The Next Reel Film Podcast

“Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn."REBROADCASTFinding Rhett and Scarlet Less RelevantConsidering the racially-charged climate of the US right now, it’s oddly perfect timing that we’re starting our 1939 series with Gone With The Wind, a film as technically brilliant to look at as it is hard to watch because of it’s portrayal of slavery and the ‘lost cause’ Southern view of the Civil War. It certainly gives us a lot to talk about in this episode! Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we dive into Victor Fleming’s Gone With The Wind. Here’s What We Chat AboutWe talk at length about the position of the film in cinematic history and how that contrasts with what it’s portraying and how we feel about that, noting that perhaps this film is one that should be considered in the same camp as Song of the South. And we look at what problems we have with the story and why it makes us feel uncomfortable, even if the story itself can be enjoyed when taken out of historical context. Focusing more on the film itself, we look at the actors – Vivien Leigh, Clark Gable, Olivia de Havilland, Leslie Howard, Thomas Mitchell, Hattie McDaniel and more – how they got their parts and how well they work for us. We look at lots of bit players and talk about where they’ve since popped up. We talk about the context of 1939 and how the studio system worked. We talk about the three directors who contributed to this film – George Cukor, Victor Fleming and Sam Wood – as well as the producing kingpin who really is the one responsible for getting this film made the way he wanted: David O. Selznick. We chat about other key crew who helped bring this film to life, including Max Steiner, Yakima Canutt, William Cameron Menzies and Walter Plunkett. And we marvel at how much money this film has taken in over its lifetime and deliberate over whether it should still be able to make money or if it should be locked away now due to its painful portrayal of the period. It’s a long film but a film well worth discussing because of these factors. Tune in!Film SundriesOriginal Release of This Episode in Season 5ScreenplayOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkGone With The Wind by Margaret MitchellFlickchartHuffPost Politics Blog: Yes, You’re a Racist — and a Traitor Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.Follow the other podcasts in The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeSitting in the DarkJoin the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!Here’s where you can find us around the internet:The WebLetterboxdFacebookInstagramThreadsBlueskyYouTubeFlickchartPinterestPete AndyWhat are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.Or sign up for AUDIBLE.

“When you get inside my head, see if you can find any sense in it.”Bette Davis Dealing with and Dying From GliomaThere’s a strength in storytelling that can exist in disease films because we’re following a person as they’re going through a very difficult period in their life that could very well end in death. That’s one of the elements that drew Bette Davis to the play “Dark Victory,” of which she had a hard time convincing Jack Warner that audiences would love it. He was wrong and she proved correctly, however, that a tragic story with your protagonist dying from the disease could draw in the audience. It clearly worked in this case as it lead to several Academy Award nominations including Best Picture. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our 13th season of the podcast with a full year looking at various awards categories through the decades, starting right here in our series on the 1940 Academy Awards • Best Picture as we discuss Edmund Goulding’s 1939 film Dark Victory.Here’s a hint at what we talk about.At the heart of this film, it’s really Bette Davis and she fully delivers. She’s very much playing the headstrong socialite we’d see often in her films, though the difference here is right out of the gate, she’s diagnosed with glioma, a form of brain tumor. Through her performance, we see her go through many of the stages of grief as she first fights against the fact that she’s sick and finally comes to terms and accepts it. It’s quite a ride, and it works because of Davis.She couldn’t get there without the script, however, and its structure allows this film to be about her battling the disease, not as a side element in the story. From the start, she’s suffering from her glioma. It plays in unexpected ways, and lets us take the journey with her. Of course the journey wouldn’t be complete without the rest of the players, and they deliver. Geraldine Fitzgerald, George Brent, Ronald Reagan. Only Humphrey Bogart seems out of place here.It’s a strong entry into the big studio year of 1939 that saw a lot of successful films of all genres stand out, and this one deservedly was nominated for Best Picture. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership.Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchTranscriptOriginal MaterialTheatrical trailerPoster artworkFlickchartLetterboxd Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.Follow the other podcasts in The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeSitting in the DarkJoin the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!Here’s where you can find us around the internet:The WebLetterboxdFacebookInstagramThreadsBlueskyYouTubeFlickchartPinterestPete AndyWhat are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.Or sign up for AUDIBLE.

“We're living in a world that's blowing itself to hell as fast as everybody can arrange it.”Talking About Terrence Malick’s 1998 film The Thin Red Line with our guest, cinematographer Ross RiegeWhile Terrence Malick’s war film came out five months after Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan, it couldn’t be more different. They’re both exceptional films, but Malick’s takes a more pensive, thoughtful, esoteric approach with his. At its basest level, the story follows a military unit on the Melanesian island of Guadalcanal as they work to take it from Japanese troops. While that story’s there, in Malick’s hands, the film is more about the balance between man and nature and how the war machine destroys men’s souls. Not only is the way Malick crafts the story haunting, it’s also done in a way that fits perfectly with his themes and views. Cinematographer Ross Riege is a big fan, having first seen this and a number of other Malick films when prepping Redland, an early film he worked on, as well as his big break as cinematographer for The Kings of Summer. It’s fitting then that that film’s look was described as feeling Malickian. We talk more with Riege about his career, starting with smaller films and moving up to films like Weird: The Al Yankovic Story and the TV series The Afterparty. We also get some impressions from him on the switch from film to digital, working with his crews, and more. It’s a fantastic conversation about a great movie with a great cinematographer. Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel’s Movies We Like through your own membership with The Next Reel.Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Ross on the web and on InstagramWatch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchScript OptionsTheatrical trailerPoster artworkFlickchartLetterboxd Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.Follow the other podcasts in The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeSitting in the DarkJoin the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!Here’s where you can find us around the internet:The WebLetterboxdFacebookInstagramThreadsBlueskyYouTubeFlickchartPinterestPete AndyWhat are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.Or sign up for AUDIBLE.

“The world is changing. Truth is vanishing.”Ethan Hunt and Co. Are BackFor our July member bonus episode, we wrap up our conversation about Ethan Hunt and his impossible missions. For Christopher McQuarrie’s latest entry into the franchise, Ethan and his team are up against none other than a form of sentient AI they call The Entity. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we close our chats in our Mission: Impossible series – at least until next year’s conclusion to this story – with McQuarrie’s 2023 film Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.Here’s a hint at what we talk about.It’s a great entry to the franchise, and we certainly spoil it. The characters are great, the action sequences are a thrill, the story works well. If anything, there are elements that feel clunky within some of the exposition, the camera work, the editing and the structure. Is this because McQuarrie shot two lengthy films back to back and might’ve been overwhelmed? Is it because he’s trying to create a unique look and feel for each of his films in this franchise? Is he trying to create tension with creative shots that just aren’t working? It’s hard to say, but we certainly noticed it.The story largely focuses on a form of AI that grows some form of sentience that partners up with one of Hunt’s old adversaries then works to control the world. With the zeitgeist around AI right now, it’s quite fitting. We discuss the nature of this story today – and the fact that they were originally intending it to be released two full years ago – and why it works in context of this world. It feels like a perfect next step for the franchise. We talk about elements brought in from previous films that we noticed as well, and walk through the action beats. There’s a lot to discuss. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership.Theatrical trailerPoster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdThis is a member bonus episode that we’re releasing to everyone so you can get a taste or the extra content our members get. We'd love it if you became a member to support our show, but you’d love it because of everything you get. We have monthly member bonus episodes like this that only members can access. You also get ad-free episodes, access to members-only Discord channels, and early releases for every episode. And you get to vote on the movies we discuss in our members only episodes! What can we say? It pays to be a member. Learn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership — visit TruStory FM.

“The IMF is like Halloween, a bunch of grown men in rubber masks playing trick-or-treat.”Hunt Is Back, and He’s Better Than Ever... ReallyIt’s crazy that we’re at the sixth film in the franchise and it’s the best of the bunch. How does that happen? Likely, it’s because Cruise has been driving this franchise not just as star but also producer from the start, but it’s hard to dismiss the fact that writer/director Christopher McQuarrie returned. His sense of this story, these characters, and this world seems to fit hand to glove as much as Cruise does. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Mission: Impossible series with McQuarrie’s 2018 film Mission: Impossible – Fallout.Here’s a hint at what we talk about.It’s like they take all the greatest moments from the previous five films and find ways to integrate reworked versions of them into this film. It’s fantastic. We walk through the various action beats in this film, starting with the over two-and-a-half minute single shot of Hunt and Walker doing a HALO jump into Paris. And it only gets better from there.Hunt is dealing with Solomon Lane again, but we’re also adding John Lark into the mix. It’s a bit of a mystery as to who he is, but... not really. It’s hard to buy Lark, aka August Walker, as anything but villainous. Is it the way Henry Cavill plays him? Or is he just written that way? Regardless, he makes for a great villain and works exceptionally well in this franchise. There’s also the return to Julia as a key part in Hunt’s life. It plays well, and clearly is an important point to Hunt learning to navigate his life when it comes to saving the world vs. saving those he loves. That plays not only into Julia’s story but also Ilsa, as clearly something is developing here with her in her return.All in all, it’s a great film that shows insane stunt work by Cruise, a broken ankle, great characters, a thrilling and engaging story, and a mystery as to where it could go from here. We love it. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership.Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchScript OptionsTheatrical trailerPoster artworkFlickchartLetterboxd Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.Follow the other podcasts in The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeSitting in the DarkJoin the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!Here’s where you can find us around the internet:The WebLetterboxdFacebookInstagramThreadsBlueskyYouTubeFlickchartPinterestPete AndyWhat are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.Or sign up for AUDIBLE.

“We’re kind of formulating a plan B, although technically it’s a plan C.”Everyone’s Gone Rogue in Rogue NationChristopher McQuarrie did some uncredited rewrites on Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, though he’d worked with Tom Cruise a number of times in the past, having written and directed Jack Reacher then writing Edge of Tomorrow. Clearly, his strength as a storyteller, perhaps more than his friendship with Cruise, led Cruise to offer him the opportunity to help the fifth Mission: Impossible film. That opportunity to not only work on the script but also direct seemed to be the right formula Cruise (perhaps more the producer than the star) was looking for to bring the franchise into right zone he’d been looking for from the start. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our journey through our Mission: Impossible series with a conversation about McQuarrie’s 2015 film Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation.Here’s a hint at what we talk about.Right out of the gate, we’re given an exciting action sequence, one which had been advertised relentlessly to draw audiences to the film to see Cruise hanging off the side of a plane. For real. It’s insane but makes for a great start to the movie. Plus, we get more comedy with the team and intrigue as the IMF gets shut down by the Senate, which puts Ethan on the run. It’s a thrill of a way to start the movie that shows we’re on the right track now.The team is great, keeping Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, and the ever-consistent Ving Rhames from the last film. It’s our first full repeat, and it works well. We do have questions about the roles of each of the team members though. Are they given enough delineation between them? Is this, perhaps, why Jeremy Renner doesn’t return? The big surprise is the addition of Rebecca Ferguson who proves herself Cruise’s equal and brings tremendous chemistry as a British spy working both with and against Hunt at seemingly every turn. She’s incredibly compelling and is stunning in that dress. Of course the villain has to work for the team to be of any interest, and we’re fans of what Sean Harris is bringing as ex-MI6 operative Solomon Lane, the head of The Syndicate. He’s compelling, and the plot moves in exciting directions dictated by him. It’s a thrill of a film in a franchise that only gets better. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership.Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchTheatrical trailerPoster artworkFlickchartLetterboxd Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.Follow the other podcasts in The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeSitting in the DarkJoin the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!Here’s where you can find us around the internet:The WebLetterboxdFacebookInstagramThreadsBlueskyYouTubeFlickchartPinterestPete AndyWhat are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.Or sign up for AUDIBLE.

“You actually said that out loud? ‘Mission accomplished?’”Ethan Hunt Shifts Gears and Finds His GrooveBrad Bird’s on board the franchise, getting a chance to not only make his first live action film but also to do so in a major franchise with giant set pieces and mega-stars. Perhaps that’s what the franchise needed, after all of Cruise’s antics around the time the third film was released. There was even talk that this film might have been his last as the franchise lead, turning it over to Jeremy Renner from this point forward. But things worked out, perhaps because of Bird’s injection of fun and levity he brought, and the franchise shited to something that would only continue improving. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our M:I series with a conversation about Bird’s 2011 film Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol. Here’s a hint at what we talk about.This film is a blast from start to finish. We have a great team that feels cohesive both as a team in context of the film working to solve their mission as well as the actors who actually have chemistry and blend well. There’s a lot of play with the spy tech here as we get some incredible gadgets, but we also get to see what happens when our spies have to think outside the box when gadgets break or malfunction. The set pieces in this film all bring new and different energy to the franchise and the film, particularly the centerpiece of the film – Cruise scaling the side of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. It’s insane and we’re here for all of it. We also have a villain that feels wonderfully villainous. Could we have used more of Michael Niqvist? Sure. But what we get works well for us. Even his threat to launch a nuke and start WWIII, while at the level of Bond villains, has a bit of a grounded feel to it. We talk a bit about the end of Cruise/Wagner Productions, and also ponder why Bird hasn’t had a chance to make many more live action features. Regardless, it’s a great conversation about a film that certainly set a new high bar for this franchise. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership.Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchScript OptionsTheatrical trailerPoster artworkFlickchartLetterboxd Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.Follow the other podcasts in The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeSitting in the DarkJoin the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!Here’s where you can find us around the internet:The WebLetterboxdFacebookInstagramThreadsBlueskyYouTubeFlickchartPinterestPete AndyWhat are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.Or sign up for AUDIBLE.

“You don’t get anywhere in this world by waiting for what you want to come to you. You make it happen.”Talking About Working Girl with our guest, writer/producer Rachel LewisMike Nichols’ film has been in all of our lives for decades now, and there are reasons it stands out as a classic. It’s a Cinderella story dealing with the sexism in the 80s workplace, and how one woman proves she has the stuff to break out of the secretary role in which she’d been stuck. It’s full of laughs, but also full of heart. And lest we forget the magnificent big 80s hair. It’s a sight to behold. Sure, the movie has some dated elements that don’t work quite as well, but that’s looking through today’s eyes. For its place in the late 80s, it works perfectly and delivers a solid film. Writer/producer Rachel Lewis is a big fan, and we have a great conversation with her about the movie. We chat through the cast and the themes. And then there’s Carly Simon’s fantastic and anthemic song that’s as inspiring as the movie is itself. Rachel tells us about her career and how she got started in the world of improv comedy before moving to LA and working her way into pitch meetings. As a writer, WGA team captain, and lot coordinator for the current strike, she also breaks down some of the reasons for it and what the writers are collectively working toward.It’s a fantastic conversation about a great movie and the importance of this current strike. Check it out! Film SundriesLearn more about how you can support the WGA during their strikeLearn more about supporting The Next Reel’s Movies We Like through your own membership with The Next Reel.Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Rachel on the web, Instagram, Twitter, and IMDbWatch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchScript OptionsTheatrical trailer“Let the River Run” by Carly Simon music videoPoster artworkFlickchartLetterboxd Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.Follow the other podcasts in The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeSitting in the DarkJoin the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!Here’s where you can find us around the internet:The WebLetterboxdFacebookInstagramThreadsBlueskyYouTubeFlickchartPinterestPete AndyWhat are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.Or sign up for AUDIBLE.

“Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall.”Ethan’s back, and he’s getting married!It took some time to sort out the plans for this one’s script, and it wasn’t easy finding the director either. Tom Cruise and Paula Wagner did get there though, locking in TV showrunner JJ Abrams to co-write and helm the third in this franchise, making it his feature film debut. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our ‘Mission: Impossible’ series with a look at Abrams’ 2006 film Mission: Impossible III. Here’s a hint at what we talk about.The film starts with a gut punch, introducing us to the villain and setting up Ethan and his wife in a position as hostages. Philip Seymour Hoffman as Owen Davian, the villain, is perfect and the star of this film, but is it too early to start having issues? As someone much more in tune with co-writer/director JJ Abrams at the time, Pete was very much in the bag for being there with Abrams as he made the leap to the big screen. Andy didn’t have that connection so didn’t have as much of an interest in the film (or the franchise at this point after John Woo’s second entry). So does the opening work? We talk about the vibe of the film and how, because of the romance between Ethan and Julia, it feels very different. Largely, it works and moves us past Woo’s mess of a film into something that feels better already. It’s just unfortunate that there are still so many issues. Perhaps the largest is that it never quite feels cinematic.Regardless, it’s a fun entry into the franchise and gives us plenty to dig into. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Film SundriesJoin the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Learn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership.Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchScript OptionsTheatrical trailerPoster artworkFlickchartLetterboxd Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.Follow the other podcasts in The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeSitting in the DarkJoin the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!Here’s where you can find us around the internet:The WebLetterboxdFacebookInstagramThreadsBlueskyYouTubeFlickchartPinterestPete AndyWhat are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.Or sign up for AUDIBLE.

“Well, this is not ‘mission: difficult’, Mr. Hunt. This is ‘mission: impossible.’ ‘Difficult’ should be a walk in the park for you.”Hunt’s Back for Love, Doves, and Viruses!Returning for a sequel to their hit, Tom Cruise and Paula Wagner decided to explore the franchise with a different director – something they’d continue doing for the first five films. For this, they went with Hong Kong action filmmaker John Woo. Known for his over-the-top action set pieces, his use of slow motion, and his use of doves, it may seem a bit of a surprise that what Woo really wanted to inject this sequel with was romance. But is that where the film goes wrong? Or did it have issues even without the love story? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our ‘Mission: Impossible’ series with a conversation about Woo’s 2000 film Mission: Impossible 2.Here’s a hint at what we talk about.While it may seem natural to hire John Woo to direct a Mission: Impossible movie, it’s quite a surprise that this is the worst of the franchise. Woo’s filmmaking style doesn’t seem to fit. It feels like it’s a different universe than where the rest of the franchise takes place. But is that strictly Woo’s fault? Was it partially the story put together by Ronald D. Moore and Brannon Braga? Or the final script written by Robert Towne? It’s hard to say, but the romance Woo wanted to inject into the story certainly doesn’t help.And that’s one of our primary complaints. Nya, as played by Thandiwe Newton, could be an interesting expert thief character but they drop that angle instantly and restrict her to love interest and pawn. Plus, by the time we get to the end of the film, they completely bail on Nya as a potential threat to humanity with the virus she’s carrying. No wonder Newton had such a miserable time making this movie.But there’s also the angle of the virus and antidote. It seems very James Bond villain-esque, but even there it’s less about threatening the world and more about making a little money. Maybe it’s because we struggle with Dougray Scott as the villain, or the fact that his relationship with Newton’s Nya seems less likely than a possible gay relationship with his right hand man played by Richard Roxburgh. Cruise does start his crazy stunts here with the wire work as he’s doing the free solo climb. His later stunts and action set pieces aren’t too bad, but they never feel great. It has its moments, but this film just never feels like it’s doing what it needs to be doing. Still, it makes for a fantastic conversation. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership.Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchScript OptionsTheatrical trailerPoster artworkFlickchartLetterboxd Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.Follow the other podcasts in The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeSitting in the DarkJoin the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!Here’s where you can find us around the internet:The WebLetterboxdFacebookInstagramThreadsBlueskyYouTubeFlickchartPinterestPete AndyWhat are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.Or sign up for AUDIBLE.