CRWN Cinema Podcast

• "The Menu" - The Deeper Layers You Missed

  In this episode, we break down The Menu (2022) — a darkly funny, deeply disturbing satire that skewers elitism, art, and obsession. We discuss Ralph Fiennes' chilling performance as Chef Slowik, Anya Taylor-Joy's grounded perspective as Margot, and how the movie blends horror and comedy to make a brutal statement about the culture of perfection and privilege. We analyze the symbolism behind each course, the tension that builds throughout the film, and how The Menu uses its setting to explore control, creativity, and the cost of art. Whether you laughed, squirmed, or left hungry for more, this is one of the most brilliantly twisted movies of the decade — and we're breaking down exactly why it works so well.   Chapters: 00:00 What happened to good short movies? 3:25 What you notice on second watch 7:12 Where the idea for the movie came from 9:54 Why did Margot survive? 18:16 The Seven Deadly Sins 21:22 Why Tyler made the biggest mistake 24:02 You just love to hate these characters 38:29 The chef is fair in his evil plan 43:22 Our official rating & final thoughts 47:23 Cue the music

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• "Training Day" - How Denzel Turned a Good Script into an Iconic Movie

  In this episode, we break down Training Day — Antoine Fuqua's gritty, tense, and unforgettable crime thriller starring Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke. We dive into Denzel's Oscar-winning performance as Alonzo Harris, one of the most manipulative and complex characters in film history. We explore the film's themes of morality, power, and corruption, analyzing how Fuqua's direction and David Ayer's sharp script created one of the most realistic portrayals of law enforcement ever put on screen. From the psychological tension to the unforgettable one-liners, we break down why Training Day stands as one of the best crime dramas of all time — and why its message still hits hard today.   Chapters: 00:00 Denzel Washington you bad mother f... 5:22 Analyzing Alonzo's evil 20:56 Denzel's insane improv in this movie 32:06 The excellent casting choices 36:43 The craziest day in movie history 41:25 Denzel's upset Oscar win 44:04 Alonzo refuses to not be the top dog 46:18 Some details you missed 1:02:44 Our official rating & final thoughts 1:06:55 Cue the music

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• "V for Vendetta" - The Movie That Feels More Real Than Ever Before

  In this episode, we break down V for Vendetta — a political thriller that feels more relevant today than ever before. We explore the film's themes of control, freedom, rebellion, and identity, and analyze how it uses symbolism to comment on government, fear, and power. We also dive into Hugo Weaving's incredible performance as V, Natalie Portman's transformation, and how the film's message has evolved in modern culture. From the meaning behind the mask to the lasting impact of its ideas, this is one of the most powerful breakdowns we've done yet.   Chapters: 00:00 What do the Wachowski's know about the future 10:15 Evey's story starts after this movie 15:23 Does he have super strength? 20:03 There is V in almost every scene 27:28 The High Chancellor is methed out 34:42 A crazy plot twist out of nowhere 40:21 Going bald for a role is commitment 42:22 The insane fire stunt in this movie 46:26 The cool structure of the secret government 48:53 Connections to The Matrix & cool details 56:39 Our official rating & final thoughts 1:03:02 Cue the music

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• "The Sixth Sense" - A Literally Perfect Plot Twist

  In this episode, we break down The Sixth Sense — M. Night Shyamalan's psychological thriller that delivered one of the most iconic twists in movie history. We explore how the film subtly reveals its ending without giving it away, analyze the performances of Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment, and discuss how Shyamalan's direction and symbolism create an atmosphere of mystery and emotion. From the red color motif to the haunting tone, we uncover how The Sixth Sense uses misdirection and emotion to tell a story that's both chilling and heartbreaking.   Chapters: 00:00 What makes the perfect twist? 9:31 INSANE child acting 19:23 Toni Collette discussion 22:36 All the clues you missed in this movie 29:18 The symbolism of the color red 35:42 A perfect opening scene 37:53 Bruce Willis getting *dramatic* 40:41 The deeper meaning of Cole's character name 46:01 Toni Collette didn't realize this was a horror movie 48:11 The rare way this movie was shot 52:36 The hilarious Chinese title for this movie 55:07 Bruce Willis was forced to do this movie 1:01:01 A deeply symbolic shot in the beginning 1:03:39 Our official rating & final thoughts 1:11:25 Cue the music

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• "The Thing" - The Movie That Keeps You Guessing... Forever

  In this episode, we break down The Thing (1982) — John Carpenter's terrifying sci-fi horror masterpiece. We dive into the fan theories, figure out the timeline of events, and point out all the cool details hidden within the movie. We analyze the groundbreaking practical effects, the haunting score by Ennio Morricone, and the ambiguity that makes the story so unforgettable. From its shocking creature design to its chilling final moments, The Thing is a perfect example of horror that gets under your skin — and never leaves.   Chapters: 00:00 Intro: The most requested episode of all time 5:58 Who was the first person assimilated 18:15 Who was The Thing at the end? 25:31 MacReady is ready to burn it down from the jump 32:44 Kurt Russell is the man as always 33:55 The Hateful Eight is basically The Thing 37:24 MacReady's chess match is a mini version of the movie 41:04 The movie was spoiled in the first scene 42:46 Gotta love Childs 43:31 When did Dr. Blaire get assimilated? 48:35 How they did some of the practical effects 54:16 The fun details in this movie 57:44 Our official rating & final thoughts 1:05:21 Cue the music

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