The Next Reel Film Podcast

"Who am I to argue with the captain of the Enterprise?" After seven successful seasons of “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” it was time for their voyage to the big screen. For the first foray into the cinemas, the TNG team pulled several key crew from the show – notably the writers and director. Unfortunately, it made for a film that felt a bit like an expanded episode of the TV series, albeit made with a bigger budget. It also is mired by one of the more convoluted elements in any of the franchise films – the Nexus. Does that make it the worst of the franchise? Or does it have merits? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Star Trek series with David Carson’s 1994 film Star Trek: Generations. We talk about the frustrations we have with this film and why the Nexus is such a problematic element within the story. We look at Ronald D. Moore and Brannon Braga – the two screenwriters – and ponder why they struggled so much with the concept and what they could’ve done differently to make an arguably better film. We debate the decision to bring Carson, Braga, Moore and even composer Dennis McCarthy, over from the TV show and why this decision may have lent to the small scope feel of the film. We relish in the relationship between Captain Picard and Data, notably in their conversation in Stellar Cartography, and what it brings forth in their relationship. And we complain about many other story issues we have with this film, looking at whether the issues here make it a better or worse film that Star Trek V. It’s an interesting film to discuss that’s full of frustrations and missed opportunities. Regardless, we have a great time talking about it so check out the movie (or don’t) then tune in to this week’s show! The Next Reel: when the movie ends, our conversation begins. Film Sundries Do you like getting the good stuff before everyone else? Support The Next Reel on Patreon and get access to the show Drafts Podcast Feed! — http://patreon.com/thenextreel Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • Hulu Script Transcript Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork Flickchart Letterboxd Warp Factor Table 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 will not be the instigators of full scale war on the eve of universal peace!" Even though “Star Trek: The Next Generation” was entering its fifth season and Star Trek V: The Final Frontier had underperformed, Paramount wanted to bring back the original crew of the Enterprise for one last hurrah to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the franchise. To write and helm the film, they turned to the man who arguably made the best film thus far, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Nicholas Meyer co-wrote it and ended up directing it as well, making a film that stands out as one of the high points of the franchise. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Star Trek series with Meyer’s 1991 film Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. We talk about what this film means for the original crew and how it works as their final send-off. We look at the Shakespeare elements, along with other nods to world history, and discuss them in context of this universe – does it make sense for other races to be quoting ancient Earthlings – versus in context of us as viewers of the film. We dig deep into the scene when Spock double mind melds Kim Cattrall’s Valeris, how well that scene works for us and why. We discuss the context of the world at the time Meyer and team wrote and made this film and how well that connection benefits the story. We discuss Cliff Eidelman’s music and why it works so well, even if he largely stays away from the themes already built into the series. And we talk about the fantastic Klingon makeup done throughout the film and why we think it works so well. It’s a film that stands out as Pete’s favorite of the franchise and one well worth talking about. Definitely check this one out. It’s well worth it. Then tune into the show! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins. Film Sundries Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • Hulu Script Transcript Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork Flickchart Letterboxd 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

"I don’t want my pain taken away! I need my pain!" Leonard Nimoy had directed two Star Trek films so naturally, William Shatner wanted to give it a go. He even had a great concept for a story – the crew of the Enterprise goes on a quest to find God. Unfortunately, with a writers strike hitting Hollywood at the time, with an effects company that couldn’t deliver, and with a studio demanding as much humor as they could cram into the script, Shatner’s vision was muddled and became what many consider to be the worst of the original cast films in the franchise. But is it really that bad? Is it possible to get past the terrible humor and find a compelling story? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Star Trek series and look for these answers and more in Shatner’s 1989 film Star Trek V: The Final Frontier.” We talk about the overall problems we have with this film but how the story itself is actually quite compelling. We look at how the relationship between Kirk, Spock, and McCoy is developed in this film and what elements of that development work for us. We chat about the character of Sybok and the problem he created for many ardent fans – a laughing Vulcan! We shake our heads at much of the bad comedy and screenwriting that nearly buries the fascinating story in nonsense (and some would say DID bury it (buried alive…)). We look at the style and verve that Shatner infused in the film with the lighting and camera work, not to mention the incredible score he gets out of Jerry Goldsmith, returning to the franchise. And we ponder the merits of the Kraft Marshmallow (marshmelon?) Dispenser in all of its glory. It’s an incredibly problematic film that represents some of the franchise’s worst… but also some of its best. We have a great time chatting about it so check it out then tune in! When the movie ends, our conversation begins. Film Sundries Do you like getting the good stuff before everyone else? Support The Next Reel on Patreon and get access to the show Drafts Podcast Feed! — http://patreon.com/thenextreel Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • Hulu Script Transcript Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork Flickchart Letterboxd Kraft Marshmallow Dispenser 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

"Who would send a probe hundreds of light years to talk to a whale?" With the success of their pair of Star Trek films under their belt, director Leonard Nimoy and producer Harve Bennett were asked once again to return to the well and bring forth yet another Star Trek story. This time, Nimoy had more free reign to make the film he wanted to make, and he and Bennett thought it would be nice to make something a bit lighter. Also? They wanted to feature time travel. So they put their heads together and came up with what we now know and love to be Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. The film ended up wrapping things up nicely from the previous two films and became the closing entry of an unintentional trilogy that works well in the context of the three films and as a stand alone entry. But how well do the comedy stylings hold up with a modern eye? Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our Star Trek series with Nimoy’s 1986 film Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. We talk about what works in this film – the characters, the whales, the probe, the future – and what doesn’t – all of the slapstick in the present paired with a problematic screenplay – and why it still works for us. We look at the incredible effects from the team at ILM all through the film and how they were really continuing to do things here they hadn’t before. We chat about the core team and look briefly at Nichelle Nichols and her background. We debate the quality of the cinematography by Don Peterman and the score by Leonard Rosenman and ponder if either of a quality that warranted an Oscar nomination. And we look at the trailer, debating if it was any good or told us too much. It’s a fun, light film as promised, but one that may not feel as appropriate in the franchise. Still, we have a fantastic time chatting about it. So check out the film – again or for the first time – and tune in! When the movie ends, our conversation begins. Film Sundries Consider supporting the show by becoming a member at http://patreon.com/thenextreel. Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • Hulu Script Transcript Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork Flickchart Letterboxd Memory Alpha — Star Trek Wikia 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

"My God, Bones, what have I done?" Because of the critical and financial success of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Paramount quickly put plans into action for part three, telling Harve Bennett to get them a script as quickly as he could. And he did. Soon, they had brought Leonard Nimoy on to direct, feeling okay that he could handle it since his part of Spock had such a diminished role in the film. And two years later, they had a film in theatres. But does it work? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Star Trek series with Leonard Nimoy’s 1984 film Star Trek III: The Search for Spock. We talk about the elements of the film that work for us – the incredible ship modelwork, the destruction of the Enterprise, the parts of canon introduced here – and we talk about what didn’t work, which generally focuses on the script. We chat about Nimoy as a director and what he and Bennett brought to the table here – notably their senses of humor – and why that largely doesn’t work for us. We discuss the sequence where Kirk makes the fateful decision to blow up the Enterprise in order to escape the clutches of the Klingons and look at what the team is bringing to the table in that sequence. We touch on James Horner’s score, continuing from the previous film, and love how much it helps build the destruction of the Enterprise. And we ponder the theme so beautifully illustrated in the previous film about the needs of the many outweighing the needs of the few, and how this film bungles up that entire message. It’s a frustrating film to watch but one we still enjoy, probably in part because it helps connect the dots within this mini franchise trilogy. We have a great time talking about it on the show this week so check it out then tune in! The Next Reel. When the movie ends, our conversation begins. Film Sundries We love Hangouts! Support The Next Reel on Patreon and get an invitation to our members only live chat before we record an episode of The Film Board! — http://patreon.com/thenextreel Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • Hulu Script Transcript Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork Flickchart Letterboxd 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 are my superior officer. You are also my friend. I have been, and always shall be, yours." The ‘failure’ of the first Star Trek film put Paramount in the frame of mind where they needed to do a few things if they were to keep the franchise moving forward. 1) Drop the budget to something much more meager. 2) Add some action to the story. 3) Get rid of the needy creator and producer Gene Roddenberry. They did all three and luckily, the pieces fell into place in a way where they truly ended up with one of the great sci-fi films of all time and arguably the best in the franchise. It’s possible it could’ve been a disaster, but director Nicholas Meyer paired with new producer Harve Bennett – both new to the world of Trek – seemed to approach it the right way. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Star Trek marathon with Nicholas Meyer’s 1982 film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. We talk about the risk of telling a story that is essentially a sequel to a TV episode that ran 15 years earlier, yet how well it works (and the fact that it still can work for you if you never saw that episode). We chat about the ousting of Roddenberry and how Bennett’s and Meyer’s approach seemed to work well for the franchise, especially certain nautical and militaristic elements Meyer wanted to add. We look at what Industrial Light & Magic brought to the table, notably the Genesis effect video but also all the incredible model work (all done at the same time as Poltergeist and E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial). We look at the story of Khan and discuss why it works so well here, paired with themes of friendship and aging, etc. And we dig deep into a scene where Khan steals the Genesis device and he and Kirk have an incredible com-to-com monologue-off. It’s a brilliant film and has stood the test of time with its action-packed, tense, funny, dramatic, operatic, heartbreaking story and one we have a great time discussing. So check out the movie – watch it again if you’ve seen it already because it’s really that good – then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins. Film Sundries Want to join us for an episode? Support The Next Reel on Patreon to automatically be entered into our regular Listener’s Choice drawings! — http://patreon.com/thenextreel Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • Hulu Script Transcript Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork “Space Seed” — Original Series Episode #22 Flickchart Letterboxd 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

"The creator has not answered." It wasn’t until syndication that Paramount realized that it had a property they could continue milking in Gene Roddenberry’s Star Trek TV series. Even then, however, they struggled to get a film adaptation made. After dropping the idea and settling for a new TV series called Star Trek: Phase II which they began developing, the theatrical releases of Star Wars and Close Encounters made them realize that science fiction movies could work. So back to the drawing board they went and after a few years, Paramount was ready to release Robert Wise’s Star Trek: The Motion Picture in theatres. It proved successful and spawned a massive franchise that has found legions of fans worldwide. Yet Wise’s film still has its detractors – whether it’s the pacing, the acting, or the plot, there are those who dislike the film. So is it a worthy start to the film franchise? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our biggest series to date – The Star Trek series – with 1979’s Star Trek: The Motion Picture. We look at the film’s trailer and talk about who it was marketed to and why it worked. We discuss the pacing of the film and why it’s caused such dislike for the film, even if it doesn’t sound like it was entirely intentional. We look intently at one scene and discuss the actors, the camerawork, direction, themes and everything else to see how that one scene fits in context of the overall film. We chat about split diopters and how frequent they are in the film. And we look at how well the film did (hint: well enough to birth a franchise!). We have a great time starting up this new series with one of the more divisive films of the franchise. Definitely check it out (but bring your coffee!) then tune in! The Next Reel. When the movie ends, our conversation begins.   Film Sundries We love Hangouts! Support The Next Reel on Patreon and get an invitation to our members only live chat before we record an episode of The Film Board! http://patreon.com/thenextreel Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • Hulu Script Transcript Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork Star Trek: The Original Series — Wikipedia Flickchart Letterboxd 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

"Prepare to feel the wrath of the League of Evil Exes!" After making Shaun of the Dead, Edgar Wright signed on to direct the adaptation of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s graphic novel “Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Life” but due to project delays, it would be another six years before his film would hit the screen. In the interim, Wright would continue his Cornetto trilogy with Hot Fuzz and O’Malley would nearly finish writing the other five volumes of his “Scott Pilgrim” series. That time also allowed Wright, O’Malley and screenwriter Michael Bacall to get the screenplay just right. Unfortunately, when the film was released in theaters, it never found its audience. But like any good cult film does, it has since found its legions of fans and supporters, proving that Wright and co. know how to put together a top-notch film even if it loses money at the box office. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we do our second Listener’s Choice episode of the year with listener Nick Langdon’s pick, Wright’s 2010 film Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. We talk about Wright’s style and all the visual, aural, animated and graphic tricks all through the film that work incredibly well for us, and marvel at how well Wright really taps into the world of these characters. We discuss the actors – from Michael Cera and Mary Elizabeth Winstead to Brandon Routh, Chris Evans and Jason Schwartzman – and look at what they bring to the table. We touch on the production and how all the different departments really came together to deliver something wholly unique. And we chat with Langdon about why he picked this movie and why it’s something special to him. We have a great time discussing this film and everything Wright and team create for us. It’s a marvelous film and one well worth discussing. So check it out then tune in! Film Sundries Hey! If you're reading this, you're a connoisseur of fine film just like we are. Let's take the next step in our relationship! Support us on Patreon for warm feelings, perks, and our great thanks! — http://patreon.com/thenextreel Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon Script Transcript Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork Art of the Title Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Box Set — Bryan Lee O’Malley Scott Pilgrim on Comixology Flickchart Letterboxd Scott Pilgrim Alternate Ending Trailers of the Week Andy's Trailer: Woodshock — "Having taken classes in college with the great avant garde filmmaker Stan Brakhage, I have to say I’ve grown a real appreciation for artful films like this one looks like. The story sounds quite depressing but the artfulness of it looks gorgeous. I’m incredibly curious to see this one." Pete's Trailer: To the Bone — "Marti Noxon is behind some of my very favorite episodes of Buffy, Angel, Glee, Private Practice… she’s been all over TV for 25 years. To the Bone is her first feature, written and directed, and based on her history on the small screen that’s all I need to get into this movie. Tough subject, but Keanu’s playing it straight, and Lily Collins looks absolutely terrific." 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

"He dared to be born right on the border with China." Regardless of whether you are a Buddhist or not, the story of Tenzin Gyatso is an interesting one that certainly provides drama that can draw you in. Born as the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, Gyatso grew up as the leader of Tibet. China, however, had other plans and eventually took Tibet, leaving the Dalai Lama no choice but to flee China in 1959. Still hoping to return one day, the Dalai Lama’s life story was one of interest to screenwriter Melissa Mathison who asked him if she could write about him. This eventually led to the biopic Kundun. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our Melissa Mathison series with Martin Scorsese’s 1997 film Kundun. We talk about why it works for Andy but why it doesn’t work for Pete, and what could perhaps lead to that discrepancy. We chat about Mathison and how this fits in the films she wrote and what we’ve discussed in this series thus far, and how well it works in telling the story of a child in large, otherworldly situations. We talk about Scorsese and all the brilliant cinematic techniques he brings to the film, paired with his cinematographer Roger Deakins, production & costume designer Dante Ferretti, editor Thelma Schoonmaker and composer Philip Glass. We discuss the quality of performances from the Tibetan non-actors Scorsese cast in the film, yet how the story balancing across four youthful performances as the Dalai Lama hampers the film from becoming connectible for Pete. And we look at the incredibly difficult time this film has had with its release, primarily because China banned people involved from entering the country and nearly cut off all ties with Disney for distribution within its borders. It’s a fascinating film that left us divided but which still is well worth watching and discussing, whether you’re a Buddhist, a Scorsese fan, a Mathison fan, a fan of biopics or a fan of interesting films in general. It’s tricky to find because of the issues Disney had with China, but it’s worth seeking out (likely at your local public library). So check it out then tune in! The Next Reel: when the movie ends, our conversation begins. Film Sundries Watch this film: Check your local library Script Transcript Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork Flickchart Letterboxd Trailers of the Week Pete's Trailer: Goodbye Christopher Robin — "Can you believe I almost picked Flatliners over this? What am I, nutz? Huge fan of the Pooh and a proper biopic is well deserved. Love that this comes from Simon Curtis and writer Frank Cottrell Boyce (Code 46, yes?) and should make a spot-on double with Saving Mr. Banks." Andy's Trailer: Happy Death Day — "Pete takes the high road while I take the low. Instead of Brigsby Bear, I’m going with Happy Death Day. That’s right, a funny, twisted and hopefully scary blend of Groundhog Day and Edge of Tomorrow”. As much as it looks like so many horror movies I’ve seen before, I couldn’t help but smile as I watched this trailer. Dumb? Probably. Will I see it? Definitely. 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

"I’m keeping him." Steven Spielberg didn’t have a sense that his little, personal alien film was going to blow up like it did when he was making it. Universal Studios saw it as another kids film that likely would only be seen by moms taking their kids to the theatre. But E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial managed to touch pretty much the hearts of everyone who saw it, turning it into the #1 film in the world in short order. So how does this film hold up? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – to find out as we continue our screenwriter Melissa Mathison series with Spielberg’s 1982 film E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial. We talk about emotional films versus intellectual films, if there really is a delineation, and how well Spielberg manages both spectrums but how brilliantly this film is able to connect with the world’s emotions. We chat about how Mathison’s first draft was near perfect when she delivered it to Spielberg, and perhaps why it worked out that way. We look at Spielberg and what he brings to the table as the director who seems to consistently bring brilliant films to the world, as is evidenced by the incredible number of them on the list of top-grossing films of all time. We discuss the actors – Dee Wallace, Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote and more – and look at the honesty they’re all presenting on screen for us. We touch on the special effects and why perhaps it’s easy to grow attached to Carlo Rimbaldi’s ugly little alien. We debate whether John Williams’ score sounds a bit too much like his work in Raiders of the Lost Ark or if it’s wholly unique for this film. And we look at how well this movie did and marvel at how long it played in theaters. It’s a beautiful film that still works incredibly well for us. We have a great time discussing it so check it out again and let us know what you think, then tune in to this week’s show! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins. Film Sundries Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • Netflix Script Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork Night Skies — Wikipedia Flickchart Letterboxd Trailers of the Week Andy's Trailer: Patti Cake$ — "I hadn’t heard much about this except that it got great buzz at Sundance. Watching the trailer, I could see why. The lead character’s sense of struggle and place in the world comes through brilliantly and I couldn’t help but smile. It could be that I really enjoy rap battle redemption stories – I loved 8 Mile too – but from the trailer I get a sense that it’s just because this is a strong film." Pete's Trailer: Landline — "As much a story of sisters awkwardly navigating their relationship as it appears to be a detective story, set in 1995 and clearly having an amazing time with the period. The trailer is heartwarming, intriguing, well-timed… a pleasant surprise among a spate of shooters on deck." 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