The Next Reel Film Podcast

"The savage must be shackled in chains. You are that beast, Caesar." J. Lee Thompson was meant to direct the original Planet of the Apes film but wasn’t able to due to project conflicts. By the time the franchise got to the fourth film, Thompson was invited back to finally make his mark. The budget was lower than it had been previously, but he still did his best with what he had, and he made the darkest of the franchise. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our series on the original Planet of the Apes films with Thompson’s 1972 film Conquest for the Planet of the Apes. We talk about the social commentary existing within this film and how well it works compared to the previous films. We look at the return of Ricardo Montalban and Roddy McDowall and the heart the two of them bring to this story, not to mention the frightening transition from innocent ape to revolutionary leader. We touch on the nature of the story here with the ape training montages and the big battle sequence near the end and debate how effective they are. We hit on the darkness of the film and discuss the two different cuts and how that darkness changes so much between versions. And we look at why the film ended up being made so cheaply but how well it did in the box office. It’s a dark film but a fantastic entry to this franchise, and we have a great time talking about it. Tune in to this week’s show to find out more! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins. 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 did it because I like chimpanzees best of all apes, and you the best of all chimpanzees." Twentieth Century Fox had found that cheap sequels could turn healthy profits so immediately booked Paul Dehn, the writer of Beneath the Planet of the Apes, to write a third in the series. Unfortunately, the second film ended with the planet being blown up. For Dehn, that was just a thrilling challenge to overcome, and overcome it he did. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Planet of the Apes series with Don Taylor’s 1971 film Escape From the Planet of the Apes. We talk about the tonal shifts all through the film as well as many of the story problems, yet how it still provides an incredibly fun experience. We look at the wonderful performances by Roddy McDowall and Kim Hunter as our two lead chimpanzees and give them credit for how affecting the film (and particularly the ending) is. We ponder some of the screenplay choices they used to retcon the series but find ourselves forgiving them because they end up working out pretty well. We touch on Jerry Goldsmith and his funky 70s score. And we marvel at the strength of the film’s ending and how well it works. It’s a film that feels like it’s all over the place but is still an absolute joy to watch. We have a great time talking about it on this week’s show, so check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins. Film SundriesThank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon!Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • YouTubeScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdOriginal pre-title reconstruction from shooting scriptSupport 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

"May the blessing of the Bomb Almighty and the fellowship of the Holy Fallout descend on us all this day and forevermore." With the success of the first Planet of the Apes film, 20th Century Fox rushed a sequel into production, something that was usually reserved for b-run serials. That first film, however, was a good crossover property – it had the genre elements but was made on an A-list level. That gave Fox the confidence that a sequel could work. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Planet of the Apes series with Ted Post’s 1970 film, Beneath the Planet of the Apes. We talk about how well this film works – or doesn’t – as a followup to the first film and why it still stands out as a fun film to watch, at least for Andy. We look at how the story became what it was and why it ended up getting made at the budget level it was. We chat about our many problems with the story and debate if they’re intrinsic to the script or were partially caused by the lack of a budget. We chat about the cast – notably the new faces of James Franciscus, James Gregory, David Watson and the actors playing the underground mutants – and look at what they’re bringing to the table. We discuss the film’s messages and wonder if any of them are as strongly portrayed as the ones in the first film. And we deliberate on the crew, particularly the camerawork of Milton R. Krasner and the music of Leonard Rosenman, not to mention the mutant faces created by John Chambers. It’s an interesting entry into the franchise and certainly leaves us wondering how they can make a sequel. Regardless, it’s a fun one to talk about, so tune in to this week’s show! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins. Film SundriesWatch this film: iTunes • Amazon • Netflix • YouTubeScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkFlickchartLetterboxdPaul Dehn’s PoetrySupport 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

"Get your stinking paws off me, you damn dirty ape!" Rod Serling discovered the strength of writing science fiction as a way to disguise commentary on society of the day which led to The Twilight Zone. His contributions to Franklin J. Schaffner’s science fiction film Planet of the Apes allowed him to do the same on a cinematic scale. With political, religious and social commentary, as well as commentary on nuclear war, Serling gave the series a definite point of view and contributed to the film becoming an incredible success. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our 50th anniversary celebration of the Planet of the Apes series, starting with Schaffner’s 1968 film Planet of the Apes. We talk about the messages in the film and how well they integrate with the story, as well as how some people very likely may find more problems with some of those messages. We discuss some of the basic premise of the story and how logical it is, and how much that really matters. We talk about Charlton Heston and his over-the-top performance, and why it works for some and not others. We touch on the others in the cast and revel in the work they do here. And we discuss the amazing makeup work done by John Chambers as well as the wild score by Jerry Goldsmith. It’s a great film and we have a great conversation about it. Check it out! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins. Film SundriesWatch this film: iTunes • Amazon • YouTubeScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkArt of the TitlePlanet of the Apes by Pierre BoulleFlickchartLetterboxdSupport 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

"My God, it’s full of stars!" After reading Arthur C. Clarke’s sequel to Stanley Kubrick’s film, director Peter Hyams was very interested in transforming it into a film. After getting the blessing from Clarke and Kubrick, he set to work. But inevitably, he was fighting an uphill battle – making a sequel to a film that many people consider to be one of the greats. In the end, the film was received well enough and turned a profit at the box office. But how well does it hold up today? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our Odyssey series with Hyams’ 1984 film 2010. We talk about the struggle with this film and why it is problematic right out of the gate, and why the problems are exacerbated when sitting next to Kubrick’s film (even if it does feel closer to Clarke’s original vision). We chat about the nature of HAL in this film and debate whether it’s okay to have turned ‘him’ into a good guy here. We look at Roy Scheider’s performance here and struggle with it because of our great love for the man and the films he starred in before this one. And we discuss the special effects throughout this film – largely quite good. It’s a frustrating film that hasn’t held up well over time, but it still makes for a fascinating discussion. Tune in to this week’s show to join the chat. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins! Film Sundries Thank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon! — https://patreon.com/thenextreel. Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • YouTubeScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artwork2010: Odyssey Two by Arthur C. ClarkeFlickchartLetterboxdSupport 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

"Dave, this conversation can serve no purpose anymore. Goodbye." Before 1968, science fiction films were largely genre films that didn’t take themselves too seriously. The general consensus is that the change that allowed filmmakers to take science fiction seriously was Stanley Kubrick’s film 2001: A Space Odyssey. Upon its initial release, critics and audiences were very split on the film but it eventually found its audience (thanks to a lot of hippies smoking weed during screenings). The film has since been touted as one of the greatest films ever made. It’s influenced generations of filmmakers and storytellers. It’s allowed for hours upon hours of discussion and theorizing about things happening within the story. But it still has its detractors. It’s not a film for everyone – it can feel long and boring. There’s hardly any dialogue. And the film doesn’t engage the way the book did. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off a 50th anniversary celebration of films and series from 1968. And what a better way to start than with the films made from Clarke’s Odyssey series, beginning with Kubrick’s 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey. We realize right away that we’re on opposite sides of the fence as to our opinions of this film and try to rationalize that. We look at what works in the film and what Kubrick and Clarke were trying to say. We talk about the effects and what Kubrick, paired with Douglas Trumbull and their team, were able to create. We look at the performances of the actors, starting with Daniel Richter – the Andy Serkis of Kubrick’s time. We ponder several of the various theories about the film and deliberate the nature of theories like these. And we duke it out in one of our most serious Flickchart battles as we try valiantly to get the film closer on our ranking to where we each personally rank the film. It’s a battle of the ages! It’s a very divisive movie between us but that allows for a wonderful conversation about the movie. Check it out if you haven’t. Don’t be embarrassed if you’re one of the people who don’t click with it – you’re not alone. And if you do click with it, don’t make fun of those other people. Much. But what you should do is tune in to the show and enjoy the spirited chat! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, the conversation begins. Film Sundries Thank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon! — https://patreon.com/thenextreel Watch this film: iTunes • Amazon • YouTubeScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerRob Ager’s Meaning of the Monolith Part 1 (Start Here)Original poster artworkArt of the Title2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. ClarkeFlickchartLetterboxdSupport 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

"A Him gets noticed. A Her gets ignored. And for once, we’d like to be ignored." Steven Soderbergh never wanted to return to the helm for the Ocean’s franchise, but he was more than happy to get behind any future films, so when Warner Bros. said they wanted to return to the franchise with an all-woman cast in a spin-off, he signed on board as producer. Gary Ross and Olivia Milch were hired to write the script and Ross to direct, and with that, Ocean’s Eight was born. But will Ross and Milch be able to capture the fun and unbelievable heists that Soderbergh did in his original trilogy? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we aim to find out as we wrap up the Ocean’s series with Ross’ 2018 film Ocean’s Eight. We talk about how this film fits in the franchise and how well it works as part of that universe. We look at the struggles we have with the story and particular elements of the heist, which is particularly frustrating because we largely love the characters so much. We discuss the actresses playing the team, from Sandra Bullock and Cate Blanchett through to Awkwafina and Rihanna, and look at what they’re each bringing to the table. We debate if Helena Bonham Carter is playing too many crazy roles but revel in what she’s doing here. We try to figure out if this was an original script or based on a different property. And we go through what Ross is doing here as director and wonder if he’s just not bringing enough fun to the film, which is already struggling with a weaker script and diminishing what Soderbergh had created. It’s still a fun film and feels a part of the franchise, even if it’s a blander entry. That being said, we have a great conversation about it so check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins. Film Sundries Thank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon! — https://patreon.com/thenextreel 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

"There’s a code amongst guys that shook Sinatra’s hand!" Even though Ocean’s Twelve was financially successful, it was largely disliked by audiences who saw it as a misfire. When the studio decided to make a follow-up, they returned the story to Vegas where the first film took place and made a film that largely feels like a return to form. But that doesn’t mean the film isn’t without its problems. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Ocean’s series with Steven Soderbergh’s 2007 film Ocean’s Thirteen. We talk about where the film falls on our own ranking of Soderbergh’s trilogy and ponder how anyone could see it any other way. We look at the direction they took the script with this one and look at all the various elements they amped up with ridiculous comedy, and how two of those moments feel very much like weak writing just to make the heist work. We look at the brilliant cast and discuss them, but notably point out Al Pacino added as the new villian and how wonderfully he works here. We also talk about the lack of women and why, also commenting on how wonderful it is to see Ellen Barkin again even if it’s a disappointingly written role. We look at what Soderbergh is doing here as cinematographer Peter Andrews on his last film shot on film. And we dig into the back story behind Linus’ fake nose and connections to Evel Knievel. It’s a fun film with its own share of problems, but certainly a fitting entry into the Ocean’s 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. Film Sundries Thank you for supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast on Patreon! — https://patreon.com/thenextreelWatch 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 mean Danny, it was one job that we did together so I don’t know where this whole, like, proprietary stance comes from. It seems a little possessive." The script for Ocean’s Twelve had a bit of a circuitous route to get to where it ended up. George Nolfi had sold his script entitled “Honor Among Thieves” to Warner Bros., but instead of making his film, the studio executives decided that his script would make for a great foundation to Soderbergh’s successful remake of the classic Rat Pack film Ocean’s 11. Nolfi rewrote it many times to shape the script, and ended up having to modify it many times afterward due to cast schedules and the like. What finally got made created quite a lot of complaints as it didn’t feel like it stood at the same level as Ocean’s Eleven. But is it that bad? Or just different and not what people were expecting? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our coverage of the Ocean’s series with Steven Soderbergh’s 2004 film Ocean’s Twelve. We talk about why the film works and why it doesn’t, notably in comparison with the first film. And we have quite differing opinions on this. We look at how the story is structured and ponder if it would be stronger if there was more of Catherine Zeta-Jones’ character earlier on in the story outside of the opening. We look at the complexities and convolutions of the plot and the heists, wondering if it was all really necessary to make a cohesive story or if it benefits from being so complex. And we marvel at the prowess with which Soderbergh films his stories as DP. He’s a fantastic filmmaker who make a largely contentious film that still has a lot of good going for it (and is still a fun-to-watch Soderbergh film at the end of the day). So check it out then tune in to this week’s show! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins. Film SundriesWatch 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

"You brought music back into the house. I’d… forgotten."The Next Reel’s Speakeasy is an ongoing series of ours in which we invite an industry guest to join us and bring along one of their favorite movies to talk about. In this month’s episode, producer Catherine Hand joins us to talk about one of her favorite films, Robert Wise’s 1965 film The Sound of Music.We talk about how the story made it from Maria Von Trapp’s memoirs about her family to the big screen, with several detours along the way. We chat about the movie’s longevity and why it’s had such a long life. We discuss the performances of Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, not to mention Plummer’s disdain for the project until recently. And we spend some time looking at Catherine’s career, notably her decades-long pursuit to bring A Wrinkle in Time to the big screen.It’s a wonderful conversation with Catherine that ranges all over, so check out A Wrinkle in Time, revisit The Sound of Music, then tune in to the show!Film SundriesFind Catherine Hand on TwitterWatch A Wrinkle in Time: iTunes • Amazon • YouTubeWatch The Sound of Music: iTunes • Amazon • YouTubeScript TranscriptOriginal theatrical trailerOriginal poster artworkThe Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria A TrappFlickchartLetterboxdSupport 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