We Just Watched... Alien: Romulus (With Abe Epperson & Michael Swaim)
Aug 19, 2024
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Join guests Abe Epperson and Michael Swaim, both co-hosts of the Small Beans podcast, as they passionately debate 'Alien: Romulus.' They explore the film's character development, contrasting opinions on its quality, and the nostalgia versus originality dilemma within the Alien franchise. The discussion includes creative ideas for revitalizing the series, critiques of cinematic reboots, and a humorous take on the evolution of synthetic characters. Expect a mix of engagement, insights, and plenty of laughs concerning the future of sci-fi storytelling!
The hosts engage in a lively debate, revealing contrasting views on the movie that highlight the playful rivalry and dynamics of their discussions.
The podcast explores how nostalgia plays a crucial role in the film's reception, raising concerns about its originality as a new entry in the Alien franchise.
Character depth is critiqued, with many characters presented as archetypes rather than fully developed individuals, weakening emotional investment in the story.
Deep dives
Character Dynamics and Agreement
The podcast discusses the contrasting opinions of the hosts regarding the movie, highlighting Michael's and David's enjoyment against Abe's critical stance. The disagreement underscores the dynamics of their discussions, as they express how they often find themselves in opposite positions regarding films. David and Michael reflect on their preference for films that foster agreement between them while acknowledging the fun in their debates about differing tastes. This playful rivalry creates a rich dialogue filled with passion for cinema, showcasing how personal preferences can shape movie reception.
Themes of Nostalgia and Expectation
The hosts address the pervasive theme of nostalgia within the film, particularly how it draws from the legacy of the Alien franchise. They analyze how this nostalgia impacts both audience reaction and critical reception, with David emphasizing that the film feels like a blend of previous installments rather than a unique entry. Michael echoes this sentiment by suggesting that while the film successfully captures the atmosphere of earlier Alien movies, it may fall short of offering new narratives or perspectives. This raises questions about the balance between honoring franchise roots and innovating to captivate modern audiences.
Character Development and Depth
The conversation shifts to the development and depth of the film's characters, with the hosts noting that many lacked distinctive personalities or arcs. They discuss how the supporting cast often feels like archetypes rather than fully fleshed-out individuals, which diminishes emotional investment in their fates. This lack of nuanced character development contrasts with iconic ensemble casts of previous films in the franchise, which had memorable personalities that contributed significantly to the plot. The hosts collectively voice a desire for stronger character dynamics that would enhance audience connection and investment.
Directorial Vision and Execution
The hosts recognize Fede Alvarez's directorial skills and the film's high production quality, noting it achieves moments of tension and excitement. They praise the strong visual elements and practical effects that create an immersive environment, capable of eliciting genuine thrills from the audience. However, despite the effective direction, they point out that the screenplay's reliance on clichés and predictable beats detracts from the overall impact. The conversation emphasizes that while smart directing can elevate a film, it is ultimately the writing that sustains it, revealing a nuanced critique of the filmmaking process.
Fan Service vs. Storytelling
The discussion transitions to the controversial usage of fan service throughout the movie, with the hosts debating its effects on storytelling. They highlight specific instances where nostalgic references or lines appear to prioritize fan excitement over coherent narrative development. This reliance on fan service detracts from the film's originality and may alienate viewers looking for a fresh experience rather than a rehash of past favorites. Ultimately, the hosts argue that while invoking nostalgia can be appealing, it should not overshadow the importance of crafting a compelling and cohesive story.
