Episode 276 - Cinema Buzz: Frights, Franchises, and Future Forecasts
This week’s episode dives into the latest movie news, from new takes on classic horror to star-studded reunions and the season’s hottest trailers. We also peek at box office projections for upcoming releases. Tune in for quick takes, informed speculation, and what these moves could mean for the year ahead. Mike Flanagan is writing and directing a new version of Stephen King’s The Mist. We break down what a fresh take could look like, what Flanagan’s track record hints at, and what fans might expect from this reimagining. Scarlett Johansson leads a new wave of talent alongside Diane Lane and Laurence Fishburne in Mike Flanagan’s The Exorcist project. We discuss potential tonal shifts, franchise implications, and how a star-studded cast could shape the reboot.A24 officially acquires the rights to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and sends ripples through horror cinema. We explore what this could mean for the tone, direction, and fresh storytelling in one of horror’s iconic franchises.\n\n- Trailer Roundup: Masters of the Universe, I Love Boosters, Faces of Death, A24’s The Drama, Michael (the Michael Jackson biopic), The Devil Wears Prada 2, Undertone, and Project Hail Mary dominate the trailer slate. We offer quick impressions, anticipated reactions, and what each trailer signals for its film’s release strategy. We close with early box office predictions for Wuthering Heights and Crime 101, discussing competition, market trends, and what numbers could signal for 2026 releases. If you’re itching for a rapid-fire, variety-packed cinema briefing, this episode has you covered—from horror reimaginings and star-studded reunions to the trailers you’ll be debating all week and the box office numbers to watch. Subscribe for more straight-to-the-point movie news and analysis.
Episode 275 - Valentine (25th Anniversary)
Today we celebrate the 25th anniversary of Valentine (2001), the stylish horror thriller from director Jamie Blanks. Join us as we break down the film’s blend of romance and fear and shine a spotlight on the ensemble—David Boreanaz, Denise Richards, Marley Shelton, Jessica Capshaw, Katherine Heigl, and Jessica Cauffiel. We discuss what made Valentine stand out in the early-2000s horror scene and why it still resonates with fans today. Joining in on this discussion is Roger Conners of Dark Night of the Podcast as he helps us dive into how Valentine was ahead of its time in its depiction of its core female cast and with its takes on toxic masculinity that has gone a long way to turn into a cult favorite that continues to entertain today. Love Hurts but this listen certainly won’t!Links For Guests: Roger Conners (TheScreamQueer)Where To Watch Valentine
Episode 274 - A First Look at 2026 Oscar Contenders
We break down the instant reactions, surprises, and potential snubs as the Oscar nominees are announced. We’ll dissect what the list says about this year’s storytelling trends, the balance between indie and blockbuster cinema, and what it could mean for the ceremony.Did some of your favorites from last year make the cut? Listen in as we dive into how the Academy Awards stacked up an impressive list of nominees this year.
Episode 273 - 2026’s Big Slate: An Overview of our Most Anticipated Movies
We kick off this episode by mapping out the slate of upcoming releases we’re buzzing about. From blockbuster sequels to bold new visions, this episode sets the stage for what to expect in 2026. Whether you’re stoked for Avengers: Doomsday or eagerly anticipating Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, Gaius and Jackson’s top five most anticipated movies of 2026 should satisfy the moviegoer in all of you. Lastly, we prepare for the release of Sam Raimi’s Send Help by predicting its opening weekend box office. Do we think it will be a hit for original films? Listen in to find out!
Episode 272 - Movie News Roundup: Kathleen Kennedy steps down as Lucasfilm President.
In this episode we unpack what a leadership change at Lucasfilm could mean for the Star Wars slate, potential shifts in creative direction, and how the studio might navigate its next era. Oscar News! The Oscars are moving to YouTube in 2029. We discuss what a streaming-first ceremony could mean for accessibility, audience engagement, sponsorships, and the future shape of awards shows. Industry Update! Updates on the Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros. We break down the latest developments, potential impacts on catalogs and original content, and what this could mean for the streaming wars and theatrical as we know it. Creator Insight! Matt Damon details how Netflix wants their action films made. Damon shares Netflix’s production preferences, tone, and how they view the attention spans of their audience. Trailer Spotlight! The Bride!, directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal; Crime 101, starring Chris Hemsworth; and Undertone, the latest A24 horror film. We offer quick takes on each trailer, what they signal for their genres, and what to watch for in storytelling, visuals, and mood. Lastly, Box Office Forecast! Mercy, starring Chris Pratt. We close with a focused opening-weekend forecast, analyzing factors like the film’s so-so reviews, competition, and theater strategies to predict how Mercy might perform!