Cinema File Podcast: Recent Episodes
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For the series finale of the Cinema File Podcast, USA Today arts and culture reporter Andrew Shearer and his 10-year-old daughter review "Five Nights at Freddy's" in the car on the way home from seeing the movie. Follow @ashearer706 on Instagram to find out where Andrew is going next.
Andrew and Sam met in 1995 when they were Blockbuster Video clerks and have remained friends ever since. Jump behind the counter with them as they discuss the latest new releases and expert picks from the dusty library.
Cult film authority Kate Owens joins arts & culture reporter Andrew Shearer for a discussion about "Bottoms," an instant comedy classic that might be the best film of 2023.
Enrique Couto is the creator and host of two essential horror podcasts, "Weekly Spooky" and "Welcome to Primetime." In this interview with arts & culture reporter Andrew Shearer, Couto divulges the ingredients of the perfect scary story.
Mark "The Movie Man" Krawczyk does 1-minute film reviews on TikTok, but he has been filming himself talking about movies since before YouTube. Mark and Andrew discuss how film criticism has evolved in the social media age. Bonus: Stick around after the interview for Andrew's reaction to "Saw X" after leaving the theater.
Stephanie Rivers is the co-host of Athens, GA-based program "My Bloody Horrorcast" and one of Andrew's favorite zine authors. Follow them on Instagram @mybloodyhorrorcast.
What better way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip hop than to spend over 2 hours talking about everything from "Beat Street" to "Atlanta"? That's what Andrew does with his guest Sean Polite. Did we forget to mention "Fear of a Black Hat" and "CB4"? Yes. Did we somehow get into Batman movies? Yes.
Athens Banner-Herald arts & culture reporter Andrew Shearer is joined by returning guest Xtina to share their immediate thoughts after watching the original 1979 Muppet Movie together. Get out your tissues, folks.
Former Blockbuster video clerks Andrew and Sam review a bunch of recent movies, including a spoiler-free review of "Barbie" and why it'll likely show up as a Best Picture nominee next year.
USA Today arts & culture reporter Andrew Shearer is joined by The Bloodlust podcast host Amy Paonessa and Fangoria writer Juliann Stipidis to discuss their 5 favorite horror movies of 2023 so far.
Andrew and Sam live streamed this set of June 2023 movie reviews sitting right next to one another. Hear Andrew's pick for the best animated film of all time! Follow on social stuff @ashearer706
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I'm uploading my "Beau is Afraid" first reaction review from April 26. There's a lot of stuff about my own mental health and some non-spoiler stuff about the movie (which is not out on streaming as of this publication). Follow me on Insta @ashearer706
Andrew and Kat saw the 2013 "Evil Dead" together, and they reunited to go see "Evil Dead Rise." Did they like it more? Less? Floor wax? Dessert topping? Find out in this bonus episode recorded right outside the theater. CONTAINS MINOR SPOILERS
Andrew and Sam review a bunch of new movies including RENFIELD, COCAINE BEAR, TETRIS, 65, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, SHAZAM: FURY OF THE GODS and a gory German comedy called HOLY SH**
Follow Andrew on Instagram @ashearer706
Welcome to the 14th and final season of the Cinema File podcast! Andrew is putting the show to bed at episode 600.
In the meantime, dig Andrew and Blockbuster buddy Sam as they run down their top 5 movies from Feb. 2023 and give their picks for the 95th annual Academy Awards.
Follow Andrew on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok at @ashearer706
Andrew and Sam met in 1995 while working at Blockbuster video. Just because the stores are closed doesn't mean they don't still have opinions on movies. In this episode, they share their respective top 5 movies of 2022.
Fangoria writer Julieann Stipidis and The Bloodlust podcast host Amy Paonessa join arts & culture reporter Andrew Shearer for a discussion of the year's best horror movies.
There's a reason Lydia Kinsey is great at doing horror-themed tattoos; they're also a huge horror fan who originally went to school to become a filmmaker. In this interview with OnlineAthens arts and culture reporter Andrew Shearer, Kinsey discusses how horror influences their art and gives their top 5 list of modern horror films. Follow Lydia on Instagram @lydiakinseytattoo
Volumes Hip-Hop founder Sam Lipkin's passion for horror cinema runs as deeply as her passion for music. In this conversation with USA TODAY reporter Andrew Shearer, Lipkin gives her current 5 horror picks based on individual subgenre.
Athens, Ga.-based hip hop artist Eugene Willis isn't called BlackNerdNinja just because it sounds cool; he's the genuine article with a razor sharp knowledge of the horror genre. In this conversation with USA TODAY reporter Andrew Shearer, Willis gives his current top 5 horror movie picks for October 2022.
Vision Video lead vocalist and guitarist Dusty Gannon speaks to OnlineAthens arts & Culture reporter Andrew Shearer about his current top five horror films. Follow Vision Video on Instagram @visionvideoband
OnlineAthens arts & culture reporter is joined by cult film journalist Kate Owens for a look at the little-known horror subgenre of killer clothes movies. Discussion features "In Fabric," "Deerskin" and "Slaxx." Follow @andrewshearer706 on Instagram
Former Blockbuster video clerks Andrew and Sam review a bunch of movies they saw in August 2022 including "Three Thousand Years of Longing," "Fall," "Orphan: First Kill," "I Love My Dad" and more. Follow @cinemandrew on IG/Twitter
OnlineAthens arts & culture reporter Andrew Shearer is joined by Fangoria Magazine writer Julieann Stipidis for a discussion of the best horror movies of 2022 so far, and a look at the ones they're looking forward to. Follow Julieann on IG @thejulmarie and Andrew @cinemandrew
Arts & culture reporter Andrew Shearer and former Blockbuster co-worker Sam review a bunch of new movies including "Thor: Love and Thunder," "Cyst," "The Black Phone," "Elvis," "Top Gun Maverick" and "Jurassic World Dominion."
Arts & culture reporter Andrew Shearer is joined by Dallas, Tx.-based filmmaker Tiffany Warren for an in-depth discussion of the 2022 horror film "The Black Phone." Note: This episode contains explicit language and is recommended for listeners aged 17 or older.
Film Impact Georgia grant winner Jeremy Thao talks to arts & culture reporter Andrew Shearer about the deeply personal real-life inspitarion for his directorial debut, "Wok Man."
After years of podcasting via remote, Andrew and Sam get together IN PERSON for an extra special episode. Does their face to face dynamic work? Maybe it's the glasses. Follow @cinemandrew on IG/Twitter for more rad stuff.
Spoiler-free chatter from Andrew and Sarah after walking out of the bizarre new A24 horror film "Men" starring 2022 Oscar nominee Jessie Buckley and lots of scary dudes.
Arts & culture reporter and lifelong horror fan Andrew Shearer's relatively non-spoiler take on 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' and its similarities to Sam Raimi's 'Evil Dead' franchise.
Andrew shearer is joined by cult film scholar Kate Owens for a discussion of the 1972 pinky violence classic "Female Convict Scorpion: Jailhouse 41" starring the cinema icon Meiko Kaje.
Andrew Shearer's new movie-going friend Sarah met for the first time right before seeing "The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent." This recording was made after their second movie friend date seeing "The Lost City," but they manage to talk just as much about "Scream" and "Saw."
Andrew and Sam review several new movies including "Lost City," "Hellbender," "Sonic 2," "Fantastic Beasts 3" and "Everything Everywhere All At Once."
Athens Banner-Herald arts & Culture reporter Andrew Shearer and former Blockbuster Video coworker Sam review a bunch of new movies and give their picks for who should win at the 2022 Academy Awards.
If you haven't seen the new A24 horror movie "X," do not listen to this episode. If you have, you'll definitely want to discuss it with someone. Fangoria magazine writer Julieann Stipidis joins host Andrew Shearer for a deep dive into what is sure to be one of the greatest genre flicks of the decade.
Arts and culture reporter Andrew Shearer is joined by former Blockbuster Video colleague Sam for reviews of several new movies including "Single Black Female," "Jackass Forever" and more. Follow @cinemandrew on IG/Twitter.
On the ride home from seeing the new 'Scream,' OnlineAthens arts and entertainment reporter Andrew Shearer shares some personal notes about Wes Craven, seeing the original 'Scream' on opening weekend in 1996, and how the 'Ready Or Not' directors picked up where Wes left off.
Andrew and Sam list their top 5 films of 2021. Originally recorded on Dec. 27, 2021. Follow Andrew on IG/Twitter @cinemandrew
Andrew and Sam review several recent movies including ADRIENNE, THE UNFORGIVABLE, RON'S GONE WRONG and SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME. Originally recorded on Dec. 20, 2021. Follow @cinemandrew on IG/Twitter.
Now that the first season of the SyFy Channel/USA Network's 'Chucky' series has ended, Dallas-based filmmaker Tiffany Warren joins Andrew for a discussion about whether or not the horror franchise character is better served by the small screen than in featrure films.
Andrew and Sam review a bunch of movies from November 2021 including "Bitchin': The Sound and Fury of Rick James," "Ghostbusters Afterlife," Netflix's "The Harder They Fall" and more. Follow @cinemandrew on IG/Twitter and @abhcinema on Letterboxd.
Every October, movie critics and fans weigh in on the scariest movies of all time, but what about the ones that personally scared you the most? If you've had your fill of discussions on "The Exorcist" and "Texas Chain Saw Massacre," listen in as horror experts Julieann Stipidis, Amy Paonessa and Andrew Shearer list their three scariest movies of all time.
In this spoiler-filled discussion of the 2021 movie "Halloween Kills," Athens Banner-Herald arts and entertainment reporter Andrew Shearer talks to "Babysitter Massacre" director and slasher movie authority Henrique Couto about the unique way screen violence and character are used to responsible effect in the latest outing for Michael Myers.
A review of Julia Decournau's 'Titane' recorded on my drive home from the theater. There are some spoilers, so proceed with caution if you haven't seen it yet. Starts Oct. 1, 2021 at Athens Cine, which requires proof of vaccination or negative COVID test for entry.
Former Blockbuster Video co-workers Andrew and Sam review a bunch of summer 2021 movies including The Green Knight, Respect, Karen, Candyman and more.
Jess Franco's exploitation classic "99 Women" had nearly 30 minutes of footage censored in some countries when it was released in 1969. Amy, Andrew and Kate take a look at the film often credited as kicking off the "women in prison" movie trend that lasted well into the next two decades.
Filmmakers Kelley Kali and Angelique Molina named the main character of their debut feature "I'm Fine (Thanks for Asking)" after iconic actor Danny Trejo, who hails from the California neighborhood where the movie was made, but there's an even better story behind why she wears roller skates the entire time.
"I'm Fine (Thanks for Asking)" is scheduled to air Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021 on the BET Her cable chanel.
Written and directed by Los Angeles-based film maker Derrick Perry in his feature debut, "Pink Opaque" stars Elijah Booth and Ruby Park as an artist couple who are chasing their respective dreams under desperate circumstances. "Pink Opaque" will be released on streaming platforms on June 27, 2021.
Amy Paonessa from The Bloodlust podcast joins Andrew and Sam for the 550th episode of the Cinema File, in which we run down our respective mid-year top 5 movie picks for 2021.
1971 cult classic "Harold and Maude" turns 50 this year, and it also happens to be OnlineAthens entertainment writer Andrew Shearer's all-time favorite movie. This is a recording made directly after his friend Xtina watched it for the first time, so things get a bit sniffly.
For her debut feature film, "No Ordinary Love," due on June 15, 2021, Fort Worth, TX-based writer-director Chyna Robinson took on the very real and highly sensitive issue of intimate partner violence and masterfully wove it into the cinematic medium. The result is a powerful viewing experience with an urgent message.
Andrew hasn't been to the movies since March 2020, but the lure of Chris Rock starring in a horror movie was enough to get him back in a theatre. He recorded this podcast from his car directly after seeing "Spiral: From the Book of Saw." Which was scarier: the movie or going back to the movies during a worldwide pandemic?
Why do we care about the 2021 Oscars? Because for once – and it took a worldwide pandemic for it to happen – everyday film fans actually got to see all the Best Picture nominees in the comfort of their own homes weeks before the ceremony. Join former Blockbuster co-workers Andrew and Sam as they give their picks and predictions for this year's "Superbowl Of Cinema."
Released the same year as "Star Wars," Japanese experimental filmmaker Nobuhiko Obayashi's teenage horror masterpiece "House," a.k.a. "Hausu" came out. Panned by nearly all critics in its day, the effects-heavy mystery was a hit with young audiences due to its expert marketing campaign, youth-centered story and wild visuals. Decades later, "House" holds up beautifully, and remains a gorgeous and gory work from one of cinema's most original minds.
Former Blockbuster Video co-workers Andrew and Sam review a bunch of movies they watched in March 2021 including "Jumbo," "Godzilla vs. Kong," "Slaxx," "Tina," "Coming 2 America" and more.
In this interview recorded on March 19, 2021, the one year anniversary of the launch of Kino Lorber's virtual screening platform, Athens Ciné executive director Pam Kohn speaks to Kino Lorber senior vice president of theatrical and nontheatrical distribution and acquisitions Wendy Lidell about the impact it had on keeping independent theaters going.
Conversation moderated by OnlineAthens arts and entertainment reporter Andrew Shearer.
Like the punk records and underground films that inspired and informed her tireless work ethic, Debbie Rochon is a rare find in an age where discovering a cool, obscure independent artist is an increasingly less unique possibility. In this interview recorded on March 11, 2021, Rochon discusses her early life on the streets, experience as a stage performer, and rise to become an icon in the world of indie cinema.
For his follow-up to the 2013 folk horror movie "Jug Face," Nashville-based writer-director Chard Crawford Kinkle involved local family and friends to make "Dementer," a truly frightening character piece set in a center for adults with special needs. In this audio interview, Kinkle tells OnlineAthens reporter Andrew Shearer about casting his older sister in a leading role, and how festival audiences reacted to the film's unique tone.
In honor of the 7th anniversary of the special "CultCore" episode series, Andrew speaks to Kate Owens just moments after she finished watching the 1974 Pam Grier classic "Foxy Brown," co-starring Antonio Fargas and Bob Minor, and directed by Decatur, Ga. resident Jack Hill.
A few years ago, Kenya Parham's career as a political strategist shifted to the film world, where she now works as a cultural strategist for films like "Judas and the Black Messiah," currently in theatres and on HBO Max. In this interview conducted on 2-23-21, Kenya spoke to OnlineAthens reporter Andrew Shearer about the important behind the scenes role she plays.
Writer-director Shatara Michelle Ford's debut feature "Test Pattern" is a feminist masterpiece that has garnered well-deserved (and hard earned) rave reviews in the days since its Feb. 19, 2021 release. In this conversation with OnlineAthens reporter Andrew Shearer, Shatara details how she made the film, Hitchock's influence, and what it means to them to have the film out in the world. (Special thanks to David Ninh at Kino Lorber)
Korean American narrative "Happy Cleaners," the debut feature from co-directors Julian Kim and Peter S. Lee, opens Friday, February 5th in select theaters and VOD. In this interview with OnlineAthens arts and entertainment reporter Andrew Shearer, co-stars Charles Ryu, Yun Jeong, and Yeena Sung discuss their experiences making the film, its universal themes, and cultural representation on screen.
Our 2-part exploration of the "Child's Play" horror movie franchise concludes with journalist Andrew Shearer and filmmaker Tiffany Warren's discussion of "Seed of Chucky," "Curse of Chucky," "Cult of Chucky," and the 2019 "Child's Play" remake. This recording contains descriptions of (fake) violence and frequent use of adult language.
Season 12 of the Cinema File podcast begins with a 2-part exploration of the "Child's Play" horror movie franchise, hosted by journalist Andrew Shearer and filmmaker Tiffany Warren. The first episode covers the original trilogy, and concludes with the unforgettable "Bride of Chucky." A word of warning, this recording contains descriptions of (fake) violence and frequent use of adult language.
Award-winning actor Alison Midstokke's personal mission is to work for positive visibility for people with facial differences in the entertainment and fashion industries. Born with Treacher Collins syndrome, Midstokke's choice of film projects reflects her passionate activism as well as her desire to create original work. "Happy Face" is set for U.S. release on Jan. 5 from Dark Star Pictures.
Without the benefit of darkened theaters and loud jump scares coming through the speakers, horror movies has to work extra hard to frighten us in 2020. In this podcast, Dallas-based filmmaker Tiffany Warren joins OnlineAthens arts and entertainment reporter Andrew Shearer to list their favorite horror movies of the year.
With theaters closed for the majority of 2020, movie fans turned to streaming services instead. Was it a better than average year for film as a result? In this podcast discussion former Blockbuster Video co-workers Andrew and Sam give their respective best of lists for 2020.
Though the 40th anniversary of Robert Altman's "Popeye" passed with little fanfare, Amy and Andrew really love it. This podcast contains fond memories of the film, a review of the new Blu-ray edition, a discussion of the careers of Altman and stars Robin Williams and Shelley Duvall, and our fantasy about one day visiting Malta.
Austin-based writer and performer Christina Parrish has been in comedy for a decade, with an impressive amount of video and short film content to her credit. With the Nov. 6 release of her feature film "Call Me Brother," she tackles taboo subject matter with equal doses of hilarity and dark brilliance.
My dad is the reason I love Halloween. He's also the reason I love scary movies. He's also the reason I took a job in the printing industry, which lead to a career in journalism. In this highly personal episode, I share my Halloween and movie-going memories of Roy N. Shearer II with my good friend Xtina.
In some alternate, pandemic-free universe, Nia Dacosta's new "Candyman" movie was released this month, but in ours, it's been delayed until 2021. In this episode, Kate and Andrew revisit the first 3 films in the series, and express our ever-increasing excitement for the next one.
"Ghosts of Athens" author Tracy L. Adkins is interviewed in this episode recorded at Oconee Hill Cemetery in Athens, Georgia on October 23, 2020. Ms. Adkins discusses her first encounter with the unexplained, how she wrote the book, and reads the chapter on the Lyndon House haunting.
Stick to the road and beware the moon! Andrew and Xtina discuss what is arguably the best werewolf movie of all time, 1981's "An American Werewolf in London," including the themes, special effects, and a dark chapter of director John Landis' history.
Athens artist Will Eskridge returns to the podcast to talk Halloween costumes, '80s hair metal, and "Pärty Animalz," his new painting series opening Sunday, Oct. 18 via Facebook Live. Visit facebook.com/willeskridgeart for detailz.
Lane and Ruckus Skye are a married filmmaking team from Georgia whose new movie, "The Devil To Pay," casts Danielle Deadwyler in an intensely affecting, dynamic performance as an Appalachian mother caught in the middle of an age-old feud. In this interview, the Skyes talk about the care they took in constructing a responsible, yet highly compelling story.
October is a special month for horror movie fans, and we're here to help you decide what movies to watch while you're stuck in your house. Horror journalist Julieann Stipidis (Monster Mania, Bloody-Disgusting) brings her top 10 favorite movies to watch during the Halloween season.
Former video store clerks Andrew and Sam return 5 movies they watched in August including I'M THINKING OF ENDING THINGS, MULAN, PROJECT POWER, AMERICAN PICKLE, PALM SPRINGS, and BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC.
Jill works in retail. Andrew is a writer. Both love movies and have families who love movies. One has gone back to the movie theater and one remains hesitant. What's it like out there? Can you stay home and still support your local cinema? Perhaps most importantly, are you gonna pay $30 to rent "Mulan"?
Released by Disney's Buena Vista Pictures in 1995, the unsung Hughes Brothers Vietnam War-era crime thriller "Dead Presidents" received a features-packed Criterion Collection laserdisc release the following year, but is so far not available on Blu ray (the DVD release was bare bones). In this episode, Andrew and Kate look back at the cult classic with a stunning soundtrack and still-relevant subject matter.
Thomas Bauer's newly-released documentary feature, "Athens, Georgia: Over/Under" is a personal account of his time living in a city known for its vibrant music scene, but might also function as a kind of timeline for the death of its DIY culture. In this interview, Bauer speaks to Arts & Entertainment writer Andrew Shearer about the nearly decade-long production, and what parts of the experience have remained with him. Visit www.athensgaoverunder.com to watch the full movie.
Atlanta-based comedian brought his one-man show "The Magic Negro and Other Blackness" to Athens last fall. Now, he's taken his abilities as a writer and stage performer into the world of short subject videos with "Green Eggs and the N-Word" and "MARTA Comes to Cobb County." In this interview, Kendall explains his thoughtful approach to using this new format to address racism. (Photo credit: Lola Scott)
Hear a whole bunch of new movie reviews and get our predictions for which movies scheduled for 2020 release will end up on streaming and which ones will get bumped to 2021.
Theatrical releases keep getting pushed back, Hollywood films are going direct to streaming, and theatres are hesitant to re-open due to a nationwide spike in COVID-19 cases. Will we return to the movies in 2020?
Since we couldn't go for our traditional Father's Day dinner and a movie, I invited my 7-year-old to spend 15 minutes talking with me about our favorite films. She had so much fun, I decided to tack on a bonus half hour of us going through her entire movie collection.
Did theatre closures accidentally result in more people getting access to 2020's greatest movies? At the mid-year point, half of the movies that made our top 10 were released on streaming. Get the full list here.
What's it like to be a female horror journalist in the social media age? Julieann Stipidis (Bloody Disgusting, Fangoria, Nightmarish Conjurings) discusses her background as a horror fan and writer, navigating the minefield of online comments, and her focus on putting in good work.
Former video store co-workers Andrew and Sam review a whole bunch of new movies from behind the virtual counter including LUCKY GRANDMA, BEASTIE BOYS STORY, SCOOB, THE PAINTER AND THE THIEF, DEERKSIN and more.
When Atlanta-based filmmaker Bobby Huntley's feature film set had to shut down due to the coronavirus outbreak, he took creative action and made "Coronaman," a note-for-note satire of the trailer for Nia DaCosta's upcoming "Candyman" film. In this interview, Huntley explains social distance filmmaking and recounts the VHS origins of his career. Visit Huntley's YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhHC_bULX8f3N8VT2_YhjA
What's the most '70s movie of all time? The arguable choice is Brian dePalma's 1974 horror musical, "Phantom of the Paradise." With a rocky production history that included being sued by Led Zeppelin, the under-appreciated cult treasure can only be compared to "Rocky Horror," which was released the following year.
In this free-form conversation, Athens, Ga. visual artist Will Eskridge talks painting, comic books, weird movies and parenthood. Visit Will online at willeskridge.com
Filmmaker James Preston has just released both volumes of his recent documentary series "Athens Rising" for free on his athensrising.com website, and they might be exactly what locals (and anyone, for that matter) need to see to lift their sprits.
Andrew checks in after a month without going to the movies. How has film criticism adapted? What movies are we watching, where are we watching them, and are they any good?
In honor of he 13th episode of the season, Andrew and Xtina get creepy for her all-time favorite film, 1967's "Spider Baby," written and directed by current Atlanta resident Jack Hill and starring the late, great Sid Haig opposite Hollywood monster legend Lon Chaney, Jr.
While theatre doors remain closed, over 150 art-houses across the US have adopted a 'virtual ticket' system that allows patrons to watch new releases at home while also supporting the theatres. This interview features Pam Kohn, Executive Director at Athens Ciné, speaking about making the transition and how it's working out. Visit athenscine.com to get details and watch the movies.
Following a controversy that held up its release last year, Craig Zobel's "The Hunt" came out just in time before American theatres closed due to a worldwide pandemic. In this podcast, Andrew (who paid $19.99 to rent it a week later) speaks to Ohio-based filmmaker Henrique Couto (who saw it on the big screen opening weekend) about what is currently the Last Movie Standing. NOTE: This discussion contains spoilers about "the Hunt."
How are movie-goers coping without being able to go to the movies? It's a question no one in over a century has had to ask, but we need to come up with an answer. In this episode, Andrew offers a few suggestions.
Pixar's latest movie might not be their biggest hit (or most well-received), but could it be their best? Andrew makes the case for "Onward" from his car (appropriately) after seeing it.
While recovering from surgery, OnlineAthens staff writer Andrew Shearer was looked after by his mother, Marlene, who agreed to record a podcast about going to the movies in the '60s and '70s. So of course he asked her about "The Exorcist."
For the 500th episode of the Cinema File Podcast (est. 2009), Andrew took a social media poll asking which notoriously yucky film the listeners would like him to do a reaction commentary for, and Peter Jackson's 1992 gorefest "Braindead" (aka "Dead Alive) won. This is the 98-ish minute cut of the film.
Former Blockbuster Video co-workers Andrew and Sam give their respective picks and predictions for the 2020 Academy Awards as well as reviews for several new movies including GRETEL & HANSEL, DOLITTLE, BAD BOYS FOR LIFE, 1917, LITTLE WOMEN, JAY & SILENT BOB REBOOT and more.
In the Cinema File's ongoing CultCore podcast series created by Kate Owens, the 2003 Shadow Entertainment release starring Julie Strain and Brinke Stevens is discussed as an under-appreciated team-up of sorts between two of the hardest-working icons in B-movie history.
Texas-based filmmaker Tiffany Warren returns to complete our discussion of the Final Destination franchise, which Cinema File podcast host Andrew Shearer considers to be the most consistently satisfying horror series of all time. Be careful! This episode contains adult language and descriptions of graphic violence.
By taking steps to make audiences think it's just some "Alien" ripoff, "Underwater" tricks us into caring about its characters by showing how much they care for each other, but doesn't forget an iconic aspect of the sci-fi horror classic that often gets overlooked.
Former Blockbuster Video co-workers Andrew and Sam give their personal top 10 lists for 2019 and look ahead at movies they're most excited about for 2020.
I've been a professional film critic for over a decade and I completely enjoyed "Cats". Here's my handy guide to how that was possible, and a few suggestions on how this modern cinematic miracle can happen to you.
As the card said in "Love Actually," at Christmas you tell the truth. And the truth is I just saw "Home Alone" parts 1 and 2 for the first time just a few weeks ago courtesy of my concerned friend Henrique. How does a 10-year veteran film critic react? Find out here.
For the final month of the final year of the decade, Texas-based filmmaker Tiffany Warren joins Andrew for a look back at what he considers to be the most consistent horror movie franchise of all time: FINAL DESTINATION. This episode covers the first 2 movies in the series, but plans are in the works to do the 3 others.
Andrew and Jill became family movie experts during the 2010s after becoming parents in the early years of the decade. In this episode, they give their respective top 10 lists for the best stuff they saw (and whether or not kids' movies were better when they were growing up).
Amy Paonessa from The Bloodlust podcast joins Andrew in selecting the top 10 horror movies of the decade (2009-2019) and naming the most overrated.
Screenwriter Dan Ewen details why it took 14 years for the hit family comedy "Playing With Fire" to get made, the mechanics of finding the funny, and his plans for a reboot of the "Ernest" franchise.
After years of secrecy, "Boggy Creek: The Series" premiered on Amazon Prime to rave reviews, but also to the great relief of Ohio-based director Henrique Couto, who was hired by one of his b-movie heroes, Fred Olen Ray, to helm each episode. In this conversation, Couto goes in depth about how the whole thing happened, and his plans to make 3 sequels to his 2013 cult slasher favorite "Babysitter Massacre."
Andrew and Sam review a ton of new movies in this episode including PARASITE, THE LIGHTHOUSE, PLAYING WITH FIRE, SWEETHEART and many more. Follow Andrew on Instagram @cinemandrew and read his movie stuff each week at www.onlineathens.com
One of the biggest hits of 1956 was "The Bad Seed," a movie about a little girl with blonde pigtails, a loving family, and blood on her tap shoes. Andrew and Xtina take a look at the horror classic and why it still gets a medal from us over 60 years later. (This podcast contains samples of the score by the Warner Bros. Orchestra)
Nobody could have predicted that Eddie Murphy's return to R-rated movies after a 20-year absence would be as the producer and star of a Rudy Ray Moore biopic, but "Dolemite Is My Name" exists, surreal as that may be. This is a recording of OnlineAthens staff writer (and Dolemite fan) Andrew Shearer's reaction after leaving an advance screening of the film. Opens Friday at Athens Cine and nationwide on Netflix.
Recently named one of the 10 worst teen horror movies of the '90s, "Idle Hands" suffered at the box office due to the timing of its release with one of America's most unforgettable tragedies and. Is it a true cult classic, or does the blend of horror and comedy just not work as well as in other, more beloved genre films?
Dallas, TX-based filmmaker Tiffany Warren is an outspoken voice to be listened to and a creative force to be reckoned with. From her roots as a "one woman crew" in the early 2000s microcinema scene to auteur and recognized authority among female horror directors, Tiffany's unique experience and specific point of view set her apart from her peers. In this candid interview, she outlines the progress she has made and the ways the film business could stand to do the same.
Atlanta-based comedian Mark Kendall brings his hit one-man show "The Magic Negro and Other Blackness" to the Moonlight Theater in Athens on Oct. 10-11 and his new show "Diversity Now" will follow it on Oct. 12-13 at the Moonlight.
In this interview, Mark talks to OnlineAthens staff writer Andrew Shearer about how Spike Lee was one of his earliest influences, and the different ways audiences have responded to his own material over time. Visit moonlighttheatercompany.com for tickets.
Sam and Mark from Cine sit down with Andrew to discuss how selections are made for their annual Schlocktoberfest horror film series and break down the entire 2019 program.
"The Unafraid" documentary feature will begin airing on the WORLD Channel on October 1, 2019 as part of the "America Reframed" series. Filmed in Athens, Georgia, the film centers on 3 young DACA students with varying immigration statuses as they prepare for college. In this recording, filmmakers Anayansi Prado and Heather Courtney (who also served as producers and cinematographers) discuss how they made the movie. Visit worldchannel.org and theunafraidfilm.com for more details.
Lorene Scafaria's "Hustlers" does give you what you see in the trailers, but the entire movie is an epic crime saga in the vein of "Goodfellas" - without any male characters. In other words, a far cry from any stripper movie we've ever seen and quite revolutionary in its portrayal of female friendships and motherhood.
Jennifer Kent's follow-up to her breakout horror hit "The Babadook" is even more terrifying, but not for the same reasons. Set in colonial Australia in 1825, "The Nightingale" is a revenge movie for the way men make revenge movies. So what's in the movie, and why do horror fans deserve to be upset by it? (This is episode 478 of the Cinema File Podcast)
In honor of the 4th anniversary of horror maestro Wes Craven's passing, I'm re-uploading this recording I did in 2015 that was attached to a retrospective / memoriam article I wrote for OnlineAthens. What you'll hear is me going through the timeline of Wes's films (or the ones I'd seen, anyway) and giving my personal thoughts for each one. It's nerd stuff, but then again, so is podcasting. (Original recording date: 9/11/15)
Ever wonder if those "reward codes" inside Disney DVDs are really worth anything? I recently decided to sign up for everything and start redeeming all of them, and it lead me to the Disney Movie Club, which is a lot like the old Columbia House subscription service. In this podcast, I give the full details of my experience and let you decide if it's worth taking the plunge.
"Ready Or Not" is more than just one of the most entertaining movies of the year. By writing a fun and interesting hero (instead of turning her into a bloodthirsty maniac), the filmmakers have achieved a serious one-up in the survival horror genre.
For episode 474 of the Cinema File podcast, Kate and Andrew celebrate 1974's "Sugar Hill," also known as "Sugar Hill Zombies." Starring Marki Bey ("The Landlord"), and the late Don Pedro Colley ("Beneath the Planet of the Apes"), director Paul Malansky's cult classic is one of the greatest zombie movies ever made. It's now available on Blu-ray from Kino Lorber.
With Guillermo del Toro on board as producer, "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark" does more than is required of PG-13 jump horror, putting characters from the popular children's book into a film that would be outstanding even without them.
Just because Andrew and Sam don't work together at the video store anymore (not that they could; it was turned into an Urgent Care years ago) doesn't mean they aren't still THE go-to people for reviews of the latest movies and shows. On this episode: HOBBS & SHAW, ANGRY BIRDS 2, THEM THAT FOLLOW, THE BOYS and more.
In this conversation with frequent Cinema File guest host Xtina, Andrew digs into the unusual circumstances that lead to her interest in horror movies and the things that scare them both. Don't listen to this episode if you're home by yourself at night!
Quentin Tarantino claims he will retire after 10 movies, but his 9th has an air of finality and is something of a wistful goodbye to the period of cinema history from which he has drawn inspiration throughout his career. These are my immediate notes after seeing "Once Upon A Time In Hollywood."
With a cast that included TV comedy stars Katrina Bowden ("30 Rock") and Niecy Nash ("Claws"), Hollywood vets Judd Nelson and Kathleen Turner, explicit gore and nudity and lead by a go-for-broke performance by Paz de la Huerta ("Boardwalk Empire"), "Nurse 3D" had all the makings of a camp classic. So why aren't we talking about it?
(This episode contains an audio sample of "I Eat Boys Like You For Breakfast" by Ida Maria. No copyright is claimed and no infringement is intended).
Former video store co-workers Andrew and Sam don't have a counter to stand behind any more, but they're still here to tell you about all the new movies and shows they've seen. This episode contains reviews of "Spider-Man: Far From Home," "Midsommar," "Stranger Things 3," "Annabelle Comes Home," "Chernobyl," "Sabrina," "The Last Black Man in San Francisco," "MIB: International" and more.
The year's strongest contender for Best Picture, Best Screenplay and Best Actor arrives in Athens, Georgia on Friday, July 12th at Ciné. "The Last Black Man in San Francisco" is deep, funny, insightful, beautifully photographed and masterfully performed, and this recording contains Andrew's notes immediately after seeing it. Follow on IG and Twitter @cinemandrew
"Hereditary" filmmaker Ari Aster returns with the most brightly-lit horror movie of all time, mixing a twenty-something break-up plot with shocking gore, dark humor and Scandinavian folk freak-outs in "Midsommar." Listen to Andrew and Xtina's reaction in the car right after seeing it in the theatre.
The latest incarnation of the killer doll franchise "Child's Play" is a fun time at the movies if nothing else, but is there more to it than what's on the surface? In this episode, Andrew is joined by horror filmmaker and lifelong Chucky fan Henrique Couto ("The Devil's Trail") for a look back on each film in the series, including the new remake.
You can take the clerks out of the video store, but you can't take the video store out of the clerks. Former Blockbuster co-workers Andrew and Sam review a whole bunch of new movies including DARK PHOENIX, WHEN THEY SEE US, JOHN WICK 3, GODZILLA KING OF THE MONSTERS, HOT ZONE, ALADDIN, MAPPLETHORPE, THE PERFECTION and more!
5 years ago, Henrique Couto quit his job and devoted himself 24/7 to making his own movies. And he did it by staying in Ohio, adopting two dogs, and working every waking moment of his life. In this interview he talks about how he did it, how he's been able to crank out film after film, and why an insane love of movies is crucial.