iCritic LIVE
The official podcast for iCritic.net! Here, your host Kevin T. Rodriguez discusses movies, pop culture, and life in-between!
Episodes
Draco. Hermione. Abuse as romance. Alchemised didn’t just spark controversy — it invited it. On this episode of iCritic LIVE, we unpack how a toxic ship became a publishing spectacle, why fandom backlash was inevitable, and what it says about the line between fantasy and harm.
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Xbox is making moves—but are they the right ones? In this episode of iCritic LIVE, Kevin breaks down the latest shifts in Microsoft’s gaming strategy, from studio acquisitions and Game Pass evolution to the uncertain fate of physical media and platform exclusivity. It’s not all green lights: we’ll explore the risks, the promises, and why cautious optimism might be the most honest stance right now. Whether you're ...
🎙️ Is Taylor Swift’s fan devotion a heartfelt connection—or a billion-dollar strategy? In this episode, we unpack the calculated brilliance behind Swift’s empire, from surprise drops to merch rollouts, and ask whether her relationship with fans is more transactional than emotional.
💸 Why does every Swiftie era feel like a marketing masterclass?
🎤 How does Taylor balance authenticity with empire-building?
�...
In this episode of iCritic LIVE, we dive into the surprising reversal by Sinclair Broadcast Group, which has decided to bring Jimmy Kimmel back to its affiliate lineup after previously sidelining the late-night host. What changed—and what does this say about the shifting dynamics between content, controversy, and corporate strategy? We unpack the behind-the-scenes pressures that led to the cave-in, explore Kimmel’s en...
Charlie Kirk died. Despite not liking the man, his death has been weighing on me.
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Netflix has officially dropped its first comprehensive guidelines for using generative AI in content production—and the timing couldn’t be more loaded. In this iCritic LIVE episode, we unpack the streaming giant’s attempt to balance innovation with ethics, union pressure, and audience trust.
From The Eternaut’s AI-generated VFX to the controversy surrounding What Jennifer Did, Netflix is no stranger to backlash. Now, w...
Netflix just scored its first major box office win with KPop Demon Hunters—a surprise theatrical smash that grossed $18 million in just one weekend across 1,700 screens. But will the streaming giant treat this as a fluke, a fan-service stunt, or a blueprint for future releases?
In this episode, we dissect the cultural phenomenon behind KPop Demon Hunters, from its viral soundtrack and Billboard domination to ...
In this eyebrow-raising episode of iCritic LIVE, Kevin dives into the unexpected drama involving Emmy-winning animator Jorge R. Gutierrez—best known for The Book of Life, Maya and the Three, and El Tigre. What started as admiration turned into digital exile when Gutierrez hit the block button... but why?
Was it a misunderstood critique? A clash of creative philosophies? Or something far more bizarre? Kevin un...
The title says it all.
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🧤 Is the 2020s Fantastic Four film secretly brilliant... or just fantastically flawed? In this episode of iCritic LIVE, our panel of middle-aged cinephiles takes a nostalgic stroll back to the superhero origin that dared to predate the MCU boom. With decades of movie-watching wisdom and a dash of generational sass, the crew dissects The Fantastic Four: First Steps—exploring its cultural context, character dynamics, a...
The gloves are off and the satire is on. In this charged episode of iCritic LIVE, Kevin breaks down the political chaos and cultural absurdity surrounding the Trump-inspired South Park storyline. Is it biting satire or bloated spectacle? A comedic masterpiece or a missed opportunity? We dig deep into the episode’s commentary, its character portrayals, and the wider ripple effects on pop culture.
From media ...
🔍 The sleuthing gets serious as (AKA: iCritic) examine the bold, if enigmatic, attempt to reintroduce Detective Conan to American audiences. From name changes and cultural localization to shifts in tone and marketing, this episode unpacks the strategy behind the soft reboot and questions whether the series truly found its footing stateside.
🎭 Expect critical analysis, franchise context, and a dash of nostal...
In this fiery episode of iCritic LIVE, we dive deep into the branding bombshell dropped by TMS Entertainment: the retirement of the Case Closed name in English-speaking markets in favor of the original Detective Conan. What does this shift mean for the franchise’s global identity, and why now, after two decades of Case Closed branding?
Host Kevin peels back the layers—from marketing strategy and localization ...
Step into the forgotten pages of Disney history with iCritic LIVE! In this special episode, "Disney Classics the World Has Forgotten," we dive deep into the hidden gems and long-lost treasures of Disney’s vast catalog. From underrated animated films to theme park attractions lost to time, we’ll uncover the stories behind these forgotten classics and explore what made them so magical.
Joined by pop ...
On this episode of iCritic LIVE, we sit down with the visionary behind MoviePass, founder and CEO Stacy Spikes, for an exclusive discussion about "Mogul by MoviePass." What is Mogul, and how is it set to revolutionize the film industry for independent creators and moviegoers alike? Join us as we delve into the origins of this innovative platform, its mission, and what it means for the future of entertainment...
The anime and gaming industries have always been at the forefront of digital innovation, but could Encore be the next game-changer in ecommerce? In this episode, we dive deep into how Encore is reshaping the way fans purchase their favorite anime collectibles and gaming merch. We’ll explore the platform’s unique approach to marketplace dynamics, user engagement, and whether it truly stands as the future of fandom-driv...
Hollywood has a long history of overlooking controversy when it comes to powerful directors. In this episode of iCritic LIVE, we dive into the ongoing debate surrounding filmmaker David O. Russell—a director known for acclaimed films but also allegations of troubling behavior.
🔹 Why does the industry continue to work with him?
🔹 What does this say about Hollywood’s standards?
🔹 How do these d...
Disney’s latest theme park announcement has sparked controversy among LGBTQ+ fans. In this episode of iCritic LIVE, we dive into the backlash surrounding Disney’s decision to build a new resort in Abu Dhabi—a region where LGBTQ+ rights remain heavily restricted.
We’ll explore concerns about inclusivity, Disney’s past advocacy for LGBTQ+ representation, and whether this move contradicts the company’s stance on diversity...
Xbox is raising prices, and gamers everywhere are feeling the impact. In this episode of iCritic LIVE, we’re diving deep into the latest price hikes—whether it’s Game Pass, consoles, or game costs—and discussing what it means for the future of gaming.
Are these increases justified? Will they push gamers away? And most importantly—does this mean it's time to walk away from gaming altogether? We’ll break...
In this episode of iCritic LIVE, we're tackling one of the hottest gaming debates circulating online—DreamcastGuy’s claim that Microsoft is “anti-gamer.” But is there any truth to it? Or is this just another take gone too far?
Join us as we break down his arguments, examine Microsoft’s role in the gaming industry, and explain why this claim just doesn’t hold up. From Game Pass innovations to Xbox’s pro...
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