There and Back Again & Again

Did you get enough sleep last night? Are you sure? How can you be sure? In 2002's Insomnia, Academy Award winning filmmaker, Christopher Nolan, explores the extreme importance of a good night's sleep (among other important themes and scenarios). If you have not discovered this one yet, it is certainly a hidden gem among an already celebrated filmography. Buoyed by masterful performances from Al Pacino and Robin Williams, Insomnia keeps you on the edge of your seat and leaves you guessing until the very end. Trust us, this film is worth staying awake for.

What does one do after making one of the most talked about films of the past decade? Well, what John Krasinski did was make a sequel. And building on the success of 2018's A Quiet Place was not an easy undertaking. Delayed by the COVID pandemic, A Quiet Place Part II was finally released in the spring of 2021 to critical and audience acclaim. The film aptly picks up right where its predecessor left off and it does not slow down. Taking an expansive look at how others have dealt with the invasion, the sequel effectively builds tension and suspense, and it solidifies why audiences were asking for more. So, turn off the lights, find a quiet spot, and join us for another thrilling episode!

“If they hear you, they hunt you.” This unique twist on the alien invasion thriller in 2018’s A Quiet Place is that the aliens have no sight and hunt purely by sound. Survival in this distinct post-invasion world has it’s typical challenges with the added necessity of being as quiet as possible in everything you do. The Office star, John Krasinski, does everything from directing, co-writing, and starring in this film alongside his off-screen wife, Emily Blunt, whose performance particularly stands out. This is not a film (or an episode) you want to miss!

It has been over 25 years since M. Night Shyamalan burst onto the scene, blowing everyone’s minds with a twist whose impact would be often imitated, but never duplicated. In the words of Nate Bargatze, “If you don’t know it by now, I don’t know what to tell you.” This is a film that is difficult to categorize. Part mystery, part horror, part thriller, part family drama, The Sixth Sense is rewatchable for many reasons, including powerhouse performances from Bruce Willis, Toni Colette, and Haley Joel Osment. If you’ve never seen this one, what are you waiting for?? If you have, join us for a thrilling rewatch discussion!

What if you had to tell someone the most important thing in the world, but you knew they'd never believe you? Would you try? Or what if you had to tell someone the most important thing in the world, but you knew they'd never believe you? Director Tony Scott and screen legend Denzel Washington attempted to answer this question in 2006 with the action thriller Deja Vu. Regardless of where you stand on the final result, you can't deny that it is an intriguing and wild ride.

In this episode, we revisit Black Hawk Down (2001), Ridley Scott’s intense war drama depicting the harrowing 1993 Battle of Mogadishu. We break down the film’s gripping realism, relentless pacing, and powerful ensemble cast, including Josh Hartnett, Eric Bana, Tom Sizemore, Ewan McGregor, Jason Isaacs, and many others. How does the film hold up over 20 years later? Does it balance historical accuracy with Hollywood spectacle? We discuss its impact, the real-life events that inspired it, and how it shaped modern war films. Join us for this deep dive into one of the most visceral war movies ever made.

A film that spent almost a decade in pre-production finally found its footing with Francis Lawrence at the helm and Will Smith leading the cast. Well, for the most part, he is the cast. In 2007’s I Am Legend, Smith shows audiences what it would be like to be the last human alive in New York City after a worldwide plague. He also shows that he can really act, especially when his main screen partners are a dog, mannequins, and mostly CGI infected humans. The film also boasts an ever-polarizing alternative ending that you’ll want to make sure to hunt down after you finish the movie. So watch with us! You’ll enjoy this ride. 

Martin McDonagh teams up again with the acclaimed acting duo of Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleason for his 2022 period piece, The Banshees of Inisherin. Set during the Irish Civil War on the tiny fictional island of Inisherin off the coast of Ireland, the film depicts two friends who appear to be rowin’. Well, they might be rowin’. One of them is not quite sure if they are rowin’. Regardless, the film is a masterclass in acting and writing as the cast, lead or supporting, shows that they are at the top of their game and McDonagh continues to show why his screenplays are always worthy of accolades. You don’t want to sleep on this one!

Often known for his original concepts or groundbreaking adaptations, 2017 saw Christopher Nolan make his first entry into historical dramas with Dunkirk. At the time, many wondered how the filmmaker would make this well known story of the rescue of hundreds of thousands of soldiers his own. And he didn’t disappoint. Nolan once again used the plot device of time, but not in the way that many came to expect. Telling the story from land, air, and sea, Nolan wove together the harrowing tale with respect to all involved in this nearly impossible mission.

In 2017, Jordan Peele shocked the world with his first feature film, the brilliantly written and directed Get Out. Known to that point only for his comedic prowess from the sketch show Key and Peele, the rookie filmmaker won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay in 2018. A standout, Oscar-nominated performance from Daniel Kaluuya helps bring the script to life in this tense and sometimes uncomfortable horror/thriller. Join us as two white guys completely unqualified to speak on the black experience in America do their best to express their appreciation for this unforgettable, original tale.