Very Bad Wizards Episode 318: A PTA Meeting
Oct 14, 2025
Dive into a lively discussion about Paul Thomas Anderson's brilliance as the hosts unpack his latest film and its connections to the underrated 'Inherent Vice.' They explore the film's noir qualities and cleverly dissect its confusing plot that mirrors the protagonist's haze. Key performances shine with insights into character arcs and emotional complexities. Themes of self-destruction and cultural decline emerge as they analyze the Golden Fang conspiracy. Along the way, humor and philosophical musings on love and loss keep the conversation engaging.
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Episode notes
PTA's Masterful Pacing
- Paul Thomas Anderson excels at long runtimes by pacing scenes so viewers stay engaged rather than checking their watches.
- Tamler and David both felt the movie never lagged despite nearly three hours of action and emotion.
Prologue Shows Revolutionary Peak
- Tamler describes the film's first 45 minutes set in the past as energetic montage-like revolutionary action.
- That section shows bank robberies and a peak-era revolutionary group later contrasted with a fragmented present.
Older Films Can Feel Extremely Timely
- One Battle After Another uses contemporary topics (internment camps, ICE-style kidnappings) though it was made earlier, giving it striking timeliness.
- Tamler notes the film's shadowy forces and immigrant camps echo real present-day political dynamics.
