Added: Aug 27, 2023
In episode 276 of the ReelBlend podcast, the hosts discuss their review of the Star Wars series "Ahsoka," their interview with filmmaker Peter Berg about his new Netflix series "Painkiller," and the challenges of conducting interviews during the pandemic.The hosts begin their interview with Peter Berg, discussing his work as a director and filmmaker. They mention his film "Friday Night Lights" as one of the greatest sports movies of all time and discuss his new Netflix series "Painkiller." They talk about the themes of the show, including the dangers of Oxycontin and the opioid crisis. Peter Berg shares his personal experience trying Oxycontin recreationally and describes the feeling as being dropped into a warm bath of honey. He acknowledges the appeal of the drug but also emphasizes the heavy price that comes with it. He discusses the importance of raising awareness about the dangers of opioids and the responsibility individuals have to look out for their loved ones. The hosts also discuss the character of Shannon, played by West Duchovny, in "Painkiller." They talk about the moral dilemma she faces as a drug rep and how she ultimately makes a decision about right and wrong. Peter Berg explains the intention behind her character and the importance of personal responsibility. The conversation then shifts to Peter Berg's career as a filmmaker and the lessons he has learned over the years. He reflects on his first film, "Very Bad Things," and how he was inexperienced and scared during the production. He talks about the importance of collaboration and surrounding oneself with good people. The hosts also discuss the success of films like "Dune" and "Barbie" at the box office and what it means for the industry. Peter Berg expresses his excitement about the success of these films and the positive impact it has on the industry. Towards the end of the interview, Peter Berg talks about his foray into documentary filmmaking and how it has enriched his storytelling abilities. He discusses the challenges and rewards of working on documentaries and how it all contributes to his overall creative experience. The interview continues with a discussion about the dangers of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential impact on various industries, including filmmaking. Peter Berg shares his concerns about AI taking over jobs and the potential loss of human creativity and emotion. He emphasizes the importance of human storytelling and the need to be aware of the rapid advancements in AI technology. The conversation then shifts to the Star Wars series "Ahsoka". The hosts begin by sharing their thoughts on the episode, with one host mentioning that it was a slow start and didn't grab his attention right away. However, another host disagrees and thinks that the slow pace was intentional and sets up the story for future episodes. They also mention that the episode felt like a setup for the rest of the series and didn't provide much closure. The hosts then discuss the performances in the episode, particularly Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka. They praise her portrayal of the character and mention that she brings depth and complexity to the role. They also mention that the makeup and costume design for Ahsoka were well done and added to the overall authenticity of the character. Next, the hosts talk about the action sequences in the episode. They mention that the action was cool and some of the effects were impressive. They also mention that the fight scenes were well choreographed and exciting to watch. One host specifically mentions that he enjoyed the lightsaber battles in the episode. The hosts then discuss the family aspect of the show, which they feel resonates with audiences. They mention that the theme of family is a recurring theme in the Star Wars franchise and that it adds depth to the characters and their relationships. They also mention that George Lopez's performance in the episode was great and added to the family dynamic. The hosts briefly mention the Fast and Furious franchise, which they compare to the family aspect of Star Wars. They mention that both franchises emphasize the importance of family and that this theme is one of the reasons why they enjoy the Fast and Furious movies.