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Robert Pattinson delivers a masterful dual performance in Bong Joon-ho's Mickey 17, a sci-fi satire that explores identity, expendability, and the dark side of colonial expansion. The film follows a man who is repeatedly cloned and sacrificed for a fledgling colony on an alien planet, ultimately challenging the authoritarian leadership threatening both human settlers and indigenous life.

• Pattinson plays both Mickey 17 and Mickey 18, showcasing distinct personalities despite being clones
• Mark Ruffalo portrays Kenneth Marshall, a Trump-like authoritarian leader complete with red-cap-wearing supporters
• The film features strong performances from Naomi Ackie and Toni Collette in supporting roles
• Bong Joon-ho's direction creates a deliberately muted visual palette that brightens only when characters experience freedom
• The storyline draws clear parallels to contemporary politics while examining the ethics of colonialism
• Originally scheduled for release in 2022, the film faced multiple delays including one following an assassination attempt on Donald Trump

If you enjoyed our review of Mickey 17, please rate and subscribe to High and Dry Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. We'll be back next week with another film breakdown!

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High n' Dry takes "Nosferatu" and intertwines humor and horror while exploring deeper themes surrounding desire and repression. Through personal anecdotes and critical assessments, the discussion reveals the film's artistic merit and how it resonates with contemporary issues in vampire storytelling.

• Examination of cinematic techniques and symbolism
• Personal stories linking to key film elements
• Discussion of character arcs, particularly Dafoe
• Analysis of the film's place in modern vampiric narratives
• Exploration of community engagement and shared experiences

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Is "Die Hard" the ultimate Christmas movie, or is it just an action-packed romp with a holiday backdrop? Join us this Christmas Eve as we sip on Knob Creek bourbon and indulge in some Black Friday cannabis deals, while tackling this age-old debate with our signature high and dry flair. We reminisce about the 80s, fondly recalling TV classics and new panel shows featuring Michael Ian Black, before diving into our structured three-part method to dissect "Die Hard." From assessing the film's quality, to exploring its deeper themes, and finally imagining ourselves in the movie, it's a conversation filled with whiskey-fueled insights and spirited debates.

As the conversation unfolds, we don't shy away from the polarizing reception of films like "Avatar," juxtaposing its storytelling with classics like "Dances with Wolves" and discussing the audience's thirst for mature thrillers akin to "The Thomas Crown Affair." We dissect Bruce Willis's everyman appeal and Alan Rickman's villainous charm, sparking debates over his performances in other films like "Dogma" and "Galaxy Quest." A humorous critique of J.K. Rowling's characterization choices in the Harry Potter series adds a whimsical twist to our analysis, while the iconic elements of "Die Hard" — from its dynamic cinematography to its diagenic music choices — keep us hooked.

In the final chapters, we venture into the realm of societal norms, the notion of the ends justifying the means, and the evolution of character dynamics in "Die Hard." We muse over the film's surprising progressiveness, lack of outdated stereotypes, and the complexities of John McClane's relationships. With a speculative twist, we imagine how a new character could shake up the plot, and explore precision in handling dangerous situations, all while humorously reimagining "Die Hard" with fresh perspectives. As we plan our holiday movie lineup, we look forward to "Muppet Christmas Carol" for New Year's, wrapping up our episode with laughter, whiskey, and a nod to the classics.

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