Our Lead Up series marches on through the Alien franchise, leading all the way to our Now Showing | Alien Romulus episode. And yes, we're taking on Alien vs Predator. Now, technically, these AvP movies are no longer canon, within the Alien franchise — but they are in world of Predator, which...okay, I guess. Regardless, we watched it. We discussed it. And it's here for you! Alien vs. Predator Screen Story by Paul W.S. Anderson and Dan O'Bannon & Ronald Shusett Screenplay by Paul W.S. Anderson Directed by Paul W.S. Anderson Starring Sanaa Lathan, Raoul Bova, Lance Henriksen, Ewen Bremner, Colin Salmon, Tommy Flanagan

Season 20, Episode 1 Season 20 is off and running, to the stars, as we we're discussing the 2019 sci-fi film, Ad Astra, starring Brad Pitt and Tommy Lee Jones. This movie is a slight variation of Joseph Conrad's novel, Heart of Darkness , which you may be more familiar as the Francis Ford Coppola's movie, Apocalypse Now . Are you still shaking your head? Come on, now! From Our YouTube description: Butler finds the movie slow, emotionless, with unexplained story beats, dumb character decisions, and one of the worst voiceovers of all time. Field agrees, but thinks Butler is wrong anyway; because it wouldn't be Forgotten Cinema if he didn't. The movie is not slow. It's deliberate in its pace and the point is made on the episode that director, James Gray, didn't have final cut of the movie. When you watch the trailer for the movie (see below), you will see scenes that are not in the movie, so Pitt's performance is shaped by the decisions made in the editing room by someone other than the director of the film. Take a listen or watch the episode for yourself and decide it Field is displaying a full grasp of storytelling or if Butler is being a contrarian because the movie didn't have the U.S.S. Enterprise in it. Ad Astra Written by James Gray & Ethan Gross Directed by James Gray Starring Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones, Ruth Negga, Donald Sutherland, Kimberly Elise You can find us on these podcast platforms... Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links

The time has finally come. It's Butler's dream come true. We are covering a Star Trek film...but it's Star Trek: Section 31 . We discuss what is possibly the worst film they've covered on this show. Worse than "Folks!" you might ask? You'll have to watch (or listen) to find out. We talk about everything that is wrong in this film, the sorry state of Star Trek right now, what is on the horizon for one of Sci-Fi's longest continuing franchises, and maybe find one or two kind words for this giant miss of a film that fails Michelle Yeoh and her character of Philippa Georgiou. Watch us on YouTube! Perhaps audio podcasts are more your lane... Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links

Season 19, Episode 13 I have told this story countless times, both in real life and on the main show, but that will not stop me from telling it again! I watched an advanced screening of Cop Land at the Fairfield Cinemas back in the 90s. There are many perks to working for a movie theater company, but we stumbled upon this special event by accident. My friend and I were in attendance for a different film when a woman approached us asking if we wanted to watch an advanced show of a movie not even released. Of course, we said yes! We didn't know the movie until we were sitting in the packed auditorium and they announced the movie to everyone. We knew Cop Land was coming out and we were already excited about seeing it, knowing the cast and the plot, so we were psyched when we found out this Stallone vehicle was minutes away from being on the big screen. This was also my first experience with seeing a movie that would eventually be different from the final version. I knew of test audiences and focus groups, but had never been part of one. There were songs in the movie that were placeholders and never made the final print. And there were scenes, hence the quote in the title, that were ultimately cut before opening day. I've always said that the advanced screening was better than the final version, and I still believe that to be true. Find out what we thought about the movie in our latest episode as we close out Season 19! Cop Land Written and Directed by James Mangold Starring Sylvester Stallone, Harvey Keitel, Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, Peter Berg and so many more! Watch us on YouTube! Or listen on the podcast! Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links

As Gladiator II is now available to rent on digital and available to watch on Paramount+ and MGM+ (if you subscribe to these streamers), this is the perfect time for you to revisit our Now Showing episode where we discussed the movie. But this is not the blog for that. We're here to share our latest Forgotten Cinema: Lead Up episode where we talk about original film, Gladiator . Listen to us rave and perhaps, debate certain plot points, when discussing Ridley Scott's first visit to the Coliseum. The Lead Up series is exclusive to our Patreon members when they first come out, so if you're interested in catching these episode hot off the presses, head on over to our Patreon and sign up! Gladiator Story by David Franzoni Screenplay by David Franzoni, John Logan and William Nicholson Directed by Ridley Scott Starring Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, Richard Harris This Lead Up episode is an YouTube exclusive. You cannot listen to this on our podcast feed. Enjoy!

Season 19, Episode 12 Season 19 is coming to a close and while all of us are in the dead of winter, sad, depressed, annoyed easily, tired of coughing (or hearing other people cough)...where was I going with this? Right! Put a smile on your face, get inspired and all that good stuff with the Ben Stiller directed (and starrer) The Secret Life of Walter Mitty . I'll let you head over to the discussion on the movie, either through your favorite podcast portal or our YouTube channel. Something I wanted to touch upon, which I do within the episode, is the talent behind the camera Ben Stiller brings to all his movies. Reality Bites The Cable Guy Zoolander Tropic Thunder Zoolander 2 Aside from Zoolander 2...which I'm giving you, since I haven't watched it lately, but I do remember enjoying it — those are four solid films. (Mitty coming in strong as his 5th) Add his television shows — Severance and Escape at Dannemora — and you're looking at quite the run of storytelling. Go back and revisit Ben Stiller, the director. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Written by Steve Conrad Directed by Ben Stiller Starring Ben Stiller, Kristen Wiig, Adam Scott, Sean Penn, Kathryn Hahn, Shirley Maclaine Check our latest episode on YouTube: Or listen on the podcast! Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links

Not our first streaming film to grace the Now Showing franchise, but definitely the first Netflix film. We welcomed the return to cinema, well kind of. Technically, it’s a return to the small screen for Cameron Diaz as she joins Jamie Foxx for Netflix's latest original film…movie…form of content: Back in Action! I was a little wary going into this as Butler has some biased feelings toward Netflix films, but surprisingly we were not far apart on our thoughts. Of course, we go on a bit of a Netflix tangent, so apologies if you were looking for some hard-hitting movie reviewing, but as Butler reminded me during the episode, we’re in the business of movie discussions, not movie reviews. Enjoy! Or listen on the podcast! Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links

Season 19, Episode 11 I used to deliver the paper. I didn't love it. The early mornings, getting people to pay for the paper, the early mornings. I don't remember when I quit or how I quit, but one day, it stopped and I was happy. I remember catching this film in 1994 and coming away with a positive experience. I didn't realize how many known-faces were in this movie back then, but now, yikes. So many people! The Paper was one of those movies that helped push my dream of becoming a storyteller. The dialogue, the performances, the different character story arcs weaving in and out of the plot — it all added up to sparking my desire to recreate what was on screen. I never wanted to be a journalist, but I do like researching and investigating a mystery. And isn't that what a new story is? A mystery that needs solving so I can tell the best possible story to the audience. Check out what we thought about our latest movie on Forgotten Cinema. The Paper Written by David Koepp & Stephen Koepp Directed by Ron Howard Starring Michael Keaton, Robert Duvall, Glenn Close, Marisa Tomei, Randy Quaid, Jason Robards, Jason Alexander and 56 other people you'll recognize. Or listen to us on your favorite podcast portal... Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links

This week on Forgotten Cinema, we’re talking about Charlie Wilson’s War (2007), the sharp, witty, and surprisingly accessible political dramedy written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by Mike Nichols. Both of us really enjoy this one, not just for the tight writing and historical intrigue, but for the absolutely stellar performances across the board. Tom Hanks brings his trademark charm as the flawed but charismatic congressman Charlie Wilson, Julia Roberts oozes confidence as socialite Joanne Herring, and Philip Seymour Hoffman… well, he completely steals the movie. The Hoffman Factor Hoffman’s portrayal of CIA operative Gust Avrakotos is a masterclass in energy and nuance. Every scene he’s in feels electric, and one particular exchange (highlighted above) ranks as one of Field’s favorite movie moments of the last 30 years. It’s the kind of performance that makes you remember just how much depth Hoffman could bring to any role. Sorkin and Nichols in Sync We also dive into how Aaron Sorkin’s script strikes that perfect balance between sharp humor and political insight. The story covers complex geopolitical maneuvering without ever feeling like homework, and Mike Nichols’ direction keeps the tone buoyant and human. The film manages to be both funny and thought-provoking, a rare combination in political cinema. Power, Ego, and Consequence While Charlie Wilson’s War plays like an upbeat, quippy look at Cold War politics, it’s impossible to ignore the film’s final message, how charm, ego, and well-intentioned meddling can reshape history in unintended ways. It’s both a celebration and a cautionary tale about the power of influence. Let's Talk Charlie Wilson's War Listen to our full discussion on Forgotten Cinema, available wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube. Because in politics, as in movies, sometimes the real story isn’t about what’s on the surface, it’s about who’s writing the script. Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links

Big Nick in France! I'd be okay with that subtitle. After we watched the first film, Den of Thieves, for the main show, it was a no-brainer to have a Now Showing episode surrounding the sequel, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, especially since many of the people behind the camera and in front of the camera are returning. And while this movie carries over from the characters and events of the first film, it truly is its own movie. I make a point in the episode that we may have been conditioned, with the prevalence of world building, to expect sequels to simply be a continuation of the move prior and not it's own adventure. Sure, we're not ignoring what's happened before, but we're also not relying on your need to know what happened before to enjoy this new movie. That make sense? You don't need to watch Raiders of the Lost Ark (The only title I will accept) to watch any of the other films. They're all separate adventures. There's no tesseract popping up in movie 23, that you learned about in movie 3 and then 6. Den of Thieves 2: Pantera Written and Directed by Christian Gudegast Starring Gerard Butler, O'Shea Jackson Jr., Evan Ahmad, Salvatore Esposito, Oril Shuka Find out what we thought about our latest entry into the Now Showing franchise! Or listen on the podcast! Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links