Are You Screening? Podcast

Best Movies Of 2019

We haven't been able to cover everything on the show, as usual, but it's time to let you in on the best of the year anyway.
Unusual notes this year - No animated films made it, and unprecedented number of films that are on other people's best list are going to be on our worst lists.

Little Women Review

As we close in on the end of award season, we're taking a look at one that not enough people are showering with praise, Little Women. We're also going to run through the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards so that you're up to speed as the Academy Awards grow closer, and so you get some idea where we're heading as our Best Lists also approach.

Star Wars RotS Review

As the end of the year hits and awards season explodes, we have to take a step back and look the latest in the Star Wars franchise. We may not have gone in with high expectations, but it's hard for anyone to avoid finding some amount of fun in any Star Wars feature... maybe.
We'll give you our take on the wrap to the franchise, and let you know about some other end of year titles you don't want to overlook.

Knives Out & Marriage Story Reviews

Both movies this week have had topsy turvy rides through the media with people promoting them as strong contenders for awards with brilliant casts, then facing certain amounts of backlash with audiences and critics questioning their status. Both have ultimately survived (to this point) and are critical darlings, though Knives Out isn't exactly running toward a lot of awards.
As we make our way through the minefield that is the end of the year, we'll let you know where we stand on these, and one of them is a film that I think people are going to return to for years to come.

Ford v Ferarri & Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood Review

We're on the eve of award season, and the release of several films that are going to dominate nominations. As we gear up to run through dozens of movies in the next few weeks, we're spotlighting a couple that shouldn't be overlooked.
Ford v Ferarri (LeMans '66 everywhere else in the world) is a surprising win, especially for those who aren't drawn to the idea of watching car races for a couple hours, and while we had some problems with the Mr. Rogers effort, it's well worth checking out... though, to be honest, it might not require the theater experience.

Midway Review

As we approach the height of award-bait season, Midway rolls on the scene looking for a war-interested audience. It's a genre that is becoming increasingly niche and efforts that focus on battles need more to draw people in than just an action-packed, historic account of events.
Does Midway have what it takes to get people in seats, and is it worthwhile once they show up?
We'll let you know how this one fared and if you're likely to sing its praises.
We'll also be giving you a rundown of some of the recent TV entries via new streaming services.

The Irishman, Terminator Dark Fate, Zombieland & More, Plus Al Pacino Tells A Story

We're playing catch-up this week, largely due to a trip to the premiere of The Irishman. We'll be taking a look at that one, Terminator: Dark Fate, Zombieland Double Tap, and Gemini Man so strap in.
We're also going to be giving you a quick run through of the films headed to theaters in November, because there is too much to see.
As a special treat, direct from the post-premiere press conference, Al Pacino tells a story about a weird acting spin when he was at The Actor's Studio and if nothing else, it cracked up Martin Scorsese.

Joker Review

The box office vote is in, and Joker is a winner, but is it because of the hype - positive and negative - or just because the title is going to draw crowds? If the film is, for example, really bad, or actually has nothing to do with the Joker, would it make as much money just because enough people want to find out?
We'll let you know where we landed on this DC adventure, and whether or not it's worth your time.

Ad Astra Review

Slow-paced movies that send big names into space have a pretty good track record, as does writer/director James Gray, but this one looks like it's taking "slow" a lot more seriously. Does that work with... whatever the story is, and can Brad Pitt hold the audience when it doesn't look like he gets a lot of help?
We'll let you know if you need to catch this one immediately or not, and we've got some takes on the Emmy's, as well as a few of our thoughts on Joker.

It Chapter 2 & Ready Or Not Reviews

It's hard to imagine two films that are, in some sense, aiming at horror that are more different in their approach, especially when you consider that both need some explanation just to wrap your head around if they are members of the genre at all.
These are also two films where expectations may lead you down the wrong path to enjoying them, and they are two films that are better than we thought they'd be... for what that's worth.
Tune in and find out our take on these films, and we'll also give you a bit of a rundown of what's headed your way.