"Joker: Folie à Deux" has arrived, and with it, a cacophony of critical dissonance. Is it a cinematic triumph or an expensive folly? This week on The Film Board, Pete Wright, Steve Sarmento, and Tommy Metz III grapple with the sequel's perplexing identity. From the sterile confines of the courtroom to the surreal bursts of musical fantasy, the film dances between genres, leaving audiences and critics alike in a state of bewildered contemplation. The panel dissects the film's curious obsession...

Gather 'round film fans, for a spirited discussion on the latest from the BCU — the Beetlejuice Cinematic Universe! Joining your host, Pete Wright, are Tommy Metz III and Steve Sarmento, ready to delve into some hella afterlife antics. This time around, the Deetz family takes center stage, with Lydia's daughter, Astrid, accidentally opening the door to the ghostly realm. We unpack the film's unique approach to handling multiple storylines, from Astrid's encounter with a charming ghost from...

The Film Board gathers to dissect the 2024 remake of The Crow, starring Bill Skarsgård, and find themselves sharply divided. Pete Wright and panelists Ocean Murff and Matthew Fox, self-described goths, express their deep connection to the original film and its place in their own personal histories. For them, the 1994 The Crow, soundtracked by The Cure and pals, and drenched in shadow, was more than just a movie; it was a cultural touchstone. The remake, awash in sunlight and overstuffed with...

In "Alien: Romulus," director Fede Alvarez takes us on a thrilling journey back to the heart of the Alien franchise, capturing the essence of what makes these films so captivating. The movie expertly weaves together the themes of corporate greed, human exploitation, and the terrifying mystery of biological destruction that have become synonymous with the series. Alvarez, known for his mastery of suspense and horror, proves to be an excellent choice to helm this installment, investing in rich...

The Film Board Gathers! This month, Pete Wright and panelists Justin JJ Jaeger, Tommy Metz III, and Ocean Murff dive deep into the much-anticipated Marvel movie "Deadpool & Wolverine." The film brings together two iconic characters shaped by Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in a meta-filled, fourth-wall-breaking adventure that has left audiences and critics divided. Maybe? Probably. We grapple with the film's overwhelming self-referential humor and the sheer number of inside jokes and...

Pete, Tommy, and Steve put themselves in a box with a golden bird meant for a zoo and they all just wait for an audience. You might think we’re talking about podcasting. No, we’re podcasting about the latest from the family Night Shyamalan with Ishana Night Shyamalan’s debut, THE WATCHERS. What’s going on with this movie? Why does it … you know… do what it does? It’s beautiful, there’s no doubt about it. But as lovely as it is, it’s just as confusing. Our challenge this week is not to come up...

On the latest episode of The Film Board, Pete Wright and panelists Steve Sarmento, Tommy Metz III, and Ocean Murff dive deep into the dystopian world of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. The long-awaited prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road tells the origin story of the fierce warrior Furiosa, played by Anya Taylor-Joy. Director George Miller returns to the wasteland, crafting a film that is part Shakespearean saga, part high-octane action thriller. The panelists grapple with the movie's themes of survival,...

The Film Board gathers! This month, host Justin Jaeger is joined by Steve Sarmento and Tommy Metz III to litigate Alex Garland's provocative new film "Civil War." The movie depicts a dystopian near-future America fractured by a second civil war, following a group of journalists on a perilous trek to interview the authoritarian president. We dive into the film's central themes—what it means to bear witness to war, how allegiances break down in times of chaos, and whether the movie serves more...

In this inaugural episode of Cinema Scope, host Andy Nelson is joined by professors Leon Hunt and Chris Hamm to explore the captivating world of wuxia, a Chinese film genre that blends philosophy, action, and legend. They discuss the key elements that define wuxia, such as the chivalrous heroes, period settings, and fantastical elements, as well as the concept of jianghu, a unique world within wuxia stories. Leon and Chris trace the evolution of wuxia from its roots in early Chinese...

In the vast expanse of cinematic storytelling, few tales grip the imagination like Frank Herbert's "Dune." As Denis Villeneuve's vision unfolds in "Dune: Part Two," the Film Board gathers to unravel the complex tapestry of prophecy, power, and the perils of messianic fervor. Pete Wright, along with acolytes Steve Sarmento and Matthew Fox, embark on a journey through the dunes of Arrakis, where the line between hero and conqueror blurs like a mirage. As Paul Atreides grapples with his destiny,...

The spy action comedy "Argylle" arrives in theaters this month with an all-star cast but mixed critical reviews. The film comes from director Matthew Vaughn, known for stylized spy franchises like "Kingsman." It also represents Apple TV+'s most ambitious foray into major theatrical releases to date. "Argylle" stars Henry Cavill as the titular super spy, alongside Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Bryan Cranston, Catherine O'Hara and others. The convoluted plot involves uncovering a global...

The Film Board Gathers! The gang of thugs is here to take on a movie currently in theaters, and this month, we have Michael Mann’s return to the big screen with “Ferrari.” Join Pete Wright with Tommy Metz III and Justin "JJ" Jaeger as they unpack the high-octane drama that has raced into theaters. Mann's return to the big screen after a lengthy hiatus has been much anticipated, with "Ferrari" taking the spotlight. The film, lensed with the sharp eye of Erik Messerschmidt, dives deep into the...

The Film Board Gathers! Pete, JJ, and Tommy settle in ‘round the hearth to hear the story of the vengeful electrician and the silent treatment in John Woo’s return to Hollywood: Silent Night. Ok, right up front, The Film Board normally tries to pick films that are likely to be a bit bigger at the box office. Normally. But we have some ties to this production and, frankly, it’s a film trying some interesting things. No dialog? Sure! John Woo’s first Hollywood production in years? You bet! Ok,...

This month, The Film Board is taking on David Fincher's latest, The Killer. Cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt sat down with Justin Jaeger and Tommy Metz III to talk about making the movie, how movies are made, and why David Fincher's reputation in one important area is wildly overstated. Find source material for The Next Reel’s family of podcasts – and thousands of other great reads – at AUDIBLE! Get your free audiobook and 30-day free trial today. Learn more about CODA and how it can work...

“The Killer,” it turns out, is an interesting litmus test for movie lovers. David Fincher’s latest seems to push viewers to their corners. Is it just a movie? A competent excursion in action beats and voice-over? Or is it a meditation on what it means to work, but told through the eyes of a professional assassin? Or, perhaps the most cynical, is it simply a boring travelogue of a man exercising privilege through international travel and fast food?  Whatever it is for you, it’s worth talking...

Martin Scorsese first optioned the rights to David Grann's bestselling book Killers of the Flower Moon back in 2016, sensing it would make for a powerful film. After years of pre-production, casting leads like Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, and nailing down the intricate period details of 1920s Oklahoma, Scorsese finally brought his sprawling murder mystery to life.  Here's a hint at what we talk about: We dig into the movie's treatment of the real-life Osage murders, analyzing if...

The Film Board gathers! The gang of thugs is here to take on a movie currently in theaters and this month... Hey... do you ever wonder what it would be like if we all trusted AI? If we could work with these creations to build more great things? To solve hunger and teach our children? To work together in harmony? Well, wonder no more. Because Gareth Edwards thinks the Americans wouldn't be able to handle it, and would just build bigger tanks. Welcome to The Creator. ___ Learn more about CODA...

The Film Board Gathers! The gang is here to take on a movie currently in theaters and this month we have a movie with no beginning and no ending… but does it have any stakes, as the Internet wonders? Or is there actually some meat on those bones… We’re setting sail on the Last Voyage of the Demeter. Tommy Metz III, Justin Jaeger, and Pete Wright set sail this week to discuss the long journey the Demeter has taken to see the big screen. We’re fans of André Øvredal and so many in the cast, so...

The Film Board Gathers! The gang of thugs is here to take on a movie currently in theaters and this month… let’s call it counter programming. The crew is going to try and prove that we, too, are Kenough as we talk about Greta Gerwig’s MUCH pinker sequel to Little Women: It’s Barbie. It’s a film dense with jokes and ideology, and of course the baggage of opening Oppenheimer-adjacent. It’s certainly the biggest thing on big screens right now and we take it as our solemn duty to determine if it...

Visit the WGA's site to learn more and find out how you can support the writers of your favorite properties. The Film Board Gathers! The gang of thugs is here to take on a movie currently in theaters and this month, we’re swinging into the unknown with Miles and Gwen in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. This month, Steve, Justin, Tommy, and Pete relish in the follow-up to the 2018 film that rocked us all. This film levels up almost everything we loved about the first in art, style,...

Visit the WGA's site to learn more and find out how you can support the writers of your favorite properties. We’ve only talked about one other Fast Saga film here at The FIlm Board and given our experience with Fast X, we’re starting to figure out why. But whether the film is good or bad isn’t really the question. The question is why? It’s big, bombastic, and bonkers-expensive, reportedly coming in at over $340 million and the 8th most expensive production ever. Numbers change, dollars move,...

Visit the WGA's site to learn more and find out how you can support the writers of your favorite properties. The Film Board Gathers! The gang of thugs is here to take on a movie currently in theaters, and this month we’re following Joaquin Phoenix on a journey of sexual awakening and the longest punchline to every Your Mom joke ever made: Beau Is Afraid, with your hosts Tommy Metz III, Justin Jaeger, and Pete Wright. Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next...

The Film Board Gathers! The gang of thugs is here to take on a movie currently in theaters and this month, we’re headed to the big, bad city where everyone is dressed in robes... and masks age like fine marble. It’s Scream VI, where Ghostface follows the waterfront all the way to New York City. There’s never been one like this… or has there? It’s franchise rules with Justin Jaeger, Steve Sarmento, Tommy Metz III, and Pete Wright. Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world...

The Film Board Gathers! The gang of thugs is here to take on a movie currently in theaters and spoil it rotten, and this month we’re taking the stage with the Tatum behind his third run as his spiritual alter-ego Mike Lane in Steven Soderbergh’s latest return from retirement, Magic Mike’s Last Dance. How does Taterbergh handle round three now that we've reached such a departure from Channing's real-life experience? Does this film maintian the charm of the last two and move Mike's story...