The 21st-Century (American) British Movie Canon, ‘Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy,’ and ‘Paddington in Peru’
Feb 18, 2025
01:19:25
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Quick takeaways
The hosts discuss the emotional depth of 'Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy,' highlighting its themes of grief and resilience amidst humor.
They celebrate 'Paddington in Peru' for its engaging storytelling that addresses family and identity while appealing to both children and adults.
The podcast outlines the characteristics of 21st-century British cinema, focusing on strong narratives and relatable characters as key traits.
Deep dives
Advice from Friends
Amy Poehler shares insights from friends while preparing for her new podcast, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in hosting. She advocates for being genuine rather than a celebrity doing another project casually. Additionally, she notes the uniqueness of combining genres in podcasting, suggesting that the blend of true crime and cooking could resonate with listeners. This sets the tone for the podcast's aim of providing lighthearted content amidst the chaotic media landscape.
Discussion on British Cinema
The hosts explore the British film industry, comparing it to Hollywood and discussing the cultural impact of British films. They highlight two new British films, 'Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy' and 'Paddington in Peru,' examining their appeal to both British and American audiences. The conversation reveals a shared appreciation for British cinema, which often marries humor and heart, making it palatable for international viewers. This leads to a deeper analysis of the characteristics that define British films, particularly their narratives and themes.
Exploring 'Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy'
The discussion dives into the plot of 'Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy,' including the lead character navigating life as a widow and a mother. The film continues the comedic and endearing tone of its predecessors while tackling more serious themes such as grief and resilience. The characters' developments highlight relatable dilemmas faced by many, particularly in the context of middle age and single parenthood. The hosts express their emotional responses to key scenes, showcasing the film’s ability to blend humor with heartfelt storytelling.
Paddington's Adventure in Peru
The podcast shifts to 'Paddington in Peru,' outlining the bear's adventures and the charming elements of the film. The hosts appreciate how the story addresses themes of family, identity, and belonging while maintaining a light-hearted tone. Notably, they discuss the film's production quality and positive reception among families, emphasizing its ability to resonate with both children and adults. The conversation also touches on the film's clever humor and how it integrates the character's love for marmalade into the story.
British Cinema Canon
The hosts discuss creating a 21st-century British movie canon, focusing on films that highlight British culture and perspectives. They note that key characteristics of these films include strong narratives and relatable characters, as seen in both 'Bridget Jones' and 'Paddington.' The conversation includes examples of beloved movies that encapsulate British sensibilities while appealing to a broader audience. This exploration underscores the evolving nature of British cinema and its ongoing relevance in the global film landscape.
Sean and Amanda are joined by ‘Bandsplain’ host Yasi Salek to discuss ‘Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy,’ the fourth installment in the franchise (1:00), before breaking down ‘Paddington in Peru,’ the third film in the beloved ‘Paddington’ series (35:00). Then, they sketch out a loose American vision of the British film canon for the 21st century (50:00).
