The Next Reel Film Podcast

“I told you he was tricksy. I told you he was false.”The Epic Journey ContinuesWith his three epic films of one epic book shot back to back, it’s amazing that Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens found a path through the stories to build a film that works as well as this one does. Sure, it has elements of many famous middle films in trilogies, but it still stands strong. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our journey through Middle Earth with a conversation about Jackson’s 2002 film The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.Here’s a hint at what we talk about.How well do the extended and new scenes work in this film? We quite like them. Our characters are split so we have a number of story threads to track. Do they all work? Lots of new characters. Gollum is often brought up as the biggest and most important addition to the film because of the process of motion capture with Andy Serkis to bring him to life. He’s astounding and certainly worth a discussion. Does the CGI still generally work? Jackson’s cinematic style comes through a few times. Does it always work? What about his epic battle sequence in Helm’s Deep? There’s plenty to talk about with these films and this franchise. And we talk again about the plight of the cave trolls. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership.Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchScript OptionsTheatrical trailerPoster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

“Your mother can’t be with you anymore.”Talking About Bambi with our Guest Todd Alcott, ScreenwriterWhen released in 1942 during WWII, Walt Disney’s Bambi struggled to find its audience. It still did well enough for itself, but it wasn’t until its subsequent releases over the decades when Disney would bring its classics back to theatres where it really found its audience. Since that time, it’s often cited as one of the best animated films out there. Why does this simple film about a young deer learning about life in the forest work so well?Screenwriter and graphic artist Todd Alcott joins us to talk about Bambi, one of his favorites. But as he says, even that didn’t happen over night. It took decades and multiple viewings to realize what the story was really about and why it clicked so suddenly. And for a film from 1942, there are elements within that make it feel somewhat subversive. It’s a story with little plot about a passive protagonist that doesn’t have any clearly established goal, after all. What screenwriting handbook said that was okay? The film is about life, the mistakes we make, and how we try learning from them. It’s also a reminder that there’s no clear path for life. Just when things make sense, life changes the rules. It’s quite a lot to absorb from what seems like a simple little film. But that’s why we like it, and are thrilled that Todd brought it for us to talk about on Movies We Like. Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel’s Movies We Like through your own membership with The Next Reel.Todd’s siteTodd on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and IMDbPro or IMDbWatch Bambi on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchOriginal 1942 Theatrical trailerPoster artworkLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

“Do not be too eager to deal out death in judgment. Even the very wise cannot see all ends.”We Finally Talk About Peter Jackson’s Epic Fantasy TrilogyConsidering our immense love for this film and the original material, it’s a bit surprising that it’s taken us into our twelfth season to discuss The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Peter Jackson and his amazing team believed in this world and crafted a script, found a cast, built a crew, and gave it their all to deliver a series of films that perfectly told a cinematic version of J.R.R. Tolkien’s books while also creating a model for fantasy filmmaking as well as a model for massive scale film production. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our Lord of the Rings series with a conversation about Jackson’s 2001 film The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Here’s a hint at what we talk about.It’s a challenge having a conversation about this trilogy as so much has already been said and documented about the production, etc. Still, it gives us a chance to discuss what Jackson brings to the table. How does his production style work in the film? We talk about the cast and many other options that are in the could-have-been version. We certainly prefer this one, but there are interesting actors to discuss. How do the extended and additional scenes work to expand the story for us? We love Howard Shore’s score so of course discuss it, but we are fans of what each department brings to the film as they’re all working on something they clearly were passionate about. There are some dated effects, but barely any and they don’t really bug us much. As for the creatures, they all stand out as impressive but we do have some questions about Jackson going all King Kong on us with the Cave Troll. And lest we forget the Sean Bean memes...We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership.Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchScript OptionsTheatrical trailerPoster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

“Friendship means little when it’s convenient.”Wrapping Up the John Wick SagaBefore the pandemic, director Chad Stahelski and team had been planning to film John Wick: Chapter 4 and Chapter 5 back to back. After delays, they ended up dropping the fifth chapter, opting to wrap everything up in the fourth film. So how does Chapter 4 work to continue expanding this world of assassins while also wrapping up John’s story? Do more story threads get dropped? And how do they amp up the stunt sequences throughout the film? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our John Wick series with a conversation about Stahelski’s latest entry, now in theatres, John Wick: Chapter 4.Here’s a hint at what we talk about.John’s back breaking the High Table’s rules, starting off right out of the gate in this film by killing The Elder. But why so little involvement by The Bowery King? His resolution at the end of Chapter 3 seemed to indicate that he was going to go after the High Table with John. Maybe that’s just another in the line of plot threads set up upon which they never execute. Or perhaps it was connected to the whittling down of two films into just this one. Who knows? Regardless, we would have loved more Laurence Fishburne. That being said, we do get the introduction of many great characters in this new film. They’re great, and the actors portraying them are great. Plus, we have some spectacular action set pieces that are incredible. The staircase sequence is one for the ages, particularly the insane fall down its entire length. We discuss some of Stahelski’s influences in the film, as well as several direct homages. And we discuss the impending spinoff film and TV show, while pondering if they’ll find a thread to pick up in order to continue the story again.We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership.Find where to watch this at JustWatchTheatrical trailerPoster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

“I will serve. I will be of service.”We’re On the Run With John Wick.Picking up right where Chapter 2 ended, John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum gives us more of what came before – amazing fight sequences with serious stuntwork, beautiful cinematography, and expanded world-building. While it delivers on all fronts, some people found this one’s expanded universe to be a bit too much. But is it? Or does it work? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our journey through the John Wick series with our conversation about Chad Stahelski’s 2019 film John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. Here’s a hint at what we talk about.First off, what’s with the addendum to the title? Did we need “Parabellum” added, even if it fits both in the Latin phrase mentioned as well as the aptly named parabellum Luger cartridge? Title issues aside, we dig into the world-building here and try to sort out how much world-building is too much, and at what point does it feel like the world-building is there just to get John out of and into particular situations. That aside, we have a fantastic slew of new characters – The Director, The Elder, The Adjudicator, Sofia, Tick Tock Man, Ernest, and more – not to mention more with some of our favorites, particularly Lance Reddick who we sadly lost between our last recording and this one. The stunt work and action choreography is top notch in this film, particularly the work with the dogs. It’s a fun, violent film and whether you feel it’s better than, worse than, or on par with what came before, it certainly fits in this world. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership.Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchScript OptionsTheatrical trailerPoster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

When we started our movie podcast, the original name was Movies We Like. Eventually, as we began talking about some movies we didn't like, we figured we should rebrand. Hence, The Next Reel Film Podcast was born. But we never could let go of the name Movies We Like. We just didn't have a place for it at the time. Then, as we were looking at rebranding this podcast as we worked to bring more guests from the industry to join us in talking about a movie they liked, we realized that this would be the perfect show to use the name Movies We Like! So here we are – a new era of the Speakeasy, now rebranded as Movies We Like. We're looking forward to the future conversations! Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

“Can a man like you know peace?”We’re Back With John as He Takes on the Italian MafiaJohn Wick: Chapter 2 starts mid-action sequence as John fights Viggo’s brother to get his car back. It sets up the action for this film, and sets up John’s motivations. He’s a man stuck in the past who clings to his relics. Once he has his car, he even goes so far as to try breaking the rules to stay out of the business. Unfortunately, he’s not allowed, which propels this film. There’s a lot more world-building in this film to set all of this up. How does it work? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our look at the John Wick series with a conversation about Chad Stahelski’s 2017 follow-up John Wick: Chapter 2.Here’s a hint at what we talk about.This is an R-rated world of violence. What’s interesting is that, given the opportunity to include nudity as well, Stahelski opts to avoid it. That tells us a lot about the specific world-view we’re meant to take away from this movie. It’s one of violence, not sex, even if it’s full of sexy, well-dressed people who know how to fight.To that end, the stunts and action are amped up and enjoyable. It helps that the film is so beautiful to look at, particularly that final fight sequence through the museum and hall of mirrors. We get a prolonged stunt sequence midway through the film as John leaves his assassination of Gianna then has to fight dozens of hitmen, not to mention Common and Ruby Rose, both playing bodyguards. But how does this expanded world of hitmen work? Are they making a mess of it or does it work for us? And how about the new rules involving blood oaths? It’s actually quite interesting. If there’s an area we like but worry it may become too convoluted in later films, it’s the 12-member High Table with the various mob families, not to mention the Bowery and all the other various groups that seem to be involved in crime here. Regardless, it all makes for a fun film. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership.Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchScript OptionsTheatrical trailerPoster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

“Now that I have found my peace, find yours.”Time to Avenge the Dead Puppy with John WickIt took some time to get all the right players so the movie John Wick could move forward. Luckily, everything worked out and stunt coordinators Chad Stahelski and David Leitch got the opportunity to direct their first big film. Derek Kolstad’s script had all the right magic and Keanu Reeves reinvented himself yet again with a title that surprised everyone. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson as we kick off our John Wick series where it all started, Stahelski’s 2014 film John Wick.Here’s a hint at what we talk about.Pete loves this movie. Andy enjoys it but it’s never excited him as much as other people. That’s a good starting place for the conversation. Why does it work so well for some and others don’t take to it as much? We also talk about the way this got made and how rare something like that happens where all the pieces fall in place just right. How would this have felt if a septuagenerian was playing the lead? We spend a bit of time digging into the stunt work and why it helps the story, but perhaps also leaves it feeling overly clinical through some eyes. The world-building is spectacular though! There’s plenty to discuss with this and it’s exciting that its success spurred on an entire franchise. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership.Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchDerek Kolstad’s original script SCORNTheatrical trailerPoster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

“So be addicted. Be addicted to something else.”Checking in 20 Years Later with Renton, Spud, Sick Boy, and BegbyThat’s right, it’s time to talk about Danny Boyle’s legacy sequel T2 Trainspotting. It was a long time coming, and that’s even after author Irvine Welsh wrote a 10-years-later sequel called “Porno” to his original novel “Trainspotting.” Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our conversations about the Trainspotting series with a look at Boyle’s 2017 film T2 Trainspotting.Here’s a hint at what we talk about.First off, what’s up with that dumb title? We chat about it a bit and the reasons they named it that, but it doesn’t change our opinions that it doesn’t work that well. We were a little concerned about a return to this world, but in the end, we felt it worked. That’s largely because the people behind it were passionate about it and kept it honest and in line with where the first film ended. That doesn’t mean we don’t have issues with some of the character arcs. Could Begbie perhaps have learned something in prison and not come out 20 years later feeling like the same character? Could we have spent a bit more time dealing with Renton’s health issues? Why did Kelly Macdonald have to be included in what feels just like a cameo? Still, the story largely works. We like the journeys the characters go on even with some of the issues. We’re glad that Boyle and Ewan McGregor were able to work past their problems to find a way into this one. And it’s great to see Boyle still finding ways to play with his production style, even if sometimes it doesn’t quite feel as fresh as it did the first time around.All in all, it’s a surprisingly good return to this world. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership.Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchScript OptionsTheatrical trailerPoster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

“Living like this is a full-time business.”Choose Life. Choose a job. Choose Trainspotting.Danny Boyle had directed before making Trainspotting, but it’s this film that really seemed to stamp him as a director to notice. This film follows a rowdy group of twenty-somethings, several of whom are heroin addicts. It not only pushed Boyle into the conversation, but Ewan McGregor as well, who stands out as the protagonist of our film. His journey as an addict who works to break free from the life only to (possibly) settle in a ‘normal’ life is the story, but it’s the comedy and energy through the film that makes it work so well. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our Trainspotting series with Boyle’s 1996 film Trainspotting.Here’s a hint at what we talk about.What is it about Boyle’s filmmaking style that captures our attention? What do we think of the key performers in this film – Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, Robert Carlyle, Kevin McKidd and Kelly McDonald? The soundtrack is fantastic. How much does that infuse Boyle’s style? Or is it his style infusing his music selection? And editing? Or it it all just part of the way he sees his films? The comedy seems to capture the essence of the the lives of this group of twenty-somethings. It also allows the darker moments to hit that much harder.All in all, this film’s a great ride and gut punch at the same time. Plus, it makes us never want to do heroin! We have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!Film SundriesLearn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership.Watch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchScript OptionsTheatrical trailerPoster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdSupport The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Andy | PeteShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible