Episode 100: Miracle on 34th Street

Ho ho ho! For our 100th episode, the gang celebrates Philosophy in Film's centenary by stepping into the warm glow of a holiday classic with the original Miracle on 34th Street (1947). This timeless courtroom tale explores whether faith, goodwill, and a touch of magic still have a place in a modern, skeptical world. Craig lights the tree with Producer's Notes (11:49), spreading seasonal cheer with stories of reflection and festive mischief. Alain unwraps the story with the Beauclair Synopsis (20:47), laying out the film's gentle clash between legal rationality and childlike wonder as Kris Kringle finds himself on trial for being Santa Claus. Chris then settles into Philosopher's Corner (47:40), reflecting on the divinity of Santa and gods, and how choosing to believe in simple goodness can quietly generate hope without demanding miracles. The gang gathers at the Round Table (59:11) to share memories, arguments, and warm takes on belief and cynicism, before Reviews (1:37:08) and the Mailbag (1:43:12) shed light on our listeners' most hard-hitting questions. As always, we explore the philosophical and non-philosophical heart of the film, reminding ourselves that sometimes the most radical act is simply believing in good.

‼️December 21 @ Metro Cinema‼️

🌲This Sunday, Philosophy In Film will be at the Metro Cinema for another classic showing! Cozy up with us as we revisit the holiday classic and this week's focus film: Miracle on 34th Street🎄🎄

Details: https://metrocinema.org/event/miracle-on-34th-street-1947/

🍻 Featured Beer 🍻 - Unplugged Oatmeal Stout by Yukon Brewing (Whitehorse, YT)

Episode 99: A House of Dynamite

This week, the gang steps into the explosive tension of A House of Dynamite, a modern pressure-cooker thriller where family secrets, fraying loyalties, and a single terrible night threaten to blow everything apart. Craig sounds the alarm and readies for attack with Producer's Notes (9:16), while Alain scorches a few eyebrows with the Beauclair Synopsis (18:44), laying out the film's tightly coiled timeline and the slow, heavy crack of inevitability beneath it. Chris then tiptoes into Philosopher's Corner (32:13), following the movie's dual phenomenology as inner lives and outside impressions slowly misalign. The gang holds their breath as the Round Table (43:13) ignites debates whether A House of Dynamite is commentary, catharsis, or just a really well-timed spark. Before annihilation, Reviews (1:23:30) and the Mailbag (1:35:16) blow the doors open for closing thoughts. As always, join us as we sift through the philosophical and non-philosophical aspects of the debris left smoldering in the film's wake.

🌲Our next Philosophy In Film Metro Cinema showing will be on December 21! Join us as we cozy up with the holiday classic: Miracle on 34th Street!🎄🎄

🍻 Featured Beer 🍻 - Fire Bloom Honey Lager by Best of Kin Brewing (Calgary, AB)

Episode 98: Lean On Me

Season 5 marches on as the gang steps into the halls of Eastside High for John G. Avildsen's 1989 drama Lean On Me, where Principal Joe Clark takes on failing systems, fraying hope, and a school on the brink with nothing but a bullhorn, a baseball bat, and a stubborn belief in his students. Craig rings the bell with Producer's Notes (9:52), setting the tone for a spirited class session, while Alain sketches out the ups, downs, and hard lines in the Beauclair Synopsis (29:56). Chris takes the lectern in Philosopher's Corner (1:07:24), reflecting on the film's questions about authority, community responsibility, and the complicated ethics of "tough love." Things get heated at the Round Table (1:14:53) as the gang gathers to debate leadership, legacy, and whether Clark's methods are effective or overreaching. As the dust settles, we head into Reviews (2:16:04) and Mailbag (2:30:28) for the final rally of opinions and closing remarks. As always, we explore the philosophical and non-philosophical lessons carried through the story, because when the stakes are high and the halls are loud, everybody needs someone to lean on.

🍻 Featured Beer 🍻 - Beatbox Brown Ale by Polyrhythm Brewing (Edmonton, AB)