High-Key Book Club
68 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 5 years ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsZelenny and Cameron discuss and make messy connections about their favorite movies and TV
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Episodes
High-Key Book Club #64: Booksmart
May 29, 2019 11:00 - 1 hour - 55.1 MBThis episode we're book-clubbing Booksmart, a fresh teen comedy directed by Olivia Wilde! In the first half, we give spoiler-free review of the new movie, as well as discuss the importance of box office numbers for movies created by women. In the second half, we discuss the plot of the movie, the styles used to make it feel fresh and innovative, the authenticity-focused characters and more! Recorded 5/27/2019.
High-Key Book Club #63: Detective Pikachu
May 14, 2019 14:00 - 1 hour - 74.7 MBThis episode we're book-clubbing the new live-action Pokemon film, Detective Pikachu! In the first half, we give you a spoiler-free review, discussion about the video game movie curse, and diehard v. casual fans. In the second half we deep-dive into our favorite parts of the movie, Pokemon we spotted, and any unanswered questions we still have. Recorded 5/12/2019.
High-Key Book Club #62: The Comeback
May 08, 2019 11:00 - 1 hour - 62.3 MBThis episode we're book-clubbing the unique HBO show, The Comeback! Starring Lisa Kudrow, The Comeback is all presented as "raw footage" from a fictional reality TV show following actress Valerie Cherish's return to acting in a sitcom. We focus more on spoiler-free review this episode, since this show has become more of an underground cult classic because it was too ahead of its time. We break down the many similarities between this show and one of the most famous shows of all time: The Offi...
High-Key Book Club #61: School of Rock
May 01, 2019 11:00 - 1 hour - 67.9 MBThis episode we're sticking it to the man and book-clubbing one of our favorite movies, School of Rock! We discuss many different topics surrounding the 2003 hit, including its star Jack Black, director Richard Linklater, recurring themes of rebellion and cultivating the arts, and the MANY iconic moments. Recorded 4/29/2019.
High-Key Book Club #60: Zootopia
April 24, 2019 11:00 - 55 minutes - 51.4 MBIn this episode we're book-clubbing the fun and clever Disney movie, Zootopia! We discuss the themes of inclusivity, the many references to other media, the origins of the concept, and more. Recorded 4/22/2019.
High-Key Book Club #59: Howl's Moving Castle
April 10, 2019 11:00 - 1 hour - 60.9 MBThis episode we're book-clubbing Hayao Miyazaki's beautifully animated film, Howl's Moving Castle! We discuss the source material, animation techniques, similarities and differences with Spirited Away, and whether Howl is just "too sexy". Recorded 4/8/2019.
High-Key Book Club #58: One Day at a Time (Pilot, S2E1, and S3E1)
April 03, 2019 11:00 - 1 hour - 72.2 MBIn the fist half of this episode, we're book-clubbing the pilot of the original Netflix show, One Day at a Time. We discuss the "reimagining" of the 1970s version, Norman Lear, the importance of diversity in the writer's room, and theorize about possible reasons behind the recent cancellation. In the second half, we're book-clubbing the first episodes of Seasons 2 & 3, some overall arcs of the series, the nuances of racism and the Latinx experience, and the differences between this show and ...
High-Key Book Club #57: Bruce Almighty and Evan Almighty
March 26, 2019 11:00 - 47 minutes - 44.1 MBThis episode we're book-clubbing the popular Jim Carrey comedy, Bruce Almighty and its spinoff sequel, Evan Almighty! This one is a very loose discussion due to recording late into the night, but we focus on discussion of the two lead actors, whether either movie is sacrilegious, our favorite parts, and some healthy critique. Recorded 3/23/3019.
Low-Key Book Club #4: SXSW 2019 and The Bachelor S23 Post-Season
March 19, 2019 11:00 - 1 hour - 65.7 MBIn the first half of this episode, we're talking about 3 screenings we caught at the SXSW 2019 film festival (spoiler-free) and any stand-out moments from each! Check out our twitter @highkeybookclub for links to some of the media we discuss. In the second half of this episode (starting at 46:00), we're book-clubbing our post-season thoughts about The Bachelor S23, how we feel about the final outcome, and our opinions on the next Bachelorette. Recorded 3/17/2019.
High-Key Book Club #56: Tidying Up with Marie Kondo (Pilot)
March 05, 2019 12:00 - 1 hour - 55.5 MBThis episode starting on some spring cleaning by book-clubbing the original Netflix series, Tidying Up with Marie Kondo. We discuss the meme status of Marie Kondo, the helpful tips given on the first episode, the mess of having kids, and air out our own "dirty laundry" about our hoarding habits. Recorded 3/2/2019.
High-Key Book Club #55: Roma (+ Oscars 2019!)
February 26, 2019 12:00 - 1 hour - 66.2 MBThis episode we're book-clubbing the Netflix movie, Roma, directed and written by noted director, Alfonso Cuaron! This episode's a little different because we're recording DURING the 91st Academy Award ceremony, with live updates about awards to Roma and other movies we've book-clubbed. We discuss the realism and authenticiy, the distinct cinematography of Cuaron, Yalitza Aparicio and representation she brings to indigenous women, and Zelenny's Mexican perspective on a story that feels very ...
High-Key Book Club #54: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
February 19, 2019 12:00 - 1 hour - 85.9 MBThis episode, we're book-clubbing all things Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, very much including the book! We fill in the many gaps of the movie, discuss the complex characters in this story, try to figure out why this installment is so polarizing, and discuss iconic moments. Recorded 2/18/2019.
Low-Key Book Club #3: Valentine's Day (2010)
February 12, 2019 12:00 - 44 minutes - 40.9 MBThis episode, we're chatting the cheesy movie with an A-list ensemble cast, Valentine's Day. We messily chat about the many plots, look at the niche genre overall, and attempt to answer the age-old question: Does Valentine's Day matter? Recorded 2/10/2019.
High-Key Book Club #53: Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse
February 05, 2019 12:00 - 1 hour - 72.6 MBThis episode we're discussing the brand new feature film about a friendly neighborhood superhero, Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse! We discuss innovative animation techniques, self-aware comedic storytelling, and even give out our first official "High-Key" award. Recorded 2/3/2019.
High-Key Book Club #52: Pokemon: The First Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back
January 29, 2019 12:00 - 1 hour - 57.9 MBThis episode we're book-clubbing some nostalgia and revisiting the Pokemon universe from our childhoods through discussion of Pokemon: The First Movie: Mewtwo Strikes Back! We talk about our history with Pokemon, the context and successes of this first movie, look into the present and future of the franchise, and regretfully examine the plot holes of this story. Recorded 1/27/2019.
High-Key Book Club #51: The Bachelor (S23E1) and UnReal (S1E1)
January 15, 2019 12:00 - 1 hour - 60.3 MBThis episode we're book-clubbing the most recent season premiere of The Bachelor (S23), as well as the pilot of Lifetime drama, UnReal! We compare and contrast the actual reality TV show with the dramatized fiction series, talk overall dating reality TV concepts, and discuss standout moments. This episode is less recap, more big picture about The Bachelor universe. Recorded 1/12/2019.
High-Key Book Club #50: Holes
January 08, 2019 12:00 - 1 hour - 60 MBThis episode we're book-clubbing the movie, Holes, adapted from the popular kid's book of the same name! We talk Shia Lebouf, Sigourney Weaver and more, as well as interpret the various symbols and themes throughout, dissect the strange editing techniques, and look into what the book's sequel was about. Recorded 1/6/2019.
High-Key Book Club #49: 2018 Media Review
January 01, 2019 12:00 - 1 hour - 65.1 MBWe're back from holiday high-key-atus to ring in 2019 with our 2018 Media Review! We talk about the media we've watched in the second half of 2018 that probably won't make it to a full episode. We discuss Mary Poppins Returns, Life Size 2, Blackklansman, Superstore, The Good Place S3, Shark Tank S10, and RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars S4, among others! We take some time to discuss non-traditional media, including Youtube content and gaming. We also discuss the various 00's comedies we've watch...
High-Key Book Club #48: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
December 11, 2018 12:00 - 1 hour - 63.6 MBThis episode we're continuing our Harry Potter series with fan-favorite, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! We try to figure out what makes this book and movie so beloved, discuss the various new characters, compare and contrast the movie with the book, and ask ourselves why the hell are they wearing jeans?! Recorded 12/09/2018.
High-Key Book Club #47: The Hunger Games
December 04, 2018 12:00 - 1 hour - 88.2 MBIn today's episode, we're discussing The Hunger Games movie (and book!) along with all it's themes of government control and reality TV. Also, Cameron learns about new book genres and "Cold Sprouts". Recorded 12/2/2018.
High-Key Book Club #46: Ralph Breaks the Internet
November 27, 2018 12:00 - 1 hour - 71.8 MBIn the first part of this episode we're providing our much-anticipated spoiler free review of Ralph Breaks the Internet, as well as some commentary on the impact that Wreck-It-Ralph had on us! In the second part we dive deeper into Ralph Breaks the Internet, the idea of brand integration, the influence of social media, the difficulties of depicting the internet, and the power of Disney. Recorded 11/25/2018.
High-Key Book Club #45: 1 Year Anniversary!
November 21, 2018 17:14 - 52 minutes - 48.3 MBThis episode we found ourselves lost between the spooky and holiday seasons, so we decided to sit down and chat about upcoming releases we're excited for, the obscure shows we've been watching and reflecting on 1 year of High-Key! We discuss Detective Pikachu and Pokemon Let's Go, Fortnite, Ralph Breaks the Internet, the trend of authenticity, Superstore, Sabrina, and whether Inception was good or not. Yes we were a bit all over the place but it's true to form especially considering our ver...
High-Key Book Club #44: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
November 07, 2018 12:00 - 1 hour - 94.9 MBSpoiler alert! This week we're continuing our Harry Potter sequence with Chamber of Secrets! We know this is generally the least popular Potter movie AND book, so throughout the episode we're trying to focus on answering the question of WHY? We talk about the many coincidences, the various new things we're introduced to from the wizarding world, and the cinematography choices. Recorded 11/3/2018.
High-Key Book Club #43: Scooby Doo and Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed
October 30, 2018 11:00 - 55 minutes - 51.3 MBWe're wrapping up our High-Key Spook Season with a forgotten gem (currently on Netflix), the theatrically releases live-action movies: Scooby Doo and Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed! If you haven't watched/rewatched these movies in a while, we recommend you do so! We discuss why we disagree with the critics (haters), the death of the campy horror genre, and the rumored more "adult" cuts of these movies. In the second part of the episode, we deep-dive into Spooky Island for the first movie a...
High-Key Book Club #42: Hocus Pocus
October 23, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 58.6 MBThis episode we're continuing our High-Key Spook Szn with one of the most commonly played movies on TV every October, Hocus Pocus! Starring Bette Midler, this movie has established itself as a campy spooky movie with a memorable musical number, and we're discussing all of it. From the current lull in the campy horror genre, to recasting a confirmed remake, to why they virgin-shame so much in this movie, we try our best to unpack it! Recorded 10/21/2018.
High-Key Book Club #41: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
October 17, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 78.5 MBThis episode we are deep diving in the magical world of Harry Potter! We go over our impressions about meeting each character for the first time, the key differences from the book to the movie, and why Harry Potter totally counts as a Halloween movie. Recorded 10/14/2018.
High-Key Book Club #40: A Star is Born (2018)
October 09, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 90.7 MBWe're very excited to be back from hi(key)atus this week to book club A Star is Born! In the spoiler-free first part of the episode we talk about Zelenny's long history of being a huge Lady Gaga fan, speculate on what it's like to direct and star in your own movie, think about how other A-list stars would've performed these roles, and comment on the brilliant soundtrack. In the spoiler part of the episode we talk about specific moments that moved us, the commitment to realism throughout the ...
High-Key Book Club #39: Making It (Season 1)
September 18, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 56.3 MBThis episode we're book-clubbing Making It, the new NBC reality show with a Great British Baking Show feel, hosted by Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman! In the first part we discuss reality TV and "kind media" in the Trump era, whether we recommend watching this show, and how it compares to other creative competition shows. In the second (spoiler) part, we determine whether the winner deserved their win, which crafts were our favorites, and our own experience with craft-type hobbies! Recorded 9/...
Low-Key Book Club #2: TV/Movie Trivia Showdown
September 11, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 55.5 MBThis week we're trying something new to have some fun and challenge each other with quizzes from some of our favorite shows! Cameron gets challenged on American Idol and The Office, while Zelenny gets challenged on America's Next Top Model and Friends. We compete for points and finally both get tested on one of our favorite movies, Titanic! Who will win? Listen to find out! Recorded 9/9/2018.
High-Key Book Club #38: The Good Place (Season 1)
September 05, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 79.7 MBThis episode we're talking about the first season of The Good Place! In the spoiler-free part of this podcast, we discuss the genius of the official Good Place podcast, the innovation the show brings to the comedy sitcom format, and how the show came to be. In the spoiler parts of this episode, we dive deep into the themes of the show, our theories of what it might parallel, and our own experience with philosophy education! Recorded 9/3/2018.
High-Key Book Club #37: Crazy Rich Asians
August 28, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 96.3 MBWe're back and we can't stop talking about Crazy Rich Asians! We discuss how this movie came to be, the big pressure that currently falls on projects about minorities to represent everyone, the clash of values between the U.S. and other countries, and how this romantic comedy is refreshing in many unexpected ways. Recorded 8/24/2018.
High-Key Book Club #36: Idiocracy
August 14, 2018 11:00 - 49 minutes - 45.2 MBThis episode we're discussing the controversial mid-2000s movie directed by Mike Judge, Idiocracy! Starring Luke Wilson, Maya Rudolph, Dax Shepard, and Terry Crews, this movie provides exaggerated commentary about American society and the dangerous path we might very possibly be walking. We discuss the parallels to "Trump's America", the predictions the movie potentially got right, and the technology it didn't quite predict. We also take a dive into it's controversial (super limited) release...
High-Key Book Club #35: Mid-2018 Media Review
August 07, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 62.7 MBOn this special episode of HKBC we're talking about the many movies and shows we've been watching independently and together that have not become full podcast episodes! We discuss huge blockbusters like Jurassic World 2, Mission Impossible 6 and Solo, as well as new seasons of reality TV like Queer Eye S2, Drag Race Thailand, America's Next Top Model and Making It. We also talk about some documentary work we've been loving: Won't You Be My Neighbor? and Wild, Wild Country, as well as our new...
High-Key Book Club #34: Sorry to Bother You
July 31, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 72.6 MBThis episode we're unpacking the variety of themes and social commentary provided in Boots Riley's writer/director debut feature film, Sorry to Bother You! We discuss the freshness of a new perspective that isn't afraid to break the rules of movie-making, the innovations and storytelling risks taken by Riley, and the exaggerated representations that serve to mirror current American society. Recorded 7/29/2018.
High-Key Book Club #33: Eighth Grade
July 24, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 78.3 MBThis episode is a total blast from the past and reminisce (and cringe) about our middle school days, all triggered by Bo Burnham's painfully accurate feature film debut, Eighth Grade! We go off on many tangents about how Kayla's experience reflects our own, analyze the unconventional parts of this independent movie, and relive this awkward time in our lives. Recorded 7/22/2018
High-Key Book Club #32: Pose (Pilot)
July 17, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 61.7 MBThis episode we're discussing the trailblazing new show by Ryan Murphy & co that explores the ball culture scene of 1980s New York, Pose! We discuss each character and their journey through the pilot episode, the many ways Pose is making history, and the inspiration of Paris Is Burning, a documentary currently available on Netflix that was very important in documenting the ball culture of this time period. We also take some time to discuss first impression of Emmy nominations and the controv...
High-Key Book Club #31: The Incredibles and Incredibles 2
July 10, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 71.3 MBThis episode we analyze our rewatch of The Incredibles and its new sequel Incredibles 2! We discuss how our perspective has shifted by watching these movies with an adult lens, the many parallels and metaphors to real life, and our recommendations and opinions about whether Incredibles 2 was truly done right. We also dedicate some time to the amazing short before Incredibles 2, Bao. We go real deep on this one! Recorded 6/8/2018
High-Key Book Club #30: RuPaul's Drag Race (Season 10)
July 09, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 107 MBThis episode we talk about the epic season 10 finale, butterflies and all! Plus, a Rucap of every episode and the journeys of our favorite drag queens. We also dive into the RuPaul's innovation of reality television, the mainstreaming of drag, and why this is the best reality show. It's been quite the journey and we can't wait for season 11! Recorded 6/29/2018
High-Key Book Club #29: La La Land
June 26, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 71 MBWe're wrapping up movie musical month with a more recent musical, La La Land! We discuss our thoughts on the risk of making a musical, whether the A-list cast delivered, and of course the most controversial moment in recent Oscar history. Recorded 6/24/2018
High-Key Book Club #28: Footloose
June 19, 2018 11:00 - 57 minutes - 52.9 MBSpoiler alert! In continuation of our Movie Musical Month, we discuss the iconic 1984 movie, Footloose. We initially thought it was a standard movie musical, but after watching it realized it kind of was and kind of wasn't. In this episode we talk about how it's similar to musicals, the comparisons between the 80s and today's conservative administration, whether the 2011 remake did it justice, and the magical charisma of Kevin Bacon. Recorded 6/17/2018
High-Key Book Club #27: Enchanted
June 12, 2018 11:00 - 39 minutes - 35.8 MBSpoiler alert! We discuss our favorite parts as well as our critiques of the 2007 Disney movie, Enchanted, compare it to other family movies, and even learn about Zelenny's small conspiracy theory about Cameron. Recorded 6/10/2018
High-Key Book Club #26: Rent
June 06, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 68.1 MBSpoiler alert! This episode is all about Rent, the movie that did not-so-well that's based on the Broadway musical that did extremely-well. We dive deep into Cameron's musical theater past, discuss the missteps and triumphs of transferring from Broadway to film, and recast the all of the characters for a hypothetical remake! Recorded 6/3/2018.
Low-Key Book Club #1: New York City Trip Recap
May 30, 2018 11:00 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBHigh-Key Book Club goes to New York City! We talk about what we saw and what we didn't, have our very usual east coast vs. west coast debate, and discuss our favorite adventures and food during the trip! Check out our vlog of the trip if you want a visual component at: www.youtube.com/channel/UCRxdUeRaY_qd5Ki8a-2CrNQ
High-Key Book Club #25: High School Musical 2 and 3: Senior Year
May 16, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 62.1 MBSpoiler alert! In this episode we dive deep into summertime and graduation through High School Musical 2 and High School Musical 3: Senior Year! We discuss why Zac Efron is God's gift to musicals, the many questionable cheesy plot points, our favorite songs, and the HSM spinoffs that are currently in the works. Recorded 5/13/2018.
High-Key Book Club #24: TOWER
May 08, 2018 11:00 - 48 minutes - 44.7 MBThis week, we dive deep into our first documentary, TOWER, about a mass shooting that occurred in 1966 at the University of Texas. We discuss the unique technical aspects of the movie as well provide our own perspective as current/former students at UT. Recorded 5/6/2018.
High-Key Book Club #23: Spirited Away
May 01, 2018 11:00 - 53 minutes - 48.8 MBSpoiler alert! In this episode, we talk about the magical world of Spirited Away, the brilliance of Japanese animation, and Miyazaki’s inspirations behind the movie. We also discuss the many themes in the story and the perfection of the score. It’s mostly us raving about this movie for an hour. Recorded 4/29/2018.
High-Key Book Club #22: The Truman Show
April 24, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 58.2 MBSpoiler alert! In this episode, we go into deep philosophical talk about the meaning of celebrity and reality TV, Jim Carrey’s prolific career, and even how Zelenny got into an accident that injured her foot. Recorded 4/22/2018.
High-Key Book Club #21: Twilight
April 17, 2018 11:00 - 56 minutes - 52 MBSpoiler alert! In this episode, we discuss some fun facts about Twilight, kindly critique the first movie, and Zelenny spoils all of the sequels (with warning) in order to see how shocked Cameron can get. Recorded 4/15/2018.
High-Key Book Club #20: Big Little Lies (Season 1)
April 10, 2018 11:00 - 1 hour - 59.2 MBSpoiler alert! In this episode, we talk about the HBO empire, the most scandalizing moments of Big Little Lies, and the symbols of running and oceans. We also speculate wildly about season 2, which will come out in 2019! Recorded 4/6/2018.
High-Key Book Club #19: Mulan
April 03, 2018 11:00 - 38 minutes - 35.2 MBSpoiler alert! In this episode, we talk about the feminist themes in Mulan, whether Disney should make live-action sequels, and the many iconic music moments in this movie. We decided on Mulan in a video filling out the Disney/Pixar Madness Bracket, which you can watch on High-Key Book Club's Youtube channel! Recorded 4/1/2018.