HeyJaredThe Desert of the Reel: A Movie Podcast
Welcome to the Desert of the Reel, a movie podcast where host Ryan Hudson forces co-host Jason Dietz to watch the big blockbuster movies he’s refused to watch because he didn’t think they were worth his time.
- Indexed episodes, last 90 days
- 11
- Latest publication
- Sep 11, 2026
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- Earliest in this view
- Jul 3, 2026
Latest episodes
Top Gun: Maverick (2022) - You are the pilot - DOTR #134 (opens the original)
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Perhaps unsurprisingly, Top Gun: Maverick (2022) inspires conflict between Ryan and Jason, but perhaps surprisingly, not as much as there could have been. While Ryan gives this film five stars, Jason struggled with the dramatic shift of message and tone when Maverick is appointed team leader. Among other things, they discuss taking control of the direction of our lives by taking the time to understand where our strengths, weaknesses, talents, abilities, etc. come from, and working to improve. By
Top Gun (1986) - Freedom Has Rules - DOTR #133 (opens the original)
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Maverick doesn't need anybody. At least, that's what he thinks. Does this movie teach us that being a "maverick" means to FOLLOW THE RULES? This week on Desert of the Reel , we enter the Danger Zone with Top Gun . We talk Tom Cruise (and why Jason HATES Mr. Movies), the incredible visual style of the film, and why Maverick's relationships with basically everyone feels fake. We try to uncover deeper meaning and ask if there is a story about a man who thinks skill and individuality are enough, We
What About Bob? (1991) - Jason's Favorite Movie! - The Desert of the Reel: Jason's Choice #25 (opens the original)
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What About Bob? (1991) is a 5-star movie for both Jason and Ryan. In this episode, both relive their many favorite jokes and moments of this very funny film. But, along the way, they also discuss the significant depth... the horsesense... of the film. Their discussion ranges from disempowering fears to avoiding belief in complete control. Along the way, they pass through baby steps, taking vacations from our problems, and sailing (just let the boat to the work). What are your thoughts about What
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011) - Does Intelligence Make You a Good Person? - DOTR #132 (opens the original)
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Sherlock Holmes is back—but is the game still as good the second time around? This week on Desert of the Reel , we take on Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows and ask why the sequel doesn't quite live up to the first film. Does the bigger sequel actually make for a better movie? The same gang is back, Guy Ritchie, RDJ, and Jude Law. Warner Bros was so excited with the success of the last Sherlock Holmes movie, but why no number 3? We discuss whether intelligence is morally neutral , whether peopl
Sherlock Holmes (2009) - Are We Ruled By Fear? - DOTR #131 (opens the original)
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This week, we watched Guy Ritchie's 2009 Sherlock Holmes ! Surprisingly enough, even though the film stars Robert Downey, Jr., Dietz really liked it! There's a lot to love here, with the excellent directing, casting, set design, and writing. We talk about the adaptation of Sherlock Holmes to a modern audience, the role of intertextuality in this (and all) story, as well as recognizing Holmes as the poster child for critical thinking and examining the role fear plays in shaping who we are and wha
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