Film Inquiry's The Latest: Recent Episodes
Film Inquiry
Film Inquiry presents The Latest, a new podcast series tackling the latest releases, movie news, and discussions in the film community. Join host Jesse Nussman each week for thoughtful discussions with exciting guests to break down the latest trends in the industry and dive deep into the movies driving the conversation.
This week, Jesse recaps his visit to the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. Apart from a view of the festival as a whole, Jesse rattles off his five favorite pictures he saw there, as well as a look at some of the other high-profile titles.
This week, Jesse and guest Daniel Feingold discuss new releases such as Gran Turismo, Strays, and Blue Beetle. Then, stick around as Jesse talks to filmmakers Eren Celeboglu and Ari Costa about their new horror feature All Fun and Games.
This week, Jesse talks with filmmaker André Øvredal about his high seas vampire picture The Last Voyage of the Demeter, plus five movies to check out to remember the career of William Friedkin.
This week, Jesse and guest Hunter Heilman discuss the ongoing strikes among the WGA and SAG, what the summer's biggest box-office bombs say about the state of movies, and whether or not we're on the verge of a major paradigm shift in the movie industry.
It's the movie event of the year! In one corner, Greta Gerwig's candy-colored feminist satire; Barbie. In the other is Christopher Nolan's biopic Oppenheimer, chronicling the physicist's work on the atomic bomb. Both Jesse and Film Inquiry's Bailey Jo Josie dive into both movies and explore why they are two of the summer's richest releases.
This week, Jesse and guest Hunter Heilman talk all about Mission Impossible, its status as the best franchise at the movies, Tom Cruise's dedication to death-defying stunts, and their favorite parts of the latest entry, Dead Reckoning: Part 1.
This week, Jesse reviews Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, then Film Inquiry Editor-in-Chief Kristy Strouse joins to discuss the Indy series as a whole and break down the career of its star, Harrison Ford.
This week, Jesse and guest Jordan Snyder discuss the filmography of director Wes Anderson, including his latest film, Asteroid City. Then, stay to the end of the episode to get Jesse’s thoughts on the Jennifer Lawrence comedy No Hard Feelings.
This week, Jesse and critic Gabe Lampalombella discuss whether or not The Flash lives up to the hype of "one of the best superhero movies ever made," then they take a look at the latest animated picture from Pixar, Elemental.
This week, Jesse is joined by Daniel Feingold from Scripps News to discuss two excellent new releases. First, they talk about the dazzling animation of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, followed by the emotionally overwhelming Sundance-darling Past Lives.
This week, Jesse and critic Hunter Heilman discuss Disney's live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid. Plus, the two recap some of the news out of the Cannes Film Festival, and wrap things up with recommendations on You Hurt My Feelings and Master Gardner.
This week, Jesse and Film Inquiry's Emily Wheeler rev up their engines to discuss the latest entry in the Fast & Furious series, and why it's the campiest action franchise at the movies.
This week, Jesse and critic Gabe Lampalombella discuss Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, James Gunn's farewell to the Marvel cinematic universe, and getting emotional over a CGI raccoon.
This week, Jesse and Film Inquiry Editor-in-Chief Kristy Strouse break down the most anticipated titles of the summer movie season.
This week, Jesse and critic Hunter Heilman discuss Ari Aster's ambitious, divisive, and overall bonkers new film Beau Is Afraid. Then Hunter tries to convince Jesse to check out Evil Dead Rise.
This week, Jesse and Daniel Feingold from Scripps News discuss the Nicholas Cage vampire movie Renfield, Kelly Reichardt's new film Showing Up, and their favorite TV shows at the moment.
This week, Jesse and guest Hunter Heilman discuss Hollywood's ongoing desire to turn popular video games into big-screen blockbusters, why so many of them fail, the uniqueness of HBO's The Last of Us, and why the Super Mario Bros. Movie isn't as fun as firing up your old Nintendo system.
This week, Jesse and fellow film critic Gabe Lampalombella lace up their sneakers to talk about Ben Affleck's new film Air, which follows Nike's pursuit of Michael Jordan and stars Matt Damon and Viola Davis. The two also touch on other recent spring releases hitting theaters, like Dungeons & Dragons and the Sundance flick A Thousand and One.
This week, Jesse and Daniel Feingold from Scripps News discuss John Wick: Chapter 4. The two of them touch on what makes Keanu Reeves such a great movie star, why the Wick series is the best in Hollywood at crafting fight sequences, and what makes a great action set piece.
With Shazam!: Fury of the Gods hitting theaters, Jesse and fellow film critic Gabe Lampalombella discuss the current state of comic book movies in Hollywood. Is the genre losing its hold as the dominant force at the box office? What characters and storylines feel untapped by properties such as Marvel and DC? And is it time to move on from the self-referential humor? All this and more shall be explored.
This week, Jesse and guest Daniel Feingold discuss the 2023 Academy Awards, breaking down the night's winners, and what made Everything, Everywhere, All at Once an award-season juggernaut. Then, they wrap things up with some quick thoughts on the new Scream movie.
This week, Jesse and guest Rilwan Balogun discuss Creed III, along with their thoughts on the larger Rocky franchise, Michael B. Jordon's sweaters, and a look ahead at the 2023 Oscars.
This week, Jesse and guest Daniel Feingold discuss 2023's first major blockbuster; Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. The two talk about the kick-off to Marvel's Phase 5, the introduction of Jonathan Majors as big-bad Kang the Conqueror, and why the Quantum Realm might not be as exciting as it sounds.
This week, Jesse and guest Jordan Snyder discuss the eclectic filmography of director Steven Soderbergh; from Ocean's Eleven to Sex, Lies, and Videotape, to even Magic Mike. Plus, Jesse gives his thoughts on Soderbergh's latest; Magic Mike's Last Dance.
This week, Jesse and Film Inquiry Editor-in-Chief Kristy Strouse discuss the most buzzed-about titles from this year's Sundance Film Festival. Plus, Jesse touches on the new M. Night Shyamalan thriller Knock at the Cabin.
This week, Jesse and guest Hunter Heilman give their thoughts on the 2023 Oscar nominations. The two talk about the most pleasant surprises, shocking snubs, and how representative the Best Picture lineup is of the year in movies.
Then, they wrap things up with a discussion on the viral horror phenomenon Skinamarink.
This week, Jesse and guest Gabe Lampalombella discuss what function award shows have anymore after the Golden Globes' attempted come-back. Then, the two catch up on recent releases including White Noise, The Pale Blue Eye, M3GAN, The Son, and Whitney Houston: Wanna Dance With Somebody.
This week, Jesse and guest Daniel Feingold run through their top 10 lists to discuss their favorite movies from the last 12 months, complete with a look at some of the cinematic trends of 2022.
This week, Jesse and guest Josh Martin discuss Damien Chazelle's Hollywood epic Babylon, offering their defense of one of the year's most divisive films. Then, the two wrap things up with a spoiler-filled discussion of Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery as it arrives on Netflix.
This week, Jesse and guest Hunter Heilman break down one of the year's biggest movies; Avatar: The Way of Water. Is James Cameron's epic return to Pandora worth the decade-plus wait? Does the film make a compelling case for seeing movies at a high frame rate? And, what's the deal with those alien whales? All those questions and more will be explored!
This week, Jesse and Film Inquiry Editor-in-Chief Kristy Strouse discuss Guillermo del Toro's reimagining of Pinocchio as well as Brendan Fraser's much-buzzed-about performance in The Whale.
This week, Jesse and Film Inquiry contributor Emily Wheeler discuss the recently released Sight & Sound poll of the 100 greatest movies of all time. The two discuss not just the surprise top-ranking film but what the list as a whole says about the movies that resonate today and what factors play into a work becoming part of "the canon." Then Emily and Jesse discuss December releases such as Women Talking and Emancipation.
This week, Jesse is joined by Newsy's Daniel Feingold to talk about five recent releases available to see this Thanksgiving weekend. Among those is the restaurant class satire The Menu, the newsroom drama She Said, about the New York Times' reporting on Harvey Weinstein, the German war picture All Quiet on the Western Front, the cannibal romance Bones and All, and Steven Spielberg's memoir-piece The Fabelmans.
This week, Jesse is joined by Rilwan Balogun to discuss one of the year's most anticipated movies; Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The two start things off with some spoiler-free thoughts on the movie as a whole and how it reckons with the death of actor Chadwick Boseman. Then, Rilwan and Jesse break into spoilers to discuss everything from which cast member picks up the Black Panther mantel, the movie's larger themes, and ideas, as well as the ongoing issues with Marvel action set-pieces.
This week, Jesse is joined by Gabe Lampalombella to discuss James Gray's coming-of-age drama Armageddon Time. The two talk about what makes Gray such an underrated filmmaker, unpack his newest film's rich socio-political themes, as well as examine some of its storytelling limitations.
This week, it's a Film Inquiry crossover episode as Blindspots hosts Kristy Strouse and Jake Tropila join to discuss Park Chan-Wook's romantic thriller Decision to Leave. Then, stay tuned as Jake proclaims his love for The Banshees of Inisherin, plus Kristy and Jesse on the Palme d'Or comedy The Triangle of Sadness, along with much, much more.
This week, Jesse and Newsy's Daniel Feingold discuss the Dwanye Johnson superhero flick Black Adam, before transitioning to the return of Julia Roberts and George Clooney on screen together in Ticket to Paradise.
This week, Jesse and guest Hunter Heilman discuss their differing opinions on Halloween Ends. Then, each of them discusses one of their favorite movies of the year so far, with Jesse talking about Todd Field'sTár, starring Cate Blanchett, and Hunter talking about the recent remake of Hellraiser.
This week, Jesse and guest Rilwan Balogun attempt to make sense of Amsterdam, the messy, star-studded comedy written/directed by David O. Russell, and wrap things up with a discussion on one of the movie's leading cast members; Christian Bale.
This week, we're celebrating the 100th episode of The Latest! Then listen for a conversation between Jesse and guest Noah Richard discussing Billy Eichner's new romantic comedy Bros.
This week, Jesse is joined by Film Inquiry contributor Emily Wheeler to discuss Olivia Wilde's high-concept thriller Don't Worry Darling and Andrew Dominik's nightmarish portrait of Marilyn Monroe, Blonde.
This week, Jesse and guest Daniel Feingold recap the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival in a special two-part podcast.
In part two, Jesse and Daniel recommend some of their favorite surprises out of the fest and examine which movies you'll likely hear more about as award season kicks into high gear.
This week, Jesse and guest Daniel Feingold recap the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival in a special two-part podcast.
Part one features a discussion on the festival's return to full form after two pandemic years, as well as a conversation on some of TIFF 2022's biggest titles; The Fabelmans, Glass Onion, The Woman King.
This week, Jesse and guest Hunter Heilman discuss George Miller's fantasy-romance Three Thousand Years of Longing, starring Tilda Swinton and Idris Elba. The two also discuss the wider filmography of this Australian auteur, from the post-apocalyptic wasteland of Mad Max to the tap-dancing penguins in Happy Feet.
This week, Jesse and Newsy’s Daniel Feingold take a look back at the 2022 summer movie season. Who came out on top? What movies fell short? And ultimately, were there stronger offerings to be had on our televisions than at the cinema?
This week, Jesse and guest Hunter Heilman discuss two recent movies available to stream. First, they look back at the Predator series and talk about its latest entry; Prey. Then, the two give their thoughts on Resurrection, the psychological thriller starring Rebecca Hall that was much buzzed about out of Sundance.
This week, Jesse and Newsy’s Daniel Feingold discuss two recent releases; the Brad Pitt action comedy Bullet Train and the Thai cave rescue drama 13 Lives. The two also touch on the ongoing drama over HBOMax and the cancelation of the Batgirl movie that's sent shockwaves through the industry.
This week, Jesse is joined by Rilwan Balogun to discuss Nope, the third feature from writer/director Jordan Peele. The two break down what makes Peele's UFO thriller so unique from movies that have come before, the chemistry between Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer, and what larger themes and ideas are at play in the picture.
This week, Jesse is joined by Gabe Lampalombella to discuss Netflix's summer action picture The Gray Man, starring Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans. The two share their differing opinions on the film, as well as take a look at what it indicates about the streaming service's movie strategy going forward.
This week, Jesse is joined by Film Inquiry editor Bailey Jo Josie to discuss Thor: Love and Thunder, the fourth solo adventure following the god of thunder in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The two talk about how well some of the film's more dramatic beats work amid director Taika Waititi's signature humor, whether Marvel movies are somehow getting uglier, and more!
Plus, Jesse takes a moment to reflect on the loss of actors James Caan and Tony Sirico.
This week, guest Hunter Heilman joins to break down the year in movies thus far. He and Jesse discuss the word of mouth phenomenons of Top Gun: Maverick and Everything, Everywhere, All at Once, as well as provide their favorite 2022 movies at the mid-year point.
Then, the two wrap things up with a look at the next six months and the most intriguing pictures on the horizon.
This week, Jesse and Newsy’s Daniel Feingold discuss Baz Luhrmann's Elvis. Is it a crazy maximalist blockbuster that explodes the conventions of music biopics, or does it succumb to them? Is Austin Butler's performance as the king of rock a shoo-in for Oscar? And, what is going on with Tom Hanks? All these questions and more will be explored!
This week, Jesse and guest Rilwan Balogun go to infinity and beyond to discuss Pixar's Lightyear! Then the two go back and forth with their thoughts on this year's Sundance sensation Cha Cha Real Smooth.
Love dinosaurs? This week, Jesse and Film Inquiry staff writer Emily Wheeler discuss Jurassic World: Dominion. The two also discuss why it's so difficult to craft a Jurassic Park sequel as great as the original and whether or not the series is facing extinction.
This week, Jesse and guest Gabe Lampalombella break down the David Cronenberg body-horror film Crimes of the Future, unpacking the movie's various ideas and connecting them to the larger filmography of one of cinema's great provocateurs.
Then, Jesse sits down with director Andrew Ahn and actor Torian Miller to talk about their new romantic comedy Fire Island, which reinvents the novel Pride and Prejudice as a modern tale of gay friends finding love during an extended vacation.
This week, Jesse and Newsy’s Daniel Feingold discuss Top Gun: Maverick, Tom Cruise's return to one of his most iconic characters, and the thrill of great blockbuster filmmaking. Then, the two wind things back for a larger look at Cruise's filmography, examining what makes him one of the most endearing movie stars of the last four decades.
This week, Jesse and guest Hunter Heilman discuss the career of writer/director Alex Garland, charting his journey from novelist to screenwriter and now, filmmaker. Then, the two wrestle with their feeling's on Garland's latest; the surreal folk-horror film Men. Is it a movie about the eternal conflict between men and women, a tale of trauma, or really just a lot of shock?
This week, Jesse is joined by Film Inquiry EIC Kristy Strouse to discuss the recent adaptation of Stephen King's novel Firestarter. The two also examine Hollywood's long obsession with the horror author's material, and which films and miniseries people should check out.
Then, Kristy and Jesse wrap things up with their thoughts on Jerrod Carmichael's directorial debut; On the Count of Three.
This week, Jesse and Film Inquiry staff writer Emily Wheeler jump into the multiverse to discuss the latest offering from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Is it the bold return of director Sam Raimi after almost a decade away from movies or just another Marvel Picture? Plus a deep dive into what the most spoiler-filled moments mean for the MCU going forward!
This week, Jesse is joined once again by Newsy's Daniel Feingold to discuss the state of the box office. Is the theatrical experience making a comeback after a rough couple of years? Plus, is all the drama over at Netflix in recent weeks a sign of the limitations of streaming?
This week, Jesse and guest Daniel Feingold ascend to the gates of Valhalla to discuss Robert Egger's Viking epic The Northman, then the two reexamine the career of Nicolas Cage and discuss his new meta-comedy The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.
This week, in the aftermath of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, Jesse and Film Inquiry Editor in Chief Kristy Strouse examine the lasting legacy of the Harry Potter franchise, the problems the larger franchise appears to be facing, and where it could go in the future.
This week, guest Josh Martin joins to discuss the career of cinema's premier vulgar auteur; Michael Bay. Together, he and Jesse examine what makes Bay such a unique voice among action filmmakers and the polarizing effect his movies can have on critics and audiences.
Then, the two wrap things up with a discussion on Bay's latest, the chaotic action film Ambulance, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Eiza González.
This week, Jesse discusses Will Smith's fallout after the Academy Awards, Bruce Willis' retirement from acting, as well as a string of new releases such as The Bubble and Everything, Everywhere, All at Once.
This week, Jesse and Hunter Heilman recap all the insanity of the 2022 Academy Awards. The two touch on the Will Smith - Chris Rock incident and its fallout, break down the night's winners and examine how Apple managed to move ahead of Netflix to become the first streamer to win Best Picture.
This week, Jesse is joined by Film Inquiry editor Bailey Jo Josie to discuss Turning Red, the latest movie from Pixar. The two then discuss their favorite films from the famed animation studio and what makes them so great.
This week, Hunter Heilman joins Jesse to discuss the Ben Affleck, Ana De Armas erotic thriller Deep Water. Then, the two discuss several of the films out of SXSW, including Ti West's new horror movie X.
This week, Jesse and guest Johnny Sobczak break down The Batman. The two discuss how Matt Reeves' take on the character differentiates itself from those that came before, where Robert Pattinson ranks among the list of actors who've stepped into the titular role and what makes the caped crusader such an enduring figure in pop culture for decades.
This week, Jesse and guest Daniel Feingold break down the 2022 SAG winners and examine what they mean for the future of the Oscar race. The two also humorously examine the Academy’s continued attempt to draw more viewers by eliminating categories from the show and adding Twitter polls.
This week, Jesse Nussman and Hunter Heilman attempt to make sense of the latest entry into the Texas Chainsaw Massacre franchise and pose the question; will there be a worse movie released this year? Then, the two catch up on recently released titles such as Steven Soderbergh's tech thriller Kimi and the Jennifer Lopez, Owen Wilson rom-com Marry Me.
This week, Jesse and guests Daniel Feingold and Noah Richard discuss Kenneth Branagh's recent adaptation of Death on the Nile, the latest developments about the Oscar broadcast, and the most exciting trailers from Super Bowl weekend.
This week, guests Hunter Heilman and Rilwan Balogun join Jesse to break down the 2022 Oscar nominations. Who were the biggest surprises? Who got snubbed? Does anyone really care about the Oscars anymore? Listen to get the answers to those questions and much, much more!
This week, Jesse, along with Film Inquiry Editor-in-Chief Kristy Strouse, discuss the Sundance Film Festival's 2022 lineup and break down which stand-out movies you should keep on your radar. Then, the two preview their most anticipated films for the rest of the year, including major blockbusters, auteur projects, movie star vehicles, and more!
This week, Jesse is joined by Film Inquiry editor Bailey Jo Josie to discuss the films of Jane Campion. The two kick things off with a spoiler-filled discussion on Campion's latest, The Power of the Dog. The two then discuss the film's wider themes and ideas, and how they connect to Campion's other work.
This week, Jesse is joined by Mark Marousis to discuss all things Scream. The two kick things off with a discussion on Wes Craven's groundbreaking 1996 slasher film and how it shook up the horror genre. Then, they take a look at the movie's numerous sequels and how each attempted to carry on the original's meta-commentary. Finally, Mark and Jesse wrap things up with a discussion on the recently released fifth installment in the series.
One year ago, Jesse brought together three guests; Josh Martin, Hunter Heilman, and Jordan Snyder to preview the 2021 movies slate. Now, they've reunited to recap the year, the trends, and what their favorite scenes, unsung performances, and overall movies were from the last 12 months.
This week, Jesse and his guests discuss three major new releases from the holiday season. First, Film Inquiry Editor in Chief Kristy Strouse stops by to talk about the satirical disaster movie Don't Look Up and The Matrix Resurrections, the fourth installment in the action franchise. Then, film critic Gabe Lampalombella to break down 2021's biggest blockbuster; Spider-Man: No Way Home.
This week, critic Josh Martin joins to break down two holiday releases from two major auteurs. He and Jesse discuss Guillermo del Toro's recent remake of the noir Nightmare Alley, along with Paul Thomas Anderson's teen comedy Licorice Pizza. Jesse and Josh also talk about the strong box-office numbers for Spider-Man: No Way Home, why it's a sigh of relief for movie theaters but also what it says about the future of small adult pictures at the cinema.
This week, Film Inquiry's Emily Wheeler joins to discuss Steven Spielberg's remake of West Side Story. She and Jesse discuss the film's relationship to the Oscar-winning 1961 original, what new elements Spielberg and writer Tony Kushner brought to the story, and some of their favorite performances. Then, the two take a step back and examine the 50-year career of Spielberg, his evolution as a filmmaker, and his best movies.
This week, Elements of Madness writer Hunter Heilman returns to talk about the provocative lesbian nun drama Benedetta. He and Jesse also discuss how the provocative film fits in with the larger themes and ideas of its director, Paul Verhoven. Then the two talk awards season, catching up on Belfast and looking ahead to films such as Cyrano and The Tragedy of Macbeth.
This week, Elements of Madness writer Hunter Heilman returns to discuss House of Gucci. Jesse and Hunter talk about the movie's push and pull between being a campy romp and a serious family crime drama, break down all the performances, and examine whether or not Ridley Scott was the right filmmaker to take on this material. Then, the two recap what they each checked out over the Thanksgiving holiday, including Resident Evil,Ghostbusters, and The Beatles: Get Back.
In this week's episode, Jesse sits down with writer/director Stephen Karam to talk about his new movie The Humans. The two discuss what it was like for Stephen to adapt his play into a feature film, and what inspirations he drew on for its unique aesthetic. Then Jesse talks with one of the film's stars, Richard Jenkins, about what it was like to work on the project, as well as his acclaimed career as one of Hollywood's most celebrated character actors.
This week, Jesse and Film Inquiry Editor-in-Chief Kristy Strouse discuss the Netflix caper movie Red Notice. The two take a look at the film's three stars; Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot, break down their careers thus far and examine what these leads can tell us about the state of movie stardom in 2021. Then Kristy and Jesse pivot to TV to discuss the current season of HBO's Succession and why it may be the best show on television at the moment.
This week Jesse and guest Rilwan Balogun discuss Chloe Zhao's entry to the Marvel universe in Eternals and whether the Oscar-winning filmmaker was able to blend her vision in with the larger franchise. Then, the two take a look at Netflix's star-studded western Harder They Fall, and finally, Jesse interviews Jim Cummings and PJ McCabe about their new mystery thriller; The Beta Test.
This week, Jesse and guest Hunter Heilman give their dispatches from North Carolina's Film Fest 919. The two talk about their favorite movies from the festival, what titles we'll likely be talking about through award season, and who won the festival's coveted Audience Award. Then, Jesse and Hunter debate Edgar Wright's new thriller Last Night in Soho, starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Thomasin McKenzie.
This week, Jesse is joined by Inside the Film Room's Johnny Sobczak to discuss all things Dune. The two break down the movie's relationship to the novel, the career of director Denis Villeneuve, what can be expected from potential sequels, and much more!
This week, Hunter Heilman joins Jesse to discuss two of the latest new releases. First, Jesse and Hunter give their differing opinions on Halloween Kills, while also talking about how the popular horror franchise has evolved over the years. Then, the two sing their praise for Ridley Scott's medieval drama The Last Duel. Listen to find out which movie is a more effective story about trauma and which one may have bit off a little more than it could chew.
This week, in honor of the release of No Time to Die, Jake Tropila joins Jesse Nussman to discuss the James Bond franchise. The two discuss what's made the series so popular for almost 60 years, who their favorite Bond star is, and what the series best movies are. Then, Jake and Jesse break down the latest Bond film with both a general discussion and a deep dive into the movie's spoilers.
This week Jesse is joined by Rilwan Balogun joins to discuss The Many Saints of Newark, the new movie prequel to The Sopranos. The two discuss the impact of the famed HBO drama, its legacy today, and then dive into a spoiler-filled discussion of the new movie!
This week, Jesse Nussman and Kristy Strouse recap the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival. First, Kristy gives her thoughts on some of her favorite movies of the festival and what titles listeners should look out for in the months to come. Then, Jesse talks about some of the festival's biggest premiers, which have already begun to hit theaters, such as Dear Evan Hansen and The Eyes of Tammy Faye.
This week, Jesse and Film Inquiry staff writer Emily Wheeler discuss all things Clint Eastwood. The two kick things off with a discussion on his newest film; Cry Macho and follow it up with a discussion on the larger Eastwood filmography, his evolution as a filmmaker, and what makes him such a unique movie star.
This week, Jesse and guest Hunter Heilman discuss the B-movie pleasures of James Wan's Malignant. Plus, the two reflect on the tragic death of Michael K. Williams, and Jesse discusses his thoughts on Paul Schrader's latest, The Card Counter.
This week, Jesse is joined by Film Inquiry staff writer Emily Wheeler to discuss Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. The two discuss the film's strengths and weaknesses, where it fits in with the larger Marvel universe, and what classics of martial arts cinema likely served as inspirations.
This week, Jesse and Hunter Heilman discuss Candyman. The two talk about the new film's relationship to the original 1992 horror classic and the various allegorical readings in the Candyman mythology. Then, with differing opinions on the 2021 film, Jesse and Hunter debate whether Nia DaCosta and Jordan Peele's new reimagining excels as a work of idea-driven horror film or becomes bogged down with its weighty themes.
This week, Jesse and Hunter Heilman discuss the latest releases in theaters as summer movie season winds to a close. First, Hunter gives his thoughts on the Aretha Franklin biopic Respect and details why Don't Breathe 2 is one of the biggest disappointments of the year. Then, Jesse attempts to make sense of the Ryan Reynolds vehicle Free Guy and sing his praise for Leos Carax's musical Annette. Finally, the two wrap things up with a discussion on CODA, the breakout sensation from this year's Sundance. But, did the movie actually live up to the hype? Listen to find out.
This week, Jesse is joined by Mark Marousis to discuss James Gunn's The Suicide Squad. The two compare Gunn's take on the material to the 2016 film, directed by David Ayer, unpack some of the new film's commentary, and give their thoughts on what recent hyper-violent or subversive comic-book adaptations could mean for the future of the genre.
This week, Jesse is joined once again by Josh Martin to discuss two recent releases. First, the two debate back and forth on David Lowery’s The Green Knight. Is it a rich work of fantasy allegory, coupled with impressively surreal visuals, or just empty style without an emotional center? Then, Josh and Jesse give their thoughts on Disney’s Jungle Cruise, with one calling it a fun throwback to classic adventure films, while the other sees it as just another example of bland corporate filmmaking.
This week, Hunter Heilman joins Jesse to discuss the highs and lows of director M. Night Shyamalan. The two explore the phenomenon of The Sixth Sense, the bizarre acting in Signs, the goofiness of The Happening, and finally wrap things up with a discussion of Shyamalan's latest; Old.
This week, Josh Martin joins the podcast to recap the news from this year's Cannes Film Festival. Josh and Jesse discuss the historic Palme d'Or win for Titane, as well as a rundown of the festival's buzziest titles. Then the two discuss Space Jam: A New Legacy, what it maybe says about the Looney Tunes as cultural properties, and why it might just be a giant advertisement for Warner Media. Then, they wrap things up with a discussion on the novelization of Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood, exploring how Quentin Tarantino reimagined his acclaimed hit as a page-turning paperback.
This week, Film Inquiry Editor in Chief Kristy Strouse joins to talk all things Marvel. First, she and Jesse give their thoughts on Black Widow, the first movie in the MCU in two years. Then, the two discuss the first season of Marvel's Disney+ series Loki.
This week, Jesse is joined by Jake Tropila to discuss two of the most talked-about 4th of July releases; The Tomorrow War and No Sudden Move. Hear what they think about Chris Pratt as an action star, the influence of video games on movie storytelling, and the always fascinating career of Steven Soderbergh.
This week, we're revving our engines and hitting the road to celebrate 20 years of Fast & Furious movies. Emily Wheeler and Kristy Strouse join Jesse to break down what's made the popular racing series so endearing for two decades. The three discuss the franchise's growth from B-movie programmers to global blockbusters by looking back at all the previous installments. Then, they close things out with Emily and Jesse's thoughts on the newly released F9.
This week, host Jesse Nussman and guest Josh Martin discuss In the Heights as well as look back at the history of movie musicals. What are the best ones? How has the genre changed and evolved over the years? How does Lin-Manuel Miranda's Broadway show turned motion picture carry on the tradition from the greats of cinema's past?
This week, Jesse Nussman and guest Mark Marousis discuss The Conjuring franchise, what makes a great horror movie, and how the latest entry in the successful series stacks up to its predecessors.
This week, movies are back! Jesse Nussman and Hunter Heilman discuss the two big Memorial Day Weekend releases; A Quiet Place Part II and Cruella. The two discuss whether Disney's prequel about the 101 Dalmations villain can really be described as "punk," what makes a good needle drop, and how John Krasinski has evolved as a genre filmmaker.
This week, host Jesse Nussman is joined by Inside the Film Room's Johnny Sobczak to discuss Zack Snyder's zombie heist movie Army of the Dead. The two also touch on the potential impacts of WarnerMedia's merger with Discovery, Amazon's potential purchasing of MGM, and honor the career of Charles Grodin.
This week, host Jesse Nussman is joined by Emily Wheeler to discuss two recent movie releases. First, the two attempt to make sense of The Woman in the Window, the long-delayed thriller starring Amy Adams and directed by Joe Wright. Were the months of bad buzz surrounding the project justified? Then, Emily and Jesse talk Those Who Wish Me Dead, the new summer action-flick starring Angelina Jolie and directed by Taylor Sheridan. And, finally, they wrap things up with a discussion on HBO's Mare of Easttown and the greatness of Kate Winslet.
On Monday, NBC decided not to air the Golden Globes in 2022 after months of criticism toward The Hollywood Foreign Press Association on matters ranging from a lack of diversity to questionable financial practices. As various celebrities, publicists, and production houses come out against the organization, and it begs the question; are The Globes finished? Host Jesse Nussman and guest Hunter Heilman step back into the awards ring to discuss the news, whether they see a future for the HFPA and what other award shows can do to draw themselves back to the center of culture.
This week, host Jesse Nussman and Film Inquiry Editor-in-Chief Kristy Strouse discuss the possible return to movie theaters. But are we really going back? Will other theater chains face the same fate as the ArcLight? Do people even want to go back or have them become adjusted to watching movies at home? And, what summer titles could bring audiences back to the cinema?
*An error was made during recording, the director of Without Remorse is Stefano Sollima.
We finally made it! This week, Jesse Nussman and guest Hunter Heilman break down the 2021 Academy Awards after months and months of campaigning and predicting. The two break down the night's big winners, how the telecast adapted to the pandemic, Anthony Hopkins' surprise Best Actor win, Frances McDormand's howl, and much more.
As the 2021 Academy Awards approaches, Jesse Nussman and Hunter Heilman decide to give out their own awards to the performances and movies that aren't receiving the same level of recognition.
This week, Jesse is joined by Film Inquiry writer Lee Jutton to discuss Godzilla vs. Kong. But, the two aren't just talking about the movie. No, this is a deep dive look at two of the most iconic movie monsters of all time. So, what is it about King Kong and Godzilla that's made them such long-lasting figures in popular culture? Listen as Lee and Jesse explore the history of these characters, including their most impactful appearances on film.
This week, Jesse and guest Josh Martin dive into the filmography of acclaimed filmmaker Wong Kar-wai. With many of the director's most iconic work now remastered through the World of Wong Kar-Wai, and available in a new Criterion Collection box set, there's never been a more perfect time to revisit his films or experience them for the first time.
This week, you've heard of it, but what is the Snyder Cut? Jesse and guest Hunter Heilman give their thoughts on the long-rumored 4-hour cut of Justice League, how it compares to the 2017 theatrical release, their thoughts on director Zack Snyder's wider career, and what the campaign to release this version of the film says about online fan discourse.
This week, Jesse and guest Hunter Heilman break down the nominations for the 2021 Academy Awards. Who got snubbed? What surprises were there? And what does this collection of movies say about the state of the industry and the last year of cinema?
This week, Film Inquiry Editor in Chief Kristy Strouse returns to discuss the ending of WandaVision, the conversation around the show, and their favorite moments from the series at large. Then, she and Jesse break down Eddie Murphy's career, detailing their favorite films featuring the comedy star and what makes him such a unique performer, in honor of the release of Coming 2 America.
This week, Jesse is joined by Hunter Heilman to discuss the 2021 Golden Globe Awards, including a breakdown of who won, what it means for the award season ahead, and why the Hollywood Foreign Press Association is finding itself in such hot water this year.
This week, host Jesse Nussman is joined by critic Hunter Heilman to discuss the absurdist fun of Barb & Star Go To Vista Del Mar, why Minari is one of the best films of 2020, and what Martin Scorsese has to say about "content" and the way we discover films through streaming services.
Another year, another Sundance! However, this year due to COVID-19, the Sundance Film Festival looked a lot different, taking place entirely online. Jesse Nussman is joined by Film Inquiry Editor in Chief Kristy Strouse to talk about how film festivals are adapting to pandemic restrictions, the pros and cons of festival culture online, and what titles most excited them from this year's Sundance lineup!
The Awards race has begun! So on this week of The Latest, host Jesse Nussman is joined by Hunter Heilman to discuss the good, the bad, and the "Are they serious?" of the Golden Globes and SAG nominations. Then the two discuss the recently released Malcolm & Marie, starring Zendaya and John David Washington.
It's the little things that are important. That's why, this week, host Jesse Nussman is not just giving his thoughts on the new crime thriller The Little Things but bringing guest Mark Marousis to help break down the career of its star; Denzel Washington. The two discuss their favorite performances from the Oscar-winning actor, The Little Things' long journey from script to screen, and what on earth is going on with Jared Leto and Rami Malek.
This week, Film Inquiry Editor in Chief Kristy Strouse joins to discuss WandaVision, the first series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe to debut on Disney+. She and Jesse discuss the show's relationship to classic TV sitcoms from decades past, where it could go in the coming weeks, and how the MCU will continue to evolve in the coming years.
This week, Film Inquiry writer Emily Wheeler joins the show to discuss One Night in Miami, along with its relationship to another stage to screen adaptation released last month; Ma Rainey's Black Bottom. Hear how both films choose to explore the Black experience in America and how they might factor into the upcoming awards race. Then Film Inquiry writer Andrew Young joins to offer a preview of the upcoming film Supernova. Will the film win Stanley Tucci Oscar gold?
2020 is finally behind us and that means looking forward to a, hopefully, abundant crop of movies coming out in 2021. Will all of them be released? Who's to say? But, host Jesse Nussman and guests Josh Martin, Hunter Heilman, and Jordan Snyder break down their most eagerly anticipated movies of the year, from blockbusters to auteur projects, horror flicks, and movie-star vehicles.
This week, Jesse plays catch up on recent releases with guests Josh Martin and Hunter Heilman. First, Jesse and Josh discuss News of the World, why it's so hard for filmmakers to make a stand-out western, and Tom Hanks' screen persona as he ages. Then Jesse and Hunter break down the #MeToo thriller Promising Young Woman, starring Carey Mulligan.
This week, Film Inquiry Editor in Chief Kristy Strouse joins to discuss two major releases from over the Christmas holiday weekend. First, Kristy and Jesse give their thoughts on Wonder Woman 1984 and why the highly anticipated superhero sequel manages to fall flat on its feet. Then, things get...existential as the two explore the high-concept world and poignant themes of Pixar's latest film, Soul.
One of the year's most hotly anticipated releases, Christopher Nolan's Tenet took the bold strategy of debuting on some of the largest movie-screens possible in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. While Nolan envisioned his time-bending spy thriller as the movie to single-handedly save the theatrical experience, audiences (at least in the United States) largely stayed away. Now that it is available for viewing at home, host Jesse Nussman and Film Inquiry writer Jake Tropila break down the occasionally thrilling, often complex film that may be one of the most audacious blockbusters in recent years.
Miss out on this year's Toronto International Film Festival? No worries, many of the most talked-about titles from the fall festival are now available to view. Host Jesse Nussman and guest Hunter Heilman discuss two such pictures; Chloé Zhao's Nomadland, starring Francis McDormand, and Francis Lee's Ammonite, starring Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan. Jesse and Hunter also touch on the fallout of Warner Brothers' HBO Max decision and Disney's upcoming slate of Marvel and Star Wars content.
Debuting in 1941, Citizen Kane has become synonymous with greatness, the kind of motion picture that seemingly weaves together bold artistic vision with savage commentary to create one of the most aesthetically groundbreaking movies ever made. This week on The Latest, host Jesse Nussman and guest Josh Martin discuss Kane's legacy and fiery debate over its authorship, further explored in David Fincher's newest picture; Mank. The two break down Mank's relationship to "Raising Kane," the controversial essay from critic Pauline Kael about Kane, how the film explores the intersection between media and politics in 1930s Hollywood, and what it might say about Fincher's own relationship to the studio system.
This week, Jesse is joined by Elements of Madness writer Hunter Heilman to discuss the recently released drama Hillbilly Elegy, including a breakdown of the film's themes, its relationship to the hotly debated memoir of the same name, and whether or not actresses Amy Adams and Glenn Close will clinch their long-overdue Oscar wins for their performances in the picture.
Is it a TV series? A collection of movies? Whatever you want to call it, Steve McQueen's Small Axe anthology is one of the great cinematic experiences of 2020. Jesse talks with fellow Film Inquiry critic Lee Jutton about the first film in the collection, Mangrove, now available to watch on Amazon Prime. Then Lee gives a preview of the next two entries, Lovers Rock and Red, White and Blue, which premiered at the New York Film Festival.
With fall TV in full swing, Jesse talks to Film Inquiry Editor in Chief Kristy Strouse and guest Mark Marousis about three of the season's most talked-about series. Find out what makes Netflix's "The Queen's Gambit" one of the most celebrated shows of the year, why "The Mandalorian" feels like the ideal "Star Wars" experience, and whether "The Undoing" is delightful pulp or just dreary drama.
This week, Jesse and Film Inquiry Editor in Chief Kristy Strouse dive into the career of director Sofia Coppola, including a discussion on her best films, and her latest picture "On the Rocks," starring Bill Murray and Rashida Jones.
As the United States gears up for a historic presidential election, host Jesse Nussman and guest Josh Martin sit down to discuss two recently released films attempting to comment on the nation's state. The two tackle the controversy and mania of "Borat Subsequent Moviefilm," Sacha Baron Cohen's follow-up to his 2006 comedy smash-hit "Borat," as well as "American Utopia," an electrifying capture of David Byrne's acclaimed Broadway show by director Spike Lee.
This week, Jesse is joined by Film Inquiry staff writer Andrew Young to discuss the recent remake of "Rebecca," now available to watch on Netflix. The two also discuss the film's relationship to Alfred Hitchcock's Oscar-winning 1940 adaptation of the same novel and how the new adaption fits within the filmography of its director; Ben Wheatley.
This week, Jesse is joined by Elements of Madness writer Hunter Heilman to break down the career of writer/director Aaron Sorkin, including a look at his most acclaimed screenplays and an in-depth discussion on his latest picture, "The Trial of the Chicago 7."
This week, Jesse is joined once again by guest Jordan Snyder to discuss the career of Adam Sandler and break down the comedy star's best, and most surprising performances in honor of his new film "Hubie Halloween."
With more documentaries at fingertips than ever before, it's a treat to experience something truly original and striking. This picture dares to expand the possibilities of the form and redefine what we expect from non-fiction storytelling. This week, Jesse is joined by guest Jordan Snyder to discuss such a picture, Kirsten Johnson's "Dick Johnson Is Dead," a heartwarming and hilarious ode to aging father that's easily the year's most unique documentary experience.
Fall film festivals are in full swing, and that means it's about time to be talking about the award season. But, with COVID-19 pushing back the calendar on many significant releases, what will the award race look like this year? Host Jesse Nussman and Film Inquiry staff writer Josh Martin explore what movies are jumping out to audiences at festivals, how an absence of major studio title could mean greater opportunity to smaller, more diverse films, and what pictures yet unseen could enter the race!
With coronavirus closing down theaters across the United States, many avid cinephiles are turning to VOD and streaming services to experience new films. But, is it possible for at-home-viewing to either enhance or dampen our opinion on a movie? Host Jesse Nussman and guest Hunter Heilman discuss this topic concerning Disney's live-action remake of "Mulan," and Charlie Kaufman's latest, "I'm Thinking of Ending Things."