With HBO’s new Harry Potter series now in production, we decided there’s no better time to feed our anticipation (and scepticism) by revisiting the beloved film saga month by month, starting with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (or Sorcerer’s Stone for our US listeners). Chris Columbus’ 2001 adaptation remains a magical introduction to the wizarding world, overflowing with wonder, fun, and a sense of discovery that still feels special even after countless rewatches. Experiencing Hogwarts for the first time again through Harry’s eyes is a true delight, and the warmth of the supporting cast brings the story to life (particularly Robbie Coltrane’s Hagrid). As expected, we get caught up in the amusing little details that we notice as long-time fans, but ultimately agree this film remains a classic kids adventure which very effectively kicks off one of modern cinema’s great franchises.
Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.
It’s time to return to the filmography of ultra friend of the show Denis Villeneuve with Enemy (2013), his debut English-language feature, which he once described as a “practice run.” If that’s the case, it’s one of the most impressive practice runs imaginable, as the film stands out as a technical showcase filled with haunting atmosphere, incredible lighting, rich colours, and an unsettling score. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal in dual roles, the story follows a man who discovers another person who looks exactly like him, leading to a tense and eerie unravelling of their intertwined lives. Beneath the surface, Enemy is loaded with symbols and metaphors (and yes, some very striking spider imagery) that invites interpretation. We dive deep into the film’s themes and mysterious storytelling. So come for our incredibly thorough explanation of what it all means, rivalling Chris Stuckmann's "Ending Explained" video.
Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.
Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.
Boy A (2007) is a moving and emotionally heavy British drama that explores themes of second chances, rehabilitation, and whether true change is possible for those with dark pasts. Andrew Garfield delivers a powerful and empathetic performance as Jack, a young man released from prison after committing a terrible crime as a child, trying to rebuild his life under a new identity. Peter Mullan is also memorable as Jack’s mentor Terry, whose great Scottish accent and heartfelt connection with Jack add warmth and hope to the story. Supported by these believable performances and a grounded sense of realism, the film keeps you engrossed in Jack’s emotional roller coaster from start to finish. After the review, we lighten things up by revealing the new names we’d choose for ourselves and reading out your choices too.
Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.
The long-awaited Leo and PTA collab is finally here. One Battle After Another follows stoner, ex-revolutionary Dad, Bob, and his spirited daughter, Willa, living off-grid. When an old nemesis of the family resurfaces, comedic shambles ensue as father and daughter try to reclaim their past, future, and each other. A grand premise for another personal epic of PTA’s, but does it stick the landing or collapse under the weight of its own reach? Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.
Record your own podcast with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.
We’re returning to Paul Thomas Anderson’s filmography for the first time in years with Inherent Vice (2014), a pot-fuelled, bumbling detective story that plays as equal parts mystery, comedy, and fever dream. Joaquin Phoenix stars as private investigator Doc Sportello, stumbling his way through a tangle of crime, corruption, and shifting culture in 1970s Los Angeles. The film features a stacked supporting cast including Josh Brolin, Owen Wilson, Benicio del Toro, and Reese Witherspoon, all adding to the charm in different ways. We unpack its offbeat tone, surreal humour, and perhaps deliberately convoluted plot, debating just how effectively PTA balances it all in this uniquely strange ride.
Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.
The Hidden World is by far the least watched entry in DreamWorks’ beloved How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, which made it exciting for us to finally see it for the first time. Following Hiccup, Toothless, and the whole gang of snots and louts as they face their biggest challenge yet, the film offers a heartfelt continuation of the saga, though we felt it lacked the soaring highs of the previous instalments. F. Murray Abraham did stand out with his entertaining performance as the villain Geralt. And most importantly, after years of waiting for resolution, it was rewarding to finally experience the satisfying conclusion to this iconic animated franchise. After the review, we briefly review the new trailer for The Mandalorian and Grogu, then dive into a discussion about which creatures we would most want to train.
Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.
Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.
Thanks to our Instagram voters, we dove into The Butterfly Effect, and we ended up thoroughly enjoying the ride. Starring Ashton Kutcher and Amy Smart, this sci-fi thriller delivers shocking twists and surprises that pack serious entertainment value while still staying grounded in the core emotional weight of its story. Despite some of the wild and over the top moments, the characters remain relatable thanks to solid performances across the board. We also dig into the dramatically different endings between the theatrical and director’s cuts, which left us fascinated by how each changes the film’s impact. After the review, we switch gears and recap the highlights from this year’s exciting Emmy Awards.
Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.
Oliver Stone drew from his own experiences as an infantryman in Vietnam to craft an unflinching portrayal of the war that feels sweaty, uncomfortable, and authentic. Platoon (1986) follows a young soldier played by Charlie Sheen, with Willem Dafoe and Tom Berenger in supporting roles (also a very young Johnny Depp), as the film immerses viewers in the chaos of combat. Stone pulls no punches in showing the conflict in a starkly negative light, which explains why the US government refused to cooperate with the production. This episode is especially fun because we disagree on almost every major aspect of the film, from the cinematography to the performances, the characters, and its standout sequences. There is plenty to unpack in this very famous war movie, so prepare yourself for some hot takes.
Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.
Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.
Peter Weir's Dead Poets Society is a stirring drama set at an elite all-boys school, where new teacher Mr Keating (Robin Williams) inspires his students to embrace free thinking and pursue their passions, clashing with the oppressive authority figures who claim to know what is best for them. But you already knew that of course. This classic film delivers powerful and resonant emotional moments, with Williams bringing a level of charisma that makes every scene with him shine. The chemistry between the group of friends feels authentic, as if the bonding behind the scenes carried directly into their performances. Robert Sean Leonard as Neil gives a particularly standout performance, embodying the film’s central themes and heartbreak in his arc. And a young Ethan Hawke delivers strong early work as well. Even if we found Knox’s romantic subplot questionable, the film remains a moving piece of cinema.
Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.
Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.
How to Train Your Dragon 2 continues the adventures of Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) and Toothless in a story that expands the scope of the world in some bold and emotional ways. This time we are all on the same page that this is a great movie, with DreamWorks Animation noticeably upgraded from the first film, delivering stunning visuals, and some truly impressive flying and battle sequences. The returning cast, including Gerard Butler, America Ferrera, and Jonah Hill, are all rock solid once again, While new additions bring fresh energy, most notably Cate Blanchett who blends in seamlessly as Hiccup’s long-lost mother Valka. After the review, we shift gears and debate which standalone animated movies truly deserve to be turned into full-fledged franchises.Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.
Amélie is the whimsical French hit from Jean-Pierre Jeunet, starring Audrey Tautou as a shy waitress who finds joy in secretly improving the lives of those around her. With its quirky humour, inventive visual style, and a magical opening ten minutes, the film makes a striking impression. Though we found ourselves losing interest as the many story threads unfolded. It remains a unique presence in world cinema we're glad to have watched, but one that didn’t completely capture us beyond its charm. Then after the review, Jayden breaks down his eventful week at MIFF, and we’ll go through your picks for the best scenes of all time set in a movie theatre.Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.
At this year’s Melbourne International Film Festival (or MIFF, as I’ve reluctantly had to start calling it), we caught some of the first showings of the Australian Stan original film One More Shot. Set on New Year’s Eve 1999, the story follows Minnie (Emily Browning) who discovers a bottle of time travelling tequila that sends her back to the start of the night with every shot, giving her only a bottle’s worth of chances to reshape the course of her millennium. Alongside Browning, the cast features Ashley Zuckerman and an actor who looks a lot like Lockie Leonard, all delivering strong central performances. The clever and entertaining script offers plenty of quality moments, including one scene that had the whole cinema in hysterics. With its unique take on the Groundhog Day style concept and a perfect runtime, One More Shot kept us hooked from start to finish. After the review, we dive into our own lives and debate which single day we would each choose to relive in a loop.
Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.
A24's Warfare is an immensely impressive war drama that delivers a visceral and unflinching look at the reality of soldiers on the ground in Iraq. Co-directed by Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza, the film draws from Mendoza’s own experiences during the battle of Ramadi, bringing an authenticity that permeates the film. The cast is stacked (with mostly British actors) and their chemistry and precision make them feel like a genuine military unit. The performances, combined with exceptional sound design and precisely executed tense sequences, create a 90 minute experience that pulls you in.
Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.
With a live-action remake upon us, I guess there's no better time to revisit DreamWorks’ original animated How to Train Your Dragon. Even if it’s been 15 years since its release. A near-perfect example of a fun, breezy, and emotionally resonant animated adventure, the film follows young Viking Hiccup (voiced by Jay Baruchel) as he forms a heartwarming bond with the adorable/intimidating dragon Toothless, all while navigating a strained relationship with his father (Gerard Butler) which lies at film's core. Strong voice performances and stunning animation elevate what might be DreamWorks’ most beloved effort. Now with all that in mind, we just need to convince Liam it’s not mid. Then after the review, we discuss your hot takes on the most overrated animated franchises.
Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.
David Cronenberg’s A History of Violence (2005) presents an intimate and unsettling story of a small town man, played by Viggo Mortensen, whose past comes violently back to haunt him after a heroic act puts him in the national spotlight. With Ed Harris delivering a menacing supporting performance, the film thrives in its tense moment. But there's also no shortage of ambiguity. Jayden expertly guides us through Cronenberg’s filmography and explores how this work fits into his broader cinematic style, marked by identity and the American Dream. While some performances feel deliberately stilted, we debate whether that’s a stylistic choice or a shortcoming. There’s a lot to unpack in the film’s themes, but with such a subdued ending, we wrestle with whether it leaves us with any meaningful resonance or simply more questions.
Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.
Easily one of the most anticipated blockbusters of the year, Superman arrives with the enormous task of launching James Gunn’s bold new vision for the DC Universe. With David Corenswet donning the cape as Clark Kent and Rachel Brosnahan stepping into the role of Lois Lane, this latest superhero epic reimagines the Man of Steel for a new generation. We break down the entire cast (including Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luther, Nathan Fillion, and Isabela Merced) and explore what each actor brings to their updated take on these iconic comic characters. The film is packed with Gunn’s trademark emotional storytelling, bright colours, and flashy action. But the big question remains: does it all come together to deliver a truly super cinematic experience? After the review, we rank our favourite iterations of Superman across his long cinematic and television history. Plus dig into this year’s newly announced Emmy nominations.
Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.
Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.
It’s hard to believe Amadeus is over 40 years old, because from its sharp pacing to its energetic editing, this Best Picture winner feels like it could have come out just last year. Whether watching the theatrical or director’s cut, both versions absolutely fly by, driven by a riveting exploration of jealousy and genius as we witness Salieri’s bitter envy of Mozart twist into a personal war against God himself. With fully realised characters and pretty much every scene striking a perfect balance between humour and drama, it’s no wonder this movie remains endlessly entertaining. F. Murray Abraham’s portrayal of Salieri in particular stands as one of the great performances ever captured on film, anchoring a masterpiece that still resonates as a modern classic.Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.
F1 flies onto the big screen with exciting, practically filmed racing sequences shot entirely in-camera. Exactly the kind of visceral spectacle you’d expect from Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski. Starring Brad Pitt and Damson Idris, the film captures the raw speed and adrenaline of Formula 1 in a way that lives up to its summer blockbuster status, even if we found ourselves a bit less invested in its story and characters. As our resident F1 expert, Jayden also breaks down how the movie both succeeds and stumbles in representing the sport (despite it basically playing like a giant ad for it). After the review, we’ll dive into our thoughts Danny Boyle’s much anticipated 28 Years Later and, in our Question of the Week segment, pitch which sport we think Kosinski should tackle for his next big budget film.
Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.
Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.
E.T. showcases so many of Steven Spielberg’s trademarks: fractured family at its heart, a soaring John Williams score. But what makes it truly enjoyable is just how lean and precise it is. Every scene serves a purpose, delivering simple yet deeply effective visual storytelling, which explains how it became the highest-grossing film of all time for over a decade. Henry Thomas shines as Elliott, a clever and easily likable protagonist whose tender bond with E.T. anchors the movie’s emotional power. Revisiting it now, you might be surprised by how eerie and even melancholy it is at times, especially for a family film. This is Spielberg at his most stripped-down and whimsical, crafting a timeless story full of wonder and heart with only the essential details needed to sweep audiences away. It's when you start delving into the greater lore (as we unfortunately do in this episode) that some of the lustre can be lost.
Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.
Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.
Dìdi (2024) is a charming and sometimes painfully relatable coming-of-age story set in the mid-2000s, complete with MySpace profiles, low-res YouTube videos, and all the awkwardness of adolescence. Written and directed by Sean Wang, the film is clearly a deeply personal project inspired by his own youth, and even features his real-life grandmother playing Nai Nai. Izaac Wang stars as Chris, a teenage boy stumbling his way through friendships, family, and first crushes, while we laugh and cringe at his consistently bad choices (but hey, teenagers gonna teenager). And in our Question of the Week segment, we go over our top picks (and make an official bet) on who we think should take over the role of James Bond.
Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.
Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.