The Writer's Lens

EP82: ”Terminator 2” and Great Father Figures

James Cameron's sequel to "The Terminator", otherwise known as "T2", is virtually the same tale as its predecessor, minus one very important detail: the father-son relationship explored between said terminator and the rebellious teen-turned-leader of the human race, John Connor. 

In today's episode, we'll look at this crucial piece of the Terminator universe. And why it's the best part worth examining (outside of all the iconic catch phrases, of course). 

EP81_”The Sword in the Stone” and Fate vs. Destiny

What is one's fate? What is one's destiny? These two ideas often run side-by-side in our culture and are also oft-presented as a means to direct someone's path. So what's the difference? And how does that affect us in our own stories? 

EP80: ”101 Dalmatians” and the Dogs That Teach Us Human Things

101 Dalmatians is a beloved Disney tale. And upon watching it again as an adult, I can say it's even more beloved. Why? Because of its portrayals of positive parenting, what a caustic marriage looks like, and on an even darker note, the underbelly of child trafficking. 

Don't think so? Well, take a listen with me and see if you agree. There's a lot to unpack and plenty of reasons to give this oldie but a goodie a second glance. Not 101 reasons, but at least a few. Enjoy! 

Interview: Clay Myatt and ”Echoes of the Gospel in Harry Potter”

Clay Myatt is a new author and my latest guest on #TheWritersLens. His first foray into the book world brings a unique perspective: exploring the foundations of the most successful book series of all time: Harry Potter; while simultaneously referencing one of the most successful books ever written: the Bible. 

Together, we talk through what inspired him to write this particular book, why he chose to do it now, and what he hopes his readers will take from his work. 

Clay's book can be found online with most distributors but for a direct link to what he's been up to, you can head over to wipfandstock.com for the best details. 

Enjoy. 

 

EP79: ”Pinocchio” and the Adoption of a Real Child

Pinocchio is one of Disney's greatest animated films. And though it's been analyzed up and down for its themes of morality and lessons on life, there is one such perspective that has hit home for me personally - and happens to be the topic of this episode. 

EP78: How Do We Bring Value In Our Stories?

A reflection episode on what (most) every creative feels when it comes to the content we create. As a storyteller, I believe we are all part of a bigger story. But how can we be most effective in that bigger story at play? 

Live Show: "I, Robot" and the Logic of the Heart

Talking about one of my favorite A.I. films, I, Robot and more specifically, a scene where Sunny (the good robot), shares an exchange with V.I.K.I. (the bad robot) about her decision to lock up humanity so that it can no longer hurt itself. Considering the list of lockdowns we've endured during the pandemic, this one felt strangely relevant and in need of some deeper analysis and discussion. 

Live Show: "Tenchi Muyo" and Delusions on Marriage

Going back to my teenage days and a popular show at the time. Tenchi Muyo! was a popular anime that caught my attention and has just recently been making the rounds again on social media. This is me diving into the source material and discussing how its main canon has come to a close and what I think of this old tale. 

Hindsight is 2020: Star Wars

Ah, Star Wars. The biggest, the baddest, and the most heavily distributed franchise that Hollywood has to offer. What could go wrong with that arrangement?!

Anyway, doing hindsight on one of the most influential and popular franchises might seem like a daunting task...And you'd be right - it absolutely is. But just for the sake of this channel and because I'm a glutton for punishment, here is a take on George Lucas' highly loved, highly watched, highly followed, oft-criticized, flagship series, Star Wars. 

Hindsight is 2020: Jurassic Park

Dinosaurs have been a fascination of human beings for a long time. They've inspired writers and creatives to imagine what life would be like if these massive creatures were still alive today. Perhaps the most well-known attempt to mainstream that idea is the franchise, Jurassic Park. Originally penned by the late Michael Crichton and later adapted for the big screen by Stephen Spielberg, Jurassic Park is a monster-sized film franchise. With five movies, novels, several video games, and countless amounts of toys and merchandise, Jurassic Park - if nothing else - is one of the most recognizable film series in the West. 

That being said, how has it done over the past 25 odd years? Is it still as fantastical as it was when it first premiered? Or is the franchise better going, er, extinct? Today's episode is a riff on what Jurassic Park could have been...in hindsight.