The Next Reel Film Podcast

Co-Parenting in the MoviesWe’re ending the year with a podcast crossover episode. Andy joins Pete on How to Split a Toaster: A Divorce Podcast About Saving Your Relationships. On that show, Pete and his co-host Seth Nelson discuss a variety of divorce-related topics to help those going through the difficult process. Today’s episode is a reprieve from that specific focus. In this episode, everyone’s bringing three movies that feature co-parenting. Here’s a breakdown of what each person talks about:Andy: Mr. Popper’s PenguinsDefinitely, MaybeJurassic Park IIISeth:The Santa ClauseMrs. DoubtfireChefPete:Roald Dahl’s Matilda the MusicalChefBoyhoodHappy holidays!Links & NotesHow to Split a Toaster podcastSupport 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

“Jake, you really do stink.”The End of the ‘Epic’ SagaThe time has come to wrap up the adaptations of Stephenie Meyer’s supernatural romance novels. And we didn’t even talk about reasons why they split the book up! Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we conclude our Twilight series with a conversation about Bill Condon’s 2012 film The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2.Vampires and werewolves and Volturi, oh my!There’s... a lot... going on with these stories. They’re not great, but strangely, Condon’s film ends up being the most entertaining of the bunch. It’s as if he understood the assignment that they were going for camp. The rules are bonkers. Things are over-the-top. And it’s quite a bit of fun.We talk about all the crazy new rules regarding werewolves and vampires that make their way into this film. There are all sorts of new faces to discuss, and true to form more indigenous peoples to offend. And that’s not even touching on the freaky CG baby or weird imprinting rules.But it’s probably the most engaging of the whole franchise. We have a great time talking about it (and laughing at it a little). 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 JustWatchTranscriptTheatrical 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

“We must destroy it before it’s born.”Condon goes for lust, horror and a bit of campWe return to Forks, Washington, to join Edward and Bella at their wedding. We also join them on their honeymoon and then struggle with them as they figure out how to deal with a vampire baby. That’s right – we’re back in Twilight territory. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Twilight series with a a conversation about Bill Condon’s 2011 film The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1. Here’s a hint at what we talk about.Why did they split Stephenie Meyer’s book into two movies? Does it feel necessary or feel like a studio cash grab? Did we need an entire movie just about the wedding, honeymoon, and baby? To that end, though, the camp works better in this film and actually keeps the film engaging, which is a nice change from the last film. Is that Condon’s doing? Perhaps.How does the look of this film feel after the last three? Is there a sense of evolution in the franchise? What about Condon at the helm? Can we tell? And how about the return to Carter Burwell?It’s an interesting film that doesn’t do a whole lot but does at least get us ready for the final entry. To that end, consider us here for 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

“Let’s face it – I AM hotter than you.”The melodrama continues between Bella and Jacob and EdwardDavid Slade takes the helm with the third adaptation of Stephenie Meyer’s supernatural romance novels, but how does it do to advance the story? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our series on the Twilight films with Slade’s 2010 film The Twilight Saga: Eclipse. Here’s a hint at what we talk about.The romance novel love triangle just keeps happening, even though we feel it’s over. Bella’s already made up her mind – she wants to marry Edward. So why does Jacob keep rearing his ugly head in all of this? And why is Bella interested in either of these guys when they’re both clearly problematic? We talk about all of this romance and debate why this film feels so much more sluggish than the previous two. Is it Slade’s direction? Or the nature of Meyer’s source material? And why is Victoria still a thing? We struggle with caring about her, despite the change in actor.Why are the Vulturi reduced to their youngsters playing vampire hall monitors? And what’s up with Victoria’s plan to use Riley and the newborn vampires to finally kill Bella? Are we buying any of this?This film is a tough one to get through. We both have issues with it from the start. But sometimes, those make for the most fun conversations and that’s certainly the case here. 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 JustWatchJackson Rathbone’s copy of the scriptTheatrical 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 guess the wolf’s out of the bag.”Bella’s plight continues – who will she choose? We’re here for it!Bella continues pining for Edward long after he’s moved away, but Jacob’s there for her. That’s right, we’re talking about vampires, werewolves, Volturi and more! Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our journey through the Twilight series in our discussion about Chris Weitz’ 2009 film The Twilight Saga: New Moon.Here’s a hint at what we talk about.Kristen Stewart’s acting is tough, but is it her or Stephenie Meyer’s dialogue and romance novel elements? What about Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner? How about the Shakespearean elements? What do we think of the werewolves? And the effects? How is Weitz as the new director for the film? Do we like the romance? Or prefer the expanded lore? And how does Desplat do with the music? And the biggest question of all – are we on Team Jacob or Team Edward?So much smoldering romance, blood, wolves, and fantastic Italian architecture! We’re here for it. 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

“I’ve never given much thought to how I would die, but dying in place of someone I love seems like a good way to go.”It’s time to explore the vampire romance Twilight!Make fun of us all you want. We thought exploring the romance novel vampire series would be worth the conversation. That’s right, we’re looking at all five films adapted from Stephenie Meyer’s books. Does it work for us, two middle-aged white guys? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we tackle the Twilight Saga starting with Catherine Hardwicke’s 2008 film Twilight.Here’s a hint at what we talk about.Hardwicke came from indie films dealing with youth angst. Do her skills translate here? How about her ability to direct action and special effects scenes? What about Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson? Do we buy into their characters? Their romance? How about the rest of the cast and characters?Where do we struggle more – with the smoldering teenage romance or with the murderous vampire subplot? And Edward’s less than savory approaches to courtship, particularly through modern eyes?And how about the vampires-through-Meyer’s-lens exposition?There’s plenty to discuss in this film. We have a great time chatting about it. 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

“They're not cops anymore. They're in my world now.”Expanding the Universe with The Raid 2.We often talk about world building on our podcast. We also talk about leveling up and not simply remaking the first film when you make a second one. With The Raid 2, writer-director Gareth Evans proves he understands all of this. The world building expands in exciting ways, and the film levels up to take us outside of the building into the streets of Jakarta. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our series looking at The Raid films with Evans 2014 followup, The Raid 2. Here’s a hint at what we talk about.So much action. It’s a thrill ride from start to finish, and Evans proves he doesn’t need to keep it in an enclosed space like he did the first film. We get more with the corrupt cops, more with the gangs, more with Rama as he agrees to step away from his family to help take down the criminal elements in Jakarta. It’s big and it’s operatic in scope. Is the violence too much though? Or is it part of the opera?How about the performances and the story? Too convoluted or does it all work? And why isn’t Evans doing more?There’s a lot to discuss with this fantastic conclusion to Evans’ epic. We have a great time chatting 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

“Just because you see what I do as wrong doesn’t mean I can’t be good at it.”We’re heading in to take down the big bad in The Raid.Gareth Huw Evans wasn’t making headway with his directing career in his home country of Wales, so moving to Indonesia to work in a project there at the suggestion of his wife – who happens to be from Indonesia – seemed like a good idea. It was there he learned more about the Pencak silat style of martial arts and where he met Iko Uwais. Uwais not only performs silat brilliantly, but also looks good and acts well on screen. That’s when they decided to make movies together. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our series looking at Evans Raid films starting with his 2011 film The Raid: Redemption. Here’s a hint at what we talk about.If the elements in this film feel like your typical action film, why does this film work so much better than those? Is it Evans’ direction? The performances by Uwais and the rest of the cast? The stunts? The camerawork? To a certain extent, this film feels very much like a video game. That sense of the levels and intensifying action throughout lends to this sensibility. For critics like Roger Ebert, it doesn’t work very well. For us, though, it’s easy to enjoy. We talk about the nature of the story, the elements that make it stand up over other action fare, the stunts, the camera work, the performances, and more. It’s a thrill ride and we have a great time watching and discussing it. 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 TranscriptTheatrical 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

“Like sunlight, sunset, we appear, we disappear. We are so important to some, but we are just passing through.”Time to wrap things up with Jesse and CélineThe conclusion of our 18-year journey with the two principal characters in Richard Linklater’s Before Trilogy lands in division. When we started this series, we were divided because of the Gen-X nature of the characters. With the second film, we both found a much stronger connection to the romantic rekindling between Jesse and Céline. Here, we find ourselves split again, and it’s because this pair – now together with kids – has a big fight. But there’s more to the film. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we tie things up in our Before Trilogy with a conversation about Linklater’s 2013 film Before Midnight. A lot to argue about, a lot to agree about.We both like how the film starts. We both like the conversation around the table as four couples talk about love, masculinity/femininity, and sex. It’s the nature of the marriage and Jesse’s and Céline’s conversations together – and arguments later – that lead to our splitting of the minds. Is it a natural conversation flow that leads to the fighting? Or is it crafted in a way that makes Céline seem crazier than she should and makes it feel like they haven’t talked in nine years? Does it all feel unnaturally “written” and not “real?” And did the conversation make sense to begin with?There’s a lot of debate and arguing, and it makes for a fun conversation. Check out the trilogy 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 PDFTheatrical 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

“Why didn’t we just exchange phone numbers and stuff?”Jesse and Céline are a bit more grown up in Before Sunset.The sequel wasn’t an immediate thought on the minds of the group behind 1995’s Before Sunrise, but certainly was something that writer/director Richard Linklater, co-writer Kim Krizan, and actors Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy all felt strongly about. They’d all grown close to the characters in the film and wanted to see where the were down the line. Did they meet up in six months? What have they been doing in the intervening years? Turns out, audiences were curious as well. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our exploration of the Before Trilogy with Linklater’s 2004 film Before Sunset. How do we feel about the film?Turns out, the film works better for us than the first film (and Andy loved the first film!). There’s a sense of growth to Jesse and Céline that feels authentic. They’ve experienced life, made hard choices, fallen in and out of love, and find themselves in this point where they meet again. It works for us.The conversations feel grounded, which we love. The city may not play as much a part of the story here, but it’s present in a way that works well that doesn’t feel like Paris has to be a third character.The film has some brilliant moments throughout, but that ending... it certainly works in a charming way. But how does it work as a story told in real time? Is it?It’s a delight of a film to watch and discuss. We have a great conversation 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 PDFTheatrical 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