1:22 Movie Summary 10:13 Compelling Characters 19:02 Unresolved Issues Increasing Conflict 27:02 The Villain 37:22 Helena 41:29 Daisy Ri...

Maverick is joined by Avalon to discuss Captain Marvel, in preparation for “The Marvels” releasing soon. Is Brie Larson’s character Captain Marvel a compelling hero? Or does she do more harm than good? In this episode there is an in-depth discussion about heroes, motivations, villains, the Skrull, and how the themes play out. ————— Sections: 0:00 Summary & Ratings 6:19 Superhero Openings 17:19...

Maverick and Avalon discuss Martin Scorcese's new movie "Killers of the Flower Moon". Filled with heated discussions and disagreements about the portrayal of key characters, Scorcese's movie is a thought provoking movie... but is anything but perfect. Notes 0:00 Opener & Summary 5:31 Length of the Movie 17:10 Ernest: What Kind of Character is He? 25:42 Ernest as a Main Character 31:42 Who is t...

We know about Allies, but what about mentors? What about love interests? In this episode, Maverick and Avalon discuss how these unique types of allies draw from - or detract from - the storyline.  Highlights: 7:04 Can mentors be flawed? 15:16 The Love Interest 17:53 The Hunger Games Example 20:51 When Love is Deceitful 24:03 Mentor & Love as Stock Characters 26:32 Making Death Meaningful

Quentin Tarantino is renown for the tilt in his movies. In the Hateful Eight, Maverick and Avalon set out to uncover what makes his movies so gripping - and why they always end in a blood bath. Is the story truly great, and is it worth watching and re-watching? Find out in this episode!

Duck Dynasty is a series that has touched people across America. Now, the story behind the patriarch of the family - Phil Robertson - is told on the big screen. Is it fair to compare a biographical retelling to what makes a story great? In this episode, Maverick and Avalon discuss the merits and values of The Blind - and how even biographical stories have opportunities to grow.

In this episode, Maverick and Avalon discuss one of the first setup questions in the 9 Points analysis system: Allies. How do you evaluate compelling allies? How do you ensure they help the protagonist while also adding to the conflict within the story? And How do they point to greater truths and make the movie memorable? All this and more is discussed in this episode of the Movies Worth Watching...

In this episode, Maverick rebuffs the claims of critics and reveals to the world his method of analyzing podcasts today: with his 9 points rating system. In this episode, Maverick goes over the system he uses to determine if a movie is worth watching. Listen in for a brief update on the future of the podcast. website: www.alostplot.com

With AI everywhere, it's appropriate to explore the dangers of AI. What better movie to look at than Ex Machina? In this episode, Maverick and Avalon discuss the Turing test, and Caleb's exploration of AI's birth, and the question of robotic sentience.

A classic built on the epic written by J.R.R. Tolkien, Maverick and Philip discuss what makes this epic truly unique from the other great works of cinema out there. Is this movie stand on its own, or is it an overhyped piece for the absolute nerds? Find Philip Dudt's podcast, the White City here:  https://the-white-city.captivate.fm/

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.