Four Ways of Looking at an Action Movie: ‘The Accountant 2,’ ‘Havoc,’ ‘A Working Man,’ and ‘The Amateur’
Apr 28, 2025
01:22:32
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Quick takeaways
The hosts discuss the resurgence of interest in cinema, attributing it to fan engagement and the emotional connections formed around shared viewing experiences.
They explore the impact of mediocre action films on the genre's landscape and analyze how innovation and familiarity must coexist to attract audiences.
The conversation emphasizes the contrasting influences of streaming services on viewer habits and the enduring appeal of blockbuster films driving theater attendance.
Deep dives
The Return of In-Depth NBA Analysis
The conversation highlights the return of engaging NBA discussions, emphasizing a deep dive into games, strategies, and looming playoff drama. The significance of frequent episodes is noted, with the promise of valuable insights and entertaining guest appearances. Regular scheduling on Mondays and Thursdays aims to create consistent engagement with the audience, fostering a sense of community among basketball enthusiasts. This revival is positioned to satisfy fans' appetite for comprehensive analysis as the NBA season culminates in its most exciting phase.
The Power of Fan Culture in Cinema
The podcast addresses the resurgence of interest in the cinematic experience, driven by fan engagement and nostalgia. With specific examples like the tremendous turnout for films such as 'Sinners,' it explores how word-of-mouth and social media have reignited the thrill of movie-going. Notably, the emotional connection viewers have developed around shared experiences contributes to a cultural phenomenon reminiscent of iconic releases in previous decades. The integration of fan culture, coupled with the expertise of visionary directors, is highlighted as a driving force for attracting audiences back to theaters.
Exploration of Cinematic Successes and Failures
A significant conversation revolves around the impact of the pandemic on audience habits, and how filmmakers have adapted to reconnect with moviegoers. With an emphasis on analyzing box office dynamics, the discussion also points out that while some films achieve phenomenal success, others may struggle in the market. Attention is drawn to the balance between familiarity and innovation in storytelling as crucial for retaining audience interest. The notion that both blockbuster hits and overlooked gems are part of the cinematic landscape is explored, suggesting a nuanced approach to film consumption.
The Role of Streaming Platforms in Modern Cinema
The discussion includes a critique of how streaming services have influenced viewer expectations and experiences within the context of traditional cinema. The ease of access to content on platforms like Netflix may dilute the communal aspect of movie-going, leading to a preference for at-home viewing over theater attendance. However, certain blockbuster films continue to pull audiences back, indicating a potential shift in this trend. This dichotomy challenges the film industry to rethink strategies for promoting theatrical releases alongside competitive streaming offers.
Anticipation for Upcoming Action Films
As the conversation shifts towards future releases, excitement builds for several anticipated action films, such as 'Thunderbolts' and 'Mission Impossible.' The podcast suggests these films may embody elements that resonate deeply with fans, potentially revitalizing excitement for action genres. Speculation about the impact of these movies on box office performance and viewer engagement reflects a broader trend of action films reasserting their significance in cinematic culture. The anticipation around star-studded casts and action-packed narratives sets the stage for an invigorating summer movie season.
Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan to recap their trip to the mobile Criterion Closet before celebrating the big box-office weekend performances of ‘Sinners’ and ‘Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith’ and explain why movies are so back (1:09). Then, they cover some recently released mediocre action films: ‘The Accountant 2’ (14:30), ‘Havoc’ (25:39), ‘A Working Man’ (36:33), and ‘The Amateur’ (44:41), and have a big-picture conversation on what these four films mean for the state of action movies (53:32). Finally, they discuss a handful of movie news headlines and share their excitement and concern for some upcoming releases (1:00:35).
