The Film Board

Might be best to start off a conversation about George Clooney's latest, The Monuments Men, by telling you what this film is not. It's not a comedy. And in spite of its pedigree and subject matter, it's not all that much of a heist film. It doesn't spend enough time building character to be a character film. And if your name is either Andy Nelson or Tommy Metz III, the film isn't very good. This week on the show, Andy, Tommy, and Pete Wright take on Clooney's latest opus and dish on story, script, concept, cinematography, and the relative importance of being able to find humor in Adolf Hitler. We heavily spoil this film, as usual, so if you don't want story rot on the brain, make sure you see it, then come hang out with us on The Film Board!
Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:

• Become a member for just $5/month or $55/year
• Join our Discord community of movie lovers

The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:

• Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and Movements
• The Film Board
• Movies We Like
• The Next Reel Film Podcast
• Sitting in the Dark

Connect With Us:

• Main Site: Web
• Movie Platforms: Letterboxd | Flickchart
• Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | Pinterest
• Your Hosts: Pete | JJ | Steve | Tommy | Andy | Ocean 

Shop & Stream:

• Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & more
• Watch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussed
• Originals: Source material from our episodes
• Special offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

Might be best to start off a conversation about George Clooney's latest, The Monuments Men, by telling you what this film is not. It's not a comedy. And in spite of its pedigree and subject matter, it's not all that much of a heist film. It doesn't spend enough time building character to be a character film. And if your name is either Andy Nelson or Tom Metz, the film isn't very good. This week on the show, Andy, Tom, and Pete Wright take on Clooney's latest opus and dish on story, script, concept, cinematography, and the relative importance of being able to find humor in Adolf Hitler. We spoil this film heavily, as usual, so if you don't want story rot on the brain, make sure you see it, then come hang out with us on The Film Board!

* * *

Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!!

- [The Next Reel on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-reel/id478159328?mt=2)

- [The Next Reel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheNextReel)

- [The Next Reel on Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenextreel)

- [The Next Reel on Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/thenextreel)

- [The Next Reel on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/thenextreel/)

- [Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram](http://instagram.com/thenextreel)

- [Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/thenextreel)

And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts:

- [Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter](http://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm)

- [Follow Pete Wright on Twitter](http://twitter.com/petewright)

- [Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mr_steve23)

- [Check out Tom Metz on IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224453/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1)

- [Follow Mike Evans on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ubersky)

- [Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ChaddStoops)

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit is worth exactly what you pay for it. And possibly slightly less. Such is the verdict of The Film Board this month as we take on the Kenneth Branagh-helmed thriller. It's the fifth in the Ryan series, but the first not based on one of Tom Clancy's novels — a sore point for many of us on The Board. Writers Adam Cozad and David Koepp conjure up some interesting moments in a script that is otherwise awash in trite dialog. But the biggest questions remain: Can Chris Pine pull off the fish-out-of-water clumsiness of Ryan? Can Kevin Costner fill the giant shoes of James Earl Jones in the critical mentor role? Can Keira Knightley handle the American accent? (Spoiler: Not really.) Join Board regulars Tommy Metz III, Steve Sarmento, Chadd Stoops, Andy Nelson, and Pete Wright as they digest this serving of spy soup, with a healthy helping of Oscars 2014 predictions!
Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:

• Become a member for just $5/month or $55/year
• Join our Discord community of movie lovers

The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:

• Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and Movements
• The Film Board
• Movies We Like
• The Next Reel Film Podcast
• Sitting in the Dark

Connect With Us:

• Main Site: Web
• Movie Platforms: Letterboxd | Flickchart
• Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | Pinterest
• Your Hosts: Pete | JJ | Steve | Tommy | Andy | Ocean 

Shop & Stream:

• Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & more
• Watch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussed
• Originals: Source material from our episodes
• Special offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

"Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit" is worth exactly what you pay for it. And possibly slightly less. Such is the verdict of The Next Reel Film Board this month as we take on the Kenneth Branagh-helmed thriller. It's the fifth in the Ryan series, but the first not based on one of Tom Clancy's novels — a sore point for many of us on the board. Writers Adam Cozad and David Koepp conjure up some interesting moments in a script that is otherwise awash in trite. But the biggest questions remain: Can Chris Pine pull off the fish-out-of-water clumsiness of Ryan? Can Kevin Costner fill the giant shoes of James Earl Jones in the critical mentor role? Can Keira Knightley handle the American accent? (Spoiler: Not really.) Join board regulars Tom Metz, Steve Sarmento, Chadd Stoops, Andy Nelson, and Pete Wright as they digest this serving of spy soup, with a health helping of Oscars 2014!

* * *

Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!!

- [The Next Reel on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-reel/id478159328?mt=2)

- [The Next Reel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheNextReel)

- [The Next Reel on Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenextreel)

- [The Next Reel on Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/thenextreel)

- [The Next Reel on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/thenextreel/)

- [Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram](http://instagram.com/thenextreel)

- [Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/thenextreel)

And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts:

- [Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter](http://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm)

- [Follow Pete Wright on Twitter](http://twitter.com/petewright)

- [Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mr_steve23)

- [Check out Tom Metz on IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224453/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1)

- [Follow Mike Evans on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ubersky)

- [Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ChaddStoops)

Winding his way back and forth across the expanse of Middle Earth, Peter Jackson brings us his second stab at The Hobbit with The Desolation of Smaug, the fifth film in the Peter Jackson Middle Earth Cinematic Universe. That's right, we've come to understand more of Jackson's intent with this film and its place in his Tolkien saga. But the questions are plenty: Did he best the first Bilbo with the latest? Did 48fps drive the same sense of seizure-ama as the last film? Will Tommy make any off-color jokes that somehow, in spite of our best editing efforts, actually make it to broadcast? To know for sure, you'll have to listen in as Steve Sarmento, Tommy Metz III, Andy Nelson, and Pete Wright convene The Film Board to take on Jackson's latest journey into forced perspective.
Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:

• Become a member for just $5/month or $55/year
• Join our Discord community of movie lovers

The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:

• Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and Movements
• The Film Board
• Movies We Like
• The Next Reel Film Podcast
• Sitting in the Dark

Connect With Us:

• Main Site: Web
• Movie Platforms: Letterboxd | Flickchart
• Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | Pinterest
• Your Hosts: Pete | JJ | Steve | Tommy | Andy | Ocean 

Shop & Stream:

• Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & more
• Watch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussed
• Originals: Source material from our episodes
• Special offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

Winding his way back and forth across the expanse of Middle Earth, Peter Jackson brings us his second stab at “The Hobbit” with “The Desolation of Smaug,” the fifth film in the Peter Jackson Middle Earth Cinematic Universe. That’s right, we’ve come to understand more of Jackson’s intent with this film, and it’s place in his Tolkien saga. But the questions are plenty: did he best the first Bilbo with the latest? Did 48fps drive the same sense of seizureama as the last film? Will Tom make any off-color jokes that somehow, in spite of our best editing efforts, actually make it to broadcast? To know for sure, you’ll have to listen in as Steve Sarmento, Tom Metz, Andy Nelson, and Pete Wright convene the film board to take on Jackson’s latest journey into forced perspective.

* * *

Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!!

- [The Next Reel on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-reel/id478159328?mt=2)

- [The Next Reel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheNextReel)

- [The Next Reel on Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenextreel)

- [The Next Reel on Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/thenextreel)

- [The Next Reel on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/thenextreel/)

- [Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram](http://instagram.com/thenextreel)

- [Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/thenextreel)

And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts:

- [Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter](http://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm)

- [Follow Pete Wright on Twitter](http://twitter.com/petewright)

- [Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mr_steve23)

- [Check out Tom Metz on IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224453/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1)

- [Follow Mike Evans on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ubersky)

- [Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ChaddStoops)

We're headed back to Asgard this week as we gather The Film Board to take on Thor: The Dark World! Join Andy Nelson, Pete Wright, Steve Sarmento, and Tommy Metz III as we meticulously dissect the strange attraction we have for a hero that has no flaw, and is a god. We talk about Natalie Portman's riveting portrayal of a woman who deeply loves science. We talk about Kat Dennings and how much funnier it would have been if Michael Cera had played "Intern." And most importantly, we lavish great fondness all over, around, and through Tom Hiddleston for his portrayal of Loki, a chalice of regret from which we sip that he was so underused in this film. Did Alan Taylor bring his Game of Thrones grit to Thor: The Dark World and leave us quivering in anticipation for more Marvel goodness? Listen in and find out!
Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:

• Become a member for just $5/month or $55/year
• Join our Discord community of movie lovers

The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:

• Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and Movements
• The Film Board
• Movies We Like
• The Next Reel Film Podcast
• Sitting in the Dark

Connect With Us:

• Main Site: Web
• Movie Platforms: Letterboxd | Flickchart
• Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | Pinterest
• Your Hosts: Pete | JJ | Steve | Tommy | Andy | Ocean 

Shop & Stream:

• Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & more
• Watch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussed
• Originals: Source material from our episodes
• Special offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

We're headed back to Asgard this week as we gather the Film Board to take on "Thor: The Dark World"! Join Andy Nelson, Pete Wright, Steve Sarmento, and Tom Metz as we meticulously dissect the strange attraction we have for a hero that has no flaw, and is a god. We talk about Natalie Portman's riveting portrayal of a woman who deeply loves science. We talk about Kat Dennings and how much funnier it would have been if Michael Cera had played "Intern." And most importantly, we lavish great fondness all over and around and through Tom Hiddleston for his portrayal of Loki, a chalice of regret from which we sip that he was so under-used in this film. Did Alan Taylor bring his Game of Thrones grit to Thor and leave us quivering in anticipation for more Marvel goodness? Listen in and find out!

* * *

Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!!

- [The Next Reel on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-reel/id478159328?mt=2)

- [The Next Reel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheNextReel)

- [The Next Reel on Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenextreel)

- [The Next Reel on Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/thenextreel)

- [The Next Reel on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/thenextreel/)

- [Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram](http://instagram.com/thenextreel)

- [Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/thenextreel)

And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts:

- [Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter](http://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm)

- [Follow Pete Wright on Twitter](http://twitter.com/petewright)

- [Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mr_steve23)

- [Check out Tom Metz on IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224453/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1)

- [Follow Mike Evans on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ubersky)

- [Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ChaddStoops)

We’re on a trip to space with Sandra Bullock and George Clooney in this month’s Film Board review of Cuarón & Son’s astro-tacular, Gravity. Join Steve Sarmento, Tommy Metz III, Andy Nelson, and Pete Wright as we pull apart a film miraculously greater than the sum of its pretty good parts. We pull apart the film, the performance(s), the writing, but most of all (spoiler) we lavish unheard of praise on Emmanuel Lubezki and the stunning digital filmmaking pouring from his hands. It’s a great conversation with some interesting twists, a whole lot of love, and just a bit of shame. Tune in!
Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:

• Become a member for just $5/month or $55/year
• Join our Discord community of movie lovers

The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:

• Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and Movements
• The Film Board
• Movies We Like
• The Next Reel Film Podcast
• Sitting in the Dark

Connect With Us:

• Main Site: Web
• Movie Platforms: Letterboxd | Flickchart
• Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | Pinterest
• Your Hosts: Pete | JJ | Steve | Tommy | Andy | Ocean 

Shop & Stream:

• Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & more
• Watch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussed
• Originals: Source material from our episodes
• Special offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

We’re on a trip to space with Sandra Bullock and George Clooney in this month’s Film Board review of Cuaron & Son’s astro-tacular, \*Gravity\*. Join Steve Sarmento, Tommy Metz, Andy Nelson, and Pete Wright as we pull apart a film miraculously greater than the sum of its pretty good parts. We pull apart the film, the performance(s), the writing, but most of all (spoiler) we lavish unheard of praise on Emmanuel Lubezki and the stunning digital filmmaking pouring from his hands. It’s a great conversation with some interesting twists, a whole lot of love, and just a bit of shame. Tune in!

* * *

Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!!

- [The Next Reel on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-reel/id478159328?mt=2)

- [The Next Reel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheNextReel)

- [The Next Reel on Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenextreel)

- [The Next Reel on Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/thenextreel)

- [The Next Reel on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/thenextreel/)

- [Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram](http://instagram.com/thenextreel)

- [Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/thenextreel)

And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts:

- [Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter](http://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm)

- [Follow Pete Wright on Twitter](http://twitter.com/petewright)

- [Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mr_steve23)

- [Check out Tom Metz on IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224453/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1)

- [Follow Mike Evans on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ubersky)

- [Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ChaddStoops)