Challengers

Looks like the ball's in our court. This week we finally discuss Challengers, the newest film directed by Luca Guadagnino (Call Me By Your Name, Suspiria, Bones and All) and written by Justin Kuritzkes. This feisty psychological sports drama stars Zendaya, Josh O'Connor, and Mike Faist as three tennis players with some, ahem, fluid connections that transpire over the course of their respective careers. The film hit theaters in late April through Amazon MGM Studios. Our intro music this week is “Tarantino Margarita” by l’eupe. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Follow us on Twitter: Jon Negroni, Will Ashton Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cinemaholics together strong. That's right, we're talking about Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes this week, the fourth film in the Planet of the Apes prequel reboot franchise, which kicked off with Rise of the Planet of the Apes in 2011. Wes Ball (Maze Runner) takes over as directer with Josh Friedman as the screenwriter, and the cast includes Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand, and Peter Macon. Our intro music this week is “Tarantino Margarita” by l’eupe. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Follow us on Twitter: Jon Negroni, Will Ashton Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What kind of Cinemaholic are you? While Jon Negroni is out of the country, Will Ashton and special guest Cory Woodroof hold down the fort, so to speak, and discuss Alex Garland's explosive new film, Civil War. A24's most expensive film to date, and likely to be one of their highest grossers to boot, the war drama stars Kirsten Dunst, Cailee Spaney, Wagner Moura, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Nick Offerman, and Jesse Plemons, and it has had everyone talking since it blew into theaters on April 12. Find out what the Will Forces and The Republic of Cory have to say about this election year blockbuster. Our intro music this week is “Tarantino Margarita” by l’eupe. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Follow us on Twitter: Jon Negroni, Will Ashton Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 96th Academy Awards have exited the building, but we're just getting started on talking Oscars 2024! We discuss the nominees and pick our own winners, while also recapping the "actual" winners from the "actual" ceremony. Will the Cinemaholics agree with the Academy, or even (gasp) each other?! Don't change the channel if you want to find out! Our intro music this week is the opening television intro for "Sickle & Ebert: If We Picked The Winners" from March 24, 1990. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Follow us on Twitter: Jon Negroni, Will Ashton Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, we finally discuss the release and reception of Dune: Part Two, directed by Denis Villeneuve. After a delayed release and somewhat botched streaming strategy with the last film, Warner Bros. gave the sci-fi epic another chance to spice up the box office. But does Dune: Part Two fulfill the prophecy of that last film and Frank Herbert's 1965 novel? Dune: Part Two opened in theaters on March 1. It was directed by Denis Villeneuve, who co-wrote the screenplay with Jon Spaights. The film stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Dave Bautista, Stellan Skarsgård, Charlotte Rampling, and Javier Bardem, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken, Léa Seydoux, and Souheila Yacoub. Our intro music this week is “Tarantino Margarita” by l’eupe. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Follow us on Twitter: Jon Negroni, Will Ashton Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Discussion Points:  Unpacking the backstory of these movies The delayed release and why streaming too soon didn't work The Chosen One Trope and how it's subverted Our general takes on the film and if it's "fulfilling" Christopher Walken's performance...yay or nay? Sandworms. That is all. Adapting Dune to make it more accessible... Why we care about Paul Atreides What makes the film immersive and "weird" Villeneuve's passion for this story The ideal theatrical experience and impact of the music What will Villeneuve do next? Rotten Tomatoes Game: What do critics and audiences generally think? Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's an unofficial "It Ain't Ogre 'Til It's Ogre" podcast reunion! Special guests Matt Serafini and Chris Sheridan join us this week to discuss Madame Web, starring Dakota Johnson. We delve into the broader multiverse of Sony's Spider-Manmovies and its unholy trinity of "villain movies." Who is Madame Web? What's going on with that ADR? How did this movie actually happen? What are we doing with our lives?! Madame Web opened in theaters on February 14. It was directed by S.J. Clarkson and the cast also includes Sydney Sweeney, Isabela Merced, Celeste O'Connor, Tahar Rahim, Mike Epps, Emma Roberts, and Adam Scott. Our intro music this week is “Tarantino Margarita” by l'eupe. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Follow us on Twitter: Jon Negroni, Will Ashton Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Discussion Points:  It Ain't Ogre 'Til It's Ogre really is over! We promise! Sony's plan with Venom, Morbius, and Madame Web, and Kraven and blah blah blah. The role of Cassie Webb as a plot device character in the comics The marketing was misleading! Dakota Johnson's disastrously great press tour for this movie The plot and the plot holes, the lack of effort, the lack of everything Enjoying this movie unironically? Sony's attempts at creating a cinematic universe with its superhero movies have been... What's next for Sony and Columbia Pictures at this point? The Rotten Tomatoes Game: what do critics and audiences think? Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Cinemaholics, Jon Negroni and Will Ashton discuss the new dark comedy road film Drive-Away Dolls, directed by Ethan Coen — who co-wrote the film with Tricia Cooke — and starring Margaret Qualley, Geraldine Viswanathan, Beanie Feldstein, Colman Domingo, Pedro Pascal, Bill Camp, Matt Damon, and Will Ashton. Will is of course excited to talk about the film since he shows up in it as an extra, along with his car. But Jon expresses some disappointments he had with the movie's script and editing choices. Drive-Away Dolls opens in theaters on February 23 through Focus Features. Our intro music this week is “Midnight Swing” by Rudy Raw & yosev Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Follow us on Twitter: Jon Negroni, Will Ashton Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Discussion Points:  Why our listeners might enjoy working on a film set if that opportunity ever comes their way! Why some critics stop reviewing films after working in the industry Jon and Will talk about how Ethan and Joel Coen have fared as solo filmmakers thus far. Jon explains the setup of Drive-Away Dolls, including its development hell production, and gives some broad criticism while Will defends its humor and political themes. Will considers the movie quite breezy at just 84 minutes. Pedro Pascal's role in the film is minimal and does not contribute much to the overall story. Jon argues the movie suffers from awkward staging and a lack of engagement, making it difficult for viewers to connect with the characters and plot. Inconsistencies in the script suggest that certain elements may have been cut or altered during production, resulting in a disjointed viewing experience. Jon describes the movie as a collection of vignettes that vary in quality, with some being entertaining and others falling flat. Will appreciates the humor of the opening scene and how it made him feel at ease about the rest of the film Jon's overall takeaway is that Drive-Away Dolls fails to leave a lasting impact and is not particularly memorable. Audience reactions and reviews for the film are not yet available, but Jon and Will express curiosity about others' opinions. Jon and Will play the Rotten Tomatoes game for Vacation Friends 2 (for some reason), speculating on its critical and audience scores. Upcoming topics might include discussions on Madame Web and Bob Marley: One Love, as well as Netflix's live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Cinemaholics, Jon Negroni and Will Ashton discuss the film Argyle, a new spy action comedy directed by Matthew Vaughn and starring Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Bryan Cranston, Catherine O'Hara, Henry Cavill, Sofia Boutella, Dua Lipa, Ariana DeBose, John Cena, and Samuel L. Jackson. They delve into Vaughn's early career, his style, and the potential setup of a "Kingsman" cinematic universe. They also touch on the screenplay by Jason Fuchs and the audience reception of the film. Argylle opened in theaters on February 2 through Universal Pictures and Apple Original Films. Our intro music this week is “Ballin'” by Worldtraveller Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Follow us on Twitter: Jon Negroni, Will Ashton Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Discussion Points:  Matthew Vaughn's early career and filmmaking style A cinematic universe for Kingsman? Jason Fuchs' previous screenwriting credits The bonkers opening scene of Argylle Analyzing the premise of the film and audience reception The visuals and budget of Argylle, as well as its box office performance and marketing Some of the mixed reactions to the film and general audience reception Influences from Die Hard and Lethal Weapon Comparison to The Lost City Tonal inconsistencies and opinions on the "twist" Chemistry between Bryce Dallas Howard and Sam Rockwell The overall cast and issues with writing/characterization Movie length and pacing Positive aspects of the film Bryce Dallas Howard's acting/directing career Vaughn's depiction of female characters The film's length and climax Reactions from critics and audiences Future releases from Apple Original Films Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Cinemaholics, Jon Negroni and Will Ashton discuss the films Poor Things and The Zone of Interest. Both movies have been expanding in theaters nationwide, with many people debating and analyzing the themes of sexuality and feminism in Poor Things, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and starring Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, and Mark Ruffalo. As well as the controversial depiction of Aushwitz during the Holocaust in The Zone of Interest, directed by Jonathan Glazer and starring Christian Friedel and Sandra Hüller. And as always, the show finishes out with the Rotten Tomatoes game. Show Notes: (Might be about 30 seconds ahead due to ads!) 00:00 – Introduction and Catching Up 02:15 – Will we review Argylle? (yes) 06:00 – Poor Things review 40:35 – The Zone of Interest review 1:03:40 – Rotten Tomatoes Game Our intro music this week is “Marco Polo” by Glimlip, 9ICK & azayaka Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Follow us on Twitter: Jon Negroni, Will Ashton Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Discussion Points: Background on the filmography of Yorgos Lanthimos (comparing his newer and earlier films) Some of the initial reactions to Poor Things and how it handles sexuality and feminism Criticism of the film's feminist themes Background on The Zone of Interest and how it depicts Auschwitz The length of the film and its impact The movie's message about complicity and desensitization Some of the mixed reactions to the film and general audience reception Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome back for Part 2 of our catchup on the winter releases we missed while on vacation. We focus mostly on Ferrari, Michael Mann's first film in eight years. As well as Godzilla Minus One, The Boy and the Heron, American Fiction, The Color Purple, and The Zone of Interest, just to name a few! Show Notes: (Might be 30 seconds ahead due to ads!) 00:00 – Introduction and Will finished Fingernails 03:35 – Anatomy of a Fall 09:00 – Godzilla Minus One 14:20 – Eileen 18:57 – The Boy and the Heron 25:49 – Origin 30:17 – Wonka 36:23 – American Fiction 43:27 – The Zone of Interest 46:55 – Anyone But You 48:07 – Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom 52:16 – The Iron Claw 56:30 – All of Us Strangers 01:01:48 – Rebel Moon (brief mention) 01:02:34 – Leave the World Behind 01:04:15 – Society of the Snow 01:05:13 – The Boys in the Boat 01:05:55 – The Color Purple 01:11:30 – Ferrari 01:18:20 – Upcoming Movies and Future Episodes Our intro music this week is “Orient Express” by Mayaewk & AHNAMUSICA. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Follow us on Twitter: Jon Negroni, Will Ashton Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.