The Next Reel Film Podcast

"Shot in the back by Buford Tannen, over a matter of eighty dollars? What kind of a future do you call that?”We Follow Marty and Doc to the Old West in Back to the Future Part IIIBack-to-back film production doesn’t occur often because it could potentially prove costly for the production company. With the success of Back to the Future, however, Universal saw it had an audience and likely could earn back the budget if they shot the second and third films back to back. So even though largely the two films are in completely different areas (and times) with widely different casts, Robert Zemeckis and his team set out to make both films in 1989. Back to the Future Part II released in 1989 as he was finishing up post on the third installment, which he finished to release six months later, and Universal more than made their money back. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our Back to the Future series with a look at Zemeckis’ 1990 film Back to the Future Part III.How does it work after the problematic second film?Largely, we both enjoyed this one much more than the second film but not as much as the first. If there’s one thing that makes itself quite apparent, it’s Zemeckis’ and his co-writer Bob Gale’s struggle with time travel logic and exposition across the second and third films. This one largely stays in the same setting through the bulk of the film, so at least it’s not bouncing across five distinct settings like the second film was, and this film focuses on the love story between Doc Brown and Clara, the new school teacher. We love that part of the film.But it still raises a lot of questions. Why do relatives in the McFly and Tannen families always look like Michael J. Fox and Thomas F. Wilson, respectively? It feels like it’s just there for them to play with the motion control cameras and to be riding the edge of film technology. It’s fun and it fits in a certain comic book tone the films have, but it also doesn’t line up with rules established in the first film.This film also really highlights that Zemeckis and Gale didn’t know what to do with the female characters. Jennifer’s been largely abandoned. Lea Thompson plays Marty’s great-great grandmother now (is there another great- in there?) but doesn’t get to do much. And Mary Steenburgen – who shines as Clara – also feels a bit underwritten. Still, it’s a story about Marty and Doc and to that end, it works and we have fun with it. Plus, the effects are great and the stuntwork is top notch. It’s definitely a film worth revisiting as it’s a ton of fun, but like the second also ends up feeling like something that doesn’t have to be revisited again. Perhaps we’ll just stick with the first one. Regardless, it gives us a ton to discuss, so check it out again 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 JustWatchScriptTheatrical trailerPoster artworkFlickchartLetterboxd Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

“What’s wrong, McFly? Chicken?”Joining Marty and Doc Again in Back to the Future Part IIThe sequels weren’t part of the plan when Robert Zemeckis and team made the first Back to the Future film. With its success, however, it was inevitable for Universal to want to return to the property and build a franchise. so Zemeckis and his co-writer/co-producer Bob Gale decided to make not just one sequel but two and film them back to back. Hence, this trilogy. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our look at the Back to the Future trilogy with the 1989 film Back to the Future Part II. Here’s a hint at what we talk about.Right out of the gate, things feel different. They had to re-create the end of the first film with Elisabeth Shue playing Jennifer because Claudia Wells had to drop out. But why does the whole thing feel off? Like... more staged, perhaps? Crispin Glover also didn’t return, and that’s a BIG story. Aside from casting issues, we talk about the script and the ambitions to cover four distinctly different periods in the film. Some of that led to things that worked. Some didn’t. We like the stuff that worked. The interesting use of the motion control camera technology to put the same actors fluidly into the same shot with themselves. And the complex story is fairly interesting.But we do have to deal with the over-the-top cartoonish characters, particularly in the future. And the whole ‘chicken’ thing. Not to mention the horrible way Jennifer’s treated. And the way time travel kinda breaks in the film.There are plenty of issues, the biggest of which may be that it all just feels written. But still, it’s a fun watch. So why do we like it still?We have a wide-ranging conversation and it’s a great film to discuss 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 Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

"Last night, Darth Vader came down from planet Vulcan and told me that if I didn't take Lorraine out, that he'd melt my brain."We Go Back to BACK TO THE FUTUREFrom the time we first saw this film, it’s safe to say that it’s been one of our favorites. It was popular at the time and has become a cornerstone in cinematic time traveling movies. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson - as we kick off our Back to the Future trilogy series with Robert Zemeckis’ 1985 classic Back to the Future.What more can be said about Back to the Future?The ground has been covered with talk about Zemeckis’ fantastic film Back to the Future, but there’s still plenty to discuss with the film. Where does it stand in the realm of time travel movies? Do we buy into the setup with the DeLorean time travel machine? How about the world building? What does the opening of the film say about the characters, the world, and how Zemeckis constructs a film? We talk about the actors – Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Crispin Glover, Lea Thompson, Tom Wilson, Claudia Wells, and more – and what they each bring to their characters. We also talk about the staying power of the cast and how effective they are not just in the film but over the decades. And there’s the story about Eric Stoltz. We dig into that a bit, and how that affected the casting of Wells. How do the effects from Industrial Light and Magic hold up? Is that a sticking point for us? And why didn’t Alan Silvestri’s score get more recognition at the time? Huey Lewis and the News sure did! It’s a fantastic film and a thrill to finally talk about it on the show. Check out the movie 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 JustWatchScriptTheatrical trailerPoster artworkFlickchartLetterboxd Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

“Nobody criticizes my food, nobody squirts condiments on my apron, and nobody bonks me on the head with a baguette!”Let’s talk about Paddington 2!Paddington 2 had become the best-reviewed film on Rotten Tomatoes, unseating Citizen Kane, until a lone critic lobbed a negative review at it, bringing it down a peg. But what does that say about this film? Is it really one of the greatest films ever made? Or does it speak more to Paddington’s ability to find the best in people and bring the best out of them – including film critics? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our Paddington series with Paul King’s follow-up to his 2014 film with 2017’s Paddington 2. Is there anything wrong with Paddington 2?You’ll be hard-pressed to find us seeing anything wrong with this film. Even the juvenile humor involving Paddington using electric toothbrushes to clean his ears, nose, and teeth – in that order – doesn’t affect us negatively. The story’s so sweet and the character of Paddington really does work his magic on us. He’s a pure delight. That’s as much a tribute to writer/director King as it is to the CG artists behind his creation as it is to Ben Wishaw’s spot-on voice performance. The rest of the cast is stellar as well, though it’s hard to ignore the pure brilliance of Hugh Grant as the villainous Phoenix Buchanan. He clearly relishes the role and delivers a brilliant and unforgettable performance. So tune in as we break this film down and celebrate this adorable little bear from Peru. 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 find other places at JustWatchScreenplayTheatrical trailerPoster artworkFlickchartLetterboxd Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

It’s so easy to love PaddingtonProducer David Heyman had been wanting to adapt the “Paddington” series of children’s books for a while, announcing his plans to produce it in 2007. It took a bit to get it where it needed to be, but with director Paul King, they managed to get the film made and released it in 2014 to much acclaim. So how does it fare overall? Does it stand up as an exemplary adaptation of children’s books? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our Paddington series with King’s first film in this franchise, 2014’s Paddington.Does it matter if you grew up reading Paddington or not?We don’t think so, but there is quite a bit of talk about the origins of this character and how they adapted him from the books. And of course, there’s the challenge of making him look realistic in a live action film, not to mention casting absolutely the right person for the voice performance. In all cases, they succeeded. Ben Wishaw is brilliant as the voice of Paddington, and likely a huge reason why he’s so loveable. But the Browns are also incredibly loveable, headed up by Hugh Bonneville and Sally Hawkins. Nicole Kidman is over the top and wonderful as the villain, but is she too villainous or just right for the story? And the cast is rounded out by some of our favorite Brits – Jim Broadbent, Peter Capaldi, Imelda Staunton, Michael Gambon, Julie Walters, and Matt Lucas.All in all, it’s a pure delight of a film and a very easy one to talk about. 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 TranscriptTheatrical trailerPoster artworkOriginal MaterialFlickchartLetterboxd Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

We return to Return of the JediThree years after the success of The Empire Strikes Back, George Lucas made his conclusion to his original Star Wars trilogy – helmed by director Richard Marquand – Return of the Jedi. How does it work as the wrap-up to this trilogy? What do we think of Luke’s cool new black duds? How about Han’s somewhat neutered character? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our Original Star Wars Trilogy series with Marquand’s 1983 film Return of the Jedi.We clearly have a lot to say about Star Warsand Return of the JediWe grew up with the film and this franchise, so we’re very close to it, but it’s hard not to see how effective they were with the storytelling, even if it’s not quite at the level of the previous two films. But the effects? They’re amazing. We get all sorts of new characters, new ships, new worlds, and an epic conclusion. We have a great conversation talking about Jabba the Hutt, Endor and Ewoks, the Emperor, Yoda, Leia, Chewie, Darth Vader, Han, Luke, Lando, and everyone else who pops up. And of course we’re talking about the Harmy’s Despecialized Edition, which may not offer the color and cleanup but at least doesn’t have the new Sy Snoodles song. So, there’s that. 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 TranscriptTheatrical trailerPoster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdJamie Bening’s Returning to Jedi FilmumentaryFilmumentariesStarship Size Comparison 2022 Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

Does The Empire Strikes Back Suffer From Middle-Film-Itis?There’s a complaint about trilogies that are designed to be one long story that the middle film suffers the most because it neither feels like it has a beginning or an ending. Is that a problem with this film? What about being a sequel? Does it do more than the original did? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our series looking at the original Star Wars trilogy with Irvin Kershner’s 1980 film The Empire Strikes Back.Here’s a hint at what we talk about.Obviously, we love Empire so we don’t think it has those issues, but there are contingents of people out there who don’t find it as strong as the original. Still, George Lucas and director Irvin Kershner created a spectacular film that’s a thrill from start to finish. What do we think of Harmy’s despecialized version? And how have all the subsequent projects affected our readings of certain lines in the film? The key question though is do any of those readings affect our joy?The Empire Strikes Back is a magnificent film and we have a great time talking about it. 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 TranscriptTheatrical trailerPoster artworkHarmy’s Despecialized EditionFlickchartLetterboxdStarships – Dimensions at Real Scale Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

“You think there’s something wrong with me or something? You think I’m wacko or something?”Talking About John Cassavetes’ 1974 film ‘A Woman Under the Influence with our guest Tami ReikerIn this episode of The Speakeasy, we’re joined by award-winning cinematographer Tami Reiker to talk about one of her favorite movies, John Cassavetes’ 1974 film A Woman Under the Influence. This is a film Tami has often shown to directors she’s worked with as they discuss the projects that influence them and what they want to pull from it to bring in as influences on the project. It’s a powerful film that’s full of incredible moments brought by both leads – Gena Rowlands and Peter Falk – not to mention fascinating direction by Cassavetes himself. How has it influenced Tami over her career and what does she pull from it?Tami’s Current Project Surface on Apple TV+We also talk about the new series she’s worked on with director Sam Miller and star Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Surface. For the episodes she worked on, Tami and Miller wanted to use swing shift lenses to amplify the disconnection Mbatha-Raw’s character has from the world due to post-accident amnesia. It’s a powerful tool and connects directly with their authorial voice.There’s a lot to talk about with Tami about both A Woman Under the Influence and Surface on The Speakeasy. Tune in!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!About TamiAward-winning cinematographer Tami Reiker, ASC, made history by becoming the first woman to win an American Society of Cinematographers award. She took home the ASC Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography Award for her work on the HBO pilot, Carnivalé.Reiker recently worked on the highly anticipated new Apple TV+ series Surface starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw and created by Veronica West, bringing together innovative technology and breathtaking visuals for the first two episodes of the psychological thriller, each with director Sam Miller. She also lensed Regina King’s directorial debut One Night In Miami, chronicling a fictional account of a real night when the lives of Cassius Clay, Sam Cooke, Jim Brown and Malcolm X are forever changed. The drama already made history at the 2020 Venice Film Festival as the first film directed by a Black woman to be selected and is also an official selection at the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival.Previously, Reiker photographed the action epic The Old Guard for Netflix and frequent collaborator director Gina Prince-Bythewood. Based on the graphic novel series of the same name, the film follows a group of immortal soldiers who must defeat a corrupt man trying to expose their secret. The feature shattered records after its release, becoming one of the top ten most streamed films in Netflix’s history, with Prince-Bythewood becoming the first Black female director to land a spot on the list.Reiker’s additional feature credits include: Beyond the Lights for Gina Prince-Bythewood, starring Minnie Driver, Danny Glover and Gugu Mbatha-Raw; the critically praised Pieces of April for director Peter Hedges; and High Art, a visual collaboration with director Lisa Cholodenko, which earned Reiker a Best Cinematography nomination at the Independent Spirit Awards.For television, Reiker lensed: episode one of Woman of The Movement, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood; HBO Max’s Delilah pilot for director James Griffiths; Marvel’s Cloak and Dagger pilot; CBS’s Charmed pilot, with director Brad Silberling; the pilot for Fox’s Shots Fired, the critically praised ten-part series chronicling the investigation of a police shooting; and HBO’s Getting On pilot for director Miguel Arteta.After beginning her career and making a name for herself in the New York film community, Reiker moved to Los Angeles where she still lives now, with her son. She is represented worldwide by DDA.Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Speakeasy and TruStory FM’s other entertainment podcasts through your own membership.Watch _A Woman Under the Influence on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchWatch Surface on Apple TV+Script TranscriptTheatrical trailerPoster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdTami’s WebsiteTami on IMDb Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & more

“Only Imperial Storm Troopers are so precise.”Star Wars – The Start of Something BigFor our twelfth season, we’re looking at franchises and series of films that for one reason or another, we just haven’t gotten around to yet. To start things off, we look at the original Star Wars trilogy. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we start this series with George Lucas’ 1977 classic Star Wars.What hasn’t been said by this point about Star Wars?It’s a big question – what do we talk about in a film that seemingly everyone’s already talked about? For starters, we chat about our first experiences with this film and how it shaped our youths. We also discuss the Harmy Despecialized edition, as those are the versions we’re looking at for this series. What changes has Lucas made to the film over the decades, why, and do they change our approach to the film?There have also been spinoffs of so many types over the years. How does this film change with projects like Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Obi-Wan Kenobi? Does it make certain lines of dialogue in this film not work as well? Or are we able to look past that? And how do we define what’s canon?The cast is iconic by this point. Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Sir Alec Guinness, Peter Cushing, Anthony Daniels, Kenny Baker, Peter Mayhew, David Prowse, James Earl Jones. They all are as much a part of this film and this franchise as it’s a part of them. That holds true for the technical teams as well. Effects, sounds, costume, production design, score – it’s all a core piece of what this film is. And of course it all comes back to George Lucas and this journey he created based on the Hero’s Journey.We have a wide-ranging conversation about the film but it warrants it, so revisit this great film then tune in for a great episode. 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 TranscriptTheatrical trailerPoster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdSNL Star Wars Lounge SingerStar Wars/Cantina DiscoHarmy’s Despecialized Edition Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

Waiter, there’s a fly in my soup...We’ve been running the show for over a decade now and want to keep going. One of the things we’re doing to keep the lights on is the addition of dynamic advertising during the episodes, both past episodes and moving forward. If you’d like to keep listening but don’t want to hear the ads, you can still support the show by becoming a member.Members get early access to all new episodes. They get our monthly member bonus episodes. Members get our Flickchart Re-Ranking episodes. And members get our Retake episodes. Plus, members have access to special members-only channels in our Discord community where they can chat with other like-minded film fans as well as vote on upcoming member bonus episodes. It’s a great way to support the show. And, of course, members get their own podcast feed where they can listen to episodes ad-free.Learn more about membership here.Either way, your support means the world to us and keeps us going. Thanks for all the years of listening and being a part of our community! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins.