603 avsnitt • Längd: 35 min • Veckovis: Onsdag
Talking apes and Jedi Knights are cool, but how do they impact Hollywood as a whole? That’s the kind of stuff we talk about on Popcorn Culture – a mixed-bag-exploration of the movies, TV shows, and pop culture buzz that we love, as well as the ones we love (slightly) less.
The podcast Popcorn Culture is created by BFM Media. The podcast and the artwork on this page are embedded on this page using the public podcast feed (RSS).
We’ve got a double bill for you this week! Starting with A Real Pain, directed and written by Jesse Eisenberg,a buddy comedy road movie that looks at the (mis)adventures of two cousins exploring Poland after the passing of their late grandmother. Lauded for its performances and bittersweet tone, the movie is also up for two Academy Awards. And on a separate note and just in time for Valentine’s Day, the latest installment of Bridget Jones is out on the big screen, seeing our heroine tackle middle age and widowhood. We review both films, before pivoting into a Take Two question about the We discuss the movie, and whether it works for us, before pivoting into a Take Two that’s all about caustic and stressful on-screen family dynamics, and why they’re so compelling.
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Captain America is back on the big screen! But if you’ve been following the MCU, you’ll know it’s no longer Chris Evans wielding the shield, but Anthony Mackie. With Marvel on a slump, could this be the film that revives the franchise? We review the film and then on Take Two, discuss iconic characters from the big screen and small, before ending with the B-side, where we talk about Cap’s heart pounding theme by Alan Silvestri.
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Ke Huy Quan returns to the big screen with Love Hurts, where he gets to flex his action chops alongside Ariana Debose, Daniel Wu and Marshawn Lynch. Ke plays a former hitman pulled back into his old life when he finds out his brother is hunting him. We talk about whether this action-comedy (from the producers of Nobody) succeeds on both fronts, before heading into a longer conversation about what it takes to be a successful action star in this day and age, and how that’s changed over time, or is affected by different cultural mores.
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To commemorate Chinese New Year, we’re throwing back to a 2011 Hong Kong film, A Simple Life, directed by Ann Hui. It stars Andy Lau and and Deannie Ip and explores a middle-aged man’s bond with his domestic helper. After that on Take Two, we explore the best Chinese New Year movies before wrapping up with the B-Side, where we dive into the music of Wong Fei Hung, who was a Chinese martial artist, physician and folk hero in the 19th and early 20th century.
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Following the sweet and spectacular successes that were the first two Paddington films, this third installment finds everyone’s favourite little marmalade-loving bear adventuring in Peru. We get into whether this movie lives up to the charm set by its predecessors, and then segue into talking about our favourite movies and films from childhood, and how they’ve continued to shape our tastes. We then close off with a little musical treat from Paddington.
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Leigh Whannell returns following his 2020 critical and commercial hit, The Invisible Man. This time he’s tackling another ‘Universal Monster’, Wolf Man. It stars Christopher Abbott as Blake, a man who, after moving his family to his childhood home, is attacked by a werewolf and that transforms him into something horrifying. Does Whannell deliver the goods? We review the film and then on Take Two discuss the scariest on-screen creatures and finally on the B-Side, unpack the music of Ennio Morricone’s Wolf.
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In this double header edition of Stuff We Missed, we’re catching up with a couple of releases from late 2024. First up, what some are dubbing Clint Eastwood’s final film, Juror #2, which stars Nicholas Hoult in a courtroom thriller about a juror grappling with a moral dilemma in a high-profile murder trial. Then, we discuss a movie that’s been making waves more for its off-screen controversy - It Ends With Us, the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni (who also directs). Meanwhile, in Take Two, we get into courtroom dramas and why they offer such rich storytelling opportunities.
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On the first episode of Popcorn Culture of 2025, we’re reviewing the second season of the highly popular Korean series, Squid Game. We discuss if the second season is a step up from season 1 and if it's worth the binge. Then in Take Two, we ask you if hype influences your decision to watch something or not.
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On the final edition of Popcorn Culture this year, we’re reviewing the latest in Disney’s relentless lineup of remakes and prequels - Mufasa: The Lion King. With an all-star cast and crew (Barry Jenkins directing, Lin-Manuel Miranda songwriting, voices like Mads Mikkelsen joining the original cast), expectations are high. In our chat, we unpack whether the movie is worth a school holiday watch, and whether it enriches the larger story arc of Mufasa as a character. Then in Take Two, the question is simple: What were some of your favourite movies of 2024?
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This week, we review another double bill of Stuff We Missed – TV edition. First up is the gritty crime-thriller set in Matt Reeves’ Gotham City and centred around the iconic Batman villain, The Penguin. And then, we move on to the most expensive animated series of all time, Arcane, an adaptation of the hit video game League of Legends. After that on Take Two, we discuss some of our favourite TV shows of 2024, before we close off on The B-Side with a listen to Enemy by Imagine Dragons.
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8 years after the first movie, Moana 2 is hitting the big screen, and sees our heroine reunited with some familiar faces, while fighting new foes. With Auli’i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson reprise their roles as Moana and Maui respectively, this was a movie that was originally conceived as a limited series - so how does it fare as a feature film? We discuss that, before continuing to ask a larger question about Disney, and whether its golden age has passed, or is yet to come, before closing out with a deep dive into the music of the Moanaverse.
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Based on the famed musical that tells the story of Glinda and Elphaba (the Good Witch of the North, and the Wicked Witch of the West respectively) in the Land of Oz, Wicked: Part I is a much-anticipated movie, not least because of the musical firepower in its cast and the credentials of its director Jon M. Chu. We kick things off by reviewing the film, and whether we’re looking forward to Part II, before then discussing the best and worst of musicals. And finally, we close things off with a deep dive into the music of Wicked, written by Stephen Schwartz.
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Ridley Scott returns with Gladiator II, a sequel to his 2000 classic that nobody asked for but we’re all excited for nonetheless. Starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington, the film promises a fresh and intense journey into the brutal and captivating world of ancient Rome. We discuss if it lives up to the original, then on Take Two, talk about some of our favourite sequels of all time and finally on the B-Side, we explore the epic theme by Hans Zimmer from the original film.
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Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans team up for Red One, an action-packed Christmas-themed film from Jumanji director, Jake Kasdan. Johnson stars as the North Pole’s Head of Security, who teams up with a rebellious “naughty list” tracker played by Evans to save Santa Claus (J.K. Simmons) from a mysterious kidnapping. We review the film and then on Take Two discuss our favourite action-comedies and finally on The B-Side, we talk about a Christmas classic, You're A Mean One, Mr Grinch.
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With the 4th season of OMITB newly wrapped up, we share our thoughts on the latest instalment of the cosiest murder crime podcast show around. From its jam-packed cast of Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Meryl Streep, Paul Rudd, Jane Lynch (and even more guest stars), to its clever writing, there’s a lot to love. Then on Take Two, we discuss what are some of the movies and shows that have proven to be a truly pleasant surprise, especially with so much out there to watch at the moment. And then we close off with that signature Only Murders in the Building theme for The B-Side.
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It’s the week of Deepavali! In light of that, we’re reviewing a Tamil film, specifically director Ram’s 2019 family drama, Peranbu. It stars Mammootty and follows the journey of a single father raising his daughter with cerebral palsy. After that on Take Two, we discuss what we like to watch during festival seasons and close off with the B-Side, where we look at one of composer Yuvan Shankar Raja’s most celebrated songs, Rowdy Baby.
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After the success of 2022’s Smile, writer-director Parker Finn is back with a sequel in which Naomi Scott plays Skye Riley, a pop star working through trauma and a difficult past, who finds herself ensnared and haunted by a series of increasingly horrifying and disturbing events. We start off by reviewing the movie, and discuss whether - in essence - we found it scary. Then, we move on to asking which central performances have been so integral to a movie that they were make or break, before closing off with a song that’s gone viral from the movie.
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This week, we’re reviewing a double bill of Stuff We Missed: movies that premiered earlier in the year, that we didn’t get to at the time. First up, the Thai tearjerker How To Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, Pat Boonitipat’s film about a university dropout who cares for his dying grandma with ulterior motives. And then we move on to Inside Out 2, which sees Riley at the age of 13, dealing with new situations and new emotions. After that on Take Two, we discuss movies and shows that make us cry, before we close off on The B-Side with a listen to Michael Giacchino’s music for Inside Out.
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Joaquin Phoenix is back reprising his role as the iconic DC Comics villain in Joker: Folie A Deux, the highly anticipated sequel to 2019’s Joker, which received critical acclaim, smashed the box office and was celebrated by fans too. The sequel which also stars Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn, promises to be just as quirky, thrilling and deeply disturbing as the first. We discuss if we agree with the 12-min standing ovation the sequel received at the Venice film festival, before exploring how everyone feels about movies and shows that take a walk on the dark side, and finally on The B-Side, doing a deep dive into the music Hildur Guðnadóttir composed for these films.
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Based on the book series of the same name, The Wild Robot explores the themes of survival, discovery and connection, through the story of Roz, a robot that’s shipwrecked on a deserted island, who then has to adapt to these new surroundings. We discuss this critically acclaimed movie, that’s also likely to be the last Dreamworks movie done in-house, before expanding the conversation to look at other animation classics that exist outside the Disney/Pixar studio system. Finally, we close off as always with The B-Side, a deep dive into the music of the big and small screen.
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Blumhouse is back with another horror outing, this time it’s Speak No Evil, a remake of the 2018 acclaimed Danish film. The 2024 film is directed by James Watkins and stars James McAvoy and Mackenzie Davis. We discuss if the film lives up to the original, and then in Take Two talk about remakes that worked (or didn’t) and finally on The B-Side explore the music of horror trailers.
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After a very long and circuitous road to being made, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is out! The sequel to the original 1988 film sees the return of Tim Burton (of course), but also most of the main players: Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara, along with new additions Jenna Ortega and Willem Dafoe, among others. We discuss this much-anticipated sequel and whether it’s a return to form for Burton, before turning our attention to cult classics in Take Two. Finally, we close off with a deep dive into Danny Elfman’s original score for the movies, and a shout-out to Harry Belafonte.
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It’s a slow week in cinema releases, but there’ve been a slew of movies that either never made it to the big screen here in Malaysia (or that we didn’t get to review), including The Holdovers, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, so we’re discussing them all and dissecting which one is worth watching and re-watching. Then on Take Two, we’re looking at the movies we wish would return to the big screen, since there’ve been a number of re-releases recently, including Sepet. And of course, we’re concluding with The B-Side, which is about the music of Mad Max.
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With Merdeka just around the corner, we’re having an all-Malaysian episode today! Kicking off with a review of Amanda Nell Eu’s much-lauded Tiger Stripes, in its full form on Netflix, before segueing into a discussion about the best that Malaysian film has to offer, before we close off with The B-Side as always.
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The Alien franchise rolls on with its latest instalment, this time as a standalone interquel that takes place in between the events of Alien and Aliens, when young space colonists encounter a xenomorph, while scavenging on an abandoned space station. Helmed by Fede Alvarez, it’s a highly anticipated movie especially following the (relative) disappointments of Prometheus and Alien: Covenant. We discuss if it’s lived up to the hype, and then in Take Two, cover some of our favourite on-screen extraterrestrials, before closing off with a very old track, You Are My Lucky Star on The B-Side.
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M. Night Shyamalan’s back with his latest high-concept thriller: this time about a serial killer trapped at a concert with his daughter, as the walls and law enforcement close in. We discuss whether this Josh Hartnett-led vehicle works, and whether the nepo baby accusations are warranted. Then on Take Two, we discuss the directors who are either the main draw for watching something, or the reason we avoid a project. Finally, on the B-Side, in honour of father-daughter duos in movies, we’re closing it out with Aerosmith’s classic tearjerker, I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing.
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The second season of House of the Dragon is done and dusted, with the tensions between the Greens and the Blacks at an all time high and more glorious dragon battles. We discuss the entire season before getting into the question of on screen kings & queens on Take Two and closing it off with another one of Ramin Djawadi’s iconic themes from the franchise on B-Side.
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Carmy and the gang are back, cousins! Each season of The Bear has had its own unique flavours and travails, and Season 3 picks up exactly where we left off, with the crew of the newly formed restaurant on the search for their menu, and a good review. We discuss how this season stands up against the earlier ones, and then since the awards (and some viewers) keep insisting that The Bear is a comedy, Take 2 is all about the shows and movies that manage to straddle that fine line between drama and comedy, before we close off on The B-Side with some Taylor Swift.
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Everyone’s favourite motor mouthed masked hero is back, partnered (for real this time) with a well-loved cigar-smoking Adamantium-clawed member of the X-Men! In other words, this week we’re reviewing Deadpool & Wolverine, and discussing whether this heavily anticipated reuniting of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman lives up to the hype. Then on Take Two, we discuss the moments when other actors have been perfectly matched with iconic roles. Finally, we close off with the B-Side, focusing on that legendary X-Men animated theme.
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New FBI agent Lee Harker finds themselves tangled in the dark web of a Satanic serial killer known as Longlegs, played by the ever eccentric Nicolas Cage. We review the film, before reflecting on our favourite horror films on Take Two and then closing it off with Bernard Herrmann’s iconic score from Psycho.
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House of the Dragon is back with its second season, and with all the hallmarks that have come to characterise Westeros: intense, twisted relationships, endless battles both literal and figurative, and more dragons than you can shake a stick at. We catch up with HotD Season 2 - or at least all the episodes that have dropped so far - before getting into the question of power struggles on screen in Take Two, and closing it off with Ramin Djawadi’s famous theme on B-Side.
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Popcorn Culture is back, with some changes in the lineup and the show, and we’re kicking things off with a review of the latest installment in the A Quiet Place series, A Quiet Place: Day One. After that, we move on to hearing from folks about the movies and shows they've enjoyed the most in 2024 - so far at least - before capping off with a deep dive into Bobby Darrin’s Beyond The Sea, which played a significant role in this movie series (and also Finding Nemo, among other films).
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All good trilogies need a big finale, so for the third time, we're celebrating music on screeen, and talking about our favourite needle drops, famous film composers, and the movie songs and soundtracks that we just can't stop listening to.
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The TV landscape is an immensely crowded one these days, with new shows dropping every few days, and often, disappearing into the ether just as quickly. Despite that, 2023 proved to be a strong year for TV viewers, whether with adaptations that managed to capture fans both old and new (The Last of Us, One Piece), ongoing shows that kept raising the bar (The Bear, Succession), or unexpected new hits (Beef, Blue Eye Samurai). We look back at our time spent watching TV in 2023, and talk about our favourites.
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From the lightning-in-a-bottle craze that was Barbenheimer to awards contenders like Napoleon and Killers of the Flower Moon, 2023 turned out to be a stacked year for movies, especially those in cinemas. Despite two historic Hollywood strikes that shook-up the industry for good, the year saw heavyweight filmmakers like Nolan, Scorcese, Fincher and Scott produce some of their most intriguing works, while franchise blockbusters like Across the Spider-Verse set new standards for animation. In this Supercut, we each look back at 2023 and list our Top 5 favourite movies of the year while asking listeners to do the same.
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Long before its release, Pendatang was making headlines, and for good reason too: it's billed as Malaysia's first fully crowdfunded movie (in part, so that it would also be free for all to watch), it's premiering on Youtube (in part, for wide distribution but also to sidestep issues of censorship), and it has an intriguing premise. It's a dystopian thriller, based in a version of Malaysia where different races are not permitted to mix, but a Chinese family discovering a young Malay girl in their house has to make a tough decision. Directed by Ng Ken Jin and written by Lim Boon Siang, it's been getting plenty of buzz - we get into the film itself, and whether it lives up to the hype.
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Directed by Jin Ong, Abang Adik has been making the rounds at film festivals and garnering acclaim along the way. The film explores themes that are familiar to many Malaysians: inequality, urban living, and family, through the story of two undocumented orphans living in Malaysia, Abang and Adik. While Abang tries to eke out an honest but modest living, Adik has different dreams - and then an event changes their life and relationship and upsets the fragile balance. We discuss the film, its performances, and what it says about our country (and our film scene!).
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A new Hayao Miyazaki film is always a treat, especially since The Boy and the Heron comes after a 10-year gap since his last. The story revolves around a 12-year-old boy struggling to deal with his mother's death, when a talking heron tells him she's still alive and leads him to a magical world. We review the movie, celebrate the joys of hand-drawn animation, and discuss that Miyazaki magic touch.
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Adapted from the wildly popular Japanese anime, this live action series managed to achieve that rare feat: the approval of the original's fans. Set in a fantastical world of oceans, islands, and pirates, the series tells the story of Monkey D. Luffy, who dreams of finding the ultimate treasure and becoming a Pirate King - and along the way, amasses an unlikely crew of friends, each with their own dream to fulfill. We review the show, and talk about how it manages to channel the anime's energy, adventure and aesthetic, while also being accessible to newbies.
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Wonka gave us the origin story of Willy Wonka. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes told us how President Snow, and the Hunger Games, came to be. Whose origin story do we want to see next, and whose origins are best left to uncertainty? In this Supercut, we go through some of our favourite characters and if we want to see their stories expanded. We also discuss if some not-so-interesting characters could have benefited from a proper backstory.
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Did we need a whole movie about Willy Wonka's backstory? Probably not, but it's hard to be cynical about anything by Paul King, director of the heartwarming smash hits, Paddington and Paddington 2. Starring Timothee Chalamet as a young Willy Wonka and Hugh Grant as an Oompa-Loompa, the movie aims to explain how an ordinary man with big dreams became the eccentric owner of the world's most legendary chocolate factory. In this episode, we review Wonka and discuss if it works as a prequel, the stacked cast and their performances, and if this will eventually become a new Willy Wonka franchise.
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The cat. The bat. The penguin. In the spirit of the holidays, we're throwing back to 1992's Batman Returns - the much anticipated yet highly controversial sequel to Tim Burton's 1989 blockbuster, Batman. With Michael Keaton reprising his role as Bruce Wayne and show-stealing performances by Michelle Pfeiffer as Selina Kyle and Danny DeVito as Oswald Cobblepot, Batman Returns amplifies the gothic eclecticness of its predecessor. We discuss the nostalgic quality of Tim Burton's vision of Gotham, the violence and darker themes that turned a lot of parents off at the time, and if Michael Keaton is the best live-action Batman there is.
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You talkin' to me?
I know it was you, Fredo. You broke my heart.
We were on a break!
Some lines are just imminently quotable... but which movies and shows actually top the list of being quoted most often (and let's face it, often out of context). That's what we explore in this week's Supercut, along with what makes a good quotable line, and why some endure over others.
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A teen/high school comedy with a twist, Bottoms is all about two unpopular queer teenagers (Ayo Edebiri and Rachel Sennott), who inadvertently start a fight club in order to get the cheerleaders of their dreams. Taking its cues from Wet Hot American Summer, Bring It On and Heathers, it was a hit at the festival circuit. Now that it's made its way to our (streaming) shores, we take a look and discuss if it lives up to the hype.
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We're breaking both the first and second rule of Fight Club this week, as we throwback to this modern classic from David Fincher. Starring Edward Norton and Brad Pitt, Fight Club explored male disenfranchisement, the disconnectedness of capitalist life, and mental health, in a highly stylised, highly violent and lurid way. We explore how the film has aged, and also discuss the many similar movies and shows it's inspired.
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The premise of today’s Supercut is simple: if you could, what movie would you like to make? Would it be a quirky indie feature with up-and-coming actors, a big blockbuster action movie, a dark, futuristic rumination on humanity, or a laugh-out-loud comedy? Or something else entirely? The sky’s the limit, so we discuss our dream screen projects.
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A Ridley Scott film comes with certain expectations: epic scale, larger-than-life characters, and lots of bombast. Napoleon certainly ticks all the boxes. The movie reunites Jaoquin Phoenix with the director, in the titular role as the famed French commander who ascends to the throne, and the plot examines his story through his relationship with the woman who is said to be his one true love, Josephine (Vanessa Kirby). We review the movie, and talk about what it takes to make a great historical epic.
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Based on the book of the same name, this prequel to the phenomenally successful Hunger Games franchise tells the story of 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow (Tom Blyth), years before he becomes the dictator of Panem. Snow is assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler) from District 12 as the 10th annual Hunger Games quickly approaches. We discuss The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and how it adds to the Hunger Games mythos, filling the shoes of pop culture icon Katniss Everdeen, and whether we'd like to see more movies from the dystopian districts of Panem.
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Loki, Morbius, Sylvie and the TVA return for another round of time-hopping, reality-altering shenanigans, following the events of the critically acclaimed first season. While not as bombastic as its predecessor, Season 2 sheds new light on our timeless characters in arguably one of the best stories in a post-Endgame MCU. We review the second season of Loki and discuss the titular character's glorious purpose, what this season means to the rest of the Multiverse, and if we'd like to see Loki and the gang return for a third season of the show.
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Every decade of filmmaking has its own mores and boundaries of what's acceptable, or okay to say and do. But in recent times. we've seen people revisiting some classics and pointing out some problematic storylines or behaviours, as well as major studios making a point to - at least on the surface - highlight diversity and inclusivity. But that hasn't come without pushback as well, particularly from longtime and deeply entrenched fans of certain IPs (ahem). What does all this mean for audiences, and fundamentally, has it made movies and shows better or worse? We get into this tricky subject.
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Neither Phase Four nor Five of Marvel's releases have been hugely popular among fans and moviegoers, so the question is: where will The Marvels land? Featuring Brie Larson's Captain Marvel, Teyonah Parris' Monica Rambeau, and Iman Vellani's Ms Marvel, and with a plot that hinges on their powers becoming entangled with one another, The Marvels is a movie that comes with a fair amount of baggage, but also heightened expectations (thanks in part to director Nia DaCosta). In this review, we discuss whether this movie really is out of this world, or crashes and burns.
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The latest from David Fincher sees him returning to well-trodden ground: an action thriller about an assassin (played by Michael Fassbender) who gets involved in an international manhunt after a job goes badly wrong. Some have said this is one of Netflix's best films this year, and with the talent of both Fincher and Fassbender (and bonus Tilda Swinton), the odds are good. We review it and discuss whether it's worth a watch.
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From films that crawl at a snail's pace, to movies where lots of things happen but somehow none of it matters, there's a lot to explore when it comes to what makes a cinema visit simply... boring. In this episode, we talk about some of our favourite (and least favourite!) boring movies, and try to unpack what makes them tick.
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Described as a science fiction romance, this movie revolves around controversial new technology that allows couples to test their relationship for true love. But what happens when you find yourself in love with more than one person? The cast is packed with interesting names, including Jessie Buckley, Jeremy Allen White, Riz Ahmed, and Annie Murphy. We review the film.
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We missed out on reviewing Shahrukh Khan’s latest megahit when it was in the cinemas, but we’re all locked and loaded for the big streaming release. Jawan sees the King Khan pairing up with buzzy Tamil director Atlee Kumar, for a movie that is big on action and drama, with a bunch of hit songs that have become viral hits - and a story that revolves around a mysterious vigilante who seems out to prove a point. We review the movie and talk about the ingredients that go into the perfect masala entertainer.
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Some films - and shows - come with crazy high expectations, whether it's because it's an epic culmination of decades-long buildup (Avengers Assemble, The Rise of Skywalker), the reunion of major stars and directors (De Niro and Pacino, anyone?), or just the latest blockbuster from a serious filmmaker (Oppenheimer). And frankly, sometimes those expectations are met and exceeded - but other times, it just means that they set a tone that simply can't be met. In this episode of Supercut, we break down the ways that expectations affect the way we view things, for better or for worse.
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Based on the ultra-popular 2014 videogame, Five Nights At Freddy's tells the story of a security guard (Josh Hutcherson) who starts working the night shift at Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria. Things get crazy when the restaurant's mascots come to life and have violent ideas of their own. We review Five Nights At Freddy's and discuss its quirky horror vibes, the state of videogame adaptations, and if this first film warrants a live-action franchise.
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To millions of people around the world, Matthew Perry will always be Chandler (Muriel) Bing: king of sarcasm, transponster, one half of Mondler, and the love of Joey Tribbiani's life. And it was a mark of how many lives he had touched when news of Perry's death on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54, resulted in a huge outpouring of tributes and grief. Offscreen, Perry was open about his struggles with addiction, and spent much of his post-Friends life advocating for support and rehabilitation for others like himself. We pay tribute to the actor behind one of the most memorable characters on TV, and discuss some of his other notable performances.
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From the more than 21 hour runtime of Amra Ekta Cinema Banabo (purportedly the longest non-experimental feature film ever made) to the more common, but still challenging 4 hour duration for the extended versions of the Lord of the Rings films, many movies pose a challenge to film lovers. In essence: how long is too long? When does a film's runtime become a turn-off? When is it justified? In this Supercut, we get into it and talk about films (and shows) that felt like they dragged, and others that just flew by.
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Scorsese, Deniro, Dicaprio - these three names alone would be a draw to watch most films. But Killers of the Flower Moon also promises much more than that: a story informed by tragedy, history, and collaboration with the Osage Nation, a great ensemble cast, and a mammoth running time (206 minutes). In this review, we get into Martin Scorsese's latest offering and talk about whether this might be his magnum opus.
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"You talkin' to me? I said, you talkin' to me?" In this Throwback, we go all the way to 1976's Taxi Driver, where those iconic lines were delivered by Robert Deniro's Travis Bickle. This also marked the second of the eventual eight movies that Martin Scorsese and Robert Deniro would collaborate on, over both their long careers, and set a number of themes that would continue to fascinate Scorsese: masculinity, crime, religious symbolism. With that in mind, we discuss how this movie has aged, and how it compares to some of the director's later works.
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Those Mickey Rooney scenes from Breakfast at Tiffany's. Those wife jokes from Everybody Loves Raymond. The racial politics of Crash. Movies and TV shows are very much a product of the time they were made in, and some just don't age well as values and sensibilities evolve over time. On this week's Supercut, we talk about the films and shows that haven't aged well, and the ones that have stood the test of time.
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We've had quite the journey with Otis, Eric, Maeve, Aimee, and gang, as we watched them grow from awkward teenagers with raging hormones into... slightly less awkward near-adults with raging hormones. The show has garnered a lot of praise for its portrayal of modern teenagers coming of age, and particularly for its sex-positive, inclusive storylines. In the fourth and final season, Otis (Asa Butterfield) is still offering his services as a pro bono sex therapist, albeit at a new school, and Eric (Ncuti Gatwa) is still his exuberant best friend. But with new friends thrown in the mix and impending adulthood beckoning, a lot of changes lie ahead too - not to mention, Otis' mother Jean (Gillian Anderson) trying to balance her career as a (real) sex therapist with a new baby. We review the last season, talk about the show's cultural impact and whether this was a fitting farewell.
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It might not be mentioned in the same breath as other era-defining movies, but back in 1999, American Pie was THE definitive coming-of-age movie, with a huge cult following amongst teenagers - so much so, it spawned a number of (unmentionable) terms that have become ubiquitous today, not to mention a three sequels and a bunch of spinoffs. The sex comedy centers on a group of five high school boys who make a pact to lose their virginity before high school graduation; which, as you can imagine, is ripe for much inappropriate humour. We revisit the move after more than two decades, to see how well it has aged, and whether it has anything to offer the audience of today.
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In honour of the ineffable chemistry of Steve Martin and Martin Short, we imagine the pairings that we'd most like to see on-screen. From the frankly unhinged (think Nicolas Cage and Adam Sandler, or Jack Black meets Succession), to sweet romcom couples (Shah Rukh Khan and Drew Barrymore anyone?), nothing's off-limits!
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Steve Martin and Martin Short are back as the podcasting, murder-solving detectives in the third season of Only Murders In The Building. This time, it's a new case, with new clues, on a much bigger stage. We review the third season of (what started as) one of our favourite pandemic shows to see if this new mystery is juicy enough, and funny enough, to keep us invested.
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It's a trope as old as time - three incompetents, in this case actors played by Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Chevy Chase, are mistaken for heroes and now have to save a Mexican village from a gang of ruthless bandits. It's Galaxy Quest, it's Wild Hogs, it's a dozen other movies. However, despite negative reviews, Three Amigos has always had a cult following as a genuinely hilarious movie starring three legendary comedians in their prime. We revisit 1986's Three Amigos and discuss if the humor holds up, if the reviews got it wrong, and the longstanding chemistry between the iconic Martin duo.
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With The Creator still on our minds, we’re taking the opportunity to once more celebrate some of our favourite versions of the future as seen through the eyes of filmmakers and showrunners. From the bleak dystopia of Handmaid’s Tale, to the less-bleak dystopia of Wall-E, we talk through some of our picks, and explore whether we prefer an optimistic or pessimistic imaginary future.
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A film that's coming in with a fair amount of hype, The Creator is directed by Gareth Edwards (of Rogue One and Godzilla fame) and is set in a future that's been deeply affected by a war between humans and artificial intelligence, focusing on a hunt for the creator of a mysterious weapon that may destroy all mankind. With some critics deeming it one of the best films of 2023, we dive in and discuss whether it does, in fact, match the heights of Edwards' previous works.
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Wes Anderson returns for a second Roald Dahl adaptation, with The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar - a fantasy short film that offers Anderson's signature stylistic and storytelling flourishes, melded with one of Dahl's sweetest tales, pun intended. As you'd expect, it also has a stacked cast, with Benedict Cumberbatch, Ralph Fiennes, Dev Patel and Ben Kingsley all making appearances. We discuss if it lives up to expectations, and if we're looking forward to the next 5 adaptations of other Dahl stories.
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Description: No One Will Save You is described as a sci fi-horror-thriller - so of course we had to watch it out of sheer curiosity. The story revolves around Brynn (Kaitlyn Dever), a woman living in exile in her childhood home, when the house is suddenly invaded by aliens. We review it, because we just had to.
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Tar never made it to our cinemas, but rose to prominence when Cate Blanchett received an Oscar nomination for her performance as a renowned musician in it. Now that it’s available on streaming, we catch up on the hype.
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A few weeks ago, a movie-publicity company called Bunker 15 was outed for paying independent reviewers to give certain movies positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. This reemphasizes a notion that many in the film industry have held for years - that Rotten Tomatoes is flawed, disruptive, and easily hackable. But what does that mean for us, the average moviegoers, and how much do "Tomatometer" scores influence our viewing habits? On this (very meta) Supercut, we're discussing the merits of movie and TV show reviews and how they've changed over time, and whether it's more meaningful to look at the "Audience Scores" instead before buying a ticket.
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Belgian super-sleuth Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh) is back to investigate a murder in the third adaptation of the Agatha Christie mystery series, A Haunting In Venice. However, a certain supernatural twist throws the celebrated detective for a loop, pitting him against his most dangerous opponent. The movie boasts an ensemble cast including Jamie Dornan, Tina Fey, Ali Khan, Kyle Allen, and Michelle Yeoh. In this episode, we hold our magnifying glasses to A Haunting In Venice and discuss how it stacks up against its predecessors, if the central mystery is fun enough, and if we'd like to see more of Kenneth Branagh's mustachioed mystery solver.
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In anticipation of 'A Haunting in Venice', we rewind to 1999 for the critically acclaimed psychological thriller, The Talented Mr. Ripley. Tom Ripley (Matt Damon) travels to Venice to bring Dickie (Jude Law) back to America, only to get lost in Dickie's luxurious lifestyle. What follows is a story of obsession, greed and a serious case of stolen identity. We discuss the clever writing behind The Talented Mr. Ripley, the movie's stacked cast including Gwyneth Paltrow, Cate Blanchett, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Jack Davenport, and the timelessness of a good thriller.
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The process of finally coming into one's own, and that transition between childhood and adulthood, is such a ripe and fruitful space for storytelling. So it's no wonder that there are so many shows and films set in that emotional space! From Boy Meets World to Lady Bird, we discuss some of our favourites, and as always, ask for yours too!
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Introducing a whole new generation of Sandler's to movie audiences, You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah was also (initially) patriarch Adam Sandler's highest-rated picture on Rotten Tomatoes. While that's shifted since, there's been a lot of love going to this coming-of-age dramedy that's all about two best friends (played by Sunny Sandler and Samantha Lorraine) looking forward to their bat mitzvahs, only to have things go awry because of a boy. We review the film and discuss whether we're seeing the continuation of the Adam Sandler Netflix empire.
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Get in losers, we're going on a throwback! 19 years on from this Tina Fey-penned comedy teen classic, we're looking back on the misadventures of Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan), a home-schooled teenager who finds herself back in an American high school after 12 years in Africa. She has to negotiate friendships, bullying, and love, and ultimately decide if she's going to be a Plastic, aka a Mean Girl. We look back at this film, and discuss how it's aged.
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Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) is no longer a government assassin - he now lives in Southern Italy with a new community he calls his own. But old habits die hard, and he continues to stand up for the oppressed - and soon, he finds himself taking on the local mafia. We review the movie and discuss whether the Denzel-Antoine Fuqua actor-director pairing still has its draws.
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With The Equalizer 3 now in the theatres, we revisit Denzel Washington and director Antoine Fuqua's first collab, a crime thriller classic from 2001 which has gone on to gain cult status. The film revolves around two LAPD narcotics officers, played by Washington and Ethan Hawke, over a 24-hour period in the gang-ridden neighborhoods - and things don't go as planned. We review the film and talk about how the tropes hold up.
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In conjunction with BFM turning 15, we’re looking back at a very special list of our own - our top 15 movies that we’ve reviewed on the show. Expect picks that embrace classic films, full-on weirdness, and genre favourites!
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One of the most critically acclaimed films of 2022, Women Talking was written and directed by Sarah Polley and based on Miriam Toews's 2018 novel of the same name. It features a stacked cast (think Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley, Frances McDormand), and tells a compelling story of an isolated community talking about guilt, sexual violence, and living alongside perpetrators. We discuss the film's theme, performances, and ultimately, whether it works as a film experience.
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In honor of Malaya's independence (sorry, we know it's a tenuous link), we're throwing it back to a classic film from 1957, Sidney Lumet's 12 Angry Men. Exploring concepts of guilt, accountability, and consensus, it's widely regarded as one of the best films ever made. In this Throwback, we discuss if it lives up to its reputation.
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We don't like to brag, but we're bringing this episode back for a sequel due to popular demand. On this Supercut, we continue celebrating our favourite needle drops, famous film composers, and the movie songs and soundtracks that we just can't stop listening to.
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It's a shame that Blue Beetle is being released during a transitory, turbulent time in DC's cinematic timeline because, by all accounts, it looks like a fun time at the movies. It tells the story of Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña), a kid who bonds with a symbiotic relic called the Scarab and is given a suit of armor and extraordinary powers. We review DC's newest film in the who-knows-what-chronology-this-is and discuss if it's enough to get the studio back on track. We also talk about Blue Beetle's Latinx representation and how this bodes for James Gunn's rebooted DC universe.
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There are numerous reasons why 1986's The Fly became a pop culture touchstone - it is a classic David Cronenberg body horror fest, it's the root of many a childhood nightmare, and it is the beginning of the Jeff Goldblum phenomenon. We throwback to the classic and discuss why they really don't make 'em like they used to.
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Some moviegoers love having their minds challenged (think The Tree of Life or 12 Years a Slave), while others just want to have a good time (Godzilla vs Kong, anyone?). In this Supercut, we weigh the merits of those difficult, challenging films that ask a lot of us as viewers, against the movies that are just pure entertainment.
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When her uncle mysteriously turns up unannounced one night, Bonnie (Chen Keat Yoke) ends up taking a trip back to her hometown in rural Behrang Stesen. Little does she expect to get stranded there during a Covid-19 lockdown, where she is forced to take refuge in her family's old coffeeshop - only to discover that it is haunted by the ghosts of her relatives who have returned for the Hungry Ghost Festival. We review the movie and talk about, among other things, its unique premise.
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This local thriller made waves when it was released last year, both for its strong showing at the Locarno Film Festival and all the positive reviews; and it's finally available for streaming in Malaysia. Plot details are kept deliberately mysterious: a woman living on the east coast becomes entangled with a man who isn't what he seems. Oh, and there's time travel involved. Directed by Woo Ming Jin, the film stars Asmara Abigail, Bront Palarae and Amerul Affendi. We review the movie.
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Brad Pitt vs an octopus. Kate Winslet vs an eagle. Viola Davis fighting for her life against an evil python - all possibilities we explore in this frankly unhinged Supercut, in which we talk about the actors we'd like to see facing off against fictional beasts and monsters!
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What do you get when you cross a sequel, gigantic prehistoric sharks, and Jason Statham? Why, a follow-up to 2018's The Meg, of course! In this review, we talk about whether Meg 2: The Trench lives up to its promise of more sharks, and a darker tone.
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After a season of stress, grief, mayhem, The Bear returns to explore the (mis)adventures of Carmy, Syd, Richie and co, as they continue to try to revamp The Beef into a different, finer version of its former glories. But what do they gain and what do they lose in this process? And how much does a sense of purpose factor in? That's what Season 2 looks into - we discuss whether it's a worthy follow-up to what was a great first season.
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There's an art to putting together the perfect double bill. You could go by director (Memento and Inception?), by actor (Speed and John Wick?), by genre (Pacific Rim and Edge of Tomorrow?), or by theme (Little Miss Sunshine and The Royal Tenenbaums?). The key to a good double bill though, is that each movie should not just stand well on its own, but pair with the other to maximise the viewer experience. On this week's Supercut, we discuss which movies we'd love to watch as a double bill.
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This seemingly unassuming Netflix release ends up leaving quite an impression with a sci fi/horror plot that reimagines the blaxploitation genre through an impressive cast (John Boyega, Jamie Foxx, Teyonah Parris), loads of style, and a surprising amount of heart. We're trying not to give away the plot, but really, the title is all you need.
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The latest entry in the Evil Dead franchise takes the notion of difficult families to horrific extremes, as a reunion between two estranged sisters is interrupted by... well, flesh-possessing demons. We needed a lot of convincing, but we review the movie and see how it holds up against its rich horror history.
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Director Christopher Nolan recently revealed his favourite seats in a cinema. It got us thinking - center seats, middle section... or couple-sofas way at the back? How about snug beanie beds? Onyx, Screen X, 4DX, or IMAX? Popcorn, nuggets, or smuggled-in snacks? Or maybe you're a Netflix-at-home kinda person. On this Supercut, we're discussing, and designing, the perfect moviegoing experience. Whether it's on opening night in a packed hall, or three weeks later on a weekday afternoon, whether it was for Avengers: Endgame or during Titanic way back in 1997, we're talking about the many different ways we've made and experienced a perfect trip to the cinema.
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A 3 hour runtime, a film shot wholly for 70mm IMAX, a stacked cast including Cilian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr, Matt Damon and Emily Blunt, and arguably the most ambitious project by director Christopher Nolan. Question is - does Oppenheimer live up to all the hype? With practically no CGI, as claimed by Nolan himself, and a story based on one of the most important events in modern history - Robert Oppenheimer's role in the creation of the atomic bomb - this movie has all but ensured its place as a major awards contender. We review Oppenheimer and discuss its aggressive use of practical effects, Nolan's insistence on IMAX and rare premium formats, as well as Cilian Murphy's turn as a leading man on the big screen.
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While the marketing for this movie has been off-the-charts, the studio has been surprisingly light on details regarding plot. Here's what we know - it's a comedy-drama directed by Greta Gerwig and stars Margot Robbie as the lead Barbie among the many other Barbies. It also stars Ryan Gosling as the main Ken among other Kens, and the two leads go off on an adventure that challenges the nature of their iconic relationship and the world they live in. This movie also caused a shortage of pink paint in the real world. In this episode, we discuss Barbie's legendary pop culture impact, how this movie stands up to the hype, the film's ridiculously stacked cast, and if it's the champion of the Barbenheimer battle.
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Ask someone what they think is a perfect movie or TV show, and you're likely to get a whole variety of answers, from Casablanca to The Godfather to Back to the Future to Coco, or from FRIENDS to Mad Men to The Good Place. So in this Supercut, we break down what perfection means when it comes to the screen, and share some of our personal, perfect favourites.
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Do we really need a synopsis of MI7, or at this point are we all just waiting to see what literal new heights Tom Cruise will scale (and leap off of)? For what it's worth, in this latest edition, Ethan Hunt and the IMF team have to track down a new weapon of mass destruction, which sets off a deadly chase around the world while contending with a mysterious, seemingly all-powerful foe. Will Ethan sacrifice even those he loves for the success of the mission?
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There are so many ways these days for movies and shows to get promoted, or to have their lives and pop culture footprint extended - social media love and fandom will do that to you. In this Supercut, we break down some of the things we've watched mostly because of the social media buzz, and discuss the ways memes have shaped the way films and shows get talked about.
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Charlie Brooker's ongoing meditation on how technology is shaping and warping our lives is back for its sixth season! Featuring some heavy-hitting actors including Salma Hayek, Aaron Paul, Josh Hartnett, Kate Mara, and Zazie Beetz, it also explores some new stories for the series, and looks at the past and present as much as the future. We discuss whether it's worth the time.
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Billed as a charming, gentle film about a love of fashion, and trying to find one's way in life, Mrs Harris Goes To Paris is all about a widow exploring the world of haute couture, Paris, and a new lease on life. Starring the formidable Lesley Manville and Isabelle Huppert, the film surprised the box office and critics when it first came out. We discuss our experiences of watching it, and whether we'd recommend it!
Image Credit: Dávid Lukács / © 2021 Ada Films Ltd - Harris Squared Kf
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For the fifth and final time, Indiana Jones returns to our screens with both whipcracks and wisecracks (sorry) to spare. With Harrison Ford closing off his time as this iconic character and James Mangold behind the camera, expectations are high despite Kingdom of the Crystal Skull getting disappointing reviews previously. We talk about what it's like watching a (much-older) Dr Jones face off against his old enemies, the Nazis, and saying goodbye to this long-running franchise.
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Based on the TV show from the 1960s, The Fugitive is all about a husband wrongly accused of killing his wife, who then has to evade capture while trying to clear his name. Featuring Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones trying to out-grizzle each other, The Fugitive was a smash hit when it was first released in 1993. 30 years on, we watch it and discuss how this thriller has held up.
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The latest release from Pixar Studios, Elemental is a play on the classic theme of opposites attract. Set in a world where the elements of nature have been anthropomorphised and two opposing elements (fire and water) fall in love, it explores romance and relationships, along with ethnic and generational hang-ups. And while all of that sound close to what we'd expect from this studio, the box office (and reviews) have been underwhelming. We watch it for ourselves, and discuss whether it worked for us, and why it doesn't seem to have landed as well for others.
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A classic buddy comedy, Rush Hour was also Jackie Chan's first true Hollywood crossover - pairing his physical chops with Chris Tucker's fast-talking comedy. It was a success at the time, though Chan himself has always disavowed it. So how has it aged 25 years on? We discuss.
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It's time for another crossover - or as we like to call it, A Bit of Popcorn Culture! We're adopting the format and style of A Bit of Culture, and asking each person to bring in a topic - related to cinema and pop culture of course - to discuss, before we close off with recommendations. This time round, we're discussing musical biopics and whether they're ever any good, the impact of Artificial Intelligence on filmmaking, and nostalgia hype and whether it's generational.
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After several delays, production issues, controversy surrounding its leading actor and a massive shakeup at Warner Bros and DC, The Flash is finally out in cinemas. Hailed as the final film in the current DC timeline spearheaded by Zack Snyder, The Flash loosely adapts the critically acclaimed 'Flashpoint Paradox' comics arc in an attempt to reset the DC cinematic landscape. Barry Allen warps back in time to save his mother, only to find himself in another reality - one where there's no Justice League, Earth has a different Kryptonian, General Zod is ready to destroy the planet... and then there's Batman. We review The Flash and discuss the end of the DCEU ahead of James Gunn's new cinematic universe, seeing Michael Keaton don the Batsuit after 31 years, and if this movie lives up to all the industry praise it has been getting.
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Extraction was a resounding success for Netflix so it was only a matter of time before we got a sequel, which promises to have higher stakes, more action and more explosions than its predecessor. Chris Hemsworth reprises his role as commando Tyler Rake, who must now go on a mission to save a ruthless gangster's imprisoned family. In this episode, we review one of the biggest drops on Netflix this year, Extraction 2, and discuss if it packs enough high-octane craziness to rival the first movie, how it compares to other blockbuster action movies, and where we'd like to see the series go from here.
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Some movies and TV shows are so formulaic, so cringey, so undeserving of anyone's time... that we just have to watch them again, and again. Maybe it's secretly liking Batman & Robin, defending Face/Off as ci-ne-mah, quoting Ella Enchanted or binging trashy reality shows with the word "Love" in it - we all have our guilty pleasures. In this Supercut, we're discussing the shows and movies that we know are objectively bad, yet find ourselves drawn to them anyway.
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How many live-action Transformers movies are there? Honestly, we're not sure, but that won't stop Rise of the Beasts from making a lot of money at the box-office. Based on the ultra-popular Beast Wars line of toys and equally popular 3D animated series from the 90s, this latest film reintroduces us to Optimus Prime and his Autobots, the villainous Decepticons, and a new species of primal cybernetic beings. Of course, there's also a world-ending threat in the mix. We review Transformers: RotB and discuss the ups and downs of the film, while trying to make sense of the series' complicated canon (or lack thereof).
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Based on the popular graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang, American-Born Chinese is the story of Jin Wang (Ben Wang), a teenager who finds himself juggling his home life and school life... all while figuring out his role in a battle of Chinese mythological gods! The show also reunites Everything, Everywhere, All At Once stars Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu and Ke Huy Quan. In this episode, we discuss one of Disney+'s most highly reviewed shows to date and its place in today's crowded pop culture landscape.
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Nice is a bit of a loaded word - while it's ostensibly a good thing, does it make for interesting stories or characters? That's what we explore in this Supercut - who are some of the nicest on-screen characters, and what makes them work without being boring? And simply put - which fictional character would you most like to be friends with?
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Miles Morales returns to the multiverse as Spider-Man, reuniting with Gwen Stacy, and encountering other Spider-People who have been tasked with protecting the multiverse... though the path to collaboration is far from smooth. Following as a sequel to 2018's widely lauded Spider-Man: Into The Spider Verse, this comes with high expectations. We discuss whether the film manages to live up to all of it, and capture the joy of the first movie.
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Believe! The multiple Emmy Award-winning show that champions niceness, mental health and self-development in the guise of being a workplace sitcom, is back. In this review, we break down whether Ted Lasso manages to close off its character arcs well, and whether it lives up to the potential of Season 1.
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What goes into creating the perfect finale for a beloved show? From those that stuck the landing (Cheers, Breaking Bad) to those that crashed and burned (How I Met Your Mother, Game of Thrones), this week, we're talking about that all-important final stretch.
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As far as Disney classics go, The Little Mermaid is one the big ones, and this live action remake has attracted controversy almost from the beginning - particularly for its casting of African-American actress/singer Halle Bailey in the titular role of Ariel. But beyond that, are also questions of whether people are increasingly growing weary of these live-action Disney remakes. So we head under the sea to review this latest outing - which also stars, among others, Melissa McCarthy as Ursula the sea witch, and Javier Bardem as Ariel's father Triton - and discuss whether this version recaptures the magic of its predecessor.
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Big tech is coming, a pivotal presidential election is impending, and the Roy children are still maneuvering for their place at the top of the family’s billion-dollar media empire - while patriarch-mogul Logan Roy (Brian Cox) remains as inscrutable and ruthless as ever. With one of the best-reviewed and most avidly watched shows of the last few years coming to a close, the stakes get higher every episode, and the boardroom (and family gathering) drama is dialled up to a hundred. We review the show’s final season, and talk about whether it led up to a worthy finale.
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Some movie franchises go downhill, some TV shows jump the shark, and some pop culture phenomena just don't know when to stop. On this week's Supercut, we talk about the movies and TV shows we've just given up on, and what made us tap out.
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Like it or not, there's no denying that the Fast and the Furious franchise is a pop culture juggernaut, with recent installments raking in billions of dollars at the global box office. In Fast X, the first of a three-part planned finale, Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) gathers the Family for another go-round against a dangerous new foe played by Jason Momoa. In this episode, we review the tenth movie in the Fast franchise and discuss if the crazy cars, bombastic stunts, and multiple mentions of familial bonds are enough to keep the series revving for another sequel or two.
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To say that we were hyped for The Woman King would be an understatement. Although cinemas in Malaysia decided to give it a pass, we finally get to (legally) watch and review it thanks to Netflix. In this 1820s war drama, Viola Davis plays a battle-tested general who trains an army of female warriors who must protect their kingdom against a new enemy. As if Viola Davis needs any further praise, we discuss her critically acclaimed performance in The Woman King as Nanisca, and speculate as to why the film didn't get as much shine during this year's awards season.
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Sitcoms have changed so much over the last fifteen years. They may not have laugh tracks, but the new generation of sitcoms have given us some of the funniest content ever made for TV and streaming. From It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia to Derry Girls, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine to Abbott Elementary, we're dedicating today's Supercut to our favorite new-ish sitcoms of the modern-ish era.
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On the surface, The Mother looks like just another skippable action flick on Netflix, but upon closer inspection, its skippability quickly decreases. First, it stars Jennifer Lopez as a military-trained assassin who comes out of hiding to protect her estranged daughter against revenge-crazed criminals. If you're still not sold, it's also directed by Niki Caro, who helmed The Zookeeper's Wife, North Country, McFarland USA... and the live-action remake of Mulan. In this episode, we review a movie that has every right to be a lot of mindless fun, at the very least, and discuss if it truly lives up to its potential.
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Every now and then, a great show debuts with all the right ingredients and a nearly flawless first season... with no (pop) cultural impact. That show is Shrinking. Starring Jason Segel in one of his best roles, the comedy-drama tells the story of Jimmy, a grieving therapist who breaks all rules of conduct by getting too close to his patients. The show is written by Brett Goldstein of Ted Lasso fame and also stars Harrison Ford being his grumpiest, grouchiest, grinchiest self. In this episode, we review Shrinking and discuss everything we liked about it.
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Following a week of films in which the score and songs are front and centre, we discuss the importance of getting it right when it comes to the music in films. From pitch perfect needle drops, to famous composers, we run through all our favourites.
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The conclusion of the madcap adventures of the most ragtag heroes in the MCU, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is more than a swansong for Star-Lord and gang, but also for its director and writer James Gunn. We discuss whether this is a return to form for Marvel, as well as whether this unlikely trilogy manages to land the (space) ship.
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A continuation of the blockbuster saga that is Ponniyin Selvan, Part II picks up where the first movie left off - as Prince Arunmozhi Varman (Jayam Ravi) continues on his path towards becoming Emperor Rajaraja I, despite threats to his family. And frankly, more characters than you can shake a stick at. The film also boasts a star-studded cast, including Vikram, Aishwarya Rai, and Karthi, alongside Mani Ratnam's direction and A.R. Rahman's score - so we discuss whether it lives up to the promise of the first film, and does justice to its source material.
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Cole (Chris Evans) and Sadie (Ana de Armas) meet-cute and go on an amazing date, and Cole thinks she could be "the one" - only to find himself ghosted. Determined to win Sadie over, he hops on a flight to London, but discovers that there is a lot more to Sadie than meets the eye. The movie is being marketed as a romantic action-adventure with sizzling chemistry between the two leads; we review the movie and talk about whether it delivers.
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It might be as unbelievable as a pair of twins pulling a cross-continental switcheroo, but The Parent Trap turns 25 this year - and we're happy to report that its charms remain as warm and fuzzy as ever. Lindsay Lohan in her sparkling debut performance plays twins Hallie and Annie, who are separated at birth after their parents' divorce, and discover each other at a summer camp after 11 years. There, they hatch a plot to reunite their parents (Natasha Richardson and Dennis Quaid). We talk about why the movie is such a rewarding rewatch, and whether we'd ever want a remake.
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For the first time, we're doing something a little different with Supercut - it's a crossover! We're adopting the format and style of A Bit of Culture, and asking each person to bring in a topic - related to cinema and pop culture of course - to discuss, before we close off with recommendations.
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The latest attempt to translate the wildly popular game to the big screen - after some notable flops - features a large celebrity voice cast (Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black, Seth Rogen) and all the characters that fans would expect (Mario and Luigi, Princess Peach, Bowser, Donkey Kong). But it's also been dogged by some criticisms even before its opening, from casting to its general approach, so we weigh up whether this one's a good watch at the cinema, and whether it does justice to its source material.
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One of THE classic buddy comedies, Ivan Reitman's Twins has something of an unbeatable premise: Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny Devito are twin brothers, who are initially unaware of each others' existence, until they encounter one another, and then comedic hijinks ensue. We discuss whether it's a fun rewatch, and how it translates to a viewing 35 years after it first premiered.
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We all know and fear Dracula - so imagine being his helper for centuries on end. This is exactly where Renfield (Nicholas Hoult) finds himself in this movie: desperate to break away from his master's clutches and ready to start living his own best life. But will his narcissistic - and undead - boss (Nicolas Cage) leave him be? We love an outlandish premise on this show, so we review the movie and talk about whether it truly... comes to life.
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Steven Yeun and Ali Wong star in this dark comedy show where two strangers get entangled in a road rage incident that results in an escalating series of events, where they keep trying to take revenge on each other - all while we progressively learn more and more about the twists and turns of their lives. The show has been a smash hit since its release, and we review it to see if it's worth all the hype.
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Here's a true story - this "based on a true story" Supercut is based on a previous Supercut we did back in 2020 about movies and TV shows based on true stories. In the spirit of two critically acclaimed true event movies this week, Tetris and Air, we're revisiting our favourite movies and TV shows that are based on real people and events. We discuss the things Hollywood gets right about these adaptations, the level of creative license we're willing to accept, and when a "true story" becomes "loosely inspired by".
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We're not sure what's more exciting about this movie - the fact that it reunites Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, or that it has a stacked cast including Viola Davis, Chris Tucker, and Jason Bateman, or that it's about the most iconic shoeline in modern culture, the Air Jordan. In this episode, we review Air, a quirky biopic about how Phil Knight (Affleck) and Sonny Vaccaro (Damon) pursued Michael Jordan to have his name slapped on a new range of Nike shoes.
Image Credit: airmovie/Instagram
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Anyone who's anyone knows Tetris - the wildly popular videogame that kept players hooked in the 80s and is still enjoyed to this day. But unlike the game, the story behind the making of Tetris is anything but straightforward. Apple TV's newest watercooler film chronicles the life of Henk Rogers (Taron Egerton), who developed Tetris in 1988 and then risked it all by travelling to the Soviet Union in the hopes of going mainstream. In this episode, we review Tetris and its unorthodox part-puzzle-part-political-thriller concept, the performances of Egerton and crew, and the movie's musically driven energy.
Image Credit: tetris_official/Instagram
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A good performance is rooted in so many things - physicality, emotions, the right casting - but something we don't talk about enough (pun intended) is the power of a great voice and how that contributes to an actor's stature and star power. So in this Supercut, we're highlighting some of our favourite voices on-screen!
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This latest reboot of the beloved game sees Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Rege-Jean Page and Hugh Grant (among others in a rather stacked cast) embark on an epic quest to retrieve a long-lost relic, though as you might expect, things also go awry... and hijinks ensue. We talk about whether the laughs stack up against the adventure/fantasy elements, and whether this breathes new life into the franchise.
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After the success of the Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston pairing in Murder Mystery, it's time for a sequel. This installment sees Sandler's Nick Spitz (a police officer) and Aniston's Audrey Spitz (a hairdresser and mystery novel enthusiast) going head to head with baddies in locales as varied as Hawaii and Paris. We discuss whether it's a fun watch and whether we want to see more.
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From adorable stoner to romantic heartthrob to sci fi hero to avenging hitman, if any actor’s done it all, it’s Keanu Reeves - while managing to maintain a perennial good guy image throughout. In this Supercut, we pay tribute to all things Keanu.
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In his fourth outing, the John Wick legend continues to grow - the hitman, played by Keanu Reeves (of course), takes his fight global as he goes after powerful underworld figures around the world. We review and geek out over the movie, and talk about the improbable journey the John Wick franchise has taken to mega success.
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John Woo. Chow Yun-Fat. Leslie Cheung. Hong Kong classics don’t come more stacked than this. Ahead of our review of John Wick: Chapter 4, we throw back to one of the originators of the gun fu and that indefinable John Woo cinematic style. In the movie, an ex-gangster attempts to reconcile with his estranged brother who is a policeman, but finds that his past is more difficult to leave behind than he anticipated. We review the movie, and revel in its awesomeness!
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One of the most heated conversations in pop culture of late is about Hollywood's dependence on IP - be it milking major franchises, making sequels to movies from decades ago, and yes, remakes. While some remakes (like Ocean's Eleven) are great, many others didn't have to be made, again. In this Supercut, we discuss our favourite and not-so-favourite remakes, what we'd like to see remade, as well as the movies and TV shows we never want touched... ever!
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With the old DC Universe now defunct and / or collapsing on itself, Shazam! Fury of the Gods could be the last time we see Zachary Levi as the titular goofy hero... or not. It's all pretty confusing. This time, Billy Batson and the gang are up against a trio of ancient gods who are in search of the magic that was stolen from them eons ago. In this episode, we review the sequel to Shazam! and discuss if it warrants a whole trilogy, if we'd like to see Shazam in James Gunn's new DC Universe, and if this second installment is as fun as the first movie.
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As we enter the summer blockbuster season and prepare for CGI overload, we're throwing back to 1963 and the visual effects spectacular of its time - Jason and the Argonauts. Jason, a man in search of a magical Golden Fleece, gathers Greece's best warriors and goes off on an adventure, battling hydras, giants, and a skeleton army along the way. Classic, cinematic fun. In this episode, we discuss the film's stop motion animation and why it's still so inspiring, as well as what modern blockbusters can learn from classic cinema.
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Fresh off the 2023 Academy Awards, we sit down to discuss its highs and lows, and of course both the big wins and major snubs.
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65 boasts an impressive (if offbeat) premise and line-up of talent: it comes from the writers of A Quiet Place, stars Adam Driver... and is about a pilot who crashes on an unknown planet, which turns out to be our very own planet Earth, but during the Cretaceous period, which means to survive, he needs to battle both the prehistoric elements, and of course its creatures. We discuss this high-concept movie, and where it fits into previous dino-driven blockbusters.
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We last checked in on The Last of Us at the halfway mark, and at the time, gave it rave reviews. Now that the first season is done (with Season Two in the pipeline), we discuss the series, and whether it lived up to the hype and promise not just of its beginning, but also of its origins, the critically acclaimed and much-beloved videogame duology.
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From the palpable tension in every second of Uncut Gems to the unwavering sense of danger in Saving Private Ryan, some of the best movies are also some of the most stressful to watch... and rewatch. In this episode, we discuss some of our "favourite" stress-inducing films and TV shows and wonder why we willingly put ourselves through these situations.
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In Adonis Creed's (Michael B. Jordan) third outing, he needs to put his career and family life on the line when a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy, Damian (Jonathan Majors), resurfaces to prove himself. We review the movie and talk about whether the Creed franchise still packs a punch.
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Yes, chef! In this episode, we finally get around to reviewing the critically acclaimed, award-winning half-hour drama series, The Bear. A young chef named Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) leaves the fine dining world to save his family's sandwich shop, only to find that managing an eclectic group of kitchen staff while balancing family drama and running a business is causing him to spiral out of control. We discuss the show's anxiety-inducing brand of comedy-drama, the amazingly talented cast it brings to the table, and how many seasons of The Bear we'd love to put up with.
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With the big-screen reissue of Titanic for its 25th anniversary, that had us thinking - what other movies would we like to have the opportunity to watch (or re-watch) in theatres? We discuss some of our picks, and why we've chosen them, and open up the discussion to our listeners as well!
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Nik Amir Mustapha's Imaginur explores memory, identity and time, through the story of Zuhal (Beto Kusyairy) who turns to hypnotherapy to help cure his panic disorder. However, his life is shortly turned upside down as strange events and encounters follow, and he is unable to find the line between reality and fantasy. We talk about what it's like watching this film and its non-linear approach to storytelling.
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A bear gets into bricks of coke and goes on an all-out rampage in the Georgia forest, terrorising innocents and creating a trail of chaos in an attempt to feed its newfound addiction. We review one of the wildest movies of the year and discuss if its blend of comedy, action, and gore lives up to its positively ridiculous plot.
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31 films and 8 series down (and who knows how many more to go), the Marvel engine is chugging along and busier than ever. In this Supercut, we look back at the Phases that have come our way, and discuss how these films have shaped and affected the industry and the landscape of cinema, for good or ill. We also discuss our favourites, alongside the ones that just didn't work.
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The latest installment of the MCU, and the first in Phase Five, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantamania, sees Scott Lang and Hope van Dyne, along with Hank Pym, Janet van Dyne, and Lang's daughter, Cassie, go on a new adventure exploring the Quantum Realm, on a journey that leads them to a showdown against Kang the Conqueror, played by Jonathan Majors, in a role that's been much-tipped as the next Big Bad in Marvel. We discuss whether this movie is a good one, and whether it does well in setting up the next series of continuing stories in the MCU.
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A surprise hit from 1989, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids set a high watermark for the admittedly niche genre of comedic science fiction. Telling the story (and misadventures) of what happens when zany scientist and inventor Wayne Szalinski accidentally shrinks his kids - and his neighbour's- and they have to find their way back to safety. Years on, we discuss whether this film holds up to scrutiny, both in terms of its storytelling and its special effects.
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Whether you enjoy movie monsters, action adventures, sci fi thrillers, historical dramas, or war epics, chances are at least one Steven Spielberg movie will count amongst your list of favourites. An incredibly prolific filmmaker with a five-decade long career, Spielberg has given us some of the biggest, most beloved blockbusters of all time - ET, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, take your pick! - and influenced a whole generation of filmmaking. In this Supercut, we look at his style of filmmaking, our favourite Spielberg movies, and why, despite his incredible success, he's often viewed as being more crowd-pleasing than accomplished.
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Directed by Steven Spielberg, The Fabelmans is a semi-autobiographical movie inspired by Spielberg's own adolescence and how he fell in love with filmmaking. In the movie, the fictional Sammy Fabelman (Gabriel LaBelle), discovers the power of cinema alongside uncovering difficult truths about his family. The film also stars Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, and Seth Rogen. We review the "film about films", and discuss how it gives us an intimate look at one of the best-known filmmakers of our time.
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Looking past the blonde bombshell persona, Pamela, A Love Story re-examines and reframes Pamela Anderson's legacy, starting from her beginnings as a small-town girl all the way to her ascent into becoming an international sex symbol. Along the way, the documentary also asks complex questions about fame and how women, in particular, are viewed by the public eye. We review the film and talk about all the praise it's been garnering.
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From the kitschy joy of The Flintstones, to the sweeping gowns and lavish trappings of period dramas, historical films and shows have an appeal uniquely their own. In this episode of Supercut, we talk about some favourites who have done it well, and what they get right.
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Based on the critically acclaimed videogame duology, The Last of Us S1 has been garnering more praise with each passing episode and is being called one of the most faithful adaptations of any source material. With nine episodes this season, each over an hour long, we decided to check-in at the halfway mark and give our thoughts on HBO's newest watercooler sensation. From Pedro Pascal's portrayal of Joel to the terrifying depiction of "the infected", we discuss The Last of Us so far and what we'd like to see in the rest of the season.
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A comedy set in medieval times with a slightly bizarre plot, Catherine Called Birdy is about a daughter (Bella Ramsey) who decides to thwart her destitute father's plans of marrying her off to a wealthy family. The film, directed by Lena Dunham, has been gaining buzz since its release late last year. We check out the new-to-streaming comedy and discuss Lena Dunham's filmmaking style, the continuing awesomeness of Bella Ramsey, and why buzzy comedies like Catherine Called Birdy don't make it big at the box office anymore.
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Our Supercut this week is based on a very simple question, first begun in Kermode and Mayo's Take - if you could be in any movie, or in a single scene, what would it be? We discuss some of our picks, and ask listeners for theirs!
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Described as a buddy comedy, You People is about a new couple and their families contending with cultural clashes, societal expectations and generational differences. It also boasts a stellar behind-the-scenes lineup (Kenya Barris and Jonah Hill co-wrote the script), and a pretty impressive ensemble cast, including Hill, Eddie Murphy, Nia Long, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, David Duchovny and Rhea Perlman. We discuss whether it lives up to all that potential.
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Movies and TV shows can awe and entertain, but they can also inspire and influence, and most of us could point to at least one movie or TV show that taught us a life lesson or two - whether it’s to “Just keep swimming,” or that “...words and ideas can change the world.” On this week’s Supercut, we talk about the lessons we’ve learnt from the things we’ve watched.
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To mark the Year of the Rabbit, we’re throwing back to one of the Chinese New Year classics: It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World, starring beloved Hong Kong cinema names like Bill Tung, Lydia Sum, and Eric Tsang. The madcap comedy revolves around a family struggling to make ends meet when they suddenly win the lottery. We review the movie and talk about the joys of revisiting Asian holiday classics.
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Following on the buzz of Ke Huy Quan's awards run for his comeback role as Waymond Wang in Everything Everywhere All At Once, we celebrate actors who've staged impressive comebacks from controversy and career lulls, and ask: who's next? Who's going to make it big, once again?
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A grizzled inspector played by Sam Rockwell, a host of suspects and a murder mystery set in 1950s London - what's not to love? Despite its stacked cast, including Saoirse Ronan, Adrien Brody, Ruth Wilson, and David Oyelowo, See How They Run flew under our collective radar and barely made a dent at the box-office. In this episode, we check out the stylised caper on streaming and decide for ourselves if it's worth the time and if it does justice to its ensemble cast.
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Spoiler alert - we really like Clue! Based on the board game of the same-ish name and directed by Jonathan Lynn, 1985's Clue is a murder-mystery-comedy that gathers six blackmail victims in an isolated mansion in a race against time against a secret killer. With a plot that fully acknowledges its Cluedo roots, Clue is one of those movies that's always ripe for a rewatch. We discuss the ways the film has aged, the joy of watching Christopher Llyod and Tim Curry in the same scene, and the ways the movie has influenced modern mystery-comedies like Knives Out and Glass Onion.
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Long stares, detailed monologues, anger that you can't take your eyes off of - all hallmarks of Intense Actors. After a week of discussing both Ralph Fiennes and Christian Bale, we're dedicating this week's Supercut to actors that never turn that dial down, and what makes them so compelling.
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Gruesome murders with hearts ripped from chests, Edgar Allan Poe as an eager young cadet helping to investigate, Christian Bale... all this makes up the scaffolding of mystery thriller The Pale Blue Eye. But does the film (and its central case) hold up to closer scrutiny? We weigh in.
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Variously described as a dark comedy horror and a psychological thriller, The Menu features Ralph Fiennes as a celebrity chef, and Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Hoult, Hong Chau (among others in a large ensemble cast) as diners who attend his exclusive restaurant where unexpected, unsettling things ensue. A sleeper hit in 2022, we discuss the experience of watching this movie, and whether it lives up to its promise.
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Many movies and TV shows are enjoyable, but only a select few transcend that to being rewatchable. Whether it's reruns of FRIENDS, annual viewings of Die Hard, or repeat watches of Anchorman, what makes some things so good, you want to experience them over and over again? We discuss what makes some content so much fun to revisit.
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In Noah Baumbach's first attempt at an adaptation (White Noise was originally a novel written in 1985 by Don DeLillo), he takes on the story of a suburban family forced to evacuate their home following a chemical leak nearby that causes toxic black cloud over the region. Starring Adam Driver, Greta Gerwig, and Don Cheadle, the film has been getting praise for its performances and darkly comedic tone. We review the movie and talk about how it fits within the larger landscape of Baumbach's quirky cinema.
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The old In Bruges gang is back! Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, and director Martin McDonagh reunite in this 2022 tragicomedy, where Padraic (Farrell) is left devastated when his lifelong friend Colm (Gleeson) suddenly ends their relationship. The film follows Padraic's attempts to repair the friendship, which lead to shocking results. We review the movie.
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There's no denying that Matilda, the 1996 film directed by Danny DeVito, is a classic in every sense of the word. So, in order to justify a remake, Netflix threw a lot of money at a lot of stellar performers and got them together to make Matilda the Musical. Emma Thompson is unrecognisable as Miss Trunchbill, and Alisha Weir seems like a(nother) perfect Matilda, but does the movie work as a whole? We'll find out in this episode.
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Tech billionaires, beautiful Greek islands... and murder! Fortunately for the characters on this getaway, Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is on the case and will peel away at the layers of this mystery to uncover the truth. Glass Onion, the highly anticipated sequel-of-sorts to Rian Johnson's critically acclaimed Knives Out, lines up Kate Hudson, Jessica Henwick, Edward Norton, Kathryn Hahn, and Janelle Monae in a film that's already being called one of the best releases of the year. In this episode, we discuss what we love about Glass Onion, if it has downsides, and if it's a worthy follow-up to Knives Out.
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The much anticipated follow up to James Cameron's Avatar (still the highest-grossing movie of all time), Avatar: The Way of Water picks up the story more than a decade later, and boasts technology that aims to create a more immersive Pandora than ever. We discuss whether this sequel holds water (sorry), and the experience of watching it on the big screen.
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Robert Eggers' The Northman made a number of headlines when it came out earlier this year: for its dedication to realism and detail, on-screen violence, and the promise of a retelling of Hamlet, set in the Viking period, and influenced by Norse mythology. We explore whether it lived up to the hype, and whether it fares as well on the small screen as it would have in a theatre.
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The pandemic and lockdowns haven't been kind to the film industry over the last few years, which has resulted in a real mixed bag of releases this year when it comes to movies. And while not every heavily promoted release ended up making the mark, there were some major winners as well, whether unexpected oddball hits like Everything Everywhere All At Once, blockbusters like Top Gun: Maverick, or streaming releases like Prey. As 2022 comes to a close, we look back at some of our favourite movies of the year and discuss why they made our respective Best Of lists.
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A new Guillermo del Toro film is generally cause for celebration amongst film fans, and what more when it's his take on the beloved classic fairy tale Pinocchio. The stop-motion animated musical was co-directed by Del Toro and Mark Gustafson, and features a voice cast of luminaries, including Ewan McGregor, Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, Christoph Waltz, and John Turturro. We review the movie, and talk about whether the story brings the real feels.
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Inspired by historical photographs from the 1860s of an enslaved man's heavily scourged back, thereby providing evidence of the cruelty of American slavery, Emancipation tells the story of Peter (played by Will Smith), who flees a plantation in Louisiana. Inescapably, the film is also Smith's first release since the infamous slap at the 2022 Oscars. We review the movie and talk about Smith's performance.
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Let's face it, we watched a LOT of TV in 2022. Game Of Thrones returned with fire and blood in House of the Dragon. Apple TV+ put out prestige award-bait like Severance. The Disney-Marvel machine churned out Miss Marvels and Moon Knights. And Netflix gave us more content than we could handle. Some shows were good, some were bad, and others were fun yet forgettable. As 2022 comes to a close, we look back at some of our favourite TV shows of the year and discuss why they made our respective Best Of lists.
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They're creepy and they're kooky/ Mysterious and spooky/ They're all together ooky/The Addams family. If you sang along to that, Wednesday might be the show for you. Part-YA coming-of-age, part whodunit, part dark comedy, Wednesday explores what happens when Wednesday, this child of woe, goes away to a boarding school where mysterious events keep happening. It features Jenna Ortega in a pitch-perfect performance, Tim Burton being both executive producer and director, and of course... bonus Christina Ricci! We discuss the series, and whether it achieves the highs of Addams Family shows past.
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On this episode, we review one of the most ambitious, and most highly anticipated Star Wars shows on Disney+ Hotstar - Andor. Directed by veteran filmmaker Tony Gilroy and starring Diego Luna, the first season of Andor takes place a few years before the catalytic events of Rogue One, and long before Cassian Andor found himself fighting in the Rebellion against the Empire. We discuss Andor's restrained approach to Star Wars storytelling, if we need more of this quality in our Disney TV shows, and what we'd like to see in season two.
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It's a simple fact of being a movie and TV buff in 2022, that there's simply a deluge of content to watch: from old to new, episodic to full season drops, cinema to streaming. So how do you decide what to watch? What's the most reliable path towards a good watching decision and experience? We try to unpack that in this episode of Supercut.
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By the time it premiered at the Venice Film Festival, rumours around Don't Worry Darling had been swirling for months: on-set romances and fights, a star and director who didn't get along, infidelities. So much so that the drama of it all almost eclipsed the film itself. In this episode, we review this Olivia Wilde-directed psychological thriller and talk about whether the hype helped or hindered it.
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An Irish girl stops eating, yet remains alive and well for months. An English nurse is sent to observe her, and to see if it is in fact a miracle. That's the starting point for this Florence Pugh-led psychological period drama. In the first of our Pugh double-header this week, we review The Wonder and assess whether it's worth a watch.
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The death of Chadwick Boseman has left an irreplaceable void at the centre of this Black Panther sequel, and the film addresses it through a collective process of grieving and paying tribute - both in and outside of the world of the movie. We review the movie and talk about how familiar characters like Shuri (Letitia Wright), Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), and Okoye (Danai Gurira) are expanded and given layers, and the crackling energy brought on by the long-awaited introduction of Namor (played by Tenoch Huerta).
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Often celebrated as the first black superhero film adaptation, this 1998 film brought one of Marvel’s darker characters to life, and features a charisma-loaded main cast: Wesley Snipes, Stephen Dorff, and Kris Kristofferson. While it received middling reviews, the movie has gone on to gain cult classic status and spawn an entire franchise. We revisit the movie and talk about whether time has been kind to it.
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We've all heard of the famous roles that almost had another very famous face playing them: Leonardo DiCaprio as Patrick Bateman, Sean Connery as Gandalf (and Russell Crowe as Aragorn), Emily Blunt as Black Widow. In this episode of Supercut, we talk about what could've been, and whether the movies and shows in question would have been improved - or made immeasurably worse.
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Following on 2020's Enola Holmes, this sequel follows our eponymous heroine as she works on her first case as a detective, looking for a missing girl (with an assist from her famous brother, Sherlock). We discuss whether Enola Holmes 2 lives up to the success of the first film, and if it's worth catching.
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The latest installment in the MCU, Werewolf By Night is a lean, standalone take, exploring what happens when hunters gather in the wake of Ulysses Bloodstone's death, to participate in a hunt to see who will earn the right to hold the Bloodstone - but there are other players in the game, who have very different motivations. Directed by Michael Giacchino, and starring Gael Garcia Bernal, Laura Donnelly, and Harriet Sansom Harris, it was a TV special that was released in time for Halloween. We discuss whether it was worth a watch, and if we enjoyed it.
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The adaptation of a beloved book onto the screen is exciting... but also has the potential to go so wrong. In this Supercut, we discuss all the important questions about book adaptations, such as: What makes an adaptation work? Are some books just unfilmable? Can you call yourself a true fan if you've only watched the movie? And, is the book always better than the movie?
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Based on the acclaimed 1929 novel by Erich Maria Remarque, All Quiet On The Western Front is a German epic anti-war film set in the tail end of World War I. It follows the life of a German soldier, whose hopes of becoming a hero are shattered when faced with the harsh realities of war. The film's been gathering excellent reviews since its release; we review it and talk about whether it lives up to expectations.
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Thirty years after its release, Bram Stoker's Dracula still seems to have very few contenders when it comes to matching its adaptation of the original bloodsucking creature of the night. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Gary Oldman, Anthony Hopkins, Winona Ryder, and Keanu Reeves, the movie was packed with prestige, and attracted both praises for its gothic horror vibe and criticism for its excesses. We revisit the film and see if it still has bite.
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We've all looked at a highly successful, critically acclaimed film and wondered what all the fuss is about, right? Avatar is the biggest film of all time, but is it worthy of that title? Citizen Kane is... just okay? No Country For Old Men is kinda boring. And Black Panther is good but, is it a 10/10? From hot takes on Christopher Nolan's filmography to shrugging at Nomadland, we're talking about overrated movies on this Supercut episode.
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Shazam! 15 years after he was cast as Black Adam, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has finally (finally!) released the film that he claims will change the hierarchy of power in the DC Universe. Well, did it? Also starring Pierce Brosnan as Doctor Fate, Black Adam is the story of a slave-turned-demigod who vows to unleash his signature brand of brutal, vengeful justice on the world... unless the Justice Society can stop him. In this episode, we review the latest superhero blockbuster from DC's side of things that supposedly shifts the studio in an all-new direction.
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Nine weeks after reviewing the first episode, we return to King's Landing to re-review our thoughts on this season of House Of The Dragon as a whole. Did we love-hate the characters as much as we thought we would? Were the time-jumps too jarring? And let's be honest, how many people did we want Dracarys'd on the show? We discuss the ups and downs of this Game Of Thrones spinoff, as well as our excitement for more content from this land of ice and fire.
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From 3-hour-long epics to shows that have episodes that stretch beyond 60 minutes - how long is too long? When does it stretch the patience of the audience, and when is it a rewarding way to tell a complex story? In this Supercut, we try to answer that question (and yes, discuss watching 12 hours of Lord of the Rings).
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Attempting to tell the story of a great war, and of Galadriel's quest for revenge against the enemy Sauron, Rings of Power brings together several different story strands and characters, including a mysterious Stranger, harfoots, an elf-dwarf friendship, and the building of a forge. All for the cool reported price of one billion dollars. We review the season now that it's freshly concluded and discuss if it lives up to the hype.
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Based on the epic Tamil novel written by Kalki Krishnamurthy, Ponniyin Selvan: I is the first of two films directed by Mani Ratnam. This long-awaited adaptation has taken a circuitous road to the big screen - in this review, we talk about the experience of watching this film, and whether it manages to capture the complexities of its origin story.
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From Sam Rockwell and Stanley Tucci, to Toni Collette and Regina King, some actors just don't get the shine they deserve - even though they've got an amazing roster of roles. This Supercut, we discuss the perennially under-appreciated actors, and share some of our favourites.
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David O' Russell's latest comes, predictably, with a stacked cast featuring, just to name a few, Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, John David Washington, Anya Taylor-Joy, Zoe Saldaña, and Timothy Olyphant. Set in 1930s, the plot is inspired by the Business Plot, a 1933 political conspiracy in the US, and tells the story of three friends who witness a murder, end up becoming suspects themselves, and get caught up in the goings-on. We review the movie, and talk about whether it lives up to the hype.
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Every so often, a movie comes out of nowhere and gathers enough buzz to break into the mainstream. Such is the case of French action drama Athena, which received a warm reception at various festivals before making its way to Netflix. The film, directed by Romain Gavras, revolves around the tragic killing of a young boy from the community of Athena, which sparks a larger conflict involving his three siblings who search for answers. We review the movie.
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Marilyn in her white dress, John Wayne in his hat, Rajinikanth in his sunglasses - what are the ingredients that go into making cinematic icons, well, iconic? In this Supercut episode, we try to unpack that and answer why some of these stars continue to burn so bright.
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Based on Joyce Carol Oates' bestselling fictional take on Marilyn Monroe's life, Blonde is a psychological biopic drama that garnered a lot of controversy even before it came out for a variety of reasons: the casting of Ana de Armas in the central role, its graphic content, and the central question - did we need another film about this tragic film icon? We try to answer that in this review.
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Described by some critics as 'near perfection', Some Like It Hot has a lot going for it - it's directed, produced and co-written by Billy Wilder, it has both Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis - and of course, it has a sparkling Marilyn Monroe performance. Ahead of reviewing Blonde, we look back to a movie that's often been regarded as one of Monroe's bests, and discuss what it's like watching it 63 years on.
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Description: From Paris and New York, to Tokyo and Seoul, cities have always featured in a huge way in film and television, sometimes even becoming a main character in its own right. In this Supercut, we talk about our favourite cities on screen and the movies and shows that manage to capture the spirit of a place.
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Edgar Wright's latest film went to previously unexplored territory for him - a psychological horror drama film that ties the experience of two newcomers to London and Soho, separated though they might be by decades. Starring Thomasin McKenzie, Anya Taylor-Joy, Matt Smith, and Terence Stamp, it's also the final onscreen appearance of Diana Rigg. In this episode of Stuff We Missed, we talk about the experience of watching this film, its visual storytelling, and where it sits in Edgar Wright's larger filmography.
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Described as his most personal film, Belfast is written and directed by Sir Kenneth Branagh, and explores the coming-of-age of a young boy in Belfast during The Troubles. Starring Caitríona Balfe, Judi Dench, Jamie Dornan, Ciarán Hinds, Colin Morgan and Jude Hill, the film received very warm reviews and a lot of awards buzz. We discuss our experience of watching this film, and how it captures a city and its people.
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Whether we’re talking about anthropomorphised animals like Donald Duck, pets like Marley, or the kind we’d rather avoid (ahem, Bruce) - animals on film or TV are almost a foolproof formula. So we’re dedicating this week’s Supercut to discussing everything from the cute n’ cuddly to the frankly terrifying, and share some of our favourites.
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Jordan Peele's back with his patented blend of creeping dread and searing social commentary, in his latest film Nope. Starring Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer, the movie is being described as neo-Western science fiction horror, and tells the story of two African American siblings who own a horse ranch, attempting to capture evidence of a UFO. We review the movie, and talk about whether it delivers on the huge expectations it has set.
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Jean-Luc Godard, widely considered one of the best film directors of all time, passed away recently at the age of 91. We pay tribute to him and his legacy by throwing back to the movie that introduced him as the genius he went on to be hailed as, 1960's Breathless. In the movie, petty thief Michel (Jean-Paul Belmondo) impulsively kills a policeman while stealing a car. He hides in his girlfriend Patricia's (Jean Seberg) apartment while trying to get the money to escape the country, but she slowly starts questioning her loyalties. We review the film, and talk about its impact on the world of cinema.
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From Anubis to Zeus, depictions of gods and myths are a-plenty on screen. In this Supercut, we dive into some of our favourites, and discuss why the old stories have offered such abiding on-screen fodder.
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After a fair amount of back and forth, uproar and Thor memes mourning the lack of a release in Malaysia, Thor: Love and Thunder has finally arrived on our shores, quietly showing up on Disney+ as a streaming option. We review this latest entry into the MCU canon (and Taika Waititi filmography), and discuss whether it's worth the wait.
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A 1999 remake of a 1932 film, The Mummy packed a lot into its 2-hour runtime: zany comedy, all the trappings of a classic action-adventure film, and a great pairing in the form of Brendan Fraser's American adventurer Rick O'Connell and Rachel Weisz's scholarly librarian, Evelyn Carnahan. All that - and of course, mummies and pyramids. In this episode, we take it back to the movie that kickstarted sequels and spinoffs (and maybe, kind of, Dwayne Johnson's career), and talk about whether it still holds up.
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From talking animals to fantastical kingdoms to magical races of beings, fantasy as a film and TV genre is so wide as to have spawned multiple subgenres. Yet at the heart of it, is a fascination with imaginary worlds and everything that might occur in them. In this Supercut, we discuss the fantasy genre onscreen, and geek out about some of our favourites.
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Revisiting arguably the biggest fantasy movie trilogy of our time is no mean feat, so the brand new TV series Rings Of Power certainly comes burdened with high expectations. Set thousands of years before the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, the show covers the forging of the Rings of Power, the rise of Sauron, and the last alliance between Elves and Men. We review the first two episodes of the show and discuss whether it's a welcome journey back to Middle-earth.
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Just the synopsis alone is enough to intrigue: Tilda Swinton plays a scholar of mythology, who finds a djinn who offers her three wishes in exchange for his freedom. When she's sceptical about making the wishes, the djinn tells her fantastical stories of his past in an effort to convince her. Oh, and the djinn is played by Idris Elba. If that's not enough, the movie is directed by the always surprising George Miller, back at the helm for the first time in seven years. We review the movie.
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While we've explored comedy before, we haven't focused specifically on the people who make us laugh, and all the effort and thought that goes into their work. So this Supercut is dedicated to our favourite comedians, through the years (and generations)!
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After its clever, funny and warm first season, Only Murders in the Building returned with a new murder at its heart, and fresh mysteries to explore in the Arconia and its denizens. We review the sophomore outing of OMitB, and whether Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez continue to delight.
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Sometimes, there's nothing more exciting than going back to the beginning - hence the appeal of the origin story. On this week's Supercut, we discuss what makes an origin story onscreen truly successful, and share some of our favourites.
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Two hundred years before the events of Game of Thrones, the Targaryens sat on the Iron Throne and ruled Westeros. This prequel to the smash hit TV show chronicles the events leading up to a succession war for the family, which sets in motion the beginning of the end to their rule. Expect plenty of high drama, scheming, intrigue, and of course, dragons. We review the first episode of the show.
House of the Dragon is now streaming on Astro. Available with Astro Movies bundles from only RM59.99/month for 6 months. Offer ends this month. Terms apply. Visit astro.com.my for more info.
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A dragonslaying knight and the last dragon left are forced to team up in order to defeat an evil, almost immortal king. A thoroughly 1990s fantasy film, Dragonheart rose above its middling reviews to achieve cult status amongst its fans, thanks at least in part to the fact that Draco the dragon was voiced by none other than a certain Sir Sean Connery. We revisit the movie and talk about whether it still soars.
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Whether it's literal demons, the stuff we'd rather not talk about, or the less savoury side of human nature, many films and shows don't shy away from going dark. On this episode of Supercut, we dive in head first and talk about where our limits are.
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Following on a successful audio adaptation, Neil Gaiman's epic graphic novel series, The Sandman, finally makes its way onto our screens. But how can a story as complex and nerdy as this - with its multiple threads and characters, blending of mythology, modern life, literature and philosophy - be translated into a series? It turns out - with some style. In this episode, we discuss how we feel about The Sandman, and where it sits in the larger lineup of comic book adaptations.
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The latest installment in the Predator franchise, Prey is set in the 17th century, when a skilled Comanche warrior finds herself protecting her tribe against a highly evolved alien that hunts humans for sport, while also battling against the wilderness and colonisers. Since its release, it's been praised for its action sequences, its inclusion and embrace of Comanche culture, and performances, with many calling it the best Predator since the first film. We weigh in!
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Did you used to love multi-season prestige dramas, but now prefer bite-sized sitcoms? Were you previously thrilled by hyper-violent action sequences, but now just find them stomach-churning? Were rom-coms your jam, until you realised you now prefer dark and gritty realism? In this week's Supercut, we talk about our changing viewing habits and how that might shape what we enjoy (or don't).
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Boasting a stacked cast (Brad Pitt, Sandra Bullock, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Michael Shannon) and a director known for his action chops (David Leitch, of Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2, and Hobbes & Shaw fame), Bullet Train seems to have all the ingredients to be a runaway hit. Including an intriguing plot about an assassin on a mission, who finds himself on a bullet train alongside a whole bunch of other trained killers. We review the movie and discuss if it's worth getting on this ride.
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Malaysians finally get to go to infinity and beyond as Lightyear drops on Disney+ Hotstar, after not making it to our cinemas earlier this year. In the latest Pixar animated offering, legendary space ranger Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Chris Evans) sets off on an intergalactic mission with a motley crew of recruits - all while trying to evade the evil Zurg. We review the movie and see what the buzz (ahem) is all about.
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There are some films - you know the type - that you wouldn't have thought to watch until someone you trust recommends them to you. In this episode of Supercut, we talk about some of the films and shows we'd recommend to whoever asks (and sometimes even when they don't), as well as some of our favourites that someone else said we simply had to watch.
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While we missed its cinema run, RRR's reputation has been hard to ignore, as it's set several box-office records and has received rip-roaring reviews. A Telugu-language epic action drama film that focuses on a fictional friendship between two real-life Indian revolutionaries, Alluri Sitarama Raju (Ram Charan) and Komaram Bheem (N. T. Rama Rao Jr.) and their fight against the British and colonialism, it's acked with action, heart and a show-stopping dance number - we dive in.
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Widely considered one of Disney's more underrated films, Treasure Planet is an adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel Treasure Island - but set in space, with robots and shape-shifters to boot. While it didn't do well on its initial release, its animation style had a special touch, setting hand-drawn 2D traditional animation atop 3D computer animation. 20 years on, we look back at this film and see if critics and audiences got it wrong at the time.
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Why do some actors automatically give out villain vibes (Willem Defoe, ahem!), while others seem made to play the likeable hero (did someone say Ryan Reynolds?)? And what happens when those actors play against type? In this Supercut, we dive into how we identify certain actors with the role of the good or bad guy, and what goes into that perception.
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In this action thriller directed by the Russo brothers, Ryan Gosling plays a CIA mercenary who ends up on the run when he uncovers secrets about the agency. Hot on heels is a ruthless ex-colleague, played by none other than Chris Evans (definitely not exuding Captain America vibes here). We review the movie, and talk about whether it lives up to the buzz it's been generating.
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Al Pacino plays a cop. Robert DeNiro plays a criminal. Michael Mann directs this cat-and-mouse relationship between the two. Was there ever any doubt that this 1995 crime drama would end up a classic? Widely regarded as one of the most influential movies of the genre, Heat is also celebrated for finally bringing Pacino and DeNiro together in the same frame (The Godfather Part II doesn't count!). We throw back to the movie, talk about its enduring appeal, and revel in the pleasure of the performances on show.
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From Hogwarts to Rydell High, schools have always offered rich storytelling opportunities on-screen. In this episode of Supercut, we talk about some of our favourite schools in film and television, and why the setting has continued to be such a fruitful one for filmmakers and writers.
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The latest release from Disney, Ms Marvel is six episodes that pack a lot into them (perhaps too much!). It tells the story of Kamala Khan, an Avengers and Captain Marvel-loving, Pakistani-American teenager who unlocks powers of her own, while negotiating family life, growing up, and generational trauma. In this review, we talk about where the series shines, and some instances where it takes on more than it can manage.
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Directed by Mira Nair and based on the novel by Jhumpa Lahiri, The Namesake explores the experience of Ashoke and Ashima, two immigrants from India to America, and their children, Gogol and Sonia, looking at what it means to meaningfully connect with your family, and grappling with being part of different cultures. Starring the late great Irrfan Khan, Tabu, Kal Penn and Sahira Nair, the film was critically acclaimed when it premiered in 2007. 15 years on, we're revisiting it and discussing how it's aged.
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Yo, Adrian! I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick a**. And I'm all out of bubblegum. Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn. I love you. I know. On this Supercut, we're getting geeky about the most quoted (and often misquoted) lines in movie and TV history. Because life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get.
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In this episode, we review the local phenomenon that has been dominating cinema screens and breaking all kinds of Malaysian box office records - Mat Kilau: Kebangkitan Pahlawan. Now considered the highest grossing Malaysian film of all time, Mat Kilau is an epic retelling of the titular character's charge against colonialists in Pahang before Malaysia gained independence. We discuss the film's now-famous fight choreography, its place as a historical biopic, and its ability to create a frenzy among Malaysian moviegoers.
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Casablanca is widely considered one of the greatest films ever made, and for good reason. Starring classic Hollywood icons Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, the film is a masterpiece in every sense of the word. With World War II in the background, a club owner named Rick agrees to help his ex, Ilsa, and her husband. To no one's surprise, both Rick and Ilsa realise they still have all sorts of feelings for each other. We review the legendary Casablanca and discuss if it has aged well, the appeal of classic Hollywood cinema, as well as the magnetic charisma of both Bogart and Bergman.
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Shirley Temple. Macaulay Culkin. Drew Barrymore. Millie Bobby Brown. The trajectory of child stars can often be as sad as they are successful, with many reaching outsized fame that goes on to shape them for the rest of their lives - for better or worse. We talk about some of the biggest child stars, why their performances get so much attention, and what it's like to watch them grow up on and off-screen.
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In line with the Stranger Things' fourth season being bigger, scarier, and longer, the final two episodes of the season are getting their own premiere, with the finale being a feature-length drop. After all the building up of Eleven's past and the season's Big Bad, Vecna, will the show bring the story home? We discuss.
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Call it a kid's movie, a Christmas movie, a home invasion movie - Home Alone's impact on the popular culture is practically incomparable. Possibly responsible for a whole generation of precocious kids booby-trapping their houses, the 1991 movie spawned multiple sequels and remakes, but more significantly, created an icon out of then-child star Macaulay Culkin. We revisit the movie, and discuss whether it still holds up for three jaded adults.
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Some films and shows just do it all, and too much: glitz and excess, campy performances, melodrama and slapstick - and yet sometimes, it all comes together into a wonderful extravaganza. In this episode of Supercut, we discuss going over-the-top on screen, and when and why it works.
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If there's one artist who would have been near impossible to contain in a musical biopic, it may be the King himself - Elvis Presley. But that's exactly what Baz Luhrmann's Elvis sets out to do, with a much-lauded performance by Austin Butler in the titular, hip-gyrating role, and Tom Hanks as the problematic (to say the least) Colonel Tom Parker. We discuss whether this telling of Elvis Presley's story works, especially with Luhrmann's signature, over-the-top style.
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Picking up the tale 10 years after Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, this Disney+ series follows Obi-Wan Kenobi, called out of living in exile to rescue the kidnapped Princess Leia from the Galactic Empire, leading to a confrontation with his former apprentice, and friend Darth Vader. We talk about this expansion of Star Wars canon, and what it's like to revisit iconic characters, and this world.
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It's easy to think of Adam Sandler as a goofy comedian who makes bad movies, because he is. But he's also one of Hollywood's most bankable, recognizable names of the last 30 years. Not to mention, he's a really good serious actor, as seen in Uncut Gems and most recently, Hustle. In an episode we never thought we'd do, we profess our not-so-secret love for the one and only Billy Madison, Happy Gilmore, Little Nicky, both Jack and Jill, everyone's favourite Waterboy and Wedding Singer, Adam Sandler!
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In Spiderhead, director Joseph Kosinski blends brutalist aesthetics, experimental science, and a scenery-chewing Chris Hemsworth to form a strangely subdued sci-fi flick. Based on the dystopian short story "Escape from Spiderhead" by George Saunders, the film sees a charismatic scientist named Steve Abnesti (Hemsworth) using willing inmates like Jeff (Miles Teller) and Lizzy (Jurnee Smollett) as lab rats for new mind-altering chemicals. We review Spiderhead and its confusing choices, the imbalance of "vibe" and a good plot, as well as the joy of watching Chris Hemsworth own the stage by flexing his over-the-top acting muscles.
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Grumpy old coach finds a sports prodigy on the wrong side of the tracks. A journey of self-discovery, adversity, and triumph ensues. It's a familiar plot that has been done a dozen times, but Netflix's Hustle does it so, so well! We review the film and discuss yet another successful attempt at a more serious role by Adam Sandler, the charm of good sports films, and the underrated value of casual feel-good movies like Hustle.
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We live in the age of peak sequeldom - seemingly every movie or TV show that ever had a following is seeing some form of revival on the big or small screen. But what are the sequels that never got made but should be? Whether it’s the much-demanded District 9 follow up, a revisit of the bonkers Face/Off concept, or another dream-within-a-dream in Inception, we theorise - and frankly, fantasise - about the sequels that just have to be made, but haven’t been.
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The final edition of the Jurassic World trilogy (which itself follows the Jurassic Park trilogy) takes place after the destruction of Isla Nublar - dinosaurs are now out in the world, and co-existing with humans. As you can imagine, this is less than comfortable for anyone except the rampaging dinos. And as Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard return to see what’s what, some much publicised old familiar faces are back as well. We review the film and ask, can there be such a thing as too many dinosaur movies?
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Adapted from the acclaimed play by the late Jit Murad, Spilt Gravy on Rice tells the story of an ageing father who invites his five children over to discuss some unresolved family issues. The movie was initially made 10 years ago, but faced numerous challenges getting a cinematic release - finally, it’s hitting our screens. Directed by Zahim Albakri, the movie features an illustrious cast of Malaysian actors, including Rahim Razali, Na’a Murad, Sean Ghazi, Bernice Chauly, and Jit himself. We review the film, and dive into the uniquely local stories it has to tell.
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Stranger Things' latest season has sent Kate Bush's 1980s hit Running Up That Hill surging up the charts again, demonstrating the power of movies and TV shows to define (or redefine) songs. On this week's Supercut, we pay tribute to some of the best known songs from the screen.
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The gang from Hawkins is back for more supernatural adventures, as Netflix's hit show continues its exploration of 1980s teen horror movie tropes. Following the events of Season 3, the characters have both grown up into high schoolers and aren't seemingly as close as we might remember - but nothing like more mysterious disappearances and the looming threat of another monster to bring them all back together. We review the season and talk about whether the show continues to thrill.
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Picking up from the animated TV series, this film sees John Mulaney and Andy Samberg voicing the titular chipmunks, in a story that takes place in a world where cartoons live alongside humans. It's been 30 years since Chip and Dale had a falling out, which resulted in the cancellation of their show - but now, they must reconcile their differences to investigate the kidnapping of their friend Monterey Jack. A joint production between Disney and The Lonely Island, the show also stars Will Arnett, Eric Bana, Keegan-Michael Key, Seth Rogen, and J.K. Simmons. We review the movie and talk about the unexpected high praise it's been getting.
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Tom Cruise isn't called the last great Hollywood celebrity for nothing. He's been a leading actor in the industry for decades, making everything from high-octane action films to Oscar-worthy dramas and amassing a massive fanbase in the process. On this Supercut, we look at the illustrious, eclectic, over-the-top career of the man with one of the most iconic runs in film history, Tom Cruise!
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He feels the need, the need for speed... again! Taking place three decades after the original Top Gun, 'Maverick' puts Pete Mitchell (Tom Cruise) back in the cockpit for an all new, high-stakes mission. On this episode, we check out the highly anticipated, action-packed sequel to one of the most iconic films of the 80s.
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Nicolas Cage has done strange accents and championed unorthodox hairdos in many movies, but few are more iconic than Con Air. In the movie, Cage plays Cameron, a prisoner about to taste freedom when his plane is hijacked by a band of criminals. Obviously, no one but Nic Cage can get the plane back on track! In anticipation of Top Gun: Maverick, we review one of the most iconic plane-centric films of the 90s and emphasize, without a doubt, that it is still as fun and exciting as it was all those years ago.
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From Dunder Mifflin to the 99th Precinct, the glamorous offices of Runway to the secrecy of the fictional MI6 and the CIA, workplaces figure in ways big and small in films and shows. We talk about their significance in stories, and some of our favourites.
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Work-life balance has always - and is increasingly - seen as an elusive thing. But Severance, a series on Apple TV+, posits something entirely different, focusing on a team of office workers who have had memories surgically divided between their work and personal lives, though one worker, Mark (played by Adam Scott), uncovers a larger conspiracy that complicates matters. Severance has been gaining tremendous hype since its release, so we discuss whether it lives up to it, and what the show does with the ideas that it introduces.
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Ben Stiller's directorial debut, Reality Bites was a slice of life dramedy, exploring the relationships, careers and issues of a group of 20-somethings in the 90s. It also gave the world an iconic character, in the form of Ethan Hawke's Troy Dyer, and has become a cult favourite in the years since its release. In this episode of Throwback, we talk about the experience of watching this film close to three decades after it premiered, and whether it's still relatable.
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From the early days of Steamboat Willie to the stop-motion of Henry Selick and hand-drawn details of Studio Ghibli, animation has evolved tremendously over the years (and remained the same in others). In this Supercut, we compare and contrast different animation styles over the decades, and talk about our favourites.
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The latest from Richard Linklater, Apollo 10½: A Space Age Childhood is an animated film, loosely based on his own childhood, and set during the events before the Apollo 11 Moon landing - and imagining if a 10 year old was the first person to land on the moon. Featuring the voices of Glen Powell, Jack Black, Zachary Levi and Josh Wiggins, the film has been critically acclaimed. We talk about whether we enjoy the film, and whether the 2D animation format enhanced the storytelling.
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Aladdin is turning 30 this year - a fact that shocked all 3 of us, and prompted this throwback episode where we marvel over one of the classics of the Disney Renaissance. Featuring the inimitable Robin Williams voicing Genie, songs and characters that have become ingrained into the Disney DNA, and one of the best villains in the form of Jafar. We also - inevitably - compare it to the recent live action version of the story.
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Some cast spells, some use wands, and others have lightning bolts shooting out their fingers. Whatever the case, magic on screen is always fun! From Doctor Strange to The Prestige, we talk about our favourite wizards, witches, magicians, and sorcerers along with the movies and TV shows that housed all their glorious hocus pocus.
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"The Multiverse is a concept about which we know frighteningly little", warned Doctor Strange not too long ago. Now, the former Sorcerer Supreme has to traverse different realities to protect a teenager named America Chavez from an unhinged albeit familiar sort of evil. In this episode, we review the highly anticipated 28th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and discuss if it lives up to all the hype. We also talk about director Sam Raimi's influence on the film, the weight of the MCU's growing connective tissue and Multiverse of Madness' ability to stand on its own two feet.
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In Marvel Studios' sixth TV series, Oscar Isaac stars as both Marc Spector and Steven Grant, two identities of a man with DID (dissociative identity disorder). He also moonlights as a violent vigilante in service of an ancient Egyptian god. Their world starts to unravel with the emergence of Arthur Harrow (Ethan Hawke), a ruthless fanatic who plans to unleash a powerful deity and rid the world of all its "sinners". We review the 6-episode miniseries and its unique brand of superhero chaos.
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Costumes are often greatly overlooked when it comes to movies or TV shows, but can often make or break a story. Think of The Hunger Games' lavish outfits, Mad Men's dapper dressing, or the Bohemian fineries of Moulin Rouge, and how they transport us to a different time or even world. We dedicate this week's Supercut to costume design, and talk about our favourite onscreen fashions.
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Following the runaway success of this Regency-era drama's first season, our second visit to the ton turns out to be quite different indeed. The show introduces yet another entangled romance, with a host of new characters, particularly Kate Sharma and her sister Edwina, who arrive just in time for the new debutante season. Starring Simone Ashley, Jonathan Bailey, and familiar faces from the last outing, the lush costumed drama has been winning a lot of praise for its inclusivity and diverse cast. We review the show and talk about whether it's worth all the gossip (over a cup of tea, of course).
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The first of the Hunger Games movies turns 10 this year, which might be difficult to fathom given the huge pop cultural footprint they’ve left behind. Taking the teen post-apocalyptic dystopia genre and turning it into a genuine critical and commercial hit, The Hunger Games not only shaped a whole new subgenre of films, but also made a bona fide global star of Jennifer Lawrence. We revisit the movie to see if the odds have remained in its favour.
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Glasses. Unkempt hair. Lightning scar. Few characters are more instantly recognizable than the boy who lived. On this Supercut, we're putting on our Sorting Hats and geeking out about it all - Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, and the Wizarding World in all its glory! We also discuss favourite characters, favourite movies, J.K. Rowling's Malfoy-esque tweets, Patronus Charms and Harry Potter's enduring legacy as a beloved pop culture icon.
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We return to the Wizarding World in Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, the third installment in the Harry Potter prequel saga. Directed by David Yates, the series continues on the adventures of Newt Scamander and his role in the rivalry between Albus Dumbledore and the dark wizard Grindelwald. We review the film and discuss if it's better than The Crimes Of Grindelwald, the treatment of these beloved characters, as well as some controversy surrounding certain actors in the movie.
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Taking shape in the 1980s, action comedies are a particularly successful genre hybrid - bringing together slapstick and fast talking humour, with punches, kicks and smash cuts. In this Supercut episode, we discuss some of our favourites, and the work it takes to get these films just right.
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Combining the adventures of Stede Bonnet, gentleman pirate, and Blackbeard, feared pirate extraordinaire, Our Flag Means Death is a number of things mashed into one show: workplace comedy, hijinks on the high seas, and romance. We talk about this blending of genres, and whether it worked for us.
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Based on a true story, Ford v Ferrari leads up to the 1966 Le Mans race, and follows a team of American and British engineers and designers, led by automotive designer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and his British driver, Ken Miles (Christian Bale), determined to build a new Ford racing car capable of defeating Ferrari. In this review, we talk about the performances, race sequences, and whether we enjoyed this film.
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Whether you prefer them monstrous, seductive, or glittery, vampires have a hold on the cinematic imagination that’s hard to beat. From Nosferatu to Blade to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, there’s truly a bloodsucking undead story for every type of viewer. In this week’s Supercut, we discuss the perpetual appeal of vampires onscreen, and why they’re so bloody entertaining.
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The third movie in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe features the character known as Morbius, the Living Vampire. Going back to his origins, the story follows biochemist Michael Morbius as he tries to cure himself of a rare blood disease, but accidentally infects himself with a form of vampirism instead. And of course, Morbius is played by Jared Leto. We review the movie.
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Adapted from Anne Rice’s wildly popular vampire novel, this 1994 movie features some huge Hollywood names - Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Antonio Banderas, and a thoroughly creepy Kirsten Dunst in one of her early roles - hamming it up in full undead period glamour. Framed through a modern-day interview with a vampire named Louis (Pitt), the plot revolves around his relationship in the 1700s with Lestat (Cruise) and the 10-year-old Claudia (Dunst). We talk about the movie’s glorious excesses and whether it still has (ahem) bite.
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In celebration of Michelle Yeoh's highly acclaimed performance in Everything Everywhere All At Once, we decided to dedicate an entire Supercut to actors we've been watching for the longest time! Whether it's Leonardo DiCaprio's illustrious evolution from child actor to Oscar-winning Hollywood heavyweight, or everlasting scenery chewers like Denzel Washington, we're geeking out over the famous faces and characters we've grown up with over the years.
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Starring Michelle Yeoh as an exhausted woman who wants nothing more than to finish her taxes, Everything Everywhere All At Once is already getting rave reviews as an early contender for next year's Oscars. The film, directed by Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert), is being hailed as a hilarious, trippy, genre-bending sci-fi action adventure. On this episode, we review A24's highly unorthodox film while thanking the powers that be for actually screening this in local cinemas.
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A Michael Bay movie that's getting overall positive reviews? Who would've thought. Amidst a slew of lackluster Transformers outings and one 6 Underground, it's easy to forget that Michael Bay is in fact a master of action filmmaking. In Ambulance, a film about a heist gone terribly wrong, Bay injects the top-tier talents of Jake Gyllenhaal and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II into a blockbuster full of crazy drone shots, vehicular chaos, and high-octane drama. We review Ambulance and discuss if Hollywood should be afraid... be very afraid... of a Michael Bay who has finally found his groove again.
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With the 94th Academy Awards just around the corner, we take a look at some of the major nominations and discuss who the frontrunners are... and who we think they should be. We also look back at some of our favourite (and least favourite!) films that are in contention this year.
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Ahead of the Academy Awards, we're reviewing two feature directorial debuts that have garnered some noms - Lin-Manuel Miranda's tick, tick... BOOM! and Maggie Gyllenhaal's The Lost Daughter. We discuss the performances (with Andrew Garfield, Olivia Colman, and Jessie Buckley all receiving acting nominations), the writing, and the way each film is put together.
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A true cinematic classic, The Godfather has it all - iconic lines ('I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse'), memorable scenes, and actors in performances that have shaped the rest of their careers. In this episode, we look back at The Godfather now that five decades have gone by, and discuss its impact and legacy.
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Whether going back to your parents’ high school, sending a cyborg to protect your younger self, speaking to aliens who see time differently, or just wanting to finish a history assignment, time travel is one of the most intriguing sci-fi themes on screen. This week, we’re dedicating our Supercut to the joys and complications of tales that travel through time.
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Thirteen-year-old Mei is in a tough spot - she’s torn between being an obedient daughter, dealing with the turmoil of growing up, and if all that isn’t enough, she turns into a big red panda when she gets too excited. Now if anyone can pull off that premise into an entertaining, exciting, yet multilayered story, it’s the folks from Pixar. We review the studio’s latest animated offering, and discuss just how much it got us in the feels.
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What’s the one thing you’re never supposed to do if you ever time travel to the future? Cross paths with your past self. Yet, this is exactly what happens in this sci-fi adventure, when a time-travelling fighter pilot played by Ryan Reynolds accidentally crash lands in 2022 and then proceeds to team up with his 12-year-old self on a mission to save the future. The film also features a stacked cast, including Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Garner, Catherine Keener, and Zoe Saldana. We review the movie and see if it will… stand the test of time.
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Turn on the Bat-signal and grab the Shark Repellent because it's time to dive into the psyche of Gotham's caped crusader! From campier iterations to moodier incarnations of the Dark Knight, we're geeking out over our favourite (and not so favourite) things about everyone's favourite brooding billionaire. On this Supercut, we discuss our favourite Batman movies, as well as what we'd like to see in future outings of Bruce Wayne's alter ego.
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"I'm vengeance!" Against all odds, Robert Pattinson dons the iconic cowl in Matt Reeves' latest take on Gotham's guardian. Arguably darker and more violent than any iteration before it, this new film follows Batman and Jim Gordon as they unravel the mystery behind The Riddler's crazed killing spree. In this episode, we review this near-three-hour monster of a film and discuss if The Batman lives up to the hype, Matt Reeves' singular vision for this franchise, as well as what this means for the DC Extended Universe and superhero movies moving forward.
Image source: The Batman, IMDb
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This week, we're throwing back to Cosmopolis, a film that many consider Robert Pattinson's first step out of Twilight typecasting and into the realm of acclaimed experimental projects. Directed by David Cronenberg, Cosmopolis tells the story of a young billionaire who takes a ride across Manhattan to get a haircut. The journey soon becomes an odyssey of weirdness as he meets eccentric characters and watches his empire collapse. We talk about the obviously trippy nature of this Cronenberg vehicle, what shines and what doesn't, as well as Pattinson's evolution as a serious actor.
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Nicole Kidman as Virginia Woolf, Lucille Ball, and a Parisian showgirl. Christian Bale as a haunted machinist and a balding boxing trainer recovering from addiction. Andy Serkis as Gollum and Caesar. There has been a whole buffet of amazing on-screen transformations, aided by prosthetics, special effects, and sheer force of will. In this episode of Supercut, we discuss some of our favourites, and the power of watching a convincing transformation on the big (or little) screen.
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I Love Lucy was a game-changer for modern television and the syndicated sitcom, and also made its stars and creators Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, abidingly beloved and famous. Being the Ricardos takes a (mostly true) peek into a particularly stressful week during the show's production, in which jobs, marriages, and friendships were all tested. Directed and written by Aaron Sorkin, and featuring Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem, this movie has a lot of prestige going for it - but how does it hold up as a watching experience? We get into it.
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A coming-of-age comedy drama, CODA focuses on Ruby (the eponymous child of deaf adults) - the only hearing member of a culturally Deaf family, and the push and pull between her desire to help her family with their business, and forge her own path. With a cast including deaf actors playing deaf characters (Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur and Daniel Durant) and a focus on inclusivity, CODA has been getting strong reviews and three Academy Awards nominations. We discuss our impressions of the film and whether we enjoyed it.
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From the Marvel Cinematic Universe to Universal's Monsters to The Witcher saga, everything seems to be part of a pop culture universe these days. And sometimes, we just want to watch a movie that stands on its own - with no prequel, reboot, or video game in sight! For this week's Supercut, we look at the pleasures and pains of having too much of a good thing versus being left wanting more.
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Based on the wildly popular video game of the same name, Uncharted sees Tom Holland (sans Spidey costume!) playing Nathan Drake, an intrepid treasure hunter on a dangerous quest along with his mentor Victor "Sully" Sullivan (Mark Wahlberg). Along the way, there's action and adventures galore, and a long-lost brother to locate. We review the film and talk about whether it brings anything new to the genre.
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Serena and Venus Williams are sports legends - this biopic looks at how their father Richard made and executed a brazen plan to earn his daughters a place in history. The film has garnered numerous Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Will Smith, and Best Supporting Actress for Aunjanue Ellis. We review the movie and discuss whether it's a grand slam.
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Mamma Mia. Roman Holiday. The English Patient. Who doesn't love an exotic escapade in search of drama, adventure, and maybe a bit of romance? Now more than ever, movies are able to transport us to far-off lands and scenic locales to give us that perfect dose of escapism. But while exotic locations are fun, good movies set themselves apart by turning those locations into living, breathing characters. On this Supercut, we discuss our favourite exotic locations on screen, the stories (and characters) that captivated us while we were there, and how these landscapes continue to make a case for the big screen.
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After two years of delays due to Covid, controversy and then some, Hercule Poirot is back in 'Death On The Nile' to solve a murder mystery aboard a river steamer. Played to campy perfection by Kenneth Branagh, Poirot must sift through an ensemble of characters (including Gal Gadot as Linnet) in order to find the culprit! In this review, we discuss if this expensive mystery was worth the wait, our collective love of a good whodunnit, and if this sequel can escape the series' lukewarm reception.
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Zombies, mayhem, and teenage melodrama! When a school becomes ground zero for a zombie outbreak, a group of students must find a way to escape... after they learn how to coexist. In this episode, we review Netflix's latest extremely gory hit series, All Of Us Are Dead, and discuss if the streaming giant has bitten off more than it can chew. With so much zombie content in the last decade, does All Of Us Are Dead add anything new to the thriving genre besides blood, guts, and violence?
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There's just something about watching monuments and skyscrapers fall, and forests and cities burn.... at least on-screen, or at least so the box office would suggest. But what is actually so appealing when it comes to disaster movies? What makes them tick? In this episode of Supercut, we get into it.
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Very few directors can rival Roland Emmerich's catalogue when it comes to destroying the world in a series of increasingly inventive ways. Moonfall is his latest installment, involving not just the destruction of the Earth, but also our moon, setting the two on a collision course. We discuss whether this is a fun watch, and whether that 146 million dollar budget (one of the highest for an independently-produced movie) was well spent.
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Duncan Jones's directorial debut, Moon, follows the personal crisis of a man nearing the end of a three year solitary stretch on the moon, accompanied only by a robot, GERTY. Starring Sam Rockwell as the man in question, this 2009 film had a modest budget but received critical acclaim - 13 years on, we revisit Moon and discuss how it's held up.
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Powerful. Boring. Thought-provoking. Slow. Confusing. When it comes to art house productions, sometimes all these words can be used to describe a single film. They may be an acquired taste, but many art house films allow actors and filmmakers to deliver some of their greatest work while telling bold, unorthodox stories. On the flipside, many moviegoers consider art house to be pretentious films that are overly long and serious for no good reason. On this Supercut, we get into our favourite art house films and what we love about them, as well as the ones that bored us to the point of craving shlocky, popcorn cinema.
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The Tragedy of Macbeth has all the makings of a film that's going to dominate at this year's Oscars. It's produced by A24 and is hosted by Apple TV+, the most prestigious of the streaming platforms. It's a black and white film shot in the unorthodox 1.37:1 aspect ratio, just to keep things classy. It's directed by Joel Coen and stars Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand, three Hollywood heavyweights who are no strangers to the Academy Awards. And it's based on Shakespeare for good measure. In this episode, we check out a film that's already getting rave reviews to discuss if all the hype is warranted and if we feel the same way.
Image Source: Courtesy of Apple TV +
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Ironically, there are more than ten things to absolutely love about 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), a movie that many consider to be the most genre-defining romcom of its generation. From Julia Stiles and Joseph Gordon-Levitt delivering some of their most memorable performances, to Heath Ledger's iconic song-and-dance number, 10 Things continues to be one of the most rewatchable movies of all time... which is why we decided to revisit it on today's episode!
Image Source: Touchstones Pictures
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A genre that is deeply specific in its intent, and requires precision in its execution, psychological thrillers have long been a popular genre - after all, we got the term 'gaslighting' from 1946's Gaslight by George Cukor. In this Supercut episode, we discuss what makes for a truly successful psychological thriller, and what it takes to pull it off.
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The latest from Guillermo Del Toro, Nightmare Alley is a psychological thriller based on a William Lindsay Gresham book from 1946 - which is also the era it's set in. Circling a tale of grifters and cons, it also boasts a huge cast, including Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Toni Collette and Willem Dafoe. We get into whether this film works for us, and got under our skin.
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It’s tough to describe, but you know it when you see it: the movies that are slightly odd or awkward, the shows that lean into the weirdness, the stories that sit somewhere between laughter and seriousness. Whether it’s Wes Anderson and Tim Burton to Charlie Kaufman and Michel Gondry, off-kilter, quirky films sit in a funny category all of their own. We share our favourites, and discuss whether there’s such a thing as TOO quirky.
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This might be as Wes Anderson as it gets: an anthology of wry, comedic stories that are all structured as articles written and published in the final issue of the fictional newspaper, The French Dispatch. Featuring a huge ensemble cast of Anderson stalwarts, the movie is expectedly a visual treat. But how does it fare overall? We discuss.
Image Source: Courtesy of 20th Century Studios
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Directed by Ridley Scott, this epic film of historical fiction takes on a difficult and complex tale: in medieval France, a knight named Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon), challenges his former friend Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver) to a duel to the death after Jean's wife, Marguerite (Jodie Comer), accuses Jacques of raping her. We review the movie, and discuss the ways in which the story plays around with truth and multiple perspectives.
Image Source: Courtesy of 20th Century Studios
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It may not have been the best year for cinemas and studios worldwide, but that didn't stop us from watching, bingeing, and enjoying an irrational amount of content over the last twelve months. While not every show was a resounding success, many had us geeking over them to no end. From pop culture sensations like Squid Game to box office phenomenons like Spider-Man: No Way Home, here's a rundown of our favourite movies and TV shows from the year that was.
Image Source: Courtesy of Marvel; The Green Knight Official Facebook Page; Courtesy of Netflix
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Director Adam McKay's ability to curate an unbelievably stacked cast for his movies is something else. His latest offering, Don't Look Up, brings together heavyweights Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Jonah Hill, Timothée Chalamet, and Meryl Streep (among others!) in a story about a comet that's about to destroy planet Earth. In this episode, we talk about what we loved (or hated) about Don't Look Up, the deeply satirical and sarcastic nature of Adam McKay's work, and the performances from the stellar cast involved.
Image Source: Courtesy of Netflix
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You can call her iconic, legendary, or incomparable, but the truth is there isn't an apt enough word to describe the kind of career Betty White had in Hollywood. She may be best known for playing the beloved Rose Nylund on The Golden Girls, but Betty was also an author, animal rights advocate, and winner of seven Emmys, one of which was for hosting Saturday Night Live in 2010 at the age of 88! She also made history in 1952 by being the first woman to produce a national TV show called Life With Elizabeth. With a career spanning 80 years, possibly the longest of any entertainer, Betty White redefined industry standards with her work on-screen and behind the scenes. In this special tribute episode, we look back at the illustrious career of Betty White and discuss some of our favourite moments from her many, many... many shows.
Image source: s_bukley, Shutterstock
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Almost twenty years on from The Matrix Revolutions, we return to the world of Neo and Trinity and the Matrix, with all its attendant questions about reality, illusions and love. We discuss what it's like to watch this film so many years after the original trilogy launched, and how its themes and technology have aged over time.
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The brainchild of Issa Rae, for five seasons, Insecure has by turns been sparkling, funny, and smart, as well as deeply felt and (sometimes) deeply awkward. As we bid farewell to the show with Season Five, we talk not just about the season itself, but about the experience of watching the show, and why we'd recommend it.
Image Source: Courtesy of Netflix + Netflix
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Fair warning: a tangled web of spoilers lies ahead! In this special Spideycast of Popcorn Culture, we review and geek out over every amazing plot twist and turn of Spider-Man: No Way Home. We discuss the Spider-Verse, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and what the future might hold for our friendly neighbourhood webslinger.
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It might just be the most awaited Marvel release of the year, with months of teasers and rumours and leaked images heightening the buzz. With Spider-Man’s identity now revealed, Peter Parker finds his normal life in disarray, and his loved ones bearing the brunt of it. But when Peter turns to Doctor Strange for help, all hell breaks loose. We review the movie and talk about how it is a love letter to all things Spider-Man.
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After the bombshell finale of the previous season, our third outing with the Roys sees the family split into various scheming factions - and as machinations and manipulations heighten, so do the emotional stakes. And through it all, the lingering question of, does bulldozing patriarch Logan still have what it takes to run the family’s billion dollar empire? We review the latest season.
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Cue finger-snapping. 1961's West Side Story is an iconic film by any standard, so it was always going to take a master filmmaker like Steven Spielberg to successfully remake the musical for a new audience. Set in 1950s New York, West Side Story is a tale of Tony (Ansel Elgort) and Maria (Rachel Zegler), two kids who instantly fall in love at the school dance. However, their romance escalates the rivalry between the Sharks and the Jets - warring gangs vying for control of the streets. And like all serious gangsters, they do it with the power of song! On this episode, we discuss how the new West Side Story compares to the original, keeping the cheesy setups and get-ups intact, as well as Steven Spielberg's signature approach to the blockbuster musical.
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On this episode, we review the new Western drama that's being hailed as a frontrunner for Best Picture at the Oscars, The Power of the Dog. If you've always wanted to see actor extraordinaire Benedict Cumberbatch chew scenery as a rude, domineering rancher in 1920s Montana, then The Power of the Dog is nothing short of a treat! Based on the 1967 novel of the same name by Thomas Savage, the film also stars Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, and Kodi Smit-McPhee. We discuss the film's immersively gritty scenery and cinematography, the unfiltered performances from everyone involved, as well as the steady return of old Western cinema.
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32 years after the release and events of Ghostbusters II, Ghostbusters: Afterlife picks up the threads of the story far from the skyscrapers of New York - exploring instead how the estranged family of Egon Spengler reckon with the legacy of being a Ghostbuster... and of course, begin fighting supernatural forces. Starring Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, and Paul Rudd, the film is also directed and produced by Jason Reitman (son of Ivan Reitman, director of the original Ghostbusters films). In this review, we look at how well this holds up, and simply put, whether the fan service works, or doesn't.
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Disney's latest (and the 60th film from the studio!) tells a story of the Madrigal family, living in an enchanted house in the mountains of Columbia - and how Mirabel, the only child in the family who doesn't have magical powers, has to save the people, and the home she loves. Featuring the voices of Stephanie Beatriz and John Leguizamo, and songs written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Encanto has all the makings of a classic. We review the film, and discuss where it sits in the Disney pantheon.
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Seven actors, (nearly) six decades, 27 movies, and countless vodka martinis (shaken, not stirred) later, Bond still remains one of cinema’s most fascinating characters. As we come to the end of Daniel Craig’s iteration, and await the announcement of the next name, we celebrate the legacy of this complicated screen hero, and discuss how he’s evolved with the times. At the very least, expect theme songs, plenty of catchphrases, and arguments over that perennial question: Who is the best James Bond?
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After months of delays, it’s finally here: the last of the Daniel Craig James Bonds! And it seems like Bond is… retired? But then, there’s a kidnapped scientist! A mysterious villain! Really, do we even need the plot? Directed by Cary Fukunaga and co-starring Rami Malek, Lea Seydoux, and Lashana Lynch, this latest outing looks to be everything we’ve come to expect from Craig’s grittier, more grounded 007. We review it and discuss if it’s a fitting swan song.
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Often hailed not just one of Stanley Kubrick’s best films, but one of the greatest films of all time, Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb, satirises fears around the Cold War that swirled in the 1960s. Featuring a stellar turn by Peter Sellers in multiple roles, the 1964 movie is set during a nuclear conflict between the Soviet Union and the US. We review the film, and discuss the finer points of black comedy.
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On this episode, we review Jai Bhim - a Tamil film that has been garnering stellar reviews and simultaneously stirring intense controversy thanks to its sociopolitical themes. Based on a landmark court case in 1995, Jai Bhim tells the story of a woman (Lijomol Jose) from the Irula tribe who desperately searches for her husband (K. Manikandan) who is missing from police custody. Chandru (Suriya), a High Court advocate, takes on the case while exposing an inhumane web of police brutality, oppression, and casteism along the way. We discuss Jai Bhim's difficult but highly necessary social commentary, its chances at the Oscars, as well as the push and pull of classic versus modern Indian cinema tropes.
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Squid Game may be 2021's most popular show and a certified pop culture phenomenon, but would you believe that it wasn't unanimously celebrated in South Korea? As streaming services continue to capture the industry and as Hollywood makes an effort in terms of representation, we're seeing a lot of cultures represented on our screens. And while a lot of them work, many don't, and the rest are lost in translation. On this Supercut, we discuss the shows that we love, the ones that missed the mark, as well as the many ways different cultures are represented on screen.
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Squid Game may be 2021's most popular show and a certified pop culture phenomenon, but would you believe that it wasn't unanimously celebrated in South Korea? As streaming services continue to capture the industry and as Hollywood makes an effort in terms of representation, we're seeing a lot of cultures represented on our screens. And while a lot of them work, many don't, and the rest are lost in translation. On this Supercut, we discuss the shows that we love, the ones that missed the mark, as well as the many ways different cultures are represented on screen.
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On this week's episode, we check out Netflix's latest foray into big budget Western cinema with The Harder They Fall. After discovering that his enemy is coming out of prison, an outlaw by the name of Rufus Black (Idris Elba) gets the old gang back together to finally have his revenge. The film's stacked cast also includes Zazie Beetz, Regina King, Jonathan Majors, and LaKeith Stanfield. We discuss the palpable chemistry between the film's ensemble cast, the resurgence of classic genres on streaming platforms, as well as the film's modern approach to old school storytelling.
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There's a specific pleasure built into bad films - not all bad films, just the ones that push the boundaries so far that they almost circle all the way back to being good... perhaps even great? In this Supercut, we discuss the specific formula that's needed for a bad movie to transcend itself and become deeply enjoyable.
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Take Tom Hardy's second outing as Eddie Brock and his extraterrestrial frenemy, Venom, and add bonus Woody Harrelson on-screen and Andy Serkis behind the camera and you get Venom: Let There Be Carnage. The first film didn't fare well with critics, though audiences enjoyed it - so we discuss whether this sequel is more successful than the original.
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Bringing together 3 major headliners, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot, Red Notice is one of Netflix's biggest releases this year. Taking place in the world of heists, elite criminals, and stolen art, and marking the third collaboration between The Rock and director Rawson Marshall Thurber, it also promises to be a classic action comedy - so in this review, we talk about whether it lives up to that!
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Sure, we all love the intensity and drama of a critically acclaimed film, but there’s nothing quite like a movie that is just simply… fun! Whether that involves gigantic kaiju battling robots, a wild spin in car with a headphones-sporting driver, or an animated princess who suddenly comes to life, we all love having a roaring good time at the movies. So this week, we celebrate the things that make movies so darn fun!
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Marvel’s unveiling of Phase 4 has thus far been a wild ride, and The Eternals adds a whole new bunch of personalities to it - specifically, a race of immortal beings with superpowers, who have secretly lived on Earth for thousands of years. Oh, and they’re played by people like Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek, Richard Madden, Gemma Chan, and Kumail Nanjiani. To up the ante, the movie is directed by Oscar-winning director Chloe Zhao. We review the latest Marvel superhero flick, and geek out about all the new possibilities.
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Is there a movie more emblematic of childhood friendships in the 1980s than The Goonies? A group of kids attempting to save their homes from developers discover an old map that takes them on an adventure to discover pirates’ treasure - but a family of criminals are after the treasure too! Featuring early appearances of some very well known faces - Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, and Corey Feldman among others - the movie was written by Chris Columbus based on a story by Steven Spielberg, and directed by Richard Donner. We throw back to the classic, and discuss how relatable these childhood adventures are today
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On this week's Throwback, we're revisiting one of the most influential comedic crime capers in Hollywood history, The Italian Job (1969). A British crook named Charlie Croker (Michael Caine) is fresh out of prison when he comes up with a plan to steal gold ingots by conjuring a traffic jam in the streets of Turin. Like all good heist films, the Mafia is also involved. We discuss the way this classic film has aged over half a century, the surrealness of watching young Michael Caine chew scenery, as well as some of the film's surprisingly modern twists.
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With Halloween right around the corner, we're taking a walk down Fear Street, and dissecting all things horror! From horrifying monsters and ghouls, to fears that are based in things that are all too real, we discuss what makes for an effective horror movie or show, and what doesn't work.
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Directly following on the ending of A Quiet Place, Part II follows the Abbott family in their continuing quest to survive a world that's been overrun by sightless aliens, who hunt based on sound. Emily Blunt, Milicent Simmonds and Noah Jupe reprise their roles, and this time are joined by Cilian Murphy, as a conflicted, mourning neighbour. We discuss whether or not this film lives up to the lean, mean standards set by its predecessor, and whether we want more installments from this world.
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An atmospheric, arthouse horror film, Roh tells the story of two children and their mother, living in a shack deep in the woods, visited by mysterious signs and figures. While it was released back in 2019, we never got the chance to review it - and when better than Halloween week? In this episode of Throwback, we take it back a mere two years to revisit this local gem and talk about whether it lives up to our expectations.
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From Orson Welles to Steven Spielberg, Akira Kurosawa to Jordan Peele, Federico Fellini to Greta Gerwig, directors are very often the engine that drives movies. Many outshine onscreen stars, with particular styles and themes associated with them, and often go on to shape entire genres of filmmaking. In this Supercut, we look at the person behind the curtain, so to speak, and talk about our favourite auteurs.
Image Source: s_bukley, Shutterstock
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From Orson Welles to Steven Spielberg, Akira Kurosawa to Jordan Peele, Federico Fellini to Greta Gerwig, directors are very often the engine that drives movies. Many outshine onscreen stars, with particular styles and themes associated with them, and often go on to shape entire genres of filmmaking. In this Supercut, we look at the person behind the curtain, so to speak, and talk about our favourite auteurs.
Image Source: s_bukley, Shutterstock
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Science fiction fans have been awaiting this adaptation of Frank Herbert’s magnum opus with bated breath, and it certainly has a lot going for it: directed by Denis Villeneuve, the film stars (among others) Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Jason Momoa, Oscar Isaac, and Rebecca Ferguson. The plot revolves around Paul Atreides, a gifted young man destined for greatness, who must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people, all the while facing an interplanetary conflict for the supply of a precious substance known as “spice”. We review the movie, geek out over the epic sci-fi on display, and talk about whether it wowed us.
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Do you wanna play a game? In the spirit of Netflix's Squid Game that's currently taking pop culture by storm, we're dedicating this Supercut to Movies and TV shows based on games. Whether they're classics like Tron or more recent blockbusters like Ready Player One, we talk about what makes these movies work, why they sometimes fall short, and what we'd like to see more of in the future.
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Here's a question to get the existential crisis going - are we all in a simulation? And if we are, who's the hero of this story? In the case of Ryan Reynolds' character in Free Guy, he's just a non-player character (NPC) with no real purpose... until he decides otherwise. In this episode, we talk about the highly anticipated comedy, Free Guy, in all its chaotic, colourful glory
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This week, we're reviewing 2021's biggest pop culture phenomenon and the show that's positioned to become Netflix's most-watched series of all time, Squid Game. The nine-episode first season tells the story of Seong Gi-Hun, an out-of-luck gambler who accepts an invitation to compete in a series of children's games for lots of money. Obviously, nothing is as it seems and the game has deadly implications. We discuss what makes Squid Game so addictive, its deeply unsettling themes, as well as the mythology that it builds along the way.
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The first rule of Fight Club: you do not talk about Fight Club. Thankfully, that same rule does not apply to fight films! From all out brawls, boxing classics and choreographed wuxia sequences, fights in films and television can be things of beauty. In this Supercut, we discuss our favourites and choose our fighters.
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The first rule of Fight Club: you do not talk about Fight Club. Thankfully, that same rule does not apply to fight films! From all out brawls, boxing classics and choreographed wuxia sequences, fights in films and television can be things of beauty. In this Supercut, we discuss our favourites and choose our fighters.
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The Suicide Squad (2021) - not to be confused with Suicide Squad (2016), despite sharing some characters - is a soft reboot of sorts, repositioning DC's ragtag band of anti-heroes, and introducing some new players such as Idris Elba's Bloodsport, John Cena's Peacemaker and Sylvester Stallone's King Shark, all in a relentlessly chaotic, hyperviolent style. We talk about whether this film works to set up the DC Extended Universe and whether we're looking forward to future instalments.
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The latest installment in the MCU, Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is also one of the most anticipated movies this year. Telling a story that's about coming to terms with one's past and estranged family, but also featuring wuxia and superheroes, Shang Chi stars Simu Liu in the titular role, Awkwafina as his best friend, and Tony Leung as his father (and the villain of the piece). In this episode, we talk about whether this release lives up to the hype!
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The latest installment in the MCU, Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is also one of the most anticipated movies this year. Telling a story that's about coming to terms with one's past and estranged family, but also featuring wuxia and superheroes, Shang Chi stars Simu Liu in the titular role, Awkwafina as his best friend, and Tony Leung as his father (and the villain of the piece). In this episode, we talk about whether this release lives up to the hype!
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There’s nothing quite like going on an adventure vicariously on screen - whether we’re hurtling through space, trekking through jungles, or getting lost in an unknown city. In this week’s Supercut, we celebrate the spirit of adventure in cinema and television, and talk about the most exciting journeys we’ve been on.
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It has all the makings of a rollicking fantasy adventure - a scientist, played by Emily Blunt, enlists the help of a skipper a.k.a. Dwayne Johnson, to take her down the Amazon, in search of the Tree of Life. Of course, it isn’t going to be smooth sailing, as they face all sorts of dangers in the jungle. Based on a Disney theme park ride, the movie also stars Jack Whitehall, Edgar Ramirez, and Paul Giamatti. We review the movie and see if it... floats our boat.
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This 1951 classic features some Hollywood greats: Humphrey Bogart, Katherine Hepburn, and directed by John Huston. Set in Africa during World War I, Bogart plays a steamer captain who offers Hepburn’s character safe passage out - leading to a clash of personalities between the two, amidst what is often described as some of the most influential action scenes in Hollywood. We throwback to the movie and discuss the power of personality on screen.
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Whether set in an office, an apartment with famous purple walls or featuring dysfunctional families (honestly - take your pick), sitcoms have always been the television equivalent of a warm, much-needed hug, accompanied by a belly laugh or two. In this episode of Supercut, we dive into our favourites and talk about what makes the format tick.
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An origin tale that many have argued came years too late, Black Widow tells the story of Natasha Romanoff's origins, as well as what she got up to after Captain America: Civil War. Starring Florence Pugh, David Harbour, and Rachel Weisz alongside Scarlett Johannson, it's a grittier take on a Marvel film, dealing with espionage, and what it means to reckon with your past. We talk about the film, and where it fits into the Marvelverse.
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Fresh off a 20 nomination spree at the Emmys, and a sweep of the comedic acting categories, Ted Lasso is the show of the season, capturing hearts with its focus on well-written characters, strong performances and thoughtful storytelling. While it starts with the trials and travails of an American football coach, transplanted to the English Premier League, the show also expands to explore different stories and paths, including conversations about masculinity, mental health, kindness and positivity.
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In 1996, Space Jam brought together the unlikely pairing of basketball superstar Michael Jordan and Looney Tunes icon, Bugs Bunny, in a plot that saw him having to save the Looney Tunes from alien enslavement. In 2021, we're swapping out Michael Jordan for LeBron James, but the broad strokes of this sequel remain the same. We talk about Space Jam: A New Legacy and how it holds up against the first installment.
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Part comedic murder mystery, part live action, part animation and all zany, Who Framed Roger Rabbit? broke a lot of new ground in 1988, and continues to set the gold standard in bringing animated characters into live action settings. In this episode, we look back at the movie and talk about how it holds up with technology having changed so much of the movie landscape in the decades since.
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Whether we’re talking about Wes Anderson’s art nouveau pastels, Tim Burton’s gothic surrealism, or the Wachowskis’ polished visions of the future, how something looks onscreen is often half the story. On our Supercut this week, we discuss aesthetics in film and television: what worked, what fell flat, and what visuals remain framed in our minds.
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Cruella De Vil, Cruella De Vil; If she doesn't scare you, no evil thing will… But before she became a fearsome would-be puppy murderer, Cruella was just a rebellious and stylish girl who dreamt of making it big in the fashion world. How she makes that transition is the story of Disney’s latest reimagining of one of its animated classics - this time, 101 Dalmatians. Starring a fabulously styled Emma Stone in the titular role, the movie also stars Emma Thompson, Joel Fry, and Paul Walter Hauser. We review the movie and talk about reimagining classic villains.
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Not only is In the Mood for Love arguably Wong Kar-wai’s most celebrated film, it is often hailed as one of the best movies of all time - so naturally, a throwback is warranted. The film also features one of the most celebrated screen pairings, Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung, in a story that reflects on love, marriage, youth, and fleeting moments of connection. We review the film, and talk about Wong’s distinct approach to both telling stories and how they are presented on screen.
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Dramedies are a truly unique bunch. These films and TV shows sit in the narrow space between drama and comedy, with many of them serving as cult classics and fan favourites. On this Supercut, we discuss how dramedies strike that fine balance between genres, the directors that have perfected the art of making them both hilarious and poignant, as well our favourite films and TV shows in this fairly niche category.
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Starring Golden Globe winner Sandra Oh and Emmy winner Jay Duplass alongside a stacked cast, The Chair is a dramedy that follows the adventures and misadventures of the new English department chair at Pembroke University. Question is, is it really Netflix's new "must-watch" series? On this episode, we review The Chair and discuss its "short and sweet" episodic format and Amanda Peet's unique take as a writer and producer, all while geeking out over the show-stealing Sandra Oh.
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Love em or hate em, musicals have been a staple of the silver screen for decades. Fans of the genre argue that their magic lies in the beauty of using music to tell a story, of the flights of fancy it allows. Detractors will argue that there's nothing pleasant about randomly breaking out into song and dance. In this Supercut, we dive in headfirst to dissect musicals and why they continue to be such an enduring form.
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Take Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard, add murder and opera... and you have Annette, a film telling the story of a comedian and an opera singer, and how their lives are changed by the arrival of their first child. In this episode, we review the film, its performances, soundtrack, and what it's like watching it at home, as it drops on Amazon Prime.
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Wouldn't it be loverly? That's one of the central questions of the thoroughly loverly My Fair Lady, which tells a version of George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion, in the form of Eliza Dolittle and Henry Higgins and their sparkling back and forths. Starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison (reprising his role from the Broadway musical), and directed by George Cukor, this film has long been lauded as one of the greatest films and musicals. In this episode, we look back 57 years to see how My Fair Lady has stood the test of time.
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Some go method - Marlon Brando, Daniel Day-Lewis; others effortlessly sink into roles - Cate Blanchett, Gary Oldman; and others simply play versions of themselves - Jack Nicholson, we’re looking at you. But in the end, it all comes down to acting style. In this Supercut, we discuss actors who have developed a distinctive way of bringing their characters to life, and the joys we get from them.
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The latest in the “American faces peril in a foreign locale” trope, Beckett sees John David Washington playing an American tourist in Greece, who unexpectedly finds himself the target of a manhunt and must now clear his name. The film also stars Alicia Vikander, Boyd Holbrook, and Vicky Krieps. We review the movie, and see how it holds up as a modern thriller.
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Often hailed as one of Denzel Washington’s finest performances - and that is a high bar - Malcolm X holds the distinction of bringing together a number of African-American cultural icons. Besides starring Washington, the 1992 film is directed by Spike Lee, and of course centres around the life and struggles of African-American activist Malcolm X. We revisit the movie, and discuss how it, in many ways, went on to define Malcolm X for a whole new generation.
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Binge watching, same day premieres, midnight drops - there's a brand new dictionary for how we watch the films and shows we watch. And now with streaming services experimenting with weekly episodes, and cinemas remaining closed, we thought the time was ripe to talk about the way all our viewing habits have changed, and how content is likely to be shaped around that in the future.
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What's the worst part about going on vacation overseas? According to HBO's 'The White Lotus', it's the people. Directed by Mike White and starring Steve Zahn, Connie Britton, and Alexandra Daddario (among others), this satire dramedy follows the exploits of various guests at a tropical resort over the span of a week. On this episode, we review HBO's latest miniseries, 'The White Lotus', and all the painfully awkward, raunchy, and sometimes downright hilarious antics it has to offer.
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What if you could play casting director for an hour or two, and put actors together in fresh combinations? Who would you like to see? Share your thoughts with us as we discuss interesting cast and director combinations we'd like to see.
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What if you could play casting director for an hour or two, and put actors together in fresh combinations? Who would you like to see? Share your thoughts with us as we discuss interesting cast and director combinations we'd like to see.
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Variously called a prequel, or sidequel, to Netflix's hit zombie show Kingdom, Ashin of the North is a feature length special episode that expands on the series' story and mythology. It's also much more than a zombie thriller, touching on elements of revenge and tragedy. In this episode, we review Kingdom: Ashin of the North and discuss how it stands up against the show's 2 previous seasons.
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A true crossover hit, Zhang Yimou's Hero has all the makings of a wuxia classic: stunning sequences, opulent settings and big names. With stars like Jet Li, Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung at the helm, and Rashomon among its influences, Hero set the tone for Chinese cinema in its time. We look back to see if this grand tale holds up almost 20 years on.
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Who was Sean before James Bond, Jon before Don Draper, or Sigourney before Ripley? For many actors, one iconic screen role often shoots them to stardom, and often goes on to define them - for better or worse. On this week’s Supercut, we look at the iconic roles associated with actors, and how they’ve shaped the way we view them.
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In this sci fi action film starring Chris Pratt, a group of time travellers arrive in present day from the year 2051 to warn mankind of a future global war against a deadly alien species. In response, soldiers and civilians from our time are drafted and sent into the future to fight the alien army. We review the movie and see how well it does on the alien/ invasion/time travel/summer blockbuster scale.
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It’s been 20 years since Elle Woods sashayed onto our screens and stole our hearts with her brains, beauty, and unapologetic pinkness! Featuring one of Reese Witherspoon’s most iconic roles, the film tells the story of a sorority girl who enrolls in law school as an attempt to win back her ex-boyfriend, but in the process ends up smashing stereotypes and triumphing as a successful lawyer. We throw back to this comedy classic and discuss its perfect balance of froth and substance.
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This is our no-holds-barred review of Loki, and it is burdened with glorious spoilers! In this special episode of Popcorn Culture, we talk about the latest Marvel TV show to our hearts' content - and this is no deception, there WILL be spoilers on plot, reveals, and twists, and what it all means for the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe.
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In the golden age of superhero content and cinematic universes, sequels, spinoffs, and offshoots have become the norm. But this lucrative concept is hardly a new one. While many of these attempts to expand an existing franchise have backfired in epic fashion, some have turned out to be better than the originals! On this Supercut, we get into the age-old Hollywood art of milking the cash cow... and how it has brought us some of the best and worst sequels and spinoffs in film and TV history.
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He is Loki, of Asgard, and he is burdened with glorious purpose! After escaping The Avengers with the help of the Tesseract, the God of Mischief finds himself in the crosshairs of the mysterious TVA - an organization that exists beyond time and space. As things unravel, Loki soon realizes that there is more to his existence than he could have ever imagined. In this episode, we review Marvel Studios' latest spinoff series and discuss how it fits into the larger MCU tapestry, Loki's arc independent of Thor, and how this show compares to its predecessors.
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Chuck a bunch of people together in a confined space, whether a remote island, a hyper-surveilled house, or a mansion vying for love. Add some abrasive personalities, a large incentive, and dramatic twists and turns, and watch the sparks fly! That was a tried and true recipe for reality television for a long time. But in the decades since Big Brother, reality TV has also come to encompass the Kardashians, and all the shows that came after. In this Supercut, we talk about the appeal of reality TV in all its false glory.
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After making his name for decades as a wildly popular and polarising TV host, a motorhead and a know-it-all, Jeremy Clarkson's latest venture is... becoming a farmer? Officially one of the highest rated programs on Amazon Prime, Clarkson's Farm highlights the struggles and highlights of someone diving headfirst into a new life, and grappling with things like climate change, stubborn sheep, and straight-shooting colleagues unfazed by celebrity.
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What if your life wasn't your life? What if instead, everything around you, every moment, was engineered to evoke reactions, to create a story - one that was then broadcast around the world? This is the premise of Peter Weir's The Truman Show, which starred Jim Carrey in one of his first dramatic turns. 23 years on, we talk about the movie's larger impact, and what it has to say about our fascination with watching people, and reality television.
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Has anything captured our imagination (and our screens) as much as the existence of extraterrestrial life? Whether cute and friendly, or murderous and terrifying, movies about aliens have spanned cinema through almost all genres. In this Supercut, we geek out on our love for movies and TV shows about aliens.
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In director Steven Soderbergh’s latest foray into the crime genre, the setting is 1954 Detroit, where a group of small-time criminals are hired for a heist that goes terribly wrong. Their search for who hired them and why sends them on a journey that spans every level of the city. The movie stars a whole roster of interesting actors, including Benicio del Toro, Jon Hamm, Don Cheadle, and Brendan Fraser. We review the film, and discuss Soderbergh’s signature blend of crime and character study.
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“Today we celebrate our Independence Day!”... from the alien invasion. Didn’t we all cheer when a geek, a pilot, the US President, and a group of unlikely heroes unite to save mankind from being destroyed by an advanced alien race? Twenty-five years after its release, we revisit the Roland Emmerich alien invasion classic, which stars, among others, Will Smith, Bill Pullman, and Jeff Goldblum
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What makes a crime movie good? Is it the mystery, the thrill of the chase, or the heinousness of the crime itself? Whether it's a heist, a murder, or a procedural, there's something about cracking a case that keeps us glued to our screens. On this Supercut, we get into our favourite crime films and TV shows, as well as the characters and criminals that made them work.
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Stealing is bad, but what if the thief is also a gentleman? We'll let you ponder on that question as we review both parts of the critically acclaimed Netflix series, Lupin. Based on the classic story about gentleman thief and master of disguise, Arsène Lupin, this retelling puts the character on a path of revenge with a few plot twists and turns along the way.
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If there was ever a film that defined the word "caper", The Sting would be it. Starring Hollywood heavyweights Robert Redford and Paul Newman, the film went on to sweep The Oscars in 1974 by winning a slew of technical trophies plus Best Picture. In this episode, we take it back to an era rife with con men, gangsters, and scheming criminals - the 70s... and we also review The Sting.
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From hand drawn characters and scenes, to great sweeping CG vistas and almost photorealistic creatures and faces, animation has come a long way. In this episode of Supercut, we talk about what we've gained and lost with technology, what some of our favourites in the genre are, and why animation offers some storytelling possibilities that simply aren't possible elsewhere.
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The latest from Pixar, Luca tells the story of a young sea monster who yearns for adventures beyond his childhood home, and finds it by exploring the town of Portorosso with his best friend. Inspired by influences as varied as Federico Fellini and Hayao Miyazaki, and aiming to explore a sense of nostalgia, and what it means to be different, Luca stars Jacob Tremblay and is the feature directorial debut of Enrico Casarosa. We talk about whether this film hits the spot, and where it ranks among Pixar's films.
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An enchanted tale of a girl trying to find her way through a world of spirits, dragons and folklore, Spirited Away is one of the great Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli's most well-known films - and it's celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. We look back at Spirited Away, and all its hand-drawn, dreamy glory.
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There’s something special about the things we watched as children - they may not all have been high quality, but they were certainly high on joy. Whether you grew up on Thudercats or Jem, Harry Potter or Hannah Montana, we’re dedicating this episode to pure childhood nostalgia onscreen.
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Based on the acclaimed graphic novel series by Jeff Lemire, Sweet Tooth is set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a mysterious virus, where many children are somehow being born hybrids of humans and animals. Against this backdrop, a boy who is half-human and half-deer sets out on a journey to understand his past, with an unlikely protector. We review this latest TV offering, and talk about how it creates a world that feels both familiar yet fascinating.
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For those of a particular generation, the tale of 10-year-old Bastian finding his way into the magical land of Fantasia through a mysterious book, is the stuff of beloved childhood nostalgia. Directed by Wolf Petersen, the 1984 movie was groundbreaking in its time for its depiction of a fantasy world and its fascinating characters. We revisit the film and discuss whether it continues to enchant.
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No one thought this year's sleeper hit would be a cartoon on Amazon Prime, but here we are. Based on the Image Comics series by Robert Kirkman, Invincible is the story of Mark Grayson (Steven Yuen) finally coming into his superpowers. He's also the son of the most powerful superhero on the planet, Omni-Man (J.K. Simmons), and things are not as simple or as innocent as they seem. We review the ultra-violent first season of Invincible and discuss its deconstruction of the superhero genre, its star-studded cast, and our anticipation of what's coming next.
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The signature fedora. The rousing score by John Williams. The iconic crack of the whip. This is where the legend of Indiana Jones began - in Steven Spielberg's 1981 blockbuster, Raiders of the Lost Ark. In this episode, we revisit the pop culture phenomenon that redefined the action-adventure genre, spawned multiple sequels, videogames, and cartoons, and further cemented Harrison Ford as one of the biggest Hollywood stars of all time.
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Some actors have been gracing our screens now for decades (Harrison Ford, Meryl Streep... even Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise), changing from young ingenue or action hero, to grizzled familiar face and grand dame. In this Supercut, we talk about the experience of watching actors and stars over the years, and how their careers and signature moves change and shift with time and trends.
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Everyone loves a hero. Whether they're squeaky clean like Superman or slightly more questionable like John Rambo, we enjoy watching these characters kick *bleep*, take names, and look good while doing it. But is that all a hero is? On this Supercut, we discuss our favorite heroic archetypes and what makes them tick, the difference between a hero and a regular protagonist, and why some of these characters are able to last a lifetime.
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The One Where They Get Back Together... Friends: The Reunion is the on-screen manifestation of something fans have been asking for years: give us more of Monica, Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Phoebe and Joey. This special reunites the gang after 17 years, to reminisce and talk about their experiences making one of the most successful shows of all time. We discuss whether this reunion is everything we'd hoped for and what it feels like to go back to Central Perk.
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Based on Stephen King's novella, Stand By Me is many things: a classic coming-of-age adventure story, a look at childhood friendships and how they shift and change, and even a study on the weight of grief. Anchored in a group of friends hiking in the woods to find a dead body, this Rob Reiner-helmed film stars 80s icons Will Wheaton, River Phoenix, Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell and Kiefer Sutherland. It's also one of Stephen King's favourites of the many, many adaptations that have been made of his work - in this episode of Throwback Tuesday, we talk about the enduring appeal of Stand By Me.
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If there’s one genre that refuses to stay dead, it’s the zombie flick. For all that it’s about reanimated corpses, zombies have been reimagined on screen across genres - everything from horror to romance to comedy. For this week’s Supercut, we dissect the zombie film and talk about the unique pleasures of watching flesh-eating creatures on screen.
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If you ever had to decide between a zombie flick and a heist movie - well, stop staggering about mindlessly, because with Army of the Dead, you’ll never have to decide. Zack Snyder’s latest takes place in a post-zombie outbreak Las Vegas, where a group of mercenaries have to venture into a quarantine zone to pull off possibly the biggest heist ever - while battling a rabid zombie horde of course. We review the movie and discuss whether it brings the zombie genre back to life.
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Movies like Ben-Hur, The Godfather, and Citizen Kane are widely considered some of the greatest films ever made. But what about more recent films? Will The Dark Knight transcend generations and be hyper-analyzed by nerds of the future? Will The Lord of the Rings be as iconic to our grandchildren? Is Con Air still a cinematic masterpiece 50 years from now? In this Supercut, we set out to explore and maybe answer those questions while discussing all our favourite "future classics".
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The first season of Love, Death + Robots was an explicitly entertaining cocktail of sci-fi, horror, and fantasy short films, specially handpicked by David Fincher and Tim Miller. Obviously, we couldn't wait to binge on more! In this episode, we review the highly anticipated second season of Love, Death + Robots and discuss our favorite shorts, while trying to decide if this sequel-season delivers as much mindfudgery as its predecessor.
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It's strange to call a 22-year-old film a "classic", but that's exactly what The Iron Giant is. Directed by Brad Bird, the film tells the story of a kid named Hogarth (Eli Marienthal) who befriends a giant alien robot (Vin Diesel), only to realize the government isn't too happy about the intergalactic visitor. In this Throwback episode, we celebrate the many themes within The Iron Giant and discuss the film's unique position as one of the last few big-budget 2D animations of our time.
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Based on Leigh Bardugo's wildly successful books, Shadow and Bone takes us to the fantasy kingdom of Ravka, where a war has waged on, and The Shadow Fold, a darkness that separates the east and west and houses monsters. Enter Alina Starkov, an orphaned mapmaker who discovers that she may have the power to change the world. We discuss what it was like to be immersed in this story and the world of Ravka, and whether we've found a new fantasy franchise to hang our hopes on.
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A cult classic, Labyrinth has many hallmarks of the 1980s - it was directed by Jim Henson of The Muppets fame, written (in part) by Terry Jones of Monty Python fame, and starred Jennifer Connelly and David Bowie (!). In this episode of Throwback, we discuss why this movie has endured and grown in popularity and fame over time, and how it contributes to the fantasy genre.
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There are so many ways to describe an action movie that we’d run out of space getting to them all; suffice to say, this is our weekly Supercut on steroids, as we take on every imaginable action movie trope you can think of. So whether it’s punching through a bunch of baddies, leaping off exploding buildings, racing out guns blazing, or giant machines battling each other, we’re here for it!
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One night, Hutch Mansell’s (Bob Odenkirk) family home is broken into, and he fails to defend himself or his family. His rage following the event leads to various twists and turns, and amidst plenty of violence, gunfire, and car chases, Hutch must now save his wife and son again. We review Nobody, and discuss the vicarious excitement of the “family in jeopardy” action subgenre.
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He had a very particular set of skills. Skills he acquired over a very long career. Skills that he finessed into a trilogy of wildly successful movies where a lone father rescues his family in jeopardy (over and over again). In this week’s throwback, we revisit the film that unexpectedly but firmly established Liam Neeson as an ageing action hero - 2008’s Taken - and spawned a whole genre of movies in the same mould.
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Round 1! FIGHT! Mortal Kombat is an international, sometimes intergalactic, oftentimes interdimensional ancient martial arts tournament... that's always to the death! It usually involves lots of gore and if you mash the right buttons, an explosion of body horror and ridiculous carnage. The question is, can this new live-action adaptation, directed by first-timer Simon McQuoid, live up to one of the most popular videogame franchises of almost 30 years? We review Mortal Kombat and decide if it's a Fatality or a Flawless Victory.
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Ten years have passed since Edgar Wright directed the quirky, eclectic, burst of colour that is Scott Pilgrim vs The World... which means it's time for a throwback! The film tells the story of titular Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) battling Ramona's (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) seven exes (a host of recognizable faces including Chris Evans) in order to win her heart. We rewatch Scott Pilgrim and discuss its bombastic aesthetic, its cult status, and the way the film has aged over the years.
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The 93rd Academy Awards are going to be unlike any other - with the film industry mostly coming to a halt in 2021, and fewer people having the opportunity to have seen many of the films nominated, how does that change the relevance of the Oscars? Ahead of the awards themselves, we discuss the year's nominees but also look back at how Oscar winners from years past have held up as rewatches.
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Minari, directed by Lee Isaac Chung, tells the story of a Korean family who migrate to Arkansas in search of their version of the American Dream. This warm, intimate family drama has been gaining Oscar buzz and has been heralded as part of an increasing push towards more representation and diversity in the film industry. We review the film and discuss its impact in the context of where Hollywood is in 2021.
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Once, a small mouse separated from his family and sporting a signature blue hat and red jacket, looked up at the moon and sang 'Somewhere Out There' - and that became one of the most memorable scenes from Don Bluth's 1986 classic, An American Tail. In this episode of Throwback Tuesday, the gang discuss this film with its themes of family and immigration and why it's become such an integral part of many childhoods.
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The Bride, John Wick, Maximus Decimus Meridius - few things make for a compelling story like a quest for vengeance. On this week’s Supercut, we discuss revenge flicks - served cold, hot, or with a heaping side of the crazy.
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Director/writer Emerald Fennell and star Carey Mulligan have been generating plenty of awards-season buzz with Promising Young Woman. The candy-coloured black comedy thriller tells the story of Cassie Thomas (Mulligan) who seeks to avenge the death of her best friend. We review the movie and discuss how it uses a specific visual language and storytelling technique to comment on the #MeToo age.
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The sight of a bloodied Uma Thurman in a yellow jumpsuit brandishing a katana has become the stuff of pop culture legend, and there are few films that execute the idea of revenge as potently and stylishly as the Kill Bill duology. We throw back to the Quentin Tarantino classic, and discuss its iconic visuals, the intense violence, and how its story - both on- and off-screen - has aged.
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From Mad Max to Blade Runner, dystopias and post-apocalyptic ruins may be common in films about the future, but they're not the only depictions of the world to come. Some movies and TV shows take place in utopias, while others happen in familiar spaces, many decades from now. We talk about our favorite, and least favorite, versions of the future in pop culture, what makes these imaginative concepts work, as well as what we'd like to see more of.
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Based on the classic novel of the same name by Aldous Huxley, Brave New World imagines a society in which monogamy, family, money, and history are strictly prohibited in an attempt to maintain peace. What could possibly go wrong? In this episode, we discuss the faithfulness of this adaptation, as well as its not-so-ideal utopia. We also explore other offerings on Astro's International Series On-Demand catalogue.
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In this episode of Throwback Tuesday, we check-in with police captain John Anderton, played by Tom Cruise, circa 2054. In what sounds like a routine weekend for the actor, PreCrime's ability to predict and prevent murders using technological clairvoyants puts Anderton in a tough spot... when the to-be criminal turns out to be him! We review 2002's Minority Report while discussing its frightening albeit serene vision of the future, the film's perfect mix of action and sci-fi, as well as Tom Cruise's innate ability to make every film that much more exciting.
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Love stories and tales of friendship are heartwarming and inspirational in their own right, but there's something about a good rivalry (even enmity) that can make for tremendous cinema. We explore the various facets of on-screen rivalries, frenemies and outright enemies and how they enrich the stories we watch.
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Love stories and tales of friendship are heartwarming and inspirational in their own right, but there's something about a good rivalry (even enmity) that can make for tremendous cinema. We explore the various facets of on-screen rivalries, frenemies and outright enemies and how they enrich the stories we watch.
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The massive showdown that's been a few movies in the making, Godzilla vs Kong does exactly what it says on the tin - delivering ground shaking fights between two Titans (both of whom have decades of cinema and iconography behind them too). We discuss whether this lives up to the hype, and what it says about the larger cinematic universe that they've been building.
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An iconic theme, a fin slicing through the waves, blood churning through the waters... and 3 men on a boat. All these elements come together for one of the great summer blockbusters: 1975's Jaws, directed by a young Steven Spielberg. In this episode of Throwback Tuesday, we look back at the movie that spawned an enduring fear of sharks, and set a benchmark for thrillers and creature features to come.
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There’s no denying that when it comes to the heavy-hitters of superheroes, DC Comics has it made; with Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman in their pantheon (just to name a few), there’s no doubting their fan fervour. But when it comes to their onscreen outings, DC has had its ups and downs - and currently lags behind its Marvel-ous counterpart. So we’re dedicating this Supercut to discussing DC superheroes onscreen: what works, what doesn’t, and what we’d love to see.
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Disappointed by the 2017 Justice League movie? Left wanting more from its lacklustre plot? Have no fear, the Snyder Cut is here! We review the four-hour director’s cut of Justice League, which presents the movie as director Zack Snyder intended it before he departed the production. The film features the coming together of the DC Extended Universe’s major superheroes - Batman (Ben Affleck), Superman (Henry Cavill), Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), Cyborg (Ray Fisher), Aquaman (Jason Momoa), and the Flash (Ezra Miller) - as they battle the world-ending threat of Darkseid (Ray Porter) and Steppenwolf (Ciarán Hinds).
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More than 40 years after the release of the first Superman movie, many would argue that there still hasn’t been a Man of Steel to equal Christopher Reeve. Directed by Richard Donner, it was also the first major big-budget superhero movie, and paved the way for all the larger-than-life heroes we now have onscreen. Besides Reeve’s career-making turn, the movie also features a stacked cast, with Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, and Margot Kidder. We revisit the 1978 classic to see whether it still makes our hearts soar.
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It has (only) been a year since the start of the first MCO, so we decided to look back at how it has changed our viewing, binging, and hate-watching habits. What did we love, what did we waste our time on, and what hidden gems did we discover while endlessly scrolling through the on-demand catalogue? We celebrate all our favorites in the first, and hopefully last, MCO anniversary Supercut.
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Inspired by Southeast Asian folklore, 'Raya and the Last Dragon' takes place in the fantasy land of Kumandra, where an ancient horde known as the Druun have returned. Raya (Kelly Marie Tran), a lone warrior in this dystopia, must track down the only thing that can restore peace in the realm - a legendary dragon named Sisu (Awkwafina). After much hype and anticipation, we review Disney's latest blockbuster and discuss what works, what doesn't, and the film's familiar Southeast Asian influence.
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The Disney Princess has been a staple in pop culture ever since Snow White made her animated debut in 1937. Whether it's Cinderella fleeing the castle at the stroke of midnight, Jasmine flying across a whole new world, or Belle singing shade at the townsfolk, princesses have always been at the core of Disney's greatest stories. On this episode, we geek out over the many iconic princesses from our favorite Disney movies, while discussing their influence on our collective childhood, as well as their evolution through the years.
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The decade that brought us ET, Marty McFly, Maverick and Goose, Ghostbusters, Footloose and so, so much more, it's continued to have an outsize influence on the movies and television we watch today, especially with the advent of shows that have revisited (hello, Stranger Things). In this Supercut, we look back at the watches that defined the 80s and discuss some favourites.
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What happens when you revisit teenage heroes and villains after decades, when they're in their 40s? What might have changed, and what has stayed the same? These are some of the questions Cobra Kai asks (and then answers in fine 80s style) - looking at what life has done to Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) since The Karate Kid. Beginning its run as a Youtube production, Cobra Kai has since transitioned to Netflix, and is 3 seasons in. In this episode of Stuff We Missed, we talk about whether this series lives up to the original movies, so many years on.
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Sweep the leg! Finish him! Wax on, wax off. The Karate Kid is an iconic 1980s movie for good reason: teenage romance, action, bullying, a struggle to belong, a wise mentor - it has it all. We look back to the first instalment of this franchise and discuss what made it special.
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What is it about watching a pill-popping doctor, a gangster with a dubious moral compass, or an ice-cold assassin on screen, that is so deliciously engaging? In this Supercut, we discuss why “unlikelable” characters are often so memorable - and of course, share some of our favourites.
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What is it about watching a pill-popping doctor, a gangster with a dubious moral compass, or an ice-cold assassin on screen, that is so deliciously engaging? In this Supercut, we discuss why “unlikelable” characters are often so memorable - and of course, share some of our favourites.
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On their fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) returns home to find his wife Amy (Rosamund Pike) missing - and eventually, the suspicion shifts to him. But as the mystery behind Amy’s disappearance unfolds, what unravels is the story of a complicated past and a twisted relationship. Directed by David Fincher and based on the bestselling thriller novel by Gillian Flynn, Gone Girl’s release in 2014 redefined female characters onscreen. We revisit the film to see how it’s held up.
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Strange dimensions. Bizarre technology. Futuristic architecture. Science fiction as a genre is home to some of the most influential movies and TV shows of all time. Its imaginative concepts like parallel universes, time travel, and extraterrestrial life have been used throughout the decades to give us shows like Star Trek, The Matrix, and most recently, Tenet. On this Supercut, we geek out about our favorite sci-fi shows, tropes, and characters, the difference between sci-fi and fantasy, as well as what today's sci-fi tells us to expect from the not so distant future.
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Fashioned after sci-fi landmarks such as Cowboy Bebop and inspired by cult favorites like Firefly, Space Sweepers is considered K-Cinema's first big space opera. In this episode, we join the ragtag crew on Victory, a spaceship tasked with, as the name implies, cleaning debris from space... only to stumble across a 7-year-old girl in a crashed space shuttle. We chat about what Space Sweepers means to Korean cinema, how the movie uses multiple sci-fi tropes in an attempt to create something fresh, as well as the deeper social commentary that it shares with many other Korean films.
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Fashioned after sci-fi landmarks such as Cowboy Bebop and inspired by cult favorites like Firefly, Space Sweepers is considered K-Cinema's first big space opera. In this episode, we join the ragtag crew on Victory, a spaceship tasked with, as the name implies, cleaning debris from space... only to stumble across a 7-year-old girl in a crashed space shuttle. We chat about what Space Sweepers means to Korean cinema, how the movie uses multiple sci-fi tropes in an attempt to create something fresh, as well as the deeper social commentary that it shares with many other Korean films.
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It's 2019 and we're in a technological hellscape. Overpopulated cities are made up of gargantuan structures that look both futuristic and archaic at the same time. Neon is everywhere. And replicants are running wild. Directed by Ridley Scott and based on the legendary works of Philip K. Dick, Blade Runner sees special agent Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) on a mission to hunt down a crew of rogue replicants. But as the violent androids begin to question their own existence, so does he. On this episode, we discuss Blade Runner's cult status, its signature aesthetics, style, and sound, as well as its place in the sci-fi hall of fame.
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Jack and Rose, Riggs and Murtaugh, Han and Chewie, Thelma and Louise - there's no shortage of iconic on-screen pairings, whether romantic or otherwise. We explore some of our favourites and discuss what the magic formula is when it comes to putting two people together and letting the chemistry spark.
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The first Hollywood production to be written, financed and produced during the pandemic, Malcolm and Marie stars John David Washington and Zendaya as a couple facing a test of their relationship as tensions come to the fore on the night of a big movie premiere. We talk about whether this self-contained romantic drama works, and whether it heralds a new way of making movies in this time of Covid-19.
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"I want the truth!" "YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!" This legendary line has been mimicked, memed, and parodied more times than we can count. But back in 1992, it set a new benchmark for courtroom drama and became one of the most powerful performances that year. On this Throwback Tuesday, we revisit 'A Few Good Men', and discuss how this early-90s classic elevated the unaging Tom Cruise and the ever-aged Jack Nicholson to new heights in their respective careers.
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One of the great romantic comedies, Roman Holiday stars Audrey Hepburn (in a role that she won an Academy Award for) as a princess on an anonymous jaunt, accompanied by Gregory Peck as a journalist on the hunt for a story. In this episode of Throwback Tuesday, we look back at this tender, bittersweet and very funny film.
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A mouthful of Ratatouille. A Chef’s perfectly grilled cheese sandwich. The perfect Chinese dinner as we Eat Drink Man Woman. Food on screen often transcends the mere act of eating, and becomes instead a metaphor, a motif, or even a plot point. In this Supercut, we chew on the ways in which food and eating are used in film and TV, and digest our favourite scenes involving meals.
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With Chinese New Year around the corner in 2021, we could all use some cheering up. So we’re throwing back to a festive staple: All’s Well, End’s Well from 1992. The tale of three brothers going to hilarious lengths to win their parents’ approval for their romances offers both wholesome family fare, as well as a star-studded cast featuring Leslie Cheung, Stephen Chow, Raymond Wong, Maggie Cheung, Sandra Ng, and Teresa Mo.
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For legions of fans around the world, Christopher Plummer is inseparable from Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music. However, Plummer already had an acclaimed stage career before the movie, and went on to play a impressive variety of roles on screen - including an Oscar-winning performance in Beginners in 2010 at the age of 82. In this episode, we pay tribute to Christopher Plummer and his body of work.
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It may not have its own category at the Oscars, but watching a comedy is one of the most communal experiences one can have at the movies. From Buster Keaton's pioneering pratfalls and Jim Carrey's outlandish antics, to Tina Fey's whip-smart dialogue and Eddie Murphy's trailblazing sense of humor, there's no genre that has transformed through the years much like comedy. We discuss who and what makes us laugh, political correctness in comedy, and the movies and TV shows that will never stop being funny.
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Seth Rogen plays Herschel Greenbaum, an Eastern European immigrant who gets preserved in a vat of pickles, as you do, only to wake up generations later in modern-day New York. In this episode, we review Brandon Trost's An American Pickle, based on writer Simon Rich's 2013 short film, Sell Out. We also discuss the film's place on a streaming service, and how a plot like this is a throwback to much older films.
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If you could trace the careers of comedy heavyweights Judd Apatow, Steve Carell, and Seth Rogen to a single turning point in their lives, you'd find yourself watching The 40-Year-Old Virgin. In Apatow's directorial debut, a fresh-off-Anchorman Carell plays Andy, an electronic goods store employee, whose well-meaning yet incompetent friends try to help him lose his virginity. We discuss not only the raunchiness of The 40-Year-Old Virgin, but also its heart, and how a film like this could have only been made in the weird window of time that was the noughties.
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An adaptation of Aravind Adiga's Man Booker Prize-winning novel, this tale of class, caste, loyalty and corruption is being brought to screen by Ramin Bahrani, starring Rajkummar Rao, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Adarsh Gourav. We discuss whether this film successfully captures the spirit and dark humour of its source material.
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A gritty drama shot in a neorealist style, Chop Shop (2007) is a slice of life look at Ale, a 12 year old street orphan living and surviving in Queens, New York. Critically acclaimed at the time of its release, it's also the second film of Ramin Bahrani whose latest film has just hit screening services. In this episode, we dive into the style of the movie, particularly its heartwarming yet difficult storyline and the use of non-actors in playing the roles.
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When it comes to film and television, families - whether good, bad, or plain dysfunctional - are a mainstay. We look at our favourite screen relatives from the Addams to the Corleones, and discuss why fraught familial ties provide so much fodder for onscreen drama.
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When it comes to film and television, families - whether good, bad, or plain dysfunctional - are a mainstay. We look at our favourite screen relatives from the Addams to the Corleones, and discuss why fraught familial ties provide so much fodder for onscreen drama.
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With release schedules being what they are these days (interrupted and uncertain), we're taking the opportunity to review some recent movies and shows that we missed the first time round. In our first installment - Succession! They’re filthy rich, appallingly entitled, and hopelessly manipulative - yet we somehow can’t get enough of the Roys. And the critics apparently agree, because since its premiere in 2018, Succession has picked up rave reviews and a slew of awards. Centred on the wealthy Roy family, which owns a global media empire, the show revolves around the various battles for control of the company between the patriarch, Logan Roy (Brian Cox), his children, and a whole cast of conniving characters. The show also stars, among others, Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook, and Kieran Culkin.
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The name Hannibal Lecter might be almost synonymous with Sir Anthony Hopkins, but the credit of first bringing the iconic character to life onscreen actually belongs to Brian Cox. Based on Thomas Harris’ novel Red Dragon (the one that came before The Silence of the Lambs), this 1986 Michael Mann-directed psychological thriller is often overlooked; so we throwback to it and see if there’s still some underrated cinema magic to be found.
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The name Hannibal Lecter might be almost synonymous with Sir Anthony Hopkins, but the credit of first bringing the iconic character to life onscreen actually belongs to Brian Cox. Based on Thomas Harris’ novel Red Dragon (the one that came before The Silence of the Lambs), this 1986 Michael Mann-directed psychological thriller is often overlooked; so we throwback to it and see if there’s still some underrated cinema magic to be found.
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From Nora Ephron's 'When Harry Met Sally' to Matt Damon and Ben Affleck's 'Good Will Hunting', good screenplays are arguably the first step at defining a great film. It doesn't always translate well, but a well-adapted script is something to be celebrated... which is why they have awards for the effort. On this Supercut, we praise, pick apart, and even nitpick some of our favorite screenplays, the storytellers behind them, and the visionaries who brought them to life on-screen.
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Based on August Wilson's play and produced by Denzel Washington, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom assembles a star-studded cast to bring one of the titular trailblazer's particularly tense recording sessions to life. On this episode, we discuss Viola Davis' portrayal as one of the most influential, yet underrated, blues singers in history, the timeliness of a film set in 1927, and the late Chadwick Boseman's final live-action performance.
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We're throwing it back to 1996's The Birdcage - a film about a duo named Armand (Robin Williams) and Albert (Nathan Lane), their trendy Miami nightclub, and how their sense of paradise is rattled when Armand's son decides to marry the daughter of one Senator Keele (Gene Hackman). We discuss the riskiness of The Birdcage for its time, its on-brand flashiness, and its over-the-top humor that make it such a joy to watch, and rewatch, again and again.
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Beginning with Woody and Buzz, through the adventures of Nemo, Marlin and Dory, to the jazz dreams of Joe Gardner, Pixar movies have always set a high water mark for animated films (and films as a whole). In this episode of Supercut, we talk about Pixar’s evolution, and gush over our favourites.
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One of many movies to have fallen victim to 2020’s schedule changes, Soul is Pixar’s latest release and the first to have an African-American main character. Building on Inside Out’s experimental feel, it explores what happens after death, and before life, combining metaphysics, spirituality, jazz, and Pixar’s signature bittersweet touch.
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Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice! In this episode of Throwback Tuesday, we’re celebrating Tim Burton’s 1988 classic that saw Michael Keaton’s star turn as the eponymous poltergeist. Blending comedy, fantasy, and an unforgettable use of Harry Belafonte’s music, this movie was (and remains) a strange, affecting, visually stunning exploration of the afterlife.
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New Year's Eve is ripe ground for storytelling, with its sense of possibility, anticipation and change. In this episode of Throwback Tuesday, we look at a selection of movies that have used this particular day as a springboard for their narratives.
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After several postponements and then migrating to a streaming service, one of 2020’s supposed biggest releases has finally made it to SOME cinemas. We review the much-awaited sequel to 2017’s “Wonder Woman”, with Gal Gadot returning to wield the Lasso of Truth, alongside Kristen Wiig, Chris Pine, and Pedro Pascal.
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With cinemas mostly closed in 2020, watching television shows at home took on a whole new dimension. We look back at the variety of programming that has been on offer, and all the different stories we had to keep us company.
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We all have our favourite watches we turn to, when we need to feel better. The screen equivalent of Linus's blanket, if you will. Whether it's comedies, the familiar strains of musicals, childhood favourites, or the explosions of big action sequences, we'll be talking about it all - from movies to television, and everything in between.
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Blockbusters have been few and far between this year, but some have made their way to our cinemas nonetheless (and are now available to watch at home). We run through some of the big titles that premiered in 2020, including some that we (and perhaps you) might have missed, including Vanguard, Peninsula, New Mutants, Mulan and of course,Tenet.
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Mawwiage. My name is Inigo Montoya. As you wish. The Princess Bride is chock-full of quotable quotes, and is a classic for a reason. In this episode of Throwback Tuesday, we look at Rob Reiner's 1987 fantasy comedy classic, and discuss whether it really is the ultimate feel-good movie.
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Hollywood loves a good retelling of a true story, and so do we. Whether it's the story of legendary rock icons, revolutionary presidents, or historical figures who were previously overlooked, a film based on real-life events has the power to be moving, uplifting, and even educational. But true stories also bring out the worst in Hollywood. Creative license, historical inaccuracies, and poor casting choices can all ruin a story, and more importantly, someone's story. On this Supercut, we discuss our favorite true stories, the importance of staying true to them, and whose story we'd like to see adapted next.
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Citizen Kane is widely regarded as the most must-see film in Hollywood history. But behind the scenes, there was enough drama unfolding to rival its on-screen counterpart. Adding to Citizen Kane's strange and illustrious mythology is Mank - a film directed by David Fincher and written by his late father, Jack Fincher, nearly a decade ago. Mank explores 1930s Hollywood through the lens of Herman J. Mankiewicz, a witty, raging alcoholic, as he locks horns with industry titans during the turbulent making of one of Hollywood's landmark films. We review Fincher's latest offering and discuss if Mank is good, bad, or the perfect kind of Oscar bait.
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What's in the box??!!! Dark, disturbing, and sinfully captivating, David Fincher's Se7en remains one of Hollywood's most popular crime thrillers to this day. David Mills (Brad Pitt), a young detective who's new in town, is paired with Det. William Somerset (Morgan Freeman), a veteran on his retirement leg, to solve a series of grisly murders modeled after the seven deadly sins. In this episode, we discuss if 1995's Se7en is still the psychological caper it used to be, the pairing of Freeman and Pitt to create the perfect inverse of a buddy cop drama, and if this film was director David Fincher's best work.
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Starlord grooving to “Hooked on a Feeling”. Marty McFly rocking out onstage to “Johnny B. Goode”. Little Olive performing an inappropriate dance to “Super Freak” at a children’s beauty pageant. On this week’s Supercut, we put our headphones on and belt out (metaphorically) our favourite songs and soundtracks from film and TV, and talk about why some songs can make or break a scene.
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Directed by Ron Howard, Hillbilly Elegy explores the idea of the American dream by looking at three generations of a lower-income family in Ohio; the story centres around a Yale law student (played by Gabriel Basso) who is forced to return to his family after a family emergency. Based on a memoir by J.D. Vance, the movie also stars Glenn Close, Amy Adams, Haley Bennett, and Freida Pinto. We review the film and discuss whether it works in its aim to capture the American heartland.
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Puteri Gunung Ledang, Malaysia’s first-ever big budget film production was epic in every way: from its period fantasy setting to the star-studded cast. The 2004 film, directed by Saw Teong Hin and starring Tiara Jacquelina, M. Nasir and Adlin Aman Ramlie, was adapted from the Malay legend of the mysterious princess who lived on Mount Ledang, and a Malacca sultan’s efforts to woo her. With the film now available for streaming for the first time, we revisit this Malaysian classic and see how it holds up.
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Stay home and stay safe has been a motto and a rallying cry for many in 2020 - but that also means that the new experiences and sights that travel affords us have been off limits. Which is why this episode focuses on the escape that cinema and entertainment can give! We run through some of our favourite watches for when we want to leave the walls of our home and explore the world (and maybe even beyond).
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Fitting for a show that focuses on possibly the most privileged family in the world, The Crown is also one of the most expensive shows ever made. And this budget emerges in its lavish sets and outfits, and careful attention to period detail, as it chronicles the royal family through various decades. But within the aesthetics, lies the story of a family with drama, class and power struggles - and this truly comes to the fore in Season 4 as the show, set in the Thatcher years, also begins to focus on Prince Charles, and the introduction of Diana Spencer.
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Telling the story of a wartime king, and a different path towards leadership and courage, The King's Speech turns 10 this year. We revisit this story of a famous stammer, and Colin Firth's Oscar-winning turn and also explore the power of the grey pound/dollar/ringgit when it comes to movies.
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It's all the rage - all the Cage on today's Supercut as we celebrate the career of the man, the myth, the legend... Nicolas Cage! Whether he's screaming about bees in the critically panned remake of the Wicker Man or winning Academy Awards for his captivating work, there's no one who can match the manic, eclectic energy that's so signature to Nic Cage. We talk about Cage's biggest hits and misses, that time he was almost Superman, and what we'd like to see next from the man with the most indecisive hairline in Hollywood.
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Based on the book by Roald Dahl, The Witches is about an orphaned boy who flees a rural town with his grandmother in order to escape a group of diabolical witches. Trouble is, the duo are then faced with the worst witch of them all - The Grand High Witch, played by Anne Hathaway. In this episode, we review HBO's latest feature-length offering, The Witches, and discuss if this whimsical live-action retelling of a children's book was truly the film Robert Zemeckis should have made.
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Leaving Las Vegas has been called many things - powerful, dark, and poignant. It's also the movie that rewarded Nicolas Cage with an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his visceral performance as Ben Sanderson. In this episode, we're taking it back to 1995 and revisiting Sanderson's fateful one-way trip to Vegas, where he meets Sera, a prostitute, and moves in with her. We also discuss if Leaving Las Vegas has aged well, what happened to this Nic Cage, and why this brand of film isn't as popular as it used to be.
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What do Harrison Ford, Bill Pullman, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Jamie Foxx have in common? They’ve all stepped into the (fictional) shoes of the United States’ commander-in-chief. With all the recent suspense of the US elections, and Joe Biden now declared the next president, we look at the various avatars American presidents have taken on screen - and why some of these roles have become so indelible in pop culture.
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After his movie debut 14 years ago, Sacha Baron Cohen’s Borat is back - and this time, it’s in a world that almost seems too bizarre even by his standards. This time around, the fictional Kazakh journalist and television personality travels through America with his daughter Tutar (Maria Bakalova) during the COVID-19 pandemic and run-up to the 2020 presidential election. We review the film and discuss how Cohen’s mockumentary format holds up in 2020.
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If there was one Tamil movie that sent scores of young hearts afluttering in the early 2000s, it was Alaipayuthey. Directed by Mani Ratnam, one of India’s most celebrated contemporary filmmakers, the movie tells the story of a pair of young lovers (played by Madhavan and Shalini) who elope, only to realise marriage might not be a bed of roses. Critically acclaimed for capturing a realistic love story in an urban India poised between tradition and modernity, the movie also features a celebrated soundtrack by A.R. Rahman.
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Telling the true story of the Chicago Seven, a group of anti–Vietnam War protesters charged with conspiracy and crossing state lines in 1969, The Trial of the Chicago 7 sees its writer and director Aaron Sorkin returning to the courtroom for a dramatic setting. It also boasts an all-star ensemble cast, including Eddie Redmayne, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. We discuss whether this film does its true-life origins justice.
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The first man to utter the famous line, order a martini shaken not stirred, and given that license to kill, Sean Connery was, for many, the ultimate James Bond. But more than that, he was also a true Hollywood icon, and someone who gave varied, interesting and dynamic performances in a bid to grow further away from the role he was best known for and create new opportunities for himself. In this episode, we pay tribute to Sean Connery and his work, from 007 and beyond.
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You may call her "le plouc" and think she's "ringarde", but the titular Emily in Netflix's 'Emily In Paris' (played by Lily Collins) has reached peak popularity in today's world - she's a meme. With hundreds of think pieces written in its name and no shortage of controversy, Emily In Paris has truly become a watercooler topic in an age of virtual watercoolers. On this episode, for better or worse, we review the hit new series and try to decide if there's really more to Emily In Paris than the show lets on.
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"Chic" may be the best way to describe The Devil Wears Prada, much to Miranda Priestly's disdain. The film added another iconic character to Meryl Streep's illustrious catalogue while solidifying Anne Hathaway's place in Hollywood. It also created conversations about ambition, respect, and power dynamics in a largely closed-door industry. In this episode, we throwback to 2006's The Devil Wears Prada, a film that subverted the romcom genre and, unlike the fashion it portrays, never went out of style.
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From Rock Hudson to Cary Grant, to modern day stars such as Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise, masculinity on screen has both stayed the same, and shifted in major ways. On the one hand, handsome macho heartthrobs will always have their place, but modern day iterations of male stars include actors who are starting to expand and play with the idea of what it means to be a bankable male star (think Robert Pattinson, Michael Cera and Jonah Hill). In this Supercut, we dive deep into masculine representation on screen and how things have changed.
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From Rock Hudson to Cary Grant, to modern day stars such as Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise, masculinity on screen has both stayed the same, and shifted in major ways. On the one hand, handsome macho heartthrobs will always have their place, but modern day iterations of male stars include actors who are starting to expand and play with the idea of what it means to be a bankable male star (think Robert Pattinson, Michael Cera and Jonah Hill). In this Supercut, we dive deep into masculine representation on screen and how things have changed.
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I am Spartacus! The movie that spawned that iconic line (and meme), is one of the exemplars of the swords and sandals genre, and starred Kirk Douglas in one of his most memorable roles. It also has parallels to the civil rights movement in 1950s American History. In this episode, the gang discuss Spartacus and how it holds up over the decades.
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There is a lot more to documentary filmmaking than the National Geographic nature films many of grew up with - and the rise of the Internet and streaming services have made documentaries much more accessible to a wider audience. This week, we dedicate our Supercut to documentary films, everything from the unobtrusive, fly-on-the-wall kind to activism cinema.
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In a year that has seen most of us turn to social media for connection and entertainment, The Social Dilemma made quite a (chilling) splash. The docudrama, directed by Jeff Orlowski, looks at the rise of social media and exposes the damage it has caused to society - including the exploitation of users for financial gain, enabling increased surveillance, its impact on mental health, its use in politics, and the rampant spreading of fake news and conspiracy theories. We review the film and discuss whether its changed the way we see and engage with social media.
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Yep, not only has Facebook been around a long time, it’s been around long enough that a biopic of its founder is celebrating its 10th year anniversary. So join us in feeling bewilderingly aged as we revisit the David Fincher-helmed, Aaron Sorkin-penned film from 2010 that examines Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg’s (Jesse Eisenberg) rise to success - and the relationships he severed along the way. A critical and commercial hit when it came out, The Social Network was nominated for eight Academy Awards, and also stars Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, and Armie Hammer.
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The idea of a female James Bond has sparked intense (for lack of a better word) online debate on multiple occasions, with many firmly believing that the gender of a character should never be swapped. But fan backlash and gatekeeping aside, what are the ups and downs of changing the genders of well-known characters? On this Supercut, we discuss gender swapping of our favorite on-screen characters, if they're ever done for the right reasons, and if gender really plays an important role in the identity of these characters themselves.
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The idea of a female James Bond has sparked intense (for lack of a better word) online debate on multiple occasions, with many firmly believing that the gender of a character should never be swapped. But fan backlash and gatekeeping aside, what are the ups and downs of changing the genders of well-known characters? On this Supercut, we discuss gender swapping of our favorite on-screen characters, if they're ever done for the right reasons, and if gender really plays an important role in the identity of these characters themselves.
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You know of Sherlock Holmes and the many mysteries he solved, but have you heard of his sister, Enola? Starring Millie Bobby Brown as Enola and Henry Cavill as Sherlock, Netflix's latest big budget offering sends Enola on her own adventure to save a runaway lord, while trying to outsmart her famously intelligent big brother in the process. In this episode, we review the clever story of Sherlock's shadowed sibling and discuss if it's entertaining enough to launch an all-new franchise.
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From the subversive BBC series with Benedict Cumberbatch to the questionable comedy with Will Ferrell, there's no shortage of adaptations when it comes to the world's most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes. Whether he's solving grisly crimes in a deerstalker or wrestling in underground fight clubs, we're throwing back to the many faces of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's iconic investigator.
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Whether it's the T-Rex in Jurassic Park, the Xenomorph of Alien, or Godzilla in, well, Godzilla - creatures have long held a larger-than-life place in moviegoers' imagination. In this Supercut, we discuss our favourites, as well as how to create memorable creatures, and why some movies have flourished and others have flopped.
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Whether it's the T-Rex in Jurassic Park, the Xenomorph of Alien, or Godzilla in, well, Godzilla - creatures have long held a larger-than-life place in moviegoers' imagination. In this Supercut, we discuss our favourites, as well as how to create memorable creatures, and why some movies have flourished and others have flopped.
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Whether it's the T-Rex in Jurassic Park, the Xenomorph of Alien, or Godzilla in, well, Godzilla - creatures have long held a larger-than-life place in moviegoers' imagination. In this Supercut, we discuss our favourites, as well as how to create memorable creatures, and why some movies have flourished and others have flopped.
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Based on a novel by Matt Ruff, Lovecraft Country tackles monsters both fantastic and prosaic. Set in the segregated United States of the 1950s, the show looks at the insidious nature of racism and sexism, while also exploring a central mystery involving magic, pulp fiction, and secrets. The gang review this series, and discuss whether it successfully blends politics and entertainment.
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Released in 1979, Ridley Scott's Alien is many things: a movie chock-full of indelible, striking images; the first time many of us saw the Giger-inspired Alien; the first time we met one of the great heroines of cinema, Ellen Ripley; the introduction of new terms into science fiction and horror fans: facehugger, Space Jockey, the list goes on. In this episode of Throwback Tuesday, we dive head first into the trials and tribulations of the Nostromo and its crew.
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From Kubrick to Kurosawa, Scorcese to Spielberg, the world of cinema is full of “influencers” - indelible names who have shaped onscreen entertainment with their unique approaches to filmmaking. In this week’s Supercut, we discuss filmmaking influences when it comes to popular culture, and those whose works continue to resonate with audiences today.
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While limited series Watchmen dominates this year’s Emmy nominations with a whopping 26 nominations, 2019 was an incredibly rich year for television content - with shows like Schitt’s Creek, Succession, Unorthodox, Euphoria, and The Handmaid’s Tale all also tipped to win some accolades. We look at this year’s big Emmy winners and discuss what they say about the TV landscape today.
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This year, Akira Kurosawa’s Rashomon celebrates its 70th anniversary - a film so influential in storytelling that it has a trope named after it: the Rashomon Effect. The plot revolves around the murder of a samurai, as the events behind his death unfold from several different perspectives, all of which seem unreliable in their own ways. We look back at the 1950 Japanese classic by one of cinema history’s most celebrated filmmakers, starring Toshiro Mifune, Machiko Kyo, Masayuki Mori, and Takashi Shimura.
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As part of our weeklong celebration of Malaysia Day, we're dedicating this episode to exploring all facets of Malaysian cinema. We'll be running through the greats of the past all the way up to modern day classics, and also getting a frank assessment of the state of the industry from our guest, Nadiah Hamzah.
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In conjunction with Malaysia Day, we're throwing back to a true Malaysian classic. The fourth outing of the Bujang Lapok series, this caper of a film spoofs the Malay film industry of the 50s and 60s, and has a whole host of stars of that era as well. We'll also be discussing this film in the context of the career of the late, great P. Ramlee.
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Can we pack all of Disney and its magnificence into a single Supercut? We sure as heck try! In the spirit of Mulan finally gracing cinemas, we dive into our own memories of timeless Disney films and what they've meant to us over the years. From classics like The Lion King and Aladdin, to modern gems like The Emperor's New Groove and Lilo & Stitch, Disney continues to set new standards for the way stories are told on screen. We discuss the movies, the music, and the magic of the House of Mouse for all kids aged five to ninety-five.
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It's finally here! After months of delays, Hua Mulan gets down to business to defeat the huns in Disney's live-action retelling of the ageless Chinese legend. Or does she? It's no secret that Disney opted to make this film grittier than its animated counterpart, but is that enough to make this Mulan an instant classic as well? In this episode, we review the highly anticipated Mulan, its cinematic qualities, and ask ourselves if we miss seeing armies of men (and one woman in disguise) burst into song at random intervals.
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It's finally here! After months of delays, Hua Mulan gets down to business to defeat the huns in Disney's live-action retelling of the ageless Chinese legend. Or does she? It's no secret that Disney opted to make this film grittier than its animated counterpart, but is that enough to make this Mulan an instant classic as well? In this episode, we review the highly anticipated Mulan, its cinematic qualities, and ask ourselves if we miss seeing armies of men (and one woman in disguise) burst into song at random intervals.
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Ahead of our review of Mulan, we're throwing back to one of the defining wuxia films, that also just happens to be a huge crossover smash hit, winning Academy Awards to boot. We're talking of course, about Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Layering kungfu, romance and myth in one cinematic spectacle, and starring a plethora of stars, it's a rich rewatch for many reasons.
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Indiana Jones. The Dude. Imperator Furiosa. Darth Vader. Marty McFly. Annie Hall. What do all of these people have in common? They’re characters you remember long after you’ve left the cinema hall. In this Supercut, we discuss what goes into creating a great, original movie character, and reminisce about some of our favourites.
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One of director Spike Lee’s most celebrated recent releases, BlacKkKlansman, made its debut on streaming recently, and we’re taking the chance to review it. Tapping into America’s recent calls for black equality and the Black Lives Matters movement, the movie tells the story of African American detective Ron Stallworth (John David Washington) and his colleague Flip Zimmerman (Adam Driver), who set out to infiltrate and expose the Ku Klux Klan.
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As Hollywood and the rest of the world mourn the sudden and untimely loss of actor Chadwick Boseman, we celebrate his magnetic onscreen presence by throwing back to one of his many acclaimed performances - as the Godfather of Soul himself, James Brown. Alongside the movie, we pay tribute to Boseman's legacy and why his roles have left an indelible mark on African American culture and Hollywood cinema.
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It's finally here! Through the multiple delays and cancellations that have derailed the film industry, Christopher Nolan has always maintained that Tenet needs to be released, and seen, in cinemas, on the biggest screen possible. Tonight we talk about our impressions of Nolan's latest, deeply ambitious film, and whether it really is the blockbuster that's going to turn the tide for the film industry and moviegoers in 2020.
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Be warned, here there be spoilers! In a special episode of Popcorn Culture, we talk about all things Tenet - and we do mean all things. We discuss plot points, performances, and what we think it all means.
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Justice League: Dark is what you get when you combine vigilantism with gothic metal and plenty of witchcraft. Constantine, Zatanna, Swamp Thing, and a handful of creepy characters must team with Batman and try to save the world from the Demons Three. They must then head to Apokalips to hunt down the meanest villain of them all, Darkseid. In this episode, we review both Justice League: Dark and its sequel, Apokalips War. We discuss the appeal of an alternative supergroup, the mythology within DC's animated universe, and the possibility of seeing a live-action adaptation on the big screen.
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A detective with acrophobia is hired to investigate the strange behaviour of an old friend's wife. As if that premise isn't bizarre enough, the aforementioned detective must now overcome both his obsession with the case, as well as his acrophobia, to prevent his own personal downfall. In this episode, we revisit one of Alfred Hitchcock's most popular works, Vertigo, and discuss how in 1958 it became one of the most groundbreaking thrillers of its time.
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A detective with acrophobia is hired to investigate the strange behaviour of an old friend's wife. As if that premise isn't bizarre enough, the aforementioned detective must now overcome both his obsession with the case, as well as his acrophobia, to prevent his own personal downfall. In this episode, we revisit one of Alfred Hitchcock's most popular works, Vertigo, and discuss how in 1958 it became one of the most groundbreaking thrillers of its time.
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Could anyone hate Tom Hanks? The two-time Oscar-winner (and six-time nominee) isn’t just one of the most popular film stars in the world, he’s also one of the most universally liked. With the acting chops to take on both comedic and dramatic roles, Hanks has starred in a whole host of iconic roles, including Sleepless in Seattle, Philadelphia, Forrest Gump, and Captain Phillips. In this week’s Supercut, we talk about all things Hanks, and why he remains so darn likeable.
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This biopic of treasured children’s TV personality Fred Rogers - which stars another immensely likeable American icon, Tom Hanks - never made it to the Malaysian cinemas. The movie begins with a rather sceptical investigative journalist (Matthew Rhys) being assigned to interview Rogers, and intertwines both their journeys into a tale of empathy and kindness. As it premieres on streaming, we take the opportunity to review the film, which netted Hanks an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
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The Muppets have had so many movie capers (eight, to be exact!), that it might be difficult to keep track - but we’re taking it all the way back to their silver-screen debut, 1979’s The Muppet Movie. In the film, the gang reminisce about how they all met, while we discuss why Jim Henson’s puppet creations remain so delightful 65 years after they were first introduced.
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In 2010, Kathryn Bigelow won the Academy Award for Best Director, for her film The Hurt Locker (famously beating her ex-husband James Cameron to the punch). She was the first woman to win this award, and to date, still the only one. In this episode of Supercut, we discuss female creators in the entertainment we watch, from directors and writers, to showrunners and editors - we'll be going through our favourites, and dissecting whether the industry is anywhere close to reaching parity when it comes to visibility and representation.
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A searing look at how modern dating and relationships affect the practice of consent and blur the lines, I May Destroy You is a show that experiments with storytelling and boundaries. Its creator Michaela Coel turned down a million dollar deal with Netflix to have total creative control and ownership - we talk about how that might have impacted the show, and how the show treats themes not often discussed in entertainment.
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One of the quintessential coming-of-age movies (and dramedies), Juno tells the story of a smart, independent teenager confronting an unexpected pregnancy and dealing with the twists and turns of life. In this episode, we talk about how this movie handles difficult subjects with deft writing, sharp comedy and emotional depth.
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From epic medieval battles to the grueling tales of World War II, audiences have always been fascinated by the concept of war and how it's portrayed in movies. Is it the element of pure danger that keeps us watching? Or is it the notion that most of these amazing stories are inspired by true events? On this Supercut, we talk about our favorite war films, what makes a great battle scene, and why a good war movie is a cinematic experience unlike any other.
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A U.S. Navy Commander named Ernest Krause, played by Tom Hanks, and his Allied crew are being pursued by German U-Boats. Soon, Krause will find himself trying to survive the most complex naval battle in history - The Battle of the Atlantic! On this episode, we check out AppleTV+'s newest high-profile offering, Greyhound. At a lean 91 minutes, the big budget film is designed for streaming, but will it be remembered as a great war movie when all is said and done?
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General. Slave. Gladiator who defied an emperor. Movie that won Russell Crowe an Oscar. In this episode, we revisit 'Gladiator' - one of the finest movies from the year 2000. The film also cemented Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, and composer Hans Zimmer as Hollywood gold. We discuss Gladiator's pop culture impact, how a slew of copycat films tried to replicate its success, and why the story of Maximus Decimus Meridius still resonates with us to this day.
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Everyone’s teenage years are likely filled with emotions, adventures, hopes, and disappointments - it’s no wonder they are such fertile ground for cinematic storytelling. In this Supercut, we discuss the many variations of teen movies, the iconic names behind them, and what makes them work (or not!).
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Adapted from the popular children’s book series of the same name, The Baby-Sitters Club follows the friendship and adventures of five middle-schoolers as they start a babysitting business in Stoneybrook, Connecticut. While the show takes a fun and lighthearted tone, it doesn’t shy away from addressing real issues that many young people of today face, such as divorced parents, self esteem, and identity.
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The quintessential skiver’s handbook, this John Hughes teen comedy from 1986 became an instant classic thanks to its irreverent humour, memorable performances, excellent soundtrack and its infectiously youthful vibe. We revisit Ferris Bueller’s Day Off for a big dose of ‘80s nostalgia.
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Whether it's epic novels or comic books, adapting for the screen comes with its own unique set of challenges. For instance, keeping fans of the book happy while ensuring that viewers can understand the story on its own terms, cutting characters and storylines to fit a 2 hour running time, and even casting the right actors for characters who've lived in the public imagination for years. The list goes on... so in this episode of Supercut, we dive into adaptations that have gotten it right, and the ones that missed the mark.
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Based on Donna Tartt's complex novel about trauma, grief and art, The Goldfinch tackles the tale of Theo Decker, and what happens after he survives a bomb explosion in a museum that kills his mother. In the process, he also inadvertently steals a painting, and it's this act and its consequences that will come to haunt him. The Goldfinch was said to be an unfilmable novel, with its layered narrative and difficult characters - in this episode of Popcorn Culture, we see if that's true.
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How do we treat people who are different to us? What does it mean to have special abilities - to be a mutant? The very first film in the (frankly uneven) X-Men movie franchise explores these questions and does so in style. Marking the Hollywood debut of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, it's also the first time that these beloved comic book characters were seen on the silver screen. We discuss the impact this movie had, and as always with our throwbacks, whether it holds up.
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Dreamy doctors, smooth lawyers, and scientists born wearing bifocals. On-screen professions may be vaguely based on real life, but that hasn't stopped us from wanting the careers of some of our favorite characters. On this Supercut, we explore the many ways professions are portrayed in pop culture and discuss why some of them, while hilariously inaccurate, are just so appealing to us!
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Based on Erie Stanley Gardner's character of the same name, Perry Mason is back on TV screens and apparently this time, his show is sleeker and slightly edgier than its classic counterpart. But are preachers, beat cops, and gruesome crime scenes enough to make this a worthy reboot of the original series? In this episode, we tag along with Perry Mason, private investigator, as he navigates 1932 Los Angeles to solve a crime with more twists and turns than he bargained for.
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With Malaysian cinemas opening their doors again from July 1, we look at the unique experience of “going to the movies”, and whether it can ever be replaced by the multiple other screens now available to us. We also recall milestone films when it comes to big screen releases, and share some of our own favourite movie-going memories.
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With Malaysian cinemas opening their doors again from July 1, we look at the unique experience of “going to the movies”, and whether it can ever be replaced by the multiple other screens now available to us. We also recall milestone films when it comes to big screen releases, and share some of our own favourite movie-going memories.
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In Spike Lee’s latest screen outing, four ageing war veterans return to Vietnam in search of the remains of their fallen squad leader - and a treasure that they hid while serving there. Starring Delroy Lindo, Chadwick Boseman, Isiah Whitlock Jr and Norm Lewis, the movie brings an African American lens to the Vietnam war, while also drawing on issues of race and social justice that continue to resonate today.
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That soaring shot of a brachiosaurus. The T-rex reflected in a sideview mirror. The chilling sight of a velociraptor’s breath puffing on a glass panel. These iconic screen moments are indelible memories created by one of THE biggest cinema releases of all time, the original Jurassic Park from 1993. With Malaysian cinemas reopening this week after three months of closure, we recall the awe of watching the movie on the large screen for the very first time, and discuss why it has remained a classic.
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There's a lot of truly excellent TV and good shows available these days, and many of them have production levels (and budgets) that rival or surpass the best of cinema. So what has led to the rise of Prestige TV and how do you sift through the best of the best? And how have streaming services and bingeing changed the game? We dive deep into that very subject on this episode of Supercut.
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Space Force reunites Greg Daniels and Steve Carell after The Office, and blends workplace comedy and political satire as it looks into the formation of the United States Space Force and its efforts to put boots on the moon. We discuss whether the show is a fun binge watch, and whether it succeeds at satire, comedy or both.
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A cult classic in its own right, Galaxy Quest is a science fiction comedy in which the stars of a defunct but beloved sci-fi television franchise are put in charge of real intergalactic peril. On this throwback, we talk about what Galaxy Quest got right when it came to parodies and tributes, and also why Star Trek fans voted it the seventh best Star Trek film of all time in 2013.
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Lost underwater kingdoms. Dystopian future cities. Galaxies far, far away. Some worlds invite us with warmth and magic and wonder. Others warn of danger around every corner. World-building is a crucial component of filmmaking, as it creates entire cinematic universes within the context of a film. On today's Supercut, we discuss the worlds we love, the ones that we're in awe of, as well as the ones we never want to find ourselves in.
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Four films, one episode! Fantasy Island, Underwater, Cats, and 1917 have made it to Malaysian homes thanks to Astro On Demand. On today's show, we check out some of the films that graced the big screen earlier in the year, and take a second peek at previously discussed movies like Cats and 1917.
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If this were a different timeline, Wonder Woman 1984 would be in cinemas right now. We may not get to see the sequel to Patty Jenkins' 2017 blockbuster for a while, but that doesn't mean we can't celebrate the character while waiting in anticipation. On this Throwback Tuesday, we look back at two iconic live-action iterations of Diana Prince - Lynda Carter and Gal Gadot - in an effort to (re)hype ourselves for Wonder Woman's eventual return to the big screen.
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Citizen Kane. Ben-Hur. Gone with the Wind. Even the original Star Wars trilogy. We often hear or read about these movies, with critics saying that they're must-watches... but why do some folks find watching old movies a challenge? There's plenty that goes into this, from changing standards and ideals of performances and direction, to being used to newer effects. We dive into all of that in this Supercut episode.
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A couple - played by delightful writer-comedians Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani - who are on the rocks, find themselves inexplicably involved in a murder... and hijinks ensue. So begins the plot of The Lovebirds, which is what the Popcorn Culture gang are reviewing this week!
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An all-time classic and one of many great rom-coms that emerged in the 1940s, The Philadelphia Story is our throwback of the week. Featuring witty writing and pratfalls in equal measure, this film was directed by George Cukor and starred a trifecta of Classic Hollywood stars: Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant and James Stewart.
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We've seen this play out time and again on social media: a post tagged with Black Lives Matter, prompts the response: All Lives Matter. In cinemas and on television, we're told that only a certain type of narrative sells, with actors who look a certain way. Yet, as Roger Ebert says, movies are an engine for empathy. So today we wanted to explore the role that movies (and entertainment) in general play in generating empathy and awareness for people of different backgrounds and races, centering it on how it might also shape how we understand the African American struggle.
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Based on Wally Lamb's bestselling novel, I Know This Much Is True is a six episode miniseries that looks at the lives and struggles of a pair of twin brothers, Dominick and Thomas Birdsey - both played by Mark Ruffalo. This show touches on themes of generational trauma, mental health and families, and we talk about whether it does it well.
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Ahead of our review of I Know This Much Is True this week, the Popcorn Culture gang throwback to movies and shows that have also explored twins and double trouble in the past. From both versions of The Parent Trap, to the unlikely Devito-Schwarzenegger pairing in Twins and examples in Tamil cinema, we'll be touching on our favourites.
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The Last Jedi. Zack Snyder. The ending of LOST. Never Have I Ever? On this Supercut, we explore (and debate) some of the most divisive TV shows and films in recent memory, and try to figure out why they appeal to some while irking others all the same.
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He's a living legend and regarded by millions as the greatest athlete of all time. But what exactly made Michael Jordan so iconic? On this episode, we review The Last Dance; a 10-part docuseries chronicling Jordan's rise to superstardom, while paying special attention to the Bulls' 1997-98 season from start to finish.
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From daily afternoon cartoons to entire networks with kids’ programming, the world of children’s entertainment has changed tremendously in just a few decades. And for each generation, there are new TV shows, movies, and icons that will forever define their childhoods. On this week’s Supercut, we discuss the most iconic children’s shows, how children’s entertainment has evolved, and what makes some of them so enduring.
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Pixar’s latest offering, Onward, was one of the last batch of films to hit cinemas before the COVID-19 pandemic forced a near-global shutdown. So we take a step back and review the movie, which tells the story of a pair of elf brothers (voiced by Tom Holland and Chris Pratt) who set out on a magical quest to spend one more day with their late father.
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Before Nemo or Sully or Merida, before multiple Oscars and a reputation for superlative computer animation films, Pixar gave us Woody and Buzz Lightyear. This Throwback Tuesday, we hark back to the animation studio’s first and possibly most enduring film, as well as its sequels.
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With the world seemingly heading towards some sort of reboot, we thought we'd kick off our own rebooted Supercut by looking at just that! What does it mean when franchises decide to rise from the dead, with new faces? Or when TV shows decide to pivot, or actors wanting to switch away from their reputations? We cover all that and more in this installment of Popcorn Culture.
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Based on the graphic novel Ciudad, Extraction is the feature directorial debut by Sam Hargrave, and is written by Joe Russo. We discuss whether this gritty action thriller is worth a watch, and how it compares to other films in its genre.
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#sixseasonsandamovie was the hashtag throughout Community's run, and in many ways that exemplified this underdog sitcom - Pop-culture soaked, clever and meta, but with a sentimental heart. In today's throwback, we head to Greendale Community College to check in on the gang.
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As the Popcorn Culture team has joined many Malaysians in working from home, we thought it'd be right to talk about what we're watching from home too! Expect chats ranging from what's streaming online, movies and shows worth repeating, games worth playing and more.
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As the Popcorn Culture team has joined many Malaysians in working from home, we thought it'd be right to talk about what we're watching from home too! Expect chats ranging from what's streaming online, movies and shows worth repeating, games worth playing and more.
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As the Popcorn Culture team has joined many Malaysians in working from home, we thought it'd be right to talk about what we're watching from home too! Expect chats ranging from what's streaming online, movies and shows worth repeating, games worth playing and more.
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As the Popcorn Culture team has joined many Malaysians in working from home, we thought it'd be right to talk about what we're watching from home too! Expect chats ranging from what's streaming online, movies and shows worth repeating, games worth playing and more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the Popcorn Culture team has joined many Malaysians in working from home, we thought it'd be right to talk about what we're watching from home too! Expect chats ranging from what's streaming online, movies and shows worth repeating, games worth playing and more.
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In this latest adaptation of the H.G. Wells classic, Elizabeth Moss plays a woman from an abusive relationship who believes her dead partner is haunting her - until it emerges that there might be more going on than meets the eye. We review the movie to see whether it does Wells justice.
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From office pranks to “that’s what she said” jokes, The Office was one of those remakes that not only lived up to the original UK version, but created its own identity as well. This Throwback Tuesday, we pay a nostalgic visit to Jim, Pam, Dwight, and of course, Michael Scott, and talk about what made the show so iconic.
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In light of all the political headlines that have been gripping the nation, we talk about political movies and television shows that have captured our imaginations, introduced us to political concepts and figures, and also discuss some content that might be good for those among us who want to just disconnect and unplug from everything that's going on. From mainstream movies to niche political thrillers and TV comedies, there's something in here for everyone!
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This week, we discuss Clint Eastwood's latest directorial effort, Richard Jewell. This biopic tells the story of a security guard Richard Jewell, who alerted authorities to a bomb... only to be accused of planting it there himself. This follows a recent string of films based on true stories that Clint Eastwood have helmed - so we talk about the appeal of these stories, and whether this film works on its own strengths.
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This week, we discuss Clint Eastwood's latest directorial effort, Richard Jewell. This biopic tells the story of a security guard Richard Jewell, who alerted authorities to a bomb... only to be accused of planting it there himself. This follows a recent string of films based on true stories that Clint Eastwood have helmed - so we talk about the appeal of these stories, and whether this film works on its own strengths.
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What do you get when you put Sergio Leone, Clint Eastwood and Ennio Morricone together? Well, when you add inspiration supplied by Akira Kurosawa, you get the inimitable Spaghetti Western: A Fistful of Dollars. This Throwback Tuesday, we look back to the film that started the Man with No Name trilogy, threw together all the hallmarks we'd come to know and expect from this genre, and began Clint Eastwood's journey as an icon.
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With Parasite winning Best Picture at the Oscars and forever changing the way foreign language films are viewed by The Academy, numerous fans, stans, and filmmakers have shared their love for international cinema online. Needless to say, we needed to ride that wave and show our own love and support for non-English cinema! From Malaysia's multilingual pop culture landscape to the films we consumed via subtitles, we discuss it all on this week's "rojak language" Supercut.
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This week, we check out (and celebrate) Little Women as it finally makes its way to Malaysia, and discuss if this truly is Greta Gerwig's magnum opus. Based on Louisa May Alcott's timeless classic, Little Women stars some of Hollywood's most promising names including Florence Pugh, Emma Warson, Timothée Chalamet, and frequent Gerwig collaborator, Saoirse Ronan.
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It's a love story. It's a sci-fi story. It's a melancholic mindtrick from the brain that is Charlie Kaufman, told through the lens of director Michel Gondry. On this episode, we look back at one of our favorite films of all time - Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Starring Jim Carrey at his saddest-finest, and Kate Winslet in one of her most unique roles to date, Eternal Sunshine showed us that perception of a film can drastically change over time, but that doesn't mean the film itself can't age like fine wine all the same.
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There's no denying that love is an ever-present theme in cinema - whether as the sweeping romance, the doomed love story or the romantic comedy. On the eve of Valentine's Day, we wear our hearts on our sleeves and discuss romance onscreen - what works, what doesn't, and how this has changed. We also talk about romantic leads, the rise and fall of the rom-com, and whether we've gotten too cynical for love stories onscreen.
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Staying true to form, this crime caper from Guy Ritchie features an ensemble cast that includes Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Henry Golding, Michelle Dockery, Colin Farrell and Hugh Grant, and follows an American marijuana kingpin who gets caught in a web of blackmail and schemes. We review the movie to see whether it lives up to Ritchie's best.
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Whether you see the Academy Awards as Hollywood's highest honour or as an out-of-touch dinosaur, there's no denying that the Oscars do still hold clout when it comes to cinema. With the announcement of the 2020 awards on the 10th of February, we discuss who won, who lost, and what this says about Hollywood cinema today.
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With the release of the standalone Harley Quinn movie, Birds of Prey, we discuss what we made of this female-led and directed film, and then extend that discussion to antiheroes and why they continue to fascinate and repulse us (in equal measure!) on the big screen.
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Directed by the Safdie brothers and starring a playing-against-type Adam Sandler, Uncut Gems is a tense crime thriller that's been getting rave reviews and award buzz. The gang weigh in on what they think of this film, and whether Adam Sandler truly was robbed of an Academy Award nominations.
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I'll be back,' he said - and so he was. In this episode of Throwback Tuesday, we discuss Terminator 2: Judgment Day, and talk about the abiding allure of this iconic franchise, the creation of one of the cinematic universe's most memorable cyborgs, and where Sarah Connor fits into the pantheon of action protagonists.
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On this Supercut, it's all about British entertainment - how it's different and what we love about it. From comedy classics like Mr Bean that have shaped our collective childhoods, to modern pop culture phenomenons like Downton Abbey, we talk, discuss, dissect, and celebrate some of our favorite British movies and TV shows. Expect chat surrounding releases such as Yesterday, Rocketman and Humans, all of which are available on Astro Best channel 481. For more information on how to access on demand, visit www.watchod.com.
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There have been many attempts to retell Dracula's story in all its bloodsoaked glory, but only a handful have come close to doing Bram Stoker's horror classic any justice. On this episode, we discuss if Sherlock showrunners Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat left a mark with their take on the legendary vampire. We also talk about this version's unique take on Dracula's lore, and if all those twists and turns were enough to make this a worthy installment amongst the many, many vampire stories out there.
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It's the 1890's and a Malaccan Chinese girl accepts the grim proposal of a wealthy family to be married to their late son in order to save her from a life of debt. Obviously, all sorts of supernatural drama ensues. Ghost Bride is based on the book by Yangsze Choo and is a Malaysian-Taiwanese production. On this episode, we talk about everything that we loved, didn't love, and would like to see next in Ghost Bride, Netflix's latest offering in its growing Asian lineup.
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There was a time when having "Will Smith" on a movie poster was enough to put people in cinema seats. Today, even megastars like Chris Hemsworth aren't able to guarantee the success of non-franchise films. On this Supercut, we discuss celebrity appeal and if the age of the "Movie Star" is dead. We also talk about what it takes to market movies these days, if there are any genuine celebrities left, and if influencers and YouTubers have taken up that vacant space.
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In his first big film post-Avengers Endgame, Robert Downey Jr plays the eccentric Dr. Dolittle, a recluse whose companions are the exotic animals he speaks to. When Queen Victoria falls ill, the fabled doctor and his furry friends must embark on an adventure to find a cure. With a star-studded cast and a top-notch lead, we review Dolittle to see if it's as exciting as the trailers make it out to be.
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Near, far, wherever you are, chances are you've seen Titanic. On this episode of Throwback Tuesday, we take a trip back to 1997 and revisit James Cameron's magnum opus at the time - a film that reinvented the modern blockbuster, created stars out of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, and reigned as the biggest movie in the world for more than a decade.
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We take a deep dive this week into two separate topics. First, in light of the confusion and clamour surrounding the release of Cats, we discuss movies that have big budgets and big expectations, and didn't necessarily deliver. Then we get into what it means to be an Oscar nominated or winning film - does it make us more likely to want to watch these movies? We also talk about movies that seem calculated and made primarily for the prestige of awards, or Oscar bait.
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An awards season contender, 1917 is a Sam Mendes war epic that's been said to push the boundaries of technical possibilities further. The gang weighs in on whether it's a worthy entry to the annals of great war films and whether it lives up to the hype.
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In this edition of Throwback Tuesday, we make our way through the back catalogue of Sam Mendes, in light of the release of 1917. We'll be discussing everything from Road to Perdition to Revolutionary Road, and American Beauty to Spectre.
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In the culmination of our weeklong Star Wars extravaganza, we take a deep dive into the cultural significance of Star Wars and where the franchise can go next.
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The gang reviews the latest installment of Star Wars (and the final in the Skywalker saga), Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker. Expect honesty, and no spoilers!
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In our first episode of Popcorn Culture, we throw back to the trilogy that started it all for Star Wars: episodes IV, V and VI, and discuss why and how it spawned the Skywalker saga and everything besides.
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En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.