In this episode of Movie Postmortem, we review Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), the first video game adaptation of the popular video game franchise.

We discuss the misguided efforts to make Angelina Jolie match the physical dimensions of the game version of the character, the early CGI, and whether the movie captures what gamers actually enjoyed about Tomb Raider.

Is this film a Cause for Celebration as an early video game adaptation, or just another example of weak source material resulting in a weak film? Tune in!

Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode of Movie Postmortem, Reggie and Isaiah are joined by Erin and Kevin from The Podcast That Wouldn’t Die to review Gravity (2013), Alfonso Cuarón’s intense survival film that won seven Oscars!

We talk about Sandra Bullock's instantly likeable astronaut, the challenging process of making the film, and why this might be one of the most best theater experiences of the 2010s. We also discuss whether the story is as strong as its visuals and score.

Tune in as we break down the film and suggest some funny Script Stitch-Up for alternate endings!

Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

The Podcast That Wouldn't Die

In this episode of Movie Postmortem, we review The Martian (2015), the sci-fi film where survival comes down to science, problem-solving, and a whole lot of potatoes. Stranded alone on Mars, Mark Watney (Matt Damon) must rely on botany, engineering, and relentless optimism to stay alive long enough for NASA to bring him home.

We break down why the film’s step-by-step problem-solving is so satisfying, how its hopeful and humorous tone set it apart from darker space stories, and why Mark might be one of the most likable protagonists in modern sci-fi.

Plus, a commercial about a drink that Mark probably wished he had on Mars!

Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode, we review Armageddon (1998), the ultimate example of peak Michael Bay mayhem. We break down the film’s chaotic energy, the ensemble cast, and why Bay’s attempt to mimic Titanic's love story falls flat. We also talk about why NASA’s plan to train oil drillers instead of astronauts is such an absurd movie premise!

Is Armageddon a disaster movie masterpiece or just a fun bad film? Either way, we’re here to determine the Causes of Celebration and the Causes of Death.

Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode of Movie Postmortem, we are joined by the hosts of the Based on a Book Podcast to discuss Arrival. Together, we review Denis Villeneuve’s cerebral sci-fi film where alien contact is less about invasion action and more about learning about language.

We break down Amy Adams’ performance, the amazing cinematography, and the haunting soundtrack. Our guests help us compare the film to its source material (Ted Chiang’s short story) while we dig into why this film is so different than other films about first contact.

Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

Based on A Book Podcast

In this episode of Movie Postmortem, we review Major Payne, Damon Wayans’ military-school comedy that features a drill-sergeant taking charge of a troop of young cadets in need of discipline. We discuss Wayans’ over-the-top performance, the surprisingly positive message, and how the film walks the line between comedy and heart-warming family film.

We also talk about whether the humor still lands today, and how the role might have been played by a different actor. Is Major Payne a Cause for Celebration or just a bad In Living Color comedy? Tune in!

Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode of Movie Postmortem, we review Rush Hour (1998), the action-comedy that launched one of the most popular franchises of the late ’90s. We discuss Jackie Chan’s physical brilliance as Inspector Lee, Chris Tucker’s motor-mouth energy as Detective Carter, and how their cultural clash somehow turns into perfect comedic chemistry.

Somehow, we even manage to connect this to K-pop, tracing parallels in global pop culture crossovers and martial arts.

Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode of Movie Postmortem, I give a spoiler-free review of Crime 101, the sleek crime thriller that clearly wants to be Heat, but never quite matches the intensity. With stylish highway cinematography and moody Los Angeles nightscapes, the film often looks the part. Unfortunately, atmosphere can only carry you so far.

I cover the best performances and talk about whether this a respectable theatrical release from Amazon, or another example of streaming-era films feeling just a little too small?

Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode, we are joined by the hosts of Final Girls Podcast to review 10 Cloverfield Lane, the bottle thriller about paranoia and control.

Together, we discuss Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s quietly brilliant protagonist, and how the movie utilizes uncertainty to keep both its characters and the audience guessing about what will come next! We also debate the controversial third act, the Cloverfield connection, and whether the genre shift enhances or undercuts the film’s strengths.

Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

Final Girls Podcast

In this episode of Movie Postmortem, I review Mercy (2026), a screen-life thriller that can’t quite decide what kind of movie it wants to be. Marketed as a cautionary AI tale, the film promises high-stakes techno-paranoia but morphs into a far more conventional action film.

I talk about why the screen-life format and AI angle feel unnecessary, how the story would function almost identically without them, and what really shocked me about the end of this film!

Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠