Animated Wonders
Animated Wonders is an Explosion Network podcast celebrating animation in all its forms—from Japanese anime to Hollywood hits and overlooked international gems, we’re here to celebrate the stories that only animation can tell. Each episode dives deep into a single film, exploring its story, themes, cultural impact, and the artistry behind its animation.
Episodes
We discuss episodes 8 & 9 of Cowboy Bebop, which sees the hacker Edward join the team of Bebop.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
EPISODE #1 CREDITS:
- Episode Number & Title: S01E08 - Waltz for Venus
- Original Air Date: December 24, 2001
- Director: Yoshiyuki Takei
- Writer(s): Michiko Yoko...
We discuss Cowboy Bebop episodes 6 & 7, where Spike meets a dangerous child who may have a secret, and V.T, a space truck hiding a secret.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
EPISODE #1 CREDITS:
- Episode Number & Title: S01E06 - Sympathy for the Devil
- Original Air Date: December 17, 2001
- Director: Ikurō Satō <...
We discuss episodes 4 + 5 of Cowboy Bebop, in which we see Spike come face-to-face with Vicious, his old friend and now enemy, from when Spike was part of the Red Dragon Syndicate.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
EPISODE #1 CREDITS:
- Episode Number & Title: S01E04 - Gateway Shuffle
- Original Air Date: September 10, 2001
- Read more
We discuss episodes 2 and 3 of Cowboy Bebop, which introduce Faye Valentine to the series.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
SHOW DOT POINTSEPISODE #1 CREDITS:
- Episode Number & Title: S01E012 - Stray Dog Strut
- Original Air Date: September 3, 2001
- Director: Ikurō Satō
- Writer(s): Michiko Y...
We kick off our new season focused on Cowboy Bebop by discussing the first episode of this seminal anime.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
EPISODE #1 CREDITS:
- Episode Number & Title: S01E01 - Astroid Blues
- Original Air Date: September 3, 2001
- Studio: Sunrise
- Director: Yoshiyuki Ta...
We discuss the latest entry in the Despicable Me film universe, Minions & Monsters.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
SHOW DOT POINTS- This movie is one of the more enjoyable entries in the series.
- The big bad of the movie was microphones.
- The third act fizzles out with a random resolution.
- Read more
We wrap up our discussion of all the Toy Story films from Pixar/Disney by discussing the themes of all the films, animation quality, and which ones affected us the most.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
CREDITS- 🎵 Music: Kawaii Anime Pop, by Tak_Music Licensed from Audio Jungle
- 🎨 Artwork: Simon Blakcburn
- 📝 Show notes ...
The Despicable Me series continues its run with the fourth film, featuring Gru and company attempting to be in hiding.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
SHOW DOT POINTS- The film is highly forgettable and lacks substance.
- The character dynamics between Gru and Gru Jr. are the highlights.
- The pacing of the movie is off, making it feel unbalanced.
- Mike White's writing for this film raises q...
We discuss Toy Story 5, breaking down its themes, its focus on how it wants to address technology in our lives, and particularly, children's lives, and the overall quality of the film in comparison to the past four.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
SHOW DOT POINTS- Toy Story 5 introduces new themes around technology and play.
- The film has emotional ...
Minions: The Rise of Gru was not only delayed for several years because of COVID-19, but is also memorable for the 'gentle minions' trend.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
SHOW DOT POINTS- The film serves as both a sequel to 'Minions' and a prequel to 'Despicable Me'.
- Character dynamics between Gru and the Minions are central to the story.
- The film lacks the chaotic humour of the origina...
We discuss the spin-off film Lightyear, which may be the movie Andy watched to be introduced to the character in the Toy Story universe.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
SHOW DOT POINTS- The film aims to create a backstory for Buzz Lightyear.
- Themes of failure and teamwork are central to the story.
- The animation quality is praised, but the character designs are debated.
- Chris Evans' performance as Buzz Lig...
Gru meets his twin brother in the third Despicable Me film, and we head off on another wild adventure.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
SHOW DOT POINTS- Despicable Me 3 has a more sitcom-like feel compared to earlier films.
- The film explores themes of family expectations and hereditary traits.
- Dru, Gru's twin, is portrayed as less competent.
- The children play a diminished role in this in...
In this part of the Toy Story journey, we discuss several of the Toy Story Shorts.
- Lamp Life
- Hawaiian Vacation
- Small Fry
- Partysaurus Rex
- Toy Story of Terror!
- Toy Story That Time Forgot
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
SHOW DOT POINTS- The animated shorts provide a fun extension of the Toy Story universe.
- Each short has its unique charm and humour, appealing to both kids...
The Minions get their own film that introduces their largest world and the origin story before they meet Gru.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
SHOW DOT POINTS- The film leans heavily into Minions ' humour, appealing to kids.
- Themes include finding one's place in the world and toxic relationships.
- Minonese is a unique language combining various languages.
- The film was a box office success...
In Toy Story 4, the series takes a soft reset, sending Woody off on a nearly solo adventure and introducing a bunch of new characters.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
SHOW DOT POINTS- Toy Story 4 explores themes of letting go and self-discovery.
- Forky serves as a deep character questioning his purpose.
- Woody's journey highlights the conflict between duty and personal fulfilment.
- The fil...
It's time to get happy with the second film in the Despicable Me series, now with Kristen Wiig's character joining the team.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
SHOW DOT POINTS- The film explores themes of parenting and dating later in life.
- Kristen Wiig's performance elevates the film significantly.
- The minions' subplot was an attempt to capitalise on their popularity.
- The song 'Happy' bec...
In the third Toy Story film, things get a little darker, and we discuss how it is a thematically rich film with a lot for kids and adults to take in.
YOUR HOSTS
🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
SHOW DOT POINTS- Toy Story 3 explores themes of growing up and letting go.
- The film resonates deeply with those who grew up with the franchise.
- Animation technology has significantly advanced since the first...
We start our Despicable Me series re-watch in the lead-up to the newest Minions movie. The first film introduces all the elements that the series will be known for.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
SHOW DOT POINTS- Despicable Me is a kids' film with a simple storyline.
- The film explores themes of found family and personal growth.
- Minions have become a cultural phenomenon since their intr...
Is Toy Story 2 one of the best sequels ever? That's just one of our discussion points as we talk about the next film in the Toy Story series.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
SHOW DOT POINTS- Toy Story 2 is often considered better than the first film.
- The film amplifies the scope and stakes of the original story.
- Themes of mortality and relationships are central to the narrative.
- Cultura...
We start our re-watch and discussion of the Toy Story films with the classic that sparked an animation revolution in cinema.
YOUR HOSTS 🎙️ Dylan Blight 🎙️ Ashley Hobley
SHOW DOT POINTS- Toy Story is a nostalgic classic for many.
- The film explores themes of friendship and jealousy.
- Woody's character arc reflects personal change and acceptance.
- The animation quality was groundbreaking for its time.
- T...
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