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On Episode 130 of the Always the Critic Podcast, keep the change, ya filthy animal, because we’re getting left Home Alone!

Rico and Jess discuss the Christmas classic in celebration of its 30th anniversary, including how awful Kevin’s family is, casting what-ifs, favorite moments and quotes, as well as the magical score by John Williams and the talent behind the screen.

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On Episode 129 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we got a double feature on our hands as we review Synchronic and The Kid Detective.

In the first half of the show, Rico and Jess talk about the indie movie Synchronic, including how awesome it was to see Anthony Mackie as the lead, the haunting music and cinematography, and the intriguing concept. In the second half of the show, Rico and Jess cover The Kid Detective, relishing in the dark comedy’s soundtrack, Adam Brody’s performance, and in the twisty plot.

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On Episode 128 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we head to Mandalay and discuss the remake of Rebecca.

Rico and Jess talked about the differences between the 1940’s version and this adaptation, their disappointment in the themes, how the remake does away with the subtlety of its predecessor, and how the chemistry between Armie Hammer and Lily James left a lot to be desired.

For our thoughts on Alfred Hitchcock’s version of Rebecca, listen to our Hitchcock Series episode 2.

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On Episode 127 of the Always the Critic Podcast, the competition heats up as Rico and Jess play some movie trivia.

Rico Albarracin and Jessica Firpi dig deep as they try to one-up each other in five different trivia categories: Actors/Actresses, Directors, Genre, Events, and Halloween. Try your hand at trivia about the Oscars, box office feats, Anne Hathaway, Tim Burton, spooky movies, and more!

Check out the first Movie Trivia episode!

Movie Trivia / Ep. 99

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On Episode 126 of the Always the Critic Podcast, it’s Blindspots: Volume 2, where we discuss some classic movies that we watched for the first time.

Rico Albarracin and Jessica Firpi discuss and remove a wide range of movies from their shame lists. Rico got around to movies like Almost Famous, Zombieland, and Pride & Prejudice. Jessica knocked out Taxi Driver, Air Force One, and The Usual Suspects, among others. Then the two tackle Inside Llewyn Davis, Eighth Grade, and the Best Picture winner Kramer vs. Kramer.

Check out the first Blind Spots episode!

Movie Blindspots / Ep. 71

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On Episode 125 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we finish up with week 3 of our mini series called Sunshine State of Mind, where we put a spotlight on movies set in South Florida and celebrate our hometown, with last year’s Waves starring Kelvin Harrison Jr., Sterling K. Brown, and Taylor Russell, among others.

Rico and Jess explore Broward County, talking the movie’s deeply personal location and depictions of South Florida life, the unbelievable cast, the poetic cinematography and inventive camera work, and speak on the storytelling of the score and soundtrack.

*A special thank you to Rosa Albarracin for the custom series art.

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On Episode 124 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we sashay into week 2 of our mini series called Sunshine State of Mind, where we put a spotlight on movies set in South Florida and celebrate our hometown, with 1996’s The Birdcage starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane.

Rico and Jess cross the bridge to Miami Beach, talking the movie’s critical reception, the underlying message of the movie, its subversive nature, casting what-ifs, and laugh their way through their favorite lines and scenes.

*A special thank you to Rosa Albarracin for the custom series art.

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On Episode 123 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we start a brand-new mini series called Sunshine State of Mind to put a spotlight on movies set in South Florida and celebrate our hometown. The first movie on the docket is the infamous Scarface starring Al Pacino.

Rico and Jess welcome Tony Montana to the United States, talking the movie’s legacy, critical reception, the true stories that inspired the story, as well as sharing their thoughts on the movie’s Cuban representation (or lack thereof), homophobia, their favorite lines and scenes, plus Pacino’s crazy accent.

*A special thank you to Rosa Albarracin for the custom series art.

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On Episode 122 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we bring honor to us all by reviewing the Disney live-action remake Mulan.

Rico and Jess talked about their high expectations, what they liked and disliked, the martial arts and the visuals, and then lament over the heavy-handed themes presented, as well as cover the major differences between the animated classic and the live-action.

**Don’t forget to check out Episode 101, The Many Reflections of Mulan that we did back in April. We talked about the historical epic poem “The Ballad of Mulan”, the 2009 mainland China live-action The Rise of a Warrior, the Disney animated movie from the ‘90s, and then we finally circle back to make some predictions on the now released Disney’s 2020 live-action remake.

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On Episode 121 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we explore the inverted world of the brand-new Christopher Nolan movie Tenet.

Rico and Jess discuss Nolan as a (troublesome) filmmaker and his obsession with time and paradoxes, the obvious lack of character development in the movie, the experiential score by Ludwig Göransson, and the deeply puzzling movie plot itself, with Jess asking some tough questions.

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