The Next Reel Film Podcast

"You start down this path, where does it end?" "It ends when we've won." Frightening words coming from a CIA agent more intent on keeping his team's illegal program under wraps than in saving American lives. And that's the man intent on preventing Jason Bourne from learning about his past, because that man, Noah Vosen -- played wonderfully by the ever-brilliant David Strathairn -- knows it will lead to his own downfall. It's time, ladies and gentlemen, for the final chapter in the Jason Bourne trilogy, even if it's not the end of the Bourne series. Jason finally works to dig up where he came from, no matter how ugly it is, and come to terms with it. It's a great film and an awesome end to this trilogy, even if the jiggly monkey cam does make people literally vomit in the aisles. Listen in as we -- Pete Wright and Andy Nelson -- talk about it this week on Rash Pixel's "Movies We Like!" We chat about Jason Bourne's and Matt Damon's character growth/performance over the course of these three films and how it matures. We discuss the nature of the camerawork and how it seems to get progressively shakier as the series progresses. We discuss the top notch editing and stuntwork in this film. And we talk about its place in the Bourne franchise. We have a great time discussing this film as we lead up to the release of The Bourne Legacy. Join us! Support 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

"Word in the ether was you'd lost your memory." Jason Bourne's back, still trying to figure out his past as a government assassin while struggling to stay ahead of both the good and bad guys as they attempt to take him out. This week, we're covering the 2004 film, "The Bourne Supremacy", the second in the Bourne franchise. Paul Greengrass took over as director after Doug Liman's struggles with the studio brass on the first film, and he does a bang-up job -- quite literally, in fact. He brings a much more in-the-action style to the story, making it feel like you're in the fights with Jason Bourne. Or for some people, just making them nauseated -- there's a reason some people call this style "queasicam". Join us as we -- Pete Wright and Andy Nelson -- talk about the movie this week on Rash Pixel's "Movies We Like". We discuss the directing styles of Greengrass vs. Liman and the cohesiveness of the two styles in the series. We chat about the amazing stuntwork and how it really brings a level of reality to the story. We cover the amazing actors and performances in the film, as well as talk about the amazing crew who brought it all together. We talk more about Bourne versus Bond. We discuss the complicated plot twists in the overall story, even if they don't entirely work. And we also give props to a few people we forgot to mention in the last episode, other key players who helped make "The Bourne Identity" what it was. Listen in! Support 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 can tell you the license plate numbers of all six cars outside. I can tell you that our waitress is left-handed and the guy sitting up at the counter weighs two hundred fifteen pounds and knows how to handle himself. I know the best place to look for a gun is the cab of the gray truck outside, and at this altitude, I can run flat out for a half mile before my hands start shaking. Now why would I know that? How can I know that and not know who I am?" This week, movie lovers, we begin our series on the Bourne movies, starting here with Doug Liman's 2002 film, The Bourne Identity. Born from Robert Ludlum's classic spy thriller, this movie came out a time when the spy film genre was feeling a little... overstuffed. This film, as well as the two that followed it, proved that a spy film could be more than just action scenes loosely strung together with threads of a weak story. Join us—Pete Wright and Andy Nelson—as we build to the upcoming The Bourne Legacy with this week's episode of Rash Pixel's Movies We Like. We chat about the Bourne series and Robert Ludlum who created it. We discuss the theory of the modern action filmmaking style, Chaos Cinema, and how it plays into the series. We also touch on this film as compared to the James Bond film of the same year, Die Another Day. It's a fun film and well worth watching. Join us as we begin digging into the empty pockets of Jason Bourne's mind! Support 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 a time we had, Rosie. What a time we had." This week on Rash Pixel's "Movies We Like," we're finishing up our far-too-short series on cinematographer Jack Cardiff with the wonderful 1951 film, "The African Queen". John Huston co-wrote and directed it, choosing to shoot as much as he possibly could in Africa. While many said it couldn't be done -- shooting a story on location about two characters typically considered much too old for a love story -- John Huston proved them wrong. His choice of Jack Cardiff as cinematographer goes a long way in showing all of the reasons why shooting in Africa was right for the story, and his decision to cast Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn as Charlie Allnut and Rose Sayer allowed the story to be played authentically by actors who knew what they were doing and made it real. The film went on to earn buckets of money, critical praise, and award recognition. It's truly a film that has stood the test of time as well, and we -- Pete Wright and Andy Nelson -- have a great time talking about it. Join us as we talk about Jack Cardiff's role in making cinematography what it is today. We chat about the rough time everyone had on the production, not to mention the pre-production. We discuss the story and the wonderful actors in it, and we talk about why it still works so well. It's a fantastic film and we love talking about it. Listen in! Support 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 cannot have it both ways. A dancer who relies upon the doubtful comforts of human love can never be a great dancer. Never." And thus sums up the battle within Michael Powell's and Emeric Pressburger's 1948 film, "The Red Shoes" -- the battle between love and art. Can the two exist together? Or will one always win out and destroy the other? It's a fascinating question posed in a beautiful and sumptuous film that we -- Pete Wright and Andy Nelson -- talk about this week on Rash Pixel's "Movies We Like." Join us as we talk about the movie and what it's come to mean in the world of film. We talk about the fans of this film, particularly Martin Scorsese, and how they came together to restore this film into the mindbogglingly gorgeous version we have today. We chat about the amazing performances led by Anton Walbrook as the dark and controlling ballet impresario and Moira Shearer as the prima ballerina torn between love and dance. We discuss the amazing look of the film, focusing primarily on Jack Cardiff's stunning 3-strip technicolor cinematography. We talk about the realism and how it turns almost magical after the ballet of the Red Shoes midway through the film leading us to the inevitable and heartbreaking conclusion. And we talk about the nature of Hans Christian Andersen's original fairy tale and how it enhances and defines this film. It's an amazing film to watch. Join us this week as we catch up on this classic! Support 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 are here to make limbo tolerable, to ferry wounded souls across the river of dread, and to point where hope is dimly visible. And then we stop the boat, shove them in the water and make them swim." This week, ladies and gentlemen, we -- Pete Wright and Andy Nelson -- talk about Jason Reitman's third, and arguably best, film: 2009's Up in the Air. It's an amazing film that deals in a heavy issue of our time -- the economic downturn and widespread downsizing. What's even more amazing is how the film ends up, for the most part, leaving you with a feeling of hope. Sure, there are tragic elements, but overall, it's the message of connection with others that resounds by the film's end. Join us this week as we chat about all the great performances in the film led by George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, and Anna Kendrick, as well as the amazing technical hands working behind the scenes. We talk about the unique decision to cast all those let go in the film with real-world people who had, in fact, recently been let go. And we cover the themes of the story and what Reitman and before him Walter Kirn, upon whose 2001 novel the film is based, are getting across in the film. It's a beautiful film, well deserving of all the accolades it received upon its release. Connect with us this week as we talk about it! Support 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 Jordan plays ball. Charles Mason kills people. I talk. Everyone has a talent." It's a movie about spin and the spin doctors who spin it -- Jason Reitman's fantastic 2006 satire Thank You for Smoking. Join us -- Pete Wright and Andy Nelson -- as we talk about it this week on Rash Pixel's Movies We Like. It's a fantastic film and we both love it. We chat about how the film was received and what people likely thought when comparing it to the book it was based on -- the 1994 novel of the same name by Christopher Buckley. We talk about the nature of satire and the nature of spin. We chat about the role the son plays in this film and the direction -- if any -- that Nick Naylor grows as protagonist (or is he an antihero?). And we chat about how Jason Reitman, Ivan's son, managed to get this -- his first -- film made. It's an absolutely fabulous film, especially as a first film, and we have a great time talking about it this week. Join us! Support 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

"Big things have small beginnings." Well, not when envisioned by Ridley Scott and written by Jon Spaihts and Damon Lindelof. "Prometheus," the non-prequel to "Alien" is anything but a small beginning to this universe and, while ambitious, leaves us with a lot of unanswered questions and problems that shouldn't have been there in the first place. It's a frustrating film to talk about, movie lovers, but one that we have a great time discussing. Join us -- Pete Wright and Andy Nelson -- in this week's episode of Rash Pixel's "Movies We Like" as we really dig into this film and discuss everything about it, from the stunning visuals to the problematic script. We talk about the team who put together these visuals and who rightfully should all receive numerous accolades. We talk about the cast, particularly the stand-out performance of Michael Fassbender as David. We also look at his relationship with the other androids in the Alien anthology. We chat about the fundamental script problems in this film and the trickle-down effect they have on the rest of the film. We also talk about how, despite those problems, the script and the film still pose some fascinating questions that are worth talking about long after the film's been watched. It's a fascinating film, albeit problematic, and one worth discussion -- preferably over a slice of pie -- so join us this week on "Movies We Like" to listen in! Support 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's the end of our conversation about the Alien anthology, ladies and gentlemen, and this week, we discuss Alien: Resurrection, a tough film to watch and an unfortunate end to the anthology (that took a further unfortunate turn by leading the franchise into the Alien Vs. Predator films). And while it's a hard to film to categorize as a movie we like, we still have a great conversation about what worked, what didn't, and a great many other things tangentially (or not) related to the franchise. Join us -- Pete Wright and Andy Nelson -- on this week's episode of Rash Pixel's "Movies We Like" as we chat about the great actors, the director, the writer, and others on the crew who we love but who somehow ended up tied into this mess. We chat about our overall thoughts of the anthology, how we think it ties into Prometheus and the nature of making films that take place in the same universe but don't tie together necessarily (Marvel, anyone?). Finally, we touch on some fun bits of trivia from the franchise. It's a fun conversation about a movie that doesn't really work but that had a lot going for it. Listen in! Support 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

"When they first heard about this thing, it was 'Crew Expendable'. The next time, they sent in marines. They were expendable too. What makes you think they're gonna care about a bunch of lifers who found God at the ass-end of space?" The third time may not be a charm for the Alien anthology, movie lovers, but it turns out to be a better film than many people gave it credit for back in 1992. Join us -- Pete Wright and Andy Nelson -- this week on Rash Pixel's "Movies We Like" as we talk about David Fincher's first film, Alien 3 (also conveniently and belatedly finishing up our Benjamin Button-style Fincher Fest). In this episode, we talk about what we thought of the film back then versus what we think now. We chat about the immense script and production problems this film went through all along its journey to theaters, and also talk about what was cut out and eventually put back into the 2003 Assembly Cut. We talk about the troubles David Fincher had, yet contrast that with what he was still able to get up on screen. We hash through the special effects, discussing how great they were back then but how they certainly haven't aged well. We touch on the fantastic cast and debate whether there was enough new story for the Ripley character to play out in this or if she'd already run her course. We talk about the budget and how, even with all of its immense overages, the film still managed to rake in a healthy chunk of dough. We touch on Elliot Goldenthal's music, creating a haunting, eerie score that fits the film well. And are you curious as to what Meryl Streep's connection is to this film, movie lovers? Listen in to find out! Support 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