The Film Board Gathers! And this time… it’s for Superman. Yes, again. James Gunn has rebooted the Big Blue Boy Scout for the 37th time (give or take), and this version comes with a sunnier tone, a superpowered dog, and—brace yourself—feelings. Actual feelings.
David Corenswet slips into the tights with impressive sincerity, Rachel Brosnahan delivers the Lois Lane we didn’t know we desperately needed, and Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor is basically what would happen if Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk had a baby, and that baby grew up to weaponize STEM fairs and jealousy. It’s weird. It’s bright. It’s shockingly heartfelt. And yes, there’s a kaiju fight.
Pete Wright, Kyle Olson, Rob Kubasko, Ocean Murff, and Tommy Metz III tackle it all—like the ethics of punching countries, the physics of pocket universes, and the sheer audacity of making Jimmy Olsen a ladies’ man. One of them cried, one of them gave it five stars, and one of them may never emotionally recover from the Siberian super-gulag.
Also discussed: Silver Age comic book weirdness, the trauma of seeing Superman bleed, why Supergirl is a lush, and whether this movie actually pulled off the impossible—making DC fun again without being a total mess.
Links & Notes
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The gang of thugs dons their most practical jungle gear and reluctantly boards the biotech boat for Gareth Edwards’ Jurassic World Rebirth. Scarlett Johansson leads a mission to harvest dinosaur DNA in what Universal hopes is the beginning of a new trilogy—but does this franchise still have life in its genetic code, or has it gone full dino-extinct?
In this episode, Pete Wright, Steve Sarmento, Tommy Metz III, Justin “JJ” Jaeger, and Mandy Kaplan unpack everything from ADR overload and missing velociraptors to why this script might have been written by a chatty AI trained exclusively on soft reboots and midday sarcasm. They examine the film’s visual flatness, its confused tone, the tragic misuse of Mahershala Ali, and the shocking absence of smart kids—the emotional compass of the good Jurassic movies.
There’s plenty of laughter, frustration, and jalapeño cheddar popcorn as the panel debates whether the soul of this franchise can ever be resurrected. Spoiler alert: if dinosaurs had a peanut allergy, this movie would be their Snickers bar.
Film Sundries
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Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme crash-lands into theaters with a symmetry—and we’re here to unpack the wreckage. Benicio Del Toro plays Anatole “Zsa-Zsa” Korda, a morally exhausted arms dealer who survives a plane crash and decides, rather abruptly, to become a better man. His daughter, a nun (played with unsettling calm by Mia Threapleton), may be his salvation. Or his reckoning. Or both. Along for the ride: Michael Cera as a soft-spoken entomologist, a council of multinational bureaucrats with murderous intent, and Bill Murray as God (in grayscale, naturally).
Pete Wright hosts this morally ambiguous briefing with fellow operatives Tommy Metz III and Steve Sarmento, as they parse Anderson’s most spiritually ambitious and physically violent film to date. There are questions—big ones. Is this Cain and Abel by way of a TWA departure lounge? Why does forgiveness feel like a conference call?
We dig into the film’s sumptuous craft, its emotional architecture, and the performances that hold it all together with linen thread and murmured apologies. If you’ve ever wanted to see a man seek redemption through dinner parties, aerial espionage, and awkward family reunions, this one’s for you.
Film Sundries
Are you tired of superheroes who always do the right thing? Exhausted by teams that save the day and, dare we say it, have a plan? This month, The Film Board dives into Marvel’s Thunderbolts—the super squad you get when you order the Avengers from the bargain bin. Pete Wright is joined by Mandy Kaplan, Justin Jaeger, Tommy Metz III, and Steve Sarmento for a roundtable that spoils everything, celebrates Florence Pugh’s star turn, and debates whether more MCU movies should end with a hug instead of a fistfight.
We dig into the surprising emotional depth, the ensemble’s knack for both grounded action and found-family pathos, and a Taskmaster controversy that set the chat ablaze. The conversation covers what works for Marvel die-hards and superhero newbies alike, why Florence Pugh and Lewis Pullman might be the new MVPs of the MCU, and how Jake Schreier’s direction finds the sweet spot between earnest and absurd. Along the way, you’ll hear our takes on trauma, group dynamics, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s master class in playing Marvel’s most maladaptive Nick Fury. This is a rare comic book movie that’s as interested in grief and group therapy as it is in punching things.
Film Sundries
Some stories we inherit. Some are whispered through family trees. Others are passed down through song—riffs on pain, echoes of joy, blue notes of survival. In Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, we get all three. And this month, The Film Board—Pete, Tommy, and Andy—gathers to talk about a film that bends genres, then drips them in blood and gospel and IMAX-saturated twilight.
This is a vampire movie. But not really. It’s a family tragedy. And a juke joint musical. And a war story. And a funeral procession through America’s haunted South. Coogler takes us to 1930s Mississippi, hands us twin bootleggers with hearts full of grief and bravado, and a blues prodigy whose voice can wake the dead—literally. From there, Sinners unfolds like folklore remembered through firelight and whispered across generations.
In this conversation, the gang goes deep:
Join us for a wide-ranging, no-holds-barred love letter to one of the year’s boldest films.
Film Sundries
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Prepare yourselves for a journey into the bewildering world of Bong Joon Ho's latest sci-fi offering. That's right—the director who brought you parasites in the basement and tentacles in the river has now delivered expendable humans on a frozen planet.
In this week's utterly perplexing episode, Pete Wright gathers his gang of film-analyzing thugs to dissect "Mickey 17," a movie that asks the profound question: "What if your corporate job literally killed you repeatedly and you STILL couldn't quiet quit?"
Our brave hosts—Tommy Metz III, Justin Jaeger, and the mysteriously summoned Andy Nelson (who apparently only materializes for "M" movies)—dive headfirst into this existential workplace nightmare starring Robert Pattinson as the universe's most exploited employee.
The conversation spirals through multiple lanes of analysis—much like the film itself—touching on everything from identity ethics to alien sauce consumption to Mark Ruffalo's bombastic performance as what can only be described as "Poor Things, But Make It Space Napoleon."
Is this a masterpiece of philosophical inquiry or a jumbled mess of unexplored concepts? Does it matter that they destroy the only machine that could save humanity? Why is there a man in a pigeon suit? AND MOST IMPORTANTLY—did any of these gentlemen actually enjoy the film?
Join us for an hour of delightfully frustrated film criticism where our hosts attempt to extract meaning from what might be the most ambitious yet bewildering sci-fi release of the year. As Tommy so elegantly puts it: "I wish it wasn't so much movie."
Film Sundries
Is the latest Captain America film a bold step forward, or a symptom of a larger malaise in the Marvel Cinematic Universe? We grapple with this question, flying into Captain America: Brave New World, not just as a superhero spectacle, but as a cultural artifact reflecting our anxieties about legacy, power, and the very nature of heroism.
Sam Wilson's transition from Falcon to Captain America is a referendum on what it means to inherit a symbol in a world that no longer understands symbols. Is he a worthy successor to Steve Rogers, or is he fighting a "broken system?" The answer, it seems, is as complex and multifaceted as the Vibranium shield itself.
But the film's struggles extend beyond its titular hero. It is not, for example, truly a Captain America story. It is a backdoor pilot for a new era of Marvel, one where interconnected lore trumps individual narrative coherence and a legacy sequel to a 17-year-old film. And so we talk about the film's connective tissue, tracing that lineage back to The Incredible Hulk and pondering its implications for the future of the MCU.
What of the villains? Is the Leader a chilling reflection of real-world anxieties about misinformation and control, or is he a pastiche of too-familiar tropes? We examine the film's political undertones, questioning whether its geopolitical machinations are a sophisticated commentary on our times or a sort-of manifestation of a collection of writers who have heard of “The West Wing.”
Joining Pete Wright to unpack these thorny issues are Tommy Metz III, Steve Sarmento, Justin Jeager, and Mike Gravagno. Together, they steer through the film's strengths and weaknesses, its moments of brilliance, and its frustrating missteps, arriving at a verdict that highlights a good will toward the characters, and even the future films on the docket, in spite of a troubling outing this time.
Links & Notes
Enigmatic whispers in the Oregon woods. A father's love, twisted and gnarled. This isn't your grandmother's werewolf story. Because she probably killed the wolf and made his pelt into a coat, AmIRight?
Pete, Tommy, and Steve venture into the shadowy heart of Leigh Whannell's Wolfman, a film that dares to ask: what if the monster within isn't just fur and fangs, but the inherited burden of family, the gnawing anxieties of parenthood, and the terrifying erosion of self? Forget silver bullets and full moons. This is a descent into the primal, a claustrophobic exploration of generational trauma played out in a remote farmhouse, where the walls close in as quickly as the darkness.
And yet, the crew wrestles with the film's unrealized potential on almost every point, the tantalizing promise of thematic depth ultimately yielding to a sense of hollowness. So, is it a poignant meditation on the fragility of connection? Or a missed opportunity?
Ok, it’s mostly the second one. Mostly. Listen in to learn just how much, though!
Film Sundries
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Is Amazon's $250 million Christmas blockbuster Red One a fresh take on holiday magic, or a cynical cash grab? Join Pete and guest Matthew Fox as they unwrap this action-packed holiday film starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Chris Evans. From buff Santas to beach-fighting snowmen, this episode explores how Hollywood's attempt to "Marvelize" Christmas might have missed the spirit of the season.
Did Red One forget what makes Christmas special? We dive deep into how the movie's attempt to universalize Santa Claus across all cultures reveals a concerning lack of cultural awareness. The hosts explore why forcing Christmas onto everyone – including those who don't celebrate it – feels particularly tone-deaf in our current social climate.
What happens when you mix Marvel-style action with holiday mythology? We examine how J.K. Simmons' surprisingly buff Santa and the movie's fresh take on Krampus reshape traditional Christmas lore. The discussion weighs whether these creative choices enhance or diminish the heart of Christmas storytelling.
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Welcome to The Film Board! If you’re anything like us, the year 2000 wasn't just a date on the calendar. It was a marker for boomer low-key existential dread. We’re talking, of course, about the Y2K bug, the fear that our computers, and therefore the entire world, were going to crash and burn at the stroke of midnight, thus confirming the prediction that we'd all be returned to our cave-people ancestry. So, we stocked up on canned goods, debated whether to unplug our toasters, and generally prepared for a digital apocalypse that ultimately birthed this month's film.
What if the world had turned to digital mush? That's the question at the heart of the latest film from our friends at A24, "Y2K," a movie that takes that very real anxiety and renders it on screen in the form of Toaster Voltron. Director Kyle Mooney, a fav from SNL, makes his directorial debut with a film that’s part teen comedy, part disaster flick, and part straight-up survival horror, all set against the backdrop of that fateful New Year's Eve in 1999.
Film Sundries
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From the blood-soaked sands of the Colosseum to the hushed halls of the Senate, a shadow looms large over the Roman Empire. It's not the specter of barbarian hordes, but something far more insidious: a sequel. Ridley Scott returns to the world of gladiators and emperors, but is this triumphant return, or a tragic stumble?
On this episode of The Film Senate, Pete, Steve, Justin, and Tommy grapple with the cinematic beast that is Gladiator 2. The whispers started early – Denzel Washington, an acting titan, seemingly adrift in a sea of CGI sharks and misplaced baboons. Could this truly be the legacy of Maximus Decimus Meridius?
Join us as we whack away at the film's triumphs and failures, exploring the delicate balance between historical epic and over-the-top spectacle. We’ll certainly talk performances, from Paul Mescal's stoic Lucius to Denzel's enigmatic Senate leader, a man seemingly battling his own wardrobe as much as the forces of corruption. And along the way, we'll ponder the questionable editing choices, the abrupt cutaways, the lingering shots of… two emaciated dogs?
Is Gladiator 2 a worthy successor to the throne, or a pretender destined for the thumbs down? Enter the arena and decide for yourself. But be warned, you may never look at a baboon the same way again. TWO EMPERORS!
Film Sundries
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"Joker: Folie à Deux" has arrived, and with it, a cacophony of critical dissonance. Is it a cinematic triumph or an expensive folly? This week on The Film Board, Pete Wright, Steve Sarmento, and Tommy Metz III grapple with the sequel's perplexing identity. From the sterile confines of the courtroom to the surreal bursts of musical fantasy, the film dances between genres, leaving audiences and critics alike in a state of bewildered contemplation.
The panel dissects the film's curious obsession with its predecessor, questioning whether "Folie à Deux" truly stands on its own or merely exists as a reaction to the first film's cultural impact. They delve into Joaquin Phoenix's mesmerizing, yet arguably repetitive, performance, exploring the nuances of a character teetering on the precipice of sanity. Lady Gaga's portrayal of Harley Quinn, a departure from her usual flamboyant persona, also sparks debate. Is it a nuanced performance or a miscasting?
And what about the film's exorbitant budget? The crew is left pondering whether the visual spectacle justifies the cost. In a world saturated with superhero narratives, does "Joker: Folie à Deux" offer a meaningful commentary on society, or is it simply a beautifully crafted, yet ultimately hollow, exercise in style? Tune in for a discussion that explores the film's artistic merits, its narrative flaws, and its potentially enduring enigma.
Film Sundries
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Gather 'round film fans, for a spirited discussion on the latest from the BCU — the Beetlejuice Cinematic Universe! Joining your host, Pete Wright, are Tommy Metz III and Steve Sarmento, ready to delve into some hella afterlife antics.
This time around, the Deetz family takes center stage, with Lydia's daughter, Astrid, accidentally opening the door to the ghostly realm. We unpack the film's unique approach to handling multiple storylines, from Astrid's encounter with a charming ghost from the 90s to the brand new backstory of Beetlejuice himself.
The conversation explores the challenges of balancing nostalgia with fresh ideas, particularly when revisiting a beloved classic. We examine whether the sequel captures the quirky charm and visual humor of the original, or if it gets lost in a whirlwind of new characters and plot threads.
Ultimately, the episode grapples with the question of legacy and reinvention in filmmaking. Does "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" successfully build upon its predecessor's world, or does it leave audiences yearning for the simple pleasures of the original? Tune in to find out!
Film Sundries
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The Film Board gathers to dissect the 2024 remake of The Crow, starring Bill Skarsgård, and find themselves sharply divided. Pete Wright and panelists Ocean Murff and Matthew Fox, self-described goths, express their deep connection to the original film and its place in their own personal histories. For them, the 1994 The Crow, soundtracked by The Cure and pals, and drenched in shadow, was more than just a movie; it was a cultural touchstone. The remake, awash in sunlight and overstuffed with backstory, leaves them cold.
JayJay brings the dissent, however. He finds himself surprisingly enthusiastic about the remake's approach to lore and its unflinching embrace of graphic violence. He draws a compelling comparison between the two films and their respective places within the ever-evolving landscape of comic book movies.
Is this a case of “emo kids” trying to remake a goth classic? Can a film with such a devoted following ever be successfully reimagined, or is the 2024 The Crow destined to live in the shadow of its predecessor? Tune in as the panel grapples with these questions and more.
Film Sundries
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In "Alien: Romulus," director Fede Alvarez takes us on a thrilling journey back to the heart of the Alien franchise, capturing the essence of what makes these films so captivating. The movie expertly weaves together the themes of corporate greed, human exploitation, and the terrifying mystery of biological destruction that have become synonymous with the series.
Alvarez, known for his mastery of suspense and horror, proves to be an excellent choice to helm this installment, investing in rich sets and practical creature effects that immerse the audience in the claustrophobic and dangerous world. The film plays to the strengths of the franchise, delivering the familiar beats that fans have come to love and expect.
But, this is The Film Board. So, where does it stumble? Don’t worry: Steve Sarmento, Tommy Metz III, and Pete Wright found it and litigate the quibbles that give the film a real third-act, “Huh?” Despite this, "Alien: Romulus" remains a solid entry in our favorite era of the Alien franchise and we’re just feeling grateful that the act of us talking about it didn’t jinx it from the jump. You’re welcome, everybody.
Film Sundries
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The Film Board Gathers! This month, Pete Wright and panelists Justin JJ Jaeger, Tommy Metz III, and Ocean Murff dive deep into the much-anticipated Marvel movie "Deadpool & Wolverine." The film brings together two iconic characters shaped by Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in a meta-filled, fourth-wall-breaking adventure that has left audiences and critics divided. Maybe? Probably.
We grapple with the film's overwhelming self-referential humor and the sheer number of inside jokes and Easter eggs scattered throughout, but not for very long. For us, the constant winking and nodding was the perfect fit for the Deadpool character.
As the discussion unfolds, we explore how "Deadpool & Wolverine" pays homage to and pokes fun at the Fox Studios' X-Men movies, the very films that paved the way for the Marvel Cinematic Universe's success. We also probe the movie's handling of the multiverse concept and its potential implications for the future of the MCU.
Film Sundries
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Pete, Tommy, and Steve put themselves in a box with a golden bird meant for a zoo and they all just wait for an audience. You might think we’re talking about podcasting. No, we’re podcasting about the latest from the family Night Shyamalan with Ishana Night Shyamalan’s debut, THE WATCHERS.
What’s going on with this movie? Why does it … you know… do what it does? It’s beautiful, there’s no doubt about it. But as lovely as it is, it’s just as confusing. Our challenge this week is not to come up with all kinds of great reasons for you to see it. Not at all. Our challenge this week is to justify why we can come up with all kinds of reasons why you probably shouldn’t.
Film Sundries
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On the latest episode of The Film Board, Pete Wright and panelists Steve Sarmento, Tommy Metz III, and Ocean Murff dive deep into the dystopian world of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.
The long-awaited prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road tells the origin story of the fierce warrior Furiosa, played by Anya Taylor-Joy. Director George Miller returns to the wasteland, crafting a film that is part Shakespearean saga, part high-octane action thriller.
The panelists grapple with the movie's themes of survival, hope, and what it means to be human in a brutal world. They explore how the episodic structure, marked by chapter breaks, sets Furiosa apart from its predecessor.
While some argue the stakes feel lower since the ultimate fates of key characters are known, others find the emotional journey compelling nonetheless. The film's focus on Furiosa's transformation from a child of the Green Place into a hardened imperator is what gives it heart.
Questions arise about the movie's reliance on CGI compared to the more practical effects of Fury Road. But even when the visuals falter, the panelists agree Miller's daring vision still shines through.
Tune in for a lively discussion that covers everything from Furiosa's tragic loss to Chris Hemsworth's divisive turn as an over-the-top villain. With thoughtful analysis and a few friendly disagreements, The Film Board crew takes you on an engrossing ride through the Mad Max universe.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga may not be the movie everyone expected, but it's certainly one that gives fans plenty to talk about.
Film Sundries
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The Film Board gathers! This month, host Justin Jaeger is joined by Steve Sarmento and Tommy Metz III to litigate Alex Garland's provocative new film "Civil War." The movie depicts a dystopian near-future America fractured by a second civil war, following a group of journalists on a perilous trek to interview the authoritarian president.
We dive into the film's central themes—what it means to bear witness to war, how allegiances break down in times of chaos, and whether the movie serves more as a warning or simply a brutal glimpse of "what if." We debate Garland's motivations in making the film now, at a time when a shocking 40% of Americans believe a civil war could happen in the next decade.
JayJay, with his background in TV journalism, scrutinizes the portrayal of war photographers and the language they use. Steve sees Apocalypse Now in the journey into the heart of darkness. And Tommy ponders if the film depicts how quickly social order and humanity could unravel in a new American civil war.
The discussion touches on the graphic war violence that eventually numbs the viewer, mirroring the journalists' experience. We question if the movie succeeds more in its fictionalized character studies than its social commentary over the ambiguous world-building around the politics of the fractured states.
We grapple with the unsettling implications of Civil War. Is it a sensationalized dystopian vision, an urgent cautionary tale, or a mix of both? The differing perspectives make for a solid conversation about one of the year's polarizing films.
Film Sundries
The Next Reel’s Family of Film Podcasts
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In this inaugural episode of Cinema Scope, host Andy Nelson is joined by professors Leon Hunt and Chris Hamm to explore the captivating world of wuxia, a Chinese film genre that blends philosophy, action, and legend. They discuss the key elements that define wuxia, such as the chivalrous heroes, period settings, and fantastical elements, as well as the concept of jianghu, a unique world within wuxia stories.
Leon and Chris trace the evolution of wuxia from its roots in early Chinese literature to its influence on other genres, including Hollywood blockbusters. They also highlight notable works like A Touch of Zen, The Bride with White Hair, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, analyzing their contributions to the development and popularity of wuxia cinema.
This engaging and informative episode will deepen your appreciation for the richness and complexity of the wuxia genre, inspiring you to explore more of these captivating films.
Film Sundries
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