Spoilerpiece Theatre

Happy Hanukkah! This year the holiday is coming early in real life and on the show. Our gift to you is a bonus episode where Evan and his co-host in life, Shauna, review the shorts programs from the 2021 Boston Jewish Film Festival. First up is the FreshFlix block, where they concentrate on THE MOHEL (1:25), PARADISE (10:46), and THE BINDING OF ITZIK (17:42), with brief comments on DEVEK, GANEF, SCUM BOY, and IMMERSION. Next they discuss Shorts Made in Quarantine with a focus on TANGLED UP IN JEWS (27:13), LONG DISTANCE (29:15), and DIALOGUES AND MONOLOGUES (32:07), and brief nods to VOICES FROM THE BALCONIES and YOM KIPPUR IN LOCKDOWN. They wrap up with the In 32 Minutes or Less! block, engaging in discussions about NEVER AGAIN / PARA NADIE (39:11), BECOMING NAKUSET (47:55), MOM'S IN TOWN AND SHE DIDN'T TELL ME (47:55), and A JEW WALKS INTO A BAR (51:15), while briefly mentioning THE COLLECTION and ZAIDA. Hopefully these reviews inspire you to check out the shorts at the Boston Jewish Film Festival, which runs virtually through November 20, 2021.

We get a good laugh about how the one-word titles we're reviewing form a sentence, but after that we get serious about this week's movies. First, we discuss Tracey Deer's BEANS (2:22), a layered coming-of-age drama set against the real-life 78-day standoff between the Mohawk community and government forces in 1990 Quebec. Next, we cover Rebecca Hall's PASSING (22:39), a compelling 1920s drama about race and class starring Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga. Lastly, we review FINCH (42:21), Miguel Sapochnik's moving post-apocalyptic sci-fi drama about a man (Tom Hanks) who builds a robot that he must teach to take care of his dog. And on this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we talk about Penny Marshall's 1992 baseball film A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN starring Geena Davis, Lori Petty, and Tom Hanks!

Praise be that film festivals are back! To kick things off, Megan talks about IFFBoston's Fall Focus, and her experiences watching SPENCER (2:03), BELFAST (6:12), HAPPENING (8:32), and MEMORIA (10:31). Evan joins her to talk about PETITE MAMAN (14:21) and THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD (20:52). Then Evan (with an assist from Megan) takes everyone through Shudder's HORROR NOIRE (30:25), an anthology film with six horror stories from Black directors and screenwriters. Lastly, Dave and Evan review the 4K restoration of Wendell B. Harris Jr.'s CHAMELEON STREET (44:13), which won the 1990 Sundance Grand Jury Prize and has been hard to find since. And in this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we feature the monthly poll winner - we asked you to choose from FRANKENSTEIN films and the winner is THE BRIDE, starring Sting and Jennifer Beals. We had a blast talking about it, so check it out and consider becoming a patron!

Welcome to the Blumhouse isn't just a horror series on Amazon, it's also a song Dave is singing on this week's episode, because we're discussing two more films from the series. First, we review Axelle Carolyn's unsettling horror film THE MANOR (2:19), about an older woman (Barbara Hershey) who enters a nursing home, only to discover supernatural forces are killing off her fellow residents. Next, we cover Aharon Keshales's incredibly tense crime thriller SOUTH OF HEAVEN (15:56), starring Jason Sudeikis as a recently released ex-con trying to do right by his cancer-stricken girlfriend (Evangeline Lilly). After that we review Ryan Zaragoza's sharp and surprising horror film MADRES (33:08), about a Mexican-American couple (Ariana Guerra, Tenoch Huerta) expecting their first child, who find out terrifying things are happening to pregnant women in the town they just moved to. And in this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we talk about Michael Dougherty's 2007 horror anthology TRICK 'R TREAT!

We start off this week with S.K. Dale's entertaining thriller TILL DEATH (2:37), which stars Megan Fox as a woman who must outwit two men trying to find her...while handcuffed to her dead husband. Next we discuss Frida Kempff's thriller KNOCKING (19:10), an effective commentary on gaslighting about a woman tortured by knocking sounds in her apartment. Finally, we review Denis Villeneuve's DUNE (30:25), the first part in a proposed two-part adaptation of Frank Herbert's famous sci-fi novel. We dig its scope, its cast, and its take on the story. And in this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we talk about Adam Wingard's YOU'RE NEXT, a home invasion horror film we all enjoy!

To kick things off, Dave offers his brief take on Cary Joji Fukunaga's NO TIME TO DIE (2:30), Daniel Craig's satisfying final outing as James Bond. Next, we all review BINGO HELL (11:55), Gigi Saul Guerrero's brief, yet heavy-handed horror comedy that's part of Amazon's 2021 WELCOME TO THE BLUMHOUSE series. After that we cover Antoine Fuqua's THE GUILTY (22:41), a frustrating and problematic thriller about a 911 operator played effectively by Jake Gyllenhaal. Finally, we dig into THE MANY SAINTS OF NEWARK (40:49), Alan Taylor's extremely disappointing Sopranos prequel about the rise of Tony Soprano. And in this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we have a blast discussing Joe Cornish's 2011 sci-fi comedy ATTACK THE BLOCK, starring John Boyega and Jodie Whittaker.

It's October, so of course we start off this week by reviewing NIGHTBOOKS (2:19), David Yarovesky's surprisingly enjoyable Netflix horror film, about a boy (Winslow Fegley) who must tell scary stories to survive after he's imprisoned by a witch (Krysten Ritter). Next, we discuss Maria Schrader's delightful and layered German sci-fi romance I'M YOUR MAN (21:40), starring Maren Eggert and Dan Stevens (yes, THAT Dan Stevens). Lastly, we cover V/H/S/94 (37:31), the uneven fourth film in the V/H/S horror anthology franchise. And in this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we talk about the winner of our train movie poll, Sang-ho Yeon's 2016 horror film TRAIN TO BUSAN!

Megan is on vacation, so Dede Crimmins, the Alec Baldwin of Spoilerpiece, is back to fill in! Before we talk about this week's movies though, Dede has a bone to pick with Dave about MALIGNANT. After that we review John Pollono's gritty New England drama SMALL ENGINE REPAIR (6:32), about three lifelong friends (Pollono, Jon Bernthal, and Shea Whigham) faced with an ethical dilemma inside a small engine repair shop. Next, we discuss Clint Eastwood's slow period drama CRY MACHO (25:40), which follows an old cowboy who heads down to Mexico to retrieve his boss's son. Lastly, we dig into DEAR EVAN HANSEN (44:23), the big-screen adaptation of the Broadway musical that everyone's talking about. And in this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we cover Clint Eastwood's 2008 drama GRAN TORINO!

We open the show by reviewing Julie Cohen and Betsy West's compelling documentary MY NAME IS PAULI MURRAY (2:01). The film celebrates the life of Pauli Murray, a non-binary lawyer, poet, and priest, who you've probably never heard of, but definitely should have because of their enormous impact on civil rights in the U.S. Next, we take on Jonah Feingold's DATING & NEW YORK (20:04), a disappointingly derivative rom-com that's neither rom nor com to any of us. Lastly, we cover James Wan's MALIGNANT (38:48), a bonkers film that we all had a blast watching, and have just as much fun spoiling, but has us arguing whether it qualifies as "horror" or a "psychological thriller." And on this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we talk about the 2009 Richard Curtis film PIRATE RADIO aka THE BOAT THAT ROCKED.

We head over to MARTYRS LANE (2:14) to learn the meaning of the word "vicarage" and to discuss Ruth Platt's eerie and allegorical horror film (now on Shudder), about a girl who's visited nightly by another girl who slowly reveals shocking secrets about her family. Next, we delve into Cedric Nicolas-Troyan's bloody and entertaining Netflix action film KATE (18:25), which stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead as a poisoned assassin trying to get revenge on the gangsters who betrayed her before she dies. Lastly, we review Jonathan Butterell's charming and glamorous Amazon musical EVERYBODY'S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE (35:26), a queer coming-of-age tale about a teenager who wants to be a drag queen. And in this week's Patron exclusive audio, we cover Norman Jewison's 1987 rom-com MOONSTRUCK starring Cher and Nicolas Cage!

Two out of the three of us give our regards to Broadway as we review Oren Jacoby's ON BROADWAY (2:59), a talking head documentary about the history of Broadway, from its lowest point in the early 1970s through its revival and renaissance in the 80s and 90s to present day. Next, we discuss BOB ROSS: HAPPY ACCIDENTS, BETRAYAL & GREED (22:17), Joshua Rofe's salaciously titled documentary, which sweetly chronicles the life of beloved painter Bob Ross, through interviews which reveal how his son was unfairly cut out of his father's legacy. We wrap up with Sean King O'Grady's WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING (41:13), a frustrating and agonizing horror film about a family that gets trapped together after seeking shelter from a storm. And in this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we're excited to talk about Ida Lupino's 1953 film noir THE HITCH-HIKER.

This week we start by discussing Lisa Joy's platitude-filled sci-fi noir REMINISCENCE (2:14), starring Hugh Jackman. One of us enjoyed it, one thought it was "meh," and one found it utterly insufferable. Next, we cover David Lowery's epic fantasy film THE GREEN KNIGHT (18:29), starring Dev Patel as Gawain from Arthurian legend. Overall, we dug this gorgeous film that both honors the tale of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. Next, we tackle Nia DaCosta's CANDYMAN (38:23), a sequel to the 1992 film, which features lots of visually stunning and unsettling moments, but two of us thought it didn't dig as deep into social commentary as it could have. And on this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we talk about the winner of our amusement park movie poll, Herk Harvey's 1962 horror film CARNIVAL OF SOULS.

We kick off this week's show by reviewing Neill Blomkamp's disappointing digital horror film DEMONIC (01:34), a movie that lacks a lot of things like cohesive story and mythology, but most surprisingly, it lacks his usual great production design and special effects. Next, we discuss CONFETTI (17:42), Ann Hu's moving yet ableist immigrant tale about a Chinese mother (Zhu Zhu) trying everything she can to give her daughter with dyslexia a proper education in the U.S. We wrap up with THE NIGHT HOUSE (33:43), David Bruckner's atmospheric horror movie about a wife (Rebecca Hall) haunted by the increasingly disturbing secrets she learns about her recently deceased husband. And in this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we talk about Joseph L. Mankiewicz's 1950 showbiz drama ALL ABOUT EVE starring Bette Davis and Anne Baxter.

Get ready for a singing animated kinkajou, a ragtag group of antiheroes blowing up a fake Latin American country, and a clueless American getting the crap kicked out of him in Greece! We start this week with Brandon Jeffords and Kirk DeMicco's sweet but saccharine Netflix animated film VIVO (0:55), starring Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ynairaly Simo, Zoe Saldana, and Gloria Estefan. Next, we discuss James Gunn's THE SUICIDE SQUAD (15:36), not to be confused with that other awful DC movie about a task force of supervillains. Gunn's adaptation is much better, but still has us split. And lastly we review Ferdinando Cito Filomarino's Netflix thriller BECKETT (37:11) starring John David Washington, which has some strong action, yet weak writing. And in this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we talk about Sam Raimi's 2009 horror film DRAG ME TO HELL!

This week we start by discussing Kristine Stolakis's compelling Netflix documentary PRAY AWAY (1:33), which chronicles the "pray the gay away" movement and forces its former leaders to confront the damage it did to the LGBTQ+ community. Next, we cover Pascual Sisto's frustrating and listless film JOHN AND THE HOLE (21:14), about a boy who holds his family (Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Ehle, and Taissa Farmiga) captive in a hole. We wrap up with Leos Carax's bizarre and grating musical ANNETTE (35:14), starring Adam Driver, Marion Cotillard, and Simon Helberg (or as two of us know him, that guy from THE BIG BANG THEORY). And in our Patreon exclusive audio, we travel back to 1941 to talk about the Preston Sturges comedy SULLIVAN'S TRAVELS, starring Joel McCrea and Veronica Lake!

What if souls had to interview to be born? That's the premise of the first film on our docket this week, Edson Oda's moving drama NINE DAYS (1:59), starring Winston Duke and Zazie Beetz. Next, we review FEAR STREET: Part Three - 1666 (16:14), the satisfying conclusion to Leigh Janiak's Netflix horror trilogy, which we've really enjoyed discussing over the past two episodes. We wrap up with Jaume Collet-Serra's JUNGLE CRUISE (37:18), the latest Disney ride turned movie starring Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson that borrows too heavily from other adventure films, including some of Disney's. And on this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we discuss the winner of our video game movie poll: the 2006 Christophe Gans film SILENT HILL!

Spoilerpiece celebrates its 7th anniversary this week! After we all offer a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years, Megan leads off with a review of M. Night Shyamalan's OLD (5:52), a horror movie about people aging rapidly, which is exactly what we expected in the worst way. Next, we talk about Navot Papushado's GUNPOWDER MILKSHAKE (17:44), a stylized Netflix action film with a stacked cast (Karen Gillan, Lena Headey, Carla Gugino, Angela Bassett, and Michelle Yeoh), that isn't used to its fullest. After that, we dig into SETTLERS (33:47), Wyatt Rockefeller's brutal sci-fi Western that we struggled through. We wrap up with FEAR STREET: Part Two - 1978 (44:04), the second film in Leigh Janiak's Netflix horror trilogy, which we were all excited to see (it doesn't disappoint). And in this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we talk about Robert Luketic's 2001 rom-com LEGALLY BLONDE starring Reese Witherspoon! We have a blast talking about this movie, which recently marked its 20th anniversary.

Brace yourselves for moving documentaries and Netflix horror this week! First, we discuss NO ORDINARY MAN (2:14), Aisling Chin-Yee and Chase Joynt's emotional documentary about trans jazz musician Billy Tipton, which features insightful commentary about the trans experience, and seeks to reclaim Tipton's life story for the trans community. We continue on in documentary territory with Morgan Neville's ROADRUNNER: A FILM ABOUT ANTHONY BOURDAIN (18:57), a haunting examination of the famous chef/television host's life, addictions, and loneliness that also beautifully honors his legacy. Last but not least, we dig into FEAR STREET: PART ONE - 1994 (41:39), the fun first installment in Leigh Janiak's Netflix horror trilogy, which is based on R.L. Stine's famous book series and stars Kiana Medeira, Olivia Scott Welch, and Benjamin Flores Jr. And in this week's Patreon bonus audio, we talk about Nora Ephron's 1998 rom-com YOU'VE GOT MAIL, starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks!

In this week's edition of "We Should Have Known Better," we cover Liam Neeson's latest action thriller, THE ICE ROAD (3:05), this year's early winner of the "It Wants to be 'The Wages of Fear' or even 'Sorcerer' but it's Really Just a Turd" award. Perhaps that's harsh, but as scary as Canadian ice roads are in April, even scarier is the prospect of a movie filled with half-baked ideas, crummy special effects, and a villain who has more lives than the Energizer bunny. It's just wretched. But man, was it fun to talk about! Next is FALSE POSITIVE (19:12), which star Ilana Glazer wrote with its director, John Lee. Who doesn't love pregnancy horror? In this case, two of us. (Actually, one of us loves pregnancy horror, but sadly, not this film.) As Dave puts it, this is a movie that offsets each good idea it has with a bad one. But one of us liked it! (And though he didn't mention it in the episode, Dave likes Pierce Brosnan's beard.) Lastly, it's NO SUDDEN MOVE (40:20), the new Steven Soderbergh noir thriller starring lots of his favorite people, including Don Cheadle and Benicio del Toro. It has a little bit of everything, and screenwriter Ed Solomon is a loooong way from Bill & Ted. And in this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we talk about Mike Nichols' 1966 film, WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?, an adaptation of Edward Albee's play, starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

Kicking things off this week, we review Everardo Gout's THE FOREVER PURGE (5:58), the latest entry in the PURGE franchise! It stars Ana de la Reguera, Tenoch Huerta, and Josh Lucas. Megan and Dave discuss its relevance to recent American political events and why they really dug its political commentary. Next, we all talk about Chris McKay's long and disappointing sci-fi flick THE TOMORROW WAR (23:54), which has decent action, but a lot of bad writing and acting (especially from Chris Pratt). We wrap up with Cate Shortland's much anticipated movie BLACK WIDOW (40:48), starring Scarlett Johansson in the second female-led superhero film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. One of us loved it, but two of us had some mixed feelings about its performances and pacing. And in this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we tackle Karyn Kusama and Diablo Cody's 2009 horror comedy JENNIFER'S BODY!

Hey Everybody! We're Dave Riedel, Megan Kearns, and Evan Crean, and we're Spoilerpiece Theatre: The weekly film podcast that doesn't give a shit about spoilers, we just wanna talk about the movies! Join us each week as we help you decide what to watch by reviewing movies without letting spoilers get in the way of our discussion. Let us spoilerpiece you into wanting to see the movies we love. Find us wherever you get podcasts or at our website spoilerpiece.com. Music: No Hook (Instrumental) by Pandaraps and Gregory David

This week we kick off by reviewing ZOLA (2:15), Janicza Bravo's crime drama and dark comedy starring Taylour Paige and Riley Keough, which is based on a series of Tweets. Next, we cover I CARRY YOU WITH ME (17:48), Heidi Ewing's queer hybrid narrative/documentary film about a chef who leaves his soulmate in Mexico for a better life in New York, but must make serious sacrifices along the way. Then we talk about F9: THE FAST SAGA (34:10), Justin Lin's latest entry in the FAST & FURIOUS franchise, which finally makes good on a long-running fan prediction. Finally we wrap up with WEREWOLVES WITHIN (49:02), Josh Ruben's horror comedy about wacky small town folks trying to figure out which one of them may be a werewolf. And in this week's Patreon bonus audio, we talk about the winner of our LGBTQIA+ poll, Desiree Akhavan's 2018 film THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST!

This week we review our second Natalie Morales film of the year, PLAN B (1:54), a hilarious road trip comedy on Hulu about best friends (Kuhoo Verma and Victoria Moroles) trying to track down emergency contraception in middle America. Next, we discuss LES NOTRES (24:38), Jeanne Leblanc's difficult to watch French Canadian drama, which prompts us to issue a trigger warning about the sexual abuse depicted in the film. Then we cover Pixar's LUCA (45:55), Enrico Casarosa's animated Italian adventure on Disney+ about sea monsters (Jacob Tremblay and Jack Dylan Grazer) who enter the world of humans and find friendship along the way. As part of our conversation, we delve into whether we also feel like movie is a queer love story like others have interpreted. And on this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we talk about Theodore Witcher's 1997 romance LOVE JONES in honor of Black Music Appreciation Month!

On this week's show we open with THE MITCHELLS VS. THE MACHINES (2:28), a wild animated movie featuring a regular ol' American family struggling to save humanity from a robot apocalypse. It's a hoot. Next up is CAVEAT (18:12), an Irish horror film that says, "Oh, you're not afraid of rabbits? Get a load of this shit" (Dave watched it in broad daylight if that tells you anything). Then there's HOLLER (34:36), written and directed by Nicole Riegel, about a high school senior (Jessica Barden) who joins a sleekly scummy scrap metal crew while trying to decide whether she's going to stay in her hit-by-hard-times Ohio hometown or go to college. Finally, we wrap up with IN THE HEIGHTS (45:28), the long-awaited adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegría Hudes' musical, with a screenplay by Hudes directed by Jon M. Chu. One of us loved it, one of us enjoyed moments, and one of us was kind of "eh." Free scoop of ice cream if you guess correctly! And in this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we talk about one of Megan's favorite sci-fi films, Douglas Trumbull's SILENT RUNNING, starring a young and super intense Bruce Dern. It's a first-timer for Evan and Dave.

This week we open by discussing George Romero's recently restored long-lost film, THE AMUSEMENT PARK (2:21), an extremely unsettling commentary on aging and ageism. Next, we review CHANGING THE GAME (13:01), Michael Barnett's compelling Hulu documentary about trans athletes in the U.S. Then we dig into UNDINE (27:48), Christian Petzold's moving and tragic modern fairy tale. We wrap up with Zack Snyder's Netflix zombie heist flick ARMY OF THE DEAD (39:38), which offers us plenty of bones to pick. And in this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we talk about a Patron's choice, Milos Forman's 1996 film THE PEOPLE VS. LARRY FLYNT!

This week we start by reviewing Armando Fonseca and Kapel Furman's SKULL: THE MASK (2:09), a Brazilian slasher film that can't decide on its tone. Then we cover SEANCE (13:04), Simon Barrett's boarding school-set horror flick that has us split. Next, we discuss RIDERS OF JUSTICE (26:24), Anders Thomas Jensen's thoughtful and endearing action film starring Mads Mikkelsen, which Evan caught at IFFBoston. Finally, we wrap up with CRUELLA (40:46), Craig Gillespie's Disney villain origin story starring Emma Stone, which we have very different opinions about. And in this week's Patreon bonus audio, we talk about the winner of our STAR WARS poll—the 2016 Gareth Edwards film ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY.

We start this week by reviewing Steven Kostanski's uneven horror comedy PSYCHO GOREMAN (2:08). Next, we cover Joe Wright's derivative and inert Netflix thriller THE WOMAN IN THE WINDOW (13:22), which wastes Amy Adams and a great supporting cast. Then we discuss Taylor Sheridan's THOSE WHO WISH ME DEAD (28:43), an Angelina Jolie forest fire thriller that really divided us. Lastly, we review Robert Connolly's Australian murder mystery THE DRY (41:20) from IFFBoston 2021, which features a compelling lead performance by Eric Bana. And in this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we review Peyton Reed's 2000 cheerleading film BRING IT ON, starring Kirsten Dunst, Gabrielle Union, and Eliza Dushku.

This week Megan is on vacation so we're joined by guest Lady Wan from the Screen Run podcast! First, we review Neill Marshall's torturous period horror film THE RECKONING (2:24) about a woman falsely accused of being a witch. Next, we cover David Charbonier and Justin Powell's tense horror film THE DJINN (16:44), about a mute boy who asks a dark entity to grant his wish. Then, we wrap up with Robert Machoian's claustrophobic relationship drama THE KILLING OF TWO LOVERS (24:58), about a couple trying to work through their marriage. And in this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we review Alex Cox's 1984 cult classic REPO MAN!

Dave is off this week, so Megan and Evan talk about the movies. First, we review Marshall Burnette's sporadically intense thriller SILO (2:31) about the frantic attempt to rescue a teenager who's stuck in a grain silo. Then we discuss Maureen Bharoocha's charming comedy GOLDEN ARM (16:01), about a trucker (Betsy Sodaro) who trains her timid friend (Mary Holland) to compete in the National Ladies Arm Wrestling Tournament. Finally, we test our might with MORTAL KOMBAT (29:59), Simon McQuoid's adaptation of the famous video game, which we have very different opinions about. And in this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we discuss the 1991 unconventional Albert Brooks romcom DEFENDING YOUR LIFE.

This week we start by recapping our thoughts on the 2021 Oscars! We talk about the ceremony's format, the nominees we wished won, the winners we loved, and the heartfelt acceptance speeches that moved us. Next we discuss Rodrigo García's FOUR GOOD DAYS (22:47), a challenging mother/daughter drama about addiction, starring Glenn Close and Mila Kunis. After that, we review LIMBO (37:11), Ben Sharrock's poignant and compelling drama about a Syrian refugee stuck in rural Scotland while he awaits his asylum request. We wrap up with TOM CLANCY'S WITHOUT REMORSE (49:37), Stefano Sollima's disappointing action flick starring Michael B. Jordan. And in this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we review the winner of our hair poll: Paddy Breathnach's 2001 film BLOW DRY.

We start this week by covering films from Wicked Queer, Boston's LGBTQ+ Film Festival (1:46). Evan reviews the Israeli picture KISS ME KOSHER, and Megan offers quick takes on drama SEE YOU THEN, horror film BLOODTHIRSTY, and Taiwanese psychological thriller NINA WU. Then we all discuss Christopher Smith's horror film THE BANISHING (10:53), a disappointingly by-the-numbers haunted house story. Next, we talk about Ricky Staub's moving Netflix coming-of-age tale CONCRETE COWBOY (26:08) starring Caleb McLaughlin and Idris Elba. We wrap up with Nikole Beckwith's TOGETHER TOGETHER (42:29), a charming dramedy about platonic love and surrogacy starring Ed Helms and Patti Harrison. And in this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we review a patron's choice, Willard Huyck and Gloria Katz's 1973 horror film MESSIAH OF EVIL.

We start the show this week with TINA (1:41), the comprehensive HBO Max documentary about music icon Tina Turner, who we all love, but one of us much more than the others. Next, we review VOYAGERS (16:07), Neil Burger's LORD OF THE FLIES on a spaceship, a sci-fi thriller that gets us all extremely riled up. Then we discuss MONDAY (31:23), the Argyris Papadimitropoulos romantic drama starring Sebastian Stan and Denise Gough, which two of us HATE and one of us likes. Lastly, we dig into JAKOB's WIFE (45:46), the delightful Travis Stevens horror comedy starring the always entertaining Barbara Crampton. And on this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we talk about Billy Wilder's quintessential film noir DOUBLE INDEMNITY.

This week, we kick off with THE TRUFFLE HUNTERS (1:39), a beautifully shot documentary about the quirky men and their beloved dogs who hunt rare white Alba truffles in Northern Italy. Next, we discuss THE POWER (15:45), Corinna Faith's predictable, yet compelling horror film about a rookie nurse in 1974 London, who encounters a terrifying spirit while working at a hospital during a planned blackout. After that, we review MOFFIE (36:02), Oliver Hermanus's moving and brutal period drama about a closeted South African soldier trying to survive his military service in the face of severe homophobia and racism. And for our Patreon bonus audio, we discuss the 1940 Howard Hawks screwball comedy HIS GIRL FRIDAY, starring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell.

Dave keeps knives in his microwave?! Find out why this week. We kick off our reviews with ZACK SNYDER'S JUSTICE LEAGUE (4:21), a four-hour cut of the 2017 superhero film, which for better and worse, represents its original director's vision. Next, we talk about the heartwarming Oscar-nominated animated tale WOLFWALKERS (20:04). After that, we cover the three-hour documentary WOODLANDS DARK AND DAYS BEWITCHED: A HISTORY OF FOLK HORROR (28:59), which is long but offers a fascinating dissection of folk horror films. Our main event is GODZILLA VS. KONG (43:00), a kaiju movie with some entertaining fights that's unfortunately lacking in many other departments. And for our Patreon exclusive audio, we follow up on our recent PRETTY IN PINK discussion by talking about the John Hughes film SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL.

This week we open with a statement in support of the Asian American community. Then we discuss some movies that played at this year's SXSW. Evan and Megan cover SOUND OF VIOLENCE (2:52), Alex Noyer's brutal horror film about a college student who finds herself chasing a synesthetic high at all costs. Next, we talk about Keith Maitland's uneven documentary DEAR MR. BRODY (14:30), which tells the story of Michael Brody Jr., an heir to a margarine fortune who publicly promised to give away his multi-million-dollar inheritance in 1970. Last, but certainly not least, we review the delightful Natalie Morales directorial debut, LANGUAGE LESSONS (27:37), which is about a Spanish teacher and her student who form an unexpected friendship during their remote lessons. And in this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we discuss this year's Oscar nominations, including our favorites and some films we wish had been nominated.

Dave and Megan kick off this week's episode by discussing LUDI (2:09), Edson Jean's drama about a Haitian nurse chasing the American Dream. Next, everyone reviews Chris Smith's Netflix documentary OPERATION VARSITY BLUES: THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS SCANDAL (12:38), which delves into the notorious scheme by celebrities and wealthy individuals to sneak their kids into prestigious universities. Then, we cover SLAXX (22:58), Elza Kephart's horror-comedy about a killer pair of pants...yeah that's right, pants. We wrap up with THE COURIER (37:45), Dominic Cooke's Cold War thriller about a British spy (Benedict Cumberbatch) who works with a Russian source to help stop the Cuban Missile Crisis. And in this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we talk about THE SLUMBER PARTY MASSACRE, the winner of our women-directed horror movies poll.

Evan starts this week by recapping two feature-length films he saw from the Boston Israeli Film Festival (1:29). He talks about Nir Bergman's HERE WE ARE, a drama about a father's changing relationship with his autistic son, and Yohanan Weller's LOVE IN SUSPENDERS, a romcom about finding love again later in life. Then Megan and Dave review Zoe Wittock's JUMBO (13:04), romantic drama about a woman who falls in love with an amusement park ride. Next, we all discuss Jessie Barr's SOPHIE JONES (28:25), a coming-of-age story about a teenager processing the grief of her mother's death. Lastly, we cover Amy Poehler's MOXIE (44:52), a dramedy about a teenager who takes on sexism at her high school by starting a feminist zine. And on this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we celebrate the 35th anniversary of PRETTY IN PINK with an in-depth discussion about the Howard Deutch/John Hughes 80s classic.

This week Evan opens with a plug for the Boston Israeli Film Festival, where he briefly mentions some moving shorts he saw from it (1:56). Then, Dave shares quick thoughts about the ending of I CARE A LOT (3:57). Megan starts the new movies with BOOGIE (7:58), Eddie Huang's coming-of-age story about an Asian American basketball player. Next, everyone discusses the Lee Daniels' Hulu film THE UNITED STATES VS. BILLIE HOLIDAY (17:16), a story about singer Billie Holiday's turbulent life (starring Andra Day) and the FBI's targeted campaign to harass her. After that we dig into LUCKY (31:35), Natasha Kermani and Brea Grant's horror film about a woman stalked by the same killer every night. We wrap up with Disney's RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON (47:36), an epic animated film starring Kelly Marie Tran and Awkwafina. For our Patreon bonus audio, we continue our James Cameron kick by digging into his 1984 film THE TERMINATOR.

Dave kicks off this week's episode with a brief review of R.J. Cutler's Apple TV+ documentary BILLIE EILISH: THE WORLD'S A LITTLE BLURRY (1:43), which examines the singer-songwriter's life on the road and at home while she creates her debut album. Next, everyone reviews J Blakeson's Netflix crime drama/dark comedy I CARE A LOT (8:20), starring Rosamund Pike as a legal guardian whose scheme to take advantage of her elderly wards hits a snag when one of her marks turns out to be more than she seems. Then we talk about Keith Thomas's unique Jewish horror film THE VIGIL (23:35), about a shomer who encounters a demon while providing overnight watch to a deceased member of his former Orthodox Jewish community. We wrap up with Joe and Anthony Russo's Apple TV+ drama CHERRY (37:04), where Tom Holland portrays a soldier suffering from PTSD who turns to bank robbing after his drug addiction puts him in serious debt. And in this week's Patreon bonus audio, we talk about John Landis's 1988 Eddie Murphy film COMING TO AMERICA, in anticipation of its sequel, which comes out next week.

We kick off this week's show with SATOR (2:01), Jordan Graham's atmospheric horror film about a demon pursuing multiple generations of a forest-dwelling family. Then Megan and Evan review SHOOK (14:09), Jennifer Harrington's social-media-infused horror movie on Shudder. Next, everyone discusses the documentary FRAMING BRITNEY SPEARS (25:49), an episode of THE NEW YORK TIMES PRESENTS series that focuses on Britney Spears, the conservatorship that controls her life, and the misogyny in media that has impacted her life and career. We wrap up with Lee Isaac Chung's poignant drama MINARI (42:25), which follows a Korean American family's attempt to start a farm in 1980s Arkansas. And in this week's Patreon bonus audio, we review a Patron's choice, Walter Hill's 1979 action film THE WARRIORS.

This week Dave can't make it, so Dede Crimmins, the Alec Baldwin of Spoilerpiece, fills in! After discussing cats on Zoom, we dive into this week's movies. First up is Shudder's A NIGHTMARE WAKES (3:25), Nora Unkel's period horror flick which follows Mary Shelley as she writes Frankenstein. Next, we review THE WANTING MARE (13:00), Nicholas Ashe Bateman's surreal fantasy about dreams, longing, and yes, a mare. Then it's Netflix's MALCOLM & MARIE (26:43), Sam Levinson's movie about a couple's volatile night of arguments. Finally, we cover SAINT MAUD (46:38), Rose Glass's horror film about a pious nurse who becomes unhealthily obsessed with trying to save her patient's soul. And on this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we discuss James Cameron's 1992 film TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY.

SUNDANCE, SUNDANCE, SUNDANCE! We cover the Sundance Film Festival for the first time so we have a LOT of movies to discuss. We kick off with films we saw individually and would recommend: FIRST DATE (3:25), FLEE (6:14), and PASSING (9:21). Then we move on to movies at least two of us have seen like MARVELOUS AND THE BLACK HOLE (15:05), HOW IT ENDS (20:47), BRING YOUR OWN BRIGADE (27:24), and THE WORLD TO COME (37:46). We end with discussions of films all three of us have seen like STREET GANG: HOW WE GOT TO SESAME STREET (48:29), and CODA (59:07), a movie which takes places here in Massachusetts. And in this week's Patreon bonus audio, it's even more Sundance. We cover all the other films we'd recommend, but couldn't squeeze into this episode.

This week we offer some thoughts on whipped cream before we get to the movies. First, Megan and Evan review Shudder's Indonesian horror flick THE QUEEN OF BLACK MAGIC (3:29), which is about three friends who visit the orphanage where they grew up. Next, everyone discusses SUPERNOVA (17:05), a road trip film where Stanley Tucci and Colin Firth play a couple grappling with the fact that one of them has dementia. Then it's on to THE LITTLE THINGS (37:48), a 90s-set noir-ish crime drama starring Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, and Jared Leto that's dropping on HBO Max. And in our Patreon exclusive audio this week we discuss RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, a movie two of us have loved since childhood.

After a everyone talks a little bit about the inauguration and plugs recent guest appearances on the Screen Fix podcast, Evan and Megan review OUTSIDE THE WIRE (5:05), a Netflix sci-fi film starring Anthony Mackie. Next, Dave and Megan discuss the dramedy BREAKING FAST (18:18), Mike Mosallam's directorial debut about a gay Muslim man navigating romantic challenges during the month of Ramadan. Then, Megan and Evan dig into IDENTIFYING FEATURES (33:59), Fernanda Valadez's drama about a mother traveling across Mexico looking for her son, who authorities say died trying to cross into the U.S. Everyone wraps up with THE WHITE TIGER (53:06), Ramin Bahrani's Netflix drama about an Indian servant, trying to break free from his employers. And in this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we review a Patron's choice, the 1985 martial arts flick THE LAST DRAGON.

Megan and Evan start this week's show with MLK/FBI (3:55), Sam Pollard's documentary about the FBI's campaign to intimidate and discredit Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights movement. Next, they cover Alex McAulay's DON'T TELL A SOUL (12:52), a crime drama about teen brothers (Fionn Whitehead and Jack Dylan Grazer) matching wits with a man at the bottom of the well (Rainn Wilson). Then everyone reviews Vincent Parronaud's HUNTED (26:44), a wild modern take on the Red Riding Hood tale. And lastly they wrap up with the latest Liam Neeson January action movie, THE MARKSMAN (45:16). This week's Patreon bonus audio, is a Patron's choice, Iain Softley's 1995 film HACKERS.

Because we recorded this episode on January 6, 2021, we take a moment to acknowledge the day's events before we talk about any movies this week. After we do that, Megan kicks things off with SHADOW IN THE CLOUD (3:25), Roseanne Liang's WWII action/horror film starring Chloë Grace Moretz. Then everyone reviews HERSELF (14:18). This film tackles difficult content so we offer a trigger warning before discussing Phyllida Lloyd's drama about a single mother (Clare Dunne) who escapes an abusive ex and struggles to find a home for her children. We wrap up with ONE NIGHT IN MIAMI (33:19), Regina King's directorial debut about a fictional meeting between Malcolm X (Kingsley Ben-Adir), Muhammad Ali (Eli Goree), Sam Cooke (Leslie Odom Jr), and Jim Brown (Aldis Hodge). And in this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we pay tribute to the late Joan Micklin Silver by discussing her 1975 directorial debut HESTER STREET.

Happy New Year Spoilerpeeps! We say hello to 2021 by saying goodbye to 2020, a year that was terrible, but pretty great for movies, if you ask us. We have a blast sharing our respective top 10 films from the year. We also had fun discussing the similarities and differences between our lists. Tune in for Evan's list at 4:35, Megan's at 15:10, and Dave's at 36:23. Then hear us briefly touch on why we loved films like THE ASSISTANT, NEVER RARELY SOMETIMES ALWAYS, SHE DIES TOMORROW, FIRST COW, and so much more. And on this week's Patreon bonus audio, we discuss THE GODFATHER CODA: THE DEATH OF MICHAEL CORLEONE, France Ford Coppola's recently released new cut of THE GODFATHER PART III.

Merry Christmas Spoilerpeeps! This week we start off by discussing David Fincher's Netflix film MANK (3:18), which tells the story of how screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz (Gary Oldman) wrote CITIZEN KANE. Then it's onward to SOUL (14:37), Pixar's latest movie about a musician (Jamie Foxx) who must help an infant soul (Tina Fey) learn about herself. Next, we discuss Eugene Ashe's period romance SYLVIE'S LOVE (27:59), which stars Tessa Thompson and Nnamdi Asomugha. We close with WONDER WOMAN 1984 (41:43), Patty Jenkins's 1980s-based sequel to 2017's WONDER WOMAN, starring Gal Gadot. And in this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we discuss the winner of our December poll, Brian Henson's 1992 film THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL!

This week we open with the Netflix musical biopic MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM (3:34), starring Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman. Then we review George Clooney's post-apocalyptic Netflix sci-fi film THE MIDNIGHT SKY (15:18) with Felicity Jones and David Oyelowo. Next, we discuss the first-ever Tom Hanks Western NEWS OF THE WORLD (29:21) directed by Paul Greengrass. We wrap up with Emerald Fennell's darkly comedic revenge tale PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN (42:42) starring Carey Mulligan. And in this week's Patreon bonus audio, we discuss the 2006 Nancy Meyers romcom THE HOLIDAY, because tis the season.

Happy Hanukkah Spoilerpeeps! This week we start with NOMADLAND (3:43), Chloe Zhao's film starring Frances McDormand as a woman living in her van as a "modern-day nomad." Next is LOVERS ROCK (18:00), a slice-of-life film following a reggae house party from Steve McQueen's SMALL AXE series on Amazon. Then we review Christopher Landon's body swap horror comedy FREAKY (26:47), starring Kathryn Newton and Vince Vaughn. We wrap with Julia Hart's 70s crime drama I'M YOUR WOMAN (42:09), which stars Rachel Brosnahan. Our Patreon bonus audio for this week is a patron's choice, the 2003 Disney Channel sports-themed Hanukkah movie, FULL-COURT MIRACLE.