The Cinematic Schematic

After an entire weekend full of movies, parties, and reunions at the 2019 deadCenter Film Festival followed by a week full of film reviews and interviews here at The Cinematropolis, our special deadCenter coverage comes to a close with a festival recap discussion between our entire festival team, Jo Light, Daniel Bokemper, Christopher Shultz, and myself. Each of us discusses our favorite feature films, short films, documentaries, and experience at this year’s festival. To add to the recap, we also ponder the possibilities of bringing Uwe Boll to screen his own version of Postal and whether or not Ed and Lorraine Warren were con artists. To close out the festival, we’d like to send thanks out to the deadCenter staff including Lance McDaniel, Sara Thompson, Alyx Picard, and Kevin Ely along with Sunrise Tippeconnie, Krystal Yosef, Stephen Tyler, and the other phenomenal volunteers who continue to make this festival happen. We can’t wait to see what the team comes up with for deadCenter’s 20th in 2020! Take a loo

The 2019 deadCenter Film Festival brought in a number of notable indie films, but perhaps our most anticipated was The Art of Self-Defense from writer/director Riley Stearns and Bleeker Street. The official synopsis for The Art of Self-Defense reads: The dark comedy The Art of Self-Defense stars Jesse Eisenberg and is set in the world of karate. Eisenberg plays a man who is attacked at random on the street and enlists in a local dojo, led by a charismatic and mysterious Sensei (Alessandro Nivola), in an effort to learn how to defend himself. This dark comedy exploring karate culture, toxic masculinity and the cycles of violence debuted at the SXSW 2019 film festival to huge critical acclaim. The film is scheduled for a July 12 wide-release. Writer/Director Riley Stearns joined The Cinematic Schematic after the film festival to talk more about what inspired him to make a movie about karate, why he decided to explore such timely themes, and how he assembled his all-star trio cast of Jesse Eisenberg, Imogen Poot

The deadCenter 2019 film festival has finally arrived and we are kicking off our coverage with a filmmaker interview on one of the festival’s most anticipated curiosities. Award-winning independent Oklahoma filmmaker Mickey Reece rejoins The Cinematic Schematic to talk about his new movie Arrows of Outrageous Fortune playing at this weekend’s 2019 deadCenter Film Festival in downtown Oklahoma City. Reece is also joined by Oklahoma City comedian turned star, Alex Sanchez. The official synopsis for Arrows of Outrageous Fortune reads: George Arrow bequeaths his only son, Henry, a mansion filled with insane women. Reece and Sanchez talk about how the idea for the film came about before delving into the story’s influences and methodology. Sanchez elaborates on how he balanced his personal brand of humor with the movie’s dramatic opening scenes. Listen to the full interview to get a taste of what you can expect to see in Reece and Sanchez’s treat to this year’s deadCenter attendees. Stay tuned to thecinematropolis.

The Cinematic Schematic returns in this special May edition to give a spoiler-free review of one of the most anticipated movies of the summer, John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. Sound Trek‘s Alexandra Bohannon joins us to look at the third entry of Keanu Reeve’s critically acclaimed John Wick action vehicle collaboration with director Chad Stahelski. Picking up moments after the twisted events of John Wick: Chapter 2, Wick (Keanu Reeves) is now the most wanted man in the criminal underworld. Before Wick can attempt to clear his name, he must fight his way through every assassin in New York City. With nowhere left to run, Wick must turn to his mysterious past to find a new path forward into the future. With a twelve million dollar excommunicado bounty put on his head by the High Table, every bounty hunter in the world wants a slice of John Wick. On his search for a way out, he encounters many faces, new and old, including his friend Winston(Ian McShane), an old flame named Sofia(Halle Berry), a deadly assassin

At long last, we’ve arrived at the conclusion of Marvel’s 22 movie epic that has spanned 11 years of filmmaking. After earning $350 million at the U.S. box office and $1.2 billion worldwide, it’s hardly hyperbole to say Avengers: Endgame is the most anticipated movie of the last decade. The Cinematic Schematic is here with a quick spoiler-free review followed by an in-depth discussion reflecting on the film’s themes and how well it wraps up “The Infinity Saga.” Joining us for this review discussion is Sound Trek‘s Alexandra who is coming hot off her GoodTrash Media special analyzing the last Marvel Cinematic Universe(MCU) release, Captain Marvel. To complete the panel, we’re also re-joined by Geek Girl Features’ Chelsea Ratterman who brings two Avengers: Endgame watches worth of viewings and infinite MCU knowledge to the table. Alexandra, Chelsea and I begin our talk with s brief spoiler-free review discussion before moving into a spoiler-filled debrief and reflection on the grand conclusion to the MCU so far

The Cinematic Schematic has your horror filmgoing needs covered with a special bonus deep dive conversation reviewing one of our most anticipated movies of the spring, Jordan Peele’s follow up to Get Out, Us. Since making waves with 2017’s Oscar-winning Get Out, Jordan Peele has appeared unstoppable. After coming out of what appeared to be nowhere but a career as a comedian, everyone was excited to see what Peele’s new creative voice in Hollywood would do next. He’s since produced another Oscar winner, BlacKkKlansman, and the highly anticipated Twilight Zone reboot for CBS’s streaming service. According to the written review by Christopher Shultz,Us begins with a flashback to 1986, where our protagonist Adelaide (played as a child by Maddison Curry and as an adult by Lupita Nyong’o) wanders away from her bickering parents at the Santa Cruz boardwalk and discovers a spooky hall of mirrors down on the beach. Upon entering, she meets another little girl who looks exactly like her. This proves traumatizing for th

To celebrate the release of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse on Blu-ray, The Cinematic Schematic is taking a special look back at two of the most beloved entries of the franchise. Lani Diane Rich from Chipperish Media and the Listen Up A-Holes podcast joins the show to take a closer look at Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man 2 (2004). Previously considered the gold standard of the franchise and the high bar to reach for all superhero movies, Spider-Man 2 remains a beloved film fifteen years after its theatrical release. With so many advancements in the genre since its debut, including the rise of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, does Spidey’s film featuring a showdown with Doctor Octopus remain the standard it once was? Join Lani and I for the full conversation. Following our 2004 trip down memory lane, comic book scholar, Listen Up A-Holes co-host, and The Cinematropolis contributor Joshua Unruh and I review and reflect on the Oscar-winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. What makes Miles Morales’ first big screen app

It’s time to get out your sample 2019 Oscar ballot and start making prediction notes for this Sunday night’s big show! Fortunately, we’ve got just the nominee breakdown you need to put together a winning list on the latest episode of The Cinematic Schematic. In part two of our special 2019 Oscar podcast episode, Laron Chapman and myself are joined by Geek Girl Features writer, Chelsea Ratterman, and Collider deputy editor, Adam Chitwood, to discuss our hopes and predictions for this year’s 91st Academy Awards. This year’s Academy Awards are holding the show without a host or a consistent plan of action for the ceremony. We weigh in on the state of the Oscars and what the lack of a host could mean for this year’s presentation. For a deep dive conversation into the 2019 Best Original Score nominees, make sure to listen to part 1 of our 2019 Oscar special featuring a Sound Trek analysis of the nominees with Alexandra Bohannon. Special Guests Adam Chitwood Deputy Editor, Collider Oklahoma Film Critics Circle Memb

While we continue our month looking at stop-motion films, we can’t help but stop and take a closer look at the tumultuous and oftentimes controversial 2019 Oscars. In part one of our two-part The Cinematic Schematic 2019 Oscar special, Sound Trek host Alexandra Bohannon and co-host Caleb Masters sit down to discuss the 2019 Best Original Score nominees and what makes each score one of the year’s best. Which of these scores stands the best chance at a win? Tune in to get our thoughts and analysis on each nomination in the Best Original Score category! Today’s Sound Trek Selections Black Panther, Ludwig Göransson – “Wakanda” Isle of Dogs, Alexandre Desplat – “Six Months Later + Dog Fight” Mary Poppins Returns,Marc Shaiman – “Overture” BlackKklansman, Terence Blanchard  – “Blut und Boden (Blood and Soil)” If Beale Street Could Talk, Nicholas Britell- “Eden (Harlem)” BONUS – Vice, Nicholas Britell – “Main Title Orchestra Suite” The “Evil Triad” in the BlackKklansman score Follow The Cinematic Schematic Podcast He

Happy New Year listeners! In this month’s edition of The Cinematic Schematic examining M. Night Shyamalan’s career, Daniel Bokemper joins me to review the highly anticipated follow up Unbreakable and its backdoor sequel, Split, Glass. All January long, we’ve been reflecting on Shyamalan’s career. Take an even close look by reading about the highs and lows of his storytelling in these in depth essays. Alexandra Bohannon takes us back through M. Night Shyamalan’s career by looking at his collaborations with James Newton Howard in The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, and eventually the much-maligned The Last Airbender. Don’t worry, the film score analysis ends with a twist! The show closes with part 3 of our ongoing audio diary interview series with the minds behind Shifter (two of The Cinematropolis co-founders), Jacob and Zachary Burns. We recap their experience filming the first phase of the movie, discuss what they are doing between phase one and phase two, and how they are beginning to prepare for post-production.

Guest: Wade “Dankmus” Nixon Youtube Video Composer Follow Dankmus on Twitter @dankmus Welcome back to Sound Trek’s new film composer spotlight interview series on The Cinematic Schematic! Each month hosts Alexandra Bohannon and Caleb Masters will sit down for a talk with a composer working in the entertainment industry to discuss the blood, sweat, and musical notes that go into creating the iconic themes and catchy tunes that accompany our favorite pieces of entertainment every day. This spotlight series will help listeners learn more about the lives and journeys of the composers behind the iconic themes we all know and love. This month’s guest, Wade “Dankmus” Nixon, is an internet composer who has carved out a name for himself by creating his own unique sound through the sounds of the beloved animated program, The Simpsons on Youtube. Alexandra begins the interview by delving into the origins of his love for music and approach to remixing music. Listen to the full conversation with Dankmus to hear about his

  Guest Lorne Balfe Film/TV/Video Game Score Composer Follow Lorne Balfe on Twitter: @Lornebalfe Like Lorne Balfe on Facebook @Lornebalfemusic Visit lornebalfe.com for more information on his past and future projects   Welcome back to Sound Trek’s new film composer spotlight interview series on The Cinematic Schematic! Each month hosts Alexandra Bohannon and Caleb Masters will sit down for a talk with a composer working in the entertainment industry to discuss the blood, sweat, and musical notes that go into creating the iconic themes and catchy tunes that accompany our favorite pieces of entertainment every day. This spotlight series will help listeners learn more about the lives and journeys of the composers behind the iconic themes we all know and love. Today’s special guest is the composer of last summer’s biggest action movie box office and critical hit, Mission: Impossible – Fallout, Lorne Balfe! Balfe joins us for an in-depth conversation about his journey to becoming a film composer and his experience

  Guest Kevin Manthei Film/TV/Video Game Composer Follow Kevin Manthei on Twitter: @KevinManthei Like Kevin on Facebook @KevinMantheiMusic Visit kevinmanthei.com for more information on his past and future projects Welcome to the first of Sound Trek’s new film/TV/video game composer spotlight interviews on The Cinematic Schematic! Each month hosts Alexandra Bohannon and Caleb Masters will sit down for a talk with a composer working in the entertainment industry to discuss the blood, sweat, and musical notes that go into creating the iconic themes and catchy tunes that accompany our favorite pieces of entertainment every day. This spotlight series will help listeners learn more about the lives and journeys of the composers behind the iconic themes we all know and love. Debuting our film composer spotlight interview series is the well-spoken and multi-talented film/TV/video game composer Kevin Manthei. Kevin has contributed to film scores including The Faculty, Resident Evil (2002), Batman: Gotham Knight, Justi

Trick ‘r’ treat listeners! In this month’s edition of The Cinematic Schematic celebrating the horror movie season, we’re stepping into the suburban American town of Haddonfield, IL to review David Gordon Green’s Michal Myers revival film, Halloween. Laron Chapman and The Cinematropolis essay contributor Christopher Shultz join me to discuss whether or not this is a great sequel and how well it holds up against the rest of the franchise. Read Christopher’s recent essay on the underrated Halloween H20 “In Defense of Halloween H20, One of the Franchises Best Sequels” Alexandra Bohannon takes us closer to the heart of horror as she schools the show on some of the scariest film scores including tracks from The Exorcist, Perfect Blue, and both Suspiria films. Alexandra also announces her exciting new interview series with film, TV, and video game composers that will kick off next month! The show closes with part 2 of our ongoing audio diary interview series with the minds behind Shifter (two of The Cinematropolis c

Award winning independent Oklahoma filmmaker Mickey Reece rejoins The Cinematic Schematic to talk about his new movie making its world premiere at the Fantastic Fest in Austin, TX, Strike, Dear Mistress, and Cure His Heart. Reece is also joined by the film’s star, Mary Buss. A quick synopsis of Strike, Dear Mistress, and Cure His Heart: “Newlyweds David and Madeline Middleston have just purchased a historic hotel near the town where Madeline’s estranged mother Dianne resides. When Dianne comes to visit she brings with her an uninvited guest.” Reece and Buss sit down to talk about the film’s inspiration, including Ingmar Bergman’s Autumn Sonata, and what sets this movie apart from the previous entries in Reece’s oeuvre. Listen to the full interview to learn more about the making of Strike, Dear Mistress, and Cure His Heart in addition to more details about when and where you can see the movie. Special Guests   Guest Mickey Reece Strike, Dear Mistress, and Cure His Heart writer/director       Guest Mary Buss St

For 79 years, this weird creature of the night has stalked the superstitious and cowardly lot known as criminals. He has battled murder clowns, brilliant puzzlers, international criminal organizations, and even the god of evil itself. But he has surrounded himself with allies in his war on crime who are also his family. Of course we speak of the Batman. And what better day to celebrate the Caped Crusader than Batman Day 2019? Join in the festivities with The Cinematropolis as two of their contributors lead a discussion about the arguably best Batman feature film based on the best animated series, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm. Mask of the Phantasm sees a double threat return to Gotham City. A cloaked murderer hunts mobsters to deadly ends, framing Batman in the process and complicating his relationship with the police. But speaking of complicated relationships, the lost love of Bruce Wayne’s life has also returned. But what is the terrifying connection between Andrea Beaumont and the Phantasm? What does it mea

In this month’s edition of The Cinematic Schematic, we’re stepping back in time to discuss our very favorite time travel movies in order to protect the new movies being made in the present day! The minds behind Shifter (The Cinematropolis co-founders), Jacob and Zachary Burns, join us to kick off a new Making of Shifter audio diary series describing their process for raising money through Indie Go Go and casting their ensemble. Alexandra Bohannon rides the time travel theme by talking about the scores and soundtracks of a number of films including Planet of the Apes (1968), Donnie Darko, and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The episode concludes with an in depth review and spoiler discussion over Boots Riley’s directorial debut, Sorry To Bother You, between Laron Chapman and myself. Join us in celebrating one of my very favorite plots devices, time travel. If you want to be a part of the making of a bold new time travel film, consider contributing to the Shifter Indie Go Go at SHIFTERFILM.COM. If you

The Cinematic Schematic has your summer filmgoing needs covered with a special bonus conversation reviewing one of our most anticipated movies of the summer, Mission: Impossible – Fallout.  Mission: Impossible – Fallout is the sixth entry in the Mission: Impossible film franchise starring Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt, and the second written/directed by frequent Cruise collaborator, Christopher McQuarrie. The film reunites Ethan Hunt with several members of his teams from past films including Luthor Stickell (Ving Rhames), Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), and Alan Hunley (Alec Baldwin). Other allies such as Ilsa Faust(Rebecca Ferguson) and Hunt’s biggest threat, Solomon Lane(Sean Harris) also return for a mission even larger and more personal than any mission to come before.  Fallout has already drawn rave reviews and garnered positive buzz for its practical stunts and smart script. In this discussion, I sit down with longtime friend and podcaster, Dalton Stuart from the Goodtrash Genrecast to discuss what sets the Missio

In this month’s edition of The Cinematic Schematic, Laron Chapman returns to the podcast to review and delve into spoilers on the A24’s latest horror movie, Hereditary. Christopher Shultz also joins Caleb and Laron to discuss whether or not the film could truly be classified as horror and whether or not the film’s logic makes sense in the excitement of the third act. “Sound Trek” is on a break this month, but will return in July to look at films the incorporate time-travel. Follow The Cinematic Schematic Podcast Hear all of this and more of our past and future episodes by subscribing to The Cinematic Schematic and leaving us a rating on Apple Podcasts! Like The Cinematropolis on Facebook Follow The Cinematropolis on Twitter and Instagram @thecinematrop The post A Hereditary Roundtable – The Cinematic Schematic #7 appeared first on The Cinematropolis.

After an entire weekend full of movies, parties, and reunions at the 2018 deadCenter Film Festival followed by a week full of film reviews and interviews here at The Cinematropolis, our special deadCenter coverage comes to a close with a deadCenter 2018 recap discussion between our entire festival team, Daniel Bokemper, Kevin Tudor, Christopher Shultz, and myself. We are also joined by The Cinematic Schematic‘s ‘Sound Trek’ host and You People associate producer/Homecoming unit production manager, Alexandra Bohannon, who also attended the festival. Each of us discusses our favorite feature film, short film, documentary, and experience at the this year’s festival. To close out the festival, we’d like to send thanks out to the deadCenter staff including Lance McDaniel, Sara Thompson, Alyx Picard, and Kevin Ely along with Sunrise Tippeconnie, Krystal Yosef, Stephen Tyler, and the other phenomenal volunteers who continue to make this festival happen. Take a look at The Cinematropolis’s other deadCenter 2018 cover