Movies First: Film Reviews & Insights

Movies First: Film Reviews & Insights

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Movies First: Film Reviews & Insights episodes

  • Love and Ambition Collide: A 'Fair Play' Review | #1025
    Fair Play (Drama, Mystery, Thriller) In this episode of "Movies First," host Alex First dives into the intense world of high-stakes trading with a review of the romantic psychological drama "Fair Play." The film, starring Phoebe Dynevor, Alden Ehrenreich, and Eddie Marsan, and directed by Chloe Domont, explores the complexities of love and ambition within the ruthless environment of stock market trading. **Episode Summary:** Join Alex First for an in-depth discussion about "Fair Play," a film that navigates the turbulent waters of a relationship strained by career pressures and workplace politics. Set against the backdrop of a competitive hedge fund, the story revolves around Luke (Alden Ehrenreich) and Emily (Phoebe Dynevor), two analysts whose secret romance becomes jeopardized by their professional lives. **Key Points:** - **A Secret Romance:** Discover how Luke and Emily's engagement, a joyous milestone, becomes tainted by the harsh realities of their careers, highlighting the film's central theme of personal versus professional life. - **Rising Tensions:** As Emily's career skyrockets and Luke's stagnates, witness their relationship spiral from passionate to tense, reflecting the cutthroat nature of their industry. - **Powerful Performances:** Hear about the compelling chemistry between Ehrenreich and Dynevor, whose characters' journey from supportive partners to resentful adversaries captivates the audience. - **Masculinity and Power:** Learn about the film's portrayal of aggression and toxic masculinity, particularly through Eddie Marsan's character, Campbell, whose ruthless leadership style exemplifies the hedge fund's merciless atmosphere. - **Cinematic Elements:** From the authentic depiction of the characters' daily routines to the impactful cinematography, find out how these elements contribute to the movie's immersive quality. **Critical Insights:** Alex shares his critiques, praising the film's exploration of gender dynamics and ambition but noting the less convincing aspects, such as certain secondary performances and an ending that feels somewhat overextended. **Conclusion:** Despite some flaws, "Fair Play" impresses as a gripping tale of love, ambition, and betrayal, earning a solid seven out of ten from our host. It's a cinematic journey that movie enthusiasts and critics alike should not miss. Trailer: https://www.imdb.com/video/vi1976944409/?playlistId=tt16304446&ref_=tt_pr_ov_vi **Listen to More:** For more insightful reviews, subscribe to "Movies First" on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or your favorite podcast platform. Stream on demand at bitesz.com for more quality podcast productions. Don't miss an episode of "Movies First" with Alex First, where you get the first take on the latest movies hitting the big screen. To listen on your favourite app, your one click universal listen link: https://link.chtbl.com/moviesfirst Movies First RSS : https://www.spreaker.com/show/2648009/episodes/feed Stream podcast episodes on demand from https://www.bitesz.com/show/movies-first-reviews/ (mobile friendly). For more from Alex visit our new website: https://moviesfirstpodcast.com or www.bitesz.com Subscribe, rate and review Movies First at all good podcast apps, including Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Pocket Casts, CastBox.FM, Podbean, Spreaker, etc. For more, follow Movies First on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube : Facebook - @moviesfirst Twitter - @MoviesFirst YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCatJQHaVabIvzCLqO16XvSQ If you're enjoying Movies First, please share and tell your friends. Your support would be appreciated...thank you. #movies #cinema #entertainment #podcast #reviews #moviesfirst For more, follow Movies First on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube : Facebook - @moviesfirst Twitter - @MoviesFirst YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCatJQHaVabIvzCLqO16XvSQ If you're enjoying Movies First, please share and tell your friends. Your support would be appreciated...thank you. #movies #cinema #entertainment #podcast #reviews #moviesfirst

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    4 min
  • 1024: Retribution (review)
    Movies First with Alex First Episode 1024 Answering the big question...should I see this movie? Retribution (Action, Crime, Drama) A bank executive receives a bomb threat while driving his children to school that his car will explode if they stop and get out. Director Nimród Antal Writers Alberto Marini - Christopher Salmanpour Stars Liam Neeson - Noma Dumezweni - Lilly Aspell - IMDb Trailer: https://www.imdb.com/video/vi564184857/?playlistId=tt6906292&ref_=tt_ov_vi To listen on your favourite app, your one click universal listen link: https://link.chtbl.com/moviesfirst Movies First RSS : https://www.spreaker.com/show/2648009/episodes/feed Stream podcast episodes on demand from https://www.bitesz.com/show/movies-first-reviews/ (mobile friendly). Subscribe, rate and review Movies First at all good podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, iHeartRadio, Pocket Casts, CastBox.FM, Podbean, Spreaker, etc.
    #moviereview #retribution #movies #podcast #liamneeson



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    4 min
  • 1023: PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie (review)
    Movies First with Alex First Episode 1023 Answering the big question...should I see this movie? PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie Animation, Action, Adventure) A magical meteor crash lands in Adventure City and gives the PAW Patrol pups superpowers, transforming them into The Mighty Pups Director Cal Brunker Writers Cal Brunker - Bob Barlen - Shane Morris Stars Mckenna Grace - Taraji P. Henson - Marsai Martin - IMDb Trailer: https://www.imdb.com/video/vi3310339097/?playlistId=tt15837338&ref_=tt_ov_vi To listen on your favourite app, your one click universal listen link: https://link.chtbl.com/moviesfirst Movies First RSS : https://www.spreaker.com/show/2648009/episodes/feed Stream podcast episodes on demand from https://www.bitesz.com/show/movies-first-reviews/ (mobile friendly). For more from Alex visit our new website: https://moviesfirstpodcast.com or www.bitesz.com Subscribe, rate and review Movies First at all good podcast apps, including Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Pocket Casts, CastBox.FM, Podbean, Spreaker, etc.

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    To access the Movies First reviews archive visit our website at www.bitesz.com/podcast/movies-first
    4 min
  • 1022: The Nun II: A Darker Return - Alex First's Review
    **Show Notes: Movies First with Alex First - Review of "The Nun 2"** - **Introduction**: - Movies First hosted by Alex First. - Review and rating of the horror movie "The Nun 2". - **Background**: - Sequel to "The Nun" (2018) featuring the demonic sister, Valek. - Set in 1956, Valek returns with her malevolent presence. - **Plot Highlights**: - Valek continues to terrify both adults and children. - The Vatican seeks Sister Irene Tasefarmiga, previously on the verge of her final vows, to exorcise the demon. - Sister Irene is joined by Sister Deborah (Storm Reid), a novice questioning her beliefs. - Their mission leads them to a boarding school in Exxon Province. - Maurice (Jonas Blonquette), the only other survivor to have faced Valek, is a maintenance man at the school. - Maurice befriends Sophie (Caitlin Rose Downey), a student, and her mother Kate (Anna Puppelwell), a teacher. - Mysterious and terrifying events unfold at the school. - **Production**: - New team of writers: Ian Goldberg, Richard Neyne, and Akala Cooper. - Directed by Michael Chavez, known for "The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It" (2021). - Part of the "Conjuring" universe, celebrating its 10th anniversary. - **Review**: - Intricate narrative with interconnected events. - Classic horror elements: darkness, suspenseful sound, and build-up. - Intense climax, though deemed "over the top" by Alex. - Strong performances by the lead actors. - Taser Farmiga showcases resilience, Storm Reid portrays a no-nonsense attitude, Jonas Blomquette embodies decency, Caitlin Rose Downey is measured, and Anna Puppelwell is reserved. - Superior to the original but falls short towards the end. - Knowledge of the first movie is beneficial but not mandatory. - Stay tuned after the credits for a surprise. - **Rating**: - "The Nun 2" receives a 6 out of 10. - **Outro**: - Listen to "Movies First" on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or your preferred podcast player. - Stream on-demand at bitesz.com.

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    5 min
  • 1021: Diving into 'Theatre Camp': A Movies First Review with Alex First
    **Introduction**: Welcome to Movies First with your host, Alex First. - **Background**: "Theatre Camp" is a mockumentary that delves into the world of a children's holiday program for budding actors in upstate New York. The film is a product of a decade-long collaboration between industry veterans such as Molly Gordon (Booksmart), Nicholas Lieberman, Ben Clat (Peach Perfect), and Noah Galvin (Booksmart). - **Plot**: The story revolves around Adirond acts, a theatre camp run by Joan Rabinsky (played by Amy Siddaris) and her assistant Rita Cohen (Caroline Aron). A sudden incident puts Joan in a coma, leaving her vlogger son, Troy (Jimmy Tatto), in charge. Despite his inexperience, Troy, with the help of the camp's eccentric staff, tries to save the camp from financial ruin and a takeover threat from a rival camp, Lakeside. - **Key Characters**: - Amos (Ben Platt): Head of drama at the camp. - Rebecca Diane (Molly Gordon): Music head and Amos's long-time collaborator. They decide to create a musical in honor of Joan, titled "Joan Still". - Glenn Winthrop (Noah Galvan): The introspective technical director who shines in his role. - **Review Highlights**: - The film is a delightful watch, especially for theatre aficionados. - It boasts a sharp script, with many lines that are pure gold. - The performances, especially by Ben Platt and Molly Gordon, are commendable. - The movie's humor is a highlight, with many laugh-out-loud moments. - The musical showcased at the end is a treat. - **Rating**: "Theatre Camp" earns a solid score of 7.5 to 8 out of 10. Catch this entertaining mockumentary and immerse yourself in the world of youth theatre, drama, and passion.

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    To access the Movies First reviews archive visit our website at www.bitesz.com/podcast/movies-first
    5 min
  • 1020: My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 (reviewed)
    Staying true to its predecessors from 2002 and 2016, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3" delivers a feel-good experience. The Porto Carlos family is all set for a Greek adventure, having received an invitation to a reunion in their father's ancestral village. Before his passing, Gus, Toulouse's father, entrusted her with a journal to share with his old pals. The family's journey is not just about the reunion but also a tribute to Gus's legacy. Upon their arrival at Athens Airport, the enthusiastic town mayor, Victory Malena Kacelou, greets them. Their transportation? An old truck with Toulouse at the wheel. The village, however, presents an eerie emptiness, with a mysterious woman making frequent appearances. Toulouse (Neo Vidalos) and her husband Ian John Corbett's daughter, Paris, reconnects with Aristotle, someone she had previously distanced herself from. The reason behind their past disconnect is unveiled as the story progresses. Family secrets await Toulouse and her brother Nick, with Nick's peculiar grooming habits being a point of humor. Filmed predominantly in Athens and Kourfou, the movie is bound to resonate with the Australian Greek audience. Writer and director Neo Vidalos masterfully blends cultural humor into the narrative. The film's visual appeal is undeniable, showcasing the beauty of Greece. Characters like Aunt Vula, played by Andrea Martin, and Mayor Malena Cacillou stand out with their vibrant performances. While "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3" has moments reminiscent of a sitcom, it retains the charm that has made the series beloved by fans. Alex First's rating? A solid 6 out of 10.

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    4 min
  • 1019: Mutant Mayhem: Turtles' Rebooted Adventure (movie review)
    - **Introduction:** Welcome to Movies First with Alex First. - **Movie Review:** "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem." - **Origin Story:** Discover how the turtles came to be, created by scientist Stockman and raised by Splinter. - **Main Characters:** Turtles - Donatello, Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael; Splinter voiced by Jackie Chan; Superfly voiced by Ice Cube; April O'Neill. - **Plot Highlight:** Turtles' curiosity leads them to the human world and into a battle against Superfly's mutant army. - **Writing Team:** Includes Seth Rogan. - **Review Points:** - Colorful and entertaining. - Appeals to both young and old. - Predictable but enjoyable storyline. - Notable character development, especially Splinter and April. - **Rating:** 6.5 out of 10. - **End Note:** Stay tuned during the credits for more surprises. - **Conclusion:** "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Mutant Mayhem" marks a promising reboot of the beloved franchise.

    #movie #review #film #podcast #teenagemutantninjaturtles #turtles

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    4 min
  • 1018: Whimsical Whirlwind: A Dive into 'Asteroid City' (movie review)
    Show Notes: Movies First with Alex First on "Asteroid City"** - **Introduction**: Dive into the imaginative world of Wes Anderson's latest film, "Asteroid City". - **Setting**: The story unfolds in 1955, where a TV host presents the fictional drama, "Asteroid City". - **Main Characters**: - **Conrad Erp (Edward Norton)**: A renowned playwright whose latest work is introduced. - **Orgy Steenbeck (Jason Schwartzman)**: Arrives in a fictional desert town for a junior astronomy convention with his four children, including the intelligent Woodrow and his three assertive sisters. - **Stanley Zach (Tom Hanks)**: Orgy's disapproving father-in-law, shocked that Orgy hasn't informed the kids of their mother's demise. - **Mitch Campbell (Scarlett Johansson)**: A renowned yet skeptical actress who catches Orgy's attention. - **Plot Highlights**: - The Steenbeck family's car malfunctions, leading to a call for assistance to Stanley. - Orgy carries his late wife's ashes in an unconventional container. - An unexpected twist when an extraterrestrial visits the convention, leading to a quarantine. - **Performance Highlights**: - Schwartzman and Johansson's chemistry is electric, especially in scenes across adjacent windows. - Margot Robbie's anticipated appearance as Orgy's late wife is memorable. - Brian Cranston shines as the TV host from the Black and White era, while Edward Norton captivates as the playwright. - Tom Hanks surprises in a unique, judgmental role. - **Themes & Observations**: Beyond the comedic elements, the film touches on serious topics like the atom bomb, presenting them in a style distinct from traditional narratives like Oppenheimer. - **Production & Design**: A nostalgic nod to the past, the film's design and sets are a delightful homage to a previous era, exuding playful charm. - **Alex's Verdict**: "Asteroid City" is a blend of humor, drama, and classic Wes Anderson quirks. While it can be challenging to follow at times, it's undeniably engaging. Alex's rating: 7.5/10.
    #movie #cinema #film #review #asteroidcity

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    4 min
  • 1017: Gran Turismo: From Virtual Race to Real Track - A Review
    - **Introduction**: Welcome to Movies First with Alex First, where we dive into "Gran Turismo," a film inspired by the world's most accurate car racing simulation game. - **Background**: - 25 years ago, Kazunori Yamuchi introduced the iconic game, Grand Tourismo, after five years of meticulous development. - The game quickly gained a massive following among video gamers. - **Plot**: - Danny Moore, a UK marketing executive for Nissan portrayed by Orlando Bloom, proposes a groundbreaking idea: What if a gamer's skills could be transferred to real-life racing? - Nissan's executives, seeing the potential PR boost, greenlight the idea. - A global contest is launched to find the best Grand Tourismo player. - The top ten gamers, after a series of live online events, undergo training by former driver and engineer, Jack Soltar (played by David Haber). - From ten, the contestants are narrowed down to five, leading to a final race to select the ultimate winner. - The victor is Jan Mardinbrough, portrayed by Archimedequie. Despite his family's soccer legacy and pressure from his father, Steve, to pursue football, Jan remains committed to his passion for racing simulations. - **Challenges**: - Jan's transition from virtual to real racing is fraught with challenges, especially from seasoned drivers. - He faces particular opposition from Nicholas Kapper (Joshua Stradowski) and others who view a simulation driver as an outsider in professional racing. - **Film Highlights**: - Based on a true story, adding depth and authenticity. - Written by Jason Hall and Zach Baillen, the film presents numerous hurdles for its characters. - Directed by Neil Blomkamp (known for District 9), ensuring thrilling, adrenaline-filled sequences. - Stellar performances, especially David Harbour as Jack Soltar, whose mysterious past unravels as the story progresses. - Orlando Bloom shines as the enthusiastic marketing executive, while Archimedequie delivers a restrained yet compelling portrayal of Jan. - Exceptional visual effects, blending game simulations with real-life racing visuals. - The film's sound, music, design, and cinematography combine for an immersive experience. - Features Jerry Halleywell-Horner of Spice Girls as Jan's supportive mother. - **Rating**: Gran Turismo earns a solid 7 to 7.5 out of 10. - **Conclusion**: Thank you for tuning into Movies First with Alex First. Catch us on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or your preferred podcast platform. Stream on-demand at bytes.com. Brought to you by bitesz.com.

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    4 min
  • 1016: 'Strays' Unleashed: A Bark or a Whimper? | Review
    **Movie Overview:** - A mix of comedy with some hits and misses. - Physical comedy elements present, but not all land well. - The movie has transitions that aren't always smooth. - **Main Characters:** - **Reggie (voiced by Will Ferrell):** A dog who believes his neglectful owner, Doug (Will Ford), cares for him. Despite being abandoned multiple times, Reggie always finds his way back. - **Bug (voiced by Jamie Foxx):** A fast-talking, foul-mouthed Boston terrier Reggie befriends. - **Maggie (voiced by Isla Fisher):** A smart Australian shepherd sidelined by her owner's new puppy. - **Hunter (voiced by Randall Park):** A failed police dog turned emotional support animal. Wears an Elizabethan collar and has unspoken feelings for Maggie. - **Plot Highlights:** - Reggie's journey to find his way back to Doug, leading him to meet other strays. - Reggie's internal conflict of wanting to reunite with Doug despite advice from his new friends. - A road trip filled with challenges and comedic moments. - **Production & Direction:** - A subversive comedy crafted by Dan Perro and directed by Josh Greenbaum. - Targeted at a young adult, predominantly male audience. - Unique element: All dogs talk, but humans can't understand them. - The film doesn't shy away from explicit content, including sexual references, innuendos, and humor centered around dog defecation. - **Performances:** - Maggie, with her Aussie accent, is a standout character. - Jamie Foxx brings a jive-talking flair to Bug. - Will Ferrell portrays Reggie as a loyal and conflicted dog. - Randall Park showcases Hunter's vulnerabilities. - Josh Gad shines in a minor role as Gus, a Labrador retriever who narrates his owner's life. - **Alex's Take:** - "Strays" aims to shock and succeeds in doing so. - The film has its moments, but Alex expected more humor. - The plot felt uneven, and while the concept was good, the execution was mediocre. - Alex's rating: 6/10. - **Outro:** - Thank you for tuning into Movies First with Alex First. - Available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, iHugRadio, and other podcast platforms. - Stream on demand at bitesz.com. - Brought to you by bitesz.com, a quality podcast production.

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    4 min

About Movies First: Film Reviews & Insights

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Movies, reviewed and rated. If you love movies you’ll love Movies First with well-known and respected reviewer Alex First and his sidekicks Chris & Jessica. Answering the big question...should I…