Shows
A24 On The RocksTop 10 Best & Worst A24 Films from the 2010 Decade/Our Journey Through 96 A24 Films96 films and 159 podcasts later, Eric and Kevin have made it atop the A24 mountain after watching every single A24 film from the 2010 decade of A24. Three fellow podcasters quit in the process of this arduous journey, yet Eric and Kevin somehow kept their eyeballs fresh and their vocal boxes running. In this intimate conversation, Eric travelled all the way to Wisconsin to record this podcast in person. The A24 Rocks duo reflects on their journey, shares some personal stories, and shares their top 10 best & worst A24 films from 2013-2019. Intro- 0:00 to 4:36.Our...
2026-01-1458 min
A24 On The RocksTHE 2019 A24 OSCARSEvery year these cinephiles get together to decide what movies, actors, actresses, writers, and directors get to take home a golden-coveted Oscar Isaac statue that is as big as Oscar Isaac himself. After the 21 A24 films in 2019, it was the toughest competition yet for the A24 Rocks crew to decide who should win (and lose). 7 Oscar Isaacs, and 1 bronze piece of poop, up for the taking. Who will win? Who will lose? Listen to find out.Nominees- Best Picture- The FarewellThe Last Black Man i...
2026-01-071h 29
A24 On The Rocks96. Uncut Gems (2019) Film ReviewUnccccuuuutttttt Jaaaaahhhhhhmmmmms. In our final review of the 2019 year of A24, the A24 Rocks crew has finally reached The Safdie Brothers' gambling New York City anxiety rollercoaster Uncut Gems starring Adam Sandler, Julia Fox, Lakeith Stanfield, and Kevin Garnett. Uncut Gems is about a gambling addict named Howard who owns a gem shop in New York City's diamond district. When Howard imports an Ethiopian black opal and shows it to basketball HOFer Kevin Garnett, the black opal takes on a life of its own. Howard owes money around town, though, and specifically to his brother Arno whose goons are...
2025-12-241h 45
A24 On The Rocks95. In Fabric (2019) Film ReviewOn the second from last film review for the 2019 year of A24, these A24 film reviewers discuss the 2019 horror-comedy In Fabric, written and directed by Peter Strickland. In Fabric starts with a woman named Sheila Woolchapel (portrayed by Marianne Jean-Baptiste) who works as a bank teller at a British bank. She is a single middle-aged lady with a dismissive son, and one day, she scores a date with a man. To dress up for her date, she decides to buy a red dress at Dentley & Soper's, and this red dress takes on a life of its own. Caution: movie...
2025-12-111h 33
A24 On The RocksGummo (1997) Film ReviewThe A24 Rocks crew looks back at the first feature film Harmony Korine directed, the controversial Criterion classic Gummo. Korine directed one of the most famous A24 films in Spring Breakers, so these film reviewers wondered what kind of filmmaking themes Korine established early in his career. And to say the least, controversy was always in his wheelhouse. Gummo is a non-linear story about Xenia, Ohio, a tornado ravaged town with two boys named Solomon and Tummler hunting cats for money. It was also the third film for Chloe Sevigny, who has acted in many other indie gems in...
2025-12-031h 02
A24 On The Rocks94. Waves (2019) Film ReviewToday on the A24 on the Rocks podcast, these film reviewers review the third Trey Edward Shults film in the A24 catalog: Waves starring Kelvin Harrison Jr and Taylor Russell. Waves focuses on an African-American family in southern Florida tackling themes such as family trauma, forgiveness, toxic masculinity, and race in America. It's unique storytelling structure has divided some critics, but has been complimented by other reviewers as a unique tale. Where will the A24 Rocks crew land? Caution: movie spoilers.Intro- 0:00 to 3:28.Film Discussion- 3:28 to 1:24:20.Film Ratings/Outro- 1:24:20 to...
2025-11-261h 34
A24 On The Rocks92. The Elephant Queen (2019) Film ReviewFor the fourth documentary in the A24 distribution chronology, the A24 Rocks crew visits the African Savannah and a herd of elephants. Narrated by Chiwetel Ejiofor, this nature documentary is about a 50 year old Elephant Queen named Athena and her family who are struggling through a historic drought. The family searches for water while also attempting to maintain milk for their children, who need to keep their strength up if they want to trudge into the mud-holes to stay hydrated. The A24 Rocks crew asks the question: does The Elephant Queen break the mold of the average nature documentary...
2025-10-291h 17
A24 On The RocksEuphoria Season 1 (2019) TV ReviewOn this A24 Vibe Discussion, these reviewers discuss the most famous A24 TV show of all time: Euphoria starring Zendaya. When Euphoria came onto the scene in 2019, there wasn't much nuanced media covering the Gen Z generation, and somehow Sam Levinson put his finger on the pulse. The main character of the show is Rue (portrayed by Zendaya), a drug addict who recently overdosed and went to rehab, but is struggling to stay clean. Although, the show reflects a wide array of generational themes in many different characters. We discuss those themes, and how Euphoria portrayed them in the...
2025-09-241h 32
A24 On The Rocks87. Skin (2019) Film ReviewOn the 87th A24 film review for A24 on the Rocks, these film reviewers tackle the 2019 doozy of a movie "Skin" starring Jamie Bell and Danielle Macdonald. Skin is loosely based on the true story of Bryon Widner, a neo-nazi who was part of the white supremacist gang called the Vinlanders Social Club. After getting arrested for a horrific act of violence, Bryon meets a woman named Julie who brings her three kids to a Vinlanders Social Club gathering to perform folk music. Bryon falls in love with Julie and (maybe?) finds his conscience, but quickly realizes it isn't...
2025-08-201h 38
A24 On The Rocks86. The Farewell (2019) Film ReviewIn 2016, Lulu Wang shared her familial story with This American Life, and it was so poignant to the immigrant experience, that it was made into a movie. After both American and Chinese film studios tried to get her to change the tone of the film, four different indie film production companies picked up her script and gave her the creative freedom to tell her true story. And that became The Farewell, starring Awkwafina. The A24 Rocks crew discusses one of the most critically-acclaimed A24 films in the A24 chronology, and shares some personal stories related to China. Caution: movie...
2025-08-061h 26
A24 On The Rocks28 Years Later (2025) Film ReviewOn this A24 Vibe Discussion, the A24 Rocks crew discusses a Danny Boyle film for the first time. None other than the recent critically-acclaimed zombie thriller "28 Years Later." Written by Alex Garland (writer of A24 films such as Ex Machina, Men, and Civil War), 28 Years Later is the third film in the 28 Days Later universe. These film reviewers ask if it stays truthful to the first film, and if it was worth making. Is it even better than 28 Days Later? What kind of themes does this infection movie touch on given what the human race has dealt with since 2020...
2025-07-301h 06
A24 On The Rocks84. The Last Black Man in San Francisco (2019) Film ReviewThe A24 Rocks crew tackles one of the most poignant and impactful A24 films of all time: The Last Black Man in San Francisco. Set in the Bayview-Hunters Point and Filmore district's of San Fran, The Last Black Man in San Francisco is about two friends named Jimmie (portrayed by Jimmie Fails) and Mont (portrayed by Jonathan Majors) who are battling one of the most gentrified cities in the country. Jimmie is obsessed with an old family house that he believes his Grandpa built, while Mont is a playwright watching the drama of San Francisco unfold. What will these...
2025-07-091h 27
A24 On The Rocks83. The Souvenir (2019) Film ReviewThe 83rd A24 film review for the A24 Rocks crew is The Souvenir starring Honor Swinton Byrne, Tom Burke, and Tilda Swinton. Written and directed by Joanna Hogg, Swinton Byrne portrays a green film student named Julie who meets a more seasoned man named Anthony. He charms her and they begin a relationship, as he guides her on the direction of her film artistry. The other shoe soon drops when Julie figures out he's a heroin addict, and thus comes the first real test of her romantic life. What will these A24 film critics think of this brooding British...
2025-06-251h 14
A24 On The Rocks76. Outlaws aka 1% (2019) Film ReviewWe're back! We continue our journey of chronologically reviewing every A24 movie with the 2019 year of A24. A24 kicked off 2019 with the Australian crime drama Outlaws, aka 1%, about a power struggle in a motorcycle gang called the Copperheads. Caution: movie spoilers.Programming note: Kelley will not be joining us on this season of A24 on the Rocks. From Kelley- “To our dear fans- I’ve gotten a bit burnt out from watching and reviewing films the last few years. As much as I loved my time on the podcast, my heart just is not in i...
2025-03-121h 18
A24 On The RocksThe 2018 A24 Oscars & MailbagWe kick off 2025 with the grandest award show in modern cinema: The A24 Oscars! As the A24 rocks crew finished watching the 2018 year of A24, they will now give out the golden coveted Oscar Isaac awards to the best writers, directors, actors/actresses, and films of the 2018 year of A24. They've also added an extra category from previous years, that is similar to a razzy, and that is "the worst film of the year." The formula is simple: each critic has a vote, and the film/actor/actress/writer with the most votes takes home a life-sized statuette of...
2025-01-021h 18A24 On The RocksDie Hard (1988) Film ReviewChristmas is next week, so the A24 Rocks crew decided to put aside the dark horrors about generational trauma, or the Thai prison dramas, or coming-of-age tales about anxious/depressed eighth grader's, or the thrillers about alcoholic pastors on a path of righteousness. Just to put you in that Christmas mood: they decided to discuss the most beloved (but maybe debated) Christmas action film of all time in Die Hard. John McClane vs Hans Gruber, Bruce Willis starring alongside Alan Rickman, is this the best action film of all time? Caution: movie spoilers.
Programming...
2024-12-191h 30A24 On The RocksThe Northman (2022) Film ReviewDue to Robert Eggers' new film "Nosferatu" coming out on Christmas this month, the A24 Rocks crew decided to review his 2022 Nordic epic "The Northman" for this A24 Vibe Discussion. Starring Alexander Skarsgård, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Nicole Kidman: The Northman is a take on the Old Norse tale "Amleth" that Shakespeare turned into Hamlet. What will these film reviewers think of Robert Eggers' third film after directing two of the most acclaimed A24 films in the film studio's history? Caution: movie spoilers.
Intro- 0:00 to 5:01.
Film Discussion- 5:01 to 57:52.
Film Rating a...
2024-12-041h 14A24 On The RocksOur Top 12 Cult Classics, a Blind Ranking!On this A24 vibe discussion, the A24 Rocks crew blind ranks the top 12 cult classics in film history. How does a blind ranking work? A random number generator will generate a number 1-12 and each podcaster will pick their favorite film at that position, then that number will be gone after it is picked. For example: maybe Kevin will pick The Boondock Saints (this isn't the actual pick) at number 12, that film and number will be off the board, then a random number generator might put Kelley at 6. Each podcaster picks their favorite cult classic at the position they're...
2024-11-201h 12A24 On The Rocks73. Slice (2018) Film ReviewSlice is a 2018 horror-comedy film about the town of Kingfisher: a city where supernatural beings live hand-in-hand with humans. The residents of Kingfisher are alarmed when pizza delivery drivers from Perfect Pizza Base are murdered. Astrid (portrayed by Zazie Beetz), and investigative journalist Sadie Sheridan (portrayed by Rae Gray) are on the case, where it's suspected a local werewolf named Dax Lycander (portrayed by Chance the Rapper) is the murderer. Their curiosity leads them to a citywide conspiracy of corruption and the occult. Caution: movie spoilers.
Intro- 0:00 to 3:36.
Film Discussion- 3:36 to 48:54.
2024-11-1359 minA24 On The RocksChildren of Men (2006) Film ReviewDue to the 2024 election tomorrow, the A24 Rocks crew is discussing one of the most prescient films of the last 20 years: Children of Men, and they're releasing the episode two days early. Many film lovers say Children of Men predicted the rise of nativism and anti-immigrant sentiment in western society. Placed in 2027, it follows a world of mass infertility, where the last baby was born 18 years ago. Our main character, Theo (portrayed by Clive Owen), is an ex-activist turned bureaucrat who gets dragged back into the world of activism by his ex-partner Julian (portrayed by Julianne Moore). What will...
2024-11-051h 34A24 On The Rocks72. A Prayer Before Dawn (2018) Film ReviewThe A24 Rocks gang travels to a place they've never been before in their cinematic journeys: a Thai prison with British boxer Billy Moore. Based on a true story, A Prayer Before Dawn is about an addict/boxer named Billy Moore (portrayed by Joe Cole) who gets arrested in Thailand and thrown in one of the most infamous prisons in the world: Klong Prem. Soon enough, Moore is placed in a cell with a Thai gang that is not too friendly, this leads him to learn Muay Thai to fight for his life. Caution: movie spoilers.
2024-10-301h 02A24 On The RocksRe-Animator (1985) Film ReviewOn this special Halloween A24 vibe discussion, the A24 Rocks crew invites on horror lover Dean Cooper AKA MidlifeInCrisis (https://www.instagram.com/midlifeincrisis/) to discuss the 1985 Horror Sci-Fi film "Re-Animator" starring Jeffrey Combs, Bruce Abbott, and Barbara Crampton. Based off a H.P. Lovecraft novelette, Re-Animator is about a mad scientist named Herbert West who may have concocted a serum to bring people back from the dead. But the question is: how much of their humanity is left when they awake? Caution: movie spoilers.
Intro- 0:00 to 2:05.
Film Discussion: 2:05 to 45:44.
...
2024-10-2353 minA24 On The Rocks71. Never Goin' Back (2018) Film ReviewIn this 2018 stoner comedy, Angela (portrayed by Maia Mitchell) and Jessie (portrayed by Camila Morrone) are two high school dropouts working as servers who use their rent money to book a vacation to Galveston, Texas. After getting arrested and missing two days of work, they go through a series of struggles in hopes of finally getting away from their tumultuous lives. What will the A24 Rocks crew think of this movie compared to other drug-addled A24 films? Caution: movie spoilers.
Intro- 0:00 to 2:52.
Film Discussion- 2:52 to 56:16.
Film Ratings- 56:16 to End.
2024-10-161h 04A24 On The Rocks69. Eighth Grade (2018) Film ReviewThe A24 Rocks crew has finally reached another A24 favorite: Bo Burnham's coming-of-age dramedy "Eighth Grade" starring Elsie Fisher and Josh Hamilton. Eighth Grade is about a shy eighth grader named Kayla who enjoys making YouTube video's, while yearning to break out of her shell to her classmates, who have voted her the quietest kid in their grade. All the while, Kayla has a single dad named Mark, who is trying to navigate fatherhood in the digital age. What will the A24 Rocks crew think of Bo Burnham's feature film directorial debut?
Intro- 0:00 to 2:46.
2024-09-181h 33A24 On The RocksRequiem for a Dream (2000) Film ReviewOn this A24 vibe discussion: the A24 rocks crew looks back at an early cult classic from "The Whale" director Darren Aronofsky, and that film is the 2000 psychological drama "Requiem for a Dream." Starring Jared Leto, Ellen Burstyn, Jennifer Connelly, and Marlon Wayans: Requiem for a Dream is a harrowing story about addiction and its devastating effects on dreams and reality. What will these film reviewers think of one of the most visceral films of the 21st century? Caution: movie spoilers.
Intro- 0:00 to 2:32.
Film Discussion- 2:32 to 1:04:21.
Film Ratings and Outro- 1:04:21...
2024-09-111h 10A24 On The Rocks68. Woman Walks Ahead (2018) Film ReviewThe 68th film in the A24 catalogue is "Woman Walks Ahead," a 2018 biographical drama film about painter Catherine Weldon (portrayed by Jessica Chastain) who decided to head west in hopes of painting famous indigenous leader Sitting Bull (portrayed by Michael Greyeyes). She meets Colonel Silas Grove (portrayed by Sam Rockwell) on the way, who is attempting to get Sitting Bull to sign a land allotment act that will further reduce the lands of the Lakota tribe. What will the A24 rocks crew think of this one? Caution: movie spoilers.
Intro- 0:00 to 2:04.
Film...
2024-09-041h 08A24 On The RocksPortrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) Film ReviewOn this A24 vibe discussion, the A24 Rocks crew reviews the French romantic period piece "Portrait of a Lady on Fire." Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a film about an 18th century French painter named Marianne who is commissioned to paint a portrait of a woman named Heloise. Marianne arrives at the island where Heloise is currently living, only for Heloise's mother to inform her that Heloise doesn't have the temperament to be painted, and that Marianne must paint her from memory. It's just like that one Bruce Springsteen song, but a little more French. Caution: movie...
2024-08-281h 04A24 On The Rocks67. Hereditary (2018) Film Review w/Paranormal Anthropologist Reya MazzolaThe A24 Rocks crew has finally reached the horror phenomenon of Hereditary. Starring Toni Collette, Alex Wolff, Milly Shapiro, and Gabriel Byrne: Hereditary is about a miniature's artist who discovers there is much more to her mom's life than she ever expected. Paranormal Anthropologist Reya Mazzola joins us to discuss one of the most famous A24 films of all time, and how it uses paranormal anthropology to achieve its theme. Caution: movie spoilers.
Intro- 0:00 to 3:28.
Film Discussion- 3:28 to 1:50:10.
Film Ratings and Outro- 1:50:10 to End.
Next...
2024-08-211h 57A24 On The RocksLate Night with the Devil (2024) Film ReviewDue to the A24 Rocks crew missing last week's episode because of a Alaskan adventure, they decided to release two episodes this week to get back on the release schedule. On this A24 vibe discussion, these film-buffs (minus Kevin due to a scheduling conflict) review one of the most talked about horror films of the last year: Late Night with the Devil. They also discuss the use of A.I. in the movie and what it means for filmmaking. Caution: movie spoilers.
Intro- 0:00 to 2:11.Film Discussion- 2:11 to 51:47.Film Ratings- 51:47 to End....
2024-08-1658 minA24 On The RocksLonglegs (2024) Film ReviewIn this A24 Vibe Discussion, the A24 rocks crew reviews the most talked about horror film of the year: Longlegs. Starring Maika Monroe and Nicolas Cage, Longlegs is about an anti-social FBI agent named Lee Harker who's investigating a serial killer case about a murderer who murders whole families around the birthday of the youngest daughter in the family. Soon enough, Harker begins to suspect that the serial killer has some tie to her personal life. Written and directed by Osgood Perkins, some critics have said Longlegs is the best horror film since The Silence of the Lambs. Will...
2024-07-311h 05A24 On The Rocks65. First Reformed (2018) Film ReviewPraise be the blessed waters listeners, welcome to our First Reformed Christian Minecraft server. On this Holy day, we preach our reverence to Paul Schrader and Ethan Hawke for imbibing us with A24's 65th film: First Reformed. Reverend Toller has strayed from the path, temptations and demons manifest in many forms, but let he not stray long: for he is saved. At the First Reformed and Abundant Life Church, they've created a mighty fortress, and the A24 Rocks crew invites you to partake in the blood of our savior. Caution: movie spoilers.
Intro- 0:00...
2024-07-241h 34A24 On The RocksKinds of Kindness (2024) Film ReviewOn this A24 vibe discussion, the A24 Rocks crew delves into Yorgos Lanthimos' most recent cinematic odyssey: Kinds of Kindness. In Lanthimos' most star-studded cast to date, this film stars: Jesse Plemons, Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, Hong Chau, and Margaret Qualley. Kinds of Kindness is a "triptych fable" featuring three different absurdly tragic stories. These film reviewers discuss each fable before giving their thoughts on if this film is as good as Lanthimos' A24 gems. Caution: movie spoilers.
Intro- 0:00 to 3:26.
Film Discussion- 3:26 to 49:57.
Film Ratings and Outro- 49:57 to End.
2024-07-171h 03A24 On The Rocks64. Backstabbing for Beginners (2018) Film ReviewBackstabbing for Beginners is a political thriller starring Theo James who plays Michael Sullivan, the son of a late U.S. diplomat who gets a job at the U.N. He's an idealist who wants to help people, before he meets Pasha (portrayed by Ben Kingsley), a vulgar realist who heads the oil for food program. Pasha takes Michael under his wing, but is he blurring ethical lines with the way he runs things? Based off the book "Backstabbing for Beginners: My Crash Course in International Diplomacy" by Michael Soussan, the A24 rocks crew discusses the movie and the...
2024-07-101h 12A24 On The RocksStarship Troopers (1997) Film ReviewOn this A24 Vibe discussion: Cole, Eric, and Kevin delve into the 1997 sci-fi action cult classic "Starship Troopers" starring Casper Van Diem, Denise Richards, Michael Ironside, Dina Meyer, and Neil Patrick Harris. When Starship Troopers came out, it was received as a piece of pro-military fascist propaganda, even though director Paul Verhoeven insisted it was a satire. Nonetheless, critics panned it, and it barely broke even on its high budget. The A24 rocks crew discuss whether the satire still hits home 27 years later. Caution: movie spoilers.
Intro- 0:00 to 3:00.
Film Discussion- 3:00 to 48:39.
2024-07-0356 minA24 On The Rocks63. Lean On Pete (2018) Film ReviewLean On Pete is a 2018 A24 film about a Portland boy named Charley (portrayed by Charlie Plummer) with a wholesome scumbag dad (portrayed by Travis Fimmel), who gets a job at the local horse racing track after he meets a man named Del (portrayed by Steve Buscemi). Charley quickly becomes enamored by one of Del's racehorses named "Lean On Pete." When tragedy strikes Charley, his ties to Lean On Pete only grow deeper, which drives a wedge between him and Del who sees Lean On Pete as just a racehorse. Also starring Chloe Sevigny, Lean On Pete is one...
2024-06-261h 27A24 On The RocksBaby Reindeer (2024) DiscussionThe A24 rocks crew begins their fifth season of A24 vibe discussions talking about the 2024 Netflix mini-series sensation "Baby Reindeer." They delve into what makes Baby Reindeer unique from other portrayals of stalking in media, and debate the tough questions that viewers have proposed after receiving the mini-series. They also discuss the origin story of Richard Gadd's black comedy. Caution: spoilers.
Intro- 0:00 to 3:48.
Baby Reindeer Discussion- 3:48 to 56:56.
Outro- 56:56 to End.
2024-06-0559 minA24 On The Rocks61. The Vanishing of Sidney Hall (2018) Film ReviewThe A24 Rocks crew kicks off the 2018 year of review's with the first film A24 distributed in 2018, and that is: The Vanishing of Sidney Hall starring Logan Lerman, Elle Fanning, Kyle Chandler, and Michelle Monaghan. This film is about a writer named Sidney Hall and follows three different points of his life: before he released his first book, directly after he released he first book, and several years later when he's seemingly vanished from public life and an alleged detective is trying to find him. Caution: movie spoilers.
Intro- 0 to 3:10.
Film Discussion- 3:10...
2024-05-291h 13A24 On The RocksThe 2017 A24 OscarsThe A24 Rocks crew has finished watching and reviewing every film from the 2017 year of A24 and is now tasked with giving out the golden coveted Oscar Isaac awards. They'll be picking from 7 categories including: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Screenplay (Original or Adapted). What film will take home the most Oscar Isaac's this year? Lady Bird? Good Time? The Killing of a Sacred Deer? The Florida Project? Listen in to find out. Caution: movie spoilers.
Intro- 0:00 to 4:19.
Was 2017 better than 2016...
2024-04-171h 18A24 On The Rocks60. The Ballad of Lefty Brown (2017) Film ReviewIn the last A24 film of 2017, Bill Pullman plays a mousey-sounding sidekick named Lefty Brown in this Montana-based Western film. After his partner is murdered over a few horses, Lefty is hell-bent on revenge but with limited resources and a powerful Governor (portrayed by Jim Caviezel) against him. What will the A24 Rocks crew think of the 60th A24 film they've reviewed in the A24 catalog? Caution: movie spoilers.
Intro- 0 to 3:51.
Film Discussion- 3:51 to 49:53.
Film Ratings and Outro- 49:53 to End.
Next week: The 2017 A24 Oscars!
2024-04-1058 minA24 On The RocksMemento (2000) Film ReviewDue to the success of Oppenheimer, the A24 Rocks crew wanted to go back in Christopher Nolan's filmography and check out a Nolan film with an "A24 vibe," and they landed on the neo-noir mind-bender Memento. Released in 2000, Memento was Christopher Nolan's second film, it's since become a cult classic and is widely-respected amongst all film fans. Starring Guy Pearce, Carrie-Anne Moss, and Joe Pantoliano: Memento is about a man named Leonard suffering from anterograde amnesia, who is trying to find the murderer of his wife. Caution: movie spoilers.
Intro- 0 to 1:55.
Film...
2024-04-031h 02A24 On The Rocks58. Lady Bird (2017) Film ReviewBefore Barbie, there was Lady Bird, Greta Gerwig's solo-directorial debut. Lady Bird is a semi-autobiographical film written and directed by Greta Gerwig about a girl named "Lady Bird" (portrayed by Saoirse Ronan) as she battles her senior year of high school and an all-consuming mother (portrayed by Laurie Metcalf). It takes place in Sacramento, California at the fictional Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic High School. The A24 Rocks crew discusses one of the most critically-acclaimed film's in A24's history, while sharing their own hometown high school experiences and some of their favorite high school films. Caution: movie spoilers.
2024-03-131h 14A24 On The RocksOppenheimer (2023) Film ReviewIn summer of last year, a sweeping phenomenon took the world by storm, the epic event that brought filmgoers back to theatre's post-pandemic... BARBENHEIMER! Many months and several cocktails later: the A24 Rocks crew reviews the Oscar nominated/Best Picture favorite "Oppenheimer," directed by Christopher Nolan, and starring Cillian Murphy. The film centers around J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist who headed "The Manhattan Project," which helped create the world's first atomic bomb. Will these A24 fans enjoy it, and do they think it deserves the 2024 Oscar for Best Picture? Listen in to find out. Caution: movie spoilers.
Intro- 0 to 2:06.
Film...
2024-02-211h 16A24 On The Rocks56. The Florida Project (2017) Film ReviewWhat is life like in "The Shadow of the Mouse?" This 2017 A24 film, directed by Sean Baker, attempts to answer that question. The Florida Project takes an in-depth look at the residents of The Magic Castle Inn & Suites, a motel about 6 miles from Walt Disney World in Kissimmee, Florida. It centers around a six-year-old girl named Moonee (portrayed by Brooklynn Prince), her mother Halley (portrayed by Bria Vinaite), and Bobby Hicks (portrayed by Willem Dafoe). The A24 rocks crew discusses the themes of the film and gives their review's. Caution: movie spoilers.
Intro- 0:00 to 1:59.
Film Discussion- 1:59 to 1:02:03.
Film Ratings and...
2024-02-141h 23A24 On The RocksPoor Things (2023) Film ReviewAs the film community prepares for the 2024 Oscars: these A24 nerds review a Best Picture nominated film from a previous A24 director in Yorgos Lanthimos. Poor Things is a Sci-Fi Black Comedy Odyssey about Bella Baxter (portrayed by Emma Stone), a woman who has had her baby brain inserted into her mother's dead corpse after her mother died. Bella's creator is Godwin (portrayed by Willem Dafoe), and she is looked after by his lab assistant Max McCandles (portrayed by Ramy Youssef). She soon finds herself enamored by Duncan (portrayed by Mark Ruffalo), and runs away with him to Lisbon...
2024-02-071h 07A24 On The RocksNo Country For Old Men (2007) Film ReviewWith the 2024 Oscar nominees being released yesterday, the A24 rocks crew looks back at a previous Best Picture winner and a film that inspired many A24 films: No Country For Old Men. Written and directed by the Coen Brothers, and based off a Cormac McCarthy book: No Country For Old Men won Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (for Javier Bardem), and Best Adapted Screenplay. It follows Vietnam veteran Llewelyn Moss (portrayed by Josh Brolin) after he finds a suitcase full of money from a drug deal gone wrong. The money isn't without strings, though, as he soon realizes...
2024-01-241h 23A24 On The Rocks54. Good Time (2017) Film ReviewBefore the memes of Adam Sandler in Uncut Gems flooded the internet, there was another Safdie brother directed film that flooded the internet with memes, and that's the 2017 crime-thriller "Good Time." After the Twilight saga, Robert Pattinson was looking to break from the pretty boy role he was typecasted as. Many say that "Good Time" was his breakout performance that made audiences take him seriously as an indie actor. It also put the Safdie brothers on the map as directing favorites for A24 fans. What's it about? It centers around two Queens brother's named Connie and Nick who decide...
2024-01-171h 24A24 On The RocksMt. Rushmore Draft of Animated Films w/CapiTanceTVFor this week's A24 vibe discussion, the A24 rocks crew brings on special guest and anime enthusiast CapiTanceTV for a Mt. Rushmore draft of animated films. As they draft their films, these cinephiles reminisce on some of their favorite childhood animated films and some animated films that aren't meant for children.
Who will have the best Mt. Rushmore draft? Find "A24 On The Rocks" on social media to vote (https://linktr.ee/a24podcast). Also, if you enjoy anime, don't forget to check out CapiTance's anime channels (https://linktr.ee/capitancetv).
2024-01-101h 01A24 On The Rocks53. Menashe (2017) Film ReviewMenashe is a 2017 film loosely based off the real life of its lead actor: Menashe Lustig. It follows his struggles to regain custody of his child while adhering to the laws of his religion. Filmmaker Joshua Weinstein wanted to make a documentary film about the Hasidic Jewish community in the Borough Park neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY, but due to reticence from the community, Weinstein pivoted from creating a documentary to making a feature film. The A24 Rocks crew debates religion, philosophy, and the film at hand. Caution: movie spoilers.
Intro- 0:00 to 1:56.
Film...
2024-01-031h 19A24 On The RocksA History of The Von Erich Family, The Iron Claw of WrestlingA24 just released one of their biggest films of the year: The Iron Claw. It has a star studded cast of Zach Efron, Jeremy Allen White, and Lily James. When wrestling fans heard that this was going to be a film, they knew they were in for a doozy. The Iron Claw is about the Von Erich wrestling family who infamously had a generation of siblings die from either a drug overdose or suicide. A24 rocks co-host Kevin Konicek is an expert of wrestling history, and co-host Eric Kiska picks his brain on the tragic history of the family...
2023-12-2841 minA24 On The RocksOur Not-So-Christmas, Christmas Film ListLooking for a holiday film that may be a bit darker, more savory, combined with a little bite in the eggnog? Don't worry, the A24 Rocks crew has just the list for you. Kelley, Eric, Cole, and Kevin each give you recommendations of holiday films to disturb your family with around the Christmas tree. Or maybe: you don't like your family and want to lock yourself in your room and binge a few yule-log flicks. They also argue the age-old question: is Die Hard a Christmas film? Wrap yourself in a warm, salty blanket for this extra special A24...
2023-12-2249 minA24 On The RocksOur Top 10 Christmas FilmsHo-ho-ho, time to grab an eggnog, cozy up around the fire, and listen to the A24 Rocks crew reminisce on some of the best Christmas films that were ever made. As each film reviewer gives their list, each film will enter into a point system that will decide a collaborative Top 10 Christmas film list. So in the end: there will be one film knighted Emperor of the Mistletoe, President of the North Pole, or undisputed King of Christmas Cheer. What film will take the prize, and what classic Christmas films will the A24 Rocks crew reject? Will there be...
2023-12-1343 minA24 On The Rocks51. It Comes At Night (2017) Film ReviewIt Comes At Night is an apocalyptic horror film written and directed by A24 darling Trey Edward Schultz. It stars Joel Edgerton, Carmen Ejogo, Christopher Abbott, Riley Keough, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. and is about a family living in a remote cabin after a plague has seemingly caused a deadly pandemic. When a new family arrives at the cabin, it challenges the trust and paranoia of everyone involved, and makes them wonder: what comes at night? Critically regarded as one of the best A24 horror films, how will the A24 Rocks crew grade this one? Caution: movie spoilers.
2023-12-061h 17A24 On The RocksMt. Rushmore Draft of Apocalyptic FilmsOn this A24 Vibe Discussion, these A24 reviewers have a Mt. Rushmore draft of their favorite Apocalyptic films. Zombies, deadly pandemics, nuclear war, climate disasters... what way will the world end in your favorite dystopian film? For this episode, Eric invited on his sister Caitlin Kiska, AKA "The Sultan of Cybersecurity." After they choose the four faces of their Mt. Rushmore, you dear listener, will be able to choose who had the best Mt. Rushmore. They also discuss how they would survive a Zombie apocalypse. What A24 films will get chosen, if any?
Intro- 0...
2023-11-2954 minA24 On The Rocks50. The Exception (2017) Film ReviewThe A24 Rocks crew is on their 50th A24 film review! What's the 50th film in the A24 film catalog? That would be the 2017 WW2 Romantic Drama "The Exception." Starring Jai Courtney, Lily James, and Christopher Plummer: The Exception is about a troubled Nazi soldier, and a spy disguised as a housemaid, who are both working for the exiled Kaiser Wilhelm II in the early days of WW2. The soldier doesn't know the woman he is falling for is actually a spy for the British, and must face reality when infamous Nazi commandant Heinrich Himmler pays a visit to the...
2023-11-221h 11A24 On The RocksOur Top 10 Films from the 1990sIt was the beginnings of the internet, kids were sniffing glue instead of eating tide pods, people were getting slimed on Nickelodeon, and you could sit down and eat Trix while blasting Nirvana in your flannel and ripped jeans. Want some 90s nostalgia? Don't worry, these A24 fans have just as much appreciation for the films that came before A24, and to show that: they're giving you their top 10 favorite films from the 1990s. But wait, there's more... these four film critics have quite different taste's in cinema outside of A24, so Eric has devised a point system to figure...
2023-11-151h 14A24 On The Rocks49. The Lovers (2017) Film ReviewThe Lovers is a 2017 Dramedy starring Debra Winger and Tracy Letts. Written and directed by Azazel Jacobs, this movie follows a married couple named Michael and Mary who both are cheating on each other behind their backs. When their son Joel calls and plans to visit, their adulterers (played by Aidan Gillan and Melora Walters) pressure them to finally come clean about their extramarital affairs. What will these A24 fans think of the 49th film in the A24 library? Caution: movie spoilers.
Intro: 0 to 1:48.
Film Discussion: 1:49 to 47:49.
Film Rating: 47:49 to End.
2023-11-0856 minA24 On The RocksThe Exorcist (1973) Film ReviewThe A24 Rocks crew brings a special Halloween treat for horror fans by reviewing the 1973 William Friedkin classic "The Exorcist." The Exorcist was adapted by the writer of the novel William Peter Blatty, and is considered one of the most successful horror films of all time, earning $1.8 billion in the box office accounting for inflation. It's about a 12 year old girl named Reagan and her actress mother Chris. Soon after Reagan plays with a Ouija board, strange things start happening to her and the house they live in. Father Damien Karras is a Catholic Priest and a psychiatrist at...
2023-10-311h 14A24 On The RocksThe Thing (1982) Film ReviewSince it's Halloween month, the A24 Rocks crew has decided to review an all time classic for their A24 Vibe Discussion: The Thing. Released in 1982 and directed by John Carpenter: The Thing is about a group of scientists at a remote research facility in Antarctica who encounter a Norwegian scientist from a neighboring research facility trying to kill a husky. When the Norwegian scientist attempts to shoot at the Americans, he is shot dead, but leaves the group with many questions. They discover that every human at the Norwegian's base is dead, and slowly begin to realize that a "...
2023-10-1854 minA24 On The Rocks47. The Blackcoat's Daughter (2017) Film ReviewHalloween month happened to line up with an A24 film that is becoming more well-known in horror film circles: The Blackcoat's Daughter. Written and directed by Osgood Perkins (son of Anthony Perkins who portrayed Norman Bates in Psycho), The Blackcoat's Daughter is about a girl named Kat (portrayed by Kiernan Shipka) whose parents seemingly forgot to pick her up for winter break from her Catholic boarding school. A fellow student named Rose (portrayed by Lucy Boynton) is dealing with issues of her own when Kat begins getting overtaken by a demonic force. What will the A24 Rocks crew rate...
2023-10-111h 11A24 On The RocksParanormal Anthropologist Reya MazzolaOn today's A24 Vibe Discussion, Eric kicks off the Halloween month in style by speaking to Reya Mazzola, a Paranormal Anthropologist currently working on her PhD at Wayne State University in Detroit. Reya specifically focuses on the history of human relationships with ghosts and haunted places, a subject that pertains to many A24 horror films. Eric and Reya touch on many spooky subjects including: the hand in Talk To Me, the demon lord Paimon from Hereditary, and the truth behind the colonial witchcraft depicted in The Witch.
Intro: 0-3:16.
Talk To Me...
2023-10-0453 minA24 On The Rocks46. Trespass Against Us (2017) Film ReviewThe first film A24 distributed in 2017 was Trespass Against Us, a crime drama starring Michael Fassbender and Brendan Gleeson. Directed by Adam Smith and written by Alastair Siddons: this movie follows a family of British crooks that have set up an RV Park in a field in Gloucestershire, England. Michael Fassbender plays our main character, Chad Cutler, and Brendan Gleeson plays the patriarch of the family, Colby Cutler. After one rough heist and pressure from his wife, Chad comes to a crossroads on if he wants to continue with the family business. How will these movie reviewers debate the 46...
2023-09-271h 06A24 On The RocksThe 2016 A24 OscarsThe A24 rocks crew has finished reviewing the 2016 year of A24 and you know what that means: THE 2016 A24 OSCARS! Seven Oscar Isaac's will be given out tonight for the 2016 year of A24 including: best picture, best director, best actor, best actress, best supporting actor, best supporting actress, and best screenplay (original or adapted). How this will work is simple... democracy. Each reviewer gets to vote on each category, and whatever nominee gets the most votes will win. They've also invited a special guest of YouTube fame: The Martini Shot (https://www.youtube.com/@themartinishot)! Tune into see who...
2023-09-131h 14A24 On The RocksMt. Rushmore of 2013-2016 A24 FilmsNow that the A24 Rocks screw has reviewed every single A24 film from 2013-2016, they've decided to have a Mt. Rushmore draft. The way it works: a draft order will be determined by a random number generator, and when one host picks a film, then no one else can pick that film. The draft will then move in a "snake draft" style. Four faces of Mt. Rushmore and four movies. And you, dear listener, will get to vote on who has the best Mt. Rushmore. If you're on spotify: you can vote in the poll, otherwise find us on...
2023-09-0630 minA24 On The Rocks45. 20th Century Women (2016) Film ReviewA24's last film of 2016 was 20th Century Women, a slice of life drama featuring a star-studded cast that included Annette Benning, Billy Crudup, Greta Gerwig (director of Barbie), and Elle Fanning. Writer and Director Mike Mills was nominated for Best Original Screenplay for this film. It revolves around a teenager named Jamie (played by Lucas Jade Zumann), his single mom Dorothea (played by Annette Benning), and their unconventional life in Santa Barbara, California where they live in a charming old house with two other tenants. Taking place in 1979, 20th Century Women features one of the greatest soundtracks in A24...
2023-08-301h 14A24 On The Rocks44. The Monster (2016) Film ReviewThe A24 rocks crew review their first "creature feature" horror film with The Monster starring Ella Ballentine and Zoe Kazan. The Monster is about a rocky relationship between an alcoholic mom named Kathy and her daughter Lizzy. Kathy must drop Lizzy off at her father's house several hours away, and on this road trip: they get in a car accident and soon find out that what caused the car accident may be a mix between Alien and Godzilla. Through a series of flashbacks, it's revealed how far gone Kathy's alcoholism is. Can this mother and daughter duo defeat a...
2023-08-1654 minA24 On The RocksOur A24 Fight ClubIn the 1999 cult classic Fight Club, Tyler Durden (played by Brad Pitt) asked: if there was any historical figure you could fight, who would it be? The Narrator's answer was Gandhi. On today's A24 Vibe Discussion, the A24 rocks crew asks: if there was any A24 character or actor they could fight, then who would it be? Also, if there was a gigantic royal rumble with every A24 character, then who would win? Let's get ready to rumble for an A24 celebrity death match.
2023-08-0930 minA24 On The Rocks43. Oasis: Supersonic (2016) Film ReviewIn 2016, the Academy Award winning producers of Amy (a previous A24 film about Amy Winehouse) focused their filmmaking prowess on the 90s Britpop band Oasis. Many know Oasis from hits such as Wonderwall, Don't Look Back in Anger, and Champagne Supernova. Others also know them as a dysfunctional band who couldn't make their way out of the tabloids due to feuds between brother's Liam Gallagher and Noel Gallagher. This documentary focuses on the formation of Oasis and their meteoric rise to stardom. Just as the Amy Winehouse documentary did: this film puts you in the time and place of...
2023-08-0257 minA24 On The RocksOur Top 10 Films From the 1980sWe're premiering a new segment today called "A24 Vibe Discussions." These will be shorter 30-45 minute podcasts where we discuss films that are related/adjacent to A24. It'll be our way of having more general film discussions while also looping in A24 while we can. This week's topic: Kevin, Cole, and Eric give their Top 10 favorite 80s films and discuss what cinematic masterpieces from the 80s may have inspired A24 films. We will be back to weekly releases with A24 Vibe Discussions one week, and our chronological movie reviews in the A24 catalogue the next.
2023-07-1231 minA24 On The Rocks41. American Honey (2016) Film ReviewJust in time for July 4th week: today these A24 fans review the 2016 film "American Honey" written and directed by Andrea Arnold. Starring Sasha Lane and Shia LeBeuof: American Honey is about a woman named Star. We drop into her life as she takes care of her half brother and half sister. When Star is getting food at a supermarket: she meets a man named Jake (played by Shia Lebouf) who offers her a job making “$300 a day.” After one rough day at home with her sexually abusive father, Star decides to drop her half brother and sister off with...
2023-07-051h 14A24 On The Rocks40. The Sea Of Trees (2016) Film ReviewThe Sea Of Trees is a 2016 A24 film starring Matthew McConaughey and Naomi Watts. Directed by Gus Van Sant (Director of Good Will Hunting and Milk), The Sea of Trees is about a man named Arthur who goes to Japan’s infamous Aokigahara Suicide Forest to kill himself, before a similarly troubled Japanese man named Takumi crosses his path. Arthur decides to help Takumi find his way out of the forest, but will Arthur help himself too? These A24 nerds discuss and debate if The Sea of Trees deserves to be a part of the era of film known as "T...
2023-06-281h 02A24 On The Rocks38. Into The Forest (2016) Film ReviewWhat will you do when all the lights go out? That is what this 2016 A24 film starring Elliot Page and Evan Rachel Wood asks. Directed and written by Canadian New Wave Director Patricia Rozema and based on a 1996 book by Jean Hagland: Into The Forest explores the bonds of family when all the electricity goes out and you're living in a cabin in the woods. Is it a Sci-Fi or is it a indie drama? How do these two prolific actors pair together? The A24 Rocks crew discusses the believability of this film vs the character studies it tries...
2023-05-311h 16A24 On The Rocks37. Equals (2016) Film ReviewEquals is a A24 Dystopian Sci-Fi film starring Nicholas Hoult and Kristen Stewart (who was only a few years removed from the Twilight saga) about a post-apocalyptic world where emotions are essentially outlawed. Directed by Drake Doremus and written by Nathan Parker, this film is filled with brutalist architecture and bland tones while asking the question: if we could have no war and have fantastic scientific advances in medicine, would it be worth it to have no emotion? Equals premiered at the Venice International Film Festival before A24 picked it up for distribution. These A24 nerds debate and review...
2023-05-171h 21A24 On The Rocks36. Swiss Army Man (2016) Film ReviewIn 2016, Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan premiered their first full length feature film called "Swiss Army Man" at Sundance Film Festival starring Paul Dano (There Will Be Blood, Little Miss Sunshine, The Batman) and Daniel Radcliffe (the Harry Potter series). It was about a man named Hank intent on killing himself before he finds a farting corpse on the beach and a bag of cheese puffs. It isn't long before Hank names this corpse Manny and discovers he is a swiss army man that will provide him a way out of being lost in the woods. At the time...
2023-05-031h 10A24 On The Rocks35. De Palma (2016) Film ReviewFor the A24 Rocks crew's 35th movie review, they take on the 2016 documentary "De Palma," directed by Noah Baumbach and Jake Paltrow. They also invite fellow postman and world-renowned Brian De Palma expert Ray Neeman onto the podcast, who has seen and lived De Palma's whole filmography. This documentary is an autobiographical look into every single Brian De Palma film (director of Scarface, Carrie, and Mission Impossible), featuring an exclusive and intimate interview with the director himself. De Palma takes you through his films in chronological order and give you inside baseball (a phrase our host Cole can't stand...
2023-04-191h 15A24 On The Rocks32. Green Room (2016) Film ReviewThe A24 cult classic "Green Room" follows a D.C. punk band called “Ain't Rights" on a pacific northwest road trip, where financial problems force them to play at a less than savory Nazi skinhead bar. Shortly thereafter... a madhouse of terror ensues. Directed and written by Jeremy Saulnier while starring Anton Yelchin, Patrick Stewart, and Alia Shawkat: Green Room has turned into a A24 indie favorite (albeit, a divisive one) in the years after it was released. The A24 rocks crew reviews the film and discusses what their desert island band would be. Tune in as these five punks de...
2023-03-081h 22A24 On The Rocks31. Krisha (2016) Film ReviewTrey Edward Shults became an acclaimed A24 director with indie favorites such as It Comes At Night and Waves, but he got his start on the big screen with the heartbreaking addiction drama Krisha. Starring longtime T.V. and movie actor Krisha Fairchild, Stults pulled from an amalgam of people in his own life to write this film that was funded from a kickstarter campaign. Krisha was also filmed in Stults' house and many of the actors are members of his own family. These A24 film-buffs discuss Stults' premier film and rate this truly independent drama that launched a...
2023-02-221h 15A24 On The Rocks30. Remember (2016) Film Review"Remember" is a 2016 A24 suspense-thriller starring Christopher Plummer and Martin Landau about a Holocaust survivor with dementia on a mission to seek vengeance before he can no longer remember his life. Directed by Atom Egoyan and written by Benjamin August, we follow Zev Guttman throughout the U.S. and Canada as he rereads a letter to remind himself exactly who he must lay his vengeance upon. Does this film reach the heights of such amnesia thrillers as Memento or The Bourne Identity? Will these acclaimed actors be enough for these A24-fanatics to look upon this film favorably or will...
2023-02-081h 15A24 On The Rocks29. The Witch (2016) Film ReviewWouldst thou podcast listener like to live... deliciously? Then prepare your ears for an hour in a half trek into the New England wilderness with a film review of one of A24's most famous film's: The Witch. It birthed the career's of actress Anya Taylor-Joy and director Robert Eggers even though this 2016 Horror-Thriller and period piece didn't have the best treatment of babies. The Witch is consistently rated as a top 10 A24 film and often talked about as one of the early contributors to the genre of "elevated horror" that has become commonplace in the last 10 years of cinema...
2023-01-251h 24A24 On The Rocks28. Mojave (2016) Film ReviewA24's first distributed film of 2016 was the crime thriller "Mojave." Starring Garrett Hedlund and Oscar Isaac, this film follows a chaotic film director named Tom that decides to go on a drunken escapade in the desert. It isn't long before he runs into trouble in the form of an enigmatic drifter named Jack, which causes Tom's whole life to spiral. Written and Directed by William Monahan (writer of The Departed) while guest starring Mark Wahlberg, what will these A24 film nuts think of this one? Caution: movie spoilers.
Production note: we will be releasing these episodes...
2023-01-111h 11A24 On The RocksThe 2015 A24 OscarsThe A24 Rocks gang has now reviewed every A24 film from 2015, and you know what that means... IT'S AN AWARD SHOW! Join in as we discuss and vote on who will win an Oscar in six categories: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Screenplay. A24 On The Rocks will also be taking a break until January 2023, more than enough time for you to go back and watch every A24 film from its first 3 years and listen to our reviews. It's been quite the journey.
The Nominees:
Best Picture-
Ex Machina
...
2022-11-161h 04A24 On The Rocks27. Room (2015) Film ReviewA24's final film from 2015 garnered its most mainstream success in its three years of existence. Room, starring Brie Larson who won the academy award for best actress for her performance, is about a woman who had been abducted before birthing a child from her abductor and sexual assaulter Old Nick. Jacob Tremblay plays Jack, a child who only knows the 10x10 room that he and his mom have been forced to live in. Room is a world that Ma has built for him through books, stories, and cartoons. In one of the best reviewed films from the 2010-2020...
2022-11-091h 07A24 On The Rocks25. Dark Places (2015) Film ReviewIt's Halloween week, and the A24 Rocks gang has quite a spooky review for you: Dark Places starring Charlize Theron and Christina Hendricks. In the 25th film A24 distributed, was this the creepshow you wanted? That's ok, there is still plenty of great horrors to be had. Satanism and true crime is the theme for this film, amongst things like Chloe Grace Moretz convincing you to runaway with her to California. Farms in Kansas have never yielded so much life insurance. Caution: movie spoilers.
2022-10-2657 minA24 On The Rocks23. Amy (2015) Film ReviewThe first documentary distributed by A24 was Amy, a poetic tragedy of a film that documents the life and music of British singer/songwriter/pop icon Amy Winehouse. Directed by Asif Kapadia, Amy went on to win the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature at the 88th Academy Awards. Kapadia decided to mostly use found footage to depict Winehouse's life, and give fans and viewers a window into what she was really like, beyond the paparazzi and salacious headlines. That window revealed a woman dealing with addiction and people in her life that used her as a product to make money...
2022-10-121h 01A24 On The Rocks22. Barely Lethal (2015) Film ReviewToday the A24 Rocks gang reviews what may be the worst A24 film of all time. They've said this before, but this time they mean it. Barely Lethal is a 2015 action comedy film directed by Kyle Newman (director of Fanboys and several Taylor Swift music videos), and written by John D'Arco (writer of Trolls: The Beat Goes On and TrollsTopia). It's packed with the star-studded cast of Hailee Steinfeld, Sophie Turner, Samuel L. Jackson, Jessica Alba, Dove Cameron, and Steve-O. What made this film so bad? May it be the play on the commonly used pornography title "Barely Legal" while...
2022-10-0557 minA24 On The Rocks21. Slow West (2015) Film ReviewSlow West was a 2015 A24 Western film written and directed by punk rock star John Maclean. Taking place in 1870 Colorado, young Jay Cavandish (played by Kodi Smit-Mcphee) treks into the wild wild west with help from a bounty hunter named Silas (played by Michael Fassbender) to find an unrequited love from his homeland of Scotland. On the way, he encounters all the dangers and thrills of the anarchy of the Rocky Mountains. The A24 Rocks gang discusses the screenwriting, directing, and costume design of the film while also debating who they would've been if they had lived in the U...
2022-09-281h 11A24 On The Rocks20. Ex Machina (2015) Film ReviewThe A24 Rocks gang reviews its 20th film, and perhaps one of the best A24 films of all time: Ex Machina. Directed and written by Alex Garland (director of Men and Annihilation), this academy award-winning Science Fiction flick is about a programmer named Caleb (played by Domhnall Gleeson) who works for a Google-reminiscent company called Bluebook. Caleb wins a raffle to meet Bluebook CEO Nathan Bateman (played by Oscar Isaac). After traveling to Nathan’s desolate island home and signing a "boiler-plate N.D.A." Caleb finds out that Nathan has brought him in to do a Turing Test on an...
2022-09-211h 22A24 On The Rocks18. While We're Young (2015) Film ReviewIn the second A24 film of 2015, actors Ben Stiller and Naomi Watts are Josh and Cornelia, a young 40s couple with no children dealing with aging and a stagnant professional. Josh, a documentary filmmaker that hasn't released a film in years, meets Jamie (performed by Adam Driver) and Darby (performed by Amanda Seyfried) at a class he's teaching. When Josh and Cornelia get dinner with Jamie and Darby, they realize that the inspiration and invigoration they once had in their youth has left them. Set in New York City, the two couples depict Gen X New York and Millennial New...
2022-09-071h 18A24 On The Rocks17. Son of a Gun (2015) Film ReviewThe first film distributed by A24 in 2015 was Son of a Gun starring Brenton Thwaites, Ewan McGregor, and Alicia Vikander. Directed and written by Julius Avery, this Australian crime-drama follows JR, a recently imprisoned 19 year old kid. JR meets Brendan through a mutual love of chess. Brendan, a hardened criminal and bank robber, offers his protection in exchange for help when JR gets out of prison. With violent prison-mates looming, JR agrees to Brendan's offer and we venture into the underbelly of an Australian criminal enterprise. Will these A24 nerds enjoy this contribution to Australian cinema as much as they...
2022-08-311h 01A24 On The RocksInterview with Brandon Johnston from The Martini Shot, A24 2013-2014 Year's in ReviewIn this special episode these A24 nerds talk to Brandon Johnston from The Martini Shot, a fellow film reviewer and mixologist who makes unique cocktails for every film he reviews. Brandon shows them how to make a "sex on the farm," inspired by the A24 film X and the cocktail "sex on the beach." Now that every film from 2013-2014 is reviewed: these cinephiles give their favorite film and least favorite film from those two years and discuss what film they would've rated differently. There is also a rehashing of the Spring Breakers debate which proved to be the...
2022-07-2755 minA24 On The Rocks16. A Most Violent Year (2014) Film ReviewIt's 1981 New York City and Ronald Reagan (the actor) is President, you own a heating-oil business and your oil trucks keep getting robbed... what do you do? This film may have the answer. Starring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain, A Most Violent Year is a period crime-drama that explores the inner workings of the oil industry in the early 80s. The film centers around Abel, an immigrant and business owner who wants to achieve the American Dream, but at what cost? Is the American Dream all a mirage? Written and directed by J.C. Chandor and co-starring Albert Brooks...
2022-07-201h 02A24 On The Rocks14. Revenge of the Green Dragons (2014) Film ReviewIf we were to tell you Martin Scorsese produced another gangster movie with Ray Liotta in it, what would you think? Would you probably not think it’d be one of the worst gangster movie's of all time? Well then, you’d be wrong. Revenge of the Green Dragons is a 2014 film based on a true story about a Chinese gang named the Green Dragons that wrecked havoc on Queens in the 80s and 90s. Directed by Andrew Lau and Andrew Loo, while starring Justin Chon and Kevin Wu, Revenge of the Green Dragons is one of the worst reviewed A24...
2022-07-061h 02
A24 On The Rocks13. Laggies (2014) Film ReviewThe 2014 A24 film Laggies, directed by Lynn Shelton, is about a directionless 28 year old named Megan (played by Keira Knightley) in a dead-end relationship that meets a 16 year old named Annika (played by Chloe Grace Moretz) who provides a spark to her life after Megan found her dad cheating on her mom. It isn't long before these A24 nerds dig deeper into this movie and provide insight from their own life on the trials and tribulations of figuring out what they want to do in the world. Will this philosophical debate lead them to giving this film a good grade...
2022-06-291h 06A24 On The Rocks9. Obvious Child (2014) Film ReviewThis week the A24 On The Rocks podcast takes on the 2014 A24 film Obvious Child starring Jenny Slate, while being written and directed by Gillian Robespierre. We have experimental filmmaker Caitlin Ryan on to discuss this romantic comedy about a standup comedian who decides to get an abortion after having a one night stand. The crew discusses the divisive pro-choice/pro-life topic that is ever so relevant today and also shares personal experiences on the matter. Caution: movie spoilers.
2022-06-011h 04A24 On The Rocks7. Under The Skin (2014) Film ReviewIn 2014, Scarlett Johansson was in the middle of her Avengers and Marvel Cinematic Universe fame, yet she still starred in a little known (at the time) Sci-Fi film called Under The Skin out of Scotland. Adapted from a book by Michel Faber and directed by Jonathan Glazer, it went on to be one of the most critically acclaimed roles of Johansson's career. The seventh film distributed by A24 became a benchmark for the type of films they'd be known for later. So what do these A24 fans think of it? Tune in and find out. Caution: movie spoilers.
2022-05-181h 07A24 On The Rocks6. Enemy (2014) Film ReviewThe first film distributed by A24 in 2014 was Enemy, starring Jake Gylenhaal, based off the novel The Double by Jose Saramago. It proved to be a turning point in director Denis Villeneuve's as he went on to direct Arrival, Blade Runner 2049, and Dune. These A24 fans discuss the deeper meanings of this mind-bending thriller and easter eggs throughout the film that led to the ending. How come they made Toronto look so depressing? Have you ever found a doppelgänger of yourself in real life, and if you did... what would you do? Caution: movie spoilers.
2022-05-1150 minA24 On The Rocks5. The Spectacular Now (2013) Film ReviewOn this week's A24 On The Rocks we have special guest Luke Londo on to review A24's fifth film: the 2013 coming of age drama The Spectacular Now, starring Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley. This group of cinephiles discuss the themes of this adaptation, reminiscing on their own high school experiences, and how a rom-com on the surface turned into a melancholy tale of addiction. How does this movie fit in the A24 catalogue and what letter grade will they give it? Caution: movie spoilers.
2022-05-0456 minA24 On The Rocks3. Spring Breakers (2013) Film ReviewIn their journey to review every single A24 film in chronological order, these movie-buffs review A24's third film: the 2013 cult classic Spring Breakers directed by Harmony Korine. They break down everything from how the film has aged, the soundtrack, the director's intent, and the choice to cast Disney stars in an explicit and divisive film. As Alien (played by James Franco) would say: SPRING BREAK FOREVER. Caution: movie spoilers.
2022-04-2048 minA24 On The Rocks2. Ginger & Rosa (2013) Film ReviewThe second A24 film ever distributed was Ginger & Rosa, a coming of age drama starring Elle Fanning about a British girl dealing with family trauma and existential dread during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Written and directed by Sally Potter, these A24 fans discuss how Potter used a historical event to explore growing up in a dysfunctional family with a friend who is starting to float in another direction. They debate how jazz and poetic cinematography was used to achieve this point. Will Ginger & Rosa grade better on the A24 scale than the disaster that was A Glimpse Inside the Mind...
2022-04-1358 minA24 On The Rocks1. A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III (2013) Film ReviewIn the first episode of A24 On the Rocks, these cinephiles begin their journey of reviewing every single A24 film in chronological order. The first movie? A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III, starring Charlie Sheen and directed by Roman Coppola. We discuss Charlie Sheen's pop culture relevancy in 2012 and his fall from grace, on top of reviewing the movie and giving our letter grade. Caution: movie spoilers.
2022-04-0653 min
A24 Archives -Screener Squad: After YangAFTER YANG MOVIE REVIEW This weekend, in theaters, while The Batman offers us all a Colin Farrell as a bloated, scarred-faced Penguin fleeing the Dark Knight in an explosive car chase, After Yang gives us Colin Farrell where he shines brightest: in an indie drama from A24. And sure, A24 often means beautifully filmed, brooding, […]
2022-03-0419 min