This week, we watch A24’s highest grossing movie yet. This film sets out to be all things film at the same time, and does so with such creativity that it ends up amazingly overwhelming. Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022), directed by Daniels.
All in Fantasy
Episode 49 - The Prestige
This week, we watch a film version of a magic trick. With a star studded cast and a great performance by David Bowie as Nikola Tesla, the first viewing experience of this film will likely leave you with your mouth open. The Prestige (2006), directed by Christopher Nolan.
BONUS EPISODE - The Northman
This week, we watch the third movie from the acclaimed director of The Witch and The Lighthouse. This movie aims to be the defining film about Vikings, drawing from every piece of known history of the time, and expanding on it with approval of expert historians. While uneven, this film has many moments of beauty and craft. The Northman (2022), directed by Robert Eggers.
Episode 64 - Aliens: Part 2
This week, we watch the sequel to the film that shot Ridley Scott into stardom. This film takes the horror and science fiction elements of the first movie and adds a James Cameron action element that somehow makes for an even more intense experience. Aliens (1986), directed by James Cameron.
Episode 64 - Aliens: Part 1
This week, we watch the sequel to the film that shot Ridley Scott into stardom. This film takes the horror and science fiction elements of the first movie and adds a James Cameron action element that somehow makes for an even more intense experience. Aliens (1986), directed by James Cameron.
Episode 53 - Alien: Part 2
This week, the continuation of the film that was sold as “Jaws in space”. What we get instead is a horror/sci-fi masterpiece that launched Ridley Scott’s career as a visionary. With effects that mostly hold up, this film will still make you squirm all these years later. Alien (1979), directed by Ridley Scott.
Episode 53 - Alien: Part 1
This week, we watch the film that was sold as “Jaws in space”. What we get instead is a horror/sci-fi masterpiece that launched Ridley Scott’s career as a visionary. With effects that mostly hold up, this film will still make you squirm all these years later. Alien (1979), directed by Ridley Scott.
BONUS EPISODE - Nightmare Alley
This week, we watch the movie Guillermo del Toro decided to make after his Best Picture win with The Shape of Water. Based on a 1946 Novel (and made into a movie in 1947), this film has incredible star power - but is that enough to make another classic? Nightmare Alley (2021), directed by Guillermo del Toro.
BONUS EPISODE - Titane
This week, we watch the Palme d’Or winner at this years Cannes Film Festival. Nothing we say in a write up will prepare you for what you will see/experience in this movie. If you aren’t totally adverse to gore or weirdness, do yourself a favorite and watch this film. Titane (2021), directed by Julia Ducournau.
BONUS EPISODE - Dune
Here is the film that will be remembered as the kickstart to the industry after a once in a century pandemic. This is the Star Wars for the current generation, the long awaited adaptation meeting its full potential. See it in theaters. If you can’t, find the biggest screen you can and absorb it on the best sound system possible. Dune (2021), directed by Denis Villeneuve.
BONUS EPISODE - Battle Royale
Its October. You know what that means - horror movie season! This week, we watch Quentin Tarantino’s Favorite Film. Influencing the Hunger Games as well as Fortnite, Warzone, and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, this movie shows 42 students fighting for survival. Battle Royale (2000), directed by Kinji Fukasaku.
BONUS EPISODE - The Green Knight
This week, we watch an adaptation of the famous 600-year-old poem about a magical knight and a test of honesty. This film strays a lot from the original text, but the scenery (filmed in Ireland) is beautiful, and the strangeness is alluring. The Green Knight (2021), directed by David Lowery.
Episode 65 - Princess Mononoke: Part 2
Part 2
This week, we watch Studio Ghibli try their hand at gore effects. This film stands out as being one of the studios most violent films, but the trademark animation, score, and scenery are in full view. Princess Mononoke (1997), directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
Episode 65 - Princess Mononoke
This week, we watch Studio Ghibli try their hand at gore effects. This film stands out as being one of the studios most violent films, but the trademark animation, score, and scenery are in full view. Princess Mononoke (1997), directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
BONUS EPISODE - The World's End
This week, we watch the third and final film in the Three Flavors Cornetto trilogy. In yet another genre film/comedy mash-up, this entry is much darker than the previous two, with the unliked protagonist Gary King dragging his old friends to 12 bars, and any more plot description might be considered spoilers. The Worlds End (2013), directed by Edgar Wright.
BONUS EPISODE - Shaun of the Dead
This week, we watch the first film in the Three Flavors Cornetto trilogy and the international smash hit that instantly put Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg on the map. In one hand you have all the zombie tropes you’ve ever seen, and in the other hand you have the best British comedy of the era . Smash your hands together? Shaun of the Dead (2004), directed by Edgar Wright.
BONUS EPISODE - Brazil
This week, we go on another tangent to watch Terry Gilliam’s underrated visual masterpiece. Not since Dr. Strangelove has a comedy been so dark. This movie may be a bit too out there to land a spot on the top 250, but if you’re a fan of bizarre fantasies, it may end up being a personal favorite. Brazil (1985), directed by Terry Gilliam.
BONUS EPISODE - Akira
This week, we watch what many consider to be the best Anime of all time. Masterfully animated and ultra-violent, this film remains unmatched in its detail, style and scope. The influence on other animated films as well as live action films of this genre cannot be understated. Akira (1988), directed by Katsuhiro Otomo.