The Next Reel Film Podcast

"Blood’s a big expense." It was never a movie that was meant to be as big as it became. Robert Evans, Paramount head at the time, thought it would be a fun mobster movie designed to make a quick buck, capitalizing on the recent novel “The Godfather” by Mario Puzo. But Francis Ford Coppola saw something in Puzo’s novel; he saw a family chronicle that was a metaphor for capitalism in America. He saw a crime epic. And he set out to make that version of the book. In the end, despite the fights with the studio that he had while making it, he stuck to his guns and The Godfather still stands as arguably one of the greatest films of all time. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our Godfather trilogy with the movie that started it all, Coppola’s 1972 film The Godfather.  We talk about why the film works so well and how Coppola and Puzo crafted the story, giving the audience an interesting entry into the Mafia world. We look at Coppola as a director and writer and what he brings to the table here. We chat about the incredible cast – from Marlon Brando and Al Pacino to James Caan and Diane Keaton, even the nepotism of casting Talia Shire (and his own daughter Sophia!). We look at Gordon Willis’ mind-bogglingly dark cinematography and why it, paired with the film’s sepia tones, create this world as much as anything Coppola does. We chat about Nino Rota’s haunting score, and the big controversy surrounding it. And we look at the struggles Coppola had in getting the film made contrasted with how well it did at the box office.  It’s a film that’s spurred countless famous quotes, not the least of which is “I’m going to make him an offer he can’t refuse.” The movie is everywhere and has become as much a part of our culture as Coppola’s Italian heritage had become a part of the film when he made it. It’s a fantastic film that certainly deserves to be looked at multiple times and discussed often. We have a great (and lengthy) conversation about it on the show this week. So check out the movie then tune in!  Film Sundries Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon Script Transcript Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork The Godfather by Mario Puzo Flickchart Letterboxd Alex Rocco Audi A8 Super Bowl Spot Fortunella — You have to hear it… — 1958 Trailers of the Week Andy's Trailer: Ghost in the Shell — "I remember watching the anime version of this years ago and finding it interesting but not something I connected with. At this point, I find this live action remake to be something I want to see more out of curiosity than anything else. I hope it’s good. I hope the whitewashing of the lead character doesn’t bug me (with ScarJo playing her, I think I’ll be okay). I hope it’s more than just boobs and amazing visuals, which the trailer shows off brilliantly.” Pete's Trailer: Silence — "The first trailer for Scorsese’s passion film hits, 26 years in the making. Garfield and Driver look greatly weird… or weirdly great, especially after thinking that Benicio del Toro and Daniel Day-Lewis were supposed to star as recently as 2009. How things change. It’s visually bold — indelicate might be a better word — especially for a film that centers on the cloth. I’m fascinated and can’t wait to see it." 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 didn’t forget your breakfast. I didn’t bring you breakfast because you didn’t eat your din-din!" The animosity between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford almost seems the stuff of legend. Looking back from today, it’s hard to say how much there really was or if it was all conjured up by the studios and the press. But after hearing stories of the two and how things went after they collaborated on What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, it’s clear that there really was a... competitive nature, let’s just say, between the two women. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our Bette Davis series with Robert Aldrich’s 1962 film What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?. We talk about the two actresses and what they bring to the film, notably their iconic personas from the decades of acting previously as well as this catty relationship (not to mention their powerhouse performances). We look at the film and the darkly horrific way it’s made, fitting the bill nicely as a psychological thriller made by auteur Aldrich. We look at Ernest Haller’s gorgeously moody black-and-white cinematography and how well it pairs with Michael Luciano’s taut editing. And we tie up our Davis series by looking at what she brought to all the films we’ve discussed and the iconic status she has.  It’s a dark film that’s incredibly fun too, in a way, and is certainly worth both watching and discussing. So check it out then tune in! Film Sundries Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon Script Transcript Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? by Henry Farrell Flickchart Letterboxd Trailers of the Week Andy's Trailer: Jackie — "There are a lot of exciting trailers playing right now, but as we finish up our series about a strong actress, I wanted to pick a trailer featuring another strong actress leading what looks to be a very interesting film. We all know the story of JFK but I know next to nothing about his first lady, particularly her time immediately after his death. Natalie Portman looks great and the film looks incredibly compelling. Count me in." Pete's Trailer: Kong: Skull Island — "Yup, this has to go down as one of the most comically terrible trailers I’ve ever seen. I know it’s going to be a big movie, but this thing gives away everything exciting about a monster movie: the damned monsters. All of them. The size and scale, the variety, the colors and sounds, it’s all given up in two minutes. If you know me, you know I’m not one to shy away from getting myself all spoiled. But seriously, Kong: Skull Island … if there’s a worse offender on screen right now, I’d love to see it." 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

"Fasten your seatbelts. It’s going to be a bumpy night." Bette Davis was on a streak of flops and just lost her contract with Warner Bros. when Joseph L. Mankiewicz offered her the role of Margo Channing in his new film All About Eve. She immediately saw it for what it was: an incredible role for a woman of her age in an incredible script. She leapt at the chance. It’s safe to say that by doing so, she created one of her most iconic performances in a film that’s gone on to be praised as one of the greatest of all time. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Bette Davis series with Mankiewicz’s 1950 film All About Eve.  We talk about why this film works so well for us and how it still feels so relevant today. We discuss Mankiewicz and his direction, as well as his adaptation of Mary Orr’s short story and touch on how she came to the idea. We chat about Davis and how great of a performance she gives, but pair that next to Ann Baxter who just might outdo Davis. We also talk about the brilliant George Sanders, the lovely Celeste Holm, the sarcastic Thelma Ritter and the always beautiful Marilyn Monroe, among others. We chat about how this film’s fictional Sarah Siddons Award ended up becoming a real thing. And we look at what happens when two actresses want to be nominated for Best Actress (hint: it doesn’t work out).  It’s an amazing film that hardly feels dated at all and is well worth not only discussing but also in giving a glimpse in what Bette Davis can do. We have a great time talking about it so tune in! Film Sundries Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon Script Transcript Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork The Wisdom of Eve by Mary Orr Flickchart Letterboxd Trailers of the Week Andy's Trailer: Beauty and the Beast — "Yeah, I’m a sucker for Disney. I was doubtful of their remake slate but have been pretty impressed with the last few. This is based on arguably their best animated film. Can they pull this one off? They seem to have everything lined up the right way that makes me believe that yes, this one will be great." Pete's Trailer: Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets — "Is Luc Besson back to the wonder of The Fifth Element? Yes, I’m still bullish on that movie, and by the looks of it, this one is back to basics in the very best way. At worst, it should be a great tester for home 4k cinemas." 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

"Don’t let’s ask for the moon, we have the stars!" Irving Rapper’s 1942 film Now, Voyager may have met with mixed reviews but it certainly found its audience, showing that people were thrilled with the on-screen pairing of Bette Davis and Paul Henreid in a story about a woman learning to come out of her shell. It helped that Davis connected so much with this role. She fought for the part and got it, creating one of her iconic and romantic screen personas. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Bette Davis series with Rapper’s film Now, Voyager.  We talk about Davis and our thoughts of her in general, paired with our thoughts of this film and what works – or doesn’t work – for us. We chat about Casey Robinson’s script and Olive HIggins Prouty’s source material, contemplating issues we have like the flashback structure, and wondering if the story could have been told without them. (We also contemplate the original story, wondering if perhaps its foundation was flashbacks, giving the filmmakers a sense that they needed to include them.) We look at the cast – notably Davis, Henreid, Claude Rains, Gladys Cooper and Mary Wickes – and discuss what they bring to the table. And we revel in the sweepingly romantic themes that composer Max Steiner for which won an Oscar. It’s a film that Andy loves and Pete finds problematic in lots of little ways, but certainly one well worth talking about. How does it stack up for you? Check it out then tune in! Film Sundries Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon Script Transcript Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork Now, Voyager by Olive Higgins Prouty Flickchart Letterboxd Trailers of the Week Andy's Trailer: Wilson (Red Band) — "The sequel to Cast Away that follows Wilson the volleyball and his world exploits this is not. It’s Woody Harrelson and Laura Dern reconnecting with the daughter they gave away for adoption 17 years ago. But funny. Funny in the best of red band ways. Plus it’s based on a Daniel Clowes graphic novel, so it’s got that going for it." Pete's Trailer: Gifted — "Once again, you go Chris Evans for making interesting, feel-good, even formulaic non-Cap films that bring a man tear right to my big stupid face. And a fine welcome back to Marc Webb who may just be bringing me everything I loved about 500 Days of Summer in the kinda foul mouth of McKenna Grace." 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 must hate me very much." Bette Davis was never one to shy away from roles, except perhaps from those that weren’t meaty enough. And she found a lot to work with in Lillian Hellman’s play “The Little Foxes” when William Wyler brought it to the big screen. And even though it meant endless fights on set with her director, Davis received her fifth Oscar nomination for her performance. It’s a dark film, but certainly one worth watching. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our Bette Davis series with Wyler’s 1941 film The Little Foxes.  We talk about Davis and deliberate on why she’s someone worth discussing, or even someone worth writing songs about. We look at Wyler and his career, and how despite the fact that he doesn’t really stand out as an auteur that he’s still someone who created a large quantity of incredible films. We discuss Hellman and how her Communist beliefs might have influenced her script. We hit on Gregg Toland and his deep focus he’s still practicing after just having finished Citizen Kane, bringing a lot to the table with this film. And we look at the rest of the cast, including Teresa Wright, Herbert Marshall, David Carlson, Patricia Colinge and Dan Duryea, and what they add to the film. Like There Will Be Blood, this is a film about wicked people trying to climb to the top. It’s a tough film to watch but everyone in it is so compelling, it’s hard to turn off. We have a great conversation about it this week so check it out then tune in! Film Sundries Script Transcript Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork About The Little Foxes — A Play by Lillian Hellman Flickchart Letterboxd Trailers of the Week Andy's Trailer: Toni Erdmann — "I had picked a completely different trailer but saw this and thought it was off the wall enough that I wanted to go with it instead. This looks like an exciting father-daughter story as a dad tries to help break his daughter out of the successful yet unhappy life she’s made for herself. As a father who wants to see his daughter happy AND successful, this really struck a chord with me." Pete's Trailer: Life — "Have I ever mentioned that for a time in my life, I was actually mistaken for Ryan Reynolds? That would be reason enough to pick this movie, but drop in Rebecca Ferguson and Jake Gyllenhaal, the ISS, and a creepy spore mangler and I’m all in. Of course, this movie does come with risks: Daniel Espinosa helmed Child 44, currently 43 of 51 on The Film Board’s Flickchart listing and the central reason you have to fear trains undressing your children." 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 prettiest sight in this fine, pretty world is the privileged class enjoying its privileges."The Next Reel’s Speakeasy is an ongoing series of ours in which we invite an industry guest to join us and bring along one of their favorite movies to talk about. In this month’s episode, director Steve Miner joins us to talk about one of his favorites, George Cukor’s 1940 film The Philadelphia Story.We talk about the nature of this story and how it’s so much more than a screwball comedy, which is how it’s often billed. We look at how Katharine Hepburn was intrinsic in getting both the original play and this film made, what it meant for her career at the time and how well it holds up today (despite one potentially nasty depiction of abuse). We discuss Hepburn, Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart and how well they work together in this story. We look at what director George Cukor brings to the table, finding the right ways to bring the script to life. We talk about the nature of the media and paparazzi and how things really haven’t changed all that much. And we look at how the film did not just in the box office and during Awards season, but more importantly how it’s really proven that it can stand the test of time.It’s a marvelous film, one that’s well worth watching. We had a great time talking about it with Steve and hearing his perspective on why it’s one of his favorites. So check out the movie then tune in!Film SundriesWatch this film: iTunes • AmazonScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkThe Philadelphia Story: A Comedy in Three Acts by Philip BarryFlickchartLetterboxd 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

"Be Afraid. Be very afraid." There are certain people that are drawn to a movie because of reports about early screenings where audience members had to leave the theatre because the gore made them physically sick. Whether it’s an attraction to the gruesome horror films, a chance for some good jumps and frights or simply a curiosity to see what the filmmakers could have done to actually make people ill, gore can certainly boost a horror film at the box office. And that certainly was the case with David Cronenberg’s 1986 horror masterpiece The Fly, a remake of the ‘58 version which itself was based on George Langelaan’s short story. Cronenberg, however, is a filmmaker who certainly puts a lot of thought into his films, never one to simply make a gorefest, and this film certainly has more going for it. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we delve into the last Listener’s Choice episode of the year, this time with Matthew Medrano to discuss Cronenberg’s film.  We talk to Matt about why he picked this film and what he loves about it so much. We talk about our enjoyment with the film and what Cronenberg is doing here, bringing multiple genres together to craft his story. We chat about how the film came to be and what Cronenberg and his co-writer Charles Edward Pogue opted to do in updating the original film (and short story). We look at the perfect blend of Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis, a real-life couple at the time who brought amazing amounts of charisma, connection, struggle and heartbreak to the roles. We chat about the production team and the complexities they had in making all of the effects work and bringing them to life. And we look at how well this film did at the box office, surprised that only five years earlier, The Thing couldn’t draw a crowd. It’s a great film and certainly one worth talking with. Thanks, Matt, for recommending we add it to the show! Now it’s everybody’s turn to check out the movie then tune in to the show! Film Sundries Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon Script Transcript Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork Art of the Title The Fly (1958) — Netflix Flickchart Letterboxd Trailers of the Week Andy's Trailer: A Cure for Wellness — "Gore Verbinski doesn’t always make films I love, but he certainly has a strong directorial touch. His remake of _The Ring_proved he could handle horror, and this certainly looks to be on the same wavelength. Strong cast, incredible visuals and creepy concept all make for something I definitely want to see." Pete's Trailer: Frank & Lola — "It’s probably a bit too easy to compare this to Last Tango in Paris, which is engaging, but overrated. I’m more interested in Michael Shannon than Brando in a role of this ilk, and the last shot of him in this trailer, in the smock splattered in blood, is just the sort of tease that nails a trailer." 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 don’t throw a whole life away just ‘cause he’s banged up a little." When Seabiscuit raced in the 30s, he drew more news than Roosevelt or Hitler. His match race against War Admiral was heard by 40 million people, statistically about as many Americans who tune in to watch the Superbowl every year. But he wasn’t just winning races – he was a hero for the little guy who lost everything in the Great Depression and was fighting for a second chance. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our “This Is Real Life, Jack!” series with Gary Ross’ 2003 film Seabiscuit.  We talk about how the movie works overall, and the interesting addition Ross added of documentary-style narration provided by one of America’s great voices, David McCullough. We debate about how well Ross does with the opening act of his film – is it a sloppy mess that takes too long to get us to the horse or is it a brilliantly cut-together example of how well Ross does to move us through time and connect us to these characters? We look at the performances of Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper, Tobey Maguire, Elizabeth Banks and William H. Macy, among others, and relish in the great work they all do here, even if Banks really is given nothing more than the ‘thankless wife’ role. We discuss some of the key team members – John Schwartzman’s cinematography, William Goldenberg’s editing, Randy Newman’s music – and what they all bring to the table. And we ponder the cost of the Equicizer and how effective it is in allowing the filmmakers to cut in closeups of actors talking while in the midst of their incredibly choreographed and photographed races.  It’s a beautiful, powerful film that may wear its heart on its sleeve, but one that does so proudly, not ashamed of what it is. We have a great conversation about it, even if we don’t see eye to eye on everything in it. So check out the movie then tune in! Film Sundries Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon Script Transcript Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork Seabiscuit: An American Legend by Laura Hillenbrand Flickchart Letterboxd Trailers of the Week Andy's Trailer: Patriots Day — "As horrific the act of terrorism during the Boston Marathon was, it also showed how brilliantly our law enforcement, FBI and military came together to solve the crime and catch the perpetrators. I worked on the TV movie version of this and I’m very excited to see how Berg and Wahlberg come together in their version.” Pete's Trailer: Army of One — "Nicholas Cage starts making so much sense now. He hears the voice of God — Russell Brand, natch — and decides to go to Pakistan to apprehend Osama bin Laden. If it didn’t lead with based on a true story, I would have passed. With that, I'm very, very curious." 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

"They won’t understand why we do it. They won’t understand it’s about the men next to you. That’s all it is." There is a political side to military operations, and there is a military side. Regardless of the politics of the 1993 situation in Somalia, the battle of Mogadishu was a terrible one, leaving 19 US soldiers, a Pakistani soldier and a Malaysian soldier dead, not to mention the countless Somalis. Ridley Scott’s 2001 film Black Hawk Down, based on Mark Bowden’s book, tells the story of this battle and it’s a powerful one. Certainly, it’s a film everyone should see at least once to fully grasp this situation. Join us as we continue our “This Is Real Life, Jack” series with Scott’s powerful film. We talk about the real situation and how the filmmakers condensed it to tell this story in just over two hours, looking at some of what was changed and how the real soldiers who had been there reacted to the film. We look at Scott and producer Jerry Bruckheimer and what they each bring to a film like this, finding ourselves immensely impressed that this didn’t take the path of Pearl Harbor, fictionalizing the story for the wrong reasons. We give kudos to the immense cast and the casting director who brought them all together. We touch on the effects work, both on set and in the digital world, marveling at the powerful war zone they’ve created here. And we chat with Bowden a bit to get his take on how well they adapted his book.  It’s a difficult film to watch but a strong one too. It’s a film that puts us in the soldiers’ shoes in a very messy incursion, helping us understand the mentality of what it takes to go into a situation like this. Read the book, check out the movie and tune in to this week’s show!  Film Sundries Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • Netflix • Hulu Script Transcript Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War by Mark Bowden Flickchart Letterboxd Trailers of the Week Andy's Trailer: Invisible — "I’m really excited about the possibilities of VR and curious to see how filmmakers find ways to use it to tell their stories. From watching this trailer, I’m more curious than I am excited but seeing that Doug Liman and Melisa Wallack are attached gives me hope that things are moving in the right direction." Pete's Trailer: John Wick: Chapter 2 — "Unlike some of us, I have no problem doing a teaser as a trailer pick, especially when that teaser is John Wick." 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 whole town is over the moon." Every story has many facets, but often the big story hides some of the smaller facets. The Australian film The Dish is a perfect example of this. The big story? Apollo 11’s successful mission to the moon. The small story? The Australians working at Parkes Observatory – a radio telescope in the middle of a sheep paddock – that was critical to the success of the mission and was our link to the footage we’ve all seen of Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the surface of the moon.  Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our “It’s Real Life, Jack” series with Rob Sitch’s 2000 film The Dish. We talk about what a delightful film this is and how great it is learning about this small bit of history that neither of us knew. We talk about Working Dog, the creative production team behind the film, and have a brief interview with producer Tom Gleisner about how they came to tell this particular story, the nature of ‘telling the truth’ in a film based on a fact and more. We chat about the actors – notably Sam Neill, Patrick Warburton, Kevin Harrington, Tom Long and Roy Billing, among others – and how they all create unique and quirky characters that work perfectly in this world. And we touch on not only Edmund Choi’s beautiful, award-winning score but also the fantastic soundtrack full of great songs.  It’s a wonderful film that helps one expand upon and appreciate the Apollo 11 moon landing even more. So what are you waiting for? Check it out then tune in! Film Sundries Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork About Parkes Observatory — Wikipedia.org Flickchart Letterboxd The Truth About the Dish On Eagle’s Wings: The Parkes Observatory’s Support of the Apollo 11 Mission Visiting The Dish Trailers of the Week Andy's Trailer: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales — "After having just discussed Apocalypse Now with the cinematographer of the newest entry of the über-successful Pirates franchise, it seems fitting to discuss this teaser trailer, which just debuted. Whether you’re a fan of the series or not, this certainly looks like an epic entry." Pete's Trailer: Christine — "We learned the story of Christine Chubbuck in journalism school as a particularly on-the-nose cautionary tale, the story of a woman so disgruntled with the state of the media and her role in it that she elected to kill herself on-air. Since Network is currently #1 on our Flickchart, seems an offense not to acknowledge this film is on the horizon." 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