Podcasts about Will Ashton

Will Ashton returns with a solo Instant Take on Another Simple Favor, the Amazon Prime sequel to Paul Feig’s 2018 suburban noir comedy-thriller A Simple Favor. With Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively reprising their roles, this follow-up heads to Italy for a destination wedding filled with secrets, frenemy tension, and stylish intrigue. Will breaks down what works—and what fizzles—in this second helping. Despite a few fun twists and an appealing setting in Capri, the film struggles to recapture the charm of the original. Kendrick’s character lacks clear evolution, while Lively’s return, though enjoyable, can’t quite carry the film through its sillier and more uneven second half. With vibes that feel more White Lotus than Gone Girl, Another Simple Favor tries to balance camp, crime, and couture. Will questions whether this sequel really needed to exist at all, comparing it to other lackluster follow-ups (The Whole Ten Yards, anyone?) that get the gang back together but forget the plot. If you were a fan of the first film, there are still some moments of cheeky fun—like a memorable truth serum scene—but overall, this one might leave you regretting asking for more. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Ashton returns with another Instant Take, this time tackling The Amateur, a new action-thriller starring Rami Malek (Mr. Robot, Bohemian Rhapsody) as a surveillance tech expert turned reluctant vigilante. With a vibe that borrows from Death Wish and Jason Bourne, the film delivers slick set pieces, familiar genre beats, and a central performance that’s more restrained than revolutionary. Will explores how The Amateur flirts with deeper character nuance, particularly in its depiction of Malek’s potentially autistic-coded lead. Though the film never explicitly confirms it, the character’s traits raise questions about representation in action movies and whether the film embraces or falls back on tired tropes. Alongside Malek, the film features a solid supporting cast: Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Laurence Fishburne, John Bernthal, Holt McCallany (Mindhunter), and Julianne Nicholson. Some standout moments include inventive “trap-like” set pieces and moody, high-rise shootouts that pop in premium formats. But Will questions if that’s enough to elevate an otherwise middle-of-the-road revenge thriller. Will Ashton returns with another Instant Take, this time tackling The Amateur, a new action-thriller starring Rami Malek (Mr. Robot, Bohemian Rhapsody) as a surveillance tech expert turned reluctant vigilante. With a vibe that borrows from Death Wish and Jason Bourne, the film delivers slick set pieces, familiar genre beats, and a central performance that’s more restrained than revolutionary. Will explores how The Amateur flirts with deeper character nuance, particularly in its depiction of Malek’s potentially autistic-coded lead. Though the film never explicitly confirms it, the character’s traits raise questions about representation in action movies and whether the film embraces or falls back on tired tropes. Alongside Malek, the film features a solid supporting cast: Rachel Brosnahan (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel), Laurence Fishburne, John Bernthal, Holt McCallany (Mindhunter), and Julianne Nicholson. Some standout moments include inventive “trap-like” set pieces and moody, high-rise shootouts that pop in premium formats. But Will questions if that’s enough to elevate an otherwise middle-of-the-road revenge thriller. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don’s got shaving cream in the mirror, Megan’s got a mop and a plan, and Lane Pryce is one wallet away from going full American Psycho. It’s A Little Kiss Part 2! And on this episode of Mad Men Men, Jon Negroni, Will Ashton, and Mike Overhulse are breaking down the second half of Mad Men’s bold, chaotic, and deeply handsy Season 5 premiere. This episode also covers the real-world 1960s context behind the show’s uneasy depiction of civil rights “progress.” Plus some surprising behind-the-scenes trivia, including how production on this episode had to jump around thanks to January Jones’s real-life pregnancy. And yes, we finally address that Reddit theory about Masters of Sex. In case you’re new here, Mad Men Men recaps Mad Men through the perspectives of three different types of viewers: a first-timer, a first-time rewatcher, and someone who thought the best way to deal with their feelings about Don Draper was to start a podcast. EXTRA CREDITS Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Matthew Weiner directed “A Little Kiss (Part 2)” and Jennifer Getzinger wrote the script. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show’s opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who’s addicted to working at startups). We’ll be back soon to discuss Season 5 Episode 3, titled “Tea Leaves.” Subscribe to Mad Men Men on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever else podcasts are, ahem, advertised.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s season five, baby! And we’re back with A Little Kiss Part 1, the two-part premiere that gave us a Zubi Zubi Zoom into Don Draper’s new life. And all the weird vibes that come with it. On this episode of Mad Men Men, Jon Negroni, Will Ashton, and Mike Overhulse reunite to talk about Megan’s infamous birthday serenade, why Pete Campbell continues to be the show’s most interesting character, and what Joan’s mom and a certain baby’s butt have in common. Oh, and the introduction of the most legendary character in the entire series...that's right, BOBBY 5. We dive into the real-life inspiration behind the shocking protest scene, AMC’s behind-the-scenes budget drama, and how this premiere marks a turning point in the show’s tone, aesthetic, and yes, hairlines. Also: the debut of Mike’s new microphone. It’s a whole event. In case this is your first time tuning in, Mad Men Men recaps Mad Men through the lens of three different viewers: a first-timer, a rewatcher, and someone who watches the show instead of forming healthy adult friendships. You know who you are. So whether you’re Team Peggy, Team Megan, or just here for Bert Cooper’s party game energy, pour a stiff drink and join us. We may not be ready for part two, but at least we showed up with a gift. Extra Credits: Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Matthew Weiner directed “A Little Kiss (Part 1)” and Jennifer Getzinger wrote the script. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show’s opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who’s addicted to working at startups). We’ll be back soon to discuss Season 5 Episode 2, titled “A Little Kiss Part 2.” Subscribe to Mad Men Men on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever else podcasts are, ahem, advertised.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Ashton is back with a solo Instant Take on Novocaine, the action-comedy-romance hybrid starring Jack Quaid (The Boys) as a pain-insensitive bank employee who becomes an unlikely action hero. Directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen (Villains), this film surprised Will with its surprising charm. But also its creative premise, and solid central performances, too. Based on the real-life condition CIP (congenital insensitivity to pain), Novocaine walks a tonal tightrope between over-the-top violence and sincere character development. Will shares why Jack Quaid’s “young Tom Hanks” energy works so well here. Especially alongside Amber Midthunder (Prey), and how the film balances disability representation with fun genre thrills. Will also unpacks some of the film’s weaknesses, including uneven comedy, some clunky reveals, and a few undercooked side characters. But overall, this one came in above expectations and might just be Jack Quaid’s best leading role to date. Also starring Ray Nicholson, Betty Gabriel (Get Out), and Matt Walsh, Novocaine delivers quirky action, gory visuals, and a lot of heart…even if it sometimes plays it too safe. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this spoiler-free instant take, Will Ashton jumps on the mic solo to give you his first impressions of Black Bag, the sleek and sizzling new spy thriller from director Steven Soderbergh. With a star-studded cast led by Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender, Black Bag is a taut, high-style espionage caper that calls back to the classy, grown-up thrillers of yesteryear. Will dives into what makes this film click.Iits sophisticated style, whip-smart screenplay (co-written by Soderbergh collaborator David Koepp), and a third act that actually sticks the landing. He compares it to classics like Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Out of Sight, highlighting how Soderbergh leans into his signature charm, sexiness, and cinematic craftsmanship. Other stars include Naomi Harris, Pierce Brosnan, Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, and Marisa Abela. All of whom get their moment to shine. Will also touches on Fassbender’s continued hot streak post-The Killer. Plus, why Blanchett is perfectly matched for this kind of layered, stylish fare. Clocking in at a brisk 95 minutes, Black Bag is a sharp and satisfying return to form. It's equally suited for a theater outing or a high-quality night in. Listen in for Will’s take on where Black Bag ranks among Soderbergh’s post-retirement filmography. And why this might be one of his most entertaining efforts in years. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s episode, Jon Negroni and Will Ashton take a deep dive into Nickel Boys, the latest film from director RaMell Ross (Hale County This Morning, This Evening). An adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, the film follows two Black teenagers trapped in the harrowing realities of Nickel Academy, a reform school in 1960s Florida that crushes hope as efficiently as it enforces silence. With Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson leading the cast and a uniquely immersive first-person perspective, Nickel Boys has drawn a lot of critical acclaim, but does it earn its accolades? Jon and Will unpack the film’s daring cinematography, its unconventional narrative structure, and Ross’s refusal to hold the audience’s hand. They debate the film’s Oscar prospects, its underwhelming box office reception, and why its use of silence might be its most powerful weapon. Plus, how does Nickel Boys fit into the tradition of documentary filmmakers transitioning into narrative storytelling? And yes, Will finds a way to compare it to The Tree of Life, because of course he does. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special spoiler-free instant take, host Will Ashton delves into Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the latest installment in the high-speed franchise. He explores the film's dynamic action sequences, the evolving camaraderie among Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, and the introduction of Shadow the Hedgehog. Will also examines the performances of returning cast members Ben Schwartz and Idris Elba, as well as the film's vibrant visual effects and engaging storyline. Additionally, he reflects on how Sonic the Hedgehog 3 contributes to the expanding Sonic cinematic universe and what fans and skeptics alike might expect. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 premiered in theaters on December 20, 2024, distributed by Paramount Pictures, with a runtime of 110 minutes. The film features a star-studded cast, including Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, Krysten Ritter, Natasha Rothwell, Shemar Moore, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, Idris Elba, and Keanu Reeves. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode, Jon Negroni and Will Ashton dive deep into A Complete Unknown, the latest biopic from director James Mangold (Logan, Walk the Line). The film, starring Timothée Chalamet as the iconic Bob Dylan, chronicles the enigmatic artist’s rise to fame during the transformative folk scene of the 1960s. With Edward Norton and Monica Barbaro rounding out the cast, and a runtime of 140 minutes, the movie captures Dylan’s transition from a folk music darling to a rock 'n' roll revolutionary. Jon and Will discuss Mangold’s directorial approach, Chalamet’s performance as the elusive Dylan, and the narrative’s attempt to balance the artist’s enigmatic persona with a traditional biopic structure. They also highlight the supporting cast, including Norton’s standout role and Boyd Holbrook’s intriguing portrayal of Johnny Cash. Is A Complete Unknowna respectful ode to Dylan’s artistry, or does it play it too safe? Tune in as the hosts break it all down, from the film’s subtle nods to Dylan’s legacy to its reception among fans and critics alike. Searchlight Pictures released A Complete Unknown in U.S. theaters on December 25, 2024. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special instant take, Will Ashton dives into Robert Eggers' latest film, Nosferatu, unpacking its deep ties to the 1922 horror classic and its fresh take on the Dracula mythos. He breaks down Eggers' distinct artistic style, highlights standout performances from Willem Dafoe and Bill Skarsgård, and praises the film's jaw-dropping production design and cinematography. Will also reflects on how Nosferatu fits into the modern horror landscape, sharing why it’s such an exciting year-end release that horror fans won’t want to miss. Nosferatu opened in theaters on December 25 through Focus Features and has a runtime of 132 minutes. The rest of the cast includes Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, Ralph Ineson, and Simon McBurney. More about Nosferatu: Set in 19th-century Europe, Nosferatu follows Thomas Hutter, a real estate agent who heads to the eerie, isolated estate of Count Orlok to close a business deal. Sounds straightforward, right? Not quite. Things take a dark and sinister turn when Hutter realizes Orlok is no ordinary recluse: he’s a full-on vampire with a thirst for blood and an unsettling interest in Hutter’s wife, Ellen. As the danger escalates and Orlok’s shadow creeps closer to the village, the story unfolds into a chilling mix of gothic horror, psychological tension, and devastating stakes. Robert Eggers brings his trademark grit and authenticity to this retelling, delivering a film that feels both classic and refreshingly new. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Cinemaholics, Will Ashton gives his spoiler-free instant take of A Complete Unknown, the latest biographical drama from director James Mangold. Starring Timothée Chalamet as a young Bob Dylan, the film chronicles Dylan's rise in the New York folk scene of the early 1960s, culminating in his revolutionary performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965. With a screenplay co-written by Mangold and Jay Cocks, and a stellar supporting cast including Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, and Monica Barbaro, A Complete Unknown is already earning high praise as one of the best films of 2024. Tune in for Will's thoughts on Chalamet's portrayal of Dylan, the film's nostalgic vibe, and if it'll be a must-watch this holiday season. Searchlight Pictures will release A Complete Unknown in select U.S. theaters on December 25, 2024. More about A Complete Unknown: New York, 1961. Against the backdrop of a vibrant music scene and tumultuous cultural upheaval, an enigmatic 19-year-old from Minnesota named Bob Dylan arrives with his guitar and revolutionary talent, destined to change the course of American music. He forges intimate relationships with music icons of Greenwich Village on his meteoric rise, culminating in a groundbreaking and controversial performance that reverberates worldwide. Timothée Chalamet stars and sings as Bob Dylan in James Mangold's A COMPLETE UNKNOWN, the electric true story behind the rise of one of the most iconic singer-songwriters in history.   The film also stars Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash and Scoot McNairy as Woody Guthrie. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Breaking news! This week on Cinemaholics, Special guest Ema Sasic joins me (Jon Negroni) to dissect September 5, a gripping new thriller from director Tim Fehlbaum (The Colony). The film takes us back to the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics, where sports coverage took an unprecedented turn into live, global news reporting during one of the most tragic and pivotal events in history. Together, we break down the film's high-tension pacing and commentary on media ethics. Plus, we talk awards potential and about the standout performances from John Magaro, Peter Sarsgaard, Leonie Benesch, and more. You can also read an edited transcript of our conversation right here. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Holy smokes! This week on Cinemaholics, Jon Negroni and Will Ashton enter the sacred halls of Conclave, the latest thriller from Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front). Set against the backdrop of a Vatican papal election, the film dives into the labyrinth of faith, power, and political intrigue. We discuss Ralph Fiennes' captivating performance as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence, the high-stakes drama of electing a new pope, and the surprising humor that keeps the tension from boiling over. Plus, we unpack the film's visual grandeur, that audacious ending twist, and where it fits in the awards season race…You can read an edited transcript of our conversation right here. Conclave was directed by Edward Berger and is based on the 2016 novel by Robert Harris. The cast includes Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini, with cinematography by Stéphane Fontaine (Jackie). Premiering in limited release on October 25, 2024 through Focus Features and has a runtime of 120 minutes. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Cinemaholics, Will Ashton delivers a short, spoiler-free review of Maria, Angelina Jolie's latest lead performance in a new biographical drama from director Pablo Larraín about legendary opera singer Maria Callas in 1970s Paris. More information about Maria: Angelina Jolie stars as Maria Callas, the iconic soprano, in Pablo Larraín's Maria. This moving drama reimagines the legendary singer's final days in Paris as she reflects on her dazzling but turbulent life in the spotlight. Directed by the acclaimed Pablo Larraín (Jackie, Spencer), with a screenplay by Steven Knight, the film offers an intimate look at the diva's identity, struggles, and overall legacy. The film also features Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Haluk Bilginer, and Kodi Smit-McPhee and is the final entry in Larraín's trilogy about iconic 20th-century women, following Jackie and Spencer. Premiering at the Venice Film Festival, where Jolie's performance earned acclaim, Maria debuted in select U.S. theaters on November 27, 2024, and will stream on Netflix from December 11, with theatrical releases in Italy and Germany to follow in early 2025. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Cinemaholics, Jon Negroni and Will Ashton take a real hard look at Jesse Eisenberg's A Real Pain, a film tackling generational trauma, identity crises, and the age-old question: are we in a Kieran Culkin Kierannaissance? We chat about its awards buzz, a Holocaust scene that's somehow pivotal and memorable, and the performances that make all the pain worth it. Plus, we break down the movie's balancing act between humor and heavy themes. A Real Pain was directed, written, and produced by Jesse Eisenberg. The cast includes Eisenberg himself, alongside Kieran Culkin, Will Sharpe, Jennifer Grey, and others, with Emma Stone and Dave McCary serving as producers under their Fruit Tree banner. Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival on January 20, 2024, the film later saw a limited theatrical release in the United States on November 1 through Searchlight Pictures. It has a 90-minute runtime. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Synopsis for A Real Pain: Mismatched cousins David (Jesse Eisenberg) and Benji (Kieran Culkin) reunite for a tour through Poland to honor their beloved Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why put off today when we can podcast about Tomorrowland? That's right, in the Season 4 finale of Mad Men (titled "Tomorrowland"), Don Draper faces a turning point both personally and professionally. Big surprise. As Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce struggles to secure its future, Don takes a bold step by taking his secretary Megan to a family trip to California. Meanwhile, Peggy tries to land a much-needed account, Joan grapples with unexpected news about her personal situation, and the Mad Men Men podcast faces our biggest struggle yet. Releasing a podcast episode on time! In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having a functional social life. Extra Credits: Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Matthew Weiner directed “Tomorrowland” and co-wrote the script with Jonathan Igla. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show's opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who's addicted to working at startups). We'll be back soon to discuss Season 5 Episode 1, titled “A Little Kiss Part 1.” Subscribe to Mad Men Men on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever else podcasts are, ahem, advertised.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Cinemaholics podcast, we enter the arena to discuss Gladiator II, the long-awaited sequel that brings back Ridley Scott as director along with some fresh talent. Including Paul Mescal in the lead role alongside Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, and Connie Nielsen. We kick off the show with some preamble about Wicked and Scott's filmography before clashing swords on the film itself. We discuss the overall themes of the film and how the action pays off the messaging. Plus we dig into the critical reception thus far and what might come next in the Gladiator franchise. Gladiator II opened in UK theaters on November 15 with a U.S. release through Paramount Pictures a week after on November 22. The film has a 148-minute runtime and the rest of the cast includes Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, and Derek Jacobi. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Ashton gives his instant take review of Red One, directed by Jake Kasdan and starring Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka, Bonnie Hunt, Kristofer Hivju, Nick Kroll, Wesley Kimmel, and J.K. Simmons. Synopsis: After Santa Claus – Code Name: RED ONE – is kidnapped, the North Pole's Head of Security (Dwayne Johnson) must team up with the world's most infamous bounty hunter (Chris Evans) in a globe-trotting, action-packed mission to save Christmas. Directed by | Jake Kasdan  Story by | Hiram Garcia  Screenplay by | Chris Morgan  Produced by | Hiram Garcia, p.g.a., Dwayne Johnson, p.g.a., Dany Garcia, Chris Morgan, p.g.a., Jake Kasdan p.g.a, Melvin Mar Starring | Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, Lucy Liu, Kiernan Shipka, Bonnie Hunt, Kristofer Hivju, Nick Kroll, Wesley Kimmel and J.K. Simmons Run Time | 2 hours 2 minutes  Rating | PG - 13 Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Ashton gives his instant take review of The Piano Lesson, directed and co-written by Malcolm Washington and starring Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Ray Fisher, Michael Potts, Erykah Badu, Skylar Aleece Smith, Danielle Deadwyler, and Corey Hawkins. Synopsis: A battle is brewing in the Charles Household. At the center stands a prized heirloom piano tearing two siblings apart. On one side, a brother (John David Washington) plans to build the family fortune by selling it. On the other, a sister (Danielle Deadwyler) will go to any lengths to hold onto the sole vestige of the family's heritage.  Their uncle (Samuel L. Jackson) tries to mediate,  but even he can't hold back the ghosts of the past.  Adapted from August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork, THE PIANO LESSON explores the intergenerational dynamics of identity, resilience and transcendence - revealing startling truths about how we perceive the past and who gets to define our legacy.  The film is directed and co-written by Malcolm Washington in his feature directorial debut. From Oscar nominated producers Denzel Washington and Todd Black, and featuring an all-star cast including Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Ray Fisher, Michael Potts, Erykah Badu, Skylar Aleece Smith with Danielle Deadwyler and Corey Hawkins. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Ashton gives his instant take review of Emilia Pérez, directed and written by Jacques Audiard and starring Karla Sofîa Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, and Selena Gomez. Synopsis: From renegade auteur Jacques Audiard comes Emilia Pérez, an audacious fever dream that defies genres and expectations. Through liberating song and dance and bold visuals, this odyssey follows the journey of four remarkable women in Mexico, each pursuing their own happiness. The fearsome cartel leader Emilia (Karla Sofía Gascón) enlists Rita (Zoe Saldaña), an unappreciated lawyer stuck in a dead-end job, to help fake her death so that Emiliacan finally live authentically as her true self. Written and directed by Audiard (Rust and Bone, A Prophet), the double Cannes-winning film also stars Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, and Edgar Ramírez. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Cinemaholics podcast, we dive deep into The Substance, Coralie Fargeat's follow-up to Revenge. We discuss the film's blending of body horror and Hollywood satire as performed by Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley with Dennis Quaid. This is a more contentious episode than usual as we have somewhat diverse interpretations of the film based on our own personal reactions to its cultural commentary. The Substance released theatrically last month through Mubi and has a 141-minute runtime. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're not known for blowing smoke on Mad Men Men, but I guess we can make an exception for this penultimate episode of the season! That's right, we're back to discuss Season 4, Episode 12, titled "Blowing Smoke." Which finds the old gang at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce scrambling in the fog of losing Lucky Strike. As usual, we recap the episode, give our analysis, and reference the director/writer/actors' commentaries as well as Mad Men Carousel by Matt Zoller Seitz.  In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having a functional social life. “Blowing Smoke” Discussion Points:  What can we make of the dynamic between Sally and Glen in this episode? How can we connect Don's American Cancer pitch to the "kids" in "Blowing Smoke"? Does this really feel like a penultimate episode? Is the Midge subplot all that believable? What is the current state of Don and Faye's relationship? Extra credits: Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. John Slattery directed “Blowing Smoke” and Andre Jacquemetton and Maria Jacquemetton wrote the script. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show's opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who's addicted to working at startups).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Cinemaholics, we review Saturday Night, a new awards-season comedy depicting the 90 minutes leading up to the airing of SNL's momentous first episode. Jason Reitman directs and co-writes with Gil Kenan, and we discuss the highs and lows of what is ultimately a fantastical, yet uneven origin story with plenty to laugh at. Saturday Night opened in limited release on September 27 and opens wide on October 11 through Sony Pictures Releasing. It has a 109-minute runtime and the (massive) cast includes Gabriel LaBelle, Rachel Sennott, Cory Michael Smith, Ella Hunt, Dylan O'Brien, Emily Fairn, Matt Wood, Lamorne Morris, Kim Matula, Finn Wolfhard, Nicholas Braun, Cooper Hoffman, Andrew Barth Feldman, Kaia Gerber, Tommy Dewey, Willem Dafoe, Matthew Rhys, and J. K. Simmons. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Ashton just watched Transformers One, and so we're transforming the "instant take" review this time around in the Will Ashton Instant Take. That's right, Will talks about the new film directed by Josh Cooley without getting into spoilers and shares his reaction coming right out of the theater. Transformers One opens in theaters on September 20 through Paramount Pictures. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Want to hear yourself on the show? Leave us a voicemail using The “Swell” App. You can ask us questions, bring up a news topic, or share whatever else might be on your mind. Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The summer movie season is finally over, and we had some big surprises across the board this year. So this week, the Cinemaholics crunch the numbers and analyze the highs and lows of the box office releases and how this year compares to the last few. Plus we get a chance to dig a little into a few releases we didn't review on the main show and re-litigate a few of the ones we did. In this episode we looked at a Forbes article by Conor Murray, as well as the Summer Movie Wager website used by the Filmcast. Also, our thumbnail artwork was designed by Jon Negroni and features edited stills from Deadpool and Wolverine, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, The Fall Guy, The Garfield Movie, IF, Despicable Me 4, Inside Out 2, Twisters, A Quiet Place: Day One, and Longlegs. Our intro music this week is “Wakaba” by Hocoro Beats. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Chinese Walls are coming down for Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce this week as we dig into Season 4, Episode 11. That's right, Mad Men Men is back for another dive into how Don Draper is the absolute worst at balancing professional and personal relationships, plus how desperation truly drives all of us. As usual, we recap the episode, give our analysis, and reference the director/writer/actors' commentaries as well as Mad Men Carousel by Matt Zoller Seitz. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having a functional social life. Discussion Points:  What IS a Chinese Wall in the workplace? Should we read Sterling's Gold? Does the episode still work even when it's this on the nose? How does SCDP come back from this major shakeup? Can you relate to a workplace crisis like this? What does Peggy's pitch remind you of? How has Peggy grown as a character since Season 1? What is really going on between Don and Megan? Is this it for Joan and Roger? Extra credits: Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Phil Abraham directed “Chinese Wall” and Erin Levy wrote the script. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show's opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who's addicted to working at startups).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Cinemaholics, we review Alien: Romulus, the seventh installment in the Alien franchise (not counting the Alien vs. Predator movies for obvious reasons). And this time with Fede Álvarez as director after previously helming the Evil Dead 2013 remake and Don't Breathe in 2016. The cast includes Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu. Alien: Romulus opened in theaters on August 16 through 20th Century Studios (Disney) and has a 119-minute runtime. After our review, we play the Rotten Tomatoes Game to see how other critics are evaluating the film and quickly peek into the box office results thus far. Our intro music this week is “Wakaba” by Hocoro Beats. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Follow us on Twitter: Jon Negroni, Will Ashton Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fittingly enough, we're on our hands and knees begging you to give Mad Men Men a chance. Just don't hit us over the head for it. That's right, this week we're talking about Season 4 Episode 10 of Mad Men, titled "Hands and Knees." As usual, we recap the episode, give our analysis, and reference the director/writer/actors' commentaries as well as Mad Men Carousel by Matt Zoller Seitz. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having a functional social life. Discussion Points:  Thematically, is "Hands and Knees" a little clunky? How does the late/great Lynn Shelton do as director with this episode? What do you make of Don and Pete's changing dynamic since Season 1? Why do you think Betty bails Don out with the government guys? What can we glean about Lane after such a strained storyline concerning his father and estranged family? If this episode is all about secrets, then how can we relay that to each storyline? What is Joan's perspective on Roger at this point, and what might be going through her mind in the clinic scene? What makes this episode so bold in terms of the actors' performances? Extra credits: Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Lynn Shelton directed “Hands and Knees” and Matthew Weiner co-wrote the script with Jonathan Abrahams. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show's opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who's addicted to working at startups).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're podcasters, not astronauts, so give us some slack if we don't shoot for new heights with "The Beautiful Girls." A Mad Men episode with ample hijinks and comedy mixed with dramatic workplace sexism and Don Draper constantly disappointing the women in his life. Because, well, this is Mad Men. And the Mad Men "Men" never know what's going on... In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having a functional social life. Discussion Points:  What is "The Beautiful Girls" truly saying about sexism underneath it all? Does this episode feel too much like a redux of previous Mad Men episodes? What drives Joan and Roger and to do what they do after getting mugged? Can we give it up for Ms. Blankenship, Queen of Perversions, first of her name and protecter of the realm, an astronaut if there ever was one? Is Sally really Don's weak spot? Speaking of spots, why did Don put Faye on one? Why does Faye struggle to connect with Sally? Is this the springtime of Peggy's youth? Extra credits: Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Michael Uppendahl directed “The Beautiful Girls” and Matthew Weiner co-wrote the script with Dahvi Waller. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show's opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who's addicted to working at startups).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A thing like that, we managed to get to "The Summer Man" before the end of the summer. That's right, this week we dig into the eight episode of the fourth season of Mad Men, in which Peggy is on "fire" and Don faces his toughest nemesis yet: sobriety. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having a functional social life. Discussion Points:  Is it fair to compare "The Summer Man" to Season 1 episodes of the show? What is the point of all the voiceover narration? How well does Jon Hamm handle Don's journey to sobriety? What is the true nuance of Peggy and Joan's complicated work relationship? Does this episode work as a follow-up to the well-regarded "The Suitcase" in the previous episode? Extra credits: Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Phil Abraham directed “The Summer Man” and Matthew Weiner co-wrote the script with Lisa Albert and Janet Leahy. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show's opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who's addicted to working at startups).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fine, we'll take a stab at reviewing this movie. This week, we revisit the Marvel Cinematic Universe and then some with Deadpool & Wolverine, which stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman as...I mean, you get it. Deadpool & Wolverineisn't just the third Deadpool movie, it's also the latest MCU movie (technically?) and effectively a tribute to the 20th Century Fox Marvel movies. The director happens to be Shawn Levy, who also directed...well, we'll get to that, don't worry. The cast also includes (spoilers). The film came out on July 26 through Disney/Marvel and has a 128-minute runtime. Our intro music this week is “Non Peut-Etre” by daoud.   Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Follow us on Twitter: Jon Negroni, Will Ashton Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Want us to talk about "The Suitcase," widely considered one of the greatest episodes of any television show ever? Well, that's what the podcast is for! That's right, this week we dig into the seventh episode of the fourth season of Mad Men. And listeners, it's a knockout. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having a functional social life. Discussion Points:  Why is "The Suitcase" such a widely regarded episode and what went into its writing? Does this episode live up to the hype? Does this qualify as a bottle episode? Or at least bottle episode-adjacent? Does this episode better resolve the tension between Don and Peggy compared to the Season 3 finale? What does Peggy truly mean to Don personally and professionally? Is this really the halfway point of the series? What goes into the ownership of a creative idea? How well does the episode balance emotion and comedy? What's your stance on Ghost Anna? Does anyone truly know Don? Extra credits: Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Jennifer Getzinger directed “The Suitcase” and Matthew Weiner wrote the script. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show's opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who's addicted to working at startups).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many have said that Mad Men Men is the cure for the common podcast. That's right, this week we discuss and analyze 'Waldorf Stories,' the sixth episode of the fourth season of Mad Men. And we're planning on going on a bender even if we don't win an award for this. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having a functional social life. Extra credits: Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Scott Hornbacher directed “Waldorf Stories” and Matthew Weiner co-wrote the script with Brett Johnson. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show's opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who's addicted to working at startups).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's ok Don, Mad Men Men doesn't have a budget for a commercial, either. That's right, this week we're getting into 'The Chrysanthemum and the Sword,' the fifth episode of Season 4. And we don't need a "gift" from you the listeners, as you just being our listeners is plenty gift enough. Just don't invite us to any sleepovers anytime soon. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having a functional social life. Extra credits: Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show's opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who's addicted to working at startups).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We at Mad Men Men know a little something about being the rejected podcast. That's right, we're talking about Season 4 Episode 4 this week, directed by the one and only John Slattery A.K.A. Roger Sterling! If you have any criticisms, be sure to write half a sentence on your typewriter and then throw the paper out. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having a functional social life. Extra credits: Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show's opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who's addicted to working at startups).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talk about emotional stakes. This week, we share our (ahem) feelings on Inside Out 2, the direct sequel to Pixar's breakout hit Inside Out from 2015. This time with Kelsey Mann taking over directorial duties in his debut alongside screenwriters Meg LaFauve and Dave Holstein. The film features the voice talents of Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Lewis Black, Diane Lane, and Kyle MacLachlan from the previous film with newcomers Maya Hawke, Kensington Tallman, Tony Hale, Liza Lapira, Ayo Edebiri, Lilimar, Grace Lu, Sumayyah Nuriddin-Green, Adèle Exarchopoulos, and Paul Walter Hauser. Inside Out 2 opened to huge box office on June 14 and has a 96-minute runtime. Our intro music this week is “Non Peut-Etre” by daoud. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Follow us on Twitter: Jon Negroni, Will Ashton Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Mad Men Men, we venture back out to sunny Los Angeles to visit our old friend Anna Draper and get some decidedly NOT good news to ring in the new year. But at least Don gets to stay in his Lane. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having a functional social life. Discussion Points:  Why do some people dislike the California portion of this episode? Why are we so surprised to see Greg being somewhat competent? What's the real dynamic between Don and Anna? Does Anna know she's dying? Why does this episode switch to the Lane night out? Why is this episode called "The Good News?" Extra credits: Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Jennifer Getzinger directed “The Good News” and Matthew Weiner co-wrote the script with Jonathan Abrahams. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show's opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who's addicted to working at startups).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're definitely not mad or furious! That's right, we're finally discussing Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, which serves as a prequel to George Miller's triumphant Mad Max: Fury Road from 2015. Miller returns as director of course, this time with Anya Taylor-Joy starring as Furiosa (and Alyla Browne during the character's younger years). The cast also includes Chris Hemsworth, Tom Burke, and Lachy Hulme. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga opened in theaters on May 24 through Warner Bros. Our intro music this week is “Tarantino Margarita” by l'eupe. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Follow us on Twitter: Jon Negroni, Will Ashton Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It wasn't easy, but we managed to release this episode of Cinemaholics not on a Monday...unless you're on the east coast. Special guest Matt Serafini returns to the show this week to help us review The Garfield Movie, directed by Mark Dindal and featuring the voice, uh, talents of Chris Pratt, oh and also Samuel L. Jackson, Hannah Waddingham, Ving Rhames, Nicholas Hoult, Cecily Strong, Harvey Guillén, Brett Goldstein, Bowen Yang, and Snoop Dogg. It opened in theaters on May 24 through Sony Pictures Releasing. Read Will Ashton's written review of The Garfield Movie here. Our intro music this week is “Tarantino Margarita” by l'eupe. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Follow us on Twitter: Jon Negroni, Will Ashton Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Mad Men Men, it's Christmas in June as we discuss “Christmas Comes But Once a Year,” the second episode of Season 4. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having a functional social life. Discussion Points:  What makes this an uncomfortable holiday episode? What do the Draper kids really think about Henry? Does the neighbor nurse actually have a thing for Don or not? What makes this a darker episode of Mad Men than usual? Extra credits: Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Michael Uppendahl directed “Christmas Comes But Once a Year” and Matthew Weiner co-wrote the script with Tracy McMillan. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show's opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who's addicted to working at startups).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Mad Men Men, we kick off Season 4 with “Public Relations,” which is pretty much a pilot type of episode smack dab in the middle of the whole series. In case this is your first time digging into our podcast, we recap Mad Men from the perspective of a first-time watcher, someone who only watched the show once while it was airing, and a superfan who watches excessively instead of having a functional social life. Discussion Points:  How is “Public Relations” like a pilot of its own? Does Matthew Weiner prefer writing pilots over season arcs? Why is Don so resistant to dating after his divorce? Why is Don, a character pretty used to reinventing himself, so resistant to change in this episode, like with the reporter? Is Peggy now the Season 1 Don? What do we make of Joey in his first appearance? Why didn't the new agency hire Paul and Ken? Why doesn't Betty want to move to a new house with Henry? Should we compare Peggy and Pete to Sally and Bobby when it comes to the effects of Don's divorce? How did the 60s change after JFK's assassination? Is the Jantzen ad good or not? Modern or not? Extra credits  Matthew Weiner created Mad Men, which aired on AMC from 2007 to 2015. Phil Abraham directed this episode — “Public Relations” — and Matthew Weiner wrote the script. The show stars Jon Hamm, January Jones, Elisabeth Moss, Vincent Kartheiser, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, Robert Morse, and many more. Our intro music is “Mad Men Men” by Tom Davidson, which is an original remix of the show's opening theme “A Beautiful Mine” by RJD2. Podcast illustration is by Jon Negroni. Our podcast hosts include Jon Negroni (Podcast Editor of InBetweenDrafts), Will Ashton (cohost of the Cinemaholics podcast), and Michael Overhulse (a guy who's addicted to working at startups). We'll be back soon to discuss Season 4 Episode 2, titled “Christmas Comes But Once a Year.” Subscribe to Mad Men Men on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever else podcasts are, ahem, advertised. You can find our conversations about the first season on our podcast feed, as we are now on a new website.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Looks like the ball's in our court. This week we finally discuss Challengers, the newest film directed by Luca Guadagnino (Call Me By Your Name, Suspiria, Bones and All) and written by Justin Kuritzkes. This feisty psychological sports drama stars Zendaya, Josh O'Connor, and Mike Faist as three tennis players with some, ahem, fluid connections that transpire over the course of their respective careers. The film hit theaters in late April through Amazon MGM Studios. Our intro music this week is “Tarantino Margarita” by l'eupe. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Follow us on Twitter: Jon Negroni, Will Ashton Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cinemaholics together strong. That's right, we're talking about Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes this week, the fourth film in the Planet of the Apes prequel reboot franchise, which kicked off with Rise of the Planet of the Apes in 2011. Wes Ball (Maze Runner) takes over as directer with Josh Friedman as the screenwriter, and the cast includes Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, and Peter Macon. Our intro music this week is “Tarantino Margarita” by l'eupe. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Follow us on Twitter: Jon Negroni, Will Ashton Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What kind of Cinemaholic are you? While Jon Negroni is out of the country, Will Ashton and special guest Cory Woodroof hold down the fort, so to speak, and discuss Alex Garland's explosive new film, Civil War. A24's most expensive film to date, and likely to be one of their highest grossers to boot, the war drama stars Kirsten Dunst, Cailee Spaney, Wagner Moura, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Nick Offerman, and Jesse Plemons, and it has had everyone talking since it blew into theaters on April 12. Find out what the Will Forces and The Republic of Cory have to say about this election year blockbuster. Our intro music this week is “Tarantino Margarita” by l'eupe. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Follow us on Twitter: Jon Negroni, Will Ashton Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 96th Academy Awards have exited the building, but we're just getting started on talking Oscars 2024! We discuss the nominees and pick our own winners, while also recapping the "actual" winners from the "actual" ceremony. Will the Cinemaholics agree with the Academy, or even (gasp) each other?! Don't change the channel if you want to find out! Our intro music this week is the opening television intro for "Sickle & Ebert: If We Picked The Winners" from March 24, 1990. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Follow us on Twitter: Jon Negroni, Will Ashton Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we finally discuss the release and reception of Dune: Part Two, directed by Denis Villeneuve. After a delayed release and somewhat botched streaming strategy with the last film, Warner Bros. gave the sci-fi epic another chance to spice up the box office. But does Dune: Part Two fulfill the prophecy of that last film and Frank Herbert's 1965 novel? Dune: Part Two opened in theaters on March 1. It was directed by Denis Villeneuve, who co-wrote the screenplay with Jon Spaights. The film stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Dave Bautista, Stellan Skarsgård, Charlotte Rampling, and Javier Bardem, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, and Souheila Yacoub. Our intro music this week is “Tarantino Margarita” by l'eupe. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Follow us on Twitter: Jon Negroni, Will Ashton Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Discussion Points:  Unpacking the backstory of these movies The delayed release and why streaming too soon didn't work The Chosen One Trope and how it's subverted Our general takes on the film and if it's "fulfilling" Christopher Walken's performance...yay or nay? Sandworms. That is all. Adapting Dune to make it more accessible... Why we care about Paul Atreides What makes the film immersive and "weird" Villeneuve's passion for this story The ideal theatrical experience and impact of the music What will Villeneuve do next? Rotten Tomatoes Game: What do critics and audiences generally think? Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's an unofficial "It Ain't Ogre 'Til It's Ogre" podcast reunion! Special guests Matt Serafini and Chris Sheridan join us this week to discuss Madame Web, starring Dakota Johnson. We delve into the broader multiverse of Sony's Spider-Manmovies and its unholy trinity of "villain movies." Who is Madame Web? What's going on with that ADR? How did this movie actually happen? What are we doing with our lives?! Madame Web opened in theaters on February 14. It was directed by S.J. Clarkson and the cast also includes Sydney Sweeney, Isabela Merced, Celeste O'Connor, Tahar Rahim, Mike Epps, Emma Roberts, and Adam Scott. Our intro music this week is “Tarantino Margarita” by l'eupe. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Follow us on Twitter: Jon Negroni, Will Ashton Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Discussion Points:  It Ain't Ogre 'Til It's Ogre really is over! We promise! Sony's plan with Venom, Morbius, and Madame Web, and Kraven and blah blah blah. The role of Cassie Webb as a plot device character in the comics The marketing was misleading! Dakota Johnson's disastrously great press tour for this movie The plot and the plot holes, the lack of effort, the lack of everything Enjoying this movie unironically? Sony's attempts at creating a cinematic universe with its superhero movies have been... What's next for Sony and Columbia Pictures at this point? The Rotten Tomatoes Game: what do critics and audiences think? Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Cinemaholics, Jon Negroni and Will Ashton discuss the new dark comedy road film Drive-Away Dolls, directed by Ethan Coen — who co-wrote the film with Tricia Cooke — and starring Margaret Qualley, Geraldine Viswanathan, Beanie Feldstein, Colman Domingo, Pedro Pascal, Bill Camp, Matt Damon, and Will Ashton. Will is of course excited to talk about the film since he shows up in it as an extra, along with his car. But Jon expresses some disappointments he had with the movie's script and editing choices. Drive-Away Dolls opens in theaters on February 23 through Focus Features. Our intro music this week is “Midnight Swing” by Rudy Raw & yosev Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Follow us on Twitter: Jon Negroni, Will Ashton Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Discussion Points:  Why our listeners might enjoy working on a film set if that opportunity ever comes their way! Why some critics stop reviewing films after working in the industry Jon and Will talk about how Ethan and Joel Coen have fared as solo filmmakers thus far. Jon explains the setup of Drive-Away Dolls, including its development hell production, and gives some broad criticism while Will defends its humor and political themes. Will considers the movie quite breezy at just 84 minutes. Pedro Pascal's role in the film is minimal and does not contribute much to the overall story. Jon argues the movie suffers from awkward staging and a lack of engagement, making it difficult for viewers to connect with the characters and plot. Inconsistencies in the script suggest that certain elements may have been cut or altered during production, resulting in a disjointed viewing experience. Jon describes the movie as a collection of vignettes that vary in quality, with some being entertaining and others falling flat. Will appreciates the humor of the opening scene and how it made him feel at ease about the rest of the film Jon's overall takeaway is that Drive-Away Dolls fails to leave a lasting impact and is not particularly memorable. Audience reactions and reviews for the film are not yet available, but Jon and Will express curiosity about others' opinions. Jon and Will play the Rotten Tomatoes game for Vacation Friends 2 (for some reason), speculating on its critical and audience scores. Upcoming topics might include discussions on Madame Web and Bob Marley: One Love, as well as Netflix's live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Cinemaholics, Jon Negroni and Will Ashton discuss the film Argyle, a new spy action comedy directed by Matthew Vaughn and starring Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Bryan Cranston, Catherine O'Hara, Henry Cavill, Sofia Boutella, Dua Lipa, Ariana DeBose, John Cena, and Samuel L. Jackson. They delve into Vaughn's early career, his style, and the potential setup of a "Kingsman" cinematic universe. They also touch on the screenplay by Jason Fuchs and the audience reception of the film. Argylle opened in theaters on February 2 through Universal Pictures and Apple Original Films. Our intro music this week is “Ballin'” by Worldtraveller Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Follow us on Twitter: Jon Negroni, Will Ashton Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Discussion Points:  Matthew Vaughn's early career and filmmaking style A cinematic universe for Kingsman? Jason Fuchs' previous screenwriting credits The bonkers opening scene of Argylle Analyzing the premise of the film and audience reception The visuals and budget of Argylle, as well as its box office performance and marketing Some of the mixed reactions to the film and general audience reception Influences from Die Hard and Lethal Weapon Comparison to The Lost City Tonal inconsistencies and opinions on the "twist" Chemistry between Bryce Dallas Howard and Sam Rockwell The overall cast and issues with writing/characterization Movie length and pacing Positive aspects of the film Bryce Dallas Howard's acting/directing career Vaughn's depiction of female characters The film's length and climax Reactions from critics and audiences Future releases from Apple Original Films Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Cinemaholics, Jon Negroni and Will Ashton discuss the films Poor Things and The Zone of Interest. Both movies have been expanding in theaters nationwide, with many people debating and analyzing the themes of sexuality and feminism in Poor Things, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and starring Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, and Mark Ruffalo. As well as the controversial depiction of Aushwitz during the Holocaust in The Zone of Interest, directed by Jonathan Glazer and starring Christian Friedel and Sandra Hüller. And as always, the show finishes out with the Rotten Tomatoes game. Show Notes: (Might be about 30 seconds ahead due to ads!) 00:00 – Introduction and Catching Up 02:15 – Will we review Argylle? (yes) 06:00 – Poor Things review 40:35 – The Zone of Interest review 1:03:40 – Rotten Tomatoes Game Our intro music this week is “Marco Polo” by Glimlip, 9ICK & azayaka Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Follow us on Twitter: Jon Negroni, Will Ashton Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Discussion Points: Background on the filmography of Yorgos Lanthimos (comparing his newer and earlier films) Some of the initial reactions to Poor Things and how it handles sexuality and feminism Criticism of the film's feminist themes Background on The Zone of Interest and how it depicts Auschwitz The length of the film and its impact The movie's message about complicity and desensitization Some of the mixed reactions to the film and general audience reception Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.