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
WALL-E: Bleep Bloop
May 25, 2018 19:09In this episode of WTS we talk about romance between robots, messages of individuality from soulless multinational corporations, and whether environmental movies need to stop pulling their punches.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: When Werewolves Attack
May 18, 2018 19:09On this episode we talk about Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. In this episode of WTS we talk about shrunken heads, fat shaming, and whether checking out your hair from the back is sexist.
Beauty and the Beast 2017: There Must Be More Than This Podcasting Life
May 11, 2018 19:09On this episode we talk about the 2017 live-action version of Beauty and the Beast. We talk about Disney’s First Openly Gay Character™, whether cross-dressing is hilarious, and whether the serving classes are morally responsible for their masters.
The Incredibles: Equality is Villainous
May 04, 2018 19:09On this episode we talk about The Incredibles. We cover married people who like each other, whether it’s bad to reward mediocrity, the damselling of Mr. Incredible, and why it’s Supergirl, not Superwoman.
Aladdin: Magic Ions
April 27, 2018 14:39On this episode we talk about Disney’s Aladdin. We also talk about fetishized exoticisation of Arabia, whether women are prizes to be won, and whether it’s acceptable to transform a monkey into an elephant without his consent.
Zootopia - A Podcast That Makes the World a Better Place
April 20, 2018 14:39In this episode we’re talking about Zootopia, so obviously things get a little heated. We talk about pop stars, why the patriarchy hurts everyone, nature vs nurture, and racial profiling.this very movie!
A Wrinkle in Time: The Flying Lettuce Leaf
April 13, 2018 19:39In this episode we talk about kicking your characters when they are down, why mediocre movies are important, and optimism. We also talk about the “racial Bechdel test”, which we both forgot is called the DuVernay test, after Ava DuVernay, the director of this very movie!
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: The Room of Hushy Hush
April 06, 2018 19:39This episode of WTS is all about Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. We talk about why nobody feels bad for Moaning Myrtle, why Hermione has nicer hair in this movie, and whether we should care about House Elf rights.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone: Slytherin was Robbed
March 30, 2018 16:51This episode of WTS is all about Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. We’re focusing only on the movie, and trying our darndest not to turn this into an episode about the book(s). We talk about why the chosen one is a boy, the ethics fat shaming, and whether the Sorting Hat is inherently monstrous.
Despicable Me: Miss Hattie is the Real Villain
March 23, 2018 16:51On this episode of WTS we’re talking about Despicable Me. The first one. We talk about orphanages, child-endangerment, easily flattered women, and why Bee Gees dance parties are monstrous.
Despicable Me 2: Let’s Go To The Mall, Everybody!
March 16, 2018 16:51On this episode of WTS we’re talking about Despicable Me 2. That’s right, it was 3 last week and 2 this week. We’re doing this in backwards order. We talk about stereotypes as a villain’s gimmick, the idea of macho, and why this movie missed an opportunity to explore how growing up is a kind of loss.
Despicable Me 3: This time it's Despicabler
March 09, 2018 16:51On this episode of WTS we’re talking about Despicable Me 3. We talk about whether all women are naturally destined for motherhood, the male gaze, wacky ignorant foreigners, and whether child-marriage is funny.
The Boxtrolls: Say Cheese!
March 02, 2018 16:00On this episode of WTS we’re talking about Boxtrolls. We cover Laika’s race problem, cheese as a metaphor for social privilege, and whether everything would be better for everyone if Mr. Snatcher could just be a drag queen.
The Secret of Kells: A Podcast That Will Turn Darkness Into Light
February 23, 2018 16:00In this episode we talk about people of colour in the middle ages, whether Vikings should count as humans, and what that great big tall tower in Kells reminds us of.
Paddington 2: They’re Listening To Our Podcast!
February 16, 2018 16:00Hi everyone! In this episode we discuss 2018’s Paddington 2! We get way too serious about judicial reform, maternal bravery and perfect sequels.
Babe 2: Pig in the City - What Did I Just Watch?
February 09, 2018 16:00Hi everyone! We’re talking about Babe: Pig in the City this week. In this sequel to last week’s episode we talk about the surrealness of Babe: Pig in the City, Mrs Hoggett’s new accent, city life vs country life and the ethics of monkeys in wigs.
Babe: That’ll Do
February 02, 2018 16:00In this episode we talk about “Babe.” We cover animal husbandry, the assumption of male as default, and whether it’s ok to eat an animal as long as you’ve never actually heard it talk.
Ballerina/Leap!: Dance Like Nobody’s Watching Except Your Teacher Who Will Judge You
January 26, 2018 16:00In this episode we’re talking about a movie that was called Leap! in the United States but Ballerina everywhere else! We talk about how just because someone kisses you that doesn’t mean she’s your girlfriend, VICTOR. We also cover competitive female relationships, and how passion and talent don’t always go together.
Totoro: Hey, Let’s Go!
January 19, 2018 16:00This episode of WTS is all about the Studio Ghibli classic: Totoro! In this episode we talk about environmentalism, ignoring the rules of narrative structure, and why Granny should not be your childcare role model.
Calvin and Hobbes: Scientific Podcast Goes Boink
January 17, 2018 16:00In this episode we temporarily turn away from movies and talk about Calvin and Hobbes. We also talk about Beethoven, Cersei Lannister, and why you shouldn’t tell a little girl that a little boy is picking on her because he likes her.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Oompa loompa doompa dee don’t
January 12, 2018 16:00On this episode we talk about Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. That’s the 2005 version with Freddie Highmore as Charlie, not the 1971 one with Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka, which isn’t called Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at all, it’s called Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory so there really shouldn’t be any confusion. In this episode we talk about supporting art made by bad people, about whether Oompa Loompas are redeemable, and about why candy is only bad if you are fat.
Paddington: It’s just Peru
January 05, 2018 16:00On this episode we talk about 2015’s Paddington. We cover the man-in-a-dress trope, immigration and the whether Paddington is more popular than Winnie the Pooh.
Mailbag
December 22, 2017 16:00On this episode we don’t talk about any movie! Or maybe we talk about all of them! We’re reading your feedback!
The Muppet Christmas Carol: Beaker Flips the Bird
December 15, 2017 16:00On this episode we talk about the horror of Victorian poorhouses, whether it counts as passing the Bechdel test when the “woman” is a pig voiced by a man, and why if Tiny Tim doesn’t make you cry you’re a monster that’s right I said it.
The Peanuts Movie: Anybody Want a Peanut?
December 08, 2017 16:00In this episode of Way Too Seriously we’re talking The Peanuts Movie. We talk about nostalgia, Strong Female Characters,™ Peanuts’ race problem, and why Charlie Brown should remain a loser.
The Nightmare Before Christmas: Agree to Disagree
December 01, 2017 16:00In this episode of Way Too Seriously we’re talking about The Nightmare Before Christmas. Jan and Paul don’t quite see eye to eye about this movie. We disagree about whether this is a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie, whether Oogie Boogie is troublingly racialized, and whether Sally is a protagonist or a flat support character.
Captain Underpants: Insert Poop Joke Here
November 24, 2017 16:00In this episode of Way Too Seriously we’re talking Captain Underpants. We cover “boy books,” toxic masculinity, and whether Lunch Lady is an identity.
Kubo and the Two Strings: Play that Shamisen Music (White Boy)
November 16, 2017 16:00In this episode of Way Too Seriously we talk about the Studio Laika movie Kubo and the Two Strings. We especially talk about cultural appropriation, the Smurfette Principle, cultural appropriation, fear and bullying, and cultural appropriation.
The Book of Life: No Bull
November 10, 2017 16:00In this episode we talk about The Book of Life. In particular, we talk about the importance of representation, whether women are prizes to be won, and tomato sauce.
The Lion King: The Circle of Know Your Place
November 03, 2017 16:00In this episode, about The Lion King, we talk about the divine right of kings, why there are so many white American voice actors in this movie about Africa, and whether male lions are lazy freeloaders or important members of the pride.
Hotel Transylvania 2: Undie Harder
October 27, 2017 16:00In this second Halloween-themed episode of WTS Paul and Jan talk about Hotel Transylvania 2. We talk about infantilized women, incompetent men, and loving children for who they are.
Bonus Trivia: Paranorman
October 26, 2017 16:00Every week we make a short bonus trivia challenge episode inspired by each episode of WTS. This is the episode we recorded to go with Paranorman, we’ve decided to share it with you all! If you like the sound of this, you can one just like it for every episode of WTS by supporting us on Patreon!
Paranorman: When Puritans Attack!
October 20, 2017 16:00In this Halloween-adjacent episode of WTS Paul and Jan talk about Paranorman. Our conversation touches on the Bechdel Test and the Smurfette Principle (again!), the relationship of bullying to zombieism, and what speaking to the dead has to do with being gay.
Moana: Know Who You Are
October 13, 2017 16:00In this episode of WTS Paul and Jan talk about Moana. We talk about how trauma affects identity, whether Maui should have been a skinny guy, and why the best romantic subplot is no romantic subplot.
The Little Prince: Essential Viewing
October 05, 2017 18:30In this extra long episode of WTS Paul and Jan talk about The Little Prince. This movie is based on a book which was a beloved childhood favourite for Paul, so in this episode we talk about the relationship of the movie to the book. We also talk about why grown-ups are ridiculous, what it means to be essential, and why we wish this children’s movie had featured some more deaths.
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2: This Time It’s Personal
September 29, 2017 15:00In this episode of WTS Paul and Jan talk about Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2. We also talk about the evils of hero worship, why it matters if you confuse an ape for a monkey, the moral argument for veganism, and why the workers must seize the means of production to overthrow capitalism.
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs: Don’t @ Us
September 22, 2017 15:00In this episode, all about Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs, we talk about adapting picture books to movies, why a girl can’t be both cute and smart, and why fat people in movies are evil.
Song of the Sea: Come Away, Oh Human Child
September 15, 2017 15:11In this episode we talk about why it’s good to feel your feelings, whether fairy tales are colonialist by nature, and how overprotective parenting can harm children.
Muppets From Space: Why Are There So Many Movies With Muppets?
September 08, 2017 15:11In this week’s WTS Paul and Jan talk about Muppets From Space! We talk about loving the Muppets, why accepting weirdos is good, and why your story matters even if you don’t know it. And Paul goes on a long rant about his least favourite Muppet.
UP!: This is not a Children’s Movie
September 01, 2017 15:11In this week’s WTS Paul and Jan talk about UP! We talk about why it’s sadder when old people die, the value of letting go of the past, and we wonder how if all the doggies are boy doggies there are ever more doggies.
Hook: Peter Pan is Not Batman
August 25, 2017 15:11In this week’s WTS Paul and Jan talk about Hook, representation, why every female character wants to kiss Peter Pan, and food fights!
The Great Mouse Detective: Featuring Very Busty Mice
August 18, 2017 15:11In this week’s WTS Paul and Jan are talking about a Disney classic neither of them have nostalgia for: The Great Mouse Detective! We talk about Vincent Price, damsel mice, and systemic anti-rat bias.
Walking With the Dinosaurs 3D: "Hey Look! A Full Moon!"
August 11, 2017 15:11Jan and Paul are watching a movie this week that they didn’t choose. You don’t have to have seen this movie to listen to the episode: we’re talking about Walking With the Dinosaurs 3D. We talk about mating habits of anthropomorphized animals, whether a movie about dinosaurs should be considered a nature documentary, and whether dinosaurs wear lipstick.
Inside Out: What if Even Doublemint Gum Can’t Make You Smile?
August 04, 2017 15:11Jan and Paul return to Pixar to talk about Inside Out. We talk about depression, explaining theories of mind to children, and whether it’s possible for a bus driver to be a complete human being.
Prince of Egypt: The American Guy is Always the Hero
July 28, 2017 15:11In this episode of Way Too Seriously, Jan and Paul talk about Prince of Egypt. We talk about how nice it is to hear Patrick Stewart in anything, about whether it’s all cool to give women as gifts (spoiler: it’s not), about white actors playing African characters, and about why 2D traditional animation was great.
Toy Story 2: All Collectors Are Evil
July 21, 2017 15:11In this episode of Way Too Seriously, Jan and Paul talk about Toy Story 2, even though they’ve never talked about Toy Story. Oh well. We talk about why holding on to your childhood is tempting but futile, whether toy dinosaurs can be girls, and whether it’s ok for a villainous character to be racist.
The Wizard of Oz: Of Blizzards, Lizards, and Gizzards
July 14, 2017 15:11In this episode of Way Too Seriously, Jan and Paul talk about The Wizard of Oz, how passing the Bechdel test really should be easy, whether Munchkins are better than Hobbits, and whether it’s better to be a friend of Dorothy than to actually BE Dorothy.
Megamind: Everybody Loves Roxie
July 07, 2017 15:11In this episode of Way Too Seriously, Jan and Paul talk about Megamind. We express our sympathy with Dreamworks for always being the runner-up, this time to Despicable Me. We also talk about why Roxie is a love interest for every male character in the movie, whether the fact that Megamind is blue makes him count as a person of colour, and Brad Pitt and the nature of privilege.
Lego Batman: Joker Loves Batman
June 30, 2017 16:11In this episode of Way Too Seriously, Jan and Paul talk about Lego Batman, and Jan mentions Krypto the Wonder Dog at least twice. We also talk about whether Batgirl is a Smurfette, the homoerotic subtext of Batman and Joker, and DC’s race problem.
Hotel Transylvania: “Zing” is Not a Thing
June 23, 2017 18:11In this first full episode of Way Too Seriously, Jan and Paul talk about Hotel Transylvania, the insidious idea of fathers owning their daughters, how love at first sight is a terrible concept, and why disability is not monstrous.