The Next Reel Film Podcast

“You’re not even worth the dirt on my son’s toenail." Bong Joon-ho’s follow-up feature to his massive success “The Host” was about a murder and the person trying to figure out what happened. To some people, it sounded awfully like his second film “Memories of Murder” and they were afraid he was returning to the safety of familiar territory. But 2009’s “Mother” ended up being a very different film and one which is hard to forget. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our Bong Joon-ho series with “Mother.” We talk about how much we like this film and why it works so well while also being a bit bonkers. We chat about the actors, notably Kim Hye-ja and Won Bin as the titular mother and her son, reveling in the powerful, honest and surprising performances they both give. We discuss the story and really try to analyze the way Bong plays with the layers of truths and what our take is on what actually happened in the story. And we chat about the cinematography by Hong Kyung-pyo, the production design by Ryu Song-hie and the music by Lee Byung-woo, all great technicians delivering solid work to this great film. It’s a wonderfully directed film that shows the hands of a filmmaker who knows his craft and we have a great time talking about it. Check it out then tune in! Film Sundries Original theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchart Trailers of the WeekAndy’s Trailer: Ashby — “I love Mickey Rourke’s career comeback over the last few years and I want to see him succeed. Plus, I would have loved to have him as an ex-CIA assassin give me advice back when I was in high school."Pete’s Trailer: Truth — “You know that thing you say with friends, that ‘if they ever make a movie of my life, I want Robert Redford to play me…’ that thing. I wonder if Dan Rather ever said that?"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 all of your family so dumb all the time?" Bong Joon-ho’s third film, “The Host," ended up becoming the highest grossing South Korean film of all time straight out of the gate with it playing on a record number of screens in its home country — it made the South Korean record books with its box office performance during its opening weekend alone. Quentin Tarantino loves it. Harry Knowles loves it. But how do we feel about it? Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we start our Bong Joon-ho series with 2006’s “The Host.” We talk about how we feel about the movie — Andy doesn’t like it very much despite seeing the qualities that make it stand out for people whereas Pete finds it a fun watch and enjoys said qualities. We chat about the actors, notably Song Kang-ho, Byun Hee-bong, Park Hae-il and Bae Doo-na, touching on how well they work for us as members of this dysfunctional family of idiots. We talk about the monster and debate what works for us and what doesn’t. We discuss the Americans in the film as well as the English sequences, contemplating how well they work (if at all) in context with what Bong is trying to say. We cover the various messages Bong is hitting on with this film as well as touch on the various subplots that arise and how well they work. And we touch on the music and cinematography, noting what works and what doesn’t. It’s an interesting monster movie that certainly seems to have found its fans, even if Andy isn’t one of them. Check out the movie then tune in! Film Sundries Original theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchart Trailers of the WeekAndy’s Trailer: Demolition — “I loved ‘Wild’ and ‘Dallas Buyers Club.’ Jake Gyllenhaal is on a genius streak right now. The story is right up my alley. Everything is lining up for me as far as being in tune with this film. Can’t wait!"Pete’s Trailer: The Jungle Book — “So, I learned that this is a movie of terrifying photo-realistic jungle animals fighting over a young boy. And singing. So there’s that." Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! The Next Reel on iTunesThe Next Reel on FacebookThe Next Reel on TwitterThe Next Reel on FlickchartThe Next Reel on LetterboxdGuess the Movie with The Next Reel on InstagramCheck out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: Follow Andy Nelson on TwitterFollow Pete Wright on TwitterFollow Steve Sarmento on TwitterCheck out Tom Metz on IMDBJustin "JJ" JaegerChadd StoopsFollow Steven Smart on LetterboxdSupport 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 truth does not make it easier to understand, you know." When a choice is referred to as a “Sophie’s Choice” most people understand that the choice must be an impossibly difficult one between two unbearable options. But if it wasn’t for Meryl Streep’s performance in the 1982 film directed by Alan J. Pakula (and to a lesser extent William Styron’s novel upon which it was based), that phrase wouldn’t resonate the way it does. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we conclude our Meryl Streep series with the film for which she received her fourth Oscar nomination and first win as Best Actress, “Sophie’s Choice.” We talk about Meryl, our undying admiration for her and what she brings to the screen; plus we chat about her two primary costars — Kevin Kline and Peter MacNichol — and what they bring to the table. We discuss our problems with the film which seem to stem from the adaptation and the focus on Stingo as the main character of the film. We chat about Nestor Almendros and his cinematography work, comparing his naturalistic approach with other films he’s done and how it works here. We touch on the haunting and arresting score by Marvin Hamlisch. And we discuss the horrors of the concentration camps, noting several fascinating scenes that work well to portray the dichotomy between the world of the Jewish prisoners and that of the Nazi guards. It’s a decent film buoyed by two knock-it-out-of-the-park performances that ultimately break your heat, and as hard as it is to watch, it’s great to discuss. So watch the film (but be prepared with tissues) then tune in! Film Sundries Script TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkOriginal MaterialFlickchart Trailers of the WeekAndy’s Trailer: Krampus — “I love ‘Trick ’r Treat’ and can’t wait to see what Michael Dougherty brings to the table with this Christmas horror movie. And clearly Krampus is in the zeitgeist these days as there are a lot of Krampus projects floating around."Pete’s Trailer: Room — “A well-produced trailer of a potentially creepy boy-meets-world kidnap-escape thriller. Cute kid. Maybe Krampus’ll show up and really drive this one home.” Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! The Next Reel on iTunesThe Next Reel on FacebookThe Next Reel on TwitterThe Next Reel on FlickchartThe Next Reel on LetterboxdGuess the Movie with The Next Reel on InstagramCheck out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: Follow Andy Nelson on TwitterFollow Pete Wright on TwitterFollow Steve Sarmento on TwitterCheck out Tom Metz on IMDBJustin "JJ" JaegerChadd StoopsFollow Steven Smart on LetterboxdSupport 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 have planted a dagger in me, and your damned freedom gives you license to twist it in my heart!" Meryl Streep received her first nomination for Best Actress in a film that one would think had been lost in time if not for the recent Criterion Collection release — Karel Reisz’s 1981 film “The French Lieutenant’s Woman.” She lost to Katherine Hepburn in “On Golden Pond,” which makes sense, but Streep’s performance is still a fascinating one. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our Meryl Streep series with Reisz’s film. We talk about how the film worked for us — Pete found it painfully boring and Andy, while appreciating it, ultimately didn’t really connect with it. We discuss the intricacies of the script and how Harold Pinter adapted the ‘unfilmmable’ novel by John Fowles upon which it was based, enjoying the design of the screenplay structure quite a bit. We chat about the strengths in what is going on in the two parallel stories and what keeps us from completely connecting with it. We talk about the actors — notably Streep and Jeremy Irons — and what they bring to the table in these two roles. And we deliberate on the proper way to pronounce ‘lieutenant.’ It’s an interesting film that ultimately didn’t click with either of us, even if we could appreciate some of the work in it. And it brings our total number of films discussed on the regular show to 200! So check out the movie then tune in — we have a great chat about it! Film Sundries Script TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkOriginal MaterialFlickchart Trailers of the WeekAndy’s Trailer: Uncle John — “The trailer is haunting and creepy, and John Ashton seems to come out of left field to play the titular character. I have a hard time figuring out what this is about, but the trailer makes me want to see it. Now THAT’S what a good trailer should do."Pete’s Trailer: The Lobster — “I love the cultural reflection here, that if you don’t find traditional love, you’re turned into an animal and sent into the woods. Perhaps the metaphor is too on the nose, but the mood and experience of this trailer bring me a big smile." Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! The Next Reel on iTunesThe Next Reel on FacebookThe Next Reel on TwitterThe Next Reel on FlickchartThe Next Reel on LetterboxdGuess the Movie with The Next Reel on InstagramCheck out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: Follow Andy Nelson on TwitterFollow Pete Wright on TwitterFollow Steve Sarmento on TwitterCheck out Tom Metz on IMDBJustin "JJ" JaegerChadd StoopsFollow Steven Smart on LetterboxdSupport 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 know it’d happen to me." Meryl Streep won the first of her three Oscars for her supporting role in Robert Benton’s 1979 film “Kramer vs. Kramer.” Of course, as of this episode, it’s the second nomination for her out of nineteen nominations — more nominations than any other actor. And when you watch “Kramer vs. Kramer,” it’s hard not to wonder why she won for supporting actress rather than actress. Sure, her screen time is much less than Dustin Hoffman, her co-star, but her role has an equal importance in the film (and if we’re using the Hannibal Lecter argument, she clearly should have been nominated for Best Actress). Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our Meryl Streep series, looking at some early films for which she received Oscar nominations, and this week talking about Benton’s film. We chat about how this film hit us when we last saw it in college compared to how it hit us this go-around. Hint: much stronger now. We talk about the brilliant and honest performance from all of the actors, notably Streep, Hoffman, Justin Henry, Jane Alexander, Howard Duff and just a hint of JoBeth Williams. We discuss why this story works so well and what interesting topics it hits on. We chat about Benton and his career, and we touch on Néstor Almendros’ beautiful cinematography. And we talk about how the film did at a time when big blockbuster films were all the rage. It’s a film we love that also broke both of us. Watch it — everyone should see it — then tune in to this week’s show. Film Sundries Script TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkOriginal MaterialFlickchart Trailers of the WeekAndy’s Trailer: The Witch — “I love the period. I love the look. I love the concept. And damn if this doesn’t look super creepy!"Pete’s Trailer: Burnt — “Bradley Cooper wants to run the best restaurant in the world. He wants people in his restaurant to be sick. With longing. I love cooking movies. I loved Chef. I just got my first ceramic knife and I feel like I was reborn. I will see this movie." Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! The Next Reel on iTunesThe Next Reel on FacebookThe Next Reel on TwitterThe Next Reel on FlickchartThe Next Reel on LetterboxdGuess the Movie with The Next Reel on InstagramCheck out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: Follow Andy Nelson on TwitterFollow Pete Wright on TwitterFollow Steve Sarmento on TwitterCheck out Tom Metz on IMDBJustin "JJ" JaegerChadd StoopsFollow Steven Smart on LetterboxdSupport 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 happy to be able to defend Volunteers, and maybe you can have me back to defend Mannequin Two." In 237 episodes of The Next Reel and nearly 200 movies as a part of the weekly show, we try to do solid service to the creators of the work that we talk about. Most of the time, we think we do a pretty good job. Sometimes, we drop the ball. A few weeks back, as part of our guilty pleasure series, we did the movie Volunteers from 1985 directed by Nicholas Meyer, written by Ken Levine and David Isaacs. We did our usual thing and in the process of talking about the characters and story, we did particularly short shrift to the guys who wrote it. Of course, we didn’t realize that we came up short until we were called out by Ken Levine himself on his blog, by Ken Levine. Ken’s credits are one thing, but just wait… he and Isaacs are behind truly seminal television series, and that’s not hyperbolic: how about MASH? Mary? Wings? Cheers? Frasier? Yeah, all those, and many more… he even named a baseball team on The Simpsons. And that doesn’t even begin to touch his other career as a play-by-play baseball announcer. So you can imagine how thrilled — and a touch embarrassed — we are to have the one and only Ken Levine with us on The Next Reel. We talk about his history in the field, from his first assignment on The Jeffersons to his latest plays. We talk about the craft of writing, doing so with a partner, and the growing writer’s room today. And of course, we talk all about Volunteers and what it took to bring cast and crew together for one of Andy’s favorite flicks! 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

“One shot." Michael Cimino’s 1978 film “The Deer Hunter” is definitely a divisive film, one about which a LOT of people have found plenty of things to say and argue about. Aside from all of that, it’s also the film for which Meryl Streep received her first Oscar nomination. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we begin our Meryl Streep series, specifically looking at films for which Streep received an Oscar nomination, with Cimino’s epic Vietnam War film. We talk about why this film was and still is so controversial — the Russian Roulette scenes and the fact that there’s no evidence they happened during the war. We discuss the nature of truth in film and analyze why this film still works effectively despite the Russian roulette scenes being fictional. We chat about the interminable wedding scene and try to figure out why we struggle with it so much. We chat about the brilliant actors, notably Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, John Savage, Streep, George Dzundza and the wonderful John Cazale. We touch on Cimino and his career, notably how it nearly died after this film with “Heaven’s Gate.” And we debate the nature of Flickchart with some of Andy’s choices. It’s a fun-filled episode for a very strong film, albeit not easy to watch. Tune in! Film Sundries Script TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchart Trailers of the WeekAndy’s Trailer: Victor Frankenstein — “I enjoy Frankenstein films, though so often am disappointed by them. This one, told from Igor’s point of view (and a dashing Igor at that) looks to be pretty fun. At least I’m hoping so. The trailer gives me hope. Radcliffe and McAvoy could pull it off."Pete’s Trailer: Spotlight — “The true story of the Boston Globe’s break of the child molestation cover up in the church. This seriously looks like everything I wanted The Paper to be. Blessed be the spiritual reboot.” Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! The Next Reel on iTunesThe Next Reel on FacebookThe Next Reel on TwitterThe Next Reel on FlickchartThe Next Reel on LetterboxdGuess the Movie with The Next Reel on InstagramCheck out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: Follow Andy Nelson on TwitterFollow Pete Wright on TwitterFollow Steve Sarmento on TwitterCheck out Tom Metz on IMDBJustin "JJ" JaegerChadd StoopsFollow Steven Smart on LetterboxdSupport 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 truth is when reality is staring you in the face and you’re afraid to die, very few of us are heroic." It’s time for another Listener’s Choice episode, this time with our friends Per Johansson and Gustav Larsed from the Filmpodden podcast in Sweden. They selected something from the home country — Ruben Östlund’s 2014 film “Force Majeure.” Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we take on the icy slopes to discuss this avalanche of emotion. We talk with Per and Gustav about why they picked this film and what it means to them, as well as why they’re so divided on it. We discuss our own thoughts of this film, why we like it so much, and how much tension it created in us in the third act. We chat about the performances, notably Johannes Kuhnke, Lisa Loven Kongsli and Kristofer Hivju, and what they all bring to the film. We look at the cinematography of the film and how it portrays so brilliantly — and clinically — nature and man’s battle with it. And we try to figure out several strange and pivotal moments within the film. It’s a truly fascinating character piece that seems to divide viewers quite a bit. So check out the film then tune in! Film Sundries Original theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLes Arcs Ski Resort, FranceCopperhill Mountain Lodge, Sweden Trailers of the WeekAndy’s Trailer: Trumbo — “Since I was involved in a Trumbo project in college, I’ve been fascinated by Dalton Trumbo’s career and his blacklisting. He’s an important figure in the annals of Hollywood, and Bryan Cranston looks to do him justice. I’m quite excited to see how Jay Roach of all people brings this story to the silver screen."Pete’s Trailer: The Hateful Eight — “The controversial production from Quentin Tarantino hits teaser status. It’s a mean spirited western filled with bounty hunters and betrayal. 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

“Yes, Christopher lived for all women, but he died for one." Prince has always been a flamboyant and eclectic musician, and with the album and film “Purple Rain,” he found a new art form he enjoyed. And one he won an Oscar for — Best Original Song Score. With his next film, he had conflicts with the director so took over and directed it himself. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we wrap up this year’s short guilty pleasure with Pete’s pick — Prince’s 1986 film “Under the Cherry Moon.” We talk about what’s in the film and why, despite its flaws, Pete still gets so much pleasure from this film. And we talk about its flaws and everything that doesn’t work in the film. We chat about the actors — Prince, Jerome Benton, Kristin Scott Thomas, Steven Berkoff, Francesca Annis and more — and look at what each of them brings to the table. We discuss the black-and-white look of the film and ponder the reasoning for it, wondering if perhaps cinematographer Michael Ballhaus may know why Prince opted to show it this way despite having filmed it in color. And we touch on the original director and what the circumstances were under which she left the film. It’s the guiltiest of guilty pleasures and Pete still loves it despite all its flaws. Regardless of what either of us thinks, we have a great conversation about it. Tune in! Film Sundries Original theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchart Trailers of the WeekAndy’s Trailer: People Places Things — “Jemaine Clement. Who needs another reason to watch this movie? Not me. This looks really sweet and touching, and of course he’s hilarious."Pete’s Trailer: Mississippi Grind — “This is just the kind of road movie that lights me up: poker, bad luck, and the open road, baby. Ryan Reynolds and Ben Mendelssohn look great together — this is one I’m going to catch." Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! The Next Reel on iTunesThe Next Reel on FacebookThe Next Reel on TwitterThe Next Reel on FlickchartThe Next Reel on LetterboxdGuess the Movie with The Next Reel on InstagramCheck out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: Follow Andy Nelson on TwitterFollow Pete Wright on TwitterFollow Steve Sarmento on TwitterCheck out Tom Metz on IMDBJustin "JJ" JaegerChadd StoopsFollow Steven Smart on LetterboxdSupport 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

“It’s not that I can’t help these people, it’s just that I don’t want to."It’s time for some guilty pleasures! Yes, the two of us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — dig up some films that we love but are generally not considered the greatest of movies. This week, it’s Andy’s turn with his guilty pleasure — Nicholas Meyer’s 1985 Peace Corps comedy “Volunteers.” That’s right, more Tom Hanks action from Andy, proving he’s just about ready to go Annie Wilkes on ol’ Tom. In this week’s episode, we talk about what Andy loves in this movie while also looking at it through serious eyes, analyzing what in the film really is causing it to be generally considered a bad film. In this particular case, most of the burden falls on Hanks in his performance of the pompous rich boy Lawrence Bourne III. We compare that with what works well in the film, most notably John Candy in yet another hilarious turn from the 80s. We also look at the other actors in the film — Rita Wilson, Tim Thomerson, Gedde Watanabe, George Plimpton and more — and talk about what they bring to the table. We touch on comments Ken Levine, one of the writers, wrote on his 2009 blog about the scene that ruined the movie, and Andy takes the writer to task for possibly thinking too highly of his own script. And we chat about a few people behind the camera — Meyer at the helm and James Horner composing a wonderful score. It’s a fun romp, albeit problem laden, that is high on Andy’s list of fun movies to watch but not likely one Pete will be returning to, even if he did find a few things to enjoy in the movie. So check it out then tune in!And if you'd like to hear us defend ourselves with screenwriter Ken Levine, tune in right here!Film SundriesOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartTrailers of the WeekAndy’s Trailer: Goosebumps — “I love that they’re stepping out of the world of R.L. Stine’s books for this and instead are making R.L. Stine a character who has to battle his ‘demons’ with a group of kids. What a fun concept! This is definitely one I’ll be seeing with my daughter come October."Pete’s Trailer: Spectre Trailer 2 — “I’m frustrated by this trailer. It makes me think they’re slipping into Roger Moore territory and as I think you all know, Daniel Craig is no Roger Moore. Wait… switch that. There you go."Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!!The Next Reel on iTunesThe Next Reel on FacebookThe Next Reel on TwitterThe Next Reel on FlickchartThe Next Reel on LetterboxdGuess the Movie with The Next Reel on InstagramCheck out the Posters with The Next Reel on PinterestAnd for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts:Follow Andy Nelson on TwitterFollow Pete Wright on TwitterFollow Steve Sarmento on TwitterCheck out Tom Metz on IMDBJustin "JJ" JaegerChadd StoopsFollow Steven Smart on LetterboxdSupport 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