We’re all about the cinematic journeys that keep the spirit of storytelling alive, even in the face of impending doom. Our main squeeze this week? How this installment feels like a continuation of "The Way of Water" rather than a new chapter in the Avatar saga. We’ll dig into the visuals, the characters, and whether this flick packs the punch we expect from a James Cameron joint. Plus, we can't help but share some light-hearted banter about our favorite (and not-so-favorite) moments, including a character that might just make you want to throw your popcorn at the screen. So grab your snacks and settle in—it's about to get interesting!

02:05 Diving into Avatar: Fire and Ash

04:22 Box Office Predictions and Franchise Future

09:40 Avatar: Fire and Ash - Initial Reactions

41:03 Final Thoughts and Ratings

45:26 Recommendation Shelf: Humans Are the Real Enemy

56:37 Show Wrap-Up and Future Plans

Take our Poll - Help shape the future of our Podcast!

Sign up for new online newsletter, Frame Rate Monthly. Email [email protected] to subscribe.

Find all our episodes here on your preferred Podcast app:

https://backtotheframerate.com

Back to the Frame Rate is on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/backframerate/

Be sure to Follow us @backtotheframerate

https://www.facebook.com/backtotheframerate

https://www.instagram.com/backtotheframerate/

https://twitter.com/backframerate

https://www.tiktok.com/@backtotheframerate

https://www.youtube.com/@backtotheframerate - Where you can watch video versions

Email us at [email protected]

Follow Nathan on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/nathansuher/

Follow Bee on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/mambobumbles/

Copyright © Weston Media Center, Inc.

True Lies, directed by James Cameron, is the centerpiece of our second episode in the mini James Cameron retrospective. We dive deep into this wild 1994 action-comedy that takes the double life trope and cranks it up to eleven. Arnold Schwarzenegger shines as a secret agent whose domestic troubles become hilariously intertwined with his high-stakes espionage life. Spoiler alert: there are terrorists, a nuclear threat, and a whole lot of explosive action. We also get into our Recommendation Shelf segment, exploring films that feature characters living double lives, and then we crank up the fun with a bonkers game where we recast classic films with none other than the Governator himself. Buckle up, it’s gonna be a ride!

Take our Poll - Help shape the future of our Podcast!

Sign up for new online newsletter, Frame Rate Monthly. Email [email protected] to subscribe.

Find all our episodes here on your preferred Podcast app:

https://backtotheframerate.com

Back to the Frame Rate is on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/backframerate/

Be sure to Follow us @backtotheframerate

https://www.facebook.com/backtotheframerate

https://www.instagram.com/backtotheframerate/

https://twitter.com/backframerate

https://www.tiktok.com/@backtotheframerate

https://www.youtube.com/@backtotheframerate - Where you can watch video versions

Email us at [email protected]

Follow Nathan on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/nathansuher/

Follow Bee on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/mambobumbles/

Copyright © Weston Media Center, Inc.

In this week’s episode of Back to the Frame Rate, we dive headfirst into the deep end with James Cameron’s ambitious sci-fi epic, The Abyss. We explore its groundbreaking underwater cinematography and the sheer technical wizardry that pushed filmmaking to new depths—while also calling out where the dialogue and storytelling don’t quite rise to the surface. We break down the differences between the theatrical and special edition cuts, and talk about how they each shape the film’s emotional core. We talk about our recent theater experience seeing Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another and The Conjuring: Last Rites. Stick around for our “high pressure and low pressure” movie recommendations—perfect companions to Cameron’s underwater odyssey.

Take our Poll - Help shape the future of our Podcast!

Sign up for new online newsletter, Frame Rate Monthly. Email [email protected] to subscribe.

Find all our episodes here on your preferred Podcast app:

https://backtotheframerate.com

Back to the Frame Rate is on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/backframerate/

Be sure to Follow us @backtotheframerate

https://www.facebook.com/backtotheframerate

https://www.instagram.com/backtotheframerate/

https://twitter.com/backframerate

https://www.tiktok.com/@backtotheframerate

https://www.youtube.com/@backtotheframerate - Where you can watch video versions

Email us at [email protected]

Follow Nathan on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/nathansuher/

Follow Bee on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/mambobumbles/

Copyright © Weston Media Center, Inc.

Back from the depths! Nathan and Sam reunite for a special 101st episode to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s game-changing blockbuster Jaws (1975). It’s the movie that made us afraid to go in the water—and maybe even more afraid of small-town politicians in anchor-print blazers. We dive deep into the legacy of the first summer blockbuster, unpack legendary behind-the-scenes stories, nerd out over the film’s visual storytelling, and debate who Mark Wahlberg should play in a Jaws recast. (Hint: it’s not Quint.)

Plus: our double-feature recs for high-seas adventures, a splash of Mission: Impossible fallout, and one very silly rendition of "Show Me the Way to Go Home." You’re gonna need a bigger runtime.

Take our Poll - Help shape the future of our Podcast!

Sign up for new online newsletter, Frame Rate Monthly. Email [email protected] to subscribe.

Find all our episodes here on your preferred Podcast app:

https://backtotheframerate.com

Back to the Frame Rate is on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/backframerate/

Be sure to Follow us @backtotheframerate

https://www.facebook.com/backtotheframerate

https://www.instagram.com/backtotheframerate/

https://twitter.com/backframerate

https://www.tiktok.com/@backtotheframerate

https://www.youtube.com/@backtotheframerate - Where you can watch video versions

Email us at [email protected]

Follow Nathan on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/nathansuher/

Follow Bee on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/mambobumbles/

Copyright © Weston Media Center, Inc.

The Back to the Frame Rate 100th Episode Spectacular is a bittersweet celebration as we bid farewell to our beloved podcast. We gathered with a live audience to enjoy the cult classic 'Galaxy Quest' as part of our 'Party Like It's 1999' retrospective, and we were thrilled to have special guest Dan Martin join us for the occasion. The evening was made even more special with Brian Ellsworth, the voice of Back to the Frame Rate, serving as our master of ceremonies.

Time Stamps:

• 00:19 - Welcome to the End
• 01:35 - Celebrating 100 Episodes
• 02:36 - Thanking the Supporters
• 05:23 - Introducing the Movie
• 06:59 - Main Review: Galaxy Quest
• 49:59 - Movie Pairings
• 58:03 - Save or PURGE! - Deciding the Fate of Galaxy Quest
• 01:05:29 - Final Thoughts and Farewell

Take our Poll - Help shape the future of our Podcast!

Sign up for new online newsletter, Frame Rate Monthly. Email [email protected] to subscribe.

Find all our episodes here on your preferred Podcast app:

https://backtotheframerate.com

Back to the Frame Rate is on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/backframerate/

Be sure to Follow us @backtotheframerate

https://www.facebook.com/backtotheframerate

https://www.instagram.com/backtotheframerate/

https://twitter.com/backframerate

https://www.tiktok.com/@backtotheframerate

https://www.youtube.com/@backtotheframerate - Where you can watch video versions

Email us at [email protected]

Follow Nathan on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/nathansuher/

Follow Bee on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/mambobumbles/

Copyright © Weston Media Center, Inc.

Join hosts Nathan, Bee, and Sam for an in-depth discussion on their top 10 films of 2024. From surprising hits to unexpected disappointments, they share their thoughts on the movies that left them gasping, applauding, or scratching their heads. Stick around for an important announcement about the future of the podcast. Don't miss their final showdown before the big 100th episode celebration!

Time Stamps:

• 03:02 - Countdown of our Top 10 Films of 2024
• 01:01:43 - Awards for other categories
• 01:46:06 - The Future of Back to the Frame Rate
• 02:00:43 - Wrap-up

Take our Poll - Help shape the future of our Podcast!

Sign up for new online newsletter, Frame Rate Monthly. Email [email protected] to subscribe.

Find all our episodes here on your preferred Podcast app:

https://backtotheframerate.com

Back to the Frame Rate is on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/backframerate/

Be sure to Follow us @backtotheframerate

https://www.facebook.com/backtotheframerate

https://www.instagram.com/backtotheframerate/

https://twitter.com/backframerate

https://www.tiktok.com/@backtotheframerate

https://www.youtube.com/@backtotheframerate - Where you can watch video versions

Email us at [email protected]

Follow Nathan on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/nathansuher/

Follow Bee on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/mambobumbles/

Copyright © Weston Media Center, Inc.

In this episode, we’re diving into our 2024 movie catch-up list with takes on some of the year’s most intriguing films. From the quirky indie charm of Hundreds of Beavers to the epic fantasy battles of The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, we’re covering it all. We’ll also unpack the emotional journeys of The Outrun, the courtroom tension in Juror #2, and the highly anticipated return to the islands in Moana 2.

Join us as we clean up our watchlist, revisit the movies we missed, and decide which ones were worth the wait.

RSVP for the 100th Episode Extravaganza on January 10th, 2025 (6pm-10pm). This is a Free Event but space is very limited.

Take our Poll - Help shape the future of our Podcast!

Sign up for new online newsletter, Frame Rate Monthly. Email [email protected] to subscribe.

Find all our episodes here on your preferred Podcast app:

https://backtotheframerate.com

Back to the Frame Rate is on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/backframerate/

Be sure to Follow us @backtotheframerate

https://www.facebook.com/backtotheframerate

https://www.instagram.com/backtotheframerate/

https://twitter.com/backframerate

https://www.tiktok.com/@backtotheframerate

https://www.youtube.com/@backtotheframerate - Where you can watch video versions

Email us at [email protected]

Follow Nathan on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/nathansuher/

Follow Bee on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/mambobumbles/

Copyright © Weston Media Center, Inc.

Join us as we dive into the unforgettable world of Magnolia! We’re exploring its web of intertwined stories, digging into themes of family, love, and redemption. We’ll break down the film’s emotional depth, powerful performances, and how it examines flawed fatherhood and life’s unexpected twists. So, grab some popcorn and tune in for a fun, thoughtful celebration of Magnolia—packed with insights, laughs, and a deep appreciation for what makes this cinematic masterpiece timeless.

Chapters:

• 04:20 - Discussion of Magnolia and Live Event Announcement
• 48:33 - Final Thoughts and Vault Decision: Save or PURGE!
• 01:09:44 - Wrap Up

RSVP for the 100th Episode Extravaganza on January 10th, 2025 (6pm-10pm). This is a Free Event but space is very limited.

Take our Poll - Help shape the future of our Podcast!

Sign up for new online newsletter, Frame Rate Monthly. Email [email protected] to subscribe.

Find all our episodes here on your preferred Podcast app:

https://backtotheframerate.com

Back to the Frame Rate is on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/backframerate/

Be sure to Follow us @backtotheframerate

https://www.facebook.com/backtotheframerate

https://www.instagram.com/backtotheframerate/

https://twitter.com/backframerate

https://www.tiktok.com/@backtotheframerate

https://www.youtube.com/@backtotheframerate - Where you can watch video versions

Email us at [email protected]

Follow Nathan on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/nathansuher/

Follow Bee on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/mambobumbles/

Copyright © Weston Media Center, Inc.

As the clock ticks down to the end of the world, we dive into the chaotic landscape of high school politics with a sharp look at the dark comedy Election. Directed by Alexander Payne, this film cleverly dissects ambition, moral ambiguity, and the absurdity of student government. We debate whether it deserves a place in our vault of cinematic treasures or if it should be cast into the apocalyptic abyss.

With the characters' flawed motivations and ethical dilemmas laid bare, we explore how the film mirrors broader societal issues of power dynamics and ambition. Plus, we engage in a lively 1999 Movie Draft, selecting our favorite films from a year packed with unforgettable releases. Join us as we navigate the moral wasteland of Election—and stick around for a draft that promises to be just as entertaining as the film itself.

Time Stamps

• 00:52 Welcome to the Podcast
• 01:44 Discussing 'Election' (1999)
• 47:31 Final Thoughts and Ratings and VAULT DECISION
• 52:51 1999 Movie Draft Begins
• 01:14:56 Wrap-up and next week's film 'Magnolia' (1999)

RSVP for the 100th Episode Extravaganza on January 10th, 2025 (6pm-10pm). This is a Free Event but space is very limited.

Take our Poll - Help shape the future of our Podcast!

Sign up for new online newsletter, Frame Rate Monthly. Email [email protected] to subscribe.

Find all our episodes here on your preferred Podcast app:

https://backtotheframerate.com

Back to the Frame Rate is on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/backframerate/

Be sure to Follow us @backtotheframerate

https://www.facebook.com/backtotheframerate

https://www.instagram.com/backtotheframerate/

https://twitter.com/backframerate

https://www.tiktok.com/@backtotheframerate

https://www.youtube.com/@backtotheframerate - Where you can watch video versions

Email us at [email protected]

Follow Nathan on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/nathansuher/

Follow Bee on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/mambobumbles/

Copyright © Weston Media Center, Inc.

The Talented Mr. Ripley is a captivating exploration of identity, desire, and moral ambiguity, setting the stage for our 'Party Like It's 1999' Retrospective Series. As we delve into this lush, suspenseful film, we uncover how Tom Ripley's obsession with the privileged Dickie Greenleaf leads to a chilling descent into deception and murder. With standout performances from Matt Damon, Jude Law, and Gwyneth Paltrow, the film elegantly juxtaposes beautiful Italian landscapes with the dark undercurrents of its characters' psyches. We discuss the film's masterful cinematography, its complex themes of envy and aspiration, and how it challenges audiences to empathize with a sociopathic protagonist. Join us as we reflect on the impact of this 1999 classic and its place in the pantheon of unforgettable cinema from one of the greatest movie years ever.

Joining us in our discussion is friend of the show and film producer, David Merrill

Time Stamps

Chapters:

• 01:12 - Welcome to Back to the Frame Rate
• 10:41 - Welcoming back Dave Merrill and Exploring Tailoring and Fashion in Italy
• 13:25 - Discussion of The Talented Mr. Ripley
• 01:19:36 Final Thoughts, Ratings, and VAULT DECISION
• 01:30:41 - Movie Pairings
• 01:35:13 - Wrap-up / Next week 'Election' from Alexander Payne

RSVP for the 100th Episode Extravaganza on January 10th, 2025 (6pm-10pm). This is a Free Event but space is very limited.

Take our Poll - Help shape the future of our Podcast!

Sign up for new online newsletter, Frame Rate Monthly. Email [email protected] to subscribe.

Find all our episodes here on your preferred Podcast app:

https://backtotheframerate.com

Back to the Frame Rate is on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/backframerate/

Be sure to Follow us @backtotheframerate

https://www.facebook.com/backtotheframerate

https://www.instagram.com/backtotheframerate/

https://twitter.com/backframerate

https://www.tiktok.com/@backtotheframerate

https://www.youtube.com/@backtotheframerate - Where you can watch video versions

Email us at [email protected]

Follow Nathan on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/nathansuher/

Follow Bee on Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/mambobumbles/

Copyright © Weston Media Center, Inc.