Footcandle Films

Writer/director BenDavid Grabinski's new action comedy MIKE & NICK & NICK & ALICE stars Vince Vaughn as both of the titular Nicks, James Marsden as the titular Mike, and Eiza González as the titular Alice. We've got a review of the new Hulu exclusive film plus a generous helping of Trailer Tapas. Recommendations from our hosts in this episode - Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie Footcandle Film Society

Ryan Gosling plays a science teacher alone on a spaceship light years from Earth in PROJECT HAIL MARY. We go long on the review (football pun intended...but also we did really talk a good bit about this one) and then wager which of seven upcoming proposed films based on IP we'd back with all our podcasting millions. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode- Sing Street Footcandle Film Society

The new Pixar film HOPPERS has been seen by many in the movie going world as a bounce back effort for the studio whose recent output hasn't fared well. Chris reviews the new film and then both hosts run down the outcomes of Sunday night's 2026 Academy Awards ceremony. Recommendations from our hosts in this episode: The Singers, Two People Exchanging Saliva Footcandle Film Society

Actress/Writer/Director Maggie Gyllenhaal is back with her 2nd feature film THE BRIDE! starring Jessie Buckley, Christian Bale, Annette Bening, Peter Sarsgaard, Penélope Cruz, and her brother Jake Gyllenhaal. We've got a review plus a Trailer Tapas segment where we sample the trailers of three new films set to release in the coming weeks. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - Wild Rose Footcandle Film Society

During the research process of making his 2022 biopic ELVIS starring Austin Butler director Baz Luhrmann gained access to mountains of archival footage of interviews, performances, and candid moments behind the scenes. He's now assembled a documentary entitled EPiC: ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT. We've got a review plus a Trailer Tapas segment with quick glimpses of films on the release schedule horizon. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - Man on the Run Footcandle Film Society

The new movie HOW TO MAKE A KILLING starring Glen Powell is loosely based on the 1949 film KIND HEARTS AND CORONETS. Powell plays Becket Redfellow who was disowned at birth by his obscenely wealthy family. His mother does the best she can to raise him on her own. When she becomes terminally ill she urges Becket on her deathbed to reclaim his inheritance. We've got a review of the dark comedy plus via the Trailer Tapas segment a look at three movies arriving in cineplexes in the coming months. Recommendation from our host in this episode- A Little Prayer Footcandle Film Society

Writer/Director Bart Layton's new film CRIME 101 follows an elusive thief who while plotting his final score encounters a disillusioned insurance broker. As their paths intertwine a relentless detective trails them hoping to thwart the multi-million dollar heist they are planning. We've got a review of the film plus a round of trailer tapas that helps us decide what we'll be discussing next week. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - Psycho Therapy: The Shallow Tale of a Writer Who Decided to Write About a Serial Killer Connect with Footcandle Film Society here

Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi tackles taboo topics in his work. The 2025 Palm D'Or winner and Academy award nominated IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT fits right in with his filmography as it depicts a mechanic who is reminded of his time in an Iranian prison when he encounters a man he suspects of being his sadistic jailor. Our hosts share their thoughts on the film & then run down all the movie trailers shown during the cultural event that was the 2026 Super Bowl. Recommendation - Come See Me In The Good Light Footcandle Film Society

Director Sam Raimi returns to his indie horror roots with the new film SEND HELP starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien. Our hosts share a review and then indulge in a round of Trailer Tapas with glimpses of I LOVE BOOSTERS, EPIC, & MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - Secret Mall Apartment Footcandle Film Society

Our hosts have thawed out enough from the weekend winter weather that hit Western NC to bring a review of THE SECRET AGENT starring Golden Globe winner & Oscar nominee Wagner Moura. Speaking of the upcoming Academy Awards, Alan & Chris review the lucky nominees and make early guesses as to who might take home the golden statues. A recommendation from our hosts in this episode: A Big Bold Beautiful Journey Footcandle Film Society

Our hosts review their first 2026 cinematic release - 28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE starring Ralph Fiennes & Jack O'Connell. Afterwards they partake in some Trailer Tapas sampling three upcoming films they are looking forward to. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode: 28 Days Later Footcandle Film Society

Did ya' hear? Stellan Skarsgård snagged a Golden Globe for his role in SENTIMENTAL VALUE. Our hosts share a review of the new film by Joachim Trier plus share their Top 5 lists of the best cinema of 2025. Recommendation from our host in this episode: Spinal Tap II - The End Continues Footcandle Film Society

Happy New Year podcast listeners. Our hosts ring in the new year with reviews of MARTY SUPREME starring Timothée Chalamet & SONG SUNG BLUE starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson. In the spirt of celebrating the new year Chris shares his annual list of films he's most anticipating in 2026. Recommendation from our host - The Life of Chuck Footcandle Film Society

Director Chloé Zhao's HAMNET starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal is out in movie theaters now and generating award season buzz. Our hosts share their review on this cinematic peek into the creative process of William Shakespeare followed by Alan quizzing Chris on his thoughts on the 3rd installment of the Avatar franchise. Recommendation from our host in this episode - The Alabama Solution Footcandle Film Society

Director Rian Johnson is back with the third installment in his murder mystery series with WAKE UP DEAD MAN: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY. We share a review and then gaze into our cinematic crystal ball at three upcoming movies of 2026 by discussing their trailers. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode: Zootopia 2 Footcandle Film Society

Russell Crowe returns to be big screen in NUREMBERG as the Nazi leader Hermann Göring on trial with Rami Malek starring as a psychiatrist and Michael Shannon as a prosecutor in the case. We've got a review of the star studded historical drama plus thoughts on the recently announced Golden Globe nominations. Recommendation from our house in this episode: Roofman Footcandle Film Society

WICKED: FOR GOOD had a huge opening weekend, earning an estimated $150 million in North America and $226 million globally. Our hosts share a review of the new film starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande and then discuss a trio of trailers for upcoming releases. Recommendation - Train Dreams Footcandle Film Society

Edgar Wright, Noah Baumbach, & Guillermo del Toro - three big directors all with 2025 releases. We've got full reviews of Wright's THE RUNNING MAN and Baumbach's JAY KELLY followed by a recommendation and mini-review of sorts of del Toro's FRANKENSTEIN. Recommendation - Frankenstein (2025)

Once again the hosts were AWOL last week. To make up for their absence they share two reviews on this episode. First they talk about PREDATOR: BADLANDS starring Elle Fanning and then discuss the latest collaboration between actress Emma Stone & director Yorgos Lanthimos BUGONIA. Recommendation - Vulcanizadora Footcandle Film Society

Aș penance for not recording a podcast last week our hosts return with two movie reviews instead of the usual one. First up we have a discussion of the seasonally appropriate horror film BLACK PHONE 2 followed by thoughts on the new documentary MR. SCORSESE. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - Weapons Footcandle Film Society

A new installment of Disney's TRON franchise has come to theaters after a fifteen year hiatus. We've got a review of TRON: ARES starring Jared Leto plus thoughts on some movie news of new films in the OCEAN'S series. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode: Final Destination Bloodlines

The Safdie Brothers' solo projects are upon us. Josh's tale of a ping pong obsessed fellow will hit screens in December but first we have Benny's biopic of mixed-martial arts and UFC champion Mark Kerr as portrayed by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. We've got a review of THE SMASHING MACHINE on this episode along with discussion of the upcoming film that has Jack Black and Paul Rudd starring as a pair of friends trying to single handedly remake the b-horror movie ANACONDA. Recommendations from our hosts - Tucker and Dale Vs. Evil Footcandle Film Society

With the 2025 Footcandle Film Festival officially wrapped our hosts return to their regular scheduled duties...that of reviewing films. We've got a review of the new Paul Thomas Anderson film ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER plus news of a sequel to THE SOCIAL NETWORK. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode- Inherent Vice Footcandle Film Society

With HIGHEST 2 LOWEST Director Spike Lee remakes Akira Kurosawa’s HIGH AND LOW taking it from the streets of Tokyo to the streets of modern day New York City. The film marks the fifth collaboration between Lee and star Denzel Washington. Our hosts share a review and then ponder the trailers of two new films coming soon to theaters. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - The Roses

Our hosts didn't take a break last week but recorded an episode discussing the new film RELAY. Cranky computers resulted in the episode being lost however...they give a quick recap on this episode before launching into a discussion of Darren Aronofsky's CAUGHT STEALING. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode: I Like Movies Footcandle Film Festival September 19-28, 2025 in Hickory, NC!

With his feature film debut writer/director Michael Shanks tells the story of Tim and Millie, a couple who move to the country and encounter an unnatural force that threatens to corrupt their lives, their love, and the their flesh. The couple is played by real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie. We've got a review of TOGETHER followed by some trailer talk of some upcoming theatrical releases. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - Materialists Footcandle Film Society Footcandle Film Festival

Writer/director Zach Cregger is back on the big screen with the followup to his 2022 horror hit BARBARIAN. The new film stars Julia Garner, Josh Brolin and Alden Ehrenreich and follows the actions of a small town after a classroom full of young school children go missing. We've got a review of WEAPONS plus thoughts on the new trailers for JAY KELLY and IF I HAD LEGS I'D KICK YOU. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - Oddity Footcandle Film Society | Footcandle Film Festival

What's a "requel"? Well, according to the internet, it is what you call a "reboot" combined with a "sequel". Exhibit A - The new version of THE NAKED GUN starring Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson, & Paul Walter Hauser directed by Lonely Island member Akiva Schaffer. We've got a review plus a discussion of the trailer for the film BLUE MOON - the 9th collaboration between actor Ethan Hawke and director Richard Linklater. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping Footcandle Film Society | Footcandle Film Festival

With FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS we have the 4th film in the franchise utilizing the 3rd version of the cast and 3rd person in the director's chair. Will this be the 1st successful iteration of the these comic book characters? Our hosts have a review plus discuss two trailers of upcoming 2025 releases. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode- The Jerk Footcandle Film Society and Film Festival

Director Ari Aster, darling of independent cinema, is back on the big screen with his fourth feature EDDINGTON starring Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, and Austin Butler. We've got a review plus some PIXAR talk and a recommendation of a film that might not be on your cinematic radar. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode:Bob Trevino Likes It Footcandle Film Society | Footcandle Film Festival

Director James Gunn has flown from the MCU to the DCU with a new rendition of SUPERMAN starring David Corenswet as the titular caped superhero. We've got a review of the film plus quick glimpses of upcoming films from two big name directors. Footcandle Film Society

Director Gareth Edwards is the fifth director to venture into the realm of Jurassic Park doing so in the 7th installment of the franchise. We've got a review of JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH plus trailers from new films from Edgar Wright and Ron Howard. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - Sinners Footcandle Film Festival

TOP GUN: MAVERICK director Joseph Kosinski swaps Tom Cruise for Brad Pitt and jets for cars in his new action film F1 or as Alan likes to call it (and it is being identified as in some places) F1: THE MOVIE. We've got a review plus some trailer talk and a recommendation of a film that might not be on your radar. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - The Count of Monte Cristo (2024) Footcandle Film Society

Director Danny Boyle re-teams with writer Alex Garland and returns to the silver screen for the first time since 2019 with 28 YEARS LATER. We've got a review of the new zombie thriller, news of a Springsteen biopic starring Jeremy Allen White, and a recommendation of a film you can watch from the comfort of your own living room. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode: Predator: Killer of Killers Footcandle Film Society

THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME marks Wes Anderson’s thirteenth feature film (if you count the collection of 4 shorts based on Roald Dahl stories he did for Netflix in 2024 as one film). Benicio Del Toro stars as wealthy businessman Zsa-zsa Korda who decides to appoint his only daughter, a nun, as sole heir to his estate. As Korda embarks on a dubious new enterprise (the scheme of the title) he & his daughter become the target of rival tycoons, foreign terrorists, & determined assassins. We've got a review plus some movie news and a recommendation of a film you might want to seek out. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - The Ballad of Wallis Island Footcandle Film Society

After taking a vacation week the hosts return with reviews of the dark comedy MOUNTAINHEAD starring Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman, Cory Michael Smith, and Ramy Youssef & the documentary BONO: STORIES OF SURRENDER. Recommendation from this episode - Pee Wee as Himself Footcandle Film Society

The eighth film in the MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE franchise follows Tom Cruise as super spy Ethan Hunt as he desperately tries to stop the terrifying AI known as The Entity from destroying all of mankind. We've got a review of MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - THE FINAL RECKONING plus a sampling of new films on the release schedule horizon. Recommendation - Before Sunrise Footcandle Film Society

With his first feature film in six years indie director Trey Edward Shults is back in movie theaters with a collaboration with musician The Weeknd. We've got a review of HURRY UP TOMORROW and some news from the Cannes Film Festival. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode- MouseHunt Footcandle Film Society

The filmmaking duo of Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck have a new movie out that relays four interconnected stories set in 1987 Oakland, CA revolving around a mysterious force that guides the area underdogs. We've got a review of FREAKY TALES plus some movie news & a joint recommendation from our hosts of a movie you should consider watching. Recommendation - Nickel Boys

An unconventional team of antiheroes embark on a dangerous mission that will force them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts in THUNDERBOLTS - the latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We've got a review of the new film plus a sampling of three upcoming a24 films all on this episode. Recommendations from our host in this episode: Tower Footcandle Films Society

On the fictional island of Carpathia a shy girl is raised to fear an elusive animal known as ochi. When she discovers a wounded baby ochi she embarks on a quest to return him to his home. Willem Dafoe & Emily Watson star in the new film THE LEGEND OF OCHI which hit theaters April 25th. Our hosts share a review and then partake in some trailer tapas. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode: Nanny McPhee Footcandle Film Society

Director Ryan Coogler & actor Michael B. Jordan have re-teamed for their fourth feature together with SINNERS which tells the story of twin brothers Smoke & Stack (both portrayed by Jordan) who return to their hometown to attempt a fresh start by opening a juke joint only to have a great evil descend upon their new venture. On this episode, we share a review of SINNERS plus watch & discuss the new trailer for THE LIFE OF CHUCK. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - Fruitvale Station Footcandle Film Society

If you've been in a movie theater since January you've likely seen the trailer for DROP - Christopher Landon's latest directorial effort starring Meghann Fahy and Brandon Sklenar. We've got a review plus thoughts on trailers for new films by Wes Anderson & Ari Aster Recommendations - It's What's Inside (Netflix), The Studio (AppleTV+) Footcandle Film Society

A MINECRAFT MOVIE starring Jack Black, Jason Mamoa, and Danielle Brooks made bank at the box office this past weekend. Alan & Chris entered the OverWorld and have a review of the film plus some news of upcoming releases. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - One of Them Days Footcandle Film Society