What happens when an American and an Englishman meet up over drinks to discuss movies? Join James Marsh (the Brit) and Steve Hackman (the Yank) as they do deep dive reviews on the latest releases at the box office and streaming services. James is a film
Lee Hye-young stars as an aging female assassin who is the target of an up and coming competitor who may have other agendas. Min Kyu-dong directs ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers **
Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid play a couple who gather for a weekend getaway with friends but chaos ensues when one of the guests is revealed to be an AI android. ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers **
James & Steve unpack the recent Oscar nominations for 2025 discussing snubs (Denis Villeneuve, A Real Pain) and surprises (I'm Still here) as well as the love Emilla Perez seems to have received.
With the passing of acclaimed filmmaker David Lynch, Join us for a retrospective featuring classics like Twin Peaks, Dune, and Mulholland Drive. We share our personal experiences with these films, exploring how Lynch's weird, yet very human, storytelling has touched our lives.
wicked #cynthiaerivo #arianagrande The stage musical "Wicked" makes the leap to the big screen ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ** 0:00 -Introduction 1:25 - Arianna Grande 7:48 - Enjoyably too long?? 13:22 - The political message is underdeveloped? 18:03 - Cynthia Erivo 24:41 - Jeff Goldblum & Michelle Yeoh 29:05 - Final score for “Wicked”
Sean Baker's latest film stars Mikey Madison as a street-smart sex worker who falls for and marries the son of a Russian oligarch much to the chagrin of the son's family. Chaos ensues! ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ** 0:00 -Introduction 0:45 - James explains the Cannes Palme d'Or Award 11:36 - Tip of the hat to “Pretty Woman” 12:47 - “Anora” subverts archetypes 16: 15 - Mikey Madison 20:54 - Final Score for “Anora”
Demi Moore & Margaret Qualley star in this satirical horror story of a fading Hollywood diva who makes a Faustian pact to restore her youth with tragic consequences. ** DEEP DIVE MOVIE REVIEWS CONTAIN SPOILERS ** 0:00 -Introduction 1:56 - James makes Steve go see "The Substance" 5:41 - Creativity goes far beyond the body horror 9:30 - The Faustian Bargain 11:00 - The sound engineering in "The Substance" 19:40 - Demi Moore 28:33 - Final score for “The Substance”
With the release of the long-awaited sequel, Steve & James decide to jump ahead in their Every Best Picture series to unpack the "swords & sandals" Oscar winner "Gladiator" ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ** 0:00 -Introduction 2:10 - Early CGI in "Gladiator" 3:40 - Russell Crowe 8:13 - Joaquin Phoenix 12:46 - Oliver Reed 15:00 - Djimon Hounsou 17:10 - Watching “Gladiator” through the lens of current American politics 19:35 - "Gladiator" at the 73rd Academy Awards 28:12 - Does “Gladiator" deserve it's place in Oscar history?
Sara Greenfield, host of the "Talk Classic To Me" podcast joins James & Steve as they unpack their mutual love and affection for the 1955 Best Picture, "Marty" More on Sara can be found here:https://www.sara-greenfield.com/talk-... Check out the "Talk Classic To Me" podcast on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0q74OKC... ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ** 0:00 -Introduction 3:59 - Intro with Sara Greenfield 6:30 - The mutual love for movie classics 9:12 - Why Sara loves “Marty” 10:39 - Paddy Chayefsky 12:32 - The emotional stakes in “Marty” 20:53 - Perspectives on changing values from 1955 29:08 - The first time Sara saw “Marty” 35:37 - Betsy Blair 36:29 - Marty at the 28th Academy Awards 47:50 - Ernest Borgnine COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER UNDER SECTION 107 OF THE COPYRIGHT ACT 1976 Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
We kick off our 2024 Halloween "SPOOKtacular" series with Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 classic "Psycho" ** DEEP DIVE MOVIE REVIEWS CONTAIN SPOILERS ** 0:00 -Introduction 0:49 - Steve had NEVER seen “Psycho” 6:15 - Anthony Perkins 11:37 - The real life murder “Psycho” was inspired by 15:57 - Too much “mansplaining”? 24:20 - “Psycho” and it's relation to “Spellbound”
Producer, writer and festival impresario Mike Hostench joins us from Madrid as we unpack the 1954 Marlon Brando classic "On the Waterfront" 0:00 - Introduction 1:10 - Getting to know our guest Mike Hostench 4:30 - Why Mike chose “On the Waterfront” to review with us 6:20 - On the Waterfront's Christian imagery 7:50 - Mike explains why he considers the film “noir” 16:20 - Karl Malden 20:32 - Leonard Bernstein's score 22:54 - Elia Kazan 43:21 - "On the Waterfront" at the Academy Awards
Steve & James unpack not only the new Alien: Romulus but all this in the long history of the Alien franchise. We get pretty passionate about these films, come join us in on the discussion ** DEEP DIVE MOVIE REVIEWS CONTAIN SPOILERS ** 0:00 - Introduction 0:40 - Alien: Romulus was supposed to go direct to streaming 4:26 - Best addition to the franchise since Aliens 6:30 - Alien: Romulus tips its hat to every Alien film 9:10 - Why James doesn't like re-staging classic lines and scenes 14:10 - Fede Alvarez directing 23:36 - The Alien itself 28:25 - The return of Ian Holm 34: 25 - Set and sound design 37:09 - Our problems with Act 3 48:01 - The first time Steve saw Alien when it was released 49:31 - Is “Alien” a perfect movie 56:08 - Final score for Alien: Romulus
Ryan Reynolds & Hugh Jackman return to their iconic characters and team up not only to stop evil but to create the fanboy film of the year! ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ** 0:00 - Introduction 2:02 - A Marvel Disneyland ride “plot” 3:10 - The entire film feels like a “post-credits” sequence 5:10 - The problems with “the Multi-verse” 13:40 - Deadpool & Wolverine's camaraderie carry the film 17:55 - Our favourite cameos in the film 23:20 - Easter Eggs galore 27:59 - Final Score for “Deadpool & Wolverine”
madmax #furiosa Anya Taylor-Joy assumes the role of Furiosa, a young girl stolen from her family in George Miller's post-apocalyptic Australia. Steve & James not only unpack the new film, but also do a deep dive into the Mad Max franchise as a whole. ** DEEP DIVE MOVIE REVIEWS CONTAIN SPOILERS ** 0:00 -Introduction 0:26 - Our history with the Mad Max franchise 2:36 - “One of the best prequels I've ever seen” 4:00 - Chris Hemsworth 6:23 - Furiosa grounds the film in Australia again 9:54 - Blood, Sweat, and Chrome 13:09 - George Miller's genius 24:21 - Smooth transitions 30:50 - How does Anya Taylor Joy compare to Charlize Theron? 34:30 - Final score for “Furious: A Mad Max Saga” ___________________________________________________________________
The long-awaited follow-up sequel to Denis Villeneuve' s take on Frank Herbert's "Dune". We look at whether or not this sprawling epic of geo-political intrigue on the faraway planet Arrakis (Dune) lives up to the hype ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ** 0:00 - Introduction 2:00 - Dune Part 1 vs Part 2 9:26 - Are the Harkonens “twisted” enough? 13:50 - The price paid for focusing on the love story 17:00 - The role of religion in Part 2 20:28 - Humour borders on Monty Python's “Life of Brian” 27:14 - “The sandworms were great” 29:10 - A “Dune” TV show could rival “Game of Thrones” 30:35 - Final score for Dune: Part Two”
thezoneofinterest #holocausteducation Jonathan Glazer wrote and directed the disturbingly brilliant film of a Nazi family building an idyllic home life while the father commands the Auschwitz extermination camp on the other side of the wall. ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ** 0:00 - Introduction 2:29 - Unlike any previous holocaust film 5:37 - "The Zone" is so relevant for today 13:04 - The Zone of Interest reminds us we must never forget 15:53 - Sound is such a crucial ingredient 23:35 - The Zone of Interest nominated for 5 Oscars 25:57 - Final score for “The Zone of Interest”
James & Steve recap the year 2023 with their lists of the Top 10 best movies of the last 12 months. What did they miss? Where are they wrong? Drop a comment in the section below ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ** 0:00 - Introduction 1:34 - 2023 Honorary Mentions 9:06 - Best Film #10 15:05 - Best Film #9 26:00 - Best Film #8 36:10 - Best Film#7 41:07 - Best Film 6 45:10 - Best Film #5 49:21 - Best Film#4 1:02:48 - Best Film #3 1:12:61 - Best Film #2 1:19:21 - Best Film of 2023!!!
Set in the immediate aftermath of World War 2, a devastated Japan has to rally to defend itself yet again from the legendary Godzilla ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ** 0:00 - Introduction 2:12 - Why Godzilla never gets old 3:00 - Godzilla is Japan's “Elvis” 4:20 - Monster Week 7:56 - The wartime context of "Godzilla Minus One" 16:20 - This was a cool version of Godzilla 19:35 - The Godzilla “eras” 22:22 - Godzilla Minus One final score
Timothee Chalamet stars as renowned chocolate maker Willy Wonka in Paul King's origin story musical "Wonka". James & Steve give a full spoiler review and weigh in on whether the new film can stand tall alongside the 1971 classic "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ** 0:00 - Introduction 1:45 - Willy Wonka origin story 2:05 - “Pure Imagination” 4:30 - Fans respond positively when the source material is honored 9:42 - Hugh Grant's Oompa - Loompa 10:58 - Where the magic happens 13:30 - The music of “Wonka” 16:27 - Final score for Wonka
David Tennant's return to the TARDIS for three special episodes marking Doctor Who's 60th anniversary has been both hailed as breathing fresh wind into the franchise as well as derided by critics who see changes brought by showrunner Russell T. Davies as being too "woke". James & Steve weigh in as they attempt to balance these varying perspectives and leave with the hope that the future of the Doctor remains bright. ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ** 0:00 - Introduction 1:00 - “The Giggle” addresses the haters 6:20 - The Fourteenth Doctor “retires”? 7:14 - Is the series too beholden to David Tennant? 10:34 - The Issac Newton race-swap 18:43 - Final thoughts on the 60th-anniversary specials
Angel Studios ventures into sci-fi territory with a unique reimagining of the Book of Job. Does this "faith based" story of a man who loses everything and trying to get back to the woman he loves hit home for its target Evangelical Christian audience? Steve & James weigh in. ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ** 0:00 - Introduction 0:45 - How well does The Shift “reimagine” the Book of Job 3:14 - The Shift synopsis 4:34 - The “faith-based multiverse” 8:16 - Are Timothy Olyphant, Josh Duhamal, Kristopher Polaha brothers? 12:42 - Why many Christian themed films have a “cheesy” factor 17:48 - When the The Shift's creative story collides with a proselytising agenda 24:18 - Final Score for “The Shift” #theshift #angelstudios
Based on a true story, Jim Caviezel stars as Tim Ballard, a Homeland Security Officer who, upon discovering a child slavery ring in South America, gathers a group of like-minded allies to see the cabal brought down. The Evangelical community in America came on in force for this film bringing the gross box office to a quarter of a BILLION $$$$ defying the expectations of a cynical Hollywood...but is it really any good? Steve & James weigh in on this polarizing film. ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain SPOILERS ** 0:00 - Introduction 5:07 - Faith-based community support 9:11 - No one actually talks about the film itself 15:21 - Steve & James disagree about “God's Children” 17:54 - Is the film really any good?? 27:50 - The hurdles for “Sound of Freedom” to get made 32:00 - Films for underrepresented groups 34:43 - Final score for “Sound of Freedom”
Steve & James unpack the latest Mike Flanagan Netflix horror series "The Fall of the House of Usher". **. Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ** 0:00 - Introduction 1:45 - Edgar Allan Poe 4:15 - Is Mike Flanagan the new Stephen King? 8:30 - The casting is GOLD 17:42 - The subtext: choice & consequence 23:15 - Mark Hamill is a brilliant Arthur Pym 28:35 - Rating Mike Flangan's five Netflix series 34:56 - Final score for “The Fall of the House of Usher”
James liked Gareth Edwards new sci-fi film "The Creator" but Steve found it lacking. Find out why in this episode of ScreenShots. We then move on to Mike Flanagan's new Netflix Halloween release "The Fall of the House of Usher". Along the way we discuss the works of Edgar Allan Poe and launch a new book club! ** Deep Dive does Spoilers** 0:00 - Introduction 0:43 - Why James doesn't watch many TV shows 3:41 - The Creator 37:13 - The Fall of the House of Usher 1:14:19 - Steve & James start a book club 1:21:20 - H.P. Lovercraft and Cthulhu
James gets a Masterclass lesson in all things Star Trek as fellow film critic and Star Trek aficionado Liz Kerr joins Steve as they swoon over the recent season of Strange New Worlds. We then move on to discuss the death of famed director William Friedkin, the 50th Anniversary of his iconic film "The Exorcist" and why Steve's Christian Evangelical background meant he never actually saw the film until James made him this week
Steve & James look at NPR's recent critique of "Oppenheimer" which highlighted its overly white cast and lack of gay characters. How should today's films be representative and diverse, yet not be held hostage to unrealistic stories or relationships? We look at some recent summer films and where they succeed or miss on ways forward. ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers **
The boys return from a summer hiatus and pour a couple drinks before jumping into a banter on the biggest blockbusters of the season. We unpack the hits (Oppenheimer), the misses (We're looking at you Indy), the insane (Tom Cruise and that train), and of course Pink Patriarchy (Barbie). Along the way James explains why CGI has gotten worse in the last 15 years and Steve discovers his "tribe" in Ireland. So grab a drink, pull up a chair, and join us for our Summer Blockbusters 2023 Comeback Special ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers **
When Steve learns that James has never seen an episode of "Black Mirror", he goes into action to explain to his friend why he must watch Charlie Brooker's dystopian fuelled anthology series stat! Along the way, Steve reviews the recently dropped Series 6 as well as some of his favorite episodes from past seasons. ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews Contain Spoilers **
Director Cheng Er's espionage noir film set in Japanese-occupied Shanghai in the 1940s about a group of daring Chinese who set up an underground network to undermine the puppet regime. Starring Tony Leung, Wang Yibo, Zhou Xun, and Huang Lei ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ** 3:10 - Complex layers of loyalties & secrets 11:28 - The Hidden Blade's “long con” 12:55 - Shanghai as a setting 19:45 - Tony Leung 22:19 - Final score for Hidden Blade
Ricardo Darin heads up this historical courtroom drama of a team of young lawyers who seek to prosecute those responsible for the atrocities committed by the military junta in Argentina from 1976-1983. Also starring Peter Lanzani, Alejandra Flechner and Norman Briski. ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ** 2:00 - Argentina 1985 speaks to 2023 6:20 - Rock solid film but missing something? 9:50 - The scene that was very personal for Steve 17:23 - Final score for Argentina 1985
Writer - director Ruben Ostlund's satirical comedy skewers the rich & entitled when a luxury yacht goes down at seas marooning its passengers on a deserted Island. Starring Harris Dickinson, Charlbi Dean, Dolly de Leon, Zlatko Burić, Henrik Dorsin, Vicki Berlin, and Woody Harrelson. ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contains spoilers ** 1:50 - The vomit scene 4:45 - Subverting or reenforcing gender stereotypes? 11:00 - Examining hierarchies 14:00 - The best scene in the film 18:45 - The cast 20:19 - Final score for “Triangle of Sadness”
Hong Kong's Andy Lau joins Mainland action star Wu Jing in the sequel to 2019's blockbuster "The Wandering Earth". Based on the short story by Chinese novelist Liu Cixin of an ambitious plan to save humanity from our dying sun. Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers 1:50 - The premise of " The Wandering Earth 2" 10:50 - Story and effects are well balanced 17:04 - Andy Lau makes a welcome addition 21:22 - Are women poorly served in "The Wandering Earth 2"? 24:35 - "The Wandering Earth" would make a great TV series 25:51 - Allegory for climate change 28:36 - Final score for "The Wandering Earth 2"
Todd Field wrote and directed this psychological - drama of a famed maestro (Cate Blanchett) whose power plays and sexual manipulations threaten her position as the first female director of a European orchestra. ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ** Sight & Sounds Top 100 2022 referenced in episode can be found here: https://decider.com/2022/12/02/2022-sight-and-sound-greatest-films-of-all-time-poll/ 7:20 - Can we separate “art” from the artist's character? 13:50 - Surprisingly “chaste” considering the sexual politics and power dynamics 16:07 - Like music, “Tar” relays on your own interpretation 18:42 - The end of “Tar” 26:40 - Final Score for “Tar”
To celebrate reaching the milestone of 100 videos here on Deep Dive Movie Reviews, James and Steve have a discussion around one of the most iconic films in cinema history; Orson Welles' "Citizen Kane" ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews Contain Spoilers ** 0:00 - Intro 2:40 - Citizen Kane is not your regular crowd pleaser 5:45 - Was Charles Foster Kane “evil”? 10:24 - Citizen Kane took years to finally gain the status its recognised for. 20:30 - Talking the script 27:19 - Orson Wells & Ed Wood 30:00 - Who is this generation's Orson Wells?
Donnie Yen directs and stars in "Sakra" based on the wuxia novel "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils". Also starring Chen Yuqi, and Cya Liu. ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ** 0:00 - Intro 1:02 - Synopsis of “Sakra” 3:30 - Talking Wuxia 6:20 - Too much wire work? 11:20 - Is “Sakra” to generic? 15:30 - The crossover between Wuxia & the Western 20:21 - The female cast in “Sakra” 29:33 - Donnie Yen's passion project 35:35 - Final score for “Sakra”
This episode we are joined by special guest Josh Hurtado. A US-based film critic, festival programmer and authority on Indian cinema, Josh's latest venture Potentate Films is helping coordinate the awards campaign for SS Rajamouli's Telugu-language epic RRR. In our wide ranging discussion, Steve and James talk to him about his passion for the region, his relationship with the filmmaker, and what makes RRR one of the best films of 2022. 1:02 -Josh's involvement with RRR & Indian cinema 8:39 - "I haven't missed an opening of a Rajamouli film since Eega" 16:12 - Getting RRR viewed by a wider International audience 24:20 - Why Rajamouli's films tend to be received by International audiences 35:40- How Josh was tapped to “become an evangelist” for RRR in North America 46:37- When RRR started appearing on awards lists 54:04- People love what Rajamouli does
Daniel Craig returns as super sleuth Benoit Blanc in Rian Johnson's followup to 2019's much lauded whodunit "Knives Out". In "Glass Onion" billionaire Miles Bron (Edward Norton) invites an eclectic group of friends to his private Island for an elaborate murder mystery party only to discover not everyone sees the murder as a game. Also starring Janelle Monáe, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., Jessica Henwick, Madelyn Cline, Kate Hudson, and Dave Bautista. ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contains spoilers ** 3:06 - A holiday invoking film 5:07 - The ensemble cast 12:27 - Edward Norton 18:35 - You feel like one of the invited guests as a viewer 22:56 - Final score for “Glass Onion”
James & Steve recap the year of 2022 with their lists of the Top 10 best movies of the last 12 months. What did they miss? Where are they wrong? Drop a comment in the section below ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ** 2:25 - #10 Best Film 5:50 - #9 Best Film 7:58 - #8 Best Film 10:45 - #7 Best Film 13:14 - #6 Best Film 16:12 - #5 Best Film 18:25 - #4 Best Film 20:25 - #3 Best Film 24:28 - #2 Best Film 27:57 - #1 Best Film
Martin McDonagh reunites Brendan Gleason & Colin Farrell who play two Irishmen living on a remote Island in 1923 and the ensuing impact on themselves and their small community when one abruptly ends their years long friendship. Also starring Kerry Condon and Barry Keoghan ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers **
Jordan Peele's new film NOPE is a genre defying sci-fi / neo - western starring Daniel Kaluuya & Keke Palmer as siblings defending their ranch from an extraterrestrial invader. Also starring Steven Yeun, Michael Wincott, Brandon Perea, and Keith David. ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ** 2:27 - Why NOPE should be seen on the big screen 4:32 - NOPE is a mash up of genres 9:05 - NOPE is disturbing without being macabre 15:14 - Jupe's backstory 21:14 - Steve's critique of character development 33:23 - Jordan Peele brings depth and complexity to the story 36:42 - Final score for NOPE
James Cameron's much anticipated follow up to his 2009 blockbuster, "Avatar: The Way of Water" sees Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) and his family on the run and seeking refuge with a water-borne tribe on the far side of Pandora. Zoe Saldaña, Stephen Lang, Sigourney Weaver, and Kate Winslet also star. ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ** 1:59 - Visually stunning but….. 7:04 - Characters are flimsily drawn 14:45 - Can we have great visuals AND script? 16:45 - Is there enough story to justify multiple sequels? 21:20 - The lack of humour in “The Way of Water” 31:07 - Final Score for “The Way of Water”
Filmmaking duo Justin Benson & Aaron Moorhead's thrilling sci-fi tale of two guys attempting to document a paranormal anomaly in their apartment. Suspicions & paranoia ultimately grow between them which threatens to unravel their relationship and their goal of solving the mystery. ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ** 1:05 - Film synopsis 4:00 - Chemistry of the actors 7:49 - “A film about ideas” 13:45 - Discussing the “Evangelical Christian” connection 17:28 - One of Steve's top 10 films of 2022 19:25 - Final score for “Something in the Dirt”
Steven Spielberg's semi-autobiographical film tells the story of 16 yr old Sam Fabelman as he discovers a love of cinema and film making while navigating family trials, anti-semitism, and teenage love. Starring Gabriel Labelle, Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, and Judd Hirsch ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ** 0:45 - "The Fabelmans" synopsis 2:38 - Capturing the magic of cinema 8:00 - Would we be interested in Sammy Fabelman if we didn't know it was Steven Spielberg? 18:00 - "The Fabelmans" as Spielberg's therapy 21:28 - The Cast 24:26 - The scene with John Ford 27:10 - "Steven Spielberg gave me wonder & joy" 30:15 - Jame's problem with the cinematography 34:10 - The John Williams score 36:30: Final Score for "The Fabelmans"
Alfred Hitchcock's gothic psychological thriller of an aristocratic widower (Laurence Olivier) who weds a young new bride (Joan Fontain) who doesn't realise the "spirit" of the former wife Rebecca still wafts through the family manor. ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ** 1:50 - Steve's background with "Rebecca" 2:43 - "Rebecca" synopsis 7:15 - "Rebecca" in the #METOO era 13:00 - Mrs. Danvers 16:23 - Laurence Olivier and the cast 29:06 - "Rebecca" at the Oscars
Akira Kurosawa's classic film examines the struggles of a terminally ill bureaucrat (Takashi Shimura) who attempts to find some meaning to his life before he dies. ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ** 0:58 - Synopsis of Ikiru 9:30 - How Kurosowa challenges “group think” 16:20 - The message of “hope” for post war Japan 17:51 - The “hat” as a metaphor for life 21:29 - Was more resolution with the son needed? 24:00 - Technical aspects and production design of “ikiru” 27:05 - Final thoughts on “ikiru”
A new cast assembles for the penultimate season of The Crown and sees Queen Elizabeth (Imelda Staunton) dealing with fire at Windsor Castle, the marriage collapse of the Prince and Princess of Wales, and a British public that seems much less interested in maintaining a Royal Family. Also starring Jonathan Pryce, Lesley Manville, Jonny Lee Miller, Dominic West and Elizabeth Debicki. ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ** 1:37 - Why the “Yankee” loves “The Crown” 10:52 - James & Steve differ on the “liberties” taken in Season 5 21:46 - Season 5's take on John Major 25:35 - New cast is top shelf 28:30 - In Season 6 we want more Philip and more gaffs 35:40 - The Hong Kong Handover 38:40 - Final Score for The Crown
Luca Guadagnino's coming of age road trip film features two young lovers...who just happen to be cannibals. Starring Taylor Russell, Timothée Chalamet and Mark Rylance ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ** 0:35 - Film synopsis 2:08 - What we are drinking 4:30 - Does “Bones & All” defile the human soul? 7:17 - Director Luca Guadagnino goes “all in” 11:54 - The cast of “Bones & All” 23:00 - The ‘80s setting for the film 26:56 - Final score for “Bones & All”
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever finds the African nation mourning the loss of their protector (Chadwick Boseman) while rising to the challenge of a new threat posed by the undersea king Namor. Starring Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong'o, Winston Duke, Tenoch Huerta, Martin Freeman, and Angela Bassett. ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ** 1:09 - Dealing with Chadwick Bosman's death 6:24 - A Black Panther film with no Black Panther in it 13:09 - The film's synopsis 20:00 - Lack of a character development arc 24:37 - Do the franchise sub-plots make the film bloated? 29:45 - Costume design excellence 35:13 - Final score for “Wakanda Forever”
During World War 1 a young man enlists in the German Army with the hope of becoming a hero only to find that hope shattered by the reality of war. Edward Berger directs the classic "anti-war" film based on the novel by Erich Maria Remarque ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers** 2:00 - More than just a “re-make” of the 1930 film 3:36 - Music and soundtrack 7:38 - Old man's egos and nationalism 11:24 - “War doesn't have any heroes” 14:34 - The strong opening sets the stage 22:07 - Final score for “All Quiet on the Western Front”
Roman Polanski's psychological horror starring Mia Farrow as a newly married New Yorker who begins to suspect her cheerful neighbours are part of a satanic cult with designs on her. Also starring John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon, Sydney Blackmer, and Maurice Evans ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ** 1:01 - Why Steve had never seen Rosemary's Baby before 2:58 - Mia Farrow's iconic role 5:45 - The sense of paranoia Polanski builds 11:30 - Roman Polanski 18:41 - The film as a reflection of American insecurities
Jame's Whale's 1931 horror classic loosely based on Mary Shelly's novel tells the tale of a scientist who learns to reanimate a body constructed of the dead and the havoc that results. Boris Karloff stars as the iconic creature along with Colin Clive and Mae West ** Deep Dive Movie Reviews contain spoilers ** 1:20 - It's nothing like the book 9:50 - Does the characters in “Frankenstein” resonate for today's audience? 11:05 - Boris Karloff's iconic role 19:05 - Better versions of "Frankenstein" 34:01 - Final thoughts on "Frankenstein"