Are the Minions master movie makers? + Edward Norton & Olivia Wilde on THE INVITE (Ad-Free)

You Talkin’ To Me?

Jul 1, 20261h 14mSummary

In this episode of Kermode and Mayo’s Extra Takes, the hosts embark on a wide-ranging conversation that begins with the peculiar perils of household management. The discussion touches on the surprising dangers of false widow spiders in the UK, followed by a lighthearted yet frantic update on an ongoing battle with rats in the home. The episode shifts into a deep dive on music and film history. The hosts analyze the iconic presence of bassist John Entwistle, nicknamed "The Ox," specifically highlighting his stoic performance style in The Who’s legendary 1977 rendition of "Won't Get Fooled Again." This transitions into a broader discussion on audience interpretation, where the hosts reflect on how individual life experiences shape one’s reaction to a film, using recent correspondence about Toy Story 5 as a poignant example. Finally, the hosts turn their attention to cinema classics, providing a detailed retrospective on the 50th-anniversary re-release of Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver. They explore the film’s lasting cultural impact, the intensity of Robert De Niro’s performance, and its iconic status in movie history. The episode concludes with a blend of witty banter and insightful critique, underscoring the subjective nature of film appreciation.

Toy Story 5 backlash

Jun 25, 20261h 5mSummary

In this episode of Kermode & Mayo’s Extra Takes, the hosts dive into a wide-ranging conversation sparked by listener feedback and current cinematic releases. The discussion begins with audience reactions to the latest Toy Story sequel, with both listeners and the hosts expressing significant disappointment. The consensus is that the film feels like an unnecessary addition that strips the franchise of its original charm, sidelining beloved characters and lacking the emotional magic of its predecessors. The conversation shifts to more philosophical territory with a listener’s analysis of the film Disclosure Day, exploring the concept of truth in modern cinema versus older, humanistic storytelling. The hosts also review the Danish absurdist comedy The Last Viking, starring Mads Mikkelsen, which they describe as a challenging, complex watch that deals with themes of trauma and isolation through a dark, comedic lens. Rounding out the episode, the hosts touch upon pop culture oddities—including the Babadook’s status as an unofficial queer icon—and share listener stories about the most visceral, painful injuries depicted in film, ranging from classic horror to iconic action moments.

Jackass: I thought Jonny Knoxville was an a*** (Ad-Free)

Jun 25, 20261h 18mSummary

In this episode, the hosts check in from separate locations, with one broadcasting from a film festival in Croatia. The conversation quickly shifts toward a candid review of the latest film releases and a deep dive into audience reactions to recent box office hits. A significant portion of the discussion centers on the polarized reception of Toy Story 5, where the hosts reflect on listener emails describing the film as disjointed, overly complicated, and lacking the emotional magic of its predecessors. They explore the idea of whether the film targets a younger generation or attempts to speak to older fans through nostalgic subtext. Beyond the box office, the hosts delve into film criticism, specifically discussing Five Hundred Miles, an adaptation of a French novel. The review highlights the movie’s struggle to balance its dark, traumatic plot points with its intended family-friendly tone, ultimately noting how the tonal inconsistency hinders the experience. The episode also features an engaging conversation with animation expert Pierre Coffin, the creative force behind the Minions, providing unique insight into the craft of filmmaking. The discussion wraps up with a look at listener correspondence, ranging from local geographical debates to humorous anecdotes about pet behavior.

Attack of the Straight White Malians

Jun 18, 20261h 3mSummary

In this episode of Kermode & Mayo’s Extra Takes, the hosts embark on a sprawling conversation that traverses personal anecdotes, cultural theory, and cinema. The discussion opens with lighthearted banter about wardrobe continuity and dated cultural references, including 1970s advertising and the unique unpleasantness of certain childhood drinks. The hosts also address listener feedback, ranging from practical advice on calming pets distressed by bird calls to the humorous family folklore surrounding bird sounds. A central theme of the episode is the concept of liminal spaces and the "uncanny," prompted by listeners discussing the film Backrooms and the cultural theory of Mark Fisher. The hosts delve into the aesthetics of empty malls and office blocks, reflecting on the sense of stagnation and anxiety these environments evoke. The episode also features a review of the French film Nino, a melancholic drama about a young man navigating a terminal diagnosis over a compressed timeline. Furthermore, the hosts revisit a listener challenge to curate a top-ten list for a random year, with 1983 proving to be a surprisingly strong candidate, and they touch upon the growing quality of television content on streaming platforms like Apple TV.

Is playtime finally over for TOY STORY? (Ad-free)

Jun 18, 20261h 11mSummary

In this episode, the hosts embark on a wide-ranging discussion that blends personal updates with deep dives into contemporary cinema. They open with an amusing look at the logistical challenges of recording together, including a heated debate over studio air conditioning. The conversation soon shifts to the film industry, starting with a review of the Welsh-language drama, directed by Mark Evans. The hosts praise the film’s unique balance of social realism and poetic sensibility, highlighting a powerhouse performance by Lisa Gwilym. The episode also features an engaging exchange regarding a listener-submitted "mental exercise," which suggests reimagining classic films by retaining the original cast but adding one Muppet character to the mix. The hosts enthusiastically debate the merits of ideas like having Sam the Eagle play Javert in Les Misérables. Finally, the program welcomes actor Timothy Spall to discuss his work in the adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s Night and Day. Spall provides insight into his character, the film’s Edwardian setting, and the improvisational, experimental atmosphere fostered by director Tina Gharavi during the production.

Does THE PIANO really still matter?

Jun 11, 202658 minSummary

In this episode of Kermode and Mayo's Extra Takes, the hosts engage in a wide-ranging conversation prompted by listener correspondence and reflections on classic cinema. The discussion moves from the enduring appeal of Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom, which the hosts analyze as a quintessential piece of the Australian New Wave, to the evolving nature of horror as explored in the film Backrooms. The hosts delve into the intersection of personal experience and film analysis, touching upon topics such as the nuance of male friendship on screen and the intersection of real-world history with cinema. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the impact of artificial intelligence in the creative industries. Reflecting on filmmaker Gareth Edwards’ recent comments, the hosts weigh the artistic merits of traditional practical effects against the rise of CGI and the potential threat of AI to human artistry and copyright. The episode concludes with a lively listener-driven segment on the science fiction filmography of Steven Spielberg, where the hosts compare personal favorites like Jurassic Park and Minority Report, highlighting how their perspectives on these works have shifted over time.

Is DISCLOSURE DAY the best Spielberg in decades? With EMILY BLUNT & COLMAN DOMINGO (Ad-Free)

Jun 11, 20261h 25mSummary

In this episode of Kermode and Mayo’s Extra Takes, the hosts navigate a week of cinema defined by the contrast between massive blockbusters and niche, experimental projects. The discussion centers on the release of the new Steven Spielberg film, Disclosure Day, featuring special guests Emily Blunt and Colman Domingo. The hosts also dive into the concept of counter-programming, highlighting the bittersweet black comedy The Fall of Sir Douglas Weatherford. They praise Peter Mullan’s performance and the film’s atmospheric, ethereal score by Gazelle Twin, noting how such unconventional films provide a necessary alternative to larger, mainstream releases. The conversation extends to the latest box office trends, where the hosts examine the surprising success of low-budget projects and independent titles like The Backrooms and The Amazing Digital Circus. Throughout the episode, the hosts reflect on how audience tastes are shifting and how the traditional rules of film distribution are becoming increasingly fluid in the modern era. Between reviews, the episode is interspersed with listener feedback, ranging from amusing anecdotes about animal sounds to thoughtful critiques of recent releases, maintaining the show’s trademark blend of critical insight and lighthearted banter.

Does Bridesmaids stand up after 15 years?

Jun 4, 20261h 7mSummary

In this episode of Kermode & Mayo’s Extra Takes, the hosts embark on a wide-ranging discussion that blends film criticism with listener engagement. The conversation begins with a heartfelt birthday shout-out before pivoting to a correction regarding the classic children’s show Sooty and Sweep, sparked by a listener’s feedback. The hosts also touch on the fascinating concept of the "euphemism treadmill," as explored in an audiobook about autism. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to listener correspondence, including theories about the chaotic design of the recent Tom and Jerry film and a touching anecdote about the lasting impact of seeing Star Wars in IMAX. Mark Kermode offers a candid, visceral reaction to the film Eruptia, admitting he found the experience so abrasive that he felt compelled to physically protect his ears. Finally, the hosts examine the fifteenth anniversary of Bridesmaids, reflecting on its 2011 release and its historical significance in changing the landscape of female-led, R-rated comedies. Throughout, the hosts maintain their signature conversational style, balancing humor, genuine critique, and appreciation for the evolving perspectives viewers bring to cinema over time.

Is SAVAGE HOUSE Richard E. Grant’s most unhinged role yet? (Ad-Free)

Jun 4, 20261h 12mSummary

In this episode of Kermode and Mayo's Extra Takes, the hosts open with a humorous, anecdote-filled conversation about a rat infestation in their home, drawing comparisons to both the plague and the atmosphere of The Exorcist. Amidst discussions of urban foxes and animal sounds that mimic human distress, the pair transitions into the world of film. The episode features an insightful look at the new live-action Masters of the Universe, with the hosts analyzing its camp, pantomime-style tone and the surprisingly unrecognizable performance of Jared Leto as Skeletor. The conversation also spans a variety of audience correspondence, including a heartwarming story about a lost engagement ring recovered after ten years and an exploration of ancient Greek fatalism through the lens of historical folklore. Furthermore, the hosts dive into the current box office top ten, offering critical takes on titles ranging from the horror film Obsession to the viral sensation Backrooms. The episode concludes by highlighting the impressive debut of filmmaker Kane Parsons, reflecting on how internet-born horror translates into cinematic dread and the complexities of modern, digital-age storytelling.