The Next Reel Film Podcast

"All I wanna do is go the distance." Sylvester Stallone pretty much embodies everything about the character Rocky Balboa that he created for the film Rocky. He’s someone who wanted to go the distance, and may not have won but proved that he had the determination and stamina to really persevere in the long haul. And what’s interesting about the first film in the Rocky franchise is that it’s more a 70s character study than it really is a boxing film. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our look into the films of the Rocky franchise with John G. Avildsen’s 1976 film Rocky. We talk about how we went into the film and our histories with the franchise. We look at what the film is doing here and how it fits so well into 70s cinema, with boxing matches only bookending the story. We talk about Stallone as writer and the titular character and why this character is so endearing. We also talk about the characters around him – Adrian, Paulie, Mickey and of course Apollo Creed – and the wonderful actors playing the roles. We discuss Bill Conti’s iconic score. And we examine why this film hit so big at the time, both financially and in the awards circuits. It’s an iconic sports movie that’s more about determination than anything, and it’s a great way to kick off this new year and new series. We have a great conversation about it, so check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, the 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

"Parting is such sweet sorrow." The works of William Shakespeare have been adapted to the screen more times than any other author, and ‘Romeo and Juliet’ is way up there with at least 44 direct screen versions and even more adaptations (West Side Story, anyone?). It speaks to the way that Shakespeare still speaks to the populace, or at least to the number of filmmakers who want to make their own mark cinematically with the Bard’s words. To that end, Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 version stands out largely because of the youth of the title couple. These young lovers caught the social unrest at the time and made a big splash on the big screen. But how well does it hold up today? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we close out our celebration of films from 1968 celebrating their 50th anniversaries with Zeffirelli’s second Shakespeare adaptation – Romeo and Juliet. We talk about our feelings about Shakespeare in general and this play specifically and how those feelings likely shaped our viewing of it. We look at the performances of Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey as the teen lovers and why they largely work for us. We chat about the feel of the film and if the cinematography, locations, costumes and production design help give us a feel of this world. And we debate not only this film’s place in the award season discussions of the year but also close out this overarching 1968 series with a look back at everything we’ve discussed and what, if anything, we’d change about the award recognition. It’s a good adaptation of the Bard’s tale and allows for a spirited discussion. 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 artworkRomeo and Juliet by William ShakespeareFlickchartLetterboxdAndy’s short film Romey & JulesSupport 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’re all fools. You can’t be part of the human race and not be a fool to somebody." Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward had already been married for a decade before Newman decided to make his directorial debut with Woodward as his star in 1968’s Rachel, Rachel. The film was a small character piece that likely garnered box office and awards attention because of the caliber of those two people heading it up. It was nominated for Best Picture in 1968, but seems to be largely lost in time these days. How well does it hold up today? Is it worth looking at? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue looking at and celebrating 50th anniversaries of films from 1968 with our series on the Best Picture nominees of that year by talking about Newman’s film Rachel, Rachel. We talk about why we think the film largely is forgotten these days, what works with it and what doesn’t. We look at Woodward’s performance, clearly a performance that stands out as the principal reason to look at the film. We chat about the other performances in the film, notably Estelle Parsons as Rachel’s friend, and what they bring to the table. We look at what Newman does as a director and talk about how well it works when paired with the cinematography and editing. And we debate what awards and nominations we would’ve bestowed on it if it was up to us. It’s an interesting film to look at for context of the time, but doesn’t stand out as something worth looking at for anything more than that. Still, it allows for a great conversation, so 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 artworkA Jest of God by Margaret LaurenceFlickchartLetterboxdSupport 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 raised an artificial spirit in the lad unbecoming to his station in life. This would never have happened if you kept him on gruel." Film adaptations of Charles Dickens’ works almost seem as common as Shakespeare’s works. It’s even quite possible that certain stories of his may have been adapted for the screen more frequently than some from the Bard. When Carol Reed brought Lionel Bart’s musical stage adaptation to the big screen in 1968, the time was ripe for it. Audiences and critics loved it. The film won a bunch of Oscars. It made a bunch of money. But how well does it hold up 50 years later? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our look at films nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars 50 years ago, this time with Reed’s 1968 film Oliver!. We talk about our struggles with this film this go-around. We discuss the adaptations of “Oliver Twist” to the screen and where this fits… and discuss where it succeeds and fails in its translation. We chat about the actors that bring it to life and the technicians that create this world. And, of course, we talk about the music. It’s a fun film but not one we think merits an Oscar for Best Picture. Still, it’s definitely worth talking about, so tune in to this week’s show to get in on the conversation! 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 artworkOliver Twist by Charles DickensFlickchartLetterboxdSupport 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 family doesn’t have its ups and downs?" British royalty is full of fascinating tales of power, conspiracies, distrust, and greed. They make such great characters that actors relish the opportunities to play them, sometimes even playing the same character more than once. Peter O’Toole certainly jumped at the chance when he read the script for The Lion in Winter based on the play. Having already played Henry II in Beckett a few years earlier, he seemed eager to dig back into the king’s life with this film. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue celebrating films from 1968 celebrating their 50th anniversaries with a new series looking at the films that were nominated for Best Picture that year. How well do they hold up? Are they still relevant? Dated? Or boring? We kick this new series off with Anthony Harvey’s 1968 film The Lion in Winter. We talk about the the messy world of this royal family and how angry everyone seems to be all the time. We look at elements of the film that immerse us fully in the world – the sets, the costumes, the production design – and those that pull us out, reminding us we’re in the 60s – those awful zooms. We chat about the wonderful – and wonderfully big – performances of O’Toole, Katherine Hepburn, Anthony Hopkins, Timothy Dalton, and more. And we touch on how much of this story is fiction versus fact, and if that helps or hurts the film. It’s an interesting film with some powerhouse performances that certainly provides lots of fodder for a conversation, 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 • YouTubeScriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkThe Lion in Winter: A Play by James GoldmanFlickchartLetterboxdSupport 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’m the German Ethel Merman, don’tcha know!?"Adapting a non-musical into a Broadway musical into a film musical takes a lot of work, but Mel Brooks clearly had the gumption to do it, and was successful most of the way along. His Broadway adaptation of 1968’s The Producers was a massive hit with records that still haven’t been broken. The question, then, is why the film adaptation of that hit floundered at the box office? It’s a tricky question and as is almost always the case, there really isn’t a clear answer. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we look at Susan Stroman’s 2005 film The Producers.We talk about why Stroman – the Broadway director/choreographer – is on board as the director and look at if that really makes any sense, especially considering some of our issues with the direction. We debate the difference between big, comedic performances and ones that are over-the-top, trying to decide why we feel differently with Will Ferrell’s and Kenneth Mars’ performances as Fritz. We discuss the script and some of our struggles with elements that were left nearly identical from the original. And we review some of our favorite performers and songs.It’s a fun film, even if it ends up struggling under its own weight. We have a great conversation about it all the same, 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 • Netflix • YouTubeScript TranscriptOriginal 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

"How could this happen? I was so careful! I picked the wrong play, the wrong director, the wrong cast – where did I go right?"Mel Brooks got his start doing stand-up comedy and as a TV writer, but he finally got his chance to direct a feature film when he read his script The Producers to producer Sidney Glazier, who wanted to make it right away. Once the film was made, however, the backers were nervous about the film and wanted to shelf it. It took an accidental screening by actor Peter Sellers to champion the film, which eventually led to its official release. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our celebration of films from 1968 celebrating their 50th anniversaries with another Movies and Their Remakes series, this time looking at Brooks’ The Producers.We talk about why the film works, and why it actually works this time for Andy. We look at the relationship between Bloom and Bialystock and how it got there through the great performances by Gene Wilder and Zero Mostel. We discuss the other actors and what they’re bringing to the table. We see what Brooks does as director and chat about how well it works. And we debate the musical element and if it should’ve been nominated for an Oscar.We’re glad to have revisited this film and had a great time talking 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 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 really think there’s ‘happy ever after’ for people like us?"With his successful start as James Bond, Pierce Brosnan thought he’d try his hand at producing, and after a small film for their first test outing, he and producing partner Beau St. Clair opted to remake the McQueen/Dunaway heist classic The Thomas Crown Affair. For many people, it’s the definitive version of the story. But how well does it hold up when viewed next to the original? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Movies and Their Remakes series with John McTiernan’s 1999 film The Thomas Crown Affair.We talk about the similarities and differences between the two films, and why some elements, like the heist, work better in the original film. We look at the pairing of Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo and talk about how the great chemistry they carry here. We discuss the story additions by McTiernan and why they don’t work for us. We touch on the casting of Faye Dunaway as the title character’s therapist and why we struggle with that. And we debate whether the addition of nudity and sex scenes can replace the sexually charged chess game.It’s a film that doesn’t hold up as well on this viewing, but is still 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 SundriesThank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon!Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • Netflix • Hulu • YouTubeScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdAndy on the Friends in Your Ears 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

"Do you play?"Norman Jewison had worked with Steve McQueen on the film The Cincinnati Kid, so it was natural for him to immediately think of McQueen in the title role of The Thomas Crown Affair when he got the script. Luckily for him, McQueen was interested, as the part was vastly different from other types of people he’d played in the past. He worked opposite Faye Dunaway in her second major leading role, and the two created some amazing screen chemistry. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue celebrating films from 1968 celebrating their 50th anniversaries as we kick off our 2018 Movies and Their Remakes series with Jewison’s The Thomas Crown Affair.We talk about the vibe of the film and look at how it fits in the late 60s, both in the world of cinema and in the world in general. We look at McQueen and Dunaway and how well they work together, even if the script by Alan Trustman seems a bit simple. We look at the jazzy way Jewison put the film together with cinematographer Haskell Wexler and editor Hal Ashby. We also discuss Pablo Ferro’s amazing contribution to the film through the magic of the multi-screen images seen throughout. And we talk about the film and how it was largely filmed in Boston, the first major film to do so.It’s a fun film that is a breeze to watch even if it’s a bit light on content, we still 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 • Netflix • Hulu • YouTubeScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkChristopher Chapman’s A Place to StandArt 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

"I like the stink of the streets. It makes me feel good." By the time Sergio Leone got the cameras rolling on what would turn out to be his last film, nearly thirteen years had passed since he last sat behind the camera. If anyone expected a filmmaker with rusty skills however, they certainly didn’t get that. Leone was as masterful a filmmaker as he was in decades past. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our celebration of Leone’s Once Upon a Time trilogy with his 1984 film Once Upon a Time in America. We talk about the length of this film and how that affects our viewings of it. We look at the story and explore how it’s a very Leone look at the world with male criminals making their ways through the world. We chat about some of the cast, notably Robert De Niro and James Woods, and look at what they’re bringing to the table. We touch on Ennio Morricone’s masterful score and compare it with the other films in this trilogy. And we look at the mess of edits this film went through on its journey to theaters. It’s a fascinating (and lengthy) film that we have a great time exploring and discussing. 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 • Netflix • YouTubeScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkThe Hoods by Harry GreyFlickchartLetterboxdSupport 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