This week on Forgotten Cinema , we’re revisiting The Way of the Gun , Christopher McQuarrie’s sharp, character-driven crime thriller and his first time in the director’s chair. We both really enjoy this one. From the start, the film makes it clear what kind of story it wants to tell: this is not about misunderstood antiheroes or “bad guys with a heart of gold.” Benicio Del Toro and Ryan Phillippe play two genuinely bad men. Criminals who are unapologetically who they are. The movie doesn’t try to redeem them or smooth them out for audience comfort, and that commitment to morally compromised leads gives the film a harder edge than most crime thrillers of its era. Performances with Real Teeth Del Toro and Phillippe bring a weary, lived-in quality to their characters that makes them compelling even when you don’t like them. And then there’s James Caan, who walks into the movie and immediately brings a level of gravitas and menace that elevates every scene he’s in. He doesn’t need big speeches, only his presence, his posture, and a few carefully chosen lines. It’s a film full of people who feel dangerous without ever slipping into cartoonish territory. McQuarrie Behind the Camera As a directorial debut, The Way of the Gun  is remarkably confident. McQuarrie’s script is tight and deliberate, with sharp dialogue that never feels like it’s showing off, and action that’s grounded, messy, and tense. The characters always feel true to themselves, even when they’re making terrible decisions, which are quite a few. Butler suspects that younger him would have absolutely loved this movie, and honestly, he probably would have quoted it relentlessly. Field finds himself appreciating it even more now; the film’s maturity, restraint, and refusal to spoon-feed the audience make it more compelling with age. The Way of the Gun: A Dark, Adult Crime Story The Way of the Gun  is dark, deliberate, and unapologetically adult. It’s not trying to be cool for the sake of it. It’s interested in what happens when bad people collide with each other, with desperate people, and with situations that have no clean outcomes. In a sea of crime thrillers that soften their edges or rush toward redemption, this one stands out for staying true to its characters all the way through. It’s easily one of the stronger crime films of the early 2000s and a reminder of just how effective simple, character-focused storytelling can be when you trust the audience to keep up. Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links

We're nearly at the end of our journey toward Scream 7 , and this week on Forgotten Cinema: Lead Up , we tackle the first entry in the franchise not directed by Wes Craven: Scream — or as we argue...just call it Scream 5 ! With a new creative team, a new generation of characters, and a legacy to uphold, this film had a daunting task. Fortunately, we agree that the team at Radio Silence delivers a sequel that respects the franchise’s past while carving a path forward. A New Era Without Wes Craven Scream (2022)  is the franchise’s first film directed without Craven at the helm, and the shift in creative vision could have spelled disaster. Instead, we applaud Radio Silence for honoring the tone, style, and meta sensibilities that define the series. The film’s kills are brutal and smartly staged, the pacing is tight, and the blending of legacy characters with a new cast feels far more seamless than many modern “requels.” It’s a careful balancing act, and this installment pulls it off with surprising confidence. Legacy Characters, New Blood, and a Major Death That Works One of Scream 5’s  greatest strengths is the way it handles legacy characters. We agree that the film gives returning icons meaningful roles without turning them into parodies of their former selves. And when the film does make the bold decision to kill a major returning character, the moment lands with emotional weight. It isn’t played for shock value alone, it feels carefully considered and deeply respectful of the character’s place in the franchise. The new cast also benefits from strong writing and performances, grounding them in Woodsboro mythology without forcing connections. The Billy Loomis Twist and Other Rough Spots in Scream 5 While we both enjoy the film, the movie isn't without criticism. We struggle with the Billy Loomis twist , finding it a bit hard to swallow even within the meta, self-aware framework of the Scream  universe. Additionally, some of the logic surrounding Ghostface’s kills doesn’t hold up under careful scrutiny. These moments don’t derail the movie, but they do prevent it from reaching the heights of the franchise’s best entries. A Confident Revival That Proves the Franchise Can Grow Despite those flaws, Scream 5   is a clear reminder that the series can survive, and even thrive, beyond its original creator. The people behind this movie prove they understand the DNA of the franchise while also being willing to evolve it for modern audiences. It’s energetic, brutal, clever, and ultimately a reassuring sign that the Scream  saga has room left to explore. Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links

This week on Forgotten Cinema , we revisit Yesterday , the musical romantic fantasy built around one irresistible question: What if The Beatles never existed? For Butler, this one hits especially hard. Growing up a Beatles fan, he not only loves hearing those iconic songs reintroduced in a new context, but also watching how powerful they remain, even in a world that has somehow forgotten the band. It’s a concept that could have easily become gimmicky, but the film leans into the emotional and artistic implications instead. The Music Still Works (Of Course It Does) Himesh Patel anchors the film with a sincere and surprisingly strong performance, both as an actor and as a vocalist. He brings a grounded vulnerability to the role that makes the premise easier to buy. And Lily James shines as his longtime friend and love interest, delivering warmth and charm that make the central romance genuinely compelling. That said, both of us agree it’s more than a little frustrating that Patel’s character can’t see what’s so clearly in front of him. The film leans heavily into the “oblivious romantic lead” trope, and while it works structurally, it does test your patience at times. Fame, Industry, and the Satire Layer Kate McKinnon is a blast as the sharp-edged manager once fame takes hold. She injects a layer of industry satire into the story, poking at the absurdity of marketing, branding, and the machine that often swallows artists whole. Her performance adds just enough bite to balance the sweetness of the love story. No Explaining the Magic in Yesterday (And That’s a Good Thing) One of the things we both really appreciate is that the film never over-explains or tries to undo the unexplained “magic” behind The Beatles not existing. There’s no convoluted sci-fi twist or third-act reset. The movie simply accepts the premise and moves on, focusing instead on bigger ideas about art, authenticity, love, and what it means to create in a world obsessed with fame. At its heart, Yesterday  isn’t really about a glitch in the universe. It’s about what art means, who it belongs to, and whether success is worth sacrificing who you are. A Sweet, Sincere Crowd-Pleaser With timeless music, a charming love story, and relatable creative themes, Yesterday  remains an easy recommendation. It’s heartfelt, funny, and surprisingly thoughtful and it will almost certainly have you queuing up The Beatles long after the credits roll. What would you  do if the greatest songs ever written suddenly belonged to you? Interested in hearing us butcher through a song? Check out our short film we did when we covered the movie, Oliver & Company . Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links

A Prescient Horror Sequel The road to  Scream 7  continues, and this week on  Forgotten Cinema: Lead Up , as we revisit  Scream 4 , Wes Craven’s return to Woodsboro more than a decade after the original trilogy. Originally released in 2011,  Scream 4   arrived at a cultural turning point, where what once felt like exaggerated satire now feels eerily prophetic. Why  Scream 4  Feels More Relevant Today It's not a shocking revelation that this film is ahead of its time. Long before streaming culture and influencer fame fully dominated the internet,  Scream 4  was already dissecting: The obsession with going viral Violence performed for an audience Fame as a form of currency Identity shaped by online perception In 1996, the original Scream  deconstructed slasher rules. In 2011,  Scream 4  deconstructed internet culture, years before it became unavoidable. That thematic foresight makes this sequel far stronger today than it was initially given credit for. Does the Third Act Stick the Landing? While we both enjoy the film, Butler feels the third act slightly undercuts its bold ambitions. The movie flirts with doing something genuinely daring but ultimately settles for a more convenient resolution. There’s a lingering sense that the Ghostface reveal could have pushed the franchise into darker, riskier territory. Instead, the climax reins things in just when it should have escalated. Field shares some of that frustration, though he still finds the execution confident and effective overall. Compared to  Scream 3 , this entry feels sharper, more aggressive, and thematically focused, even if it doesn’t fully commit to its most provocative ideas. Could Kirby Have Been the New Final Girl? One of the most compelling discussions in this Lead Up episode centers on Kirby, played by Hayden Panettiere. We agree she had all the makings of the franchise’s next great Final Girl. With her horror expertise, charisma, and emotional depth, Kirby could have served as a fascinating long-term foil to Ghostface. Instead,  Scream 4   stops just short of fully passing the torch, another example of a film that almost reinvents the franchise, but hesitates at the last moment. The Rumored Original Ending and the “Killer Gets Away” Trilogy The Mikes also revisit the long-standing rumor that  Scream 4  was intended to launch a new trilogy centered around a killer who gets away with it, only to be hunted by future Ghostfaces. If true, that direction would have fundamentally reshaped the franchise and aligned perfectly with the film’s themes of fame and legacy. Knowing that possibility makes the existing ending feel like a missed opportunity, a safe landing for a movie built on bold ideas. Is  Scream 4  Underrated? Despite its flaws,  Scream 4   remains sharp, brutal, and thematically ambitious. Its kills are strong, its satire feels increasingly relevant, and Wes Craven’s direction gives the film energy and purpose. It may not be perfect, but it stands as one of the most culturally aware entries in the  Scream  franchise and a crucial chapter in the journey toward  Scream 7 . Continue the Scream Lead Up Series We've been revisiting every film in the  Scream  saga leading up to  Scream 7 . Catch up on: Scream (1996) Scream 2 (1997) Scream 3 (2000) Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links

A Rom-Com With Heart (Literally) This week on Forgotten Cinema, we revisit Return to Me , the romantic comedy starring David Duchovny and Minnie Driver that somehow manages to begin with tragedy and still turn into one of the sweetest, warmest films of its era. Field has always had a soft spot for this one, and while Butler came in fresh, we both walked away thoroughly charmed. The movie opens with the sudden death of Duchovny’s wife and the emotional weight of a heart transplant, yet what follows never sinks into melodrama. Instead, Return to Me stays surprisingly light on its feet, filled with humor, tenderness, and a genuine warmth that a lot of modern rom-coms tend to forget. A Cast That Makes the Movie Sing A huge reason the film works as well as it does is its ensemble. Jim Belushi and Bonnie Hunt (who also wrote and directed the film) bring so much natural humor and lived-in chemistry that they practically steal the movie. Robert Loggia and Carroll O’Connor add a comforting, old-school charm as the Irish-Italian pair who treat everyone like family, whether they want it or not. The whole cast feels like real people you’d want to spend time with, which goes a long way in making the romance feel grounded and genuinely sweet. Classic Rom-Com Energy from Return to Me More than anything, Return to Me captures that late-90s/early-2000s romantic comedy magic, gentle pacing, earnest emotions, breezy humor, and just a touch of schmaltz (the good kind). It reminds you why this genre used to feel so effortless and joyful. Check out our full conversation on the episode, where we break down what makes the film work, why it holds up, and which moments hit us right in the feelings. Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links

Lights, Camera… Ghostface? Our journey toward Scream 7  continues, and this week as we revisit the most divisive installment in the franchise: Scream 3 . A sequel with big ideas, messy execution, and a unique place in the saga’s history. Following the critically beloved Scream 2 , this third film arrives with the unfortunate reputation of being the worst-reviewed entry in the original trilogy. But does it deserve that title? We break down the film’s strengths, weaknesses, production changes, and the “what could’ve been” lurking beneath its final cut. Field’s Take: Fun, But the Weakest So Far Field still enjoys  Scream 3 , but it stands as his least favorite of the franchise up to this point. His biggest issue being the killer reveal. He digs into why the third-act twist feels underwhelming: The original draft promised something darker and more layered The last-minute shift to a single killer weakened the film’s structure Several sequences are clearly staged for two Ghostfaces, making the final reveal feel inconsistent The thematic resolution lacks the punch of the first two films He still finds the movie entertaining, but admits that the climax and the compromised script prevent it from hitting the same highs as the first two films in the franchise. Butler’s Take: Gale & Dewey Shine, the Climax Doesn’t Butler also enjoys revisiting the movie, and he especially loves the Gale and Dewey relationship, which continues to evolve in meaningful and heartfelt ways. However, his biggest disappointments (not including Gale's bangs) include: The shift from the Hollywood studio setting (rich with meta potential) to a mansion finale that feels more like Scooby-Doo  than Scream A killer reveal that feels thematically thin The feeling that a different twist would’ve worked far better In Butler’s view, Patrick Dempsey’s character being revealed as the killer, and Sidney’s half-brother, would’ve made more narrative and thematic sense. It's a take many fans have shared for years, and we dig into why it would’ve been the stronger choice. Where Scream 3  Still Works Despite its flaws and behind-the-scenes compromises, Scream 3  remains fun, meta, and memorable: Hollywood Satire The film’s exploration of sleazy producers, exploitation, and the absurdity of the movie business hits harder today than when it premiered. Inventive Kills The explosions, the voice changer, the chase scenes. Ghostface gets creative this time, albeit we're adding the nuance of mimicking voices of characters in the movie. Parker Posey Steals Her Scenes Her performance as Jennifer Jolie, the actress playing Gale Weathers in the Stab  films, is a comedic and chaotic highlight. She brings energy, humor, and a standout meta performance that elevates every scene she’s in. Meta Evolution The movie-within-the-movie-within-the-movie format continues, deepening the Stab  satire and expanding Scream’s   commentary on Hollywood and storytelling. Scream 3  may be messy, but it still understands the spirit of the franchise, and it remains entertaining even when it misses the mark. With Scream 7  on the way, each revisit helps us trace the franchise’s evolution, from brilliance to chaos to reinvention, and Scream 3  plays an essential part in that journey. Catch Up on the Lead Up Series Scream | Do You Like Scary Movies? – Where the horror revolution began Scream 2 | I Think I Love You   – The rare sequel that heightens the original Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links

Revisiting Scream 2 | Forgotten Cinema Lead Up The Mikes continue slicing their way through the Scream  franchise, moving one step closer to Scream 7  with a revisit of Scream 2 . A sequel often praised as one of the smartest, sharpest, and most effective follow-ups in horror history. We dive into why this film may actually improve  upon the original. Butler’s Take: “Scream 2 is a Near-Perfect Sequel” Butler absolutely loved revisiting Scream 2 . For him, this is the rare horror sequel that elevates everything: Stronger themes about trauma, fame, and legacy Confident meta commentary, adding layers without overplaying the joke Kills that top the original in creativity and tension A cast expansion that matters, giving side characters real arcs One of the franchise’s strongest Ghostface reveals To Butler, Scream 2  feels sharper, bolder, and more thematically rich than Scream , showing how to build on a perfect premise without simply repeating it. Field’s Perspective: Excellent, But a Bit Long Field also really enjoys Scream 2 , but finds the runtime slightly long during the third act. Even so, he fully agrees that: The performances are top-tier The story escalates naturally and intelligently The sequel feels bigger without losing focus Wes Craven directs with even more confidence and precision Field sees Scream 2  as one of the strongest entries in the entire franchise, just shy of flawless. Why Scream 2 Still Stands Out In this episode, we explore why the film continues to be celebrated nearly 30 years later: Smart Sequel Meta Rules The movie expands and riffs on the “rules” of horror sequels, making the commentary feel essential rather than gimmicky. Elevated Character Arcs Sidney’s growth, Gale’s evolution, Randy’s expanded role, and new additions like Derek and Mickey all deepen the world. Ghostface Gets Bolder From the opening kill to the auditorium showdown, Ghostface becomes more theatrical and unpredictable. A More Confident Scream Bigger stakes, broader themes, and stronger execution make this one a masterclass in how to build a sequel. As the Mikes continue their Lead Up journey through the franchise, Scream 2  stands tall, arguably the highest-rated film in the saga and a shining example of how horror sequels can be smarter, sharper, and more impactful than expected. Catch Up on the First Chapter Revisit our Lead Up episode on Scream to see where the saga began. Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links

A Long Road Home, With Plenty of Snowdrifts Along the Way Season 24 of Forgotten Cinema  kicks off with Cold Mountain , Anthony Minghella’s sweeping Civil War epic starring Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, and Renée Zellweger. And while this one certainly asks a lot of its audience, we ultimately found ourselves appreciating the journey, even as we bumped up against its many hurdles. There’s no getting around it: the film is long , heavy , and relentlessly bleak . The dialogue often feels pulled straight from the novel, losing some of the naturalism that might have grounded these characters. And at 154 minutes, Cold Mountain  demands patience as it lingers on suffering, longing, and the brutal toll of war. The Romance That’s More Idea Than Reality One of the film’s biggest stumbling blocks for us is the central romance. The idea that Inman (Law) and Ada (Kidman) would risk everything for each other, despite barely knowing one another, strains credibility. It’s not that the performances aren’t committed; it’s that the relationship simply doesn’t have enough foundation to justify the emotional stakes the movie builds around it. But When Cold Mountain Works…It Really Works And yet, Cold Mountain  isn’t without power. Minghella creates several striking, emotionally resonant moments, many of them driven by the film’s superb supporting performances. Zellweger, earning her Oscar win for the role, brings the movie to life every time she’s on screen, injecting energy and personality into a story that might otherwise feel suffocated by its own seriousness. The episodic nature of Inman’s journey also brings variety and texture, each encounter offering a new perspective on survival, morality, and the scars of war. Visually, the film is often stunning, capturing both the beauty and brutality of the landscapes he traverses. A Flawed but Rewarding Journey In the end, Cold Mountain  is an imperfect film, overwritten at times, emotionally uneven, and longer than it needs to be. But it’s also a thoughtful, ambitious story with moments that genuinely resonate. It’s a movie that leaves an impression, even if the path there is rough. Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links

Revisiting Scream  (1996) | Forgotten Cinema Lead Up We’re kicking off a brand-new Lead Up series on Forgotten Cinema , and this time we’re heading back to Woodsboro. With Scream 7  on the horizon, we're revisiting each film in the Scream  saga, starting where it all began: Wes Craven’s iconic 1996 slasher, Scream . For Field, this one is about as close to perfect as horror gets. He loves Scream  and the franchise as a whole, and there’s very little, if anything, he’d change about Craven’s original film. The blend of slasher thrills, sharp writing, and self-aware humor hits exactly the right tone for him. Butler had a very different experience growing up with the movie. When he first saw Scream , it didn’t quite land. The film was too meta, and he didn’t have enough horror knowledge under his belt to fully appreciate what it was doing with genre tropes. Now that he “gets it,” he enjoys the film much more, but he still has one big sticking point: The Billy Loomis Problem Even with a new appreciation for Scream , Butler still can’t get past the character of Billy Loomis, played by Skeet Ulrich. In this episode, we dig into: Whether Billy feels like a believable character or a heightened, almost soap-opera-style villain How his performance and motivation affect the movie’s tone Whether the Ghostface reveal still works on rewatch, especially for newer audiences familiar with the “rules” Scream  helped popularize Field may not share Butler’s issues with Billy, but their differing perspectives make for a fun back-and-forth that digs deeper into why Scream  hits so hard for some viewers and slightly misses for others. Why Scream  Still Matters In this episode, we break down why Scream  remains one of the most important horror films of all time, and a turning point for the slasher genre: Playing with horror tropes: The film doesn’t just reference horror clichés, it weaponizes them. From the “rules” of surviving a horror movie to the self-aware characters who know those rules, Scream celebrates and critiques the genre at the same time. Ghostface as a killer: We talk about why Ghostface works so well as an onscreen villain: the clumsy-but-relentless physicality, the menacing voice on the phone, and the idea that Ghostface isn’t just one person, but a mask anyone can wear. That flexibility helps keep the franchise fresh across multiple sequels. Production details and behind-the-scenes facts: We also touch on key production facts, from how the film came together to the choices that helped define its tone, balancing genuine terror with dark comedy. Why Scream  became a seminal horror film: Between Kevin Williamson’s script, Wes Craven’s direction, and a cast that leans fully into the material, Scream  helped revive mainstream horror in the late ’90s and paved the way for countless meta and self-referential genre films that followed. Kicking Off the Scream  Lead Up to Scream 7 This episode is only the beginning. We're working through each entry in the franchise leading up to the release of Scream 7 , we'll be looking at how: The meta-commentary evolves with each decade Ghostface changes while still feeling familiar The series handles legacy characters versus new blood Watch the full YouTube episode on  Scream (1996)  below: Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links

This week on Forgotten Cinema , we’re diving back into the mid-2000s with In Good Company , the Dennis Quaid / Topher Grace / Scarlett Johansson workplace dramedy that tries to balance corporate satire with heartfelt character storytelling. And honestly? We like this one quite a bit. There’s a genuine warmth to the film that still works nearly twenty years later. It taps into the anxieties of a shifting corporate culture, downsizing, restructuring, and the fear of becoming obsolete, while grounding everything in strong, lived-in performances. Dennis Quaid brings old-school sincerity, Topher Grace plays insecurity with an earnest edge, and Scarlett Johansson gives the film emotional texture even with limited screen time. A Perspective Problem with In Good Company That said, the movie does stumble when it comes to point of view. The story never fully commits to whether Quaid or Grace is the true protagonist, which muddies the emotional core. As a result, the movie sometimes feels like it’s trying to tell two different coming-of-age stories at once. Butler also takes issue with some of the choices Quaid’s character makes, decisions that don’t entirely ring true for who the film tells us he is. And while the ending is undeniably satisfying, it veers into “Hollywood tidy." A neat bow on characters who’ve spent most of the film pushing back against conformity. Still Worth the Revisit Even with its flaws, In Good Company  remains a likable, well-meaning film with plenty of heart. It’s a movie about connection across generations, redefining purpose, and figuring out your place when the world shifts beneath your feet, a theme that feels just as relevant now as it did in 2004. Warm, honest, and surprisingly reflective, this one still has plenty to offer. Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links