Screeners Podcast

This episode is a double-header, so no extraneous segments, no fluff, no listening to how Josh doesn’t know how to rank things against each other. This episode it’s just the four original Screeners getting back to their roots arguing about movies. Well, OK—the four of them argue about one movie. Josh didn’t see the other one. Duh. Out of Annihilation and Game Night, though, guess which one he did see. What happens next might shock you...then prepare to be shocked again as you hear what Chris has to say about Game Night. Let’s just say that maybe there are a couple other movies he should rewatch. We’re not going to say much more about Annihilation than that it’s an adaptation of a novel brought to the big screen by the writer/director of Ex Machina. So, y’know, the movie you’d have expected to have a full Screeners roster for the review. Oh well. Maybe Chad will talk enough for anyone missing. You know the drill. Click over to Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/screenerscast/), tell us your favorite joke from

Yes, there’s a new Marvel movie, and yes, they chose to release it in February. Black Panther is something of a departure for Marvel in a couple different ways, not the least of which is its writer/director. Ryan Coogler’s first two features, Fruitvale Station and Creed, were well-received but decidedly more, let’s say “constrained”, than your average Marvel flick. The choices have paid off in a big way, though, with Black Panther shooting to the top of the box office, posting the biggest take for a February release (http://money.cnn.com/2018/02/18/media/black-panther-box-office/index.html) of all time. The Screeners couldn’t pass up the chance to talk about another Marvel movie. Josh didn’t make it out on opening weekend, but guest host Phil Bonaparte is taking his place to offer maybe a slightly less superhero-fatigued perspective (or maybe not; guess we’ll see). Has Coogler brought a fresh feel to a universe we’re all pretty familiar with by now? And while we’re in the comics for the main event, this episo

2018 has a lot of movie in store, and it's February already, so it’s about time to get the hype train started and find out what’s on the Screeners’ must-see lists. We have a feeling there will be a bit of diversity here, but we’re not going to name names of people who may or may not be excited for movies about dinosaurs. And since we talked about the future, let's spend a bit of time on the past. Yes, season 4 of this now-Netflix “original” may have been released to the binge-ready public last year, but that didn’t stop the Screeners from talking about Phantom Thread, so it definitely won’t stop them from talking about Black Mirror. This is Netflix’s second season distributing the British show; have they been able to maintain the unique qualities that made it such a cult hit? As always, we want to see your lists (and hear about your love and/or hate relationship with Black Mirror) on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/screenerscast/)! Subscribe: iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/screeners-podcast/id

Phantom Thread is PT Anderson’s latest movie with Daniel Day-Lewis in a leading role and supposedly Day-Lewis’s last movie ever. It technically qualifies as a 2017 movie, but given that introduction (and the fact that it was only released wide last month), we’re sure you can understand why at least a few of the Screeners wanted to talk about it. We may have buried the lede there. The real story is that Josh is here for one of these Chad/Daniel bonus episodes, which means he was in the theater for a movie that he wasn’t peer pressured into seeing, which means he went to a theater voluntarily. That alone makes this episode worth listening to, right? OK, fine. Listen to it because PT Anderson and Daniel Day-Lewis. We won’t blame you...as long as you join us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/screenerscast/) afterwards and tell us about your history with the 1950’s fashion world. Subscribe: iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/screeners-podcast/id611609146) | Google Play (https://play.google.com/music/m

So we’re told there was a football game recently. We wouldn’t know; we were busy watching commercials. There were blockbuster movie trailers left and right, something about Australia, and, of course, Tide ads. Chad, Josh, and Daniel (also known as the “non-cord-cutter” contingent of the Screeners) were on hand for the marketing melee; who did they think won the evening? The real show-stealer may have been how Netflix took on NBC’s This is Us marketing machine by releasing The Cloverfield Paradox right after “The Big Game”*. It was a bold move, and one that hooked at least Chad and Daniel into staying up even later and watching it. Or maybe they cheated and watched it on Monday—that’s the problem with Netflix; you just can’t tell. Either way, was it worth it, guys? You know the drill—head over to Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/screenerscast/); tell us if you’ve caught The Cloverfield Paradox yet and what you thought of Netflix’s release strategy. ‘Til next time! We’ll call it that, NFL, but we’re totally g

The Oscar nominations are out, and we already know that Daniel has plenty to say (http://screenerspodcast.com/articles/oscar-nom-trivia) about them. He’s got enough, in fact, that he roped Chad and Britain into recording a bonus episode just to recap the highlights and talk about this year’s snubs and surprises. We know these three aren’t the only ones with opinions, though. Josh might not have anything to say, but if you do, head over to Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/screenerscast/) and let us know! 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-b494b321b3f9/82286b73-8bba-4396-b90f-2c758fc34b41.mp3) Social: Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/screenerscast/) | Twitter (https://twitter.com/screenerscast/) Special Guest: Br

It’s almost February 2018, so the Screeners thought it would be a good idea to go back and relive 2017...in cinema, at least. That’s right; it’s time for the annual Best of (insert last year) episode! There’s something for just about everyone in this year’s selections, whether, you saw 18 movies last year (like Josh) or closer to 18² (like Daniel). Join the Screeners as they laugh, cry, and unanimously deride Chris’s picks1. Once you’ve listened (and congratulations if you made it this far; we know it wasn’t easy), hop over to Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/screenerscast/) and send us your own picks! 1 OK; so in reality they might actually agree on most of them, but this sounded totally plausible, didn’t it? 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/143

There are a lot of people involved in The Post. Sure, it stars Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks, and it’s directed by Steven Spielberg, but if we named everyone else in the cast, we might not have room to say anything else about the Screeners’ review of...wait a second, that’s a perfect excuse; why are we trying to talk ourselves out of it? Know who’s in The Post? Bob Odenkirk, Sarah Paulson, David Cross, Alison Brie, Bradley Whitford, Jesse Plemons...OK; we can’t keep doing this in good conscience. Just know that that’s not an exhaustive list—there are other very recognizable actors in there too. Will the star power be enough to win over the Screeners? Oh, and one more thing: The Screeners blog (http://screenerspodcast.com/articles) is getting a new regular author! Britain Miethe has been a listener for some time now, and it turns out he has opinions too. We’re all about giving people a voice here at the site (though not on the podcast; Josh can keep his thoughts to himself), so we thought we’d give him a regular

In this special episode, Daniel is joined by Paul Walter Hauser, one of the stars of the new film I, Tonya, which chronicles the life of Tonya Harding. Paul has been receiving rave reviews for his scene-stealing work as Shawn Eckardt in the film. Daniel and Paul talk about what it was like to get cast in the film and to work alongside a spectacular cast and crew. They also discuss Tonya Harding herself, and whether or not America should re-evaluate her place in history. Check out the interview, and stay tuned for more episodes coming your way soon!

Happy New Year, everyone! The calendar has changed, but the Screeners haven’t...right down to the part where Josh hasn’t seen the movie they’re reviewing. It’s a shame, too, because this episode’s main event is Molly’s Game, written and directed by Aaron Sorkin. High-stakes poker, the FBI, and skiing weren’t enough to bring Josh out of his cave, which seems like a bad omen for the year in general. Oh well; we suppose there’s still time for him to make a resolution or two. In the meantime, the rest of the crew will be there for you, watching movies all year long and taunting him. In honor of Aaron Sorkin, this episode’s Top 3 focuses on everyone’s favorite directorial debuts. There have been some pretty great first efforts throughout the years, so competition could be heated. Maybe Josh will join in the fun if the Screeners ever decide to do “worst directorial debuts”. We won’t hold our collective breath. Make sure to let us know your thoughts on Molly’s Game and your favorite first films over on Facebook (htt

Among the deluge of movies released over the holidays were All The Money In The World and Downsizing, so it’s time for another bonus episode! Daniel’s joined by Next Trek Podcast host Tyler Howat for the reviews. All The Money In The World has been a subject of controversy and anticipation. Only a few short weeks ago, Christoper Plummer replaced Kevin Spacey after his career imploded. Was that the right move? Did the movie come together in such a short time? Daniel and Tyler made sure to weigh in. Alexander Payne is the authority on films about white men going through a midlife crisis, and Downsizing sits squarely in his wheelhouse. Matt Damon shrinks himself down to outrun his problems. Is tiny Damon better than regular-size Damon? We’re not so sure. We’ll have plenty more reviews coming your way in the days to come, so keep an eye out for those soon! Special Guest: Tyler Howat.

Training Day meets Lord of The Rings. With a pitch like that, you know it’s Chris’s type of movie. Bright is Netflix’s first blockbuster, but can you really call it a blockbuster if you can only watch it from your couch? Either way, it stars Will Smith and Joel Edgerton as LAPD officers in a gritty cop movie, but with a twist: Edgerton is an Orc. It’s about as high-concept as you get. Humans, Orcs, and Elves have made it past Middle Earth and now co-exist in the present day. Conflicts arise, etc., etc. Some are calling it the worst movie of the year, others are merely calling it terrible, so what did Chris and Daniel think? Check out this Bonus Review of Bright.

Reviews of Star Wars movies need no introduction in our culture; they just have to come with a big red-letter guarantee that no one’s going to spoil any plot points (a line from Tommy Boy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALQNFusg_m0) comes to mind). Well, four of the Screeners will guarantee that they’ll at least warn you before spoiling everything. The fifth Screener isn’t around for this episode, so you’re safe there too. Even Josh saw The Last Jedi on opening weekend, so unless this is one of those rare unanimous reviews, there should be a little intrigue to be had here. There had better be, since this is the last Screeners episode of 2017. Our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/screenerscast/), though, is open 24/7/365—no time off for the Internet gnomes toiling away in the bit mines. Happy Holidays, and see you next year! Subscribe: iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/screeners-podcast/id611609146) | Google Play (https://play.google.com/music/m/Iissyasykzy4aokzsgmcto5xsfe?t=Screeners_Podcas

These bonus episodes are coming at you fast; we know. Sorry (notsorry); there’s just a lot going on right now. Today, it’s the Golden Globe nominations; tomorrow, maybe someone’s career gets destroyed by something totally unexpected. One can never know. What one can know, however, is that James Franco will continue making movies until he gets the respect he so richly deserves. Or at least until he runs out of things to adapt. Despite some not-so-glowing remarks (https://www.avclub.com/the-disaster-artist-is-a-lousy-tribute-to-the-greatest-1820787988) from The A.V Club, maybe Chad or Daniel found something to love about The Disaster Artist. And if they didn’t...well, there’s always Chris. The lover of loving things vs. a movie you’re supposed to love to hate. It’s a match made in...purgatory? Anyway, you should listen. And don’t forget to head over to Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/screenerscast/) and tell us if you’ve seen The Room and, if so, if you have any desire whatsoever to see a making-of starring

We’ve finally gotten to the movie season designed for Josh, and guess who’s still not at the theater. Oh well, at least we have Chad and Daniel to talk about the year’s less “important” events—you know, like the best-reviewed movie on Rotten Tomatoes (http://www.vulture.com/2017/11/lady-bird-is-the-best-reviewed-movie-on-rotten-tomatoes.html). Daniel’s brother Tyler (of Next Trek (https://thenexttrek.fireside.fm/) fame) fills out the cast for this double feature bonus episode covering Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and Lady Bird. Next on the agenda: a recap of The Disaster Artist, James Franco’s tribute to The Room, then it’s straight to The Last Jedi. In the meantime, jump on the hype train over on our Facebook page (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://screene

Willem Dafoe as a good guy? In a movie starring children? The Florida Project may not have been in too many theaters around the country, but it’s getting plenty of awards buzz. Daniel is joined by co-host of The Next Trek Podcast (and his brother) Tyler Howat for a quick review. They do a deep dive into the movie, its themes, and even a little bit of its Oscar chances. We know Chad is mad he missed recording this episode, but he’ll let us know his thoughts on the movie elsewhere—and you should too! Chime in on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/screenerscast/) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/screenerscast/) if you got a chance to see The Florida Project, and tell us what you thought. 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-4fb3-8

Disney doesn’t have the world’s greatest track record when it comes to cultural diversity in their movies: Try as they might, they seem to always have detractors crying foul over reductive stereotypes. It seems like they may have finally done something right* with Coco, though, at least according to Mexican audiences (https://www.npr.org/2017/11/20/564385036/mexico-music-and-family-take-center-stage-in-coco). Of course, that doesn’t mean the Screeners will like it. In fact, if we’re honest, the majority of them haven’t seen it yet. Chad and Daniel have, though, and they couldn’t wait any longer to talk about it. They’re joined by a special guest host, Dr. Jeff Salyer, who not only teaches this stuff for a living, but whose dissertation was on Pixar's work. You won’t even miss Josh’s complete lack of useful input. To accompany the main event, it only seemed fitting to have a PIxar-themed top 3. We’ve already done overall favorites, though, so this time we’re limiting it to Pixar endings. Don’t forget to add y

As we’re all painfully aware by now, Marvel movies are reliable money printing machines, mostly beloved by audiences—or at least inoffensive to them. The DC universe, though, has enjoyed no such consistency. They had the Nolan Batman movies, regarded by some as masterpieces. If they’d just quit while they were ahead, we wouldn’t be here today talking about what an embarrassment Batman vs. Superman was. Wonder Woman was OK, though, right? Sure; why not. Anyway, there’s another one now. Justice League is what you might call DC’s answer to Avengers, except with fewer A-list heros and Zack Snyder at the helm for most of production. Chad, Chris, and Daniel are dedicated enough to see it early on opening weekend, so they’re here to help you decide how to spend your movie dollars. Has DC learned from their mistakes, or should they go sit in a corner and think about what they’ve done...again? Don’t forget to join us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/screenerscast/) and tell us what you think of the DC universe so

We’ve had our share of remakes over the past couple years, but there haven’t been too many adaptations. We’ll take what we can get in that category, even if it has to be an adaptation and a remake (no matter if Kenneth Branagh sees it that way (http://variety.com/2017/film/news/kenneth-branagh-haris-zambarloukos-murder-on-the-orient-express-1202614888/) or not). This episode’s main event is Murder on the Orient Express, a movie that Josh might have actually seen if he had thought to check the recording schedule ahead of time. Anyway, think Snowpiercer, except...not at all. In keeping with the “I’m on a train” theme, our Top 3 this time is single-location movies or small-screen “bottle episodes”. Seems pretty specific for a segment that famously doesn’t have any rules; how will the Screeners deal with this one? We’re sure that, if nothing else, you have some favorites to add to the Top 3 list. (We know that for a fact, actually, because a bunch of you have added them already—if you haven’t, don’t be shy!) Head

We looked back in the Screeners vault, and did you know it’s been over 10 episodes since a Marvel movie has been the main event? That’s way too long, right? Well, pine no longer, because Chris Hemsworth is here to save the day. Thor: Ragnarok is the Norseman’s (Norsegod’s?) third movie, and a quick scan of the Googles reveals people calling it the best yet. Will the Screeners (or, um, three of them) agree? Also, comic book movies are great and all, but as we learned from the Oscar preview episode, the Screeners do their best to be Serious Critics. What better way to do that than debate the relative merits of Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and Mean Girls courtesy of Flickchart? We’re glad you agree—let’s go ahead and do that. Just two segments this week, but there’s plenty of room for audience feedback—if you think that Sin City was a criminally underrated masterpiece, you know where to go (hint: it’s Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/screenerscast/)). ‘Til next time! Subscribe: iTunes (https://itunes.apple.com/