Santi is joined by Evelyn to break down the movie’s biggest strengths and strangest moments, including the fast pacing, dark comedy, young cast, practical character and mascot design, and Keegan-Michael Key’s performance as Buddy, the bright orange unicorn at the center of the chaos.

The conversation also explores why Buddy feels different from more conventional horror movies, whether its twisted children’s-show setting works as a metaphor for the darker side of child stardom, the unanswered questions left by the ending, and whether the story would be better served by a sequel or a prequel.

Santi and Evelyn also discuss the performances of Cristin Milioti, Topher Grace, Delaney Quinn and the young ensemble, the film’s most memorable scares and laughs, and whether Buddy is worth seeing for horror fans looking for something original.

Would they recommend it? Yes — with the warning that this strange, surreal killer-unicorn horror movie definitely won’t be for everyone.

Santi Says is a movie review podcast featuring honest reactions, film discussion, fan theories, storytelling analysis and conversations about the movies people are talking about.

Was it better than Elvis? Did the film move too fast? What scenes stole the show? Whether you’re a lifelong Michael Jackson fan or just curious about one of music’s biggest legends, this review covers it all from a fresh student perspective

The conversation covers favorite scenes, unexpected cameos, audience reactions, and how the movie compares to the original. They also explore Mario nostalgia—from Mario Kart to classic Nintendo games—and what made this sequel hit (or miss) for fans.

If you’re a Mario fan or love video game movie reviews, this episode delivers a fun, honest take on one of the most talked-about animated releases. 

Hosted by Santiago Franco.

We break down the story, pacing, NBA Easter eggs, Steph Curry’s role as producer and voice actor, standout characters like Jet Fillmore and Moto (inspired by Dennis Rodman), and whether this underdog basketball movie lives up to the hype during NBA All-Star Weekend.

If you love inspirational sports films, animated basketball movies, or classic “prove them wrong” stories, this episode is for you.

🎙 Guest: Benjamin (UNLV Journalism & Media Studies)
 📍 Recorded at KUNV Studios - Produced by Jason Beatty
 📲 Want to be a guest? Follow @KingSantiago07

Fresh out of an early screening, the duo dives deep into what Scarlet does best — breathtaking visuals, intense action sequences, and an anime-inspired aesthetic that blends medieval storytelling with modern animation techniques. From jaw-dropping volcanic imagery to sword-driven combat scenes, the film delivers cinematic moments that demand to be seen on the big screen.

Beyond the spectacle, Scarlet explores heavier themes of revenge, identity, grief, and moral consequence, drawing clear inspiration from Shakespeare’s Hamlet while offering a fresh, gender-flipped perspective. Santi and Ethan discuss whether the film’s lighter comedic moments enhance the journey or soften what could have been an even darker, more brooding narrative.

The conversation also touches on:

• Story pacing and emotional payoff
• Character development and thematic depth
• How the film balances anime influences with Western storytelling
• Whether Scarlet could be an awards-season contender
• Who this movie is really for — anime fans, film students, or mainstream audiences

No spoilers — just honest reactions, thoughtful critique, and genuine excitement from two first-time hosts experiencing a major release together.

🎬 Scarlet hit theaters last weekend. If you love anime-inspired films, epic visuals, emotional storytelling, or movie discussions that feel like a conversation with friends, this episode is for you.

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