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MOVIE NEWS: Spider-Man, The Odyssey, Sirenhead, Werwulf, The Mandela Catalogue, Colony & Supergirl

Jul 6, 202649 minSummary

In this episode of Raiders of the Lost Podcast, the hosts celebrate a significant milestone, marking their 300th installment of Movie News. The discussion kicks off with a box office breakdown, highlighting the impressive performance of Minions and Monsters, while simultaneously addressing the catastrophic box office dip of Supergirl. The conversation shifts to the upcoming release of Heat 2, confirming the casting of Christian Bale, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Steven Graham in a project that has been in development for years. The hosts also dive into the technical mastery behind The Odyssey, focusing on Christopher Nolan’s innovative use of an IMAX mirror system to maintain actor intimacy despite the constraints of a massive camera blimp. Additionally, they preview the highly anticipated gothic horror film Werewolf, directed by Robert Eggers, and discuss the growing trend of studios adapting popular internet horror properties like Sirenhead and The Mandela Catalogue. Finally, the duo weighs in on recent controversial comments regarding the use of AI in modern blockbuster filmmaking, defending the craftsmanship and physical production achievements found in films like F1.

Jesse Eisenberg and Jeff Bridges chat MINIONS & MONSTERS

Jul 2, 202641 minSummary

In this episode of Raiders Of The Lost Podcast, the hosts explore the surprising cinematic depth of the latest Minions feature, Minions and Monsters. Despite the hosts’ initial hesitation, they describe the film as a delightful, nostalgia-filled love letter to filmmaking, drawing comparisons to movies like Babylon and paying homage to classic cinema history, including silent films and iconic monster movies. The discussion highlights the film’s clever humor, which manages to cater to both children and adults with its dark, mature wit. The hosts are joined by a star-studded cast, including Jesse Eisenberg, Zoe Deutsch, Jeff Bridges, Allison Janney, and Bobby Moynahan. Through exclusive interviews, the actors share insights into their creative processes, the inspiration behind their unique character voices—such as Eisenberg’s robot persona—and their own formative theater experiences. Additionally, the conversation touches upon director Pierre Coffin’s impressive feat of voicing every minion himself and his story behind securing a hilarious cameo from George Lucas. Overall, the episode celebrates the craft of animation and the joy of cinematic storytelling, leaving the hosts impressed by the film's unexpected artistic ambition.

SUPERGIRL | Review

Jun 30, 202632 minSummary

In this episode of Raiders of the Lost Podcast, the hosts provide a comprehensive review of the latest DCU installment, Supergirl. While they offer significant praise for Millie Alcock’s performance, identifying her as a standout casting choice with great potential, they conclude that the film ultimately suffers from a flawed and predictable screenplay. The discussion highlights the film’s visual ambition, particularly its impressive practical creature designs and animatronics, which the hosts felt gave the movie a fun, sci-fi energy. They also celebrate Jason Momoa’s charismatic turn as Lobo. However, the hosts express frustration that the film frequently sidelines its protagonist, often feeling more like a story about a side character named Ruthie. Furthermore, the villain’s lack of clear motivation and the film's reliance on "by-the-numbers" plotting prevented it from reaching its full potential. The hosts also debate the moral implications of the movie's ending and critique the repetitive nature of its action sequences. Despite these shortcomings, the team remains optimistic about the future of the DCU, viewing this entry as a minor speed bump on the road to upcoming projects.

MOVIE NEWS: Supergirl Stumbles, ODYSSEY, Werwulf, Spider-Man and more!

Jun 29, 202633 minSummary

In this episode of Raiders Of The Lost Podcast, the hosts dive into a packed slate of movie news, headlined by the disappointing box office performance of Supergirl. Despite high projections and a massive budget, the film struggled to find an audience, which the hosts attribute largely to a lackluster script and a weak villain. Conversely, they discuss the continued box office dominance of Toy Story 5 and the surprising, enduring success of Obsession, which continues to bring in revenue for exhibitors well into its run. The conversation also touches on industry shifts, specifically regarding the cancellation of influencer screenings for the upcoming Odyssey. The hosts analyze the role of social media creators in modern film marketing, debating how studios might evolve their strategies. Furthermore, they explore the controversial intersection of technology and art as A24 partners with Google for AI research in filmmaking. While the hosts remain skeptical of generative AI’s place in creative storytelling, they acknowledge its potential utility in streamlining complex pre-production workflows. Finally, the episode highlights excitement for upcoming projects, including Robert Eggers’ werewolf film and a bold, dialogue-free action feature titled Motor City.

Hellboy, Pan's Labyrinth & The Shape of Water with DOUG JONES

Jun 25, 20261h 14mSummary

In this episode of Raiders of the Lost Podcast, the hosts sit down with the legendary actor Doug Jones to discuss his storied career as cinema’s premier creature performer. Renowned for his collaborations with Guillermo del Toro, Jones reflects on his journey from a commercial actor to becoming an icon of practical effects in films like Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water. The conversation explores the physical and mental intensity behind his most famous roles, detailing the painstaking process of balancing heavy prosthetics, mechanical suits, and intense performance demands—such as memorizing dialogue in Spanish for the Faun. Jones shares insights on the evolution of monster movies, emphasizing the importance of blending practical effects with CGI to maintain an authentic human connection. He also discusses his perspective on the industry, his appreciation for feel-good cinema, and the surreal experience of receiving the blessing of the Lon Chaney family to be considered a successor to the legendary horror stars of the past. It is an engaging deep dive into the artistry, sacrifice, and serendipity that defined his unique path in Hollywood.

MARTIN FREEMAN | The Hobbit, Let's Love, Sherlock & more!

Jun 24, 202628 minSummary

In this episode of Raiders of the Lost Podcast, host James sits down with acclaimed actor Martin Freeman to discuss his craft, his approach to iconic roles, and the intricacies of filmmaking. Freeman offers a fascinating look at the improvisational nature of his recent project, Let’s Love, describing the experience as a liberating creative workout that feels highly human and authentic. The conversation moves into the challenges of portraying legendary characters like Bilbo Baggins and John Watson. Freeman emphasizes the importance of balancing reverence for the source material and previous portrayals with the necessity of claiming the role for oneself. He reflects on his career, discussing his collaboration with directors like Peter Jackson and his pride in the success of the Cornetto trilogy. Beyond acting, the two explore the shifting landscape of digital versus physical media, with Freeman sharing his appreciation for vinyl records and his concerns regarding the loss of historical context in modern media consumption. Throughout the discussion, Freeman remains grounded, expressing a simple yet profound goal: to consistently tell the truth through his performances.

OBSESSION with star COOPER TOMLINSON

Jun 23, 202656 minSummary

In this episode of Raiders Of The Lost Podcast, the hosts sit down with star Cooper Tomlinson to discuss the runaway success of the horror film Obsession. Tomlinson offers a behind-the-scenes look at the production, detailing how a small, collaborative unit of creators managed to craft a project that achieved significant cultural impact and box office results. He reflects on the scrappy, independent nature of the shoot, highlighting how the team utilized local locations and creative camera techniques to overcome budget constraints. The conversation explores the blurred lines between comedy and horror, with Tomlinson noting how his background in digital sketches and short-form content influenced the film’s unique aesthetic. He also touches on the importance of artistic authenticity, sharing his journey from film school and creating online sketches to breaking into feature filmmaking. Beyond Obsession, Tomlinson teases upcoming projects, including the film Ghosts, and discusses his inspirations, ranging from favorite Steven Spielberg classics to the music of Weezer. Throughout the discussion, Tomlinson emphasizes the value of persistence, collaboration, and the shifting landscape of modern Hollywood where independent voices are increasingly redefining the industry.

MOVIE NEWS: Toy Story 5, Austin Powers 4, Spider-Man, The Grinch 2, Obsession, Backrooms, Shrek 5 & Disclosure Day

Jun 22, 202632 minSummary

In this episode of Raiders of the Lost Podcast, the hosts navigate a packed slate of industry updates, ranging from massive box office milestones to exciting upcoming legacy sequels. The conversation kicks off with a breakdown of recent theatrical performances, noting the dominant opening of Toy Story 5 and the surprising box office struggle of The Death of Robin Hood, prompting a discussion on whether Hollywood should finally retire the legendary outlaw. The hosts share their enthusiasm for major franchise revivals, specifically confirming that Austin Powers 4 is in development and that Jim Carrey is in talks to return for a new Grinch project. Additionally, the episode covers the latest industry maneuvers, including Fox’s significant acquisition of Roku, Jordan Peele’s progress on his next mystery project, and the buzz surrounding the upcoming Spider-Man film. Other highlights include casting news for The Lord of the Rings, the status of Shrek 5, and an update on the Ben Stiller-directed New York Knicks documentary. With a focus on director trends, studio business, and high-profile sequels, the hosts provide a comprehensive look at what is currently shaping the cinematic landscape.

SCARY MOVIE 6 with director Michael Tiddes

Jun 18, 20261h 3mSummary

In this episode of Raiders Of The Lost Podcast, the hosts sit down with director Michael Tiddes to discuss the release of Scary Movie 6. The conversation explores the process of revitalizing the franchise, specifically focusing on the decision to bring back iconic elements like Ghostface and the original core cast. Tiddes explains his approach to parody, emphasizing the importance of honoring the original source material while infusing fresh, topical humor that resonates with both legacy fans and new audiences. A major highlight of the discussion is the collaborative nature of the production, particularly regarding the Wayans family’s improvisational style. Tiddes shares insights into how the team balances scripted scenes with spontaneous ad-libs, aiming to capture comedic lightning in a bottle. He also reflects on the technical challenges of pulling off complex sequences, such as the John Wick-inspired fight scene, and the careful navigation of parody law when crafting visual references. Beyond the technical aspects, the episode touches on the current state of comedy in cinema, the shift toward streaming, and the unique, irreplaceable energy of experiencing a comedy in a crowded theater.

MICHAEL | Movie Review

Jun 16, 202642 minSummary

In this episode of Raiders Of The Lost Podcast, the hosts dive into a passionate discussion regarding the biographical film Michael. Despite mixed reviews from critics and online film communities, the hosts argue that the movie is a triumphant, feel-good celebration of Michael Jackson’s unparalleled legacy, artistry, and cultural impact. A major focus of the conversation is the standout performance by Jafar Jackson. The hosts reflect on his dedication, highlighting how his two years of intense training and subsequent commitment to embodying his uncle resulted in a transformation that often felt indistinguishable from the real icon. They also praise Colman Domingo for his nuanced, chilling portrayal of Joe Jackson, capturing the complex, manipulative family dynamics that shaped Michael’s early life. The hosts defend the film’s choice to focus on the magic of Michael’s performances rather than rehashing the controversies and legal battles that defined his later years. They conclude that the film successfully functions as a cathartic tribute to a musical genius, capturing the joy, athleticism, and sheer, incomparable brilliance that made Michael Jackson the greatest entertainer of his generation.