The Next Reel Film Podcast

“He pulls a knife, you pull a gun. He sends one of yours to the hospital, you send one of his to the morgue. That’s the Chicago way, and that’s how you get Capone!” Brian De Palma was coming off a couple of box office disappointments when he signed on to bring David Mamet’s script “The Untouchables” to life. The studio was hoping for something akin to a movie version of their old TV show but this team opted to tell a more focused story, and that is both the success and failure of this movie. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our ‘Mamet as screenwriter’ series with 1987’s “The Untouchables.” We talk about what works in Mamet’s script and what doesn’t, and why elements aren’t working the way they should. We chat about De Palma and all of the De Palma-isms that he delivers here, never one to disappoint. We look at the key actors in the film – Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, Robert De Niro, Andy Garcia and Charles Martin Smith – and what they each bring to the table, particularly Connery in his Oscar-winning performance. And we touch on the technical with Ennio Morricone’s score, the fantastic production design and the noirish title design. It’s a film that unfortunately didn’t hold up for us this go-around, despite still being able to get enjoyment from it. It’s worth the watch, particularly if you haven’t seen it before, so check it out then tune in! Film Sundries Watch this film: iTunes • AmazonScreenplayOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkArt of the TitleThe Untouchables by Eliot Ness and Oscar FraleyFlickchart Trailers of the WeekAndy’s Trailer: The Conjuring 2: The Enfield Poltergeist — “I had a blast watching the first in this series. Wan has a great handle on horror and doesn’t seem to mess up sequels when he takes them on, as Insidious: Chapter 2 and Furious 7 showed us. He’s also found his muse in Patrick Wilson who makes a great team with Vera Farmiga. Plus, it’s downright creepy and daddy like.”Pete’s Trailer: Colonia — “I don’t think I have this movie figured out. Emma Watson joins a cult to find her political rabble rowser of a boyfriend. That’s all I’ve got. But by the end of the trailer, it’s looking like a genuine thriller, so I’m willing to give it a shot. It should be said, however, that I also predicted good things about Child 44.”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

A few weeks ago, we ran across a new site dedicated to movie trailers. It’s called Trailer.Town and it’s a clean, well-organized home for our favorite form of promotion. This week on Shorts, we’re joined by Joel Farris and Alex Carvalho, half of the Trailer.Town team and founders of the site to talk about trailers, spoilers, and the importance of curation in a messy Youtube world. SundriesTrailer.TownAbout Trailer.Town@Trailer_Town@JFarris@alexcarvalhoSupport 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

“So much of the time, we’re just lost.” David Mamet wrote screenplays for several years before he jumped into the director’s seat, and while some of them still distinctly sound like Mamet’s writing, others really don’t. The ‘Mamet Speak’ isn’t there, or perhaps it’s just less obvious. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off another Mamet series, this time focusing on films he worked on only as screenwriter. We start this series with his second screen credit as screenwriter, Sidney Lumet’s 1982 courtroom drama “The Verdict.” We talk about what works for us with Mamet’s script and what doesn’t, and really try to figure out why – is it not Mamet enough? We chat about the actors, from Paul Newman and Jack Warden to Charlotte Rampling and James Mason, and what they bring to the table. We really get into the look of the film, discussing Andrzej Barkowiak’s cinematography, Edward Pisoni’s production design and John Kasarda’s art direction, analyzing how they use their tools to tell this story. And we get into some subplots, really trying to resolve some issues that the film leaves hanging. It’s a strong courtroom character study, even if it wasn’t strong enough to take on Gandhi at the Oscars. Check it out then tune in! Film Sundries Watch this film: iTunes • AmazonScreenplayOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkThe Verdict by Barry ReedFlickchart Trailers of the WeekAndy’s Trailer: Lazer Team — “I’m not sure if this is comedy genius or a truly great representative of the dregs of January. Either way, it made me laugh and will probably end up as a guilty pleasure for me. Plus, I’m curious to see how things shake out for YouTube’s paid subscription service YouTube Red.”Pete’s Trailer: Remember — “Atom Egoyan. Martin Landau. Christopher Plummer. Nazi Hunter Thriller. When did you stop reading to go find out when you can see this movie?”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 not an actor, I’m a movie star!”The Next Reel’s Speakeasy is a new ongoing series of ours in which we invite an industry guest to join us and, instead of bringing their favorite cocktail, we have them bring along one of their favorite movies to talk about. In this inaugural episode, actor Abraham Benrubi joins us to talk about one of his faves, Richard Benjamin’s 1982 comedy gem “My Favorite Year,” starring Peter O’Toole and Mark Linn-Baker. We talk about the cast – from the brilliant (and Oscar-nominated) performance by O’Toole and the fantastic Linn-Baker to everyone else involved like Jessica Harper, Joseph Bologna, Bill Macy, Lainie Kazan, George Wyner, Selma Diamond and even an appearance by queen of the “Titanic” herself, Gloria Stewart. We chat about the origins of the story from writers who worked for Sid Caesar’s “Show of Shows” and how this fits in the world of live TV from the 50s. And we discuss the script and how it moves assuredly from the madcap comedy antics to some wonderfully poignant moments that really tug at your heartstrings. It’s a wonderful film to kick off this new series, so check it out then tune in!Film SundriesWatch this film: iTunes • AmazonOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkSid Ceasar’s Your Show of ShowsFlickchartAbraham BenrubiThe Finest HoursThe Belko ExperimentSupport 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’ve got a feeling beneath those jeans, there’s something wonderful just waiting to get out.” Happy New Year! Goodbye 2015, hello 2016. And what better way to kick off the new year of shows than with Paul Thomas Anderson’s 1997 epic glimpse into the golden age of porn. With an epic New Year’s party that transitions the story from the halcyon days of porn in the 70s to its characters’ declines in the 80s, “Boogie Nights” is a great way to celebrate the previous year and welcome the new one. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we discuss Paul Thomas Anderson’s second film, “Boogie Nights.” We talk about the story and why it works so well for us, regardless of the industry it presents. We chat about Anderson and what he brings to the table, highlighting so many strengths that show why he is still such a tremendous force in the film business. We discuss the actors, from Mark Wahlberg and Burt Reynolds to Julianne Moore and don Cheadle, touching on what brought them to this film and how well they work with Anderson in his story. And we cover the cinematography by Robert Elswit and editing by Dylan Tichenor. It’s really a magnificent film, even if it does make us feel a bit dirty by watching it. Check it out then tune in! Film Sundries Watch this film: iTunes • AmazonScreenplay PDFOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkArt of the TitleFlickchartThe Dirk Diggler Story Trailers of the WeekPete’s Trailer: Deadpool — “With every subsequent trailer, I’m more excited about this movie. Weirdly, it appears to be the role Ryan Reynolds was born to play. With the exception of me, in my inevitable biopic.”Andy’s Trailer: Desierto — “Stories of border crossers are pretty regular where I live. Taking this situation and creating a stalker horror movie out of it? That’s a smart way to tell a good story that also reflects modern times nicely. I’m definitely looking forward to this one.”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 might even replace the dog as the family pet.” ‘Tis the holiday season, which means it’s time for another Next Reel Christmas movie, and how better to share in the joy and festivities of the Christmas season than with some wacky laughs and slimy gore from Joe Dante’s 1984 horror comedy “Gremlins.” Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we celebrate another end of the year with some holiday cheer (and mayhem), this time with Gizmo, Stripe, Billy, Kate, Mrs. Deagle, Barney and the rest of the residents of Kingston Falls (aka Universal’s backlot). We talk about our impressions of this film from when we were young and how those changed (or didn’t) since then. We chat about the actors, from Zach Galligan and Phoebe Cates to Polly Holliday and Howie Mandel, and what they brought to the table. We discuss Jerry Goldsmith’s score and why it works really well for Andy while not so much for Pete. We talk about Chris Walas and his creature effects, and banter about the script and how it really is pretty simplistic. And we touch on what Steven Spielberg, Joe Dante and Chris Columbus all bring to the table here. It’s a fun film, one that certainly seems to have held up better for Andy than it has for Pete, and definitely fun to talk about. Check the movie out then tune in! Film Sundries Watch this film: iTunes • AmazonScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkArt of the TitleFlickchart“Falling Hare” — Looney Toons 1943 Trailers of the WeekAndy’s Trailer: Whiskey Tango Foxtrot — “Tina Fey usually cracks me up. Sure, she’s had some fumbles, but I will always give her a chance. The fact that this is based on a true story makes it all the more interesting to me. Plus, Alfred Molina with a great big bushy beard!”Pete’s Trailer: Eddie the Eagle — “Hugh Jackman as the crotchety coach of an underdog British ski jumper in the Calgary Olympics. Sure, it might be saccharine. But when he says ‘fly…’… yeah, that’s going to be a tear jerker.”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

Hey folks! Please listen to this episode! We tried to keep it short, but we need to tell you about a few things you'll be seeing come January 2016 which, if you don't listen now, may come as a surprise later. In short, new shows, new shirts, new stuff, new membership program. Thanks for tuning in, and happy new year from all of us at The Next Reel!

“Everybody in the car. Boat leaves in two minutes, or perhaps you don’t want to see the second largest ball of twine on the face of the Earth, which is only four short hours away?!”Harold Ramis’ second foray into feature film directing introduced the world to the Griswolds – Clark, Ellen, Rusty and Audrey – as they drive from Chicago to LA on a 2-week vacation with the aim of visiting an obvious Disneyland replacement for legal reasons, Walley World. It’s a wonderful film and proved to be another box office success for Ramis, who wouldn’t direct another hit like this for 10 years with ‘Groundhog Day.’ Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our very short Harold Ramis series with the classic 1983 road trip comedy “National Lampoon’s Vacation.” We talk about the original John Hughes story on which this is based and look at the darker tones in that story, comparing it with how it was reshaped in this film. We discuss the cast, notably Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Anthony Michael Hall, Dana Barron, Imogene Coca (and her dog), Randy Quaid, Christie Brinkley and Eddie Bracken. We chat about the ending of the short story, the original ending and the rewritten ending and debate what works best (and what problems this one may have because of the final ending). And we, of course, talk about the franchise, comparing this with what we view as the only other good one in the bunch, 1989’s ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.’ It’s a comedy classic and a great way to finish our Ramis series, so check it out then tune in!Film SundriesWatch this film: iTunes • AmazonOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkArt of the TitleJohn Hughes’ Original Short Story Vacation ‘58FlickchartHotel Hell VacationTrailers of the WeekAndy’s Trailer: The High Rise — “I love a trailer that piques my curiosity and doesn’t have to spell everything out. This trailer is exactly that and get me very excited because I don’t feel like I know everything that’s going to happen in the movie. How refreshing!”Pete’s Trailer: Kubo and the Two Strings — “First time feature director Travis Knight is behind some of the most lovely and original animation going, from Coraline to Paranorman to Boxtrolls. This adventure of Kubos looks to be another in a beautiful series catalog of animation.”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

“Razzle dazzle!” Harold Ramis made his big screen debut acting in Ivan Reitman’s 1981 military comedy “Stripes,” which he also co-wrote for Reitman, having worked on “Animal House” and “Meatballs” with him a few years before. He’d go on to appear in a number of films throughout his career, and generally played the straight man to people like Bill Murray. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Harold Ramis series with 1981’s “Stripes.” We talk about how this film may have worked in the past but how it didn’t really work well for us in the present. We chat about the comedy and why some of it works but why much of it falls flat, possibly due to the editing, or the writing, or the directing, or the performances, or the time period, or all of it. We discuss the structure of the script and why it really should have ended after the second act. And we go through the talent, from Murray and Ramis to the wonderful old timer Warren Oates and all of the first timers popping up here all babyfaced and eager to act. It’s not a film that we really clicked with while knowing that many hold it near and dear in their hearts. That being said, we still have a great time talking about it and spoiling it rotten. So check it out and tune in! Film Sundries Script TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchart Trailers of the WeekAndy’s Trailer: Nice Guys — “Shane Black writes such fun scripts. Since he’s also started directing, I’ve really enjoyed his style. Well, maybe not Iron Man 3. But this looks right up there with Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Maybe even better. This is way up there for films I have to catch next year!”Pete’s Trailer: Batman vs. Superman — “I was all ready to hate this trailer. But then I watched it with my daughter and the look on her face during the Wonder Woman reveal? That convinced me to give it a chance. You know what else? Batfleck looks damned good.”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

“So I got that going for me, which is nice.” With a background at Second City and National Lampoon, comedy was right up Harold Ramis’ alley, and while he had early opportunities to write and perform comedy, it wasn’t until the third feature film on which he was involved that gave him the opportunity to direct. Luckily for him, that movie was “Caddyshack” and the rest, as they say, is history. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we begin our Harold Ramis series with his directorial debut from 1980 – “Caddyshack.” We talk about Ramis and his co-writers, Brian Doyle-Murray and Douglas Kenney, how they came up with the idea for the script and how so much of what ended up on the screen was improvised. We discuss the older talent – Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Ted Knight and Bill Murray – and how their performances really forced the filmmakers to diminish the story of the caddies, notably Michael O’Keefe, and what are thoughts are on this. We chat about the story of the kids as it compares with the story of the adults and what our thoughts are on these two stories. We talk about the gopher and how he figures into the story. And we chat about how endlessly quotable this movie is. It’s one of the best, if not the best, golf movies out there and certainly a fun movie to add to our list. So check it out then tune in! Film Sundries Script (PDF)Original theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartSupport 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