The Next Reel Film Podcast

“If you decide you’re not going to be reasonable, then one night when you come home, you’ll find me on the inside waiting for you, and that’ll be the night you’ll wish you’d never been born.”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, actor, comedian and director Craig Anderson joins us to talk about one of his favorites, Daryl Duke’s Canadian bank heist thriller from 1978, “The Silent Partner.” We talk about the tone of films in the 70s and the nature of crime depicted in this film, not just of bank heists but also rampant infidelity and violent murder. We chat about the performances from Elliott Gould and Christopher Plummer and what they bring to the table, as well as those from Susannah York, John Candy and Céline Lomez to name a few. We discuss the taut screenplay adaptation by Curtis Hanson and the efficiency with which he crafts this story so as to avoid unnecessary exposition. And we ponder the manliness of Gould at this time in his career paired with the evil of Plummer. It’s a great film that isn’t talked about enough, so check it out then grab a drink and join us in the Speakeasy!Film SundriesWatch this film: iTunes • AmazonOriginal theatrical clipOriginal poster artworkThink of a Number — Danish FilmThink of a Number — Original Danish novelFlickchartDouble the Fist — Youtube ArchiveCraig Anderson on Instagram 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 ever met anybody you didn’t kill?" Shortly after graduating from UCLA, Shane Black sold his first screenplay to Warner Bros. to the tune of $250,000. That script was “Lethal Weapon.” Black didn’t know it at the time, but he was on his way to changing the way Hollywood thought about big blockbuster action films and about screenwriters as well. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our Shane Black series with Richard Donner’s 1987 film “Lethal Weapon.” We talk about how the film held up for us after our first viewings in our teen years. We chat about Black and his screenplay, looking at what’s in it, what’s not, and why his writing works so well. We look at Mel Gibson and Danny Glover as Riggs and Murtaugh, discussing everything from their partnership in this buddy cop movie to Mel’s hair and from Murtaugh’s family to Mel’s butt. We look at Gary Busey and talk about why he works well in this film. We chat about the stunts, notably Dar Richardson who lost his life right after principal photography finished. And we argue about the quality of Michael Kamen’s and Eric Clapton’s music. It’s a fun film, even if it doesn’t hold up to memories of it from our youth, so check it out then tune in to hear what we thought. Film Sundries Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon Script Transcript Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork Flickchart Internet Movie Firearms Database Trailers of the Week Andy's Trailer: The Family Fang — "Whether the movie ends up good or not, there’s still something I just absolutely love about Jason Bateman. This story he stars in and directs about a dysfunctional family run by parents who are all about performance art and their now grown-up children looking to distance themselves from the antics looks to be the right kind of quirky for me. Plus Nicole Kidman and Christopher Walken. I’m all in!" Pete's Trailer: Rogue One — "We were mixed on Godzilla, but Gareth Edwards at the helm of the first stand-alone Star Wars story has us intrigued. From the trailer, the frame-by-frame forensic analysis that’s being done on it in most corners of the internet at least, feels like they got the look just right. I’m all in." 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 were the footprints… of a gigantic hound!" Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce became synonymous with Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson after appearing in 14 film versions of various stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Yet at the start, neither of them got top billing. Yet now, Rathbone’s look as the famous detective is the iconic look for him. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up this year’s series of films from 1939, commonly called the greatest year of cinema, with Sidney Lanfield’s 1939 version of the famous story. We talk about the various versions of this story brought to the screen – from 1914 to 2016 – and contrast its popularity with what our sense is of the actual story from the book (a fairly lame way to commit a crime). We chat about Rathbone and Bruce and what they bring to the table, along with Richard Greene, Wendy Barrie, Lionel Atwill, John Carradine and Barlowe Borland. We discuss problems we have with the detective story and how that compares with what is provided by this film. We chat about the look of the film and how the production crew brought it to life, from costumes to sets, from casting to effects, from music (or lack thereof) to screenwriting. And we touch on the controversial last line and why it was so problematic when first released. It’s a film that tells a mediocre detective story without much panache, but does at least introduce the world to Rathbone and Bruce as the iconic pair. Is it worth seeing? That’s up to you, but either way, make sure you tune in to our show! Film Sundries Script Transcript Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork The Hound of the Baskervilles Project Gutenberg Flickchart Letterboxd Trailers of the Week Andy's Trailer: Swiss Army Man — "I love everything about this trailer. Paul Dano. Daniel Radcliffe. The insane and fantastical story it tells. This looks to be the sort of movie that gives me hope that there are still amazingly creative people at the helm making magic for us to view. I hope they don’t disappoint." Pete's Trailer: Zashchitniki — Guardians: The Defenders — "I missed American Heist when it hit theaters last year but as a fan in general of action heist flicks, this seems right up my alley. That’s what makes director Sarik Andreasyan’s upcoming film that much more interesting. Looks very much like he’s following in the footsteps of Zack Snyder and his DC destruct-i-thons with this story of Soviet-era heroes. The cooler clip comes with the fight trailer here." Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | 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

"Give a boy a sense of humor and a sense of proportion and he’ll stand up to anything." Robert Donat defied the odds and beat both Clark Gable and Jimmy Stewart for the Best Actor Oscar in the 1939 Academy Awards with his portrayal of Mr. Chips in Sam Wood’s “Goodbye, Mr. Chips.” It’s a movie that celebrates school heroes everyone had (or should’ve) and connects in its ability to reflect back on the nostalgia of one’s life. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our series on films from 1939 with Wood’s film. We talk about how we felt about the film and, despite any issues we had, still found it affecting. We chat about Robert Donat and Greer Garson, both of whom really give touching and honest performances. We touch on Sam Wood as the director and what he brings to the table. We discuss the story and why stories about teachers can work so well, and why they work on us in particular. And we look at the magnificent work Jack Dawn did with the hair and makeup to bring Mr. Chips to life over the course of his 60+ years, from new hire to headmaster. It’s a touching film that works to connect us with this character and reminds us what we love about the best ‘great teacher’ movies. Check it out! Film Sundries Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon Script Transcript Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork Goodbye, Mr. Chips by James Hilton Flickchart To You, Mr. Chips, the follow-up book by James Hilton Trailers of the Week Andy's Trailer: The Invitation — "I can’t say I’m overly excited about this trailer but it looks like there may be the glimmer of a movie I’d like to see in here. I kinda feel like it may be worth a watch just to see if I was right." Pete's Trailer: War Dogs — “Weirdly out of character for me, but I love gun running stories. It seems as though director Todd Phillips is taking on a more serious topic — and a true story — with comedic appeal, thus it has a real Great Big Short vibe to it. Something to watch." 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

"Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore!" Victor Fleming didn’t just direct two movies in 1939, he directed two of what many consider to be the greatest films made – ”Gone With the Wind” and “The Wizard of Oz.” Where the former, though, has more problems to contend with in today’s society, what with its depiction of slavery and race in the South during the Civil War, the latter is nothing but pure cinematic joy. Seen by more people than any other movie, “The Wizard of Oz” has become infused in who we are. Quotes from the movie can pop up in everyday conversation without people even realizing they’re quoting it. The songs – particularly “Over the Rainbow” – have been burned into our brains at an early age. It truly is a shining example of what cinema can be. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our ‘films of 1939’ series with one of the great cinema achievements, Flemings’ “The Wizard of Oz.” We talk about what makes this film so great and why it’s lasted so long, looking at everything from the story to the music to Judy Garland as Dorothy Gale. We discuss Fleming as the main director putting the film together, the 14 writers tasked with bringing this script to life, and L. Frank Baum, the author of the original Oz stories. We chat about the actors – Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, Frank Morgan, Margaret Hamilton, Jerry Maren, the Singer Midgets and more (not to mention Terry the dog as Toto) – and look at what they all bring to the table here. We chat about Buddy Gillespie’s special effects, Adrian’s costumes, Harold Rosson’s cinematography, Herbert Stothart’s music adaptation, Harold Arlen’s & Yip Harberg’s songs and Mervyn LeRoy’s & Arthur Freed’s producing, tying together all the elements they each were responsible for. And we comment on the popularity of the film, chat about it being a gay icon, and look at how it started at a loss but ended up making bank over the decades. It’s one of the greats and certainly one we have a lot of passion about discussing. Check it out! Film Sundries Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon Screenplay Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork Art of the Title The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum Flickchart Imaginary Worlds Podcast — Why They Fight Trailers of the Week Andy's Trailer: A Hologram for the King — "Anyone who has been following the show knows I’m a huge Tom Hanks fan, so any new film of his is reason to celebrate. Plus, Tom Tykwer’s crazy direction, a little bit of Talking Heads thrown in, and a middle Eastern romance. I’m there!" Pete's Trailer: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children — "Ender saves the world again! This time he has to swim to get there. I love a good film about kids in fantastical places, and this appears to have it in spades — Tim Burton may have just got his groove back." 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’re the victims of a foul disease called social prejudice, my child." When John Ford decided to helm “Stagecoach” in 1939, he hadn’t done a western since his days in the silent film era. Yet it was this film, along with his relationship with John Wayne, that would lead to him making arguably some of the greatest westerns in cinema. Yet with this film, it was really more of a chance to make a western that could be a bit more serious, not just another b-level shoot-em-up, while still making a movie that was pretty light and entertaining. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our series on films from 1939 with Ford’s “Stagecoach.” We talk about John Ford as a director and what he was trying to do with this film, pointing out some Ford-isms along with debating his strength as a filmmaker. We chat about Dudley Nichols’ script adapted from Ernest Haycox’s short story, enjoying what he did with the nine principal characters in the film, even if there were some pacing issues throughout. We discuss the cinematography of Bert Glennon and the way he and Ford shot the action sequences. We chat about stuntman and stunt coordinator Yakima Canutt, marveling at the amazing stunts he performs in the film while also feeling pretty horrified at the methods he devised to get the horses to fall on camera. And we touch on the cast, touching on what each of them bring to their roles. It’s a fun film, even if not one of our favorites, but still gives us a great movie to talk about. So check it out then tune in! Film Sundries Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • Hulu Script Transcript Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork The Stage to Lordsburg by Ernest Haycox Flickchart Stagecoach Location Shooting Breakdown Stagecoach & the Ned Scott Still Photographs Trailers of the Week Andy's Trailer: Popstar — "I don’t know if I’ll ever watch this one, but this red band trailer makes me laugh more than it probably should. Andy Samberg as a Justin Bieber-esque pop star on the decline? It could actually be funny. Or it could be utter garbage. Still, they got Martin Sheen to be in it so I’ve gotta give it points for that." Pete's Trailer: Captain America: Civil War — "I know, I know. We’ve talked about this one already. But seriously, have you checked out how smart the marketing is on this thing? The art, the trailers, the placement are just pitch perfect. Whoever loses in the film, the Russos absolutely crush." 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 women are so much more sensible. When we tire of ourselves, we change the way we do our hair or hire a new cook or decorate the house. I suppose a man could do over his office, but he never thinks of anything so simple. No, dear, a man has only one escape from his old self: to see a different self in the mirror of some woman’s eyes.” After getting taken off what ended up being the biggest film of all time – ”Gone With the Wind” – George Cukor was given the adaptation of Claire Boothe’s very popular Broadway play, “The Women,” to direct. For someone called a ‘woman’s director,’ this was a good choice for both movies. That being said, it doesn’t mean Cukor’s film holds up well today. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we head back to our series on the year 1939 to really explore what made it the ‘best year of movies,’ and we kick it off with Cukor’s “The Women.” We talk about the screenplay for this film and why it doesn’t hold up today, while also wondering what made it hold up back then. We ponder the schizophrenic messages this movie espouses, trying to figure out if it’s meant to be an early feminist film or if it’s eschewing everything feminism is about. We talk about the cast, notably Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, Rosalind Russell, Paulette Goddard, Joan Fontaine and Virginia Weidler, and how they hold up with both the snappy dialogue and the painfully awkward story elements. We discuss Adrian and the meaning of a 10-minute technicolor fashion show in the middle of a film, trying to decide if there really is any meaning in it or if it’s just awkwardly lumped in there. And we learn all about the existence of divorce ranches in Nevada during this period in time and why it had to figure so prominently in the story. It’s a film that really didn’t work at all for either of us, but because of that, gives us a lot of fodder for conversation. Check out the film (or skip it and save yourself the time), then tune in! Film Sundries Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork The Women. by Clare Booth Luce Flickchart A Crowded Bookshelf review The Divorce Seekers: A Photo Memoir of a Nevada Dude Wrangler by William L. McGee Trailers of the Week Andy’s Trailer: The Light Between Oceans — “I was in film school with Derek Cianfrance, and it’s always great to see the new movies he’s making. This one looks like a tough one to watch, but that’s par for the course with him. It’s a gorgeous looking story about a family getting torn apart because it’s the right thing to do. There will be tears. Count me in.” Pete’s Trailer: The Trust — “This Nick Cage/Frodo partnership is heading to SxSW this weekend so if you’re in Austin, see it — looks weirdly funny as they find a new angle to caper the heck out of a safe under a grocery store.” Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

As part of our ongoing series on the people behind the sites and services that serve the film-loving community, today we’re talking to Matthew Buchanan, co-founder of Letterboxd.com. Letterboxd has become an indispensable service for film journalists, diarists, and fans, marked by a beautiful design and just the right mix of social connectivity. Matthew and team have created a robust community in Letterboxd, one that stands out on the Internet not only in calibre of discussion, but in kindness of its members.SundriesLetterboxd.comMatthew Buchanan on LetterboxdMatthew Buchanan on TwitterMatthewBuchanan.nameJoe Zappulla’s Reviews with his Mom 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’re upside down, sir.” It’s time for another Listener’s Choice episode! This time, 2015 Pony Prize winner Ben Lott gets to select and he chose Peter Bogdanovich’s 1972 screwball comedy “What’s Up, Doc?” Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we delve into one of Ben’s favorites. We talk about our initial expectations and experiences of this movie and how this film improves with conversation and when watched with a group of friends. We chat about the nature of screwball comedy and how it can be very difficult to jump back into an old genre but how well the writers David Newman, Robert Benton and Buck Henry pull it off here. We discuss our issues with the daffy dame played by Barbra Streisand and how she really compares to a psychopath or thief, despite the fact that once you get past the setup of the film, she really is a fun character that we grow to love. We chat about the other performers in the film, notably Ryan O’Neal and Madeline Kahn, and discuss what they bring to the table. And we talk about the nature of the comedy in the film and look at several sequences that stand out as the highlights. It’s a really fun movie that we’re glad to have seen, so thanks, Ben! So check out the movie then tune in to the conversation! Film Sundries Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon Original theatrical trailer Original poster artwork Flickchart Trailers of the Week Andy’s Trailer: Embrace of the Serpent — “I’m not quite sure what to make of this story but the look of the trailer is really quite haunting. There’s something about it that draws me in with the stark beauty of the Amazon in black and white. The story looks to be equally as intriguing as the imagery; it feels a bit like a surreal nightmare. High on my list of must-sees.” Pete’s Trailer: Fan — “Shahrukh Kahn plays an Indian superstar, and the young superfan that’s obsessed with him. Looks like a fun thriller with wtih some wacky Benjamin Button technological hoops to make this 40-something look 17 again.” 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

“When I was small, I only knew small things, but now I’m five – I know everything!”The Next Reel’s Speakeasy is a new 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, actress Dee Wallace joins us to talk about one of her relatively new favorites, Lenny Abrahamson’s amazing film “Room.” We talk about the brilliant performances of Jacob Tremblay and Brie Larson and the fascinating exploration of this pair forced to live in the titular room. We talk about Abrahamson’s work, paired with DP Danny Cohen, to tell the film from 5-year-old Jack’s perspective and how well that works for this movie. We chat about the other actors, notably the trio of ‘villains’ played by William H. Macy, Sean Bridgers and Wendy Crewson. We touch on the origins of the story and how it translated to the film. And we debate the strength of the Oscars when a performance like Tremblay’s doesn’t get nominated. It’s a movie that can break you if you’re wusses like us, or at least can move you if you’re made of stronger stuff like Dee, so check it out then grab a drink and join us in the Speakeasy!Film SundriesWatch this film: iTunes • AmazonScriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkRoom by Emma DonoghueFlickchart@Dee_Wallace 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