Ronald Young, Jr.

Aisha Roscoe, the host of Weekend Edition Sunday, and Ronald Young Jr., host of A Leaving the Theater, dive into the wild action film 'Fight or Flight,' featuring Josh Hartnett as a Secret Service agent battling assassins on a plane. They discuss the film's outrageous blend of humor and action, while critiquing its pacing and the need for a memorable villain. The duo also celebrates nostalgic R&B music, particularly Gerald Levert, and shares their favorite media, including the insightful documentary series 'Untold' and classic thrillers.

Predator: Badlands is the latest film about an alien race that hunts things using all sorts of space-gadgets. It’s told from the Predator’s perspective. He’s an outcast sent to a hostile planet to hunt down a deadly monster to prove his worth to his people – with Elle Fanning joining as an unlikely ally. It’s from the same team that made Prey. And both Predator movies are much better than they had any right to be.Follow Pop Culture Happy Hour on Letterboxd at letterboxd.com/nprpopcultureTo access bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening for Pop Culture Happy Hour, subscribe to Pop Culture Happy Hour+ at plus.npr.org/happy.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

This conversation features Eric Deggans, NPR Critic-at-large, and Ronald Young Jr., host of Leaving the Theater. They dissect the finale of Stranger Things, discussing its strengths like ensemble chemistry and visual effects, while critiquing narrative weaknesses and underdeveloped characters. The panel debates whether the season prioritized a farewell over story closure, and Eric highlights how the series reflects streaming's evolution to spectacle-driven content. Ultimately, they express mixed feelings about the finale's reliance on fan service.

Ronald Young, Jr., host of the film and television review podcast Leaving the Theater, joins the conversation to dive into Marvel's latest film, 'Thunderbolts.' The discussion highlights emotionally scarred superheroes attempting redemption. The cast features recognizable talent like Florence Pugh and David Harbour. They critique the movie’s humor and originality while yearning for richer storytelling within the franchise. The pod also touches on playful topics like Eurovision and the joys of 'Andor,' blending fun with insightful commentary.

Kristen Meinzer, co-host of The Daily Fail, brings her comedic insights, alongside Ronald Young Jr., host of Leaving the Theater. They unpack the latest reboot, Jurassic World Rebirth, questioning its ability to capture the original's magic. The duo critiques character development and explores franchise fatigue, debating whether nostalgia can blend with innovation. Shifting gears, they delight in the dramatic encounters of ‘The Never Ever Mets’ reality show and celebrate personal empowerment through a Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir and Kesha’s upcoming album.

Joining the conversation is Ronald Young Jr., host of the film and television review podcast Leaving the Theater. He dives into the comedy series Platonic, starring Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne, discussing how it navigates midlife crises and the nuances of rekindling friendships. The talk highlights the challenges of male-female dynamics and the show’s unique humor. They also touch on the importance of diverse voices in storytelling, impacting narratives around body diversity and emotional intimacy. Exciting insights on upcoming projects and audience engagement wrap things up!

In this discussion, Sam Yellowhorse Kessler, a producer for NPR's Planet Money and film analyst, joins Ronald Young Jr., host of Leaving the Theater, to delve into the sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. They explore the film's tight plotting and contrasting tones, with Ronald sharing his mixed feelings about the unnecessary violence. The conversation reflects on character motivation and the movie's role within a trilogy. The duo also shares what’s bringing them joy, from Industry’s evolution to Buffalo Bills lore, adding a personal touch to the critique.

Ronald Young Jr., host of Leaving the Theater, joins to discuss the vibrant new film adaptation of The Fantastic Four, featuring Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby. They explore the film's colorful aesthetic and how it balances nostalgia with modern themes focused on family. The conversation also critiques its storytelling and character depth, while highlighting the creative influences from New York and Chicago. Finally, Ronald shares joyful discoveries, including a fascinating comic and fun shows, adding an entertaining twist to the discussion.

In this discussion, Ronald Young Jr., a film and television critic, and Rihanna Cruz, a freelance music journalist, dive into the remake of The Running Man. Ronald concludes it outshines the original while noting its political nuances. Rihanna lauds the film’s action and worldbuilding but critiques its female subplot. They explore the adaptation’s tonal faithfulness to Stephen King's source material and debate casting strengths, particularly Glenn Powell’s performance. Plus, they share what’s making them happy, including competitive shows and a surprising Drake album!

Ronald Young Jr., host of the film and television review podcast Leaving the Theater, joins the discussion. They dive into the flashy world of F1 The Movie starring Brad Pitt, exploring its blend of drama and racing thrills. The conversation critiques the film's storytelling flaws, while acknowledging its entertainment value. They also discuss the commercialization of Formula One and related fan experiences. Transitioning from racing, the talk shifts to the allure of reality shows like Love Island USA and the nostalgia tied to big-budget films.