Kermode & Mayo’s Take

Vanguardistas have more fun—so if you don’t already subscribe to the podcast, join the Vanguard today via Apple Podcasts or extratakes.com for non-fruit-related devices. In return you’ll get a whole extra Take 2 alongside Take 1 every week, with bonus reviews, more viewing recommendations from the Good Doctors and whole bonus episodes just for you. And if you’re already a Vanguardista, we salute you.  Simon and Mark remember true movie legend Robert Redford, who passed away this week. We hear your favourite Redford films, memories of him as a style icon and more. Plus, the Good Doctors talk about meeting the great man himself on stage, and the surprising effect he had on their audience.  Paul Greengrass—legendary director of the Bourne movies, Captain Philips, United 93 and many more—is our guest this week. His latest movie is The Lost Bus—the gripping true story of a bus driver and schoolteacher’s attempt to evacuate 22 children from a vicious wildfire in Paradise, California, starring Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera. Greengrass tells Simon how he brought this real-life story to the screen, how he recreated the terror of a wildfire with practical effects, and loads more from the making of this white-knuckle ride. He's always a treat to hear from, so don’t miss it.   Mark reviews it too, plus two more shiny new releases for your eyeballs. First, ‘Steve’, starring the ever-excellent Cillian Murphy as the burnt out headteacher of a reform school struggling to keep it together. And from gritty to glossy, we’ve got A Big Bold beautiful Journey for you too—a rom com with a sprinkling of magic starring Colin Farrell and Margot Robbie as a could-be-couple taking a time travelling tour of their respective pasts.   Top correspondence from our top-drawer listeners as always—including for a new feature. We’re inviting you to send us your Shameless Plugs—whatever you’re working on right now in the world of all things film and film-adjacent—let us know what it is and how we can get involved. Emails and voice notes welcome!   And don’t forget you can now watch the full show on YouTube too!     Timecodes (for Vanguardistas listening ad-free):  Steve Review: 14:03  Box Office Top Ten: 21:33  Paul Greengrass Interview: 31:08  The Lost Bus Review: 47:21  Laughter Lift: 57:58  A Big Bold Beautiful Journey Review: 01:00:26        You can contact the show by emailing correspondence@kermodeandmayo.com or you can find us on social media, @KermodeandMayo  Please take our survey and help shape the future of our show: https://www.kermodeandmayo.com/survey   EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/take Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!  A Sony Music Entertainment production.      Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts    To advertise on this show contact: podcastadsales@sonymusic.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Warren Ellis, renowned musician from Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds and Dirty Three, joins the conversation. He shares insights about his animal sanctuary in Indonesia featured in the documentary 'Ellis Park'. The discussion dives into the nostalgic yet mixed feelings surrounding 'Spinal Tap II', along with witty critiques of new cinematic releases like 'The Long Walk'. The blend of music, wildlife conservation, and humor creates a captivating dialogue that reflects on creativity and societal impacts, making for a delightful listen.

Vanguardistas have more fun—so if you don’t already subscribe to the podcast, join the Vanguard today via Apple Podcasts or extratakes.com for non-fruit-related devices. In return you’ll get a whole extra Take 2 alongside Take 1 every week, with bonus reviews, more viewing recommendations from the Good Doctors and whole bonus episodes just for you. And if you’re already a Vanguardista, we salute you.  Grab the popcorn, because we’ve got a load more sweet and salty reviews for you this week on the Take. We’ll let you find out which are which. First up, ‘Honey, Don’t’, the neo-noir crime comedy from Ethan Coen that follows ‘Drive-Away Dolls’ as the next in a soon to be trilogy. Plus, two new indie flicks: Cork-set drama Christy, following two brothers forging a new life outside the care system, and the odd-couple holiday drama ‘Signs of Life’. There’s ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ too... but is it really really the last one this time?   Our guest this week is the ever-excellent Sam Riley—a stalwart on British screens since his breakout role as Ian Curtis in the Joy Division singer’s biopic ‘Control’. This time he’s starring in ‘Islands’, a mysterious sun-soaked thriller out next week. He plays tennis coach Tom—who seems to have the perfect life hitting rallies all day and chasing holiday flings all night—but things get complicated when he gets wrapped up in a dodgy family drama. Sam sits down with Simon to unpack his role in the movie, plus they talk middle-aged angst, holidays in the German Skegness, and that time he almost got arrested in Aberdeen... Keep an ear out for Mark’s review of the film next week too.   There’s top correspondence from you Wittertainees as always too, as we dive ever deeper into the cinema seating debate and beyond. Don’t miss another top Take!      Timecodes (for Vanguardistas listening ad-free):  Honey, Don’t: 08:15  Box Office Top Ten: 14:00  Sam Riley Interview: 26:15  The Conjuring: Last Rites: 38:49  Signs of Life Review: 52:33  Christy Review: 58:13        You can contact the show by emailing correspondence@kermodeandmayo.com or you can find us on social media, @KermodeandMayo  Please take our survey and help shape the future of our show: https://www.kermodeandmayo.com/survey   EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/take Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee!  A Sony Music Entertainment production.      Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts    To advertise on this show contact: podcastadsales@sonymusic.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, the hosts bring a nostalgic look back at the year's cinematic highlights, sharing laughs along with insights. They dive into notable films like 'Bring Her Back' and 'The Ballad of Wallis Island,' while dissecting themes of grief and horror. A fascinating discussion on music and memory showcases a poignant film set in 1930s Mississippi. They also critique various works, exploring greed and character dynamics, and wrap up with a review of the impactful series 'Adolescence,' highlighting its relevance to contemporary issues.

In this engaging conversation, director Jay Roach, known for hits like 'Austin Powers,' and renowned actress Olivia Colman dive into their latest film, 'The Roses,' starring herself and Benedict Cumberbatch. They explore the comedic complexities of marriage, touching on modern romantic pitfalls and the humorous dynamics of couples facing career conflicts. Colman shines with her delightful charm while Roach shares insights into the film's reimagining of classic tropes, making it a fresh take on love and resentment in relationships.

Join Tom Hiddleston, famed for his role as Loki, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, an acclaimed actor known for diverse roles, as they discuss 'The Life of Chuck,' a poignant adaptation of a Stephen King short story. They explore the film's unique reverse narrative structure, illustrating the richness of ordinary life against a backdrop of personal and global challenges. Expect moments of humor and depth as they reflect on the theme of joy found in everyday connections, inviting you to ponder your own experiences.

Bob Odenkirk, acclaimed actor and writer, best known for his roles in 'Breaking Bad' and 'Better Call Saul', joins for an engaging discussion. They dive into the explosive action sequences of 'Nobody 2' and explore the pressures of following a successful first film. The conversation touches on father figures in movies and Jackie Chan's influence. Mark shares his thoughts on various film releases, while both hosts reflect on the quirks of romantic comedies and the depths of character development, blending humor and insightful commentary.

Sanjeev Bhaskar, a talented British actor and comedian known for his work on 'Goodness Gracious Me', steps in as host to converse with the delightful Celine Song, a South Korean-Canadian playwright and filmmaker renowned for 'Past Lives'. They dive into 'The Materialists', a romcom that tackles the complexities of modern dating with a fresh lens. Additionally, they explore the humorous and emotional nuances of 'Freakier Friday', along with insight into a provocative Australian prison drama. Conversations about celebrity encounters add a lighthearted touch!

Noah Hawley, a celebrated showrunner known for 'Fargo' and 'Legion', joins to discuss his ambitious new series, 'Alien: Earth'. He delves into the franchise's evolution and how he tackles corporate themes intertwined with a dystopian future. The creative journey features insights on character development and the role of sound design in enhancing horror. Hawley also shares his surprising affinity for British comedy, making a fascinating connection to storytelling techniques. Mark reviews the series, raising questions about its place in the Alien legacy.

Guy Pearce, the Australian actor famous for his roles in 'LA Confidential' and 'Memento', joins the conversation to discuss his gripping role in the Australian prison drama 'Inside'. He reveals the psychological complexities of playing Warren, a lifer confronting his impending parole. The discussion also explores Pearce's music projects, the nuances of character relationships, and his candid thoughts on a classic role he dislikes. Additionally, the reboot of 'Naked Gun' sparks debate about modern comedy and whether it can measure up to its predecessor.