A Lost Plot

Find the 9 Points Rating System here: https://www.alostplot.com/9-points/ Maverick and Avalon discuss and review the 2019 independent crowdfunded film “Code 8”. Code 8 is an indie superhero film set in an alternate world where superpowered people exist. The story follows Connor, a powered person with electric abilities, who is trying to save his dying mother. He gets involved in the criminal world...

Maverick, and his co-hosts Avalon and Andrew review the 1985 release of Back to the Future. The hosts discuss the introduction of the film and the character of Marty McFly. They explore the flaws and relatability of Marty, noting his hot-headedness and fear of failure. They also discuss the mirroring of Marty and his father, George McFly, in terms of their character arcs and motivations. The hosts...

In this episode, Andrew, Sean, and Maverick discuss the 9th installment in the Star Wars franchise.  The hosts discuss the opening of the film and the introduction of the main character, Rey. They explore the confusion and lack of foreshadowing surrounding the return of Palpatine and the impact it has on the story. They also discuss Rey's character arc and the flaws in its execution. The hosts dis...

In this episode, Maverick and Philip St. Jean discuss the first movie in the Hobbit trilogy, 'The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.'  They explore the differences between the book and the movie, the main character's role, and the fable-like aspects of the film. They also touch on the rating system and the opening scene. The conversation delves into the portrayal of Bilbo and Thorin, the Riddles in th...

Maverick, Sean, and Andrew review and debate the merits of Star Wars VIII: The Last Jedi. The main themes discussed include the character development of Poe Dameron, the portrayal of legacy and legends, and the roles of Admiral Holdo and Princess Leia. The hosts have differing opinions on the execution of these themes and the overall quality of the film. In this part of the conversation, the princ...

In this conversation, Maverick and Patrick discuss the film 'The Silence of the Lambs' and its standout elements.  They highlight the impact of the character Hannibal Lecter, the tension-building in the plot, and the compelling development of the protagonist, Clarice Starling. They also touch on the power dynamics between Hannibal and Clarice, as well as the real-life inspirations behind the chara...

Maverick and Avalon discuss and review the 2004 release “Collateral”.  The conversation discusses the movie Collateral and focuses on the characters of Max and Vincent, as well as the side plot involving Detective Ray. Max's character arc is explored, highlighting his initial apathy and fear of taking risks, and how his involvement with Vincent forces him to confront his complacency. Vincent is po...

In this conversation, Maverick and Chad discuss and review the Studio Ghibli film Spirited Away.  They explore the themes of courage, cultural differences in storytelling, and the contrast between Western and Eastern narratives. They also discuss the symbolism and mirroring in the film, as well as the character development of Chihiro. The conversation touches on the animation style of Studio Ghibl...

Maverick and his co-host Avalon review Good Will Hunting from 1997. They discuss the character development of Will Hunting, the protagonist of the film, and his journey of self-exploration. They highlight the compelling motive of Will's character, which is to avoid going to jail. They also discuss the pivotal role of Sean, the psychologist, in challenging Will's perspective and helping him confron...

Maverick and his guest Philip review the 2015 release “The Big Short”.  They discuss the plot, characters, and themes of the film, as well as their personal opinions and ratings. They explore the unique structure of the movie, which follows multiple storylines and incorporates elements of comedy and documentary. The hosts also discuss the flaws and motivations of the main characters and the effect...

Maverick and Avalon review Viggo Mortenson’s “The Dead Don’t Hurt”. The conversation revolves around a review of the movie 'The Dead Don't Hurt' and delves into the characters, themes, and overall storytelling of the film. The hosts discuss the lack of clarity in character motives, the non-linear storytelling, and the absence of a clear overarching conflict or theme. They also explore the confusio...

The Social Network is a 2010 American biographical drama film about the founding of Facebook. The movie takes creative liberties with the true story, but raises interesting questions about the importance of accuracy in storytelling. The main character, Mark Zuckerberg, is portrayed as a smart but arrogant individual who becomes obsessed with proving himself. The development of his character throug...

Maverick, Avalon, and Patrick discuss the 2019 film by the Egger brothers, and get into a deeply divided discussion on the merits of this movie, it’s meaning, and its contribution to film as a whole. ---------- Highlights: 0:00 "The Lighthouse" Introduction and Rating 10:41 Maverick's Movie Philosohy 14:52 Greek Mythology 19:28 Opening Scene 25:59 Main Character 28:44 The Villain or Obstacle 40:51...

Maverick and Philip discuss and review the 2023 release of “Wonka”. The conversation revolves around the movie 'Wonka' and the character of Willy Wonka. The hosts discuss their expectations of the film and their impressions of the main character, played by Timothy Chalamet. They explore the depth of the character and his motivations, noting that Chalamet's portrayal did not feel believable. They a...

The Fall Guy is an action comedy film that revolves around the main character, Colt Sievers, a former stuntman who gets pulled back into the industry to find a missing actor. The primary theme of the movie is the relationship between Colt and his ex-girlfriend, Jodie, and whether they will get back together. The movie explores the themes of honesty and facing one's fears. The side characters, such...

Maverick brings on the short film creator Chad Garrett to discuss and review one of Chad’s favorite films, Kingdom of Heaven. ---------- Highlights: 0:00 “Kingdom of Heaven” Introduction 15:00 Balian As A Flawed Character 26:08 Side Characters and Villains 34:42 Themes 44:38 The Villain 53:01 Enemies From All Sides 57:49 Revelations 1:04:16 Messages 1:11:16 Maverick's Favorite Scene 1:18:35 Satisf...

Maverick and Avalon discuss and review “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” (2024), by Guy Ritchie.  ---------- Highlights: 0:00 "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" Introduction and Rating 4:28 Opening Scene 8:46 Gus March Phillips: The Main Character 13:42 Side Characters 15:43 Is There Motive? 18:06 Heightened Tension 27:24 The Villain: Heinrich Luhr 31:56 Devoid of Themes 37:18 Churchill...

Maverick and Patrick discuss and review Guillermo Del Toro’s masterpiece “Pans Labyrinth”. Is Ofelia imagining everything, or is she experiencing the intersection of the fantasy realm with the real world? ---------- Highlights:  0:00 "Pans Labyrinth" Introduction 9:35 Opening Scene 13:55 Main Character: Ofelia 18:06 Side Characters 19:28 A Plot v. B Plot 30:46 The Villain: Vidal 37:59 Themes: Copi...

Maverick is joined by Andrew and Sean to discuss and review the Disney release of Star Wars episode 7: The Force Awakens. With Andrew taking a negative stance and Sean taking a positive one, they debate the merits and issues of the first attempt Disney takes in the Star Wars universe. ---------- Highlights: 0:00 "Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens" Introduction 4:57 Opening Scene 11:03 Main Characte...

Maverick and Andrew discuss, debate, and review Star Wars episode 3: Revenge of the Sith.  ---------- Highlights: 0:00 “Star Wars III: Revenge of the Sith” Introduction 4:09 Opening Scene 5:34 Main Character 18:41 Side Characters: Obi Wan 26:44 Side Characters: Padme 36:33 Side Characters: Yoda 41:20 Motivations and Villains 48:53 Themes 52:51 Heightened Tension 53:59 Darth Plagueis The Wise 57:31...

Maverick and Avalon review Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. While Phoebe Spengler figures out what it’s like to have teenager drama, a ghost from ages past decides to be a lame stock villain. Funny fire guy though.  ---------- Highlights: 0:00 “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” Introduction 4:27 Opening Scene 8:16 Main Character: Phoebe Spengler 13:45 Side Characters 20:38 Setting 24:38 Compelling Motive 2...

Maverick and Avalon review One Life. A story of Nicholas Winton saving refugees from the coming Nazi invasion before World War II. ---------- Highlights: 0:00 “One Life” Introduction 6:04 Opening Scene 10:29 Nicholas Winton 13:26 Side Characters 18:04 Setting 24:24 Beautiful Example of "Show Don't Tell" 27:43 The Nazis 29:08 Themes 31:23 Heightened Tension 41:09 Revelations and Endings 46:19 Trans...

Maverick and Philip continue to discuss the Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, and what made it stand out compared to other movies. Part 2 of a 2-part review. Find the first part here: https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/maverick51411/episodes/2024-03-06T18_00_00-08_00 ---------- Highlights: 0:59 Stakes and Villains 11:03 Ideals 25:12 Biggest Problem With the Movies 30:07 Heightened Tension...

Maverick is joined by Philip to review the last of the series of the Lord of the Rings: the Return of the King. Taking a counter-stance, Philip argues passionately for the beauty of the books, and the failures of the movie, while Maverick defends the honor of Peter Jackson’s work. Part 1 of a two part discussion. ---------- Highlights: 0:00 "The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King" Introduction...

Maverick and Avalon discuss and review Dune, Part 2. They discuss Paul Atreides rise to power, and his rejection of the mantel of the Lisan Al Gaib (or the Kwisatz Haderach). They also discuss the Harkonnens, Feyd Rautha, and other notable characters such as Shaddam IV. ---------- Highlights: 0:00 "Dune, Part 2" Introduction 8:55 Opening Scene 16:53 Side Characters and Ideals 22:53 Villains and Ob...