The B-Roll Podcast

In this episode Ed Adams and Sharronda Williams take a look at two films: "Joker" and "Gemini Man," both now in theaters.

"Joker" is a standalone DC film that follows Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) as persona and circumstances transform him into his new ego - the Joker. The film is co-written and directed by Todd Phillips who is most well known for "The Hangover" film franchise and other comedies. Joker also stars Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy, and Brett Cullen.

In "Gemini Man," Will Smith plays opposite himself as a retired assassin that is fighting for his life against a younger clone of himself. The film was directed by Ang Lee who won awards for "Life of Pi", and "Brokeback Mountain." Lee has done other CGI-inspired films in the past, most notably "Hulk" in 2003. The film also starts Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Clive Owen, and Benedict Wong.

Joker: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Gemini Man: 3 out of 5 stars

In this episode of the podcast hosts Edward Adams and Sharronda Williams do a little inner reflection as they discuss to pinpoint films: "Ad Astra" and "Judy."

"Ad Astra" is Brad Pitts' futuristic space odyssey that stars himself as astronaut Roy McBride, a quiet, introverted man who undergoes a mission to stop a doomsday device that could destroy the universe as we know it. The film also stars Tommy Lee Jones, and Ruth Negga.

"Judy" sees the return of Renée Zellweger to the screen as the legendary Judy Garland. Based on the stage play "End of the Rainbow," the film chronicles Garland's attempted comeback during a sold-out concert series in London in 1968. The film also stars Jessie Buckley, Finn Wittrock, and Royce Pierreson.

Ad Astra: 3.5 stars
Judy: 3 stars

This week Ed Adams and Sharronda Williams catch up about their festival activities and then dive into David Oyelowo's latest film, "Don't Let Go." In the film Oyelowo plays a L.A. detective trying to solve the death of his family with the help of his deceased niece.

Don't Let Go: 3 out of 5 stars

This episode Ed Adams and Sharronda Williams dive into the first spinoff of the Fast & Furious movie franchise, "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw." The film produced by and starring Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham brings their characters previously seen in previous F&F sequels into their own paralleled storyline.

In the film, lawman Luke Hobbs (Johnson) and outcast Deckard Shaw (Statham) form an unlikely alliance when a cyber-genetically enhanced villain, Brixton (Idris Elba) threatens the future of humanity.

Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw: 3 out of 5 stars

This episode Ed Adams and Sharronda Williams break down Quentin Tarantino's ninth feature film, his love letter to the Hollywood that inspired him in "Once Upon a Time ... In Hollywood."  The film follow Rick Dalton (Leonardo Di Caprio), a dimming star of Hollywood's golden age grapling with the new era that is on the horizon. The film stars Di Caprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie. 

Well, its finally here the long-anticipated remake of Disney's "The Lion King." Done almost entirely in CGI, this film once again takes us to Pride Rock, to follow the epic journey of Simba (Donald Glover) as he ascends the take his place as the king of the jungle.

The film is directed by Jon Favreau who among other acting and directing projects won acclaim for his first enhanced animated project - "The Jungle Book." "The Lion King" features the voices of James Earl Jones, Alfre Woodard, John Kani, Chiwetel Ejiofor, John Oliver, Keegan-Michael Key, Eric Andre, Florence Kasumba, Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Beyonce, and Donald Glover

The Lion King: 3.5 out of 5 stars

This week Ed Adams and Sharronda Williams discuss the footnote of phase three of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, "Spider-Man: Far From Home." The film takes place after "Avengers: Endgame." And helps explain what happened while half the population was blipped away. The film stars Tom Holland, Samuel L. Jackson, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Jon Favreau.

Spider-Man: Far From Home: 4 out of 5 stars

On the 25th episode (Whoo-whoo!) we take a dive into alternate realities with the release of "Yesterday," and we catch up on the dystopian country of Gilead in season three of "The Handmaid's Tale."

In "Yesterday," it is an event like no other - a nobody musician is struck by a bus during a world-wide blackout. When he comes to, he discovers he is the only person who remembers the most iconic band in music history, The Beatles. The film stars Himesh Patel, Lily James, Joel Fry, Ed Sheeran, and Kate McKinnon.

Now in its third season, "The Handmaid's Tale" takes further into Gilead through the eyes and machinations of June (Elisabeth Moss). With baby Nicole safely in Canada, the Waterfords feel the absence that is causing ripples, both good and bad, for everyone affecting by this coup. Halfway through the season, we get a glimpse in the power and influence Gilead has over the world and how this power is being weld. "The Handmaid's Tale" stars Elisabeth Moss, Yvonnne Strahovski, Joseph Fiennes, Ann Dowd, O-T Fagvenie, Samira While, Bradley Whitford and is currently streaming on Hulu.

Yesterday: 3 out of 5 Stars
The Handmaid's Tale - Season 3: 3 out of 5 stars (so far)

This episodes hosts Edward Adams and Sharronda Williams have breakdown three films currently in theaters or streaming. First up, we talk about Disney's "Toy Story 4," the latest installment in the franchise. In the latest tale Woody (Tom Hanks) and the toys are out to protect and save Forky (Tony Hale). 

Toy Story 4: 4 Stars
Child's Play: 2.5 Stars
Beats: 3.5 Stars

This episode we try to make sense of the final chapter of 20th Century Fox's X-Men saga, "Dark Phoenix." With so many rewrites, reshoots, and bad press, can this Phoenix rise above the naysayers and give a fitting finale to the franchise? We also discuss season five of Netflix's dark anthology series, "Black Mirror." With only three episodes, does the series provide the same terrifying cautionary tales of technology or have they reached a new plateau in storytelling. 

Dark Phoenix - 2 stars
Black Mirror (Season 5) - 3.5 stars