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Episode 271 - Big Movie News As We Enter 2026

In this episode, we take you to the front lines of the latest in movie news and awards season. We kick off with an industry-breaking rumor: Sebastian Stan is in talks for The Batman: Part II and what that could mean for the Dark Knight franchise and Stan’s career trajectory. Next, we break down the Christmas box office, analyzing how films like Marty Supreme, The Housemaid, Avatar: Fire & Ash, and others fared at the holiday crowds and what those results signal for future releases. We also celebrate the Critics’ Choice Awards winners, spotlighting standout performances and moments that shaped this year’s awards landscape. Finally, we preview an exciting slate of upcoming trailers that audiences can’t wait to see—Avengers: Doomsday, Send Help, The Drama, The Death of Robin Hood, Supergirl, and The Odyssey—with quick takes on tone, cast, and potential impact. With a little help from our boy, and future co-host of our upcoming spin-off, Dustin Rybka, it’s a fast-paced, inside-look at what’s driving the entertainment world right now.

Episode 270 - Miss Congeniality (25th Anniversary)

A commemorative kickoff exploring why Miss Congeniality endures. We revisit Gracie Hart’s fearless wit with Sandra Bullock, alongside Michael Caine’s memorable training turn, Benjamin Bratt’s impeccable chemistry with Bullock and more fun supporting turns from Ernie Hudson, Candice Bergen, William Shatner, Heather Burns, Melissa De Sousa, Steve Monroe, Deirdre Quinn, and Wendy Raquel Robinson that allows each performer to shape the humor, heart, and energy of the film’s broader universe. Joining in for this discussion is Mark J. Parker of the Release Date Rewind podcast to help us revisit why Miss Congeniality continues to bring joy to fans as one of Bullock’s signature comedies.Links for Guests: Release Date Rewind PodcastWhere To Watch Miss Congeniality 

Episode 269 - Heat (30th Anniversary)

Marking the film’s 30th anniversary, this episode revisits Heat’s opening heist through its final standoff. We unpack why Michael Mann’s crime drama remains essential viewing and how Al Pacino and Robert De Niro anchor a sprawling ensemble, including Val Kilmer, Tom Sizemore, Jon Voight, Amy Brenneman, and Ashley Judd, among others. We explore Michael Mann’s meticulous production design, LA as a character, and the meticulous pacing that keeps Heat tactile and immersive—featuring insights into how the film’s cast brings those pages to life. We also explore the coming together of two screen legends navigating duty, honor, and obsession in a film built around restraint as much as firepower. We break down the chemistry between Pacino and De Niro, and how it became the cornerstone of the film’s marketing campaign. Joining in for this discussion is Dustin Rybka, one of the new co-hosts of our upcoming spinoff, and he helps dive into why Heat is still considered one of the best movies of its kind 30 years later.Where To Watch Heat

Episode 268 - Movie News Round Up: Hollywood on Edge

Welcome to this week’s cinematic briefing, where the headlines span mega-mergers, superstar news, and the return of familiar frights. We dive into reports that Netflix could be acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery, ahead of Paramount’s hostile bid this week, and what a deal like that might mean for theatrical releases, theatrical windows, streaming, content strategy, and the competition. Quentin Tarantino’s candid takedown of Paul Dano sparks a conversation about auteurs, legacy, and the heat of Hollywood buzz. Scarlett Johansson lands two high-profile roles—The Exorcist and The Batman Part II—prompting discussion about genre crossovers and career trajectories. We also hear chatter about Christian Bale eyeing a role in Heat 2 and what that could mean for a crime saga revival. Paramount is pushing ahead with a live-action TMNT, while rumors swirl about a Rush Hour 4 tied to surprising sources. A new Paranormal Activity is in the works with James Wan producing, signaling another scare-filled chapter. Rounding out the episode, we preview trailers for Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, A24’s Mother Mary, Obsession, and How to Make a Killing.

Episode 267 - Predator Reimagined: Badlands in the Franchise

In this episode, we place Predator: Badlands within the Predator universe, examining what Dan Trachtenberg and Patrick Aison bring to the table and how Elle Fanning and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi anchor the story. We compare the film’s approach to the original and newer installments, discuss its tonal shifts, and debate whether it signals a new direction for the franchise. We also discuss the setup, the mood, and the film’s bold visual language, plus what to watch for in the action and scares. If you’re curious about the tone and teaser moments, this is the episode for you.