Welcome to a special edition of 8-Bit Philosophy, where classic video games introduce famous thinkers, problems, and concepts with quotes, teachings, and more. This week - the Philosophy of Bioshock, feat. Jared from Wisecrack & MatPat of The Game Theorists.
In this episode, we're doing things a little differently by cracking into the hidden messages and satire in Grand Theft Auto 5.
Watch as we crack into Michael Jackson's Thriller – the best selling album of ALL TIME! Thriller was a cultural melting pot and was the first album by a black artist to have songs in heavy rotation on MTV. But even though the innovative electronic sound on the album sounded new, it still had roots in traditional black music.
Watch as we crack into the HALO franchise – one of the best selling video game franchises of ALL TIME!
Welcome to a special edition of 8-Bit Philosophy, where classic video games introduce famous thinkers, problems, and concepts with quotes, teachings, and more. This week - The Philosophy of Fallout.
Welcome to our special Wisecrack Edition on The Philosophy of Rick and Morty. Get deep-dive insights into the philosophical underpinnings of one of the best shows on television.
Welcome to a special edition of 8-Bit Philosophy, where we take a look at whether films are dreams. Is the film just using cinematic technique or is it trying to tell us something more? This week – Inception: Are Films Dreams?
Welcome to this special Wisecrack Edition of The Philosophy of The Walking Dead, where we dive into the deeper meaning of The Walking Dead. We're covering: What Does it Mean to Live?, Moral Lines, Dictatorship, and the State of Exception. From ancient Rome to Nietzsche and more, The Walking Dead is quite philosophical at its core. What do YOU think?
Welcome to this special Wisecrack Edition on The Philosophy of House of Cards, where we dive into the deeper meaning of the Netflix masterpiece. We're covering: 1) Aesthetics, Theater & Politics; 2) Leaving a Legacy; and 3) Politics as Spectacle.
Welcome to this special Wisecrack Edition on The Philosophy of Final Fantasy (FF7 thru FF13), where we dive into the deeper meaning of the beloved video game series. 1) Psychological Phantasy (Freud & Lacan); 2) The Death Drive, and 3) The World as Standing Reserve
Welcome to this special Wisecrack Edition on The Philosophy of Dark Souls, where we dive into the deeper meaning of the beloved video game series. 1) Back to the Womb 2) Castration 3) Endless Misery and Frustration Reserve
Welcome to this special Wisecrack Edition on the villain of Inside Out, where we dive into the deeper meaning of the beloved film that taught us all a little more about our emotions.
Welcome to this special Wisecrack Edition on Season 19 of South Park, where we dive into the philosophy and politics of one of our favorite shows. We explore South Park's themes of politically correct (PC) culture, gentrification, advertising, social justice, safe spaces and narcissism.
Welcome to this special Wisecrack Edition on Game of Thrones & The Sopranos: Learning to Die Gracefully. We're exploring how these shows make a statement about knowing your place and learning how to die gracefully in the face of your impending extinction.
Welcome to the description for this very special Wisecrack Edition on Deadpool. We're exploring the smack-talking merc with a mouth and what he represents as a postmodern work...you know, what with all that ironic distance, cynicism, and 'f*ck it' attitude! Just watch the video, ok!?
Welcome to this special Wisecrack Edition on Bill Murray. We're exploring Murray's unique kind of comedy and his evolution from just another goofy guy to a comedy legend.
Welcome to this special Wisecrack Edition on the philosophy of Daredevil. We're exploring the heroes and villains of Hell's Kitchen and the choices they make – as we dive into themes of justice, responsibility, vigilantism and criminal justice.
Welcome to this special Wisecrack Edition on the philosophy of Star Trek. In this episode, we explore how the Star Trek franchise – through dozens of movies and more than 700 episodes of television – examines concepts like humanism, utilitarianism, the trolley problem and so much more!
In preparation for Suicide Squad, we created this special Wisecrack Edition diving into the philosophy of THE JOKER. We highlight some of the most lasting incarnations of the Clown Prince of Crime, including Alan Moore's origin story in The Killing Joke, Christopher Nolan's interpretation in The Dark Knight (starring Heath Ledger, RIP), and portrayals by Jack Nicholson (1989) and Cesar Romero (1966). The episode explores similarities and connections between The Joker and his rival-slash-muse, Batman.
In preparation for Season 20 (!!!) of SOUTH PARK, we created this special Wisecrack Edition exploring the show's philosophy of RELIGION over the past 19 years. Whether it be Jesus or Satan, Frosty the Snowman or God himself, Trey Parker and Matt Stone (who also created The Book of Mormon) aren't afraid of addressing religion head-on – even if it isn't exactly clear where the show stands on the issue. South Park forces us to take a hard look at what religion really means to us, and in the process, the show raises some important questions that other series wouldn’t have the nerve to ask.
Welcome to this special Wisecrack Edition on Kanye West's Philosophy of Death. Mortality is clearly a recurring theme in Kanye's lyrics, videos and interviews. But is it any wonder that the WAY in which Kanye deals with death is similar to the ideas proposed by Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard? Is this similarity a total coincidence or is there truly a comparison to be made between Kanye and Kierkegaard? We're here to find out!
Welcome to this special Wisecrack Edition on Disney's Zootopia, where we dive head-first into the film's somewhat mixed messages about race. While Zootopia is clearly a kids movie that celebrates diversity and acceptance, its use of animal metaphors allow for some pretty racist interpretations... Let's dive in and see!
Welcome to this special Wisecrack Edition on USA's Mr. Robot, where we dive head-first into the cinematic references and inspirations of the show. We'll explore specific influences, including Fight Club, The Matrix, American Psycho, Taxi Driver and Natural Born Killers.
Welcome to this special Wisecrack Edition on the Philosophy of Shia LaBeouf, exploring the motivations behind one of the most enigmatic actors and internet sensations around. After bouncing from one tabloid scandal to another, Shia LaBeouf emerged as an auteur of the bizarre with his #IAMSORRY installation – a performance art piece aimed at apologizing to the world with sincerity. Drawing from pop culture references like Deadpool, Spring Breakers and Brittney Spears, we dive headfirst into understanding how sincerity and apology works in a world of post-modern cynicism and disillusionment.
Welcome to this special Wisecrack Edition on The Philosophy of BoJack Horseman, exploring the dark existential undertones of this seemingly light-hearted cartoon. Behind the colorful animations and snarky one-liners is a show that's astonishingly deep – a series that ponders important philosophical questions about living life in a meaningless universe. From Pascal to Sartre, we'll dive into the thinkers and philosophies that are foundational to the show's underlying message.
Welcome to this special Wisecrack Edition on The Philosophy of The Purge, diving into the political and socio-economic implications of The Purge – including brilliant references from Rick & Morty! In this episode, we'll geek out on the movies themselves while also exploring how an event like The Purge seems to amplify the many issues and conditions of various social classes.
Welcome to this special Wisecrack Edition on the must-know references in Rick and Morty. From Freddy Krueger to Zardoz, Rick and Morty pays homage to the imagery and themes of pop culture's most beloved properties – often inverting them to communicate something new. The more of these references you know and understand, the richer the show becomes! So what are the most important of these references? How do they elevate the show to new levels? Join us as we dive in!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition of Star Wars Explained where we explore the The Philosophy of Darth Vader. What ultimately turns the innocent Anakin Skywalker of The Phantom Menace movie into the Dark Lord of the Sith is something we all confront: a paralyzing fear of death. Anakin must choose between two competing ideologies when faced with the impending death of his loved ones – The Sith way, or the Jedi way. From Buddhist texts to Pulitzer Prize-winning discourses on death anxiety, we dive deep into one of the most iconic characters to ever star on the silver screen.
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on The Philosophy of Fallout 4, where we explore many of the political themes from previous installments, plus a new philosophical question with the introduction of Synths to the world of the wasteland: What does it mean to be human? Drawing from philosopher Donna Haraway’s essay “A Cyborg Manifesto,” we discuss the ramifications of how we define what is “human” – both in the Wasteland, and in our own world.
Welcome to this special Wisecrack Edition on the must-know references in South Park. From Britney Spears to Ex Machina, South Park constantly borrows from and parodies pop culture and current events to make profound statements about the world we live in. The more of these references you know and understand, the richer the show becomes! So which are the most important of these references? How do they elevate the show to new levels? Join us as we dive in!
Welcome to this special Wisecrack Edition on the Philosophy of Get Schwifty! Join us as we take a closer look at religion and belief systems in one of our favorite episodes of Rick and Morty! Time to Get Schwifty!
Welcome to this special Wisecrack Edition on the Philosophy of Negan. Join as we explore the methodology behind Negan's actions and how he psychologically breaks survivors to police themselves and become the perfect Dictator in the post-apocalyptic world of The Walking Dead.
Welcome to this special Wisecrack Edition on the Philosophy of Westworld, exploring how the show draws on one of humanity's oldest stories to explore how free will shapes our understanding of good and evil. Through the lens of the show's incredible cast of characters (Ford, William, The Man in Black, Arnold, Dolores, Bernard, and Maeve), we dive into themes of predestination, ethics, consciousness, and more, reflecting on how Westworld makes us think about the choices we make and how we live our own lives.
Welcome to this special Wisecrack Edition on one of the most tragic films of the year: David Ayer’s Suicide Squad. Despite the fact that the movie was marred by critical changes at late stages of production, it still has signs of intellectual ambition. Join us as we look closely at the script’s thematic foundation and connect it to the other films of the DC Cinematic Universe. By tracing the theme of control through Man of Steel and Batman V. Superman, we can get a better understanding of what Suicide Squad was perhaps trying to achieve before the film was re-edited by the studio. Is it possible for us to still glean something insightful from a deeply flawed movie? With this new Wisecrack Edition format, we answer just that.
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on Attack on Titan, where we explore the surprising political ideology of the society within the walls. Is it possible that in this dystopian society a controversial philosophy from a Nazi theorist, Carl Schmitt, may be the only thing keeping the fabric of society from collapsing? Or is that just what those in power want citizens to believe?
Welcome to this special Wisecrack Edition on Battlefield 1, where we explore why a big game franchise chose the war to end all wars, World War 1. Why after years of WW2 games has WW1 been brought to light? Join us as we explore one of the most popular franchises take on one of the most horrific wars.
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on The Dark Knight Rises: What Went Wrong? Coming off the crest of the acclaim of The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises had a lot to live up to. In good Nolan fashion, not only did the film continue the ambitious themes established by its predecessor, but it added so much more. And that's where things started to get messy. From the inspiration of Charles Dickens's A Tale of Two Cities to Occupy Wall Street, we delve in to the themes behind the conclusion of one of the biggest trilogies of the decade.
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on Music in Westworld. The deeper meaning and philosophy of Westworld isn't just limited to its dialogue – it's layered throughout its masterful use of music. We'll see how Westworld uses classical compositions and modern pop to create its own dreamworld.
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on Rick and Morty Seaon 3: The Philosophy of Szechuan Sauce. Join us as we dive in to Camus and Dostoevsky in order to gain deeper insight in to Rick's journey for that teriyaki dipping sauce. That's what this entire episode is about, Wisecrack- that Mulan Mcnugget Sauce. It's our rosebud; our one armed man. It's what drives us.
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on one of the most philosophically complex animated films of all time: Ghost in the Shell. Through the lens of legendary philosopher Georg Hegel, we’ll examine how Ghost in the Shell not only laid a foundation for decades of sci-fi to come, but presents us with a truly fresh and original take on the next step of human evolution. Whereas most films that explore the line between human and machine require one side to triumph over the other, Ghost in the Shell suggests something radically different.
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on the 2009 Emmy Award Winning South Park episode "Margaritaiville." We'll explore how, through clever religious allegory, South Park crafts a multi-layered critique on the nature of power structures in our contemporary economic climate. By playfully positing that economics functions as a cryptic religion in its own right, South Park brilliantly satirize the financial crisis of 2008 – and the way people responded.
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. If traditional sitcoms are defined by progressive character development, saccharine moralism, and sentimental romance, then It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia is unique in how it lampoons each of these tropes and presents us with an ensemble that deliberately avoids any sign of growth. Drawing from pioneering sitcoms like Cheers, Friends, and How I met your Mother, we’ll explore how Always Sunny isn’t just an anti-sitcom, it’s the perfect anti-sitcom.
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on The Philosophy of Get Out. There are few films as clever in their depiction of racial tensions in America as Jordan Peele’s social thriller Get Out. While most movies that focus on race take aim at those who overtly try to disenfranchise minorities, Get Out does something unique: it explores how the demeanor of white liberals who have supposedly “moved beyond racism” may not be as authentic as they may think. By drawing on black thinkers and philosophers, we explore how Get Out is a masterful depiction of the black condition in 20th Century America.
Rick and Morty is incredibly unique, with its remarkable characters, unforgettable episodes, and surprisingly profound subjects. But the show is also exceptional in its ability to play with our expectations while employing rather traditional storytelling techniques. In this special Wisecrack Edition, we explore how Dan Harmon’s Universal Theory of Storytelling (effectively a variation of Joseph Campbell’s Monomyth / Hero’s Journey) helps bring the show’s dark and subversive themes to life. By following one of our favorite episodes – “The Ricks Must Be Crazy” – we dive into the structure and formula for crafting great stories.
One Punch Man's Saitama isn't your typical hero. He doesn't struggle to defeat villains so much as he struggles to show up to the fight on time. What can Saitama and his bored lifestyle teach us about our own modern lifestyle? And what secrets lie in the show's storytelling? Join us in this Wisecrack Edition on the Philosophy of One Punch Man.
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on Batman v Superman: What Went Wrong? It’s no secret that BvS has drawn widespread ire for its issues with plot and tone. So, in an effort not to dwell on the same issues, we decided to focus on another problem plaguing the film: its ideological failings. Many of the film’s cues are taken straight from Frank Miller’s graphic novel The Dark Knight Returns – a work that paints a very clear philosophical divide between Batman and Superman. But it's in replicating this dynamic that BvS starts to flounder. By exploring some of Miller’s key inspirations, we’ll unveil how the philosophical backbone of The Dark Knight Returns was adapted to Batman v Superman – with lackluster results.
Logan is one of the most unique superhero movies to come out in the past decade. That’s largely because it’s not a superhero movie at all, it’s a Western. What makes Logan a masterpiece is how it takes some of the defining themes of the western genre – searching, enclosure, and the end of an era – and updates it to not only reflect the final moments of one of the most beloved comic book characters of all time, but to make a rather sly statement on the current state of the film industry. Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on The Philosophy of Logan.
The Matrix is a masterpiece of the first order. But what happens when this sci-fi journey is complete? We unearth just how one of the most hyped sequels of all time went oh-so-wrong.
What can our obsession with apocalypse teach us? We explore how shows like The Walking Dead can be viewed as a new spin on utopia. Has the idea of rebuilding in the ashes of the world replaced our dreams of flying cars and jetpacks?
“Nothing is True. Everything is Permitted.” If you’re an Assassin’s Creed fan like us, you’ve probably heard this phrase parroted by the Assassin’s Order numerous times. Does this motto reveal something essential about the Assassins' ideology? Or is it just deliberately cryptic nonsense? In this Wisecrack Edition, we dive in to the book from which the mantra was lifted, Vladimir Bartol’s 1939 novel Alamut, to explore how the philosophical backbone of this classic translated to the Assassin’s Creed franchise in a rather confusing manner. This questionable handling of philosophical material isn’t enough to hurt the games, but it ends up REALLY hurting the movie. Find out how!
“With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility”- Uncle Ben’s famous lines have defined the inner struggle of everyone’s favorite web slinger across all of its 17,000 reboots. In this Wisecrack Edition, we explore how this mantra uniquely positions Spiderman as a reflection of American international relations. Just as America struggles with how it should responsibly wield its immense power and resources, so too does Peter struggle with how to responsibly use his powers as Spiderman. By drawing upon thinkers William V Spanos, Sacvan Bercovich and other International Relations theorists, we’ll uncover the philosophies that make Spiderman the quintessential American Superhero, and make some predictions as to how these philosophies will carry over in to Spiderman: Homecoming.
Black Mirror is one of the most unnerving viewing experiences in recent memory. And around the Wisecrack office, watching Black Mirror goes hand in hand with having a panic attack. But why does this show evoke such a sense of dread? Unlike other shows about technology and future dystopias, Black Mirror taps in to something eerily familiar to our everyday world. In this Wisecrack Edition, we dive in to the work of prophetic French philosopher Guy Debord to better understand an idea that permeates Black Mirror, as well as our own society- spectacle. Drawing from Debord’s landmark text “The Society of the Spectacle,” we explore how Black Mirror holds up a MIRROR (see what we did there?) to our current social predicament: namely, the ways in which technology not only mediates our relationships with other humans, but also the world around us.
We all know that Game of Thrones is just that… a game for the Iron Throne. But with all the time spent theorizing on who WILL win the Seven Kingdoms, we decided to take a different approach and pose the question: Who is actually FIT to rule the Seven Kingdoms? In this Wisecrack Edition, we focus on the Queen of Dragons herself, Daenerys Targaryen. Through the lens of political philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli, we evaluate Daenerys’s leadership skills utilizing three of his most famous texts: The Prince, Discourses on Livy, and The Art of War. How does the Breaker of Chains stack up? Let’s find out!
The first of a three part series on Christopher Nolan.
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on What South Park Teaches Us About Economics.
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on What Key & Peele Teach Us About Comedy.
Death Note is all about justice, but what exactly is it trying to say? In this Wisecrack Edition, we'll dive into Death Note's unique exploration of justice, injustice, and potato chips. Join us as we explore the philosophies of Light, L and more.
If you’re going to make a sequel, try not to take 13 years to make it. If you take 13 years anyway, then at least don’t rewrite the whole thing at the last minute, right? Wrong. In this edition of What Went Wrong, we explore how late stage rewrites in Pixar’s Finding Dory led to some questionable narrative choices, resulting in a rather underwhelming film.
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on Buddhist Philosophy in Dragon Ball.
Welcome to this Wisecrack Quick Take on Season 7 of Game of Thrones.
Adapting a 37 episode anime in to a 90 minute movie is an enormous challenge, so a reduction in depth is expected. Instead of the anime's philosophical dialogue on justice, Netflix's new Death Note film attempts to tackle the blurry distinction between good and evil. But does it succeed? Join us as we explore the ideological inconsistencies in this Wisecrack Quick Take on Death Note: What Went Wrong?
South Park is a Wisecrack favorite, and with the success of the serialized narratives of seasons 18 and 19, Season 20 was set up to be the best, and most relevant, season yet. But, it turned out to be.... less than that. Find out what went wrong on this Wisecrack Edition of South Park season 20!
The second of a three part series on Christopher Nolan.
Blade Runner is one of the richest sci-fi films in cinema history, so following up on such a classic is a daunting challenge. Luckily, the new anime that bridges Blade Runner and its forthcoming sequel flexes all the brains that made the original so legendary. On this Wisecrack Quick Take, we’re gonna break down the core symbolism and philosophical ideas of the original film and see how they also manifest in Shinichiro Watanabe’s new anime, Blade Runner Blackout 2022.
Welcome to the second installment in our 'What Went Wrong?' series on The Matrix sequels! For this video, we decided to go balls-to-the-wall, breaking down all the intellectual goings-on of The Matrix franchise – finally answering the question: does this movie make sense? Get ready as we dive into what is perhaps the most philosophically-ambitious trilogy Hollywood has (and will) ever produce!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on the Philosophy of Mr. Robot!
The landmark original Blade Runner film confronted us with with the question “What Makes us Human?” The much anticipated sequel "Blade Runner 2049" continues to mediate on the importance of this question, but instead of retreading the same ground, it proposes something new that is essential to our humanity — our desire for connection and intimacy. Join us as we break down all the juicy, smart stuff behind Dennis Villeneuve's newest masterpiece!
The first three seasons of BoJack Horseman showed us a protagonist that, despite his Hollywoo success, struggled to find meaning. Season 4 departs from this narrative, to focus on... well, narrative. Join us on this Wisecrack Quick Take as we break down how our tendency to define ourselves through stories serves as the thematic backbone for the newest season of that show starring the horse from Horsin' Around.
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on the Philosophy of Saw!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on Stranger Things!
Is Destiny 2 inspired by one of England's most famous poets? And if so, what can we learn about the game's antagonist's true motivation?
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on the Philosophy of Berserk!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Quick Take on Thor: Ragnarok!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on What Went Wrong (besides everything) in The Emoji Movie!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Quick Take on My Hero Academia Season 2!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on The Lion King!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on Adventure Time!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on the Philosophy of Fight Club!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on What Went Wrong in Man of Steel!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on The Philosophy of Archer!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Quick Take on Star Wars: The Last Jedi!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on How to Advertise in 2017 with Deadpool 2!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Quick Take on Pixar's Coco!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on The Philosophy of Wonder Woman!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Quick Take on Black Mirror Season 4!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on What Went Wrong in Netflix's Bright!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on Nihilism with Bojack and Rick!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on The Political Philosophy of Captain America: Civil War!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on The Boss Baby!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on the Legacy of Monty Python!
The final part of our three part series on Christopher Nolan.
Welcome to this Wisecrack Quick Take on Black Panther!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on the Philosophy of Jigsaw!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on the Philosophy of Neon Genesis Evangelion!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on Too Many Cooks vs Don't Hug Me I'm Scared!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on the Philosophy of NieR Automata!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on the Philosophy of Assassin's Creed Rogue Remastered!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on the Philosophy of Deus Ex!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on the Economics of Bee Movie!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on Metal Gear and Kojima!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on the SCIENCE of One Punch Man — our first-ever science video, hosted by our newest member of the team, Helen. Let us know what you think!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on Satire and Parody in Watchmen and One Punch Man!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on What Went Wrong in Star Wars: The Last Jedi!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Quick Take on Avengers: Infinity War, where we dive into the film's moral philosophy to make predictions about Avengers 4.
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on What Went Wrong in The Cloverfield Paradox!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on the Philosophy of Alan Moore!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Quick Take on Deadpool 2!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on the Psychology of the Purge!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on Gary And His Demons!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on The Age of the Post-Hero!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on What Went Wrong in The Big Bang Theory!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on Solo: A Star Wars Story!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Quick Take on the Incredibles 2!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on the Philosophy of Hayao Miyazaki!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on the Science and Philosophy of Psycho-Pass!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on the Philosophy of Bo Burnham!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on Why Thanos Changed!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on the Philosophy of Grant Morrison!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on the Science of Rick and Morty as we ponder the question: Does being smart make you MISERABLE? And is it better to be a Rick or a Jerry? In this episode, our resident psychology expert, Helen, dives into research studies and more to understand our relationship with intelligence and depression.
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on the Philosophy of Devilman Crybaby!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on the Philosophy of Atlanta!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on What Went Wrong in Star Wars The Phantom Menace!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on the Philosophy of Sacha Baron Cohen!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on the Economics of Fortnite!
Welcome to this Quick Take on the Must-Know Philosophy of USA Network's The Purge!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on the Philosophy of Pokémon GO!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on the Philosophy of The Good Place!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on the Philosophy of Cowboy Bebop!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on How to BEAT the System (And Lose)!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on the Philosophy of VR! It's a video we've wanted to make for a long time, so we hope you enjoy!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on the Understanding Disney's Star Wars Crisis!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Quick Take on BoJack Horseman Season 5!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on the Satire of Red Dead Redemption!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Quick Take on South Park Season 22 Episodes 1-4!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on the Wide World of Kayfabe – a wrestling concept by which we choose to consume fiction as 'reality.' Learn how this one principle as it work in so much of the content we consume today – from celebrity gossip and rap beefs to spicy political campaigns and beyond!
Welcome to this Half-Baked Wisecrack Edition on Netflix's MANIAC, created by Cary Joji Fukunaga!
Welcome to this Wisecrack Quick Take on Netflix's The Haunting of Hill House!
Join Squanch host and Wisecrack writer Michael Burns, PhD (aka Dr. Nihilism) as he breaks down how Daredevil grapples with his religious convictions — and what that means for how he should act and exist in the world.
In their latest episodes of South Park, Matt and Trey seem to be apologizing for the doubt and cynicism they helped perpetuate around the issue of global warming. In this video, we'll explore South Park's history with climate change and some of the economic logic to which the show alludes.
Something is happening with today's villains. In this Wisecrack Edition, we argue that a shift is occurring in how villains are made. To understand what the shift means, we survey cinematic villains from the 1950s to today.
Welcome to this Wisecrack Edition on why Nathan thinks your business will fail!
Is The Incredibles the most Randian superhero film? Well, not quite. Join us as we break down the theme of power in The Incredibles 1 and 2.
What makes Jurassic Park so good and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom so bad? Join us as we explore the art of the action sequence, and how the original film uses it in service of a higher cause.
In this Wisecrack Edition, we explore how in the latest seasons of Attack on Titan, the show takes on how information flow is used in governing.
Why does #GoblinSlayer ONLY slay goblins? In this Wisecrack Edition we explore how this character-defining trait functions as a scathing critique of the fantasy genre.
What went wrong with Justice League? Well, besides everything, there is one main problem: dramatic action. Join us as we explore the art of screenwriting.
In Season 22, South Park covered resignation, hopeless, resignation, and now, corporate greed? Join us as we unpack the meaning of the Season 22 finale.
After a decade on air, many shows lose their edge. Yet It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is sharper than ever. Join us as we explore how they tackle repetition head on.
JRR Tolkien's many works aren't just bound together by Middle Earth, but a meticulously crafted philosophy of history. Join us as we explore why JRR Tolkien stands apart from other thinkers in this 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.
The final season of FX's series, Legion, was undeniably weird. But was there a deeper meaning embedded in the bizarre musical numbers or the messy time travel snafus?
We tend to think of adult animation as a relatively new phenomenon. But the truth is, cartoons have been naughty for nearly their entire existence. Let’s dive into the weird, lesser-known history of depraved cartoons.
The Mandalorian's Baby Yoda is cute and there's no denying it. But why do you want to bite his adorable little nose off?
Movies about class dominated The Oscars this year. Both Joker and Parasite are works dealing with money, or lack thereof, but only one took home the Oscar for Best Picture. Let's find out what these two very different, very popular films can tell us about ourselves.
It's easy to hate on critics, particularly when they're not fans of your favorite movies or shows. But if their recommendations don't actually help you pick your next Netflix binge, it raises the question: do they even matter?
Every year the Oscars roll around to capture our collective cultural attention. But what if we told you it was time to just ignore the hell out of Hollywood’s most glamorous awards show?
What is it about Larry David's show, Curb Your Enthusiasm, that so reliably escalates the most banal situations into a nails-on-a-chalkboard level of discomfort? Let's find out why nobody knows how to make us cringe quite like Larry David.
Whether you loved it or hated it, chances are you have some thoughts about the latest Star Wars film. But what if we consider the film in the greater context of historical epics?
Even at first glance, Quentin Tarantino’s latest film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was indisputably a masterpiece. But we think it also happens to be a fascinating meditation on Tarantino's career - past, present, and future.
Data collection - you know that everyone from Google to your meditation app is probably gathering data about you. But what does it really mean for our future?
Mean Girls is one of those rare early-aughts teen flicks with massive cultural staying power. But what if it's more than a fun romp through the mean halls of suburban high school? What if it's actually an Aristotelian lesson in the ethics of happiness?
If you're a fan of the movie Joker, you might know that the film heavily references some extremely-good films from the 1970s and early 80s. However, are these references just visual or is there more at play?
If you've played even one minute of the 120-something hours, you probably know that Persona 5 is an insanely dense, complicated game. But is there meaning in the complexity?
Bong Joon-Ho took over the world in 2019 with his instant classic Parasite. If you've seen the film, you probably recognized its riveting critique on class. But what you might NOT know is the way dozens of tiny details and choices that Bong made enhance the film's message.
The show Watchmen had rich source material to work from, so it's no surprise that the show is highly-nuanced, surprising, and hella deep. Join Wisecrack as we peel off some of the layers of this brilliantly complex show.
The Matrix - While everyone agrees that this late 90s sci-fi flick is a classic, the sequels both struggled to achieve this level of greatness. While we've previously tried to find meaning in The Matrix: Reloaded and The Matrix: Revolutions, the news of a fourth Matrix film inspired us to ask: Is there something we missed?
Coronavirus has changed the world for all of us. This isn't the first time - diseases transform society and always have.
Tiger King is all the internet can talk about. But what makes Joe Exotic so damn addicting? We think we have the answer and that it has a lot to do with cults.
BoJack Horseman and The Good Place, two of the best comedies in recent years, have now come to an end. The weird thing is, their two endings have a lot in common, in that both grappled extensively with what it means to die.
Chances are you were somewhere between a little and EXTREMELY disappointed in the last film of the new Star Wars trilogy. And we think we know exactly why.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a classic Michel Gondry film - blending stunning visual sequences and great performances with a compelling narrative about heartbreak. But behind all the bells and whistles, is the movie really saying anything?
Ask anybody which news source they find most objective, and we'll find you someone else who says that source is totally biased. We thought it was worth asking: Is it even possible for news to be unbiased, and if so, is that something we'd even want?
We love Batman. We love Superman. Batman + Superman = Trash?!
Spike Jonze's 2013 film "Her" is ostensibly a movie about a man who falls in love with his computer. But if you look a little closer, it's actually more like an advice manual about how we can get better at human to human relationships.
If you internet, you may have heard the rumor that coronavirus is caused by 5G technology, and you may have laughed at the people dumb enough to believe it. But here's the thing: we're all more susceptible to pseudoscience than we like to think. And there's a perfectly good reason why.
The Lighthouse is a stupendous and stupendously baffling film. But is there meaning to the literal madness, or is a mustachioed Robert Pattinson just cool to look at?
Zack Snyder's adaptation of "Watchmen" is a contentious topic amongst the Wisecrack team. Is it a brilliant extension of Alan Moore's seminal text, or a dumbed-down, Hollywood fever dream?
John Oliver, Trevor Noah, Sam Bee. News delivered with a healthy side of comedy has never been bigger. But is there something smart going on when you listen to Jon Oliver roast Dr. Phil?
Everyone says that we're living through a once-in-a-century crisis. But what does that actually mean? Turns out the answer to that is more complicated than you think. We'll explain in this Wisecrack Edition: What is a Real Crisis?
It: Chapter One was a rare horror blockbuster that also won critical acclaim. And so, we had high hopes for the sequel — high hopes that were quickly dashed by its mediocrity. What made It: Chapter Two so bad?
The pandemic is still here and everything sucks. Is there a way out?
V for Vendetta is yet another adaptation of a beloved Alan Moore graphic novel — and he hates it. Is there depth to this alliterative film, or is Alan Moore right?
We all know what it's like to get trolled online. But what happens when one of your favorite movie directors trolls you on screen?
Mad Max first burst onto the scene in 1979 to tell a story about a dope Australian apocalypse. But 4 sequels later, we're still left in awe by director George Miller's coherent vision about power, life, and death - as seen in these films and also, incredibly, his children's movie, Babe.
Bong Joon Ho is all the rave and rightly so. That's why we thought it'd be a good time to take a look back at his 2013 film, Snowpiercer. At first an apparently simple critique of global capitalism, we discovered there's SO much more than meets the eye.
The Platform became one of those surprise hits on Netflix with its metaphor about prison, capitalism, and the like. But is there actual depth within this 333-story tower of hell? And what's the deal with Don Quixote?
Of all the prequels, Episode 3 is undoubtedly the best. But still, there's something that keeps it from being great.
The Midnight Gospel hit Netflix with a much needed dose of psychedelia. But is there anything deeper going on when Clancy climbs into that universe simulator?
Even if you're not a fan of reality tv, you probably know that their depictions of love are, at first glance, pretty bananas. But what if there's actually a lot to be learned from the way these shows construct stories about love?
Dwight is one of modern TV's most enduringly-popular characters. He also seems like a total nightmare to work with. But what if Dwight secretly makes life in the office way better? No seriously.
Space Force had all the makings of Greg Daniels’ latest hit. And then, it completely failed to live up to his previous work, most notably, The Office.
We spend so much time trying to ignore advertisements. But what if we can actually learn a lot about ourselves from ... paying attention to them?
COVID-19 has reshaped our lives and our world. Recent attempts to protect ourselves from this pandemic have reconfigured so many aspects of our lives. But are we safer as a result of these changes?
Adam Sandler gets a bad rap. With a filmography that includes "Click" and "Jack and Jill" and "Little Nicky," that's honestly fair. But what if there's more to Adam Sandler than the poop jokes? What if he can tell us something about an entire generation of men?
Genius is a word that gets tossed around a lot, particularly when we collectively need somebody to solve huge societal problems. But what if the very idea of genius is ... kind of dumb?
Bill Gates has been the recent subject of many a ridiculous conspiracy theory. But what if this tin-foil hat thinking obscures a much darker reality?
It's not exactly breaking new that Americans hate wearing masks. Still, nobody seems to know what to do about it.
Gone Girl's Amazing Amy is one of cinema's best villains. But this film isn't just commenting on her insane antics - it's saying something about all of us.
Why are even the smartest, most competent statisticians seemingly incapable of making a solid prediction about... seemingly everything? It's because making predictions is tricky, and so much media we read about statistics can be super misleading.
Why are so many ads prepackaged with social justice causes these days? And what does it say about us? We have a lot of thoughts and feelings about this, most of which we'll unpack in this.
Can understanding the political dynamics of a fictional town give us insight into the minds of the Founding Fathers? And can Pawnee's townhall meetings give us insights into problems inherent to democracy?
You know Hereditary is scary, but do you know why? It has less to do with violent beheadings and way more to do with your DNA.
Paul Verhoeven's been shocking American audiences for decades with depraved onscreen violence and sex. But are his cinematic transgressions actually saying something more?
Eric Andre's comedy is very funny and very gross. But can his insane antics actually help us see society in a whole new light?
We all grew up with one Robert Squarepants. But what did watching everyone's favorite sentient underwater sponge for hours on end do to us, and what does it say about our world at large?
Everyone knows that Robocop and Judge Dredd show us a future vision of hyper-efficient law enforcement. But what if these films are actually warnings for what can happen when individual rights are sacrificed for corporate efficiency?
We all know our privacy is constantly being invaded by our internet overlords. But what does privacy mean in the first place?
Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure is fondly remembered as one of the best stoner-esque buddy space-traveling buddy comedies of all time. But what if it's actually way more? What if it's brilliant?
The German Netflix series Dark offers a gritty new twist on time travel. But what if the show is really about the illusion of freedom and our inability to change fate?
Hamilton has been heralded both for its artistic merit AND for bringing the Founding Fathers so vividly to life. But what if historical fiction like Hamilton is secretly making us... dumb?
"The Last Airbender" film had incredible source material to work from - the widely-beloved Nickelodeon show "Avatar." But just about anyone who's seen it can agree that the film didn't do the show justice.
The Last of Us 2 incited vocal, often negative reactions from fans. But what if its most controversial choice is actually really deep? Let's break it down in this Wisecrack Edition: The Real Reason The Last of Us 2 is So Divisive.
You loved Rugrats as a kid because of the charming babies. But what if, looking back the most interesting part of the show is actually ... the parents? We'll explain in this Wisecrack Edition on Rugrats: How Boomers Scarred a Generation.
Television finales have a tendency to anger critics and fans alike. But why is the way a show ends so reliably contentious? Let's find out in this Wisecrack Edition: How to Ruin a Finale.
Presidential campaigns have become so long in America as to feel eternal. But, in addition to being crazy annoying, they're actually historically very weird. We'll spell it all out in this Wisecrack Edition on How Presidential Campaigns Change
Homer Simpson is one of the most iconic characters on television. But, over time, something very specific and, we think, very bad has happened to your favorite donut connoisseur. Let us get it off our chest in this Wisecrack Edition on Homer Simpson: What Went Wrong?
Mental health doesn't immediately come to mind as the funniest thing in the world. So why are the funniest comedians today the ones who are open about their depression, anxiety, and everything other mental health issue in between? Let's find out in this Wisecrack Edition on How Comedy Got Depressed.
Did Disney ruin culture for everyone? It's no surprise that Disney has an absolute stranglehold on the culture we consume today. But the joys of the Magic Kingdom aside, what if it's actually kind of really bad for art? We'll explain in this Wisecrack Edition: How Disney Ruined Culture.
We’ve been obsessed with the two recent documentary series on the NXIVM cult, largely because its members keep referring to the cult’s leader as a “philosopher”, which feels a little weird to us. So we decided to have our in-house philosophy Ph.D consider some of the ideas espoused by the cult’s leader, Keith Raniere, to see if there is any truth hidden beneath the madness. We hope you enjoy our first episode of "A Philosopher Reacts"!
Archer is one of our favorite tv shows of all time. Full stop. But something undoubtedly happened to the series, specifically when Archer went into a coma. And we think that something is not good. We'll investigate why in this Wisecrack Edition on Archer: What Went Wrong?
Borat 2 is a depraved masterpiece of modern comedy. But it's also a deranged fairy tale of the most brilliant degree. Don't believe us? We'll explain in this Wisecrack Edition on Borat Subsequent Movie Film: The Twisted Fairy-Tale You Never Saw Coming.
We don’t throw around words like “cult classic” very often, but Dan Harmon’s first major TV success, Community, is definitely one of them. So today we’re going to talk about what makes the show so special, and it has a lot to do with treating you like you’re really smart. We’ll explain in this Wisecrack Edition on Community: Can TV Make Us Smarter?
Why Michael Scott's management style might be darker than you think. You love, and we love, The Office. We've watched it, rewatched it, debated which Dundie we would each earn, and more. But today we're wondering about Michael Scott. Specifically, why is he so weird, and does it say something bigger about the way we all do our jobs? We'll explain in this Wisecrack Edition on The Office: How Your Boss Tricks You.
Courage the Cowardly Dog was nothing if not disturbing. But what if there's actually a ton of depth to watching your favorite cartoon canine constantly be terrified? We'll explain in this Wisecrack Edition on Why Courage Haunts Your Dreams.
The Boys tells the cynical superhero story of our time. But, in a very different way, it also tells us a lot about our society and the way people use social justice causes to enhance their own reputations. We'll tell all in this Wisecrack Edition on The Boys: The Truth About Social Justice.
Fight Club: What happens when Tyler Durden moves from the book to the screen? When a story morphs from a book into a movie, changes are inevitable. But do such changes fundamentally affect the meaning of the work? Let's find out by examining our favorite film about punch-happy bros in this new series Book vs. Film: Fight Club.
Original Title: _Sitcoms are Absurd
Original Title: WandaVision and The American Dream
Original Title: Rick and Morty: How Myths Make Nations
Original Title: How Popcorn Films Roast Reality
How The Supreme Court Got So Powerful
Rick and Morty: Does Fortune Favor the CEO?
Why the Internet Makes Us Lonely
Jordan Peterson on Marxism
It’s easy to hate on snobs who think they understand culture better than you do. But what actually makes a certain manner of cultural consumption snobby, and is it inherently bad? What do snobs do for culture on a philosophical level? And where do critics fit into the puzzle? Let’s find out in this Wisecrack Edition: Do We Need Snobs?
Aliens in Outer Space: Can We Handle It? The buzz about extraterrestrial life has never been louder. But why are we so fascinated by the idea of aliens? What do our social conceptions of aliens reflect about our society? And, philosophically, could humans handle a reality where aliens exist?
Neoliberalism: Economics or Spirituality? Neoliberalism is, practically speaking, the water that we drink when it comes to economics. But why do we continue to adhere to a system that pretty clearly benefits a select few at the expense of many? It makes us wonder: Does neoliberalism rely less on economic viability and more on abstract spiritual faith? Let’s find out in this video: Is Neoliberalism a Religion?
All kinds of movies have simultaneous releases - but what is it about Barbie and Oppenheimer that makes us so excited for the unplanned double feature? Let's talk about it!
Today we're talking about the GOAT of queer cinema, and asking the question: What is Camp?
We’re Sorry. What Now? The online apology has become a meme in its own right. But what compels people to spill their embarrassed guts on YouTube? What do apologies do for them, and for us, their audience? And is there a philosophy of apologies that explains it all? Let’s find out in this video on Public Apologies: Who Cares?
You may have seen headlines lately about how Orcas are, well...cancelling yacht season for rich dudes. But why has this story, and so many others like it, made so many people side with the Orcas instead of with humans?
Barbie: Feminist icon, capitalist shill, or...both? Greta Gerwig's latest film shines a spotlight on what it means to be a feminist in a capitalist society. Let's talk about it!
How are we still debating climate change? The popularity of climate change denial is perplexing when you consider the fact that scientists are pretty much unanimous that man-made pollution is causing it. So how does the debate rage on in the highest levels of media and government? The story isn’t pretty, but we’ll explain in this video: How Climate Change Denial Won.
How owning a home became a pipe dream Owning a home has basically always been as essential to the American dream. But increasingly, owning a home is starting to feel completely out of reach for the average American, especially younger people. So what happened? Are we all just bad with money, or did something in the housing market shift to make home ownership so unattainable? Let's find out in this video: Why We're All Forever Renters.
Did the Internet Kill Debate? Debate is one of the oldest ways of testing out ideas. And yet, today, it feels folks who take to debating online are more interested in clout than the ideas they’re debating. Are digital debates anything more than a philosophical pissing contest? Let’s find out in this Wisecrack Edition: Did the Internet Kill Debate?
Whatever happened to Marvel?
Will emo music live forever? Perhaps no subculture has been as vilified as what we call "emo." Heck, even the musicians playing emo music typically reject the title! Despite all the naysayers though, emo continues to be revived in various forms. So what makes emo so easy to mock, and why is it nonetheless so enduring? Let's find out in this Wisecrack Edition: What the F*ck Was Emo?
Are sex scenes ruining movies? Since the dawn of cinema, studios could count on the mantra “sex sells” when it came to getting butts in seats. But in recent years, younger audiences have started to question not only whether sex scenes are necessary, but if they actively make films worse. So, are sex scenes a legitimate means of storytelling? Are they always gratuitous? And why does sex on screen seem to be making so many people so uncomfortable? Let’s find out in this video: The War on Sex Scenes.
Intellectuals have criticized parents of Gen Z for coddling their children and raising a “soft” generation unfit to participate in our cold, harsh, unforgiving world. However, these same critics may be ignoring the strength of sensitivity. Is being soft actually a bad thing? Let’s find out in this Wisecrack Edition: Does Gen Z Need Tough Love
How American healthcare got stupid There’s not a whole lot to love about America’s healthcare system. It’s insanely pricey, deeply confusing, and continues to yield worse health outcomes than any other wealthy nation in the world. But was the system we have today inevitable? Let’s find out in this video: American Healthcare: How We Got Here
The real reason TikTok is crazy for ancient Rome If you’re even a little bit online, you know that the men love ancient Rome. This isn’t new: The civilization has loomed large in the western imagination ever since its catastrophic collapse. But why do images of arches and aqueducts continue to fuel such a widespread fixation? Can obsessing over Rome make our world better, or is there a sinister side to fetishizing the ancient past? Let’s find out in this video: Why Bros Love Rome.
God is dead, and so is atheism. Nietzsche’s famous phrase, God is Dead, has long been considered a rallying cry for atheism, and a vicious critique of religion. But what if Nietzsche wasn’t only targeting the religious folks of his day, but the atheists who were too quick to throw dirt on God’s casket? We’ll explain in this video: : God is Dead but So is Atheism.
The Sinister Politics of Politeness Politeness originated as a counterreaction to tyranny. But it was quickly weaponized by elites to control the public. Today, politeness is used both to unify and divide us. So does politeness promote goodwill among our fellow man? Or is it just a tool of The Man to keep us down? Let’s find out in this Wisecrack Edition: The Sinister Side of Being Polite.
America Doesn't Understand Freedom America loves nothing more than the idea of freedom. But what if that idea misses the point about what freedom actually is? And is there a better way to think about what it really means to be a free society? Let's find out in this video in this Wisecrack video in Freedom: The Ultimate American Idol?
Who needs CEOs? After countless scandals and major fumbles, CEOs are increasingly becoming persona non grata amongst regular society. And yet they continue to rake in unfathomable fortunes. So why are CEOs so valued, and does that system actually make sense? Let's find out in this video on CEOS: A Fake Job?
Cults and The Internet: A Match Made in Hell? Twin Flames Universe has captured the attention of the terminally online, not least because its leaders, Jeff and Shaleia Divine, seem like total goobers. So what made Twin Flames Universe so attractive to so many seemingly-normal people? What does it mean that a cult can thrive on the internet? And are all of us just one Google search away from getting inducted into a creepy online cult? Let’s find out in this video: Why Do People Join Cults?
It’s common today to hear comedians compared to philosophers, especially as many prominent stand-up comedians seem more focused on social and political commentary. But is it reasonable to compare your favorite joke to a philosophical idea? Or are we fundamentally misunderstanding the relationship between comedy and philosophy? Let’s find out in this video: Are Comedians the New Philosophers?
Why You Talk Like Your Boss
DEI has become the scariest acronym of 2024, as politicians, media figures and activist groups insist that promoting diversity is destroying society as we know it. But how has the movement against DEI effectively inspired such outrage? Is this a new phenomenon, or does the backlash against DEI speak to something core about American society? Let’s find out in this video: DEI: Have We Lost Our Minds?
Between Academic Infractions and YouTube deep-dives, plagiarism has been all over the news recently. But when we look deeper it seems like the current debate might not be about plagiarism at all. And we might be completely missing the real threat of plagiarism in the meantime. We’ll explain in this video: The Politics of Plagiarism
Have Protests Gone Too Far?
Time! Does anybody have enough of it? In our era of self-optimization, it’s easy to feel like you’re always falling short of reaching your goals. But what if self-optimization isn’t really about us or our capabilities? What if the systems that pressure us to become more efficient are more nefarious than the productivity gurus might have you think? Let’s explore in this video: “Why We Don’t Have Enough Time to Be Human.”
Original Title: America Runs on Theft News reports make it sound like there is a shoplifting pandemic taking over America's cities. We're bombarded with videos of smash and grabs, and pharmacies have started putting all their products behind protective glass. So is America entering a new era of lawlessness? Or is this just distracting us from a way more dangerous wave of crime? We'll explain in this video on America's Shoplifting Pandemic.
Analyzed and Hosted by Michael Burns Directed by Michael Luxemburg Edited by Mark Potts Produced by Olivia Redden
In recent years, psychologist and public intellectual Jordan Peterson has been talking more and more about religion. And while at one point religion was used as a metaphor for social and philosophical ideas, these days it seems like he's had a personal religious conversion. But what are the theological and philosophical implications of this turn? Does Peterson actually understand the stakes of his new faith? Or is this all an act to help build his brand? Let's find out in this Philosopher Reacts to Jordan Peterson on Religion.
Why Americans Can’t Take A Joke Everyone seems to be offended these days. Are Americans collectively losing our sense of humor? The comedy landscape has changed in recent years to encourage polarization. When did jokes go from uniting us to dividing us? And what are the societal implications of not being able to share a laugh? Let’s explore in this video: “Why Americans Can’t Take A Joke.”
Are Wall Street Bros Ruining Culture? There’s no way to sugar coat it: The world of media and entertainment has been bleak lately. And while it’s easy to blame studios for putting out half-baked superhero movies, we think something way more complicated may be going on and it probably involves the wealthiest people in our society. We’ll explain in this video on How Wall Street Greed Killed Media.
Service work has always been hard, but it seems to have changed for the worse in recent years. With the arrival of apps like UberEats and the growing reliance on ratings systems, doing service work means doing more work, faster, all while placating increasingly entitled customers. So how did service work get so rough, and was it inevitable? Let’s find out in this video: The Service Industry: Are We All Servants Now?
The more we try to relax, the more stressed out we feel. What if the solutions to alleviating stress are actually making it worse? What are the forces that have convinced us that stress is our fault? Let’s explore in this video: Why You're Always Stressed
The Philosophy of Campus Protests: Can Students Change History? College students at places like Columbia, UCLA, and other universities across the United States have made national news for their recent protest actions. But can events like this actually change history? Are these students carrying on the legacy of civil rights, anti-war, and anti-apartheid protestors? Or is the media right in portraying them as over zealous and without clear goals? We'll try to figure it out in this video on the recent campus protests.