The Next Reel Film Podcast

###"I wonder who's gonna play me? Someone not too fat. I liked that Gerard Depardieu, but can he not do the accent? Anyway, it's done. And that's something." It's the second collaboration between director Spike Jonze and screenwriter Charlie Kaufman, and it's another brilliant film to talk about. This time, it's 2002's Adaptation. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our Charlie Kaufman series with this cute, cliché, self-referential, meta film. We talk about how the self-referential nature of the film works and how unique it is by creating the two sides of Kaufman's personality by not only writing himself into the novel adaption but also creating a fictional twin brother for himself. We talk about how the brilliant the performances are, from Nicolas Cage to Chris Cooper to Meryl Streep. We talk about the nature of writers writing themselves into their own works, referencing Hunter S. Thompson as one example. We talk about what the real Susan Orlean, the author of the novel on which the movie is "based," thought of how she was written into the film. And we chat about all the clichés that spring to life in the 3rd act, yet how it all works well because of the introduction of them earlier when the character Kaufman gets advice from screenwriting guru Robert McKee, played brilliantly by Brian Cox. We have a great time talking about this film.  Listen in! Film Sundries Contests! We love ‘em. Want to increase your odds of winning them? Support The Next Reel on Patreon and you’re on the list for the #PonyPrize! — http://patreon.com/thenextreelWatch this film: iTunes • AmazonScript (2nd draft revised, 21 Nov, 2000)Script (2nd draft, 24 Sept, 1999)Original theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdSusan Orlean's thoughts on the filmThe Ebert Reviews: 2002, 2008Support 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 a tiny door in my office, Maxine. It's a portal and it takes you inside John Malkovich. You see the world through John Malkovich's eyes... and then after about 15 minutes, you're spit out... into a ditch on the side of the New Jersey Turnpike." Many people consider 1999 to be one of the great years in cinema. Countless great movies released that year, and one of those was Spike Jonze's fantasy comedy about a man who discovers a portal into John Malkovich's head and the two women in his life. It's truly one of the strangest films but also one that is absolutely fantastic and introduced the world to the crazy stories by screenwriter Charlie Kaufman. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — in our new series about Charlie Kaufman. We talk about the quirky fantasy nature of this film and how it reflects the characters fantasies in conflict with their identities. We also talk about the obsession and control exhibited in John Cusack's character, Craig Schwartz. We discuss how the film can be construed as a feminist film, particularly when looking at the relationship between Catherine Keener's and Cameron Diaz's characters, Maxine and Lotte. And we chat about the brilliant idea to bring the real John Malkovich into the story and how it creates a real world in the film that still has plenty of crazy, as exhibited in the 7 1/2th floor in the building holding the portal.  It's one heck of a wild ride and one we love chatting about. Listen in! ###Film Sundries Contests! We love ‘em. Want to increase your odds of winning them? Support The Next Reel on Patreon and you’re on the list for the #PonyPrize! — http://patreon.com/thenextreelWatch this film: iTunes • AmazonScriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdBeingCharlieKaufman.comJourney 2: The Mysterious IslandMission Impossible: Ghost ProtocolBraveStar Wars Episode I:  The Phantom Menace 3DSupport 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

"Where'd they go? Space?""Not into space. Into the space between spaces."The ridiculousness of this line pretty much sums up our feelings for Steven Spielberg's 2008 film, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. It's nonsensical, silly, and surreal sci-fi mumbo jumbo that amounts to nothing. That being said, the long-awaited return to Indiana Jones and his adventures still manages to take viewers on a wild ride, even if it steers off course most of the time. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — this week as we finish off Indiana Jones with what most people consider the worst of the series.We talk about the addition to the cinematic lexicon that Spielberg created with nuking the fridge, something on par with jumping the shark, and how that really reflects the rest of the film quite well. We discuss how Spielberg and his cinematographer, Janusz Kaminski, had to return to an older style of filmmaking used in the previous films and how that helped and hindered this film. We chat about the challenges of making a sequel 19 years after the last entry, what struggles they had because of it, why they took so long to get around to making it, and what works in it. We laugh about the odd overuse of animals in this film and what Spielberg may be trying to say in the film. We relate this entry to "Crusade" and how they're both father/son stories, yet how this one fails where "Crusade" succeeded. And we come to terms with the fact that, as much as we (mostly) don't like this movie, it really does fit stylistically with everything going on in "Temple" and "Crusade" as far as style and humor, and how "Raiders" is the film that really stands out as the entry that doesn't quite fit.It was a struggle to watch but, oddly, not as much as it was the last time and, even if it's not everything we wanted it to be to finish the series, it's still a lot of fun to talk about.  Listen in!Film SundriesWant to join us for an episode? Support The Next Reel on Patreon to automatically be entered into our regular Listener’s Choice drawings! — http://patreon.com/thenextreelWatch this film: iTunes • AmazonScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdNuke the Fridge in the Urban DictionaryNew WordsSpielberg SpankDehors de la ScèneSupport 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

“Our situation has not improved“Five years after Steven Spielberg and George Lucas dipped into the dark waters for the second Indiana Jones film, they brought the Man with the Hat back in a much brighter story and, as the posters announced, this time he brought his dad.  Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was, as far as most everyone thought, a return to form:  a return to the fun and thrilling adventure story that was "Raiders" and decidedly not "Temple."  Released in 1989, the film gave everyone the satisfactory end to the trilogy that they wanted, right down to the heroes riding off into the sunset.  Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our Indiana Jones series.We chat about the origins of the story and the return to a story with Nazis and a Biblical artifact and why they, perhaps, were getting away from the darker tones exhibited in their previous film in the series (even if Lucas still get to incorporate the Monkey King into the story as he's always wanted to do).  We discuss the feel of the film and how it differs from the previous two, having a much glossier, more fake feel, and how that affects our feelings about it.  We return to our conversation begun in our "Temple" episode about Jones' character arc and how, knowing that film was a prequel, this film's opening — as fun as it is — really doesn't make sense character-wise.  We chat about which characters work for us, which don't, and how they really botched the writing job with Marcus Brody this go-around.  And we deliberate on what the ending means and how, or even if, it works with the fourth entry into the franchise.  It's a fun film and we have a great time talking about it.  Listen in!Film SundriesWant to join us for an episode? Support The Next Reel on Patreon to automatically be entered into our regular Listener’s Choice drawings! — http://patreon.com/thenextreelWatch this film: iTunes • AmazonScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdSupport 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

"What is Sankara?"   ”Fortune and glory, kid. Fortune and glory."Steven Spielberg and George Lucas both approached their 1984 follow-up to "Raiders of the Lost Ark" from a dark place while they were simultaneously going through divorces. Perhaps because of this, or perhaps because they were trying to create something different, "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" has always been the ugly red-headed stepchild of the series, having a schizophrenic imbalance between goofy campiness and gruesome horror. That being said, one of us is in the minority and still really likes this movie.Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our Indiana Jones series with this second film. We talk about our memories of the film from our childhood and what still stands out. We walk through the project's history, from writer to writer to writer, and debate if that's from where the problems in the finished film started. We reflect on the comedy bits that work -- the opening scene and the raft is one — and the ones that don't — Willie Scott in particular. We discuss the performances from Harrison Ford, Ke Huy Quan, Kate Capshaw and Amrish Puri as well as what they bring to the table. We delve into the interesting character arc Indiana Jones has and how it really defines his character well and sets us up for "Raiders," even if the filmmakers botched it with the opening of "Crusade." And we chat about the fantastic set pieces that still hold up, regardless of whether other elements of the film don't. Hated by most but loved by Andy, it's part of an important and iconic movie series and we still have a great time talking about it. Listen in!Film SundriesJoin the team! Support The Next Reel on Patreon and you’ll be invited to our Slack channel to chime in with your thoughts on great film! — http://patreon.com/thenextreelWatch this film: iTunes • AmazonScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartAMCTV (The Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, Mad Men)  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

"Throw me the idol, I throw you the whip!"Everything about Steven Spielberg's 1981 adventure film, "Raiders of the Lost Ark," is iconic. From the unforgettable lines that are so easy to quote to the brilliant characters saying them and the pitch-perfect actors playing them, to the countless scenes full of adventure and danger, to John Williams' score, to Jones' hat and whip. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we start our Indiana Jones series and talk about the influence this film had on our childhoods and how it still plays an important role in our moviegoing sensibilities. We talk about the origins of the story with George Lucas and Philip Kaufman, how it transitioned to Lawrence Kasdan, and how Spielberg joined in. We discuss the script and how well it works, particularly because of the great characters that all feel fully fleshed out, as well as how some of those characters, unfortunately, get a short shrift in the sequels. We discuss the special effects and how well they work, even if the techniques are a bit dated for today's audiences. And we chat about the interesting nature of the protagonist and antagonist, and how similar they are in this film. It's one of the greatest adventure films out there, one we've seen innumerable times, and certainly a movie we like. Listen in!Film SundriesHey! If you’re reading this, you’re a connoisseur of fine film just like we are. Let’s take the next step in our relationship! Support us on Patreon for warm feelings, perks, and our great thanks! — http://patreon.com/thenextreelWatch this film: iTunes • AmazonScript TranscriptOriginal 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

Are you ready for a thrilling cinematic adventure? Welcome to The Next Reel Film Podcast, where movie lovers unite! For over a decade, we've been your trusted guides, diving deep into the captivating world of film. From timeless classics to groundbreaking new releases and hidden gems, we bring you engaging and hilarious conversations that go beyond the average movie review.We explore the fascinating stories behind the scenes, from production challenges to box office triumphs and mind-blowing facts. At The Next Reel, we believe every movie has valuable lessons to offer, whether it's an Oscar winner, a cult classic, or even a film that didn't quite stick the landing. We're here to unpack the craft of filmmaking, the depths of the human experience, and the world we live in, all through the lens of the movies we love.Join us on this cinematic odyssey! With hundreds of episodes in our archive, you'll never run out of captivating conversations to fuel your movie obsession. Subscribe now and get ready to see movies in a whole new light.The Next Reel. When the movie ends, our conversation begins.