Spider-Noir

Minions & Monsters and What’s Making Us Happy

Jul 3, 202622 minSummary

In this episode, the hosts dive into the latest installment of the Despicable Me franchise, Minions and Monsters. Joining the discussion are freelance journalist Rianna Cruz and media producer Candace Lim, who debate the merits of centering a film entirely around the chattering, yellow creatures. While the hosts acknowledge that the film is filled with frantic energy and a sprawling, sometimes inconsistent timeline, they find common ground in their appreciation for its clever meta-commentary on the history of cinema. The film’s ability to pay homage to classic Hollywood, silent films, and monster movies earns it high marks for its visual creativity and playful tone, regardless of its narrative lapses. The conversation also shifts to the hosts’ personal recommendations for the week. Their picks range from the addictive, sociologically fascinating drama of the reality series Love Island USA to the surprisingly infectious pop stylings of the Backstreet Boys. Finally, the episode highlights the unique, theatrical art-rock sound of the French-Canadian duo Angine de Poitrin, rounding out a discussion that balances mainstream blockbuster analysis with eclectic, personal cultural discoveries.

The Bear

Jul 1, 202622 minSummary

In this episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour, the hosts examine the fifth and final season of the acclaimed series The Bear. Joining the discussion is Vulture television critic Roxana Hadati to break down a season that intentionally scales back its scope, focusing on a single, high-stakes day of restaurant service interrupted by a relentless thunderstorm and a series of professional crises. The conversation highlights the show's return to its roots, emphasizing the camaraderie and tension among the core kitchen staff. While the panel praises the character development and the emotional payoff of the restaurant's Michelin star journey, they express skepticism regarding the show's concluding creative choices—specifically a disjointed subplot involving Carmi pursuing an internship at an architecture firm. The hosts debate whether the series effectively justified this character trajectory or if it felt like an unearned, overly philosophical epilogue. The discussion also explores the evolution of the show’s tone, noting that this season leaned more into comedy than its predecessors, while acknowledging a lingering frustration with the series' occasional tendency toward self-importance and meta-commentary. Ultimately, the team reflects on the show's complex legacy and its impact on the television landscape.

The best depictions of the American dream

Jun 30, 202633 minSummary

In this episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour, the hosts take on the broad, ambitious challenge of identifying pop culture works that best capture the elusive concept of the American Dream. Eschewing traditional interpretations of economic upward mobility, the team selects pieces that reflect their own complex, often conflicted feelings about what this national mythology represents in film, television, and music. Linda Holmes begins the discussion by nominating the 1995 film Apollo 13, framing the space program as an idealized version of American ingenuity, competence, and international cooperation. Aisha Harris shifts the focus to the gritty reality of the American dream through the lens of The Wire, highlighting characters like Frank Sobotka and Bunny Colvin to illustrate how systemic failures and the erosion of labor undermine the promise of a better life. Glenn Weldon rounds out the conversation with the documentary Grey Gardens, describing it as a study of the American dream in decay, where privilege and aristocracy devolve into eccentricity. Finally, the host explores the pressures of success through the Jasmine Sullivan song The Other Side, concluding a nuanced conversation on how pop culture constantly oscillates between hope, disappointment, and the pursuit of status.

Jackass: Best and Last

Jun 29, 202621 minSummary

In this episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour, Stephen Thompson and his guests, Ronald Young Jr., Jordan Morris, and Rhanna Cruz, delve into the latest installment of the long-running franchise, Jackass: Best and Last. The panel reflects on the enduring legacy of the crew, acknowledging the show’s transition from a rebellious MTV staple to a series of high-budget films. The discussion explores how the film operates as a retrospective, blending classic moments with new stunts, though the hosts are divided on the success of this structure. While some appreciate the sentimentality and the joy of witnessing the cast's evolution, others feel the reliance on older footage and forced emotional moments make the film feel less impactful than its predecessors. The group also highlights the unique blend of stupidity and artistic intentionality that defines the series, positioning the cast as unexpected pioneers of modern stunt-based digital content. Ultimately, the hosts analyze the reality of watching a group of performers in their middle age continue to subject themselves to extreme physical comedy, debating whether this truly serves as a final chapter or if the franchise will continue to evolve into a new generation.

Supergirl and What’s Making Us Happy

Jun 26, 202622 minSummary

In this episode, the hosts discuss the latest big-screen iteration of Supergirl, featured in the new Superman film. Played by Millie Alcock, this version of Kara Zor-El is introduced as a cynical, gritty, and weary character who finds an unlikely ally while hunting the villain responsible for injuring her dog, Krypto. The panel explores the film’s narrative, which is heavily inspired by the comic book "Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow," and debates whether the movie effectively differentiates itself from other entries in the superhero genre. The discussion delves into several critiques, including the portrayal of the antagonist, Crem, who is described as a one-dimensional villain, and the film’s overall tone. The hosts offer varying perspectives on the performances, the casting choices, and the visual style, comparing the film to other notable titles like "Mad Max: Fury Road." They also reflect on the importance of grounding female-led superhero stories and the challenges of balancing dark themes with necessary fun. Finally, as is tradition, the team closes by sharing what has been making them happy lately, highlighting everything from classic cinema staples like "The Godfather" to the appeal of fast-paced domestic thrillers.

Great movies we missed

Jun 25, 202620 minSummary

In this episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour, the hosts and guest critics step away from their usual routine to spotlight several notable films that might have slipped under the radar. The panel explores a diverse collection of movies, beginning with the crime drama Tuner, which follows a piano tuner with sensitive hearing who discovers a talent for safe-cracking. The discussion highlights the film’s clever use of macro photography and its balance of interpersonal drama and heist elements. The conversation then shifts to the high-octane Hong Kong action film The Furious. The panel praises its intricate, balletic fight choreography and inventive stunts, describing it as a thrilling, fast-paced experience that pays homage to the history of action cinema. Next, the focus moves to She’s the He, a sharp and delightful comedy that subverts transphobic tropes by centering queer and non-binary perspectives. Finally, the group discusses the Dutch folk horror film Heresy, commending its immersive atmosphere, commitment to period detail, and beautiful, albeit unsettling, practical monster effects. Throughout the episode, the panel emphasizes the joy of discovering unique, well-executed storytelling across genres.

Leviticus

Jun 23, 202616 minSummary

In this episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour, host Glenn Weldon is joined by culture critics Kate Young and Rhanna Cruz to discuss the indie horror film Leviticus. Set in a remote Australian community, the movie follows a teenager whose burgeoning romance with a friend triggers a series of supernatural and violent events. The panel explores the film as both a queer coming-of-age story and a chilling critique of gay conversion therapy. The hosts engage in a lively debate regarding the film’s effectiveness. While some panelists found the narrative somewhat simple and noted that the religious community felt underwritten, others praised the movie’s atmosphere and visceral performances. A central point of discussion is the film's core metaphor: a demonic entity that takes the form of one’s loved ones to prey on internalised shame and fear. Weldon passionately defends the film’s blunt, anti-dogmatic message, arguing that it captures the painful reality of growing up in environments that weaponize queer desire. Ultimately, despite varying levels of personal connection to the story, the hosts agree that the film’s unique approach to horror and its powerful performances make it a compelling watch.

Best Pixar Movies, Ranked

Jun 22, 202626 minSummary

In this encore episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour, hosts Stephen Thompson and Aisha Harris revisit a listener poll to rank the greatest Pixar films of all time. With twenty-eight features to choose from, listeners cast their votes to determine a top five list that—due to a tie—ultimately showcases six beloved movies. The hosts explore the enduring legacy of the original Toy Story, crediting it as the bedrock for modern animation, and discuss the emotional depth and visual splendor of Coco. The conversation moves to the profound impact of Up, particularly its iconic opening sequence, before analyzing the cross-generational appeal and stunning aesthetics of Finding Nemo. While debating the merits of Wall-E, the hosts engage in a spirited critique of its shift from a masterful silent-film opening to a more cynical second half. Finally, they celebrate Inside Out as the number one pick, praising its sophisticated exploration of human emotions and its ability to resonate deeply with both children and adults. Throughout the episode, the hosts highlight how personal life stages significantly influence which Pixar stories feel most meaningful to individual viewers.

Toy Story 5 and What's Making Us Happy

Jun 19, 202624 minSummary

In this episode, the hosts are joined by Regina Barber to discuss Toy Story 5. The conversation explores the latest installment of the franchise, which centers on the tension between traditional playtime and the allure of digital devices as the main characters face new existential challenges. While the hosts acknowledge that the series leans heavily on established tropes, they find the central narrative regarding the universal experiences of parenthood and childhood obsolescence to be moving and effective. The group delves into the film’s themes, including the struggles of making friends and the pressure to move on from toys, while also debating the merits of the movie’s pacing and character inclusion. Despite some reservations about the film’s self-referential nature and the integration of its musical elements, the consensus remains that the animation is stunning and the story provides a delightful, emotional experience. The episode concludes with the segment "What's Making Us Happy," featuring recommendations that include the K-drama Boneap Your Majesty, the volleyball anime Haikyu, the latest mixtape from rapper Tierra Whack, and the album You by the artist Underscores.

Olivia Rodrigo you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love

Jun 17, 202621 minSummary

In this episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour, the hosts explore Olivia Rodrigo’s latest album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love. The discussion centers on Rodrigo’s growth as a songwriter and her ability to bridge the gap between Gen Z pop sensibilities and classic 1990s rock influences. While the panel agrees on the artist's impressive vocal command, they offer varied perspectives on the record's overall cohesion and emotional impact. The conversation delves into the album's unique narrative structure, which is split between the euphoria of falling in love and the subsequent heartbreak of the relationship's end. The guests analyze specific tracks, such as The Cure and Stupid Song, debating whether the production choices and lyrical themes successfully capture the intended intensity. While some participants praise the sonic experimentation and the inclusion of legends like Robert Smith, others express a desire for the raw, sarcastic edge found in Rodrigo’s earlier work. Ultimately, the episode provides a thoughtful look at an artist navigating a transition in her sound, balancing vulnerability with a refined, narrative-driven approach to pop songwriting.