Now Playing - The Movie Review Podcast

Saw director James Wan wished to leave the horror genre behind when he signed on to adapt Death Sentence - author Brian Garfield's previously unmade sequel novel to Death Wish. A buttoned-down Kevin Bacon cuts loose, kicks off his Sunday shoes, and follows in the footsteps of Charles Bronson's pistol packin' Paul Kersey once a street gang targets his perfect family. Listen now and find out if Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart give this failed reboot a stay of execution.

It was Charles Bronson's wish to never reprise the role of vigilante Paul Kersey after Death Wish IV. So movie producers found $5 million reasons for the 72 year old actor to star as their Face of Death one last time. This fifth chapter sends Kersey into the underbelly of New York City's garment district, where the tough guy hunts the cannoli-loving transvestite mobsters who disfigured his clothing designer fiancee and stole away his surrogate daughter. Do Jakob, Stuart and Arnie find this fashion forward finale a bad turn on the catwalk, or a fitting end to the Bronson era? Listen and find out.

How does a DC Comics super-team come together when the Man of Steel is dead, Batman is suicidal, Wonder Woman won't lead, and the most promising recruits are an aloof Merman, a renegade robot, and a neurotic runner who'd rather eat than fight? It will take the Classic Rock threat of Steppenwolf, reuniting with the Mother Boxes of Invention, to unify this Justice League. But is there any hope for Recommendations from Stuart, Jakob, and Arnie when the clashing visions of director Zack Snyder and last minute replacement Joss Whedon create such a chaotic production? Find out who wins and loses when you listen now! Thirsting for even more JUSTICE? Become a Now Playing Patron to hear an extended version of this review--over 30 minutes longer! Details are on the Now Playing Patron site!

Paul Kersey gets topical with his fourth killing spree in Death Wish 4: The Crackdown! This time he's going to whack the crack dealers in Los Angeles. It's the type of film only Cannon Films could make. But is it any good? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!

The God of Thunder was ready to change his image after Now Playing and so many others hammered his solo films as the silliest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Third effort Ragnarok not only puts Thor in the arena with longtime frenemies Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) and Loki (Tom Hiddleston), but pits him against powerful new characters Hela (Cate Blanchett), Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), and Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum). Should the studly superhero have been so quick to chop off his golden hair, or would those shears have been better served cutting out some jokes in this 130 minute epic? Find out if hosts Arnie, Jakob and Stuart rain on Marvel's latest parade by listening now! {Marvel Series} {Avengers Series} {Comic Book Movies Series} {Thor Series}

Seven Year's Later...it's again Halloween; it's again Now Playing reviewing Saw! The "torture porn" genre had fallen out of vogue, and Saw's grosses fell to match. Now, not quite a decade later, is the world ready for more traps and (plot) twists? Does the Saw cut as deep in its eighth iteration? Strap on your bucket and join Arnie, Jakob, and Marjorie to find out!

Texas Chainsaw 3D was a success in 2013, but the fast-tracked sequel got mired in studio bureaucracy and changes in creative teams. Finally, nearly five years later, comes Leatherface--a prequel to Tobe Hooper's original The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. It has been available to DirecTV customers for the past month, but now it's streaming through all major platforms. Can this new prequel give a better origin story for Leatherface than Platinum Dunes' attempt? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Brock to find out!

Paul Kersey has returned to New York (or London). He didn't come intending to fight a gang war, but he finds his war buddy gunned down. It's a fight Kersey didn't start, but he intends to finish it in Death Wish 3. It's the first Death Wish that is officially a Cannon film. Does their Over the Top aesthetic help Charles Bronson's franchise? Join the Now Playing Podcast hosts to find out!

In the early '80s, the dawn of home video, it would be easy to think movies had a lifespan of only four years. But Ridley Scott's creation Blade Runner escaped box-office failure to find its own life. Its imagery still influences artists 35 years after being released, and it's spawned novels, video games, and more. But now this dystopian vision returns to big screens with a sequel: Blade Runner 2049. Harrison Ford returns as Deckard, a man with secrets sought after by a new Blade Runner played by Ryan Gosling. Can director Denis Villeneuve craft a vision that we'll still be discussing in 2052? Listen to this review to find out!

Paul Kersey has lived a peaceful life for years in Los Angeles with his girlfriend, his daughter, and his housekeeper. Yet his tranquil existence will once more be shattered by a group of criminals who will assault his family. Now Paul is back on the streets, stalking the streets of Skid Row, looking for revenge. Does this Death Wish hit as hard as the original? Listen to this episode of Now Playing to find out!

Three children were all born during the solar eclipse. Does that mean these little sociopaths have no soul? Their birthday wish...is for you to die! That's the plot of Bloody Birthday, a 1981 film "so shocking" it couldn't see wide release until 1986! How does this Birthday surprise stack up against similar-themed slashers? Wish co-host Stuart a happy birthday as we cut into this Patron-selected film!

Fledgling spy Eggsy Unwin (Taron Egerton) barely had time to assume his place as Galahad before chirpy drug czar Poppy Adams (Julianne Moore) reduced the whole Kingsman Round Table to rubble. Now the English gentleman must dust off his suit and accept assistance from newfound American allies Jeff Bridges, Halle Berry, Channing Tatum, and Pedro Pascal. How many shots of whiskey will it take to ply recommends from Yank hosts Stuart, Arnie, and Jakob? Their review of this highly anticipated sequel is finally available to listeners who missed the September live-stream podcast!

In 1974 Charles Bronson made his entry in the self-defense/revenge genre with Death Wish. The film is a gritty look at a New Yorker who is pushed to the breaking point by the city's rampant crime. Based on a novel, is this just another grim exploitation flick, or does it Wish to be something more? Load up with Stuart, Arnie, and Jakob as they begin their series reviewing all the Death Wish films--ending with the Eli Roth/Bruce Willis reboot this November!

First came Halloween. Then Friday the 13th. Soon after, no holiday was safe! New Year's Evil, Mother's Day, Graduation Day. Prom Night...all became occasions for slasher fests. Then in 1981 it was time to blow out the candles with Happy Birthday to Me, a murder-mystery slasher starring Little House on the Prairie's Melissa Sue Anderson, and Superman's dad Glenn Ford. It's Now Playing co-host Arnie's birthday today, and listener Matt has chosen this to be his gift! Is it all he wished for? Join him, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!

Marvel's Inhumans are the result of combining alien DNA with humans. In that way they're neither human nor alien, they're inhuman. Likewise Marvel's Inhumans is a halfbreed--it's neither television nor film. It is the TV series pilot premiering this weekend on IMAX screens. Is it worth the IMAX ticket price to see a shorter version of network television four weeks early? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob in this hair-raising review to find out!

Philip K. Dick's novel Radio Free Albemuth was published in 1985, three years after the author's death and nine years after the book was written. Yet with the author's name as propellant, this discarded novel was optioned for a low-budget movie. After lengthy post-production the film Radio Free Albemuth was released direct-to-VOD in 2014. Can the acting (and singing) of Alanis Morissette help audiences swallow this film's extra-terrestrial premise? Listen to find out!

Do you remember Arnold Schwarzenegger's 1990 movie Total Recall? If not, Columbia Pictures will remind you with their wholesale retelling of that film. Featuring Colin Farrell in the lead this movie was quickly forgotten in theaters. But now, after much listener demand, the Now Playing hosts give Len Wiseman his props! So join Stuart, Brock, and Jakob for this return to our Philip K Dick Retrospective Series!

Annabelle was a prequel to The Conjuring. Now we go even further back in time with Annabelle: Creation--the story of the doll's manufacture and first possession. These films hit big at the box office, but can this demonic doll break the curse of getting no recommends from the Now Playing hosts? Listen to find out!

Over the span of 34 years Stephen King wrote his Dark Tower saga of books, amassing more than 4,000 pages of lore. The story features the last legendary Gunslinger on a quest to ward off evil forces and reach The Dark Tower. The story has often been called "unfilmable" but, after nearly two decades of trying, the story has come to the screen. Is it an epic fit for King, or another dark tale that didn't survive the leap from page to screen? Join Stuart, Jakob, and Arnie on their quest to unravel the mystery and find out!

Christopher Nolan's latest film tells of the English army's rescue from German assault at Dunkirk. The director is relying on visual spectacle over star power, choosing mostly unknown actors for many of the lead roles. But what can Nolan's unique film-making and storytelling style add to distinguish Dunkirk from other World War II films? Jump on the boat with Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart to find out!

Trainspotting was a breakthrough film, gaining acclaim for both director Danny Boyle and star Ewan McGregor. Now, twenty years after their original tale of Scottish heroin addicts, the stars and director come together to catch up on the lives of Rent Boy, Spud, Sick Boy, and Franco. Who kicked the habit, and who hasn't? And what consequences are due for Renton stealing the £16,000? Choose life! Choose to listen to Now Playing and find out!

In 1996 director Danny Boyle exploded on the indie film scene with his octane-fueled heroin comedy-drama Trainspotting. Based on the eponymous novel by Irvine Welsh, the film has a unique vibe, a killer soundtrack, and turned Ewan McGregor into a star. Can the 20-year-old film give the Now Playing hosts the same high it once did? Choose life. Choose Now Playing. Inject this into your ears now!

Spider-Man has finally come home! While Marvel Studios started without its most popular characters, an agreement between studios (aided by some North Korean hackers) has now made it so Marvel's most super of heroes, Spider-Man, can stand alongside the other cinematic Avengers. But this is this third big-screen incarnation of the wall crawler in 10 years. Does this one swing higher than Raimi's and Webb's movies? Listen to find out!

No, Baby Driver is not about an infant taking his parents' car for a spin. Baby Driver is the latest film from Scott Pilgrim vs the World and Shaun of the Dead auteur Edgar Wright. For his fifth studio film Wright brings his unique take to the car chase genre. Or is it the musical? No matter. Load up your iPod Classic, pop in your ear buds, and join the hosts of Now Playing for this revved up movie review!

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Michael Bay's Transformers franchise. To commemorate, Paramount and Bay have released the fifth movie in the series: The Last Knight. And this seems to be Bay's last go-round with these Autobots and Decepticons. The box office is soft, but could Bay have possibly saved the best for last? And where does the franchise go from here? ROLL OUT with the hosts of Now Playing to hear their thoughts!

Bad Boys exploded in 1995. The career surge it caused for both stars Smith and Lawrence, as well as for director Bay, meant an eight-year wait for the sequel. In 2003 the Boys were back and it was bigger, badder, and much longer. But was it better? Join the bad boys of Now Playing Podcast for their review to find out!

In 1995 Will Smith was a sitcom star with a rap career. Martin Lawrence was host of HBO's Def Comedy Jam, and his own show Martin where he would cross-dress to play Sheneneh. And Michael Bay was an unknown, save for a few stylish music videos. Their careers all blew up, as did several cars and an airplane, when they teamed up to make Bad Boys. Now join the bad boys of Now Playing for their review of this action classic!

Fans of the 1975 Wonder Woman series have to be excited for the Wonder-ful release from La La Land records: The Wonder Woman 3-CD set. This release has music cues and score from all three seasons of Wonder Woman's run from composers Charles Fox, Artie Kane, Robert Prince, Johnny Harris, Robert O. Ragland, Angela Morley, and Richard LaSalle. On this bonus Now Playing, Arnie talks with Wonder Woman album producer Neil S. Bulk. Find out what goes into making a soundtrack for a 40-year-old show, and take a listen to some of the music found in this set. And on this episode--find out how to win one of six copies Now Playing is giving away! You have until June 13th to enter.

Sometimes a movie becomes something more than a film--it becomes a movement. That seems to be the case with Wonder Woman. It has become celebrated as not only a great DC movie but also the first wonder-ful female-led superhero film, and a breakthrough for a female director. Beyond the politics, though, how much does this movie improve the Snyder-verse of DC Comics films? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!

Cathy Lee Crosby's Wonder Woman series didn't take off. But one year later ABC was ready to try again with The All-New Original Wonder Woman. It was a huge success and this is the series everyone remembers. Starring then-unknown Lynda Carter as the titular superhero, how does Wonder Woman work in a movie made in the 1970s, set in the 1940s? Spin along with Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!

When you think of Wonder Woman on ABC in the '70s no doubt you think of Lynda Carter in her red, white, and blue outfit, spinning through costume changes. But do you remember ABC's first Wonder Woman played by Cathy Lee Crosby? Based on DC Comics' "Diana Prince" era of comics, this made-for-TV movie introduces Wonder Woman the super-spy. Her bracelets may not deflect bullets, but they are gadgets worthy of James Bond. The series based on this pilot was not green-lit, and the next year ABC would try again with their iconic Lynda Carter show. But was this original movie still a Wonder? Wonder no longer! Listen to Now Playing to find out!

In 2006 David Lynch finally completed and released Inland Empire -- an experimental film that took him nearly three years to create. If it isn't the largest of Lynch's strange and surreal visions, it is his longest, coming in at three hours. And recently Lynch announced this is the final movie of his career. With talking bunny sitcoms, a murder mystery, and the Locomotion, did he go out on a high note? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob in this final David Lynch review to find out! Then head to NowPeakingPodcast.com and hear reviews of every episode of Twin Peaks! It's part of Now Playing's Spring '17 Donation Drive. Every dollar helps keep Now Playing going!

James Gunn defied all expectations. 2014's Guardians of the Galaxy was the first Marvel studios film to go cosmic, and with stars like a raccoon and a talking tree, it could have easily crashed. Instead it has become many fans' favorite entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Now Gunn is back, as are all the Guardians. The stakes are higher. Does this movie rock as much as the first? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out! {Marvel Series} {Avengers Series} {Comic Book Movies Series} {Guardians Series}

After Twin Peaks' inglorious end it seemed a safe assumption that David Lynch and the ABC network were through with each other. Yet in the late '90s ABC hired Lynch to make a pilot for a new TV series--Mullholland Dr. The series wasn't picked up, but Lynch filmed a new ending and the result was one of his most acclaimed films. So take the key, open the box, and join the Now Playing hosts as they analyze this surreal mystery movie!

For several films where Vin Diesel's Dominic Toretto was a car-driving superhero. Now, in The Fate of the Furious he's back on the wrong side of the law, working for a mysterious hacker named Cypher (Charlize Theron). Does this rift with his "family" supercharge the franchise's eighth installment, or is it headed for a burnout? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out!

After the violent, explicit Lost Highway it seems whiplash-inducing that David Lynch's next film would be a G-rated family film for Disney. But that's what The Straight Story is. There are no dancing little people, no time loops, and no murder mysteries. The Straight Story is a true story of Alvin Straight, a retired farmer who drives his John Deere lawnmower over 300 miles to see his ailing brother. Is this a Story worth watching? Join the Now Playing hosts to find out!

David Lynch's theatrical follow-up to the maligned Fire Walk With Me was Lost Highway -- a supernatural horror-thriller. The film stars Bill Pullman as Fred Madison, a man who may have killed his wife. On death row Fred is somehow replaced by twenty-something car mechanic Pete. What is going on, and how does it involve Dick Laurent? Hop in the car and join Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart as they guide you down this Lost Highway.

Twin Peaks was far from David Lynch's only television effort. Not only did Mulholland Dr. start as a television pilot, but Lynch also produced On the Air and, in 1993, Hotel Room. That latter series was not picked up by any network, but HBO aired the three recorded episodes as a mini-series. Later it was released on VHS as a film. Now you can join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob as they look at Lynch's television history and check out Hotel Room!

Twin Peaks television ratings weren't enough for ABC to keep the show on the air. That cancellation left fans biting their nails with a cliffhanger that seemed would never be resolved. One year later Peaks was brought back to life, not on television but in theaters. But would this movie, a prequel chronicling Laura Palmer's last week, give the fans what it wanted? It was derided upon release, but with 25 years of distance is this film an underrated masterpiece? Join Arnie, Stuart, and Jakob to find out! Then head to NowPeakingPodcast.com. It's a donation drive where you can hear reviews of every episode of the Twin Peaks series, including the new episodes coming this summer on Showtime!

When credits rolled on David Lynch's Wild at Heart it seemed like no sequel was necessary. But Wild at Heart novelist Barry Gifford continued Sailor and Luna's tales in a series of books. He also wrote a spin-off novel 59° and Raining: The Story of Perdita Durango featuring the Santeria practicing criminal from Wild at Heart. The film adaptation was made with no connection to Lynch's earlier film, and was released in the states as Dance With the Devil. Can it be as Wild as Lynch's villain? Join the Now Playing hosts to find out!

David Lynch was hitting a career peak in 1990. First, his show Twin Peaks became a national obsession. Then his new film Wild at Heart won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. But this movie, combining Barry Gifford's eponymous novel with The Wizard of Oz, did not find universal acclaim. Can Nicolas Cage win over the hearts of our critics? Listen to find out! Then head to NowPeakingPodcast.com and hear reviews of every episode of Twin Peaks! It's part of Now Playing's Spring '17 Donation Drive. Every dollar helps keep Now Playing going!

For eighteen years Hugh Jackman has played Logan - the popular X-Men hero also known as Wolverine. His first appearance in 2000's X-Men helped launch the modern age of cinematic superheros. But now, after playing Wolverine nine times Jackman is ready to hang up his claws. His planned final performance is in Logan -- a violent and dour film that reteams Jackman with The Wolverine director James Mangold. Did Jackman save the best Wolverine for last? Join the Now Playing Podcast hosts to find out!

In the 1970s Stephen King gave his version of a vampire tale with 'Salem's Lot. In the '80s he wrote another classic horror monster story. The novella was called "The Cycle of the Werewolf", but the film was called Silver Bullet. Does a pre-Lost Boys Corey Haim stand a chance against a rampaging werewolf? And who's scarier, the wolf or Gary Busey? Join the Now Playing hosts to find out!

February 24 is Twin Peaks day. It's designated as such because the first episode of Twin Peaks is set on February 24, 1989--the day Laura Palmer's body washed up on the shore of the small town. Now join Arnie, Jakob, and Stuart as they watch and review the pilot episode of Twin Peaks, including the international version which solves the murder! Then head to NowPeakingPodcast.com. It's a donation drive where you can hear reviews of every episode of the Twin Peaks series, including the new episodes coming this summer on Showtime!

Before Twin Peaks there was Blue Velvet -- David Lynch's first tale of Kyle MacLachlan investigating a small town murder. This violent, sexy, surreal film has been ranked one of Lynch's best, and helped put Easy Rider Dennis Hopper back on top. Is this a mystery worth solving? Join the Now Playing hosts to find out! Then head to Now Peaking Podcast.com for reviews of every Twin Peaks television episode in anticipation of this summer's new season on Showtime! Come Discuss Blue Velvet in the Now Playing Forums

John Wick thought he'd left his killer lifestyle behind. After avenging his beloved pet he was ready to literally bury his past...but the underworld is not yet done with him. Keanu Reeves is back in the sequel to the sleeper hit John Wick. Does this one go off as well as the first? And what does it have in common with The Matrix? Join the Now Playing hosts to find out!

John Wick exploded out of nowhere. This film was announced in September, 2014 for release just a few weeks later. And thanks to the star power of Keanu Reeves, a strong trailer, and a high concept, the lack of promotion didn't matter--it quadrupled its modest budget. Now, just over two years later, Wick is back in theaters for Chapter 2. Prepare for it by joining the Now Playing hosts as they give the first John Wick a shot!

Fifteen years ago Paul W.S. Anderson and Milla Jovovich transformed Resident Evil from a successful video game franchise to a hit movie series. They released a new film every two to three years, and made almost one billion dollars worldwide. Now, after a five year absence, they are back to conclude the series in The Final Chapter. Can Alice defeat the big boss and give the series a fitting ending--or do our hosts just want to hit the "reset" button and start the game over? Join Stuart, Justin, and Arnie to find out!

Ten years after Resident Evil first hit screens it came back for Retribution! This fifth movie brings back actors, and plot points, from previous installments. Can the return of Michelle Rodriguez, Sienna Guillory, Colin Salmon, and Oded Fehr breathe new life into this zombie series? Join the Now Playing hosts to find out!

It was no surprise that Resident Evil would return for a fourth film. That original series creator Paul W.S. Anderson returned, however, was surprising. Bringing James Cameron's 3-D cameras he attempted to make the most eye-popping yet. Did this breathe new life into Afterlife or should we call in the executioner? Join the Now Playing hosts to find out!