Welcome to the Hot Set
Welcome to the Hot Set
Welcome to The Hot Set Pod, where Madelyn Haden and Matthew Mandes, two cinephiles, tackle everything cinema! Whether they're debating the latest blockbusters, breaking down why that one indie film really deserves an award, or answering the hottest questions facing the industry, these two bring film facts and sometimes unpopular opinions. Grab some popcorn and take a seat!
Episode 4, Oct. 5
What Happens When a Name Becomes a Brand?
“Him” Review
In this episode of The Hot Set, Matt and Mads review "Him", before diving into a broader discussion: when does a director's name become a brand? Lets explore how filmmakers like Christopher Nolan or Jordan Peele have reached a point where their name alone can sell a movie, sometimes even when their involvement is minimal, and what that means for audiences, marketing, and authorship in modern filmmaking.
Episode 3, Sept. 24
Are Superhero Movies Back in the Spotlight?
Guest Episode
Are superhero movies back in the spotlight? In this episode of The Hot Set, Matt and Mads break down the current state of the genre, from its rise and domination to its recent struggles with oversaturation, and debate whether we're seeing the start of a new era. Joining us is our good friend of the show, Jasen Rodriguez, who brings his own sharp insights (and hot takes) to the conversation.
Episode 2, Sept. 17
Are Horror Movies Experiencing a Renaissance?
Genre Deepdive
In this episode of The Hot Set, Matt and Mads dive into the Horror Renaissance of the 2010s and 2020s, an era where the genre became both artful and unforgettable. From A24 gems like Hereditary and The Lighthouse to Jordan Peele’s groundbreaking Nope, we explore how horror reclaimed its place at the cinematic table. We each share our Top 5 horror films of the era, debate the genre’s evolution, and talk about what’s keeping horror so fresh today.
Episode 1, Sept. 8
“Caught Stealing” Review
Are Original Movies on Life Support?
On the debut episode of 'The Hot Set', Matt and Mads review "Caught Stealing", go over the Top Movie News of the week, and discuss the topic: Do people want to see Original Movies anymore?
