Deep Dive Movie Reviews: Recent Episodes
Steve Hackman
What happens when an American and an Englishman meet up over drinks to discuss movies? Join James Marsh (the Brit) and Steve Hackman (the Yank) as they do deep dive reviews on the latest releases at the box office and streaming services. James is a film critic for the South China Morning Post and Radio Television Hong Kong and Steve, he just knows a bunch of obscure movie trivia that he's never managed to leverage into anything useful...until now!
Film critic Liz Kerr joins Steve as they do a deep dive into episodes 1 & 2 of the much anticipated Star Fleet Academy. What was good, what was bad, and what was just plain ugly?
Along the way they discuss chronic structural issues that have sabotaged "New Trek" and even the brilliant Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
1:30 - Let's give Academy at least 4 episodes to find its feet
4:50 - Star Trek 90210, Felicity, or The OC?
7:18 - Let's start with some positives
10:00 - Please DON'T use modern slang in the 32nd century
14:09 - Strange New Worlds biggest mistake
19:37 - Addressing the "haters"
20:13 - Setting the show in the 32nd Century
22:51 - Steve is the same age as Star Trek
23:10 - Star Trek is supposed to "competency porn"
29:24- Diversity needs to be explored more realistically
36:02 - Course corrections are needed for both SNW & Academy
39:00 - Star Trek Prodigy was a gem that was killed
43:55 - Maybe it's time for a wholesale Star Trek "re-boot"
48:47 - Academy should focus on the diplomacy and politics
52:00 - Is some new Trek writing designed to provoke the older fan base?
56:00 - How to accommodate the traditional Star Trek audience without pandering?
James and Steve dive headfirst into 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, a film they admit balances dread, admiration, and humor. Along the way Steve shares how he ALMOST slipped out to use the bathroom just to avoid watching THAT scene.
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
0:00 - Intro
0:50 - Graphic scenes are not for the feint at heart
6:17 - The "least zombie-ish" film in the franchise
10:15 - "Brexit" and other "themes" within the film
11:45 - Jack O'Connell is riveting and terrifying
18:54 - Ralph Fiennes and the movie's finale
26:33 - Final score for 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
Film producer Mark Blaney from Footprint Films joins Steve & James to unpack the 1961 musical classic West Side Story. Does this beloved film stand the test of time and deserve it's place in Oscar history? Join us to find out!
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain Spoilers
Find out more about Mark at Footprint Films here: https://footprintfilms.co.uk/team/mar...
0:00 - Intro
1:20 - More about Mark & his film background
4:11 - Working with Daniel Radcliffe
6:37 - Our relationship with West Side Story
10:37 - Unpacking the film
40:23 - The Cast of West Side Story
47:41 - West Side Story at the Academy Awards
52:41 - Does West Side Story stand the test of time?
rianjohnson #knivesout #wakeupdeadman
Rian Johnson returns as writer and director of the 3rd installment of the "Knives Out" franchise. Along the way Steve reaches into his Evangelical experiences to suggest Johnson may have made the best faith based "Christian" film of the year.
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
0:00 - Intro
0:45 - Watching films in cinema rather than at home
2:20 - Wake Up Dead Man is about storytelling
3:40 - The Best Christian film of 2025?
7:01 - Why the film had Steve within the first 5 minutes?
9:10 - The scene that impacted James personally
13:45 - Wake Up explores how faith can offer a better story
17:10 - Rian Johnson demonstrates a real knowledge of "whodunit" lore
19:45 - Why Johnson used a Catholic Church setting rather than an Evangelical
25:39 - The Larry Norman needle drop
31:10 - Final score for "Wake Up Dead Man"
Jafar Panahi's new film centers on a group of people who have to decide how to dispense justice on a former torturer who had abused them under the Iranian regime.
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain SPOILERS
Many are declaring Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another" his Magnum Opus but does the Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn led film actually deliver?
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
0:00 - Intro
3:48 - The book “One Battle” is based on
5:44 - Leonardo DiCaprio & Paul Thomas Anderson
12:45 - Why we are still pondering “One Battle” days later
14:10 - That car chase scene
19:00 - Benicio del Toro
23:00 - The cast
27:39 - Final score for “One Battle After Another”
Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, and Amy Madigan star in the eerie tale of a class of missing school children. Part psychological thriller, part pitch black comedy, and all horror, Zach Cregger's latest film "Weapons" might just be a new cult classic?
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
Director Ryan Coogler teams up with frequent collaborator Michael B Jordan to tell the tale of two brothers returning from war who start a nightclub not realising the power of music to awaken both good & evil.
Deep Dive Movie Reviews Contain Spoilers
Steve & James do a Deep Dive into Danny Boyle's much anticipated zombie sequel "28 Years Later" . Along the way James explains why this film is quintessentially British on so many levels including the jaw dropping "Jimmy" ending!
#28yearslater #dannyboyle #alexgarland #ralphfiennes #aarontaylorjohnson #alfiewilliams #jodiecomer #jackoconnell #zombie #virus #horrormovies #britishcinema
0:00 - Intro
1:32 - “Is it any good?”
3:25 - Things we liked in “28 Years Later”
6:20- A “quintessentially” British film
11:22 - The screenplay feels like a “hodge podge” of ideas
15:28 - Explaining those “Henry V” clips
23:10 - The effect of the 28 Days Later franchise on cinema
25:48 - “Erik is toast”
34:38 - “The Jimmys” Explained
40:45 - The music of "28 Weeks Later"
47:10 - How many "Jimmys" would we score "28 Years Later"?
jaws #jawsat50 #stevenspielberg
Steve & James celebrate the 50th anniversary of the "perfect film" by telling stories and anecdotes about their mutual love for Steven Spielberg's "JAWS". Along the way they explain why the 1970s was the best cinematic decade.
0:00 - Intro
2:34 - How Jaws caused me to fall in love with movies
3:22 - Why Jaws is a "perfect film"
7:25 - Jaws made with modern tech would not be as good
10:35 - Was the ’70s the best film decade?
16:37 - Best moments with “Jaws”
Lee Hye-young stars as an aging female assassin who is the target of an up and coming competitor who may have other agendas. Min Kyu-dong directs
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
With the recent passing of legendary actor Gene Hackman Steve & James look back at the films that have impacted them most through the years. And sharing a name, Steve Hackman shares and anecdote of the time his father Gary Hackman was mistaken for the more famous Gene.
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
0:00 - Intro
0:57 - The death of Gene Hackman
5:00- Hackman was the “everyman” who made it big
8:24 - Steve tells his personal Gene Hackman anecdote
11:13 - The Poseidon Adventure
20:45 - The French Connection / The Conversation 31:310 - Hoosiers
37:30 - And the films we forgot
Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid play a couple who gather for a weekend getaway with friends but chaos ensues when one of the guests is revealed to be an AI android.
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
Magnus Von Horn's tale of a woman who works as a wet nurse at an adoption agency is very loosely based on the true story of Danish serial killer Dagmar Overbye. The movie is nominated for Best International feature at the 97th Academy Awards.
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
With the passing of David Lynch, in today's episode we look at two of the famed filmmaker's seminal works.
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
Bestfilmsof2024 #top10films James & Steve recap the year 2024 with their lists of the Top 10 best movies of the last 12 months. What did they miss? Where are they wrong? Drop a comment in the section below Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers 0:00 - Introduction 0:13 - Film # 10 4:08 - Film # 9 9:07 - Film # 8 17:58 - Film # 7 25:24 - Film # 6 25:53 - Film # 5 29:30 - Film # 4 37:41 - Film # 3 47:04 - Film # 2 58:01 - Film # 1
James & Steve unpack the recent Oscar nominations for 2025 discussing snubs (Denis Villeneuve, A Real Pain) and surprises (I'm Still here) as well as the love Emilla Perez seems to have received.
With the passing of acclaimed filmmaker David Lynch, Join us for a retrospective featuring classics like Twin Peaks, Dune, and Mulholland Drive. We share our personal experiences with these films, exploring how Lynch's weird, yet very human, storytelling has touched our lives.
wicked #cynthiaerivo #arianagrande The stage musical "Wicked" makes the leap to the big screen Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers 0:00 -Introduction 1:25 - Arianna Grande 7:48 - Enjoyably too long?? 13:22 - The political message is underdeveloped? 18:03 - Cynthia Erivo 24:41 - Jeff Goldblum & Michelle Yeoh 29:05 - Final score for “Wicked”
Sean Baker's latest film stars Mikey Madison as a street-smart sex worker who falls for and marries the son of a Russian oligarch much to the chagrin of the son's family. Chaos ensues!
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
0:00 -Introduction
0:45 - James explains the Cannes Palme d’Or Award
11:36 - Tip of the hat to “Pretty Woman”
12:47 - “Anora” subverts archetypes
16: 15 - Mikey Madison
20:54 - Final Score for “Anora”
Demi Moore & Margaret Qualley star in this satirical horror story of a fading Hollywood diva who makes a Faustian pact to restore her youth with tragic consequences.
DEEP DIVE MOVIE REVIEWS CONTAIN SPOILERS
0:00 -Introduction
1:56 - James makes Steve go see "The Substance"
5:41 - Creativity goes far beyond the body horror
9:30 - The Faustian Bargain
11:00 - The sound engineering in "The Substance"
19:40 - Demi Moore
28:33 - Final score for “The Substance”
With the release of the long-awaited sequel, Steve & James decide to jump ahead in their Every Best Picture series to unpack the "swords & sandals" Oscar winner "Gladiator"
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
0:00 -Introduction
2:10 - Early CGI in "Gladiator"
3:40 - Russell Crowe
8:13 - Joaquin Phoenix
12:46 - Oliver Reed
15:00 - Djimon Hounsou
17:10 - Watching “Gladiator” through the lens of current American politics
19:35 - "Gladiator" at the 73rd Academy Awards
28:12 - Does “Gladiator" deserve it’s place in Oscar history?
Sara Greenfield, host of the "Talk Classic To Me" podcast joins James & Steve as they unpack their mutual love and affection for the 1955 Best Picture, "Marty"
More on Sara can be found here:https://www.sara-greenfield.com/talk-...
Check out the "Talk Classic To Me" podcast on:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0q74OKC...
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
0:00 -Introduction
3:59 - Intro with Sara Greenfield
6:30 - The mutual love for movie classics
9:12 - Why Sara loves “Marty”
10:39 - Paddy Chayefsky
12:32 - The emotional stakes in “Marty”
20:53 - Perspectives on changing values from 1955
29:08 - The first time Sara saw “Marty”
35:37 - Betsy Blair
36:29 - Marty at the 28th Academy Awards
47:50 - Ernest Borgnine
COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER UNDER SECTION 107 OF THE COPYRIGHT ACT 1976 Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
We kick off our 2024 Halloween "SPOOKtacular" series with Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 classic "Psycho"
DEEP DIVE MOVIE REVIEWS CONTAIN SPOILERS
0:00 -Introduction
0:49 - Steve had NEVER seen “Psycho”
6:15 - Anthony Perkins
11:37 - The real life murder “Psycho” was inspired by
15:57 - Too much “mansplaining”?
24:20 - “Psycho” and it’s relation to “Spellbound”
Producer, writer and festival impresario Mike Hostench joins us from Madrid as we unpack the 1954 Marlon Brando classic "On the Waterfront"
0:00 - Introduction
1:10 - Getting to know our guest Mike Hostench
4:30 - Why Mike chose “On the Waterfront” to review with us
6:20 - On the Waterfront’s Christian imagery
7:50 - Mike explains why he considers the film “noir”
16:20 - Karl Malden
20:32 - Leonard Bernstein’s score
22:54 - Elia Kazan
43:21 - "On the Waterfront" at the Academy Awards
Steve & James unpack not only the new Alien: Romulus but all this in the long history of the Alien franchise. We get pretty passionate about these films, come join us in on the discussion
DEEP DIVE MOVIE REVIEWS CONTAIN SPOILERS
0:00 - Introduction
0:40 - Alien: Romulus was supposed to go direct to streaming
4:26 - Best addition to the franchise since Aliens
6:30 - Alien: Romulus tips its hat to every Alien film
9:10 - Why James doesn’t like re-staging classic lines and scenes
14:10 - Fede Alvarez directing
23:36 - The Alien itself
28:25 - The return of Ian Holm
34: 25 - Set and sound design
37:09 - Our problems with Act 3
48:01 - The first time Steve saw Alien when it was released
49:31 - Is “Alien” a perfect movie
56:08 - Final score for Alien: Romulus
Ryan Reynolds & Hugh Jackman return to their iconic characters and team up not only to stop evil but to create the fanboy film of the year!
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
0:00 - Introduction
2:02 - A Marvel Disneyland ride “plot”
3:10 - The entire film feels like a “post-credits” sequence
5:10 - The problems with “the Multi-verse”
13:40 - Deadpool & Wolverine’s camaraderie carry the film
17:55 - Our favourite cameos in the film
23:20 - Easter Eggs galore
27:59 - Final Score for “Deadpool & Wolverine”
madmax #furiosa Anya Taylor-Joy assumes the role of Furiosa, a young girl stolen from her family in George Miller's post-apocalyptic Australia. Steve & James not only unpack the new film, but also do a deep dive into the Mad Max franchise as a whole. DEEP DIVE MOVIE REVIEWS CONTAIN SPOILERS 0:00 -Introduction 0:26 - Our history with the Mad Max franchise 2:36 - “One of the best prequels I’ve ever seen” 4:00 - Chris Hemsworth 6:23 - Furiosa grounds the film in Australia again 9:54 - Blood, Sweat, and Chrome 13:09 - George Miller’s genius 24:21 - Smooth transitions 30:50 - How does Anya Taylor Joy compare to Charlize Theron? 34:30 - Final score for “Furious: A Mad Max Saga” ___________________________________________________________________
The long-awaited follow-up sequel to Denis Villeneuve' s take on Frank Herbert's "Dune". We look at whether or not this sprawling epic of geo-political intrigue on the faraway planet Arrakis (Dune) lives up to the hype
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
0:00 - Introduction
2:00 - Dune Part 1 vs Part 2
9:26 - Are the Harkonens “twisted” enough?
13:50 - The price paid for focusing on the love story
17:00 - The role of religion in Part 2
20:28 - Humour borders on Monty Python’s “Life of Brian”
27:14 - “The sandworms were great”
29:10 - A “Dune” TV show could rival “Game of Thrones”
30:35 - Final score for Dune: Part Two”
thezoneofinterest #holocausteducation Jonathan Glazer wrote and directed the disturbingly brilliant film of a Nazi family building an idyllic home life while the father commands the Auschwitz extermination camp on the other side of the wall. Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers 0:00 - Introduction 2:29 - Unlike any previous holocaust film 5:37 - "The Zone" is so relevant for today 13:04 - The Zone of Interest reminds us we must never forget 15:53 - Sound is such a crucial ingredient 23:35 - The Zone of Interest nominated for 5 Oscars 25:57 - Final score for “The Zone of Interest”
James & Steve recap the year 2023 with their lists of the Top 10 best movies of the last 12 months. What did they miss? Where are they wrong? Drop a comment in the section below Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers 0:00 - Introduction 1:34 - 2023 Honorary Mentions 9:06 - Best Film #10 15:05 - Best Film #9 26:00 - Best Film #8 36:10 - Best Film#7 41:07 - Best Film 6 45:10 - Best Film #5 49:21 - Best Film#4 1:02:48 - Best Film #3 1:12:61 - Best Film #2 1:19:21 - Best Film of 2023!!!
Set in the immediate aftermath of World War 2, a devastated Japan has to rally to defend itself yet again from the legendary Godzilla Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers 0:00 - Introduction 2:12 - Why Godzilla never gets old 3:00 - Godzilla is Japan’s “Elvis” 4:20 - Monster Week 7:56 - The wartime context of "Godzilla Minus One" 16:20 - This was a cool version of Godzilla 19:35 - The Godzilla “eras” 22:22 - Godzilla Minus One final score
Timothee Chalamet stars as renowned chocolate maker Willy Wonka in Paul King's origin story musical "Wonka". James & Steve give a full spoiler review and weigh in on whether the new film can stand tall alongside the 1971 classic "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory"
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
0:00 - Introduction
1:45 - Willy Wonka origin story
2:05 - “Pure Imagination”
4:30 - Fans respond positively when the source material is honored
9:42 - Hugh Grant’s Oompa - Loompa
10:58 - Where the magic happens
13:30 - The music of “Wonka”
16:27 - Final score for Wonka
David Tennant's return to the TARDIS for three special episodes marking Doctor Who's 60th anniversary has been both hailed as breathing fresh wind into the franchise as well as derided by critics who see changes brought by showrunner Russell T. Davies as being too "woke". James & Steve weigh in as they attempt to balance these varying perspectives and leave with the hope that the future of the Doctor remains bright.
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
0:00 - Introduction
1:00 - “The Giggle” addresses the haters
6:20 - The Fourteenth Doctor “retires”?
7:14 - Is the series too beholden to David Tennant?
10:34 - The Issac Newton race-swap
18:43 - Final thoughts on the 60th-anniversary specials
Angel Studios ventures into sci-fi territory with a unique reimagining of the Book of Job. Does this "faith based" story of a man who loses everything and trying to get back to the woman he loves hit home for its target Evangelical Christian audience? Steve & James weigh in.
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
0:00 - Introduction
0:45 - How well does The Shift “reimagine” the Book of Job
3:14 - The Shift synopsis
4:34 - The “faith-based multiverse”
8:16 - Are Timothy Olyphant, Josh Duhamal, Kristopher Polaha brothers?
12:42 - Why many Christian themed films have a “cheesy” factor
17:48 - When the The Shift's creative story collides with a proselytising agenda
24:18 - Final Score for “The Shift”
#theshift #angelstudios
Based on a true story, Jim Caviezel stars as Tim Ballard, a Homeland Security Officer who, upon discovering a child slavery ring in South America, gathers a group of like-minded allies to see the cabal brought down.
The Evangelical community in America came on in force for this film bringing the gross box office to a quarter of a BILLION $$$$ defying the expectations of a cynical Hollywood...but is it really any good?
Steve & James weigh in on this polarizing film.
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain SPOILERS
0:00 - Introduction
5:07 - Faith-based community support
9:11 - No one actually talks about the film itself
15:21 - Steve & James disagree about “God’s Children”
17:54 - Is the film really any good??
27:50 - The hurdles for “Sound of Freedom” to get made
32:00 - Films for underrepresented groups
34:43 - Final score for “Sound of Freedom”
Steve & James unpack the latest Mike Flanagan Netflix horror series "The Fall of the House of Usher".
. Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
0:00 - Introduction
1:45 - Edgar Allan Poe
4:15 - Is Mike Flanagan the new Stephen King?
8:30 - The casting is GOLD
17:42 - The subtext: choice & consequence
23:15 - Mark Hamill is a brilliant Arthur Pym
28:35 - Rating Mike Flangan’s five Netflix series
34:56 - Final score for “The Fall of the House of Usher”
James liked Gareth Edwards new sci-fi film "The Creator" but Steve found it lacking. Find out why in this episode of ScreenShots. We then move on to Mike Flanagan's new Netflix Halloween release "The Fall of the House of Usher". Along the way we discuss the works of Edgar Allan Poe and launch a new book club!
Deep Dive does Spoilers
0:00 - Introduction
0:43 - Why James doesn't watch many TV shows
3:41 - The Creator
37:13 - The Fall of the House of Usher
1:14:19 - Steve & James start a book club
1:21:20 - H.P. Lovercraft and Cthulhu
James gets a Masterclass lesson in all things Star Trek as fellow film critic and Star Trek aficionado Liz Kerr joins Steve as they swoon over the recent season of Strange New Worlds.
We then move on to discuss the death of famed director William Friedkin, the 50th Anniversary of his iconic film "The Exorcist" and why Steve's Christian Evangelical background meant he never actually saw the film until James made him this week 😂.
Along the way, we chat about some of the TV we've been watching lately.
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ***
Steve & James look at NPR's recent critique of "Oppenheimer" which highlighted its overly white cast and lack of gay characters. How should today's films be representative and diverse, yet not be held hostage to unrealistic stories or relationships?
We look at some recent summer films and where they succeed or miss on ways forward.
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers *
The boys return from a summer hiatus and pour a couple drinks before jumping into a banter on the biggest blockbusters of the season. We unpack the hits (Oppenheimer), the misses (We're looking at you Indy), the insane (Tom Cruise and that train), and of course Pink Patriarchy (Barbie).
Along the way James explains why CGI has gotten worse in the last 15 years and Steve discovers his "tribe" in Ireland. So grab a drink, pull up a chair, and join us for our Summer Blockbusters 2023 Comeback Special
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers *
When Steve learns that James has never seen an episode of "Black Mirror", he goes into action to explain to his friend why he must watch Charlie Brooker's dystopian fuelled anthology series stat! Along the way, Steve reviews the recently dropped Series 6 as well as some of his favorite episodes from past seasons. Deep Dive Movie Reviews Contain Spoilers
Director Cheng Er's espionage noir film set in Japanese-occupied Shanghai in the 1940s about a group of daring Chinese who set up an underground network to undermine the puppet regime. Starring Tony Leung, Wang Yibo, Zhou Xun, and Huang Lei Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
3:10 - Complex layers of loyalties & secrets
11:28 - The Hidden Blade’s “long con”
12:55 - Shanghai as a setting
19:45 - Tony Leung
22:19 - Final score for Hidden Blade
Ricardo Darin heads up this historical courtroom drama of a team of young lawyers who seek to prosecute those responsible for the atrocities committed by the military junta in Argentina from 1976-1983. Also starring Peter Lanzani, Alejandra Flechner and Norman Briski. Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers 2:00 - Argentina 1985 speaks to 2023
6:20 - Rock solid film but missing something?
9:50 - The scene that was very personal for Steve
17:23 - Final score for Argentina 1985
Writer - director Ruben Ostlund's satirical comedy skewers the rich & entitled when a luxury yacht goes down at seas marooning its passengers on a deserted Island. Starring Harris Dickinson, Charlbi Dean, Dolly de Leon, Zlatko Burić, Henrik Dorsin, Vicki Berlin, and Woody Harrelson.
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contains spoilers 1:50 - The vomit scene
4:45 - Subverting or reenforcing gender stereotypes?
11:00 - Examining hierarchies
14:00 - The best scene in the film
18:45 - The cast
20:19 - Final score for “Triangle of Sadness”
Hong Kong's Andy Lau joins Mainland action star Wu Jing in the sequel to 2019's blockbuster "The Wandering Earth". Based on the short story by Chinese novelist Liu Cixin of an ambitious plan to save humanity from our dying sun.
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
1:50 - The premise of " The Wandering Earth 2"
10:50 - Story and effects are well balanced
17:04 - Andy Lau makes a welcome addition
21:22 - Are women poorly served in "The Wandering Earth 2"?
24:35 - "The Wandering Earth" would make a great TV series
25:51 - Allegory for climate change
28:36 - Final score for "The Wandering Earth 2"
Todd Field wrote and directed this psychological - drama of a famed maestro (Cate Blanchett) whose power plays and sexual manipulations threaten her position as the first female director of a European orchestra.
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
Sight & Sounds Top 100 2022 referenced in episode can be found here: https://decider.com/2022/12/02/2022-sight-and-sound-greatest-films-of-all-time-poll/
7:20 - Can we separate “art” from the artist’s character?
13:50 - Surprisingly “chaste” considering the sexual politics and power dynamics
16:07 - Like music, “Tar” relays on your own interpretation
18:42 - The end of “Tar”
26:40 - Final Score for “Tar”
To celebrate reaching the milestone of 100 videos here on Deep Dive Movie Reviews, James and Steve have a discussion around one of the most iconic films in cinema history; Orson Welles' "Citizen Kane"
Deep Dive Movie Reviews Contain Spoilers
0:00 - Intro
2:40 - Citizen Kane is not your regular crowd pleaser
5:45 - Was Charles Foster Kane “evil”?
10:24 - Citizen Kane took years to finally gain the status its recognised for.
20:30 - Talking the script
27:19 - Orson Wells & Ed Wood
30:00 - Who is this generation’s Orson Wells?
Donnie Yen directs and stars in "Sakra" based on the wuxia novel "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils". Also starring Chen Yuqi, and Cya Liu.
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
0:00 - Intro
1:02 - Synopsis of “Sakra”
3:30 - Talking Wuxia
6:20 - Too much wire work?
11:20 - Is “Sakra” to generic?
15:30 - The crossover between Wuxia & the Western
20:21 - The female cast in “Sakra”
29:33 - Donnie Yen’s passion project
35:35 - Final score for “Sakra”
This episode we are joined by special guest Josh Hurtado. A US-based film critic, festival programmer and authority on Indian cinema, Josh's latest venture Potentate Films is helping coordinate the awards campaign for SS Rajamouli's Telugu-language epic RRR. In our wide ranging discussion, Steve and James talk to him about his passion for the region, his relationship with the filmmaker, and what makes RRR one of the best films of 2022.
1:02 -Josh's involvement with RRR & Indian cinema
8:39 - "I haven't missed an opening of a Rajamouli film since Eega"
16:12 - Getting RRR viewed by a wider International audience
24:20 - Why Rajamouli's films tend to be received by International audiences
35:40- How Josh was tapped to “become an evangelist” for RRR in North America
46:37- When RRR started appearing on awards lists
54:04- People love what Rajamouli does
Daniel Craig returns as super sleuth Benoit Blanc in Rian Johnson's followup to 2019's much lauded whodunit "Knives Out". In "Glass Onion" billionaire Miles Bron (Edward Norton) invites an eclectic group of friends to his private Island for an elaborate murder mystery party only to discover not everyone sees the murder as a game. Also starring Janelle Monáe, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., Jessica Henwick, Madelyn Cline, Kate Hudson, and Dave Bautista. Deep Dive Movie Reviews contains spoilers 3:06 - A holiday invoking film 5:07 - The ensemble cast 12:27 - Edward Norton 18:35 - You feel like one of the invited guests as a viewer 22:56 - Final score for “Glass Onion”
James & Steve recap the year of 2022 with their lists of the Top 10 best movies of the last 12 months. What did they miss? Where are they wrong? Drop a comment in the section below Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
2:25 - #10 Best Film
5:50 - #9 Best Film
7:58 - #8 Best Film
10:45 - #7 Best Film
13:14 - #6 Best Film
16:12 - #5 Best Film
18:25 - #4 Best Film
20:25 - #3 Best Film
24:28 - #2 Best Film
27:57 - #1 Best Film
Martin McDonagh reunites Brendan Gleason & Colin Farrell who play two Irishmen living on a remote Island in 1923 and the ensuing impact on themselves and their small community when one abruptly ends their years long friendship. Also starring Kerry Condon and Barry Keoghan
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
Jordan Peele's new film NOPE is a genre defying sci-fi / neo - western starring Daniel Kaluuya & Keke Palmer as siblings defending their ranch from an extraterrestrial invader. Also starring Steven Yeun, Michael Wincott, Brandon Perea, and Keith David.
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
2:27 - Why NOPE should be seen on the big screen
4:32 - NOPE is a mash up of genres
9:05 - NOPE is disturbing without being macabre
15:14 - Jupe’s backstory
21:14 - Steve’s critique of character development
33:23 - Jordan Peele brings depth and complexity to the story
36:42 - Final score for NOPE
James Cameron's much anticipated follow up to his 2009 blockbuster, "Avatar: The Way of Water" sees Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and his family on the run and seeking refuge with a water-borne tribe on the far side of Pandora. Zoe Saldaña, Stephen Lang, Sigourney Weaver, and Kate Winslet also star.
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
1:59 - Visually stunning but…..
7:04 - Characters are flimsily drawn
14:45 - Can we have great visuals AND script?
16:45 - Is there enough story to justify multiple sequels?
21:20 - The lack of humour in “The Way of Water”
31:07 - Final Score for “The Way of Water”
Filmmaking duo Justin Benson & Aaron Moorhead's thrilling sci-fi tale of two guys attempting to document a paranormal anomaly in their apartment. Suspicions & paranoia ultimately grow between them which threatens to unravel their relationship and their goal of solving the mystery. Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers 1:05 - Film synopsis
4:00 - Chemistry of the actors
7:49 - “A film about ideas”
13:45 - Discussing the “Evangelical Christian” connection
17:28 - One of Steve’s top 10 films of 2022
19:25 - Final score for “Something in the Dirt”
Steven Spielberg's semi-autobiographical film tells the story of 16 yr old Sam Fabelman as he discovers a love of cinema and film making while navigating family trials, anti-semitism, and teenage love. Starring Gabriel Labelle, Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, and Judd Hirsch
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
0:45 - "The Fabelmans" synopsis
2:38 - Capturing the magic of cinema
8:00 - Would we be interested in Sammy Fabelman if we didn’t know it was Steven Spielberg?
18:00 - "The Fabelmans" as Spielberg’s therapy
21:28 - The Cast
24:26 - The scene with John Ford
27:10 - "Steven Spielberg gave me wonder & joy"
30:15 - Jame’s problem with the cinematography
34:10 - The John Williams score
36:30: Final Score for "The Fabelmans"
Alfred Hitchcock's gothic psychological thriller of an aristocratic widower (Laurence Olivier) who weds a young new bride (Joan Fontain) who doesn't realise the "spirit" of the former wife Rebecca still wafts through the family manor. Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers 1:50 - Steve’s background with "Rebecca"
2:43 - "Rebecca" synopsis
7:15 - "Rebecca" in the #METOO era
13:00 - Mrs. Danvers
16:23 - Laurence Olivier and the cast 29:06 - "Rebecca" at the Oscars
Akira Kurosawa's classic film examines the struggles of a terminally ill bureaucrat (Takashi Shimura) who attempts to find some meaning to his life before he dies. Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers 0:58 - Synopsis of Ikiru
9:30 - How Kurosowa challenges “group think”
16:20 - The message of “hope” for post war Japan
17:51 - The “hat” as a metaphor for life
21:29 - Was more resolution with the son needed?
24:00 - Technical aspects and production design of “ikiru”
27:05 - Final thoughts on “ikiru”
A new cast assembles for the penultimate season of The Crown and sees Queen Elizabeth (Imelda Staunton) dealing with fire at Windsor Castle, the marriage collapse of the Prince and Princess of Wales, and a British public that seems much less interested in maintaining a Royal Family. Also starring Jonathan Pryce, Lesley Manville, Jonny Lee Miller, Dominic West and Elizabeth Debicki. Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
1:37 - Why the “Yankee” loves “The Crown”
10:52 - James & Steve differ on the “liberties” taken in Season 5
21:46 - Season 5’s take on John Major
25:35 - New cast is top shelf
28:30 - In Season 6 we want more Philip and more gaffs
35:40 - The Hong Kong Handover
38:40 - Final Score for The Crown
Luca Guadagnino's coming of age road trip film features two young lovers...who just happen to be cannibals. Starring Taylor Russell, Timothée Chalamet and Mark Rylance
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ***
0:35 - Film synopsis
2:08 - What we are drinking
4:30 - Does “Bones & All” defile the human soul?
7:17 - Director Luca Guadagnino goes “all in”
11:54 - The cast of “Bones & All”
23:00 - The ‘80s setting for the film
26:56 - Final score for “Bones & All”
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever finds the African nation mourning the loss of their protector (Chadwick Boseman) while rising to the challenge of a new threat posed by the undersea king Namor. Starring Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong'o, Winston Duke, Tenoch Huerta, Martin Freeman, and Angela Bassett.
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ***
1:09 - Dealing with Chadwick Bosman’s death
6:24 - A Black Panther film with no Black Panther in it
13:09 - The film’s synopsis
20:00 - Lack of a character development arc
24:37 - Do the franchise sub-plots make the film bloated?
29:45 - Costume design excellence
35:13 - Final score for “Wakanda Forever”
During World War 1 a young man enlists in the German Army with the hope of becoming a hero only to find that hope shattered by the reality of war. Edward Berger directs the classic "anti-war" film based on the novel by Erich Maria Remarque
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers***
2:00 - More than just a “re-make” of the 1930 film
3:36 - Music and soundtrack
7:38 - Old man’s egos and nationalism
11:24 - “War doesn’t have any heroes”
14:34 - The strong opening sets the stage
22:07 - Final score for “All Quiet on the Western Front”
Roman Polanski's psychological horror starring Mia Farrow as a newly married New Yorker who begins to suspect her cheerful neighbours are part of a satanic cult with designs on her. Also starring John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon, Sydney Blackmer, and Maurice Evans
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ***
1:01 - Why Steve had never seen Rosemary’s Baby before
2:58 - Mia Farrow’s iconic role
5:45 - The sense of paranoia Polanski builds
11:30 - Roman Polanski
18:41 - The film as a reflection of American insecurities
Jame's Whale's 1931 horror classic loosely based on Mary Shelly's novel tells the tale of a scientist who learns to reanimate a body constructed of the dead and the havoc that results. Boris Karloff stars as the iconic creature along with Colin Clive and Mae West
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ***
1:20 - It’s nothing like the book
9:50 - Does the characters in “Frankenstein” resonate for today’s audience?
11:05 - Boris Karloff’s iconic role
19:05 - Better versions of "Frankenstein"
34:01 - Final thoughts on "Frankenstein"
Tom Holland's classic comedy horror of a teenager who begins to suspect his new next door neighbour is a vampire. When his friends doubt his sanity he is forced to ally with a TV actor who plays a vampire killer.
Starring Chris Sarandon, William Ragsdale and Roddy McDowell
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ***
4:45 - "Fright Night" maintains the essential “Dracula” structure
7:50 - The nostalgia of "Fright Night"
10:48 - The Hitchcock “Rear Window” element
11:10 - Why Steve thinks Chris Sarandon is one of the best film vampires ever
13:24 - James talks the “sexy bits”
16:47 - Loving the non-CGI special effects
23:29 - Final thought on “Fright Night”
Francis Ford Coppola's seminal gothic horror masterpiece of a vampire lord who travels to London to find his eternal love.
Gary Oldman stars as the titular Count Dracula along with Anthony Hopkins, Wynona Ryder, and Keanu Reeves
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ***
I2:15 - Comparing Coppola’s film to other Draculas
5:01 - Great cast, well except for…
10:30 - How vampires are portrayed
13:45 - Sexual themes in Bram Stoker’s Dracula
16:20 - Gary Oldman as Dracula
21:20 - Other attempts at “Dracula” rarely measure up
28:00 - Final thoughts on "Bram Stoker's Dracula"
Writer - director Mike Flanagan brings another Halloween tale to Netflix where a group of terminally ill teen-agers cope with their diagnosis by sharing ghost stories to one another while suspecting they themselves may be involved in their own supernatural adventure.
Iman Benson, Adia, Igby Rigney, and Ruth Codd star
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ***
1:15 - The Midnight Club’s premise
2:15 - Mike Flanagan is the “thinking man’s” horror writer / director
7:30 - The stories within the story
15:10 - Flanagan is not afraid to take on issues of faith & religion 20: 02 - Does the cast measure up?
24:11 - Iman Benson
30:30 - Differences from the YA source
33:44 - Final score for The Midnight Club
Gone with the Wind is the epic1939 Best Picture winner adapted from a novel by Margaret Mitchell which tells the story of Scarlett O'Hara as she overcomes the trials and tribulations of the American Civil War and its aftermath. A cinematic blockbuster for its time the film continues to wow audiences nearly a century later.
Starring Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Leslie Howard, and Olivia de Havilland
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ***
0:47 - James makes a confession
3:17 - GWTW an “anti-war” film?
6:29 - Steve’s history with GWTW
10:15 - How terrible is Scarlett?
16:35 - Southern hospitality
19:56 - Racial elements in GWTW
31:23 - The Cast
34:15 - The 12th Academy Awards
47:01 - Does GWTW stand the test of time?
We do a Deep Dive into Akira Kurosawa's classic film where "Seven Samurai" are hired by a local village to defend them from marauding bandits. Widely acclaimed as one of the greatest films ever made, the film inspired both an American remake (The Magnificent Seven) as well as a young George Lucas while dreaming up a little film idea called "Star Wars".
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contains spoilers ***
1:24 - Seven Samurai is a very accessible film
3:33 - Brief synopsis of film
5:40 - Akira Kurosawa
6:40 - Influence of American westerns
13:30 - The Samurai
18:57 - Difference from The Magnificent Seven
33:37 - Seiji Miyaguchi
39:00 - Final thoughts on Seven Samurai
Ana de Armas portrays the iconic Marilyn Monroe in director Andrew Dominik's fictional take on the tragic life of the starlet. "Blonde" has courted controversy on a number of fronts which include being the first ever NC-17 rating for a Netflix film.
Also starring Adrien Brody, Bobby Cannavale, Xavier Samuel, and Julianne Nicholson.
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ***
3:05 -Hard to watch nearly three hours of abuse and sexual assault
7:15 - The first NC-17 rated film on Netflix
9:15 - Ripped from LIFE Magazine
16:30 - Are the people in Marilyn’s life more interesting than she is?
25:35. - Joyce Carol Oats
28:00 - Final Score for “Blonde”
"Don't Worry Darling" is set in the idyllic town of Victory where beautiful people wear beautiful clothes, drive beautiful cars, and enjoy beautiful friends all while sipping martinis at 10:00 am...but all is not as it seems.
Directed by Olivia Wilde and starring Florence Pugh, Harry Styles, Wilde, Gemma Chan, KiKi Layne, Nick Kroll, and Chris Pine.
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ***
3:36 - “The things in the film I did like”
6:30 - The dots in this movie just don’t connect
12:50 - Addressing the issue of patriarchy?
16:30 - James punctures the film’s internal logic
19:00 - Female empowerment? Hits & Misses
26:47 - "Don’t Worry Darling" as a deconstruction of Evangelical faith
31:20 - The Cast
36:32 - Final Score for “Don’t Worry Darling”
Writer - director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson's "Do Revenge" is a smart reimagining of Hitchcock's "Strangers on a Train" where two aggrieved teenagers (Camila Mendes & Maya Hawke) agree to "do revenge" on each other's respective tormentor.
Also starring Austin Abrams, Rish Shah, and Sarah Michelle Gellar
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contains spoilers ***
3:06 - A good teen film?
5:15 - Both a “woke” & “anti-woke” film?
9:34 - “Do Revenge” is very self aware
15:34 - References generations of past films
18:31 - Maya Hawke & Camila Mendes
25:20 - Final score for “Do Revenge”
Frank Capra's 1938 romantic comedy adapted from a Pulitzer prize winning play that focus on the screwball antics that come when the son a family of rich elite becomes engaged to a woman from a good-natured but decidedly eccentric family.
Starring Jean Arthur, Lionel Barrymore, James Stewart and Edward Arnold.
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ***
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - Premise of the film
6:00 - Better as a stage play?
13:58 - The 11th Academy Awards
21:57 - Does “You Can’t Take It With You stand the test of time?
Louis Koo stars in this Hong Kong science fiction action film about an alien life form that threatens Earth and the power armoured military team he leads to stop it.
Also starring Sean Lau, Carina Lau, Philip Keung, Tse, Kwan-ho, and Nick Cheung
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ***
1:01 - Synopsis of "Warriors of Future"
3:04 - A frustrating film?
5:00 - James explains the backstory to WoF
9:15 - Special effects that rival Hollywood
12:51 - James defends WoF from Steve’s criticism
22:01 - Warriors of (the) Future?
26:39 - Final score for Warriors of Future
We launch our Asian Classics series with this 2002 Hong Kong thriller directed by Alan Mak & Andrew Lau. A "cat and mouse" game between undercover cop Yan (Tony Leung), imbedded deep within the triads, and Ming (Andy Lau), a triad member who has infiltrated the police force.
Also starring Anthony Wong, Eric Tsang, Sammi Cheng and Kelly Chen.
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ***
1:27 - "Infernal Affairs" synopsis
2:35 - Themes of Hong Kong “identity” in the film
10:24 - Fate & Friendship
17:30 - The death of Anthony Wong
19:45 - Comparisons to “The Departed”
27:10 - What happened to Hong Kong cinema?
31:00 - Final thoughts on "Infernal Affairs"
Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez head up this whimsical "whodunit" of three "true crime" podcasters who get in over their heads solving real murders in their New York apartment building.
Guest stars include Shirley MacLaine, Tina Fey, Nathan Lane, and Sting.
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ***
1:30 - The chemistry of the main cast
10:15 - A fun & well developed “caper” to watch
20:10 - Well developed secondary characters?
26:40 - Season 3 tease
30:01 - Final Score for “Only Murders in the Building”
Prashanth Neel's highly successful sequel to 2018's KGF: Chapter 1 finds the crime lord Rocky (Yash) eliminating rivals, expanding his Kolar Gold Fields empire, and ultimately taking on the whole Indian government.
Also starring Sanjay Dutt, Raveena Tandon, Srinidhi Shetty and Prakash Raj.
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contains spoilers ***
0:30 - Response to KGF Ch 1 & RRR reviews
2:45 - KGF 2 changes from KGF 1
6:00 - Is story sacrificed for spectacle ?
13:45 - Reflecting on America’s action films of the 1980s
16:30 - James speculates why Indian audiences responded so well to KGF: Ch 2
19:26 - Production values were quality
21:56 - What do Indian audiences think?
30:00 - Why we struggle with KGF: Chapter 2
35:11 - Final score for KGF: Chapter 2
Paul Muni stars as the 19th-century French author Émile Zola in a film highlighting his crucial role in the Dreyfuss Affair where a French Captain of Jewish heritage is scapegoated for treason in order to protect the reputation of the military.
In addition to winning the Best Picture award at the 10th Academy Awards Paul Muni took home Best Actor and Joseph Schildkraut won for Supporting Actor in his role as the stoic Alfred Dreyfus.
But does "The Life of Emile Zola" stand the test of time?
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ***
1:18 - What was the “Dreyfus Affair”?
6:35 - Paul Muni as Emile Zola
8:29 - Emile Zola mirrors injustice of today
10:58 - Self-censorship in "Emile Zola?
11:30 - Why no mention of anti-semitism?
18:17 - The support cast
19:55 - Polarisation in America reflected in film
24:38 - “Emile Zola” at the 10th Academy Awards
27:15 - Does “The Life of Emile Zola” stand the test of time?
Dan Trachtenberg helms the latest instalment in the "Predator" franchise that finds the alien hunter battling Comanche warriors on the American plains in 1719. Amber Midthunder stars as Naru, a young Comanche woman who sets out to prove her prowess to her male tribesmen only to find more than bears and wolves waiting for her in the forest.
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
1:00 - Film synopsis
2:53 - First thoughts on “Prey”
5:07 - The original “Predator” was one of James’ favourite movies
7:26 - Why “Prey” works
10:39 - Steve totally mangles the word “testosterone”
11:12 - The Comanche
14:00 - The French Trappers 16:48 - Amber Midthunder
16:39 - The Comanche language option
22:50 - Final score for “Prey”
Neil Gaiman's critically acclaimed DC graphic novel "The Sandman" is brought to life in this new Netflix 10 episode series. Tom Sturridge takes the titular role of Morpheus (aka The Sandman) seeking to restore order to his realm of dreams. Also starring Boyd Holbrook, Vivienne Acheampong, David Thewlis, Charles Dance, and Patton Oswalt
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
2:19 - What we knew of "The Sandman" before watching the series
9:28 - Gender flipping and fluidity
12:47 - Premise of "The Sandman" series
16:00 - Is "The Sandman" one story or many?
21:11 - Why we love Episode 6
26:00 - Tom Sturridge as Dream
32:34 - Unpacking “The Diner” episode
44:24 - Some things that didn’t work
51:00 - The “Cereal” Convention
53:43 - A “Biblical” structure in The Sandman
1:00:20 - Final score for “The Sandman”
Park Chan-wook took home the Best Director award at this year's Cannes Film Festival for his romantic thriller about a Korean police officer who finds himself falling in love with the prime suspect of a murder investigation he has been tasked to solve. Starring Tang Wei and Park Hae-il
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
1:00 - Synopsis of Decision to Leave
2:30 - Each scene is a painting
9:00 - Park Chan-wook’s camera techniques
11:52 - James explains the phone swap to Steve
15:55 - Humour despite the dark overtones
21:44 - Would an American version be so chaste
22:33 - Background on Park Chan-wook
26:24 - What we thought of “the ending”
31:06 - Final score for “Decision to Leave”
Written and directed by Akiko Ohku, "Tremble All You Want" is a romantic comedy about a young 24 yr. old accountant, Yoshika (Mayu Matsuoka) who has to decide between love with the real, yet bumbling, man attempting to woo her versus the fantasy she's maintained in her head about a secret crush from middle-school. Also starring Daichi Watanabe, Anna Ishibashi, Takumi Kitamura, and Hairi Katagiri
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews Contain Spoilers ***
0:42 - Synopsis of “Tremble All You Want”
2:44 - First thoughts of the film
4:14 - Director Akiko Ohku’s style
6:52 - Mayu Matsuoka’s performance
19:05 - Cultural differences from the West
21:28 - Other film titles by KANI
23:30 - Final Score for "Tremble All You Want"
Discover more films from KANI here: https://www.kani-releasing.com/
The Russo Brothers new action thriller sees CIA operative Court Gentry (Ryan Reynolds) protecting a young girl (Julia Butters) from sadistic assassin Lloyd Hanson (Chris Evans) as they travel the world in a deadly "cat & mouse" game. Also starring Billy Bob Throrton, Rege-Jean Page, Jessica Henwick, and Alfre Woodard.
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ***
0:00 - Intro
3:14 - James gives his initial thoughts
5:30 - Why Steve liked the film less than James
7:30 - The “stink” on a Netflix project
9:03 - Was the casting right?
15:03 - Like watching a cartoon with real people
17:50 - A Clunky Script?
21:00 - The supporting cast
27:04 - The foundational flaw here
32:05 - Is it really a “cat & mouse” game?
34:05 - Final thoughts and score
Mark Wahlberg stars in this biopic about "Father Stu"; a blue collar amateur boxer who discovers the power of grace & forgiveness leading him to become a Catholic priest. Written & directed by Rosalind Ross the film also stars Mel Gibson, Jacki Weaver, and Malcolm McDowell
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ***
1:07 - Our first “faith based” movie review
2:20 - Talking Mel Gibson
13:50 - The character of Father Stu
16:45 - Does the film give enough credit to the legacy of Father Stu?
19:45 - James & Steve differ on what worked for Wahlberg’s performance
24:00 - The challenges “faith based” films have in storytelling
32:04 - The soundtrack of “Father Stu”
36:18 - Final Score for “Father Stu”
Our retrospective on every Academy Award Best Picture continues with 1936's "The Great Ziegfeld" starring William Powell & Myrna Loy. Does this classic stand the test of time and deserve its place in Oscar history?
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
1:11 - The Great Ziegfeld synopsis
2:03 - Initial thoughts on the film
11:00 - Understanding Flo Ziegfeld
14:47 - The chemistry of Frank Morgan
19:00 - Blackface and 1936 attitudes
20:51 - The 9th Academy Awards
23:40 - Does The Great Ziegfeld stand the test of time?
Director Taika Waititi follows up his highly successful Thor: Ragnarok with a direct sequel, Thor: Love & Thunder. Chris Hemsworth returns as the Norse God of Thunder in this 29th instalment in the MCU superhero franchise. Also starring Natalie Portman and Christian Bale.
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ***
1:00 - Thor: Love & Thunder synopsis
3:27 - Taika Waititi- Sometimes you can have too much of a good thing
8:20 - Can “Jane Foster” carry a film?
11:29 - The right director for the story?
15:43 - Marvel letting directors have a more unique creative voice
19:48 - Russell Crowe as Zeus
21:20 - Christian Bale’s villain
25:18 - A shout out to “Guns & Roses”
32:05 - Final Score for Thor: Love & Thunder
The first instalment of Prashanth Neel's epic saga of a young boy born into poverty who becomes a top assassin only to end up becoming the liberator of the forced slave labor at the Kolar Gold Fields. Stars Yash, Ramachandra Raju, Srinidhi Shetty, Anant Nag, and Achyuth Kumar
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ***
2:54 - K.G.F. is BIG in scope
4:42 - Critiquing the editing
9:41 - Authentic period setting
13:00 - Trying to not compare to RRR
14:07 - KGF speaks to the common man
20:00 - Was the Narrator’s voice too dominant?
23:00 - Enjoyable scenes
27:40 - Looking forward to watching KGF Chapter 2
30:28 - Final review and score for KGF Chapter 1
Baz Luhrmann's big splashy biopic of Elvis Presley (Austin Butler) tells the story of the American icon through the eyes of his dying manager Col. Tom Parker played by Tom Hanks.
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ***
1:00 - Is Baz Luhrmann the natural choice to bring Elvis to the big screen?
7:26 - How Elvis captures the Gospel & African American experiences
13:50 - Is Col. Parker the villain?
16:26 - Austin Butler as Elvis
23:36 - Baz Luhrmann captures Elvis
25:56 - The music soundtrack 28:25 - Final score for “Elvis”
Hirokazu Kore-eda's new film "Broker" tells the heartwarming story of two traffickers trying to find a good home for an abandoned baby only to discover the meaning of family along the way. Song Kang-Ho won the Best Actor award at the 2022 Cannes film festival for his performance. "Broker" also stars Bae Doona, Gang Dong-Won, and Lee Ji-eun better known as the K-Pop star IU
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ***
0:00 - Intro
1:54 - What we are drinking today
3:28 - Opening thoughts on “Broker”
5:21 - Kore-eda’s style of filmmaking
11:29 - Is Song Kang-Ho the new “Gerard Depardieu”?
11:57 - Could “Broker” have had more comedy?
16:48 - Does the end of the film satisfy?
19:40 - Lee Ji- eun (IU)
26:20 - James shares Kore-eda’s history at Cannes
28:05 - Final Score for “Broker”
Creator Julian Fellowes continues the ongoing saga to his acclaimed series "Downton Abbey" with all the drama, family trials, and romantic entanglements fans have come to love and expect. Starring Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, Dominic West, and Hugh Dancy.
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - Synopsis of “A New Era”
2:49 - James has never watched Downton Abbey while Steve is a huge fan
4:14 - Does "A New Era" deliver the film fans want to see?
12:47 - The evolution of Downton characters
20:20 - Talking all things plot
24:47 - Dominic West & Hugh Dancy
30:01 - The great Maggie Smith
Our retrospective on every Academy Award Best Picture continues with 1935's "Mutiny on the Bounty" starring Charles Laughton & Clark Gable. Does this adventure on the high seas stand the test of time and deserve it's place in Oscar history?
0:00 - Intro
1:20 - Synopsis of "Mutiny on the Bounty"
1:57 - Initial critique of "Mutiny"
4:42 - Other adaptions of "Mutiny on the Bounty"
8:00 - White washing of history?
14:29 - Charles Laughton and Clark Gable
21:02 - Does "Mutiny on the Bounty" stand the test of time?
The Jurassic World trilogy concludes with this final "man vs. dinosaur" film uniting the original Jurassic Park cast of Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum with Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard. Directed by Colin Trevorrow.
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ***
0:00 - Intro
1:25 - Jurassic World Dominion synopsis
3:27 - Initial thoughts of the film
8:52 - Did the filmmakers just play it safe?
10:44 - Campbell Scott & supporting cast
19:36 - Giant bugs AND dinosaurs?
23:00 - The "not so subtle" climate change allegory
32:05 - Critiquing the main cast
37:20 - Have special effect improved much in 30 years?
42:02 - Final score for Jurassic World Dominion
Our journey to review every Academy Award Best Picture continues with the winner of the 7th Academy Awards trophy "It Happened One Night". Arguably the first "screwball comedy" which set the stage for future "rom-coms" starred Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert and was directed by Frank Capra.
0:00 - Intro
0:55 - It Happened One Night at the 1934 Academy Awards
2:32 - It Happened One Night synopsis
3:30 - Some pre-Code liberties taken
5:06 - James explains the Hayes “Code”
7:42 - It Happened One Night could have been made today
11:47 - Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable
19:00 - Gender changes since 1934
24:15 - “I loved seeing Alan Hale”
25:34 - Best Picture contenders 1934
After 36 years Tom Cruise returns to the role of Navy Aviator Pete "Maverick" Mitchell and wrestles with mortality, legacy, and his own personal demons as he prepares a new crew of Top Gun pilots for a suicidal top secret mission. Val Kilmer, Ed Harris, Jennifer Connolly, and Jon Hamm also star.
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain Spoilers ***
0:00 - Intro
0:55 - A sequel better than the original?
7:52 - Who's the best pilot?
11:05 - Keeping the ’80s spirit and vibe
13:15 - Miles Teller as Rooster 20:15 - Val Kilmer returns
24:53 - A reverent nostalgia
25:45 - How Top Gun treats its female characters
28:47 - Supporting cast
35:10 - Final thoughts and score for Top Gun: Maverick
In honour of the new release of Top Gun: Maverick after 36 years, James and I do a Deep Dive into the extensive filmography of Tom Cruise with each of us choosing our "Top Five" and why we chose them. Let us know where you agree, disagree, and what some of your favorite Cruise films are of all time in the comment section below. (Perhaps you are that one "Legend" fan? 😉)
0:00 - Intro
0:30 - Setting the “ground rules”
3:45 - “Taps” (Steve)
6:18 - “Top Gun” (James)
9:00 - “Cocktail” (Steve)
12:21 - “Born on the 4th of July” (James)
16:44 - “A Few Good Men” (Steve)
19:12. "Mission Impossible" (Steve & James)
25:45 "Magnolia" (James)
30:10 “Minority Report” (Steve)
37:20 “Edge of Tomorrow” (James)
James & Steve go all "fanboy" over S.S. Rajamouli's epic film extravaganza "RRR". N.T. Rama Rao Jr. and Ram Charan star as two legendary Indian heroes who join forces to rescue a young kidnapped girl while taking on all the British Empire in the process.
Also starring Ajay Devgn, Alia Bhatt, Shriya Saran, Samuthirakani, Ray Stevenson, Alison Doody, and Olivia Morris.
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain Spoilers ***
0:00 - Intro
1:39 - “This film goes to ELEVEN”
7:20 - The first 40 minutes are wonderfully insane
9:45 - Seeing things in film never seen before
16:06 - Why RRR is “pure cinema”
20:30 - A dance sequence that takes on the British Empire
32:49 - The supporting cast
36:25 - N.T. Rama Rao Jr. & Ram Charan
39:12 - Final score for RRR
Michelle Yeoh headlines this action packed mind bender as a simple Chinese - American being audited by the Internal Revenue Service only to discover that she must connect with parallel universe versions of herself to prevent a powerful being from causing the destruction of the multiverse. Also starring Stephanie Hsu, Ke Huy Quan, Jenny Slate, Harry Shum Jr., James Hong, and Jamie Lee Curtis.
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
0:00 - Intro
1:10 - Synopsis of Everything, Everywhere, All at Once
2:45 - Only thing missing was a cameo with Kurt Russell
3:40 - Why this “multiverse” film is better than the Doctor Strange “multiverse”
14:41 - Choices & relationships in the film
18:20 - The wonderful creativeness in this movie
26:24 - “I do want to talk about “Waymond”
30:25 - The use of language in “Everything”
36:00 - Steve’s small critique
39:41 - Final thoughts and score
Greta Garbo, John Barrymore, Lionel Barrymore, and Joan Crawford star in the 1932 Academy Award Best Picture winning "Grand Hotel". In this episode we do a "deep dive" of the MGM classic and decide whether the film stands the test of time and still deserves its place in cinema history.
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
0:00 - Intro
0:41 - Grand Hotel at the 1932 Oscars
4:40 - Initial reactions to Grand Hotel
8:55 - Steve shares his experiences as a real life hotel concierge
13:30 - James’ shares thoughts and early speculations
15:00 - Greta Garbo “I want to be alone”
20:00 - Is Capitalism the villain in The Grand Hotel?
28:00 - Does Grand Hotel stand the test of time?
Director Sam Raimi brings his signature horror touch to the latest instalment of the MCU, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Benedict Cumberbatch returns as the titular magician as well alongside Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, and Elizabeth Olsen.
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews DOES contain SPOILERS ***
0:00 - Intro
1:04 - Synopsis of Doctor Strange
1:52 - What MCU knowledge do you need going in?
4:21 - Sam Raimi is “back” in the MCU?
5:30 - Why Steve’s initial review is lukewarm
8:25 - Why James like “Multiverse of Madness”
12:53 - Allowing directors to put their distinct flavours into the MCU
14:20 - Is the villain of “Multiverse of Madness” simply a “Karen”?
22:00 - The most gruesome deaths seen in the MCU
24:21 - Why Vision wasn’t in the film
31:00 - How the support cast rates
35:10 - James mini-rant on Doctor Strange’s hair
37:34 - Danny Elfman’s score
41: 20 - Final Score for Doctor Strange
Robert Pattinson assumes the role of the Caped Crusader in Matt Reeves reboot of the Batman franchise. In perhaps the darkest instalment thus far, Batman is on the trail of a serial killer "Riddler" played by Paul Dano. Also starring Zoe Kravitz, Jeffrey Wright, Colin Farrell, and Andy Serkis.
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
0:00 - Intro
1:45 - Is The Batman faithful to the comics?
5:41 - Initial thoughts on The Batman
10:17 - Steve’s rant about car chase scenes
17:40 - First Batman film with first person narration
23:50 - The supporting cast
33:16 - Where does Batman go as a franchise?
35:00 - Little less dark, a little more camp in the future?
45:11 - Final score for The Batman
In this episode of "Top Five" James and Steve reveal the five films they would take on a deserted Island if this were the only five films they'd be able to watch for a LONG time. Let us know in the comments section below what your Top Five would be:
** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
0:00 - Intro
1:08 - James explains the criteria he used
3:56 - Steve’s first film
4:59 - Steve’s second film
8:33 - Steve’s third film
11:04 - Steve’s fourth film
12:40 - Steve’s fifth film
15:54 - James’ first film
18:26 - James’ second film
21:45 - James’ third film
24:55 - James' fourth film
29:14 - James’ fifth film
Wesley Ruggle's grand western epic tells the story of Yancey Cravet, a lawyer, newspaper editor, and gunfighter, as he struggles to help tame the American frontier over the course of four decades. Also starring Irene Dunn and Estelle Taylor based on a novel by Edna Ferber.
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
0:00 - Intro
1:30 - The “Western” film as a genre
5:45 - Progressive values in Cimarron?
8:50 - Synopsis of Cimarron
12:45 - Steve's critiques of Cimarron
20:00 - Racial stereotypes fron & center
24:56 - Acting is a hang-over from the Silent film era
26:38 - The Oscars in 1931
30:41 - Does Cimarron deserve it’s place in cinema history?
Richard Linklater's new film examines the Apollo moon landings and growing up in late 1960s suburbia through the eyes of an 11 yr old boy who is chosen by NASA to become an astronaut. Starring Glen Powell, Jack Black, Zachary Levi and Josh Wiggins.
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood synopsis
1:52 - The film hits the “sweet spot” for Americans over 50
4:12 - James' thoughts from a different country & generation
9:45 - Talking Richard Linklater
15:25 - The soundtrack and other strong points of Apollo 10 1/2
17:00 - Final Score for Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood
Lewis Milestone's epic Oscar winning war film chronicles the lives of new German recruits as they confront the reality and horrors of trench warfare during World War 1.
Starring Lew Ayres, Louis Wolheim, and Arnold Lucy
Episode Index:
0:00 - Intro
1:30 - First impressions of “All Quiet”
3:34 - The classic “anti-war” movie
5:58 - Why Steve connected with this film
13:01 - J.R.R. Tolkien’s experience of World War 1
19:02 - Lew Ayres
23:30 - James explores other war films
25:20 - Technical achievements for “All Quiet”
29:52 - Does “All Quiet on the Western Front” stand the test of time?
Pablo Larrain's "Spencer" imagines what a possible Christmas holiday with the royal family would look like through the eyes of Princess Diana as she battles ongoing mental and emotional challenges. Kristen Stewart is Oscar nominated for her portrayal of the "People's Princess". The film also stars Timothy Spall, Sean Harris, and Sally Hawkins.
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contains spoilers ***
0:00 - Intro
0:29 - "Spencer" synopsis
2:04 - First thoughts
4:24 - Why James liked "Spencer" more than Steve
12:11 - Is it ok to be “experimental” in film with real people?
19:10 - Kristen Stewart's performance
22:50 - The score sets the mood
30:18 - James family and Windsor castle
31:09 - Was Sally Hawkin’s character imaginary?
36:25 - Final Score for "Spencer"
The latest feature from Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodovar tells the story of two single mothers whose lives become become intricately intertwined after sharing a maternity room together. Penelope Cruz stars and was nominated for a Best Actress Academy Award for her performance. The film also stars Milena Smit and Israel Elejalde.
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers***
0:00 - Intro
1:11 - Pedro Almodovars’ most accessible film?
2:56 - Almodovar can be deceptively simple
4:20 - The film's use of recent Spanish history
11:10 - Penelope Cruz
14:10 - Unpacking the “twist”
21: 16 - One critique in particular
25:03 - Final thoughts and score for Parallel Mothers
Harry Beaumont's "The Broadway Melody" was the second winner of the Academy Awards "Best Picture" Oscar and the first "talkie" to take home the coveted gold statue. But does the film stand the test of time and deserve it's place in cinema history?
Starring Charles King, Anita Page, and Bessie Love
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ***
0:00 - Intro
0:46 - Broadway Melody synopsis
2:04 - Was every guy a “touchy - feely perve”?
3:21 - Comparing the Broadway Melody to “Wings”
6:50 - Other Best Picture nominees in 1929
9:49 - An allegory of the horrors of Hollywood
18:36 - Story is an excuse to have song & dance numbers
23:01 - The Oscars in 1930
25:38 - Does The Broadway Melody deserve its place in history?
James & Steve give their reactions to the 2022 Academy Awards show including the shocking physical altercation when Will Smith slapped Chris Rock over a joke gone bad. Join our discussion and comment below on your reactions to the 94th Academy Awards.
In Every Best Picture we are doing Deep Dives on every winner of the Academy Award for Best Picture. For our inaugural episode, we look at William A. Wellman's 1927 silent WWI epic "Wings", starring Clara Bow, Charles Rogers, Richard Arlen and a young Gary Cooper.
We discuss the merits and innovations of the very first "Best Picture" winner, presented in 1929, and assess whether or not it has stood the test of time.
0:00 - Intro
1:46 - Wings synopsis
2:24 - First thoughts on Wings
5:30 - Inspires so many war films that have followed
9:34 - First of many collaborations between Hollywood & the military
12:50 - In 1927 even our racism was racist
14:20 - Clara Bow was the biggest star of her time
17:54 - Fan boying out to Gary Cooper
22:01 - Early tracking camera work in Wings
25:02 - Wings at the first Academy Awards
27:22 - Does Wings deserve its place in cinema history?
Steve & James make their predictions for who will be taking home Oscars at the 94th Academy Awards on March 27th, 2022.
0:00 - Intro
2:29 - Actress in a Leading Role
4:10 - Actress in a Supporting Role
4:48 - Best Animated Feature
8:26 - Best Cinematography
9:27 - Costume Design
11:20 - Best Director
13:56 - Documentary Feature
16:52 - Film Editing
18:58 - Best International Film
20:38 - Makeup & Hairstyling
22:50 - Original Score
24:24 - Best Original Song
25:53 - Production Design
28:00 - Best Sound
29:21 - Best Adapted Screenplay
32:49 - Best Original Screenplay
36:16 - Best Picture
Aaron Sorkin wrote and directed this biographical drama depicting iconic TV legends Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball as they navigate a tumultuous week producing their hit 1950s series "I Love Lucy".
Also starring J. K. Simmons, Nina Arianda, Tony Hale, Alia Shawkat, Jake Lacy, and Clark Gregg
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews Contain Spoilers *** 0:00 - Intro
2:57 - The impact of “I Love Lucy” on America
5:50 - I would live in Aaron Sorkin’s world
8:44 - The British vs. American perspective
14:50 - Does Sorkin assume everyone knows Desi & Lucy?
17:51 - Sorkin’s fascination with mechanisms of power
27:00 - The cast
33:15 - When you put 2022 social values into the 1950s
38:30 - Final Score for Being the Ricardos
The critically acclaimed film Flee follows Amin Nawabi, who shares his story for the first time about his hidden past fleeing his home country of Afghanistan to Denmark as a refugee.
Directed by Jonas Poher Rasmussen Flee was selected as the Danish entry for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film, where it received a nomination, along with nominations in the Best Documentary Feature and Best Animated Feature categories, becoming the first film to be nominated in all three major categories simultaneously.
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contains spoilers***Episode index
0:00 - Intro
3:40 - Flee in the awards season
5:55 - It may be animated but it happened
11:43 - Flee synopsis
13:26 - Putting you in the shoes of a refugee
20:50 - A triumph of the human spirit
28:30 - Final score for Flee
The heartwarming tale of a child of deaf adults (CODA) who is torn between her love and responsibilities to her family and the dreams she has of pursuing a singing career. Oscar buzz surrounds the surprise hit at Sundance and took home SAG awards for the cast and supporting actor Troy Kutsur. The film stars also stars Emilia Jones, Eugenio Derbez, Ferdia Walsh-Peelo, Daniel Durant, Marlee Matlin and directed by Sian Heder.
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contains spoilers ***
0:00 - Intro
1:47 - Why I adore CODA?
7:12 - What you depend on keeps you from flourishing
13:15 - The breakthrough moment in the film
17:07 - The hit at Sundance
18:20 - Real deaf actors make for real authenticity
24:49 - The audition scene nails it
29:45 - A sequel TV show focused on the family
30:45 - Troy Kutsur for the Supporting actor award
32:00 - Final Score34:45 - James gives some film critic scoring thoughts
King Richard tells the story of how Richard Williams coached his daughters, Venus & Serena Williams, to overcome racial and economic barriers and reach the pinnacle of the international tennis world. The film stars Will Smith, Aunjanue Ellis, Saniyya Sidney, Demi Singleton, Tony Goldwyn, and Jon Bernthal
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ***
0:00 - Intro
1:48 - First thoughts on King Richard
5:28 - Warts & all??
9:20 - Will Smith as good as he’s ever been
11:23 - What Aunjanue Ellis brings
19:00 - How the film portrays it’s real life people
20:32 - Richard’s “Plan”
25:10 - Possible Oscar wins for King Richard
26:44 - Final score for King Richard
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Guillermo del Toro's neo-noir Oscar nominated thriller stars Bradley Cooper as a carnival "mentalist" who manages to become the seer to high society's rich and famous resulting in dire consequences. The all-star cast includes Cate Blanchett, Toni Collette, William Dafoe, Rooney Mara, and Richard Jenkins
. Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
0:00 - Intro
8:03 - Stunning visuals and production design
10:32 - Comparisons to the the 1947 version with Tyrone Power
13:16 - del Toro nails a perfect ending
18:14 - The world of geeks
20:33 - Cate Blanchett
21:17 - What circles represent in Nightmare Alley
26:25 - Visually stunning but thematically shallow
31:27 - James on why films should be re-watched
33:57 - Final score for Nightmare Alley
Joachim Trier's new film tells the story of Julie (Renate Reinsve) as she navigates love, relationships, jobs, and family in modern day Oslo. Oscar buzz surrounds The Worst Person in the World as the film is nominated for Best International Film as well as Best Original Screenplay at the 94th Academy Awards. Renate Reinsve also won Best Actress at this year's Cannes Film Festival.
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
Episode Index*
0:00 - Intro
1:57 - Synopsis & overview
3:30 - Initial thoughts on “Worst Person in the World”
10:30 - Flipping the “Rom - Com” tropes
19:19 - Reflections on Life & Death in the film
28:45 - Joachim Trier's direction
30:29 - Final Score for The Worst Person in the World
Director Joel Cohen takes on the famous Shakespeare tragedy of ambition, betrayal, murder, and madness. Denzel Washington plays the titular Scottish king with Frances McDormand as Lady Macbeth. Bertie Carvel, Corey Hawkins, and Brendan Gleeson also star.
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers
0:00 - Intro
0:35 - Synopsis and initial thoughts
7:06 - James explains the screen ratios used in MacBeth
15:54 - The casting in Macbeth
18:54 - Denzel Washington as “Macbeth”
23:34 - Timeless themes in Shakespeare we see today
27:15 - Steve & James share their love for Shakespeare 32: 24 - A Cohen film without one of the Cohens
35:24 - Final thoughts and score for “The Tragedy of MacBeth”
Kenneth Branagh’s new award winning film is a semi-autobiographical drama about growing up in Northern Ireland during the start of "the Troubles."
The movie stars Jamie Dornan, Caitriona Balfe, Judi Dench, Ciaran Hinds, and Jude Hill
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers*
Episode Index
0:00 - Intro
2:01 - Jame’s initial thoughts on “Belfast”
7:30 - Steve’s initial thoughts on “Belfast”
10:13 - Judi Dench makes everything better
14:30- Is “Belfast” a critique of “tribalism”?
18:20 - Why “Belfast” resonates with Americans
25:26 - Kenneth Branagh as a filmmaker
30:27 - Final Score for “Belfast”
Noomi Rapace and Hilmir Snær Guðnason play an Icelandic couple who recover from the loss of their child by adopting a strange new addition into their family leading to unexpected consequences. Also starring Björn Hlynur Haraldsson.
Valdimar Jóhannsson directs.
* Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers*
Episode Index
0:00 - Intro
2:19 - Initial thoughts on Lamb
8:41 - Folk horror fantasy or reality?
12:00 - A moral message wrapped in revenge
13:43 - The use of the Virgin Mary imagery
21:15 - Themes of adoption
26:06 - Final thoughts and score
Winner of Best Screenplay at the Cannes Film Festival "Drive My Car" tells the story of a theater director grappling with the sudden death of his wife. Dealing with themes of regret, grief, betrayal, and love the film has been selected as Japan's entry for Best International Film at the 94th Academy Awards. Starring Hidetoshi Nishijima, Toko Miura, and Masaki Okada. Directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi
Deep Dive Movie Reviews Contain Spoilers
Episode Index
0:00 - Intro
1:19 - “Drive My Car” sweeps film awards
3:34 - Film Synopsis
5:27 - Initial thoughts on “Drive My Car”
21:25 - Hidetoshi Nishijima
23:50 - New era of Asia Cinema
35:55 - Toko Miura
41:47 - Final Score for “Drive My Car”
Oscar buzz is already surrounding the new Jane Campion film "The Power of the Dog" which pits an abrasive ranch hand (Benedict Cumberbatch) against his stoic brother (Jessie Plemons), his brother's wife (Kirsten Dunst) and her son (Kodi Smit-McPhee).
*Remember our Deep Dive Reviews contain SPOILERS*
Episode Index
0:00 - Intro
3:10 - Is the Power of the Dog a “Western” or “anti-Western” film?
6:20 - How the film defies expectations
10:30 - Synopsis of The Power of the Dog
13:00 - A vehicle for Benedict Cumberbatch
18:00 - Explanations and Motivations of the characters 28: 12 - Johnny Greenwood and the music
34:50 - Final Score for The Power of the Dog
Steve & James review "Midnight Mass", the new film from director Mike Flanagan about an isolated community who experience miracles and horror when a new priest arrives at their local church. Starring Kate Siegel, Zach Gilford, Samantha Sloyan, Hamish Linklater, and Henry Thomas.
Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain SPOILERS
Episode Index
0:00 - Intro
1:17 - Themes: faith, addiction, & Stephen King
9:05 - Why some Christian groups love this film
18:47 - How Midnight Mass diversifies a homogenous community
27:57 - Henry Thomas & Kate Siegel
32:33 - Samantha Sloyan as the villain
39:33 - Looking at the tone & style of Midnight Mass
42:20 - Analysing the climatic scene
44:22 - Is the pacing too slow?
50:06 - Final Score for Midnight Mass
Steve & James review the latest in the James Bond franchise; No Time to Die, starring Daniel Craig, Rami Malek, Léa Seydoux, Lashana Lynch, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, Jeffrey Wright, Ana de Armas, Christoph Waltz, Ralph Fiennes.
Episode Index
0:00 - Intro
9:45 - What Daniel Craig’s tenure as Bond has accomplished
18:50 - How does No Time To Die compare to previous Bond films
21:45 - Ana de Armas (Paloma) & Lashana Lynch (aka 007)
31:32 - How true are various film Bonds to Ian Fleming’s Bond
37:02 - Felix Leiter
44:30 - Critiquing Rami Malek’s Lyutsifer Safin 58:49 - Suggested future direction for the Bond franchise