Shows
The CineClub PodcastCineClub Shorts: Lupin IIIThis week Lupin aficionados Dion and Jake enthuse about the Japanese animated action films Castle of Cagliostro (1979), Mystery of Mamo (1978) and Lupin III: The First (2019). These cult films focus upon the character of gentleman thief, Lupin III, which was originally developed in a manga series by Monkey Punch. The team ruminate fondly about the filmic art and music and the influence of these acclaimed films. Our presenters are Dion and Jake. The episode was engineered and edited by Emily Main.Let us know your thoughts on the Lupin III films, or even the...2025-07-2521 min
The CineClub PodcastCursed Tapes and Haunted Houses: CineClub does Analog HorrorLock the door and leave the light on – this episode explores horror films based on or around television shows. The team of Matthew, Connell, Jake and Bebe discuss the iconic BBC television film Ghostwatch from 1992 and the more recent independent film, Late Night with the Devil (2023). The whole team agree that Ghostwatch stands out as a genuinely creepy, innovative and well written piece of work. It’s BBC origins and supreme ‘Britishness’ make it particularly convincing and quite frankly has left some of the team with nightmares! The response to late Night with the Devil is more...2025-07-1835 min
The CineClub Podcast‘It’s a bird…it’s a plane…’ It’s Superman at CineClubThis week sees the release of the new Superman film starring David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan and directed by James Gunn. The team of Rhys, Billy, Jake and Matthew discuss the range of Superman films from George Reeves version of the 1950’s to Christopher Reeve through to Brandon Routh and lately Henry Cavill, as well as a handful of small screen adaptations. The chat covers the Superman story themes, actors and directors. Rhys confesses some of the human drama is ‘so emotional’. For Billy and Matthew, it’s the violence of the Routh and Cavill versions leading them to...2025-07-1154 min
The CineClub PodcastDays, Weeks and Years: CineClub discusses the ‘28’ trilogyTo coincide with the recent release of 28 Years Later, the Team discuss the merits and demerits of the ‘28’ film series.28 Days Later is accepted by the whole team as a film which ‘loves to have the zombies on screen’ and is characterised by the magnetic performances of its actors and the visual language created by the writer (Alex Garland) and director (Danny Boyle). 28 Weeks Later proves more controversial and an example of what Billy kindly refers to as ‘missed potential’. With 28 Years Later the series seems back on track with outstanding acting and wonderful world building. Th...2025-07-0446 min
The CineClub PodcastCineClub Shorts: Is Keanu Reeves a good actor?There’s a difference of opinion in the team this week when Matthew, Rhys and Billy ruminate on Keanu’s back catalogue of work. Matthew wonders about Keanu’s line delivery and mannequin-like face, Rhys thinks he’s a star vessel, whilst Billy is prepared to defend Keanu to the hilt on the grounds that Reeves is self-aware and plays to his strengths.From some dodgy casting (‘what was Coppola thinking casting Keanu as Jonathan Harker?’) to ‘Peak Keanu’ (The Matrix, John Wick and Bill and Ted) the team ultimately agree that Keanu is good in some genres rather th...2025-06-2714 min
The CineClub Podcast‘Children of the Night’ Universal Monsters at CineClubThis week Rhys, Billy, Connell and Jake consider monsters from the Universal Studios. The team chat about early monster films such as Bride of Frankenstein and Creature from the Black Lagoon amongst others from the 1920’s through to the 1950’s. The CineClubbers discuss the development of the genre, and wonder why the early monster films have stood the test of time. Our ‘Monster Man’ Billy comments upon the impact these early films have upon modern filmmakers such as Del Toro. After establishing the classics and considering some of the remakes (the good and the flops) there is a philos...2025-06-2049 min
The CineClub PodcastThe Good, The Bad and the Downright Terrible at CineClubIn this episode the team discuss their guilty pleasures – those films so bad they’re good! First in the frame in the horror category are Jason X and Freddy vs Jason, then there’s disagreement about The Toxic Avenger series! Tempers and voices are raised when onto the comedy section with Cat in The Hat and Sharkboy and Lavagirl! It was nearly a punch up in the studio! Things calmed down when the team realised they all agreed the Nightmare on Elm Street remake was garbage! Our presenters are Billy, Matthew, Rhys and Dion. The episod...2025-06-1331 min
The CineClub PodcastMove Over Cannes: It’s the CineClub Film FestivalIn this episode the team of Connell, Billy, Matthew and Jake chat about the very first CineClub Film Festival which was sponsored by Sunderland Culture. The festival included screenings of Police Story, Purple Rain, Nosferatu, Creature from the Black Lagoon and American Werewolf in London. Strangely, Rhys was MIA this week – no one has seen him since he went to the Slaughtered Lamb.... Our presenters are Connell, Billy, Matthew and Jake. The episode was engineered and edited by Emily Main.Let us know what you thing of these film picks from our Festival by using th...2025-06-0731 min
The CineClub PodcastThe Wonderful World of Wes Anderson at CineclubThis week the triumvirate discuss the quirks and wonders of the Wes Anderson filmography.Prompted by CineClub’s recent screening of Rushmore, the Team delve into Anderson’s back catalogue and select some ‘peak Anderson’ films. There’s much to discuss from the specific ‘Anderson dialogue delivery style’, the repeating Anderson actors, and a particular examination of ‘modern Anderson’. Billy asks us to consider if the recent increase in stylisation has gone too far – like ‘a snake eating its own tail’? And Rhys and Matthew wonder about his ‘Mainstream arthouse’ aesthetic. Is Anderson becoming a ‘parody of himself?’ Let us know what you...2025-05-3026 min
The CineClub PodcastCineClub vs MCU: Has the MCU lost it’s touch?It’s a controversial topic this week, but a goodie! The team move out of ‘classic’ film territory to examine the post Endgame Marvel and whether it’s now just ‘teasing slop’….From the questionable MCU humour, the continuity issues, the actors pay and screen time, characters no one cares about and the pace of the storytelling – there’s so much to say this is the longest CineClub episode EVER!Billy states it’s all about the passion and it’s so obvious if the writer/ director has paid respect to the franchise. Jake says they should just get b...2025-05-2349 minThe CineClub Podcast“She doesn’t even go to this school!”: CineClub does Teen FilmsThis week the Team take on the ‘Teens’ with a detailed chat about Heathers and Mean Girls. From representations to dark humour and the songs in the musical versions of the stories, the CineClubbers have a blast dissecting the details. Rhys even suggests the Heathers is Mean Girls fan fiction before Mean Girls was made!Our presenters are Bebe, Matthew, Jake and Rhys. The episode was engineered and edited by Emily Main.Let us know your favourite film teen film by using the email below or sending a message on our Instagram.Th...2025-05-0930 minThe CineClub PodcastScoring the Scores: CineClub does SoundtracksThis week the team discuss film soundtracks and debate whether an original score or licensed music produce more iconic soundtracks. This episode is full of fun and passion. The name dropping reaches epic proportions – and it’s not just the films, it’s directors, musicians and composers. It demonstrates the team’s attention to detail listing Baz Luhrman, John Carpenter, Daft Punk, Ed Sheeran and the acclaimed Hans Zimmer and John Williams. There’s even a discussion about the pronunciation of Lady Marmalade! Our presenters are Matthew, Dion, Jake and Connell. The episode was engineered and edited...2025-05-0229 minThe CineClub PodcastVal Kilmer: A CineClub TributeThis week the three amigos, Billy, Matthew and Jake, celebrate Val Kilmer – an actor with the distinction of playing rock legends Jim Morrison and Elvis Presley, as well as iconic film characters, Batman, ‘Iceman’ and Doc Holliday.The team discuss Kilmer’s performances and conclude whilst he wasn’t always the lead, he always stood out. RIP Val Kilmer. Our presenters are Billy, Matthew and Jake. The episode was engineered by Billy Moore and edited by Emily Main.Let us know your favourite Val Kilmer film by using the email below or sending...2025-04-2523 minThe CineClub PodcastMonsters and Metaphors: CineClub does KaijuThis week the CineClub Podcasters discuss monsters and their metphors. From the plethora of Godzilla films to Mothra, King Kong and Cloverfield, the team ponder the complexities of the monster film. The chat ranges from the use of special effects, atomic breathe scenes, low angle shots, poor lighting, unhappy endings and some useless human characters! The guys ruminate about what is so watchable (or not) in these awesome Kaiju films. There's even a discussion on how Godzilla drop kicks! (Any answers? Drop us a DM!) Our presenters are Jake, Billy, Rhys and Dion. The episode...2025-04-1536 minThe CineClub Podcast‘The Hills are Alive’ CineClub does MusicalsThis week the team discuss the differences between musicals and films with music.Along with chat of Bugsy Malone, Rocky Horror Picture Show, and The Sound of Music, the team consider some of the dark topics at the heart of several musicals. Meanwhile, Rhys gets evangelical and spreads the gospel of Phantom of the Paradise – is this one of the most underrated films of all time?Our presenters are Rhys, Bebe, Matthew and Connell. The episode was engineered and edited by Emily Main.Let us know your favourite musical film and favourite song fr...2025-04-0436 minThe CineClub Podcast“Hawkmen Dive!” CineClub does 1980’s classicsWe’ve shown lots of 1980’s films at CineClub recently so this week we discuss our favourites and decide what’s ‘Excellent’ and what’s ‘Bogus’.In the excellent category we have Killer Clowns from Outer Space, The Lost Boys and the infinitely quotable Flash Gordon. The team agree Flash is the standout winner - after all “he’s for everyone of us!” A couple of questions remain after the episode: is it time for CineClub merchandise? And why didn’t Queen do more soundtracks because Flash and Highlander are outstanding? Our presenters are Jake, Billy, Connell and Matthe...2025-03-2827 minThe CineClub PodcastCineClub Shorts: Du Vernay’s 13THThis is the first of our CineClub Shorts series. In this special episode Matthew chats with Dr Dan Kilvington, Reader and Course Director of Media and Cultural Studies at Leeds Beckett University. They discuss Ava Du Vernay’s powerful documentary 13th and consider institutionalised racism in US and UK contexts. Our presenters are Billy and Matthew. The episode was engineered and edited by Emily Main.Let us know your thoughts and questions by using the email below or sending a message on our Instagram.This episode was recorded and produced by th...2025-03-2108 minThe CineClub Podcast“Goodbye Royal” CineClub celebrates Gene HackmanThis week we pay tribute to recently deceased actor Gene Hackman, discussing his acting style and lasting legacy. In this special episode we chat with Senior Lecturer in Film and Cultural Studies, John-Paul Green. JP and the team discuss their favourite Hackman films and characters and wonder about the merits of Superman 4!Our presenters are Billy, Dion, Jake and Matthew. The episode was engineered and edited by Emily Main.Let us know your favourite Hackman film or character by using the email below or sending a message on our Instagram.This...2025-03-1441 minThe CineClub PodcastFour Angry 'men': CineClub on Sidney LumetThis week it’s a double bill of Failsafe (1964) and 12 Angry Men (1957) showcasing the immense talent of director Sidney Lumet. The team discuss the lasting impact of Failsafe and ruminate how relevant this classic remains in the contemporary world. They compare it to 12 Angry Men, which whilst different in topic is similar in tone and tension. In lighter moments of the conversation there is some mirth about Rhys's quotes and what CineClub merchandise might look like…. Our presenters are Matthew, Billy, Bebe, and Rhys. The episode was engineered and edited by Emily Main.Let u...2025-03-0722 min
The CineClub Podcast‘What’s your favourite scary movie?’This week it’s all about slasher films inspired by the recent screening of Texas Chainsaw Massacre. The team discuss what makes a great slasher film, the slasher film tropes like the ‘final girl’, the best horror directors, and the importance of audience investment in the characters and actors. It’s all about ‘substance’ says Billy and ‘not just about the gore’. Our presenters are Billy, Jake, Rhys and Connell. The episode was engineered and edited by Emily Main.Let us know your thoughts on slasher films and your favs in this genre by using the ema...2025-02-2033 minThe CineClub PodcastDo you feel lucky punk? CineClub vs Steam Boy and AkiraThis week we discuss the recent screening of Steamboy and the anime classic Akira. Secretly, we’re wondering if we’re anime obsessed at the moment!Throughout the episode, we shared our mixed feelings about the English dub of both films, particularly the celebrity voice actors, and how it impacted our viewing experience. We debated the merits of watching the films in their original Japanese with subtitles versus the dubbed versions.We reflected on the broader themes present in both films, including the commentary on post-war society and the consequences of technological advancement. We noted the...2025-02-1423 min
The CineClub PodcastCineClub goes International with Snowpiercer and Grave of The FirefliesIt’s all high brow this week with a discussion of favourite International films and the two recent screenings of Snowpiercer and Grave of the Fireflies. Serious issues are covered in these films and the team do not shy away from the difficult topics and imagery, discussing their responses to the storytelling in their own inimitable style.Our presenters are Dion, Rhys, Gabriel and Jake. The episode was engineered and edited by Emily Main. Feel free to reach out with your thoughts on all things film using the email below. This episode was re...2025-02-1024 min
The CineClub Podcast‘Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit watching movies’ – Reviewing Airplane and a look at what’s coming in 2025.Surely Airplane’s one liners are the stuff of legend. Stop calling me Shirley! This week the team discuss the jokes, puns and movie that launched a thousand memes! The team dissect Airplane’s lasting impact and consider the elements that might be awkward for a modern audience, but that’s not important right now. Then they take a look at forthcoming movies – especially, Superman and the future of DC, and blockbusters like Minecraft. Our presenters this week are Rhys, Bebe, Connell and Matthew. The episode was engineered and edited by Emily Main (she’s the boss...2025-01-3121 min
The CineClub Podcast‘Turkey and Telly’ - It’s the post-Christmas Review…And we’re back! If you’re feeling the January Blues, give this a listen to lift your weary spirits. As always there’s some great banter – but it’s the shear joy of the catch up that will brighten your day in this special Christmas content review. The panel discuss everything that we’ve been watching on Telly over the Christmas break, from Gavin and Stacey to Wallace and Gromit and classics such as Indiana Jones. Our presenters are Rhys, Bebe, Jake and Connell. The episode was engineered and edited by Emily Main.Feel free...2025-01-2430 min
The CineClub PodcastJingly Bells! It’s the Christmas Special!In this week’s episode of The CineClub Podcast, we talk all things ‘action’ with a discussion of John Carpenter's Big Trouble in Little China and Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky series.We couldn’t ignore that it’s Christmas, so we end the episode considering our favourite Christmas movies. And Die Hard is definitely a Christmas film according to Connell! Let us know your favourite using the email below.This episodes presenters are Matthew, Jake, Rhys and Connell.As always, we invite you to reach out with thoughts on all things film. This episode was...2024-12-2028 min
The CineClub PodcastIt’s always a Big Wednesday at CineClubIn this week’s episode of The CineClub Podcast, we talk to Dr Mark McKenna, from the University of Staffordshire, about his connection to the 1978 film Big Wednesday, directed by John Milius. Mark has written a book about the film and gave us some insights about the film’s themes of friendship and loyalty, and a thought-provoking personal journey about his time writing the book. Mark mentioned the loss of some of his close friends recently. If you’re affected by any of the issues mentioned and you’re a student at the University of Sunderland, please reach ou...2024-12-1319 min
The CineClub PodcastHelp! it's another episode of the podcastIn this week's episode of the Cine Club Podcast, we dive into the whimsical world of the 1965 film "Help!" directed by Richard Lester and starring none other than the Beatles themselves. In this episode, cinephiles Jake, Rhys, Matthew, and Dion all share their favourite Beatle. We kick off the discussion by reflecting on our recent horror selections, including "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and "A Bucket of Blood," before transitioning to the lighthearted absurdity of "Help!" Matthew, our resident 60s music expert, explains why he chose this film, following our previous exploration of "A Hard Day's Night." He...2024-12-0617 minThe CineClub Podcastepisode 1 cineclub early…2024-11-1313 min
The CineClub PodcastWe have a podcastWelcome to the Cineclub podcast. In this new podcast, students and staff from the University of Sunderland's long-running cinema club talk about movies, from Hollywood Blockbusters to the best (and strangest) of world cinema. In this inaugural episode, we chat with Dr Steve Cannon, the club's convenor, about the club's history and what we get up to in the dark. We will be back with more episodes soon. Want to share your thoughts? Please email us at cineclub.podcast@sparksunderland.com This podcast uses the following third-party services...2024-11-1313 min