

The MovieFilm Podcast
Zaki Hasan & Brian Hall
Join film critic Zaki Hasan and television writer Brian Hall as they engage in hilarious and insightful conversations on all the latest out of Hollywood, including news, reviews, and interviews with some of the biggest names in movies!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 18, 2025 • 1h 48min
Ep 328: Tron: Ares
TRON: ARES may be dying in theaters, but that doesn't meant it didn't make for a lively conversation in this week's show! Plus: Remembering Drew Struzan and Diane Keaton, Jim Carrey becomes a(nother) cartoon character, and much more!Listen ad-free at Patreon: https://patreon.com/MovieFilmPodcast

Oct 9, 2025 • 1h 45min
Commentary Track: Tron
Greeting programs! With a brand new sequel in theaters, the MovieFilm have reconvened in the Grid to talk through the original TRON from 1982! Lots of fun and lots of laughs as we point out behind-the-scenes stories, interesting factoids and much more! We hope you'll stick with us before you say, "End of line"!Listen ad-free at Patreon: https://patreon.com/MovieFilmPodcast

Oct 3, 2025 • 2h 27min
Ep. 327: One Battle After Another
(00:00:00) Astra Award Nomination
(00:02:00) Revisiting Cinema Paradiso, Casablanca, 2001, and Chinatown
(00:15:57) Intolerable Cruelty and the Airpods Theater Hack
(00:22:27) Feedback on Kimmel, Trump, and Stallone's Vulnerability
(00:42:18) A Rambo Prequel and Childhood Pizza Hut Memories
(00:55:11) From Toxic Nostalgia to Universal Monsters and Commentary Picks
(01:05:36) New Star Wars Films and the Franchise's Fading Luster
(01:18:13) The Second Simpsons Movie and the Tilly Norwood Al Controversy
(01:35:48) First Impressions of Paul Thomas Anderson's New Epic Film
(01:52:58) Deep Dive into One Battle After Another's Characters and Politics
(02:07:00) Analyzing the Car Chase, Pager Scene, and Film's Powerful Ending
(02:23:35) Listener Engagement, Patreon, and Where to Find Us Online
This week we unpack writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson's unlikely epic ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Plus: A new STAR WARS is coming to theaters, an A.I. actress is causing controversy, and much more!Listen ad-free at Patreon: https://patreon.com/MovieFilmPodcast

Sep 25, 2025 • 2h 14min
Commentary Track: The Legend of Zorro
(00:00:00) Commentary Track: The Legend of Zorro
(00:04:38) Analyzing The Legend of Zorro's Production & PG Rating
(00:19:24) Deconstructing Elena's Character & Relationship Dynamics
(00:29:00) The Child Actor, Rufus Sewell, and Film's Visual Style
(00:39:53) Analyzing Critical Reception and Scripting the Zorro Sequel
(00:47:38) The Polo Match, Stunt Work, and Film's Visual Style
(00:52:19) Martin Campbell's Direction and Alejandro's Emotional Struggle
(00:59:12) Exploring Zorro's Public Domain and Pinkerton History
(01:07:46) Navigating Relationship Drama and Zorro's Secret Identity
(01:18:25) Exploring Zorro's Public Domain and Pop Culture Connections
(01:29:13) Film Pacing, Action Buildup, and Bond Director Discussion
(01:34:19) The Villain Conclave and Spielbergian Filmmaking Touches
(01:45:39) The Explosive Train Climax and Zorro's Identity Reveal
(02:01:33) Reflecting on Zorro's Legacy and Podcast Conclusion
After talking through THE MASK OF ZORRO two years ago, the MovieFilm boys are back with a brand new commentary track for its 2005 sequel, THE LEGEND OF ZORRO! Listen separately or watch along as we discuss what works for us and what doesn't in the Martin Campbell-directed swashbuckler starring Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta-Jones! Listen ad-free at Patreon: https://patreon.com/MovieFilmPodcast

Sep 20, 2025 • 2h 18min
Ep. 326: Remembering Robert Redford
(00:00:00) Ep. 326: Remembering Robert Redford
(00:08:41) Revisiting Iconic Films on the Big Screen
(00:23:14) A Surprisingly Fun Sequel to Spinal Tap
(00:29:51) Charlie Sheen and Unknown Caller
(00:47:26) Listener Letters
(01:07:08) Trump’s Interference With West Point’s Tom Hanks Award
(01:13:38) The Charlie Kirk Assassination and Online Polarization
(01:26:14) Government Pressure on Jimmy Kimmel and Late Night
(01:39:56) Conan and Letterman Speak Out on Censorship
(01:49:49) Celebrating the Life and Character of Robert Redford
(01:57:23) Robert Redford's Vision: Sundance and Directorial Career
(02:12:38) Robert Redford's Acting, 70s Films, and Episode Wrap-Up
This week the MovieFilm boys pause to pay homage to a true cinema icon on the event of his passing: Robert Redford. We memorialize the Sundance Kid on the extraordinary depth and breadth of his Hollywood career while picking some of our favorites from his lengthy catalogue. Also, Tom Hanks has been denied a West Point award and Jimmy Kimmel has been taken off the air, both at the behest of Donald Trump, and we ask: what's next? All that, plus Listener Letters, What We Watched, and more!Listen ad-free at Patreon: https://patreon.com/MovieFilmPodcast

Sep 12, 2025 • 1h 56min
Commentary Track: Unbreakable
(00:00:00) Commentary Track: Unbreakable
(00:04:07) Unbreakable’s Unique Pacing and Early Reaction
(00:07:50) Analyzing Unbreakable’s Uncomfortable and Influential Train Scene
(00:12:08) How Unbreakable’s Marketing Obscured Its True Superhero Nature
(00:15:15) Exploring Shyamalan’s Distinctive Visuals and Thematic Reflections
(00:17:47) Unpacking David Dunn’s Journey and Relationship Struggles
(00:20:28) Placing Unbfeakable in the Pantheon of Early Superhero Films
(00:23:25) The Nuances of David’s Marriage and Shyamalan’s Early Promise
(00:25:54) The Controversial Comic Shop Scene and Deleted Fair Ride
(00:29:24) Elijah’s Art Gallery Scene and Comic Book Panel Framing
(00:32:49) The Heartwarming Father-Son Dynamic and Bruce Willis‘s Legacy
(00:36:36) Bruce Willis‘s Transition and Unbreakable’s Visual Storytelling
(00:39:05) The Mature Portrayal of David and Claire’s Rekindled Relationship
(00:41:45) Unpacking the Twist and Elijah‘s Appeal as a Comic Book Villain
(00:43:53) Unbreakable’s Simple Narrative and Polarizing CinemaScore Reaction
(00:46:49) Elijah‘s Fragility and Joseph’s Belief in his Father‘s Strength
(00:49:22) The Director’s Distinctive Dialogue and James Newton Howard‘s Score
(00:53:47) David’s Growing Strength and Elijah‘s Painful Condition
(00:57:09) Shyamalan‘s Recurring Themes and On-Screen Appearances
(01:00:04) Discussing Tarantino‘s Comments on Shyamalan
(01:03:35) The Tense Kitchen Gun Scene and Its Real Life Inspiration
(01:06:52) Hidden Marvel References and Shyamalan‘s Trilogy Vision
(01:10:15) David and Claire’s Relationship Deepens Amidst Life Changes
(01:15:52) Unbreakable’s Enduring Legacy Beyond Initial Box Office Numbers
(01:18:44) Connecting Unbreakable to Glass and the Sentryman Comic Book Parallel
(01:23:25) Unbreakable’s Portrayal of Grounded, Disturbing Real-World Threats
(01:26:26) The Intense Confrontation and David’s Vulnerability to Water
(01:32:57) The Brutal Fight and Its Emotional Impact on David’s Family
(01:35:21) David’s Family Finds Peace and His Son‘s Belief is Validated
(01:42:42) Analyzing Unbreakable’s Abrupt and Polarizing Final Moments
(01:52:50) Wrapping Up the Unbreakable Commentary and Podcast Farewell
With this year marking its 25th anniversary, we decided to check out M. Night Shyamalan's UNBREAKABLE for our latest commentary track. Listen separately or watch along as we talk through the SIXTH SENSE director's unconventional superhero opus starring Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson!Listen ad-free at Patreon: https://patreon.com/MovieFilmPodcast

Sep 7, 2025 • 2h 12min
Ep. 325: Caught Stealing
(00:00:00) Ep. 325: Caught Stealing
(00:00:51) Podcast Welcome and Brian’s Cord-Cutting Journey Begins
(00:05:01) Brian Discovers Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV
(00:12:05) Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s Billion Dollar Vigor
(00:15:45) Catching Up on Classic Films at Regal Cinemas
(00:17:35) Exploring Unseen Classics: Paper Moon and High and Low
(00:23:20) Experiencing Jaws’ 50th Anniversary in 4DX
(00:30:19) Navigating DC’s Confusing New Cinematic Universe
(00:39:53) Mark Ruffalo Shines in HBO’s Task Miniseries
(00:45:31) Audience Feedback on Cord-Cutting and Media Overload
(00:54:53) Debunking the Myth of Superman’s Box Office Flop
(01:05:46) Unpacking Superman and Superhero Fatigue
(01:16:53) Honoring the Life and Legacy of Graham Greene
(01:19:33) Reconstructing Lost Films With Controversial A.I. Technology
(01:34:48) Darren Aronofsky’s Violent Romp: A Pleasant Romp
(01:56:41) Unpacking Key Plot Points and Character Arcs
(02:10:35) Final Thoughts and How to Support the Podcast
Summer movie season is over, but the MovieFilm boys have no shortage of topics to discuss, including an in-depth discussion of Darren Aronofsky's crime thriller CAUGHT STEALING, starring Austin Butler! Plus: SUPERMAN gets a sequel! Or not? THE MAGNIFICENT AMBERSONS gets an A.I. upgrade! Remembering Graham Greene, and much more!Listen ad-free at Patreon: https://patreon.com/MovieFilmPodcast

Aug 29, 2025 • 1h 48min
Commentary Track: Clueless
Did you think we'd miss the 30th anniversary of CLUELESS? As if! Listen separately or watch along as we talk through the '90s teen fave directed by Amy Heckerling and starring Alicia Silverstone and Paul Rudd. We hope you'll enjoy this one and it won't leave you saying, "Whatever!"Listen ad-free at our Patreon! patreon.com/MovieFilmPodcastListen ad-free at Patreon: https://patreon.com/MovieFilmPodcast

Aug 21, 2025 • 1h 46min
Ep. 324: Nobody 2
(00:00:00) Ep. 324: Nobody 2
(00:03:36) What We Watched
(00:24:44) Listener Letters
(00:46:52) Headlines
(01:20:24) Nobody 2 Review
It's the dog days of August, but that doesn't mean there aren't butts waiting to be kicked, and that's where the Bob Oedenkirk sequel NOBODY 2 comes in! We enjoyed the first adventure of certified bad ass Hutch Mansell three years ago, but does the follow-up have the same punch (and kick)? Listen in to hear our thoughts. Plus: Remembering Jim Lovell and Terence Stamp, Listener Letters and much more!Listen ad-free at Patreon: https://patreon.com/MovieFilmPodcast

Aug 14, 2025 • 2h 11min
Commentary Track: Terminator Genisys
As has become a late summer tradition here at the MovieFilm Podcast, we hopped on mic to talk through another TERMIMATOR sequel! This time out it's TERMINATOR GENISYS in the barrel, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Despite a game performance from returning star Arnold Schwarzenegger, we weren't big fans of this one when it first hit theaters, but has the intervening decade softened our views? You'll have to check it out to find out, either by listening separately or watching along with us!Listen ad-free at Patreon: https://patreon.com/MovieFilmPodcast