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Synthetics, Callbacks, and Controversy We're back with another Now Showing TV Edition . This week we're digging into Alien: Earth Episodes 3 & 4 and Noah Hawley’s ambitious FX series set in the iconic Alien  universe. Where the Show is Working Butler is fully on board with what Alien: Earth  has been building so far. The show is fleshing out its ensemble cast while giving the spotlight to the synthetics, adding layers of complexity and raising questions about identity, loyalty, and what it means to be “real.” Butler’s enjoying the steady pacing and character-driven focus, which he argues makes the inevitable bursts of horror more effective. Field, on the other hand, likes what he sees but with a bit more caution. Field contends that The Alien  franchise, recently, has a history of leaning too heavily on callbacks, and while Alien: Earth   hasn’t stumbled into that trap yet, he worries the temptation is there. "A show this strong doesn’t need to constantly remind us of past films. It needs to carve out its own identity." Looking Beyond Alien: Earth Episodes 3 & 4 With half of Season One down, Alien: Earth   is shaping up to be a fascinating addition to the franchise. The atmosphere, performances, and thematic weight are all strong, and the series still has plenty of directions it could take. Will it stay grounded in its human conflicts, or veer toward the cosmic horror we know is lurking in the shadows? Either way, we’ll be here, two episodes at a time, breaking it down.

The Xenomorphs are back! Kinda... We're doing something new this time around, as we're entering the small screen. Welcome to our ongoing Now Showing: TV Edition — A YouTube Exclusive — as we board the Maginot, making sure we're locked in the computer room and letting the rest of the crew die, as we crash land to Earth in the first episode of Alien: Earth . Alien: Earth Episodes 1&2 This episode we're covering Alien: Earth Episodes 1 & 2 , the brand-new FX television series from creator Noah Hawley ( Fargo , Legion ). Having already covered the entire Alien film franchise (Yes, even the AvP ones), there was no way we were going to let this one chest burst past us. (Oof, that was painful to write) A New Chapter in the Alien Saga Alien: Earth  brings the horror closer to home, shifting the franchise from the distant reaches of space to a setting much closer. With Hawley at the helm, the series already shows signs of blending his signature slow-burn storytelling with the oppressive dread that made Ridley Scott’s 1979 classic unforgettable. The first two episodes set the stage with a mix of corporate intrigue, unsettling science, and the kind of creeping paranoia that fans of the franchise know all too well. But how does this series connect to the themes and style of the films we’ve been revisiting for years? We break down what’s working, what isn’t (yet), and where we think the series could go from here. Does Hawley’s approach feel true to the spirit of Alien ? Can a serialized format sustain the same level of tension and terror as the films? And, the big question: where might Alien: Earth  ultimately rank among the rest of the franchise? This is only the beginning! We're covering the series two episodes at a time, unpacking the story, visuals, and themes as it unfolds. Whether you’re a die-hard Alien  fan, curious about how the Xenomorphs translate to TV, wondering what all those other monsters are, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

The Conjuring: Fear, Faith, and the Start of a Horror Legacy We’re back with a brand-new Lead Up Series and this time, we’re diving into one of horror’s most successful modern franchises: The Conjuring . With The Conjuring: Last Rites  set to release this September (Incoming Now Showing episode coming), we’re revisiting the mainline films that built the Warrens’ chilling cinematic universe. First up: The Conjuring (2013) Directed by James Wan, this film redefined supernatural horror for a new generation. By focusing on atmosphere, dread, and practical scares over cheap jump tactics, Wan created a story that feels as timeless as the classics that inspired it. Anchored by Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson as real-life paranormal investigators Lorraine and Ed Warren, the movie blends character drama with unforgettable horror moments. Over a decade later, it still delivers chills. In this episode, we discuss: James Wan’s skillful direction and mastery of tension Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson’s strong performances as the Warrens The real-life paranormal cases that inspired the story Why The Conjuring  remains one of the most effective horror films of the last 20 years How Field lives in the same town the Warrens lived. (Monroe, baby!) Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the franchise or discovering it for the first time, this episode is the perfect way to prepare for the next haunting chapter. Watch the full YouTube-exclusive episode below:

This week we step into the underground boxing world with Gladiator (1992) —no, not the Ridley Scott Roman epic, but the gritty early-’90s boxing drama starring James Marshall ( Twin Peaks ) and Cuba Gooding Jr. ( Boyz n the Hood ). The story follows two friends who get pulled into Chicago’s illegal boxing circuit, where the punches are heavy and the stakes are deadly. While it has plenty of B-movie Rocky  charm, it also struggles with its uneven script, teenage characters who look a little too old for high school, and melodramatic flourishes that push it into soap opera territory. Still, there are things to admire here. Marshall and Gooding Jr. deliver earnest performances, and there’s a certain scrappy, VHS-era energy that makes it a time capsule of early ’90s cinema. Denis Leary pops up in the supporting cast, adding some grit before he was known for his stand-up rants, and the boxing sequences, though over-the-top, scratch that sports-movie itch. So why did this Gladiator  fade into obscurity? That’s the question we wrestle with. For us, it lands somewhere between a guilty pleasure and a curious relic. It's fun to revisit, but not quite championship material.

This week on  Forgotten Cinema , we step up to the plate (get it?) and head back to  1980  with  Everybody Wants Some!! , Richard Linklater’s laid-back, jock-fueled, spiritual sequel to  Dazed and Confused . On the surface, it’s a hangout movie about a college baseball team in the days before the semester starts. It's full of parties, pranks, and enough existential musing to keep things interesting. But underneath? It’s classic Linklater, capturing the rhythm of a specific time and place with his signature naturalistic dialogue and attention to detail. Field vs. Butler: A Split Decision Field is all in on  Everybody Wants Some!! . The film’s easygoing energy and sharp character moments make it a joy to revisit. The performances from Glen Powell, Tyler Hoechlin, Wyatt Russell, and the rest of the ensemble bring a lived-in charm that fits right into Linklater’s filmography. Butler, though? Not quite buying the whole pitch. While he appreciates the direction, cast, and craft, the movie’s hyper-specific focus on male bonding and college baseball culture doesn’t fully land for him. For audiences not invested in the jock world, the stakes might feel a little too low. Why Everybody Wants Some!! Still Works (For Some of Us) Love it or not,  Everybody Wants Some!!  shows Linklater doing what he does best and that's finding the universal in the hyper-specific. The film may be about a bunch of ballplayers in 1980, but it’s also about camaraderie, identity, and the fleeting nature of youth. So is this a dugout classic for the ages or a foul ball that only looks like a home run? We break it down, inning by inning, in this week’s episode. Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links

We're crash-landing on a hostile alien planet with Radha Mitchell, Cole Hauser, and one very dangerous escaped convict named Richard B. Riddick (Dick Riddick! His name is Dick Riddick!) as we revisit the 2000 sci-fi cult classic Pitch Black . Directed by David Twohy, Pitch Black  takes the familiar “ragtag survivors vs. deadly creatures” setup and gives it a fresh coat of cosmic dread. With its mix of claustrophobic tension, harsh desert landscapes, and nightmarish winged predators, the movie manages to punch above its budget—while also introducing the world to Vin Diesel as one of sci-fi’s most unlikely antiheroes. Butler vs. Field: A Split Decision Butler? He was 13 when this movie came out, and he still loves it (logic gaps and all). For Field? He doesn't dislike  it…but he also might sound a little like a hater in this episode. We debate the film’s story logic, character arcs, and whether its “Aliens in the desert” vibe fully works. Riddick: From Side Character to Franchise Star One of the most interesting tidbits we cover? Riddick wasn’t supposed to survive.   In the original script, the escaped murderer was set to meet a grimmer fate. But Vin Diesel’s magnetic performance (and behind-the-scenes support from the director, cast, and studio) changed that. The result? An unplanned redemption arc that not only saves Riddick but launches two sequels ( The Chronicles of Riddick , Riddick )—with a third on the way—tentatively titled, Riddick: Furya . Why Pitch Black Endures Despite its flaws, Pitch Black  remains a standout in the “space survival horror” sub-genre. Between its eerie lighting, simple but effective creature design, and a morally complicated lead, the movie carved out a space for itself alongside other cult-favorite “ Aliens  but different” films. So does Pitch Black  hold up 24 years later? Or is it just the movie that gave us Vin Diesel’s most interesting character? Join us as we break it all down. Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links Bonus Content! We've got a Riddick inspired short film for you, too! Enjoy Butler B. Riddick in Should've Ghosted Me .

Marvel’s First Family Stumbles Into the MCU We're suiting up to discuss The Fantastic Four: First Steps , the highly anticipated debut of Marvel’s First Family in the MCU. And after watching it, we can officially say: it’s the greatest Fantastic Four film ever made … which, unfortunately, isn’t saying much. Directed with plenty of style and featuring a plausible (and honestly, kind of cool) take on Galactus , First Steps  has all the right pieces on paper—family dynamics, high-concept cosmic storytelling, and a sleek Marvel Studios polish. But the final product? Well, we left the theater feeling a lot less than fantastic. (Zing!) What Worked in The Fantastic Four: First Steps The style : A bold visual direction that sets this apart from the usual Marvel template. The family angle : For all its flaws, First Steps  at least gets the core Fantastic Four dynamic right. Galactus (sort of) : A version that works within the MCU, even if it won’t silence every fan debate. Where It Fell Flat A rushed story : The film skips over huge portions of the team’s life as heroes, leaving their arcs feeling incomplete. A lackluster second hour : After a promising setup, the back half struggles to balance spectacle and storytelling. Missed opportunities : Great ideas get lost in a script that tries to do too much with too little time. So where does The Fantastic Four: First Steps  land? Somewhere between “finally, a decent take” and “how is Marvel still struggling with these characters?” Listen on your favorite podcast platform! Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links

Up, up, and away! On a special  Now Showing Lite  episode of  Forgotten Cinema , Butler goes solo (Stupid FIeld and his family vacations) to review James Gunn’s  Superman (2025) — the latest big-screen reimagining of one of pop culture’s most enduring heroes. As a lifelong Superman fan, Butler dives deep into what makes this version tick. From its more comic book–faithful tone to standout performances, he explores how Gunn’s vision separates this  Superman  from its predecessors in the ever-crowded superhero landscape. Spoiler-Free Impressions The first half of the episode is completely spoiler-free, making it a safe listen whether you’ve already seen the film or you’re still deciding if it’s worth the trip to the theater. Butler discusses: The film’s tone  – balancing hope and heart with a modern sensibility. Performances  – from the new Man of Steel himself to the supporting cast who help flesh out this world. How it stands out  – why Gunn’s approach feels refreshing compared to other recent superhero blockbusters. Superman Spoilers Ahead: Full Breakdown In the second half of the episode, Butler digs into  spoiler territory , giving his unfiltered thoughts on the film’s plot, character choices, and a third act that, while imperfect, still manages to stick the emotional landing. He also compares this version to previous Superman adaptations — what it borrows, what it discards, and where it breaks new ground. Whether you’re a longtime Superman fan or someone just looking for a compelling superhero story, Butler’s breakdown of  Superman (2025)  will give you plenty to consider. Listen on your favorite podcast platform! Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links

This week on Forgotten Cinema , we revisit one of Steven Spielberg’s most overlooked films, the 2005 historical thriller Munich —and let’s just say, this one lingers long after the credits roll. Starring Eric Bana, Daniel Craig, and an incredible supporting cast, Munich  dramatizes Israel’s secret response to the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre. But this isn’t just a revenge thriller — it’s a tense, morally complex exploration of justice, vengeance, and the corrosive cost of violence. Spielberg doesn’t flinch away from the weight of his subject matter, and the result is one of his most thought-provoking works. In this episode, we dive into: Spielberg’s masterful direction  – A filmmaker at the top of his craft, balancing gripping suspense with quiet, devastating moments of humanity. Janusz Kamiński’s cinematography  – Evocative, immersive visuals that pull you into the paranoia and fear surrounding the mission. The film’s moral core  – How Munich  examines the endless cycle of retaliation and whether justice can ever truly be achieved through bloodshed. The cast’s powerhouse performances  – Eric Bana as a man torn between duty and conscience, and Daniel Craig in an early role that hinted at his future Bond persona. We both came away with the same conclusion: Munich  deserves far more recognition than it gets. Thoughtful, haunting, and expertly crafted, it’s a film that challenges audiences to grapple with impossible questions — and that’s exactly what great cinema should do. If you haven’t seen Munich  in years — or if you’ve somehow missed it altogether — now’s the perfect time to revisit it. Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links

Butler is hyped to catch the big fight, but not before Field drops some knowledge on him about many things other than movies. Check out Big Fight , our latest short film, inspired, loosely, on our movie we covered — Judgment Night — last week. Wondering what we thought about Judgment Night . Check out the episode! You can also find us on all podcast platforms. Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links