Evolution of Summer Blockbusters and JAWS at 50

On this episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast, JAWS celebrates its 50th anniversary this month, and therefore felt it was a great time to explore the evolution of summer blockbusters. For anyone that was not aware, Jaws is the film that kickstarted the entire concept of summer blockbusters. It created a new focus for studios and movie theaters, a window of time to optimize the films with the largest budgets and greatest potential for success. We debate how ratings affected blockbusters, animation dominance, franchises, the sheer lack of original blockbusters, and much more.  Also on this week's podcast, we discuss upcoming attractions as we prepare for a two-week podcast break. Click here for more info on our 2026 Alaskan Cruise! Discussed on this episode (0:00 – 11:45) Opening | JAWS Turns 50 (11:46 – 59:14) From the Outside In: The Evolution of Summer Blockbusters (59:15 – 1:08:10) Upcoming Attractions  Click here for more info on our 2026 Alaskan Cruise! Listen to our true crime podcast, Inspired By A True Story, now available in your favorite podcast feed! Please support The Hollywood Outsider and gain immediate access to bonus content, including Patreon exclusive podcast content like our Bad Movie Night by visiting Patreon.com/ TheHollywoodOutsider Be sure to join our Facebook Group Join us on Discord Follow us on X @BuyPopcorn Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe via RSS

On this episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast, let's debate what it takes to make a great TV dad. Is it discipline? Communication? Hilarity? The ability to be a friend? As we encroach yet another Father's Day, we felt it was an apropos time to dive into the well of TV dads and dissect what truly makes them stand out for all of us.  Also on this week's podcast: Our spoiler-free review of How To Train Your Dragon, Goonies, Cocoon, and Back to the Future all turn 40, Upcoming Attractions, and we share thoughts on MobLand, Stick, and Dept. Q. Click here for more info on our 2026 Alaskan Cruise! Discussed on this episode (0:00 – 14:38) Opening | Goonies, Cocoon, and Back to the Future Turn 40 (14:39 – 46:04) From the Outside In: What Makes A Great TV Dad (46:05 – 57:35) Upcoming Attractions | Whatcha Been Watchin' - MobLand, Stick, and Dept. Q (57:36 – 1:10:59) Review: How To Train Your Dragon Click here for more info on our 2026 Alaskan Cruise! Listen to our true crime podcast, Inspired By A True Story, now available in your favorite podcast feed! Please support The Hollywood Outsider and gain immediate access to bonus content, including Patreon exclusive podcast content like our Bad Movie Night by visiting Patreon.com/ TheHollywoodOutsider Be sure to join our Facebook Group Join us on Discord Follow us on X @BuyPopcorn Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe via RSS

On this episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast, let's talk about fan goggles. Do you know what fan goggles are? They are that layer or protection many fans wear that insulate us from the obvious defects or issues with our favorite movies and TV shows. We all have blinders in some capacity and to varying degrees. Star Wars, Marvel, Indiana Jones, Game of Thrones, all of the major franchises have fans of this ilk, so what does it mean? How do we get around it? Are fan goggles really that bad if you truly enjoy something? Also on this week's podcast: Our spoiler-free review of Ballerina: From the World of John Wick, Marvel woes are rising, Upcoming Attractions, and we share thoughts on Karate Kid: Legends and Bring Her Back. Click here for more info on our 2026 Alaskan Cruise! Discussed on this episode (0:00 – 21:12) Opening | Marvel Woes (21:13 – 49:38) From the Outside In: Fan Goggles (49:39 – 1:10:11) Upcoming Attractions | Whatcha Been Watchin' - Karate Kid: Legends, Bring Her Back (1:10:12 – 1:28:35) Review: Ballerina Click here for more info on our 2026 Alaskan Cruise! Listen to our true crime podcast, Inspired By A True Story, now available in your favorite podcast feed! Please support The Hollywood Outsider and gain immediate access to bonus content, including Patreon exclusive podcast content like our Bad Movie Night by visiting Patreon.com/ TheHollywoodOutsider Be sure to join our Facebook Group Join us on Discord Follow us on X @BuyPopcorn Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe via RSS

On this week’s episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast, we are discussing a decade’s worth of film and television content. We know – it’s a lot. Reflecting on the past decade in film and television, our top 10 films and TV shows that released 2010-2019, as well as listener picks for the Top 10 in film and television. Listen to the full discussion on this episode of The Hollywood Outsider! Click here for more info on our 2026 Alaskan Cruise! Discussed on this episode (0:00 – 54:05) The 2010s - Best in Film (54:06 – 1:30:31) The 2010s - Best in Television | Listener Top 10 Click here for more info on our 2026 Alaskan Cruise! Listen to our true crime podcast, Inspired By A True Story, now available in your favorite podcast feed! Please support The Hollywood Outsider and gain immediate access to bonus content, including Patreon exclusive podcast content like our Bad Movie Night by visiting Patreon.com/ TheHollywoodOutsider Be sure to join our Facebook Group Join us on Discord Follow us on X @BuyPopcorn Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe via RSS

On this episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast, it is time to revisit Thomas Cruise Mapother IV. That's right, it's Tom Cruise 2.0. He’s a legend, both as an actor, producer, and now stuntman. He has remained at the top of his game for decades. We discussed his place in the world a few years ago, and now it is time to revisit the Cruise Missile and if he remains the last movie star standing. Followed up by our spoiler-free review of his franchise finale, Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning! Also on this week's podcast: Nostalgia TV returns for S.W.A.T, Buffy, and 7th Heaven, we offer our plan for a Mission Impossible reboot, review of Friendship, Upcoming Attractions, and share thoughts on Hell of a Summer, Duster, and Tom Segura's Bad Thoughts. Click here for more info on our 2026 Alaskan Cruise! Discussed on this episode (0:00 – 16:15) Opening | Nostalgia TV, HBO MAX (16:16 – 38:42) From the Outside In: Tom Cruise 2.0 - Is He Still A Movie Star? | Rebooting Mission Impossible (38:43 – 49:32) Upcoming Attractions | Whatcha Been Watchin' (49:33 – 51:55) Review: Friendship (51:56 – 1:12:18) Review: Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning Click here for more info on our 2026 Alaskan Cruise! Listen to our true crime podcast, Inspired By A True Story, now available in your favorite podcast feed! Please support The Hollywood Outsider and gain immediate access to bonus content, including Patreon exclusive podcast content like our Bad Movie Night by visiting Patreon.com/ TheHollywoodOutsider Be sure to join our Facebook Group Join us on Discord Follow us on X @BuyPopcorn Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe via RSS

On this episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast, we turn our From the Outside In topic over to a few listeners as vary our discussions this week. First up, is the event movie dead? That experience of heading to a theater for Star Wars or Avengers and it overwhelming the conversation, does it still exist? Then, what about scripted network TV, is that over? Lastly, what is the future of the moviegoing experience? Also on this week's podcast: we discuss the main releases coming out on Memorial Day weekend, review the blistering documentary Wick is Pain, and dive into Andor, Poker Face Season 2, Shadow Force. Discussed on this episode (0:00 – 5:45) Opening (5:46 – 45:39) From the Outside In: Are Event Movies Dead, Scripted Network TV, The Future of Moviegoing, Let's See Where This Goes (45:40 – 49:19) Upcoming Attractions (49:20 – 51:32) Review: Wick is Pain (51:33 – 1:01:43) Whatcha Been Watchin' - Andor, Poker Face Season 2, Shadow Force Listen to our true crime podcast, Inspired By A True Story, now available in your favorite podcast feed! Please support The Hollywood Outsider and gain immediate access to bonus content, including Patreon exclusive podcast content like our Bad Movie Night by visiting Patreon.com/ TheHollywoodOutsider Be sure to join our Facebook Group Join us on Discord Follow us on X @BuyPopcorn Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe via RSS

On this episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast, networks have been on a tear killing TV characters as of late. Shows like 9-1-1, NCIS, The Last of Us, The White Lotus, Bosch: Legacy, Yellowjackets, and the list goes on. But were these deaths necessary? Creatives claim it is a necessary storytelling device, but is it really? If extreme shock is the only way to rev up your fanbase, does it mean that perhaps the show needs better writers? OR do these deaths truly feel tangible and effective? We dive into this topic with mild spoilers for the shows mentioned, so proceed lightly. Also, we determine what TV series would be better if they killed off a lead TV character. Also on this week's podcast: Donald Trump proclaims tariffs for Hollywood films shot abroad, reviews of Clown in a Cornfield, Fight or Flight, Summer of 69, plus we dive into RUST starring Alec Baldwin, directed by Joel Souza this is the film that resulted in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. Another entertaining and insightful episode, so listen to The Hollywood Outsider podcast above or on your favorite app now! Discussed on this episode (0:00 – 15:09) Opening | Trump introduces tariffs to Hollywood films (15:10 – 40:29) From the Outside In: Killing TV Characters | What TV show would be better with a death? (40:30 – 44:42) Upcoming Attractions (44:43 – 47:16) Review: Clown in a Cornfield (47:18 – 52:44) Review: Fight or Flight (52:45 – 58:30) Review: Summer of 69 (58:31 – 1:11:50) Whatcha Been Watchin' - Rust, Bosch: Legacy Finale, Love on the Spectrum, Another Simple Favor Listen to our true crime podcast, Inspired By A True Story, now available in your favorite podcast feed! Please support The Hollywood Outsider and gain immediate access to bonus content, including Patreon exclusive podcast content like our Bad Movie Night by visiting Patreon.com/ TheHollywoodOutsider Be sure to join our Facebook Group Join us on Discord Follow us on X @BuyPopcorn Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe via RSS

On this episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast, Marvel's Thunderbolts* has finally hit theaters, and we have a lot to say about this one. Does it reinvigorate the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Does Florence Pugh have the knack to leave the MCU into the next phase? Is it deeper than simply Marvel's Suicide Squad? We dive deep into the kickoff to the summer movie season  Also on this week's podcast: new movies for Miami Vice and Brad Pitt, Star Wars nonsense, and our topic this week is what the hell are the spoiler rules these days? When is it ok to say anything, if ever? There is something for everyone this week, so listen to the latest episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast below or on your favorite app now! Discussed on this episode (0:00 – 13:30) Opening | Miami Vice, The Riders, Star Wars  (13:31 – 38:13) From the Outside In: Spoiler Rules (38:14 – 51:16) Make Our Own Thunderbolts Team | Whatcha Been Watchin' (51:17 – 1:23:13) Review: THUNDERBOLTS* Listen to our true crime podcast, Inspired By A True Story, now available in your favorite podcast feed! Please support The Hollywood Outsider and gain immediate access to bonus content, including Patreon exclusive podcast content like our Bad Movie Night by visiting Patreon.com/ TheHollywoodOutsider Be sure to join our Facebook Group Join us on Discord Follow us on X @BuyPopcorn Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe via RSS

On this episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast, 2025 has finally arrived at the greatest point of every cinephile’s annual indulgence, the summer movie season!! This year theaters are trying to kick back into gear with blockbusters like Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning, Lilo & Stitch, Superman, Thunderbolts*, Elio, Jurassic World: Rebirth, Nobody 2, Fantastic Four: The First Steps, 28 Years Later, Ballerina, How To Train Your Dragon, and also insightful smaller films like Dangerous Animals, Materialists, Sovereign, Bring Her Back, Eddington, and a whole lot more.  But with so many films coming out at this time, how is any self-respecting fan supposed to know what to see when there are so many options available? We’re here to help with our 2025 Summer Movie Preview! We discuss each month in detail and every major and many minor releases. May, June, July, and August all receive their fair due as we elaborate and debate on over 60 titles coming to theaters, as well as those independent and streaming gems to look for. Grab a pen and paper or your favorite app, because this is one episode you will want to take notes on. THIS is our 2025 Summer Movie Preview! *Editor’s Note: Release dates and titles were based on the schedule as of the date of recording, and are subject to change Full schedule can be found at https://www.thehollywoodoutsider.com/2025-summer-movie-preview/ Listen to our true crime podcast, Inspired By A True Story, now available in your favorite podcast feed! Please support The Hollywood Outsider and gain immediate access to bonus content, including Patreon exclusive podcast content like our Bad Movie Night by visiting Patreon.com/ TheHollywoodOutsider Be sure to join our Facebook Group Join us on Discord Follow us on X @BuyPopcorn Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe via RSS

On this episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast, with SINNERS taking a bite out of theaters, it felt time to revisit the concept of vampires. Most importantly, are vampires scary? For decades fear of the undead has been a driving force of countless Hollywood movies and TV shows. But are they actually terrifying?  Also on this week's podcast: we finally have an Oscar for Best Stunt Design, a game of Vampire Avengers, Upcoming Attractions, our spoiler-free review of Ryan Coogler's SINNERS, and more. Plus, stick around for a preview of our Patreon Exclusive podcast covering each episode of The Last of Us, The Power Hour! Listen to the latest episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast below or on your favorite app now! Discussed on this episode (0:00 – 15:23) Opening | An Oscar for Best Stunt Design (15:24 – 35:29) From the Outside In: Are Vampires Scary? | Vampire Avengers (35:30 – 41:46) Upcoming Attractions (41:47 – 49:48) Review: Sinners (49:49 – 53:09) Whatcha Been Watchin? (53:10 – 1:39:01) The Last of Us - Power Hour Preview Listen to our true crime podcast, Inspired By A True Story, now available in your favorite podcast feed! Please support The Hollywood Outsider and gain immediate access to bonus content, including Patreon exclusive podcast content like our Bad Movie Night by visiting Patreon.com/ TheHollywoodOutsider Be sure to join our Facebook Group Join us on Discord Follow us on X @BuyPopcorn Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe via RSS