The Next Reel Film Podcast

"What a time we had, Rosie. What a time we had." This week on Rash Pixel's "Movies We Like," we're finishing up our far-too-short series on cinematographer Jack Cardiff with the wonderful 1951 film, "The African Queen". John Huston co-wrote and directed it, choosing to shoot as much as he possibly could in Africa. While many said it couldn't be done -- shooting a story on location about two characters typically considered much too old for a love story -- John Huston proved them wrong. His choice of Jack Cardiff as cinematographer goes a long way in showing all of the reasons why shooting in Africa was right for the story, and his decision to cast Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn as Charlie Allnut and Rose Sayer allowed the story to be played authentically by actors who knew what they were doing and made it real. The film went on to earn buckets of money, critical praise, and award recognition. It's truly a film that has stood the test of time as well, and we -- Pete Wright and Andy Nelson -- have a great time talking about it. Join us as we talk about Jack Cardiff's role in making cinematography what it is today. We chat about the rough time everyone had on the production, not to mention the pre-production. We discuss the story and the wonderful actors in it, and we talk about why it still works so well. It's a fantastic film and we love talking about it. Listen 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

"You cannot have it both ways. A dancer who relies upon the doubtful comforts of human love can never be a great dancer. Never." And thus sums up the battle within Michael Powell's and Emeric Pressburger's 1948 film, "The Red Shoes" -- the battle between love and art. Can the two exist together? Or will one always win out and destroy the other? It's a fascinating question posed in a beautiful and sumptuous film that we -- Pete Wright and Andy Nelson -- talk about this week on Rash Pixel's "Movies We Like." Join us as we talk about the movie and what it's come to mean in the world of film. We talk about the fans of this film, particularly Martin Scorsese, and how they came together to restore this film into the mindbogglingly gorgeous version we have today. We chat about the amazing performances led by Anton Walbrook as the dark and controlling ballet impresario and Moira Shearer as the prima ballerina torn between love and dance. We discuss the amazing look of the film, focusing primarily on Jack Cardiff's stunning 3-strip technicolor cinematography. We talk about the realism and how it turns almost magical after the ballet of the Red Shoes midway through the film leading us to the inevitable and heartbreaking conclusion. And we talk about the nature of Hans Christian Andersen's original fairy tale and how it enhances and defines this film. It's an amazing film to watch. Join us this week as we catch up on this classic! 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 are here to make limbo tolerable, to ferry wounded souls across the river of dread, and to point where hope is dimly visible. And then we stop the boat, shove them in the water and make them swim." This week, ladies and gentlemen, we -- Pete Wright and Andy Nelson -- talk about Jason Reitman's third, and arguably best, film: 2009's Up in the Air. It's an amazing film that deals in a heavy issue of our time -- the economic downturn and widespread downsizing. What's even more amazing is how the film ends up, for the most part, leaving you with a feeling of hope. Sure, there are tragic elements, but overall, it's the message of connection with others that resounds by the film's end. Join us this week as we chat about all the great performances in the film led by George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, and Anna Kendrick, as well as the amazing technical hands working behind the scenes. We talk about the unique decision to cast all those let go in the film with real-world people who had, in fact, recently been let go. And we cover the themes of the story and what Reitman and before him Walter Kirn, upon whose 2001 novel the film is based, are getting across in the film. It's a beautiful film, well deserving of all the accolades it received upon its release. Connect with us this week as we talk about it! 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

"Michael Jordan plays ball. Charles Mason kills people. I talk. Everyone has a talent." It's a movie about spin and the spin doctors who spin it -- Jason Reitman's fantastic 2006 satire Thank You for Smoking. Join us -- Pete Wright and Andy Nelson -- as we talk about it this week on Rash Pixel's Movies We Like. It's a fantastic film and we both love it. We chat about how the film was received and what people likely thought when comparing it to the book it was based on -- the 1994 novel of the same name by Christopher Buckley. We talk about the nature of satire and the nature of spin. We chat about the role the son plays in this film and the direction -- if any -- that Nick Naylor grows as protagonist (or is he an antihero?). And we chat about how Jason Reitman, Ivan's son, managed to get this -- his first -- film made. It's an absolutely fabulous film, especially as a first film, and we have a great time talking about it this week. Join us! 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

"Big things have small beginnings." Well, not when envisioned by Ridley Scott and written by Jon Spaihts and Damon Lindelof. "Prometheus," the non-prequel to "Alien" is anything but a small beginning to this universe and, while ambitious, leaves us with a lot of unanswered questions and problems that shouldn't have been there in the first place. It's a frustrating film to talk about, movie lovers, but one that we have a great time discussing. Join us -- Pete Wright and Andy Nelson -- in this week's episode of Rash Pixel's "Movies We Like" as we really dig into this film and discuss everything about it, from the stunning visuals to the problematic script. We talk about the team who put together these visuals and who rightfully should all receive numerous accolades. We talk about the cast, particularly the stand-out performance of Michael Fassbender as David. We also look at his relationship with the other androids in the Alien anthology. We chat about the fundamental script problems in this film and the trickle-down effect they have on the rest of the film. We also talk about how, despite those problems, the script and the film still pose some fascinating questions that are worth talking about long after the film's been watched. It's a fascinating film, albeit problematic, and one worth discussion -- preferably over a slice of pie -- so join us this week on "Movies We Like" to listen 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

It's the end of our conversation about the Alien anthology, ladies and gentlemen, and this week, we discuss Alien: Resurrection, a tough film to watch and an unfortunate end to the anthology (that took a further unfortunate turn by leading the franchise into the Alien Vs. Predator films). And while it's a hard to film to categorize as a movie we like, we still have a great conversation about what worked, what didn't, and a great many other things tangentially (or not) related to the franchise. Join us -- Pete Wright and Andy Nelson -- on this week's episode of Rash Pixel's "Movies We Like" as we chat about the great actors, the director, the writer, and others on the crew who we love but who somehow ended up tied into this mess. We chat about our overall thoughts of the anthology, how we think it ties into Prometheus and the nature of making films that take place in the same universe but don't tie together necessarily (Marvel, anyone?). Finally, we touch on some fun bits of trivia from the franchise. It's a fun conversation about a movie that doesn't really work but that had a lot going for it. Listen 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

"When they first heard about this thing, it was 'Crew Expendable'. The next time, they sent in marines. They were expendable too. What makes you think they're gonna care about a bunch of lifers who found God at the ass-end of space?" The third time may not be a charm for the Alien anthology, movie lovers, but it turns out to be a better film than many people gave it credit for back in 1992. Join us -- Pete Wright and Andy Nelson -- this week on Rash Pixel's "Movies We Like" as we talk about David Fincher's first film, Alien 3 (also conveniently and belatedly finishing up our Benjamin Button-style Fincher Fest). In this episode, we talk about what we thought of the film back then versus what we think now. We chat about the immense script and production problems this film went through all along its journey to theaters, and also talk about what was cut out and eventually put back into the 2003 Assembly Cut. We talk about the troubles David Fincher had, yet contrast that with what he was still able to get up on screen. We hash through the special effects, discussing how great they were back then but how they certainly haven't aged well. We touch on the fantastic cast and debate whether there was enough new story for the Ripley character to play out in this or if she'd already run her course. We talk about the budget and how, even with all of its immense overages, the film still managed to rake in a healthy chunk of dough. We touch on Elliot Goldenthal's music, creating a haunting, eerie score that fits the film well. And are you curious as to what Meryl Streep's connection is to this film, movie lovers? Listen in to find 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

"Game over, man! Game over!" There are few sequels that can stand up to the originals as well asAliens can to its predecessor, and it's clear that we -- Pete Wright and Andy Nelson -- really like this film. Join us this week on Rash Pixel's "Movies We Like" as we talk about why we truly like this film and what it means to us. We chat about the relationship this 1986 James Cameron film has with Ridley Scott's original Alien, how Cameron got the job to do it and what his vision for the film was. We also talk about the differences between the original cut and the director's cut that came out under a decade later. We chat about the amazing cast, the incredible crew, and the ALIENS -- damn, they're impressive in this film. We talk about the lengths Cameron, Stan Winston and the rest of the team went to so that they could create what appears to be hundreds of aliens, and none of them moving like they're just a man in a costume. We talk about the nature and possible controversy of the Alien Queen, and how the addition of the character messes up the intentions of the additional footage in the Alien director's cut (if it does at all). We also talk about why this film works so well and how it fits as a partnership pairing with the first film. It's a great movie and we love talking about it this week on "Movies We Like!" Listen 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

"You still don't understand what you're dealing with, do you? A perfect organism. Its structural perfection is matched only by its hostility." This week begins our journey into the Alien franchise, dear listeners, which ends with our discussion of Prometheus on June 15th. We start with the amazing beginning of it all, 1979's Alien. Ridley Scott and his team -- from the writers Dan O'Bannon, Ron Shusett, Walter Hill and David Giler, to the incredible production design of H.R. Giger, Ron Cobb and Michael Seymour, to Jerry Goldsmith's haunting and terrifying score, to the incredible performances led by Sigourney Weaver, to the amazing sound editing by Jim Shields, to the cinematography by Derek Vanlint -- took the science fiction and the horror genres and found a way to merge them in a way that redefined both those genres as well as many cinema conventions aftrward. It's a stunning film and one we're happy to talk about with you. Join us -- Pete Wright and Andy Nelson -- on this week's episode of Rash Pixel's "Movies We Like" as we discuss the origins of the story as well as the importance of bringing H.R. Giger on board. We chat about what this film did for its two genres (and we don't even mention how much it still influences sci fi and horror films to this day -- anyone remember who did the voice of Mother in WALL-E?). We cover the amazing cast and their roles in all of the pivotal scenes that stand out still to this day. We chat about the battles between Jerry Goldsmith and Ridley Scott over the score, and more. Listen 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

It's the end of our baseball series, movie fans, and what a better way to end it than by talking about Phil Alden Robinson's fantastic fantasy film from 1989, "Field of Dreams." Considering Pete's disdain of Kevin Costner (at least in Bull Durham), it's a refreshing surprise to hear that he really likes this movie. On the other hand, it's a bit disturbing to hear Andy talk about why he loves it so much. Regardless, it's clearly a great movie with a fascinating script about a character who is a grownup on a hero's journey to becoming a man. Powerful stuff. Join us -- Pete Wright and Andy Nelson -- this week on Rash Pixel's "Movies We Like" as we discuss the great Oscar-nominated script by Robinson and why it has such an interesting structure, setting us up right out of the gate for this fantasy world we're in. We talk about the mythos it creates, both in the film and in the real world. And we chat about the crew, the great actors and James Earl Jones' amazing speech. It's one worth talking about, so listen in! In addition, we touch on the amazing week The Avengers has had and what it could mean for Joss Whedon. We also discuss Captain America's possible strange tie to Ronald Reagan. We discuss some pretty-bad-but-entertaining-nonetheless movies, and we talk about the possibility of maybe doing an episode in the future using Google+ hangouts. It's a great week! Come on 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