Pop Culture Happy Hour

Predator: Badlands is the latest film about an alien race that hunts things using all sorts of space-gadgets. It’s told from the Predator’s perspective. He’s an outcast sent to a hostile planet to hunt down a deadly monster to prove his worth to his people – with Elle Fanning joining as an unlikely ally. It’s from the same team that made Prey. And both Predator movies are much better than they had any right to be.Follow Pop Culture Happy Hour on Letterboxd at letterboxd.com/nprpopcultureTo access bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening for Pop Culture Happy Hour, subscribe to Pop Culture Happy Hour+ at plus.npr.org/happy.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Barry Hardiman, a Senior Editor on NPR's Investigations team, joins to unpack Guillermo del Toro's reimagining of Frankenstein. They explore the film's stunning visuals and dark themes of creation, life, and societal rejection. Barry draws parallels between the monster's plight and modern anxieties around technology and AI. The discussion also touches on Jacob Elordi's powerful performance, the film's shifts from the original novel, and its contemporary relevance to parenting and class. They close with personal recommendations that spark joy.

Rachel Sennott’s next project, the HBO series I Love LA, has finally arrived. And like plenty of shows before it, it’s about young people trying to work and socialize in a big city while screwing up in every conceivable way. Sennott stars as an ascendant employee at a boutique talent management firm with a very online crew played by Josh Hutcherson, Jordan Firstman, Odessa A’zion and True Whitaker. Subscribe to Pop Culture Happy Hour Plus at plus.npr.org/happyhour Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In the new film Hedda, Tessa Thompson plays a woman bored with her dull husband, and who devilishly manipulates the affections of everyone in her orbit. Writer/director Nia DaCosta makes some bold changes in this adaptation of the classic Henrik Ibsen play Hedda Gabler, and sets almost all of the action during a lavish party gone awry. But this is not your grandmother’s Hedda. It’s sexy, chaotic, and, above all, messy as hell. It’s streaming on Prime Video. Follow Pop Culture Happy Hour on Letterboxd at letterboxd.com/nprpopcultureLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Jordan Morris, a podcaster and graphic novel creator, and Kate Young, a film and culture critic, dive into HBO’s It: Welcome to Derry. They discuss the show’s chilling horror elements and how it balances gross body horror with suspense. The guests critique the handling of child trauma and ethical storytelling, while debating if Pennywise's origins detract from the terror. They also appreciate the diverse representation in the cast and explore the military subplot's implications, highlighting strong performances from young actors.

Badatri D. Chaudhry, a film critic and arts editor at The Philadelphia Inquirer, joins the discussion on the intriguing film Bugonia, where Emma Stone plays a CEO caught in a bizarre conspiracy. The panel delves into the film's dark themes and complex dynamics, questioning its portrayal of capitalism and the claustrophobic tone. They also explore the implications of Lanthimos's direction on Stone's characters and debate the film’s unsatisfying ending. The conversation wraps up with a lively segment about recent art and media that brings joy, including recommendations on performances and music.

Walter Chow, a film instructor and writer, and Christina Escobar, entertainment journalist and co-founder of Latina Media Punto Co., delve into the intense film 'If I Had Legs, I'd Kick You.' They discuss Rose Byrne's standout performance as a mother struggling with emotional burdens while addressing the film's bleak tone and portrayal of parenthood. The guests explore the artistic choices, such as the decision to keep the child's face hidden, and debate whether the film critiques or rewards motherhood, revealing the pressures of domestic life and societal expectations.

Hazel Sills, NPR Music Editor, shares her insights on expanding the Halloween music canon. They discuss the spine-tingling atmosphere of songs like Phoebe Bridgers' 'Killer' and Fever Ray's 'If I Had a Heart.' The conversation dives into nostalgic hits like the Goosebumps theme and Halloween classics, examining how commercial pressures can overshadow niche artists. New releases, such as Lady Gaga's collaboration with Tim Burton and Ethel Cain's haunting tunes, surface as fresh additions to this eerie playlist.

Bob Mondello, NPR's film critic, joins to dissect the poignant new film, Blue Moon, featuring Ethan Hawke as tormented songwriter Lorenz Hart. They delve into Hart's struggles during the opening of Oklahoma! and the heartbreak of his creative partnership with Richard Rodgers. Mondello praises the film’s intertwining of musical comedy traditions and Hart's portrayal of loneliness. The discussion also touches on the film's emotional depth, historical accuracy, and thoughtful handling of Hart's complex sexuality. A must-listen for theater enthusiasts!

Chris Klimek, a writer and self-proclaimed Springsteen enthusiast, dives into the film 'Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere.' He shares insights on Jeremy Allen White's portrayal of Bruce Springsteen during the pivotal Nebraska era. The conversation highlights the film’s focus on artistic integrity amidst personal turmoil. Klimek discusses how the film captures mental health themes, the authenticity of White’s performance, and its resonance with both music lovers and newcomers. The panel ultimately praises the film’s unique take on the biopic genre.