The Next Reel Film Podcast

In the world of horror films, Sam Raimi carries a bit of heft so the fact that he wanted to work with Alexandre Aja and produce the film Crawl with him says a lot about the film you’re walking into. It’s a creature feature. And it’s a ton of fun. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our Aquatic Killers series with Aja’s 2019 alligator-attack-during-a-class-5-hurricane movie Crawl. We talk about what makes this film work so well and what Aja and his screenwriters, Michael & Shawn Rasmussen, bring to the table. We look at alligators and rank them against all the other aquatic killers we’ve featured (hint: they top it out!). We chat about the visual effects they pull off here and debate about which ones work and which ones might feel a bit rough. We discuss Kaya Scodelario and Barry Pepper, our two leads, and how well they work in their roles. And we touch on how Quentin Tarantino said this may just be his favorite film from 2019. It’s a tight, fun creature feature that does exactly what they set out to do. 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 — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • Netflix • Hulu • YouTubeScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster 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

There have been a number of stories written about the tragedy of the whaling ship The Essex. The captain wrote about it. His first mate wrote about it. And as it turns out, one of the cabin boys wrote about it as well. The recounting by this cabin boy, Thomas Nickerson, became the primary source for Nathaniel Philbrick’s 2000 novel “In the Heart of the Sea,” which was the source for the 2015 film version. It’s hard to argue with many of the facts as reported in the sources because they’re generally comparable. The film, however, takes more licenses with accuracy. Did it need to? Or does it work this way? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Aquatic Killers series with Ron Howard’s 2015 film In the Heart of the Sea.We talk about why this film feels like a perfect film for our wheelhouse... and debate about why it fell so flat in the end. We look at changes made to the original story and wonder if the changes work or make it worse. We chat about the performances from the solid cast... and ponder how almost every one of them can butcher the accent so much. We discuss the whaling and sailing aspects of the film and how generally impressed we were with their depictions. We talk about sperm whales and the realities of them. We look at the construction of the script and how it feels like it peaks midway through. And we look at technical aspects that work for us – Roque Baños’ score – and that we struggled with – some of Anthony Dod Mantle’s cinematography choices.It’s a film that’s engaging to watch but feels like it has constant problems. We find it to be an interesting watch, but largely leaves us flat. It provides for a great conversation though, 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 — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • YouTubeScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkIn the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel PhilbrickFlickchartLetterboxdSupport 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 know that, under the circumstances, biting my head off might seem viable, but it would cheapen you.”When the name David E. Kelley pops up, its usually in relation to one of the many incredible TV shows he created – Ally McBeal, The Practice, Doogie Howser, M.D., etc. His name rarely pops up when it comes to films. That’s why it was likely a big surprise to crowds in 1999 to see his name pop up on a creature feature. Director Steve Miner, on the other hand – also someone whose name is attached to incredible TV like The Wonder Years – comes up more often when it comes to horror films, having started working with Wes Craven before jumping into the Friday the 13th films. But was this film what audiences were looking for? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Aquatic Killers series with Miner’s 1999 film Lake Placid.We talk about the nature of this film and why it seemed so strange coming from Kelley. We look at how the characters work as compared to how the film works for us overall and find the creature feature portion is fun but some of the character writing feels far too stereotypical. We discuss the passion Stan Winston had for the project and how incredible his creation looks, particularly when paired with CG. Not to mention the cow. We touch on the complexities of filming in a lake and why they ended up making their own lake front in a giant tank up in Canada. We look at what the actors are doing – Bridget Fonda, Bill Pullman, Brendan Gleeson, and Oliver Platt – and how well they do with Kelley’s dated writing. And of course we discuss Betty White and what she’s bringing to the party.It’s a fun romp that satisfies Andy a lot more than it does Pete, but we both have a lot of fun talking about it on this week’s show. 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 — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • YouTubeScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster 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

Peruvian filmmaker Luis Llosa had been working on some films for Roger Corman before Hollywood came calling for some larger budgeted fare. After the action thriller The Specialist with Sylvester Stallone and Sharon Stone, he was asked to helm a creature feature back in his home turf. This film would be an early start for Jennifer Lopez as leading lady as well as Ice Cube, who had been growing his film career over the past few years. And of course, why not throw John Voight into the mix as the big bad snake hunter. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Aquatic Killers series with Llosa’s 1997 film Anaconda. We talk about the campiness of the film but how enjoyable it is, and how the people involved clearly knew what sort of movie they were making. We chat about the cast, notably Voight, who is obviously having a wonderful time playing such an over-the-top villain. We look at the anaconda itself, both the reality of them in South America and how this one appears in the film (that CG is pretty bad). And we ponder the editing decision to keep a backward waterfall in the film. Why would they do that?It’s a ridiculously fun film and we have a great time talking about it on the show this week, 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 — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • Netflix • YouTubeScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster 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

"Come home, Amy. I dare you.”Shortly after making his arguably unnecessary adaptation of The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, David Fincher disappeared into TV land and began focusing his attentions to the Netflix TV series House of Cards. With the show’s success and immediate second season planned, it was thrilling to see him return to movies, this time with an adaptation of the incredibly popular book “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we drop our first members-only episode and catch up with our David Fincher series (until Mank comes out later this year) with Fincher’s 2014 Gone Girl. We talk about why this film and story likely was something that attracted Fincher, and how it fits in with other adaptations and original scripts he’s directed. We look at the nature of unlikeable characters and why they’re still so compelling. We discuss what Flynn may be saying about women – or what she may not be saying, depending on who you listen to – and how the character of Amy is a fascinating case study no matter how you slice it. We talk about Ben Affleck and how perfectly he embodies his character, and how he stopped the production for four days because he refused to wear a Yankees ball cap. We look at a number of the other actors and what they bring to the table. We look into the switch to Adobe for the post-production and how they found it more effective to manage 500 hours of raw footage. And we chat about Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross and why their music works so well in Fincher’s latest creations.It’s another brilliant entry in Fincher’s filmography, though perhaps not near the top, and we have a great time chatting about it. Check it out and tune in! After this, our members-only episodes are going to be for members only, so make sure you head to thenextreel.com/membership and join us! 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 — visit TruStory FM.Watch this on Apple or AmazonScript OptionsTheatrical trailerOriginal MaterialLetterboxd

Roger Corman’s always made profitable films, and sometimes that meant stealing some ideas from current releases to capitalize on the similarities. That’s certainly the case with the film he produced that ripped off Steven Spielberg’s Jaws: Joe Dante’s Piranha. Often, these films fell into legal issues, but with this film, Spielberg himself gave it his blessing and Universal stopped its injunctions. With that, we’re able to enjoy and talk about one of Dante’s early films. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Aquatic Killers series with Dante’s 1978 film Piranha. We talk about the nature of rip-offs and how this one feels like it’s a bit more than just a rip-off. We chat about the nature of Dante’s comedy and horror, particularly how it pairs with the script by none other than John Sayles. We look at the story and chat about the tropes it contains but also how much fun it is. We touch on some of the actors and why they work well in this film. We laugh at a story Andy shares about watching it with his 10-year-old son. And we revel in the greatness that is Pino Donaggio’s score. It’s not a great film but it’s a ton of fun. 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 — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • HuluScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster 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

From the time artists began creating, there were those stealing their ideas. This certainly holds true in film, where some filmmakers from around the world see one movie’s success as the opportunity to rip it off and make their own version of it. True, this often leads to litigation, but that doesn’t stop some filmmakers from trying to find ways around it anyway. After all, if it’ll make a buck, it’s worth doing, right? Steven Spielberg’s Jaws was such a success that it spawned countless rip-offs. One of the early ones was the Italian-American giant octopus production called Tentacles. Helmed by Oliver Hellman, aka Ovidio G. Assonitis, this Jaws rip-off doesn’t bring much new to the screen. But is it any good? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our Aquatic Killers series with Assonitis’ 1977 film Tentacles. We talk about the nature of rip-offs and if they can be any good (and when you draw the line – we’re looking at you, Asylum!). We chat about the bonkers cast here – John Huston, Shelley Winters, Henry Fonda, and more – and what, if anything, they bring to the table. We look at the octopus and what, if anything works about it. We discuss some of the octopus’s kills, including a baby right at the start of the film, and what they’re lacking to really make this work. And we talk about the cinematic sin of being boring, to which this film falls prey.It’s an interesting film to kick things off with. Full of problems, a few interesting elements to entertain, but largely dull. Still, it makes for a great conversation! Check it out then tune in to this week’s show! 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 — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: Amazon • YouTubeOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkOriginal MaterialFlickchartLetterboxdSupport 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

It should come as no surprise that while making Snowpiercer, writer/director Bong Joon-Ho came up with the idea for Parasite. They’re both films that deal with social class after all. But where Snowpiercer tells its story in a dystopian, frozen sci-fi future aboard a train perpetually traveling the world, Parasite is a story grounded in reality. Perhaps that’s the reason it found a connection with so many more people. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our Foreign Language Films Nominated for Best Picture series with the film that broke the mold and became the first foreign language film to win Best Picture, Bong Joon-Ho’s 2019 film Parasite. We talk about why the film works so well and the themes Bong explores. We look at the construction of the film and the ways Bong separates the classes both in the story and visually. We chat about the fantastic production design of the Park house and why it brings so much to the film. We discuss the stairs and the descent and how that’s used in perfect ways as the story builds. We look at the performers and other craftspeople involved. And we talk about its popularity at awards season and how it set a new benchmark at the Academy Awards.It’s a brilliant film and we’re thrilled to end our current series with it. 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 — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • Netflix • Hulu • YouTubeScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdBinging with Babish: Ram-Don from ParasiteSupport 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

The conversations about Roma at the time of its release and discussions about awards seemed to center on the fact that it was released on Netflix with only a limited theatrical run. People were convinced it wouldn’t have a shot for this very reason, but the quality of the film proved that even a Netflix release could be considered for Best Picture. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Foreign Language Films Nominated for Best Picture series with Alfonso Cuarón’s 2018 film Roma. We talk about the tone of the story and why it works well, regardless of viewing format. We look at what Cuarón did technically to achieve the look of the film. We discuss the acting, both by newcomers and pros, and how they bring so much life to the story. We touch on the personal connection Cuarón had in the making of this film and why capturing his own memories was so important, especially in moments like the Halconazo riot. And we look at the nature of the ‘upstairs/downstairs’ sense of this film and how small, personal stories intersect with larger ones.It’s a powerful film that gets better with age and certainly is one deserving of a conversation. We have a great time talking about it this week, 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 — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: NetflixEnglish ScriptSpanish ScriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster 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

Michael Haneke is always one to provoke with his films, but rarely do they feel so personal as his 2012 film Amour. He pulled from personal experience with the suicide of his 90-year-old aunt to write the story and then crafted a film that maintains the Haneke distance even while allowing for an emotional film. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Foreign Language Films Nominated for Best Picture series with Haneke’s 2012 film Amour. We talk about why this film works even though it’s a film that’s incredibly hard to watch. We chat about Haneke and his filmmaking style, and how that pairs with Darius Khondji’s cinematography. We discuss the powerful performances at the heart of this film from Jean-Louis Trintignant and Emmanuelle Riva. We debate the nature of this type of story and what it takes to be nominated for Best Picture. And we look at the still camerawork throughout and return to one of our favorite websites, Cinemetrics, to look at average shot length.It’s not an easy film to watch but it is one that lingers. We have a great chat about it on this week’s show so check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!Khondji Nights: Something Darius Khondji did so well when working with David Fincher he does here in spades — filming night scenes so dark that you can’t see anything happening on screen at all, to the point you think the projection is somehow broken.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 — visit TruStory FM.Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • Netflix • YouTubeScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster 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