The Next Reel Film Podcast

"Your own personal piece of the American dream." Like the remake before it, Barbra Streisand’s decision to produce and play the lead in her own version of A Star Is Born likely had something to do with ego, but it’s hard to argue that the story is also one with two wonderfully rich characters at the heart of it – characters any actor would likely want to perform. Regardless, Streisand opposite Kris Kristofferson, who was also a big musical talent at the time, seemed like a perfect fit for this version. But it didn’t land quite as strongly for us as the previous two did. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our “A Star Is Born” series with Frank Pierson’s 1976 take on A Star Is Born. We debate what it is about this version of the story that leads us to find it the weakest of the three iterations thus far. We talk about Streisand and Kristofferson, what they each bring to the role, and how well they work for us. We look at the tone the film takes – very much a 70s feel – and how each of the versions thus far have really found a way to wholly ground themselves in their own period. We look at the songs and discuss how they work for us. And we look at some of the beats that repeat throughout these films and talk about why some don’t work that well here. It’s an interesting film to discuss in this series because the tone feels so different. It’s not our favorite of the lot, but it certainly provides a lot to talk about, so 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 SundriesThank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon!Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • Netflix • YouTubeOriginal 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

"I thought I was the answer for Norman, but love isn’t strong enough for him.” By the time 30-year-old Judy Garland was gearing up for her film comeback in George Cukor’s remake of A Star Is Born, she had already had a career full of ups and downs, almost mimicking both of the two main characters in the film. The recent buzz for her wonderful stage shows and for her having cleaned up her act led her new husband, Sidney Luft, to convince Warner Bros. that she was worth taking a chance on with this remake. They thought so too, and the story from 1937 was reborn with Garland and James Mason. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our “A Star Is Born” series with the 1957 Cukor version. We talk about the nature of musicals and why this musical doesn’t work as well for us. We look at what Garland and Mason both bring to the table and why their relationship works so well in the film. We discuss how the film came to be and why it ended up getting chopped up in the editing stage before being released. And we look at the similarities and differences between the versions so far, noting why this version doesn’t work as well for us as the previous version does. It’s an interesting film that has strength in the story but gets bogged down in the musical numbers, at least as far as we’re concerned. We have a great time talking about it, so 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 SundriesThank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon!Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • YouTubeOriginal 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

"Remember, Esther: for every dream of yours you make come true, you’ll pay the price in heartbreak." The story is one that people connect with – a desire to follow your dreams, as crazy as they may be, and what happens when you make it. But with the rise of a new talent in each iteration of A Star Is Born, we also see the decline of another. Perhaps it’s that emotional balance between these two journeys that makes this such a popular story to tell and retell. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our “A Star Is Born” series right at the beginning with William A. Wellman’s 1937 film A Star Is Born. We talk about the origins of the film and how it was really birthed in George Cukor’s 1932 film What Price Hollywood?. We look at Janet Gaynor and Fredric March as our two leads and what they bring to the table. We discuss the story issues we have with the film, notably the disappearance of our lead’s family from the story for the bulk of the film, and why it feels problematic. And we look at the technical side of the film, notably the beautiful technicolor cinematography by W. Howard Greene, as well as Max Steiner’s score (plus a song we didn’t know was part of the film apparently). It’s a great start to our series and certainly is one that sets the stage for the tale of fame and tragedy that we’re going to be seeing over and over again. We have a great time discussing 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 SundriesThank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon!Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • YouTubeOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkWhat Price Hollywood - dir. George Cukor“A Star Is Born” by Buddy Clark and the Eddy Duchin OrchestraFlickchartLetterboxdSupport 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

"Remember why you’re climbing these steps." In a franchise so full of sequels, it was inevitable that the success of the spin-quel Creed would be followed up with its own sequel. And while Ryan Coogler was busy on Black Panther, Sylvester Stallone and his team found a very capable director with Steven Caple Jr. The movie was released in 2018 and was a box office hit, even if people largely found it to be ‘just another sequel’ in the Rocky franchise. But is it more than that? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our look at the Rocky films with Caple’s 2018 film Creed II. We talk about bringing back the Russians, the strength of making it a story about family, and why it all ties together so nicely. We look at the cast and why they all work so well in their respective parts, especially the supporting characters who never feel like they get sidelined. We chat about the look and how it never quite finds the magical look we get in fight scenes in the previous films, but how it still looks nice. We look at how relationships are developed throughout the film and the franchise. We touch on Stallone’s comments about retiring the character Rocky after this film. And we look at the franchise as a whole and why it works so well for us. It’s a great film that stands up above many other sequels because the people behind it clearly had a great story to tell and kept it honest. 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 SundriesThank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon!Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • YouTubeOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdSly says goodbye to RockySupport 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

"Use the name. It’s yours." Returning to the Rocky story without Rocky helming might sound like a big misstep, but with the guiding hands of Ryan Coogler, it was a huge success and breathed new life into the nearly 40-year-old franchise. Coogler’s Creed put a spin on the story that allowed for new characters to enter the frame while letting the established lead – Rocky Balboa – to take on the mantle of trainer. It all worked exceptionally well. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Rocky series with Coogler’s 2015 film Creed. We talk about why the film works so well for us and why the fresh spin on the story helps. We look at Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson and Sylvester Stallone and what they bring to the table. We chat about DP Maryse Alberti and some of the incredible long shots scattered throughout the film and why they help lend to the authenticity of this world. We look at Ludwig Göransson’s music and how well it fits in this world, as well as the song “The Fire” by the Roots. And we debate the strength of the big moment finale in Creed’s training montage when Creed is circled by motocross bikes. It’s a solid film and one we love, and it’s well worth checking out. So do so, 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 SundriesThank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon!Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • Netflix • YouTubeScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkArt of the TitleFlickchartLetterboxdSupport 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

"What we’ll be calling on is good, old fashioned, blunt force trauma." Sixteen years after Rocky V opened, the final final installment of the story of Rocky Balboa hit screens. Sylvester Stallone admitted to making the fifth for the money and wanted to really come back strong to finish it right this time. And he certainly does, giving his final entry as the franchise’s lead a great wrap-up. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our exploration of the Rocky films with Stallone’s 2006 film Rocky Balboa. We talk about the issues we have with the film, but why this film largely still works and is a strong finish. We look at what happens with Adrian and why it may be frustrating but makes for a better film. We chat about the antagonist and why we struggle with him in this one. We look at what works in the cinematography, particularly during the final fight, and what we struggle with in the editing and sound mix. And we discuss the new relationship that Rocky forms with Little Marie. All in all, it’s got its problems but it’s also got a ton of heart and that goes a long way in this 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 SundriesThank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon!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

"It ain’t all muscle, it’s all heart. Heart and fire." Sylvester Stallone returned to his beloved Rocky series in 1990, fully intending to close it out with a story as powerful as the first one. He even got John G. Avildsen back to direct it. Unfortunately, the film was a weaker film, one that didn’t find much love from critics or audiences. It made its money back and was a financial success at the box office, but nowhere near the four films that preceded it. But how does it hold up nearly 30 years later? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Rocky series with Avildsen’s 1990 film Rocky V. We talk about the script and why most of the problems come from here (even if Andy finds them much more egregious than Pete). We look at what happens to the characters we’ve been following through this franchise so far – Rocky, Adrian, Paulie – and what this script and film is doing with them. We look at the antagonists of the film – Duke and Tommy – and chat about their strengths and weaknesses. We look at the relationship Rocky has with his son, played by Stallone’s real son Sage, and why that’s such a strong element of the story. And we look at what Avildsen is bringing to the film and wonder why it still feels largely like a Stallone film. It’s a rough entry in the franchise, but it’s one that half of us still enjoy. And we certainly have a great time talking about it. So 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 SundriesThank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon!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

"I must break you." At the height of the Cold War, it seems fitting that Sylvester Stallone would find incredible success in his Rocky franchise by weaving a tale about his all-American boxer going up against a cold, almost-robotic Russian boxer. The film found tremendous success at the box office, becoming the highest grossing sports film ever, a record which it held for 24 years. But how well does it hold up today? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Rocky series with Stallone’s 1985 film Rocky IV. We talk about the decline this franchise has taken and how this one almost feels like a parody of the original characters – yet how it’s strangely still entertaining. We look at some of the nonsensical elements in the film – the robot, the montages, the dumbing down of characters – and we pair those with our levels of enjoyment. We chat about the returning talent continuing in the franchise – Stallone, Talia Shire, Carl Weathers, Burt Young – and look at the newcomers – specifically Dolph Lundgren and Brigitte Nielsen. We complain about the absence of Bill Conti but at least we have the music to talk about… so much music. And we wonder about product placement. It’s a fun movie, even if it feels like the franchise is falling off the rails a bit. We have a great time talking about it, so check it out and 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 SundriesThank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon!Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • YouTubeScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdThe True Force of a Boxer’s PunchSupport 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

"No, I don’t hate Balboa, but I pity the fool and I will destroy any man who tries to take what I got." Three years after the success of Rocky II, Sylvester Stallone went back to the mats with the third film in the franchise and made yet another box office smash. But was Rocky III as good as it could have been? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Rocky series with Stallone’s 1982 film Rocky III. We look at the formula that Stallone has created with this franchise so far, what works about it, and what’s getting old with it. We talk about the cast – Stallone, Mr. T, Burt Young, Talia Shire, Burgess Meredith and Carl Weathers primarily – and look at how well they work in this film. We look at the success of Survivor’s song “Eye of the Tiger” and its integration into the film, especially paired with Bill Conti’s score. We touch on the boxing matches and if they’re bringing anything new to the table here. We look at the hard work the actors have to do to prepare themselves for these roles. And we discuss the possible overuse of montages here. It’s a fine entry into the franchise but not the best one so far. We have a good time talking about it regardless, 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 SundriesThank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon!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

"You got the heart, but you ain’t got the tools no more." Sylvester Stallone’s directorial debut, Paradise Alley, was a flop and the studio didn’t want to give him another shot when he said he wanted to direct Rocky II. Luckily, Rocky was such a success and the producers knew he was largely the man behind it, so they gave him another chance. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Rocky series with Stallone’s 1979 film Rocky II. We talk about how this film fixes some of the issues we had with the previous film, but also how it has some new problems of its own. We look at what Stallone is doing as a director and what we think about him in that role. We chat about the returning cast – notably Paulie, Adrian and Creed – and look at how their roles have evolved. We chat about Bill Butler’s cinematography, Bill Conti’s cinematography and more. And we dig into the final fight to really see what makes it work so well. It’s a solid entry into the franchise and a great follow-up to the previous film. We have a great conversation about it so 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 SundriesThank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon!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