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PODCAST

Midday Movies

Laura Fones and Stephen Frothingham

Welcome to the Midday Movies podcast, provider of fun, funny, and thoughtful media reviews 2-3x a week. Streaming on @radiotacoma101.9 every Tues/Thurs/Sat at 3pm.

tv & film

All Episodes

00:24:37

Ep 268: Japanese Folkloric Horror & the War-Torn...

Midday Movies ·

2025/10/21

In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen dive deep into the 1964 Japanese art house horror film “Onibaba.” Set in war-torn medieval Japan the movie follows the grim story of two nameless women and a deserting soldier caught in a love triangle amidst the ominous tall reeds until the arrival of a samurai general in a demonic mask changes everything. With themes of survival, sin, and potentially supernatural elements, the film offers a stark critique of war and its dehumanizing

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00:37:16

Ep 267: Reclaiming “Jennifer's Body” (2009)...

Midday Movies ·

2025/10/16

In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen take a deep dive into the 2009 film “Jennifer's Body,” written by Diablo Cody, directed by Karyn Kusama and starring Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried. Initially panned by critics, the film has since gained cult status for its exploration of themes like fame, friendship, and femininity. The hosts discuss the film's misunderstood reception, its clever script by Diablo Cody, and its cultural re-evaluation in the post-#MeToo era. They also touch

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00:19:38

Ep 266: Remember the Witchy Halloween Romance Classic...

Midday Movies ·

2025/10/14

In this episode of 'Midday Movies,' hosts Laura and Stephen dive into the 1998 cult classic 'Practical Magic,' directed by Griffin Dunn and starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. They discuss the movie's whimsical and cozy vibes, despite its tonal inconsistencies, and highlight its appeal as the perfect feel-good fall staple. Shot in the idyllic town of Coupeville, Washington, the film features charming family dynamics, magical elements, and a soundtrack saturated with Stevie Nicks. The hosts

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00:32:25

Ep 265: “Midsommar” (2019, Ari Aster) Is the Cult...

Midday Movies ·

2025/10/09

In today's episode of Midday Movies, Laura and Stephen delve into Ari Aster's 2019 cult horror film 'Midsommar.' They discuss the disturbing tale set in a remote Swedish commune, featuring Florence Pugh as the emotionally scarred Dani. The podcast explores the film's cult tactics, its folklore inspirations, and the powerful catharsis intertwined with Danny's traumatic journey. The hosts also touch on the film's thematic parallels to classics like 'The Wizard of Oz' and highlight its haunting impact

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00:31:57

Ep 264: Reviewing “Train to Busan” (2016) The Korean...

Midday Movies ·

2025/10/07

Hosts Laura and Stephen discuss the South Korean breakout hit zombie horror film “Train to Busan” (2016) on their podcast 'Midday Movies.' This deep dive conversation delves into the movie's plot, which centers on a father-daughter relationship strained by the father's workaholism, set against a zombie outbreak on a high-speed train. They explore themes such as social commentary, character development, and the film's subversion of typical zombie tropes. Highlights include the father’s transformation

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00:30:59

Ep 263: Ultimate List of 25 Best Halloween Movies...

Midday Movies ·

2025/10/02

Hosts Laura and Stephen conclude their discussion on Harper Bazaar's list of the 25 best Halloween films in their podcast, Midday Movies. They cover influential horror titles from the last 50 years, focusing on films released post-2016. The discussion includes detailed critiques of 'Midsommar,' 'It,' 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show,' and 'Jennifer's Body,' among others. They delve into film themes, notable performances, and how these movies can inspire Halloween costumes. They finalize their top

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00:25:32

Ep 262: Ultimate List of 25 Best Halloween Movies...

Midday Movies ·

2025/09/30

In this episode of Midday Movies, Laura and Stephen dive into the Halloween spirit with an engaging discussion on fall ambiance and costume ideas. They explore a curated list from Harper's Bazaar of the top 25 Halloween movies, providing detailed insights and personal anecdotes about each film's significance and impact. Covering classics like 'Hocus Pocus,' 'Nosferatu,' and 'Silence of the Lambs,' the pair shares their excitement for the spooky season and hints at their own Halloween plans. The

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00:07:59

Ep 261: Let Me Tell You About “The Knick” (2014, Mini)

Midday Movies ·

2025/09/25

In this episode, Laura introduces the Cinemax series “The Knick” (now streaming on HBO & Hulu), which stars Clive Owen and is set in a 1910s San Francisco public hospital named The Knickerbocker. The show is praised for its historical accuracy, having been based off a real-life pioneering surgeon with a substance use disorder, and covers themes like pioneering surgical procedures, drug addiction treatment, and societal issues of the time, including the bubonic plague in Chinatown. The discussion

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00:27:08

Ep 260: Fall Into More of the 28 Best Back-to-School...

Midday Movies ·

2025/09/23

Laura and Stephen continue their podcast 'Midday Movies' by discussing Collider's list of the 28 Best Back-to-School Films, focusing on the top 14. They highlight timeless John Hughes classics, influential comedies, and heartwarming stories of academic excellence. Films like 'School of Rock,' 'Rushmore,' 'Grease,' 'Footloose,' 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High,' '10 Things I Hate About You,' 'Akeelah and the Bee,' 'Election,' 'Legally Blonde,' 'Dead Poets Society,' 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's

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00:28:35

Ep 259: Fall Into the 28 Best Back-to-School Films...

Midday Movies ·

2025/09/18

In this episode of 'Midday Movies,' hosts Laura and Stephen discuss part one of Collider's list of the 28 best back to school films. Spanning beloved films from the eighties, nineties, and early 21st century, the hosts delve into classic school-centric narratives that bring nostalgia, laughter, and contemplation about the role of teachers. The episode features discussions on films like 'Kindergarten Cop,' 'October Sky,' '16 Candles,' 'Me and Earl and the Dying Girl,' and '17 Again,' offering varied

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00:30:10

Ep 258: Is She “The Worst Person in the World”...

Midday Movies ·

2025/09/16

In this episode of 'Midday Movies,' Laura and Stephen conclude their Summer of Love series with a discussion on “The Worst Person in the World,” Norway's 2021 entry into the Oscar Best International Film Race. Set in Oslo, the film follows protagonist Julie as she navigates career changes, relationships, and self-discovery. Julie's journey highlights the challenges faced by modern generations, such as economic pressures and the freedom to redefine life paths. The hosts delve into the film's

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00:30:49

Ep 257: Reviewing “Carol” (2015) Todd Haynes’ Period...

Midday Movies ·

2025/09/12

Join Laura and Stephen as they continue their Summer of Love series with a deep dive into the 2015 period romance film “Carol.” Directed by Todd Haynes and starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, this episode explores the emotionally rich and visually stunning story of a transformative romance in the conservative era of 1950s America. Through their analysis, they discuss the sociopolitical context of the time, character dynamics, and the artistry of Todd Haynes, while celebrating the film's

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00:18:46

Ep 256: “WALL-E” Astrology — What Star Signs Are...

Midday Movies ·

2025/09/09

In this Midday Mini episode, hosts Laura and Stephen engage in a whimsical discussion about assigning astrological signs to the main characters from Pixar's 2008 film, WALL-E. They explore the traits of characters like WALL-E, Eve, Mo, and others, correlating their characteristics with Aquarius, Capricorn, Virgo, and more. The hosts analyze the signs using their extensive astrology knowledge and humor, providing listeners with an entertaining look at the zodiac traits of their favorite robots and

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00:29:26

Ep 255: Reviewing “WALL·E” (2008) PIXAR’s...

Midday Movies ·

2025/09/04

Laura and Stephen continue their "Summer of Love" series with a deep dive into Pixar’s 2008 masterpiece, WALL·E. They explore the film’s themes of love, corporatocracy, climate collapse, and the power of being yourself—even if you’re a robot. The hosts discuss the film’s visual storytelling, its critique of convenience culture, and why WALL·E stands out as one of the greatest robot romance films of the 21st century.Key Topics:Why WALL·E is the best Pixar film (and why "Up" fans might disagree)The

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00:09:39

Ep 254: “Alien: Earth” (2025, Hulu) An Alien Prequel...

Midday Movies ·

2025/09/02

Laura and Stephen discuss FX's new series, “Alien: Earth,” a prequel set two years before the original 1979 Alien film. Streaming on Hulu, the series depicts a dystopian world of 2120 controlled by five corporations, including Waylan-Yutani, and a new player called Prodigy. Prodigy, led by the young trillionaire Boy Cavalier, focuses on turning terminally ill children into synthetics. The show explores themes of corporate dystopia, immortality, and synthetic consciousness. When a Waylan-Yutani ship

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00:31:06

Ep 253: Unraveling “Phantom Thread” (2017, Paul...

Midday Movies ·

2025/08/28

In this episode of Midday Movies, Laura and Stephen delve into Paul Thomas Anderson's 2017 film “Phantom Thread,” starring Daniel Day-Lewis and Vicky Krieps. As part of their 'Summer of Love' series, they explore the complex relationship between a fastidious 1950s fashion designer and an iron-willed waitress. The discussion extends to themes of power dynamics, method acting, and the transformative nature of love. Highlights include insights on the film’s sound design, costume excellence, and the

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00:14:07

Ep 252: Are We “Materialists”? Love, Capitalism, and...

Midday Movies ·

2025/08/26

In this episode, Laura and Stephen delve into “Materialists” (2025), a film written and directed by Celine Song, centered around a New York matchmaker named Lucy, played by Dakota Johnson, who finds herself in a love triangle with two men, John (Chris Evans) and Harry (Pedro Pascal). Through this exploration, the hosts discuss the film's deep themes about love in the 2020s, questioning societal pressures, and the impact of capitalism on romantic relationships. They highlight key scenes, character

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00:22:23

Ep 251: Reviewing “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” (2019)...

Midday Movies ·

2025/08/21

In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen discuss the 2019 French romantic drama “Portrait of a Lady on Fire,” directed by Céline Sciamma. They highlight the film's historical accuracy, its exploration of 18th-century life, and the profound romantic connection between the characters Marianne and Heloise. The discussion also touches on the movie's mythological references to Orpheus and Eurydice and its strong emotional impact. The hosts delve into themes of love, loss, and the roles

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00:10:38

Ep 250: Let’s Talk About “KPop Demon Hunters”...

Midday Movies ·

2025/08/19

In this Midday Mini, hosts Stephen and Laura discuss their (and the internet’s) latest obsession, “K-Pop Demon Hunters,” the top-ranking 2025 Netflix animated movie. They highlight its unique blend of K-pop, musicals, Korean folklore, and anime elements, praising its captivating songs and relatable characters. Directed by Maggie Kang, the movie integrates beautifully crafted songs into its compelling storyline. The hosts compare the film's quality to classic Disney movies and anticipate more content

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00:27:37

Ep 249: 25 Best Netflix Original Series According to...

Midday Movies ·

2025/08/14

In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen discuss the top 12 best Netflix original series according to Entertainment Weekly. The podcast covers a diverse range of shows, from cultural phenomena like 'Stranger Things' and 'Bridgerton' to critical hits such as 'The Haunting of Hill House' and 'When They See Us.' They provide insights, fun facts, and personal commentary on each series, aiming to help listeners decide their next Netflix binge.00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview01:07

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295 results

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