The Film Board

"Joker: Folie à Deux" has arrived, and with it, a cacophony of critical dissonance. Is it a cinematic triumph or an expensive folly? This week on The Film Board, Pete Wright, Steve Sarmento, and Tommy Metz III grapple with the sequel's perplexing identity. From the sterile confines of the courtroom to the surreal bursts of musical fantasy, the film dances between genres, leaving audiences and critics alike in a state of bewildered contemplation.

The panel dissects the film's curious obsession with its predecessor, questioning whether "Folie à Deux" truly stands on its own or merely exists as a reaction to the first film's cultural impact. They delve into Joaquin Phoenix's mesmerizing, yet arguably repetitive, performance, exploring the nuances of a character teetering on the precipice of sanity. Lady Gaga's portrayal of Harley Quinn, a departure from her usual flamboyant persona, also sparks debate. Is it a nuanced performance or a miscasting?

And what about the film's exorbitant budget? The crew is left pondering whether the visual spectacle justifies the cost. In a world saturated with superhero narratives, does "Joker: Folie à Deux" offer a meaningful commentary on society, or is it simply a beautifully crafted, yet ultimately hollow, exercise in style? Tune in for a discussion that explores the film's artistic merits, its narrative flaws, and its potentially enduring enigma.

Film Sundries

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Gather 'round film fans, for a spirited discussion on the latest from the BCU — the Beetlejuice Cinematic Universe! Joining your host, Pete Wright, are Tommy Metz III and Steve Sarmento, ready to delve into some hella afterlife antics.

This time around, the Deetz family takes center stage, with Lydia's daughter, Astrid, accidentally opening the door to the ghostly realm. We unpack the film's unique approach to handling multiple storylines, from Astrid's encounter with a charming ghost from the 90s to the brand new backstory of Beetlejuice himself.

The conversation explores the challenges of balancing nostalgia with fresh ideas, particularly when revisiting a beloved classic. We examine whether the sequel captures the quirky charm and visual humor of the original, or if it gets lost in a whirlwind of new characters and plot threads.

Ultimately, the episode grapples with the question of legacy and reinvention in filmmaking. Does "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" successfully build upon its predecessor's world, or does it leave audiences yearning for the simple pleasures of the original? Tune in to find out!

Film Sundries

• Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatch
• Theatrical trailer
• Letterboxd

Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!

Here’s where you can find us around the internet:

• The Web
• Letterboxd
• Flickchart
• Check out poster artwork for movies we’ve discussed on our Pinterest page
• Pete
• JJ
• Ocean
• Steve
• Tommy
• Andy

What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!

• You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.
• Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.
• Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.
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The Film Board gathers to dissect the 2024 remake of The Crow, starring Bill Skarsgård, and find themselves sharply divided. Pete Wright and panelists Ocean Murff and Matthew Fox, self-described goths, express their deep connection to the original film and its place in their own personal histories. For them, the 1994 The Crow, soundtracked by The Cure and pals, and drenched in shadow, was more than just a movie; it was a cultural touchstone. The remake, awash in sunlight and overstuffed with backstory, leaves them cold.

JayJay brings the dissent, however. He finds himself surprisingly enthusiastic about the remake's approach to lore and its unflinching embrace of graphic violence. He draws a compelling comparison between the two films and their respective places within the ever-evolving landscape of comic book movies.

Is this a case of “emo kids” trying to remake a goth classic? Can a film with such a devoted following ever be successfully reimagined, or is the 2024 The Crow destined to live in the shadow of its predecessor? Tune in as the panel grapples with these questions and more.

Film Sundries

• Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatch
• Theatrical trailer
• Original Material
• Letterboxd

Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!

Here’s where you can find us around the internet:

• The Web
• Letterboxd
• Flickchart
• Check out poster artwork for movies we’ve discussed on our Pinterest page
• Pete
• JJ
• Ocean
• Steve
• Tommy
• Andy

What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!

• You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.
• Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.
• Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.
• Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.
• Or sign up for AUDIBLE.

In "Alien: Romulus," director Fede Alvarez takes us on a thrilling journey back to the heart of the Alien franchise, capturing the essence of what makes these films so captivating. The movie expertly weaves together the themes of corporate greed, human exploitation, and the terrifying mystery of biological destruction that have become synonymous with the series.

Alvarez, known for his mastery of suspense and horror, proves to be an excellent choice to helm this installment, investing in rich sets and practical creature effects that immerse the audience in the claustrophobic and dangerous world. The film plays to the strengths of the franchise, delivering the familiar beats that fans have come to love and expect.

But, this is The Film Board. So, where does it stumble? Don’t worry: Steve Sarmento, Tommy Metz III, and Pete Wright found it and litigate the quibbles that give the film a real third-act, “Huh?” Despite this, "Alien: Romulus" remains a solid entry in our favorite era of the Alien franchise and we’re just feeling grateful that the act of us talking about it didn’t jinx it from the jump. You’re welcome, everybody.

Film Sundries

• Watch this Film: JustWatch
• Theatrical trailer
• Letterboxd

Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!

Here’s where you can find us around the internet:

• The Web
• Letterboxd
• Flickchart
• Check out poster artwork for movies we’ve discussed on our Pinterest page
• Pete
• JJ
• Ocean
• Steve
• Tommy
• Andy

What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!

• You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.
• Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.
• Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.
• Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.
• Or sign up for AUDIBLE.

The Film Board Gathers! This month, Pete Wright and panelists Justin JJ Jaeger, Tommy Metz III, and Ocean Murff dive deep into the much-anticipated Marvel movie "Deadpool & Wolverine." The film brings together two iconic characters shaped by Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in a meta-filled, fourth-wall-breaking adventure that has left audiences and critics divided. Maybe? Probably.

We grapple with the film's overwhelming self-referential humor and the sheer number of inside jokes and Easter eggs scattered throughout, but not for very long. For us, the constant winking and nodding was the perfect fit for the Deadpool character.

As the discussion unfolds, we explore how "Deadpool & Wolverine" pays homage to and pokes fun at the Fox Studios' X-Men movies, the very films that paved the way for the Marvel Cinematic Universe's success. We also probe the movie's handling of the multiverse concept and its potential implications for the future of the MCU.

Film Sundries

• Pre-order this on Apple or find other places at JustWatch
• Theatrical trailer
• Letterboxd

Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!

Here’s where you can find us around the internet:

• The Web
• Letterboxd
• Flickchart
• Check out poster artwork for movies we’ve discussed on our Pinterest page
• Pete
• JJ
• Ocean
• Steve
• Tommy
• Andy

What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!

• You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.
• Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.
• Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.
• Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.
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Pete, Tommy, and Steve put themselves in a box with a golden bird meant for a zoo and they all just wait for an audience. You might think we’re talking about podcasting. No, we’re podcasting about the latest from the family Night Shyamalan with Ishana Night Shyamalan’s debut, THE WATCHERS.

What’s going on with this movie? Why does it … you know… do what it does? It’s beautiful, there’s no doubt about it. But as lovely as it is, it’s just as confusing. Our challenge this week is not to come up with all kinds of great reasons for you to see it. Not at all. Our challenge this week is to justify why we can come up with all kinds of reasons why you probably shouldn’t.

Film Sundries

• Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatch
• Theatrical trailer
• Letterboxd

Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!

Here’s where you can find us around the internet:

• The Web
• Letterboxd
• Flickchart
• Check out poster artwork for movies we’ve discussed on our Pinterest page
• Pete
• JJ
• Ocean
• Steve
• Tommy
• Andy

What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!

• You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.
• Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.
• Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.
• Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.
• Or sign up for AUDIBLE.

On the latest episode of The Film Board, Pete Wright and panelists Steve Sarmento, Tommy Metz III, and Ocean Murff dive deep into the dystopian world of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.

The long-awaited prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road tells the origin story of the fierce warrior Furiosa, played by Anya Taylor-Joy. Director George Miller returns to the wasteland, crafting a film that is part Shakespearean saga, part high-octane action thriller.

The panelists grapple with the movie's themes of survival, hope, and what it means to be human in a brutal world. They explore how the episodic structure, marked by chapter breaks, sets Furiosa apart from its predecessor.

While some argue the stakes feel lower since the ultimate fates of key characters are known, others find the emotional journey compelling nonetheless. The film's focus on Furiosa's transformation from a child of the Green Place into a hardened imperator is what gives it heart.

Questions arise about the movie's reliance on CGI compared to the more practical effects of Fury Road. But even when the visuals falter, the panelists agree Miller's daring vision still shines through.

Tune in for a lively discussion that covers everything from Furiosa's tragic loss to Chris Hemsworth's divisive turn as an over-the-top villain. With thoughtful analysis and a few friendly disagreements, The Film Board crew takes you on an engrossing ride through the Mad Max universe.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga may not be the movie everyone expected, but it's certainly one that gives fans plenty to talk about.

Film Sundries

• Hear The Next Reel’s conversations about the films of the Mad Max saga
• Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatch
• Theatrical trailer
• Original Material
• Letterboxd
• The Souvenir on Trailer Rewind
• The Adrian Moment on TruStory FM

Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!

Here’s where you can find us around the internet:

• The Web
• Letterboxd
• Flickchart
• Check out poster artwork for movies we’ve discussed on our Pinterest page
• Pete
• JJ
• Ocean
• Steve
• Tommy
• Andy

What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!

• You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.
• Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.
• Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.
• Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.
• Or sign up for AUDIBLE.

The Film Board gathers! This month, host Justin Jaeger is joined by Steve Sarmento and Tommy Metz III to litigate Alex Garland's provocative new film "Civil War." The movie depicts a dystopian near-future America fractured by a second civil war, following a group of journalists on a perilous trek to interview the authoritarian president.

We dive into the film's central themes—what it means to bear witness to war, how allegiances break down in times of chaos, and whether the movie serves more as a warning or simply a brutal glimpse of "what if." We debate Garland's motivations in making the film now, at a time when a shocking 40% of Americans believe a civil war could happen in the next decade.

JayJay, with his background in TV journalism, scrutinizes the portrayal of war photographers and the language they use. Steve sees Apocalypse Now in the journey into the heart of darkness. And Tommy ponders if the film depicts how quickly social order and humanity could unravel in a new American civil war.

The discussion touches on the graphic war violence that eventually numbs the viewer, mirroring the journalists' experience. We question if the movie succeeds more in its fictionalized character studies than its social commentary over the ambiguous world-building around the politics of the fractured states.

We grapple with the unsettling implications of Civil War. Is it a sensationalized dystopian vision, an urgent cautionary tale, or a mix of both? The differing perspectives make for a solid conversation about one of the year's polarizing films.

Film Sundries

• Watch this on Apple or find other places at JustWatch
• Theatrical trailer
• Letterboxd

The Next Reel’s Family of Film Podcasts

• Cinema Scope
• The Film Board
• Freely Adapted (coming soon!)
• Movies We Like
• The Next Reel
• The Next Reel Shorts (retired)
• One Minute for Old Men (coming soon!)
• The Saturday Matinée (retired)
• Silver Linings (retired)
• Sitting in the Dark
• Three of a Kind (retired)
• Trailer Rewind (retired)

Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!

Here’s where you can find us around the internet:

• The Web
• Letterboxd
• Flickchart
• Check out poster artwork for movies we’ve discussed on our Pinterest page
• Pete
• JJ
• Ocean
• Steve
• Tommy
• Andy

What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!

• You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.
• Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.
• Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.
• Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.
• Or sign up for AUDIBLE.

In this inaugural episode of Cinema Scope, host Andy Nelson is joined by professors Leon Hunt and Chris Hamm to explore the captivating world of wuxia, a Chinese film genre that blends philosophy, action, and legend. They discuss the key elements that define wuxia, such as the chivalrous heroes, period settings, and fantastical elements, as well as the concept of jianghu, a unique world within wuxia stories.

Leon and Chris trace the evolution of wuxia from its roots in early Chinese literature to its influence on other genres, including Hollywood blockbusters. They also highlight notable works like A Touch of Zen, The Bride with White Hair, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, analyzing their contributions to the development and popularity of wuxia cinema.

This engaging and informative episode will deepen your appreciation for the richness and complexity of the wuxia genre, inspiring you to explore more of these captivating films.

Film Sundries

• Recommended and Discussed Movies
  • Come Drink With Me on Apple, Amazon, and JustWatch
  • Golden Swallow on Apple, Amazon, and JustWatch
  • The New One-Armed Swordsman on Apple, Amazon, and JustWatch
  • A Touch of Zen on Apple, Amazon, and JustWatch
  • The Magic Blade on Apple, Amazon, and JustWatch
  • Last Hurrah for Chivalry on Apple, Amazon, and JustWatch
  • The Butterfly Murders on Apple, Amazon, and JustWatch
  • Swordsman II on Apple, Amazon, and JustWatch
  • The Bride with White Hair on Apple, Amazon, and JustWatch
  • Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon on Apple, Amazon, and JustWatch
• Our Letterboxd List
• Dr. Leon Hunt’s books
  • Kung Fu Cult Masters
  • Mario Bava: The Artisan as Italian Horror Auteur
• Chris Hamm’s books
  • The Unworthy Scholar from Pingjiang: Republican-Era Martial Arts Fiction
  • Paper Swordsmen: Jin Yong and the Modern Chinese Martial Arts Novel

Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!

Here’s where you can find us around the internet:

• The Web
• Letterboxd
• Flickchart
• Check out poster artwork for movies we’ve discussed on our Pinterest page
• Pete
• JJ
• Ocean
• Steve
• Tommy
• Andy

What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!

• You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.
• Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the ...

In the vast expanse of cinematic storytelling, few tales grip the imagination like Frank Herbert's "Dune." As Denis Villeneuve's vision unfolds in "Dune: Part Two," the Film Board gathers to unravel the complex tapestry of prophecy, power, and the perils of messianic fervor.

Pete Wright, along with acolytes Steve Sarmento and Matthew Fox, embark on a journey through the dunes of Arrakis, where the line between hero and conqueror blurs like a mirage. As Paul Atreides grapples with his destiny, the specter of religious manipulation looms large, a testament to Herbert's prescient critique of the weaponization of faith.

Yet, in the hands of Villeneuve, the narrative takes on new dimensions. Chani, once relegated to the sidelines, emerges as a voice of reason amidst the swirling sands of fanaticism. Her perspective challenges not only Paul but the audience, forcing us to confront the seductive allure of the messianic trap.

The parallels between Herbert's world and our own become increasingly apparent. The Film Board dissects the Abrahamic roots of the messianic mythos, tracing the threads that bind the Fremen's fervor to the real-world complexities of organized religion and the mobilization of indigenous peoples.

In the end, "Dune: Part Two" emerges as more than a mere sequel; it is a mirror held up to our own struggles with faith, power, and the consequences of unchecked belief. As the credits roll and the twin moons of discourse and reflection set, we are left to ponder the eternal question: in the face of prophecy, do we have a choice, or are we all swept up in the inexorable tide of destiny?

Film Sundries

• Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatch
• Theatrical trailer
• Original Material
• Letterboxd

Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel’s family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!

Here’s where you can find us around the internet:

• The Web
• Letterboxd
• Flickchart
• Check out poster artwork for movies we’ve discussed on our Pinterest page
• Pete
• JJ
• Ocean
• Steve
• Tommy
• Andy

What are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!

• You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.
• Or buy or rent movies we’ve discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.
• Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we’ve discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.
• Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.
• Or sign up for AUDIBLE.