At the Flicks

The ramblings team of Elijah, Graham and Jeff are back for another random walk through the world of the movies.

At least this time we try and start at a current point – we discuss the finale of the Jurassic films – Jurassic World : Dominion.  There is a lot of plot to try to tie up this six film series.  Does it work? What do the ramblers think? Check the show to find the answer. 

We ramble so we found we couldn’t just focus on one dinosaur film.  We drifted into talking about what films from earlier decades have influenced and entertained us.  Do you have any favourite dinosaur movies?  If we don’t mention them in our ramble, please let us know what they are.

Of course, as we have Elijah and Graham on the show, it was only a matter of time before we drifted onto the subject of Lord Of The Rings.  This episode has some good (The War Of The Rohirrim) and some not so good (The Rings Of Power).  

There were some other movie points before Elijah revealed to us the secrets of scabbard making – yes I said scabbard making!!! 

So, if you are looking for a bite sized and eclectic podcast, look no further.  Very different to our usual shows.

See you on the next episode or At The Flicks

The show that has been years in the planning has finally arrived.

Mel superfan Graham has been dropping hints for a long time that we should be putting together a tribute to the great man. The balance has always been trying to be objective alongside Graham’s excessive and sometimes frightening fandom.

Then the idea struck us. Rather than look back, let’s look forward. What if we take two of Mel’s more recent films – films with merits but for some reason went direct to streaming?

Having had agreement on that approach (initially reluctant from Graham), the next step was to find two films which were suitable for what was being called Mel Day.

The choice was made, and a viewing day was chosen. First up was our morning’s entertainment – Force Of Nature. The Mel plays a retired cop refusing to leave his apartment home when a big storm strikes. The other problem is that the building is also under siege from vicious criminals. Graham relates to this as, after all, he lives in Cheltenham. But back to the film, Force Of Nature promises non stop action – did it deliver and how did the Mel perform? Check out the show to find out.

How do we top that?

The answer was an afternoon with the 80’s set political action film Panama. American involvement in a country being torn apart by unscrupulous leaders and on the edge of revolt (checks notes to make sure I am not talking about the UK). Listen to what we have to say to see if Panama captures those crazy times and if Mel is good in the movie.

Obviously Graham is a man for whom the Mel can do no wrong, no balance there then. So, we had to bring in level-headed support for the day. Thank you, Niall, the man behind the amazing Movies In Focus (links below) with an almost encyclopaedic knowledge of Mel Gibson and this type of B movie, who came to our aid

Recording this show was a blast. We only hope you have fun listening to it and that it encourages you to broaden your Mel viewing list (in fact Graham insists on it).

We are already preparing Mel Day 2.

See you there or At The Flicks.

Having now passed our 200th episode, we from the At The Flicks show would like to say a big thank you to our listeners all over the world.  It is thanks to you and your continued to support that we are constantly inspired to find new ways to inform and entertain you about the crazy world of the movies.

This is why we take a slight pause with this episode to talk about some of our achievements from the team in the year to date.  We talk about the festivals we have attended and our work behind the scenes.

So the focus of this show is on one of our proudest moments, being invited to the opening gala of this year’s Cheltenham International Film Festival.  Jeff attended the gala as Graham was too busy planning an upcoming special he has arranged called “Mel Day”.  Graham has been working on that for years and the planning had reached a delicate stage that he was unable to take any time off (we believe he didn’t leave his technical room for a week while he put the finishing touches to the show and all food was slid under his door on a tray.  At The Flicks rule – never interrupt Graham when he has the “Unless You Are The Mel, Leave Me Alone I’m Busy” sign on his door).

I digress.  Jeff reports back on the event and his very positive views on the film being screened, The Good Boss starring Javier Bardem.  While Jeff loved it, he couldn’t help but draw a parallel to current British comments (as expected as Graham and his love of The Mel).  To get his full no spoiler review, you will have to check out the show. 

Unfortunately, there are no current plans to release The Good Boss in UK cinemas.  So, get a heads up here on the movie and let us know if it is something you would be interested in seeing.

Until next time, see you At The Flicks.

Welcome back to the continuing adventures of the At The Flicks team as they talk Star Trek movies.

In episode 199 we discussed the disappointment that was Star Trek V. Thankfully, that didn’t put an end to the series and the original crew reunited one final time in 1991. We ask the question - was this a good send off for the pensionable crew?

Guiding us through this discussion is our captain Darren (after all it was his idea), backed up by his science officer Graham who will be looking at some of the more technical aspects. Jeff is playing the crew member who develops a God complex and Neil is wearing the red shirt marking out the dispensable crew member who is not normally named in the credits.

In this show our away team boldly go on to tackle such subjects as:

- How much of the story mirrored real life events of the time?

- Why was Sulu the only crew member who ever earned a promotion?

- Why Kim Cattrall’s mind meld sequence is even more upsetting by today’s standards

- How much did the on-screen signatures at the end film cost?

- Which member of the At The Flicks team had never seen this film before and probably never knew it existed?

All these points and others are addressed in our fascinating discussion on the film which brings to an end the first phase of the Star Trek movies.

As always in these shows, the At The Flicks team can be divided into two camps. Darren and Graham are devoted Star Trek fans while Neil and Jeff are casual viewers who assume I’m giving her all she’s got captain, is a term from a 70’s porn movie.

So, prepare to boldly go, enjoy and listen to At The Flicks.

Regular listeners will know that the main At The Flicks team are old (some older than others – not looking at you Graham). So, we don’t always keep as up to date with such things as reviews like other podcasts. We might be old, we might be slow, but we are always coming up with ideas . Therefore, as part of our OAP fightback, we are trying out a series of pod shorts, something to at least try to keep up with the kids!

Our secret weapon on many of these will be to bring in our twentysomething reviewer Elijah. We will start talking on a theme or a film but, given our age, we will soon go off on random topics as we remember the “old days”, or, in Graham’s case “when Mel was king”. Take this episode, we planned to talk all about The Batman, but we went off track and also included Paramount plus, Halo and Star Trek!

If you are looking for a bite sized and eclectic podcast, look no further.

This is a new format we are trying and if you have any comments please let us know. Other wise we will see you At The Flicks

Welcome to another Darren’s Dash, where we hand over the lead to reviewer Darren to give us his pick of the movies you may well have missed. And from this month there is a bonus, Darren will be providing a round up – a hyper dash if you like – of TV shows and streaming services of note. Included this month is Darren’s first excursion into Apple TV. What are his views and what does he recommend? Check out the show to get all the details.

Ah, I hear you ask, but what about the movies, the main reason we listen to the Dash? What are Darren’s choices for this month? Fear not, there are four great ones, including one so scary that Neil had to miss the recording because he is still having the therapy for watching it. The films are:

Boiling Point – A one take feature about a high-pressure night in a London restaurant.

Slaxx – Why are there not more movies about killer jeans?

Fresh – We convinced Neil that this is “safe” entertainment on Disney. It isn’t and he is still quivering!

The Phantom Of The Open – The incredible true story of golfer Maurice Flitcroft (as played by Mark Rylance)

There you have it - four films you may have missed. Are they worth catching up with? Check out the latest episode of Darren’s Dash to find out.

As always, if you have any comments on these movies, or anything talked about on the show, please let us know.

Until next time, Darren says “see you at the flicks”

The team are back and what a surprise, some of the reviews are very contentious. Like the berserkers in The Northman, some members of the team really go to town attacking certain films, while other, more courageous reviewers defend them. Let’s identify the warriors (or film watchers as others call them). Jeff goes full hatchet, Phil uses a broadsword, Darren comes in with the sly attack, Neil joins forces with everyone except Jeff and Graham puts on blue woad so he can become The Mel in Braveheart!

Yes, it’s that type of show.

To add more fuel to the fire of disagreement, requests have been made to bring back the quiz and drop the film news. These may have been random requests, or an orchestrated attempt from one of the team. Check out the allegations in the show and we leave that to you to decide the truth.

As for the films being reviewed this month:

The Northman – Robert Eggers – visionary director or a case of emperor’s new clothes? We have both opinions here. From claims of utter brilliance to just a show reel for a potential remake of Revenge Of The Sith. What side of the argument are you on?

Morbius – Jared Leto won one of our year review awards. Some of our reviewers say this film proves why he deserved that acolyte, while others say he is now redeemed. Amazingly for our review, those that defend superhero movies go on the attack, while others who don’t normally like them present the case for the defence. If this review doesn’t scramble your brain, nothing will.

Operation Mincemeat – An incredible true story from the annuals of World War II. This is the nearest the team got to a consensus this month, although there are little niggles from the usual suspects about these “safe older people movies”. Listen out for those comments from the youngest member of the team.

The Bad Guys – An animated selection for our animation expert who couldn’t even be bothered to see it! Apparently, he was so turned on by watching The Northman earlier in the day that no other film could measure up for him. As for the rest of us – check out the show to see if you agree with our views

That’s the show, plenty of argument there. Look we are old, arguing is one of the few pleasures we have left in life.

Join us for more reviews on the upcoming Darren’s Dash.

Until then, see you At The Flicks.

Welcome back after a warp factor break, to the continuing adventures of the At The Flicks team as they talk Star Trek movies.

After the huge success of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (At The Flicks episode 169), someone decided it was time for William Shatner to direct the next films. As we are about to discover that was to prove a huge mistake for so many reasons.

Guiding us through this production is our captain – Darren (after all it was his idea), backed up by his science officer Graham who will be looking at some of the more technical aspects. Jeff is playing the dispensable member of the crew and Neil the dangerous alien with the oversized gun (I was going to say weapon but Neil would clearly misread that).

So with a full crew we tackle such subjects as:

Why was William Shatner allowed to both direct and come up with the story idea?

Who is this God character they all keep talking about?

What happened to humour in the future?

Does anyone give a good performance?

Why should TV evangelists of the 80’s be upset by this movie?

As always in these shows, the At The Flicks team can be divided into two camps. Darren and Graham are devoted Star Trek fans while Neil and Jeff are casual viewers who assume dilithium crystals are left after a toilet is badly flushed.

So, prepare to boldly go, enjoy and listen to At The Flicks.

Have you been wondering where Declan has been since our Christmas Carry On Streaming?

Don’t worry, he has been in full viewing mode. A few days ago he emerged back into the sunshine to tell us he is ready to give us his recommendations for Easter. A British Easter of course – as it is a holiday when it always rains. So, if you are stuck inside with nothing to do, fear not, we have the perfect viewing menu for you. Love dramas, we have plenty for you, from The Responder to Slow Horses. Perhaps documentaries are more your thing – then maybe you would like to try Four Hours At The Capital. Or, especially if you have children also stuck inside and are “borrred”, then try animation – from Superworm to Bladerunner : Black Lotus (that last one for older children only).

Thanks to Dec our show is packed with recommendations. Oh, and there is a mistake contained within. When Graham, yes Mel supporting Graham, mentions a show called Incredible, he actually means Invincible. Jeff, not wanting to correct Graham on air, has a quiet word with him after the show to put this right. The result, Graham, in editing madness, cuts out a wonderful speech from Jeff all about the nostalgia linked with past Dr Who's. It was powerful and unforgettable and would have brought a tear to your eye. Sadly, in a moment of epic revenge, Graham has cast it into editing hell. A shame as you, dear listeners, would have loved it.

Never mind, there are still plenty of gems on the show. We even find some time to talk about the potential changes coming to Channel 4 (luckily editor Graham kept that in).

As they say, something for everyone here.

Meanwhile Dec has gone back to his hermit existence to watch more shows to make sure we only tell you about the best that’s out there. Like James Bond, Dec will return.

Until then, keep watching your TV and follow Dec’s recommendations.

After a few months break, Darren’s Dash returns. And what a return.

Darren has picked four films guaranteed to get you viewing and discussing. They are:

Belle: A stunning Japanese anime feature to rival the best from Disney and Pixar

Encounter : Riz Ahmed stars in this intriguing science fiction feature

Titane : A powerful French body horror feature

The Eyes Of Tammy Faye : Jessica Chastain won the Oscar for her role in this true story. But is it any good? Find out what Darren has to say.

Once again Darren picks an excellent and varied selection for the Dash. As always, if you have any comments on these movies, or anything talked about on the show, please let us know.

Until next time, Darren says “see you at the flicks”