Alle afleveringen
144 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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Fight Club (w/ Wren Mack)
9 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 42 min
Rivka and Frank are joined by a pod favorite, Wren Mack, to discuss one of the most requested films in our show’s history: Fight Club. Lees meer
This is, in fact, a very special final episode. We’ve loved making this show from the bottom of our hearts, and we’re so grateful for your support, curiosity, and all the conversations we’ve shared with you along the way.
Please keep listening and sharing! We’ve built a huge library of films and conversations, and we’ll be keeping all our materials up and available. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
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Editing by John Patrick | Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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Do The Right Thing
8 september 2026 · 1 uur 26 min
Rivka and Frank come together for one final duet! This time, they’re diving into a much-requested favorite: the Spike Lee joint Do the Right Thing. Recorded in the middle of a New York heat wave, this episode touches on climate, capitalism, race, community and gentrification. Lees meer
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MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.
Editing by John Patrick | Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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REDS (w/ Harvey Kaye) [UNLOCKED]
19 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 25 min
As MVC winds down, we've decided to release our episode on REDS from behind the paywall. Enjoy! Lees meer
On this episode of Movies vs. Capitalism, Frank is joined by labor historian and pod favorite Harvey Kaye to talk about Warren Beatty’s REDS. They dig into the film’s take on the Russian Revolution, American radicalism, and what Hollywood gets right—and wrong—about revolution.
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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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City of Hope (w/ Harvey Kaye)
8 augustus 2026 · 2 uur 12 min
In one of our final episodes, Rivka and Frank are joined by pod favorite, award-winning author and professor Harvey Kaye, to discuss the John Sayles drama City of Hope. Filled with an ensemble of working class characters, this film has been on Harvey’s list for us to watch for a while. Lees meer
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Editing by John Patrick | Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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Fern Gully: The Last Rainforest [PATREON PREVIEW]
8 juli 2026 · 2 min
Frank and Rivka come together for an MVC duet to discuss one of the podcast's most requested movies: FernGully: The Last rainforest. Often referred to as the "Millennial Silent Spring," the duo explores whether this animated classic is truly an eco-activist film…or whether it's doing more favors for Big Oil than it realizes. Lees meer
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Editing by John Patrick | Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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Rain Man (w/ Daniel)
11 juni 2026 · 1 uur 37 min
This week, Rivka and Frank are reunited with Daniel, host of The Sickle and the Hammer: A Socialist History of the Soviet Union, to discuss another classic: Rain Man. Remarkably, this is the second film in a row we've watched in which Tom Cruise plays a yuppie asshole with a heart of gold. Daniel shares why Rain Man holds deep meaning for him—not only personally, but politically as well. Lees meer
patreon.com/sovietpod
rss.com/podcasts/sovietpod
youtube.com/@thesickleandthehammer
@sovietpod.bsky.social
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Editing by John Patrick | Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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Risky Business (w/ Harvey Kaye)
29 mei 2026 · 1 uur 34 min
This week, Rivka and Frank are joined by favorite returning guest Harvey Kaye to discuss the Reagan-era film that made Tom Cruise an icon: Risky Business. The trio dives into the film’s neoliberal fantasy, its questionable sex politics, and more. Lees meer
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Editing by John Patrick | Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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Father Hood (w/ Editor John)
30 april 2026 · 1 uur 10 min
This week, Rivka and Frank are joined by the third leg of the MVC team: editor John. Together, they discuss Father Hood, the 1993 Patrick Swayze comedy-action thrille (not to be confused with Kevin Hart’s Fatherhood). Buried beneath the film’s utterly unhinged plot, the trio uncover the politics of its era, including the decade’s fascination with the “deadbeat dad turns out to have a heart of gold” trope. Lees meer
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Editing by John Patrick | Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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American Psycho (w/ Kate Eastman)
18 april 2026 · 2 uur 9 min
This week, Rivka and Frank are rejoined by another pod favorite Kate Eastman (ig: @k8beastman) to break down the cult-classic American Psycho. The trio discuss everything from the powers and failures of satire, Patrick Bateman as the embodiment of capitalism and the original incel. Lees meer
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Editing by John Patrick | Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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Starship Troopers (w/ Joe)
3 april 2026 · 1 uur 47 min
This week, Rivka and Frank are rejoined by pod favorite Joe (of Joewrote) to take on the much-requested Starship Troopers. Together, they dig into the film’s anti-imperialist politics. The group discuss the film’s anti-imperialist politics and its connections (if any) to the current “manosphere” of today. Lees meer
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Editing by John Patrick | Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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Andor, Season 1
13 maart 2026 · 2 uur 20 min
This week, in a rare turn for the pod, we head to television. Rivka and Frank are joined again by actor and cultural worker Chris Myers to discuss the widely beloved and much-talked-about series Andor, Season 1. The trio explore what lessons the political left might draw from Tony Gilroy’s writing, digging into Cassian Andor’s radicalization, the community and culture of Ferrix, Luthen as an accelerationist organizer, and more. Lees meer
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Editing by John Patrick | Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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The Landlord
20 februari 2026 · 1 uur 56 min
This week, Rivka and Frank are joined by a guest who wishes to remain anonymous—a lifelong New Yorker deeply involved in the historic preservation community—to discuss Hal Ashby’s debut film The Landlord. Starring Beau Bridges and Diana Sands, the film is a sharp, unruly satire about the gentrification of Park Slope. It’s a wild ride, and our guest brings essential context to the history and impact of gentrification in New York City. Lees meer
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Editing by John Patrick | Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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One Battle After Another [PATREON PREVIEW]
6 februari 2026 · 4 min
Rivka and Frank are back with another premium duet, throwing their hats into the discourse around Paul Thomas Anderson’s newly Oscar-nominated One Battle After Another. The duo dig into the film’s so-called revolutionary politics, unpacking its anti-revolutionary core, hollow portrayal of the left, and the real impact of that framing. Lees meer
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Moonstruck (w/ Peter Moses)
23 januari 2026 · 1 uur 29 min
Rivka and Frank are joined by their dear friend Peter Moses—entrepreneur, creative producer, and co-founder of Rain Delay Media—for a deep dive into the Oscar-winning 1987 classic Moonstruck, starring Cher and Nicolas Cage. They unpack the film’s take on class, family, and a version of New York City that once felt economically possible. Lees meer
Next week, we’re watching Paul Thomas Anderson’s 2025 film One Battle After Another.
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Editing by John Patrick | Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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Casablanca (w/ Harvey Kaye)
9 januari 2026 · 1 uur 42 min
Rivka and Frank are joined by returning guest and pod favorite, award-winning author and professor Harvey Kaye, to discuss the all-time classic Casablanca. The trio dig into why the film truly deserves its legendary status, its striking relevance to today’s political climate amid the rise of fascism in America, and the quietly radical politics behind the filmmaking itself. Lees meer
For next week’s movie—snap out of it!—we’ll be watching Moonstruck.
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Editing by John Patrick | Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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The Santa Clause [PATREON PREVIEW]
20 december 2025 · 3 min
ust in time for Christmas, Frank and Rivka are back with their second holiday duet—this time breaking down The Santa Clause. The duo dive into the politics of this absolutely unhinged ’90s classic, from the divorced-dad trope to Scott Calvin being a full-on pos, the film’s fatphobic messaging, and Santa as the ultimate capitalist overlord. Lees meer
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For next week’s movie, snap out of it because we’ll be watching Moonstruck.
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How the Grinch Stole Christmas
13 december 2025 · 1 uur 22 min
In time for the holidays, Rivka and Frank cover the 2000 Jim Carrey adaptation of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The duo dig into whether this Dr. Seuss classic is truly an anti-consumerist tale—or if it ultimately misses the mark. They also unpack Whoville as a surprisingly prophetic preview of our current plastic-surgery obsession and the class aesthetics baked into its cheerfully creepy smiles. Lees meer
For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching another Christmas classic, Tim Allen’s 1994 The Santa Clause.
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MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.
Editing by John Patrick | Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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Cinderella Man (w/ Ron)
20 november 2025 · 1 uur 34 min
This week, Rivka and Frank are joined by longtime social studies teacher and progressive activist Ron to discuss the 2005 Depression-era boxing drama Cinderella Man. Ron, who has taught for 23 years, uses the film in his 11th-grade classroom to explore politics on screen, and the trio digs into this classic “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” melodrama starring Russell Crowe. Lees meer
For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2000 holiday favorite How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
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Editing by John Patrick | Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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Total Recall (w/ Nathan Gelgud)
6 november 2025 · 1 uur 36 min
This week, Rivka and Frank are joined by former projectionist, alt-weekly critic, and illustrator Nathan Gelgud to discuss the 1990 sci-fi Schwarzenegger hit Total Recall. The trio dive into the film’s take on transhumanism and techno-feudalism, as well as life on mars and how its futuristic anxieties still hit close to home. Lees meer
Reel Politik
For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2005 depression era boxing drama Cinderella Man.
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MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.
Editing by John Patrick | Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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Sinners [PATREON PREVIEW]
30 oktober 2025 · 3 min
Just in time for Halloween, Rivka and Frank team up for a premium duet to discuss the wildly adored 2025 horror-thriller-musical Sinners. Written and directed by Ryan Coogler, the duo unpack the politics behind this genre-bending vampire film. Lees meer
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For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2005 Ron Howared depression era drama Cinderella Man.
MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.
Editing by John Patrick | Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? (w/ Shannon Amabile)
16 oktober 2025 · 1 uur 39 min
This week, Frank is joined by returning guest — psychotherapist and cinephile Shannon Amabile — to discuss the 1969 film They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? starring Jane Fonda and Michael Sarrazin. Set during the Great Depression, the film follows a group of desperate contestants competing in a grueling, dehumanizing dance marathon run by a sociopathic emcee. Shannon and Frank unpack the film’s haunting politics and enduring relevance. Lees meer
For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching Ryan Coogler’s 2025 vampire smash hit Sinners.
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MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.
Editing by John Patrick | Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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Jurassic Park (w/ Ben Bonnema)
2 oktober 2025 · 1 uur 35 min
This week, Rivka and Frank are joined by musical theater writer, playwright, and organizer Ben Bonnema to discuss Spielberg’s 1993 classic Jurassic Park. The trio digs into the film’s politics: what it suggests about de-extinction, how the park embodies capitalism’s knack for turning scientific wonder into a luxury good, and whether there’s even a glimpse of a socialist horizon in this dino-thriller. Lees meer
For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 1969 Jane Fonda drama They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?
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Editing by John Patrick | Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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Spy Game (w/ Assad Shalhoub)
17 september 2025 · 1 uur 37 min
This week, Rivka and Frank are joined by Assad Shalhoub, co-host of the Habibi House Podcast, for a deep dive into the 2001 thriller Spy Game, starring Robert Redford and Brad Pitt. Together they unpack the film’s overt racism, its relentless Islamophobia, and its unmistakable role as propaganda for the CIA. Lees meer
For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching Spielberg’s epic classic Jurassic Park.
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MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.
Editing by John Patrick | Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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Matewan (w/ Harvey Kaye & Jon Shelton)
4 september 2025 · 1 uur 41 min
This week Frank is joined by returning guests Harvey Kaye (award-winning author and Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay) and Jon Shelton (professor and chair of Democracy and Justice Studies). In honor of Labor Day they discuss the John Sayles union drama Matewan and dive into labor issues, with insights on workers’ rights and the fight for social democracy. Lees meer
For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2001 CIA thriller SPY GAME..
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Editing by John Patrick | Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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I Love You, Man (w/ Andrea More & Mike Benner) [PATREON PREVIEW]
28 augustus 2025 · 2 min
This week, Frank is joined by comedian and actress Andrea More (STICK) and returning guest Mike Benner (Bob’s Burgers) to talk about the Paul Rudd/Jason Segel bromantic comedy I Love You, Man. Together, they unpack the epidemic of male loneliness, the pitfalls of toxic masculinity, and how male friendships are portrayed on screen—especially compared to female ones. Lees meer
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For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching John Sayles’ union drama Matewan.
MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.
Editing by John Patrick | Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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Seven Days in May (w/ Bill de Blasio)
21 augustus 2025 · 1 uur 22 min
Rivka and Frank are joined by former New York City mayor Bill de Blasio to discuss the 1964 political thriller Seven Days in May. The three examine how this Cold War classic starring Kirk Douglas remains strikingly relevant in Trump’s America, unpacking its themes of a divided nation, nuclear tensions, fragile peace treaties, and the threat of a military coup. Lees meer
For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2009 bromance comedy I Love You, Man.
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MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.
Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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It Follows (w/ Taylor Lorenz)
7 augustus 2025 · 1 uur 9 min
Frank and Rivka are joined by journalist Taylor Lorenz (User Mag) to discuss the horror film It Follows. The trio unpack the movie’s portrayal of suburban horror, the constant threat of violence against women, and how the film resonates in the context of COVID and our current cultural climate. Lees meer
For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 1964 drama Seven Days in May.
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MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.
Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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Hail, Caesar! (w/ Andy Boyd)
25 juli 2025 · 1 uur 26 min
Rivka and Frank are joined by Brooklyn-based playwright Andy Boyd to talk about the Coen brothers’ 2016 movie Hail, Caesar!. They get into the film’s portrait of 1950s Hollywood, its sharp send-up of the capitalist studio system, and what it reveals about the uneasy marriage of religion, politics, and mass entertainment. Lees meer
For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2014 horror movie It Follows.
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MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.
Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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REDS (w/ Harvey Kaye) [PATREON PREVIEW]
10 juli 2025 · 5 min
This week on Movies vs. Capitalism, Frank is joined by labor historian and pod favorite Harvey Kaye to talk about Warren Beatty’s REDS. They dig into the film’s take on the Russian Revolution, American radicalism, and what Hollywood gets right—and wrong—about revolution. Lees meer
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For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2016 Coen Brothers movie Hail, Caeser!
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Enemy at the Gates (w/ Daniel from ‘The Sickle and the Hammer’)
26 juni 2025 · 1 uur 50 min
Rivka and Frank are joined by Daniel from the new podcast ‘The Sickle and the Hammer: A Socialist History of the Soviet Union’ to talk about the 2001 Soviet-era drama Enemy at the Gates. If you’ve ever wondered what the Western capitalist perspective is on the siege of Stalingrad - this is the movie for you! We unpack all of the propaganda, historical inaccuracies, and flat out lies baked into the film. Because it turns out you’ll betray your entire belief system if the girl you like doesn’t like you back. We also talk about Daniel’s podcast, which is a comprehensive telling of the Russian revolution told from a socialist perspective. Lees meer
The Sickle and the Hammer: A Socialist History of the Soviet Union
For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 1981 drama REDS.
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MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.
Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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Minority Report (w/ Prem Thakker)
13 juni 2025 · 1 uur 40 min
Rivka and Frank are joined by journalist and Zeteo staff writer Prem Thakker to discuss Stephen Spielberg and Tom Cruise’s 2002 sci-fi dystopian crime thriller Minority Report. The three talk about the film’s critique of the modern day surveillance state, the philosophical concept of “pre-crime”, and whether the entire movie could have been avoided if John Anderton had just told his colleagues that some weird shit went down in the milk vat. Lees meer
For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching 2001 film Enemy at the Gates.
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MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.
Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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Capitalism, A Love Story (w/ Harvey Kaye) [UNLOCKED]
21 mei 2025 · 2 uur 4 min
While we're on hiatus, we're unlocking this episode from behind the paywall! Thank you all for listening and your support :) Lees meer
Rivka and Frank are joined by MVC all-star Harvey Kaye to discuss Michael Moore’s 2009 documentary Capitalism, A Love Story. They talk about the film’s radicalizing potential, its portrayal of the 2008 financial crisis, what Moore could have done better, and Obama.
MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.
Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (w/ Don)
1 mei 2025 · 1 uur 32 min
Rivka and Frank are joined by attorney and legal organizer Don to talk about the 1981 cult classic Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior. The three compare the political formations and ideologies inherent to both the communists of proto-Gastown and the violent raiders of Lord Humungus’ gang. They also unpack the nature of the film’s unreliable narrator, whether Max is even a good guy (a former cop?!), and if aesthetic expression is a fundamental component of post-apocalyptic survival. Lees meer
MVC will be taking a break for May but will return with new episodes in June!
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Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
In addition, here are Don's expanded notes on the film:
Superstructure and Base
What is the base of the tribe outside? Scavenging, primary accumulation
What sort of superstructures does that produce? Militaristic, violent, extremely hierarchical
What is the base of the Papagallo tribe? Maintaining the pump
What superstructures does it produce? More communal, democratic, we need everyone, we will all help and allow everyone to help (assuming it’s not a myth)
We can see the tension between the destroyed economic base but the lagging superstructure. Most clearly exemplified in how the characters approach agreements. They call them “contracts”, but they’re clearly not going to a court to enforce them. We see a number of times that they actually know there isn’t anything to enforce, all parties talk about just backing out of agreements.
I think we see this in this country in our own society now. The economic base of this country has changed significantly since the mid-century compact. The broad-based middle class really doesn’t exist. The political structures we had that served and responded to it have lagged. There’s no need to maintai…
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Severance & White Lotus
24 april 2025 · 1 uur 30 min
This week, Rivka and Frank dive into two of the most talked-about shows of the season: The White Lotus and Severance. They explore how Severance brilliantly captures Marx’s concept of worker alienation, debate whether The White Lotus functions as true satire or simply a glossy drama about wealthy vacationers, and discuss the political implications each series leaves us with. Lees meer
For next week, we’ll be watching the post-apocalyptic Mel Gibson epic MAD MAX 2: The Road Warrior.
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MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.
Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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Galaxy Quest (w/ MVC Editor John)
17 april 2025 · 1 uur 41 min
Rivka and Frank are joined by MVC editor John for a deep-dive into the sci-fi parody Galaxy Quest. They unpack the film’s clear affection for Star Trek, its sharp satire of fan culture and conventions, and why David Mamet once praised it as one of the best-structured screenplays in modern film. Speaking of space, Frank and Rivka give their take on girlboss billionaire’s modern day galaxy quest in today’s topical. Lees meer
For next week we’ll be talking about TV, discussing the season finales of Severance and White Lotus.
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MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.
Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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Jumanji [PATREON PREVIEW]
10 april 2025 · 7 min
Rivka and Frank return with another duet to revisit a childhood staple: Jumanji, the Robin Williams-led adventure that shaped a generation’s imagination. But as they unpack the film, it becomes clear that it’s doing more than telling the story of a man trapped in a magical board game. Beneath the surface, Jumanji reflects deeper currents—tracing the shadows of American and European imperialism, colonial legacy, and the quiet manipulations of capitalist logic. Lees meer
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For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 1999 sci-fi satire Galaxy Quest.
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A Bug’s Life (w/ Ellory Smith)
3 april 2025 · 1 uur 18 min
Rivka and Frank are joined by 3 time Emmy Nominated writer and comedian Ellory Smith to discuss the 1998 Disney / Pixar film A Bug’s Life. The trio deep dive into this radical animation, discussing its themes of exploitation and surplus value. They also discuss how the circus bugs symbolize mutual aid, and, in a controversial twist, they ask: Is Flick actually the hyper-individualistic villain of the story? Lees meer
For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 1995 Robin Williams classic Jumanji.
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MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.
Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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Up in the Air (w/ Marianne Williamson)
27 maart 2025 · 1 uur 19 min
Rivka and Frank are joined by author, activist, and former presidential candidate Marianne Williamson to discuss Jason Reitman’s 2009 comedy drama Up in the Air — a movie where George Clooney flies around the country firing people. The three discuss the film’s context coming out shortly after the 2008 financial crisis, the film’s depiction of “corporate loyalty” culture, and how treating people like numbers on a spreadsheet leads to feelings of extreme alienation. Lees meer
For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 1998 Disney / Pixar film A Bug’s Life.
🤝 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝
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MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.
Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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Be Kind Rewind (w/ Jesse Jae Hoon)
20 maart 2025 · 1 uur 16 min
Rivka and Frank are joined by organizer and playwright Jesse Jae Hoon to delve into the 2008 Michel Gondry film Be Kind Rewind. Together, the trio explore how this quirky comedy, starring Mos Def and Jack Black, offers a poignant commentary on the power of community organizing and storytelling within movements. Frank and Rivka also discuss the current workers strike at Alamo Drafthouse. Lees meer
Alamo Drafthouse Workers Strike Fund
More about Jesse Jae Hoon
Theater Workers for a Ceasefire
Next week, we'll be watching the 2009 George Clooney dramedy Up in the Air with special guest Marianne Williamson. .
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MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.
Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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I Saw the TV Glow [PATREON PREVIEW]
13 maart 2025 · 3 min
Rivka and Frank join forces to dissect the 2024 indie horror gem I Saw the TV Glow, directed by Jane Schoenbrun. The pair dive into the film's political subtext, its hauntingly beautiful portrayal of suburban oppression, and its poignant power as a trans allegory. Lees meer
🤝 TO HEAR THE FULL EPISODE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝
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For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2008 comedy Be Kind Rewind.
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Monsters, Inc. (w/ Cassie Willson)
7 maart 2025 · 1 uur 22 min
Rivka and Frank are joined by comedian Cassie Willson to discuss the 2001 Pixar classic Monsters, Inc. The trio dives into how the story of two monsters whose job is to extract energy through the exploitation of vulnerable human children offers a rich political allegory. This week, Rivka and Frank also cover the 2025 Oscars. Lees meer
Next week, we'll be watching the 2024 horror-fantasy I Saw the TV Glow.
🤝 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝
www.patreon.com/movies_vs_capitalism
MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.
Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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Anora [UNLOCKED]
3 maart 2025 · 1 uur 27 min
Following Anora's big night at the Academy Awards, we're UNLOCKING our Patreon episode on the film, which some have described as the "most comprehensive Anora podcast of all time." Lees meer
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED JAN. 30: Rivka and Frank unpack the varied politics of Best Picture Oscar winner Anora, directed by Sean Baker with a breakout performance by Mikey Madison. The two discuss everything from the politics of sex workers on screen, fuck boys with oligarch daddy issues, Sean Baker’s legacy, and more.
🤝 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝
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MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.
Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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100TH EPISODE: Big Night (w/ Tom Cappello)
27 februari 2025 · 1 uur 25 min
Rivka and Frank are celebrating their 100th episode of Movies VS Capitalism with a very special guest—Frank's dad, Tom Cappello! With over 40 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Tom brings a deeply personal perspective to the hit 1996 Stanley Tucci film Big Night. In this milestone episode, the trio dives into the politics of cooking—particularly how authentic cuisine is a form of resistance—and explores the impact of assimilation on Italian immigrants in America, plus the internalization of the American Dream. Lees meer
For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2024 horror fantasy, I Saw the TV Glow.
🤝 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝
www.patreon.com/movies_vs_capitalism
MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.
Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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A Complete Unknown (w/ Svetlana Kitto)
20 februari 2025 · 1 uur 23 min
Rivka and Frank are joined by writer Svetlana Kitto to discuss the 2024 Timothée Chalamet Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown. The trio examines whether the film delves deeply enough into the politics of its time. They also explore whether it matters if an artist considers themselves political, how the women in the film manage to shine despite their shallow character arcs, and why most musicians today are considered cowards. Lees meer
Svetlana’s Writing
For next week’s movie, we’ll be celebrating our 100th episode by watching the 1996 comedy Big Night with a very special guest - Frank’s dad!
🤝 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝
www.patreon.com/movies_vs_capitalism
MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.
Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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The Substance (w/ Kate Eastman)
14 februari 2025 · 1 uur 58 min
Rivka and Frank are joined by actor Kate Eastman to dive into the 2024 body horror thriller The Substance, a film that tackles the twisted intersections of beauty, capitalism, and patriarchy. The trio explores how this movie craftfully unpacks the moralization of beauty and self-care as a form of imprisonment, and why horror is the perfect genre for director Coralie Fargeat to make her unsettling, yet strangely insightful, statement. Lees meer
Constructive Criticism: A Handbook
Kate's Instagram
Kate's IMDB
For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2024 Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown.
🤝 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝
www.patreon.com/movies_vs_capitalism
MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.
Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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Bezos: the Beginning (w/ Sean Morrow)
6 februari 2025 · 1 uur 26 min
Rivka and Frank are joined by Sean Morrow of More Perfect Union to dive into the utterly bonkers straight-to-streaming biopic about everyone’s favorite capitalist, Jeff Bezos. Sean pitches it as a contender for the "so-bad-it's-good" hall of fame alongside The Room, and the trio explores why, against all odds, this might just be an accidental anti-capitalist masterpiece. Oh, and did we mention the villain? None other than Kevin Sorbo as the CEO of Barnes & Noble. Yes, really. Lees meer
More Perfect Union
For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2024 body horror thriller The Substance.
🤝 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝
www.patreon.com/movies_vs_capitalism
MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.
Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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Anora [PATREON PREVIEW]
30 januari 2025 · 5 min
Rivka and Frank are back with another “duet” episode, diving into the 2024 indie darling and Oscar-nominated film Anora, directed by Sean Baker with a breakout performance by Mikey Madison. The two discuss everything from the politics of sex workers on screen, fuck boys with oligarchy daddy issues, Sean Baker’s legacy, and more. This may in fact be the world’s most comprehensive Anora podcast ;) … You don’t want to miss it. Lees meer
🤝 TO HEAR THE FULL EPISODE SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝
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For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 2022 biopic about the founder of Amazon — Bezos: the Beginning — which is available to watch for free on the Roku channel.
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Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (w/ Harvey Kaye)
24 januari 2025 · 1 uur 34 min
Rivka and Frank are joined by podcast favorite Harvey Kaye for a heated debate about the 1971 children's classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Is Wonka, the eccentric chocolate genius played by the brilliant Gene Wilder, simply a monstrous capitalist factory owner? And will Charlie, with his working-class roots, follow in his footsteps—or is he the one who can turn the factory around? Lees meer
'Do You Hear What I Hear?' When Will Democrats Listen? - Harvey Kaye & Matt Strackbein
For next week, we'll be watching the 2024 Palme d'Or winner Anora.
🤝 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝
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MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.
Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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UHF (w/ Jade Kim)
16 januari 2025 · 1 uur 19 min
Rivka and Frank are joined by science communicator and YouTube host Jade Kim to discuss the 1989 “Weird Al” Yankovic comedy UHF. Jade and Frank are HUGE Weird Al fans, and Rivka is… patient. But even though this zany, fantastical movie starring the world’s greatest song parodist and incredible live performer (Frank wrote this copy, FYI), the movie still manages to have strong opinions about the hyper-sensationalism of the modern TV era, the ruthlessness of market competition, and the value of public utility ownership. Also Weird Al rules. Lees meer
mutualaidla.org
For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 1971 children’s classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
🤝 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝
www.patreon.com/movies_vs_capitalism
MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.
Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen
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Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (w/ Will from About Face)
9 januari 2025 · 1 uur 31 min
Rivka and Frank are joined by Will, a US Army veteran and member of the organization About Face: Veterans Against the War, to discuss the 2016 Star Wars standalone movie Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Lees meer
The group discusses the film’s themes around imperialism, war, revolution, radicalism, and what it means to compromise one’s morals for the sake of the “greater good.” They also ask the important question: what the hell was Forest Whitaker thinking?
About Face: Veterans Against the War
For next week’s movie, we’ll be watching the 1989 “Weird Al” Yankovic comedy UHF.
🤝 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON 🤝
www.patreon.com/movies_vs_capitalism
MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.
Artwork by Rufus Paisley | Theme song by JustBen