The Last of Us | Adapting A Masterpiece With Cinematographer Eben Bolter

“Challengers,” from writer-director Luca Guadagnino, is our favorite performance from the ever-talented Zendaya, but she isn’t alone. Mike Fast and Josh O’Connor equally deliver to create a three-piece ensemble that propels us through one of the year's most exciting films. In this week’s show, we dive right in with our review, and if you’ve managed to make it out to the theater already, stick around for our brief spoiler-filled section that follows. For those that haven’t, hit pause and see this one as soon as possible. Also this week, in light of recent success at the box office, we discuss the nature of the middle-budget feature film and its potential comeback in the industry. Finally, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman’s “Deadpool & Wolverine” dropped the full-length trailer we’ve all been dying to see, and we give our immediate impressions. ReelBlend PremiumSign up for a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form.Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnellJake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsTimestamps (approx. only)00:00 - Intro 04:13 - Are smaller films reclaiming the box office?19:07 - ‘Challengers’ Review (Spoiler-Free)29:56 - ‘Challengers’ SPOILERS!38:23 - ‘Deadpool & Wolverine” Trailer Reactions51:50 - Game: Lost In Translation1:00:15 - OutroSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The horror genre has been on a box office tear this year with what feels like a new entry hitting theaters every week. Today, we welcome back the director duo known as Radio Silence, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, and Tyler Gillett, to discuss their new vampire flick “Abigail.” After two turns at the wheel of the “Scream” franchise, the two bring a unique spin to their story which follows a group of criminals who find themselves in over their heads after kidnapping a young vampire. The film finds inspiration from all the right places including “The Shining” and “From Dusk Til Dawn,” the two share just how important films like that are to their own and more.ReelBlend PremiumSign up for a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form.Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnellJake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsTimestamps (approx. only)00:00 - Intro 10:17 - ‘Abigail’ Interview | 27:33 - ‘Civil War’ Marks A24’s Best Box Office Opening Weekend34:51 - Scorsese And Spielberg Both Have Some Big Upcoming Pictures43:03 - Review: ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare’51:18 - Review: ‘Abigail’57:10 - OutroSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Alex Garland is one of the most interesting filmmakers working today and has delivered striking, awe-inspiring cinema as both a writer and director for over two decades. We are honored to welcome Garland on the show to discuss his latest film, Civil War. The cast blew away each of us, as well as the story centered on wartime journalists, and the grace with which the film navigates its controversial narrative through the real world it seems to depict so nearly. We discuss designing his set pieces with backstory, how Jesse Plemons joined the cast at the last minute and delivered one of the best performances of the year, and more. He even shares some details on the upcoming 28 Days Later sequel, 28 Years Later. After the interview, we give our spoiler-free thoughts on the film, and then dive right into spoilers so if you haven’t made it to the theaters yet, be warned.  ReelBlend PremiumSign up for a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form.Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnellJake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsTimestamps (approx. only)00:00 - Intro 02:49 - Alex Garland Talks ‘Civil War,’ ’28 Years Later’ and More30:11 - Spoiler-Free’ Civil War’ Review49:48 - ‘Civil War’ Spoilers!1:08:09 - Sean Is At CinemaCon 20241:20:23 - OutroSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What should you watch this summer season? This week, we run through some of the major movie releases hitting theaters, and discuss which have us intrigued, which we remain cautiously optimistic about, and which we are the most excited about. It’s looking to be an impressive year! Both M. Night Shyamalan and daughter Ishana Shyamalan have films headed to theaters, Fede Álvarez appears to be returning a beloved franchise to its roots with “Alien: Romulus,” and “Twisters”…enough said. Which film are you most excited about this summer? Head to the YouTube comments and let us know!ReelBlend PremiumSign up for a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form.Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnellJake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsTimestamps (approx. only)00:00 - Intro 6:04 - Summer Movie Preview46:06 - Oscars In Review: Would We Still Give Joaquin The Win For Joker?55:29 - ‘Monkey Man’ Reactions57:23 - OutroSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Director Adam Wingard joins us to discuss his new epic monster movie Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. The filmmaker takes us through some of his trying experiences on set, making his monsters more relatable, Tom Cruise joining the MonsterVerse, and more. After the interview, we review the movie and dive into a spoiler-filled chat on Immaculate. And of course, a Bad Boys trailer couldn’t pass us by without some quick reactions. ReelBlend PremiumSign up for a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form.Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnellJake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsTimestamps (approx. only)00:00 - Intro 4:19 - Adam Wingard Interview | ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’28:22 - ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ Review37:27 - ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ Trailer Reaction46:55 - ‘Immaculate’ SPOILER Review54:48 - PSA: Go See ‘Late Night with The Devil’ 58:12 - OutroSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Director Michael Mohan (fan, now friend, of the show!) joins us to talk about the making of his new horror film Immaculate starring Sydney Sweeney. We sat down with Michael to dive right into spoilers, talk about the ending, and allow him to share so many incredible stories from behind the scenes. This is such a fun interview for a movie we all genuinely love, so do yourself a favor and go see Immaculate if you haven't already, then come back here and hang out with director Michael Mohan.ReelBlend PremiumSign up for a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form.Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnellJake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Writer, director, and producer Gil Kenan joins ReelBlend to discuss his new movie Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire! We learn about how some long-lost 70mm footage that was never used in the original film led to one of Frozen Empire's best moments, how Gil and Jason Reitman were able to pitch the film to Ivan Reitman before his passing, parenting, and more. Stick around after the interview for several new film and TV reviews dropping this week.ReelBlend PremiumSign up for a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form.Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnellJake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsTimestamps (approx. only)00:00 - Intro 6:33 - Gil Keenan ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ Interview33:00 - ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ Review (Spoiler-Free)46:57 - ‘3 Body Problem’ Review53:13 - ‘Road House’ Review1:01:14 - Sean Recommends ‘X-Men ’97’1:01:52 - OutroSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss have partnered with Alexander Woo to bring the famed science fiction novel "The Three-Body Problem" to Netflix. The showrunners sat down at this year's SXSW festival to discuss the making of the series, how one scene caused the show's delay, spoiling Game of Thrones while traveling, and more.ReelBlend PremiumSign up for a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form.Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnellJake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Legendary composer Hans Zimmer returns to ReelBlend to discuss his immaculate work on Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part Two. We dive all the way back to the early days of his career, working at Dreamworks alongside John Williams and Steven Spielberg, his 20-year-long collaboration with Christopher Nolan, and more. If you haven't listened to our interview with Mr. Zimmer for Dune: Part One, and you enjoy this chat, be sure to give it a listen.ReelBlend PremiumSign up for a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form.Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnellJake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsTimestamps (approx. only)00:00 - Intro 6:29 - Hans Zimmer Interview | Dune: Part Two, Christopher Nolan & More57:38 - Oscar Reactions & Review1:21:11 - OutroSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Rebecca Ferguson joins the show to discuss all things Dune: Part Two. We walk through her collaborations with Denis Villeneuve on bringing Jessica to screen, fine-tuning Jessica's relationship with her unborn prescient daughter, and even some of the silly NSFW names for objects in the Dune world. We also had to bring up the iconic "Facob Tremblay" story from behind the scenes of Doctor Sleep. After the interview, we give our final predictions before this year's Oscars!ReelBlend PremiumSign up for a bi-weekly newsletter from Sean, and ad-free episodes at bit.ly/reelblendpremium.ReelBlend on YouTubeBe sure to subscribe to ReelBlend on YouTube (YouTube.com/ReelBlendPodcast) for full episodes of the show in video form.Follow The ShowReelBlend - @ReelBlendSean - @Sean_OConnellJake - @JakesTakesKevin - @KevinMcCarthyTVGabe - @gabeKovacsTimestamps (approx. only)00:00 - Intro 5:14 - Rebecca Ferguson Interview33:53 - Our Final Oscars Predictions1:37:19 - OutroSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/reelblend/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy