The Next Reel Film Podcast

Stephen King’s opus inspired the movie and The Film Board gathers here to throw out a bunch of thoughts on it... How’s that old turn go again about the baby and the bathwater?

Happy Saturday, movie lovers. We're trying something new today! If you've ever found yourself looking for even more talk about trailers, and budgets, and random things we've seen, we're going to try and answer that call with this new Saturday show just for you. We rolled the dice this morning, just Pete and Andy, but we're looking forward to a rotating circus of contributors to make your Saturday mornings more complete.

Is this a worthy start to a massive film franchise? Do the ‘79 effects hold up today? Is Shatner over the top? Why the love for split diopters? Tune in to dig in with us!

The Film Boards drops out of Exospace this month to experience the other-dimensional adventure of Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets.

### “You know, sometimes in life it seems like there's no way out. Like a sheep trapped in a maze designed by wolves.“ This month, JJ and Steve are off into the deep bush country of New Zealand to track down one of Andy’s trailer picks from last year. What they find is an unexpected treasure full of beautiful camera work, lovable characters, and a variety of unexpected film references. _Hunt for the Wilderpeople_ is one of those rare four-quadrant films that appeals to everyone. There’s action and adventure, fish-out-of-water comedy, and a great relationship story between a wanna-be gangster teen and a crotchety backcountry hunter. So gather your friends and family together to watch this overlooked gem. ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/hunt-for-the-wilderpeople/id1116813714?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Hunt-Wilderpeople-Sam-Neill/dp/B01HE1FTGC/ref=va_dp_rp_1_B01F473AE6?tag=rashpixel_mwl-20) • [Hulu](https://www.hulu.com/watch/1004156) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGj3AogT9EM) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/intl/new_zealand/2016/hunt_for_the_wilderpeople_ver6.html) - [_Hunt for the Wilderpeople: Wild Pork and Watercress_ — Barry Crump](https://www.amazon.com/Hunt-Wilderpeople-Wild-Pork-Watercress-ebook/dp/B01BW62NHI/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1&ie=UTF8&keywords=wild+pork+and+watercress&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1500678235) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/E876F2F713) - [Letterboxd](https://letterboxd.com/film/hunt-for-the-wilderpeople/)

### "Prepare to feel the wrath of the League of Evil Exes!" After making _Shaun of the Dead_, Edgar Wright signed on to direct the adaptation of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s graphic novel “Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Life” but due to project delays, it would be another six years before his film would hit the screen. In the interim, Wright would continue his Cornetto trilogy with _Hot Fuzz_ and O’Malley would nearly finish writing the other five volumes of his “Scott Pilgrim” series. That time also allowed Wright, O’Malley and screenwriter Michael Bacall to get the screenplay just right. Unfortunately, when the film was released in theaters, it never found its audience. But like any good cult film does, it has since found its legions of fans and supporters, proving that Wright and co. know how to put together a top-notch film even if it loses money at the box office. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we do our second Listener’s Choice episode of the year with listener Nick Langdon’s pick, Wright’s 2010 film _Scott Pilgrim vs. the World_. We talk about Wright’s style and all the visual, aural, animated and graphic tricks all through the film that work incredibly well for us, and marvel at how well Wright really taps into the world of these characters. We discuss the actors – from Michael Cera and Mary Elizabeth Winstead to Brandon Routh, Chris Evans and Jason Schwartzman – and look at what they bring to the table. We touch on the production and how all the different departments really came together to deliver something wholly unique. And we chat with Langdon about why he picked this movie and why it’s something special to him. We have a great time discussing this film and everything Wright and team create for us. It’s a marvelous film and one well worth discussing. So check it out then tune in! ### Film Sundries Hey! If you're reading this, you're a connoisseur of fine film just like we are. Let's take the next step in our relationship! Support us on Patreon for warm feelings, perks, and our great thanks! — [http://patreon.com/thenextreel](http://patreon.com/thenextreel) - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/scott-pilgrim-vs-the-world/id400261649?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Scott-Pilgrim-World-Michael-Cera/dp/B004BDJS9Q/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1&ie=UTF8&keywords=scott+pilgrim+vs.+the+world&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1498590349) - [Script Transcript](http://www.joblo.com/scripts/scottpilgrim.pdf) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wd5KEaOtm4) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/2010/scott_pilgrim_vs_the_world.html) - [Art of the Title](http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/scott-pilgrim-vs-the-world/) - [_Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Box Set_ — Bryan Lee O’Malley](https://www.amazon.com/Scott-Pilgrims-Precious-Little-Boxset/dp/1934964573/ref=sr_1_2?sr=8-2&ie=UTF8&keywords=scott+pilgrim+vs.+the+world&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1498098612) - [Scott Pilgrim on Comixology](https://www.comixology.com/Scott-Pilgrim-Color/comics-series/8940?ref=c2VhcmNoL2luZGV4L2Rlc2t0b3Avc2xpZGVyTGlzdC90b3BSZXN1bHRzU2xpZGVy) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/AE30F05835) - [Letterboxd](https://letterboxd.com/film/scott-pilgrim-vs-the-world/) - [Scott Pilgrim Alternate Ending](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79SxL85wHkA) ### Trailers of the Week - Andy's Trailer: [_Woodshock_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpscZ_YD-ns) — "Having taken classes in college with the great avant garde filmmaker Stan Brakhage, I have to say I’ve grown a real appreciation for artful films like this one looks like. The story sounds quite depressing but the artfulness of it looks gorgeous. I’m incredibly curious to see this one." - Pete's Trailer: [To the Bone](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPhQp1nGqyo) — "Marti Noxon is behind some of my very favorite episodes of Buffy, Angel, Glee, Private Practice… she’s been all over TV for 25 years. _To the Bone_ is her first feature, written and directed, and based on her history on the small screen that’s all I need to get into this movie. Tough subject, but Keanu’s playing it straight, and Lily Collins looks absolutely terrific."

### "The important question is, where do they get all the skeletons with perfect teeth?" Tommy Handsome is back with his take on Dan O’Bannon’s 1985 zombie romp, _The Return of the Living Dead_. And before you hang up the podcast machine, wait, wait! Hear him out! This film brings some surprising horror chops in spite of the camp legacy in its wake starting with director O’Bannon himself… yes, _that_ O’Bannon, of _Alien_, _Lifeforce_, _Total Recall_ and more. If that doesn’t make the little hairs stand up, maybe you’ll get excited when you finally hear, in the words of a zombie herself, why she has a never-ending hunger… for brains… brains… brains…? ### Film Sundries Join the team! Support The Next Reel on Patreon and you’ll be invited to our Slack channel to chime in with your thoughts on great film! — [http://patreon.com/thenextreel](http://patreon.com/thenextreel) - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/the-return-of-the-living-dead/id1160995749?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Return-Living-Dead-Collectors-Blu-ray/dp/B01DX0NCQM/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1&ie=UTF8&keywords=the+return+of+the+living+dead&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1498416958) - [Script Transcript](http://www.springfieldspringfield.co.uk/movie_script.php?movie=the-return-of-the-living-dead) - [Original theatrical trailer](http://www.springfieldspringfield.co.uk/movie_script.php?movie=the-return-of-the-living-dead) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/1985/return_of_the_living_dead.html) - [Art of the Title](http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/the-return-of-the-living-dead/) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/F7952B1B8E) - [Letterboxd](https://letterboxd.com/film/the-return-of-the-living-dead/)

### "He dared to be born right on the border with China." Regardless of whether you are a Buddhist or not, the story of Tenzin Gyatso is an interesting one that certainly provides drama that can draw you in. Born as the 14th reincarnation of the Dalai Lama, Gyatso grew up as the leader of Tibet. China, however, had other plans and eventually took Tibet, leaving the Dalai Lama no choice but to flee China in 1959. Still hoping to return one day, the Dalai Lama’s life story was one of interest to screenwriter Melissa Mathison who asked him if she could write about him. This eventually led to the biopic _Kundun_. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our Melissa Mathison series with Martin Scorsese’s 1997 film _Kundun_. We talk about why it works for Andy but why it doesn’t work for Pete, and what could perhaps lead to that discrepancy. We chat about Mathison and how this fits in the films she wrote and what we’ve discussed in this series thus far, and how well it works in telling the story of a child in large, otherworldly situations. We talk about Scorsese and all the brilliant cinematic techniques he brings to the film, paired with his cinematographer Roger Deakins, production & costume designer Dante Ferretti, editor Thelma Schoonmaker and composer Philip Glass. We discuss the quality of performances from the Tibetan non-actors Scorsese cast in the film, yet how the story balancing across four youthful performances as the Dalai Lama hampers the film from becoming connectible for Pete. And we look at the incredibly difficult time this film has had with its release, primarily because China banned people involved from entering the country and nearly cut off all ties with Disney for distribution within its borders. It’s a fascinating film that left us divided but which still is well worth watching and discussing, whether you’re a Buddhist, a Scorsese fan, a Mathison fan, a fan of biopics or a fan of interesting films in general. It’s tricky to find because of the issues Disney had with China, but it’s worth seeking out (likely at your local public library). So check it out then tune in! The Next Reel: when the movie ends, our conversation begins. ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: Check your local library - [Script Transcript](http://www.dailyscript.com/scripts/kundun.html) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFm8oP9c9Hs) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/1997/kundun_ver1.html) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/9B53A3B4E1) - [Letterboxd](https://letterboxd.com/film/kundun/) ### Trailers of the Week - Pete's Trailer: [Goodbye Christopher Robin](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPNM86JZsu0) — "Can you believe I almost picked _Flatliners_ over this? What am I, nutz? Huge fan of the Pooh and a proper biopic is well deserved. Love that this comes from Simon Curtis and writer Frank Cottrell Boyce (_Code 46_, yes?) and should make a spot-on double with _Saving Mr. Banks_." - Andy's Trailer: [_Happy Death Day_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntxS1bBg5o0) — "Pete takes the high road while I take the low. Instead of _Brigsby Bear_, I’m going with _Happy Death Day_. That’s right, a funny, twisted and hopefully scary blend of _Groundhog Day_ and _Edge of Tomorrow_”. As much as it looks like so many horror movies I’ve seen before, I couldn’t help but smile as I watched this trailer. Dumb? Probably. Will I see it? Definitely.

### "Hondo!" This month, Steve digs through the archives to revisit _The History of Future Folk_, a quirky indie that punches well above its weight. Yes, it’s a musical comedy about banjo-playing aliens. Yes, it’s the fictional backstory of a comic duo you’ve likely never heard of. But in all the _indsider_ness of _Future Folk_, there’s a delightful amount of heart that is so much more gratifying _because_ my expectations were low going into it. Most gratifying? After re-watching the film, it just gets better. So do yourselves a favor and check out _The History of Future Folk_… quickly and quietly for Hondo. ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/the-history-of-future-folk/id647063544?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/History-Future-Folk-Nils-dAulaire/dp/B00D6C1I3W/ref=sr_1_2?sr=8-2&ie=UTF8&keywords=the+history+of+future+folk&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1497886304) • [Netflix](https://www.netflix.com/title/70245246) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZrDALCsKwI) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/2013/history_of_future_folk.html) - [_Future Folk_ — Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Future_Folk) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/CA7E7014C4) - [Letterboxd](https://letterboxd.com/film/the-history-of-future-folk/)

### "I’m keeping him." Steven Spielberg didn’t have a sense that his little, personal alien film was going to blow up like it did when he was making it. Universal Studios saw it as another kids film that likely would only be seen by moms taking their kids to the theatre. But _E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial_ managed to touch pretty much the hearts of everyone who saw it, turning it into the #1 film in the world in short order. So how does this film hold up? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – to find out as we continue our screenwriter Melissa Mathison series with Spielberg’s 1982 film _E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial_. We talk about emotional films versus intellectual films, if there really is a delineation, and how well Spielberg manages both spectrums but how brilliantly this film is able to connect with the world’s emotions. We chat about how Mathison’s first draft was near perfect when she delivered it to Spielberg, and perhaps why it worked out that way. We look at Spielberg and what he brings to the table as the director who seems to consistently bring brilliant films to the world, as is evidenced by the incredible number of them on the list of top-grossing films of all time. We discuss the actors – Dee Wallace, Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Peter Coyote and more – and look at the honesty they’re all presenting on screen for us. We touch on the special effects and why perhaps it’s easy to grow attached to Carlo Rimbaldi’s ugly little alien. We debate whether John Williams’ score sounds a bit too much like his work in _Raiders of the Lost Ark_ or if it’s wholly unique for this film. And we look at how well this movie did and marvel at how long it played in theaters. It’s a beautiful film that still works incredibly well for us. We have a great time discussing it so check it out again and let us know what you think, then tune in to this week’s show! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins. ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/e-t-the-extra-terrestrial/id544128124?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/E-T-Extra-Terrestrial-Henry-Thomas/dp/B009GN6DT4/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1&ie=UTF8&keywords=ET&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1497322061) • [Netflix](https://www.netflix.com/title/60022398) - [Script](http://www.pages.drexel.edu/~ina22/splaylib/Screenplay-E.T..pdf) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYAETtIIClk) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/1982/e_t_the_extra_terrestrial_ver1.html) - [_Night Skies_ — Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_Skies) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/6B86766C53) - [Letterboxd](https://letterboxd.com/film/et-the-extra-terrestrial/) ### Trailers of the Week - Andy's Trailer: [_Patti Cake$_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-591Dqa48g) — "I hadn’t heard much about this except that it got great buzz at Sundance. Watching the trailer, I could see why. The lead character’s sense of struggle and place in the world comes through brilliantly and I couldn’t help but smile. It could be that I really enjoy rap battle redemption stories – I loved _8 Mile_ too – but from the trailer I get a sense that it’s just because this is a strong film." - Pete's Trailer: [_Landline_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llmki0lioMs) — "As much a story of sisters awkwardly navigating their relationship as it appears to be a detective story, set in 1995 and clearly having an amazing time with the period. The trailer is heartwarming, intriguing, well-timed… a pleasant surprise among a spate of shooters on deck."

### "We recognize, examine, contain, destroy." THE FILM BOARD GATHERS! This month we all got wrapped up in the first film release for the “Dark Universe.” Tom Cruise and Russell Crowe give us an entry into a new world of Gods and Monsters in “The Mummy.” We will dispense our signature thuggery on evil incarnate and spoil the whole ball of bandages for you on this month’s show. Is this a fresh franchise exhuming classic horror characters from the 20’s and 30’s for an entertaining thrill ride or just to provide a shallow star showcase? Join us on the show to hear opinions from our horrified hosts: Andy, Steve, Tommy, and JJ! If you like the work we do here, please consider supporting The Film Board and all the shows at The Next Reel on our Patreon page: [https://www.patreon.com/thenextreel](https://www.patreon.com/thenextreel). Thank you! ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Mummy-Blu-ray-DVD-DIGITAL-HD/dp/B0725X1SL7/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1-spons&ie=UTF8&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&keywords=The+Mummy&psc=1&qid=1497126863) • [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/the-mummy-2017/id1238368178?at=11lrTo) - [Script Snippets](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZB4MzX_k4k) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjHgzkQM2Sg) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/2017/mummy_ver3.html) - [Original Material](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mummy_(1932_film)) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/A0F09B43D3) - [Letterboxd](https://letterboxd.com/film/the-mummy-2017/) - [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/thenextreel)

### "We’re gonna show everybody that he’s the fastest horse in the world." Francis Ford Coppola’s successes in the 70s put him in a place where he was able to help a good number of people get projects off the ground. One of those people was his friend from college, Carroll Ballard. Nearly broke, Coppola’s call came just in time and Ballard found himself on board to direct _The Black Stallion_. Another person was Melissa Mathison, a friend who started working as an assistant on _The Godfather, Part II_. Coppola suggested to her that she start writing and asked her to help with the script for _The Black Stallion_. Next thing you know, she and Ballard are working on it together. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our Melissa Mathison series with 1979’s _The Black Stallion_. We talk about why this film is called an art film for kids and why all of these elements work so well for us. We chat about Mathison, how she got her start here and how she really became a go-to writer for stories with child protagonists who connected to something unique or magical in the world. We discuss the cast, headlined by Kelly Reno as Alec the boy, and Cass-Olé the beautiful Arabian horse. We touch on the cinematography, the sound, the editing and the music, enjoying what everyone’s bringing to the table. And we touch on the locations around the world where the film was shot. It’s a gorgeous film that isn’t just something made for kids – it’s really for everyone. We have a great conversation about it. Tune in! ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/the-black-stallion/id347156302?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Black-Stallion-Kelly-Reno/dp/B0032KUW62/ref=sr_1_2?sr=8-2&ie=UTF8&keywords=the+black+stallion&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1496718710) - [Script Transcript](http://www.springfieldspringfield.co.uk/movie_script.php?movie=black-stallion-the) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMGaIr7kCqc) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/1979/black_stallion.html) - [_The Black Stallion_ by Walter Farley](https://www.amazon.com/Black-Stallion-Walter-Farley-ebook/dp/B005LUJKNW/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1&ie=UTF8&keywords=the+black+stallion&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1496718710) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/51B5D60C9B) - [Letterboxd](https://letterboxd.com/film/the-black-stallion/) ### Trailers of the Week - Andy's Trailer: [_What Happened to Monday_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPhqdY6NxyQ) — "I love scifi films that paint a unique future. This film certainly does, with septuplets trying to find their lost sister in a world where people can have only one child. I’m a little skeptical from the director’s credits but at least from those, I’d like to think this will be fun. I’m just hoping it’ll have some serious meat to it as well, which I always love in scifi. We shall see..." - Pete's Trailer: [_American Made_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEBIJRAkujM) — "Another film in the catalog of Tom Cruise, who clearly made a deal with a power that allows him to Benjamin Button. I’m in for Doug Liman because of Bourne, Edge of Tomorrow, and in spite of Jumper. Lots of earned equity in my book and drug-running for the CIA seems par for the course in today’s news."

### "Nothing but witches and wizards ahead." Hayao Miyazaki did not attend the Oscars to pick up his Academy Award for Best Animated Film for _Spirited Away_ because he was protesting the Iraq War. When it came time to make his next film, he took his frustration with the war and added a strong anti-war element to _Howl’s Moving Castle_. Diane Wynne Jones’ original novel, upon which the movie was based, didn’t focus nearly as much on the war but Miyazaki wanted to get his point across. In the end, his film still proved vastly successful, even if it’s not his strongest film. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our latest Hayao Miyazaki series with his 2004 film _Howl’s Moving Castle_. We talk about the themes Miyazaki is pushing with this film and why, perhaps, his insistence in adding so much war to the film kept him from focusing on other elements of the story that could’ve provided more cohesion. We chat about how we still enjoy this world created here for us, despite some of this lack of cohesion. We discuss the English and Japanese voice actors, pointing out the ones that worked well for us and the ones that didn’t. We touch on some of the French locations Miyazaki used as inspiration to create this world. We revel in the beautiful music that Joe Hisaishi composed for this film, and we marvel at how successful this film was in Japan, even if it wasn’t at the top of our Miyazaki chart. It’s a beautiful film told in an incredibly creative world with a plot that’s a bit messy, but still worth watching. Check it out then tune in! When the movie ends, our conversation begins. ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Howls-Moving-Castle-Two-Disc-Blu-ray/dp/B00BEYYEIK/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1&ie=UTF8&keywords=howl%27s+moving+castle&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1496081484) - [Script Transcript — English](http://www.script-o-rama.com/movie_scripts/h/howls-moving-castle-script-transcript.html) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwROgK94zcM) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/2005/howls_moving_castle.html) - [_Howl’s Moving Castle (Howl’s Castle Book 1)_ — by Diana Wynne Jones](https://www.amazon.com/Howls-Moving-Castle-Book-ebook/dp/B008LV8TSU/ref=sr_1_2?sr=8-2&ie=UTF8&keywords=howl%27s+moving+castle&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1496081787) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/470830D427) - [Letterboxd](https://letterboxd.com/film/howls-moving-castle/) - Sophie’s city was based on [Colmar, France](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Colmar,+France/@48.0728846,7.3590885,476a,35y,39.21t/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x479165dff670c1cf:0xe35d7e3e616ce966!8m2!3d48.0793589!4d7.358512) & [Riquewihr, France](https://www.google.com/maps/@48.166317,7.29638,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sgA4fXzXDP6JJ0H7Zua80sQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656) ### Trailers of the Week - Andy's Trailer: [_Wonder_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngiK1gQKgK8) — "Yes, I’m a sucker for these sorts of movies that totally pull at my heartstrings. All it took was this trailer for me to be practically in tears. Honestly, I picked this because I’m so excited by Jacob Tremblay and want to see how his career evolves. Incredible child actor who’s making some interesting choices." - Pete's Trailer: [_Logan Lucky_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUJJox8AbEE) — "Guess what? Soderbergh is back! Again! And this time he’s got a NASCAR caper that would appear to lampoon-ebrate the deep culture of the south. I’m a big fan of Soderbergh’s caper flicks so you can count me in for any fast-drivin’, Daniel Craigin’, one-armin’ good times on the speedway."

### "If I hear one litle complaint out of you, you’ll be joining your parents in the pigpen!" Hayao Miyazaki’s 2001 film _Spirited Away_ shot to the top of the Japanese box office and still holds the spot as the highest grossing film in Japanese history, sinking box office juggernaut _Titanic_. Perhaps it says a lot that it’s a Japanese story that is so universally appealing and that it’s for all ages. Or that it’s timeless. Regardless of why it’s so popular, it’s great to see Miyazaki as the person whose creation holds that spot. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Hayao Miyazaki series with this beautiful film _Spirited Away_. We talk about why this film works so well for us and the various elements of the story that put it at the top of the heap of his films, or at least near to it. We chat about the voice talent and how well they all work in both the original Japanese version as well as the English dub. We discuss the characters and how well they work here, notably Chihiro and the journey she takes in this crazy spirit world to grow into a stronger 10-year-old girl. We touch on the integration Miyazaki and his team uses in this film and how it works fluidly throughout. We chat about how well the film was received, both via awards as well as box office. And we can’t let a score of Joe Hisaishi go by without chatting about how well it works for us. It’s a beautiful film that stands as a timeless masterpiece. We love it and have a great time talking about it. Tune in! At The Next Reel, when the movie ends, the conversation begins. ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Miyazakis-Spirited-Blu-ray-Daveigh-Chase/dp/B00V3QQF6I/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1&ie=UTF8&keywords=spirited+away&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1495506335) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByXuk9QqQkk) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/2002/spirited_away.html) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/11D542FC24) - [Letterboxd](https://letterboxd.com/film/spirited-away/) - [Tokyo Ghibli Land by artist Takumi](http://en.rocketnews24.com/2015/02/03/this-amazingly-detailed-theme-park-map-is-what-tokyo-ghibli-land-would-look-like/) ### Trailers of the Week - Andy's Trailer: [_Good Time_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVyGCxHZ_Ko) — "A24 looks to be distributing another really interesting film, this time from the Safdie brothers and starring Robert Pattinson, an actor I gain more and more respect for as he gets away from the Twilight pigeonhole. I’m really intrigued by these characters and will definitely seek this one out." - Pete's Trailer: [_Okja_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SxadPL6Up4) — "When I first saw the promotional art I passed over Okja. That was a mistake. Had I known it was Bong Joon Ho’s latest, or that it involved pretty much the cast of Snowpiercer, or that it was all about genetically engineering an adorable pig creature and then solving the world’s food crisis with it, well, I would have paid more attention."

### "One wrong note eventually ruins the entire symphony." The Film Board Gathers! This month we’ve hit the Feel-a-Round Cineplex for Ridley Scott’s latest entry to the Alien Cinematic Universe: _Alien: Covenant_. The film tells the story of a colony ship on their way to brave new horizons seeding a distant planet with new life when they have to go check out this one thing on that one other planet only to discover… yeah, you know the drill. How well does Scott get us back into the Alienscape and engaged with this fancy new crew? What do we make of cinematographer Dariusz Wolski’s camera as a window into this new Alien? How much would we pay to see a standalone film of Michael Fassbender talking to Michael Fassbender? All these questions answered, and SO much more as as Steve Sarmento leads Andy Nelson and Pete Wright on a journey through the deepest, darkest alien woods. ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/alien-covenant/id1231319469?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Alien-Covenant-Michael-Fassbender/dp/B072L7CBGF/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&sr=1-1&s=instant-video&keywords=alien%3A+covenant&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1495225041) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svnAD0TApb8) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/2017/alien_covenant_ver4.html) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/D245F6F546) - [Letterboxd](https://letterboxd.com/petewright/film/alien-covenant/)