The Next Reel Film Podcast

"We’ve been patriotically slaving for three years to help a spy ring!" “Ministry of Fear” was Fritz Lang’s third film of four anti-Nazi movies that he made, but it feels less anti-Nazi and more just straight up Hitchcockian thriller. And while Lang didn’t like the final result of the film and Graham Greene, who wrote the novel on which the movie’s based, also didn’t like the film, it’s a very fun film to watch and feels a bit like Lang lite.  Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our Lang series with his 1944 film, “Ministry of Fear.” We talk about why this film works for us, even if it still has story problems like he’s had in all of his other films so far, and debate as to what it was that caused him and Greene to dislike it so much. We discuss Seton Miller, the screenwriter and producer of this movie, and look at the control he exerted over this film, forcing Lang to make the film Miller wanted, right down to the last shot. We chat about the performances from Ray Milland, Marjorie Reynolds, Carl Esmond, Hillary Brooke, Percy Waram and most notably Dan Duryea, and look at what they each bring to the table. We touch on the cinematography by Henry Sharp, a studio contract DP Lang had to work with but still someone who ended up making this film feel very noirish and Langian. And we discuss our feelings about Lang as a director, looking at what we got out of this series and analyzing Lang’s work compared with how he ran his sets. It’s a fun film to watch, even if it doesn’t feel as important as some of Lang’s earlier films. We have a great time talking about it on the show this week, commenting that this certainly will be an easy movie to put on down the road to enjoy all over again. So check out the movie then tune in! Film Sundries Watch this film: Amazon • YouTube Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork The Ministry of Fear: An Entertainment by Graham Greene Flickchart Letterboxd Trailers of the Week Andy's Trailer: Phantom Boy — "I love animated films in general, but after having so much fun with “A Cat in Paris,” I can’t wait to see what these filmmakers do with this story. A boy in a wheelchair who can project himself out of his body and does so to help a detective bring down some gangsters? It sounds like the stuff I dreamt up as a child and they pulled it straight from my head. I’m very much looking forward to this one." Pete's Trailer: The Wailing — "Regular listeners know I’m not usually one for horror, but this film has that visual vibe I find appealing, hopefully more of a thriller than a grotesque, and it’s in Korean, so I’m banking on that helpful degree of abstraction." 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

"Hasta la vista, baby."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, costume designer Sarah Trost joins us to talk about one of her favorite films, Terminator 2: Judgment Day. We talk about why we all love this film so much and where this movie fits into our feelings for the entire franchise, and look at why James Cameron’s entries seemingly hold up so much better than the rest. We chat about the script that Cameron and William Wisher, Jr., put together here and the way they smartly chose to parallel elements from the first in the franchise. We look at how Cameron crafts films and why this film still holds up so incredibly well. We discuss the actors – Linda Hamilton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Edward Furlong, Robert Patrick and Joe Morton primarily – and talk about what they all bring to the table, even commenting which of the actors delivers a performance that might have warranted an Oscar nomination. We look at the amazing cinematography, stunts, effects, makeup, costumes, models, music, editing – honestly, everyone involved in this film seems to be working at the top of their form and we talk about that. And we talk about the brilliant metal man effects work they did here bringing the T-1000 to life (and pushing this budget over $100 million, the first time a film cost that much). It truly is an action film that’s set a standard for all action films to follow and a film that hardly shows its age. We have a great time talking with Sarah about this one so tune in! (Oh, and be prepared for some explicit language in this one.)Film SundriesWatch this film: iTunes • AmazonScreenplayOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdT2 3D: Battle Across TimeSarah on InstagramSarah on FacebookSarah on TwitterSarah on the Web 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

"Good heavens, man, I never intended to shoot. I merely wanted to find out if it were possible." 1941 was an interesting time for the US as the country started the year off as a passive, neutral observer of what Germany and Hitler were doing in Europe and ended with the attack on Pearl Harbor, leading the US to officially enter WWII. And while Fritz Lang’s 1941 anti-Nazi film “Man Hunt” was rushed by Darryl F. Zanuck and 20th Century Fox into production then subsequently theatres to be current, they still had to contend with the Production Code and how the film would be seen by people while the Neutrality Act was still in effect. It’s a film that reflects the time in which it was made really well, giving us insight now not just how the filmmakers were thinking, but how society and the government were all thinking and working together (or against each other). Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Fritz Lang series with “Man Hunt.” We talk about why this film is still such an interesting glimpse into what was going on in the late 30s/early 40s and how people were thinking. We chat about Lang and what he brings to the table paired with Dudley Nichols, the screenwriter, and how he adapted the source material, often in ways that make us scratch our heads. We look at the opening sequence of the film and talk about how powerful it is, likely even moreso at the time of its release. We discuss Walter Pidgeon, Joan Bennett, George Sanders, John Carradine, Roddy McDowall and the rest of the cast, deliberating on how well they did (or didn’t) do and whether any of them are any good at accents. We discuss the opening and closing shots of the film, looking at the imagery of the hunt and how it works in both contexts. And we look at the beautiful black-and-white cinematography by Arthur Miller and how well he worked with Lang here to give us some frightening urban night scenes that would fit perfectly in many of Lang’s films.  The film may have story issues and some performances that we struggle with, but it’s still an interesting film to watch with some powerful moments that really stand out as pure Lang. Check it out then tune in! Film Sundries Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork Rogue Male by Geoffrey Household Flickchart Letterboxd Trailers of the Week Andy's Trailer: A Monster Calls — "While Spielberg’s ‘The BFG’ looks downright entertaining in all the right ways, there’s something about J.A. Bayona’s movie that looks like it touches on something a bit deeper. I’m excited for both but feel like this is the one I’m going to connect to a bit more strongly." Pete's Trailer: Morgan — "A corporate risk management consultant is put in charge of the decision to terminate an artificial life. Oh, and looks like a bloody thriller. It’s like Ex Machina with an actual board room and Kate Mara." 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

"Just you wait, it won’t be long. / The man in black will soon be here / With his cleaver’s blade so true. / He’ll make mincemeat out of you!" When “M,” Fritz Lang’s first sound film, opened in 1931, it was clear that Lang already understood how to employ sound to his advantage in telling his story. Unlike many early ‘talkies,’ “M” isn’t wall-to-wall talking; instead, Lang used it as a sparse tool to help catch a killer. He balanced quiet moments with abrupt sharp noises. He brought in off-screen noises that affected those on-screen. He had voiceover. And of course, there is the murderer’s whistling of Peer Gynt’s “In the Hall of the Mountain King.” Lang was a master of his craft, and certainly not a director who would be held back by the advent of sound.  Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Lang series with “M.” We talk about the story of the film, the influences from the time on Lang, and what Lang may have been trying to say about the rise of Nazism. We chat about Peter Lorre in his breakout role and why his child murderer character is so compelling and, yes, sympathetic. We look at the way that Fritz Arno Wagner moved the camera and lit the scenes to capture Lang’s story (once again written by his wife at the time Thea von Harbou). We deliberate on von Harbou’s script and how well it worked in creating a fascinating police procedural but also how Lang’s research into killers may have affected some decisions in the character of Beckert. We talk about the sound and the lack of score with this movie and how the sound actually affected the frame size. We start a new segment called First Shot/Last Shot and look at how the director decided to start and end his story. And we discuss how the rise in Nazism helped some of the actors while hindering others. It’s a film noted as a masterpiece, the best of German cinema, Lang’s finest film. We certainly see the quality here and have a great time talking about it on this week’s show. So give this one a watch – it deserves it – then tune in! Film Sundries Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • Hulu Script Transcript Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork Flickchart Letterboxd Fritz Lang - the movie Trailers of the Week Andy's Trailer: Tickled — "There are certain documentaries that really thrill me to no end, and those are the ones where it leads you in a completely different direction than you’re expecting it to. This looks like one of those docs. Plus, it’s about one of the strangest subjects I’ve ever encountered – competitive endurance tickling. (Or is it about that? Hmmm…)" Pete's Trailer: Don’t Think Twice — "Keegan-Michael Key and Gillian Jacobs star in this Mike Birbiglia film chronicling the efforts of a New York City improv troupe to get picked up by their fictitious SNL counterparts. Looks funny, with a deceptive dose of heart. Suck it, cynicism." 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 still don’t seem to know what I am capable of!" Fritz Lang’s 1928 silent spy thriller “Spies” rarely gets brought up when people mention Lang and his filmography. Dwarfed by arguably two of his best made on either side of it – “Metropolis” and “M” – “Spies” was Lang’s first film outside the shell of Ufa, the German motion-picture company. It did well enough for itself, but not well enough to make a big mark in cinema. But if you watch it, you’ll see the birthplace for practically every spy movie trope that has been on screen since.  Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Fritz Lang series with “Spies.” We talk about the spy tropes found in this film and what they led to in later films. We chat about the pacing of the film and why the length of this one at its mostly restored length of 143 minutes may be a bit too slow. We discuss Lang, what he was like as a director, and how his approach worked in the production of this film. We discuss the actors, notably Rudolf Klein-Rogge, Willy Fritsch and Gerda Maurus, and what they each bring to the table. We also touch on the affair Lang had with Maurus during the production of this film. We discuss Fritz Arno Wagner, the DP, and his role here as well as in German cinema in this period. And we chat about some of the filmmaking techniques used here, which work, and which are clearly still being developed.  It’s a fun film, albeit a bit overlong, but definitely worth watching. Anyone interested in Lang’s filmography needs to see this one. So check it out then tune in! Film Sundries Watch this film: Amazon Original Opening Original poster artwork Flickchart Letterboxd Movie Spies and their Cyanide Pills — Wired.com Trailers of the Week Andy's Trailer: Don’t Breathe — "I love good horror movies and it’s always refreshing when someone comes up with something that feels new. This movie certainly looks like it’s going to fit the bill for me!" Pete's Trailer: Hell or High Water — "I don’t know what to make of it. Looks like a beautiful character opportunity for some of my favorite actors. Why am I worried it’s going to be a bore? Great rendition of Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door by Blackwall” 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

"Isn’t it worth the loss of a hand to have created the man of the future, the Machine-Man—?!” Fritz Lang’s sci-fi classic has really been through the wringer since it’s premiere in 1927. After having been cut nearly in half then reshaped, people have struggled over the decades to restore the 2 ½ hour film to its full glory but to little avail. In 2008, however, a 16mm print of a horribly scratched copy of the nearly full version was found in Buenos Aires and the film was given new life. It’s since been beautifully restored and is a marvel to watch, even with the scratches.  Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we begin our Fritz Lang series with “Metropolis.” We talk about what the film is about, what works in it and what doesn’t, and try to deduce why. We talk about various political directions the story seems to take and how they fit in with the time and place when Lang and his wife/co-writer Thea von Harbou were writing this. We chat about the actors – notably Brigitte Helm, Gustav Fröhlich, Alfred Abel and Rudolf Klein-Rogge – and what they bring to the table. We debate whether Giorgio Moroder’s rock interpretation of the movie in 1984 has any merit. And we marvel at the stunning effects by Eugen Schüfftan, from the miniatures and stop motion, to the video phone, to the creation of the Machine-Man and the rings of light moving around it.  It’s a film that has inspired countless projects since and is clearly an important piece in the history of cinema, and even though the story is riddled with problems and could likely be condensed to get the same thing across, it’s still well worth a watch. So check out this movie then tune in to this week’s show! Film Sundries Watch this film: Amazon • Netflix • Hulu Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork Art of the Title Flickchart Letterboxd Trailers of the Week Andy's Trailer: Urge — "I really don’t know if I’m that excited about this movie, but I love seeing Pierce Brosnan in roles where he seems to be playing something drastically different from his Bond persona. That alone piqued my curiosity here and while I won’t be running out to the cinema to catch this one, I think I may watch this some late night just to see how it is." Pete's Trailer: The Shallows — "So, it’s Jaws, but with Blake Lively, plus a bunch of Michael Bay low angle tracking shots. I have a feeling this is going to connect with me on a deeply disturbing level. I’m not proud, but at least I’m honest." 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 was, like, two corpses in three hours. I mean, am I crazy? That’s unusual, right?" Shane Black was gone from the scene for a decade before his return as not just writer but also director with 2005’s “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,” a comedy crime mystery that unjustly largely flew under everyone’s radar. It was mostly critically acclaimed, but with Warner Bros.’ modest release plans and minimal advertising, it didn’t have much of a chance. And we’re hoping to rectify that. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our Shane Black series with his directorial debut, “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.” We talk about why we love this film so much, from the noir and pulp elements Black incorporates to his comedic sensibilities, from the casting to the nature of the buddies. We chat about Robert Downey, Jr. and Val Kilmer and why they work so well together here. We discuss the challenge Black had to get this film made, and subsequently how he made it. We look at some of the other actors, including Michelle Monaghan and Corbin Bernsen, and what they bring to the table. We touch on the cinematography by Michael Barrett, the editing by Jim Page and the brilliant score by John Ottman, wondering if we can track down the soundtrack somehow. We look at the script and some of the Blackisms in it, but also compare it with the final scene and how having Black on set to direct allowed for one of his actors to create a stronger moment for the character. And we wrap up our look at the IMFDb to see what a much smaller budget does to the amount of firepower shown off in the film.  It’s a brilliant ride of a film that thrills us to no end. We highly recommend everyone checks it out, so do so 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 Bodies are Where You Find Them (The Mike Shayne Mysteries Book 5) by Brett Halliday Flickchart Letterboxd When the Spec Script was King — Vanity Fair Trailers of the Week Andy's Trailer: Jason Bourne — "We’ve talked about this series and will be talking about this one with the Film Board. I absolutely love the series and expect high things from this with Greengrass and Damon returning, joining forces with Stiles, Vikander and Jones. Can’t wait!" Pete's Trailer: Café Society — "Apparently, between the two of us, _I’m_the Woody Allen guy. I think Eisenberg and crew look terrific in this Hollywood send-up and I can’t wait to see LA get the _Midnight in Paris_treatment, no matter what Andy says while he’s over there stomping on joy." 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

"Is that a tea cozy on his head?"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, sound mixer Michael B. Koff joins us to talk about one of his favorite films, Guy Ritchie’s crime comedy thriller from the year 2000, “Snatch!” We talk about Guy Ritchie’s style, why it works for us, and why some people complained at the time that it felt like “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” redux. We discuss the incredible talent onscreen here – from Jason Statham and Brad Pitt to Dennis Farina Andolan Ford – and what they all bring to the table, not to mention how much balance there is with all of their parts. We chat about the blending of the two storylines throughout the film and why it's effective in the ‘hyperlink cinema’ style. And we look at the technical aspects of the film – the sound, the cinematography and the editing in particular – and how it ties into the storytelling style overall. It’s a raucous ride of a film that’s not talked about enough, so check it out then grab a drink and join us in the Speakeasy!Film SundriesWatch this film: iTunes • AmazonScreenplayOriginaltheatrical trailerOriginalposter artworkArt of theTitleFlickchartLetterboxdVinnie Jones Marks his Player 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

"Name’s Charly, by the way. You’re gonna love me." When New Line Cinema bought Shane Black’s spec script “The Long Kiss Goodnight” in 1994 for $4 million, it created a new record for the selling price of spec scripts for more than 10 years until 2005 when Terry Rossio’s and Bill Marsilii’s script “Déjà Vu” sold for $5 million. While Black walked away with a hefty paycheck, he had no idea that this sale and the subsequent underwhelming performance of the resulting movie would have a hand in the end of the halcyon days of spec script sales. The way that studios saw screenwriters changed. The way they approached projects changed. Some say the industry has changed for the better, some say for the worse. Whichever side you fall on the issue, Black found himself struggling to get work afterward.  Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Shane Black series with Renny Harlin’s 1996 film “The Long Kiss Goodnight.” We talk about how much fun this movie is, particularly after our struggles with the last two in the series. We chat about Black and why the level of over-the-top fun in this script helps to elevate it in ways that didn’t quite work before. We chat about Harlin and what he brings to the table, not just here but in action and horror films through the late 80s and early 90s. We discuss Geena Davis, Samuel L. Jackson, Craig Bierko, Yvonne Zima, Brian Cox, David Morse and more, looking at how well they fit in this universe. And we look at how this film affected Black’s career, pushing him to step out of the industry for a decade.  It’s a joyously ridiculous romp that’s nothing but fun and we have a great time talking about it on this week’s show. Definitely check out this movie then tune in to the show. Film Sundries Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon Script Transcript Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork Flickchart Letterboxd Trailers of the Week Andy's Trailer: The Magnificent Seven — "’The Seven Samurai’ is such a great story, it’s been retold many times in many different ways. And I really enjoy the ones I’ve seen. With Antoine Fuqua’s upcoming remake of a remake, I’m just banking on the story I love to carry it through. Okay, I generally like Fuqua, and his cast looks pretty solid. I’m just not sold yet by this trailer. Or ‘teaser,’ I should say. I guess I’ll have to wait for the ‘full trailer’ to get a better sense of it." Pete's Trailer: The Founder — "Outside of MBA circles, I’m not sure how many people give the mechanics of McDonald’s much thought. But unravelling the sordid history of much lauded Ray Croc and the real estate empire he built is a story worth telling, and Keaton looks terrific in the part. Like last week though, what really gets me in this trailer is the song: Barns Courtney’s Glitter & Gold." 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 prepared, son. That’s my motto. Be prepared." When Shane Black was paid $1.75 million for his spec script “The Last Boy Scout,” it was the most any screenwriter had been paid for their script up to that point. It wouldn’t take long before that record was broken, but the bar had been set – and more importantly, the expectations – for what Shane Black the screenwriter could deliver. Unfortunately, the production was riddled with problems and the film struggled to make its money back. It didn’t kill Black’s career, but it may have signaled the beginning of the end for the spec script boom happening in the early 90s.  Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Shane Black series with Tony Scott’s 1991 action extravaganza “The Last Boy Scout.” We talk about what Black brought to the table with his script and how it changed due to infighting amongst the above-the-line team involved in the production. We chat about the perfection of Bruce Willis in his role contrasted with the struggle we have with Damon Wayans as Willis’ inevitable sidekick. We touch on the goods and bads of Blackisms and Black’s storytelling themes he returns to time and again. We look at the nature of Scott’s films, how this fits into his body of work and why perhaps some of his ardent fans really love this movie. And we talk about the misogyny laced throughout the story, struggling with the way women are treated compared with what the screenwriter’s intentions likely were.  It’s a frustrating film because it had a lot of promise but never quite gets there. Still, we have a great conversation about it. Tune in! Film Sundries Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon Script Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork Flickchart Letterboxd Trailers of the Week Andy's Trailer: Doctor Strange — "As a kid, Doctor Strange always looked like a weird comic book character that dealt with things I just didn’t understand. Now, with this impending movie iteration, it looks like an incredibly refreshing dip into something new in this glut of superhero films we’re in. Cumberbatch. McAdams. Mikkelson. Ejiofor. And a bald Swinton as The Ancient One. I’m in for sure.” Pete's Trailer: The Birth of a Nation — “The movie looks terrific, but this week I’m choosing the trailer because the visuals-musical pairing is so, so good. Watch the trailer, then go pick up Nina Simone’s rendition of Strange Fruit.“ 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