Cinema Effect

0:00 - Intro

1:43 - The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Review

57:24 - What We've Been Watching

1:04:45 - Reading Your Comments

David Fincher once again makes his triumphant return to Cinema Effect (at this point we may as well endeavour to review his entire filmography), as we discuss his acclaimed 2007 movie, Zodiac. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Mark Ruffalo, and Robert Downey Jr. as real-life characters involved with the decades long investigation into the Zodiac murders in Northern California. Each of whom have their lives forever changed by the case. What unfolds is a captivating crime mystery thriller, with a great plot, memorable performances, and a handful of really tense scenes (not to mention some surprisingly impressive CGI). We have felt strongly about the film in the past, but this rewatch also gives us the chance to delve into its ending and how it compares to the facts of the case. Plus, we take the opportunity to decide some of the best movies which also span multiple decades.

Timestamps ;)

0:00 - Intro

1:16 - Zodiac Review

58:46 - What We've Been Watching

1:04:05 - Reading Your Comments

We were lucky enough to attend an early screening of Past Lives at the Melbourne International Film Festival (or MIFF if you're so inclined), and of course we had to invite Andy Lau himself back on the show to breakdown the film. The movie spans decades, focusing on two childhood friends reunited after 20 years. And this being Celine Song's directorial debut, we were very impressed with many aspects of the storytelling and cinematography. For a film which runs a little over 90 minutes, there's a lot to analyse in its characters and performances, and we're excited to do just that. Definitely check out the film if you can when it releases in Australia on August 31st. But then in perhaps our longest and most dysfunctional Question of the Week segment, we share a bunch of thoughts from ourselves and listener(s) on the current state of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Has the whole MCU craze gone down the toilet? Or is there still hope for the future?

Timestamps ;)

0:00 - Intro

1:32 - Past Lives Review

1:02:36 - What We've Been Watching

1:13:26 - The Longest Response In CE History (Uncut)

1:20:14 - The State Of The MCU Discussion

This week we kick off a new franchise with the world's introduction to the Hunger Games. Jennifer Lawrence stars as Katniss Everdeen, a teenager who (as you already know) in place of her sister volunteers to participate in a large-scale fight to the death masquerading as a reality TV show. It's pretty messed up. So can Katniss, and her annoyingly named boyfriend Peeta, survive?! In revisiting The Hunger Games, we're first of all happy to report the movie is still very good. But it also boasts a strong cast of recognisable faces (Woody Harrelson's Haymitch is a standout), and some really solid direction which amplifies the impact of the violence. Then finally in our Question of the Week, we'll thoroughly examine our own chances of winning the games. Spoilers: they're not good.

0:00 - Intro

1:33 - The Hunger Games Review

56:00 - What We've Been Watching

1:00:54 - Reading Your Comments

Our most anticipated film of the year has arrived. No, not Barbie! But REAL cinema in the form of Christopher Nolan's latest. Oppenheimer simply being Nolan's next project may be enough for a lot of moviegoers to take a trip to the theatre ASAP. But if you're unaware, prepare to witness a fast-paced and dialogue heavy biopic spanning decades of J. Robert Oppenheimer's life over three hours, as he works to build the first atomic bomb and confronts the aftermath which befalls him. Oppenheimer happens to feature one of the most stacked casts of actors ever assembled (there's too many to list, you should Google it) which is fantastic to witness. We also had the pleasure of viewing the 1570mm film print at IMAX, and the scale and immersion was no doubt phenomenal. We'll share our experience and reach a verdict on if the most important film of our generation was indeed worth the hype.

0:00 - Intro

2:48 - Oppenheimer Review

1:19:52 - What We've Been Watching

1:26:10 - Reading Your Comments

Friend of the Show Tom Cruise is back on the big screen. And this time he rode a damn motorcycle off a cliff in Norway. As you do. Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One is a huge movie, with major set pieces in some of the world's most recognisable locations. We'll debate some of the narrative choices, including certain characters and the ending. But continuing the strong trend for this franchise, the action is no doubt spectacular, with each sequence standing out for its own reasons. The question remains, how are they going to top this in Part Two? Then after the review, we'll get into some stories about the most "impossible" missions we have ever completed.

0:00 - Intro

1:52 - Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One Review

56:54 - What We've Been Watching

1:01:49 - Reading Your Comments

The rest of July is going to be packed with reviews for the latest big 2023 films on the show. And this week we're kicking that off with Netflix's latest animated release called Nimona. Set in a medieval/sci-fi hybrid world, young knight Ballister (played by Riz Ahmed) is framed for a crime he didn't commit. So in order to survive and save The City, he must team with his ancient enemy, a somewhat annoying shapeshifting teenage girl (Chloë Grace Moretz). While the story does find itself in some well worn territory for the genre, the movie sticks the landing in the end with some very impactful themes. Then stick around for a huge News Chat featuring this year's biggest Emmy nominees along with our impressions of the bonkers Wonka trailer. And finally in the main event: a riveting discussion on which animals we most want to become.

Timestamps ;)

0:00 - Intro

1:00 - Nimona Review

34:37 - News Chat

57:11 - What We've Been Watching

1:03:07 - Reading Your Comments

Harrison Ford returns again to arguably his most iconic role, Indiana Jones. And does so over 40 years after his first rodeo as the character! In the newly released Dial Of Destiny, a crew of wannabe Nazis pursue a dial that can alter the course of history. So it is of course Indiana Jones (along with his new sidekicks Fleabag and Short Round Knockoff) who must stop them, while acquiring the artefact (it belongs in a museum!) and reconnecting with past family along the way. This also marks the first time anyone not named Steven Spielberg has stepped into the director's chair for one of these adventures. And while James Mangold does a very capable job, we weren't necessarily over the moon with all aspects of the finished feature. This episode also brings to an end our reviews of every Indiana Jones film. So with that in mind, it is time to decide which Indy movie is definitively the best with our franchise rankings.

Timestamps ;)

0:00 - Intro

1:32 - Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny Review

1:12:24 - News Chat

1:18:00 - What We've Been Watching

1:28:40 - Reading Your Comments

In the world of Succession, winning is becoming the CEO of Waystar Royco. And losing means getting a $2 billion payout. High stakes! As huge fans of the show, we can't say enough nice things about the writing and performances throughout its run. And somehow the cast and crew have once again delivered ten episodes of peak cinema for the final season, filled with the usual power plays, dysfunctional family dynamics, and wildly hilarious moments. Season 4 packs in many Roy family shenanigans and tragedies for Liam and Zac to analyse. So prepare for some hot takes on the fate of all our beloved immoral characters.

Timestamps ;)

0:00 - Intro

2:03 - Overall Thoughts

7:31 - Episodes 1 & 2 Review

23:12 - FULL SPOILERS

1:32:51 - Final Verdict

Jim Carrey being discussed on Cinema Effect for the first time? Allll... righty then! He may be one of the most iconic comedic actors of his time but today we venture through one of his few dramatic works. Follow the introverted Joel as he seeks to erase the bittersweet memories of his girlfriend, Clementine (Kate Winslet) from his mind. As his memories of Clementine begin to deteriorate, the audience is taken through the journey of their relationship with all of its affectionate successes and crushing failures. Not to mention Frodo Baggins and Mary Jane Watson turn up! Follow along with our unforgettable (get it) discussion of this modern classic, and stick around for an impassioned rant on villainous AFL umpires.

0:00 - Intro

01:17 - Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Review

37:54 - News Chat

44:47 - What We've Been Watching

49:31 - Reading Your Comments