Remembering Adam Quigley

Ep. 881 - Supergirl

Jun 30, 20261h 52mSummary

In this episode of The Filmcast, the hosts dive into a wide-ranging discussion starting with the theatrical release of Supergirl. The team analyzes the film’s disappointing box office performance and its potential impact on the broader DC Universe. They also reflect on the unpredictable nature of their annual summer movie wagers, noting that current standings have been shifted by surprise hits that no one initially placed on their lists. The episode features an engaging segment on film news, specifically the announcement of an animated adaptation of the indie comic Freddy the Thirteenth, helmed by director Dan Trachtenberg. The hosts highlight the heartwarming backstory of the comic’s creator, Yahouti Mercado, a longtime supporter of the show whose career path intersected with the podcast in unexpected ways. Finally, the hosts move on to their personal reviews. They share critical perspectives on the Michael Sernovski film The Death of Robin Hood, comparing its tone and character study to Logan. The conversation concludes with a deep dive into the choreography and spectacle of the martial arts film Blades of the Guardians, praising its ambitious action sequences and the veteran work of Yuen Woo-ping.

Ep. 880 - Toy Story 5

Jun 23, 20261h 10mSummary

In this episode of The Filmcast, hosts David Chen, Devindra Hardawar, and Jeff Kanata, joined by guest Jermain Lucier, tackle a variety of cinematic topics. The discussion begins with a segment of Film Court, where the hosts adjudicate an email from a listener struggling with a friend whose indiscriminate enthusiasm for every movie and show makes his recommendations untrustworthy. The panel offers a range of perspectives, suggesting that while enthusiasm is endearing, developing a critical vocabulary and exploring diverse, challenging media is essential for growth as a viewer. The main segment focuses on an in-depth review of Toy Story 5. The hosts explore how the film handles the conflict between traditional play and modern electronics. While they appreciate the focus on Jesse’s character development and the film's thoughtful approach to parenting in the digital age, they remain divided on its overall execution. Some find the story rewarding and emotionally resonant, while others criticize its disjointed narrative and the forced inclusion of iconic characters like Woody and Buzz, describing the experience as less essential than previous entries in the celebrated franchise.

Ep. 879 - Disclosure Day

Jun 16, 20262h 2mSummary

In this episode of The Filmcast, hosts David Chen, Devindra Hardawar, and Jeff Cannata open the show with a discussion surrounding the box office performance of Steven Spielberg’s latest film, Disclosure Day. The hosts analyze the film's commercial trajectory as a major non-franchise release, sharing their differing expectations regarding its long-term success. Beyond the main review, the episode features a variety of industry updates, including news about corporate acquisitions in the media space and the shifting landscape of television streaming. The team also engages with listener emails, taking a moment to congratulate a dedicated community member for completing an ambitious year-long film challenge. In the "What We’ve Been Watching" segment, Devindra shares his intense enthusiasm for the martial arts epic The Furious, praising its innovative choreography and high-octane action. Meanwhile, David offers a candid critique of the horror film Hagman, expressing disappointment in its execution despite his appreciation for the director's previous work. The episode rounds out with a discussion on the evolving documentary landscape surrounding Saturday Night Live, highlighting the hosts’ continued interest in the history of the legendary sketch program.

Ep. 878 - Masters of the Universe

Jun 9, 20261h 40mSummary

In this episode of The Filmcast, the hosts gather to discuss recent television and film releases, balancing serious critiques with lighthearted banter. The conversation begins with a dive into the new Scary Movie installment. While the team acknowledges the return of the original cast, they express mixed feelings, noting that the heavy reliance on topical, time-sensitive humor feels forced and lacks the timeless appeal of the franchise’s earlier entries. The hosts then shift their focus to the Prime Video series Spider Noir. They share their fascination with the show's unique visual presentation, specifically the ability to toggle between high-contrast black-and-white and vibrant color palettes. Although they debate the casting of Nicholas Cage—highlighting a slight disconnect regarding the character’s age—they ultimately praise the series for its bold stylistic choices and creative take on the Spider-Man mythos. Finally, the discussion moves to the comedy series Dli Boys, which the hosts describe as a refreshing, violent, and humorous blend of crime drama and family dynamics. Throughout the episode, the team also touches upon the evolving landscape of streaming services, reflecting on the current state of digital entertainment consolidation and the shifting habits of modern viewers.

Ep. 877 - Backrooms

Jun 2, 20261h 49mSummary

In this episode of The Filmcast, the hosts dive into the current landscape of the film industry, focusing on the unexpected box office dominance of horror films like Backrooms and Obsession. They analyze how these low-budget, original projects—often helmed by young creators who cut their teeth on internet platforms—are significantly outperforming major franchise tentpoles like the latest Star Wars entry. The discussion highlights a potential shift in audience behavior, arguing that younger generations are eager for fresh, original concepts rather than recycled intellectual property. The hosts delve into the ironies of modern studio decision-making, noting that Hollywood executives often attempt to target younger demographics with nostalgic properties that resonate more with middle-aged viewers. They reflect on the necessity of a pipeline for new talent, comparing today’s online creators to the generation of directors who transitioned from television to film in previous decades. While the hosts express skepticism about how Hollywood might misinterpret these recent successes, they ultimately find hope in the idea that genuine passion and bottom-up storytelling are being rewarded by audiences, marking a potential inflection point for the future of cinema.

Ep. 876 - Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu

May 26, 20261h 50mSummary

In this episode of The Filmcast, the hosts dive into a wide-ranging discussion on cinema, personal viewing habits, and the current landscape of film criticism. The conversation begins with reflections on the summer movie wager, as the hosts analyze the box office performance of films like Mortal Kombat 2 and the unexpected success of the indie hit, Obsession. The episode features a lively "Film Court" segment, where the hosts address an audience question regarding the legitimacy of listening to film scores outside of the context of their movies. This sparks an insightful debate on how audiences interact with art, the value of appreciating individual crafts—such as cinematography, costume design, and music—in isolation, and the evolving nature of music consumption in modern society. Later, the hosts transition into "What We've Been Watching," covering David Lowery’s Mother Mary and Riz Ahmed’s modern-day adaptation of Hamlet. They discuss the artistic merits and unconventional narratives of these projects, offering their perspectives on directorial choices and performances. Through their trademark mix of humor and critical analysis, the hosts explore the challenges of staying focused during film viewings and the enduring appeal of Shakespearean adaptations.

Ep. 875 - Obsession

May 19, 20261h 51mSummary

In this episode of The Filmcast, the hosts gather to discuss the thriller Obsession, directed by Curry Barker. The conversation kicks off with a lighthearted debate regarding the trend of branding films with a director's name, as the hosts explore whether audiences are expected to be familiar with emerging filmmakers like Barker, known for his previous work in online comedy sketches. The episode also features a segment from the Slash Film Court, where the hosts adjudicate a listener's dilemma about post-movie rituals with a significant other. They offer various strategies for navigating the "game of chicken" that arises when couples want to discuss a film but fear their differing opinions might color the experience for the other. The hosts share personal anecdotes, reflecting on their own habits and the value of maintaining honest, fun, and respectful communication about cinema. Additionally, the team shares thoughts on the concert film Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour, discussing the immersive technical experience of high frame rate and 3D technology, while also noting the jarring nature of frequent audience cutaways.

Ep. 861 - The Wrecking Crew

Ep. 860 - Send Help

Ep. 859 - Dead Man's Wire