Shows
The Film BoardMickey 17Prepare yourselves for a journey into the bewildering world of Bong Joon Ho's latest sci-fi offering. That's right—the director who brought you parasites in the basement and tentacles in the river has now delivered expendable humans on a frozen planet.In this week's utterly perplexing episode, Pete Wright gathers his gang of film-analyzing thugs to dissect "Mickey 17," a movie that asks the profound question: "What if your corporate job literally killed you repeatedly and you STILL couldn't quiet quit?"Our brave hosts—Tommy Metz III, Justin Jaeger, and the mysteriously summoned Andy Nelson (who apparently only materializes for "M" movi...2025-03-111h 08
The Film BoardWuxia Unleashed: Leon Hunt & Chris Hamm on Martial Arts and Myth • Cinema Scope • Bonus EpisodeIn this inaugural episode of Cinema Scope, host Andy Nelson is joined by professors Leon Hunt and Chris Hamm to explore the captivating world of wuxia, a Chinese film genre that blends philosophy, action, and legend. They discuss the key elements that define wuxia, such as the chivalrous heroes, period settings, and fantastical elements, as well as the concept of jianghu, a unique world within wuxia stories.Leon and Chris trace the evolution of wuxia from its roots in early Chinese literature to its influence on other genres, including Hollywood blockbusters. They also highlight notable works like A Touch of...2024-03-271h 18
Sitting in the DarkWuxia Unleashed: Leon Hunt & Chris Hamm on Martial Arts and Myth • Cinema Scope • Bonus EpisodeIn this inaugural episode of Cinema Scope, host Andy Nelson is joined by professors Leon Hunt and Chris Hamm to explore the captivating world of wuxia, a Chinese film genre that blends philosophy, action, and legend. They discuss the key elements that define wuxia, such as the chivalrous heroes, period settings, and fantastical elements, as well as the concept of jianghu, a unique world within wuxia stories.Leon and Chris trace the evolution of wuxia from its roots in early Chinese literature to its influence on other genres, including Hollywood blockbusters. They also highlight notable works like A Touch of...2024-03-271h 18
Still Life: A PodcastEpisode 15: Fawn Weaver (Uncle Nearest)Andy takes pride in the fact that the story of Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery is about as good as any in the distilled spirits industry. If a better whiskey distillery story exists, however, it no doubt belongs to Uncle Nearest, whose founder and CEO Fawn Weaver joins Andy for this fascinating and far-reaching conversation about the business, the hard work of historical research (especially in a region that doesn’t always want its story to be told correctly), and why it might not be the worst thing in the world if the whiskey itself isn’t a distillery’s number...2023-11-272h 11
Sitting in the DarkFiltered Reality: Found Footage, Screenlife, and the Epistolary TraditionOn this episode of Sitting in the Dark, host Tommy Metz III is joined by Pete Wright and Andy Nelson for an exploration of found footage and epistolary films. As Tommy explains, the goal is to examine how certain horror movies have upheld the literary epistolary tradition on screen through the use of found footage techniques.The episode provides an analysis of found footage pioneer The Blair Witch Project, examining how its use of multiple cameras and time jumps strips away the usual cinematic artifice to create heightened suspense. They then delve into Unfriended, dissecting how its adherence to...2023-11-251h 12Still Life: A PodcastEpisode 12: Khalid Williams (The Barrel Age)Khalid Williams is a bartender, writer, scholar, and hospitality super genius whose insights into the social and cultural history that informs his work help elevate craft into the realm of humanist art. But not to worry: Andy and Khalid also get deep into the distillation weeds. A fascinating conversation with a fascinating man. Learn more at https://www.drinkthebarrelage.com/2023-08-291h 51Still Life: A PodcastEpisode 11: Libby Callaway (The Callaway Communications/PR)Andy gets down to cases with Nashville’s premier luxury brand PR/communications representative, East TN native Libby Callaway. They discuss her background as a music and fashion critic in NYC, her transition to PR, the shrinking media landscape of Nashville, the way brands have to be about more than quality craftsmanship, and the challenges and rewards of sobriety—especially for those who work in the hospitality industry.2023-07-311h 26Still Life: A PodcastEpisode 10: Stefan Parsons (NASCAR)If you’re wondering what stock car racing has to do with the craft spirits industry, you’re not alone. Fortunately, in this month’s episode, Andy gets down to cases with NASCAR Xfinity series driver Stefan Parsons—whose car and suit advertised Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey at the Nashville Superspeedway on Sat. June 24—and discover one or two surprising similarities. (Note: This episode was recorded three days before that ill-fated race, which adds a degree of historical interest to the conversation.)2023-06-261h 29Still Life: A PodcastEpisode 9: Rhonda Cammon (Perfectly Cordial)Andy sits down with the charismatic and inspiring founder of the celebrated mixer company Perfectly Cordial to discuss the many ways in which their stories of building a business in the spirits/hospitality industries overlap, despite radically different circumstances. Also: The link between nursing and hospitality, and what Nashville has to offer in the way of support to entrepreneurs (hint: not much). Find Rhonda’s incredibly delicious mixers at https://www.perfectlycordial.com/2023-05-311h 40Still Life: A PodcastEpisode 8: LP O'Brien (Drink Masters, LPDrinks.com)Years before LP O’Brien was blowing minds on the Netflix competition series Drink Masters and transforming the spirits industry, she played a big role in helping launch Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery. Andy catches up with his erstwhile colleague for an intriguingly candid conversation about the art of the cocktail and the process of self-discovery it can help animate.2023-04-241h 16Still Life: A PodcastEpisode 7: Chris Fletcher (Jack Daniel's)This month, Andy is joined by Chris Fletcher, Master Distiller at a scrappy, up and coming distillery called Jack Daniel’s. Their conversation delves into their shared and disparate experiences as legacy members of the spirits industry, and the peculiar nature of trying to carve out one’s own identity in the contemporary world while honoring the past.2023-03-271h 31Still Life: A PodcastEpisode 6: Marianne Eaves (Castle & Key, Eaves Blind)Andy gets down to cases with the mighty Marianne Eaves, whose bona fides were cemented in 2015 when she became Kentucky’s first female bourbon master distiller. Her career since has followed a steady trajectory of conspicuous successes. Their conversation touches on many of them, and plenty of other subjects besides—including confidence, sexism in the industry, and the unlikely route that led Eaves out of the world of art and science, to the role she occupies today: one of the most visible and respected players in the spirits industry today. (All this between sips of exotic bourbons from Eaves Blind...2023-02-281h 25Still Life: A PodcastEpisode 5: Ketch Secor (Old Crow Medicine Show)Still Life returns from its holiday hiatus with a bang as Andy sits down with Ketch Secor, co-founder and leader of Old Crow Medicine Show. Their discussion ranges far and wide—from the humble beginnings of Secor’s music career, to the challenges of trying to keep traditions alive in a changing world (and more specifically a changing city!), to the relationship between punk rock and old time music, to the definition of the word “authenticity.” There’s even some whiskey talk in there. Happy new year, and welcome back! PSThe instagram link Andy alludes to in the intr...2023-01-311h 26
The Film BoardM3GANThe Film Board Gathers! This month it's all about everybody's favorite murderbot who just can't stop with the hand-washing: M3GAN! Just what is it that attracts (most) of us to this James Wan-Blumhouse mash-up of mechanical malignancy? Is it the incredible performance of humans behind the machine? Is it Allison Williams playing less racist, but still pretty oblivious? Or is it the reclamation of scares from horror-satire and rejiggering them for jumps today?Pete Wright hosts Andy Nelson, Steve Sarmento, Justin 'JJ' Jaeger, and Tommy Metz III for a rousing conversation with a number of threads left unresolved — just li...2023-01-241h 11Still Life: A PodcastEpisode 4: Chip Tate (Tate & Co.)Andy has a long chat with one of the most notorious—and fascinating—figures in the world of craft spirits, the inimitable Chip Tate. Of course they discuss you know what (and if you don't know what, aren't you curious to find out?), but the conversation takes many more surprising turns, covering themes from the nature of truth, epistemology, the future of craft spirits in general, and how to assess the metal you make your still out of. Deep divers welcome.2022-11-211h 43
Cowboy CrossroadsEpisode 84: Andy NelsonCowboy poet, humorist, and farrier Andy Nelson talks about traveling the Great Basin with his farrier father, his horse shoeing and cowboy mentors, cowboy humor, and writing poetry. Find out more about Andy Nelson at www.cowpokepoet.com This episode is sponsored by Flint Custom Hats. Find out more about Flint Custom Hats at www.flinthat.com Find out more about Cowboy Crossroads at www.andyhedges.com Become a patron at www.patreon.com/cowboycrossroads2022-09-1359 minStill Life: A PodcastNicole Austin (General Manager and Distiller at Cascade Hollow Distilling Co.)Host Andy Nelson’s frank and funny conversation with one of the whiskey industry’s most prominent figures covers a lot of ground—from learning how to fake confidence until it becomes real to the risks and rewards of political engagement, and beyond. They discuss some heavy personal matters, and explore the unusual predicament of sharing a name with an internet celebrity whose bottom line is radically different from your own. 2022-09-081h 06Still Life: A PodcastEpisode 2: Ciona RouseEpisode 2: Ciona Rouse(July 22, 2002)Andy’s conversation with Nashville’s unofficial poet laureate goes deep into the mystery and power of poetry in fractious times, the importance of seeking out voices of people outside one’s own culture, and, perhaps more to the point for this show’s purposes, the historic relationship between writers and alcohol—specifically bourbon in Rouse’s case (and Andy’s, too, as luck would have it). Related topics: Lucille Clifton, Langston Hughes, the derivation and pronunciation of the name Ciona, the pros and cons of puns, Andy’s musical theater issues, the Louisa Nelson Aw...2022-07-281h 22
Still Life: A PodcastEpisode 1 Guest: John Edwards (Dads Drinking Bourbon)June 17, 2022For his inaugural episode, Still Life host Andy Nelson turns to friend and podcast pro John Edwards for pointers, and the conversation takes some surprisingly personal turns. John Edwards is best known as one half of the award-winning podcast Dads Drinking Bourbon. After his prospects as an athlete were cut short by an injury in college, he turned his attention to radio, working as a sportscaster and reporter for a series of national and regional stations before changing gears again to pursue a thriving career in IT. Somewhere along the way, he developed a t...2022-06-211h 12
The Film BoardFatherhoodFatherhood is a fairly loose adaptation of Matthew Logelin’s memoir, but unfortunately it feels loose in all the wrong ways. There seems to be an interesting story there, but it never quite clicks. Andy Nelson is joined by Ocean Murff and Steve Sarmento to discuss this latest Netflix release for Father's Day, but they're left frustrated with a film that never lives up to its potential. Kevin Hart and DeWanda Wise make a great couple, but the crew agrees they'd rather see them lead a stronger romantic comedy. The rest of the cast delivers strong work as well, but it...2021-06-221h 05
The Film BoardIn the HeightsIs the magic in the new film In the Heights from Jon M. Chu’s direction or from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s original Broadway show? We think it’s Chu working wonders here to bring Miranda's show to vibrant cinematic life.Andy Nelson is joined by Mandy Kaplan, Justin Jaeger, and special guest Brian Rowe from the Film at Fifty Podcast to form our artistic opinions. While the story doesn’t wow us as much as we hoped, Chu creates a film oozing personality and authenticity through his cast – Anthony Ramos, Melissa Barrera, Leslie Grace, Corey Hawkins, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Olga Merediz, Gregory Di...2021-06-151h 04
The Film BoardThe Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do ItEd and Lorraine Warren are back battling ghosts in The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, the third Conjuring film and eighth entry in The Conjuring Universe.Andy Nelson discusses the movie with Pete Wright, Tommy Metz III, and special guest Justin Harlan from Cinapse and The Farsighted podcast. Does this latest chapter fit well into the franchise? Why did James Wan hand over directing duties to Michael Chaves? And how do we feel about the story leaving the haunted house setting for a possessed person?Other topics include the blend of CG and practical effects, whether the villain...2021-06-081h 06
The Film BoardThe Mitchells vs the MachinesAn animated film about one family trying to stop a robot invasion from taking over the world doesn’t seem like the sort of movie that’s going to elicit tears, but that’s what The Mitchells vs the Machines did here. In this episode, Andy Nelson is joined in the board room by Mandy Kaplan from the MandCave podcast, Pete Wright from The Next Reel Film Podcast, and Steve Sarmento from Trailer Rewind to talk about Michael Rianda’s new animated film produced by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (The Lego Movie, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse). Needless to say, we all l...2021-05-041h 04
The Film BoardStowawayScience fiction is often used as a way to explore aspects of social mores, painting pictures of what’s working and what’s not in our societies. These stories often are thrilling, horrifying, or full of action as part of the nature of sci-fi. It’s not too common we end up in a science fiction story that’s a dramatic morality tale. Joe Penna’s second film Stowaway explores the complex and painful decisions a trio of astronauts has to make when a stowaway on their ship throws the life support systems out of whack.Andy Nelson is joined this month...2021-04-271h 07
The Next Reel Film PodcastI Shot Andy Warhol • The Next Reel"That’s that man hater. I don’t know what Andy sees in her.”Mary Harron started as a music journalist before moving into PBS documentaries. When she first learned about Valerie Solanas, the woman who shot Andy Warhol, she thought the subject would make an interesting documentary. Unfortunately, the lack of footage and disinterest in being interviewed from people who knew her led Mary and her producing team to realize a feature film may make more sense. Even Warhol himself apparently pushed for the feature focusing on Solanas. Harron co-wrote the script and made it as...2021-04-0853 min
The Film BoardRaya and the Last Dragon"Sometimes, you just have to take the first step.”The Film Board convenes in the land of Kumandra to discuss Disney’s new animated feature Raya and the Last Dragon. The voice cast is amazing – Kelly Marie Tran, Awkwafina, Gemma Chan, Daniel Dae Kim, Sandra Oh, Benedict Wong, and more – but how well does the story work? How much more impressive is the animation? And has Disney hit a point yet where any of their directors really gets to let their style shine through?Andy Nelson, Rob Kubasko, and Kyle Olson meet in the board room to talk about th...2021-03-091h 05
The Film BoardNomadlandThe Film Board is on the road with Frances McDormand in Chloé Zhao’s new film Nomadland. Do McDormand and Zhao deliver the goods and is the film worth all the awards it’s already raking in? Short answer: they definitely do and it definitely is. Andy Nelson, Steve Sarmento, and Tommy Metz III meet in the board room to talk about the film, now streaming on Hulu, and what they thought of it. Tune in!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesSupport The Next Reel Film Po...2021-02-231h 10
The Film BoardPalmerThe Film Board convenes to discuss Fisher Stevens’ new film Palmer starring Justin Timberlake, Juno Temple, Alisha Wainwright, and Ryder Allen. Does it deliver the emotional punch it sets out to deliver, or does it end up feeling more like a well-made Lifetime movie? And does the film do its job in delivering something the family can use to talk about gender nonconformity? Andy Nelson, Mandy Kaplan, and Tommy Metz III meet in the board room to talk about the film, now streaming on Apple TV Plus, and what they thought of it. Tune in!Join the conversation with movie lo...2021-01-3159 min
The Film BoardThe White TigerThe Film Board convenes to talk about Ramin Bahrani’s new Netflix film The White Tiger as our first film discussion of 2021. What does the film have to say about India’s caste system and does it relate universally to the haves and have nots? The performances are great, particularly from Adarsh Gourav as the lead, but the structure is a bit of a stumbling block for us. But is it enough of a stumble to keep us from enjoying it? Andy Nelson, Ocean Murff, and Kyle Olson meet in the board room to talk about the film and what they...2021-01-261h 05
The Film BoardWonder Woman 1984Believe it or not, we’re hitting 100! That’s right, our 100th episode today discusses the 100th film we’ve discussed on The Film Board. Wonder Woman 1984 broke the seal on Warner's year of day-and-date releases, giving us the return of Gal Gadot in full armor, and Mando out of his.So how has WW84 set the stage? Is it fine watching it at home or did we miss the big screen feel? Did it hold up to the quality the first film surprisingly delivered? Or does it feel like so many other films in the DCEU — clunky and ineptly handled...2020-12-291h 16
The Film Board30 Nights of Sex to Save Your MarriageThe Film Board Gathers! This week on the show, we're on a journey to save a marriage through therapy, comedy, and 30 straight nights of sex!30 Nights of Sex to Save Your Marriage has hit streaming services and we are honored to have one of the filmmakers with us to talk about it...a filmmaker who happens to be one of our very own. Join Pete Wright, Steve Sarmento, and Andy Nelson as we grill writer/director Tommy Metz III on the long road of production and release of his first feature film.Film SundriesWatch this film: Amazon • Tubi • AppleOriginal thea...2020-01-2754 min
The Film BoardStar Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of SkywalkerWhat a brilliant end to a decade! We’re wrapping it up with the ultimate film in the Skywalker Saga from that Star Wars galaxy far, far away: Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker. It will likely be impossible for us to talk about this without revealing major spoilers about this film that’s 42 years in the making, so tune in if you’re cool with sapping some of the surprises or go see it and then check in with us here as our conversation goes deep into its story, its execution, its characters and ultimately how all of...2019-12-241h 11
The Film BoardYesterdayThere have been some great British music biopics in the last year. They tend to garner some criticism for the way that history is manipulated to make movie drama. Also each one handles the original artists’ music in different ways. This month, Danny Boyle’s Yesterday was released in theaters and it shares with us the joy and the experience of The Beatles’ music by imagining a world where they didn't exist. That’s one way to ditch the criticism - go full fiction!This story is meant to be a romance and gives the audience some commentary on the terrible...2019-07-1253 min
The Film BoardPokémon: Detective Pikachu"That’s a twist. That’s very twisty."You may or may not have a connection to the world of the pocket monsters affectionately called Pokémon, but this month The Film Board is following its new movie in theaters that seeks to sate the adorable appetites of fans young and old in Pokémon: Detective Pikachu. It’s a CGI romp that’s meant to depict the clever characters of the card game in a way that places them photoreal by our side in the real world, much like the Pokémon Go! app has done in an animated...2019-05-1457 min
The Film BoardCaptain Marvel"I’m not what you think I am."Attention true believers! The Film Board is approaching the home stretch of the Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase Three. It's wrapping up over two successive months here in 2019. The big one of course is next month's Avengers: Endgame, but first let's dig into the penultimate Captain Marvel. The conversation on this episode will potentially spoil 22 films' worth of successive blockbuster suspense, so consider yourself forewarned.Pete Wright, Andy Nelson, Steve Sarmento, and Justin "JJ" Jaeger will chat up the progression of this epic anthology of super-ness, as long as there are no ev...2019-03-121h 11
The Film BoardHappy Death Day 2U"Uh, Who is this crazy white girl?"Horror abounds for The Film Board in February and this year is no different. We woke up in the same scary month this year with Happy Death Day 2U specially released for the sweetheart holiday in the middle of Valentine's week. It’s quite surely a screaming sequel and it really would be terribly odd if you tried to tackle it without the first one (from 2017) too, so be prepared as you click with us here because we’re going to spoil them both in this show.Take the leap with Tommy Metz...2019-02-191h 04
The Film BoardGlass“We’re finally being let into the universe.”Happy New Year everyone! The Film Board is respawning for you here this January with Glass from M. Night Shyamalan. Is it a sequel to Unbreakable? Is it a sequel to Split? Or is it something altogether different? The debate about this film should be super with an angle on origin and another on a Special Edition Showdown and openings for more. Be certain that when you join on this one it will be riddled with spoilers aplenty.On this show, we’ll gather takes from Tommy Metz III, Andy Nelson, Steve Sa...2019-01-221h 01
The Film BoardSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse"It always fits eventually."Here’s a gift for the whole family from The Film Board’s clan to yours - the thugs went out and saw our first official show-sanctioned animated film this week, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. It’s a break from what we usually do on our monthly show and the movie itself is a bit of a break from what you might expect in animation as well as what comic book movies and movies with Marvel properties have become in the industry. This movie is very different.Listen to this show to hear how those differ...2018-12-1859 min
The Film BoardThe Predator“The data suggests that it tracks its prey, exploits weakness. Seems to enjoy it, like a game.”The concept from Predator has been through a number of evolutions as a film and a franchise, so in this show we’ll dissect the DNA infusions brought to the bunch with the latest release. Written and Directed by Film Board favorite Shane Black, we’re excited to examine what’s new and different here as well as the appropriate level of homage to the classic-ly clever sci fi action horror hybrid.Listen to this episode and get a crazy roster of thugs: Ste...2018-09-1858 min
The Film BoardThe Happytime Murders“Looks like someone had a real piñata party.”What the heck is going on?! The Film Board was ROFL when the trailer for The Happytime Murders was released, so we decided to take a flyer and check to see if Melissa McCarthy and the Henson Gang could keep the raunchy laughs coming. We don’t usually tackle pure comedies at The Film Board so this conversation could be a pivotal point in our movie choices for the future.Join Andy Nelson, Tommy Metz III, and Justin 'JJ' Jaeger as we consider the freedom afforded to writers when visiting vice an...2018-08-2847 min
The Film BoardSolo: A Star Wars Story“I might be the only person who knows what you really are.”Ready for an Easter Egg hunt? Yes, it’s actually Memorial Day but Solo: A Star Wars Story hit theaters this weekend and it’s spelunking George Lucas’s treasures in the attic so The Film Board will spoil it all for you! This new Star Wars anthology film kicks off the summer season and we’re chiming in to separate the Fan Boys from the Fun Dip.Critics are wary of franchise fatigue, while the devoted are jumping at the chance to dive deeper into some cherished ch...2018-05-291h 09
The Film BoardReady Player One"It’s the only place that feels like I mean anything."Have you heard Steven Spielberg is rumored to be directing another Indiana Jones movie? It’s technically been “announced,” and the amazement that many people feel about that report after the wonder of The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull seems kinda like the wary optimism that the world brought to this month’s film board subject: Spielberg’s Ready Player One. The book by Ernest Cline was hugely popular but polarizing for some and it was loaded with 1980s nostalgia set a seemingly unfilmable un-license-able virtual world. It’s very possibl...2018-04-041h 11
The Next Reel Film PodcastLocal Hero — Andy Nelson • Movies We Like"I’m watching the sky, sir, and it’s doing some amazing things!"The Next Reel’s Speakeasy is an ongoing series of ours in which we invite an industry guest to join us and bring along one of their favorite movies to talk about. In this month’s episode, one of the many Andy Nelsons in the film world — specifically Andy Nelson the re-recording mixer — joins us to talk about one of his favorite films, Bill Forsyth’s 1983 film Local Hero.We talk about why the film resonates to this day and why the film is such a...2018-03-131h 12
The Film BoardMolly's Game"You don’t want to break the law when you’re breaking the law."Happy New Year! We’re bringing you an early episode of The Film Board as a late Christmas gift this year. Molly's Game was pre-released on the holiday, but we gathered some thugs here as quickly as possible this week for its wide release. It’s based on the book by Colorado native Molly Bloom about her real-life adventures running clandestine high stakes poker games with rich high profile players in Los Angeles and New York.On this episode, listen to Steve Sarmento, Andy Nelson, and Just...2018-01-091h 00
The Film BoardStar Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi"I need someone to show me my place in all this."We did it! We got to Star Wars #8 without our own Starkiller of a planet disintegrating - and what a fantastic reward we have in store for you when all of the usual suspect gang of thugs gather here to spoil the heck out of Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi. There’s so many people holding back the inner secrets of this story on social media so that you won’t get spoiled, but we fly a squadron of X-wings right in the face of t...2017-12-191h 33
The Film BoardMurder on the Orient Express"Use the little grey cells of the mind - and you will know!"The literary adaptation sub-faction of The Film Board thugs gathers here to spoil the unraveling of Agatha Christie’s great mystery masterpiece, Murder on the Orient Express. It’s an immensely remarkable award-laden cast gathered by Kenneth Branagh for this remake, but do they adequately slay the source material? It could be a crime to pull this relic out to confound new audiences — did the mustache pull it off? Do the filmmakers get away with it?Andy Nelson, Tommy Metz III, and Justin 'JJ' Jaeger conspire to sta...2017-11-141h 03
The Film BoardBlade Runner 2049"I did your job once. I was good at it."The Film Board gathers! This week on the show, we’re gearing up to hunt some rogue Nexus 8s and save all humanity with Denis Villeneuve's take on the Ridley Scott classic, Blade Runner 2049. How well does the new film respect the tone and style of the original? Does the film finally put to rest the mysteries of the first? Is Roger Deakins so good behind the camera?It’s no secret that we’re fans of Villeneuve’s work, but we come to Blade Runner 2049 with a none-too-subtle sense of...2017-10-101h 19
The Film BoardKingsman: The Golden CircleThe Film Board gathers! This week we’re choosing sides with the Kingsman and the Statesmen as we take on Poppy and the minions in Kingsman: The Golden Circle. Does Matthew Vaughn’s vaunted sequel deserve as much praise as Kingsman: The Secret Service? Do the Statesmen live up to our well-clad crusaders we know so well? Is Jeff Bridges just showing up to drink on set? We take on all these questions and...end up more split on this film than perhaps any other we’ve covered on this show! Join Andy Nelson, Steve Sarmento, Tommy Metz III, and Pete W...2017-09-261h 15
The Film BoardThe Dark Tower"Something made it through."Stephen King’s opus inspired the movie The Dark Tower and The Film Board gathers here to throw out a bunch of thoughts on it. There will be talk about the source material for this story and what needed to happen for it to come together on the big screen. How’s that old turn go again about the baby and the bathwater? We’ll try to pin that metaphor on the relevant elements as we break down The Dark Tower.Andy Nelson, Tommy Metz III, and Justin 'JJ' Jaeger are all in to muse about...2017-08-081h 00
The Film BoardThe Mummy"We recognize, examine, contain, destroy."THE FILM BOARD GATHERS! This month we all got wrapped up in the first film release for the “Dark Universe.” Tom Cruise and Russell Crowe give us an entry into a new world of gods and monsters in The Mummy. We will dispense our signature thuggery on evil incarnate and spoil the whole ball of bandages for you on this month’s show.Is this a fresh franchise exhuming classic horror characters from the 20s and 30s for an entertaining thrill ride or just to provide a shallow star showcase? Join us on the sh...2017-06-131h 15
The Film BoardAlien: Covenant"One wrong note eventually ruins the entire symphony."The Film Board gathers! This month we’ve hit the Feel-a-Round Cineplex for Ridley Scott’s latest entry to the Alien Cinematic Universe: Alien: Covenant. The film tells the story of a colony ship on their way to brave new horizons, seeding a distant planet with new life when they have to go check out this one thing on that one other planet only to discover... yeah, you know the drill. How well does Scott get us back into the Alienscape and engaged with this fancy new crew? What do we m...2017-05-231h 12
The Film BoardThe Circle"Knowing is good, but knowing everything is better."The Film Board gathers and we’re pulling everyone much much too close into The Circle. The book was released in 2013 from Dave Eggers and the movie adaptation opened this week in theaters. Our Thugs will completely spoil it for you in this show as we explore our respective crushes on Tom Hanks, Emma Watson, John Boyega, and so many others. We’re going to question everything in this movie, because depending on your preferred mode of listening, it may make you question everything about your technology choices.Our special sphe...2017-05-021h 11
The Film BoardGet Out“Here it is: My boy Chris has been missing for two days.”The Film Board gathers! This month, in a departure from the heady intensity of the Oscars line-up, our Gang of Thugs takes on a thriller written and directed by comedy all-star Jordan Peele. Get Out is thoroughly spoiled through our chat and we talk about its balance of satire and terror and the genre similarities of horror and comedy and how a filmmaker’s skills in one discipline can be transferable to the other.We’re continuing to try to scare the pants off ourselves this year and on t...2017-02-281h 14
The Film BoardSplit"He’s on the move."DON'T LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE FILM BOARD until you see Split! At The Next Reel and The Film Board, we always mention how WE SPOIL MOVIES and this month we’ve taken on twistmaster M. Night Shyamalan's newest film with a conversation that is completely impossible without SPOILING this movie for you. That being said, go see it and then come and join us because there is lots and lots to talk about from this psychological thriller put together in the classic Shyamalan style.Suspense and terror is front and center for...2017-01-241h 20
The Film BoardRogue One: A Star Wars Story"I'm one with the Force. The Force is with me."Look at this - The Film Board is back with a thuggish gathering of galactic implications. Last year doesn’t totally count as long ago nor far, far away for a new Star Wars movie, but the Disney franchise treatment this month goes all the way back into a sub-mid-prequel sort of thing with Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. If you’re not sure where this movie belongs in the mix, we’ll spoil it for you along with the rest of the story and all of its cl...2016-12-201h 26
The Film BoardJack Reacher: Never Go Back"You’re right – the numbers don’t add up."The Film Board is all out of breath! Our faithful thugs have been sprinting from house to car to theater to car to microphone to gather, AND SPOIL, FOR YOU - the new Tom Cruise production of Jack Reacher: Never Go Back. The first installment of the Lee Child adaptation was striking and clever. We’ll talk through whether doing a #2 bugs us at all.Our house is a very very very full house with our five regulars returning to the show including Steve Sarmento, Tommy Metz III, Andy Nelson, Pete Wri...2016-10-251h 20
The Film BoardWar Dogs"That sounds illegal."The Film Board gathers, celebrating the Dog Days of summer with a slick new film from the team that created The Hangover’s Wolf Pack. This month the Thugs get feral and spoil War Dogs for you because it features some of our favorite young Hollywood talent in Miles Teller and Jonah Hill and it’s just plain fun to figure out the alpha in a movie that’s categorized as “Comedy, Drama, War.”Our voices above the fray will include Tommy Metz III, Andy Nelson, Pete Wright, Justin 'JJ' Jaeger, and a return appearance from special gu...2016-08-231h 11
The Film BoardJason Bourne"Use SQL to corrupt the databases."The Film Board gathers! This month, we’ve got thugs being thugs as the Bourne Quintology moves into its latest chapter. Our secret super soldiers surface to talk about Matt Damon’s return and the latest techniques in brainwashing, performance enhancing drugs and any other tricky tactics to transform Robert Ludlum’s legends to screen.All alliteration aside, we’re going to spoil this movie and the rest of the franchise. So catch up to Jason Bourne with Pete Wright, Andy Nelson, Steve Sarmento, Tommy Metz III, and Justin 'JJ' Jaeger - it’s in theat...2016-08-021h 18
The Film BoardNow You See Me 2"Are you listening, Horsemen? You will get what's coming to you. In ways you can't expect."The Film Board gathers! This month, The Four Horsemen return to continue the magical crusade to right societal wrongs through misdirection and sleight of hand with Jon M. Chu’s Now You See Me 2. The Thugs tackle their own appetite for manipulation — Does this story deserve a sequel? Why would The Film Board approach it after widely panning the original? What happened to Isla Fisher and is she being played by Daniel Radcliffe?We spoil the tricks, but spread the magic with Andy...2016-06-141h 23
The Film BoardCaptain America: Civil War"If we can't accept limitations, we're no better than the bad guys."The Film Board gathers! This month, #TeamFilmBoard takes on #TeamCap and #TeamIronMan for the title in this hero-on-hero-on-decidedly-non-hero battle royale. How well do the Russo Brothers do in their continued ownership of the Cap franchise? How about writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely? And the cast of thousands of A-listers rounding out the Avengers including newcomer Chadwick Boseman? Yeah, here’s a spoiler: We want that Black Panther movie right. Now.This is a big movie, with monstrous shoes to fill. Join Andy Nelson, Steve Sarmento, To...2016-05-101h 29
The Film BoardBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice"We know better now, don't we? Devils don't come from hell beneath us. They come from the sky."The Film Board gathers! This month, the gang of thugs comes together to take on the latest in Zack Snyder’s DC Comics destruct-o-thon with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and, as a good panel show should, we offer a split decision! How well is Snyder acting as custodian of DC’s most iconic properties? Is the darker tone truly a representation of our contemporary cultural reality, or is it a slapped together tonal alternative to Marvel’s cinematic univer...2016-03-281h 27
The Film BoardHail, Caesar!“It’s complicated.”The Film Board gathers! The Coen Brothers are back, this time channeling the spirit of old Hollywood. Josh Brolin plays Eddie Mannix, the studio fixer charged with keeping the studio in fine form. His big star goes missing. His big starlet gets pregnant. His young hunk can’t act, but has the voice of an angel. And, oh yes, Commies.George Clooney plays Baird Whitlock, our kidnapped screen vet, but this film is chock full of stunt casting. Ralph Fiennes, ScarJo, Tilda Swinton (x2!), Frances McDormand, and oh yeah...if you saw the trailer, you’ve seen ju...2016-02-101h 15
The Film BoardThe Finest Hours“In the coast guard they say you go out, they don’t say you gotta come back.”The Film Board gathers! This month we’ve come together to take on Craig Gillespie’s story of a heroic Coast Guard rescue at sea, The Finest Hours” starring Chris Pine and Casey Affleck. How does the rugged crew handle the thrashing of the Nantucket coast? It’s a contentious episode this week, one that splits us on adaptation, truth versus fiction, and stoicism versus spectrum disorder. Join Andy Nelson, Steve Sarmento, Justin 'JJ' Jaeger, Tommy Metz III, and Pete Wright as we unpack h...2016-02-011h 20
The Film BoardStar Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens“Droid, please.”The Film Board gathers! This month the gang of thugs takes on the seventh film in The Star Wars Saga, this from reboot master, J.J. Abrams. Does he bring his magic rebootinator to set every day to apply just the right dose of mystery and lens flare? Is he able to get performances from Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, and Oscar Isaac to best our Star Wars expectations? Can Tommy remember what the bad-guy-ships are called?Join Steve Sarmento, Justin 'JJ' Jaeger, Tommy Metz, Andy Nelson, and Pete Wright for a discussion of all things Star...2015-12-231h 22
The Film BoardSPECTREThe Film Board gathers! ...around a long mysterious table high in a castle above the clouds to take on the biggest issues of the day — certainly the biggest at the box office right now: Sam Mendes’ latest entry in the life of our favorite spy, Spectre. How does Bond 25 stack up in Daniel Craig’s catalog? How important is it that Bond is moving from serial to series? What’s the deal with Bond girls anyway?This month we welcome back Chadd Stoops to the gang, along with Justin 'JJ' Jaeger, Andy Nelson, and Pete Wright as we take on the art...2015-11-131h 03
The Film BoardThe Martian“So… I blew myself up.”The Film Board gathers! This month on the show, we’re dropping everything and working together to bring our man Mark Watney home from Mars in Ridley Scott’s latest, The Martian. This film, based on Andy Weir’s meticulously crafted book, is a celebration of ingenuity and scientific achievement — a sentiment in short supply across our media landscape. It’s a triumph that a film about smart people is blowing the doors off the box office, whether you fall in love with the film or not. And some of us didn’t.Join Andy Nelson...2015-10-041h 14
The Film BoardEverest“Sit down, man. Acclimatize.”The Film Board gathers! This month the gang of thugs has come together to answer the age-old question that has transfixed adventurers time immemorial: why do we see Everest? Because it’s there. It’s an IMAX 3D exclusive this week which might make you think it’s something of a...you know...spectacle. We’re going to tell you all about that, and we’re going to say some really good things about the cast, some moderate things about the director and writers, and some downright lousy things about the film’s title card.So LOOK OUT...2015-09-211h 10
The Film BoardThe Man from U.N.C.L.E.“For a special agent, you’re not having a very special day, are you?"The latest franchise to get hit with reboot fever is a 1960s throwback with class that’s getting wildly underserved theatrical notice. That’s right, The Film Board gathers for The Man from U.N.C.L.E....and we LIKE it! Funny accents? You bet! Excessively stylistic action? And how! Dreamy blue eyes? You betcha! Join Andy Nelson, Steve Sarmento, Tommy Metz III, Mike Evans, and Pete Wright as we go to town on Guy Ritchie’s take on 1960s spy-o-rama with Henry Cavill, Ar...2015-08-171h 10
The Film BoardAnt-Man“I want you to break into a place and steal some stuff."The Film Board gathers! This month the gang of thugs comes together for Marvel's latest, Ant-Man. How does Scott Lang's mini hero stand in the current Marvel stable? What is the impact of the franchise model on our expectations going into Marvel films now? How does director Peyton Reed fare in light of the "Edgar Wright situation"? Join Film Board regulars Justin 'JJ' Jaeger, Steve Sarmento, Andy Nelson, and Pete Wright as we take on these questions, plus other favorites like: "Wow, how did we end up...2015-07-201h 01
The Film BoardAvengers: Age of UltronFilm Board assemble! This month the thugs gather to take on Joss Whedon’s next entry to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Avengers: Age of Ultron. How does the comic adaptation stand up to the original books? Does Joss manage to pull off an even more character-dense film and keep it making some sort of sense? Why does Ultron smile and blink? All these questions and so many more answered this week as Andy Nelson, Steve Sarmento, Tommy Metz III, Justin 'JJ' Jaeger, Mike Evans, and Pete Wright gather to give the smackdown to our coming robot overlords! Support Th...2015-05-061h 05
The Film BoardChild 44Child 44 was supposed to be Oscar bait. Instead, its star-heavy cast is dragging it through opening weekend with a 27% freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a deflated box office take. But why? This week, The Film Board gathers to take on Daniel Espinoza’s latest film of Richard Price’s once lauded Black List screenplay. Spoiler: This is not the script that Andy remembers — substantial changes to plot and tone appear to have neutered the final film of much of the gravitas the script had originally deserved. But the problems do not end there.Join Andy Nelson, Tommy Metz III, Justin...2015-04-191h 01
The Film BoardInsurgent“It’s time we fight back."The Film Board gathers! This month we take on the latest in The Divergent Series: Insurgent! This time around, Tris Prior is battling her nemeses internal and external at the hand of director Robert Schwentke and writers Brian Duffield, Akiva Goldsman, and Mark Bomback. How’d it hold up, you ask? Did Mekhi Phifer reprise his standout performance as Mekhi Phifer? Did Miles Teller play any rhythm instrument at all? Did Theo James brood? We answer all these questions, and address the most pressing issue of all: #InsurgentBedHead.All this in the capabl...2015-03-231h 02
The Film BoardBlackhatChris Hemsworth gives his all in Michael Mann's study of hacking new this week: Blackhat. If most computer films have historically failed the computer stuff, the consensus thus far is that Blackhat has delivered where others have so desperately lacked. But how does it hold up beyond the tech? The Film Board gathers! This week Andy Nelson, Steve Sarmento, Tommy Metz III, and Pete Wright hash out Blackhat, from every high-minded concept to the very last USB stick. Did Mann's usual critical eye deliver a thriller that'll stand? How about screenwriter Morgan Davis Foehl's first produced feature? We run the...2015-01-191h 10
The Film BoardThe Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1Katniss and crew are back in part one of their journey against the Capitol. Things are grim, as evidenced by the jumpsuits and rubble, and the crying that happens whenever our heroes see jumpsuits and/or rubble in the frame. The gang of thugs is back this week to take on Francis Lawrence’s latest take on The Hunger Games Saga, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1, and we’re firmly split on the results. Is it a fun romp through civilian uprising? Is it a valiant effort to translate literary tripe to screen? Or is it a shameless money grab...2014-11-231h 07
The Film BoardFuryThe Film Board gathers to fully spoil Brad Pitt’s and David Ayer's latest World War II tank-a-palooza, Fury. First spoiler: it's a war film, more intimate than epic, but it comes with all the violence that such a film typically entails. Too gratuitous? Does the film truck in inappropriately annoying stereotypes? Does Brad Pitt have crazy-fantastic scars? Did Shia really pull out his own tooth for the part? Steve Sarmento, Tommy Metz III, Andy Nelson, and Pete Wright take on all these critical tentpoles of film criticism in this month's Film Board. Join us! Support The Next Reel Fa...2014-10-191h 25
The Film BoardThe EqualizerIt’s throwback time on The Film Board as we take on Denzel Washington’s latest, The Equalizer. We discuss all the various social constructs Denzel and director Antoine Fuqua look to equalize, from guns and home improvement to racism and gender inequality. Plus, the film is punctuated with violence and not a little allegory. So join us — Andy Nelson, Steve Sarmento, Pete Wright, and the disembodied voice of Chadd Stoops — as we review this homage to Edward Woodward and ‘80s pop culture greatness. Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin o...2014-10-011h 02
The Film BoardGuardians of the GalaxyThis, good people, is a summer tentpole we can get excited about. Director James Gunn has delivered a funny and frolicking space opera in Guardians of the Galaxy with a terrific cast, immersive effects, and a script that is, as we're apt to say, way smarter than it needed to be. Join Mike Evans, Tommy Metz III, Andy Nelson, Steve Sarmento, Chadd Stoops, and Pete Wright as we break down the film. We walk through James Gunn’s performance as director and co-writer with Nicole Perlman, Ben Davis’ cinematography, gorgeous production and art design, and, of course, performances from Chris Prat...2014-08-031h 17
The Film BoardDawn of the Planet of the ApesWaitwaitwait... what?? A summer tentpole that causes us to ask big questions and congratulate smart filmmaking decisions? WHAT? Such is our review of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, people, and we’re as shocked as you are. This follow up to the 2011 reboot, Rise of the Planet of the Apes marks director Matt Reeves' big screen intro to the franchise. Does he live up to the love we showered him on for Cloverfield? The Film Board gathers to hash it out. Steve Sarmento, Tommy Metz III, Andy Nelson, and Pete Wright spread some ape love all over the fi...2014-07-131h 20
The Film BoardEdge of TomorrowTom Cruise is back in Doug Liman’s Edge of Tomorrow, tripping through time and trauma on the road to defeat an alien horde. Here’s the weird thing about this summer tentpole: we all loved it. No kidding. Andy Nelson, Steve Sarmento, Tommy Metz III, and Pete Wright make up The Film Board this week and dish spoilerifically on the time loop architecture at work in the film, the action, the humor (yes, humor!), and the crucial end. And did we mention Emily Blunt? She's crushingly awesome in this film as the brute, delivering what so many films have only...2014-06-081h 24
The Film BoardGodzillaJapan + Nuclear Power Plant + Misunderstood Fear of Technology = GODZILLA! The Film Board gathers to take on this summer romp and the jury is split. Did this summer’s dose of midtown mayhem lift you out of your seats? Join Tommy Metz III, Steve Sarmento, Andy Nelson, and Pete Wright for a chat about all things Godzilla-licious! Did Gareth Edwards bring his indie spirit to this monster mash? Did Max Borenstein deftly handle the hodgepodge of hands meddling in the script? Was Bryan Cranston in this movie? All these questions answered this week as Godzilla takes its place in The Film Bo...2014-05-211h 14
The Film BoardCaptain America: The Winter SoldierFilm Board assemble! It’s Captain America and his bestie The Winter Soldier this week as Andy Nelson, Pete Wright, Steve Sarmento, and Chadd Stoops huddle up to give this film a good drilling. We hash out the Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely-penned script, the direction of the Russo brothers, and of course, Robert Redford being all Robert Redford-y. How does Captain America: The Winter Soldier hold up in the Marvel Cinematic Universe? What’s the skinny on Bucky? Mindless speculation on story treatments leading into 2020? We hit it all. Join us for a rip-roaring good time crushing on all thin...2014-04-211h 20
The Film BoardDivergentWhat better way to kick off the spring tentpole season than with the launch of another adaptation of a young adult novel. This time, it’s Veronica Roth’s take on dystopian Abercrombie in Divergent. This is perhaps the most divided we’ve been on The Film Board. Andy Nelson, Steve Sarmento, and Tommy Metz III come out as pro-faction, Pete Wright and Mike Evans against. We take on Roth’s story and how well it translates to the big screen. We talk factions and the nature of social control in an after-the-fall Chicago. Somewhere in there, Pete makes a case for...2014-03-231h 16
The Film BoardThe Monuments MenMight be best to start off a conversation about George Clooney's latest, The Monuments Men, by telling you what this film is not. It's not a comedy. And in spite of its pedigree and subject matter, it's not all that much of a heist film. It doesn't spend enough time building character to be a character film. And if your name is either Andy Nelson or Tommy Metz III, the film isn't very good. This week on the show, Andy, Tommy, and Pete Wright take on Clooney's latest opus and dish on story, script, concept, cinematography, and the relative importance...2014-02-1855 min
The Film BoardJack Ryan: Shadow RecruitJack Ryan: Shadow Recruit is worth exactly what you pay for it. And possibly slightly less. Such is the verdict of The Film Board this month as we take on the Kenneth Branagh-helmed thriller. It's the fifth in the Ryan series, but the first not based on one of Tom Clancy's novels — a sore point for many of us on The Board. Writers Adam Cozad and David Koepp conjure up some interesting moments in a script that is otherwise awash in trite dialog. But the biggest questions remain: Can Chris Pine pull off the fish-out-of-water clumsiness of Ryan? Can Kevin Cos...2014-01-191h 33
The Film BoardThe Hobbit: The Desolation of SmaugWinding his way back and forth across the expanse of Middle Earth, Peter Jackson brings us his second stab at The Hobbit with The Desolation of Smaug, the fifth film in the Peter Jackson Middle Earth Cinematic Universe. That's right, we've come to understand more of Jackson's intent with this film and its place in his Tolkien saga. But the questions are plenty: Did he best the first Bilbo with the latest? Did 48fps drive the same sense of seizure-ama as the last film? Will Tommy make any off-color jokes that somehow, in spite of our best editing efforts, actually...2013-12-161h 32
The Film BoardThor: The Dark WorldWe're headed back to Asgard this week as we gather The Film Board to take on Thor: The Dark World! Join Andy Nelson, Pete Wright, Steve Sarmento, and Tommy Metz III as we meticulously dissect the strange attraction we have for a hero that has no flaw, and is a god. We talk about Natalie Portman's riveting portrayal of a woman who deeply loves science. We talk about Kat Dennings and how much funnier it would have been if Michael Cera had played "Intern." And most importantly, we lavish great fondness all over, around, and through Tom Hiddleston for his...2013-11-111h 13
The Film BoardGravityWe’re on a trip to space with Sandra Bullock and George Clooney in this month’s Film Board review of Cuarón & Son’s astro-tacular, Gravity. Join Steve Sarmento, Tommy Metz III, Andy Nelson, and Pete Wright as we pull apart a film miraculously greater than the sum of its pretty good parts. We pull apart the film, the performance(s), the writing, but most of all (spoiler) we lavish unheard of praise on Emmanuel Lubezki and the stunning digital filmmaking pouring from his hands. It’s a great conversation with some interesting twists, a whole lot of love, and just...2013-10-281h 16
The Film BoardPrisonersThe next time your young daughter asks if she can take Joy to your house on the other side of the neighborhood, the correct answer is a resounding "no." Such is the lesson from this week's Film Board subject, Denis Villeneuve's Prisoners. Join Steve Sarmento, Mike Evans, Andy Nelson, and Pete Wright as we discuss the strong performances across the cast, led by the captivating Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal. We talk about the spellbinding cinematography of one of our favorites in the business, Roger Deakins, who manages to turn a sleepy Pennsylvania suburb into a horrifyingly bleak kidnap-scape. And...2013-09-221h 26
The Film BoardYou're NextSpoiler alert — the crew is as divided on You're Next as we have ever been on this show. Director Adam Wingard's home invasion horror romp has been hailed as "clever," "deliciously twisted," and that it "streamlines the gory stuff for something truly shocking: good characters." So, is it really the refreshing attempt to turn the genre on its ear? Or is it dumb dumb stupid dumb and the sign of the fall of civilization? Join Steve Sarmento, Tommy Metz III, Andy Nelson, and Pete Wright as they do their best to figure out if they even saw the same movie. 2013-08-271h 10
The Film BoardWorld War ZThe curse is broken! The Film Board gathers and we finally have a movie that all of us like! It's Brad Pitt against the world's nasty plague problem on the show this week and Steve, Andy, and Pete talk about why you should see World War Z, why you should like this film, and why it's culturally far more relevant than a run-of-the-mill zombie thriller. That's right, we're cutting against the grain this week on The Film Board so check out this film and join us for a chat on Pitt and the world that's out to bite him! ...2013-06-231h 03
The Film BoardNow You See MeIt's a Very Special Episode for this month's Film Board gathering. Today on the show, Steve Sarmento and Chadd Stoops join Andy Nelson and Pete Wright to take on the great Next Reel Crossover with Now You See Me — a magical heist film of skeptical proportions. Director Louis Leterrier takes The Four Horsemen Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, and Dave Franco and manufactures the epic stage show. Does it hold up to scrutiny? Is this finally the Morgan Freeman/Michael Caine matchup to end all Morgan Freeman/Michael Caine matchups? Is Mark Ruffalo still super-angry all the time? All th...2013-06-031h 14
The Film Board42The Film Board gathers to take on this weekend's new release, 42. This Jackie Robinson biopic comes with some misgivings, not the least of which comes in writer-director Brian Helgeland's script. The Board is moved somewhere between "stark and emotionless" to "Lifetime Movie of the Week" with this entry into cinema baseball-dom, with a few noted highlights: Chadwick Boseman and Nicole Beharie offer standout performances in this otherwise middling sports fare. Join Andy Nelson, Steve Sarmento, Mike Evans, and Pete Wright for a conversation about baseball, great movie posters, and a little bit of Windows 8. Because of Andy. Support The...2013-04-141h 16
The Film BoardOz the Great and PowerfulThe Film Board gathers to take on Disney's latest trip to the Emerald Kingdom. This week on the show, Steve Sarmento and Tommy Metz III join Andy and Pete to pull apart Oz The Great and Powerful, and pull it apart they do. Clumsy scripting? Trouble with the protagonist? Witches that can shoot lightning from their fingers throwing away everything because of a crush on a boy? All that, and we're still swept away by the magic of the final act. Listen in for why we think this is a great what-could-have-been film that ends up near the very bottom...2013-03-111h 28
The Film BoardSide EffectsThe band is back together! And this month, the illustrious Film Board gathers its ranks to take on Steven Soderbergh's "final" film, Side Effects. Haven't seen it yet? Don't worry, we'll spoil it for you, but it won't matter – you won't understand it anyway. Chadd Stoops, Steve Sarmento, Mike Evans, and newcomer Tommy Metz III join Andy and Pete to hash out just how Soderberghian this film really is, the overwhelmingly satisfying performances from the key actors throughout this complex thriller, and if "sleep-murder" is a thing we should all be more concerned about, actually. Support The Next Reel Fa...2013-02-111h 26
The Film BoardThe Hobbit: An Unexpected JourneyThe Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey has landed in HFR 3D glory! Join us for this special episode of The Film Board as we take on Peter Jackson's latest contribution to Middle Earth. This month's contributors Steve Sarmento and Chadd Stoops join Andy and Pete for a conversation on the tech, the tools, and the people that bring this beloved children's classic to life. 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...2012-12-171h 03The Film BoardCloud AtlasThe Film Board gathers to take on Cloud Atlas, the epic journey of a whole lot of Toms Hanks and Halles Berry. Join Andy Nelson, Pete Wright, and Chadd Stoops as they share what worked, what didn't, and what makes this film a passionate, beautiful mess. 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...2012-10-291h 04
The Film BoardLooperIn spite of scheduling complications, The Film Board goes on. This month, Pete and Andy talk Looper starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Bruce Willis. 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: Pete | JJ | Steve | Tommy | Andy | Ocean Shop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch P...2012-09-301h 01
The Film BoardThe Bourne LegacyJoin the goodly Chadd Stoops, Mike Evans, Steve Sarmento, Andy Nelson, and Pete Wright to talk The Bourne Legacy. We talk Chaos Cinema. We talk Jeremy Renner and the Brothers Gilroy. At one point, Steve gets so mad he disappears. And then Andy overloads the Internet. Finally, we talk about The Hobbit and the 48 fps wonder 3D future in store for us all. 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...2012-08-121h 20The Film BoardThe Dark Knight RisesThe Board Gathers! Andy Nelson and Pete Wright are joined by regulars Chadd Stoops and Steve Sarmento to talk through the final chapter in Christopher Nolan's contribution to the Batman universe: The Dark Knight Rises. 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: Pete | JJ...2012-07-221h 12
The Film BoardPrometheusThe Film Board Gathers! This week, we come together to see if Andy and Pete were right about Prometheus. 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: Pete | JJ | Steve | Tommy | Andy | Ocean Shop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films w...2012-06-161h 10