(Re) Encounters

There are a lot of firsts this time around - the first Marvel film, the first superhero film and the first animated Spider-Man media for Sam and Boris to discuss! In this case - and also because of the theme of extra-dimensional assistance - they have enlisted the help of film and media connoisseur, James King! The trio talk about the origins of Spider-Man and the importance of Sam Raimi to the continued popularity of the web-slinger before they continuously praise this masterpiece of an animated film (for the most part). James, Sam and Boris talk at length about the variety of themes, voice acting talent and inventive crew before ordering their thoughts in rankings and mulling over possible recasts - truly a difficult job! As you're listening to this episode, just imagine you yourself are in New York, experiencing some of the glitches and weird technical effects that made this film so memorable - hit play, enjoy the ramblings and create some (graffiti) art. Remember to follow us on Instagram @reencounters and Letterboxd @ReEncounters! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A film that has been on the list ever since (Re)Encounters began, Sam is delighted to be introducing Boris to The Truman Show at last! First seen when studying Philosophy and Religious Studies at school, it's gone on to become a classic staple in Sam's mental film catalogue. For Boris, this is an eye-opening experience, to see a film that blends so many different genres and which inspires such a deep level of thought. In this first, bumper-length episode of Season 3, our duo of hosts examine the talents of one Jim Carrey, consider the effects of Reality Television and even take on God...! You don't want to miss this one, so get to listening - whether it be morning, afternoon, evening or even night! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three is indeed the magic number - just ask those pesky kings/magi - and in line with festive traditions, the podcasting duo of Sam and Bobo have a third and final festive surprise for their listeners, both newcomers and faithfuls (we also accept traitors lol). For this retrospective feature, our hosts share never-before-released clips from the past season of (Re)Encounters - some hilarious, some thought-provoking and others just plain weird. While we strongly encourage you to relisten to the episodes for the full experience, you can rest assured that these clips from fan-favourite episodes will not disappoint. Featuring some wonderful guest appearances by Nadja, Emma and Caitlin as well as the first album Sam and Boris reviewed, this is sure to become a staple for the years to come. So sit back, press play and enjoy this treat before the next season of (Re)Encounters truly gets underway! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the second of their festive episodes, Sam and Boris have decided to look at that special genre of music, Christmas tunes! And who better to do it with than the Goddess of Pop, the eternal diva herself - Cher! In this album review, our hosts reminisce about Cher's impact on their lives - or rather, all our lives - as well as her iconic status within the LGBTQIA+ community before delving straight into analysing her Christmas sound. Join Sam and Boris (and Cher) as they make their way through a packed dancefloor, running reindeers called Rudolph and classic duets with other living legends, all while discussing the merits of original Christmas music and covers of beloved singles. On a personal note, thank you for listening to this and our other episodes throughout this year - it has been our pleasure to provide insightful, yet humourous observations on pop culture via the airwaves and it means a lot that you have stuck around. Get in touch on Instagram (@reencounters) or email ([email protected]) and get ready for the next exciting season of (Re)Encounters, coming in 2026! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What better way to start off the holiday season than with some festive skeletons, scary ghouls and a plot to take over the role of Santa Claus for the whole world? Today on his quest of educating Boris, Sam is helped by a lover of horror, theatre and all things alternative - the lovely Caitlin Powell, joining us all the way from Australia! Though the distance has slightly affected the usually crisp audio, this episode is definitely not one to miss - regardless if you're a lover of Halloween, Christmas-related festivities or both! Tune in to our hosting trio to hear them discussing the conflicting identity of this film and its ownership, modern-day consumerism and the yearn for better-written female characters - #justice4sally. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the brief switch-up from the last episode, our two hosts are back with another slight change to the usual format, albeit a familiar one. On this episode, Sam and Boris will be discussing a film - a relatively famous film at that - which Sam hadn't seen before, Easy A from 2010. The duo discuss the longevity of the American high school film and how Easy A expanded upon this established film tradition and advanced it into the 2010s, as well as the star potential of one Emma Stone and the improbability of her passing off as a 17-year old. They also comment on the film's slightly uneven two halves and the importance of well-used cameos and references. Nothing says autumn like a back to school film so dig out those John Hughes VHSes and CDs, but only after you've listened to Sam and Boris' takes on Easy A Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Well we're doing something a bit different again, but variety is the spice of life, and speaking of spicing things up few artists manage to be as relentlessly provocative, relevant and visionary whilst staying in the mainstream as Lady Gaga. To celebrate Pride (we know we're a little late), as well as some of the music that defined our early teenage years, we'll be covering Gaga's seminal 2011 album Born This Way, complete with a slightly new format to reflect this new genre of review. Join the church of Gaga as we journey back to where many of the inspirations for her later musical experiments arguably began, and allow your pleasure centres (or at least the parts of your mind that enjoy listening to us talking about stuff) to be relentlessly bludgeoned by facts, feelings and fangirling over this iconic cultural time capsule. Put your paws up, put your headphones in, and press play - 'cause you were born this way, baby! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Water, Earth, Fire, Air - all combined to create a disaster of a film, which could have been great! Well, at least we eventually got the Netflix live-action version to rewrite the past wrongs. But that still doesn't mean Boris can't suffer the pain Sam did when watching M. Night Shyamalan's 2010 film The Last Airbender when it originally came out. However, it ended up being too much for Boris as a lover of the original Avatar: The Last Airbender cartoon - so the hosting duo called upon long-time listener and avid fan of the animated series, Emma Sophie Jahns to make the watching experience more manageable. If you've missed Boris and Sam slamming and ripping a piece of media to shreds, then get ready for one wild ride - not even Emma's attempts at finding a silver lining can change the tides of negative opinions from both our hosts and the wider viewing public. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here at (Re)Encounters we like to not only educate, but help tackle deeply rooted fears. While some people shake in their boots when watching gory horror and slasher flicks, Boris gets more than just the jitters when even considering watching anything made using claymation; the world famous stop-motion animation method which created those irrepressibly quirky and quintessentially British heroes of screens big and small, Wallace and Gromit. These two have a special place in the hearts of many, Sam included, so he's been pushing for Boris to bite the bullet and watch them for quite some time. The dynamic duo of zany, wide-grinned inventor and faithful, eye-rolling canine companion have long captivated the hearts and minds of children and adults alike, and it's past time that Boris understood why. In this super-charged episode (our thirteenth - unlucky for some, but not for us- it means we can celebrate a baker's dozen of episodes) our own duo of hosts will cast their analytical eyes over the four short films aired on television that included the cheese-loving pair; A Grand Day Out (1989), The Wrong Trousers (1993), A Close Shave (1995), and A Matter of Loaf and Death (2008). Sit down, have a cuppa and enjoy your favourite cheesy comestible, it'll be absolutely cracking! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ah the Western, a film genre so famous and full of conventions that it's always a synch to parody and poke fun at, but Boris had never seen one before, leaving a massive gap in his steadily growing catalogue of film knowledge. Before this episode that is... this time, Sam decided to show Boris one of the most celebrated of all Western films; The Searchers (1956). Almost 69 years ago, this classic revenge-quest film opened new doors for the genre and showed the world just how well visuals and story can join up to make a film truly spectacular. Listen as Sam gushes over a masterpiece, and Boris complicates things with his fresh new take on the film and Westerns as a whole. An occasion when their rankings actually match up? That'll be the day! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You must be pretty used to disappointment by now when it comes to Boris and his lack of film knowledge - well, fear not, for this time Sam has called for some extra help! Joined by the lovely Nadja Bonk, our podcasting duo accompany Buttercup and Westley on their romantic adventures, as well as audience favourites Inigo Montoya, Vizzini and Fezzik amongst many, many notable characters. With an endless supply of quotable lines, incredible acting performances and beautiful nature shots, The Princess Bride is a true 80s classic. So put on your headphones, open those frame-narrative-inducing books and prepare to be transported to a fairytale world like no other - and that's not just on account of Sam and Nadja's disbelief at Boris's plot summary! Make sure to spread the word and share with your friends. Also, let us know what film/book/TV series/music album we should cover next - we are always looking for feedback! Remember to follow us on Instagram (@reencounters) or send us a quick message on our email ([email protected]) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a lengthy hiatus, they're back! Sam and Boris prepare themselves for a new year full of excitement, new projects and energy by looking back at some of the moments which were originally left on the cutting room floor. Featuring brand-new segments, get ready to revisit a few of the films previously discussed on (Re)Encounters and delve deeper into what makes our two hosts tick. Remember, we are always happy to hear back from you: our Instagram (@reencounters) and email ([email protected]) are waiting for your feedback! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For this episode of (Re)Encounters, Sam and Boris are hopping over to the picturesque village of Tulaigh Mhór (Tullymore) to discuss the 1998 sleeper hit Waking Ned, otherwise known as Waking Ned Devine. The podcasting duo discusses the significance of the film and its wide-reaching appeal both in the British Isles and in the United States, as well as the depictions of rural life in Ireland in the late 90s. Of course, Boris and Sam also go into detail about the humourous side of a film dealing with death and an aging community - it may sound like an unlikely combination, but it makes sense in the end (just about). Have you seen or heard of this piece of Irish cinematic history before? Get in touch with us on Instagram (@reencounters) or email ([email protected]) and let us know - we'll be waiting with a glass of whisky for you when you do. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wait, Boris hasn't seen this film?! Well, he has now - and, boy, does he have opinions! Join our two fabulous hosts as they discuss an equally fabulous movie of the 1960s - some might say the movie musical of its day - My Fair Lady. After sharing their expectations as well as some key information about the film and its continued success, Sam and Boris focus on some of the elements which make this movie musical such a delight to watch, including lavish costuming, intricate set building and juicy casting tea. So put on your fakest Cockney accent and your most extravagant dress to go watch horses run and gallop in circles alongside the (Re)Encounters team! Just beware the rain in Spain. Make sure to follow us on Instagram (@reencounters) to stay updated about our next episodes! You can also email us ([email protected]) to share some comments, feedback or if you just want to say hello. And don't forget to spread the word and tell your friends, colleagues, roommates and grandparents about (Re)Encounters - we're grateful for any and all support! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Returning from their two-month long hiatus, Sam and Boris debut a new model for the (Re)Encounters podcast by discussing the 2004 hilarious CGI nightmare known as Van Helsing! While the hosts couldn't help but laugh at and critique some of the stilted dialogue and dated special effects, they also acknowledge the cultural significance of the Gothic genre and classic monster movies on this film with figures like Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster and The Wolfman. But don't worry - despite the changes to the previous format, the hosting duo still retain their cutting commentary and moments of boisterous laughter; you're in good hands - unlike the future of the Universal Classic Monster Cinematic Universe... As always, get in touch with us over Instagram (@reencounters) or via email ([email protected]) and share your thoughts and opinions on the new format. We promise we don't bite - but we do wear fabulous capes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aaah, the 1980s - a time of prosperity and developments in the field of Japanese animation. In the first episode of 2024, our duo of hosts is joined by an extra special guest to discuss 1988's Akira, a cornerstone of Japanese animation and its spread to a Western audience. On this journey further east, the trio of Sam, Boris and Emily discuss not just the music and animation that make this film a masterpiece of the cyberpunk genre, but also explore its long-lasting influence on other pieces of media, both old and new. With a slightly new format and a brand new voice joining for this episode, this year is shaping up to be quite spectacular for (Re)Encounters - make sure to stay updated and follow us on our Instagram - @reencounters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of (Re)Encounters, Boris and Sam tackle what is considered a classic example of Bulgarian cinema, namely 1964's The Peach Thief, starring the "First Lady of Bulgarian Cinema", Nevena Kokanova, as well as the famous (and dashing) Rade Markovic. Our hosts discuss Soviet montage film techniques as well as often used tropes in film and literature, all of which inform the significance of this film not just within Bulgaria, but also beyond the former Iron Curtain. Ranging from topics, such as the First World War, appreciation of beauty and teleporting main characters, this is one film - and review - you don't want to miss! This episode opens on a question open to all listeners, so make sure to listen till the end to make up your mind and don't forget to send us an answer on Instagram (@reencounters) or via E-Mail at [email protected]. Have fun listening and remember to always guard your orchard! P.S. Visit gledam.bg for more Bulgarian-language films with English subtitles! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After another long break, the podcasting duo of Sam and Boris is back - and what a treat they have prepared for you all this time! In a slight deviation from the previous episodes of this project, the hosts discuss not only the masterpiece that is the 2006 Guillermo Del Toro directed film Pan's Labyrinth, but also the movement of Magic Realism and how it relates to this film as well as the wider world of literature. Pop culture references, mentions of beloved authors and famous actors - both within the Spanish and English language film industry abound. In the longest episode of (Re)Encounters thus far, let yourself be transported to a sinister, yet beautiful kingdom of magic; if you keep listening to the end, your new favourite podcasting duo will guide you home safely. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another episode must mean another film that Boris hasn't seen, correct? Not this time! Get ready to hear Sam's thoughts and opinions on the previously unseen 2009 Sam Raimi horror classic (jury's still out on that) Drag Me to Hell. Maybe calling it a classic is a bit of a stretch, but it must be a bit popular if Boris has seen it before - or at least that is what he tries to convince Sam of. Follow the hosting duo as they share information about the plot, cast and creatives of the film, all the while attempting to hold in their laughs, scathing reviews and utter dismay at some of the cinematic choices and script blunders. Even if you have never heard of this film before now, this episode will surely make you want to watch it and laugh alongside Sam and Boris. Remember to follow us on Instagram (@reencounters) and leave a comment or write us a message. You can also get in touch via email on [email protected]. Share, comment and spread the word! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.