Eye of the Duck: A Film Podcast
A podcast about movies and the scenes that make them special. Each week, hosts Dom Nero and Adam Volerich explore a movie by finding the scene at its core–what David Lynch calls an "Eye of the Duck" scene. Join Dom and Adam as they celebrate cinema's greatest scenes, charting franchises such as Alien, The Evil Dead, and Indiana Jones, and major movements in film history, like '80s Dark Fantasy, Winter Horror, and Cyberpunk.
Episodes
The Boy and the Heron (2023)
Open up those brain lids, listeners. It’s time to go deeper than ever before.
This week we go face-to-face with the Grand Uncle himself. Hayao Miyazaki’s final(?) film is a doozy, and we’ve got a lot of ground to cover, so grab your Number Seven Flight Feathers and come transcend with us. We’ll be your guide!!!!!
Next week we say farewell to the Kingdom of Dreams and Madness. We’ll be tying off so
The Red Turtle (2016)
Never flip a turtle! There might be a beautiful woman inside it!!This week we venture beyond Japan to celebrate a European (?!) co-production with Studio Ghibli. It’s a one-of-kind collaboration involving Isao Takahata and the great Dutch animator Michaël Dudok de Wit that defies all expectation… and language!Next week we return to the world of Hayao Miyazaki one last time for THE BOY AND THE HERO
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya (2013)
Birds, bugs, beasts, grass, trees, AND flowers? All in a single film??!This week we take the leap of life with Isao Takahata and his final masterpiece. It’s an extraordinary work that epitomizes the Studio Ghibli philosophy… and completely shatters all expectations with its singular visual style. So yes, I guess you can say we liked it!Next week we explore the 2016 Ghibli co-production, THE RED TU
The Wind Rises (2013)
[Bane voice]: The wind rises!!This week we fly with Jiro Hirokoshi and the mysterious Italian man of his dreams! It's Hayao Miyazaki's most personal film to date, featuring some of the most ravishing animation ever committed to film. And believe it or not, it's also the subject of controversy! We'll get into it.Next week it's the great Isao Takahata's final film, THE TALE OF THE PRINCESS KAGUYA (2
From Up on Poppy Hill (2011)
It’s Goro Day! This week we are going deep on the embattled, tragic, and nonetheless fascinating collaboration between Hayao Miyazaki and his fledging director son. Whatever you think of Goro’s movies, you’ve got to admit… the story of Studio Ghibli is incomplete without him!But it’s not just the rift between father and son this week. POPPY HILL is an impressive movie in its own right, and we have
The Secret World of Arrietty (2010)
Finally, a movie about a Pod who casts!This week we are putting the “mini” in miniseries for the Hiromasa Yonebayashi cottagecore classic that is equal parts HONEY I SHRUNK THE KIDS and TOY STORY.
And yes, the dad’s name is Pod and he does at one point cast out a fishing line!Next week it’s Goro Miyazaki’s FROM UP ON POPPY HILL (2011). Join the conversation on our Discord at https://discord.com/in
Ponyo (2008)
When it comes to Hayao Miyazaki, the ocean is full of mystery and calamity. But one thing is for certain: Ponyo loves ham!
This week is Miyazaki’s late-career “movie for five-year-olds” that somehow combines the terror of complete environmental catastrophe with… the joy of floating around in a candle-powered speedboat. And cool jellyfish!
Topics discussed: delicious-looking tea, delicious-looking
Howl's Moving Castle (2004)
Howl may be the worst type of early 2000s emo hunk. But listeners…We! Can! Fix! Him!!!
This week is a real doozy. Dom and Adam are not particularly effusive about Miyazaki’s moody, dark magic sequel to SPIRITED AWAY. It’s bewildering, it’s bizarre, and some moments seem completely incomprehensible. But as an animated film, it’s a spectacle to behold, and we have a lot to celebrate, too. For instan
Spirited Away (2001) with Stephen Hilger (Into the Aether)
Listeners, it’s time to remember your name.
We’re getting Spirited Away this week to a Studio Ghibli production that is often called the most influential animated film of all time. Joining us to help purify the stink spirits and return the river gods to their kingdom is our old friend Stephen Hilger.
Topics discussed this week: the enduring mystery of No-Face, why the Radish Spirit rules, whether
My Neighbors the Yamadas (1999) with Nik Long
Did Studio Ghibli really make a family sitcom? Kind of! It’s Isao Takahata’s second-to-last film, and we simply couldn’t resist adding it to our series.
Joining us to revel in the brilliance (and surprisingly vindictive behavior) of the man they call Paku-San (aka Mr. Munch) is our dear friend and digital producer, Nik Long!
Topics covered this week: whether or not YAMADAS is more like EVERYBODY L
Princess Mononoke (1997)
Before you listen to this episode, please join us in reciting the Ghibli prayer: Oh nameless god of rage and hate, we bow before you!
This week we contend with what is unquestionably one of the greatest films ever made, animation or otherwise. It’s a period epic that encapsulates everything we know and love about Studio Ghibli while also somehow raising the bar even higher. And hey, there’s even a
Whisper of the Heart (1995) with Stephen Hilger (Into the Aether)
Country roads, take us home! Of the many, many movies that use the famous John Denver song, who would've expected the DEFINITIVE one to be about about a couple kids in Western Tokyo who fall in love with a really cool cat statue?
This week our old friend Stephen Hilger of the very great Into the Aether podcast is filling in as guest host! Topics explored by Dom and Steve: Zelda games (of course),
Pom Poko (1994) with Griffin Newman (Blank Check)
We’re back! Joining us after our one week hiatus is returning champion, the one, the only... Griffin Newman!
We have so much to talk about this week, including: raccoon dogs, Isao Takahata’s hatred of modernity, the history of “serious” animation, Operation Goblin, Star Wars(?), Mr. Belvedere(??), Dave Matthews Band(????), and also How To “Ball Up” a Pipeline!
Next week it’s our first non-Miyazaki
Porco Rosso (1992)
Farewell to freedom in the Adriatic and days of wild abandon! We’re soaring back over the sea this week to hang out with our close personal friend, Porco Rosso! This is… the best movie ever made, right?
Topics discussed this week: whether or not Han Solo is just Porco in space, Italian antifascism, French antifascism, fascism in general, Looney Tunes, and of course, cool planes.
Next week it’s all
Only Yesterday (1991)
Get ready to reconnect with your 10-year-old self. Because we’re about to face some of the most embarrassing (and transcendent) childhood memories in movie history!
Topics discussed this week: dividing fractions, the questionable taste of unripe pineapples, Takahata and Miyakazi’s legendary beef, uncanny animated facial muscles, the weather, and whether or not ALADDIN still holds up.
Next week we
Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)
Finally, an animated film about how the gig economy is BAD but dirigibles are COOL!
This week we hang out with the snarkiest cat around, Jiji, and his very cool familiar, a little witch who dreams of something better than eating pancakes for every meal. Even if you're not a freelancer, this film speaks volumes, because work/life balance is impossible and Kiki's about to find out why!
Next week, it
My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
The catbus is here and we’re off to explore the (friendly) haunted forest!
This week we’re worshipping the ancient woodland spirit and face of Studio Ghibli — our good, personal friend, Totoro!
But heads up, Adam and Dom have completely different takes on this one, so if you’re looking for a real Siskel & Ebert type disagreement, this is the episode for you.
Next week, we take to the skies with KI
Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
This week, we pay tribute to one of the most devastating (and life-affirming) movies ever made.
It’s our very first Takahata film, and… it’s a doozy. We simply couldn’t do a Studio Ghibli series without honoring this masterpiece.
**Please be aware that this episode includes some distressing themes around children and violence. We tried our best to celebrate the brilliance of the film but inevitabl
Castle in the Sky (1986)
Get in, losers, we’re going to Laputa!
This week we take flight with Pazu, Sheeta, and a gang of pirates with some seriously questionable motives to find the mythical land in the clouds where cool robots take care of birds (and shoot lasers). It’s the first true Ghibli film, and, man, does it set the bar pretty high.
Also... what the hell is going on with the English dub of this film?
Next week, i
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)
Calling all Tolmekians: it’s a series premiere!!!!
Today we take flight with the Princess of the Valley of the Wind for our new Studio Ghibli series. What a dream (of madness)!
For the next few months we’ll be fully devoted to the works of Miyazaki, Takahata, and the entire Ghibli collective. We hope you’ll join us in the Sea of Decay! The water is fine (it’s only mildly acidic and poisonous).
Nex
Send Help (2026)
Somehow, Sam Raimi has returned! SEND HEPL!
The latest from our man R.O.C. Sandstorm is finally out on Blu-Ray and VOD, and we could not resist opening up the Necronomicon once again. It may not exactly qualify as an Evil Dead film, but… someone does in fact die! And Dylan O’Brien’s character may or may not be evil!!
Also… Linda Liddle innocent!
Next week, we are launching our Studio Ghibli series
The Passion of the Heist
And that’s a wrap on our Oceans series! This week, we are closing it out the only way we know how… by talking about the latest news in the Fockers franchise!
That’s right, another Focker movie is coming out this year, and you better believe we have some thoughts about the trailer. It’s a legasequel?
Also explored this week: listener questions, the future of the Oceans franchise, and most important
Miniseries MAYhem 2026
The month of May is here! You know what that means… it’s time for some MAYhem, baby! We’re asking YOU to decide what our fall miniseries should be. The theme this year? MOVIE MONSTERS!
Want to know your three choices? Listen in to find out, and head over to our Discord to cast your vote!
Next week, we’re closing out our Oceans series in style AND announcing our summer miniseries! Join the conversa
Logan Lucky (2017)
We're pulling one last heist for you! And, holy shit, is that Seth MacFarlane as an annoying British energy drink salesman?
Channing Tatum is the George Clooney of our BONUS this week, and he may not be as rich or suave as Danny Ocean, but he sure knows how to rob a racetrack. We couldn't resist hanging out in West Virginia with the Logan crew (and the Bang Bros), and man, is Daniel Craig an absol
Ocean's Thirteen (2007)
We’re back in Vegas, baby! It’s Donald Trump and AI vs The Danny Ocean gang… but this time, Casey Affleck has a GIGANTIC mustache.
This week it's the finale (?) of the Soderbergh’s Oceans trilogy, and we simply have to get revenge for Elliot Gould. It’s not fair what Al Pacino did to him. I mean, they both shook Sinatra’s hand, for god’s sake.
Next week, it’s the one and only BONUS of our Oceans m
Ocean's Twelve (2004)
Finally, an excuse for Vincent Cassel to breakdance through lasers!
Brad Pitt is eating his way through Europe this week in the weirdest heist movie imaginable. It’s the (unfairly maligned) sequel that probably should have been called Rusty’s Twelve, because it’s all about Danny Ocean’s weird, mysterious counterpart who may or may not have fallen in love with a Europol agent…
Next week, we finish
Ocean's Eleven (2001)
It’s a miniseries premiere! All the coolest conmen in movie history are pulling a job on Andy Garcia and we’re just happy to be here. Welcome to the Ocean’s trilogy!
This week it’s the flawless 2001 Vegas heist that cemented Clooney, Pitt, Damon, and their buddies as the modern day Rat Pack. Sorry, Sinatra!
Discussed on this episode: Brad Pitt’s constant eating, the weird alternate cast that almos
The Eye of 2025
We cannot believe it. It’s been five years!! And we still haven’t done a series on Star Wars?!
This week we are celebrating our five year anniversary the only way we know how… by talking about MOVIES, baby! We’re running down our top 10 films of 2025, reminiscing about this little pandemic project that became a half-decade tradition, and looking ahead to the 2026 year in cinema! Thank you from the
The Road Goes Ever On
This week we say a fond farewell to Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy. We wish it hadn’t happened in our time… just kidding. We’re so lucky to be alive when it did!
On this epic conclusion to One Scene to Rule Them All, we’re tying off loose threads, answering listener questions, sharing some thoughts on WAR OF THE ROHIRRIM, and announcing our next miniseries!
Next week, it’s our long-
Mortal Engines (2018)
Municipalities, start your engines!! Or… get ready to eat each other?
We’re finishing off our Rings series today with the final (?) major live action narrative production from Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, and the whole WETA gang. It may not be Tolkien-related, but hey, Hugo Weaving wields a blade in it!
It’s tragic that the film didn’t start a new era for Jackson, and we’re sorting
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012)
Okay, Hobbitses, it’s our last journey through Middle Earth! And Bilbo’s first!
Dom’s back, and so is Peter Jackson, Philippa Boyens, Fran Walsh, Ian McKellan, Andy Serkis, Elijah Wood, and… Radagast the Brown?!
Although this is our only episode on the Hobbit trilogy, we’re not just covering UNEXPECTED JOURNEY this week. Listen in for some cross examination of the two (troubling) sequels, the many
The Golden Compass (2007)
This steampunk fantasy world has everything: dæmons, talking polar bears, Daniel Craig with a snow leopard, and Nicole Kidman in her villain era!
Attempting to replicate the success of THE LORD OF THE RINGS, New Line Cinema tries to kick off a new trilogy by adapting Philip Pullman's The Golden Compass, but it… doesn’t quite work out. Our favorite JRPG expert Stephen Hilger returns to help us fig
Stardust (2007)
Come for the breezy fantasy, stay for Robert De Niro actively trying to speed run himself out of the movie – it's STARDUST!
Our very own Sky Pirate, Stephen Hilger, returns to help us drag Claire Danes across the land so that we can finally prove ourselves to Sienna Miller. Ya know, normal fantasy stuff!
Next week New Line Cinema tries to jump start another fantasy trilogy adaptation with THE GOLD
Pan's Labyrinth (2006)
This Labyrinth has everything: a dude with eyeballs in his hands, a sassy faun, a big ass toad, and bugs that are also fairies! This week our guest host, good friend, and Joe Dirt expert Stephen Hilger helps us get lost in dark heart of Guillermo del Toro's PAN'S LABYRINTH.Next week it’s Matthew Vaughn’s first foray into blockbuster filmmaking with STARDUST! Join the conversation on our Discord at
An Important Update from Eye of the Duck
Today we're taking a moment to share a brief but important update with you.Join the conversation on our Discord at https://discord.com/invite/RssDc3brsx and get more Eye of the Duck on our Patreon show, After Hours https://www.patreon.com/EyeoftheDuckPod Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005) with Sarah Welch-Larson
It’s the Chronic-WHAT-cles of Narnia! That’s right the Chronic-WHAT-cles of Narnia!When choosing movies inspired by THE LORD OF THE RINGS to cover for our series, Disney's mega-budget adaptation of the iconic children's classic felt essential. Joining us through the Wardrobe from the Land of Spare Oom is our old friend – and expert on famous fantasy bros Tolkien & Lewis – Sarah Welch-Larson! Next
Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
It is a kingdom of conscience, or nothing! This week we’re going Ridley Mode™️! Join us as we embark on a journey through one of Scott’s most polarizing films, its many cuts, many characters, and its place in historical epic film history.Next week it’s Andrew Adamson’s big screen adaptation of THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE! Join the conversation on our Discord at
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003) with Stephen Hilger
This week we’re jumping from one big adaptation of British literature to another. It’s a movie about a fellowship, but this time, they call it a league. And it’s extraordinary!!Joining us for this bonus (!!) is returning champion Stephen Hilger of the very great Into the Aether podcast! We’re piecing together one of the strangest movies out there… and still trying to figure out why Sean Connery tu
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Listeners, the power of the Three Rings is ended. This week we fulfill our oath and complete the Peter Jackson LOTR trilogy!We’re talking Denethor (aka Dennis Thor), the army of the dead, Aragorn’s long sword, Eowyn being horny, the Mouth of Sauron being repugnant (put him back into the theatrical cut, cowards!) and how fun it is to see what Gandalf looks like when he sleeps.Also….Death! Death! De
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
Forth Eorlingas! This week we toss Gimli face first into the forces of the Enemy. It’s another four hour tour of Middle Earth, and this time, we brought Ents.Is the middle film of a trilogy ever the best one? In this case, the jury's out, but one thing is for certain: it has the weirdest title of all three.Topics explored this week include: Legolas’s whole deal, the groundbreaking creation of Sméa
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Listeners, the Third Age is finally upon us. The nine companions are assembled. The recording is 4 hours long. It shall be… The Fellowship of the Duck!This week, Adam and Dom are embarking on a quest to save Middle-Earth and somehow make sense of the greatest trilogy in movie history. It’s FELLOWSHIP, and we still cannot believe Peter Jackson actually pulled this off. There are simply too many Eye
Drink and Be Merry (2025) with Sarah Welch-Larson
Happy holidays! Adam made a feature film and we’re (finally) going to celebrate it in style. It’s a bonus episode of holly, jolly, drinks, and independent film. With a very special guest host!Our old friend Sarah Welch-Larson takes the reins this week for an exploration of feature filmmaking, micro budget cinema, the inspirations behind Adam’s film, and some questions about its creation–including
The Black Cauldron (1985) with Nik Long
Justice for Gurgi! This week it’s the final stop on our tour of pre-Jackson LOTR-inspired films… and our very first ever Disney animated film!Joining us to explore Welsh mythology, The Chronicles of Prydain, and the weird lengths Disney will go to make their adaptations kid-friendly is returning guest (and Eye of the Duck digital producer) Nik Long!Next week we have a very special holiday surprise
The Return of the King (1980)
Sing it with us!! WHERE THERE’S A WHIP [WHIP SFX] THERE’S A WAY! WHERE THERE’S A WHIP [WHIP SFX] THERE’S A WAY!This week we face the Lord of the Lash himself for the epic return of Arthur Rankin & Jules Bass, and the wildest voice cast in Tolkien history. Roddy McDowall is Sam? Casey Kasem is Merry?! It may not be the most beloved Rings adaptation out there…but it’s certainly the last one in a ver
The Lord of the Rings (1978)
It’s the first major adaptation of Tolkien’s trilogy and it is…rotoscope animation? Enter Ralph Bakshi and his completely batshit vision of an animated Middle Earth!Is it a mixed masterpiece or a very audacious disaster? Either way, Bakshi’s rotoscope RINGS is extremely influential for Peter Jackson, and we’re celebrating its legacy this week.Next week, we complete our unofficial animated trilogy
The Hobbit (1977)
Listen up, Hobbitses! An adventure is knocking at your door! Will you answer it? Even if it’s a musical?It’s the first actual Tolkien adaptation of our series this week, and we are so confused that it exists. Rankin and Bass? The dudes who make the Rudolph and Frosty movies? Yes. And for some reason, Otto Preminger is in it.Next week it’s Ralph Bakshi’s THE LORD OF THE RINGS animated spectacular!
Jason and the Argonauts (1963)
Series premiere! This week we leave The Shire behind to embark on our journey through Middle Earth and the epic fantasy genre!In the spirit of Lord of the Rings, we’ve divided our miniseries into three parts, and we’re starting today with Part 1: The Road to Mordor. And that road begins with, you guessed it, Ray Harryhausen!Peter Jackson’s trilogy would not exist without the sword-and-sandals stop
Don't Stop Filming
Run back the tape! We’re closing the book on yet another miniseries this week, and… revealing the journey that lies ahead!It’s been a joy scrubbing through all the haunted camera recordings of these found footage horror movies, and we’re thrilled to tie off some loose ends, answer listener questions, and decide once and for all: is the Blair Witch even named Blair?Next week, we start anew…listen t
Rap World (2024)
Try to remember these times, listeners. Some of the best nights of our lives were being had in parking lots.When Connor O’Malley brings a couple DV cameras to the suburban abyss of Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, we simply have no choice but to watch. It’s somehow the culmination of every found footage film we covered in this series, and also one of the funniest feature-length films ever uploaded directl
Unfriended: Dark Web (2018) with Stephen Susco
Welcome to the dark web! For the penultimate episode of our found footage miniseries, we’re making Eye of the Duck history and inviting a writer/director to come on and explore his own film!Stephen Susco joins us to sail down the river and talk all things UNFRIENDED, such as transitioning the franchise from horror to thriller, the cursed search history of a professional screenwriter, the legacy of
Late Night with the Devil (2023)
It’s Late Night with Abraxas! Hosted by the one and only…. Mr. Wriggles! This week we’re filming one VERY cursed television broadcast in front of a live studio audience! LATE NIGHT is perhaps the most popular found footage movie of the past few years, and we’re finally going to answer the question… is it really found footage? (Yes. The answer is yes). Don’t forget your sacrificial dagger! Next wee
Host (2020)
We are so back! It’s the worst pandemic in modern history, and we couldn’t be more excited (and terrified) to be trapped on a Zoom call with you (and a demon) again.Lockdown-era movies have been pretty unimpressive so far, but HOST is a VERY notable exception. This Zoom call has everything! A mopey quarantine boyfriend, a naughty grandpa, and… oh god is that a disembodied facetune filter?Next week
Searching (2018)
The screen is life! The found footage genre infects MacOS this week with a truly horrific story of parenting, grief, and, of course, screens!!Is John Cho the most oblivious father in movie history? Or is the internet a terrible place that preys on society’s most vulnerable youths? Probably a little of both… but hey, at least we still had Addicting Games Dot Com!Next week, we fall even deeper into
One Cut of the Dead (2017)
There’s meta, and then there’s a movie thats so self-referential it basically takes place inside a Russian nesting doll. It’s the INCEPTION of the found footage genre!This week we’re getting to the center of a very, very crunchy tootsie pop. Another remarkable low-budget success story, ONE CUT is the type of movie that makes you want to pick up a camera and go shoot something… or behead some zombi
The Visit (2015)
Grandma’s home! It’s Shyamalan’s ticket out of director jail this week, we’re paying him a visit. There’s something seriously wrong with Becca and Tyler’s grandparents. And it may or may not involve dirty diapers, naked sleepwalking, and a very, very scary game of hide and seek. Next week, it’s the found footage zombie satire, ONE CUT OF THE DEAD (2017). Join the conversation on our Discord at htt
Creep (2015)
Mark Duplass has entered the fray! And he is very, very creepy.This week we’re going deep on another found footage gem from the indie world. In what may be the only true “character study” of our series, Patrick Brice presents a new type of slasher… who simply won’t shut the fuck up.He’s Peachfuzz, and he may have therapy language, but he’s basically Psycho in a dollar store wolf costume. Run for y
The Sacrament (2014)
It’s indie filmmaking Smash Bros this week! Ti West, Joe Swanberg, Kentucky Audley–everyone is here! And they’re all (probably) going to die!! This week we are joining a cult that’s definitely not a Jonestown ripoff, and getting everything on tape for our latest VICE documentary. Hopefully no one gets killed! Next week it’s another mumblecore favorite, Patrick Brice’s CREEP. Join the conversation
Europa Report (2013)
We are so back….in space!! This week we’re blasting off towards Jupiter for a one-of-a-kind outer space found footage experience.Sebastián Cordero’s 2013 sci-fi surveillance thriller was NOT originally on our miniseries radar. But we could not resist the temptation of leaving this earth behind and spending some time amongst the (unforgiving) stars again. So here we are.Next week, we’re doing anoth
Unfriended (2014)
Surprise! We’re moving to our new home at SiriusXM next week, and that means all episodes will now drop on BOTH main and premium feeds on the same day! To close the gap, our next episode is available to listen right now.Listeners, we’ve officially logged on! This week we’re gazing into the blue light of our very first “screen life” movie, the type of Found Footage horror where computers are cursed
Chronicle (2012)
What if an asshole got superpowers? Would he save the world? Or just prank old ladies and do sick magic tricks to impress chicks at the talent show?This week it’s Josh Trank’s found footage superhero film where a pothead, a burnout, and an aspiring class president become invincible (and fly!) What could go wrong?Next week we kick off our screen life era (!!) with Levan Gabriadze’s UNFRIENDED (2014
Trollhunter (2010)
Where my Ringlefinches at? This week we’re talkin’ film students, government coverups, massive UV lights, trolls, and the one very cool guy who hunts them. Also, he wears an amazing hat.Next week, we’re tackling our first superhero found footage movie, Josh Trank’s CHRONICLE. Join the conversation on our Discord at https://discord.com/invite/RssDc3brsx and get more Eye of the Duck on our Patreon s
Paranormal Activity (2009)
Finally, a movie that proves why you should NEVER under any circumstances buy a Ouija Board! It’s Oren Peli’s found footage masterpiece, with a demon so scary that it literally convinced Steven Spielberg his office was haunted.Is PARANORMAL ACTIVITY the one true successor to THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT? And is it better to live with a scary ghoul than a shitty day trader boyfriend? These questions and
Cloverfield (2008)
Listeners… we’re not feeling so good… [cue explosion]This week we’re taking a swing at the second most famous movie to feature a beheaded Statue of Liberty! It’s the brainchild of returning faves JJ Abrams, Matt Reeves, and Drew Goddard! And it’s the hottest people you know experiencing worst horrors imaginable. Sounds like a fun time!Join the conversation on our Discord at https://discord.com/inv
REC (2007)
This week we are landing with a splat on the ground floor of a quarantined apartment complex in Spain for what may be the only (somewhat) heroic depiction of a landlord in film history!It’s the very intense 2007 virus outbreak thriller from Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza, which spawned several sequels as well as the American remake QUARANTINE.Discussed on this episode: ethical video journalism, RE
The Blair Witch Project (1999) with Nik Long
Listeners, we are going to into the woods, and we may never return. We are so, so sorry to everyone’s mothers.This week it’s the reason for the season. The most famous found footage film in cinema history! It spawned an entire genre, and we’re going to do our best to honor its legacy.We couldn’t have a more qualified guest – joining us to uncover the secrets of the most successful American indepen
Cannibal Holocaust (1980)
**Heavy content warning! This episode contains coverage of a very problematic (and cursed) piece of film history. For those who wish to join us in the murky waters ahead, listener discretion is advised…Today we’re introducing the listener-selected winner of this year’s Miniseries MAYhem, our latest genre series: Lost and Found!!We’re going deep on the origins of the Found Footage movement with som
Duck Knight Forever
Batman is vengeance. Batman is the night. Batman is forever! Today we’re sealing the gates of Arkham once and for all, and saying farewell to the greatest superhero franchise ever put to film.We’ll be tying off some loose threads, answering listener questions, and…announcing the final list of movies for our upcoming Found Footage series!Next week we’re kicking off “Lost and Found” with the very co
The Batman (2022)
It’s the end of an era for us and the beginning of yet another Bat franchise!Theres a Dark Knight for every generation, and this one is very emo, has runny eye shadow, calls himself “vengeance,” and is directed by Matt Reeves.We have some complicated thoughts about this very compelling new vision for Gotham City. Whatever you think about THE BATMAN, you’ve got to admit: The Riddler is a good singe
The LEGO Batman Movie (2017)
It took 83 years, but we finally got a movie about the Dark Knight facing his ultimate villain… The Eye of Sauron? Voiced by Jemaine Clement?This week it’s another LEGO animated spectacular, but it’s NOT a bonus, because Batman is the main character! It’s a rom-com, a musical, a father/son drama, and above all, an excuse for Warner Bros to dump all their IP into one toy box. And somehow, it actual
The LEGO Movie (2014)
Bonus!! Remember in BATMAN BEGINS when Christian Bale says he’s going to build back Wayne Manor, brick by brick? That was actually a reference to THE LEGO MOVIE!Yes, we’re talking about bricks today. And not just because LEGO is part of Adam’s origin story. There’s a Batman in this film! So we’re required to talk about him!Next week, it’s Chris McKay’s bat/brick spinoff, THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE. Joi
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
Into the Keatonverse! For this week’s bonus, we’re going meta with Alejandro González Iñárritu’s exceedingly self aware Oscar-winner that’s definitely not about Batman or Michael Keaton’s career.What do we talk about when we talk about Batman? Listen to find out.Next week it’s another bonus, Lord and Miller’s LEGO MOVIE. It counts because Batman is in it! Join the conversation on our Discord at ht
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
The fire rises, brother! This week we conclude our Nolan run with the biggest and most divisive entry in his Batman saga.Also discussed this week: the origins of Tom Hardy’s infamous Bane voice, whether or not Joseph Gordon Levitt’s character should have just been named Dick Grayson, and…why the hell is Bruce so fucking cruel to Alfred?Next week it’s bonus time, baby! Alejandro González Iñárritu m
The Dark Knight (2008)
Listeners, you either die a normal film podcast, or live long enough to see your show completely devolve into a Christopher Nolan marathon.Between Heath Ledger’s legendary turn as the Joker, Nolan’s transformation into an IMAX-first director, and the coolest truck crash in cinema history, there’s so much to explore in this sprawling behemoth of a picture. We went for nearly four hours on this one,
Batman Begins (2005)
“Why do we fall, Master Bruce? So that we can learn to pick ourselves up. Batman Begin.“This week, we’re celebrating the greatest tweet ever made. Michael Caine’s post from August 19, 2024 inspired a generation of Batman storytelling. And this is where is it all begins.Also, we’re going to talk about Christopher Nolan.Next week, we we either die a hero or live long enough to become the villain. Ge
Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000)
Holy Nu-metal, Batman! It’s the year 2039, Bruce Wayne is a grouchy old man, corporations rule the world, and Batman is a moody teen. Has there ever been a cooler superhero show?This we're week going long on one of our favorite animated series, BATMAN BEYOND, and the standalone film that reunited Mark Hamill’s Joker with Bruce Timm, Kevin Conroy, and the whole BTAS gang for a truly horrific vision
Miniseries MAYhem 2025
It’s that time of year again…we are pausing our regularly scheduled programming to commence the second annual season of MINISERIES MAYHEM!That’s right, just like last year, we’re asking YOU to decide the future of Eye of the Duck. What should we cover for our big summer miniseries? Listen in to hear our three contenders, and hop over to the Discord on May 5 to cast your vote!Next week, we return t
Batman & Robin (1997)
Our Schumacher era concludes with this week’s episode on the most toyetic of all toyetic films in human history!But, this isn’t the last time we’ll be talking about BATMAN & ROBIN… On May 20, join us at the Nitehawk Theater where we’ll be in-person to introduce Schumacher’s exceedingly demented opus on the big screen!!Grab your tickets here: https://nitehawkcinema.com/prospectpark/movies/batman-an
Batman Forever (1995)
Rest in peace, Val Kilmer. This week, we’re devoting our episode to Val and his smoldering performance in Joel Schumacher’s first foray into the Batman franchise. There will never be another Dark Knight like you, Mr. Kilmer.Between Jim Carrey’s unhinged take on the Riddler, Tommy Lee Jones trying against all odds to out-crazy him, and the overwhelming aura of horny energy exuding from Nicole Kidma
The Heroic Trio (1993)
Bonus! Johnny To’s windswept, smoldering superhero masterpiece may not exactly exist in the Batman continuity… but we sure as hell are going to talk about it anyway.Starring Michelle Yeoh, Anita Mui, and Maggie Cheung, we thought this bonkers dream of an action noir would be the perfect appetizer for our upcoming Schumacher era. Whether it was intentional or not, Schumacher’s films look suspicious
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)
Bruce Timm’s animated Batverse is for many people the defining adaptation of the character, and this week we’re here to tell you why.We’re going deep on THE ANIMATED SERIES over on our Patreon show (link below!) but here on the main feed it’s all about the original villain, The Phantasm, and how she helped inspire a tormented Bruce Wayne to leave his personal life behind for a life in vigilantism.
