Mostly Film

Mostly Film

This week, Jonathan and J.P. continue their Spielberg Series by diving into two of the most influential films ever made: Jaws (1975) and Jurassic Park (1993). One invented the modern blockbuster, the other redefined it for a new generation. Together, they showcase Steven Spielberg's unmatched ability to blend suspense, spectacle, fear, and wonder into unforgettable cinematic experiences.

We explore the making of both films, from the infamous production troubles that shaped Jaws to the groundbreaking visual effects revolution of Jurassic Park. Along the way, we discuss iconic scenes, legendary performances, John Williams' unforgettable scores, themes of human arrogance versus nature, and the moments that transformed movie history. Plus, we debate which film is better, which monster is more iconic, which score reigns supreme, and whether these two films represent Spielberg at his absolute best.

Jaws taught audiences to fear what they couldn't see. Jurassic Park taught them to believe the impossible. This week, we're asking which one stands tallest in Spielberg's legendary filmography.

This week on Mostly Film, we break down a fresh batch of trailers in LIST IT or NIX IT, including Onslaught, How to Rob a Bank, Fall 2, Ice Age: Boiling Point, and more. We also talk about everything we've been watching lately, from indie horror and animation favorites to new TV obsessions.

In movie news, we discuss Ari Aster's Hereditary prequel, Hugh Jackman joining a new Treasure Island adaptation, the massive box office success of Backrooms and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Netflix's continued stance on theatrical releases, Martin Scorsese's involvement with AI filmmaking tools, and much more from around the world of film and television.

This week on Mostly Film, Jonathan and J.P. tackle two of Steven Spielberg’s most acclaimed and impactful films: Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan.

We explore a pivotal era in Spielberg’s career, from the haunting moral responsibility at the heart of Schindler’s List to the visceral realism and sacrifice depicted in Saving Private Ryan. Along the way, we discuss Spielberg’s evolution as a filmmaker, the partnership with cinematographer Janusz Kamiński, unforgettable performances, iconic scenes, and why these films continue to shape the way audiences engage with World War II on screen.

We also compare the two films as companion pieces—one focused on survival and memory, the other on duty and sacrifice—and ask which best represents Spielberg at the height of his powers. Join us for a deep dive into two cinematic landmarks and the lasting questions they leave behind. 🎬

This week on Mostly Film, we kick things off with another round of LIST IT or NIX IT, breaking down the latest trailers for The Get Out, Victorian Psycho, Her Private Hell, Primetime, Hope, Motor City, and In the Hand of Dante to decide what’s worth adding to the watchlist.

Then we dive into What We’ve Been Watching, covering everything from The Mandalorian & Grogu, The Drama, They Will Kill You, GOAT, Wonka, The Iron Giant, and Balto to The Devil Wears Prada, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, A History of Violence, The Limey, The Bride!, Normal, and more. Plus, we check in on shows like The Boys, Survivor, and Widows Bay.

We wrap things up with the latest movie news, reactions, and industry updates before sending you on your way. Join Jonathan and J.P. for another packed episode of movie talk, trailer reactions, and weekly watchlist recommendations. 🎬🍿

🎬 Mostly Film — Spielberg Series: Wonder, Obsession & Escapism

This week, Jonathan and J.P. dive into two wildly different eras of Steven Spielberg with Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) and Ready Player One (2018). One is pure cinematic wonder — an original sci-fi obsession story built on curiosity, light, and the unknown. The other is a massive digital adventure about nostalgia, escapism, and pop culture overload.

We break down both films from top to bottom: Spielberg’s career at each stage, the crews and collaborators behind the movies, box office and awards context, and the themes driving each story. Along the way, we debate whether Close Encounters is the most “Spielberg” movie ever made, whether Ready Player One is celebrating or critiquing nostalgia culture, and how Spielberg’s idea of “wonder” has changed over the decades.

Has Spielberg gone from creating wonder… to reflecting on it? And which of these films truly represents the heart of his filmmaking legacy?

Mostly Film is back with another packed episode of trailer chaos, movie talk, and industry insanity. This week in LIST IT or NIX IT, we’re breaking down trailers for The Rivals of Amziah King, Resident Evil, Clayface, Coyote vs Acme, Jackass, Verity, and more to decide what’s making the watchlist — and what’s getting tossed immediately.

In What We’ve Been Watching, Jonathan and J.P. talk survival thrillers, prestige dramas, and comfort TV as they dive into Apex, revisit Erin Brockovich, and check in on shows like The Boys, The Wire, Justified, Entourage, Maul, and Survivor.

Then in The News, things get wild: a Westworld movie is officially happening, Battlefield sparks a studio bidding war, John Wick 5 gets an update, Netflix is planning its first major theatrical rollout with Greta Gerwig’s Narnia, and somehow a Django/Zorro crossover movie is becoming real. Plus: Michael breaks records, Fast & Furious expands again, Letterboxd might be sold, and we react to the first look at Netflix’s live-action Scooby-Doo.

🎬 Mostly Film — Spielberg Series: War, Innocence & Moral Cost

This week, we dive into two defining war films from Steven Spielberg’s career: Empire of the Sun (1987) and Munich (2005). One captures war through the eyes of a child discovering the world… the other wrestles with the moral consequences of violence long after the dust settles.

We break down each film in full, from craft and performances to box office and legacy, while exploring Spielberg’s evolution from observational storytelling to deeply complex, morally ambiguous filmmaking.

Is Empire of the Sun the start of “serious Spielberg”? Is Munich his most mature work? And ultimately, is Spielberg more powerful when showing the experience of war… or the cost of it?

Two films. Two perspectives. One filmmaker confronting war from innocence to consequence.

🎬 Mostly Film — Sequels, Reboots & Movie News Overload

This week on Mostly Film, we’re back with LIST IT or NIX IT, breaking down a wild slate of trailers including Super Troopers 3, Practical Magic 2, Spaceballs: The New One, and Godzilla Minus Zero.

In What We’ve Been Watching, Jonathan stays deep in TV mode with The Pitt, Invincible, Severance, The Boys, and more, while JP checks in with Godzilla Minus One and K-Pop Demon Hunters alongside his usual TV rotation.

Then it’s a packed News segment — Marvel shakeups, Avengers: Doomsday updates, a Spaceballs return, Elden Ring hitting IMAX, I Am Legend 2 officially happening, and what the future of theaters might look like with major studio changes.

Trailers, TV binges, and an absolutely loaded news week. Let’s get into it!

🎬 Mostly Film — Spielberg In Review: Wonder vs. Nostalgia

This week, Jonathan and JP dive into two very different eras of Steven Spielberg with Hook (1991) and The Adventures of Tintin (2011). One is messy, emotional, and fueled by childhood nostalgia… the other is sleek, technical, and pure adventure.

We break down each film from top to bottom — story, performances, box office, and legacy — while asking the big questions:

• Is Hook misunderstood or just uneven?

• Is Tintin one of Spielberg’s most underrated films?

• And what happens when Spielberg trades heart for precision?

From Robin Williams vs. Dustin Hoffman to motion-capture set pieces and John Williams’ scores, this episode is all about how Spielberg’s sense of wonder evolves over time.

Two films. Two eras. One director, trying to hold onto magic in very different ways.

🎬 Mostly Film

This week on Mostly Film, we’re back with LIST IT or NIX IT, breaking down trailers for Runner, Young Washington, Ice Cream Man, Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, and more to decide what’s worth the watchlist.

Then we jump into What We’ve Been Watching, with Jonathan deep in TV mode — The Pitt, Invincible, Fallout 2, The Boys, Severance 2, Justified, and more. In contrast, JP mixes in Arbitrage, Wasteman, and a steady dose of Survivor and Pitt.

We wrap things up with The News, covering the latest updates and shakeups across the movie world.

Quick takes, trailer debates, and plenty of TV talk—just another week on Mostly Film.