Dashboard Discourse

Forbidden Fruits

We are back with another episode of Dashboard Discourse and this week we are fully in our witch era. If you have been looking for a podcast that examines current pop culture, debates problematic authors and creators, and reviews one the most anticipated horror comedies of the year, you found it. In this episode we play a full round of Smash or Pass: Witches Edition, covering everyone from the og witch Maleficent and the Disney Channel classics to Hermione Granger, the Sanderson sisters, Sabrina Spellman, and everything in between. We also get into the witchy adjacent staples: tarot, crystals, astrology, covens, Mercury Retrograde, and yes, the Etsy witch discourse. Then it is time for the main event. We are reviewing Forbidden Fruits, the comedy horror directorial debut from Meredith Alloy and produced by Diablo Cody, the mind behind Jennifer's Body. Set in a Dallas mall at a store called Free Eden, the film follows a coven of young women navigating girlhood, power, and contains some genuinely campy gore. We break down the performances, the fashion inspo, the single location storytelling, mall culture nostalgia, the twist we may or may not have seen coming, and why this movie is absolutely made for the girls. Media and People of Interest Mentioned in this Episode: Forbidden Fruits Mona Lisa Smile Dead Poets Society Kiki's Delivery Service Practical Magic The Craft Hocus Pocus Halloweentown Twitches Wizards of Waverly Place Sabrina the Teenage Witch Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Bewitched Harry Potter Wicked Stardust The Love Witch The Witches The Chronicles of Narnia The Golden Compass Freaky Friday American Horror Story: Coven Haunting of Hill House Haunting of Bly Manor You The Pitt Jennifer's Body Carrie Mean Girls Clueless Riverdale The Summer I Turned Pretty Hadestown SNL Two Broke Chicks (podcast) Diablo Cody Meredith Alloy Lily Reinhart Lola Tung Victoria Pedretti Emma Chamberlain Alexandra Shipp Mike Flanagan M. Night Shyamalan Jordan Peele Neil Gaiman Roald Dahl JK Rowling Jane Wickline Hayley Williams Harry Styles Disclaimer: This episode contains nuanced critiques and we aim for honest dialogue and diverse perspectives. But truthfully, we might not actually know what we are talking about. Thanks for listening anyway, and tune in every Friday for more conversations on film and culture!

Ready or Not 2 Reaction: Camp, Chaos & SO Much Blood

In this episode, we went to the theater for Ready or Not 2, the follow-up to the cult-favorite horror-comedy Ready or Not that leans all the way into chaos, gore, and over-the-top storytelling. Going in, our expectations are mixed. Some early film critic reactions are uncertain, and we’re not quite sure if the sequel can live up to the original’s glory. But sometimes, all you really want is a movie that knows exactly what it is. We break down whether Ready or Not 2 delivers on its promise, from its commitment to the bit to its campy tone, brutal visuals, and crowd-pleasing moments. From jump scares to gallons of very fake "catsup" blood, we talk about what makes this kind of theatrical experience so fun and why it hits differently on the big screen compared to watching at home. Beyond the movie itself, we dive into a bigger conversation about the current state of the film industry. Why are movies disappearing from theaters so quickly? Are streaming platforms hurting long-term success for certain genres? And what does it mean for mid-budget films, fantasy, and original storytelling when everything is expected to perform instantly? We also touch on recent watches, including Dead Poets Society, Anniversary, and If I Had Legs, I'd Kick You, while reflecting on how we engage with media in this season of life — from intentional viewing habits to the shift away from physical media and shared theater experiences. Whether you’re here for the horror, the humor, or the industry conversation, this episode covers everything from chaotic fun at the movies to thoughtful discussion about where film culture is headed next. Buckle up, we have thoughts! Media mentioned in this episode: Ready or Not 2 Ready or Not Dead Poets Society If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You Anniversary My Lady Jane Sinners Hamnet Dead Poets Society Mona Lisa Smile Frankenstein Bride of Frankenstein Oppenheimer Barbie Mr. & Mrs. Smith The Pitt Harry Potter Game of Thrones The Hobbit James Bond Frankenstein Spider-Man Disclaimer: This episode contains nuanced critiques, and we aim for honest dialogue and diverse perspectives. But truthfully, we might not actually know what we are talking about. Thanks for listening anyway, and tune in every Friday for more conversations on film and culture!

We Got To See Project Hail Mary Early! Plus Why We Think The 2026 Oscars Were A Little Bit Messy

In this episode, we discuss the latest theatrical release Project Hail Mary (or at least everything we can say about it for right now without spoiling it.) We give you our early reactions and expectations to why this story already feels like it could be a major moment for sci-fi on screen. Whether you’ve read the book or are going in completely blind, we’re unpacking what makes this movie so special and why believe it is deserving of so much attention. Before the movie review we have a brief yet comprehensive chat on the Academy’s 2026 Oscar Awards. From confusing upsets to long-standing patterns in who actually wins, we’re breaking down what worked, what didn’t, and why some of these results feel frustrating in a way that goes deeper than just “your fave lost.” We cover everything from a historic cinematography win and why it matters to campaign narratives, and why not everything is about Timothee Chalamet. Media & People of Interest Mentioned in this Episode: Moonlight La La Land Oppenheimer Parasite Get Out Avatar Frankenstein The Color Purple The Banshees of Inisherin The Martian This Is Us Project Hail Mary The Odyssey Interstellar The Hunger Games Dark Matter The Echo Wife Weapons Hamnet Sinners One Battle After Another Killers of the Flower Moon Green Book The Help Marty Supreme Wakanda Forever Turning Point Barbie Ryan Coogler Paul Thomas Anderson Amy Madigan Michael B. Jordan Delroy Lindo Timothee Chalamet Misty Copeland Disclaimer: This episode contains nuanced critiques, and we aim for honest dialogue and diverse perspectives. But truthfully, we might not actually know what we are talking about. Thanks for listening anyway, and tune in every Friday for more conversations on film and culture!

Bonus AMC Screen Unseen: Our Take on the Latest Mystery Movie

In this episode, we take on AMC’s Screen Unseen, the mystery movie experience where you walk into the theater with no idea what you’re about to watch. For a discounted ticket (or your A-List membership), you’re signing up for a completely blind viewing. It could be anything from a buzzy upcoming release to something totally off your radar. We break down the thrill (and slight anxiety) of going in blind, the online theories and Reddit guesses leading up to showtime, and what makes Screen Unseen such a fun, albeit risky, way to experience movies. From debating potential picks to reading the subtle clues in the trailers before the reveal, this episode captures the full rollercoaster of the mystery movie night experience. Once the credits roll, we chat about the film itself, which for this week was (drumroll please...) “Slanted”! This movie is about a high schooler who wants to be white in order to fit in with her peers. It blends dark comedy, social commentary, and light horror elements. We unpack its ambitious premise, exploring themes of race, identity, and societal pressure, and debate whether the film fully commits to its bold ideas or holds itself back. You’ll hear our thoughts on the film’s tone, performances, and storytelling choices, including its background details, unexpected humor, and moments that feel either intentionally absurd or unintentionally uneven. We also discuss where the movie succeeds, where it falls short, and why its concept feels stronger than its execution. Whether you’re a Screen Unseen regular, someone who loves taking risks on mystery movies, or just curious about what it’s like to watch a film completely blind, this bonus episode gives you a front-row seat to the experience. Join us for our unfiltered reactions, a few chaotic guesses, and a conversation about a movie that’s equal parts intriguing and frustrating. Hit play to join the Dashboard Discourse. Media mentioned in this episode: Tow Slanted Forbidden Fruits The Drama My Dead Friend Zoe The Substance Carrie Mean Girls Sex Lives of College Girls Never Have I Ever Undertone Disclaimer: This episode contains nuanced critiques, and we aim for honest dialogue and diverse perspectives. But truthfully, we might not actually know what we are talking about. Thanks for listening anyway, and tune in every Friday for more conversations on film and culture!

The Bride! (2026) An Unhinged, Surprisingly Hot Frankenstein Movie

In this episode, we review “The Bride!”, Maggie Gyllenhaal’s absolutely chaotic and visually bold reimagining of the Frankenstein story. From its theatrical storytelling style to its strange tonal shifts, we unpack what makes this film feels both mesmerizing and confusing at the same time. We discuss Jessie Buckley’s captivating performance as the Bride, Christian Bale’s unexpectedly handsome (maybe not creepy enough) monster, and the film’s layered themes of identity and female rage. Along the way, we debate whether the movie’s fragmented narrative is a deliberate artistic choice or simply difficult to follow, and explore how this gothic horror film plays with the unique time periods, narration, and Mary Shelley’s original mythology. As always, the conversation includes bonus movie-themed chit chat. In this episode, we talk about Pixar’s Hoppers, the experience of seeing films in IMAX, why theater seats might matter more than you think, and AMC’s screen unseen. Whether you’re a die-hard cinephile wondering if The Bride! is worth seeing, or simply curious about our cheeky new podcast, join us for our unfiltered reactions, a few chaotic tangents, and a conversation about one of the year’s most unusual movie experiences. Hit play to join the Dashboard Discourse. -- Media mentioned in this episode: * The Bride! * The Lost Daughter * The Kindergarten Teacher * Mona Lisa Smil * Wuthering Heights * Frankenstein * Lisa Frankenstein * Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstei * Hoppers * The Mitchells vs. the Machines * The Wild Robot * Flow * Bluey * Toy Story franchise * How to Train Your Dragon * Wicked * Plot Twist Podcast * Red Queen series * The School for Good and Evil series Disclaimer: This episode contains nuanced critiques, and we aim for honest dialogue and diverse perspectives. But truthfully, we might not actually know what we are talking about. Thanks for listening anyway, and tune in every Friday for more conversations on film and culture!