Cozy Quilt Cinema

Short Circuit 1986

In this episode, Beth and Michelle try their best to remember the good times but still find a way to ruin nostalgia for hundreds of Gen Xers. They work really hard at not being critical of a film and focus on the feelings, but sometimes those things intersect. Johnny 5 is alive, but is he living his best life?

Strictly Ballroom (1992)

In this episode Beth and Michelle talk about one of Michelle's favorite dance films and the first of the Baz Luhrmann "Red Curtain Trilogy". If this film was any more campy, Jason Voorhees would be murdering sexy camp counselors. But there are strong emotional themes that bind the movie together and deliver in a wonderfully quirky film about dance, moving to your own beat and yes, romance.
You can find some of the references Michelle quoted here:
https://www.sbs.com.au/whats-on/article/strictly-ballroom-cheat-sheet/v6rm6q368

Tremors (1990)

Our first monster film of the podcast! Beth and Michelle talk about a surprisingly ageless horror-comedy classic, Tremors. It has quickly become the measure by which we personally rate movies, it has it all!

In & Out (1997)

In this episode, Beth and Michelle dive deep into the 1997 film "In & Out." We explore the themes of identity, acceptance, and the pressures of societal expectations. Join us as we unpack Howard Brackett's journey, his struggles with self-discovery, and the impact it has on his relationships.
We discuss the film's portrayal of LGBTQ+ issues in the 90s and how a modern day lens changes the context. We also share our personal experiences of feeling like outsiders and the importance of finding your true self.
This episode is a safe space for anyone who has ever felt like they didn't belong. We encourage open and honest conversations about mental health and self-acceptance.
Resources:
The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Crisis Text Line: https://www.crisistextline.org/about-us/faq/
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/
General Strike: https://generalstrikeus.com/
Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of homophobia, societal pressures, and mental health challenges. Listener discretion is advised.
 
 

What's Your Number? w/ Bri Castellini

Bri Castellini, our first guest and the author of the Castellini Test we use in our episodes, joins us with her movie pick for us to discuss. Follow along as we discuss purity culture, doggy style, and how sometimes a flawed comedy can just be a good comedy despite it's flaws. You can find Bri at the following, be sure to check her out!
Instagram:
@BrisOwnWorld (personal/author account)
@CastelliniFilmSchool (consulting & filmmaking account)Bluesky: @brisownworld.bsky.socialWebsite: BriCastellini.comRomance novel newsletter: forcedproximity.substack.comHer book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1RWK2WS

Dave (1993)

Beth and Michelle try to find the lighter side of Dave, a movie that is cute with a hint of romance, but is fraught with unintended analogies to a current political atmosphere. 

A Knight's Tale (2001) Part 2

We can't stop talking about this movie! This is Part 2, where we find all manner entertainment in forgetting Rufus' character name, and praising facial expressions of a blind man and his long lost son. Join us because you've come too far to turn back and we know where the balsa is buried.

A Knight's Tale 2001 - Part 1 of 2

Beth and Michelle pontificate upon this modern re-imagining of Chaucer's "The Knight's Tale". A love story that bears lengthy discussion and two parts to encapsulate a deceptively nuanced narrative. 

Personal Musical Themes

In this episode, Beth and Michelle each choose three songs that fit their lives thematically and share how these songs have deeply affected them. Through personal stories and emotional reflections, they explore the profound impact these songs had in their lives. Be sure to stay to the end as there is a wonderful indie folk rendition of "I Will Follow You Into the Dark" performed by Annie McD, her TikTok link is below. Links provided to the music in the order they are discussed:
"We Can Work it Out" - The Beatles  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IbPn5j2YKk
"No Roots" - Alice Merton  https://youtu.be/PUdyuKaGQd4?si=WEoh2qw9-SUsPCrt
"I Will Follow You Into the Dark" - Death Cab for Cutie  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iV_1ESMHaI
"Mystery Girl" - Yeah Yeah Yeahs  https://youtu.be/dunHh0VcXwY?si=sPthEkcTuETWXYUB
"I Don't Want To Be" - Gavin DeGraw  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gFCW3PHBws
"When I Need You" - Leo Sayer  https://youtu.be/obC0MFHWJ0A?si=an63Ye1-bOnaUyjm
In the Outro - Performing her Indie Folk version of "I Will Follow You Into the Dark", Annie McD. You can find her here - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTYEVre5j/

Moonstruck (1988)

In this episode, we discuss a Brooklyn Heights romantic comedy featuring a stolid bookkeeper and an overwrought baker. Michelle reflects on familial memories that are evoked by the story, while Beth ponders hidden social cues, the significance of the ruby shoes and their deeper meaning.