Way Too Seriously
101 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 4 years ago -Way Too Seriously is a weekly podcast in which Jan and Paul Moffett talk about the implicit biases, the assumptions, and the thematic implications of kids' movies with exactly the appropriate level of seriousness.
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Episodes
WTS 100!
August 09, 2019 14:00We took an unexpected hiatus, but here it is, our one hundredth episode! Yay! On this celebratory 100th episode of WTS we look back, answer some listener questions, and think a bit about our future. Thanks for joining us, and we hope you like it!
Detective Pikachu: The Ten Cutest Pokemon
June 21, 2019 06:00In this episode we’re talking about Detective Pikachu! We talk about the Bechdel Test, Japanese imports, and whether Pokemon are edible. Enjoy! This is our 99th episode. That means that our next episode will be our 100th! We’d love to read and respond to feedback on that 100th episode. If you have questions or anything you’d like us to talk about be sure to let us know soon! Enjoy!
Howl's Moving Castle: Take Care, Turniphead!
June 07, 2019 09:00On this episode of WTS we talk about Hayao Miyazaki’s Howl’s Moving Castle. We cover old age, pacifism, and storytelling conventions. This is our 98th episode. That means that in just two episodes we’ll be at 100! We’d love to read and respond to feedback on that 100th episode. If you have questions or anything you’d like us to talk about be sure to let us know soon! Enjoy!
The Lego Movie 2: You're Still Not Special
May 24, 2019 06:00On this episode we talk about The Lego Movie 2, adolescence, good parenting, and whether people can change. I hope you like it!
The Kid Who Would Be King: The Sword in the Cement?
May 17, 2019 20:00On this episode we talk about King Arthur, protecting the innocent, and Brexit. Enjoy!
Pixar Shorts 2: What if Old People Had Feelings?
May 10, 2019 06:00On this episode we talk about our second batch of Pixar Shorts. We’re talking Geri’s Game, For the Birds, Mike’s New Car, Boundin’, and Jack Jack Attack. We talk about whether senility is funny, body shapes, how to care for babies, and why comedy depends on punishment. I hope you like it!
Labyrinth: The Bog Of Eternal Podcasts
May 03, 2019 06:00We’re back from our break, and this week we’re talking about Labyrinth! We’re talking about adolescence, adventures for girls, and tight-fitting pants on rock stars. I hope you like it!
Pixar Shorts 1: What if Lamps Had Feelings?
April 12, 2019 06:00On this episode we are talking about The Adventures of André & Wally B, Luxo Jr., Red’s Dream, Tin Toy, and Knick-Knack. We talk about whether bad people can make good art, whether women are objects, and why humans are so creepy.
The Lego Movie: You're Not Special
April 05, 2019 06:00On this episode we talk about Strong Female Characters, what the generic person looks like, and mainstream consumerism. I hope you like it!
Spider-Jan: Into the Spiderverse
March 29, 2019 06:00On this episode we talk about racial stereotypes, and Aunt May and Doc Ock’s romantic history, and what it means to adapt to fit the world. I hope this is the universe where you enjoy it!
Fern Gully: Are There Australians in Australia?
March 15, 2019 20:00On this episode of WTS we’re talking about ecological propaganda, colonialisms, and unattractive love interests.
Jumanji Welcome to the Jungle: Where Flirting is Mandatory
March 08, 2019 08:00On this episode of WTS we’re talking about archetypes of teen girls, the jungle as a site of colonialist imagination, and respect for endangered animals.
Mulan: Let's Get Down to Business
March 01, 2019 08:00On this episode we talk about representing systemic misogyny, yellow-eyed villains, and liking what you see in the mirror.
Hockey Isn't a Movie. Is it?
February 22, 2019 08:00On this WTS we are stepping away from our bread and butter and talking about a hockey game instead of a movie. We cover toxic masculinity, ritualized aggression, and overpaid coaches.
The Sword in the Stone: Too Many Arthurs!
February 15, 2019 15:00We’re talking about The Sword in the Stone on this episode of WTS. We cover American accents and why solitaire is for witches, and we ask who will speak on behalf of the wolves.
Storks: Where Do Podcasts Come From?
February 08, 2019 07:00On this episode of WTS we’re talking about Storks. We cover why all babies are not alike, a woman’s role, and where babies come from.
Smallfoot: Common is Stonekeeper
February 01, 2019 18:00On this episode of WTS we’re talking about Smallfoot. We cover strawman religions, violent humans, and whether ignorance actually is bliss.
Mary Poppins Returns: 'Allo 'Allo 'Allo!
January 25, 2019 18:00On this episode of WTS we’re talking about Mary Poppins Returns. We touch on racist stereotypes, economic irresponsibility, and whether Mary Poppins is actually good at the job on her business card.
Christopher Robin: The House on Boo Corner
January 18, 2019 06:00On this episode of WTS we’re talking about Christopher Robin. We talk about people of colour in the past, childhood, and difficult choices.
The Princess Diaries: Abolish the Monarchy!
January 11, 2019 06:00In this episode we talk about makeovers, rivalries between girls, and abolishing the monarchy.
E.T.: Never Work With Children or Aliens
January 04, 2019 06:00In this episode we talk about mediocre parenting, emotion and reason, and retroactively sanitizing the past.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966): The True Meaning of Grinchmas
December 21, 2018 06:00In this episode of WTS we’re talking about How the Grinch Stole Christmas. We talk about ancient stories, empathising with the Grinch, and the true meaning of Christmas.
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Podcasting Help 5¢
December 14, 2018 21:03In this episode of WTS we’re talking about A Charlie Brown Christmas. We talk about who therapy is supposed to benefit, perfect imperfections, and the true meaning of Christmas.
The Princess Switch Or The Princess Witch?
December 08, 2018 01:00On this episode of WTS we’re talking about the Netflix original movie, The Princess Switch. We talk about love, romance, and the abolition of the monarchy.
Ralph Breaks the Internet: This Time It's Personal Growth
November 30, 2018 19:00On this episode of WTS we’re talking about Ralph Breaks the Internet. We talk about solving problems through emotional maturity, fixing things in the sequel, and crushes.
The Last Unicorn: A Melancholy Fever Dream
November 23, 2018 19:24On this episode of WTS we’re talking about The Last Unicorn. We talk about emotional depth in art for children, stories with a conscience, and whether women’s eyes are for seeing or for being seen in.
Tangled: For When You're Not As Mean And Vicious As You Seem
November 16, 2018 20:53On this episode we talk about whether ruffians should be allowed to dream of something more, the insidious classism of Disney princesses, and how raising children is like locking them in a tower.
Next Gen: Robots vs Robots with Robots
November 09, 2018 16:00On this episode of WTS we’re talking about the Netflix original film “Next Gen.” We talk about the value of human life, whether bad memories are worth it to maintain your identity, and bad robots.
Hocus Pocus: The 90s Were a Magical Time
November 02, 2018 16:05In this episode of WTS, we’re talking about Halloween favourite Hocus Pocus! That’s right, it’s a Halloween episode only a few days late! We talk about virginity, witches and virgin witches.
Spider-Man: Homecoming: The Washington Monument is not a Metaphor
October 26, 2018 22:07In this episode, we talk about Spider-Man: Homecoming! We discuss whether this counts as a kids movie, what constitutes bad language and how old the aunt of a 15 year old should be.
Wreck-It Ralph: The Medal Was Not A Metaphor
October 19, 2018 20:00On this episode of WTS we’re talking about Wreck-It Ralph. We talk about the importance of representation in both movies and video games, about accepting the role society assigns for you, and about whether girls should reject being princesses.
Wreck-It Ralph: The Medal Was Not A Metaphor
October 19, 2018 16:08On this episode of WTS we’re talking about Wreck-It Ralph. We talk about the importance of representation in both movies and video games, about accepting the role society assigns for you, and about whether girls should reject being princesses.
Annie: Who's Your Daddy Warbucks?
October 12, 2018 20:00On this episode of Way Too Seriously we are talking about 1982’s Annie. We talk about undifferentiated otherness, the calcification of gender roles and whether capitalism can be redeemed.
Yellow Submarine: All Together Now
October 05, 2018 20:52On this episode of WTS we’re talking about the Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine.” We talk about art education for children, drugs and rock and roll, and whether it’s actually true that all you need is love. We also stray from our central premise a little to just talk about The Beatles.
The Breadwinner: Beauty and Suffering
September 28, 2018 20:52In this episode we talk about war, socially constructed gender roles, and whether animated kids’ movies are less valuable as serious art than grown-up movies.
Early Man: Wait. Is This a Secret Sports Movie?
September 21, 2018 20:52In this episode of WTS we’re talking about Early Man. We talk about all-male sports teams, compulsory heterosexuality, whether England is a caveman country compared to the advanced bronze age of Europe, and whether a solid pun justifies gendered language.
Holes: No Good Dirty Rotten Podcast Stealing Great Great Grandfather
September 14, 2018 20:52In this episode of WTS we talk about gypsies, chain gangs, and boy stories.
Muppets Most Wanted: Hey, a Sequel!
September 07, 2018 20:52In this episode of WTS we talk about flattening difference, myopic worldviews, and why all the female characters are in love with a frog.
Teen Titans Go: Everybody Gets a Movie!
August 31, 2018 22:52In this episode of WTS we talk about representations of femininity, representations of masculinity, and men in disguise dressed as women. We also gush about the pre-movie short that featured Batgirl!
The Greatest Showman: There’s a Podcaster Born Every Minute
August 24, 2018 22:52In this episode we talk about The Greatest Showman, flattering biopics, women scorned, and women as instruments of class conflict.
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe: Care for Some Turkish Delight?
August 17, 2018 22:52On this episode of WTS we talk about allegory, casual sexism in both the book and the movie, and who exactly the main character of this story is.
Everything That I Need: Muppets 2011.
August 10, 2018 22:52In this episode, we talk about 2011’s Muppets. Not to be confused with the Muppet Movie. We talk about whether the Smurfette Principle should actually be called the Miss Piggy Principle, racialized muppets and women who are relentlessly positive.
Babies: Wah.
July 20, 2018 17:54This week we’re talking about a documentary: 2010’s “Babies.” We talk about truth in documentary film, misery tourism, and body positivity. We hope you enjoy!
The Incredibles 2: This Time it's Personal
July 13, 2018 17:54In this episode of WTS, we talk about Incredibles 2. We break down the world of parenting, villiony and stretchiness.
Ferdinand: A Bunch of Bull
July 06, 2018 19:09In this episode of WTS, we discuss Ferdinand, we talk about toxic masculinity, animal rights and lots of other bull.
Coco: The Cactus is also Me
June 29, 2018 19:09In this episode of WTS we’re covering Coco. We talk about bilingualism, appropriation, erasure of disability, and the inevitability of both death and of being forgotten.
Kiki’s Delivery Service: Childhood is Magical
June 22, 2018 19:09In this episode of WTS we’re talking about Kiki’s Delivery Service. We touch on coming of age, why it’s easy to do a queer reading of Kiki’s Delivery Service, and whether kids these days are spoiled and ungrateful.
Wonder: Punch your Problems Away!
June 15, 2018 19:09In this episode of WTS we talk about emotionally present fathers, disability inspiration porn, and solving problems with violence.
Toy Story 3: A Potato’s Soul
June 08, 2018 19:09On this episode of WTS we’re talking about Toy Story 3. We discuss Barbie’s political philosophy, Ken’s girly handwriting, and the metaphysics of identity as it applies to Mr. Potato Head.
Toy Story: The Toys Are Alive!
June 01, 2018 19:09On this episode of WTS we talk about male whiteness as the standard, whether it was a different time, and the semiotic meaning of pop tarts.