Yi Yi

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If your birthday is in June, you’re a Gemini. As a special treat for our Gemini …

When Ingrid Bergman wrote a letter to director Roberto Rossellini about her interest in being in a film of …

Hitchcock loved working with Ingrid Bergman. He was a notorious director for wanting everything his own way, but …

Alfred Hitchcock had been working in Hollywood for a while by the time he made …

Ingrid Bergman took home her first Oscar for her portrayal of a woman who is psychologically …

Just as the school year is starting to wind down, JJ and Steve take one …

Ernest Hemingway was very involved in getting the adaptation of his 1940 novel “For Whom the Bell Tolls” off …

You may or may not have a connection to the world of the pocket monsters affectionately called Pokémon, but …

Michael Curtiz’s 1942 film Casablanca never seemed to be on track to become a classic. It …

Cédric Klapisch returned to the world of Xavier, Wendy, Isabelle and Martine with his 2013 film Chinese Puzzle in a story that takes place 10 years after the previous film. Is it a return worth taking? Join us – Pete …

The teams at Disney have put out specific warnings and requests not to spoil Avengers: Endgame, but you know this thing is the core of what The Film Board is all about! If you don’t want to be spoiled, don’t click on …

Cédric Klapisch got a chance to return to the life of Xavier …

Cédric Klapisch had been making films in France for ten years before he made his little film about a group of study abroad students from all over Europe working to understand each …

Sometimes movies are better than the books they are based on. But are there movies that …

It took a number of years for this latest remake of A Star Is Born to come to fruition, but it seems like everything worked out the way it was supposed to. Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga …

Like the remake before it, Barbra Streisand’s decision to produce and play the lead in her own version of A Star Is Born likely had something to do with ego, but it’s …

By the time 30-year-old Judy Garland was gearing up for her film …

The story is one that people connect with – a …

If you listened to our Green Book Filmboard episode you know that most of us were not happy with the …

In a franchise so full of sequels, it was inevitable that the success of the spin-quel Creed would be …

Attention true believers! The Film Board is a party to the home stretch of the Marvel Cinematic Universe Phase three. It’s wrapping up in two successive months here in 2019. The big one of …

Returning to the Rocky story without Rocky helming might sound like a big misstep, but with the guiding hands of Ryan Coogler, it was a huge success and breathed new life into the nearly …

Sixteen years after Rocky V opened, the final final installment of the story …

Sylvester Stallone returned to his beloved Rocky series in 1990, fully intending to close it …

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 …

At the height of the Cold War, it seems fitting that Sylvester Stallone would find incredible success in his Rocky franchise by …

Consider yourself warned that J.K. Simmons (and his majestic beard) are going to bring a tear to your eye. This month Steve and JJ take …

Three years after the success of Rocky II, …

Sylvester Stallone’s directorial debut, Paradise Alley, was a flop and the studio didn’t …

A long journey with a horse . . . through brutal environments . . . and encounters with ruthless people . . . no, we’re not talking about Hostiles again. But after taking a …

Sylvester Stallone pretty much embodies everything about the character Rocky Balboa that he created for the film Rocky. He’s someone who wanted to go the distance, and may not have …

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 …

The works of William Shakespeare have been adapted to the screen more times than any other author, and ‘Romeo and …

Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward had already been married for a …

Film …

British royalty is full of fascinating tales of power, conspiracies, distrust, and greed. They make …

Adapting a non-musical into a Broadway musical into a film musical takes a lot of work, but Mel Brooks …

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 …

Mel Brooks got his …

With his successful start as James Bond, Pierce Brosnan thought he’d try his hand …

Norman Jewison had worked with Steve McQueen on the film The Cincinnati Kid, so it was natural for him to immediately think of McQueen …

The Film Board spent the holiday weekend giving thanks and watching Green …

By the time Sergio Leone got the cameras rolling on what would turn out to be his last …

JJ and Steve are heading out west this month. It's a long and grueling journey, and one of them may not make it to the end. …

Sergio Leone …

Sergio Leone didn’t want to return to westerns after his Man With No Name trilogy – he already felt like made his western epic and wanted to move on to something else. When …

When George Romero set out to make his final film in his original zombie trilogy, he had to cut his script back quite a …

It took George A. Romero 10 years to get back to the world of zombies that he’d created in 1968, and largely …

Steve couldn’t ask JJ to stomach this month’s film, so he brought Andy in to chew the fat on this one. Andy …

Zombies are commonplace nowadays, but in the mid 60s, they were more connected to voodoo stories. It wasn’t …

Buckle up for an intense journey on this one with the Film Board as we examine the story of struggles and successes that adorn the space race and the USA’s historic …

Creating a movie from a comic book has obviously become a huge way to make money at …

Frank Sinatra and his rat pack are found in specific types of films, so seeing him in this dark, realistic detective story seems like a bit of surprise. When you think back to his …

Don Siegel and Clint Eastwood worked with each other on five films, but before they first started, neither of them had heard of the other. …

What are you waiting for? Just press play. Don’t stop to think, just say yes and press the button …

One of Roger Corman’s claims to fame is that he’s never lost money on a movie, and one of the reasons that …

The concept from “Predator” has been through a number …

Twentieth Century Fox had found great success with their Planet of the Apes franchise, but they also were learning that a …

J. Lee Thompson was meant to direct the original Planet of the Apes film but wasn’t able to due to project conflicts. By the time the franchise got …

Twentieth Century Fox had found that cheap sequels could …

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 …

With the success of the …

JJ and Steve return from their summer break with a big bang. This month they attempt to survive the brutal shootout in Ben Wheatley’s 2016 film Free Fire.

How many rounds does it take to get to …

Rod Serling discovered the strength of writing science fiction as a way to disguise commentary on society of the day which led to The Twilight Zone. His contributions …

After reading Arthur C. Clarke’s sequel to Stanley Kubrick’s film, director Peter Hyams was very interested in …

Before 1968, science fiction films were largely genre films that didn’t take themselves too seriously. The general consensus is that the change that …

Just before the summer break, Steve and JJ take a trippy ride to The …

Steven Soderbergh never wanted to return to the helm for the Ocean’s franchise, but he was more than happy to get behind any future films, …

“They’re alive. Just like me.”

Volcanoes, clones, and lizards oh my! Let’s all get Jurassic with it this month as we venture back to join the …

Even though Ocean’s Twelve was financially successful, it was largely disliked by audiences …

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. …

The decision to remake Ocean’s 11 with an ensemble cast of stars led to an incredible amount of turnover as stars became attached then had to bail out because of other …

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Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. were a part of what people called ‘The Rat Pack,’ a group of …

Ready for an Easter Egg hunt? Yes, it’s actually Memorial Day but Solo hit theaters this …

Time travel stories come in all shapes and sizes – some are more focused on the fun and entertainment. Others use the conceit to allow for explorations of themes and ideas. Robert A. …

Christopher Nolan …

We call the Filmboard a gang of thugs, but we’ve got nothing on the crew from Triple …

If anyone has a handle on clever stories and quirky characters in romantic comedy dramas, it’s writer-director Richard Curtis. Whether it’s Four Weddings …

After receiving an Oscar nomination for his short film 7:35 de la mañana, Spanish director Nacho Vigalondo went to work using his …

Looking at the characters James Dean played in his three leading roles, …

As Joel Edgerton is starting to become a familiar face for American …

Possibly James Dean’s most iconic role, Rebel Without a Cause hit theaters in the fall of 1955 – less than a month after …

Last week the U.S. and its allies once again fired missiles on Syria in a response to recent chemical weapons attacks in the country. On Friday, April 13th, …

James Dean was the lead in only three films released in 1955 and 1956. He died tragically in a car crash on September 30th, 1955, only ever getting to see one of his three …

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 …

After the box office failure of Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance and the box office success of Oldboy, Park Chan-Wook wanted to continue with the themes he’d been exploring of …

Have you heard Steven Spielberg is rumored to be directing another Indiana Jones movie? (2020) It’s technically been “announced,” and the amazement that many people …

After the box office failure of his previous film, Park Chan-Wook worked hard with his next …

Park Chan-Wook never set out to make a trilogy. His ‘vengeance trilogy,’ in fact, only was later dubbed that by international critics who felt the three films were connected through …

It’s time to put on your rubber-soled salsa shoes and hit the floor with JJ and Steve. …

It seems that after finding such success making films about real world situations in _The Hurt Locker_and Zero Dark Thirty, director Kathryn Bigelow and screenwriter Mark Boal …

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 …

Kathryn Bigelow already showed everyone that she could handle action in her films with projects like Near Dark and Blue Steel …

When trying to figure out a way to stand out for her first solo directorial …

Call the maid for turn down service, because this month JJ and Steve take on a movie that takes place in a hotel room. JJ and Steve spend time with Charlie …

Watching Funny Girl now, you would never guess that it was Barbra Streisand’s film debut. Sure, she originated the role on …

The Marvel Madness continues this month with Black Panther and it brings some …

By 1967, Julie Andrews was at the top of her game. Since Mary …

Jacques Demy already had great success with his 1964 musical The Umbrellas of Cherbourg when he stepped up to direct The Young Girls of Rochefort. Continuing his same …

"I feel what’s to happen all happened before."

Anyone who watched 2013’s Saving Mr. Banks knows what a difficult time Walt Disney had getting the …

"Do you know what I hate about the Americans? Everything. Especially cowboys."

With the surprise success of the fourth entry into the “Die Hard” …

"People eat because they are hungry; I want to make food that makes people stop eating."

To start off a new year of Trailer Rewind Steve and JJ sit down for a meal with John Wells’ 2015 film Burnt. This was Pete's pick …

"You’re a Timex watch in a digital age."

Making a sequel is always a challenge, but making the fourth film in a franchise after a twelve-year hiatus seems like a recipe for disaster. Luckily, the team behind Live Free …

"We let you all down, didn’t we?"

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 …

"Simon says."

When Jonathan Hensleigh’s spec script ‘Simon Says’ was bought by Twentieth Century Fox to be turned into a Die Hard sequel, he was thrilled. After all, his deal with Warner Bros. to turn it into a Lethal …

Happy New Year! We’re bringing you an early episode of The Film Board as a late …

Joel Silver was never a producer to shy away from giving the audience more of what they wanted. For the sequel to his 1988 action hit Die Hard, he tapped into …

‘Tis the holiday season, and what better way to kick it off than with everybody’s favorite Christmas action …

Stieg Larsson had plans to write an entire series of Millennium novels, but unfortunately died having …

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 …

Stieg Larsson’s second novel in the Millennium trilogy, “The Girl Who Played With Fire,” saw the continuation of the story of Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomqvist while they try to stop a sex trafficking …

As part of our ongoing series on the people behind the sites and services that serve the film-loving community, today we’re talking to Paul …

With the international success of Stieg Larsson’s novel “Men Who Hate Women” and its sequels, it was inevitable that a …

It’s the last Trailer Rewind of 2017, and this time it's personal. When they decided to watch Andy’s trailer pick from our Syriana episode on February …

After working on The Dark Crystal together, Jim Henson and Brian Froud wanted to do another …

What’s this? More Trek? We can’t get enough of it! This week, Ethan Siegel joins Pete to talk about the science of Star Trek, talking through those …

Thank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on …

Anyone who has seen a Ricardo Darín film knows he has very expressive eyes. The actors in the 2009 film El Secreto de Sus Ojos, or The Secret in Their Eyes, had to have more than just …

Thank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon! — https://patreon.com/thenextreel

The literary adaptation sub-faction of Film Board thugs …

Juan José Campanella had developed a career bouncing back and forth between the …

Ricardo Darín was pretty much born into acting. Coming …

With JJ Abrams busy working on that other space franchise, the new Trek film needed a new director. And who better to bring on board than Justin Lin, the man who rejuvenated the …

Thank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon! — https://patreon.com/thenextreel

"My name is Khan."

When Paramount asked JJ Abrams and his team behind the 2009 Star Trek reboot to get started on a …

Thank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon! — https://patreon.com/thenextreel

”A senator’s priority isn’t representing the people, it’s keeping his ass in office."

This month JJ and Steve are tasked …

Thank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon! — https://patreon.com/thenextreel

"Your father was the captain of a starship for twelve minutes. He saved 800 lives, including your mother’s and yours. I …

Thank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon! — https://patreon.com/thenextreel

"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 …

Thank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon! — https://patreon.com/thenextreel

"I’m afraid you won’t survive to witness the victory of the echo over the voice."

Star Trek: Insurrection was a success …

With the success of Star Trek: First Contact, a more action-oriented Star Trek film, the team behind it wanted their next film to be lighter in tone and …

Thank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon! — https://patreon.com/thenextreel

"Something made it through."

The Film Board gathers! This week we’re choosing sides with the Kingsman and the Statesmen …

Thank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon! — https://patreon.com/thenextreel

"The line must be drawn here!"

The introduction of the Borg as an antagonist on “Star Trek: The Next Generation” gave the …

"Look at you girl. All grown up like a librarian or something."

This month JJ and Steve are dealing with family drama in Zach Clark’s 2016 film Little Sister.

With a mix of nuns, GWAR, drug-laced muffins, and parenting …

"Who am I to argue with the captain of the Enterprise?"

After seven successful seasons of “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” it was time for their …

"We will not be the instigators of full scale war on the eve of universal peace!"

Even though “Star Trek: The Next Generation” was entering its fifth …

"I don’t want my pain taken away! I need my pain!"

Leonard Nimoy had directed two Star Trek films so naturally, William Shatner wanted to give it a go. He even had a great concept for a story – the crew of the …

"Who would send a probe hundreds of light years to talk to a whale?"

With the success of their pair of Star Trek films under their belt, director …

"Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards."

This month JJ and Steve learn a lesson in obedience with 2015’s Experimenter. Peter Sarsgaard takes us through the career of Stanley Milgram, and …

"My God, Bones, what have I done?"

Because of the critical and financial success of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Paramount quickly put plans into action for part three, telling Harve Bennett to get them a script as …

"You are my superior officer. You are also my friend. I have been, and always shall be, yours."

The ‘failure’ of the first Star Trek film put Paramount in the frame of mind where they needed to do a few things if they …

"Something made it through."

Stephen King’s opus inspired the movie 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 …

"The creator has not answered."

It wasn’t until syndication that Paramount realized that it had a property they could continue milking in Gene …

"The whole universe is after us."

The Film Boards drops out of Exospace this month to experience the other-dimensional adventure of Valerian and the …

“You know, sometimes in life it seems like there's no way out. Like a sheep trapped in a maze designed by wolves.“

This month, JJ and Steve are off …

"Prepare to feel the wrath of the League of Evil Exes!"

After making Shaun of the Dead, Edgar Wright signed on to direct the adaptation of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s graphic novel “Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Life” but …

"The important question is, where do they get all the skeletons with perfect teeth?"

Tommy Handsome is back with his take on Dan O’Bannon’s 1985 zombie romp, The Return of the Living Dead. And before you hang up the …

"He dared to be born right on the border with China."

Regardless of whether you are a Buddhist or not, the story of Tenzin Gyatso is an interesting one that certainly provides drama that can draw you in. Born as the …

"Hondo!"

This month, Steve digs through the archives to revisit The History of Future Folk, a quirky indie that punches well above its weight. Yes, …

"I’m keeping him."

Steven Spielberg didn’t have a sense that his little, personal alien film was going to blow up like it did when he was making it. …

"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 …

"We’re gonna show everybody that he’s the fastest horse in the world."

Francis Ford Coppola’s successes in the 70s put him in a place where he was …

"Nothing but witches and wizards ahead."

Hayao Miyazaki did not attend the Oscars to pick up his Academy Award for Best Animated Film for Spirited Away because he was protesting the Iraq War. When it came time to make …

"If I hear one little complaint out of you, you’ll be joining your parents in the pigpen!"

Hayao Miyazaki’s 2001 film Spirited Away shot to the top …

"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 …

"When you’re going to kill a god, let someone else do the dirty work."

Hayao Miyazaki has always had a strong relationship with nature that he’s portrayed in a number of his films, but nowhere has it grown as dark as it …

"Happiness is in your hands."

The role of advertising in politics is constantly evolving. From radio to TV to the internet and now to specifically …

“I can’t apologize. I’m not going to apologize for this. You know what I will do? I will apologize on behalf of Ernest Hemingway because that’s who’s …

"I’ll talk to them. I have a position now."

Pablo Larraín was born when Pinochet was already in power but the military coup that brought Pinochet to power always fascinated him, largely because it wasn’t something that …

"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 …

"Once the film is out of fashion, you think they’ll still follow you? No way."

Pablo Larraín didn’t intend to direct three films that took place …

“Anyone can torture, but to break a person without harming physically, that's an art."

We’re keeping with The Next Reel 2017 theme of “Let’s Scare JJ.” Prisoners tortured in secret underground tunnels! A power-crazed …

"I just knew if I didn’t start driving, I wasn’t gonna see you again."

Kelly Reichardt’s most recent film, last year’s Certain Women, is a bit of a departure for her in that it’s a film consisting of three separate …

"Is he ignorant or is he just plain evil?"

The story of the real Meek’s Cutoff is an interesting and tragic tale in the early days of the Oregon …

"Don’t be a nuisance. We don’t need that."

Kelly Reichardt has been called a minimalist film director, and if you’re comparing her to someone like Michael Bay or Steven Spielberg or the Hughes brothers, that certainly …

"Stay on the path."

Right from the start, it was clear that Albert and Allen Hughes knew how to put films together. Whether paying homage to filmmakers they admire or playing with their own showy techniques, they know …

"No man amongst you is fit to judge the mighty art that I have wrought."

The Hughes brothers hadn’t really had a big hit by the time they were offered to direct the adaptation of Alan Moore’s and Eddie Campbell’s …

"Being a black man in America isn’t easy. The hunt is on and you’re the prey."

When 20-year-old twin brothers Albert and Allen Hughes directed their …

"The situation in Sweden must be real bad as even lice have begun to emigrate to America."

It’s time for our first 2017 Listener’s Choice episode! Pony Prize winner Finn Frode, who’s from Norway but living in Sweden, …

"Don’t be what they make you to be"

Back to Back Film Board weeks! We couldn’t let this one go by - Marvel comics movies are continuing to find their …

"There are many things you have not seen."

Zhang Yimou has done serious dramas. He’s done big wuxia action films, but he hasn’t had a success in a …

“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 …

“A wolf and a penguin could never live together, nor could a camel and a hippopotamus. That would be absurd."

In a world where being a couple is a …

"How swift your sword must be."

Zhang Yimou had always wanted to direct an action film, and after years of working on the script, he finally had his chance with his ambitious visual feast, 2002’s Hero. Shot all over …

"Light the lanterns at the fourth house!"

Despite the bans on some of his earlier films like Ju Dou and Raise the Red Lantern in his home country of China, Zhang Yimou had exploded onto the world stage with these …

"If they knew, they’d kill us."

The eighties were a period of turmoil and transition for the Chinese film industry. Other forms of entertainment were …

"You helped bring Lili to life, but she was always there."

The Danish Girl certainly took a long time getting to the big screen. The script went through dozens of iterations after David Ebershoff’s book was first was …

"I never even heard of a tranny church lady."

Felicity Huffman received many accolades for her incredible performance in TransAmerica, but an Oscar …

"He’s on the move."

DON’T LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE FILM BOARD until you see Split! Here at The Next Reel, we always mention how WE SPOIL MOVIES and this month we’ve taken on twistmaster M. Night Shyamalan’s newest …

"I can spot the fluttering of a beaded lash from three hundred paces."

Terence Stamp had played some pretty tough characters in his career – Billy Budd, General Zod – so it was a big surprise to many to see him play a …

"When you think of garbage, think of Akeem!"

Eddie Murphy was riding high through the 80s. John Landis, on the other hand, had had a string of flops, …

"You couldn’t plan a day like this."

The Next Reel’s Speakeasy is an ongoing series of ours in which we invite an industry guest to join us and bring …

"You’re not gonna fall for the banana in the tail pipe?"

Eddie Murphy proved his big screen comedy prowess with Dan Aykroyd in Trading Places but the studio was still concerned about him helming a movie by himself. …

"When I was growing up, if we wanted a jacuzzi, we had to fart in the tub."

Eddie Murphy may have been a name on “Saturday Night Live” but he wasn’t a film star. Luckily, when John Landis wanted to cast him as Billy Ray …

"Agnes, it’s me – Billy!"

Bob Clark may be best known for directing his Christmas classic, 1983’s A Christmas Story, but many people don’t know that he got his start in horror like so many other filmmakers, and that one …

"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 …

"Now that you’re so respectable, I think you’re more dangerous than you ever were."

It was billed the most anticipated film of the decade, yet …

"Such perfectly beautiful coats!"

The Next Reel’s Speakeasy is our ongoing series in which we invite an industry guest to join us and bring along one …

"Keep your friends close but your enemies closer."

While The Godfather, Part II didn’t perform nearly as well as its predecessor at the box office, …

"Blood’s a big expense."

It was never a movie that was meant to be as big as it became. Robert Evans, Paramount head at the time, thought it would be …

". . . another victim of the cruel tricks gods play on men”

It’s back to 2014 again for JJ and Steve as they dig into The Two Faces of January, Andy’s pick from February 2014. Adapted from the novel by Patricia …

"I didn’t forget your breakfast. I didn’t bring you breakfast because you didn’t eat your din-din!"

The animosity between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford almost seems the stuff of legend. Looking back from today, it’s …

"Fasten your seatbelts. It’s going to be a bumpy night."

Bette Davis was on a streak of flops and just lost her contract with Warner Bros. when …

"Don’t let’s ask for the moon, we have the stars!"

Irving Rapper’s 1942 film Now, Voyager may have met with mixed reviews but it certainly found its audience, showing that people were thrilled with the on-screen pairing …

The Film Board gathers! The Marvel Cinematic Universe has returned so we've brought together a merry band of thugs to spoil the next episode of the massive comic book soap …

"You must hate me very much."

Bette Davis was never one to shy away from roles, except perhaps from those that weren’t meaty enough. And she found a …

"The prettiest sight in this fine, pretty world is the privileged class enjoying its privileges."

The Next Reel’s Speakeasy is an ongoing series of ours in which we invite an industry guest to join us and bring along …

"Be Afraid. Be very afraid."

There are certain people that are drawn to a movie because of reports about early screenings where audience members had to leave the theatre because the gore made them physically sick. …

"You’re right – the numbers don’t add up."

The Film Board is all out of Breath! Our faithful thugs have all been sprinting from house to car to …

"You don’t throw a whole life away just ‘cause he’s banged up a little."

When Seabiscuit raced in the 30s, he drew more news than Roosevelt or …

"I may see dead people, but, by God, I do something about it."

Mining book series for films is an all to frequent occurrence. Some are able to …

"They won’t understand why we do it. They won’t understand it’s about the men next to you. That’s all it is."

There is a political side to military …

"Du Jour means teamwork!"

You know the feeling. You have a ridiculous internal affair with a movie. You’ve seen it a dozen times. You laugh at all …

"The whole town is over the moon."

Every story has many facets, but often the big story hides some of the smaller facets. The Australian film The Dish

"You’re an errand boy sent by grocery clerks to collect a bill."

The Next Reel’s Speakeasy is an ongoing series of ours in which we invite an …

"I’ll say a prayer for you. A little prayer."

Antoine Fuqua has talked about how much a fan he is of both westerns and of Akira Kurosawa’s 1954 film Seven Samurai. Knowing that, it’s frustrating to see that his …

"From way up here, you all look like little ants!"

Time heals all wounds, but the rift between Jeffrey Katzenberg and Disney may not apply. When Katzenberg, former chairman of Disney’s film division, left Disney after a …

"Terrorism is just an excuse"

The Film Board Gathers undercover of darkness through compromised microphones and remotely accessed computer screens to discuss a dramatic reconstruction of the deconstruction of the …

"They called us scum-sucking pigs! Us!"

It was the movie that had ‘hit’ written all over it. Three of the funniest actors starred together for the first time: Steve Martin, Chevy Chase and Martin Short. One of the top …

"All I am is what I’m going after."

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 …

"We deal in lead, friend."

The Magnificent Seven is a breeze to watch. It’s fun. It has that clean vibe of early Hollywood westerns. Plus it’s based …

"Once more, we survive."

When you think of Akira Kurosawa, it’s easy to connect him to great samurai films like Ran, Throne of Blood, The Hidden Fortress, Yojimbo and Sanjuro. What’s surprising, however, is that he …

"How are we defining ‘contained?’"

While working on The Informer! with Steven Soderbergh, screenwriter Scott Z. Burns was inspired by a scene with …

"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 …

"Either the blindness spread the panic or the panic spread the blindness."

When Fernando Meirelles showed his 2008 film Blindness to José Saramago, the author of the original book upon which it was based, Saramago loved …

"Very odd what happens in a world without children’s voices."

It’s unfortunate that Alfonso Cuarón’s film Children of Men never found the audience it deserved, at least theatrically. Sure, it has been hailed as one of …

"How’d you like to wake up in the morning and be him?"

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. …

"You can’t stop the signal."

Most people involved in making Joss Whedon’s 2005 film Serenity acknowledge that it was a near miracle that they got to …

"Use SQL to corrupt the databases."

The Film Board Gathers! This month, we’ve got thugs being thugs as the Bourne Quilogy moves into its latest …

"You have to love its simplicity. It’s one billionth our size and it’s beating us."

After making Das Boot, Wolfgang Peterson came to Hollywood and …

"Tell me a story where everything works out in the end for the evil witch."

Steve and JJ are going to have their pain killer laden cake and spoil it for you too. This was Pete’s trailer pick from January 2, 2015. Pete …

"We’re not dealing with the flu virus here."

George A. Romero made The Crazies just a few years after making his breakout film Night of the Living …

It was a dark and stormy . . . actually, it was a sunny June Sunday evening when Andy and Steve decided to celebrate the joys of fatherhood with John …

"It should’ve been left up to the scientists! It’s a colossal mistake! Tell the President I said so!"

Michael Crichton’s space disease thriller hit …

Whether you’re a creative person, or someone who cringes at the thought of art, you’re going to find something to enjoy about this month’s three of a kind. The creative process gets dissected to look at the heart of Bob …

"You are discarded. You are the refuse of the past."

Richard Matheson’s 1954 vampire horror novel “I Am Legend” helped influence the zombie genre (it was the inspiration for the ‘68 George Romero film “Night of the …

"You have to know who you are and what you are. It’s the only way you’ll lead decent lives."

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 …

"Gentlemen, you can’t fight in here! This is the war room!"

Stanley Kubrick didn’t do comedy often which is a shame because “Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb” is arguably one of the …

"Would’ve been a quiet night, too, if it hadn’t been for those meddling kids!"

Stop-motion animation has been a part of film since nearly the …

"Why am I me and not somebody else?"

Are you ready to rewind time with this month’s trailer rewind? JJ and Steve tackle Mr. Nobody, Pete’s trailer pick from November 2013. They discuss this film’s long road to a U.S …

"I’m going to cause such a terrible stink in this Third Reich of theirs that thousands of troops that could well be employed at the front will be …

"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 …

"We’ve been patriotically slaving for three years to help a spy ring!"

“Ministry of Fear” was Fritz Lang’s third film of four anti-Nazi movies that he made, but it feels less anti-Nazi and more just straight up …

"Hasta la vista, baby."

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, costume …

"Good heavens, man, I never intended to shoot. I merely wanted to find out if it were possible."

1941 was an interesting time for the US as the country started the year off as a passive, neutral observer of what Germany …

"So you're telling me you made a porno where the plot is the point?"

A trailer rewind for a film that’s still in theaters!?! What’s going on? We finish up our Andy trailer pick trilogy and add a bonus episode to the …

"Just you wait, it won’t be long. / The man in black will soon be here / With his cleaver’s blade so true. / He’ll make mincemeat out of you!"

When “M,” Fritz Lang’s first sound film, opened in 1931, it was clear that …

"See? This is why I hate time. I can't enjoy my sesame chicken because of that."

This month’s Trailer Rewind is Andy’s pick from our Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore episode in December 2014. Justin and Steve look at …

"You still don’t seem to know what I am capable of!"

Fritz Lang’s 1928 silent spy thriller “Spies” rarely gets brought up when people mention Lang and his filmography. Dwarfed by arguably two of his best made on either …

The Next Reel was born out of “Movies We Like” and in this new TNR Short JJ and Tommy Handsome talk about one of our favorite movie gimmicks, tricks, twists, archetypes or whatever you want to call it — it includes all …

"Isn’t it worth the loss of a hand to have created the man of the future, the Machine-Man—?!”

Fritz Lang’s sci-fi classic has really been through the wringer since it’s premiere in 1927. After having been cut nearly in …

"If we can't accept limitations, we're no better than the bad guys."

The Film Board Gathers! This month, #TeamNextReel take on #TeamCap and #TeamIronMan for the title in this hero on hero on decidedly-non-hero battle …

"This was, like, two corpses in three hours. I mean, am I crazy? That’s unusual, right?"

Shane Black was gone from the scene for a decade before his return as not just writer but also director with 2005’s “Kiss Kiss …

"Is that a tea cozy on his head?"

The Next Reel’s Speakeasy is an ongoing series of ours in whichwe invite an industry guest to join us and bring along one of theirfavorite movies to talk about. In this month’s episode, …

"Name’s Charly, by the way. You’re gonna love me."

When New Line Cinema bought Shane Black’s spec script “The Long Kiss Goodnight” in 1994 for $4 million, it created a new record for the selling price of spec scripts …

This month we get to meet Truman, Teddy, and Rhoda, three people who, to put it simply, have issues they need to deal with. You may think you know yourself and what you are or aren’t capable of, but you’re probably …

"Be prepared, son. That’s my motto. Be prepared."

When Shane Black was paid $1.75 million for his spec script “The Last Boy Scout,” it was the most any screenwriter had been paid for their script up to that point. It …

“If you decide you’re not going to be reasonable, then one night when you come home, you’ll find me on the inside waiting for you, and that’ll be the night you’ll wish you’d never been born.”

The Next Reel’s Speakeasy …

"You ever met anybody you didn’t kill?"

Shortly after graduating from UCLA, Shane Black sold his first screenplay to Warner Bros. to the tune of …

"I found this upsetting because I was very hungry and also my wife had died ten minutes earlier. Maybe I should start from the beginning."

The Film …

"They were the footprints… of a gigantic hound!"

Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce became synonymous with Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson after appearing …

"Give a boy a sense of humor and a sense of proportion and he’ll stand up to anything."

Robert Donat defied the odds and beat both Clark Gable and Jimmy Stewart for the Best Actor Oscar in the 1939 Academy Awards with …

"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 …

"Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore!"

Victor Fleming didn’t just direct two movies in 1939, he directed two of what many consider to be the greatest films made – ”Gone With the Wind” and “The Wizard of …

"I never saw this land when it was green."

Today we bring you a new TNR Short: Trailer Rewind. Justin and Steve took on the task of watching Young …

"We’re the victims of a foul disease called social prejudice, my child."

When John Ford decided to helm “Stagecoach” in 1939, he hadn’t done a …

This month’s three of a kind takes on music, magic, and a great meal. Amadeus, The Prestige, and Big Night are three films that explore characters with a single-minded focus that drives them toward success but at a …

“We women are so much more sensible. When we tire of ourselves, we change the way we do our hair or hire a new cook or decorate the house. I suppose …

As part of our ongoing series on the people behind the sites and services that serve the film-loving community, today we’re talking to Matthew Buchanan, co-founder of Letterboxd.com. Letterboxd has become an …

“You’re upside down, sir.”

It’s time for another Listener’s Choice episode! This time, 2015 Pony Prize winner Ben Lott gets to select and he chose Peter Bogdanovich’s 1972 screwball comedy “What’s Up, Doc?” Join us – …

“When I was small, I only knew small things, but now I’m five – I know everything!”

The Next Reel’s Speakeasy is a new ongoing series of ours in which we invite an industry guest to join us and bring along one of their …

“When you’re facing a loaded gun, what’s the difference?”

“The Departed,” Martin Scorsese’s 2006 remake of “Infernal Affairs,” is the film he finally won his Oscar for. It’s a strong crime film and is definitely a …

As a part of our series on the movie sites we love, today we’re talking about one of our favorite movie projects. Jamie Benning has become, through great effort and time, custodian to the behind the scenes media of our …

“I’ve chosen to be the good guy.”

“Infernal Affairs” may have won seven out of the sixteen Hong Kong Film Awards it was nominated for in 2002, including beating Zhang Yimou’s “Hero” as Best Film, but the majority of …

The three family action films, Legend of the Guardians, Rise of the Guardians, and Guardians of the Galaxy, aren’t just for kids. These movies give parents the opportunity to discuss the difference between heroes and …

“If you’re looking for sterling character, you’re in the wrong place.”

In the early 80s, Peter Hyams was trying to get a western made. Unfortunately for him, no studio was interested in the genre right then; as far as …

“It’s complicated.”

The Film Board Gathers! The Coen Brothers are back, this time channeling the spirit of old Hollywood. Josh Brolin plays Eddie …

“People’ve gotta talk themselves into law and order before they do anything about it, maybe because down deep, they don’t care – they just don’t care.”

“High Noon” is often cited as one of the greatest westerns ever …

“I would ask you if you could remain emotionally detached, but I don’t think that’s your problem. Is it, Bond?”

The Next Reel’s Speakeasy is a new …

“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 …

“Behold, the mighty hunter.”

Lee Tamahori’s first foray in Hollywood, ‘Mulholland Falls,’ didn’t fare all that well. Luckily, his follow-up with …

As a part of our series on the movie sites we love, you’d probably guess that we couldn’t go very far without talking to Nathan Chase and Jeremy …

“The good news is you’re fired.”

David Mamet won the Pulitzer Prize in 1984 with his play “Glengarry Glen Ross.” The play really exemplified …

From Sutter and Aimee in James Ponsoldt’s, The Spectacular Now, to Joe, Patrick, and Biaggio in Jordan Vogt-Roberts’, The Kings of Summer, to Greg …

“He pulls a knife, you pull a gun. He sends one of yours to the hospital, you send one of his to the morgue. That’s the Chicago way, and that’s how …

“So much of the time, we’re just lost.”

David Mamet wrote screenplays for several years before he jumped into the director’s seat, and while some of them still distinctly sound like Mamet’s writing, others really don’t. …

“I’m not an actor, I’m a movie star!”

The Next Reel’s Speakeasy is a new ongoing series of ours in which we invite an industry guest to join us and, instead of bringing their favorite cocktail, we have them bring along …

“I’ve got a feeling beneath those jeans, there’s something wonderful just waiting to get out.”

Happy New Year! Goodbye 2015, hello 2016. And what …

“They might even replace the dog as the family pet.”

‘Tis the holiday season, which means it’s time for another Next Reel Christmas movie, and how …

“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 …

Last year, DC Barns entered his name in a contest to join the cast and crew of Star Wars: The Force Awakens at Pinewood Studios in London. He and …

Hey folks! Please listen to this episode! We tried to keep it short, but we need to tell you about a few things you'll be seeing come January 2016 …

“Everybody in the car. Boat leaves in two minutes, or perhaps you don’t want to see the second largest ball of twine on the face of the Earth, …

“Razzle dazzle!”

Harold Ramis made his big screen debut acting in Ivan Reitman’s 1981 military comedy “Stripes,” which he also co-wrote for Reitman, …

“So I got that going for me, which is nice.”

With a background at Second City and National Lampoon, comedy was right up Harold Ramis’ alley, and …

“Don’t think badly of me. I only want her near me.”

It’s time for another Listener’s Choice episode, and boy, do we have a doozy this week. Listener Diego Luis Contreras López wanted us to talk about a film from Spain …

With the 2013 release of “The Wind Rises,” his eleventh feature film, Hayao Miyazaki retired from making his beautiful animated films. Animation fans …

With the creation of Studio Ghibli, Hayao Miyazaki and the other filmmakers involved had created a place where they could create the films they …

The 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 …

Hayao Miyazaki began his career with television and it was the show “Lupin III” that gave him the chance to direct both for the small screen as well as for the big screen with the second story about Lupin the Third in …

“He wants you too, Malachai!"

Stephen King may not like the film version of ’Children of the Corn,’ but considering it spawned 7 sequels and a remake, we’d like to think that he’s at least making a decent profit on his …

“Don’t be frightened. It was only the wind, my dear."

Thus far, our series to celebrate Halloween — the Naughty Children series — hasn’t really been that scary. “The Bad Seed” is labeled a crime/drama/horror but comes …

“Is there no limit to the power of these children?"

John Wyndham’s 1957 novel “The Midwich Cuckoos” is the foundation for Wolf Rilla’s 1960 film …

“I thought I seen some mean little gals in my time, but you’re the meanest."

It’s October, which means it’s time for some scares! This year, we’re celebrating with those lovable little children who just are downright …

“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, …

“Know your place. Keep your place. Be a shoe."

Bong Joon-ho’s “Snowpiercer” made waves upon its US release because its distributor decided to give it a limited theatrical release the same day they released it digitally. …

“You’re not even worth the dirt on my son’s toenail."

Bong Joon-ho’s follow-up feature to his massive success “The Host” was about a murder and the …

“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 …

“Is all of your family so dumb all the time?"

Bong Joon-ho’s third film, “The Host," ended up becoming the highest grossing South Korean film of all time straight out of the gate with it playing on a record number of …

“The truth does not make it easier to understand, you know."

When a choice is referred to as a “Sophie’s Choice” most people understand that the …

“You have planted a dagger in me, and your damned freedom gives you license to twist it in my heart!"

Meryl Streep received her first nomination for …

“I didn’t know it’d happen to me."

Meryl Streep won the first of her three Oscars for her supporting role in Robert Benton’s 1979 film “Kramer vs. …

“I’m happy to be able to defend Volunteers, and maybe you can have me back to defend Mannequin Two."

In 237 episodes of The Next Reel and nearly 200 …

“One shot."

Michael Cimino’s 1978 film “The Deer Hunter” is definitely a divisive film, one about which a LOT of people have found plenty of things to say and argue about. Aside from all of that, it’s also the film for …

“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 60s throw-back with class that’s getting wildly underserved theatrical notice. That’s right, …

“The truth is when reality is staring you in the face and you’re afraid to die, very few of us are heroic."

It’s time for another Listener’s Choice episode, this time with our friends Per Johansson and Gustav Larsed …

“Yes, Christopher lived for all women, but he died for one."

Prince has always been a flamboyant and eclectic musician, and with the album and film “Purple Rain,” he found a new art form he enjoyed. And one he won an …

“It’s not that I can’t help these people, it’s just that I don’t want to."

It’s time for some guilty pleasures! Yes, the two of us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — dig up some films that we love but are generally not …

“I thought you had enough of flyers?"

Howard Hawks and Cary Grant had already given the world the hilarious “Bringing Up Baby” in 1938, and lucky for us, they liked working together. They’d work on four more films …

“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 …

“He used to be a big shot."

James Cagney was getting tired of making gangster films for Warner Bros. by the time he starred in Raoul Walsh’s 1939 …

“You’re not a Senator, you’re an honorary stooge."

It’s rare to find a film from 75 years ago that feels relevant still in today’s world, but Frank Capra’s 1939 “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” is one of those films. …

Taking a completely different turn from last week's Civil War epic, "Ninotchka" is a …

“Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn."

Considering the racially-charged climate of the US right now, it’s oddly perfect timing that we’re starting our 1939 series with “Gone With The Wind,” a film as technically …

“Time for a change."

James Wong Howe shot color films very well, but it was his black-and-white cinematography that he was really known for. He won …

“The key to a happy life is to accept you are never actually in control.”

The Film Board Gathers! This month, we christen Jurassic World, the latest …

“Match me, Sidney."

James Wong Howe had just won his Oscar for his black-and-white cinematography for “The Rose Tattoo” when the star of the film, Burt Lancaster, hired him to shoot his next picture, “Sweet Smell of …

“Where’s the REST of me?!?!"

“Kings Row” was adapted from a much racier novel from 1940 and had to be sanitized quite a bit because of the Hays Code. They had to leave some pretty big elements out — homosexuality, mercy …

James Wong Howe is often cited as one of the most influential cinematographers there have been. He worked in film from the early days of the silents to the mid-70s when he received his last Oscar nomination for his …

In case you haven’t heard, everybody seems to be talking about “Mad Max: Fury Road.” Whether they’re talking about the silly fan theories about who Tom Hardy really is playing in this film, or the ‘meninist’ groups …

While the first two Mad Max films had so much going for them, it sure seemed like a stumble with the third of the trilogy. But that’s looking at it through today’s eyes because some critics like Roger Ebert sure loved …

With the international popularity of “Mad Max,” George Miller was excited to get back into the driver’s seat and continue with his hero as he …

Film 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 …

“They say people don’t believe in heroes anymore. Well, damn them! You and me, Max, we’re going to give them back their heroes!"

George Miller’s film “Mad Max” came out in 1979 in Australia and became a huge success, …

Orson Welles never was one who could direct in the Hollywood studio system without a hitch, and his last studio picture he directed, 1958’s “Touch of …

Child 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 …

“Bad news sells best, because good news is no news."

From “Double Indemnity” in 1944 through “The Apartment” in 1960 (maybe even “One, Two, Three” in ’61), Billy Wilder really hit his stride. His films were all over the …

“You’re like a leaf that the wind blows from one gutter to another."

The two films most often cited as the ultimate representations of film noir are …

“I’ve wanted to laugh in your face ever since I first met you. You’re old and ugly and I’m sick of you! Sick! Sick! Sick!"

Fritz Lang may have often …

“That’s life. Whichever way you turn, fate sticks out a foot to trip you."

There are good films noir and there are bad films noir. But rarely do you have a case like 1945’s “Detour,” directed by Edgar G. Ulmer, where …

“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 …

Nobody knew they were making films noir when the genre started in the 40s — it wasn’t until much later when the French dubbed this new run of American films that had a darker bent with snappy dialogue, lots of shadows …

Biopics come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Olivier Dahan’s film “La Vie en Rose” detailing the life of Edith Piaf, one of France’s greatest singers and international stars, is a whirlwind of a film. Unlike biopics …

1997 was a big year for movies, and perhaps that’s because one of the biggest box office sensations — James Cameron’s “Titanic” — was released that …

Next up in our Guess the Connection series: Clint Eastwood’s 2004 boxing drama “Million Dollar Baby."

For those of you who have yet to see “Million …

It’s game time, folks! This current series consists of four films that for all intents and purposes are not related, except for one connection they …

This is not the movie you think it is. At least, that's the take of our round table of thugs on the Film Board this week as we spoil "Kingsman: The …

We love doing our Listener’s Choice episodes — it’s a great way for our listeners to get us to finally talk about movies about which conversations are long overdue. Cameron Ryan, our 2014 Pony Prize winner, got to pick …

Neil Simon saw Alec Guinness reading the script for “Star Wars” on the set of “Murder By Death,” and very soon after that, Guinness would be known as …

Alec Guinness's Professor Marcus really meets his match with Katie Johnson's Mrs. Wilberforce in Alexander Mackendrick's 1955 Ealing Studios comedy "The Ladykillers," what some call the last great comedy from the …

Ealing Studios comedies, particularly the ones we’ve been talking about, have all had a bit of an anti-establishment feel to them but “The Man in the …

Chris 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 …

Sir Alec Guinness had already proven both his comedic and dramatic prowess by the time he came to Ealing Studios’ “The Lavender Hill Mob” in 1951, a point in his career when he was making two films a year. He’d continue …

Sir Alec Guinness may always be remembered as Obi Wan Kenobi, but his career goes far beyond those three little science fiction films he did late in his career. He worked many times with David Lean. He gave life to the …

The end of 2014, the beginning of 2015. Happy New Year, everybody! And what a better way to celebrate than with Ronald Neame’s 1972 disaster classic “The Poseidon Adventure.” Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as …

Happy holidays! It’s time for another Christmas movie pick to celebrate, and we’re jumping back to 1947 to talk about Henry Koster’s “The Bishop’s …

Peter Jackson is back with another turn at the wheel of Middle Earth. This time, Bilbo and buddies are off to slay the dragon, fight ye olde Gold …

Andy had a kidney removed earlier this week to donate to a friend. Pete took a few minutes to call and check in on his recovery, and see which movies he's been watching all week.

Phew. This film should be required viewing for all high school seniors. It’s brutal and intense, but also honest and powerful in its depiction of …

It’s pretty rare for a film to come along that has such a visceral effect on people when they’re watching it where they faint or throw up because it’s so overwhelming. When “The Exorcist” was released just after …

Ellen Burstyn won her Oscar for Best Actress for her powerful turn as Alice Hyatt in Martin Scorsese’s 1974 film “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” …

Joel and Ethan Coen must have a funny sense of humor, because the idea of making an “adaptation” of Homer’s ‘The Odyssey’ without having read it just seems like a bad idea when I picture anyone else doing it, but with …

Katnis 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 …

It seems appropriate to the character of the Dude that “The Big Lebowski” took its time finding its audience. Coming fresh on the heels of their first Oscar-winning hit, “Fargo,” the Coen Brothers’ 7th film had a …

It’s time for some laughs! Kicking off our series of Coen brother comedies, we jump in with the second film of theirs, “Raising Arizona.” Coming after “Blood Simple,” they certainly went 180 degrees with this wild …

It’s time for another Listener’s Choice episode! For this round, listener Jeremy Wickett was chosen and gave us Albert Brooks’ 1991 film “Defending Your Life” to discuss. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we …

Bryan Singer’s film “Apt Pupil” was actually the second time the film was under production; the first attempt had several casting issues and when it finally started shooting, ended up running out of funds, killing the …

Rob Reiner could very easily get back to making films like he did in his heyday if he made another Stephen King adaptation. Seriously, “Stand By Me” …

The film board gathers to fully spoil Brad Pitt’s and David Ayers’ latest World War II Tank-a-palooza, “Fury.” First spoiler: it’s a war film, more …

Perhaps it was because elements of the novella ‘The Body’ were autobiographical that the story has so much heart compared to Stephen King’s previous works. Perhaps it was because there weren’t supernatural elements. Or …

There's something about your first love, and there's something about your first car. Stephen King found an interesting way to tap into that with his novel "Christine," and John Carpenter found an interesting way to …

Back in the 70s and 80s, Stephen King's stories generally had a lot more scares in them, as did their cinematic equivalents. Perhaps that's why David Cronenberg's adaptation of "The Dead Zone" feels a bit out of place — …

It’s throwback time on The Film Board as we take on Denzel Washington’s latest, The Equalizer. We take on all the various social constructs Denzel and director Antoine Fuqua look to equalize, from guns and home …

There's something truly terrifying about a lovable pet turning on you and attacking. Especially when that pet is a St. Bernard, one of the big dogs …

George A. Romero had already established himself as a master of the horror genre when he and Stephen King created their horror anthology film …

Stephen King may not have been a fan of what Stanley Kubrick did when he turned King’s third novel, “The Shining,” into one of his films, but audiences didn’t seem to mind. King purists still have problems with some of …

There is something interesting about going into a film that's had as many bad reviews as Jason Reitman's "Labor Day" has had, and that has flopped at the box office. Does it taint our own views or make us more critical …

The last of Leone's 'Man with no name' trilogy is the longest and considered by many to be the best. By the time he made it, he was a much more assured and mature storyteller. And it shows. Join us — Pete Wright and …

Sergio Leone continued building on the mythos that he and Clint Eastwood had created in "A Fistful of Dollars" with the follow-up, "For a Few Dollars …

Spaghetti Westerns didn't completely begin with Sergio Leone's 1964 film "A Fistful of Dollars," but his film certainly set a new bar — and created …

Terry Gilliam has said that 'The Fisher King' and 'Twelve Monkeys' were two of the easiest films for him to make. Perhaps that's because he found the right way to work in the studio system, perhaps it's because he found …

This, good people, is a summer tentpole we can get excited about. Director James Gunn has delivered a funny and frolicking space opera in “Guardians …

After the financial disaster that was 'The Adventures of Baron Munchausen,' Terry Gilliam needed a way to prove to the studio brass that he could …

After the battle that Terry Gilliam had to endure to release 'Brazil,' it's a shame that his next movie ended up being another debacle. From producer …

Terry Gilliam has always been an ambitious director with wild visions for his films. Sometimes that’s worked out, sometimes it hasn’t. In the case of …

Waitwaitwait… what?? A summer tentpole that causes us to ask big questions and congratulate smart filmmaking decisions? WHAT? Such is our review of …

Getting out from under the shadow of Monty Python proved difficult for Terry Gilliam early in his solo career — no one in America would finance any …

Considering how much critics and audiences seem to hate Alex Proyas' 2009 film Knowing, it's surprising that it actually did fairly well at the box office. We don't know if that's proof that people actually like it, but …

As someone once said, cult films aren't born, they're chosen. The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension failed at the box office, …

It’s time to draw the curtains on our 1981 series with another Louis Malle film, Atlantic City. While technically made in 1979 and released in Canada and France in 1980, this film wasn’t released in the US until April …

The late 70s and early 80s were a great time for Australian cinema. The filmmakers churned out lots of great (and cheap) movies and these movies helped create a resurgence of Australian films on the world cinematic …

Tom Cruise is back in Doug Liman’s “Edge of Tomorrow,” tripping through time and trauma on the road to defeat an alien hoard. Here’s the weird thing …

John Landis made a big shift in his filmmaking when we went from comedies like The Kentucky Fried Movie and Animal House to An American Werewolf in …

Michael Mann has spent most of his film career exploring the world of crime and the criminals that inhabit it. Not to mention neon lighting. His feature film debut, Thief, certainly started him on the right track. Join …

Anyone who listens to the show knows that we have a love/hate relationship with Brian De Palma. With his 1981 film Blow Out, he makes one of his strongest films and lands squarely on the side of ‘love’ for us (thank the …

Japan + Nuclear Power Plant + Misunderstood Fear of Technology = GODZILLA! The Film Board gathers to take on this summer romp and the jury is split. …

My Dinner With Andre is certainly not an easy film to classify. It certainly is a film that could be considered divisive, but that's really between …

Many films in the early 80s continued the cynicism of the 70s, and that certainly holds true for a number of John Carpenter's films, who has used …

There are great years of cinema like 1999 when the films seem to redefine the direction of the medium. And then there are years that, while maybe not changing the nature of cinema, certainly have a lot of great …

People often talk about the great movie year of 1999, and one of the great films that came out that year is 'The Matrix,' the film that made …

Film Board Assemble! It’s Captain America and his bestie Winter Soldier this week and Andy Nelson, Pete Wright, Steve Sarmento, and Chadd Stoops …

One of the interesting things to explore in the usage of found footage style films is how it can be applied to different genres. Okay, so it works better in some genres than others, but it's not a genre in and of …

When making found footage style films, it's important to stick with the conceit — someone is holding the camera and filming events as they happen, …

The J.J. Abrams team jumped into the found footage realm with a fun Godzilla-style monster movie that was kept under strict wraps while filming, to the point where excited audience members actually believed that it …

For many audience members, found footage films are just an opportunity to to film a horror story on the cheap and don't bring anything to the table. There are films, however, that work to use the filmmaking style to …

What 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 …

Tom Hanks and baseball — they go together like peanut butter and chocolate. Aside from always wanting to be an astronaut, Hanks has always been a …

Tom Hanks already won his back-to-back Oscars and with an ensemble film like "Apollo 13," he wasn't a clear choice to get nominated again to make a …

"Forrest Gump" broke all sorts of box office records when it was released in the summer of 1994, which may be why people spent a lot of time digging into what they thought the film was really saying, even if it's not …

In the late 70s and early 80s, Disney Pictures had been getting grief for releasing films that were too adult. When “Splash” came along, they decided …

It's a sad state to consider that Christopher Nolan had to fight to get money to make "Inception" because it wasn't a sequel, based on a comic book, …

Might 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 …

When the extended trailer for James Cameron's 1989 undersea scifi spectacular, "The Abyss," was released, detailing everything from the production on …

In 1977, Devil's Tower went from being known as the first National Monument (for those who had actually heard of it) to the iconographic image marking the rendezvous point where the aliens want to meet the humans in …

Wong Kar-Wai's sumptuous film "In the Mood for Love" premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2000 and, while it lost the Palm d'Or, it left an indelible impression on everyone who saw it. A story of a connection …

Richard Dysart is one of those faces that you instantly recognize. He's acted on the stage, on the movie screen and on the TV screen most of his life. In his films, he generally played strong supporting characters, …

"Pale Rider" marks Clint Eastwood's 10th time directing himself in a film, something he went on doing until 2008's "Gran Torino" and something he …

"Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit" is worth exactly what you pay for it. And possibly slightly less. Such is the verdict of The Next Reel Film Board this month as we take on the Kenneth Branagh-helmed thriller. It's the fifth …

Hal Ashby made a number of stand-out films in the 70s, films that looked at human nature in offbeat stories that didn't feel like they came from a …

There have been a good number of films made about the film industry, but few have taken such a dark and surreal look at the Hollywood machine as John …

Happy New Year! To ring in 2014, we wanted to find a tie-in to the new year so landed on 1994's Coen brothers comedy, "The Hudsucker Proxy." Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we delve back into the comedies …

It's the holiday season again which means it's time for us — Pete and Andy — to talk about another holiday classic! Join us as we talk about Peter …

It's easy to compare "City of God" to "GoodFellas" — they both have a frenetic filmmaking style, they both revolve around youth growing up in a world …

Winding 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 …

"Run Lola Run" came out during a period when lots of unique and truly fantastic films were opening up in theaters. Luckily for Lola, it was equally …

Rarely does a film truly take you into somebody's head for almost the entire film. Sure, you get POVs here and there in films, but it's a tricky tool …

Juan Carlos Fresnadillo broke onto the international scene with "28 Weeks Later," the sequel to Danny Boyle's film, and has been tied to a number of …

David Mamet's always one to put cons in his films, even when the film is a fight film taking place in the world of mixed martial arts. His 2008 film, "Redbelt," feels like a mash-up of genres — a con film, a fight film, …

We'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, …

David Mamet has made a name for himself as a playwright, as a screenwriter, as an author, and as a writer/director. His fifth film that he wrote and directed, "The Spanish Prisoner," didn't make many waves when it came …

In 1989, Cameron Crowe made his directorial debut with what many consider to be one of his best films, "Say Anything..." It wasn't one of the top films at the box office that year, but it certainly found its audience …

We’re on a trip to space with Sandra Bullock and George Clooney in this month’s Film Board review of Cuaron & Son’s astro-tacular, *Gravity*. …

While romantic comedies may be dead in our current day and age, they were alive and well 20 years ago when Norah Ephron’s “Sleepless in Seattle” came out. And what sort of hurdle did they put between the couple to keep …

Peter Sollett was an indie film director that got his 'big' Hollywood break with 2008's Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist, a simple, honest sweet …

We continue our Romantic Comedy series with a film that really puts that genre to the test — 2002's About a Boy, directed by Chris and Paul Weitz. Is …

It's October, which must mean it's time for another month of horror, right? Wrong! This month, we're turning the tables on all the Freddies and Jasons and Michaels and will be spending the month talking about romantic …

It was the genius mind of producer Jack Harris who saw potential in combining two popular 50s genres — the horror sci-fi films and the teen …

The next time your young daughter asks you 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 …

Hellllllloooooooooo! Welcome to episode #100 of The Next Reel, everybody! And what a better way to celebrate than to finish the Three Flavours Cornetto Trilogy series that we started in March 2012 with our episode on …

At the 2008 Oscars, Joel and Ethan Coen pulled off what only 4 other directors had done before them, walking away that night with 3 wins. The film, …

Joel and Ethan Coen may have won big at Cannes with "Barton Fink," but it wasn't until 1996's "Fargo" was nominated for 7 Oscars including Best Picture, and won Best Actress (Frances McDormand) and Best Original …

"Barton Fink" was the crowning glory of the Cannes Film Festival when it premiered there in May 1991. Critics heaped their praises on it. But it never really connected with the audience and hence was a box office …

Spoiler 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 …

For their third film, the Coen brothers decided to again make something completely different from what they've done before. With "Miller's Crossing," they made a gangster picture that honors conventions of the genre …

"Blood Simple," released in film festivals in 1984 and theatrically in 1985, found as many detractors as it did fans initially, but no one can argue that it was all that the filmmaking duo of Joel and Ethan Coen needed …

In 1934, a little film studio released what they thought would be a minor but fun little film called "It Happened One Night." That film went on to …

Charles Laughton is most known for his larger than life performances in films from the 30s through the 60s, but he did have one chance to direct which came in the form of 1955's The Night of the Hunter, a film he also …

The Film Board gathers! It's a full house this week as we take on the latest clawed brawler from Marvel, "The Wolverine." The crew agrees: there are …

William Goldman is often credited as the first screenwriter to sell a spec script, meaning he wrote a script without getting paid for it then sold it …

Quentin Tarantino's first script that he wrote turned out to be one he couldn't get made himself. Lucky for us (or unlucky as some Tarantino fans …

Infrequent filmmaker Martin Brest may have directed the box office bombs Gigli and Meet Joe Black, but he also directed the huge critical and commercial successes Beverly Hills Cop and Scent of a Woman. Somewhere in the …

Stanley Kubrick's 3rd film, "The Killing," was a box office bomb due to a poor release plan from United Artists and virtually no marketing. Luckily, the film was critically praised and has grown in stature since its …

After director Ron Howard dropped out from "Inside Man" to instead re-team with Russell Crowe on "Cinderella Man," producer Brian Grazer ended up turning to an unlikely director to make this fun heist film — Spike Lee. …

The 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 …

Ben Affleck made a smart move when he decided to start directing films. He had made some bad career moves as an actor and was fizzling out. With his 2007 directorial debut "Gone Baby Gone," he proved he had chops — and …

There's something interesting about heist films because, generally, you're rooting for criminals to pull off a heist and criminals usually aren't who …

Woody Allen has made some great films and he's made some stinkers, but he is a man who consistently cranks films out year after year. In 2006, his film "Scoop" happened to have a stage magician in it and, because of …

It'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 …

2006 was quite the year for movies about stage magicians, and as our series continues, we've decided to focus solely on the 3 films dealing with …

Right after the amazing success of Batman Begins and right before the brilliance of The Dark Knight, Christopher Nolan switched gears completely and …

After writing his teleplay for "Marty," it wasn't long before Hollywood asked Paddy Chayefsky to adapt his script for a feature film. And it's a good …

For his original script "The Hospital," Paddy Chayefsky won his second Oscar and created an enemy for himself — the US's medical institution which he was satirizing. But his script, while genius in many ways, veers off …

It's easy for us on this show to talk at great length about Sidney Lumet's 1976 film "Network" as it's one of our all-time favorites. Both a scathing indictment of the TV industry and a reality check for people's …

For Clint Eastwood's fifth directorial effort, he returned to one of the genres he's most well-known for — the western — and created an absolute …

Brian De Palma had been making feature films for almost a decade before he made Carrie in 1976, but it was this film that became his first blockbuster and really pushed him to the next level. By making an adaptation of …

The 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 …

We're continuing our 1976 series with Martin Scorsese's gritty film Taxi Driver, one of his greatest and arguably most talked about films. Based on a …

In 1976, John Schlesinger made a film adaptation of William Goldman's novel Marathon Man, and in the process, made everyone afraid to go back to …

We end our Original Science Fiction series with Andrew Niccol's visionary 1997 film set not too far in the future, Gattaca. Join us — Pete Wright and …

Our original science fiction series continues with Duncan Jones' fascinating film debut from 2009, Moon. Made for a low budget, this entry into the science fiction genre showed that you didn't need a $100 million budget …

We continue our Original Science Fiction series with Danny Boyle's 2007 film, Sunshine. It's a film that stands out as a highlight in sci-fi films for its magnificent vision depicting mankind needing to travel to the …

The Film Board gathers to take on Disney's latest trip to the Emerald Kingdom. This week on the show, Steve Sarmento and Tom Metz join Andy and Pete …

With all the franchises, spin-offs and films based on other mediums these days, it seems rare to find original sci-fi films. That inspired us to do a series of original sci-fi films, and we're starting with one of our …

There's something about memories of childhood and baseball that seem to go hand in hand. Perhaps it's the tradition of baseball — it feels as tied …

It's spring training season again, and we're back to discuss more baseball movies! In 2011, Bennett Miller directed Moneyball, a fascinating film — one of our favorites — that details the 2002 season of the Oakland A's, …

It's Valentine's Day, and what better way to end our current John Huston series than with his 1985 romantic mafia comedy, Prizzi's Honor? Huston was struggling with his health in the 80s but still a vibrant and …

The band is back together! And this month, the illustrious TNR Film Board gathers 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 …

When people list off caper films, it's a long list that comes to mind — Ocean's Eleven, Rififi, The Killing, The Ladykillers, Kelly's Heroes, The Italian Job, The Usual Suspects, even more recently Inception — but the …

In 1948, John Huston managed to crank out two of his most well-known films — The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, a masterpiece that received many …

It's a classic (and oft misquoted) line from one of the greatest films of all time, John Huston's classic film from 1948, "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre." This week, join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we …

That's right, ladies and gentlemen, this week join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we talk about one of the most unforgettable films in the history of cinema, "The Maltese Falcon." As a part of our periodic and …

Divisive before it even opened, Kathryn Bigelow's film Zero Dark Thirty depicts, in a very procedural way, the steps it took to find Bin Laden after …

Kathryn Bigelow made a big change in her career direction as a film director when she made 2009's "The Hurt Locker." While it still had the adrenaline action sensibilities she displayed in her prior films, this film was …

Based on a dream James Cameron had in 1985, Strange Days came out in 1995 and strangely took place only 4 years in the future — during the 48 hours leading up to the year 2000. Cameron's ex-wife Kathryn Bigelow, helmed …

Happy holidays, everybody! It's time for our annual holiday episode here on The Next Reel. This year, we — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — are talking …

The Hobbit had landed in HFR 3D glory! Join us for this special episode of The Next Reel Film Board as we take on Peter Jackson's latest contribution to Middle Earth. This month's contributors Steve Sarmento and Chadd …

There's something about the wacky sci-fi fantasy eye-gasm The Fifth Element that is very divisive. On one side, it's a bizarre, nonsensical, mess that hardly has a story worth talking about. On the other, it's …

It's the perfect description of the awkward yet touching relationship between a simple 40-something assassin and a wise-beyond-her-years pre-teen girl, and it's at the heart of our next pick in our Luc Besson series, …

We're starting off our Luc Besson series with a film that fascinates us, even if it sometimes devolves into a cartoonish atmosphere. This week, we …

Ryan Gosling plays such a mysterious, quiet character in Nicolas Winding Refn's 2011 film, "Drive," that he's never even given a name — he's simply …

One of John Frankenheimer's best films came late in his career — 1998's Ronin. A seemingly simple story about a group of mercenaries who take a job trying to get a mysterious case is twisted around with double-crosses …

It's our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY, everyone! That's right, we've been doing the "Movies We Like" podcast for one year now, and what better way to celebrate than with the next in our Great Car Chase series—William Friedkin's …

Steve McQueen was one of the coolest actors out there. He brought amazing performances to the screen time and time again. The Magnificent Seven. …

The Film Board gathers to take on "Cloud Atlas", the epic journey of a whole lot of Toms Hanks and Hallies Berry. Join Andy Nelson, Pete Wright, and …

These aren't words you want to hear when you're stuck on a spelunking trip, particularly when you find out that …

Zack Snyder's 2004 "Dawn of the Dead" remake of George A. Romero's 1978 zombie classic …

In 1982, John Carpenter's "The Thing" was released but had a tough time competing against other big sci-fi films released at the same time—E.T. the Extra Terrestrial and Blade Runner. It also was viewed by critics as …

In spite of schedule complications, the Film Board goes on. This month, Pete and Andy talk Looper staring Joseph Gordon Levitt and Bruce Willis.

With these words early on in Tim Burton's 2007 film adaptation of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, we instantly get a sense of the dark place …

In 1991, Richard D. Zanuck and his wife, Lili Fini Zanuck, produced her directorial debut, "Rush," a story of two undercover cops trying to bring down a big drug dealer in a …

Driving Miss Daisy was a perfect story choice for Richard D. Zanuck to produce. Sure, it was difficult to get made but for a film that only cost $7.5 …

When someone says the word 'jaws' to you, it inevitably conjures up the man-eating great white shark in Steven Spielberg's 1975 thriller masterpiece. It's hard to …

After his father fired him from 20th Century Fox and a short stint at Warner Bros., Richard D. Zanuck joined forces with his buddy David Brown from his Fox days and the two joined forces as the independent producing duo …

"Murder's nothing. It's just a simple experience. Murder and rape. Do you know what beauty there is in evil?" It's the start of our Richard D. Zanuck tribute series, ladies and gentlemen, and what better way to begin …

Join the goodly Chadd Stoops, Mike Evans, Steve Sarmento, Andy Nelson, and Pete Wright to talk Bourne. We talk Chaos Cinema. We talk Jeremy Renner and the Brothers Gilroy. At one point, Steve gets so mad he disappears. …

"Jason Bourne was just the tip of the iceberg."

We always knew there were other operatives out there, and when the producers couldn't get Matt Damon …