Cover To Credits

In our final, 200th episode, we look back at seven (going on eight) years of podcasting, reflecting on how Cover to Credits began, our process, reading listener emails and naming our top 10 memorable episodes. Goodbye for now, and thanks for listening!

For our last, regular episode, we're looking at a Stephen King classic and the highest rated movie on IMDB, The Shawshank Redemption, directed by Frank Darabont. We discuss the story's themes of hope and defying authority, as well as the movie's mastery of balancing tone and some of the shocking details from the book that the movie left out!

This episode we look at Ella Enchanted, directed by Tommy O'Haver in 2004 and based on the novel by Gail Carson Levine. We're gonna look at fairy tale politics, groan inducing humor, and a book twist that Ian was NOT expecting. Also, prepare for an unexpected amount of praise for the movie Shrek!

This episode, we visit a classic Stephen King novel, Salem's Lot, and the recent film adaptation that came out this year, directed by Gary Dauberman. We discuss how this novel feels like it paves the way for many of Stephen King's other stories, as well as the lore of the vampires and some of the creative ways the film depicts this fight against evil.

In these uncertain times, it is always a gift to be blessed with another season of Heartstopper to give us the dopamine hit we are all craving! Season 3 premiered this month on Netflix, based on the graphic novel by Alice Oseman, and continues the story of Charlie and Nick as they face new challenges. We discuss Isaac coming into his own this season, the absence of Olivia Coleman, and the future of Imogen.

This episode we look at the only horror film to ever win the Oscar for best picture, The Silence of the Lambs, directed by Jonathan Demme and based on the novel by Thomas Harris. We discuss the captivating performances, detailed writing, and unique cinematography. We also talk about Hannibal Lecter's sense of hospitality and whether he would eat us or not!

This episode we look at the cult classic movie Practical Magic, directed by Griffin Dunne in 1998, and the novel it was based on by Alice Hoffman. Yes, there are plenty of themes to discuss, such as love, fate, and the bonds of sisterhood, but more importantly we have to talk about Midnight MargaritasTM, phone trees, throwing syrup, and holding onto your husbands (girls!)

This episode we go back to an early 2000's Disney hit, The Princess Diaries, directed by Garry Marshall, and based on the novel by Meg Cabot! This film showcases the talents of film royalty Julie Andrews and the fresh talent that was Anne Hathaway, but the silly and sweet tone of the film a significant departure from the novel, which doesn't shy away from all of the frustrations and drama you would expect from a young teenager circa 2000. Both have their own distinct sense of humor, but which one will we prefer?

This episode, we discuss the Colleen Hoover smash hit It Ends With Us, and the highly discussed (for better or worse) film adaptation, directed by Justin Baldoni! We're talking about the heavy themes of the story and how both the book and film approach this subject matter, as well as the ridiculous pacing of the novel, Blake Lively's insane wardrobe, and the juggling act both versions have to do with the tone and plot. If you've been curious about this story and the drama surrounding it (but not enough to read the book or watch the film) this is the episode for you!

This episode we look at a staple of high school english classes, The Outsiders, written by S. E. Hinton and adapted by Francis Ford Coppola. We discuss the AMAZING cast of this film (including "dirty weasel" Tom Cruise), the thematic weight of the novel, and the newer, expanded cut of the film that has become the primary version, for better or worse!

This episode we get to discuss Wes Anderson for the first time with Fantastic Mr. Fox, based on the novel by Roald Dahl! We talk about the movie's charming animation, sharp sense of humor, and how it manages to sandwich the novel's story between a totally unique backstory and finale! What the cuss are you waiting for?!

This episode we return to the works of Jon Krakauer to discuss Into Thin Air, the true story of a group of climbers ascending Everest when tragedy strikes. We're cheating a bit this episode, however, because Everest — despite being based on the same events — isn't technically an adaptation of Into Thin Air, but this unique situation gives us plenty to discuss, along with the rigors of high altitude climbing, the horror story vibes of the novel, and the ethical dilemma of sprinkling fiction into a "true story" of tragic events.

This episode, we return to a new season among the Ton with the third season of Bridgerton, based on the novel Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn. We examine the many new relationships this season of the show, and the unfortunate return of least favorite character from the books: problematic male love interest. We're also discussing glow ups, hot air balloons, sleeves and the Benedict arc we've all been waiting for!

This episode, we conclude our discussion on the new Dune films, directed by Denis Villeneuve and based on the acclaimed novel by Frank Herbert. We discuss creepy murderous children, ask 'what's the deal with lasguns?', and Ian attempts to correct the internet on who Tim Blake Nelson almost played in the film. There's a lot to unpack in this story, so we hope you enjoy this extra long episode!

The time has come! The prophecy foretold! This episode we get to discuss Part One of the new adaptation of Frank Herbert's Dune, directed by Denis Villeneuve! This novel broke so much new ground in science fiction that it still feels like it's pushing boundaries over fifty years later, and Denis Villeneuve brings this story to life with amazing visuals and effects. This episode we're discussing spies, warfare, economics, prophecies, and the new fragrance by Zendaya; blood on a knife!

This episode we look at a classic Hitchcock film, The Birds, based on a short story by Daphne Dumaurier. Although the story is short, it establishes the general premise for the story, but the movie's shift from post-war England to California diverges the subtext of the two versions! We look at the horrors of this premise, the cutting edge visual effects and take a deep dive into the subtext of the film!

This episode we look at one of the most famous and unsettling characters of 20th century literature, Tom Ripley, in the novel The Talented Mr. Ripley, written by Patricia Highsmith with the film adaptation directed by Anthony Minghella. This is a story of obsession, murder and identity, but also terrible plans, blunt objects, speedos and a waste of Cate Blanchett! But which version will we choose? Listen to find out!

This episode we look at the first adaptation of a Jack Reacher story with the film... Jack Reacher! Starring Tom Cruise and adapted from the Lee Child novel, One Shot. We get to discuss so many things this episode, like Tom Cruise, Tom Cruise's height, and what an asshole Tom Cruise is in this film! We also talk about our beloved hometown Pittsburgh, Russian conspiracies a lot about boat shoes!

This episode we get to discuss the only adaptation in Quentin Tarantino's filmography, Jackie Brown, based on the novel Rum Punch by Elmore Leonard! This story of crime and likable anti-heroes feels typical for Tarantino, so it's surprising how faithful it is to the source material, but we still have plenty to discuss, including genre influences, fantastic performances and THE MALL!

This episode we look at the new adaptation of The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan on Disney Plus, created by Rick Riordan himself and Jonathan E. Steinberg. This beloved series explores Greek mythology in a string of wacky hi jinks with the goal of uncovering a massive conspiracy among the Gods. We discuss the humor of the novel, the impeccable casting of the show and some pretty fantastic choreography and visual effects.