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Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) | Polygon to Powerhouse The early 2000s were a strange and glorious time. Nu-metal on the radio, sunglasses indoors, and a firm belief that video game movies could totally work… if you just cast the right action star. Enter Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) , starring none other than Angelina Jolie. In this latest episode of From Console to Screen , we team back up with our resident video game movie enthusiast, Russ Lyman , to explore this globe-trotting, artifact-chasing, slow-motion-filled adaptation of one of gaming’s most iconic characters. Let’s get this out of the way: Is Tomb Raider  a good  movie? That’s debatable. Is it a fascinating time capsule of post- Matrix , pre- MCU  action cinema trying really hard  to be cool? Absolutely. We talk all about: Angelina Jolie’s surprisingly committed performance (and that  accent). Whether the film captures the spirit of the original Tomb Raider  games or just the aesthetic. The weirdly stacked supporting cast, including Daniel Craig ( with an American accent ), Iain Glen, and even Jon Voight. The action sequences that feel lifted straight from a cutscene and not in a good way. More importantly, we ask: What is  it about video game movies from this era that made them feel so… off? There’s money on the screen, star power in the frame, and yet somehow, we’re still left with an experience that feels less like an adventure and more like we hit “skip cutscene” on the plot. So, does Lara Croft: Tomb Raider  succeed where other game-to-screen adaptations fail? Or is it just another artifact better left buried in the early 2000s? Jump into the episode and find out. Available now on YouTube! Listen on your favorite podcast platform! Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links

Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997) – A Fatality for Film? Some fights are destined to be revisited — and some movies test your very will to survive. Welcome to From Console to Screen , a new limited series where we dive fist-first into the world of video game movie adaptations. And who better to help us kick things off than our good friend and retro gaming YouTuber, Russ Lyman ? Years ago, Russ joined us to talk about the 1995 Mortal Kombat  film. That episode? A blast. Butler and Russ had a good time. Even Field could appreciate the campy charm and Christopher Lambert’s smug Raiden smirk. But this time? This time was different. This time… it was Mortal Kombat: Annihilation . This 1997 sequel trades what little logic the original had for chaotic editing, rushed effects, and more costume changes than a Vegas stage show. We’re talking cardboard sets, stiff performances, and a plot that barrels forward like a malfunctioning treadmill — fast, confusing, and guaranteed to hurt you. But it’s not all pain. In fact, we manage to have a lot  of fun breaking down this disasterpiece. Is there anything salvageable in the sequel to one of the most iconic video game films of the '90s? Is Shao Kahn’s absurd helmet compensating for the script? And more importantly: is this movie so bad it’s actually fun? We also get into: The game-to-screen accuracy (spoiler: not much). Character recasting chaos (RIP original Johnny Cage). The best unintentionally hilarious moments. Why the original Mortal Kombat  suddenly feels like The Godfather  by comparison. If you’re a fan of video games, cheesy action flicks, or just want to hear three people slowly unravel in the face of cinematic kombat, this episode is for you. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform or watch the episode on YouTube. And stay tuned — this is only the beginning of From Console to Screen . We've got more pixel-powered film breakdowns coming soon! Listen on your favorite podcast platform! Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links

Season 21, Episode 4 We’re headed back to the grimy streets of mid-90s New York this week, but instead of a tight crime drama, we’ve got ourselves a curious cinematic time capsule that doesn’t quite know what to do with itself. Kiss of Death (1995) , directed by Barbet Schroeder, stars David Caruso fresh off his NYPD Blue heat, Samuel L. Jackson doing what he does best, and Nicolas Cage bringing… well, a lot . Like, bench-pressing-in-a-jail-cell-with-a-metal-grill  levels of a lot. So why doesn’t this movie work? We try to piece together how a film with this cast and this much gritty atmosphere could still fall flat. Is the problem Caruso’s Jimmy Kilmartin, a protagonist who never really drives the story? Is the film more interested in creating mood than in tightening its plot? Or maybe it’s just that Kiss of Death  feels like it’s caught between a prestige crime flick and a B-movie bruiser — and doesn’t quite commit to either. That’s not to say there’s nothing to enjoy here. Far from it. Cage, as the unpredictable and juiced-up Little Junior Brown, practically lifts the film on his back (and that’s not just because he’s benching erotic dancers). He’s unhinged in the most specific and calculated ways, and if you’re into watching Cage tap into early shades of Face/Off  madness, this is worth a look. We also talk about Caruso’s leap from television to film, the what-could-have-been  of his movie career, and Ving Rhames’ brief but memorable role that includes an oddly intense hatred of the color red. Yes, really. In the end, Kiss of Death  may be more interesting as a snapshot of where mid-90s Hollywood thought crime thrillers were headed than as a fully satisfying film. But it’s exactly the kind of movie we love to revisit—ambitious, flawed, and filled with performances that make you go, “Wait, is that…?” Check out the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or watch it on YouTube. And if you haven’t seen Kiss of Death , it might be worth dusting off the VHS—or at least pulling it up on streaming—to see one of Cage’s more underrated performances and witness Caruso’s brief, shining moment on the big screen. Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links

Before checking out the brand new Road House  remake with Jake Gyllenhaal, we at Forgotten Cinema  decided to revisit the original 1989 cult classic that turned bar fights into an art form: Road House . As part of our Lead Up Series , we dove headfirst into the neon-soaked, roundhouse-kicking madness of this beloved 80s action flick. Because let’s be honest: there’s something endlessly watchable about a movie where philosophy quotes and barroom brawls coexist in perfect harmony. In this episode, we discuss: Patrick Swayze’s zen warrior performance as Dalton Sam Elliott’s effortlessly cool mentorship as Wade Garrett The wild blend of romance, music, and mayhem The 80s vibe that makes Road House  an eternal guilty pleasure We also look at how the original film’s chaotic energy and one-liners still resonate today, and why it remains such an unexpected cult classic. And don’t miss our Now Showing  episode where we break down the new Road House  remake —comparing it to the original, sharing our thoughts, and deciding if it holds up in today’s barroom-brawl-filled world. Explore More Lead Up Episodes: From Ghostbusters  to Planet of the Apes , check out our Lead Up Series playlist on YouTube for even more cinematic nostalgia and retrospective deep dives. Drop us a comment: What’s your favorite Road House  moment—Dalton’s cool quotes, the epic bar brawls, or Sam Elliott’s glorious mustache?

Season 21, Episode 4 This week on Forgotten Cinema , we take a trip back to the early 2000s with Igby Goes Down , a film that was lauded at the time for its snarky wit and indie spirit. But as we quickly learned…not everything ages like fine wine. Igby Goes Down follows the misadventures of a young misfit (Kieran Culkin) who’s rebelling against his privileged upbringing. He’s joined by a stacked cast: Jeff Goldblum’s sleazy godfather, Susan Sarandon’s icy mother, and Claire Danes as the love interest who can’t seem to decide if she’s saving or sinking Igby. And while these performances still hold up, we found ourselves a little less enchanted by the film’s trust fund angst this time around. There’s something about aimless rebellion that feels less sympathetic when it’s set in luxury townhouses and art galleries. The film’s biting humor and nihilistic tone may have been the perfect fit for the early 2000s, but watching it now, the charm didn’t fully translate. That said, there’s still plenty to discuss. From the film’s snappy dialogue to the way it skewers (and sometimes wallows in) its own privilege, the movie is a fascinating snapshot of a particular era in indie filmmaking. Check out our full conversation, where we break down the film’s themes, share some behind-the-scenes trivia, and figure out if Igby’s going down or if we’re just over it. Listen on your favorite podcast platform! Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links

Season 21, Episode 3 This week on Forgotten Cinema , we grab our rifles, lace up our boots... and then sit and wait. And wait. And wait some more. That’s right, we’re diving into Sam Mendes’ Jarhead  (2005), a war film that boldly subverts what we expect from the genre. There are no battlefield heroics, no explosive action sequences, and not a single shot fired in anger. Instead, Jarhead  is a slow burn of frustration, fear, and psychological unraveling — all wrapped in some of the most haunting desert cinematography you’ll see this side of Lawrence of Arabia . Jake Gyllenhaal leads the charge (or lack thereof) as Anthony Swofford, a Marine sniper whose experience in Operation Desert Shield is less about combat and more about waiting for a war that never really comes. Alongside standout performances from Jamie Foxx and Peter Sarsgaard, Gyllenhaal brings a brooding intensity to a character caught between duty and disillusionment. In the episode, we dig into how Jarhead  explores the mental toll of military life — not through bullets and blood, but through boredom, paranoia, and the erosion of identity. It’s a war film about not  going to war, and that’s precisely what makes it so fascinating. We also ask: does this introspective, sometimes meandering tone still work nearly 20 years later? Has Jarhead  earned its place in the modern war movie canon, or does it feel like an atmospheric footnote? Whether you saw it in theaters back in ’05 or you’re discovering it for the first time, Jarhead  is definitely worth a second look — and a first listen to our latest episode. Listen on your favorite podcast platform! Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links

Before diving into Robert Eggers' Nosferatu (2025) for our Now Showing series, we decided to shine a pale moonlight (get it?) on a film that blurs the line between horror and history: Shadow of the Vampire (2000) Part of our Lead Up Series , this episode explores the eerie, fictionalized making of F.W. Murnau’s Nosferatu (1922) — a film that helped define the horror genre. But instead of just honoring the silent classic, Shadow of the Vampire  imagines a much darker twist: what if Max Schreck, the actor playing Count Orlok, was an actual vampire? Directed by E. Elias Merhige and starring John Malkovich and Willem Dafoe (in a deliciously monstrous performance), the film turns the act of filmmaking into something otherworldly, obsessive, and terrifying. In this episode, we discuss: The film’s surreal blending of fact and fiction Willem Dafoe’s Oscar-nominated transformation into Max Schreck The meta-commentary on artistic obsession and sacrifice How Shadow of the Vampire  sets the stage for understanding Nosferatu  as both horror and myth Whether you’re a horror historian or just love watching genre films deconstruct themselves, this episode is for you. And if you've already seen Eggers’ Nosferatu , check out our Now Showing episode where we take all about it!

Season 21, Episode 2 Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts bring the star power, but is that enough to make Larry Crowne memorable? In this episode of Forgotten Cinema, we head back to 2011 for a charming-but-lightweight romantic dramedy written and directed by Hanks himself. It plays like cinematic comfort food — pleasant while you're watching, but not much to chew on afterward. We talk about the film’s easygoing vibe, Hanks’ likable lead performance, and the strange sense that nothing ever really happens. Is that the point? Or is Larry Crowne just too laid-back for its own good? Plus, shoutout to a surprisingly stacked supporting cast—including Cedric the Entertainer, Taraji P. Henson, and Bryan Cranston. Larry Crowne Written by Tom Hanks and Nia Vardalos Directed by Tom Hanks Starring Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Cedric the Entertainer, Taraji P. Henson, Bryan Cranston Listen on your favorite podcast platform! Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links

Before we ventured into Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes , we knew we had to revisit the incredible trilogy that laid the foundation for this new era of storytelling. The modern Planet of the Apes  films— Rise , Dawn , and War —quietly became one of the most critically acclaimed and emotionally resonant sci-fi trilogies of the 21st century. So, as part of our Lead Up Series , Forgotten Cinema  went back to explore how this rebooted franchise evolved into something far more than just CGI monkeys and dystopian battles. We examined what made each film work (or not), how the storytelling grew, and why Caesar’s journey continues to resonate today. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the series, these episodes will get you caught up—and ready—for Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes . Rise of the Planet of the Apes  (2011) It all starts with Caesar. We look at how Rise  set the tone for the trilogy with grounded storytelling, emotional depth, and an unforgettable motion-capture performance from Andy Serkis. A reboot that had no right being this good—and yet, it’s still powerful over a decade later. Dawn of the Planet of the Apes  (2014) The humans and apes are on the brink. In Dawn , director Matt Reeves takes the franchise into darker, more complex territory. We explore the rise of internal conflict, the tragic breakdown of trust, and why this might be the strongest entry in the trilogy. War for the Planet of the Apes  (2017) The trilogy ends with a whisper, not a roar—and it’s all the better for it. In War , Caesar faces his greatest test as he battles both external enemies and internal demons. We dive into the film’s somber tone, biblical parallels, and stunning visual storytelling. These films deserve to be remembered not just as blockbusters, but as deeply human stories told through the eyes of apes. And now, with Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes  in theaters, we’re excited to see where this legacy continues. Don’t forget to check out our Now Showing  episode covering Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes  for our thoughts on how the story evolves beyond Caesar’s time. Make sure to subscribe to Forgotten Cinema  on YouTube and follow us on Instagram  and TikTok  for more film deep dives and cinematic nostalgia.

Season 21, Episode 1 The 21st season of Forgotten Cinema kicks off with a bang as we dive into Robert Redford’s "Quiz Show"! We unpack this compelling look at one of the biggest scandals in television history, discussing everything from the powerhouse performances by Ralph Fiennes and John Turturro to Redford’s sharp direction. We explore how the film examines truth, manipulation, and the cost of fame—yet Butler's jaded 21st century brain doesn't think it's that big a deal. He's used to TV lying to him I guess. Quiz Show Written by Paul Attanasio Directed by Robert Redford Starring Ralph Fiennes, John Turturro, Rob Morrow, Paul Scofield, David Paymer, Hank Azaria, Christopher McDonald Check us out on YouTube! Listen on your favorite podcast platform! Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links