Weapons: Drip-Fed Filler

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Shirleon & Kathryn join Melvin to discuss Weapons, Zach Cregger’s sort-of-sophomore flick after Barbarian! Horror fans have been eating good throughout 2025, and the gang explores whether the film continues this trend. They also ponder the wide variety of themes throughout, attempting to make sense of a dense and non-linear story.

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 28-minutes discussing Elizabeth Olson saying that they only want to be in theatrical releases, the dynamics and differing optics between streaming-only vs theatrical-first flicks, and if streaming as a form of primary distribution has improved or diminished the aura of the Hollywood star. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Kicking things off by briefly chatting Barbarian, as it helps set the groundwork for Cregger’s current style.
• Everyone agrees: Weapons is good. But, not everyone agrees its great.
• Kathryn, “I wish this movie was structured differently.”
• Melvin points to something he read in the IMDB trivia to explain why the film feels a bit… discombobulated.
• There are 2 plot contrivances that Melvin was a little irritated by, so he complains about them.
• The gang proposes some rewrites, because that’s what podcasts do!
• Kathryn stepped away frustrated by the middle of the film, calling it “irresponsible”.
• Contrasting Justine & Aunt Gladys
• The beginning of the film is strong, but the ending of the film is incredible.

Recommendations:

• Keep your eyes peeled for New York Times “Cookie Week 2025” (Past Recipes Kathryn recommends: Hibiscus-Spiraled Ginger Cookies & Peppermint Brownie Cookies)
• A Lonely Broadcast: Book One by Kel Byron (2023) (Novel)
• A Short Stay in Hell by Steven L Peck (2012) (Novel)
• WNUF Halloween Special (2013) (Movie)

Weapons is Rated R for strong bloody violence and grisly images, language throughout, some sexual content and drug use. It features Julia Garner, Cary Christopher, Josh Brolin, Benedict Wong, Austin Abrams, Alden Ehrenreich, and Amy Madigan. Directed by Zach Cregger. Weapons is available here.

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Melvin Benson is the Founder, Editor-In-Chief, and Lead Host of Cinematic Doctrine. Whether it’s a movie, show, game, comic, or novel, it doesn’t matter. As long as it’s rich, he’s ready and willing to give it a try! His hope is to see King Jesus glorified as far as the east is from the west!

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