Is Amazon's $250 million Christmas blockbuster Red One a fresh take on holiday magic, or a cynical cash grab? Join Pete and guest Matthew Fox as they unwrap this action-packed holiday film starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Chris Evans. From buff Santas to beach-fighting snowmen, this episode explores how Hollywood's attempt to "Marvelize" Christmas might have missed the spirit of the season.

Did Red One forget what makes Christmas special? We dive deep into how the movie's attempt to universalize Santa Claus across all cultures reveals a concerning lack of cultural awareness. The hosts explore why forcing Christmas onto everyone – including those who don't celebrate it – feels particularly tone-deaf in our current social climate.

What happens when you mix Marvel-style action with holiday mythology? We examine how J.K. Simmons' surprisingly buff Santa and the movie's fresh take on Krampus reshape traditional Christmas lore. The discussion weighs whether these creative choices enhance or diminish the heart of Christmas storytelling.

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Welcome to The Film Board! If you’re anything like us, the year 2000 wasn't just a date on the calendar. It was a marker for boomer low-key existential dread. We’re talking, of course, about the Y2K bug, the fear that our computers, and therefore the entire world, were going to crash and burn at the stroke of midnight, thus confirming the prediction that we'd all be returned to our cave-people ancestry. So, we stocked up on canned goods, debated whether to unplug our toasters, and generally prepared for a digital apocalypse that ultimately birthed this month's film.

What if the world had turned to digital mush? That's the question at the heart of the latest film from our friends at A24, "Y2K," a movie that takes that very real anxiety and renders it on screen in the form of Toaster Voltron. Director Kyle Mooney, a fav from SNL, makes his directorial debut with a film that’s part teen comedy, part disaster flick, and part straight-up survival horror, all set against the backdrop of that fateful New Year's Eve in 1999.

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From the blood-soaked sands of the Colosseum to the hushed halls of the Senate, a shadow looms large over the Roman Empire. It's not the specter of barbarian hordes, but something far more insidious: a sequel. Ridley Scott returns to the world of gladiators and emperors, but is this triumphant return, or a tragic stumble?

On this episode of The Film Senate, Pete, Steve, Justin, and Tommy grapple with the cinematic beast that is Gladiator 2. The whispers started early – Denzel Washington, an acting titan, seemingly adrift in a sea of CGI sharks and misplaced baboons. Could this truly be the legacy of Maximus Decimus Meridius?

Join us as we whack away at the film's triumphs and failures, exploring the delicate balance between historical epic and over-the-top spectacle. We’ll certainly talk performances, from Paul Mescal's stoic Lucius to Denzel's enigmatic Senate leader, a man seemingly battling his own wardrobe as much as the forces of corruption. And along the way, we'll ponder the questionable editing choices, the abrupt cutaways, the lingering shots of… two emaciated dogs?

Is Gladiator 2 a worthy successor to the throne, or a pretender destined for the thumbs down? Enter the arena and decide for yourself. But be warned, you may never look at a baboon the same way again. TWO EMPERORS!

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"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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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