Jay, Castle in the Sky and Spirited Away are both amazing and IMHO even better then Mononoke. Both are filled with wonder and magic and highly recommended.

I’m not a huge Anime expert/buff (especially not regarding the numerous Anime TV series), but I’ve seen my share of good features. There’s other very good examples of animation and storytelling in the genre except for Miyazaki’s films. Someone mentioned the extremely touching Grave Of The Fireflies. Also, the insane Ninja Scroll comes to mind.
I believe During the Cars 2 episode there was a discussion about how Pixar or US animation studios don’t make animation for adults and how it’s an untapped potential.

Anime is the place to look for this kind of stuff.

As Beerdude mentioned above, Once Upon A Time In The West is a classic example of strong character themes in a movie’s score, and what a score it is. Once you hear Morricone’s Harmonica’s Theme or Cheyenne’s theme you will never forget them. The music is so pervasive in that classic it’s basically a character on its own.

Yeah, Degrassi is my favorite Canadian TV show – I hardly even know any other Canadian shows not to mention watching them. And I didn’t even grow up in Canada. I remember watching Degrassi Junior High and then Degrassi High back in the 80’s and loving it. It was an honest and realistic teen drama. Haven’t watched any of the newer incarnations, though. Anyway, coming to Toronto and realizing the show was filmed (and maybe still is) not far from my place was somewhat exciting.

The discussion of what you can do on TV vs. film was very interesting. I agree it’s challenging to recreate what Malick did on a TV show. But a film is a singular experience, while a TV show is a continuous one. A film can be contemplative for two hours and get away with it. Can a TV show do that for a whole season, with hardly a plot, and still keep its viewers? I’m not sure.

I for one would love to hear a Harry Potter review. the last one was entertaining, even if it was controversial.

Frank Funk sounds like it could have been a detective show in the 70s.

“Frank Funk: Private Eye”

“Peter and the Wolf” not only has a specific theme for each character, but a specific instrument assigned to each character; violin for one, oboe for another, clarinet for another, etc.

@Greg: I also like Marisa Tomei, especially in “The Wrestler” and “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead”.

@RC Tomei certainly has a thing for large, sweaty men. Seinfeld nailed it.

Greg should check out “Luther”.. You´re wrong about Dexter though, amazing television..

You guys could take the time to edit your podcasts, they are far longer then they need to. Sure you have alot to say and the “derivative” discussions and brief references are interesting, but it’s…

hum…

you know…

a bit…

how should I say…

annoying…

to hear pauses…

and long silences where you think of stuff to say.
Or even worse: A question is asked, long pause before answer, and then something like “it was ok.” comes out, dragging there for too long before you actually take off.

Love the podcast, love you guys, but I think you could improve alot.

@ Diogo Louro

You’re nuts.