Screeners Podcast

Crazy Rich Asians is this summer’s breakout rom-com hit, topping the box office (https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/19/movies/crazy-rich-asians-box-office-no-1.html) on its opening weekend. There’s not much more a romantic comedy needs to do, and this one wasn’t expected to do quite this well, so what gives? Maybe it’s the story, maybe the cast...we’re sure at least some of the Screeners (plus their guest host) have some opinions. And since we’re talking romantic comedies, why not bring back a Top 3 segment about them just for fun? I mean, we know Daniel’s top pick is going to be—say it with us, everyone— San Andreas, but maybe some of the others will surprise us. We know we’re not the only ones with favorite (guilty pleasure?) rom-coms, so once you’re done listening and disagreeing with Chad, let us know why over on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/screenerscast/). Subscribe: iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/screeners-podcast/id611609146) | Google Play (https://play.google.com/music/m/Iissyasykzy4a

Jaws taught us something we already knew—we’re scared of sharks. The Sharknado movies taught us that shark movies didn’t have to be good to be popular. Now, The Meg wants us to know that they don’t even have to have a good name, that people will buy tickets to a shark movie whose name they can’t even say out loud with a straight face. You know what? It’s a scary world out there, and we don’t blame you if you’d rather just imagine us all being eaten by an extinct giant shark-like thing for a couple hours. No judgment here. So go to the theater, now that we’ve allayed your fears that The Meg might be a truly terrible Family Guy spinoff. It’s not; it’s something closer to a mix between Deep Blue Sea without Samuel L. Jackson and Armageddon without Bruce Willis. Enjoy. Oh, and the Academy saw fit to add a new category to the Oscars this year. If you don’t know what it is yet, have we got a treat for you. Once you’ve heard Daniel’s opinion (if you had the time to listen to all of it), let us know what you think by

“Live action remakes of classic Disney children’s movies” sounds like one of those hilariously over-specific Netflix genres, but it seems like Disney’s really trying to fill it out. Add that category to “mediocre Star Wars sequels”, and they may never have to make a truly original movie again. OK, so Christopher Robin isn’t exactly a remake; it’s a live-action “where are they now?” sort of thing. Sadly, though, Seth MacFarlane has so soiled the idea of “a boy with a favorite teddy bear, but all grown up” that we wish it were a remake. It would save us a lot of awkward conversations. Chris and Daniel saw it anyway, though, and they did their best to not imagine Pooh Bear making crass jokes and being a general cinematic disappointment. Should you join them in the theater? Listen for their thoughts, then give us your own on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/screenerscast/). Subscribe: iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/screeners-podcast/id611609146) | Google Play (https://play.google.com/music/m/Iissya

We’ve covered how summer is the season of sequels, but so far this year we’ve avoided mentioning Tom Cruise. Well, no longer, because he’s in a—say it with me—sequel. This sequel’s special, though, because it’s in a franchise that has a colon right in the main title, and you know how much Daniel loves those. Franchises with colons in the title get to use dashes for the installment names, though, so that makes it a bit better. OK, so the movie’s Mission: Impossible—Fallout, but you already knew that. The only way we could say something unexpected about it was to talk about punctuation. We hope you’re happy. Just so it’s not all Cruise all the time, though, let’s also take a minute to talk about some TV. Err, sort-of TV. Whatever we’re calling all these streaming services that are turning into premium cable networks. Hulu has a new show called Castle Rock that’s produced by JJ Abrams and draws from all over Stephen King’s body of work. It’s a show made for Josh to hate, but sadly he’s not here to talk about it.

There are so many of these now that we’re going to have to start coming up with tiers of Marvel movie. Infinity War is on the “almost satirically large cast” end of the spectrum, which puts the first Ant Man closer to “wait; that was a Marvel movie?” OK, fine—we’ll come up with catchier names, but you’ll have to wait for them; you can’t rush genius. Anyway, where were we? Oh, right; Paul Rudd. We’ve loved him at least since Almost Famous—wait; that wasn’t Paul Rudd? We’ve been living a lie! Seriously, though. Ant Man’s a real superhero—like, Stan Lee real. He has a nemesis named the Wasp, which is both entomologically sound (depending on the species, of course) and makes for a convenient movie title, Ant Man and the Wasp...What’s that you say? No, the studio is not phoning it in, and we’ll thank you to take your heresy elsewhere. Superheroes, though, so Chris and Daniel are in. Should you be? Tune in and find out, then hop over to Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/screenerscast/) and suggest your own names f

Another summer, another slate of franchises. We’ve covered the pre/se/reboot that was Ocean’s 8; now it’s time for a couple movies that are unambiguously sequels: Jurassic World 2 and Incredibles 2. The first installment of Jurassic World (or fourth installment of Jurassic Park...maybe this sequel thing is more complicated than we thought) has a 50% on Rotten Tomatoes as of this writing, also known as the very definition of a “mixed reception”. That didn’t stop the franchise train from rolling along, though, and we know at least one critic who’s still bullish on the whole thing. You’ll have to listen to find out who it is; it might not be Chris. Incredibles 2, on the other hand, has some expectations to live up to. We’ve all been waiting to find out...well, whether the wait was worth it. Has the new installment done right by the original, or is this another Cars 2 scenario? OK; Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/screenerscast/) time. Is the lack of originality a feature of Hollywood, or a bug? You decide. Sub

Ocean’s 8 isn’t the first time in recent history that a dude-heavy cast has been replaced wholesale in a reboot/sequel-type scenario, but it’s at least the first time that’s been done in the heist genre. The question, of course, is whether it lives up to the pedigree of Ocean’s movies, assuming the series qualifies as having a “pedigree” to begin with. It didn’t place very well in the summer box office wager, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a bonus episode. OK; Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/screenerscast/) time. What did you think of the all-star lineup of female thieves? Subscribe: iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/screeners-podcast/id611609146) | Google Play (https://play.google.com/music/m/Iissyasykzy4aokzsgmcto5xsfe?t=Screeners_Podcast) | Pocket Casts (http://pca.st/TZQF) Web: Home (http://screenerspodcast.com/) | Download (https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/15272701-2f5b-4fb3-81f6-b494b321b3f9/d8b1755f-e6ac-4173-91a0-1e5daceb843d.mp3) Social: Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/scr

If the buzz about Hereditary is to be believed, it ranks up there with The Exorcist for audience reaction, which is nothing to sneeze at (https://mashable.com/2018/06/06/hereditary-heart-rate-challenge/). We won’t say much more here than “it’s not your typical gore fest of a horror movie”; we’ll leave it in the capable hands of Daniel and guest host Tyler to decide how much else you need to know before heading into the theater—maybe with a security blanket or something. On the shortlist for our next episode: Ocean’s 8 and Incredibles 2. What they lack in originality, they make up for in...not giving you a heart attack. As always, head over to Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/screenerscast/) if you were traumatized by Hereditary and still need a shoulder to grab. Subscribe: iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/screeners-podcast/id611609146) | Google Play (https://play.google.com/music/m/Iissyasykzy4aokzsgmcto5xsfe?t=Screeners_Podcast) | Pocket Casts (http://pca.st/TZQF) Web: Home (http://screenerspodc

Star Wars is back! We’re sure that’ll be less exciting to say after maybe year 5 or 10, but for now it’s still fresh and fun, right? Maybe Disney has hit the right stride with one Star Wars movie a year—it keeps the artificial feeling of scarcity alive, kind of like McDonalds and the marketing coup that is the McRib. Anyway, Solo: A Star Wars Story (yes; that’s the actual full title) is out, and instead of being a new story for fans (and actors (https://www.cbr.com/last-jedi-mark-hamill-reaction/)) to complain about, it focuses on a beloved character from the original trilogy. This can only end well, we’re sure. Is it worth seeing? Does the lead actor look anything like Harrison Ford? Will Donald Glover save us all? Tune in as Chad, Chris, and Daniel tackle all these questions and more. And we may be a couple weeks behind on this one, but we recorded a review of Deadpool 2 (with Josh!), so we had to go ahead and release it. If we could time-travel, we'd go back and release it on time, but we're still working

You may not have heard much about Tully, and that’s for the best. The writer, director, and star of Young Adult are working together again, and that’s all we’ll give you. Oh—that, and there’s an outside chance that Chad and Daniel might not be the most...equipped Screeners to review a movie about motherhood, but they’re who you get. Just listen; trust us. As always, head over to Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/screenerscast/) and tell us if you’d even heard of Tully before this. Is Josh the only one who missed it entirely? We wouldn’t be surprised if he is. Subscribe: iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/screeners-podcast/id611609146) | Google Play (https://play.google.com/music/m/Iissyasykzy4aokzsgmcto5xsfe?t=Screeners_Podcast) | Pocket Casts (http://pca.st/TZQF) Web: Home (http://screenerspodcast.com/) | Download (https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/15272701-2f5b-4fb3-81f6-b494b321b3f9/286a402a-3c15-4342-9f2e-314e795e22e1.mp3) Social: Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/screenerscast/) | Twitter

We all knew this day was coming. Marvel called every major actor they’ve ever hired (except Hugh Jackman, which seems like a real missed opportunity), put them all in one giant green-walled room, and said, “Alright, now everyone be as sarcastic as possible.” At least, that’s the most we’re willing to give away about Avengers: Infinity War in show notes form. The movie got the Screeners opening weekend A-team into the theater, and they’ve brought in Tyler from Next Trek (https://thenexttrek.fireside.fm) for backup. Did the movie live up to the hype the trailers created? Tune in to find out what the Screeners thought, then throw your opinion in the ring over on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/screenerscast/)! Subscribe: iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/screeners-podcast/id611609146) | Google Play (https://play.google.com/music/m/Iissyasykzy4aokzsgmcto5xsfe?t=Screeners_Podcast) | Pocket Casts (http://pca.st/TZQF) Web: Home (http://screenerspodcast.com/) | Download (https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/14377

Well, it’s finally spring, so it’s officially time for the Screeners Summer Box Office Wager! That...that makes sense, right? It made sense when we came up with it. Well, we’re doing it anyway, no matter how much sense it makes. The Screeners have all put together a list of movies they think will tip the money scales this year, and whoever’s wild guesses are the most accurate will win a (totally not anticlimactic) prize. Once you’ve heard the Screeners’ picks, head over to Facebook () and drop us a comment with your list, or even to Slashfilm (http://smoview.a2hosted.com/playalong.php?year=2018) to play along all official-like. See you next time! Subscribe: iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/screeners-podcast/id611609146) | Google Play (https://play.google.com/music/m/Iissyasykzy4aokzsgmcto5xsfe?t=Screeners_Podcast) | Pocket Casts (http://pca.st/TZQF) Web: Home (http://screenerspodcast.com/) | Download (https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/15272701-2f5b-4fb3-81f6-b494b321b3f9/19319865-c959-42b8-a65

Dwayne Johnson keeps getting typecast as an action star, and we can’t for the life of us figure out why. Just once, we want to see him in, like, a period piece. Wouldn’t he look great in a powdered wig? Anyway, Rampage is decidedly not that. It’s based on a delightful arcade game from the 80s about monsters destroying buildings, so there’s literally no reason why the people who made San Andreas shouldn’t be in charge of this one too. Have at it, fellas. We’re sure Daniel has your back. Chris is jumping in for this bonus review too, though, so maybe there’ll be some tempering of Daniel’s enthusiasm. Once you let us know your thoughts on this nostalgia piece over on Facebook (), start looking up this summer’s releases; next on the calendar is the Screeners’ annual Summer Box Office Wager! Subscribe: iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/screeners-podcast/id611609146) | Google Play (https://play.google.com/music/m/Iissyasykzy4aokzsgmcto5xsfe?t=Screeners_Podcast) | Pocket Casts (http://pca.st/TZQF) Web: Hom

John Krasinski’s come a long way since The Office. A Quiet Place is less witty repartée and more “we hope you know sign language”. It’s an original take on the horror genre, and that’s served it well at the box office (https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/08/entertainment/a-quiet-place-horror-movies/index.html). Two of the Screeners headed to the theater to see this one, and if there’s one thing that you know the episode won’t be, it’s...well, quiet. Subscribe: iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/screeners-podcast/id611609146) | Google Play (https://play.google.com/music/m/Iissyasykzy4aokzsgmcto5xsfe?t=Screeners_Podcast) | Pocket Casts (http://pca.st/TZQF) Web: Home (http://screenerspodcast.com/) | Download (https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/15272701-2f5b-4fb3-81f6-b494b321b3f9/cd0781bf-421b-42c2-a6f7-4d23a8cbddda.mp3) Social: Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/screenerscast/) | Twitter (https://twitter.com/screenerscast/)

We know the notes for the last episode were all about Chris, but Ready Player One might be the most excited we’ve seen him about...well, anything, so we couldn’t help but dedicate this bonus episode to him and his love of loving things. Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of Ernest Cline’s ode to all things pop culture had a big opening day (http://deadline.com/2018/03/ready-player-one-steven-spielberg-opening-weekend-box-office-1202318581/), and it looks like it’ll have a similarly great weekend. Four out of five Screeners couldn’t wait even that long, so what did they think? Should you contribute to the box office haul this weekend? Subscribe: iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/screeners-podcast/id611609146) | Google Play (https://play.google.com/music/m/Iissyasykzy4aokzsgmcto5xsfe?t=Screeners_Podcast) | Pocket Casts (http://pca.st/TZQF) Web: Home (http://screenerspodcast.com/) | Download (https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/15272701-2f5b-4fb3-81f6-b494b321b3f9/d8b1755f-e6ac-4173-91a0-1e5daceb843d.mp3

Given how much Chris loved the last Pacific Rim movie (http://screenerspodcast.com/12), the Screeners knew they couldn’t miss the chance to get him on record reviewing Uprising. Chad and Daniel even offered to watch it too. That’s all this bonus episode is: giant robots (that don’t even turn into cars), some monsters, and a lover of loving things. We’re really not sure what else you could ask for. Enjoy, then click over to Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/screenerscast/) to let us know if you headed to the theater for this one. Subscribe: iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/screeners-podcast/id611609146) | Google Play (https://play.google.com/music/m/Iissyasykzy4aokzsgmcto5xsfe?t=Screeners_Podcast) | Pocket Casts (http://pca.st/TZQF) Web: Home (http://screenerspodcast.com/) | Download (https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/15272701-2f5b-4fb3-81f6-b494b321b3f9/eb992f42-907d-4217-bd17-8f273740fefe.mp3) Social: Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/screenerscast/) | Twitter (https://twitter.com/screeners

It’s March, so it’s time to crank up the reboot season. No, not the one with Melissa Joan Hart (http://www.newsweek.com/clarissa-explains-it-all-reboot-melissa-joan-hart-happening-so-take-sabrina-849197), the remake of an even newer, less beloved movie, Tomb Raider. Did we mention that the last Tomb Raider movie was only 17 years ago and was based on a video game that never should have been made into a movie? OK, maybe we’re being unfair. Maybe Alicia Vikander made this movie not terrible. And we guess it’s not technically a reboot. It just, y’know, has the same name, and is about the same character, but features a different actor in the lead role. Like original movies do. For the top 3, let’s let the people decide for once: What video games should be made into movies? Are there any? You’ll have to tune in (or go find the poll on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/screenerscast/)) to find out! Oh...well, we already plugged the Facebook page, so...guess this is goodbye? Yeah, guess so. Hm; that was awkward. S

Black Panther may have still beaten it at the box office (https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/12/black-panther-rules-box-office-for-4th-week-topping-a-wrinkle-in-time.html) (at least by a little bit), but A Wrinkle in Time still came in second, so that has to be worth something. Oh, and it has Oprah and Mindy Kaling, and then there’s the whole “based on a beloved series of children’s books thing. This was all Chad and Daniel needed to record a bonus episode about it, so here is that episode. As always, let us know if we did Ava DuVernay’s vision justice over on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/screenerscast/), and tune in next time for the Screeners’ review of Alicia Vikander’s performance in Tomb Raider. Subscribe: iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/screeners-podcast/id611609146) | Google Play (https://play.google.com/music/m/Iissyasykzy4aokzsgmcto5xsfe?t=Screeners_Podcast) | Pocket Casts (http://pca.st/TZQF) Web: Home (http://screenerspodcast.com/) | Download (https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/1527

The Screeners, represented by Chad and Daniel, are joined by Tyler from The Next Trek Podcast to discuss the 90th Academy Awards ceremony, dissecting what they expected and what actually happened. Compare notes and then stay tuned for the upcoming episode where you can find out if you beat the Screeners! Special Guest: Tyler Howat.

We promise this is the last episode about the 2018 Oscars...until they're over, at least. Chad, Daniel, Tyler, and Britain just couldn't resist one more feverish run-through of all the races—the excitement! The intrigue! The...the fashion! Listen to this episode, then watch the Oscars, then listen to the Screeners recap the show so Josh can collect his title as top prognosticator. It's going to happen this year; he can feel it in his bones. Or maybe that's arthritis. Who knows? And, of course, one final episode means one final plug for our Oscars predictions contest, live on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/screenerscast/) now! Go do your cinematic duty and vote! Subscribe: iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/screeners-podcast/id611609146) | Google Play (https://play.google.com/music/m/Iissyasykzy4aokzsgmcto5xsfe?t=Screeners_Podcast) | Pocket Casts (http://pca.st/TZQF) Web: Home (http://screenerspodcast.com/) | Download (https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/15272701-2f5b-4fb3-81f6-b494b321b3f9/8a1