Shows
Cinema RoyaleTravis Hopson's 20 Best Movies Of 2024Film critic Travis Hopson reveals his picks for the 20 best movies of 2024! Well, his favorite movies of 2024. What are yours?All of this and more can be found at www.punchdrunkcritics.com!Subscribe to Punch Drunk Critics on YouTube: / @punchdrunkcritics1 Follow Punch Drunk Critics on Twitter: / pdcmovies Follow Punch Drunk Critics on Facebook: / pdcmovies You can also subscribe to our podcast Cinema Royale anywhere you get your podcasts!#bestmovies2024 #Bestoftheyear #endoftheyear2025-01-0610 min
Cinema RoyaleBOY KILLS WORLD Review: Bill Skarsgard Goes Nuts In Hyper-Violent Revenge FlickTravis Hopson of Punch Drunk Critics reviews BOY KILLS WORLD, a hyper violent revenge flick that's part THE RUNNING MAN, part THE RAID. Stars Bill Skarsgard, Famke Janssen, Jessica Rothe, Brett Gelman, Andrew Koji, Michelle Dockery, Isaiah Mustafa, Yayan Ruhian, and Sharlto Copley!Skarsgård stars as "Boy" who vows revenge after his family is murdered by Hilda Van Der Koy (Janssen), the deranged matriarch of a corrupt post-apocalyptic dynasty that left the boy orphaned, deaf and voiceless. Driven by his inner voice, one which he co-opted from his favorite childhood video game, Boy trains with a mysterious s...2024-04-2504 min
Cinema RoyaleCHALLENGERS Review: Zendaya Is Aces in Luca Guadagnino's Steamy Tennis Romance (128 kbps)Travis Hopson of Punch Drunk Critics review Luca Guadagnino's steamy tennis love-triangle romance, CHALLENGERS, starring Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O'Connor.Opens in theaters on April 26th!From visionary filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, Challengers stars Zendaya as Tashi Duncan, a former tennis prodigy turned coach and a force of nature who makes no apologies for her game on and off the court. Married to a champion on a losing streak (Mike Faist – West Side Story), Tashi’s strategy for her husband’s redemption takes a surprising turn when he must face off against the washed-up Patrick (Josh O’Connor –...2024-04-2505 min
Cinema RoyaleABIGAIL Review: Bite-Sized Vampire Ballerina Makes For A Bloody Good, B-Movie Horror ComedyTravis Hopson of Punch Drunk Critics reviews ABIGAIL, the horror comedy from Radio Silence starring Melissa Barrera, Dan Stevens, Kathryn Newton, Giancarlo Esposito, Angus Cloud, Alisha Weir, Kevin Durand, and William Catlett.After a group of would-be criminals kidnap the 12-year-old ballerina daughter of a powerful underworld figure, all they have to do to collect a $50 million ransom is watch the girl overnight. In an isolated mansion, the captors start to dwindle, one by one, and they discover, to their mounting horror, that they’re locked inside with no normal little girl.ABIGAIL is in theaters now.2024-04-2104 min
Cinema RoyaleREBEL MOON-PART 2: THE SCARGIVER ReviewTravis Hopson of Punch Drunk Critics reviews Zack Snyder's epic space opera sequel, REBEL MOON-PART 2: THE SCARGIVER, starring Sofia Boutella, Michiel Huisman, Ed Skrein, Djimon Hounsou, Anthony Hopkins, and more!Rebel Moon — Part Two: The Scargiver continues the epic saga of Kora and the surviving warriors as they prepare to sacrifice everything, fighting alongside the brave people of Veldt, to defend a once peaceful village, a newfound homeland for those who have lost their own in the fight against the Motherworld. On the eve of their battle the warriors must face the truths of their own pasts, each re...2024-04-2106 min
Cinema RoyaleCIVIL WAR Review: Nightmare Look At The Fall Of America Is Beautiful, Haunting, And A Must-SeeTravis Hopson of Punch Drunk Critics reviews Alex Garland's nightmarish political thriller CIVIL WAR, starring Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Stephen McKinley Henderson, and Cailee Spaeny.From filmmaker Alex Garland comes a journey across a dystopian future America, following a team of military-embedded journalists as they race against time to reach DC before rebel factions descend upon the White House.A24 has released CIVIL WAR into theaters now.2024-04-1206 min
Cinema RoyaleSASQUATCH SUNSET Review: Jesse Eisenberg And Riley Keough Lead Strangely Heartwarming Bigfoot ComedyTravis Hopson of Cinema Royale reviews the Zellner Brothers' Bigfoot comedy SASQUATCH SUNSET starring Jesse Eisenberg and Riley Keough.In the misty forests of North America, a family of Sasquatches—possibly the last of their enigmatic kind— embark on an absurdist, epic, hilarious, and ultimately poignant journey over the course of one year. These shaggy and noble giants fight for survival as they find themselves on a collision course with the ever-changing world around them. Starring Riley Keough and Jesse Eisenberg, acclaimed directors David and Nathan Zellner (Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter) bring you the greatest Bigfoot story ever told...2024-04-1204 min
Cinema RoyaleARCADIAN Review: Nicolas Cage Tries To Survive Monster Attacks And Teen HormonesTravis Hopson of Punch Drunk Critics reviews Ben Brewer's creature feature/coming-of-age film ARCADIAN starring Nicolas Cage, Jaeden Martell, and Maxwell Jenkins. In a near future, normal life on Earth has been decimated. Paul and his two sons, Thomas and Joseph, have been living a half-life – tranquility by day and torment by night. One day, Thomas doesn’t return home on time from a visit to his crush, the nearby farm girl, Charlotte. Paul chooses to leave the safety of their fortified farm, risking his life to find Thomas. Just as he finds his boy, a nightmarish battle ensue...2024-04-1104 min
Cinema RoyaleMONKEY MAN Review: Dev Patel Comes Out Swinging With Wildly Outrageous, Uneven Mumbai Revenge FlickTravis Hopson of Cinema Royale review Dev Patel's action flick MONKEY MAN, directed, written, and starring Patel. Produced by Jordan Peele.Inspired by the legend of Hanuman, an icon embodying strength and courage, ‘Monkey Man’ stars Patel as Kid, an anonymous young man who ekes out a meager living in an underground fight club where, night after night, wearing a gorilla mask, he is beaten bloody by more popular fighters for cash. After years of suppressed rage, Kid discovers a way to infiltrate the enclave of the city’s sinister elite. As his childhood trauma boils over, his myster...2024-04-1104 min
Cinema RoyaleDOGMAN Review: Luc Besson's Crazy Canine Revenge FilmTravis Hopson of Punch Drunk Critics reviews DOGMAN, Luc Besson's oddball revenge thriller starring Caleb Landry Jones and a kennel's worth of canine co-stars.The incredible story of a child, bruised by life, who will find his salvation through the love of his dogs.DOGMAN opens in theaters on March 29th.Subscribe to Punch Drunk Critics on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PunchDrunkCritics1Follow Punch Drunk Critics on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/pdcmoviesFollow Punch Drunk Critics on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pdcmovies2024-03-2804 min
Cinema RoyaleGODZILLA x KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE ReviewTravis Hopson of Cinema Royale reviews GODZILLA x KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE, the latest chapter in the blockbuster Monsterverse! The film stars Rebecca Hall, Dan Stevens, Brian Tyree Henry, and Kaylee Hottle. Adam Wingard once again directs. The epic battle continues! Legendary Pictures’ cinematic Monsterverse follows up the explosive showdown of “Godzilla vs. Kong” with an all-new adventure that pits the almighty Kong and the fearsome Godzilla against a colossal undiscovered threat hidden within our world, challenging their very existence—and our own. “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” delves further into the histories of these Titans and their origins...2024-03-2806 min
Cinema RoyaleTHE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MAGICAL NEGROES Review_ Afraid To Make White People UncomfortableTravis Hopson of Cinema Royale reviews THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MAGICAL NEGROES starring Justice Smith, David Alan Grier, An-Li Bogan, and Drew Tarver. THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MAGICAL NEGROES is a fresh, satirical comedy about a young man, Aren, who is recruited into a secret society of magical Black people who dedicate their lives to a cause of utmost importance: making white people’s lives easier.THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF MAGICAL NEGROES is in theaters now.2024-03-1706 min
Cinema RoyaleLOVE LIES BLEEDING Review_ Kristen Stewart And Katy O'Brian Thrill In Intense Queer Crime Romance (128 kbps)Travis Hopson of Cinema Royale reviews Rose Glass's queer crime romance LOVE LIES BLEEDING starring Kristen Stewart and Katy O'Brian. The film also stars Ed Harris, Dave Franco, Jena Malone, and Anna Baryshnikov. From Director Rose Glass comes an electric new love story; reclusive gym manager Lou falls hard for Jackie, an ambitious bodybuilder headed through town to Vegas in pursuit of her dream. But their love ignites violence, pulling them deep into the web of Lou’s criminal family. LOVE LIES BLEEDING is in theaters now.Subscribe to Punch Drunk Critics on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Pun...2024-03-1505 min
Cinema RoyaleMario Van Peebles Talks OUTLAW POSSE And Why Making Black Westerns Is Important (128 kbps)Mario Van Peebles Talks With Travis Hopson of Punch Drunk Critics about his return to the Western genre, OUTLAW POSSE! He talks about his love of Westerns, why telling Black stories in the genre is important, and passing the torch to his son, Mandela.OUTLAW POSSE is open in theaters now.Subscribe to Punch Drunk Critics on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PunchDrunkCr...Follow Punch Drunk Critics on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/pdcmoviesFollow Punch Drunk Critics on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pdcmovies2024-03-0617 min
Cinema RoyaleDUNE: PART TWO Review (128 kbps)Travis Hopson of Cinema Royale creviews Denis Villeneuve's DUNE: PART TWO starring Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Austin Butler, Rebecca Ferguson, and Florence Pugh.DUNE: PART TWO opens in theaters on March 1st.2024-02-2806 min
Cinema RoyaleReinaldo Marcus Green Talks BOB MARLEY_ ONE LOVE And Staying True To The Reggae Legend (128 kbps)Travis Hopson of Punch Drunk Critics talks with BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE director Reinaldo Marcus Green about his new biopic on the reggae legend.BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE is open in theaters now.2024-02-1410 min
Cinema RoyaleLISA FRANKENSTEIN Review: Kathryn Newton And Cole Sprouse Can't Jolt Undead Teen Comedy To Life (128 kbps)Travis Hopson of Punch Drunk Critics review horror-comedy LISA FRANKENSTEIN starring Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse, directed by Zelda Williams from a Diablo Cody script.Focus Features releases it into theaters on February 9th.2024-02-1406 min
Cinema RoyaleOUT OF DARKNESS Review: Stone Age PREDATOR-esque Horror Delivers Tension And Brutality By Firelight (128 kbps)Travis Hopson of Punch Drunk Critics reviews Stone Age horror OUT OF DARKNESS, directed by Andrew Cumming and starring Chuku Modu and Safia Oakley-Green.In theaters on February 9th.2024-02-1404 min
Cinema RoyaleTHE PROMISED LAND Review_ Mads Mikkelsen Conquers Another Complex, Tragic Hero Role (128 kbps)Travis Hopson of Punch Drunk Critics reviews Mads Mikkelsen in THE PROMISED LAND, Nikolaj Arcel's sweeping historical epic of conquest and ambition.In theaters now.Subscribe to Punch Drunk Critics on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PunchDrunkCritics1Follow Punch Drunk Critics on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/pdcmoviesFollow Punch Drunk Critics on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pdcmoviesYou can also subscribe to Cinema Royale anywhere you get your podcasts! Please leave us a review as it helps us immensely. Thanks!2024-02-0505 min
Cinema RoyaleARGYLLE Review_ Big Stars, Big Twists, Little Else (128 kbps)Travis Hopson of Punch Drunk Critics and Cinema Royale reviews Matthew Vaughn's spy comedy ARGYLLE starring Bryce Dallas Howard, Henry Cavill, Sam Rockwell, John Cena, Samuel L. Jackson, Dua Lipa, Bryan Cranston, and more!ARGYLLE is in theaters now!Subscribe to Punch Drunk Critics on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PunchDrunkCritics1Follow Punch Drunk Critics on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/pdcmoviesFollow Punch Drunk Critics on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pdcmoviesYou can also subscribe to Cinema Royale anywhere you get your podcasts! Please leave us a review as it helps...2024-02-0505 min
Cinema RoyaleIan McShane Talks Playing The Hitman In AMERICAN STAR (128 kbps)Ian McShane chats with Travis Hopson of Punch Drunk Critics and Cinema Royale about his new film AMERICAN STAR, a personal project in which he gets to take on the hitman mantle for himself. He also discusses comparisons to his character in JOHN WICK, making a truly independent movie, and more.AMERICAN STAR opens in theaters and VOD on January 26th.Subscribe to Punch Drunk Critics on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PunchDrunkCritics1Follow Punch Drunk Critics on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/pdcmoviesFollow Punch Drunk Critics on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com...2024-02-0509 min
Cinema RoyaleSpecial Interview: Jeffrey Wright Talks AMERICAN FICTION, Grappling With Stereotypes In Entertainment, And More (128 kbps)AMERICAN FICTION star Jeffrey Wright talks with film critic Travis Hopson about his Oscars-worthy performance in the acclaimed literary satire. He gives his thoughts on the movie's criticisms of the publishing world and the entertainment industry, plus the connection he feels to his character, Monk Ellison.AMERICAN FICTION is in theaters now and expands on December 22nd before going nationwide in January.Subscribe to Punch Drunk Critics on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PunchDrunkCr...Follow Punch Drunk Critics on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/pdcmoviesFollow Punch Drunk Critics on Facebook: https...2023-12-1909 min
Cinema RoyaleFOE Review- Saoirse Ronan And Paul Mescal Lead Garth Davis' Sci-Fi RomanceTravis Hopson of Punch Drunk Critics reviews Garth Davis' sci-fi romance FOE, starring Oscar nominees Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal!Host: Travis HopsonSubscribe to Punch Drunk Critics on YouTube: / @punchdrunkcritics1 Follow Punch Drunk Critics on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/pdcmoviesFollow Punch Drunk Critics on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pdcmoviesYou can also subscribe to Cinema Royale anywhere you get your podcasts!#Foe #SaoirseRonan #paulmescal2023-10-1307 minCinema RoyaleTHE CREATOR Review- Gareth Edwards' New Sci-Fi ClassicIn lieu of a normal episode of Cinema Royale, I'm giving my thoughts on Gareth Edwards' phenomenal, ambitious sci-fi film, THE CREATOR, which in my eyes is destined to become a classic of the genre.Host: Travis Hopson Subscribe to Punch Drunk Critics on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PunchDrunkCr...Follow Punch Drunk Critics on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/pdcmoviesFollow Punch Drunk Critics on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pdcmoviesYou can also subscribe to Cinema Royale anywhere you get your podcasts! #TheCreator #artificialintelligence #garethedwards2023-09-2911 min
Cinema RoyaleDwayne Johnson_ SHAZAM Saboteur?Did Dwayne Johnson really sabotage both the BLACK ADAM and SHAZAM franchises with self-serving demands that hurt the DCEU? Travis Hopson of Punch Drunk Critics breaks it down. #dwaynejohnson #BlackAdam #shazam2023-03-2308 min
Cinema RoyaleIt's The SCREAM 6 Episode! (Special Guest: Eddie Pasa of DCFilmdom)The latest episode of Cinema Royale is all about Scream! Scream 6 to be exact, as fellow film critic Eddie Pasa joins in to talk about the latest sequel in the long-running horror franchise! The directors have promised the most violent Ghostface yet, but does the film actually deliver on that boast? Who is under the mask this time? Don’t worry, NO SPOILERS!! Have the “rules” changed? Is the absence of Sidney Prescott felt? And what about the return of Hayden Panettiere as Kirby?All of this and more! You can subscribe to Cinema Royale wherever you get your p...2023-03-1020 minCinema RoyaleDoes DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS Reshape The MCU As We Know It?Are you ready to enter…THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS?!?!?!? There’s only one thing on our minds this episode of Cinema Royale and that’s Marvel’s DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS, an epic head-trip that promises to reshape our understanding of the MCU! But…does it? And what does Sam Raimi bring to the table in his big return to Marvel? Just how many cameos are we going to get? Does the MCU even exist after all of this?Well, NO SPOILERS! Chill out. You can listen safely to myself, Travis Hopson, and my guest, film criti...2022-05-0524 minCinema RoyaleTravis Hopson's 2022 Oscars Predictions!It’s Super Bowl weekend for cinephiles! The 2022 Academy Awards are tonight, putting an end to another unusual awards season. Everything has been so altered by the pandemic that I don’t know if it’ll ever feel the same again. But no matter what, it’s always going to be fun trying to predict the winners, and the more unpredictable they are, the more fun it is.And this year is definitely one that I doubt anyone has completely figured out. A few curveballs have been thrown into the mix, especially in the Best Picture race. We have the...2022-03-2730 minCinema RoyaleTalking MOONFALL and JACKASS FOREVERDisasters on massively different scales in this episode of Cinema Royale! Travis Hopson (@punchycritic) is joined by Eddie Pasa (@EddiePasa) of DCFilmdom.com and Matt Razak @MatthewRazak) of Flixist.com and Escapist Magazine to talk about Roland Emmerich’s latest earth-shattering disaster flick, Moonfall, starring Patrick Wilson and Halle Berry! Can Emmerich possibly top himself at this point or does Moonfall crash out of orbit?And what’s worse? Total planetary annihilation or a pogo stick to the balls? Johnny Knoxville and the crew are back for Jackass Forever, and this time they’ve brought some new recruits. Does t...2022-02-0730 minCinema RoyaleIs ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ The Best Spidey Movie Ever?Well, is it? On this episode of Cinema Royale, Travis Hopson is joined by Joblo.com‘s Chris Bumbray and film critic Cortland Jacoby to compare SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME to the webhead’s other movies.Plus, reviews of Steven Spielberg’s WEST SIDE STORY, complete with shade towards Ansel Elgort, and we argue over Adam McKay’s star-studded DON’T LOOK UP!2021-12-2038 min
Cinema RoyaleSYLVIE'S LOVE Director Eugene Ashe On Crafting A Classic Black Love StorySYLVIE'S LOVE director Eugene Ashe talks with Travis Hopson about his 1950s romance starring Tessa Thompson and Nnamdi Asomugha.2021-01-1203 min
Cinema RoyaleTessa Thompson and Nnamdi Asomugha talk SYLVIE's LOVE, rave over Funko Pops!SYLVIE'S LOVE director Eugene Ashe talks with Travis Hopson about his 1950s romance starring Tessa Thompson and Nnamdi Asomugha.2021-01-1204 min
Cinema RoyalePOSSESSOR Interview: Brandon Cronenberg On His Mind-Bending Spy FilmBrandon Cronenberg joins Travis Hopson to discuss his body-swapping spy film POSSESSOR starring Andrea Riseborough and Christopher Abbott.2020-10-1107 min
Cinema RoyaleWWE Superstar John Morrison Talks THE SPEED OF TIMEWWE Superstar John Hennigan (John Morrison) talks with Travis Hopson about the blisteringly fun sci-fi action flick THE SPEED OF TIME.2020-09-2531 min
Cinema RoyaleNoomi Rapace and Joel Kinnaman Talk THE SECRETS WE KEEP, and Shooting Its Many Torture ScenesTravis Hopson talks with THE SECRETS WE KEEP stars Noomi Rapace and Joel Kinnaman about their new revenge thriller, open on September 18th!2020-09-1703 min
Cinema Royale'AMULET' Interview w/ Director Romola GaraiRomola Garai joins Travis Hopson to talk about her directing debut, the gothic horror AMULET, her move away from acting, and the female filmmakers who inspired her.2020-07-2322 min
Cinema RoyaleInterview: Marjane Satrapi and Sam Riley On Marie Curie Biopic RADIOACTIVETravis Hopson talks with RADIOACTIVE director Marjane Satrapi about her Marie Curie biopic starring Rosamund Pike. Actor Sam Riley weighs in to discuss his performance as husband Pierre Curie.2020-07-2113 min
Cinema RoyaleInterview: 'My Spy' Star Chloe Coleman On Working With Dave Bautista, Her First Action Movie, Parkour, And MoreMY SPY actress Chloe Coleman joins Travis Hopson and Cinema Royale to talk about her new action-comedy in which she stars alongside Dave Bautista!2020-06-2611 min
Cinema RoyaleINFAMOUS Interview w/ director Joshua CaldwellINFAMOUS director Joshua Caldwell talks with Travis Hopson about his modern-day Bonnie & Clyde film starring Bella Thorne and Jake Manley!Follow the Punch Drunk Critics and Cinema Royale!www.PunchDrunkCritics.comtwitter.com/punchycritictwitter.com/punchdrunkjohntwitter.com/pdcmovieshttps://www.facebook.com/Cinemaroyale...https://www.twitch.tv/punchdrunktrav2020-06-1919 min
Cinema RoyaleStu "Bad News Barrett" Bennett Talks I AM VENGEANCE: RETALIATIONStu "Bad News Barrett" Bennett joins Travis Hopson to talk old school action sequel I AM VENGEANCE: RETALIATION, moving from WWE to leading his own movie franchise, bumps and bruises, and much more!Follow the Punch Drunk Critics and Cinema Royale!www.PunchDrunkCritics.comtwitter.com/punchycritictwitter.com/punchdrunkjohntwitter.com/pdcmovieshttps://www.facebook.com/Cinemaroyaleshow/https://www.twitch.tv/punchdrunktrav2020-06-1910 min
Cinema RoyaleInterview w/ SHIRLEY Star Odessa YoungSHIRLEY star Odessa Young talks with Travis Hopson about her new film, working with Elisabeth Moss and director Josephine Decker, and similarities with ASSASSINATION NATION.2020-06-0409 min
Cinema RoyaleInterview w/ SHIRLEY Director Josephine DeckerSHIRLEY director Josephine Decker talks with Travis Hopson about her latest film, a fictional drama starring Elisabeth Moss as horror author Shirley Jackson. The film co-stars Odessa Young, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Logan Lerman.2020-06-0411 min
Cinema RoyaleInterview: ONWARD Head of Story on Creating Pixar's First True Fantasy WorldCinema Royale's Travis Hopson is joined by RogerEbert.com's Nell Minow for a conversation with Kelsey Mann, the Head of Story on Pixar's ONWARD. Mann talks about what goes on behind-the-scenes of a major Pixar movie, what his job entails, and the creation of the studio's first original fantasy.2020-03-1320 min
Cinema RoyaleInterview: FIRST COW Director Kelly Reichardt On Her 19th-Century Western And Taming Bessie The CowCinema Royale's Travis Hopson chats with acclaimed director Kelly Reichardt about her 19th-century Oregon Western, FIRST COW, starring John Magaro, Orion Lee, and Toby Jones.2020-03-1315 min
Cinema RoyaleSundance: Justin Simien on 'Bad Hair', Telling Black Stories, and the X-MenTravis Hopson talks with writer/director Justin Simien from the Sundance Film Festival about his latest film, the horror satire BAD HAIR! Simien talks about everything that has changed since his directorial debut, DEAR WHITE PEOPLE, his horror influences, the importance of telling black stories, and his love for Marvel's X-Men and how badly he wants to direct their movie!2020-02-0116 min
Cinema Royale1917: Sam Mendes And Krysty Wilson-Cairns On Their Groundbreaking War FilmTravis Hopson talks with Academy Award-winning director Sam Mendes and writer Krysty Wilson-Cairns about their groundbreaking WWI film 1917, the difficulties shooting in one continuous take, and the lessons learned from Mendes' time in the James Bond franchise.2019-12-2418 min
Cinema RoyaleThe Rise of Skywalker! What Worked, What Didn't, Rey's Story, And MoreIf there was anything that could get Cinema Royale back to doing full episodes, it was the end of the Skywalker Saga! The Punch Drunk Critics, Travis Hopson and John Nolan breakdown Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, what worked, what didn't, what we think of Rey's story, and so much more! Apologies for the brief technical difficulties early on!2019-12-2259 min
Cinema RoyaleConversation with THE TWO POPES Writer Anthony McCarten on His Holy Netflix DramaOscar-nominated screenwriter Anthony McCarten joins Travis Hopson and Tim Gordon to talk about his latest film, THE TWO POPES, starring screen legends Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins. They play Pope Francis and Pope Benedict at a unique moment in time as the latter prepares to step down amidst controversy, something that hasn't been done in hundreds of years.2019-11-2923 min
Cinema Royale'Waves' Interview: Trey Edward Shults, Kelvin Harrison Jr., & Taylor Russell On Their Searing, Tragic DramaIn a special interview, Travis Hopson and Tim Gordon talked with WAVES director Trey Edward Shults, along with stars Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Taylor Russell about their acclaimed drama. The film also stars Sterling K. Brown, Renee Elise Goldsberry, and Lucas Hedges.2019-11-2716 min
Cinema RoyaleInterview: 'The Laundromat' Writers On Finding Humor In The Panama Papers ScandalThe Laundromat writer Scott Z. Burns and author Jake Bernstein talk with Travis Hopson about their Panama Papers film, THE LAUNDROMAT. The Netflix film stars Meryl Streep, Antonio Banderas, and Gary Oldman, with Steven Soderbergh directing.2019-10-3114 min
Cinema RoyaleInterview: 'Harriet' Director Kasi Lemmons On Doing Harriet Tubman JusticeAcclaimed director Kasi Lemmons joins Travis Hopson to talk about Harriet, the first major Harriet Tubman biopic ever on the big screen. The film stars Tony Award winner Cynthia Erivo, and Lemmons talks about casting the talented, soulful actress to play such an important figure in civil rights history.2019-10-3110 minCinema RoyaleInterview: John Travolta On Fred Durst's THE FANATICA very special treat as Travis Hopson is joined by screen legend John Travolta to talk about his role as a Hollywood stalker in THE FANATIC. The film is directed and co-written by Fred Durst, and co-stars Devon Sawa. Travolta talks about why he chose to be on the opposite side of the celebrity lens for this role, how he always manages to stay in character, and working with the Limp Bizkit frontman on his feature debut.2019-10-3116 min
Cinema RoyaleBOOKSMART Interview: Beanie Feldstein & Kaitlyn Dever On High School ComediesBOOKSMART stars Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever join Travis Hopson to talk about Olivia Wilde's directorial debut, becoming real-life best friends, and the best way to support female filmmakers.2019-06-0111 min
Cinema RoyaleInterview: Damien Chazelle Talks 'La La Land', His Love Of Jazz, And MoreCinema Royale's Travis Hopson has his second interview with Whiplash and La La Land director Damien Chazelle, to talk about the current Best Picture frontrunner.2016-12-1116 min
Cinema RoyaleCinema Royal Spends Time With 'Jackie'; Explores Casey Affleck Double StandardThe awards season is in full swing and from now until the Oscars you're going to hear so much about them you'll want to go hide in a cave somewhere. BUT, it's what we do, and this week we'll review Natalie Portman's performance in JACKIE, in which she plays former First Lady Jackie Kennedy in the days following JFK's assassination. Some have pegged her as the obvious frontrunner for Best Actress but is she really worthy?As Nate Parker's Oscar hopes for BIRTH OF A NATION were dashed due to sexual allegations from his past, we invite Black...2016-12-0359 min
Cinema RoyaleInterview: 'Desierto' Director Jonas CuaronTravis Hopson is joined by Jonas Cuaron, writer/director of the intense thriller, Desierto, which takes the immigration issue in a deadly new direction. The film stars Gael Garcia Bernal as an immigrant seeking to cross into the U.S., only to be targeted by an insane "patriot" played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan.2016-10-1416 min
Cinema RoyaleInterview: 'Southside With You' Stars Parker Sawyers and Tika SumpterThe story of Barack and Michelle Obama's first date is told in Richard Tanne's spirited new film, Southside with You. Cinema Royale's Travis Hopson had a chance to sit down with Parker Sawyers and Tika Sumpter, who had the unenviable task of playing the Obamas, to talk with them and Tanne about the pressures of telling this story.2016-08-2423 min
Cinema RoyaleInterview: 'Equity' Stars Alysia Reiner and Sarah Megan ThomasCinema Royale's Travis Hopson sits down with Alysia Reiner (Orange is the New Black), Sarah Megan Thomas, and director Meera Menon to discuss the red-hot Wall Street thriller, Equity!2016-08-1820 min
Cinema RoyaleInterview: 'Destination: Planet Negro' Director Kevin WillmottCinema Royale's Travis Hopson sits down with award-winning Chi-Raq writer Kevin Willmott to talk about his hilarious sci-fi spoof and racial satire, Destination: Planet Negro!2016-06-1418 min
Cinema RoyaleIn the Arena: 'Weiner' Directors Josh Kriegman and Elyse SteinbergCinema Royale's Travis Hopson is joined by Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg, directors of the award-winning documentary Weiner on disgraced Congressman and mayoral candidate, Anthony Weiner.2016-05-2719 min
Cinema RoyaleIn the Arena: 'Maggie's Plan' Writer/Director Rebecca MillerCinema Royale host Travis Hopson talks with writer/director Rebecca Miller about her latest film, Maggie's Plan, a screwball comedy starring Greta Gerwig, Ethan Hawke, and Julianne Moore. She also discusses the difficulty for female directors in Hollywood, her interesting career path, and more.2016-05-2525 min
Cinema RoyaleCinema Royale #2- Money Monster; Special Guest Joblo.com's Christopher BumbrayOn this week's episode of Cinema Royale, we're joined by Joblo.com's Christopher Bumbray to review two very different movies. The Ancient One, Voldemort, Anastasia Steele, and...Matthias Schoenaerts star in Luca Guadagnino's seductive drama, A Bigger Splash! Plus, George Clooney and Julia Roberts take Wall Street to task in Jodie Foster's thriller, Money Monster!Finally, we get Bumbray to admit that he has been paid off by Disney to write awesome reviews of their Marvel movies. Because obviously!!!! Join BFCA member and film critic extraordinaire Travis Hopson for another amazing episode!2016-05-1855 min
Cinema Royale2014 WAFCA Awards AnnouncementOn a very special show, we will announce the winners of the 13th annual Washington DC Area Film Critics Association (WAFCA) Awards. Cinema Royale's Travis Hopson will be joined by Jason Fraley of WTOP and film critic Jen Chaney to reveal the winners in multiple categories, honoring the very best in cinema for the year 2014!2014-12-0835 min
Cinema RoyaleIn the Arena: Gina Prince-Bythewood and Nate Parker of 'Beyond the Lights'Cinema Royale's Travis Hopson sits down with writer/director Gina Prince-Bythewood and star Nate Parker to talk about their music industry romance, Beyond the Lights!2014-11-1414 min
Cinema RoyaleIn the Arena: Jeremy Renner talks 'Kill the MessengerCinema Royale's Travis Hopson sits down with Jeremy Renner and Homeland director Michael Cuesta to talk about their new film, Kill the Messenger. Renner plays journalist Gary Webb who saw his professional and personal life destroyed after exposing the cocaine connection between the CIA and Contra rebels in Nicaragua.2014-10-1112 min
Cinema RoyaleCR #79- Gone Girl; Justin Simien of 'Dear White People'On this week's show, BFCA film critic Travis Hopson and Joblo.com's Christopher Bumbray review David Fincher's Gone Girl, starring Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, and based on the best-selling novel by Gillian Flynn. Is the hype all its cracked up to be? Should we be looking at Gone Girl as a potential Oscar contender?Plus, up 'n coming writer/director Justin Simien joins the show to talk about his controversial comedy on race with the in-your-face title, Dear White People! All this and the latest news straight from Hollywood including Joaquin Phoenix's talks with Marvel over Doctor Strange; n...2014-10-031h 16
Cinema RoyaleSnap Judgments: Rage, starring Nicolas CageBFCA and WAFCA film critic Travis Hopson reviews Rage, the new film starring Nicolas Cage as an ex-mobster turned businessman who resorts to violence after his daughter is kidnapped and murdered by old enemies. Rachel Nichols, Peter Stormare, Max Ryan, and Aubrey Peeples co-star with Paco Cabrezas directing.2014-06-2005 min
Cinema RoyaleSnap Judgments: Trust MeCinema Royale's Travis Hopson reviews Trust Me, written, directed, and starring Clark Gregg of Marvel's Agents of SHIELD and The Avengers. The film also stars Saxon Sharbino, Amanda Peet, Sam Rockwell, Felicity Huffman, Allison Janney, Molly Shannon, and Paul Sparks.PLOT: A struggling agent for child actors and former child star himself, Howard Holloway spends years losing his most talented clients to his slick, arch-nemesis Aldo Shocklee. Until the day that Howard encounters the brilliant and unsigned 13 year-old Lydia who is on the brink of securing the lead in a new Twilight-style franchise. Howard tries desperately to close...2014-06-0804 min
Cinema RoyaleCR #63- X-men: Days of Future Past; Jim Mickle InterviewCinema Royale's loyal listeners know host Travis Hopson as the ultimate X-men fanatic, so you know this episode will be ENTIRELY DEVOTED TO X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST! Okay, not entirely, but you get the picture. We'll also take a look at the latest Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore comedy, Blended.Plus, we'll be joined by director Jim Mickle, whose credits include the horrors We Are What We Are and Stakeland, to talk about his throwback revenge flick, Cold in July. The film was a smash at Sundance and stars Michael C. Hall, Sam Shepard, and Don Johnson.2014-05-241h 16
Cinema RoyaleSnap Judgments: The Angriest Man in BrooklynCinema Royale's Travis Hopson reviews The Angriest Man in Brooklyn starring Robin Williams, Mila Kunis, and Melissa Leo.PLOT: A curmudgeonly man is mistakenly told that he has 90 minutes to live by his doctor and promptly sets out to reconcile with his wife, brother and friends in the short time he believes he has left.2014-05-2305 min
Cinema RoyaleCR #50- 'Game of Thrones' and 'Pompeii' Star Kit HaringtonOn the extra-special 50th episode of Cinema Royale, Travis Hopson is joined by Game of Thrones star Kit Harington to talk about his blockbuster film, Pompeii!Plus, it's the 1980s all over again a we'll have reviews of the Robocop remake, starring Joel Kinnaman and Samuel L. Jackson; and About Last Night starring Kevin Hart!2014-02-1454 min
Cinema RoyaleIn the Arena: 'Fishing without Nets' Director Cutter HodierneCinema Royale host Travis Hopson is joined by Fishing without Nets director Cutter Hodierne, winner of the Best Directing award for Drama at this year's Sundance Film Festival. His debut feature stars Abdikani Muktar and presents a different side to the Somali pirates story, one not seen in last year's Captain Phillips.2014-02-0819 min
Cinema RoyaleEp. 48- Miles Teller and the Cast of 'Whiplash'Freshly returned from the snowy locale of the Sundance Film Festival, Cinema Royale host Travis Hopson sits down with Miles Teller, Paul Reiser, and the director of Whiplash. The Audience and Grand Jury prize-winner co-stars J.K. Simmons and centers on a jazz drumming protegee and his drill sergeant instructor. We'll also be joined by Joblo.com's Chris Bumbray to take one final look at the festival's highs and lows!Plus, it's a Miles Teller kind of show as we'll also review his latest film, That Awkward Moment, co-starring Zac Efron and Michael B. Jordan. Then we'll take...2014-02-011h 19
Cinema RoyaleRecapping the 2014 Sundance Film FestivalOn a special episode of Cinema Royale, Travis Hopson is joined by Keeping It Reel host Tim Gordon to recap the 30th Sundance Film Festival. We'll look at the parties, the celebrities, and of course discuss the very best of the over 200 movies that were part of the annual event.2014-01-261h 28
Punch Drunk PodcastRide Along, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, Awards Season Begins!It's officially awards season, and you know what that means!!! We talk about the same 4 movies for the different awards they've won that all mean the same thing! Kidding, of course. But we will go into some recap of last weeks Golden Globes and the Critic's Choice Awards, of which our own Travis Hopson is a voting member. Then it's on to Ride Along, starring Kevin Hart and Ice Cube, which is this year's early favorite for what I think should be a new category at next year's Oscars, Best Buddy Cop Comedy. You guys are with me on th...2014-01-191h 03
Cinema Royale86th Annual Oscar Nomination SpecialCinema Royale host Travis Hopson and Keeping it Reel's Tim Gordon breakdown the shocks, surprises, and snubs from today's Academy Awards nominations!2014-01-1654 min
Cinema RoyaleIn the Arena: 'Jamesy Boy' Director Trevor WhiteCinema Royale host Travis Hopson is joined by Trevor White, director of the gritty real-life drama, Jamesy Boy, starring Mary-Louise Parker, Spencer Lofranco, Ving Rhames, and Taissa Farmiga!2014-01-1520 min
Cinema RoyaleEp. 46- Sundance Film Festival Preview; 'Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones'Goodbye 2013! Hello 2014, and Cinema Royale is getting the year kicked off right by looking ahead to this year's Sundance Film Festival. Host Travis Hopson will be joined by Keeping It Reel with Filmgordon's Tim Gordon to discuss the hundreds of films debuting at Park City, and reveal their most anticipated. Plus, a preview of the daily content they'll be providing live from the snowy, celebrity-filled grounds of Sundance!All that and a review of Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones; news on Batman vs. Superman, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, and more!2014-01-0359 min
Cinema RoyaleIn the Arena: Steve Coogan Talks 'Philomena'It's not enough to simply label Steve Coogan as a British comedian, as his career has grown well beyond making people laugh. Coogan joins Cinema Royale host Travis Hopson to talk about working wirth Judi Dench on the Oscar hopeful, Philomena, and answers questions about the evolution of his career.2013-11-2229 min
Cinema RoyaleEp. 40- Virginia Film Festival Recap; The Book Thief; The Best Man HolidayWondering why there was a "Best Of" show last week? Cinema Royale host Travis Hopson spent a few days on the UVA grounds attending the Virginia Film Festival, and now it's time to rundown the event's best and worst films! Did any new Oscar contenders emerge? Is there a dark horse on the horizon?Speaking of Oscar favorites, we'll review The Book Thief, the WWII drama starring Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson. And then we'll revisit some old friends in The Best Man Holiday, which brings back the entire cast of the hit 1999 comedy, The Best Man!2013-11-151h 11
Cinema RoyaleIn the Arena: 'The Motel Life' Directors Gabe & Alan PolskyFirst-time directors Gabe and Alan Polsky sit down with Cinema Royale host Travis Hopson to discuss their adaptation of acclaimed novel, The Motel Life, starring Emile Hirsch, Stephen Dorff, and Dakota Fanning.2013-11-1415 min
Cinema RoyaleIn the Arena: Joseph Gordon-Levitt Talks 'Don Jon'Fan-favorite actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt steps in the arena with Travis Hopson to discuss his directorial debut, the sex addiction comedy Don Jon.2013-09-2536 minCinema RoyaleIn the Arena: 'Wadjda' Director Haifaa al-MansourCinema Royale host Travis Hopson sits down with director Haifaa al-Mansour, whose critically-acclaimed film Wadjda is the first ever by a Saudia Arabian female.2013-09-1719 minCinema RoyaleEp. 29- Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, and Edgar WrightOn a very special Cinema Royale, host Travis Hopson downs a pint with Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, and director Edgar Wright while talking the conclusion of their "Cornetto Trilogy", The World's End! Plus, reviews of Lee Daniels' The Butler and Kick-Ass 2!2013-08-161h 14
Punch Drunk PodcastEpisode 14: Comic-Con, Red 2, The ConjuringDon't judge a book by it's cover and don't judge a show by it's title, we have a WHOLE lot more to cover than just two flicks this time around. In no particular order we'll be talking Red 2, The Conjuring, RIPD, Only God Forgives, and Fruitvale Station. As if that wasn't enough we'll be breaking down all of the huge news out of SDCC (Batman/Superman team up....confirmed!). We may get lucky and have a few minutes with our man on the scene Travis Hopson who's been feeding us the great news straight from Hall H all weekend.2013-07-211h 30
Cinema RoyaleSnap Judgements: ByzantiumCinema Royale host Travis Hopson reviews Byzantium, the latest vampire film from Neil Jordan (Interview With The Vampire), and starring Saoirse Ronan and Gemma Arterton.2013-06-2706 minCinema RoyaleIn the Arena: 'Rushlights' director Antoni StutzCinema Royale host Travis Hopson sits down with Antoni Stutz, director of the hard-boiled crime thriller, Rushlights, starring Aidan Quinn and Beau Bridges.2013-06-2227 minCinema RoyaleEp. 22- Man of Steel; This Is the EndOn this week's show, Travis Hopson and some of DC's finest critics take a look at the biggest movie event of the year, Man of Steel! Have Zack Snyder and Christopher Nolan finally figured out how to do Superman justice? Or is this another Green Lantern? Does this bring us closer to a Justice League movie? Plus, a review of Seth Rogen's celebrity-packed disaster comedy, This Is the End, starring James Franco, Jonah Hill, Emma Watson, and more!2013-06-141h 01Cinema RoyaleSnap Judgements: 'Violet & Daisy'Cinema Royale host Travis Hopson gives a review of Violet & Daisy, starring Saoirse Ronan and Alexis Bledel as teen assassins. Written and directed by Geoffrey Fletcher (Precious), the film also stars James Gandolfini.2013-06-0705 minCinema RoyaleIn the Arena: Jason BlumParanormal Activity and Insidious producer Jason Blum joins Cinema Royale host Travis Hopson to talk about his upcoming film, the home-invasion horror The Purge!2013-06-0124 minCinema RoyaleEp. 20- Jesse Eisenberg; Now You See Me; After EarthCinema Royale host Travis Hopson is joined by Jesse Eisenberg, who reveals all of the tricks in his new magician heist film, Now You See Me. The summer blockbuster season usually belongs to Will Smith, but can he and son Jaden maintain their dominance wtih M. Night Shyamalan's new film, After Earth?2013-05-311h 04Cinema RoyaleIn the Arena: Alex GibneyOscar-winning director Alex Gibney joins Cinema Royale host Travis Hopson to discuss his controversial new film, 'We Steal Secrets: The Story of WikiLeaks'.2013-05-2421 minCinema RoyaleEp. 16- Iron Man 3; Ramin BahraniWhen the world needs saving and The Avengers are nowhere to be found, who do you turn to? Iron Man, of course, and film critic Rocky Hadadi steps into the arena to talk Marvel's latest action epic, Iron Man 3! Roger Ebert listed Ramin Bahrani's acclaimed film Chop Shop as one of the best of the last decade. Bahrani checks in with Cinema Royale host Travis Hopson to talk about his latest project, At Any Price, which stars Zac Efron and Dennis Quaid.2013-05-031h 12Cinema RoyaleIn the Arena: Pasha Roberts, director of 'Silver Circle'Pasha Roberts, director of the Libertarian animated action film Silver Circle steps into the arena with Cinema Royale host, Travis Hopson.2013-04-1521 minCinema RoyaleEp. 13- Chadwick Boseman; '42'; 'Trance'On this week's show, Chadwick Boseman steps into the arena with WAFCA film critic Travis Hopson to discuss playing legendary Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson in '42'. Leslie "The Cinema Siren" Combemale chimes in to try and decipher Danny Boyle's trippy new heist film, 'Trance', plus we'll take a look at Terrence Malick's 'To the Wonder'.2013-04-121h 08Cinema RoyaleEp. 12- Derek Cianfrance; Evil DeadOn this week's show, host Travis Hopson is joined by 'The Place Beyond the Pines' director Derek Cianfrance to talk about working with Ryan Gosling and Bradley Cooper on the acclaimed drama. Plus, Sam Raimi has called his 'Evil Dead' remake the most terrifying film you'll ever experience, but does it measure up to that bold claim? The best crtiics in the Nation's Capital weigh in on the much buzzed-about horror! 2013-04-041h 17Cinema RoyaleSnap Judgements: 'G.I. Joe: Retaliation'On this episode of Snap Judgements, WAFCA film critic Travis Hopson reviews G.I. Joe: Retaliation, starring Dwayne Johnson and Channing Tatum.2013-04-0206 minCinema RoyaleInterview: 'Upside Down' director Juan Solanas'Upside Down' director Juan Solanas chats with Travis Hopson about his visually stunning sci-fi romance starring Kirsten Dunst and Jim Sturgess.2013-03-2324 minCinema RoyaleEp. 11- Olympus Has Fallen; Spring BreakersOn this week's show, WAFCA film critic Travis Hopson is joined by Gerard Butler and Antoine Fuqua of the upcoming blockbuster action film, Olympus Has Fallen. Spring Break forever, ya'll! Rocky Hadadi of Punch Drunk Critics and Chesapeake Family Magazine chimes in to talk about Harmony Korine's controversial film, Spring Breakers, with James Franco, Selena Gomez, and Vanessa Hudgens!2013-03-211h 03Cinema RoyaleInterview: 'The Sapphires' director Wayne BlairTravis Hopson is joined by 'The Sapphires' director Wayne Blair to talk about working with Chris O'Dowd on his acclaimed musical comedy.2013-03-1916 min