The Next Reel Film Podcast

"Pale Rider" marks Clint Eastwood's 10th time directing himself in a film, something he went on doing until 2008's "Gran Torino" and something he clearly knows how to do well. This seems to hold true especially in westerns, even though he only directed himself in four of them. Perhaps that's because he had so much experience in them and learned from other directors like Sergio Leone how to stand, how to ride, how to stare, how to shoot on film. And while "Pale Rider" is an obvious retelling of the classic 1953 film "Shane," it can stand on its own merits and doesn't feel like a ripoff. Join us -- Pete Wright and Andy Nelson -- as we come to the last film in our Richard Dysart series, 1985's "Pale Rider." We talk about the story of this film and how lean it is, while also apparently being a ghost story, something neither of us ever caught on to until reading up on it. We discuss the actors, notably Eastwood, Michael Moriarty, Carrie Snodgress, Richard Kiel, Sydney Penny, and of course Richard Dysart, and how well they work in this film. We chat about the Biblical references in the film, the idea of Eastwood's character, Preacher, being a ghost, and how that structure works in context of this story. We talk about the nature of the little man versus the corporate machine, something we've talked about in a few recent episodes, and how it works in this film. We go over the look of this film and discuss what Bruce Surtees and Eastwood bring to the film by using low lighting, particularly for the night and interior scenes. And we touch on Lennie Niehaus's music and why it works so well in context of the film. It's a classic western with some great moments that further cement Eastwood as the true iconic 'stranger' character. Give it a watch then tune in! * * * Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! - [The Next Reel on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-reel/id478159328?mt=2) - [The Next Reel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheNextReel) - [The Next Reel on Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/thenextreel/) - [Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram](http://instagram.com/thenextreel) - [Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/thenextreel) And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: - [Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter](http://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm) - [Follow Pete Wright on Twitter](http://twitter.com/petewright) - [Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mr_steve23) - [Check out Tom Metz on IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224453/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) - [Follow Mike Evans on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ubersky) - [Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ChaddStoops)

"Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit" is worth exactly what you pay for it. And possibly slightly less. Such is the verdict of The Next Reel Film Board this month as we take on the Kenneth Branagh-helmed thriller. It's the fifth in the Ryan series, but the first not based on one of Tom Clancy's novels — a sore point for many of us on the board. Writers Adam Cozad and David Koepp conjure up some interesting moments in a script that is otherwise awash in trite. But the biggest questions remain: Can Chris Pine pull off the fish-out-of-water clumsiness of Ryan? Can Kevin Costner fill the giant shoes of James Earl Jones in the critical mentor role? Can Keira Knightley handle the American accent? (Spoiler: Not really.) Join board regulars Tom Metz, Steve Sarmento, Chadd Stoops, Andy Nelson, and Pete Wright as they digest this serving of spy soup, with a health helping of Oscars 2014! * * * Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! - [The Next Reel on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-reel/id478159328?mt=2) - [The Next Reel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheNextReel) - [The Next Reel on Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/thenextreel/) - [Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram](http://instagram.com/thenextreel) - [Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/thenextreel) And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: - [Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter](http://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm) - [Follow Pete Wright on Twitter](http://twitter.com/petewright) - [Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mr_steve23) - [Check out Tom Metz on IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224453/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) - [Follow Mike Evans on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ubersky) - [Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ChaddStoops)

Hal Ashby made a number of stand-out films in the 70s, films that looked at human nature in offbeat stories that didn't feel like they came from a mold. When Peter Sellers presented him with the opportunity to direct an adaptation of Jerzy Kosinski's novella "Being There" shortly after the book's publication, he loved the idea and spent the next 9 years working to find the funding to get it made. The film was finally released in 1979 and was considered by many to be Peter Sellers' return to greatness. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our Richard Dysart series with this fantastic film. We look at the era of the film and, while it's certainly a 70s film, it still feels timeless. We talk about the nature of Sellers's fascinating portrayal of Chance the Gardener (or as Chauncey Gardiner, as he comes to be known), and what our own interpretations of this character are. We chat about the way the film ends and what we think Kosinski and Ashby were wanting to say... if anything. We discuss the nature of the footage during the end credits and debate whether it takes away from the mysterious and beautiful mood the end of the film creates or not. And we discuss both cast and crew in this film, including the wonderful Richard Dysart who brings an amazing, quiet gracefulness to his benevolent doctor who is the only one not fooled by Sellers' Chance. It's a film we love and love to discuss. Watch it and tune in! * * * Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! - [The Next Reel on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-reel/id478159328?mt=2) - [The Next Reel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheNextReel) - [The Next Reel on Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/thenextreel/) - [Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram](http://instagram.com/thenextreel) - [Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/thenextreel) And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: - [Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter](http://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm) - [Follow Pete Wright on Twitter](http://twitter.com/petewright) - [Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mr_steve23) - [Check out Tom Metz on IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224453/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) - [Follow Mike Evans on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ubersky) - [Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ChaddStoops)

There have been a good number of films made about the film industry, but few have taken such a dark and surreal look at the Hollywood machine as John Schlesinger's 1975 "The Day of the Locust" did. While it's based on the Nathanael West book from 1939 and takes place at that time, it feels like a modern — or possibly even timeless — story of the business and the fringe-dwellers who want to be a part of its magic. Join us — [Pete Wright](https://twitter.com/petewright) and [Andy Nelson](https://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm) — as we begin our Richard Dysart series with Schlesinger's film. We talk about our experiences with this film (which is at times mind-boggling, slow, horrifically violent, absurd, and pointedly smart) and how it's one of those films that sticks with you whether you want it to or not. We discuss the performances and how perfect they are for the story — William Atherton, Karen Black, Donald Sutherland, Billy Barty, and of course Richard Dysart. We chat about the interesting structure this film has, feeling more like a novel than a 3-act screenplay, and how it challenges us with trying to determine who we would call the protagonist. And we work to figure out what the film is saying through some of its incredibly haunting imagery. It's not a film for everyone, but it's certainly a film worth watching if you're looking for a dark tale spun about the movie machine and how it destroys people. It certainly is a film that warrants a lot of discussion. Think you're up for it? Give it a watch then tune in! * * * Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! - [The Next Reel on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-reel/id478159328?mt=2) - [The Next Reel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheNextReel) - [The Next Reel on Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/thenextreel/) - [Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram](http://instagram.com/thenextreel) - [Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/thenextreel) And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: - [Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter](http://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm) - [Follow Pete Wright on Twitter](http://twitter.com/petewright) - [Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mr_steve23) - [Check out Tom Metz on IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224453/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) - [Follow Mike Evans on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ubersky) - [Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ChaddStoops)

Happy New Year! To ring in 2014, we wanted to find a tie-in to the new year so landed on 1994's Coen brothers comedy, "The Hudsucker Proxy." Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we delve back into the comedies from our good friends the brothers Coen and ring in 2014 with this fun film.

It's the holiday season again which means it's time for us — Pete and Andy — to talk about another holiday classic! Join us as we talk about Peter Godfrey's screwball war comedy from 1945, "Christmas in Connecticut." We talk about how much fun the movie is and how it feels a bit pro-feminist yet how it definitely shows its age at the same time. We talk about the great cast, particularly the wonderful Barbara Stanwyck, Sydney Greenstreet, S.Z. "Cuddles" Sakall, Dennis Morgan, Reginald Gardiner and Una O'Connor, and how well they fit in their roles. We discuss Godfrey and his place in Hollywood, as well as his hobby as an amateur magician. And we chat about how this film fits in our holiday lists — is this one we'd put on every year or not? It's a fun, albeit dated, movie and we have a great time chatting about this movie. Give it a watch then tune in! * * * Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! - [The Next Reel on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-reel/id478159328?mt=2) - [The Next Reel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheNextReel) - [The Next Reel on Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/thenextreel/) - [Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram](http://instagram.com/thenextreel) - [Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/thenextreel) And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: - [Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter](http://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm) - [Follow Pete Wright on Twitter](http://twitter.com/petewright) - [Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mr_steve23) - [Check out Tom Metz on IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224453/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) - [Follow Mike Evans on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ubersky) - [Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ChaddStoops)

It's easy to compare "City of God" to "GoodFellas" — they both have a frenetic filmmaking style, they both revolve around youth growing up in a world of violence, and they both take that violence to awful places. Plus, they're both brilliant films. Join us — [Pete Wright](https://twitter.com/petewright) and [Andy Nelson](https://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm) — this week on The Next Reel as we finish our Foreign Language series with a true highlight — Fernando Mereilles' and Katia Lund's 2002 film "City of God." We talk about the story and how it introduces us to this world of the favelas of Rio that not only gives us a sense of the time and place in the film incredibly effectively, but also connects us to characters that fit in this world and take us on a journey over several decades here, yet in a way that still feels intimate. We discuss the energetic and wild cinematography and directing style of the film and why it works so well. We chat about how the film was received around the world and why so many people have connected with it. And we talk about other projects Mereilles has done and how they differ or are similar to his style we see here. It's a great conversation about a great film. Tune in! * * * Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! - [The Next Reel on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-reel/id478159328?mt=2) - [The Next Reel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheNextReel) - [The Next Reel on Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/thenextreel/) - [Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram](http://instagram.com/thenextreel) - [Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/thenextreel) And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: - [Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter](http://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm) - [Follow Pete Wright on Twitter](http://twitter.com/petewright) - [Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mr_steve23) - [Check out Tom Metz on IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224453/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) - [Follow Mike Evans on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ubersky) - [Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ChaddStoops)

Winding his way back and forth across the expanse of Middle Earth, Peter Jackson brings us his second stab at “The Hobbit” with “The Desolation of Smaug,” the fifth film in the Peter Jackson Middle Earth Cinematic Universe. That’s right, we’ve come to understand more of Jackson’s intent with this film, and it’s place in his Tolkien saga. But the questions are plenty: did he best the first Bilbo with the latest? Did 48fps drive the same sense of seizureama as the last film? Will Tom make any off-color jokes that somehow, in spite of our best editing efforts, actually make it to broadcast? To know for sure, you’ll have to listen in as Steve Sarmento, Tom Metz, Andy Nelson, and Pete Wright convene the film board to take on Jackson’s latest journey into forced perspective. * * * Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! - [The Next Reel on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-reel/id478159328?mt=2) - [The Next Reel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheNextReel) - [The Next Reel on Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/thenextreel/) - [Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram](http://instagram.com/thenextreel) - [Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/thenextreel) And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: - [Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter](http://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm) - [Follow Pete Wright on Twitter](http://twitter.com/petewright) - [Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mr_steve23) - [Check out Tom Metz on IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224453/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) - [Follow Mike Evans on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ubersky) - [Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ChaddStoops)

Even though Edward Yang's final film, "Yi Yi, A One and a Two," was critically acclaimed, it is a long film and requires patience, the right frame of mind when watching, or something similar to really connect with the film. At just shy of three hours and exploring pretty much every aspect of life in one Taipei family over the course of a year, it's certainly something that can tax some viewers, but for those who click with it, it's a masterful, powerful, poignant film. Join us — [Pete Wright](https://twitter.com/petewright) and [Andy Nelson](https://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm) — as we continue our Foreign Language film series with this Taiwanese entry from 2000. We discuss what works so well in this film... for Andy and what doesn't work at all in this film... for Pete, having very interesting discourse back and forth in the struggle to explore this film. We talk about the characters in the film and what they're bringing to the story, most notably the young Yang-Yang who ends up providing the most poignant elements of the story. We chat about the New Wave of Taiwanese cinema in the 80s-90s when Yang was beginning his career and how that group and their sensibilities informed Yang's filmmaking. And we discuss what works and doesn't work for us in the cinematography and the editing, and why it works so well for Andy but not Pete. It's a fascinating exploration into a film that clearly works for some but not others, and one that's full of fun facts and interesting arguments. Watch the movie and tune in! * * * Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! - [The Next Reel on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-reel/id478159328?mt=2) - [The Next Reel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheNextReel) - [The Next Reel on Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/thenextreel/) - [Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram](http://instagram.com/thenextreel) - [Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/thenextreel) And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: - [Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter](http://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm) - [Follow Pete Wright on Twitter](http://twitter.com/petewright) - [Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mr_steve23) - [Check out Tom Metz on IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224453/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) - [Follow Mike Evans on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ubersky) - [Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ChaddStoops)

"Run Lola Run" came out during a period when lots of unique and truly fantastic films were opening up in theaters. Luckily for Lola, it was equally unique and fantastic, ensuring that it didn't get buried. Tom Tykwer's wild film, so thoroughly infused with energy and style, took a simple tale of a woman trying to (quickly) raise money for her boyfriend to ensure he doesn't get killed by the gangsters for which he works, and gave it a philosophical bent when he decided to write it in almost a video game style where we see the same situation play out three times. It's an absolutely fascinating film to watch and a very easy film to enjoy. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our Foreign Language Film series with this thrill of a film. We discuss the nature of the film itself and the almost avant garde dreamscape nature of it, exploring what it was Tykwer was trying to say by making the film this way. We chat about what works for us and what doesn't, and look at one sequence in particular that ended up feeling more problematic than it has in the past. We talk about the performances, notably Franke Potente and Moritz Bleibtreu, and why they work so well for us. And we chat about the style, particularly the cinematography and editing, and how they help the film achieve this level of energy not often maintained as well in other films. We both love this film, despite some problems, and have a great time talking about it. Tune in! * * * Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! - [The Next Reel on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-reel/id478159328?mt=2) - [The Next Reel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheNextReel) - [The Next Reel on Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/thenextreel/) - [Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram](http://instagram.com/thenextreel) - [Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/thenextreel) And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: - [Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter](http://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm) - [Follow Pete Wright on Twitter](http://twitter.com/petewright) - [Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mr_steve23) - [Check out Tom Metz on IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224453/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) - [Follow Mike Evans on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ubersky) - [Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ChaddStoops)

Rarely does a film truly take you into somebody's head for almost the entire film. Sure, you get POVs here and there in films, but it's a tricky tool to use, especially for longer periods of time. When Ronald Harwood hit on this in-the-head technique for his adaptation of Jean-Dominique Bauby's biography, it was exactly what the story needed to be told as a film. Enter Julian Schnabel, an artist/filmmaker who brought his own intuitive magic to the directing of it, and you end up with 2007's "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly," a stunningly gorgeous film that's as powerful a story of human resilience and beauty as it is a difficult film to watch because of the subject — a man living with locked-in syndrome. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we continue our foreign language series with this brilliant film. We talk about our feelings of the movie and how powerful it is yet how difficult it can be to watch and why. We chat about the unique techniques Schnabel brings to the table in the making of the film and why they work so well with this story. We discuss the actors — Mathieu Amalric, Max von Sydow, Emmanuelle Seigner, Marie-Josée Croze and more — and how they all bring an amazing personal strength to the film. We talk about Janusz Kaminski's beautiful cinematography and how well it lends itself to the telling of this story. We bring up the novel Bauby's widowed girlfriend wrote about her experience and talk about why she got virtually left out of the film. And we look at the critical reception this film had worldwide, even if it struggled to bring in the bucks. It's a glorious poem of a film and one worth talking about. Definitely check it out then tune in! * * * Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! - [The Next Reel on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-reel/id478159328?mt=2) - [The Next Reel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheNextReel) - [The Next Reel on Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/thenextreel/) - [Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram](http://instagram.com/thenextreel) - [Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/thenextreel) And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: - [Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter](http://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm) - [Follow Pete Wright on Twitter](http://twitter.com/petewright) - [Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mr_steve23) - [Check out Tom Metz on IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224453/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) - [Follow Mike Evans on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ubersky) - [Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ChaddStoops)

Juan Carlos Fresnadillo broke onto the international scene with "28 Weeks Later," the sequel to Danny Boyle's film, and has been tied to a number of high-profile Hollywood projects since, including the just-announced "Pet Sematary" remake. But it's his feature film debut, 2002's "Intacto," that one only need look at to understand why this writer/director is in such hot demand. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we begin our Foreign Language series with a show about this fascinating movie from Spain about people who gamble not to win money, but to win luck. We talk about the fantastic element of this story — the idea that luck is something that can be taken from other people through touch or photos — and how it works in the film. We discuss the problems with the script that we have and the struggle to fully understand all of it on a single viewing, even though it's so easy to look past these issues while enjoying this film. We chat about the global feel of the film and how interesting it works as a movie made by a first-time feature filmmaker, creating a project that truly gives an immense sense of scale and a complex sense of the world. And Andy goes on and on about his fascination for the Malaysian Jungle Nymph, aka the Heteropteryx dilatata, the giant bug that lands on Tomas' head in the film, and how he wants to raise his own. (Pete, on the other hand, is whole-istically against it.) It's a great way to kick off our foreign language series. If you haven't seen the movie, definitely check it out, then tune in! * * * Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! - [The Next Reel on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-reel/id478159328?mt=2) - [The Next Reel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheNextReel) - [The Next Reel on Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/thenextreel/) - [Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram](http://instagram.com/thenextreel) - [Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/thenextreel) And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: - [Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter](http://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm) - [Follow Pete Wright on Twitter](http://twitter.com/petewright) - [Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mr_steve23) - [Check out Tom Metz on IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224453/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) - [Follow Mike Evans on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ubersky) - [Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ChaddStoops)

David Mamet's always one to put cons in his films, even when the film is a fight film taking place in the world of mixed martial arts. His 2008 film, "Redbelt," feels like a mash-up of genres — a con film, a fight film, a film noir, a samurai film, an intimate character portrait. It's a bit of all of these, and probably because it's hard to pin it down, it couldn't find its audience when it was released. Despite that, we wanted to include it in our David Mamet Directs series. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we discuss the 10th film Mamet's directed. We discuss the nature of the genre mash-up and how it works for us, compared with how it worked for audiences when it came out. We talk about our opinions of the film and why it works for us, despite numerous problems. We chat about Chewie — the amazing Chiwetel Ejiofor — and not only what he brings to the role of the jiu jitsu instructor who stands by his principles against all adversity, but also how that helps make the film what it is (especially the final moments). And we talk about the amazing Robert Elswit and what he brings to the film through his stellar cinematography. It's a fascinating, wonderful film that definitely deserves to be seen by more people. Check it out and tune in! * * * Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! - [The Next Reel on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-reel/id478159328?mt=2) - [The Next Reel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheNextReel) - [The Next Reel on Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/thenextreel/) - [Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram](http://instagram.com/thenextreel) - [Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/thenextreel) And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: - [Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter](http://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm) - [Follow Pete Wright on Twitter](http://twitter.com/petewright) - [Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mr_steve23) - [Check out Tom Metz on IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224453/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) - [Follow Mike Evans on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ubersky) - [Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ChaddStoops)

We're headed back to Asgard this week as we gather the Film Board to take on "Thor: The Dark World"! Join Andy Nelson, Pete Wright, Steve Sarmento, and Tom Metz as we meticulously dissect the strange attraction we have for a hero that has no flaw, and is a god. We talk about Natalie Portman's riveting portrayal of a woman who deeply loves science. We talk about Kat Dennings and how much funnier it would have been if Michael Cera had played "Intern." And most importantly, we lavish great fondness all over and around and through Tom Hiddleston for his portrayal of Loki, a chalice of regret from which we sip that he was so under-used in this film. Did Alan Taylor bring his Game of Thrones grit to Thor and leave us quivering in anticipation for more Marvel goodness? Listen in and find out! * * * Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! - [The Next Reel on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-reel/id478159328?mt=2) - [The Next Reel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheNextReel) - [The Next Reel on Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/thenextreel/) - [Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram](http://instagram.com/thenextreel) - [Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/thenextreel) And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: - [Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter](http://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm) - [Follow Pete Wright on Twitter](http://twitter.com/petewright) - [Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mr_steve23) - [Check out Tom Metz on IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224453/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) - [Follow Mike Evans on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ubersky) - [Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ChaddStoops)

David Mamet has made a name for himself as a playwright, as a screenwriter, as an author, and as a writer/director. His fifth film that he wrote and directed, "The Spanish Prisoner," didn't make many waves when it came out in 1998, but it seemed to impress the critics and it ended up in the black. Join us — Pete Wright and Andy Nelson — as we begin a short David Mamet Directs series by talking about this film. We talk about what makes this film work and what makes it fall apart, and how that works for us. We discuss the nature of 'Mamet speak,' the type of dialogue that Mamet is known for, and how the actors work with that dialogue in this film. We chat about the convoluted and complicated con going on in this film, and address why it is much more problematic returning to it a second time. And we talk about the nature of the problems in the film and wonder if some of it may have been intentional by Mamet. It's an interesting film, despite it's flaws, and we have a great time talking about it. Tune in! * * * Hey! You know what would be awesome? If you would drop us a positive rating on iTunes! If you like what we’re doing here on TNR, it really is the best way to make sure that this show appears when others search for it, plus, it’s just a nice thing to do. Thanks!! - [The Next Reel on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-reel/id478159328?mt=2) - [The Next Reel on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/TheNextReel) - [The Next Reel on Twitter](http://twitter.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Flickchart](http://www.flickchart.com/thenextreel) - [The Next Reel on Letterboxd](http://letterboxd.com/thenextreel/) - [Guess the Movie with The Next Reel on Instagram](http://instagram.com/thenextreel) - [Check out the Posters with The Next Reel on Pinterest](http://pinterest.com/thenextreel) And for anyone interested in our fine bouquet of show hosts: - [Follow Andy Nelson on Twitter](http://twitter.com/sodacreekfilm) - [Follow Pete Wright on Twitter](http://twitter.com/petewright) - [Follow Steve Sarmento on Twitter](https://twitter.com/mr_steve23) - [Check out Tom Metz on IMDB](http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224453/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1) - [Follow Mike Evans on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ubersky) - [Follow Chadd Stoops on Twitter](https://twitter.com/ChaddStoops)