My Moviehouse My Rules: Recent Episodes
A screen review podcast by Donna S. Frelick
Donna S. Frelick has been a journalist, a Peace Corps Volunteer, an author of STAR TREK fan fiction and an award-winning science fiction romance novelist. She’s been a writer since she could hold the big pencil, but “film reviewer” has always been her dream job. She has loved movies since age five, when she saw a re-showing of Errol Flynn’s THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD at an open-air cinema in Athens, Greece. (That movie is still a favorite!) She writes NEW SCREEN REVIEWS WITH OLD-SCHOOL ATTITUDE. And offers no apologies!
While we wait for some new series to debut at the end of the week, binge these older series and fun new ones: THE LINCOLN LAWYER, TERRITORY, THE RED ROAD, A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES!
Florida performance artist and film fan Glenn Lash and I continue our discussion of classic and not-so-classic horror movies, with a focus on John Carpenter, David Cronenberg and other favorite directors!
A blast from the past for Halloween! ICYMI, Florida fire performer and film lover Glenn Lash and I talk horror movie faves with a focus on 80s classics!
Two new medical shows join a long line of my favorites this fall: BRILLIANT MINDS, with Zachary Quinto and DOCTOR ODYSSEY with Joshua Jackson and Don Johnson.
It takes more than jump scares and makeup to film a great screen adaptation of a Stephen King novel. Check out IT: CHAPTER ONE as an especially good example of how to do it!
Two horror films from Universal Studios starring Bela Lugosi (and KING KONG!) show pre-Hays Code production values.
A special report and an appeal for help for my mountain community of Marshall NC, devastated by flooding from Hurricane Helene.
A new emergency rescue show set in beautiful Hawaii joins older favorites 911: LONE STAR and 911.
Who says veteran actors should be relegated to boring "family dramas"? Try these older actors in action series, now in Season Two!
Still waiting for the Fall TV season to heat up? Try these two older mystery series on for size.
Science fiction/horror or rom-com more your taste? I got you covered with this week's reviews!
Thirty years after the original, TWISTERS is little more than a stiff breeze by comparison, though Glen Powell makes it worth watching.
Sometimes a movie doesn't have to be great, it just has to be entertaining--thus the B movie! Two horror films and a mystery starring a once-great star on today's B list.
The Olympics are all over TV (NBC for the highlights; Peacock for EVERYTHING!). But what if you need a break? Try the latest PLANET OF THE APES film: KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES!
The square-jawed LOTR star writes, directs, acts, and scores this thoughtful Western, but he keeps the real focus is on the wonderful Vicky Krieps, his co-star.
Looking for something to watch on those sultry summer evenings? Try these short reviews!
Actor Donald Sutherland had a 60-year career of creating indelible characters. This week's episode pays tribute.
Part 2 of our special 200th episode as guests Glenn Lash and Linda Thomas join me to celebrate with a discussion of the three movies we'd want with us on a desert island and the ONE movie we'd never want the MST3K aliens to torture us with! A don't miss episode!
Co-podcasters Linda Thomas and Glenn Lash join me for a rousing discussion of "desert island" must-watch movies as we celebrate my 200th episode of MY MOVIEHOUSE MY RULES! And this is only Part One!
It's summertime and sometimes it's too hot to do anything but sit on your couch and watch something great!
GODZILLA MINUS ONE, now available for streaming on Netflix, returns to Toho's post-war Japan's roots with a film big on character development AND action. A must-see!
Writer/director Alex Garland has some points to make in his thought-provoking film CIVIL WAR, but they aren't necessarily about political divisions.
Two returning streaming shows couldn't be more different, but oddly have lots in common, including romantic appeal! Check out BRIDGERTON and INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE.
Prolific filmmaker Roger Corman was King of the B Movies in horror, gangster, motorcycle, science fiction, teen exploitation and more! And he was mentor to a generation of great Hollywood directors.
Filmmaker Guy Ritchie, known for dark humor, violence and twisty plots in his films, has turned his hand to television in his new Netflix series THE GENTLEMEN.
Florida artist, fire performer and film fan Glenn Lash joins me to review DUNE 2 and the films of French-Canadian filmmaker Denis Villenueve. Don't miss this one!
Some previously "acclaimed" films deserve to be sidelined, but maybe not as many as some critics think. Decide for yourself!
Three years after cinematographer Halyna Hutchins's death on the set of RUST in New Mexico, inexperienced armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed is convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 18 months in prison. More on guns and film/TV in this episode.
Filmmakers use the past to comment on the present. THE ZONE OF INTEREST, Hulu's WE WERE THE LUCKY ONES and Apple TV Plus's MANHUNT are all great examples.
3 BODY PROBLEM on Netflix and CONSTELLATION on Apple TV Plus will do what science fiction is meant to do--expand your mind!
Some of my favorite TV home shows are the ones with heart, humor and small town flavor. Except maybe for the Property Brothers--I'd follow them anywhere!
Two exceptional foreign language films, one an early French New Wave by Louis Malle with a soundtrack by Miles Davis; one starring Viggo Mortensen speaking three languages!
No drama, few surprises, some fun and a broadcast that ended on time! Plus, a cute dog and Godzilla claw shoes!
Short reviews of Ridley Scott's NAPOLEON, CBS's TRACKER, Apple TV Plus's CONSTELLATION, Netflix's THE TOURIST, Hulu's DEATH AND OTHER DETAILS.
Just when you thought the days of the epic historical series were gone, here comes SHOGUN! And it's spectacular!
In honor of President's Day, some great movies about great presidents, including my faves, Lincoln, FDR and JFK.
Guest co-podcaster Linda Thomas, three times past VA NAACP president, author, historian, activist and film fan joins me to discuss the history and importance of Black cinema from the beginning to blaxploitation. A re-broadcast in honor of Black History Month ICYMI!
The realistic follow-up to BAND OF BROTHERS and THE PACIFIC focuses on the WWII air war over Europe, starring Austin Butler, Barry Keoghan and Callum Turner.
This year's Oscar nominations had some of the predictable names on the ballots, but there were some surprises. Check out my take on the Academy's announcement.
Continuing my reviews of this season's Oscar-track films with Christopher Nolan's OPPENHEIMER.
The first of my reviews of the big films of the Oscar season: KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON.
From A CHRISTMAS CAROL to CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT, occasional co-podcaster Linda Thomas and I roast our favorite holiday chestnuts until the bell rings and Clarence finally gets his wings!
Florida artist, fire performer and my sometimes co-podcaster Glenn Lash joins me for a run-down of our favorite and least favorite STAR TREK movies starring the Original Series cast. And, boy, you should hear what we say about STAR TREK: THE FINAL FRONTIER and STAR TREK: GENERATIONS!
Two very different new streaming series do a great job of adapting source novels to the small screen.
Nothing beats those classic Universal monster movies from the 1930s and 1940s--but why not pair them up with some modern remakes for twice the fun?
Leading up to Halloween, catch these creepy limited series features on Netflix based on classic tropes: Edgar Allan Poe, FRANKENSTEIN and time travel!
As we approach Halloween, how about some horror movies supposedly based on true stories of hauntings and possessions?
The Hollywood writers' strike is over. Yay! But we still have to wait for new and returning shows. Here are some great science fiction ideas to check out while you wait!
The long-delayed second part of my interview with horror movie fan Glenn Lash, in which we cover such fun topics as John Carpenter's HALLOWEEN, the EVIL DEAD franchise, director David Cronenberg and the schlocky horror films that STAR TREK actors were obliged to take on between the end of The Original Series and STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE!
Technical difficulties ruined the recording for my interview with my guest, Florida artist and film lover Glenn Lash for Part II of The Joys of Schlocky Horror Films and More. Apologies to Glenn and to all of you who were looking forward to the discussion. I promise a do-over when I get back from my extended trip overseas. Mark your calendars for September 27 for that special podcast!
Fredericksburg, Virginia musician,retired educator and film fan John Sovitsky joins me to talk about the colorful world of Indian cinema. Lots to learn here!
Florida artist/fire eater/dancer Glenn Lash and I discuss our favorite horror movies with a focus on those classics of the early 80s. You don't want to miss this one!
Co-podcaster Linda Thomas and I break down favorite films from the Golden Age of Hollywood, including some from Frank Capra, Bogie's best and some sword and sandals epics!
Co-podcaster Linda Thomas and I talk classic Westerns, especially those by director John Ford, and continue our ongoing battle over Kevin Costner's DANCES WITH WOLVES!
Guest co-podcaster Linda Thomas, three times past VA NAACP president, author, historian, activist and film fan joins me to discuss the history and importance of Black cinema from the beginning to blaxploitation. Don't miss this one!
Guest co-podcaster Linda Thomas, three times past president of the Virginia NAACP joins me to discuss GONE WITH THE WIND and other films from 1939, including THE WIZARD OF OZ. A longer, more indepth podcast this week, but not one to be missed!
Whether you want to go back to the past or forward to the future, two series premieres this week have something to offer you! My reviews of Season Seven of OUTLANDER and Season Two of STAR TREK: STRANGE NEW WORLDS.
I can't wait for Season 7 of the historical time-travel romance series OUTLANDER on STARZ! Read my recap/review of the book and television series in preparation for the season debut!
My first time back in a theater since before COVID took me to see Disney's live-action version of THE LITTLE MERMAID with my granddaughter. And no one coughed on my popcorn!
Some films are better than they have any right to be. Check out ALICE, with Keke Palmer and DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES with Chris Pine for some fun with your popcorn!
The issues behind the film and television writers' strike and why I support the writers. Also, 2 examples of how bad writing can affect what we watch!
Heroes/heroines are more than just those who wield superpowers. Take a look at these quiet contributors on three very different shows!
Sometimes the weather in movies is about disasters, in the present or the future. Sometimes, the weather provides a crucial part of the setting, particularly in classic films. Let's talk about the weather--in films!
A tribute to musician, actor, activist and Black media pioneer Harry Belafonte, dead this week at age 96.
CREED III hits all the right targets in this latest in the ROCKY spin-off series, directed by actor Michael B. Jordan.
Artificial Intelligence may be the topic of the day, but SF films and television have been addressing humans vs. supercomputers since the days of silent pictures. Some of the best films on the subject!
It's all about endings this week--of friendships; of species, possibly our own; and, more trivially, of TV shows hitting their season finales. Reviewing THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN, EXTRAPOLATIONS and two disappointing young adult TV shows.
Missed this year's Oscar ceremony? Let me break it down for you! Winners, losers and why-no-nominations?
M.Night Shyamalan's lastest film, plus CARNIVAL ROW and THE RIG all offer apocalyptic views, but only one is set in a world we wouldn't recognize.
Only three films in history have won 11 Oscars; only two more have won ten. The top winners might surprise you, but they have some things in common.
Some films aren't easy to watch, but they deserve our attention for many reasons: historical, educational and sometimes mind-expanding.
Two groundbreaking Black actors who had a huge impact on me personally--Sidney Poitier and Nichelle Nichols. You'll never guess who had the most historic "firsts!"
HBO's THE LAST OF US is the best show on television right now, with great characters, terrific acting and intricate worldbuilding. And check out an astounding Episode Three!
My reaction to the Academy Award nominations: not the best year for the Oscars, if you ask me. The Academy still has some work to do!
Five classic films with epic plot twists to mess with your mind! Spoilers ahead so be sure you've watched: THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY VALANCE, PSYCHO, PLANET OF THE APES, THE SIXTH SENSE and FALLEN.
Two very different films that have caught attention at the beginning of award season. The spectacular RRR and Spielberg's THE FABELMANS are both worthy of your time!
Two new series with broad appeal and two eerily fascinating limited series on Netflix for your viewing enjoyment this winter!
A list of my favorite old-school Christmas movies, from A CHRISTMAS STORY to IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE. Tell me your faves in the comments!
Sequels, rom-coms, musicals, and did I mention Santa? It's time for my annual wrap-up of the best of new Christmas viewing!
Reviewing three new streaming offerings: two limited series, each a period piece with a unique perspective, and one light-hearted star vehicle for Sylvester Stallone in full gangster mode.
Two new Netflix thrillers based on true stories are good for an evening at home on the couch with your popcorn. Take your pick--true crime or WWII spy thriller!
A special Election Day edition of the podcast to give you some screen inspiration to get to the polls! Don't let Jefferson Smith talk himself hoarse in vain!
It may be post-Halloween, but the the classics never go out of style! Start with the best--Universal's old-school "monster movies," then pair them with modern reimaginings of the old stories for a great Halloweek experience!
Three more fall television shows to check out, including Prime Video's THE PERIPHERAL, filmed right here in my hometown of Marshall NC!
My Fall TV wrapup! Best of the bunch: ANNE RICE'S INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE on AMC+; EAST NEW YORK on CBS. One to miss: MONARCH on Fox.
How the demands of 24/7 cable news have changed television news, and not for the better. Plus three classic Hollywood films that address the media, politics and the public.
In honor of the 20th anniversary of FIREFLY and the debut this week of the fifth season of Nathan Fillion's THIRD successful television series, here's a salute to the actor with the quirky, yet warm onscreen persona.
The lastest in Marvel's THOR movie franchise offers the usual laughs and heart, but you do have to wonder how long they can string this out. PLUS a word on NBC's dubious QUANTUM LEAP reboot.
I love Early Elvis, but I wasn't eager to retread the familiar ground of his decline into addiction and depression. Baz Luhrmann and actors Austin Butler and Tom Hanks make an old story fresh again, though, in this fascinating biopic.
Jordan Peele's lastest science fiction/horror mashup may not satisfy all audiences, but it has a great cast, terrific special effects, thoughtful themes and his usual brand of dark humor PLUS lots of Easter eggs for old school film fans.
Netflix's adaptation of Neil Gaiman's graphic novel series THE SANDMAN is a gorgeous feast for the eyes with a talented, diverse cast and stunning world-building. But it's easy to lose track of the narrative here and there.
PREY, the latest in the PREDATOR film franchise, is a prequel with a fierce Native American female warrior in the lead. She and the film both kick ass!
An alternate history of the space program takes us in unexpected directions in Apple TV+'s FOR ALL MANKIND. Who knew the space race could be a good thing?
Actor Nicolas Cage is known for (sometimes)wild action thrillers. But he's not above making fun of his quirky image and he's still got serious acting chops, as two new streaming movies show.
In two very different projects, Channing Tatum's DOG and Chris Pratt's THE TERMINAL LIST, actors take on PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and the aftereffects of military service, something we don't see a lot of onscreen these days.
Reviewing five classic films with "summer" in the title: two documentaries, two sultry Southern melodramas and a Spike Lee joint.
Apple TV Plus's interpretation of the epic Asimov FOUNDATION novels makes the dry original accessible with fully dimensional characters and beautiful visuals.
What does the classic film FROM HERE TO ETERNITY have in common with THE GODFATHER? How does THE GODFATHER PART II compare to the original? Three films, connected by two degrees of separation, on today's episode!
THE OFFER on Paramount Plus gives an inside view of the making of a film classic: MARIO PUZO'S THE GODFATHER. A look back at this great film and the challenges the filmmakers had to overcome to make it.
A review of the delightful JULIA, on HBO Max, about the beginning of the TV career of Julia Child, French chef and public television star.
Netflix historical series THE LAST KINGDOM ends in the best possible way, with the hero getting what he has fought for and the villains getting their just desserts. Alexander Dreymon plays Uhtred in this great five-season swashbuckler!