In this episode of the Wicked Indulgence Podcast, we dive into the intriguing world of the film "The Death of the Unicorn," featuring the beloved Paul Rudd and the talented Jenna Ortega. Our discussion begins with a fascinating exploration of the unicorn tapestries housed at The Cloisters, a museum dedicated to medieval art and culture. We ponder the historical significance of unicorns and dragons, considering the possibility that these mythical creatures may have once roamed the earth, as evidenced by their depictions throughout history.

As we transition into the film, we set the stage for the story, which revolves around a father-daughter duo, Elliot (Paul Rudd) and Ridley (Jenna Ortega), who find themselves embroiled in a chaotic adventure after a tragic encounter with a unicorn. The film opens with a dramatic scene where Elliot accidentally hits a unicorn while driving through a wildlife reserve, leading to a series of events that spiral out of control. We discuss the film's dark humor and its unique take on the unicorn mythos, contrasting the majestic creatures with their more sinister portrayal in this narrative.

Throughout our conversation, we highlight the film's character dynamics, particularly the strained relationship between Elliot and Ridley, exacerbated by the recent loss of their wife and mother. We delve into the supporting cast, including Richard E. Grant as the morally ambiguous pharmaceutical tycoon, and Taya Leone as his wife, who both embody the classic billionaire archetype. Their obsession with wealth and power becomes a central theme as the story unfolds.

As the plot thickens, we witness the consequences of their actions when the unicorn's blood reveals miraculous healing properties, leading to a moral quandary for the characters. The film cleverly critiques the greed and ethical dilemmas faced by those in power, as the family seeks to exploit the unicorn's abilities for profit, disregarding the potential dangers involved.

We also discuss the film's horror elements, particularly the gruesome and unexpected deaths that occur as the unicorns retaliate against those who threaten them. The tension builds as the characters face off against these formidable creatures, leading to a thrilling climax that challenges their arrogance and greed.

In the end, we reflect on the film's commentary on humanity's relationship with nature and the consequences of exploitation. "The Death of the Unicorn" serves as a darkly comedic yet thought-provoking tale that leaves us questioning the lengths to which people will go for power and wealth, all while reminding us of the magic and mystery that still exists in the world. Join us as we revel in this guilty pleasure and dissect the layers of storytelling that make this film a unique addition to the horror-comedy genre.

00:00:00 - Introduction to The Cloisters and Unicorn Tapestries
Discussion about The Cloisters museum and the significance of the unicorn tapestries.

00:01:08 - The Existence of Unicorns and Dragons
Exploration of theories regarding the existence of unicorns and dragons in history.

00:02:17 - The Film Inspired by Tapestries
Introduction to the movie "The Death of the Unicorn" and its connection to the tapestries.

00:03:34 - Character Introductions: Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega
Overview of the main characters and their roles in the film.

00:05:46 - Setting the Scene: Family Dynamics
Discussion of the family dynamics and the backstory of the characters.

00:09:18 - The Accident: Hitting the Unicorn
The pivotal moment when the characters hit a unicorn with their car.

00:12:00 - The Aftermath of the Accident
Reactions to the injured unicorn and the decision to take it with them.

00:16:10 - Unicorn's Healing Powers
Revelation of the unicorn's blood having healing properties.

00:20:29 - The Billionaire's Illness and Greed
Introduction of the billionaire character and his motivations.

00:25:07 - The Unicorn's Escape and Chaos
The unicorn's escape and the ensuing chaos at the estate.

00:30:14 - The Hunt for the Unicorns
The family's attempt to hunt the unicorns and the consequences.

00:37:54 - Ridley's Research and Warnings
Ridley’s research about unicorns and her warnings to the family.

00:40:43 - The Final Confrontation
The climactic battle with the unicorns and the consequences of greed.

In this episode of the Wicked Indulgence Podcast, we embark on a nostalgic journey into the world of video games, specifically focusing on one of the most iconic titles of all time: Final Fantasy VII. As your host, Jessica, I’m joined by my co-host Kevin, and together we dive deep into our shared love for this classic game that has left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape.

We kick off the episode by discussing the evolution of video games, reminiscing about the early days of gaming and the significant technological advancements that have shaped the industry. From the original Nintendo to the rise of PlayStation and Xbox, we reflect on how these consoles have transformed gaming into a mainstream form of entertainment, despite the lingering stigmas surrounding gamers.

As we transition into our main topic, Kevin shares his personal connection to Final Fantasy VII, recounting how he first encountered the game during a sleepover and how it captivated him from the start. We explore the game's rich narrative, complex characters, and the unique blend of fantasy and social commentary that makes it so compelling. The story revolves around Cloud Strife, a former soldier for the Shinra Electric Company, and his journey of self-discovery amidst a backdrop of corporate greed and environmental destruction.

Throughout the episode, we delve into the gameplay mechanics, discussing the turn-based combat system and the importance of leveling up to progress through the story. Kevin shares his completionist approach to gaming, emphasizing the satisfaction of achieving 100% completion and how it enhances the overall experience.

We also touch on the cultural impact of Final Fantasy VII, considering its status as a cult classic and how it has influenced both the gaming community and the broader entertainment industry. The conversation naturally leads to the recent remake of the game, where we discuss the creators' decision to expand and reinterpret the original story while maintaining its core essence.

As we wrap up the episode, we reflect on the enduring legacy of Final Fantasy VII and its significance in our lives as gamers. We encourage our listeners to revisit the original game, whether they are newcomers or long-time fans, to appreciate the artistry and storytelling that has stood the test of time.

Join us for this engaging discussion filled with nostalgia, insights, and a shared passion for one of the greatest video games ever made. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just curious about the world of gaming, this episode promises to be a delightful exploration of Final Fantasy VII and its impact on our lives.

00:00:00 - Introduction to Video Games and Guilty Pleasures
00:05:00 - The Evolution of Gaming Consoles
00:10:00 - Stigmas Surrounding Video Games
00:15:00 - Personal Guilty Pleasure: The Sims
00:20:00 - Welcome to the Wicked Indulgence Podcast
00:25:00 - Final Fantasy VII: A Personal Favorite
00:30:00 - The Significance of Final Fantasy VII in Gaming History
00:35:00 - The Storyline and Themes of Final Fantasy VII
00:40:00 - Character Dynamics and Development
00:45:00 - Gameplay Mechanics and Leveling Up
00:50:00 - Comparing Gameplay Styles: Completionists vs. Main Quest
00:55:00 - Final Thoughts on Final Fantasy VII

In this episode of the Wicked Indulgence Podcast, we dive deep into the world of Studio Ghibli, specifically focusing on the iconic film Princess Mononoke. Kevin and I kick off the discussion by reminiscing about our experiences with Ghibli films, debating the correct pronunciation of "Ghibli," and sharing our excitement about the film's return to theaters, particularly in IMAX format.

We recount our personal histories with Princess Mononoke, with Kevin sharing how he first discovered the film during his high school years through a friend's late-night movie marathons. He reflects on the impact that Miyazaki's films have had on him, noting how the first Ghibli film one sees often becomes a favorite. I share my own experience of watching Spirited Away first, contrasting it with the more somber Grave of the Fireflies.

As we transition into our theater experience, we express our disappointment with the IMAX presentation, highlighting the high ticket prices and the lack of modern amenities like reclining seats. Despite the underwhelming theater experience, we agree that Princess Mononoke remains a cinematic masterpiece worth discussing.

We delve into the film's themes, particularly the complex relationship between nature and industrialization. We appreciate Miyazaki's ability to portray characters with depth, where there are no clear villains, and how each character's actions stem from their desire to protect what they love. We discuss Ashitaka's journey as he navigates the conflict between the forest spirits and the humans of Irontown, emphasizing the film's message about understanding and empathy.

Throughout the episode, we analyze key characters, including Ashitaka, Lady Eboshi, and Princess Mononoke, exploring their motivations and the moral dilemmas they face. We highlight the film's intense moments, including the graphic violence that serves to underscore the stakes of the conflict.

As we move into spoilers, we summarize the plot, focusing on Ashitaka's curse, his quest to find a cure, and the escalating tensions between the forest spirits and the iron-mining humans. We discuss the pivotal moments that lead to the film's climax, including the tragic consequences of Lady Eboshi's ambition and the ultimate fate of the forest spirit.

In conclusion, we reflect on the film's powerful messages about coexistence, the consequences of greed, and the importance of seeing the world with "eyes unclouded by hate." We leave listeners with a sense of appreciation for Miyazaki's artistry and the timeless relevance of Princess Mononoke in today's world.

00:00:00 - Introduction to Ghibli and IMAX Experience
00:02:00 - Nostalgic Memories of Princess Mononoke
00:04:50 - The Disappointing IMAX Theater Experience
00:06:00 - Overview of Princess Mononoke
00:08:00 - Miyazaki's Artistic Integrity
00:09:30 - Comparison to Ferngully
00:10:30 - Themes of Nature vs. Progression
00:12:00 - Complex Characters and Moral Ambiguity
00:14:00 - Visual Intensity and Content Warning
00:15:00 - Plot Summary and Character Introductions
00:16:30 - Ashitaka's Curse and Journey Begins
00:20:00 - Introduction to Irontown and Lady Eboshi
00:22:30 - Lady Eboshi's Dual Nature
00:24:00 - Ashitaka's Compassion and Risk
00:26:00 - Conflict Between Humans and Nature
00:28:00 - Ashitaka's Encounter with Samurai
00:30:00 - The Power of Hatred and Violence
00:32:00 - Lady Eboshi's Ambitions and Consequences
00:34:00 - The Spirit of the Forest and Its Guardians
00:36:00 - The Monk's Role and Manipulations
00:38:00 - The Struggle for Survival
00:40:00 - Consequences of Greed and Ambition
00:42:00 - The Climax and Final Confrontations
00:44:00 - Resolution and Reflection on Choices
00:48:00 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts