The Next Reel Film Podcast

“Compared to you, most people have the IQ of a carrot.”We're Fans of Martha Coolidge's 1985 Film Real GeniusThe producer of Real Genius, Brian Grazer, approached director Martha Coolidge a number of times, trying to convince her to direct the film. From Coolidge’s perspective, the script just wasn’t there. It was a juvenile, teen male-oriented comedy and just wasn’t her thing. But Grazer wouldn’t give up. He wanted Coolidge as director for Real Genius so the two of them talked and he agreed to bring on another screenwriter, and also let Coolidge do some uncredited rewrites as well. Coolidge was able to get the script to feel like a story about real students at a real CalTech-adjacent school and kept it from being as straightforward juvenile comedy. The result is smart and fun. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our 80s Comedy with Coolidge & Heckerling series with Coolidge’s 1985 film Real Genius.From Val Kilmer and William Atherton, to the nods to CalTech, to popcorn, here’s what we talk about in this episode about Real Genius.We both watched the new doc Val about Val Kilmer’s life and recent battle with throat cancer. That put an interesting perspective on his performance here as Chris Knight, the goofball senior. To that point, we also have an opportunity to talk about how much we love his shirts throughout the movie.William Atherton is a fantastic foil as Dr. Hathaway (much like in Die Hard!), the mean and manipulative professor and Robert Prescott is brilliant as the nerd villain. And as it turns out, Coolidge and company didn’t even realize how accurate they were being with how the government has manipulated students into working on weapons secretly for them.Speaking of weapons, we talk about how accurate Coolidge fought to be in the script and why this film has influenced so many people to become scientists. And you know how they blow up Hathaway’s house with popcorn? They actually used 140 tons of popcorn for that scene. That’s a lot of popcorn! (I wonder if it was GMO...?)Aside from Kilmer, we also have Gabriel Jarret, Michelle Meyrink (last discussed in Valley Girl), Jon Gries, Mark Kamiyama, Dean Devlin (last discussed as producer for Independence Day), and more as our students. They’re all great, particularly Meyrink as Jordan and Jarret as Mitch, but we sure would’ve loved more in-depth characters for some of our non-white males in the group. Regardless, it’s a fun group.But who is the protagonist? Is it Mitch or is it Chris? It seems we’re following both. On a cursory level, it makes it a bit difficult to figure out who we’re supposed to be following. But what’s all this about having a separate main character and protagonist? How does that work and why would someone do it? Turns out, it’s fairly complex but works well here leaving Mitch as the main character and Chris as the protagonist.What makes this film hold up so well though is the fact that Coolidge wanted to keep the science as real as possible and make school life feel accurate. From the lasers to the dorm graffiti to the party to the strange student living in the steam tunnels, it all feels real. This makes for such a great revisit after all these years.So check out the movie then tune in to this week’s show. It’s a strong film that is ripe for discovery or re-discovery. 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 — visit TruStory FM.Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdCalTech ReferencesI Heart Toxic Waste t-shirtSurf Nicaragua t-shirtRoy Rogers Olympic Games 1984 t-shirtInternational Order for GorillasMythbusters episode Car vs. RainGet your PacTech t-shirt to show your love for Real Genius! 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:

“You fargin sneaky bastige!”Director Amy Heckerling obviously did something right with her first feature film, Fast Times at Ridgemont High. For Heckerling’s second feature film, she had almost double the budget that she had before. Considering her second film was a period film, that likely helped. Now it may seem that Johnny Dangerously was a strange choice after her first film captured modern teens so well, but she clearly was tuned into young audiences. Perhaps the producer and studio felt she could carry a period parody and do it in such a way to bring in young audiences. The studio, Twentieth Century Fox, needed a hit after all. And while there were decisions made that date the film, we still find it works. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our 80s Comedy With Coolidge & Heckerling series with Heckerling’s 1984 film Johnny Dangerously.Is there really much to talk about with Johnny Dangerously? You bet there is!We talk about the nature of parody films, why some work really well, and why this one may not have stood the test of time with some bigger ones like Airplane! and Blazing Saddles (or even Robin Hood: Men in Tights). All the same, we can’t stop our effusive love for this film. That’s likely because of the impressionable age we saw it. We think this is even more true after talking to our Discord community about it only to find many had never even heard of this film.The cast is bonkers. Michael Keaton. Joe Piscopo. Marilu Henner (theatre genius!). Peter Boyle. Maureen Stapleton. Griffin Dunne. Dom DeLuise. Danny DeVito. Ray Walston. Dick Butkus. Alan Hale Jr. Neal Israel. Jack Nance. Taylor Negron. Vincent Schiavelli. Richard Dimitri. And they all deliver. Especially Marilu Henner – what a voice! They’re all clearly having fun and even when it’s a big surprise to see someone like Stapleton in the film, it’s clear she’s having a good time.But what’s with the 30s style eye makeup? Yeah, we get that it’s meant to feel like we’re watching a movie from the era, but it feels a bit strange when watching a color film. All the same, we don’t really care too much about this.The script is chock full of laugh lines, meta humor, fourth wall breakage, and visual gags, and we laugh at most of them. It’s damn funny! We’re not sure why some people just don’t click with it. When writing constant jokes in a script, though, you have to expect some are going to fall flat. But would it have all worked better with the original ending where Johnny dies?But wait! There's more!But seriously – what’s with the weird bull joke? It took us forever, but while we were recording, we found the source Schlitz Malt Liquor ad campaign on YouTube to help make the joke make more sense. This leads to a whole conversation about the nature of timed jokes vs. timeless ones, and why jokes that are so key to the era may fall completely flat if you don’t know the reference point. (All the same, check out some of the Schlitz Malt Liquor Bull commercials in our show notes. They’re bonkers! Kevin Kline even turns up in one as Robin Hood!)Was this the film that saved Fox from certain bankruptcy at the end of the year? Okay, maybe that’s putting a bit too much on this one film but its box office success certainly was welcome for the studio that had been struggling all year.Last but not least, what are your feelings about “Weird Al" Yankovic? He’s been around for decades and whether you like his stuff or not, it’s hard to argue that he’s not cranking out some very clever work. His title song in this film is a lot of fun!We acknowledge that Johnny Dangerously may be a film you need to have seen when it came out and have been of a certain age to really click with it, but if you did, you’re likely are like us and have strong feelings for this film. We have such a great time talking about it and reminiscing. 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 — visit TruStory FM.Watch this on Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxd"Weird Al" Yankovic's "This Is the Life" music videoSchlitz Malt Liquor Bull commercials with Kool & the Gang and The Commodores, Rufus Thomas, Don Adams, Kevin Kline as Robin Hood, Richard Roundtree, Gunga Din, The Old West, Marshall Tucker Band, and more (The Teddy Roosevelt one at 2:30 is great!)Get your Kelly's Pet Store t-shirt right here! 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 |

"I’m so sure!”The story of Valley Girl is simply another Romeo & Juliet type of tale, but director Martha Coolidge captured a lot more in her film. The movie depicts an authentic look at life as a teenager in the early 80s, particularly the culture that grew out of Valley Speak and the whole concept of what a ‘valley girl’ represented, not just in the San Fernando Valley but anywhere in the country. Because of this sense of authenticity, Coolidge’s film has stood the test of time. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our 80s Comedy With Coolidge & Heckerling series with Coolidge’s 1983 film Valley Girl.Here’s a hint at what we talk about in this episode looking at Valley Girl.Like, totally. Valspeak. Ironic or not, it was a part of our youth, for sure. How was Frank and Moon Unit Zappa’s song connected to it though? And to this film? How did Martha Coolidge find the young Nicolas Cage and get him for one of her leads? And how easy is it to fall in love with Deborah Foreman? The cast is all together perfect in the film, and turns out they largely supplied their own wardrobes! Ah, indie filmmaking. There’s a strong story about finding your own identity though, and that shines through strong. Martha Coolidge is as good at putting soundtracks together as Amy Heckerling is! Wall to wall music and we love it all. And how about the look that defines the two worlds? But what about the required breasts that Coolidge had to include per instructions from the executive producers?We talk about all that and more in this episode, 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 — visit TruStory FM.Watch this on Apple or Amazon or find other places at JustWatchScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artwork”Valley Girl” • Moon ZappaFlickchartLetterboxdGet your I Speak Fluent Valley shirt in pink or purple! 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 are you waiting for? You’re 15 years old!”Cameron Crowe already had success as a writer when he went undercover and posed as a high school student to write his book “Fast Times at Ridgemont High: A True Story.” Of course, he was high school age so it made perfect sense. Perhaps that’s why the film adapted from his book feels so authentic of the time and of these youths portrayed. And perhaps part of that is because of how first-time director Amy Heckerling approached the subject matter – for a teen sex comedy, this is actually carrying some fairly heavy themes. But how well do these themes work for us? Turns out they work really well for Andy but not as well for Pete.Still, it’s a nostalgic flashback to our own youths! Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our 10th season with the ‘80s Comedy with Coolidge & Heckerling’ series, starting with Heckerling’s 1982 film Fast Times at Ridgemont High.Here’s a hint at what we talk about in this episode looking at Heckerling’s film.The film completely brings us back to our younger days with popped collars and bigger hair. The story, however, doesn’t completely work for Pete because it’s spread across too many characters and we don’t get enough time to really connect with any of them. Andy feels the story completely works and operates well as a depiction of the adult world these kids are starting to deal with. Perhaps the problem is that the filmmakers seemed to feel that Jeff Spicoli, played by Sean Penn, was the lead when in reality, it seems to be Stacy’s film (played by Jennifer Jason Leigh).Regardless, it’s an incredible cast of young actors from the day – a good number in their first roles – and they all do great. There are some strong scenes that carry a lot of weight, but perhaps not enough payoff for them? The music is great and the look completely feels right. Heckerling approaches the film from a matter-of-fact perspective that makes the situations feel real, but perhaps that’s also why it’s harder to connect.But it’s a film that has a lot more to it than many other teen sex comedies from the decade and to that end, this one definitely stands out. We have a great time talking about it as we kick off our new season. 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 — visit TruStory FM.Watch this on Apple or Amazon or find other places at JustWatchScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFast Times at Ridgemont High: A True Story by Cameron CroweFlickchartLetterboxdShop our Merch Store for:Our Ridgemont High Logo t-shirtOur Spicoli Surf School t-shirt in Yellow or Maroon 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

"As I was going up the stair,I met a man who wasn’t there.He wasn’t there again today.I wish, I wish he’d go away.”Identity was James Mangold’s first opportunity to direct a film based on a script he didn’t write. The screenplay, written by Michael Cooney, was inspired by Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None,” but adds some twists to the story that take it in a new direction. Mangold was immediately attracted to the material because he relished the opportunity to tell what is essentially a closed room mystery. The film is taut and a thrill of a ride, but it certainly became a love it or hate it type of movie because of the big twists it takes. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our brief ‘Spoiled. Rotten? Twist Endings’ series with Mangold’s 2003 film Identity.Here’s a hint at what we talk about.The twists in this film work for us, but why don’t they work for so many others? Do you just have to buy into the bonkers made-up science presented here for it to succeed? The cast is great, but why does Pete have such an issue with Clea Duvall’s and William Lee Scott’s characters? We totally forget to talk about Pruitt Taylor Vince’s fantastically creepy eyes. Turns out it’s a condition called nystagmus and he’s used it as often as he can to be cast or to enhance his roles. Do the plot threads with no payoffs create problems for us, particularly when the story begins pointing at the supernatural? This film’s a great reminder as to why we love John Hawkes so much. And the fact that it’s a fun film Mangold provides for us that doesn’t take itself seriously and really goes all-in on the crazy world set up.We have a great time talking about it as our season wrap-up. 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 — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: ReelgoodScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster 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

"You can’t trust a man’s life to your little notes and pictures.”Christopher Nolan’s second film, Memento from 2001, caught a lot of attention on its release because of the clever screenplay structure where the story unfolds both forward and backward in time, in a way creating an experience much like our protagonist Leonard Shelby (wonderfully played by Guy Pearce), a man suffering from anterior grade memory loss. Some people said Memento was too clever for its own good or that it was all style with little substance. Others found it to be incredibly creative with a unique story exploring the psychology of our character. No matter how you approach it, Memento is a film worth looking at in greater depth. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our very abbreviated twist endings series called ‘Spoiled. Rotten?’, in which we debate if a film is ruined if you already know the twist. Pete’s selection is Nolan’s 2001 film Memento.Here’s a hint at what we talk about.What do we think of twist endings? In the world of twist endings, what are some that work for us and some that don’t? Do we find Memento to be an effective example, even if the twist ending actually happens at the midway point of the chronological story? Guy Pearce is always wonderful, but it’s so great seeing Carrie-Anne Moss and Joe Pantoliano together again right on the heels of their success with The Matrix. How much do we actually understand the story and what are our opinions about what really happened with Leonard, Sammy, and the mysterious John G? Nolan started working with Wally Pfister here for his cinematographer. What do we think of the look? David Julyan composed music for a few films for Nolan before he switched to working with Hans Zimmer. Do we like the music? And how much do we love this film, as compared to so many who clearly hate it?It’s a strong entry into our catalogue and one we’re glad to have discussed. It’s twists hold up and we have a great time talking about them. 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 — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: JustWatchScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster 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

“This is definitely how people die.”With Sword of Trust, writer/director Lynn Shelton continued her exploration of low budget, independent comedies while stepping a bit outside her comfort zone by filming a story in Alabama instead of the Pacific Northwest. It gave her another opportunity to work with her partner at the time Marc Maron. In the film, she skewers conspiracy theorists and clearly is having fun with it. But how does her improvisational style work as the film builds to its third act? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we conclude our Lynn Shelton series with her 2019 comedy Sword of Trust.Here’s a hint at what we talk about.We love the comedy as it relates to making fun of the belief systems that support some of these nutty conspiracy theories. Unfortunately, Shelton and her co-writer Mike O’Brien rely too heavily on the improv style, which doesn’t allow for a satisfactory third act. Marc Maron is great as the cantankerous pawn shop owner. We buy his emotion in the dramatic story involving his former girlfriend. But he comes across as a bit lost in that third act as well. Jon Bass, Michaela Watkins, and Jillian Bell are great as the rest of the team rounding out Maron’s group as they try to sell an antique Civil War sword, but even they fall prey to some of the struggles of improv performing in the film. It’s great to see Shelton filming in another area of the country, but does the indie budget and her lack of knowledge of the area keep them from really getting the Southern locations to stand out? Sadly, Shelton passed away in 2020 from a rare form of blood cancer, but her films will live on and even if we didn’t love all of these, we fell under her spell as a director and certainly want to explore more of her output.Largely, we like Sword of Trust quite a bit, but that third act does bog things down. Still, we’d absolutely watch it again. It’s a very fun and funny movie. It’s worth checking out, then tune in to this week’s show! 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 — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: JustWatchScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster 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

“How could you possibly know that it’s me that you want?”Outside In comes after a big box office failure from writer/director Lynn Shelton with her film Laggies. That film never found its audience and lost a lot of money, so it makes sense that Shelton returned to her ‘even more indie’ roots, teaming up with Mark and Jay Duplass again to make this film with a lower, indie-sized budget. Outside In features Edie Falco as a high school teacher who worked for years to help free a former student, played by Jay Duplass, from prison after being wrongfully convicted in a murder case. She and Duplass have a complicated and messy emotional affair, all while he tries to figure out post-prison life and she tries to sort out her failing marriage and her relationship with her daughter. It’s a touching, powerful film that resonates well with us, and is a strong turn for Shelton to try her hand at a straight-up drama. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Lynn Shelton series with her 2017 film Outside In.Here’s a hint at what we talk about.Who’s our favorite Duplass brother? And why haven’t we seen as much of Jay? Does Shelton direct a straightforward drama better than when she directs comedy? Edie Falco, Jay Duplass, and Kaitlyn Dever are so great to watch, particularly Falco who works so well here. Why didn’t she get more attention? Why didn’t the film get more attention overall? Does this small town in the Pacific Northwest stand out as compared to her other PacNorth locations? The script that Duplass and Shelton co-wrote works effectively because it conveys a lot with little bits of info. And Shelton’s penchant for messy people and forgiveness continues in this film!We both really loved this film. In Shelton’s career, it’s a standout. 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 — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: JustWatchScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster 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

Laggies was Lynn Shelton’s chance to step up and make a film for a bit more money than she’s had before. She’s not working with the Duplass brothers. She’s directing an original script that she didn’t write. So how does it fare compared to her earlier work? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we hit the midpoint of our Lynn Shelton series with her 2014 film Laggies, starring Keira Knightley, Sam Rockwell, Chloë Grace Moretz, Ellie Kemper, Mark Webber, and Kaitlyn Dever.Here’s a hint at what we talk about.What’s with the title? According to Andrea Seigel, the screenwriter, a laggie is an adult slacker and is a common term. Shelton and the producers all went along with it before learning it really meant nothing. But hey – that’s how words get started, right? Sam Rockwell and Keira Knightley are fantastic in their roles, and the script has some laughs, but why does everything feel so expected? It’s frustrating that Megan, Knightley’s character, seems to be struggling with her group of friends and her boyfriend, but we don’t like any of them from the start which makes for story problems. Shelton definitely seems to have a thing for human faults and forgiveness. We’ve seen it in all the films in this series so far, but why does it work better sometimes than at others? Do they do much to capture the Seattle area in Laggies? And how did Shelton do with stepping out of her indie comfort zone to make this bigger budget film?It’s a film that strikes a chord for many people but wasn’t something we connected to that much. Regardless, the main characters are a delight and there are some really strong moments. 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 — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: JustWatchScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdOur Lynn Shelton SeriesHumpdayYour Sister’s SisterLaggies (You’re here!)Outside In (coming soon)Sword of Trust (coming soon) 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 have great taste in life and terrible taste in men.”Once Lynn Shelton and her producers had locked in plans to make Your Sister’s Sister, they cast Mark Duplass, Emily Blunt and Rachel Weisz in the three lead roles. They worked on the script and concepts over eight months and then they had to push the production back. When they did this, they lost Weisz due to scheduling conflicts she had with Deep Blue Sea. With only two days before they started shooting, Shelton cast Rosemary DeWitt to replace Weisz whom she had met when directing an episode of “Mad Men.” DeWitt connected right away with the project and the loose production style, and they got the film made. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Lynn Shelton series with her 2012 film Your Sister’s Sister.We talk about the nonsensical confusion the title creates for us, because it feels like there should be three sisters, but how it really doesn’t matter because it’s a cool and memorable title. Just don’t think about it too much. We chat about the great central performances by Duplass, Blunt, and DeWitt and debate if the story is too dramatic for the subject or if it works. We look at the idea of Shelton’s films as comedies and debate the genre label for them, deciding they’re more comedic dramas. We discuss our struggle with the dramatic open and how it never feels like an element that’s dealt with in the film. And we chat about the gorgeous filming location in the Seattle area and the San Juan Islands. It’s a solid story with great actors, even if it has some story elements we struggled with. Regardless, it’s a film worth watching and discussing. 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 — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: JustWatchOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster 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