JOIN US ON PATREON: patreon.com/ivebeenmeaningtowatch. Join us this week as we welcome back the always insightful Sushi for a lively round-up of the cinematic scene. We're flipping the script and not only highlighting our top movie picks from the past year but also spilling the tea on those that missed the mark. From the directorial debut of Jake Johnson in the thrilling "Self Reliance" to the nuanced conversation sparked by "American Fiction," we're covering all bases. Tune in for a candid chat about the authenticity of storytelling, the complexities of representation in film, and the cultural significance that simmers beneath the surface of our favorite flicks. In our vibrant discussion, we're peeking ahead at the upcoming movie landscape, contemplating industry strikes, and getting hyped for the screen adaptation of the Mean Girls musical. Sushi and I dissect the intricacies of film reception and ponder over Renee Rapp's transition from stage to screen, while also diving into the influence of Mindy Kaling's humor on the entertainment industry. And if you're into the intrigue of Illuminati conspiracies or the role of comedians in social commentary, you're in for a treat as we navigate the maze of public opinion and controversial statements that have recently stirred the pot. Wrap up your week with us as we dissect films that both perplex and disappoint, share recommendations for those hidden gems that deserve a shoutout, and discuss the responsibility filmmakers carry in captivating their audience. From the bizarre narrative choices in "The Strays" to the unexpected depth in "Yellowjackets," we're pulling back the curtain on what makes or breaks our movie-watching experience. Remember to catch all the highlights, connect with us on social media, and for the ultimate fans, get early access through our Patreon. Stay tuned for more engaging banter and insights in next week's episode! Sushi Reads' TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sushisreads?_t=8fp7iDOlx93&_r=1 Subscribe to Sushi's channel😘https://youtube.com/@sushisreads2477?si=LMRuFW-TOuhe3fPL Podcast Socials Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenMeaning2Pod Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ivebeenmeaning2pod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ive-Been-Meaning-To-Watch-That-113280083760521/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/ Thank you so much for listening to the podcast. We really appreciate it. If you would like to support the podcast, you can subscribe for 4.99 a month. https://anchor.fm/ivebeenmeaningtowatchthat/support Manika's Socials YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CmokqeLIagz7nYQJfeRIw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdulcio98/ Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/manika3000 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manika3000?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ivebeenmeaningtowatchthat/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/ivebeenmeaningtowatchthat/support