Best Classy Critics Podcasts (2025)

1
Snow White: A Tale of Terror - Gloriously Grimdark 1:32:27

5d ago1:32:27

1:32:27

Send us a Question! PARTY PLEASER: Shirleon joins Melvin to summarize a late-90s retelling-with-a-twist adaptation of a beloved fairytale: Snow White: A Tale of Terror! From its surprisingly nuanced characters to its downright diabolical antagonist, the two enjoy discussing the horrific ins-and-outs of this late-20th century oddity! Topics: The ope…

1
Chef - The Artist, The Critic, The Passionate 1:28:44

12d ago1:28:44

1:28:44

Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss Jon Favreau's grounded indie-style flick, Chef! The two explore themes of maturing and parenthood, the relationship between the artist and the observer, and the importance of passion in everyday life. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 25-minutes talking about those insane A Minecraft M…

1
Q1 Catch-Up 2025: A Fresh Start 49:15

19d ago49:15

49:15

Send us a Question! QUARTERLY CATCH-UP: Movies & Us: Podcast, Instagram TV & Us: Podcast, Instagram Quarterly Catch-Up is a co-production between Cinematic Doctrine & Movies & Us! In it, the gang answers 3 questions: What have we been watching? What are we anticipating? What else are we up to? Things Mentioned: Better Days (2019) (Movie) Insecure (…

1
North Shore - w/ Systematic Geekology on Surfin' 101 1:23:04

26d ago1:23:04

1:23:04

Send us a Question! PARTY PLEASER: Systematic Geekology: Spotify / Instagram Will Rose of Systematic Geekology joins Melvin for a second time to summarize North Shore, a little-seen surfer flick in the vein of Karate Kid! Will shares a ton about the dynamics of surfing culture, and Melvin celebrates the layers of North Shore's coming-of-age story. …

1
Exodus: Gods and Kings - Naïve & Devoid of Content 1:00:13

1M ago1:00:13

1:00:13

Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss our latest Patron-Selected movie, Exodus: Gods and Kings! Can Ridley Scott give this paramount Bible story the Gladiator t…

1
Annihilation - Reductionist Media 1:49:56

1M ago1:49:56

1:49:56

Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Shirleon and Kathryn join Melvin to discuss Annihilation, Alex Garland's sophomore feature adaption of Jeff VanderMeer's celebrated weird-fiction book. Additionally, both Kathryn and Melvin have read the book, so how does the movie stack up? Also, what is the movie trying to say? Tune in to find out! Topics: (P…

1
The Monkey - Classy Schlock and Awe 1:04:34

2M ago1:04:34

1:04:34

Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss The Monkey, one of the first horror hits of the year, and possibly the first of two new Osgood Perkins films in 2025! For a movie whose tagline is "Everybody dies. And that's F#$*ed up.", is it cynical? Or, is a little heart tossed in with this horror comedy? Also, and perhaps mo…

1
Welcome to Leith - w/ Peter Bell on the Complex Trauma of Ideological Imperialism 1:18:05

2M ago1:18:05

1:18:05

Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Sons of Patriarchy: Podcast, Instagram, Website / Outreach Idaho: Website Peter Bell, host of the Sons of Patriarchy podcast, joins Melvin to discuss a little-seen 2015 documentary titled Welcome to Leith. As Peter podcasts about the ideological invasion of Douglas Wilson and Christian Nationalism over Moscow, …

1
When Evil Lurks - The Penalty of Ignoring the Marginalized 1:26:18

2M ago1:26:18

1:26:18

Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss our latest Patreon-picked movie, When Evil Lurks! This Argentinian horror flick made the rounds in 2023, catching a lot of …

1
The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou - Legacy, Renewal, and Fish 1:10:33

2M ago1:10:33

1:10:33

Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Wes Anderson’s follow-up to The Royal Tenenbaums. It’s comedy, it’s drama, it’s silly outfits are all on the table as the two explore ideas of legacy, found-family, and so much more. Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 37-minutes discussing the games K…

1
Pride & Prejudice (1995) - w/ Marissa Burt on Patriarchy, Feminism, Shame, & Marriage 1:23:39

3M ago1:23:39

1:23:39

Send us a Question! MINI-SERIES DISCUSSION: Marissa Burt: Instagram, Substack, Author Page Pre-Order: The Myth of Good Christian Parenting: How False Promises Betrayed a Generation of Evangelical Families by Marissa Burt & Kelsey McGinnis Marissa Burt returns to the podcast to discuss the BBC's 1995 adaption of Pride & Prejudice! Ready for some qui…

1
A Quiet Place: Day One - The Best Quiet Place (So Far!) 1:15:34

3M ago1:15:34

1:15:34

Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss the first non-Krasinski sequel to a wildly popular and super accessible horror/thriller series, A Quiet Place: Day One! Director Michael Sarnoski is tasked with seeing our story through New York City, tossing in some immense heart and drama into an otherwise concession-filled fr…

1
I Saw the TV Glow - Emotionally Devastating 1:31:32

3M ago1:31:32

1:31:32

Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss Jane Schoenbrun's I Saw the TV Glow! Owen's curiosity in a late-night television show called "The Pink Opaque" leads him to…

1
Journey to Bethlehem - A Conviction of Fiction 1:13:07

4M ago1:13:07

1:13:07

Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Shirleon & Melvin wish you a Merry Christmas while discussing a Family-friendly biblical musical, Journey to Bethlehem! The story is simple - a dramatizati…

1
Hot Frosty - The Hottest Movie of 2024! 1:17:09

4M ago1:17:09

1:17:09

Send us a Question! PARTY PLEASER: Shirleon, Kathryn, and Melvin summarize Winter-2024's most discussed film... Hot Frosty! Excited for some seasonal silliness? They've got you covered, along with some fun commentary as well! Tune in now! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 25-minutes of Kathryn and Shirleon figuring out which review-blurb from RottenTomat…

1
The Unknown – w/ At Home with the Lectionary on Perpetual Actors 1:30:16

5M ago1:30:16

1:30:16

Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Marissa & Aaron Burt: At Home with the Lectionary Podcast / Marissa Burt Instagram, Substack, Author Page Pre-Order: The Myth of Good Christian Parenting: How False Promises Betrayed a Generation of Evangelical Families by Marissa Burt & Kelsey McGinnis Marissa & Aaron Burt of the At Home with the Lectionary Po…

1
Signs - A Contrived Deus Ex Machina 1:03:41

5M ago1:03:41

1:03:41

Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss another early M. Night Shyamalan success, Signs! Many consider this another knock-outta-the-park, while others look back a…

1
Joker: Folie à Deux - w/ Movies & Us on How it Might be Good? 1:45:33

5M ago1:45:33

1:45:33

Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Movies & Us: Podcast, Instagram, Threads TV & Us: Podcast, Instagram, Threads Jen & Sarah from the Movies & Us podcast join Melvin to discuss a surprise financial and critical flop of 2024, Joker: Folie à Deux! Is it really as bad as everyone says? At the very least there's a LOT to talk about, and everyone tak…

1
The Assistant - w/ Sheila Gregoire on Toxic Workplaces and How They (Don't) Manage 1:11:58

6M ago1:11:58

1:11:58

Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Sheila Gregoire: Bare Marriage Podcast / Bare Marriage Blog / Author Page Sheila Gregoire of the Bare Marriage podcast joins Melvin to discuss The Assistant, a hidden gem of pure psychological drama! It's depiction of modern office work in the film industry is understated, dour, and timely, as it tackles a comb…

1
Ready Player One - w/ Geek Freaks on Nostalgia Overwhelming 1:05:00

6M ago1:05:00

1:05:00

Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Geek Freaks: Podcast / Instagram / YouTube / Website Frank from the Geek Freaks Podcast Network joins Melvin to discuss a nostalgic hit from 2018, Ready Player One! From it's barrage of "Do-You-Remember-That?" to it's mix of live-action and CG storytelling, Spielberg takes us on a futuristic, rebellious journey…

1
Shadowlands - Desire, Suffering, Love 1:10:37

6M ago1:10:37

1:10:37

Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss this month's Patreon Supporter selected film, Shadowlands! Based upon the later life of C.S. Lewis, specifically his growin…

1
Tower of Terror - More Theme Park Silliness 1:12:41

6M ago1:12:41

1:12:41

Send us a Question! PARTY PLEASER: Shirleon, Kathryn, and Melvin dive into that long-forgotten non-DCOM, Tower of Terror! If you remember programming on ABC called "The Wonderful World of Disney", then you'll remember this early Disney Parks ride-adaption! Ready to relive some memories? Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 30-minutes playing a horror-themed…

1
Donnie Darko - w/ Liz & A Movie on Teen A(ngst)gnosticism 1:22:25

6M ago1:22:25

1:22:25

Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Liz & A Movie: Instagram / YouTube / Letterboxd Liz from Liz & A Movie (and Court from The B-Movie Critics Podcast!) join Melvin to discuss one of his old-school favorites: Donnie Darko! They get into the drama, the angst, and everything in between! Topics: Melvin asks Liz & Court a few questions about their mo…

1
The Crow (1994) - w/ Daniel Braindead on Life, Death, Love, & Hate 1:32:37

7M ago1:32:37

1:32:37

Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Ways to support missions: Mission Next // Wycliffe Bible Translators // The Voice of the Martyrs Daniel comes out of hiding to discuss The Crow with Melvin, but not before explaining why he vanished from the podcast. The two then explore both the original comic and the 90's production of The Crow. Afterward, th…

1
Spawn - w/ Systematic Geekology on Nobody's 90s Nostalgia 1:04:08

7M ago1:04:08

1:04:08

Send us a Question! PARTY PLEASER: Systematic Geekology: Spotify / Instagram Will Rose of Systematic Geekology joins Melvin to summarize Spawn, a notoriously bad superhero movie from the 90s! From John Leguizamo imitating Jim Carrey's The Mask, to shockingly bad CGI, the two get into the not-so-good, the pretty dang bad, and the stupendously ugly. …

1
Synchronic - Kitchen Sink Sci-Fi 1:10:25

7M ago1:10:25

1:10:25

Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss Synchronic, one of the later Benson & Moorhead productions before they transitioned into television. The two get into all …

1
Your Name. - w/ Beneath the Tangles on Shinkai's Melancholic Filmography 1:12:08

7M ago1:12:08

1:12:08

Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Beneath the Tangles: Instagram / YouTube / X / Website Twwk (Charles) from Beneath the Tangles joins Melvin to discuss the hugely popular anime film Your Name. from Makoto Shinkai. From its Studio Ghibli-esque accessibility, its stunningly detailed animation, and Shinkai's filmography, the two discuss all sorts…

1
Frances Ha - w/ Movies & Us on Adulting 1:15:22

8M ago1:15:22

1:15:22

Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Movies & Us: Podcast, Instagram, Threads TV & Us: Podcast, Instagram, Threads Jen & Sarah from the Movies & Us Podcast join Melvin to discuss an early 2010's indie classic, Frances Ha! From it's deep relatability to it's clever humor, the three explore what makes the film stand out as a testament to growing up …

1
The Outsiders – w/ The Filmjoe Podcast on a Golden, Sophomoric, Teenage Reflection 1:07:13

8M ago1:07:13

1:07:13

Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: The Filmjoe Podcast: Spotify / Instagram / YouTube Joe Velazquez of The Filmjoe Podcast joins Melvin to discuss Francis Ford Coppola’s The Outsiders, the movie based upon a staple grade-school book-assignment! The two discuss the atmosphere of a realized world, experiences soaked in nostalgia, and the painful b…

1
Pulse - A Lonely, Traumatic, Dead Internet 1:32:11

8M ago1:32:11

1:32:11

Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss our Patreon Selected film, Pulse! This early 2000's Japanese horror film explores isolation, death, and human relationships…

1
Venom: Let There Be Carnage - It's Embarrassing and Weird 1:24:41

8M ago1:24:41

1:24:41

Send us a Question! REBROADCAST MOVIE DISCUSSION: In this rebroadcasted episode (originally released October 5th, 2021), Melvin & Dan waste no time with banter and jump right into discussing Sony's latest Marvel feature, Venom: Let There Be Carnage! Topics: Daniel reviews the new Venom track by Eminem. Melvin suspects Venom: Let There Be Carnage wi…

1
The Blackcoat's Daughter - The Horror of Spiritual Loneliness 1:20:36

9M ago1:20:36

1:20:36

Send us a Question! REBROADCAST MOVIE DISCUSSION: In this rebroadcasted episode (originally released September 20th, 2022), you'll hear Melvin & Dan talk about one of Mel's favorite movies, The Blackcoat's Daughter, perhaps the most painstakingly slow burning, brooding mood slashers ever made. Also, Melvin gets really honest about why he loves The …

1
Dream Scenario - w/ The Infinity Bros Podcast on Ideals, Self-Image, and Vanity 1:18:59

9M ago1:18:59

1:18:59

Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: The Infinity Bros Podcast: Spotify / Instagram / Website Isaac Edlund of The Infinity Bros Podcast joins Mel to discuss Dream Scenario, a movie whose hook is so good you'll run to the theater to see it! Then, you'll see it and go... huh? We discuss what we like, what we don't like, and the hazard of chasing you…

1
Pitch Black - The Proto Syfy Channel Original Movie 1:20:45

9M ago1:20:45

1:20:45

Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss Pitch Black, one of Vin Diesel's early action outings! The two explore what's cool and what's not-so-cool. But don't worry…

1
Zoetic and the CCM Coconut Tree (Jesus Revolution, The Jesus Music) 2:00:18

9M ago2:00:18

2:00:18

Send us a Question! LET'S TALK: Zoetic: Spotify / Instagram / Linktree Kierstyn St. John, founder/songwriter/producer for the Christian jazz-pop fusion duo Zoetic, joins Melvin to discuss all things Christian Contemporary Music (CCM)! First, Melvin interviews Kierstyn about the Zoetic project, their mix of musical genre, and comfortability with cha…

1
Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters - Cartoonish YA Silliness 1:16:15

10M ago1:16:15

1:16:15

Send us a Question! PARTY PLEASER: Shirleon joins Melvin in summarizing Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, the forgotten sequel to Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief. Mythical monsters abound in this YA-flick, and the two have a fun time chattin' what works and what doesn't in this swan-song of the Percy Jackson theatrical film series.…

1
Cube - Intriguing, Intelligent, and Well Directed 1:30:59

10M ago1:30:59

1:30:59

Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Kathryn joins Melvin to discuss a late-90's Canadian sci-fi thriller, Cube! Why? Because Melvin has a podcast and he gets to choose what they cover! From talented directing to the intriguing mystery of the cube itself, the two discuss all sorts of exciting material in this episode. Tune in now! Topics: (PATREON…

1
Good Burger 2 - Edible but Expired Nostalgia 1:25:13

10M ago1:25:13

1:25:13

Send us a Question! PARTY PLEASER: Shirleon joins Melvin in summarizing the sequel to the late-90s Kenan & Kel hit, Good Burger 2! From more silly burger-flippin' hijinks to Ed's absurd antics, the two discuss how things feel kind of the same, things feel a bit different, and borger! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 50-minutes discussing the newly annou…

1
The Man from Earth - Hollow, Pretentious, and Poorly Directed 1:08:11

10M ago1:08:11

1:08:11

Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss a movie neither of them had heard of before: The Man From Earth! John Oldman says he's lived for 14,000 years, but his cow…

1
Doom - w/ The Reformed Gamers on Misguided Video Game Adaptions 45:01

10M ago45:01

45:01

Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Melvin digs into the archives (read: he found lost audio from 2020) to unearth a surprise Logan Sharp guest appearance! As The Reformed Gamers posted their last episode on January 24th, 2024, Melvin figured it would be fun to release this special episode as a final hoorah to one of his podcasting inspirations. …

1
Holes - Yeah, It's as Good as You Remember 1:13:06

11M ago1:13:06

1:13:06

Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Shirleon and Melvin discuss the popular 2003 Disney family movie Holes, that one where lizards are scary and the line, "I can fix that." is eternally engrained in your brain! We dig into the films surprisingly mature content, occasionally DCOM-esque nature, and how sometimes that movie you liked as a kid is as …

1
Unbreakable - w/ Geek Devotions on Power, Gentleness, and a Perfect Movie 1:47:09

11M ago1:47:09

1:47:09

Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Geek Devotions Website, YouTube, and Comm Talk Podcast. Dallas from Geek Devotions joins Melvin in discussing M. Night Shyamalan's comic-book inspired follow-up to his break-out film: Unbreakable! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 33-minutes of Melvin interviewing Dallas about the "Geek Devotions" project; what Dalla…

1
When Marnie Was There - Personal Anxiety, Western Queerbaiting, and Transformative Love 1:38:27

11M ago1:38:27

1:38:27

Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Shirleon joins Melvin to discuss this month's Patreon-Picked flick: When Marnie Was There! Boy do they cover a lot of ground! From discussing its strong me…

1
Your Lie in April - w/ Faith & Fandom in the Manic Pixie Dream Girl Episode 1:19:26

11M ago1:19:26

1:19:26

Send us a Question! TV-SHOW DISCUSSION: Faith & Fandom Podcast & Website Hector Miray from Faith & Fandom joins Melvin to discuss one of the highest rated anime of the modern age: Your Lie in April! The two discuss it's exploration of music-as-metaphor, depictions of trauma, and, of course, all of the melodrama! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 47-minut…

1
Uzumaki - Editing, Obsession, Acceptance 1:34:33

12M ago1:34:33

1:34:33

Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Kathryn joins Melvin in discussing an early Junji Ito live-action adaption, Uzumaki! Although the film went into production before the manga had reached its completion, there's still a lot of exciting material to cover in this truly wacky film; and not just because of the spirals! Topics: (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 38…

1
Howl's Moving Castle - w/ Establishing Shot Pod on Turmoil and Kindness 1:47:44

12M ago1:47:44

1:47:44

Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Eli Price's The Establishing Shot Podcast, @establishingshotpod on Instagram, and @EliPrice on Letterboxd. Happy Ani-May! Eli Price, host of The Establishing Shot Podcast, joins Melvin in discussing one of Hayao Miyazaki's most beloved films, Howl's Moving Castle! From its fairytale atmosphere to child-like won…

1
Damsel - w/ Shesmadeofwords on Millie Bobby Brown, Scary Dragons, & Wanting More 1:18:48

12M ago1:18:48

1:18:48

Send us a Question! PATREON MOVIE DISCUSSION: This movie was selected by our Patreon Supporters over at the Cinematic Doctrine Patreon. Support as little as $3 a month and have your voice heard! Shesmadeofwords Podcast & Instagram Shirleon joins Melvin in discussing Millie Bobby Brown's latest acting venture: Damsel! From it's wild, fluctuating ton…

1
Shin Godzilla - w/ Monster Island Film Vault on 3/11 and Existential Titan Horror 1:40:46

1y ago1:40:46

1:40:46

Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Nate Marchand's Monster Island Film Vault Podcast, Henshin Men Podcast, The Power Trip: A Journey Through the Power Rangers Franchise Podcast, and Author website. Nate Marchand, host of several podcasts, joins Melvin in discussing Hideaki Anno's bizarre entry to the Godzilla film-canon: Shin Godzilla! This film…

1
Animal Farm (1954) - Historically Important Well-Made Propaganda 1:19:49

1y ago1:19:49

1:19:49

Send us a Question! MOVIE DISCUSSION: Kathryn joins Melvin in discussing George Orwell's other popular communist-criticism tale, Animal Farm! In this early animated adaption the two discuss the complicated social dynamics of Animal Farm, what makes the story so timeless and accessible, and the fascinating history behind this film's development. Top…

1
Green Lantern - w/ Nerds & Jesus Podcast on The "Sam's Club" Tire-Buying Movie 1:17:10

1y ago1:17:10

1:17:10

Send us a Question! PARTY PLEASER: Guest: Nerds & Jesus Podcast & Instagram Mary Howell, lead host of the Nerds & Jesus Podcast, joins Melvin in summarizing a formative experience in Ryan Reynold's Hollywood career, Green Lantern! This stupendously expensive cinematic-universe starter failed to meet expectations, disappointing moviegoers the world …

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Classy Critics Podcasts

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