Wisecrack Edition

Netflix's Castlevania anime adaptation packs in a lot of themes. The quest for knowledge, the role of religion, and a celebration of humanism. But does it succeed?

Donnie Darko has garnered the reputation of being one of the most profound independent films in the past 15 years- but why? In this Wisecrack Half-Baked Edition, we chart the film’s depiction of time travel against leading thinkers in physics to discern what about this film has made a generation tick.

Many have debated the merits of Nic Cage. But many miss the point. In this Wisecrack Edition, we dive in the foundations of modern acting to ask the eternal question: Is Nic Cage Deep or Dumb?

Netflix's first attempt at interactivity was certainly an ambitious one. Not only does it introduce choice in storytelling for the first time ever on the platform, but it also invites the audience to question HOW that choice affects the nature of story. In this Wisecrack vlog, we'll talk about a concept called "ludonarrativity" and how "Bandersnatch" highlights the complexity of storytelling in gaming.

As many are aware, there's a new Joker origin film coming out later this year starring Joaquin Phoenix. As excited as we are of seeing the Clown Prince of Gotham get his own movie, one thing gives us pause: the Joker's LACK of an origin is one of the things that makes him one of the most compelling villains in comics history. In this Wisecrack Edition, we'll look back at how comic writers have utilized the Joker's mysterious origins to create a philosophically compelling antagonist and predict which version might inform the the live action adaptation coming in 2019.

The first season of True Detective is well known for engaging with pessimist themes, but the philosophy of pessimism goes beyond just the ramblings of Rust Cohle. It permeates the very fabric of the show - woven into its aesthetics, its references to other works, and even its missteps. Join us in this Wisecrack Edition as we discuss HOW True Detective creates an atmosphere of pessimism.

Is You've Got Mail the most Orwellian rom-com? Join us as we explore the subversive nature of a movie that thought online dating would be a good thing.

Tarantino films are well known for their over-the-top violence and profane language. They're NOT well known for their subtle and nuanced critiques of systems of oppression, which, surprisingly, is exactly what we get in Django Unchained. In this Wisecrack Edition, we break down how everything from language to 200 year old operas, to the role of acting in giving slaves agency, inform how this film masterfully subverts the logic of slavery in the antebellum South.

Starship Troopers is a hard film to pin down. Some say it's an obvious satirical takedown or militaristic fascism. Others say a straightforward interpretation suggesting the film is earnestly pro-fascist isn't necessarily wrong. So, which is it? In this Wisecrack Edition, we'll study the powerful incredibly nuanced political philosophy of this sci-fi cult classic.

Like manga artist ONE's previous work One Punch Man, Mob Psycho 100 features an overpowered protagonist unable to derive happiness from the thing that makes them "special." But what does it mean to be special? And can such a label actually bring us happiness?? In this Wisecrack Edition, we'll explore Mob and the other Espers' inability to reconcile their exceptionalism with their desire to live a good life.

Why were there so many serial killer movies in the 90s? Or Satanic films in the 80s? Or zombie films in the 2000s? In this Wisecrack Edition, we dive into the history of Hollywood’s most economically resilient genre to unearth the social, financial, and technological issues that informed some of cinema’s most iconic scares.

People can't stop talking about the Fyre Festival. Aside from being a spectacle of failure we can't look away from, Fyre represents a lot of things going on in our media-saturated lives. Join us as we dive in to the bowels of the Fyre Fest to figure out why this event has resonated so much.

It's hard to imagine that just a few years ago, Prometheus was positioned to kickstart a whole new Alien franchise. But after its less-than-stellar reviews, and the poor boxoffice return of Alien Covenant, chances are we'll never see anther installment. One of the biggest criticisms leveled against these films is that they fumble around with profound questions, but ultimately fail to address them in any substantial way. But is this really the case? Find out in this Wisecrack Edition, where we'll answer the question plaguing all Ridley Scott fans: are these films deep or dumb?

Although it seems like Billions leads Bobby Axelrod and Chuck Rhoades Jr. are moral opposites, their methods are quite similar. In this Wisecrack Edition, we’ll dive in to Game Theory and show how it not only informs the shady financial opportunism of billionaire Bobby Axelrod, but also the ruthless politicking of US Attorney Chuck Rhoades. Join us as we explore the metagames and multidimensional chess played by both Rhoades and Axelrod, and how it slowly erodes their moral compasses.

Banksy may be one of the most well-known artists in the world - but is he deep or dumb? We'll explore Banksy's influences and goals to see if he lives up to all the hype.

Memes are often considered silly and trivial, but as we've seen in recent years, they can have a profound impact on the way we consume culture. In this Wisecrack Edition, we'll explore how memes have greatly affected a particularly powerful player in the culture industry: Hollywood.

Big Mouth is a lot of crude humor and puberty jokes - but is it deep or dumb? We explore the neuroscience of being a teenager and the show's take on shame.

Why do we love bad films? Is it just for the sake of irony to watch The Room for your 50th time? In this Wisecrack Edition, we dive into why films can be so bad they're good, and what that means for society.

What does 'Us' mean? The torrent of symbols and metaphors can be overwhelming in Jordan Peele's latest film, but we think we've figured it out. Join us for this Wisecrack Quick Take as we break down the symbols and meaning of Us.

How do we know what we know? Join us as we get nerdy about the philosophy of science and how it relates to the rotundity of the Earth.

Wisecrack's resident Game of Thrones experts use George R.R. Martin's source material and inspirations – including literature, history, and classical myths — to determine who has the best shot at ruling Westeros. Learn how to use logic and context to solve the end of Game of Thrones... and find out why the end may already be written!

Some people have called Mike Judge's Idiocracy prophetic. But does the 2005 classic stack up? Join us as we determine whether it's deep, or dumb.

JK Rowling has been regularly updating the Harry Potter lore; not through more books, not through movies, but through twitter. Fans voraciously consume extra-textual canon on works like Harry Potter, Star Wars and much more. But does this desire for an all-encompassing knowledge of how fictional worlds tell us something about our own anxieties? In this Wisecrack Edition, we’ll dive in to the works of philosopher Martin Heidegger to discover why people are so consumed by the desire to understand the nitty gritty details of fictional worlds, and to how it reflects an essential element of our humanity.

Why do we love jerks? Modern culture is obsessed with the Tony Montanas, Rich Sanchezes, and Walter Whites of the world. And in their obsession, fans often take away from a piece of media the exact opposite of what its creators intended. How does this happen? Join us as we go back to the jerks that started it all.

The over-use of comparing people to Hitler has watered down the analogy to the point where even when something actually deserves the comparison it's seen as an exaggeration even if it is an apt comparison.

Kubrick's final film was widely considered a failure upon release in 1999. But 20 years later, it's garnered a reputation for being just as thought-provoking and masterful as his most famous works. Drawing from essayists Mario Falsetto and Tim Kreider, we'll dive in to the film's unique aesthetic and how it informs the film's biting social commentary.

Are conspiracy theories different now? Join us, as we explore the changing nature of conspiracy theories and what they mean for the world.

Christopher Nolan's Interstellar elicits mixed reaction. Is it a space masterpiece, or a blackhole of nonsense? In this episode, we'll explore Nolan's themes – of exploration, love and knowledge – and ask the question: is Interstellar deep or dumb?

Do you dislike sand? Do you dislike Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones? These are serious questions that have plagued philosophers for decades. Not really, but we wanted to figure out exactly what happened in the second Star Wars prequel - where George Lucas tries to make an epic romance, and fails.

With multiple documentaries about Fyre Festival, 2 feature films in development about Elizabeth Holmes, and HBO creating a new documentary about fake heiress Anna Delvey, our culture has become obsessed with morally dubious scammers. We love to hate to love to learn about these people, and of course we're here to ask: why?

Does ordering Uber Eats and binge watching Netflix have you convinced that humanity is just around the corner from becoming the lazy slobs from Wall-E? Or does making new meatspace friends through Pokemon GO convince you that technology is making us more human like in Star Trek? In this Wisecrack Edition on automation, we’ll dive in to the visions of the future presented by these two sci fi classics and ask: which one will come true?

The Stanley Parable and its successor, The Beginner’s Guide, are widely known as thought-provoking games. In this Wisecrack Edition, we’ll study the philosophical implications of the games as they relate to the relation between gamer and game (Stanley Parable), and between creator and game (Beginner’s Guide).

Now that Game of Thrones is over, it's time to ask: is this milestone in television deep or dumb?

Many Tarantino films celebrate film as a medium through references and homages, but Inglorious Basterds goes a step further. It’s a testament to the power of film. But is Tarantino’s message no longer relevant?

What can video games teach us about film narratives? Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is chock full of video game tropes, but can it help us better understand screenwriting? Join us, as we explore the use of fractal narratives in this Wisecrack Edition.

We all know the John Wick films for their incredible action scenes and over-the-top brutality. But can they also be thought of as... funny? In this Wisecrack Edition, we dive into America's cinematic history to ask the question: is John Wick slapstick?

It's been 42 years since serial killer Ted Bundy was convicted and sentenced to death. Thanks to a Netflix documentary series and movie starring teen heartthrob Zac Efron, he's HOT again. And if you find that sentence as bizarre as we do - then, this video is for you. In this Wisecrack Edition, we dive in to the philosophy of aesthetics to figure out why the Zac Efron movie make us feel so... awkward.

Why do we love The Office? Is it the characters? The jokes? The drama? While those are all major reasons, we want to explore another: how pointless work has overrun the economy.

The first season of One Punch Man was one of the most celebrated animes of 2015. The follow-up season was hotly anticipated, and yet, when it finally dropped, people were underwhelmed. Join us in this Wisecrack Edition as we closely study the way shonen anime is structured in order to determine what went wrong with One Punch Man Season 2.

What do Psycho, Rosemary’s Baby, Carrie, Friday the 13th, The Exorcist, The Brood, The Others, Mother!, Goodnight Mommy, The Babadook, Hereditary, Halloween, Us, The Prodigy, and The Curse of La Llorona all have in common? Very scary mommies. In this Wisecrack Edition, we'll discover why mother figures have been so prominent in the horror genre.

The latest season of Black Mirror was met with mixed reviews. For some, it seemed a little less technophobic. But is this change for the better? Let's find out in this Wisecrack Edition on Black Mirror Season 5: Deep or Dumb?

Have you ever wondered why so many animes focus on children being trained to fight wars? Just to name a few: My Hero Academia, Attack on Titan, Black Clover, Gundam Wing, Sailor Moon, Naruto, Beelzebub, Cromartie, Angel Densetsu, Girls Und Panzer, Mahouka Koukou no Rettouse, Kill La Kill... the list goes on. In this Wisecrack Edition, we'll dive in to Japanese History to discover how the country's imperial past still influences anime.

Remakes: Why should we care? Between Aladdin, The Lion King,The Jungle Book, and whatever else Disney has planned, we're living in an age of "new and improved" stories. Join us as we explore what this means, and what makes a good remake.

Bioshock is one of the most revered video games in recent memory, but the middle child of the franchise has been the cause of much debate. Some love Bioshock 2, while others find it shallow and disappointing. In this Wisecrack Edition we’ll find out if the game lives up the the intellectual ambitions of its predecessor; if it’s deep or dumb?

It seems like every day a company is announcing a new platform or cloud service that will siphon a couple dollars a month from your wallet. There's little doubt that platforms have had a major impact on the economy. In this Wisecrack Edition we'll ask: Why? How? And is this a good thing?

The Shrek films have a reputation of being little more than nonstop onslaughts of self-aware irony and vapid pop culture references, but is there more to them? We dive deep into all four films of the Shrek Canon in this Wisecrack Edition on The Shrek Movies: Are They Deep or Dumb?

Smart movies have been breaking the proverbial “fourth wall” since the beginning of film history. But recently, it seems like you can’t watch a single movie without seeing a blatant meta reference. Come learn how the fourth wall got completely demolished, and why meta-ness is more popular than ever.

American Psycho has been stirring up controversy since the day it hit the theaters. Some see it as a searing indictment of 1980s yuppie culture, while others see it as a depraved celebration of that very lifestyle. So who’s right? Let’s find out in this Wisecrack Edition on American Psycho: Deep or Dumb?

Pure comedies have all but vanished from the big screen, and the ones that are made tend to flounder at the box office. Is the genre deader than a bad yo mama joke, or totally alive and well?

The film Fight Club can be read in a lot of different ways. To some people, Tyler Durden is a hero. To others, he’s a jerk. But why can’t he just be whatever you want him to be, and what does it even mean to read a text in the first place?

At first glance, Zombieland seems like a good-natured romp through a distinctly American dystopia. But what if, like a zombie lurking in the darkness, there’s actually a far more profound meaning hiding just below the surface of this horror-comedy? Let’s find out in this Wisecrack Edition on Zombieland: Is It Deep or Dumb?

Office Space may be from 1999, but it still feels entirely relevant today. What is it that we love so much about Peter’s brand of slacker-dom, and is his lazy nonchalance actually the most violent form of rebellion possible? Let’s find out in this Wisecrack Edition on The Philosophy of Office Space.

If you’re a human being you’ve probably gotten angry on the internet. But what is it about the digital world that provokes our ire, and is rage really innate to the internet ecosystem? Let’s explore in this Wisecrack Edition on Why Outrage Rules the Internet.

Nobody is certain what to expect from the upcoming Marvel film, Thor: Love and Thunder. But we have a sneaking suspicion that the work of beloved Thor writer Jason Aaron, and particularly, his theological views, might greatly influence the plot. Dive in with us as we (attempt to) predict the future of Thor.

Documentaries and reality TV have always had a complicated relationship with the truth. But what if the way these stories are told in nonfiction media is actually changing the way we view our own lives?

Joker has inspired hysteria, adoration and everything in between. But what’s really going on when Joaquin dons that white makeup? We think a lot. Let’s dive in with this Quick Take on Joker.

This season of South Park has already gotten off to an interesting start, with the series taking on shady biopic producers, corporatized weed dispensaries and the Chinese government. But perhaps most interesting has been the show’s take on personal responsibility as it relates to dealing with oppressive regimes, vaccinations, and plain old ‘tegrity.

Shutter Island is an indisputably mind-bending film with plenty of twists and turns. Provocative and divisive, this Martin Scorcese thriller has been criticized for being too predictable or having too many plot holes. But is there something more profound going on in the neo-noir flick?

Last week, South Park released a slam-dunk episode that doubled down on several of the season’s larger themes - from conflicting notions of personal freedom to the loss of ‘tegridy in a commodified world. But is there more going on when Cartman happily agrees to chow down on goo? Let’s find out more in this Wisecrack Quicktake on South Park Season 23, Episode 4: Let Them Eat Goo.

Lately, it seems like everybody's practicing mindfulness to combat the stresses of everyday life. But is this modern adaptation of Buddhist tradition spiritually enlightening, or just an excuse to be extra self-involved?

Team America: World Police is a searing political satire that critiques conservative war hawks, Hollywood elites, and everyone in between. Also, puppet sex. But is this film a nuanced, smart take on American politics, or just a hilariously filthy puppet show?

Midsommar was the much anticipated follow up to Ari Aster's Hereditary. And in sheer weirdness, it did not disappoint. But is this film merely an appalling spectacle, or is there more to the story than bizarre orgies and burning barns?

Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse is a fan favorite for a reason: it's objectively awesome. But is there something deeper than the sheer dopeness of this multiverse of Spidey-folks?

"Hey now, you're an all-star, get your game on, go play..." Are these fratty bro lyrics? A deep expression of existential angst? Or neither?

Toy Story 4 finds your favorite pack of sentient toys (and your new favorite sentient spork) out on a road trip that turns into, as always, an action-packed fight for survival. Is Pixar's latest film an unnecessary addition to cinema's best trilogy, or is there something really deep going on?

Rick and Morty is back in full force, ready to satiate all our needs for more delightfully cynical space fantasies. But the most recent installment of our favorite animated series surprised us by grappling pretty deeply with an unexpected issue: romantic love. So what's the deal? Is Rick and Morty becoming ... wholesome?

No Country for Old Men is simultaneously incredible and baffling. But what are the Coen brothers really trying to say with this breathtakingly dark film? We have some thoughts and it has everything to do with the origin of the western genre.

In our severely effed up world, Mob Psycho provides some excellently wholesome anime entertainment. At the same time, the show grapples with some pretty deep philosophical issues about finding meaning in the world.

The phrase "OK Boomer" has thoroughly captivated the internet and our brains. But what makes dissing Boomers so dang meme-able and what does it say about them as a generation?

BoJack Horseman is as beloved as it is emotionally devastating. But what makes the show so uniquely tragic, and what is it trying to tell us when it makes us sad?

Your typical world-saving superheroes get a not-so-pretty makeover in The Boys, a recent tv series that imagines "What if superheroes = bad?" But what's really going on when your favorite superhero lands a cereal endorsement, or worse, commits a murder?

Science fiction is something we associate with modern times, all space travel, jet packs and the like. But the truth is sci-fi dates incredibly far back, and creative folks have been imagining intergalactic adventures and extraterrestrial beings for centuries.

The choices actors make define the characters they play, and that's certainly true of the Joker. But what truly makes a performance of this diabolical clown so great?

Silent Hill 2 is one of those video games we just can't quit. It's iconic, beloved, and thoroughly nightmare inducing. But there's a deeper layer to this spooky tale, and it has a whole lot to do with Carl Jung.