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”

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”

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 **

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”

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 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”

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

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

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”

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”

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”

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"

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

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

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”

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

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

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

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

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

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/

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

"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”

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"

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”

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

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”

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”

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”

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?

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

Visit us on Youtube at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqRFRxmLQmdrdn-57MPmsTg

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?

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?

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

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

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

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”

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”

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 **

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

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?

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”

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.

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

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 

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”

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

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 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

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

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?

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

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!!!

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”

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

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 **

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

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"

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

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 **

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

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

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

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?

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”

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?

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”

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

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

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”

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?

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

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”

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

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"

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

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?

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 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

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”

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” 

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”

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

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

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”

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”

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

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”

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

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?

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” ___________________________________________________________________

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

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

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)

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 **

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"

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”

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