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

Rippin' the Rip Brand new  Forgotten Cinema: Now Showing for you! And we're gettin' that Rip count accurate for you. We dive into Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s latest collaboration, the new Netflix thriller  The Rip . And in classic Netflix fashion… it’s fine. Mid. Meh. Another entry in the long-running parade of “sure, I guess I’ll watch this” streaming originals. The Performances Deserve Better We agree on one thing: Damon and Affleck show up. Their performances are easily the strongest parts of the film, injecting more weight and charisma than the script really deserves. In another era, with a tighter screenplay and a director willing to lean into the actors’ strengths,  The Rip  might have been something memorable. But the Netflix-ification of Cinema Strikes Again Instead, the film is dragged down by weak writing, dim and lifeless set design, and a skeleton cast that makes the world feel empty, almost like the movie was assembled inside an algorithm-generated warehouse. Nothing feels lived in. Nothing feels dangerous. And nothing feels like it’s trying all that hard. Then there’s the repetition. We couldn’t help noticing how often characters feel the need to say “the rip,” almost like Netflix is desperately reminding its second-screen audience what movie they’re watching every ten minutes. When the script is repeating key phrases like it’s afraid people have wandered off, it may be a sign the filmmakers know exactly how viewers consume these movies. The New Bargain Bin? For the Mikes,  The Rip  ultimately plays like the digital equivalent of a bargain-bin DVD — the kind of movie you’d see for $3.99 at a superstore (great TV show ) and think, “Huh… Damon and Affleck are in this? Weird.” It’s not the worst Netflix original. It’s not the best. It’s simply another one: a mid-tier thriller with great stars doing everything they can to rise above the material, while the production around them fails to meet their level. Catch the full breakdown in the latest episode of  Forgotten Cinema: Now Showing , available now on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts. Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links

This week on Forgotten Cinema , we’re diving into A Man Apart , the early-2000s action thriller(?) starring Vin Diesel that Butler remembered enjoying as a teenager…but that nostalgia didn’t survive the rewatch. To put it bluntly: neither of us are fans. While Vin Diesel gives a solid performance and clearly commits to the emotional weight of the story, the film around him just never comes together. The plot is unfocused, the writing is weak, and the action, despite aiming for gritty intensity, lacks the impact and clarity that make this kind of movie work. A Textbook Example of Early-2000s Misfires What makes A Man Apart  interesting, though, is how perfectly it reflects the era it came from. It checks every box of the early-2000s “hard-edged revenge thriller,” but hits all of them in the wrong way: Gritty aesthetic  without the story to support it Emotional stakes  without the character depth Action scenes  without momentum or punch A revenge arc  that feels more obligatory than earned It’s a reminder that style alone can’t carry a movie, especially when that style feels assembled from leftover pieces of other, better action films. A Man Apart: A Messy Movie…But a Fun Episode Ironically, the film’s shortcomings make for a pretty entertaining discussion. We break down why A Man Apart  collapses under its own intentions, how its editing and tone undercut the drama, and why the movie feels like a rough draft of something that could’ve worked with a sharper script and more focused direction. Sometimes the best episodes come from the worst movies and this one definitely qualifies. A rough watch, but a fun conversation. And if you need to wash out that bad taste in your mouth, check out a good movie with Vin Diesel that we also covered - Pitch Black . Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links

This week on Forgotten Cinema , we’re revisiting Wonder Boys , Curtis Hanson’s funny, warm, and deeply human character drama about writers, academia, and lives that haven’t quite gone according to plan. Both of us really enjoy this film. It’s the kind of movie that feels lived-in from the first frame, full of small character moments and performances that quietly carry the story forward. Michael Douglas delivers one of his most relaxed and likable roles, playing a man who’s clearly stuck, but never uninteresting. It’s a performance built on weariness, charm, and self-awareness, and it anchors the entire movie. An Ensemble That Carries the Day The supporting cast is just as strong. Tobey Maguire brings an unpredictable edge that keeps the film slightly off-balance in the best way, while Robert Downey Jr. injects the movie with sharp wit and effortless charisma. Together, the ensemble gives Wonder Boys  its gentle humor and emotional texture, making it feel less like a plot-driven film and more like a snapshot of people drifting through a very specific moment in their lives. A Little Too Neat… But Still Satisfying Butler’s one real sticking point comes near the end. It’s not that the film opts for a happy ending. It’s that everything falls into place a bit too  neatly for Douglas’ character. The resolution leans toward a classic Hollywood wrap-up, smoothing over some of the messiness the film spent so much time embracing. Even so, it’s a minor critique, and it barely dents the overall experience. Wonder Boys: A Film That Rewards Revisiting At the end of the day, Wonder Boys  is one of those movies that gets better with time. It’s smart without being showy, funny without forcing the jokes, and thoughtful without feeling heavy. It’s also increasingly rare: a studio movie aimed squarely at adults, about adults, dealing with adult problems. If you’re looking for a movie that values character over spectacle and conversation over chaos, Wonder Boys  is always worth another visit. Note: The Scourge of the Power Surge returns this week, so all that blurriness is not our terrible camera skills. It's some kind of demon in the wires! Spotify  | Apple Podcasts  | Amazon Music  | More Links