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PODCAST

Movies vs. Capitalism

Movies vs. Capitalism

MOVIES VS. CAPITALISM explores the politics of your favorite films through an anti-capitalist lens and the crucial intersection between pop culture and politics. Each episode, hosts Rivka and Frank are joined by a guest for a critical discussion about a movie and the ideological messages baked into it.

tv & film politics

All Episodes

01:41:07

Galaxy Quest (w/ MVC Editor John)

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/04/17

Rivka and Frank are joined by MVC editor John for a deep-dive into the sci-fi parody Galaxy Quest. They unpack the film’s clear affection for Star Trek, its sharp satire of fan culture and conventions, and why David Mamet once praised it as one of the best-structured screenplays in modern film. Speaking of space, Frank and Rivka give their take on girlboss billionaire’s modern day galaxy quest in today’s topical. For next week we’ll be talking about TV, discussing Severance and White Lotus. 🤝

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06:40

Jumanji [PATREON PREVIEW]

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/04/10

Rivka and Frank return with another duet to revisit a childhood staple: Jumanji, the Robin Williams-led adventure that shaped a generation’s imagination. But as they unpack the film, it becomes clear that it’s doing more than telling the story of a man trapped in a magical board game. Beneath the surface, Jumanji reflects deeper currents—tracing the shadows of American and European imperialism, colonial legacy, and the quiet manipulations of capitalist logic. 🤝 TO HEAR THE FULL EPISODE SUBSCRIBE

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01:18:09

A Bug’s Life (w/ Ellory Smith)

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/04/03

Rivka and Frank are joined by 3 time Emmy Nominated writer and comedian Ellory Smith to discuss the 1998 Disney / Pixar film A Bug’s Life. The trio deep dive into this radical animation, discussing its themes of exploitation and surplus value. They also discuss how the circus bugs symbolize mutual aid, and, in a controversial twist, they ask: Is Flick actually the hyper-individualistic villain of the story?For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 1995 Robin Williams classic Jumanji. 🤝

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01:19:16

Up in the Air (w/ Marianne Williamson)

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/03/27

Rivka and Frank are joined by author, activist, and former presidential candidate Marianne Williamson to discuss Jason Reitman’s 2009 comedy drama Up in the Air — a movie where George Clooney flies around the country firing people. The three discuss the film’s context coming out shortly after the 2008 financial crisis, the film’s depiction of “corporate loyalty” culture, and how treating people like numbers on a spreadsheet leads to feelings of extreme alienation.For next week’s movie, we’ll be

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01:15:49

Be Kind Rewind (w/ Jesse Jae Hoon)

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/03/20

Rivka and Frank are joined by organizer and playwright Jesse Jae Hoon to delve into the 2008 Michel Gondry film Be Kind Rewind. Together, the trio explore how this quirky comedy, starring Mos Def and Jack Black, offers a poignant commentary on the power of community organizing and storytelling within movements. Frank and Rivka also discuss the current workers strike at Alamo Drafthouse. Alamo Drafthouse Workers Strike Fund More about Jesse Jae Hoon Theater Workers for a Ceasefire Next week, we'll

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03:28

I Saw the TV Glow [PATREON PREVIEW]

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/03/13

Rivka and Frank join forces to dissect the 2024 indie horror gem I Saw the TV Glow, directed by Jane Schoenbrun. The pair dive into the film's political subtext, its hauntingly beautiful portrayal of suburban oppression, and its poignant power as a trans allegory.🤝 TO HEAR THE FULL EPISODE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝 www.patreon.com/movies_vs_capitalism For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2008 comedy Be Kind Rewind.

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01:21:46

Monsters, Inc. (w/ Cassie Willson)

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/03/07

Rivka and Frank are joined by comedian Cassie Willson to discuss the 2001 Pixar classic Monsters, Inc. The trio dives into how the story of two monsters whose job is to extract energy through the exploitation of vulnerable human children offers a rich political allegory. This week, Rivka and Frank also cover the 2025 Oscars.Next week, we'll be watching the 2024 horror-fantasy I Saw the TV Glow. 🤝 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝 www.patreon.com/movies_vs_capitalism MVC donates its ad space to

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01:27:09

Anora [UNLOCKED]

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/03/03

Following Anora's big night at the Academy Awards, we're UNLOCKING our Patreon episode on the film, which some have described as the "most comprehensive Anora podcast of all time."ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED JAN. 30: Rivka and Frank unpack the varied politics of Best Picture Oscar winner Anora, directed by Sean Baker with a breakout performance by Mikey Madison. The two discuss everything from the politics of sex workers on screen, fuck boys with oligarch daddy issues, Sean Baker’s legacy, and more. 🤝

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01:25:05

100TH EPISODE: Big Night (w/ Tom Cappello)

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/02/27

Rivka and Frank are celebrating their 100th episode of Movies VS Capitalism with a very special guest—Frank's dad, Tom Cappello! With over 40 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Tom brings a deeply personal perspective to the hit 1996 Stanley Tucci film Big Night. In this milestone episode, the trio dives into the politics of cooking—particularly how authentic cuisine is a form of resistance—and explores the impact of assimilation on Italian immigrants in America, plus the

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01:22:52

A Complete Unknown (w/ Svetlana Kitto)

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/02/20

Rivka and Frank are joined by writer Svetlana Kitto to discuss the 2024 Timothée Chalamet Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown. The trio examines whether the film delves deeply enough into the politics of its time. They also explore whether it matters if an artist considers themselves political, how the women in the film manage to shine despite their shallow character arcs, and why most musicians today are considered cowards.Svetlana’s Writing For next week’s movie, we’ll be celebrating our 100th

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01:58:17

The Substance (w/ Kate Eastman)

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/02/14

Rivka and Frank are joined by actor Kate Eastman to dive into the 2024 body horror thriller The Substance, a film that tackles the twisted intersections of beauty, capitalism, and patriarchy. The trio explores how this movie craftfully unpacks the moralization of beauty and self-care as a form of imprisonment, and why horror is the perfect genre for director Coralie Fargeat to make her unsettling, yet strangely insightful, statement. For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2024 Timmy Chalamet

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01:25:41

Bezos: the Beginning (w/ Sean Morrow)

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/02/06

Rivka and Frank are joined by Sean Morrow of More Perfect Union to dive into the utterly bonkers straight-to-streaming biopic about everyone’s favorite capitalist, Jeff Bezos. Sean pitches it as a contender for the "so-bad-it's-good" hall of fame alongside The Room, and the trio explores why, against all odds, this might just be an accidental anti-capitalist masterpiece. Oh, and did we mention the villain? None other than Kevin Sorbo as the CEO of Barnes & Noble. Yes, really.More Perfect

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04:55

Anora [PATREON PREVIEW]

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/01/30

Rivka and Frank are back with another “duet” episode, diving into the 2024 indie darling and Oscar-nominated film Anora, directed by Sean Baker with a breakout performance by Mikey Madison. The two discuss everything from the politics of sex workers on screen, fuck boys with oligarchy daddy issues, Sean Baker’s legacy, and more. This may in fact be the world’s most comprehensive Anora podcast ;) … You don’t want to miss it.🤝 TO HEAR THE FULL EPISODE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON

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01:47:22

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (w/ Harvey Kaye)

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/01/24

Rivka and Frank are joined by podcast favorite Harvey Kaye for a heated debate about the 1971 children's classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Is Wonka, the eccentric chocolate genius played by the brilliant Gene Wilder, simply a monstrous capitalist factory owner? And will Charlie, with his working-class roots, follow in his footsteps—or is he the one who can turn the factory around?🤝 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝 www.patreon.com/movies_vs_capitalism MVC donates its ad space to progressive

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01:18:51

UHF (w/ Jade Kim)

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/01/16

Rivka and Frank are joined by science communicator and YouTube host Jade Kim to discuss the 1989 “Weird Al” Yankovic comedy UHF. Jade and Frank are HUGE Weird Al fans, and Rivka is… patient. But even though this zany, fantastical movie starring the world’s greatest song parodist and incredible live performer (Frank wrote this copy, FYI), the movie still manages to have strong opinions about the hyper-sensationalism of the modern TV era, the ruthlessness of market competition, and the value of public

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01:31:27

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (w/ Will from About Face)

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2025/01/09

Rivka and Frank are joined by Will, a US Army veteran and member of the organization About Face: Veterans Against the War, to discuss the 2016 Star Wars standalone movie Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The group discusses the film’s themes around imperialism, war, revolution, radicalism, and what it means to compromise one’s morals for the sake of the “greater good.” They also ask the important question: what the hell was Forest Whitaker thinking? About Face: Veterans Against the War For next

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01:19:35

Miracle on 34th Street

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2024/12/19

Rivka and Frank close out the year with a final “holiday duet” on the Christmas classic Miracle on 34th Street. They debate whether Kris Kringle is in fact the REAL Santa or just the world’s greatest salesman. Released during the second Red Scare, it’s unsurprising that the film’s core moral is the need for “altruistic capitalism.” But is it OK to allow a potentially unwell old man around thousands of children? As long as he’s making money — who cares, it turns out! Don’t get us wrong, we both love

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05:44

Scrooged [PATREON PREVIEW]

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2024/12/13

Rivka and Frank dive into Frank’s favorite Christmas movie, Scrooged, sparking a spirited debate: is this the story of genuine redemption or just a liberal fever dream where a narcissistic old white guy sprinkles a little charity while propping up capitalism's comfy cushions? Is Dickens rolling in his grave, or would he be giving a ghostly thumbs-up? Of course, they can’t resist unpacking their wild theories about Luigi, the claims adjuster—trust us, you don’t want to miss it. 🤝 TO HEAR THE FULL

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01:12:55

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (w/ Evan from LOTP)

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2024/12/06

Rivka and Frank welcome back Evan from Left of the Projector podcast to discuss the upper-middle-class fever dream that is Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Could this movie even exist if Kevin McCallister weren’t a white affluent child? Zero percent chance. The condescension, the entitlement, the PIGEON LADY. They talk about it all, plus who Mr. Duncan would have supported in the 2020 Democratic primary. Left of the Projector Party for Socialism and Liberation For next week’s movie, we’ll be

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01:17:34

Alien: Romulus (w/ Joe Mayall)

Movies vs. Capitalism ·

2024/11/21

Rivka and Frank welcome back returning guest Joe Mayall to talk about the latest installment in the Alien franchise, Alien: Romulus. They appreciate how director Fede Álvarez doubles down on the anti-corporate themes of the original Alien, while finding new ways to freak the shit out of his audience. They also agree that android Andy stole the movie and unpack how his character arc is a sharp critique of AI. JoeWrote.com We’ll be taking off next week for Thanksgiving! We’ll be back the following

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130 results

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