Best Filmcommentary Podcasts (2025)

1
Strait-Jacket 1:02:44

5d ago1:02:44

1:02:44

“Lucy Harbin was declared legally insane today.” William Castle Brings Joan Crawford Back to Horror In the early 1960s, William Castle was known for his theatrical gimmicks and B-movie horror films. After the success of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?, Castle saw an opportunity to work with Hollywood legend Joan Crawford. He enlisted acclaimed writ…

1
Shattered 1:03:09

12d ago1:03:09

1:03:09

“You know what I like about amnesia?” A Psychological Thriller with Twisting Memories In 1991, psychological thrillers were hitting their stride, delivering increasingly complex narratives filled with shocking twists. Wolfgang Petersen's Shattered emerged during this period as a stylish entry in the genre, starring Tom Berenger and Greta Scacchi. T…

1
The Pit and the Pendulum • Member Bonus 11:30

18d ago11:30

11:30

“To be absolutely blunt about it, Nicholas believes that Elizabeth may have been interred... prematurely.” Roger Corman's Poe Adaptations Take Flight Following the success of House of Usher in 1960, American International Pictures eagerly greenlit another Edgar Allan Poe adaptation with Roger Corman at the helm. Richard Matheson returned to pen the…

1
A Dandy in Aspic 1:04:31

20d ago1:04:31

1:04:31

“You haven't got an ounce of understanding or emotion in your body. You died the moment you were born. And when your heart finally stops beating, it'll be a mere formality.” From Novel to Cold War Spy Thriller Derek Marlowe's first novel caught the attention of producers looking to capitalize on the success of spy thrillers in the 1960s. With Antho…

1
The Split 1:00:16

27d ago1:00:16

1:00:16

“You're walking out on 85 grand?” MGM's Bold Step into R-Rated Territory In 1968, MGM was looking to break away from their family-friendly reputation and venture into more adult-oriented content. Based on Donald E. Westlake's Parker novel "The Seventh," they brought in Scottish director Gordon Flemyng fresh off his success with Great Catherine. Wit…

1
The Boston Strangler 58:43

1M ago58:43

58:43

“It’s bad enough if he’s guilty, but what if he’s innocent and you push him over the edge?” Setting the Stage for a Controversial True Crime Adaptation In 1966, writer Gerald Frank published his bestselling book about the Boston Strangler case, catching the attention of 20th Century Fox and producer Richard D. Zanuck. Director Richard Fleischer, kn…

1
Grand Slam 1:03:55

1M ago1:03:55

1:03:55

“All four with clean records. No police force in the world knows them or their work. In their fields, the very best.” Unveiling a Hidden Heist Film Gem from 1967 In 1967, Italian director Giuliano Montaldo brought together an international cast for an ambitious heist film co-production between Italy, Spain, and West Germany. Coming off his success …

1
After the Fox 1:02:49

2M ago1:02:49

1:02:49

“In films, either you’ve got a face or you don’t got a face. You've got a face. Can I have it, please?” A Comedic Heist Caper from an Unlikely Collaboration In 1966, Peter Sellers sought to work with renowned Italian neorealist director Vittorio De Sica, bringing aboard playwright Neil Simon to pen his first screenplay. Despite De Sica's reported g…

1
Death Race 2000 • Member Bonus 14:16

2M ago14:16

14:16

“A perfect hit! And no pain for the target. Too bad the guy was only 38; just two years older, he'd have been worth three times the points.” Roger Corman's Vision of a Dystopian Future In 1974, Roger Corman learned about Norman Jewison's upcoming film Rollerball and decided to capitalize on its publicity by producing his own futuristic sports film.…

1
The League of Gentlemen 1:07:45

2M ago1:07:45

1:07:45

“This was not intended to be a book-of-the-month club lunch.” A British Heist Film That Set Early Genre Standards In 1958, John Boland published his novel The League of Gentlemen, which quickly caught the attention of British filmmakers. Director Basil Dearden, known for his work with Ealing Studios, saw potential in this story of ex-military men p…

1
The Sum of All Fears 1:11:27

2M ago1:11:27

1:11:27

“When I asked for your advice, I didn't mean that you should actually speak.” Rebooting the Jack Ryan Franchise After the success of Patriot Games and Clear and Present Danger, Paramount Pictures aimed to continue the Jack Ryan franchise with an adaptation of The Sum of All Fears. Initially, Harrison Ford was set to reprise his role as Jack Ryan, b…

1
Clear and Present Danger 1:01:03

2M ago1:01:03

1:01:03

“The course of action I’d suggest is a course of action I can’t suggest.” The Road to Clear and Present Danger After the success of Patriot Games, Paramount Pictures was eager to continue the Jack Ryan series with another adaptation of a Tom Clancy novel. With Harrison Ford set to return as the intrepid CIA analyst and Phillip Noyce back in the dir…

1
Patriot Games 1:07:47

3M ago1:07:47

1:07:47

“You walk into a bar, half of whose customers want you dead. You walk up to the IRA's bagman, and in front of his guys, you threaten him? You're not a field man, Jack. You never were. You are an analyst. Analyze that.” The Second Chapter in Jack Ryan's Journey After the success of The Hunt for Red October, Paramount Pictures faced challenges bringi…

1
Caged Heat • Member Bonus 11:46

3M ago11:46

11:46

“You’re in a house of desperate women here, and a long, long way from home.” Roger Corman's Exploitation Cinema: The Story Behind Caged Heat In the early 1970s, Roger Corman was producing a slew of women-in-prison films, capitalizing on the exploitation genre that had been popular then. When wannabe director Jonathan Demme approached Corman with th…

1
The Hunt for Red October 1:10:42

3M ago1:10:42

1:10:42

“Andrei, you've lost another submarine?” From Novel to Box Office Success In 1984, Tom Clancy published his first novel The Hunt for Red October, which garnered attention from military officials for its technical accuracy. Despite the book's success, Hollywood struggled to adapt it. Producer Mace Neufeld optioned the rights but faced resistance fro…

1
Kin-Dza-Dza! 1:08:46

3M ago1:08:46

1:08:46

“The heavens have never seen such an ignominious Patsak as you, Violinist. It grieves me deeply.” A Satirical Take on Soviet Society Kin-Dza-Dza!, a 1986 Soviet science fiction comedy film directed by Georgiy Daneliya, was initially met with skepticism by Soviet authorities due to its satirical nature. However, Daneliya persevered and managed to ge…

1
Amphibian Man 56:04

3M ago56:04

56:04

“I don’t want to live among the fishes anymore. I’ll die of loneliness.” A Soviet Sci-Fi Fairy Tale of Love and Science In the 1960s, during the Khrushchev Thaw, Soviet filmmakers were given more creative freedom to explore stories beyond the typical Stalinist propaganda. This period saw a surge in sci-fi films, including the 1961 classic Amphibian…

1
Creep 1:04:42

3M ago1:04:42

1:04:42

“I’ve got a weird sense of humor, man.” Pushing Boundaries in Found Footage Horror Mark Duplass, known for his contributions to the mumblecore movement, teamed up with newcomer Patrick Brice to create a low-budget indie horror film that would challenge conventions and explore the unsettling nature of human interactions. With Duplass's experience in…

1
A Bucket of Blood • Member Bonus 13:21

4M ago13:21

13:21

“It’s called ‘Murdered Man’.” Roger Corman's Comical Foray into Beatnik Horror In the late 1950s, American International Pictures approached Roger Corman to create a low-budget horror film in just five days, using sets from another project. Corman, along with screenwriter Charles B. Griffith, decided to take a satirical approach, crafting a black c…

1
La Llorona 59:59

4M ago59:59

59:59

“Did someone hear a woman cry?” A Haunting Guatemalan Ghost Story In 2019, Guatemalan filmmaker Jayro Bustamante released his third feature film, La Llorona, a haunting ghost story that explores the aftermath of the Guatemalan genocide. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival and was selected as the Guatemalan entry for the Best Internationa…

1
Under the Shadow 1:01:58

4M ago1:01:58

1:01:58

“You know, if they take a personal belonging, something that you treasure, then there’s no escape from them. You’ll be marked and they’ll always know how to find you.” Uncovering the Horrors of War and Gender Inequality Iranian filmmaker Babak Anvari's directorial debut, Under the Shadow, hit the festival circuit in 2016, garnering critical acclaim…

1
Pulse 59:36

4M ago59:36

59:36

“Maybe, he suddenly just wanted to die. I get that way sometimes.” The Rise of J-Horror in the International Spotlight Japanese horror, or J-Horror, has a rich history dating back decades, with influential works like Masaki Kobayashi's Kwaidan (1964) and Nobuhiko Obayashi's House (1977) paving the way for the genre. However, it was in the late 1990…

1
Ugetsu 59:03

4M ago59:03

59:03

“You’re mine now. From now on, you must devote your whole life to me.” A Ghost Story as a Statement on Pride and Greed Kenji Mizoguchi's 1953 film Ugetsu, based on stories by Akinari Ueda and Guy de Maupassant, is a haunting tale set in war-torn 16th century Japan. The film follows two peasant couples whose lives are upended by the devastation of w…

1
Quick Considerations| Caligula: The Ultimate Cut (2023) 32:51

5M ago32:51

32:51

On the latest episode of the podcast, hosts Mike Jozic and Dustin Friesenhan talk about the recently reconstructed and remastered, Caligula: The Ultimate Cut. Music: "Prologue & Main Titles" (Bruno Nicolai) Check out the Caligula: Package of Excellence podcast for a great look at the history of the film and the restoration. Never miss an episode! S…

1
The Cassandra Crossing 1:06:28

5M ago1:06:28

1:06:28

“Anyone trying to leave the train by force will be stopped by force.” An All-Star 70s Disaster Film Mash-Up The 1970s saw a surge in the popularity of disaster films, with movies like The Poseidon Adventure, The Towering Inferno, and Earthquake captivating audiences. In 1976, director George P. Cosmatos and producer Carlo Ponti joined forces to cre…

1
The Shooting • Member Bonus 9:58

5M ago9:58

9:58

“The reason, Mr. Gashade, for the hunt is the kill.” A Low-Budget Western from the Corman-Hellman-Nicholson Trio After impressing producer Roger Corman with their previous work, director Monte Hellman and actor Jack Nicholson presented him with a spec script, but Corman had a different idea. He proposed that they make two Westerns instead, giving t…

1
Pontypool 59:06

5M ago59:06

59:06

“She doesn’t know it yet, but she’s hunting us.” How a Virus Spreads Through Language The 2008 Canadian horror film Pontypool, directed by Bruce McDonald and written by Tony Burgess, was inspired by Orson Welles' famous radio broadcast of War of the Worlds. Originally, Burgess envisioned the entire film as a radio play, with the main character Gran…

1
Chameleon Street 54:37

5M ago54:37

54:37

“I think, therefore I scam.” The Sundance Struggle of Wendell B. Harris Jr.'s Sensational Con Artist Story In 1989, writer-director-actor Wendell B. Harris Jr. crafted a stunning debut feature, Chameleon Street, based on the incredible true story of con artist William Douglas Street Jr. Despite winning the Grand Jury Prize at the 1990 Sundance Film…

1
Killer Klowns from Outer Space 1:01:52

5M ago1:01:52

1:01:52

“Well I’ll be greased and fried! What’s the circus doing up in these parts?” The Chiodo Brothers and Their Creature Feature Legacy Before Killer Klowns from Outer Space, the Chiodo Brothers – Charles, Edward, and Stephen – had already made a name for themselves in the special effects world of the 1980s. With credits on films like Critters and seque…

1
All Things Considered | Primer (2004) 56:10

6M ago56:10

56:10

Dustin and Mike return to the podcast to talk about a film requested by a listener, Shane Carruth's 2004 micro-budget sci-fi classic, Primer! Music: "Aaron's Debt," "You're Talking About Making a Bigger One," "reverse engineering," & "Closing Credits" (Shane Carruth) Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, …

1
The Way of the Dragon 1:10:01

6M ago1:10:01

1:10:01

“In this world of guns and knives, wherever Tang Lung may go to, he will always travel on his own.” Bruce Lee's One-and-Done Showcase of Martial Arts Mastery In 1972, Bruce Lee was already a rising star in the martial arts film world, having starred in a handful of successful films. However, he had yet to have the opportunity to fully showcase his …

1
The Little Shop of Horrors • The Next Reel • Member Bonus 11:31

6M ago11:31

11:31

“You didn't mean it. You never mean it. You didn't mean it the time when you put up the bouquet with the 'get well' card in the funeral parlor, and sent the black lilies to the old lady in the hospital, you didn't mean it.” Roger Corman's 38th Film in 5 Years The year was 1960. The American movie landscape was dominated by Westerns, sword-and-sanda…

1
Johnny Got His Gun • The Next Reel 1:04:02

6M ago1:04:02

1:04:02

“How can you tell what’s a dream or what’s real when you can’t even tell when you’re awake or when you’re asleep?” Dalton Trumbo's Controversial Anti-War Classic In 1971, blacklisted screenwriter Dalton Trumbo adapted his own 1939 anti-war novel Johnny Got His Gun for the big screen. The film marked Trumbo's directorial debut and only feature film …

1
Poor Things (Yorgos Lanthimos) 1:14:40

6M ago1:14:40

1:14:40

Get ready to dive into the wonderfully weird world of Poor Things, the film that takes "mad scientist" to a whole new level! Join your favorite Adult Beverage Film Podcast hosts—Kent, Laura, Patrick, and Squeeker—as they sip, swirl, and dissect this quirky cinematic cocktail. Imagine Frankenstein meets The Office, with a dash of steampunk flair and…

1
Wanda • The Next Reel 53:33

6M ago53:33

53:33

“I don’t have anything. Never did have anything. Never will have anything.” The Tale of Barbara Loden's Unsung Masterpiece In the late 1960s, actress Barbara Loden came across a newspaper article about a woman on trial for bank robbery who thanked the judge for her sentence. Perplexed by what could drive a woman to such a point, Loden crafted a sto…

1
The Honeymoon Killers • The Next Reel 50:08

6M ago50:08

50:08

“Now that you know everything about me, you still love me?” A Twisted Love Story and a Director's Only Film The Honeymoon Killers, released in 1970, is a crime drama based on the real-life story of Raymond Fernandez and Martha Beck, the infamous "Lonely Hearts Killers" who murdered as many as 20 women in the 1940s. The film was originally set to be…

1
The Descent (Neil Marshall) 1:23:20

6M ago1:23:20

1:23:20

Welcome to the Adult Beverage Film Podcast, where we dive into movies like it's the last drop in the bottle! Join your hosts, Kent Smith, Laura Truman, Patrick Keenan, and our resident cave-dweller expert, Carlisle "Squeaker" Hamrick, as we squeeze through the tight spaces of the spine-chilling horror classic, The Descent. We'll share laughs, screa…

1
Carnival of Souls • The Next Reel 53:43

7M ago53:43

53:43

“Why can’t anybody hear me?!” The Fascinating Origins of a Classic Horror Film In the early 1960s, director Herk Harvey stumbled upon an abandoned amusement park in Salt Lake City, sparking the idea for what would become the classic horror film Carnival of Souls. With a shoestring budget and a cast of mostly unknown actors, Harvey set out to captur…

1
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny • The Next Reel 1:04:42

7M ago1:04:42

1:04:42

“I don't believe in magic, Wombat, but a few times in my life, I've seen things. Things I can't explain. And I've come to believe it's not so much what you believe. It's how hard you believe it.” The Final Chapter(?) in the Indiana Jones Saga After a 15-year hiatus, the legendary archaeologist Indiana Jones returns for one last adventure in Indiana…

1
Unforgiven • The Next Reel • Member Bonus 11:00

7M ago11:00

11:00

“It’s a helluva thing, killin’ a man.” A Western Classic Revisited Clint Eastwood's 1992 Western masterpiece, Unforgiven, was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The film, which Eastwood directed and starred in, was a revisionist take on the classic Western genre, exploring themes of violence, redemption, and the myth of the America…

1
Barbie (Greta Gerwig) 1:11:07

7M ago1:11:07

1:11:07

Step into the vibrant and fantastical world of 'Barbie,' where our iconic doll takes on her most dazzling adventure yet! In this live-action spectacle, Barbie leaves her perfect plastic life in Barbie Land to discover what it means to be truly human. With a splash of humor, a dash of nostalgia, and a twist of modern flair, this film delivers a play…

1
The Player • The Next Reel • Member Bonus 9:57

8M ago9:57

9:57

“Can we talk about something other than Hollywood for a change?” Robert Altman's The Player is a satirical dark comedy that takes a sharp look at the inner workings of Hollywood and the movie industry. The film was nominated for Best Film Editing at the 1993 Academy Awards, competing against Basic Instinct, The Crying Game, A Few Good Men, and the …

1
Everything Everywhere All at Once • The Next Reel 52:52

8M ago52:52

52:52

“We’re all useless alone. It’s a good thing you’re not alone.” Everything Everywhere All at Once is a unique and ambitious film that defies genre conventions. Directed by the Daniels (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert), the film was born out of their desire to create something that would explore the multiverse concept in a fresh and exciting way. Wi…

1
Top Gun: Maverick • The Next Reel 1:18:09

8M ago1:18:09

1:18:09

“It’s not the plane, sir. It’s the pilot.” The Long Road to Top Gun: Maverick The original Top Gun was a massive success in 1986, but it took over 30 years for a sequel to finally take flight. Development on Top Gun: Maverick began in 2010 when Paramount Pictures approached producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Tony Scott about a sequel. Unfortun…

1
Tár • The Next Reel 1:08:00

8M ago1:08:00

1:08:00

“You want to dance the masque, you must service the composer. You gotta sublimate yourself, your ego, and, yes, your identity. You must, in fact, stand in front of the public and God and obliterate yourself.” A Cinematic Masterpiece from Director Todd Field Director Todd Field may not be a prolific filmmaker, but his small body of work showcases hi…

1
The Fabelmans • The Next Reel 1:02:16

9M ago1:02:16

1:02:16

“Everything happens for a reason.” Spielberg's Passion Project Comes to Life Few filmmakers have had as much impact on cinema as Steven Spielberg, but it wasn't until recently that he felt ready to tackle his most personal project yet. With the passing of his parents, Spielberg finally felt he could tell the story of his youth and early days as a f…

1
A Few Good Men • The Next Reel • Member Bonus 7:18

9M ago7:18

7:18

“You’re an ambulance chaser with a rank. You’re nothing.” This is a member bonus episode. We'd love it if you became a member to support our show, but you’d love it because of everything you get. We have monthly member bonus episodes that only members can access. You also get member content in episodes, access to members-only Discord channels, and …

1
The Banshees of Inisherin • The Next Reel 1:08:54

9M ago1:08:54

1:08:54

“It was all going fine until he chopped off all his fingers.” In 2022, writer-director Martin McDonagh reunited with his In Bruges stars, Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, to create a haunting tale of friendship, loss, and the far-reaching consequences of our actions. Set against the backdrop of the Irish Civil War in 1923, The Banshees of Inisher…

1
The Woman in Black • The Next Reel 1:07:40

9M ago1:07:40

1:07:40

“Don’t go chasing shadows, Arthur.” Adapting a Classic Ghost Story for the Big Screen The Woman in Black, based on Susan Hill's 1983 novel of the same name, has been adapted for the stage, television, and radio. In 2012, James Watkins directed a feature film version starring Daniel Radcliffe in his first major role since the Harry Potter series. Wi…

1
Sleep Tight (Mientras Duermes) • The Next Reel 1:04:40

9M ago1:04:40

1:04:40

“Happy. That’s exactly my problem – that I can’t be happy. Not even when good things happen to me.” A Gripping Spanish Psychological Thriller Sleep Tight (Mientras Duermes) is a 2011 thriller directed by Jaume Balagueró that delves into the complex themes of obsession, trust, and the violation of personal space. The film follows César, a concierge …

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