Dark Discussions Podcast

James Gunn is one of the most prolific and successful screenwriters and directors out there.  After bringing the Marvel films, GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY, to the big screen, he was hired as the head of DC films to set up and bring to life the world of Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman.  After successful products like THE SUICIDE SQUAD (2021) and PEACEMAKER (2022), he’s back with the true kickoff to the DC Universe with SUPERMAN (2025).

From IMDB:  “Superman must reconcile his alien Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as reporter Clark Kent. As the embodiment of truth, justice and the human way he soon finds himself in a world that views these as old-fashioned.”

The new Superman film stars David Corenswet as the lead with Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane.  The aggregate website Rottentomatoes has given it great reviews from both audiences and reviewers alike.  Your co-hosts take a look at this big budget beginning to the DC Universe and give their thoughts.

David Cronenberg is one of those great directors that started with B-Movie horror only to become a highly regarded, award winning director.  Now at 82, his latest film, THE SHROUDS, was nominated for the Palme d’Or at Cannes.  After playing one other festival, it was released at theaters in April 2025.  Now it is available on VOD and streaming for all to see.

From IMDB:  “Karsh, an innovative businessman and grieving widower, builds a device to connect with the dead inside a burial shroud.”

THE SHROUDS was written and directed by David Cronenberg and has a fabulous international cast including lead Vincent Cassell, Diane Kruger, and Guy Pierce.  Receiving good reviews in what critics are calling his most intimate and biographical film, your co-hosts take a look at Cronenberg’s latest.

Writer and director Christopher Landon, the son of legendary actor Michael Landon, has either directed or wrote such films as HAPPY DEATH DAY (2017) and its sequel, along with most of the PARANORMAL ACTIVITY franchise films. This year alone, he co-wrote HEART EYES and now has a directorial effort called DROP.

From IMDB: "A widowed mother's first date in years takes a terrifying turn when she's bombarded with anonymous threatening messages on her phone during their upscale dinner, leaving her questioning if her charming date is behind the harassment."

DROP stars Meghann Fahy (THE WHITE LOTUS) and Brandon Sklenar (1923), and received a major theatrical release in April of 2025. Costing $11M USD, it made over $28M USD. Receiving excellent reviews from both critics and audiences alike, your co-hosts take a look at Landon's latest and give their thoughts.

One of the first hit thrillers of 2025 was the film FLIGHT RISK. Taking place in Alaska with a small cast upon an airplane, the movie had a fairly successful box office run against its modest budget.

From IMDB: “A pilot transports an Air Marshal accompanying a fugitive to trial. As they cross the Alaskan wilderness, tensions soar and trust is tested, as not everyone on board is who they seem.”

FLIGHT RISK was directed by actor Mel Gibson, his first since the Oscar nominated HACKSAW RIDGE (2016). The screenplay was written by Jared Rosenberg, and the film stars Michelle Dockery (DOWNTOWN ABBEY), Mark Wahlberg (THE FIGHTER), and Topher Grace (THAT 70’s SHOW). Getting mixed reviews, your co-hosts take a look to see if it was worthy of its box office and if it is considered a hidden gem.

Just a few years ago, Netflix released a handful of intertwined films all titled with the prefix of FEAR STREET. Now in 2025, the have released their latest called FEAR STREET PROM QUEEN. The film, just like the others, are based on stories by R.L. Stine and include the same town of Shadyside, Pennsylvania.

From IMDB: “When the “it” girls competing for prom queen at Shadyside High start to disappear, a gutsy outsider discovers she’s in for one hell of a prom night.”

The film is directed by Matt Palmer, and co-written by him along with Donald McLeary. The film’s cast includes India Fowler, Suzanna Son, Fina Strazza, and Lili Taylor. Receiving negative reviews, your co-hosts take a look and see if they are well deserved.

Joon Ho Bong is probably the most well known Korean director outside his home country of South Korea. His filmography includes some pretty well known movies including MEMORIES OF MURDER (2003), THE HOST (2006), SNOWPIERCER (2013), and PARASITE (2019). His latest film, also English language such as SNOWPIERCER was, is MICKEY 17 (2025).

From IMDB: “During a human expedition to colonize space, Mickey 17, a so-called “expendable” employee, is sent to explore an ice planet.”

The film was directed and written by Bong based off the novel Mickey7 by Edward Ashton. The cast includes Robert Pattinson in another stellar performance and includes Toni Collette, Mark Ruffalo, and Steven Yeun. Receiving fairly good reviews by all, your co-hosts take a look at the film and give their thoughts.

THE FIX (2025) is a new South African film that was recently released in North America on VOD. But what is it? Is it a horror film, a science fiction thriller, an environmental warning, a dystopian movie, or a superhero origin tale? It's a bunch of things, but I guess it depends on your perspective.

From IMDB: In a future with toxic air, a model takes a drug causing a transformation. She tries reversing it but learns her mutations could save humanity.

The movie is directed and written by Kelsey Egan while starring Grace Van Dien, the daughter of Caspar Van Dien. Though noticed by little review sites, the film has a leading lady that attracts attention. Your co-hosts have decided to take a look at the movie and give their thoughts.

The FINAL DESTINATION franchise is one of the older and most successful horror franchises in modern cinema history. Since the very first, the series has extended to now the sixth installment entitled FINAL DESTINATION BLOODLINES (2025).

From IMDB: Plagued by a recurring violent nightmare, a college student returns home to find the one person who can break the cycle and save her family from the horrific fate that inevitably awaits them.

The film is co-directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein from a script cowritten by Guy Busick, Lori Evans Taylor, and Jon Watts. The movie's cast includes Kaitlyn Santa Juana, Teo Briones, and Rya Kihlstedt. Receiving fabulous reviews and making a ton of money, your co-hosts take a look at the film to see if it worthy of all the love.

Welcome to The Rise of the Cordyceps Infected: A Last of Us Podcast. We discuss weekly each episode of the television series THE LAST OF US seen on HBOMax.

Spiders, bugs, creepy crawlies - they are some of the worst phobias a person can have. The new film, STING (2024), certainly plays into those fears well and may be the reason it has received such fabulous reviews.

From IMDB: "After raising an unnervingly talented spider in secret, 12-year-old Charlotte must face the facts about her pet-and fight for her family's survival-when the once-charming creature rapidly transforms into a giant, flesh-eating monster."

Though primarily filmed in and starring mostly Australian performers, the movie takes place in the borough of Brooklyn in New York City. The movie was written and directed by Kiah Roache-Turner. When it appeared on Hulu in late 2024, its word of mouth spread. Your co-hosts take a look at it and give their thoughts.