Spoilerpiece Theatre

Big week at Spoilerpiece! Lotsa movies. Evan fills us in on the Boston Jewish Film Festival (3:45) with the four shorts (JOIN THE CLUB with Ari Graynor, WIG SHOP with Emily Mortimer, BLACK SWELL with Richard Kind, and THE CHOP, about a Jewish butcher who gets a job in halal shop), and one feature (WINTER HUNT) he watched in anticipation of the festival's run from November 8-20. Dave follows at 17:20 with Frances McDormand in THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI, which he characterizes as one of the best films of 2017. Next up is Kris and Dave with Kenneth Branagh's MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS at 30:00. Lastly, all three guys saw Greta Gerwig's masterful LADY BIRD and take turns gushing about how much they love it.

This week starts with Dave's recap of the all-night Halloween Marathon at Brookline's Coolidge Corner Theatre (2:30) featuring some of the best in classic zombie flicks. Next up, Kris recounts his spooky double feature, LET'S SCARE JESSICA TO DEATH and MESSIAH OF EVIL (16:09), both of which are great slices in 1970s weirdness. Dave runs us through THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER (28:32) and does not buy into the hype. Dave and Evan team up for LBJ (34:39), the latest take on the president with a complicated legacy. Last up, all three talk about the surprisingly delightful THOR: RAGNAROK (44:37) from Taika Waititi.

This week the guys reminisce about long-gone insults of yesteryear before Kris offers a unique barb of his own design. For the movies, Evan delivers a "Crewind" of G.I. JANE (5:00), the Ridley Scott picture where Demi Moore is a badass Navy SEAL in training trapped in a story that gets a little muddled with conspiracy plots. Next Dave covers TOO FUNNY TO FAIL (17:17), a rollicking documentary on Hulu about the short-lived DANA CARVEY SHOW that explains that the inspiration for some of the show's best sketches while reflecting on its failure. Then the guys take on SUBURBICON (28:35), a George Clooney film that borrows an old Coen Brothers script, but fails to imitate them effectively. While they chide it for being too heavy-handed and trying to cover too much narrative ground, they can all agree that Oscar Isaac injects much-needed vitality into his brief scenes.

This episode begins with epic tales of Dave's film school smoking habits, which were quite epic. Then it's on to the main event, where Kris tells of his recent Netflix adventures with BIG MOUTH (5:45), the new animated show featuring Nick Kroll, John Mulaney, Jessi Klein, and a host of guest stars. It cuts deep with the preadolescent awkwardness, but it's worth your time. Next up is THEY LOOK LIKE PEOPLE (11:35), an atmospheric, psychological horror film about two friends: one who is having a slow psychotic break where he can't trust anything he sees or hears, and the other whose entire existence is a facade erected to protect his insecurity. It's great, and Kris convinces Dave and Evan to see it right away. Last up is ONLY THE BRAVE (32:37) a true-ish story about the Granite Mountain Hotshots, whose heroism deserves a much more thoughtful, intelligent, and coherent movie than the one they got.

Evan, Kris, and Dave are joined by special guest (and Evan's fiancee) Shauna Harris! As a practicing attorney, she sits in to expound on MARSHALL (34:06), the new biopic about the first African-American Supreme Court justice (before he was on the Supreme Court) Thurgood Marshall. Before that, Evan and Shauna Crewind to RAW (18:15), the 2016 flick about French-Belgian cannibals, which, we're not ashamed to say, leads to "Cannibalismpiece Theatre" at 31:09, when the gang names a bunch of let's-eat-people movies. But to kick things off, Kris relays his feelings about THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE (4:23) in a fresh segment of "Keeping up with the Jensons," and Dave waxes philosophic (not really) about LUCKY (9:48), the last movie Harry Dean Stanton appeared in before his death in September. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrsUOmKlAzI

This week Dave reveals something he feels like he has done right as a parent before any movies are discussed. Since Kris caught VICTORIA AND ABDUL (3:09), he leads off by explaining why Dave is right about it, before expressing some insights of his own. After that, Evan covers the Online New England Film Festival (6:02) by sharing the festival's award winners and some of his favorite shorts. Next, Dave talks about David Lynch's DUNE (13:52), raising several questions, including, 'Who thought it was a good idea to let Toto do the score?' Following this "Riedel's Recap," Kris spoilerpieces the Netflix film GERALD'S GAME (23:08), getting into grisly detail about why it made him want to throw up. Finally, Dave and Evan review the week's big movie BLADE RUNNER 2049 (44:35) by discussing its atmosphere, aesthetic, and length in comparison to Ridley Scott's original.

This week begins with a discussion of bad movies, and why video game adaptations are particularly egregious. Evan then kicks things off with a recap of his experience at Somerville Theatre's 70mm Festival, featuring THE DARK CRYSTAL (4:47). The Crewind continues with Evan's "Triple Cruise" where he watched two classics -- RAIN MAN (11:30) and the under-recognized DAYS OF THUNDER (15:17), before being joined by Dave to dissect AMERICAN MADE (21:55). The short version: it's awesome. Dave then Spoilerpieces no one into wanting to see VICTORIA & ABDUL (37:35), the latest example that director Stephen Frears should take it easy on the aristocracy for a while. It's finely made with a great turn by Eddie Izzard, but totally familiar. Last up, Dave and Kris are excited to talk about the many victories of BATTLE OF THE SEXES (42:02), both in the narrative and the filmmaking. It's good, funny, thoughtful, and entirely necessary.

This week the guys talk about the wacky world of Colorado marijuana dispensaries before they delve into three very different movies. Dave and Kris lead off with STRONGER (3:18), the David Gordon Green/Jake Gyllenhaal film about one man's struggle to overcome the trauma of losing his legs in the Boston Marathon Bombing, while he deals with the pressure of living in the public eye. Then Evan reviews YEAR BY THE SEA (30:38), a tale about an older woman who finds herself by moving to Cape Cod. And last, but certainly not least, all three guys discuss MOTHER! (42:49), the polarizing Darren Aronofsky picture that they have completely different opinions about.

We have a bumper crop of movies on this week's show (have we used that description before?)! First, it's a bout of RIEDEL'S RECAPS, with James Bridges' BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY (3:57) and John McTiernan's THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER (10:03). Then we're KEEPING UP WITH THE JENSON's and his take on MEMINO (14:32) (not to be confused with MEMENTO or former Boston mayor Tom Menino). Evan takes one for the team and watches REBEL IN THE RYE, which is NOT about Rebel Wilson, but J.D. Salinger (27:00). Then it's THE WOMEN'S BALCONY (36:02), an Israeli film that Evan missed at the Boston Jewish Film Festival but is making up for it now. Lastly, it's AMERICAN ASSASSIN (42:33), which Kris and Dave saw together against their better judgment (Evan took a pass - kudos to him).

This week the guys marvel at technology's ability to be accidentally stupid before they discuss movies. Kris starts off the show with a segment of "Keepin' Up with the Jensons" where he describes his experience watching TWIN PEAKS (3:06), before he reviews GOOD BURGER (7:46), a super 90s movie starring Kenan (Thompson) and Kel (Mitchell), he found charming, funny, and very inoffensive. Next, Dave reviews THE TRIP TO SPAIN (19:50), the third installment in Michael Winterbottom's travel-themed series, which has a lot fewer impressions and very confusing ending. Then the guys arrive at their main event, IT (30:05), the big screen adaptation of Stephen King's famous novel that's creative and creepy with a great cast and special effects, even if it does have some flaws. Stay tuned after the credits for a bonus conversation from this week.

This week the guys explore ideas for new expletives that are safe to use around children before they dig into the movies. Since it's the end of August, there aren't as many to discuss, although they do have a couple of recaps and two new releases, as well as some fun tangents in between. First, Dave recaps THE FRIENDS OF EDDIE COYLE (3:32), a Boston gangster movie from the 70s with Robert Mitchum that was actually shot in the city. Following a tangent on another Boston movie, THE DEPARTED, Evan Crewinds everyone to the 80s with REAL GENIUS (15:08), a cute comedy that causes the guys to wish Val Kilmer could be their college roommate too. Then all three guys review I DO…UNTIL I DON'T (24:36), the disappointing sophomore effort by Lake Bell, which has some sweet moments, and some misguided ideas about documentaries. Lastly, Evan and Dave spoilerpiece CROWN HEIGHTS (43:09), a wrongful conviction film that showcases great performances and makes excellent points about the American criminal justice system, but feels much longer than it should due to its shifting perspectives.

It's late August at Spoilerpiece! Hells yeah! Even though it's the g.d. dog days of summer and there's jack in the way of new releases, we did a new episode and we even found a new movie! Yay! But first, we step into RIEDEL'S RECAPS. Dave takes on the Monkees in HEAD (2:56) and then Edward Zwick's GLORY (7:15), which spends a lot of time with the white cast members even though it's about the first black soldiers fighting in the American Civil War. Evan takes over for an installment of CREWIND, featuring his take on the 2005 version of Mel Brooks' THE PRODUCERS (11:00). We get to a new release with KRIS spoilerpiecing SOME FREAKS (17:25), which is On Demand right now. (Demand it!) Evan and Dave then get into Steven Soderbergh's feature film return, the glorious LOGAN LUCKY (37:15), which they enjoyed the hell out of. Finally, Kris and Dave hit up AN INCONVENIENT SEQUEL: TRUTH TO POWER (51:24), which is a movie.

Dave met Daniel from France! He was in town on vacation and they bumped into each other at the Coolidge Corner in Brookline. Dave tells that story, and then the guys have a few things to say about Charlottesville, Va., and then they get into the movies. Evan starts things off with THE HITMAN'S BODYGUARD (7:53), a movie he describes as "Not as bad as I thought it would be." The guys head down under to BREAKER MORANT at 20:29, and Dave spends waaaaay too much time talking with a terrible Oz accent. Kris covers Errol Morris' THE B-SIDE: ELSA DORFMAN'S PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY starting at 30:27. Evan takes they guys on a stroll down Amnesia Lane to CROSSING DELANCEY at 38:15, which is a delightfully sweet romantic comedy from the late 1980s. Finally, Kris and Dave cover Werner Herzog's AGUIRRE, THE WRATH OF GOD at 48:00, which screened on Monday, August 14 in 35mm. Everyone should have access to rep theaters like the Coolidge.

Longtime friend of the show Dede Crimmins joins the guys this week to discuss what they know about the band Foghat. They have so many movies to talk about that they have a hard time figuring out where to begin. Dave goes first with lightning fast "Riedel's Recaps" of BAD COMPANY (6:25), MENASHE (7:55), and THE BIG SICK (11:44), before Dede shares her top pics from this year's Fantasia International Film Festival: MY FRIEND DAHMER (14:43), MOHAWK (18:15), and LOWLIFE (19:54). Then she, Dave, and Kris spoilerpiece ANNABELLE: CREATION (24:15), which is so creepy that Kris watched some scenes through his fingers. Next, Dave gives his one-minute take on GOOD TIME (49:41), a movie with Robert Pattinson making the best bad decisions, that he says is one of the best he's ever seen. Following that, Evan reviews KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES (51:49), a cute spy comedy that he's surprised more people haven't seen. Finally, Dave and Kris conclude with WIND RIVER (1:00:17), a procedural about a murder on an Indian reservation that they agree is one of the best films of this year.

This week Dave admits why he's way too excited about his car getting detailed, before Kris declares that his beard might be magical. Prior to the week's main event, the guys serve up a heaping helping of recaps. Evan leads off with a segment of "Crewind," where he offers his take on PHOENIX (6:06), a film that Dave spoilerpieced many moons ago. After he talks about his reaction to the German film's incredible ending, he tackles SHINING THROUGH (10:35), the Melanie Griffith picture where she's a sharp half-Jewish woman who spies on the Germans with Michael Douglas during World War II. Then Dave takes over with "Riedel's Recaps" of I DON'T FEEL AT HOME IN THIS WORLD ANYMORE (20:43), a movie he liked more than Evan, who spoilerpieced it earlier this year, and THOR (24:41), which he was not impressed by. Finally, all three gents delve into DETROIT (34:01), Kathryn Bigelow's chronicle of the brutality and murder at the Algiers Motel during the 1967 Detroit riot. In their commentary, the guys address criticisms leveled by other critics that the film is exploitative, while also sharing their personal reactions to it.

This week Dave recounts his unique experience living in Annie Lennox's old apartment before the guys talk about movies. Then he leads off with a recap of HIS GIRL FRIDAY (5:03), a film he'd seen before, but didn't remember a thing about, other than it being a prime example of everyone involved with it at the height of their power. Next, the guys cover the week's big release, ATOMIC BLONDE (13:55), an aggressively okay, hyper-stylized action film with Charlize Theron, where you're either bored or you know what's going to happen. You can totally see its big twist coming, unlike the Kevin Costner picture NO WAY OUT, which becomes the subject of a relevant tangent at 22:25. Lastly, Dave wraps things up with his quick thoughts on DUNKIRK (51:17), which he lauds for its flawless direction.

Dave is on vacation, so Charlie Nash joins Evan and Kris to discuss Ed Sheeran's distracting GAME OF THRONES cameo before they dig into this week's movies. Before they get into any new ones, Kris shares his most recent experience with ALTERED STATES (4:25), and his invigorating trip to a sensory deprivation chamber that inspired his viewing. Then Charlie and Evan cover GIRLS TRIP (14:23), a comedy that's way funnier and raunchier than they expected, with many scene-stealing moments by Tiffany Haddish. After that, Kris and Charlie attempt to review VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS (28:26), a colorful Luc Besson sci-fi film that's bloated, convoluted, and predictable despite its endearing silliness. Finally, all of them tackle Christopher Nolan's DUNKIRK (48:55), a World War II film that blew them away with its massive scale, pulse-pounding score, and breakneck pacing.

It's a heapin' helpin' of Spoilerpiece this week, as the guys tackle six movies (!!), and welcome special guest Max Covill! Max writes for Film School Rejects and co-hosts his own podcast, It's the Pictures. Max gets things a-goin' with A GHOST STORY (4:15), a movie that stars Casey Affleck as one of the kids from It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, and Rooney Mara as the woman who loves him. It's the kind of movie Kris wishes he'd seen, but hasn't yet. There's a brief tangent into what makes a horror movie a horror movie (A GHOST STORY is not, FYI) at 12:30, and then Riedel's Recaps with THUNDERBOLT AND LIGHTFOOT (17:00), one of Clint Eastwood's least Clint Eastwood-like pictures. Max takes over at 27:15 for WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES. Kris tackles THE LOVELESS (41:30), Kathryn Bigelow's first film as director, and Evan spoilerpieces THE BUBBLE (47:50), a film in which an Israeli man and Palestinian man fall in love and lots of people are unhappy about it. The big 'un this week is OKJA. Everyone has seen it. AND THERE ARE SUPER DIVERSE OPINIONS! This week's episode was brought to you by factory farming, btw.

This week the guys discuss their favorite Beach Boys song before they talk movies. They only have one big film to talk about, so they spend some time catching up on others they caught recently. In a segment of "Evan Can Wait" aka "Crewind," Evan shares his experiences watching CADDYSHACK (6:08) and OUTSIDE PROVIDENCE (14:01) again, as well as his first-time viewing of the romantic OUTSOURCED (20:00). Then Dave recaps his latest time through A FISTFUL OF DOLLARS (26:29), where he talks about what it has in common with other Sergio Leone Westerns and samurai films. Lastly, the guys all team up to review SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING (33:40), a Marvel superhero outing that they all really enjoy with believable teenagers facing believable troubles.

Before the guys get to their movies, Kris shares a story about an unconventional spice that he accidentally added to a friend's coffee at the start of this week's episode. First, Dave covers IT'S US (6:00), a painful, awkward drama with Eliza Coupe that's one of the strangest relationship movies he has ever seen. Next, Evan reviews THE BIG SICK (15:45), a semi-autobiographical romantic comedy with Kumail Nanjiani that's funny, sweet, and offers poignant thoughts on familial relationships. After that Dave tackles Sofia Coppola's THE BEGUILED (28:06), a remake of the 1971 Don Siegel/Clint Eastwood film, where one of the noticeable differences is that Colin Farrell is purposely Irish. To wrap up, all of the guys take on BABY DRIVER (42:40), the latest Edgar Wright action flick, which has a lot less driving than they expected, but some entertaining moments and performances none the less. And in case you're wondering, here are the links to the animation for Dave's Ray Winstone reading "Are You My Mother" and Evan's interview with Kumail Nanjiani.

This week the guys muse about pugs before they dive into their full slate of movies. First Kris deals with TRANSFORMERS: THE LAST KNIGHT (3:20), a movie that feeds into Marky Mark's savior complex with a story dating back to medieval times. Beaten, a little bruised, and exhausted by its stupidity, Kris passes the baton to Evan, who tackles the Netflix film WAR MACHINE (19:57), a glacially-paced bore with a strangely stacked cast led by Brad Pitt, and a narrator that doesn't show up until halfway through the picture. Dave enters the fray next with THE JOURNEY (34:14), a decent Irish drama with light comedy and two leads using very different acting styles. Kris wraps everything up with THE BAD BATCH (46:00), a gritty post-apocalyptic Western with Jason Mamoa, Keanu Reeves, and Jim Carrey?! Before signing off, Evan gives a shout out to Max Covill and John Gilpatrick for having him on their show It's the Pictures to talk about 80s films and his book.

We begin episode 153 with a brief discussion of annoying T-shirts. Then it's on to the annoying ROUGH NIGHT (3:35). More like ROUGH MOVIE, AMIRITE? Anyspray, it has Kris saying more than once, "I wish it were funnier." Then Evan regales Kris and Dave with the truly fucked-up sounding THE BOOK OF HENRY (31:38), a movie that feels as if it's actually 14 different movies crammed into one. Kris takes us down to the basement for a recap of the creepy HELL HOUSE LLC (43:45), and Dave chomps at the bit to get into 47 METERS DOWN (56:32), a Mandy Moore movie that features some sharks, some blood, and the incomparably not-great Matthew Modine. Stay tuned after the closing credits for extra silliness.

This week the guys surprise themselves by reflecting more on string cheese than any adult probably should. Then Evan delves into "Crewind," the segment formerly known as "Catching up with Crean," to share his experience watching CLUELESS (at 5:14) for the first time and rewatching Michael Mann's HEAT (at 9:24) on blu-ray. After he's done talking about the loving satire of CLUELESS and the awesome actors he forgot were in HEAT, he cedes the floor to Dave to cover IT COMES AT NIGHT (at 14:35), the sophomore effort by KRISHA director Trey Edward Shults. Dave explains why the film deserves a second and possibly third viewing, even though nothing really comes at night, before Evan and Kris explain why THE MUMMY (at 39:24) doesn't deserve a single viewing due to its stupidity and failure to launch Universal's Dark Universe franchise.

While exploring the etymology of the word "sweater" this week, Evan and Dave learn a little more about Kris than they bargained for. Before the guys get to the week's new release, they offer fresh takes on films they watched a second time. Dave starts with his thoughts on David Lynch's TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME (at 3:38), which is still longer than it needs to be, but has three powerful set pieces and a bleak narrative where Laura Palmer looks freaked out a lot. Evan is up next, with his insights on FAST FIVE and FURIOUS 6 (at 11:44), two movies that stacked up very differently for him upon second viewing. Then all three guys take on WONDER WOMAN (at 17:50), a picture that's far better than others in the DCU because it's funnier, lighter on its feet, and takes itself seriously without going overboard. Their conversation gets slightly heated though, when Evan brings up several gripes he has with it. Wrestling matches are threatened, yet thankfully avoided, brother.

Hi, kids! Welcome to episode 150 of SPOILERPIECE THEATRE! It's a totes spesh episode! So special, in fact, that we forgot to mention it was a special episode until the closing credits. In fairness, our brains were so fried this week by the convoluted plots of the movies we watched, we weren't able to retain any other information. But we were able to discuss the "DuckTales" theme song before Dave launches into his take on PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES (3:51). Then we get into BAYWATCH (34:13), which everyone saw (even if they all didn't see each other at the screening). Please make sure you listen after the closing theme song!

After 148 episodes, Evan suddenly airs his distaste for poetry, and in explaining his rationale, he unwittingly realizes the one exception to his rule. Then it's onward to the week's movies. First, Dave and Kris go deep on ALIEN: COVENANT (at 6:17), a film that takes the worst ideas of its predecessor PROMETHEUS, and capitalizes on them, by following a group of characters that are morons. Next, Evan covers the Israeli movie THE WEDDING PLAN (at 41:32), where a bride dumped a month before her wedding decides to go ahead with the ceremony anyway—the kind of tale that's worth watching for its unique story, even though it's a little slow and long. Evan and Kris close with BUSTER'S MAL HEART (at 53:03), a weird, crazy flick starring MR. ROBOT's Rami Malek, and a charismatic conspiracy theorist played by DJ Qualls, that has the exact sense of irony that Kris appreciates.

On this week's episode, the guys stumble onto a question for actor Ken Marino that they never knew they had, while discussing DVD menus. After briefly reviving their time-honored hey-o gag during some pre-show shenanigans, they delve into the week's movies. First, Kris briefly shares the adrenaline rush he felt watching John Woo's FACE/OFF (at 5:51) with a very appreciative crowd on the big screen following a Nicolas Cage-themed burlesque show. Next, Dave describes the documentary RISK (at 12:05), which fortunately isn't from the people who brought you BATTLESHIP. Instead it's a sparsely narrated chronicle about WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange with more lawyers on screen than you can count. Lastly, Evan and Kris review the Amy Schumer/Goldie Hawn comedy SNATCHED (at 32:04), an uneven film that pulls back in strange places and doubles down in what the heck ways. As a special treat, stay tuned after the closing for a mini sing along the guys had when they got on the mic this week.

After last week's audio snafu, the guys make good on their promise to upgrade their recording equipment, but they're too busy talking about Batman chins to pat themselves on the back for very long at the start of this week's episode. In other news, both Kris and Evan attended IFFBoston, so they share the highlights of their festival experiences (starting at 5:20), by firing through brief reviews of movies they saw together like FOR AHKEEM, (at 9:42), LA BARRACUDA (at 12:52), and MENASHE (at 18:18), as well as numerous ones they saw separately. After they blast through several short reviews of other films, all three guys review Marvel's GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2 (at 40:02), which strangely borrows heavily from STAR TREK V for its plot. This sequel is clunky in the middle for its emphasis on numerous characters' backstories, but its humor, art direction, and soundtrack are still on point.

Hi everyone! This week there were some major releases, but none of them screened for critics…like, for real. So none of us saw THE CIRCLE or HOW TO BE A LATIN LOVER, and honestly, we're probably all better off. But we didn't just sit around with our thumbs up our wazoos. Dave watched all 10 episodes of the Amazon series BOSCH (5:45), Kris saw the new Anne Hathaway/Jason Sudeikis movie COLOSSAL (26:45), and Evan saw most of the Netflix series 13 REASONS WHY (51:30). At 17:49, Kris and Dave go off on a major GOLDEN GIRLS tangent. And words of warning: We had some serious audio problems while recording this episode and you'll hear some white noise fading in and out of the background starting at about the 35:00 mark (I didn't write down the exact spot, so that's a guess). We're working on getting new recording equipment, so hopefully these audio glitches will soon be a thing of that past, yo. Peace!

This week the guys discuss the narrative differences between Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" and film adaptations of her tale at the start of the show. Then Evan reviews Macon Blair's directorial debut I DON'T FEEL AT HOME IN THIS WORLD ANYMORE (at 5:01), which has a title that sounds like a Facebook status Kris would have written if it had existed in 1995. Blair borrows stylistic elements from director Jeremy Saulnier, but his film lacks the intensity, excitement, and payoff of Saulnier's movies. Next Dave spoilerpieces Evan and Kris into never seeing THE PROMISE (at 27:22), which is like PEARL HARBOR with more death, and a less interesting love story. If you're looking for context or history behind the Armenian genocide depicted in the movie, you won't find it. Lastly, Kris closes with Ben Wheatley's FREE FIRE (at 47:30), a short, stylized action flick with an outcome that is not as funny as its set up. Kris talks about how Wheatley seems more interested in color, movement, and brutality than getting you to care about what his characters are saying, and why that's disappointing as a viewer.

It's been a while since the guys have done some singing, so they decide to make up for it at the start of the episode. There are just two films on their docket this week—one is animated, and one live action that's also an action movie. First, Evan reviews YOUR NAME (at 4:00), a touching anime tale about two teenagers who mysteriously start swapping bodies. Dave tries to compare it to other body-swapping films like VICE VERSA and DREAM A LITTLE DREAM with moderate success, while Kris realizes he's into it for reasons he doesn't fully understand. Then all three of them set their sights on FATE OF THE FURIOUS (at 20:04), a loud action movie that's almost unbelievable even by franchise standards, but boy is it still fun to watch, because it surprised them with some of its new tricks with cars.

This week during a conversation about the new Domino's commercials that parody FERRIS BUELLER'S DAY OFF, Dave shares a seemingly small aspect of the movie that really gets under his skin. Next he and Evan review THE ASSIGNMENT (at 7:56), a truly awful film by Walter Hill about a hitman (Michelle Rodriguez) who undergoes forced gender reassignment surgery, and seeks revenge on her mad scientist tormentor (Sigourney Weaver). They pick apart its terrible makeup, its endless exposition, its uninteresting revelations, and its nonsensical plot, which they argue no one could be good in. After that, Kris spoilerpieces ALI: FEAR EATS THE SOUL (at 36:30), a German film he was inspired to watch by Roger Ebert's "The Great Movies." He reveals why it's worth watching, as he describes how the movie's poignant, complicated love story addresses racism without sensationalizing it.

A sing-along of songs from camp veers into unexpected territory for the guys this week. Before they get into any movies though, they turn their attention to television, as Evan explains his mad quest to watch as many X-FILES episodes as possible for before the show leaves Netflix streaming. After that Kris recaps his time at the Boston Underground Film Festival aka BUFF (at 9:14), where he highlights a number of notable films including PREVENGE, DARK SONG, BUSTER'S MAL HEART, SHE'S ALLERGIC TO CATS, THE VOID, and DAVE MADE A MAZE. Lastly, the guys tackle THE ZOOKEEPER'S WIFE (at 20:00), a movie about a couple played by Jessica Chastain and Johan Heldenbergh who smuggle Jews in Poland to safety during the Holocaust, which does all the things you've seen before and wraps them in a story you haven't. The guys compare the film to others about the Holocaust like SCHINDLER'S LIST, and are disappointed with familiar aspects of those pictures that seep into this movie, but they still laud its moving performances and excellent cast.

This week the guys attempt to answer the age old question, "Who's the luckiest person in show business?" with mixed results. Each of them have some catching up to do on movies that they've seen, so they do some quick recaps (starting at 4:26) before they dive into this week's movies. Kris shares short takes on BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and PERSONAL SHOPPER, prior to Evan offering brief thoughts on 10 CLOVERFIELD LANE, and Dave revealing what he took away from the rest of OJ: MADE IN AMERICA. After that Kris and Evan discuss WILSON (at 19:32), a film based on a Daniel Clowes graphic novel, where Woody Harrelson plays a guy walking through life telling everyone bullshit and acting like an asshole. Then all three guys discuss the sci-fi horror movie LIFE (at 41:11) which has great actors giving mediocre performances. They compare various parts to 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, and ALIEN, however they describe why it gets dumber the more you think about it.

Kris is on a tight deadline and can't make it this week, so Movie Bob Chipman joins Evan and Dave to discuss logistical questions about day to day operations of the Death Star. Bob shares insights into one of his upcoming videos before being their guest, i.e. reviewing BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (at 6:08). After some tangents about PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN and other live action Disney adaptations, Bob describes why BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is a tribute to itself; a fine, blow by blow remake of the animated movie. Next, all three of them discuss the Oscar-winning documentary O.J.: MADE IN AMERICA (at 22:24), by revealing how it provides deep context into O.J.'s successful athletic career and his abusive past, which leads the guys to ruminate on other celebrities with abusive histories. Finally, Evan and Dave tackle PERSONAL SHOPPER (at 42:26), an Olivier Assayas/Kristen Stewart film that's oozing with esoteric weirdness and needlessly confusing plot points. Fear not, the show isn't entirely without Kris! Stay tuned after the closing credits for a brief message from him.

Are movie theaters a safe place for children to play? The guys weigh in with their thoughts on this week's episode. Following their discussion, Dave offers his latest segment of "Riedel's Recaps," where he recounts the shocking, gruesome violence in LOGAN (at 4:27), and describes why he found the film to be a statement against hate. Following some tangents about their favorite comic book movies, and whether there are plot holes in DIE HARD, the guys arrive at the week's main event, KONG: SKULL ISLAND (at 17:52). They share some serious laughs as they critique the film's huge cast, its epic carnage, and its wide range of callbacks to other movies. They lament how confused it is about what type of picture it wants to be, however they celebrate its special effects, its long monster takes, and its perfect casting of John C. Reilly.

Dave had to look after Baby Henry, so BOFCA critic Greg Vellante joins Evan and Kris for this week's episode. After a brief game of "Get to Know Your Guest Host," Greg leads off with BEFORE I FALL (at 7:30), the teenybopper version of GROUNDHOG DAY, which he finds forgettable despite its heart. Next Kris discusses TABLE 19 (15:04), a wedding comedy about nothing in particular that he dubs "stay together porn" for its terrible plot involving couples staying together that shouldn't. After that, Evan and Greg rave about MY LIFE AS A ZUCCHINI (at 29:42), the touching Oscar-nominated animated film about a group of orphans who form a family. Finally, Greg fully loses his Spoilerpiece virginity by spoiling the heck out of LOGAN (at 42:06), the Wolverine movie that he describes as entertaining, unexpectedly moving, and extremely violent.

This week Evan learns the meaning of the term "hippie lettuce" and the results are mind blowing, well to him anyway. Kris opens with a segment of "Keepin' up with the Jensons" (at 4:40) where he talks about how great the performances in FENCES are and why he didn't mind the Google Earth portions in LION as much as other people. Next, Evan shares his psycho stalker weekend. No he didn't stalk anyone. He just watched THE BOY NEXT DOOR, FATAL ATTRACTION, and SINGLE WHITE FEMALE within two days and dug them all for their unhinged villains and insane plot twists. Lastly, the guys review the horror film GET OUT (at 30:38), Jordan Peele's tremendous directorial debut, which they all had the privilege of seeing. They have so much fun spoilerpiecing their screening's engaged audience, the sense of terrifying dread that Peele creates, and all of the subtle foreshadowing Peele lays down for the frightening events that follow, that they end up running a little longer than usual.

At the show's outset, the guys wonder what a wiki site run by Kris would be like, before they dive into this week's movies. First, Kris regales Dave and Evan with his thoughts on the cinematic implications of the Chinese/American collaboration THE GREAT WALL (at 3:06), an action film with Matt Damon in a non-white savior role that has great creature design, but ultimately is really dumb. Then Evan spoilerpieces FIST FIGHT (at 26:43), a completely nonsensical, failure of a comedy, that has bloopers funnier than its entire hour and a half runtime. Lastly, he and Dave explore I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO (at 45:42), the Oscar-nominated documentary that describes what it's like to be black in America through the words of author James Baldwin. The brilliant insights Baldwin reveals really resonate with them intellectually and emotionally, although the documentary's dense content prompts them to recommend more than one viewing, to take in all of its poignant commentary.

Although Boston meteorologists predicted that Snowmageddon would decimate the area this week, the guys were still able to record their episode before disaster struck. The show starts with a first, Kris spoilerpiecing vinyl album covers, before Evan shares his experience watching the touchstone '80s film FLASHDANCE (at 5:20) for the very first time. He agrees that it's crazy he hadn't seen it before, as he discusses how impeccably lit it is, how fantastic its music is, and how sultry its epic dance numbers are under the direction of Adrian Lyne. Next, Dave reviews THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE (at 18:10), which is exactly what you think it would be. Will Arnett is perfect as Batman and the movie is chock full of one-liners, but it doesn't quite have the same impact as THE LEGO MOVIE. After that Dave and Kris join forces to review JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 (at 26:50), a movie that they both loved, and not just because it fulfilled one of three big criteria for good films declared by Dave's uncle. It compellingly continues mythology established in the first picture without retconning, and features dynamite action scenes, as well as Keanu Reeves speaking multiple languages. Lastly, before they completely wrap, the guys take a moment to thank a fan for her kind email.

While discussing highlights of Billy Joel's musical career on this week's episode, Kris and Dave enlighten Evan about Joel's brief metal period in the band Atilla. Without wasting much time after that, the guys get into the week's movies. First up is Kris, to talk about THE RED TURTLE (at 2:56), one of the shortest spoilerpieces ever, because the sort-of-Studio Ghibli animated film has no dialogue. Kris kind of likes it, although he doesn't know why. However he does know that he feels the emotions of it. Next is Evan, to discuss LION (at 9:08), a drama about an Indian man played by Dev Patel, who decides to search for the family he was separated from as a child. The film's first half is heartbreaking and its last act reaches an emotional conclusion, yet Evan feels like its scenes of Patel searching on Google Earth in the middle really drag the story down. Finally, the guys conclude by gushing about PATERSON (at 23:50), Jim Jarmusch's pleasant, slice-of-life picture about a poet and bus driver played by Adam Driver. They talk about how the movie is about poetry on micro and macro levels, while revealing why it makes you want to sink your teeth into every moment. With a little time left, Dave caps the segment by sharing a brief hilarious encounter he had with Mr. Jarmusch in New York City.

Baby Henry is under the weather, prompting Dave to quarantine himself – so guest Dede Crimmins joins Evan and Kris this week to talk about the '90s and lots of film-related topics. Dede fills the guys in on her latest adventures, which include recording a DVD commentary, and participating on panels at the Arisia science fiction convention. Following some philosophical discussion about horror, Dede shares three movies to look out for this year (at 13:00): RAW, THE BAD BATCH, and COLOSSAL. After that, she and the guys discuss the 2017 Oscar nominations (at 21:52), revealing surprises and disappointments in the major categories. Finally, all three of them review this week's new release GOLD (at 33:50), the Matthew McConaughey gold prospecting movie that Kris describes as AMERICAN HUSTLE on NyQuil. Evan and Dede find it charming for McConaughey's spirited performance as a balding, overweight, drunk, but they admit that they'll probably forget it in a week.

This week Kris excitedly announces the Amazon release of BLOOD OF THE TRIBADES, the sexy lesbian vampire homage to Hammer horror that features him in a villainous role. Before the guys dive into the week's movies, Kris issues a correction to his description of THE BYE BYE MAN at the request of a listener. With corrections and plugs out of the way, Dave steps up to spoilerpiece THE FOUNDER (at 8:41), a chronicle of how Ray Kroc (Michael Keaton) transformed McDonalds from a small fast food chain owned by hardworking brothers (John Carroll Lynch and Nick Offerman) into a multi-billion-dollar company. Dave shares its unique take on Kroc as a character, revealing how Kroc starts out sympathetic, but becomes an incredible shyster as the film progresses. Then all three guys tackle SPLIT (at 27:16), M. Night Shyamalan's twisty thriller about a group of teenage girls abducted by man with multiple personalities (James McAvoy). The guys marvel at McAvoy's dynamite performance as well as great turns by Betty Buckley and Anya Taylor-Joy, although they find the movie's ending lacking and a little icky. The plus side: Dr. Kris has some ideas for how it could be improved.

Strange things are afoot this week at Spoilerpiece Theatre, and we'll just leave it at that. Kris leads off by reviewing THE BYE BYE MAN (at 3:48), a horror movie where the villain has no goal other than to mess with people until they die, so his dog can eat them. Just like with THE FOREST, Kris almost spoilerpieces Dave into wanting to see it, although thankfully Dave comes to his senses when he realizes how stupid it is. Evan follows with 20TH CENTURY WOMEN (at 26:48), a Mike Mills movie set in 1970s Santa Barbara with good bones, great camerawork, and charming performances, but annoying stream of consciousness storytelling like Mills's film BEGINNERS. Then Kris and Dave wrap up with LIVE BY NIGHT (at 41:39), the Ben Affleck gangster picture where people do a lot of living by day. Sienna Miller blends in, Brendan Gleeson goes too soon, and Chris Messina is the only one who belongs in this story with lots of clothed sex and heavy involvement from the KKK. The guys reveal that it looks great despite being weird, even though they agree that you should probably live by not seeing it.

Dave and Kris are back to start 2017 in style! This week the guys examine their favorite karaoke songs through the lens of 90s front men before they get to the movies. First, Dave shares his experience growing up as a Rush fan (at 6:58), and the sadness he felt watching the documentary RUSH: TIME STAND STILL for the second time. His story reminds Kris of DEATHGASM, an awesome movie about metal kids that he strongly encourages Dave and Evan to see. Next, Kris reviews HIDDEN FIGURES (at 16:50), a charming true story about three African American women working for NASA during the Space Race, which transcends genre tropes. Then the guys arrive at their main event: Martin Scorsese's SILENCE (at 27:46). All three have seen it, so they have a LOT to say about the film's commentary on religion, colonialism, and Christian arrogance through its 17th century tale of Portuguese priests conducting missionary work in Japan. They each have complaints and find the whole thing too long, yet ultimately respect what Scorsese is shooting for.

It's been a rough year, but 2016 has finally come to a close, and not a moment too soon given all of the beloved celebrities who have left us! Unfortunately neither Dave nor Kris could make it for this week's episode, so special guest stars Charlie Nash and Sean Burns join Evan to put the year to bed. They join forces to tear PATRIOTS DAY a new one (at 4:39). All three of them delve into the reasons this Peter Berg/Mark Wahlberg vehicle about the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing is insulting to Bostonians — like Walhberg's made up character, its exploitative shots of grisly carnage, its selective focus on victims, and its hard-on for authoritarianism. Not surprisingly, there is an overlap between that segment and the next one, where the guys discuss the Worst Movies of 2016 (at 33:54). Several films come up that have been mentioned on the show before, although the most spirited debate occurs between Charlie and Sean over ARRIVAL and CAPTAIN FANTASTIC, which make them feel very emotions.

So much Spoilerpiecing to do this week! We lead things off with a call from a friend in France, and then we get down to spoiling the snot out of ASSASSIN'S CREED. Evan follows that up with Almodovar's JULIETA, and then Kris uses all his strength to get through PASSENGERS, which sounds like it was an ordeal and a half. Finally, Evan and Dave talk FENCES, Denzel's latest directorial effort (an adaptation of August Wilson's renowned play).

Pee talk takes an unexpected, yet movie-related turn at the start of this week's episode. Once the guys dispense with their bathroom discussion, they move on to the Boston Online Film Critics Association's yearly awards, which were recently announced to the public. The guys quickly walk through their ballots (at 4:37), mentioning their favorite films that didn't win, exploring the nuances of their votes, and teasing movies like FENCES that they look forward to discussing in future episodes. After the awards excitement, Kris reviews COLLATERAL BEAUTY (at 28:00), a picture that sounds like an emo side project, where the filmmakers couldn't decide between making an awards movie or a Christmas movie, so they made both and got something awful. With that out of the way, Dave and Evan take on this week's big release, ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY (at 44:00), a prequel that doesn't have much in common with other entries in the STAR WARS franchise. It has a diverse cast of skilled actors, deaths with weight, and a director that cares about framing shots, however Dave and Evan don't think it deserves the hype from critics.

You want movies? We've got your movies this week! The episode opens with a segment of "Catching up with Crean," aka "Crewind," where Evan shares his issues with THE HANDMAIDEN (at 6:18) before he covers the sharp Netflix documentary 13TH (at 9:24), which has a well-formed argument about the exploitation of minorities by US lawmakers and the prison industrial complex. After that Evan tackles THE DRESSMAKER (at 13:32), a zany movie that's overstuffed with plot, yet funny and engaging, with one hell of an ending. Starting at 24:00, Kris and Dave provide very brief recaps of several films including THE LITTLE PRINCE, RED TURTLE, THE FITS, DE PALMA, ZOOTOPIA, and MORRIS FROM AMERICA. Once they get tired of recapping, they move on to this week's two main events. Dave shares the excruciating agony that is WHY HIM? (at 32:42), or as he calls it "Why Me?". Then finally, he and Kris review LA LA LAND (at 42:24), a musical with Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, which they really disagree about.

This week Kris shares the unusual tale of his 10 year high school reunion. The guys carry their silliness from that story over into their intro, where they ask, you the listener, which 60 Minutes anchor you think they are. It's a good thing they get to the movies, because there are several to cover. Kris starts with a segment of "Keepin' up with the Jensons," where he talks about why he liked SWISS ARMY MAN (at 6:00) more than he expected. Then he and Dave join forces for a recap of HELL OR HIGH WATER (at 18:04), where they joke about the title, discuss the score, and dissect its Western elements. They get to new movies with their review of THE HANDMAIDEN (at 28:09), a three hour movie that flies by due to a layered story and perfect performances, set design, and camerawork. Next, Evan quickly reviews KRISHA (at 42:23), a tough film about a woman spending Thanksgiving with her estranged family that's shot and edited in an unsettling way. Lastly, he and Kris review MANCHESTER BY THE SEA (at 48:32), an effective examination of grief that also reveals how frustrating it is to drive in Massachusetts.