The Next Reel Film Podcast

### "You don’t throw a whole life away just ‘cause he’s banged up a little." When Seabiscuit raced in the 30s, he drew more news than Roosevelt or Hitler. His match race against War Admiral was heard by 40 million people, statistically about as many Americans who tune in to watch the Superbowl every year. But he wasn’t just winning races – he was a hero for the little guy who lost everything in the Great Depression and was fighting for a second chance. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we wrap up our “This Is Real Life, Jack!” series with Gary Ross’ 2003 film _Seabiscuit_. We talk about how the movie works overall, and the interesting addition Ross added of documentary-style narration provided by one of America’s great voices, David McCullough. We debate about how well Ross does with the opening act of his film – is it a sloppy mess that takes too long to get us to the horse or is it a brilliantly cut-together example of how well Ross does to move us through time and connect us to these characters? We look at the performances of Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper, Tobey Maguire, Elizabeth Banks and William H. Macy, among others, and relish in the great work they all do here, even if Banks really is given nothing more than the ‘thankless wife’ role. We discuss some of the key team members – John Schwartzman’s cinematography, William Goldenberg’s editing, Randy Newman’s music – and what they all bring to the table. And we ponder the cost of the Equicizer and how effective it is in allowing the filmmakers to cut in closeups of actors talking while in the midst of their incredibly choreographed and photographed races. It’s a beautiful, powerful film that may wear its heart on its sleeve, but one that does so proudly, not ashamed of what it is. We have a great conversation about it, even if we don’t see eye to eye on everything in it. So check out the movie then tune in! ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/seabiscuit/id910818505?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Seabiscuit-Jeff-Bridges/dp/B015S61YQ4/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1&ie=UTF8&keywords=seabiscuit&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1476744896) - [Script Transcript](http://www.script-o-rama.com/movie_scripts/s/seabiscuit-script-transcript-horse-racing.html) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yv6RnFTlu4I) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/2003/seabiscuit.html) - [_Seabiscuit: An American Legend_ by Laura Hillenbrand](https://www.amazon.com/Seabiscuit-American-Legend-Ballantine-Readers/dp/0449005615/ref=sr_1_2?sr=8-2&ie=UTF8&keywords=seabiscuit&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1476744896) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/8D7DDB2A89) - [Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/film/seabiscuit/) ### Trailers of the Week - Andy's Trailer: [Patriots Day](http://trailer.town/2017/patriots-day/trailer) — "As horrific the act of terrorism during the Boston Marathon was, it also showed how brilliantly our law enforcement, FBI and military came together to solve the crime and catch the perpetrators. I worked on the TV movie version of this and I’m very excited to see how Berg and Wahlberg come together in their version.” - Pete's Trailer: [Army of One](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98oxZOM_niU) — "Nicholas Cage starts making so much sense now. He hears the voice of God — Russell Brand, natch — and decides to go to Pakistan to apprehend Osama bin Laden. If it didn’t lead with _based on a true story_, I would have passed. With that, I'm very, very curious."

### "I may see dead people, but, by God, I do something about it." Mining book series for films is an all to frequent occurrence. Some are able to successfully make the transition from page to screen, while others struggle. The Odd Thomas series by Dean Koontz would seem an ideal source to tap for a film adaptation. This month JJ and Steve visit Pico Mundo to solve a mystery with Odd Thomas in a very special Anton Yelchin memorial Trailer Rewind episode. They discuss the unique tone of the film and how it balances the horror, mystery, and comedy components of the story to create an enjoyable and light film. They talk about the mixed strengths of the cast and special effects and how they create a world that’s grounded in reality yet is infused with elements of an idealized small town. It’s a quirky film that’s ripe for viewing as a Halloween treat for teens. ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/odd-thomas/id796897605?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Odd-Thomas-Anton-Yelchin/dp/B00HHYF570/tag=rashpixel_mwl-20) • [Netflix](https://www.netflix.com/title/70253161) - [Script Transcript](http://www.springfieldspringfield.co.uk/movie_script.php?movie=odd-thomas) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV_7tOWGvio) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/2013/odd_thomas_ver7.html) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/8E318246FD) - [Letterboxd](https://letterboxd.com/film/odd-thomas/)

### "They won’t understand why we do it. They won’t understand it’s about the men next to you. That’s all it is." There is a political side to military operations, and there is a military side. Regardless of the politics of the 1993 situation in Somalia, the battle of Mogadishu was a terrible one, leaving 19 US soldiers, a Pakistani soldier and a Malaysian soldier dead, not to mention the countless Somalis. Ridley Scott’s 2001 film _Black Hawk Down_, based on Mark Bowden’s book, tells the story of this battle and it’s a powerful one. Certainly, it’s a film everyone should see at least once to fully grasp this situation. Join us as we continue our “This Is Real Life, Jack” series with Scott’s powerful film. We talk about the real situation and how the filmmakers condensed it to tell this story in just over two hours, looking at some of what was changed and how the real soldiers who had been there reacted to the film. We look at Scott and producer Jerry Bruckheimer and what they each bring to a film like this, finding ourselves immensely impressed that this didn’t take the path of _Pearl Harbor_, fictionalizing the story for the wrong reasons. We give kudos to the immense cast and the casting director who brought them all together. We touch on the effects work, both on set and in the digital world, marveling at the powerful war zone they’ve created here. And we chat with Bowden a bit to get his take on how well they adapted his book. It’s a difficult film to watch but a strong one too. It’s a film that puts us in the soldiers’ shoes in a very messy incursion, helping us understand the mentality of what it takes to go into a situation like this. Read the book, check out the movie and tune in to this week’s show! ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/black-hawk-down/id263153913?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Black-Hawk-Down-Josh-Hartnett/dp/B0094LSTUO/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1&ie=UTF8&keywords=black+hawk+down&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1476149713) • [Netflix](https://www.netflix.com/title/60022056) • [Hulu](http://www.hulu.com/watch/980299) - [Script Transcript](http://www.springfieldspringfield.co.uk/movie_script.php?movie=black-hawk-down) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjouwbniJSs) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/2001/black_hawk_down_ver3.html) - [_Black Hawk Down: A Story of Modern War_ by Mark Bowden](https://www.amazon.com/Black-Hawk-Down-Story-Modern/dp/080214473X/ref=sr_1_2?sr=8-2&ie=UTF8&keywords=black+hawk+down&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1476149713) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/976400B7B5) - [Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/film/black-hawk-down/) ### Trailers of the Week - Andy's Trailer: [_Invisible_](https://www.wired.com/2016/10/invisible-first-vr-scripted-series-exclusive-trailer/) — "I’m really excited about the possibilities of VR and curious to see how filmmakers find ways to use it to tell their stories. From watching this trailer, I’m more curious than I am excited but seeing that Doug Liman and Melisa Wallack are attached gives me hope that things are moving in the right direction." - Pete's Trailer: [_John Wick: Chapter 2_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMqETeQrgqU) — "Unlike _some_ of us, I have no problem doing a teaser as a trailer pick, especially when that teaser is John Wick."

### "Du Jour means teamwork!" You know the feeling. You have a ridiculous internal affair with a movie. You’ve seen it a dozen times. You laugh at all the right places and cry when it ends. But alas, you are alone. Your friends don’t understand you. They shun you. They malign your tastes. You suffer in silence. It is in that spirit that Tommy Handsome brings you _No, No, Wait! Hear Me Out!_ The latest Next Reel Short is a chance to right a wrong in the world by building a case that a movie you think you’re supposed to hate actually has some value. This month, it’s _Josie and the Pussycats_, Harry Elfont and Deborah Kaplan directing. This B-list film about a C-list comic book band actually offers some A-list comedy, says Tommy. Starring Rachael Leigh Cook, Rosario Dawson, Tara Reid, Alan Cumming, and Parker Posey, this cast manages to deliver a level of insight into consumer culture that punches well above its weight. So join us on this maiden voyage of _No, No, Wait! Hear Me Out!_ and let your shame drift, drift away with three… small… words… ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/josie-and-the-pussycats-2001/id301097584?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Josie-Pussycats-Rachael-Leigh-Cook/dp/B000IKQMPE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&sr=1-1&s=movies-tv&keywords=josie+and+the+pussycats&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1476054707) - [Script Transcript](http://www.script-o-rama.com/movie_scripts/j/josie-and-the-pussycats-script.html) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU5bOAyDbHc) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/2001/josie_and_the_pussycats.html) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/573DF9C602) - [Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/film/josie-and-the-pussycats/)

### "The whole town is over the moon." Every story has many facets, but often the big story hides some of the smaller facets. The Australian film _The Dish_ is a perfect example of this. The big story? Apollo 11’s successful mission to the moon. The small story? The Australians working at Parkes Observatory – a radio telescope in the middle of a sheep paddock – that was critical to the success of the mission and was our link to the footage we’ve all seen of Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the surface of the moon. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off our “It’s Real Life, Jack” series with Rob Sitch’s 2000 film _The Dish_. We talk about what a delightful film this is and how great it is learning about this small bit of history that neither of us knew. We talk about Working Dog, the creative production team behind the film, and have a brief interview with producer Tom Gleisner about how they came to tell this particular story, the nature of ‘telling the truth’ in a film based on a fact and more. We chat about the actors – notably Sam Neill, Patrick Warburton, Kevin Harrington, Tom Long and Roy Billing, among others – and how they all create unique and quirky characters that work perfectly in this world. And we touch on not only Edmund Choi’s beautiful, award-winning score but also the fantastic soundtrack full of great songs. It’s a wonderful film that helps one expand upon and appreciate the Apollo 11 moon landing even more. So what are you waiting for? Check it out then tune in! ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/the-dish/id300545282?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Dish-Sam-Neill/dp/B002AJ2OKI/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1&ie=UTF8&keywords=the+dish&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1475540126) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TAqXENo1rA) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/2001/dish_ver1.html) - [About Parkes Observatory — Wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkes_Observatory) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/35FD418EF2) - [Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/film/the-dish/) - [The Truth About the Dish](http://members.pcug.org.au/~mdinn/TheDish/) - [On Eagle’s Wings: The Parkes Observatory’s Support of the Apollo 11 Mission](http://www.parkes.atnf.csiro.au/news_events/apollo11/introduction.html) - [Visiting The Dish](http://www.csiro.au/en/Research/Astronomy/Visiting-our-telescopes/Parkes-Observatory-Visitors-Centre/Hours-location) ### Trailers of the Week - Andy's Trailer: [_Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xo3af_6_Jk) — "After having just discussed _Apocalypse Now_ with the cinematographer of the newest entry of the über-successful Pirates franchise, it seems fitting to discuss this teaser trailer, which just debuted. Whether you’re a fan of the series or not, this certainly looks like an epic entry." - Pete's Trailer: [_Christine_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0itmG80oLI) — "We learned the story of Christine Chubbuck in journalism school as a particularly on-the-nose cautionary tale, the story of a woman so disgruntled with the state of the media and her role in it that she elected to kill herself on-air. Since _Network_ is currently #1 on our Flickchart, seems an offense not to acknowledge this film is on the horizon."

### "You’re an errand boy sent by grocery clerks to collect a bill." The Next Reel’s Speakeasy is an ongoing series of ours in which we invite an industry guest to join us and bring along one of their favorite movies to talk about. In this month’s episode, cinematographer Paul Cameron joins us to talk about one of his favorite films, Apocalypse Now. We talk about why this film is such a key film for us and why Paul picked it, specifically the darkly poetic journey we go on with the characters, both internally and externally. We look at what Francis Ford Coppola went through to get this film made and how he, his crew and his cast all took their own dark journeys to make it happen. We discuss the script and what John Milius, Coppola and Michael Herr built into it as they adapted Joseph Conrad’s novella “Heart of Darkness” into a Vietnam setting. We chat about what the actors – notably Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, Frederic Forrest, Larry Fishburne, Sam Bottoms, Albert Hall and Dennis Hopper – bring to the table. We discuss the importance of the look of the film, beautifully shot by Vittorio Storaro; and of the sound, designed by Walter Murch, Mark Berger, Richard Beggs and Nathan Boxer, and how it’s the grandfather of Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound. We touch on the original cut and _Apocalypse Now Redux_, not to mention Coppola’s wife’s documentary _Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse_ and how all of the behind the scenes stories may affect one’s views of the film (if at all). And we look at how well the film did, assuaging any concerns Coppola had during the making (especially since it was self-financed and required him to mortgage his vineyards). It’s a brilliant film, truly one of the great American classics and well worth talking about. We have a great chat with Paul about it, so check out the movie then tune in! ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie-collection/apocalypse-now-triple-feature/id1077592216?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Apocalypse-Now-Marlon-Brando/dp/B0045INOD8/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1&ie=UTF8&keywords=apocalypse+now&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1474742834) - [Screenplay — 1975](https://indiegroundfilms.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/apocalypse-now-dec3-75.pdf) - [Screenplay — Redux transcript](http://www.dailyscript.com/scripts/apocalypsenowredux.html) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkrhkUeDCdQ) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/1979/apocalypse_now_ver1.html) - [Bob Peak](https://bobpeakgallery.com/) - [_Heart of Darkness_ by Joseph Conrad](https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Darkness-Joseph-Conrad-ebook/dp/B0084AMNWQ/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?qid=1474742720&sr=1-1&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&_encoding=UTF8) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/0FA4C236C4) - [Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/film/apocalypse-now/) - [Paul Cameron](http://paulcamerondp.com/)

### "I’ll say a prayer for you. A little prayer." Antoine Fuqua has talked about how much a fan he is of both westerns and of Akira Kurosawa’s 1954 film _Seven Samurai_. Knowing that, it’s frustrating to see that his retelling of Kurosawa’s film transplanted to the old west doesn’t stand as strong as Kurosawa’s film or even as strong as John Sturges’ own 1960 version, the original _The Magnificent Seven_. Still, it has a great cast playing some colorful characters and while largely forgettable is still enjoyable enough. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we conclude our _Seven Samurai_ Family series with Fuqua’s 2016 remake _The Magnificent Seven_. We talk about the thread of DNA starting with _Seven Samurai_ and where it leaves this current iteration, knowing that the writers were largely pulling from Sturges’ remake while Fuqua and actor Denzel Washington were finding more inspiration from Kurosawa’s original film. We chat about Fuqua and the writers, wondering what they were each bringing to the table and why it didn’t feel as strong as it should have. We discuss the cast, how nice it is to see more diversity and how frustrating it is that those diverse elements don’t get as much to do. And we look at the locations, contemplating the movie magic they must’ve employed to create the old west in Louisiana where it was filmed primarily. It’s a faulted re-telling of this story, though we both acknowledge that people coming to this film without knowing its DNA roots may find it completely enjoyable. As frustrating as it may be for us, we still find it enjoyable to discuss. So check out the movie then tune in!

### "From way up here, you all look like little ants!" Time heals all wounds, but the rift between Jeffrey Katzenberg and Disney may not apply. When Katzenberg, former chairman of Disney’s film division, left Disney after a bitter feud with CEO Michael Eisner, he formed DreamWorks with Steven Spielberg and David Geffen and soon began plotting his battle in animation with his former employer. So while Disney began working with Pixar on _A Bug’s Life_, he started working on _Antz_. And the great cinema battle of 1998 began. And while time may never heal the rift between Katzenberg and Disney, it certainly has shown us that Pixar knows how to make strong films and with their second film, they proved that they had staying power, regardless of what DreamWorks put out. Join us – Andy Nelson and Pete Wright – as we continue our Seven Samurai Family series with John Lasseter’s and Andrew Stanton’s 1998 _A Bug’s Life_. We talk about the battle between _Antz_ and _A Bug’s Life_, debating the strengths of them both and which personally is our preference. We look at the amazing storytelling that Pixar’s team does here, crafting a fantastic film that shares its DNA with all its forefathers in this family, even if they never bring it up. We discuss the brilliant cast – notably Dave Foley and Kevin Spacey – and why they work so well in their roles. We talk about the hard work of bringing a world like this to life, even if it may look a bit more rough now that computer animated films have progressed to such amazing levels. And we have to talk about Randy Newman again and how he pops up in here, scoring the film its one Academy Award nomination. It’s a great film and a fun family addition to our series. Definitely check it out then tune in! ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/a-bugs-life/id188837736?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Bugs-Life-Dave-Foley/dp/B0049INC0O/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1&ie=UTF8&keywords=a+bug%27s+life&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1474340214) - [Script Transcript](http://www.veryabc.cn/movie/uploads/script/abugslife.txt) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ljk2YJ53_WI) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/1998/bugs_life_ver1.html) - [Art of the Title](http://www.artofthetitle.com/title/a-bugs-life/) - [Pete and Andy talk about _Seven Samurai_](http://thenextreel.com/tnr/seven-samurai) - [Flikchart](http://www.flikchart.com/movie/0C5C1F1797) - [Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/film/a-bugs-life/) - [The Pixar Theory](https://jonnegroni.com/2013/07/11/the-pixar-theory/) ### Trailers of the Week - Andy's Trailer: [_Moana_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKFuXETZUsI) — "I’m always excited for another animated Disney film and _Moana_ looks like it has the makings of a new classic. Strong female protagonist? Check. Mythical demi-god hilariously played by Dwayne Johnson? Check. Crazy chicken? Check. Scary volcano antagonist? Check. Music by Lin-Manuel Miranda? Check. A team of directors like no other? Check. Yeah, I’m pretty much all-in on this one." - Pete's Trailer: [_Miss Sloane_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMUkfmUu44k) — "Having just talked about the importance of _Snowden_ as a topic film, that Jessica Chastain is playing both a lobbyist _and_attempting to take on the gun lobby herself in this film is a two-fer in my book."

### "Terrorism is just an excuse" The Film Board Gathers undercover of darkness through compromised microphones and remotely accessed computer screens to discuss a dramatic reconstruction of the deconstruction of the general public’s privacy in Oliver Stone’s Snowden. Is it accurate? Does it matter? Did Edward get a SAG card? Listen in as our heavy hands deliver an open discussion with Steve, Pete and JJ as we all cover our laptop cameras and cross our fingers. ### Film Sundries - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlSAiI3xMh4) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/2016/snowden_ver2.html) - [Original Material](https://www.amazon.com/Snowden-Files-Inside-Worlds-Wanted/dp/0804173524/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1474086644&sr=8-2&keywords=snowden+book) - [Documentary featured in the film](https://citizenfourfilm.com/) - [Peter Gabriel Song Lyrics](https://www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/Peter-Gabriel/The-Veil) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/1292C7BF05) - [Letterboxd](https://letterboxd.com/film/snowden/)

### "They called us scum-sucking pigs! Us!" It was the movie that had ‘hit’ written all over it. Three of the funniest actors starred together for the first time: Steve Martin, Chevy Chase and Martin Short. One of the top comedy directors – John Landis – was at the helm. But for whatever reason, _¡Three Amigos!_ did not find its audience. Critics were harsh on it and, while it may have made its money back, it was not deemed a success. But time has proven that some films need time to find their audiences. Now with a cult following, _¡Three Amigos!_ has found its staying power with its absurd comedy stylings. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Seven Samurai family series with Landis’ 1986 film _¡Three Amigos!_. We talk about why this film works so well for us, but also how smartly adapted it is from its forebears. We look at Landis as a director and what he brings to the table here, and also why he wasn’t around so much during the post. We chat about Martin, Chase and Short and how perfect they are for these three silent film stars that get in WAY over their heads. We look at what Elmer Bernstein did here, spoofing his own music from _The Magnificent Seven_. And we touch on co-writer Randy Newman (you read that right – Randy Flippin’ Newman’s one writing credit is this movie!) and the fantastic songs he wrote for the film. It’s a riotous film that we acknowledge may work well for us but not for others. And even though it works for us, it’s certainly worth deliberating how many stars to give it. So check it out and hopefully you’ll laugh like we did, then tune in to this week’s show! ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/three-amigos!/id296946586?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Three-Amigos-Steve-Martin/dp/B00BN2GG5W/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1&ie=UTF8&keywords=three+amigos&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1473706994) - [Script](http://www.mediafire.com/download/2ntf5fa9fzvl8tl/THREE+AMIGOS+SCREENPLAY.pdf) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUTl8DSYUQA) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/1986/three_amigos_ver3.html) - [Pete & Andy talk _Seven Samurai_](http://thenextreel.com/tnr/seven-samurai) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/FBCAEEA981) - [Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/film/three-amigos/) ### Trailers of the Week - Andy's Trailer: [_Free Fire_ Red Band Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDD3I0uOlqY) — "A story in a tight setting is always fun to see when pulled off well and the cast looks great. Plus red band trailers always make movies look extra fun. I missed _High Rise_, Ben Wheatley’s last film, but it’s been on my list of must-sees and now this is too." - Pete's Trailer: [_Live By Night_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bBqqGnLTNo) — "Ben Affleck is back with another Dennis Lehane adaptation (remember _Gone, Baby, Gone_?), this time a story of prohibition era rum-running, mobsters, and race. I’m a fan of the book, as with other Lehane adaptations (and there are plenty) like _Shutter Island_ and _Mystic River_. I’m liking Affleck more and more the older he gets. My money says this will be one to catch in theaters."

### "All I am is what I’m going after." The Next Reel’s Speakeasy is an ongoing series of ours in which we invite an industry guest to join us and bring along one of their favorite movies to talk about. In this month’s episode, cinematographer Jayson Crothers joins us to talk about one of his favorite films, Michael Mann’s epic 1995 crime drama _Heat_. We talk about the world building that Mann does here, giving us fascinating characters on both sides of the law along with the families they struggle to please. We chat about the powerhouse moment when Robert De Niro and Al Pacino finally end up on screen together for the first time and deliberate about Mann’s careful choice of when they’re fully in the same frame together. We discuss the rest of the amazing cast, notable because every role seems to be inhabited by yet another incredible actor. We chat about the nature of women in Mann’s films and why they may seem afterthoughts as compared to the men. We look at Dante Spinotti’s cinematography and the incredible work he does creating a relatively normal looking Los Angeles. We touch on the editing, the music, the locations and many other things that went into creating this rich tapestry. And we ponder an alternate universe where Tone Lōc might have played Pacino’s role. It’s an incredible conversation about an incredible film that certainly has stood the test of time. If you haven’t seen it, you definitely need to watch it right now, then join us in our conversation with Crothers about it! ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/heat-1995/id1028001760?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Heat-Al-Pacino/dp/B002AH3WSS/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1&ie=UTF8&keywords=heat&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1473539402) - [Screenplay](http://www.dailyscript.com/scripts/Heat.pdf) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GfZl4kuVNI) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/1995/heat.html) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/A586C49013) - [Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/film/heat-1995/) - [Heat — Panel Discussion with Cast and Creators](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJ8RjvesnvDOxwwIOnZWtetJ9KfQI_kSI) - [Internet Movie Firearms Database — Heat](http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Heat) - [“Pacific” by Alex Colville](http://www.alexcolville.ca/gallery/alex_colville_1967_pacific/) - [Jayson Crothers — JaysonCrothers.com](http://jaysoncrothers.com/) - [Jayson Crothers — IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1028796/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1)

### "We deal in lead, friend." _The Magnificent Seven_ is a breeze to watch. It’s fun. It has that clean vibe of early Hollywood westerns. Plus it’s based on Akira Kurosawa’s _Seven Samurai_, giving it some serious street cred. Despite all of that, however, it was quite a legal imbroglio to get made. Yet once released, it eventually became successful enough to spur three sequels, a TV series and more. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our _Seven Samurai_ family series with John Sturges’ 1960 film _The Magnificent Seven_. We talk about the differences between Kurosawa’s film and Sturges’, what works for us in those changes and why we suspect they were made. We touch on the Mexican censors required during production to ensure the script kept their people in a positive light. We chat about the actors, notably Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, Eli Wallach, Charles Bronson and James Coburn, and what they bring to the table (aside from testosterone). We hit on Elmer Bernstein’s iconic score and highlight the main theme, arguably the greatest western theme written. And we chat about the production trouble this film had, not to mention the issues with the writers. It’s a fun film, even if it’s one that falls short of the original when directly compared. We have a magnificent time chatting about it regardless and are certainly looking forward to seeing the remake. So tune in and join us! ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/the-magnificent-seven/id268663029?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Magnificent-Seven-Yul-Brynner/dp/B00GD55C0O/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1&ie=UTF8&keywords=the+magnificent+seven&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1472752521) - [Script Transcript](https://www.scribd.com/document/215353707/Walter-Newman-s-screenplay-for-The-Magnificent-Seven-NOTE-For-educational-purposes-only#download&from_embed) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YICxp8nUzKE) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/1960/magnificent_seven.html) - [The Next Reel talks _Seven Samurai_](http://thenextreel.com/tnr/seven-samurai) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/ADB3846467) - [Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/film/the-magnificent-seven/) ### Trailers of the Week - Andy's Trailer: [Little Sister](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6QUuw1Kpik) — "I worked with Allison Timlin on the TV movie _Girl in the Box_ and am looking forward to seeing what she does here. A great new talent, she looks to be in a funny and touching indie comedy." - Pete's Trailer: [_Shut In_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqRdVOQ98k8) — "You know what Naomi Watts is good at? Getting scared. Throw in Charlie Heaton and _Room’s_ Jacob Tremblay and you have a recipe for a right fright. Looks like a thrilling film from French director Farren Blackburn based on Christina Hodson’s 2012 Black List script."

### "Once more, we survive." When you think of Akira Kurosawa, it’s easy to connect him to great samurai films like _Ran_, _Throne of Blood_, _The Hidden Fortress_, _Yojimbo_ and _Sanjuro_. What’s surprising, however, is that he didn’t make his first samurai film until midway through his filmmaking career. That film, of course, is arguably his greatest film, _Seven Samurai_, which was released in 1954. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we start up our _Seven Samurai_ Family series with Kurosawa’s masterpiece. We talk about how well this film holds up and speculate as to why this film not only is so easy to watch despite it’s nearly three-and-a-half-hour running time, but also feels so modern. We discuss Kurosawa, what it took for him to get this film made and why he worked to make this stand apart from the glut of samurai films being made at the time. We chat about the cast, notably Toshirô Mifune, Takashi Shimura, Daisuke Katô, Isao Kimura, Minoru Chiaki, Seiji Miyaguchi and Yoshio Inaba as our titular seven, and why they all work so well here (even drawing a comparison to Coen brother casting). We look at the camera work and how Kurosawa, along with cinematographer Asakazu Nakai, proves himself a master of the medium as we look at his framing, lens choices, camera movement and more. We look at the rest of the production team to bring this world to life so perfectly (except perhaps the bald caps). And we discuss how well this film did in Japan contrasting that with why Toho Films felt the need to truncate it before releasing it to the rest of the world. It’s a brilliant film and the foundation of a series we’re quite excited to talk about. So tune in! ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/seven-samurai/id474656244?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Samurai-English-Subtitled-Toshiro-Mifune/dp/B00A5IYCYM/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1&ie=UTF8&keywords=seven+samurai&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1472506532) • [Netflix][netflix] • [Hulu](http://www.hulu.com/watch/215816) - [Script Transcript](https://www.dropbox.com/s/jesncft8gvttl5h/Seven%20Samurai%201954.pdf?dl=1) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mw6LyyoeGE) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/intl/japan/1954/shichinin_no_samurai.html) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/2A3162BED1) - [Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/film/seven-samurai/) - [If You Like Podcast Ep 17](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/17-the-seven-samurai/id964384586?i=1000342967244&mt=2&at=11lrTo) ### Trailers of the Week - Andy's Trailer: [_USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLIVmy5cwUQ) — "Yeah, this could suck. It’s Nicolas Cage and Tom Sizemore. That rarely would add up to a winning combination. But realizing my knowledge of this disaster is pretty much based on Quinn’s monologue in _Jaws_, I figure there’s gotta be something in here to at least give me a bit more of a sense of what happened. Here’s hoping it doesn’t make me want to just go back and rewatch the monologue from _Jaws_ again." - Pete's Trailer: [_Lion_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RNI9o06vqo) — "Dev Patel is on the search for his parents across India. Rooney Mara helps, Nicole Kidman hurts. And Garth Davis directs the adaptation by Luke Davies. I love Patel’s work and regret how irrationally hard I was initially on Slumdog. Wish _Newsroom_ was still kicking."

### "How are we defining ‘contained?’" While working on _The Informer!_ with Steven Soderbergh, screenwriter Scott Z. Burns was inspired by a scene with Matt Damon ranting about the germs Scott Bakula’s character left on a phone to explore the idea of a viral pandemic. From there, _Contagion_ was born. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we conclude our disease film series with Soderbergh’s 2011 glimpse into how the world deals with a new disease outbreak. We talk about why this film works so well for us (and possibly not for other people), looking at the nature of a disease film that has such scope while maintaining its human touch. We discuss the idea of the terribly named ‘hyperlink cinema’ and why it works well for Soderbergh in the telling of this tale. We look at the many, many actors who lent their skills to tell each of these small stories, notably Jennifer Ehle as a CDC scientist who willingly puts herself in harm’s way to see if the cure works. We touch on Soderbergh as DP and what he’s bringing to the table with that hat on. And we hit on Cliff Martinez and his music he brings to the table for Soderbergh, even if it doesn’t stand out outside the film. It’s a great way to finish our series and we’re glad to have discussed it here. Check it out! ### Film Sundries - Watch this film: [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/contagion/id479822231?at=11lrTo) • [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/Contagion-Marion-Cotillard/dp/B006SVHOL8/ref=sr_1_1?sr=8-1&ie=UTF8&keywords=contagion&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1472093411) - [Script Transcript](http://www.springfieldspringfield.co.uk/movie_script.php?movie=contagion) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sYSyuuLk5g) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/2011/contagion.html) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/EB62D587DD) - [Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/film/contagion-2011/) ### Trailers of the Week - Andy's Trailer: [_Rings_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uukQ_6szDm8) — "This a sequel none of us were asking for and likely a sequel that won’t be that good. But I’ll still watch it. Maybe not in a movie theatre, but it’s something I’d rent. Yeah, I’m kinda the market for these." - Pete's Trailer: [_Mr. Church_](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLhk0M2MTpo) — "I have a soft spot for Eddie Murphy. This match up gives him the opportunity for a _Driving Miss Daisy_ experience and I’m all for it. Britt Robertson might just get a shot at a role with some meat to it, something to challenge the sweetness she wears on her sleeve."

### "That sounds illegal." The Film Board Gathers - celebrating the Dog Days of summer with a slick new film from the team that created the Hangover’s Wolf Pack. This month the Thugs get feral and spoil War Dogs for you because it features some of our favorite young Hollywood talent in Miles Teller and Jonah Hill and it’s just plain fun to figure out the alpha in a movie that’s categorized as “Comedy, Drama, War.” Our voices above the fray will include Tommy, Andy, Pete, JJ, and a return appearance from special guest host Alice Baker as we dig up bones for War Dogs — in theaters now. ### Film Sundries - Watch this Film: [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/War-Dogs-Jonah-Hill/dp/B01KGS9TR0/ref=sr_1_2?sr=8-2&ie=UTF8&keywords=war+dogs&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1471922877) • [iTunes](https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/movie/war-dogs-2016/id1141492726?at=11lrTo) - [Original theatrical trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rwh9c_E3dJk) - [Original poster artwork](http://www.impawards.com/2016/war_dogs.html) - [_War Dogs_ by Guy Larson](https://www.amazon.com/War-Dogs-Stoners-Unlikely-Gunrunners-ebook/dp/B00LD1S3HW/ref=sr_tnr_p_1_3568213011_1_twi_kin_2?sr=8-1&ie=UTF8&keywords=war+dogs&tag=rashpixel_mwl-20&qid=1471922877) - [Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/movie/B03B96040F) - [Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/film/war-dogs-2016/)