The Next Reel Film Podcast

Rob Reiner could very easily get back to making films like he did in his heyday if he made another Stephen King adaptation. Seriously, “Stand By Me” and “Misery” are two of the best King adaptations we’ve seen on the silver screen. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we discuss the penultimate film in our King series, Reiner’s 1990 film “Misery.” We talk about the brilliant performance by Kathy Bates, someone who really deserved her Oscar, and what she brought to the role of Annie Wilkes. We also talk about the fantastic James Caan, playing against type with this subdued author character who is pretty much bedridden the duration of the film, as well as Richard Farnsworth and Frances Sternhagen, a brilliant pairing. We chat about the nature of fandom and what it means to a creator of works when they essentially turn their product over to the consumer. We discuss the fantastic cinematography by the great Barry Sonnenfeld, his last work as DP. We touch on the music by Marc Shaiman as well as the Liberace music and how well it works to enhance the environment. And we highlight some of the changes from novel to screen, comparing the internal world Caan’s character creates to help survive his ordeal versus the taut screenplay that William Goldman delivers, and how the changes don’t take away from the story but really streamline it for this other medium. It’s a gripping, tense, psychological, claustrophobic thriller and we have a great time talking about it. Check it out! 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

Perhaps it was because elements of the novella ‘The Body’ were autobiographical that the story has so much heart compared to Stephen King’s previous works. Perhaps it was because there weren’t supernatural elements. Or that it didn’t fall into the horror genre. Whatever the reason, ‘The Body’ and the film based on it, Rob Reiner’s 1986 film “Stand By Me,” are beautiful and touching stories about childhood, growing up, friendship, and journeys. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we talk about the next film in our King series, "Stand By Me.” We talk about what this film says for us about memories, nostalgia, youth, friendship, life and more, as well as how these elements contribute to what we love about the movie. We discuss the talent in the amazing four young lead boys — Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman and Jerry O’Connell — and how perfectly cast they all were for the roles they each played. We also talk about Kiefer Sutherland as the antagonist, and what he brings to the table. We chat about the script as well as the novella, and why the story works so well (and why the screenwriters deservingly got an Oscar nomination). And we talk about Reiner as a director, looking at where this movie fits within his career. It’s an incredible film that deserves returning to time and time again. We have a great talk about it this week. Tune in! 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 IMDBFollow Mike Evans on TwitterFollow Chadd Stoops on TwitterFollow 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

There's something about your first love, and there's something about your first car. Stephen King found an interesting way to tap into that with his novel "Christine," and John Carpenter found an interesting way to develop it even further in his 1983 adaptation. Sure, the car may be possessed, but Arnie sure falls for his car... and she for him. It's an interesting take, and one we delve into this week. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our Stephen King series with Carpenter's "Christine." We talk about our first experiences with this film and how that compared with our recent viewings of it and whether the film held up or not. We discuss the performances — Keith Gordon, John Stockwell, Alexandra Paul, Robert Prosky, Harry Dean Stanton and more — and how well they worked... or didn't. We chat about the car — the beautiful iterations of the Plymouth Fury that they blend together to create this possessed automobile -- and how she's one of the strongest pieces of the film, particularly the magical scene where Christine rebuilds herself. We touch on script problems, particularly the struggle we have with Christine's reasoning for her kills. And we talk about what John Carpenter brings to the table, and if it holds up with some of his other films made at this time. Andy ends up liking this film more than Pete, but we both have a great time talking it up. Check it out! 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 IMDBFollow Mike Evans on TwitterFollow Chadd Stoops on TwitterFollow 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

Back in the 70s and 80s, Stephen King's stories generally had a lot more scares in them, as did their cinematic equivalents. Perhaps that's why David Cronenberg's adaptation of "The Dead Zone" feels a bit out of place — it comes off as much more of a dramatic thriller than a horror film. It certainly garnered critical praise and found its audience, but 31 years later, it comes across a bit dated. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our Stephen King series with 1983's "The Dead Zone." We talk about our feelings of the movie when we first saw it and where we stand on the film now, finding the film to not hold up that well. We chat about the performances and how they work but don't grab us -- even Christopher Walken who seems to be just developing his strange mannerisms here. We discuss the problematic flow of the story and how its episodic nature really leaves the film forgettable, but perhaps is why the story worked so well in the land of episodic television when the USA Network put it out in 2002. And we touch on the cinematography, the production design and the score, looking at what works and what doesn't. It's still a decent film but oddly forgettable upon revisiting it. But that doesn't stop us from having a great conversation about it. Tune in! 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 IMDBFollow Mike Evans on TwitterFollow Chadd Stoops on TwitterFollow 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

There's something truly terrifying about a lovable pet turning on you and attacking. Especially when that pet is a St. Bernard, one of the big dogs with a small barrel of brandy around its neck that's supposed to rescue people lost in the snowy Alps. But that's what makes for great horror, right? Turning something lovable into something horrible. And Stephen King did that perfectly in his novel "Cujo," which was turned into a film in 1983. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our King series with Lewis Teague's great horror film "Cujo." We talk about what the film means to us and why we both love it so much, whether it's as a kid watching it for the first time or as a parent watching it later in life. We discuss the brilliant performances in the film, led by Dee Wallace and Danny Pintauro, and how they help ground the film in a reality that works incredibly well for this King tale that surprisingly remains free of supernatural elements. We chat about the production of the film, how Teague came into it late, the great cinematography of Jan De Bont, Charles Bernstein's score and more. We contemplate why the critics at the time really didn't like the film at all, and how it really hasn't changed frustratingly. And we chat about the nature of working with animals, and how animal trainer Karl Miller managed to get all the various performances Teague needed to tell his story out of somewhere between 5 and 10 dogs, not to mention a man in a dog suit. It's a film that is considered "rotten" on Rotten Tomatoes, but one that we both love. Watch the film and tune in! 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 IMDBFollow Mike Evans on TwitterFollow Chadd Stoops on TwitterFollow 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

George A. Romero had already established himself as a master of the horror genre when he and Stephen King created their horror anthology film "Creepshow." With two stories based on King's short stories and three original stories written just for this, Romero created a film that pays homage to the great horror comics from the 40s and 50s, like Tales From the Crypt. It balances horror with humor, all in a beautifully stylized comic book template. Join us -- Pete Wright and Andy Nelson -- as we continue our Stephen King series with Romero's 1982 film "Creepshow." We discuss this look that Romero instills in the film and how well that works to create this funny and frightening homage. We chat about each story and discuss what works and what doesn't. We talk through the amazing cast that Romero put together, marveling that he was able to get some of the actors that he did. And we touch on the brilliant effects work by Tom Savini, a master in his own right, who brought the monsters and mayhem to life. It's a film that we both had a tremendously fun time watching, so check it out and tune in! 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 IMDBFollow Mike Evans on TwitterFollow Chadd Stoops on TwitterFollow 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

Stephen King may not have been a fan of what Stanley Kubrick did when he turned King’s third novel, “The Shining,” into one of his films, but audiences didn’t seem to mind. King purists still have problems with some of Kubrick’s decisions, but the film has withstood the test of time and still stands up as one of the great horror movies out there. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we begin our Stephen King series with Kubrick’s “The Shining.” We talk about how the film works for us and why, looking at which of the performances stand out and which seem maybe a bit over-the-top for us. We discuss Kubrick’s touches on the film, from beginning to end, and discuss what those touches do for the film. We chat about the differences between the book and the movie and how changing the focus of the story does create a very interesting journey into our character’s heads. We touch on various elements of the crew — the cinematographer, the steadicam operator, the production designer & art director, and the editor — and look at their contributions to this frightening film. We ask ourselves if there really is any logic to the photo at the end, and if that matters. And we dismiss the documentary “Room 237” and its conspiracy theories as a bunch of bunk. It’s a fun conversation about one of the great Stephen King adaptations, even if it is one that King was disappointed with. Tune in! 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 IMDBFollow Mike Evans on TwitterFollow Chadd Stoops on TwitterFollow 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

There is something interesting about going into a film that's had as many bad reviews as Jason Reitman's "Labor Day" has had, and that has flopped at the box office. Does it taint our own views or make us more critical of it? Hard to say, but it certainly makes for an interesting exploration of a film that works in some ways and doesn't in others. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we celebrate the US's Labor Day holiday weekend with another Reitman film to add to our collection and deliberate on our own views of whether we like this film or not. We talk about how we feel about the film itself and look at what worked for each of us and what didn't work, and compare that with what the public consensus seemed to be. We touch on the thriller vibe the film has with the romantic drama vibe, and how marketing one way or the other can definitely determine how a person approaches the film. We chat about the amazing performances from Kate Winslet, Josh Brolin and Gattlin Griffith and how Reitman always brings amazing performances to his films, even when the script is weaker. We discuss the story, specifically looking at several elements that we both have problems with for one reason or another — the montages and the voiceover — and analyze how they could have affected people's perception of the film. And we look at the unfortunate numbers, acknowledging that people did not click with this film which led it to fail at the box office. It's a compelling film that works better for some than for others, and it's certainly one that provides for a stimulating conversation. Plus we have a special guest give us an insider's report from the Telluride Film Festival! Tune in! 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 IMDBFollow Mike Evans on TwitterFollow Chadd Stoops on TwitterFollow 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 last of Leone's 'Man with no name' trilogy is the longest and considered by many to be the best. By the time he made it, he was a much more assured and mature storyteller. And it shows. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we finish the trilogy with 1966's "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly." We talk about Leone and the style he's been developing over the course of this trilogy, and what he brings to the table this go-around. We chat about both the climactic gun fight as well as the scene immediately after it, and look at what the filmmakers and storytellers were working to convey in these sequences. We discuss Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef and the new-to-Leone's-films Eli Wallach, who brilliantly plays Tuco. And we chat about many on the crew who helped make this film what it is. It's a fantastic film, even if Pete prefers the prior one. Watch the movie then tune in! 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 IMDBFollow Mike Evans on TwitterFollow Chadd Stoops on TwitterFollow 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

Sergio Leone continued building on the mythos that he and Clint Eastwood had created in "A Fistful of Dollars" with the follow-up, "For a Few Dollars More," and it is in this film that Eastwood really developed so many of the tropes that he would continue using throughout his career. The squinting, silent gazes he'd give before gunning someone down. The one-liners. And for Eastwood's other westerns, a defined look. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our misnamed Man With No Name trilogy series and talk about Eastwood in his second film with Leone, 1965's "For a Few Dollars More.' We discuss the development that Leone shows from his first western to this one, as well as the development that Ennio Morricone shows in developing his brilliant score. We chat about Eastwood as well as the perfect western actor Lee Van Cleef, the ever manic Gian Maria Volonte and the ever frightening Klaus Kinski. We talk about the violence and rape in this film along with the use of marijuana and how it really seemed to break some filmmaking barriers for mainstream movies at the time. And we chat about the fantastic production design that really builds this western world that Eastwood, Van Cleef and Volonte inhabit along with their cast-mates, a world that can still be seen by visiting Mini-Hollywood in Almeria, Spain. It's a wildly fun film and one we have a wonderful time talking about. Tune in! 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 IMDBFollow Mike Evans on TwitterFollow Chadd Stoops on TwitterFollow 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