Footcandle Films

Alan & Chris have survived the snowpocalypse that walloped North Carolina and made it in to the MESH studios to discuss Melissa McCarthy's dramatic turn in "Can You Ever Forgive Me?". This is followed by a review of Alfonso Cuaron's latest film that is streaming exclusively on Netflix – "Roma". Alan then shares some movie news items … including what he says is THE biggest movie news item of the year. Rounding out the show, per the tried and true formula, are recommendations of films to check out.

Reviews: "Can You Ever Forgive Me?", "Roma"

Recommendations: "Happy as Lazzaro", "Krampus"

Director Steve McQueen returns to the big screen with a heist film centered around a group of widows left to clean up their criminal husbands' mess. Alan & Chris share their thoughts on "Widows" as well as the straight-to-Netflix Cohen Brothers anthology film "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs". Cinema related news items follow the pair of reviews, with film recommendations closing out the show.

Reviews: "Widows", "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs"

Recommendations: "Ozark", "They'll Love Me When I'm Dead"

Two movies that both tell true stories are the focus of this episode. One is a big budget depiction of one of rock music's most flamboyant performers, while the other is a much smaller, quieter film that looks at the career of a lifetime bank robber portrayed by Robert Redford in what is said to be his last big screen performance. The hosts discuss the merits of each and then veer into movie news items. Rounding out the episode, per their tried and true formula, each host picks a film to recommend that you might want to check out.

Recommendations: "The Kindergarten Teacher", "Halloween (2018)"

Reviews: "Bohemian Rhapsody", "The Old Man & the Gun"

Director Damien Chazelle returns to the multiplex with a film that isn't centered around music but instead tells the story of astronaut Neil Armstrong in "First Man". After sharing their thoughts on this recent release, Alan and Chris celebrate the 40th anniversary of the classic "Halloween" by discussing what works and doesn't on this genre defining film by John Carpenter. News & movie recommendations round out this episode.

Recommendations: "Bisbee '17", "Stronger"

With the arrival of Bradley Cooper's remake of "A Star Is Born" starring himself and Lady Gaga in theaters it is safe to say the Oscar-bait season has officially begun. Alan & Chris discuss Mr. Cooper's first directorial effort followed by reviews of the smaller independent film "Puzzle" and the comic book adaptation misfire "Venom" starring Tom Hardy.

Recommendations: "Sorry to Bother You", "Best of All Worlds"

Two smaller independent films are on the agenda today with reviews of "Leave No Trace" and "Borg vs McEnroe". Next on the news roundup you hear about films getting their debut at the Toronto International Film Festival and what exactly is going on with the "Popular Film" Oscar. Recommendations round out the episode as well as a chance for you to receive a free 2018 Footcandle Film Festival t-shirt (if you're the first one to email the correct answer after consulting your friend named Google).

Recommendations: Undefeated, The Post

Reviews: Leave No Trace & Borg vs McEnroe

Spike Lee's latest film "BlacKkKlansman" has many critics claiming it is a return to top form for the iconic director. Alan & Chris share their thoughts on this based-on-true events story as well as discuss "First Reformed" starring Ethan Hawke as a troubled priest. Silver screen news items and recommendations of films to seek out round out this episode … and if you haven't heard … the 2018 Footcandle Film Festival is happening and if you're in Western NC you should check it out!

Recommendations: "The Endless", "Custody"

Reviews: "BlacKkKlansman", "First Reformed"

For this episode, in what appears to be a recent trend for the show, the hosts discuss a popular documentary ("Three Identical Strangers") paired with a narrative film ("The Rider"). After their reviews movie news is the next on the agenda followed by the tried-and-true show closer of movie recommendations.

Reviews: "Three Identical Strangers" & "The Rider"

Recommendations: "The Dark Knight" & "The Blues Brothers"

Tom Cruise is back as Ethan Hunt in a sixth installment of the Mission: Impossible franchise. In a surprise move (to absolutely no one)...he's doing his own stunts. Alan & Chris share their thoughts and then discuss the critically acclaimed documentary about children's television star Fred Rogers - "Won't You Be My Neighbor". Rounding out the episode are some news tidbits as well as recommendations of movies you might have missed or should consider rewatching.

Reviews: “Mission: Impossible - Fallout" & "Won't You Be My Neighbor"

Recommendations: "A Most Violent Year" & "Mission: Impossible 3"

On this episode the hosts discuss the latest fictitious superhero film "Ant-Man and the Wasp" as well as the documentary "RBG" about supreme court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg whom some feel is a real-life superhero. Our news segment returns after a brief hiatus and we bring the episode to a close with our recommendations.

Reviews: “Ant-Man and the Wasp" & "RBG"

Recommendations: "The Death of Stalin" & "In Search of Steve Ditko"