Armand Haddad

The Cinedicate: Film & TV Podcast

Tv EN ↓ 221 episodes

Looking for a podcast that takes your love of movies and TV to the next level? Look no further than The Cinedicate - the Chicago-based guide to the world of cinema! Host Armand and a crew of industry insiders, genre-lovers, and cinephiles are your trusty companions on this adventure through film. From heart-pounding action to soul-stirring romance, they cover it all with a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the art of cinema. But they don't stop there - The Cinedicate also tackles hard-hitting topics embedded within our films: like our own mortality, modern imperialism, and so muc...

Author

Armand Haddad

Category

Tv

Podcast website

www.cinedicate.com

Latest episode

Jan 27, 2026

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Episodes

#153 - Maxxxine - The Pursuit of Fame, Moral Hypocrisy, and the Cost of Stardom 30.07.2024

In this episode, we delve into the captivating world of "Maxxxine," the final film in Ti West's X trilogy. They explore the film's homage to cinema across decades, the struggles of fame, and shocking narrative twists. From practical effects to the subversion of Hollywood nightmares, their passionate discussion weaves through the trilogy's rich tapestry, reflecting on its themes of ambition, moral...

SWAPCAST - Alien (1979) - 45th Anniversary and Exploring the Art of Practical Effects 28.05.2024

The Cinedicate's Armand joins the crew of WSTR Galactic Public Access as they dive deep into the out-of-this-world discussion about the 45th anniversary of "Alien." Along with anecdotes about George Lucas, computer memory mishaps, and the eerie allure of sci-fi classics, this episode is a blend of nostalgia, film analysis, and entertaining banter. Prepare for a cosmic journey through cinematic his...

#152 - Invincible, Season 2 - Subverting the Status Quo and Becoming the new Marvel/DC 21.05.2024

This episode of The Cinedicate delves deep into the second season of Invincible. This episode provides a thorough analysis of the complex character arcs and intricate storytelling crafted by Robert Kirkman. Explore Mark Grayson's tumultuous journey, the emotional weight of his relationships, and the profound themes of heroism and responsibility. The discussion covers the impact of the show's innov...

#151 - Civil War (2024) - America's Political Divide and The National Divorce 14.05.2024

Dive into the tumultuous landscape of "Civil War," a movie that splits America into a chaotic checkerboard of alliances and loyalties. In this riveting episode, we dissect the film's portrayal of a divided nation, the provocative depiction of presidential power, and the realistic echoes in today's political climate. From the possibilities of nuclear decisions to the haunting remnants of the histor...

#150 - Pearl (2022) - Dreams, Darkness, and Despair in the Quest for Stardom 07.05.2024

On this episode of The Cinedicate, dive into the dark and dazzling world of "Pearl." As we dissect the haunting journey of a dream-chasing farm girl set against the grim backdrop of wartime America, we will explore how ambition can twist into madness. From eerie auditions to chilling familial betrayals, uncover how "Pearl" connects to its cinematic sibling "X," and join us in unraveling the intric...

#149 - Dune, Part 2 - Unraveling the Significance of The Sci-Fi Sequel 30.04.2024

Embark on a cosmic journey with The Cinedicate in "Dune, Part II," where Armand, Mike, and Diego traverse the sands of destiny and debate the essence of epic storytelling. Their vigorous defense of "Star Wars" collides with critiques of "Dune" and its sequel. From Taylor Swift’s cultural conquests to Princess Irulan's mystique, this episode is a storm of spirited dialogue and dissecting the DNA of...

#148 - Late Night with The Devil - Artificial Intelligence in Art and Selling Your Soul 23.04.2024

In a spine-tingling mashup of horror and Hollywood, "Late Night With The Devil" is a torrid dance through the dark side of entertainment. Join Armand as he sits down with guests Katie and Brit of the Grindhouse Girls podcast for a reel of revelations – from AI shaking up film ethics to the ghoulish allure of Bohemian Grove conspiracy theories. Tune in for a bewitching deep-dive that is part film c...

#147 - Under the Skin (2013) - The Complexities of Identity and Assimilation 16.04.2024

Dive beneath the surface in "Under The Skin" - as the latest episode of The Cinedicate peels back layers of humanity through the lens of the haunting sci-fi thriller. We unravel the complex tapestry of femininity, predatory nature, and the alien experience of identity, seamlessly intertwining cosmic horror with stark societal commentary. From guerrilla-style filming to Lovecraftian dread, this epi...

#146 - X (2022) - Ti West's Homage to the Glory of '70s Slashers 09.04.2024

Imagine taking the gamble to leave your mark on the world via the most unconventional route—making an adult film. That's what our characters are up to in "X", as we follow Maxine, played by the captivating Mia Goth, who is absolutely determined to let her star shine. This isn't just a slasher flick; it's a dissection of aspirations, youth, and the unsettling notion of aging. With nods to the horro...

#145 - UFO Revolution - Airborne Anomalies, Interdimensional Beings, and Otherworldly Craft 02.04.2024

In what promises to be an otherworldly journey, today, I'm joined by two aficionados of the extraterrestrial enigma: my cousin Pete, a childhood abductee of alien fiction, and Todd from WSTR Galactic Public Access, whose encounters with the unknown stretch beyond the screen to the night sky itself. We're taking a deep dive into a gripping documentary series that explores the mysteries surrounding...

#144 - Sound of Freedom - Exploring the Controversy of Tim Ballard's Savior Complex and QAnon Connections 26.03.2024

In our latest deep dive, host Armand leads an intense discussion with guests Doug and Aaron about the controversial film "Sound of Freedom." This film, centered on Tim Ballard's quest to combat child trafficking, has sparked a spectrum of reactions. As the conversation unfurled, we dissected the film's narrative and its real-world implications, all while examining the unsettling allegations center...

#143 - Andrei Tarkovsky's Stalker - Interpreting the Labyrinth of Desire and Danger 19.03.2024

We’ll explore the intricate details of Tarkovsky's work, his refusal to adhere to genre conventions and the haunting beauty found in unexpected locations. Our exchange will also touch upon the drastic differences "Stalker" showcases from the original novel and how this film transforms into a fantasy-like odyssey. Mike weighs in on Tarkovsky’s storytelling approach, emphasizing time and pacing over...

#142 - Saint Maud - Blurred Realities and Extreme Devotion 12.03.2024

🎬 The Cinedicate host Armand and guests from ReShoot Film Podcast, Hector and Ed, grapple with the unnerving tale of a pious nurse whose grip on reality blurs with her religious fervor. "Saint Maud" serves as our case study as we dissect aspects of spirituality, mental illness, and the highs and lows of cinematic storytelling. 🎥 Episode Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:41 First impressions on Saint Maud...

#141 - Poor Things - Freedom and Feminine Autonomy 05.03.2024

This episode explores the wild narrative of Poor Things featuring Emma Stone's character, Bella, who is an adult women with a transplanted brain of a newborn examining themes of autonomy and societal expectation. Joined by the hosts of First Prize Films, we delve into the film's sexuality, humor, and standout performances amidst wider discussions on cinema's future. A poignant deep-dive into a fil...

#140 - Lisa Frankenstein - A Midwestern Gothic Tale 27.02.2024

In today's ghoulishly delightful episode, we have our esteemed guest Ali resurfacing to explore the electric sparks of 'Lisa Frankenstein'. Buckle up as Armand, your host through the realm of reels, teams up with Ali to dig into the undead threads of this cult cinematic spectacle. We'll stitch together themes from Diablo Cody's universe, unravel the impact of streaming specters on traditional movi...

#139 - The Cinedicate Holiday Party (Part 2) - Lights, Camera, Trivia! 26.12.2023

From the Red 5 Stage at WSTRmedia Studios, the holiday festivities continue as Aaron and Ali return to participate in the first ever Jeopardy Trivia Game! Join on all the fun and test your movie trivia skills along with all of us. ---------- Listen to Aaron on his podcast, WSTR: Galactic Public Access Follow Ali on X ---------- Support Cinedicate on Patreon The Cinedicate on Instagram The Cinedica...

#138 - The Cinedicate Holiday Party (Part 1) - Silent Night (2023) - The Importance of Dialogue, Visual Storytelling, and John Woo's Return to Filmmaking 19.12.2023

Silent Night is a movie that has sparked mixed reactions from viewers. Directed by renowned filmmaker John Woo, it was chosen for review at a holiday party due to its unique premise of being a silent action film. However, some viewers, particularly fans of Woo's previous work, felt that the absence of dialogue hindered their engagement with the story and characters. While a movie without dialogue...

#137 - The Nightmare Before Christmas - Self-Discovery, Identity, and Isolation in Tim Burton's Timeless Classic 05.12.2023

The Nightmare Before Christmas is a classic that has captured the hearts of viewers of all ages. For many, like Carla, it has been a part of their lives since childhood. With its release in 1993, this claymation masterpiece added a new dimension to the world of animation. The stop motion technique used in this film made it feel tactile and real, setting it apart from the traditional hand-drawn Dis...

#136 - Thanksgiving (2023) - A Faux Trailer that Excites, but a Film that Falls Short 28.11.2023

Thanksgiving, a once highly anticipated horror film, generated immense excitement through its captivating and gruesome trailer in Tarantino & Rodriguez's Grindhouse . However, as viewers flocked to the theaters, they were met with a lackluster film that failed to live up to the promises of its trailer. This podcast explores the disappointment and missed opportunities of Thanksgiving, delving i...

#135 - The Muppet Christmas Carol - Bringing Humor and Music to a Timeless Classic 21.11.2023

For many of us, The Muppets hold a special place in our hearts. From The Muppet Show to the classic films, they have brought joy and laughter to countless households. Heather, one of the hosts of WSTR, shares her own experience growing up with The Muppets. Being the youngest in her family, Heather was exposed to movies that were perhaps a little too mature for her age. But that didn't stop her fro...

#134 - Rosemary's Baby (1968) - The Proto Slow Burn and Influence For Modern Horror 31.10.2023

At first glance, 'Rosemary's Baby' may appear tame in comparison to contemporary horror films. However, beneath its seemingly ordinary scenes lies an unsettling sense of unease that is expertly crafted through imaginative imagery and an element of uncertainty. It can be seen as a precursor to the slow burn sub-genre that prevails in modern horror, showcasing its structural influence on later movie...

SWAPCAST - Ahsoka: Season 1 - The Modern Retelling of George Lucas' Vision 24.10.2023

In the widely anticipated Ahsoka Series, fans are treated to a gripping storyline that delves into profound themes. Throughout the show, viewers are immersed in the exploration of death and rebirth, guilt and the challenges of dealing with the past, and the complexities of going against the ruling while still playing within the lines for the greater good. Additionally, the return of the beloved ch...

#133 - Suspiria (2018) - Femininity and Harnessing Dance as a Form of Magic 17.10.2023

The film 'Suspiria' has captivated audiences for decades, and in 2018, director Luca Guadagnino took on the challenge of remaking Dario Argento's cult classic. But how does the remake compare to the original? In this podcast, we delve into the similarities, differences, and critical opinions surrounding these two films. From the tone and aesthetics to the plot twists and feminist themes, we explor...

#132 - RUB (2023) - Giving a Voice to the Marginalized and a Portrait of Instability 10.10.2023

In the world of filmmaking, there are stories that touch us on a surface level, and then there are those that dive deep into the complexities of the human experience. 'Rub' falls into the latter category, delving into the lives of outcasts and addressing misconceptions surrounding the term 'incel.' This film takes a unique and bold approach to storytelling, challenging the audience's expectations...

#131 - Predator (1987) - Aliens, The Cold War, and Challenging Masculinity 03.10.2023

On this episode of The Cinedicate, we are air dropped into one of the most beloved action movies of all time - Predator. Join us as we not only talk about the legacy of this film, but also how it challenges the idea of masculinity, explores the fear of an invisible enemy during the Cold War, and the powerful symbolism behind this sci-fi thriller. So grab some popcorn and get ready for a thrilling...

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