Spoilerpiece Theatre

We kick off this week's show with STARDUST (3:09), Gabriel Range's biopic that focuses on David Bowie's 1971 trip to the U.S., which inspired him to create his alter ego Ziggy Stardust. Next, we talk about ANYTHING FOR JACKSON (13:31), a horror film where unwitting grandparents get much more than they bargained for when they try to resurrect their dead grandchild. And then, we discuss AMMONITE (29:27), Francis Lee's 1840s queer romance based on real women, which stars Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan. In this week's Patreon bonus audio, we discuss a Patron's choice, Jing Wong's 1993 film CITY HUNTER, starring Jackie Chan.

We hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving Spoilerpeeps! This week we start with ANIMALS (3:13), a drama about hard partying friends struggling to grow up. Then it's the HBO documentary THE MYSTERY OF D.B. COOPER (14:53) about the infamous plane hijacker. Next, it's PRINCESS OF THE ROW (28:05), a drama about a teen struggling to care for her homeless, veteran father. Finally we discuss UNCLE FRANK (41:19), a 60s road trip film where a closeted uncle and his niece travel home for the funeral of their patriarch. In this week's Patreon bonus audio, we talk about the winner of our November poll, Chris Eyre's 1998 film SMOKE SIGNALS.

Dave and Megan lead off this week with the tense possession flick THE DARK AND THE WICKED (2:43). Appropriately, the next film on the docket is LEAP OF FAITH: WILLIAM FRIEDKIN ON THE EXORCIST (17:44), a fascinating documentary about the iconic possession film. Next they talk about TIME (32:34), a poignant documentary about a woman's fight to free her husband from prison. Finally, they discuss HAPPIEST SEASON (42:48), Clea DuVall's moving queer Christmas rom-com starring Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis. In this week's Patreon bonus audio, we have a blast covering James Cameron's sci-fi action flick ALIENS, which is Megan's all-time favorite movie.

This week we discuss the results of the election before the movies. We start with the 2020 Boston Jewish Film Festival at (7:32). Evan talks about the shorts, features, and documentaries he saw solo, before he and Megan dig into movies they've both seen like TAHARA (18:01), THE END OF LOVE (25:10), and SHIVA BABY (36:44). Then Megan and Dave discuss COME AWAY (43:48), a film that borrows from famous stories. And Evan and Megan wrap up with HIS HOUSE (53:07), a Netflix horror film about Sudanese refugees. And in this week's Patreon bonus audio, we discuss a Patron's choice, the 2014 German horror film DER SAMURAI.

After a plug for The Boston Jewish Film Festival, the episode starts with Nightstream, a collaborative event put on in part by The Boston Underground Film Festival. We talk LUCKY (5:16), PELICAN BLOOD (6:34), DARKNESS (9:00), and BLACK BEAR (11:08). Then it's films everyone saw at IFFBoston's Fall Focus this year. We talk NIGHT OF THE KINGS (15:38), MLK/FBI (18:49), ZAPPA (23:01), MINARI (31:57), FAREWELL AMOR (36:31), FREELAND (39:26), UNDINE (42:05), LITTLE FISH (45:03), and SOUND OF METAL (52:44). In our Patreon bonus audio this week we discuss a Patron's choice, Frank Gwo's 2019 sci-fi action flick THE WANDERING EARTH.

In this bonus episode, Evan chats on the phone with Ariana Cohen-Halberstam, Artistic Director of Boston Jewish Film. She reveals how the pandemic shaped this year's virtual Boston Jewish Film Festival and how her team is trying to go "beyond the screen" with classes and musical performances. She also talks about exciting filmmaker Q and As, important films in the lineup about Jews of color, and this year's Israeli TV binge, where viewers can watch an entire season of the show UNCHAINED.

We kick off this week with OVER THE MOON (4:00), a Dreamworks animated musical on Netflix about a Chinese girl who travels to the moon. Next, we discuss the horror film COME PLAY (17:03) about a creepy monster that can get you through your electronic devices. Then, we dig into SCARE ME (30:42), a Shudder horror flick about two writers telling each other scary stories. Finally, we tackle Zoe Lister-Jones's film, THE CRAFT: LEGACY (42:27), the long-awaited sequel to the 1996 cult classic THE CRAFT. In this week's Patreon bonus audio, we talk about our October poll winner, the 1986 horror film VAMP.

Pepperidge Farm cookies are the latest topic of food debate this week. Dave leads off the movies with the Borat sequel, BORAT SUBSEQUENT MOVIEFILM (2:32), by covering about how it stacks up to the original. Then everyone talks about Aaron Sorkin's timely Netflix courtroom drama THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7 (8:35). After that it's onward to the drug-fueled sci-fi drama SYNCHRONIC (29:10), starring Anthony Mackie. And things heat up while discussing Justin Simien's Hulu horror film BAD HAIR (40:04). In this week's Patreon bonus audio, we review a Patron's selection, the 1996 cult classic THE CRAFT.

This week we start with Evan and Dave reviewing THE MORTUARY COLLECTION (1:08), a horror anthology available on Shudder. Next, Megan and Evan cover NOCTURNE (13:54), a film about music and sibling rivalry from Amazon's Welcome to the Blumhouse series. Then, Dave and Megan discuss HONEST THIEF (26:59), Liam Neeson's latest action flick about a robber trying to go legit. Lastly, we dig into EVIL EYE (37:49), a thriller about an Indian mother trying to protect her daughter, also from Amazon's Welcome to the Blumhouse. In this week's Patreon exclusive audio, we review John Carl Buechler's 1986 film TROLL, by patron request.

Guest Charlie Nash returns for this week's show! The first films on the docket are BLACK BOX (3:36) and THE LIE (12:56), horrorish flicks from Amazon's Welcome to the Blumhouse series, which have varying success for each co-host. Next, everyone discusses the Netflix remake of the queer play/film THE BOYS IN THE BAND (26:31), by digging into its differences from the original, and debating whether its story is still vital. Then, they delve deep into POSSESSOR UNCUT (52:04), Brandon Cronenberg's graphic, psychological sci-fi horror. In this week's Patreon bonus audio, we discuss KINDERGARTEN COP, which Charlie had never seen. Hilarity ensues.

This week we ponder what to do in case of a pants emergency before the movies. Evan kicks things off with A CALL TO SPY (2:42), which is a true story about women who spied on the Nazis during WWII. Next, everyone discusses the Netflix movie ENOLA HOLMES (13:09), the Millie Bobby Brown vehicle where she plays Sherlock Holmes's talented and charming teenage sister. The main event is Sofia Coppola's ON THE ROCKS (28:51), about a daughter (Rashida Jones) and father (Bill Murray) who reconnect in NYC. In this week's Patreon bonus audio, we cover the winner of our September poll, the 1967 film TO SIR, WITH LOVE.

An old feminine hygiene commercial inspires a new band name before the movies this week. Megan and Evan lead with RESIDUE (2:48), a compelling commentary on racism and gentrification. Next, everyone discusses OTTOLENGHI AND THE CAKES OF VERSAILLES (15:18), a food documentary about a special project for The MET. Then they review THE DEVIL ALL THE TIME (29:23), a Netflix crime drama with Tom Holland. Lastly, they cover Miranda July's KAJILLIONAIRE (47:08), starring Evan Rachel Wood and Gina Rodriguez. In this week's Patreon bonus audio, we review a Patron's selection, John Carpenter's 1995 horror film IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS.

This week we ponder Werner Herzog's definition of a sandwich before the movies. Evan opens by spoilerpiecing the creepy queer horror film SPIRAL (3:20). Then he and Megan cover the enlightening documentary MR. SOUL! (13:09). Next, they delve into the controversial Netflix film CUTIES (21:59). After that Dave and Megan review the moving political documentary THE WAY I SEE IT (36:17). Megan and Evan close by discussing Sean Durkin's emotional family drama THE NEST (48:24), starring Jude Law and Carrie Coon. In our Patreon bonus audio, we review a Patron's choice, Alfred Hitchcock's 1948 film ROPE.

This week's show opens with everyone discussing their thoughts on the new representation and inclusion standards the Academy has established for Best Picture eligibility. Evan leads the movies with ROBIN'S WISH (8:00) the doc about Robin Williams' struggle with Lewy body dementia. Then Megan talks about MULAN (12:52), Disney's epic new live-action remake. Next, she and Dave review the psychological horror film RENT-A-PAL (22:23). Finally, they cover THE BROKEN HEARTS GALLERY (37:50), an NYC-based romcom. In our Patreon bonus audio this week, we discuss one of our all-time favorite films, BACK TO THE FUTURE.

It's all office sounds before we get into the show. Megan opens by talking about her guest appearance on the Screen Fix podcast. Next, we pay tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman by celebrating his best performances. Then Megan and Evan discuss Lingua Franca (21:38), a timely drama about a Filipina trans woman who's undocumented. Afterward, everyone reviews the bonkers documentary CLASS ACTION PARK (36:33). They wrap up the show with their thoughts on the long-awaited sequel BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC (48:17). This week's Patreon bonus episode also honors Chadwick Boseman with a discussion about the Jackie Robinson biopic 42.

Dede Crimmins, the Alec Baldwin of Spoilerpiece, fills in for Dave this week, and a conversation about masks takes some unexpected turns. First, Dede recaps some of her favorite films from the Fantasia Festival so far (3:22). Then Evan and Megan join in to discuss the documentary YOU CANNOT KILL DAVID ARQUETTE (18:06). After that they all review CENTIGRADE (37:37), a subzero survival tale. They wrap up with GET DUKED! (47:54), a comedy about teens being hunted in the Scottish Highlands. In this week's exclusive Patreon audio, they discuss the winner of the August poll, the surfing documentary THE ENDLESS SUMMER.

This week we talk about the vibes we get from Teddie Peanut Butter before the movies. First, Evan reviews PRETENDING I'M A SUPERMAN: THE TONY HAWK VIDEO GAME STORY (3:09), a documentary about the Tony Hawk video game franchise. Then, Dave covers THE PALE DOOR (11:45), a Western with witches. Next Megan and Evan discuss CARMEN Y LOLA (23:27), a queer love story about two young Romani women. After that everyone covers the Netflix action flick PROJECT POWER (37:28). Finally, they dig into TESLA (50:52), a biopic about Nikola Tesla starring Ethan Hawke.

A karaoke conversation raises our ire for a specific 90s band this week. Megan and Dave start our movie reviews with the very timely pandemic tale BEFORE THE FIRE (3:10). After that everyone discusses the salty Seth Rogen HBO Max comedy AN AMERICAN PICKLE (17:44). Next, they cover the ultra-violent Jay Baruchel horror film RANDOM ACTS OF VIOLENCE (27:38). Then they wrap up with the thought-provoking Russian sci-fi horror flick SPUTNIK (45:34). In this week's Patreon exclusive audio, they tackle one of their favorites, Joel Schumacher's 1987 film, THE LOST BOYS.

This week in COVIDville, we kick off the show with an email from one of our longtime listeners. She-Ra, anyone? Then it's off to the movies! Megan and Dave cover MADE IN ITALY (6:36), the Liam-Neeson-and-one-of-his-kids-starring flick about dealing with the death of a loved one. Then Megan and Evan discuss the Guatemalan horror film LA LLORONA (14:46), about, among other things, a former dictator on trial for genocide, ghosts, and a mysterious Indigenous housekeeper. The whole gang talks about I USED TO GO HERE (25:42), writer/director Kris Rey's feature about a maybe-failed novelist (Gillian Jacobs) revisiting her college and getting caught up in the lives of its students. Finally, it's Amy Seimetz's SHE DIES TOMORROW (38:25), a movie that defies categorization, starring Kate Lyn Sheil, Janes Adams, Chris Messina, and a blink-and-you'll-miss-her Michelle Rodriguez. Like what you hear here? Check out our Patreon page, throw us a few dollars a month and listen to exclusive audio, vote in polls, and even tell us which movies to watch. This week it's Brian Yuzna's Society, picked by one of our patrons. The movie ain't for the faint of heart, kids, but our conversation is for anyone who doesn't mind a few F-bombs.

Dessert means war at the outset of this week's episode. Megan and Evan start by reviewing the Netflix thriller FATAL AFFAIR (2:30). Then they move on to the celestial romance AROUND THE SUN (11:42), which Dave might be a little bit biased about. Next, everyone tackles IN SEARCH OF DARKNESS (25:48), the lengthy Shudder documentary about 80s horror films. Afterward they cover SUMMERLAND (46:47), a WWII era British queer romance, with some unexpected twists.

This week a conversation about pizza takes an unexpected turn before we dig into the movies. Evan and Megan start with Joko Anwar's IMPETIGORE (2:08), a creepy, but confusing Indonesian horror film on Shudder. Then they cover RADIOACTIVE (13:45), Marjane Satrapi's surreal Marie Curie biopic starring Rosamund Pike. Next, Dave joins in to talk about YES, GOD, YES (29:38), Karen Maine's heartwarming early 00s coming-of-age flick. Lastly, they discuss THE RENTAL (44:10), Dave Franco's tense directorial debut.

Happy 6th Birthday Spoilerpiece! We celebrate by discussing sexy Abraham Lincoln before the movies this week. First, Megan and Evan reveal why neither could finish the twisted, brutal film THE PAINTED BIRD (3:39). Next, they dissect Shudder's Norwegian horror flick LAKE OF DEATH (9:16). Then they share their differing opinions about the queer Netflix action movie (based on the comics) about immortals, starring Charlize Theron and KiKi Layne, THE OLD GUARD (19:00). Finally, everyone reviews the Andy Samberg / Cristin Milioti rom-com PALM SPRINGS (42:07), which they all very much enjoyed.

This week it's Junkfoodpiece Theatre and who sucks before Megan excitedly reviews HAMILTON (2:55), a terrific filmed version of the musical. Then Evan and Megan explore WE ARE LITTLE ZOMBIES (10:17), an in-your-face Japanese film that swings for the fences with mixed success. Next, everyone digs into THE BEACH HOUSE (21:05), an eco-horror flick with solid body horror that very much divides our hosts. Lastly, they all review RELIC (35:29) a movie with compelling physical and metaphorical horror.

We have Michael McDonald on the brain before Evan briefly reviews EUROVISION SONG CONTEST: THE STORY OF FIRE SAGA (3:10), a bloated comedy with fun music, but terrible jokes. Then Megan covers MUCHO MUCHO AMOR (10:13), a moving documentary about the genderbending astrologer Walter Mercado. Next, she and Evan tackle THE TRUTH (21:15), Hirokazu Koreeda's layered French drama with Catherine Deneuve. Lastly, everyone reviews HOMEWRECKER (34:32), a horror flick with good ideas that fails to capitalize on them.

This week we stop briefly in Vegantown before Megan offers two quick reviews. First, MY SPY (2:32), a mediocre, but charming movie, and then IRRESISTIBLE (7:17), a disappointing Jon Stewart film. Next, Megan and Dave cover YOU SHOULD HAVE LEFT (13:20), a terrible Kevin Bacon/Amanda Seyfried horror flick. Then, everyone applauds MISS JUNETEENTH (23:06), a heartwarming drama about a Black beauty pageant. Lastly, they praise DISCLOSURE (37:40), an incredible documentary on transgender representation in media.

This week we discuss Lance Reddick on THE WIRE before we review movies. We start with 7500 (3:01), a tense plane hijacking film with Joseph Gordon-Levitt that sadly runs out of steam partway through. Then we discuss BABYTEETH (11:11), a divisive drama about a family grappling with a teenager's terminal illness. Next, we delve deep into Spike Lee's film DA 5 BLOODS (30:00), an ambitious and haunting story about Black Vietnam War veterans with A LOT to unpack. On our Patreon bonus episode, we discuss Dee Rees' PARIAH.

This week it's a Bohemian Rootbeersity before the movies. To continue amplifying Black voices in film, we start by discussing PREMATURE (3:01), a recent compelling Harlem-set coming-of-age picture. Then we talk about THE SURROGATE (24:45), a challenging movie about a surrogate for her gay best friends who faces some thorny decisions. Lastly, we review THE KING OF STATEN ISLAND (49:30), Judd Apatow's latest comedy, starring Pete Davidson in a very autobiographical story. On our Patreon bonus episode, we discuss Horace Jenkins' CANE RIVER.

Because we support Black Lives Matter, and we believe in amplifying Black voices, we open our show this week by discussing Coolidge Corner Theatre's anti-racist film list (5:44) and offering our own racial justice film recommendations. Then we talk about the brutally violent, wildly entertaining movie, BECKY (20:06), where Lulu Wilson fights a neo-Nazi played by Kevin James. Next, we cover the beautiful, psychological film SHIRLEY (39:33), where Elisabeth Moss plays a fictionalized version of writer Shirley Jackson. In our Patreon bonus audio, we review Takashi Miike's DEAD OR ALIVE, which caused one of us to turn it off after just 15 minutes.

This week we discuss obnoxious drink orders before we delve into our three movies. First, is the disappointing Netflix romcom/murder mystery THE LOVEBIRDS (2:31), which squanders Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani's chemistry. Next is the entertaining dark comedy LUCKY GRANDMA (16:49), about a hilarious chain-smoking Chinese grandma (Tsai Chin). Then, we cover the sprawling Dakota Johnson/Tracee Ellis Ross music industry drama, THE HIGH NOTE (33:56), which divides our co-hosts. Over on our Patreon exclusive audio we review Justin Lin's BETTER LUCK TOMORROW in honor of Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month. Both our main episode and Patreon segment were edited by Otto Klammer.

This week is Cerealpiece Theatre before we talk about movies! First up is MILITARY WIVES (5:15), a cozy, yet predictable film about sparring military spouses (Kristin Scott Thomas and Sharon Horgan) trying to manage a choir when their husbands are deployed. Next is THE PAINTER AND THE THIEF (18:47), a moving documentary about a painter and a thief's fascinating relationship. Then, it's THE TRIP TO GREECE (38:40), the funny, but somber final film in The TRIP series with Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon. On our Patreon bonus episode we discuss the winner of our tearjerker poll: DEAD POETS SOCIETY.

Stay-at-home-piece Theatre opens this week with Megan and Evan discussing the Indigenous zombie flick BLOOD QUANTUM (2:42), which has satisfying, gore-filled action scenes. Next, everyone covers CIRCUS OF BOOKS (17:44), a slightly scattered, yet compelling documentary about a nice Jewish couple that ran a gay porn store. Lastly, they dissect THE VAST OF NIGHT (39:39), a sci-fi film that pays homage to THE TWILIGHT ZONE with very different degrees of success depending on which co-host you ask.

Another week housebound, another week streaming! First up it's HOW TO BUILD A GIRL (3:05), the Beanie Feldstein-starring coming-of-age tale about a young woman who's trying to find herself amid shady parents, asshole colleagues, and her own bad decisions. Then it's SPACESHIP EARTH (23:20) a documentary that is NOT about EPCOT Center or Buckminster Fuller (or Steve Bannon, though he makes an appearance), but about the are-they-wackos who designed and lived in Biosphere 2. Finally, it's more coming-of-age with Alice Wu's THE HALF OF IT (41:34)! This movie stands out for its Cyrano-de-Bergerac-with-a-queer-twist plot that met with three different opinions from Evan, Megan, and Dave. Over on Patreon, we talk about REC, the 2007 horror movie that feels waaaaaaay too timely.

Megan leads off this week's show with the beautifully made, but bleak post-war film BEANPOLE (3:50). Then she and Evan review the intriguing yet problematic Hugh Jackman/Allison Janney-led HBO picture BAD EDUCATION (17:15). Next, everyone covers DEERSKIN (34:35), a crazy French film with subtext that may or may not be intentional. Finally, they all discuss The WRETCHED (48:00), a horror movie that's strongest when it focuses on its creature and mythology.

This week on StreamingPiece Theatre, we have three very different movies. First, Megan tells Evan and Dave about TRUE HISTORY OF THE KELLY GANG (3:36), yet another movie about 19th century Australian outlaw Ned Kelly. Then everyone saw THE WHISTLERS (21:16) and SEA FEVER (which, by the way, has many parallels to the current pandemic) (29:35). Which one was everyone on board with? And which one did everyone wish they hadn't seen? All will be revealed! And this week over on our Patreon we talk about MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - GHOST PROTOCOL.

This week on Social Distancing-piece Theatre Megan leads off with AND THEN WE DANCED (3:55), a moving tale of gay romance in Georgia (the country, not the state). Then she covers SELAH AND THE SPADES (15:58), a poignant, yet stylized high school flick about a gang leader and her crew. After that everyone reviews the abominable Netflix romcom LOVE WEDDING REPEAT (30:40). Lastly, they all discuss TIGERTAIL (42:25), the Netflix drama about love, loss, and The American Dream.

It's episode 300 on Spoilerpiece this week! And it's a wacky week: The coronavirus pandemic continues to turn American and international life into something almost unrecognizable. With that in mind, we're still social distancing and going through the streaming services to find the good stuff. And we have a special guest! Shauna Harris, an attorney (and Evan's co-host in life), joins the gang this week. The first movie on the docket is THE OTHER LAMB (4:47), a story about an all-female cult and the lone man who leads it. Next is the entirely different (from THE OTHER LAMB) SAINT FRANCES (15:21), a comedy/drama about a woman who lands a job nannying the Frances of the title. NEVER RARELY SOMETIMES ALWAYS (33:48), a movie that will likely end up on some top ten lists, depicts a young woman forced to travel to New York to seek an abortion. And lastly, everyone watched Netflix's HOW TO FIX A DRUG SCANDAL (46:40). The multi-episode limited series depicts the aforementioned scandal, which took place right here in Massachusetts, and the fallout that resulted. Shauna, who has direct experience as a lawyer with the case, lends her insight. We're recording remotely again, so please forgive weirdo echoes and dropouts, especially when Dave drops out at about 1:15:25. Stay safe, folks. On the Patreon exclusive we talk about John Sayles' THE BROTHER FROM ANOTHER PLANET.

We're still social distancing, but we've got tons of streaming titles to discuss. First, Evan delves into the salacious Netflix docuseries TIGER KING (4:20). Next, Megan covers BACURAU (15:00), a Brazilian film that sounds bonkers, in a good way. Then Evan reviews RESISTANCE (26:10), the Jesse Eisenberg film about Marcel Marceau. After that Megan and Dave tackle Ellen Page's doc THERE'S SOMETHING IN THE WATER (33:35). Everyone wraps with UNCORKED (46:40), a delightful drama about an aspiring sommelier.

Welcome back to Coronapiece Theatre, everyone! Megan, Evan, and Dave are still sheltering in place so it's more streaming flicks! And there are lots of flicks to stream. This week the gang talks JEZEBEL (2:58), a story about - among other things - sex work; BLOOD ON HER NAME (10:35), a tale of what NOT to do when you're committing murder; CONTAGION (19:45), Steven Soderbergh's way-too-prescient bio-horror procedural about a virus that wipes out a whole lotta people; and THE PLATFORM (40:45), one of the most popular movies on Netflix this week. Does this prison flick deserve its place among the popular? The opinions vary! And on our Patreon exclusive, we talk EVE'S BAYOU, director Kasi Lemmons' debut feature.

It's an odd week at Spoilerpiece. We all recorded remotely because we, in the spirit of being decent human beings, are practicing social distancing. (If you're listening to this at a different time in history, the coronavirus pandemic exploded in the last week.) As you probably know, many movie releases have been pushed to as-yet-undetermined dates, and that means critics' screenings are canceled. So this week, and for the foreseeable future, we're focusing on streaming movies. First is LOST GIRLS (2:41), a good, if heartbreaking, story about a mother (Amy Ryan) trying to find out what happened to her disappeared daughter. Then it's BLOW THE MAN DOWN (21:22), a noir-flavored drama (with occasionally singing, though this is not a musical) about two sisters who find themselves up to their eyeballs in murder and trouble in a tiny Maine town. On our Patreon this week we talk about Choose Your Own Adventure books and of course we yap about lots of different movies. Stay safe everyone.

Dave is back this week from his horse vacation! Is he rested? Neigh. First on the docket this week is EMMA. (4:16), director Autumn de Wilde's take on Jane Austen's classic novel starring Anya Taylor-Joy. Next is SWALLOW (19:04), a movie that defies simple explanation but will definitely linger in your mind for a long time after you see it. Then THE HUNT (39:33) is finally out! Is it crummy? Or good? Or somewhere in between? Your questions will be answered! And over on Patreon this week, we talk John Carpenter's ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK in the exclusive audio segment.

Dave's on vaca one last week, so Kristen Halbert fills in to discuss a panel about video game to film adaptations (4:05) that she and Evan attended at PAX East. After they explore ideas for future adaptations, Megan reviews the new Pixar film ONWARD (21:23), a heartwarming family tale. Next she and Evan discuss THE LODGE (29:30), a creepy horror flick they're split on. Finally, everyone digs into THE WAY BACK (47:35), a Ben Affleck film about addiction that leaves one host feeling less than enthusiastic.

Dave is still on vacation so friend of the show Charlie Nash fills in for him this week. First, Megan reviews THE PHOTOGRAPH (3:43), a delightful romance that celebrates black lives. Then she and Charlie delve into THE ASSISTANT (13:57), a timely, anger-inducing movie about a day in the life of a harassed Hollywood assistant. Lastly, everyone talks about THE INVISIBLE MAN (33:48), a horrifying film with a gripping lead performance that's incredibly triggering for the way it sensationalizes abuse.

Dave is on vacation so friend of the show Dede Crimmins returns as a guest this week! She starts off with her picks for Women in Horror Month: THE LODGE (6:47), PELICAN BLOOD (13:00), and DEAD DICKS (14:50). Then Evan reviews INCITEMENT (20:31), a tense thriller from the Boston Israeli Film Festival. Next Megan and Dede tackle GRETEL & HANSEL (30:35), a fun spin on the classic fairy tale. The gang wraps up with HORSE GIRL (45:05), the Netflix thriller starring Alison Brie that's annoyingly ambiguous.

Hanging chads, pepperoni, and things swingin' are big topics of conversation this week. Plus, we have lots of movies. Megan talks about PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE (4:18), which is FINALLY coming out in the U.S. Then Evan spills the beans about the Boston Israeli Film Festival and the documentary BREAKING BREAD (15:50), the dark comedy FORGIVENESS (19:28), starring what Evan calls Israel's Nick Frost and Simon Pegg, the documentary I WAS NOT BORN A MISTAKE (23:50), about an orthodox trans woman, and the dark comedy BORN IN JERUSALEM AND STILL ALIVE (31:00). Then it's the Boston SciFi Film Festival, with PROXIMA (38:06) leading off the discussion, followed by THE LONG WALK (47:48), a horror/sci-fi movie featuring an older man and a ghost who helps him to travel through time, and the fallout that results from it. Finally it's AFTER WE LEAVE (55:10), a dystopian future flick that has some good elements and not so good elements

It's not a first, but it doesn't happen often. We can recommend all the movies we watched this week! First up is the Netflix documentary MISS AMERICANA (4:45) starring Taylor Swift. Megan successfully spoilerpieces Dave and Evan into wanting to see it. Following is the French film LES MISÉRABLES (19:26), which is NOT a musical about a bunch of poor French people who stole loaves of bread and spent years in prison. Finally, Megan and Dave talk about BIRDS OF PREY (AND THE FANTABULOUS EMANCIPATION OF ONE HARLEY QUINN) (36:30), a movie that is a vast improvement over its predecessor, SUICIDE SQUAD, which, not coincidentally, is the subject of this week's exclusive audio content at patreon.com/spoilerpiece. And please make sure you watch our Oscars live stream on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020, at 8 PM ET. Download the FREE HotMic app for Apple or Android or at http://hotmic.io and use the promo code RIEDEL.

This week we have two movies on tap. First Megan reviews THE TURNING (2:35), a gothic horror film starring Mackenzie Davis, Finn Wolfhard, and Brooklynn Prince, which shocks you with brutal violence, sexist tropes, and a controversial twist. Second, everyone reviews THE RHYTHM SECTION (21:10), the Blake Lively action flick that's raw and realistic, but it's linear, predictable, and dumb. The whole thing leaves the gang listless, as they wander into tangents about ratings systems and Gloria Estefan.

This week we have but one film - it's the January dead zone, after all - Guy Ritchie's THE GENTLEMEN. Are the men gentlemanly? Are there twists and turns? Are there lots of rhymes and non-sequiturs? If you've seen any of Ritchie's gangster pictures, you'll know what you're getting and how much you like it depends on how much you like Ritchie's other London crime underworld movies. We had a lot of fun with this one, and in addition to THE GENTLEMEN, we talk about getting old, Christopher Nolan's BATMAN series, Clark Kent and Superman, WINTER SOLDIER, and Dave feeling dumb in school.

This week starts with a critique of how this year's Oscar nominations (2:25) shamefully overlook women and people of color. Then Megan reviews three movies. First, LITTLE JOE (11:15), a sci-fi film with gorgeous cinematography. Second, UNDERWATER (21:25), a fantastic monster movie starring Kristen Stewart. Third, THE GRUDGE (32:45), a reboot that left her wanting more. Lastly, Dave and Evan take on THE WAVE (41:34), a convoluted sci-fi flick with Justin Long that never adds up.

It's January, normally a moviegoing dead zone, but this week sees the wide releases of JUST MERCY (3:02), an anti-capital punishment picture starring Michael B. Jordan, Brie Larson, and Jamie Foxx. Yay for prestige flicks opening for the masses! Then it's 1917 (22:53), the much-written-about Sam Mendes pseudo one-shot movie sort-of based on his grandfather's experiences fighting for England in WWI. And please check out our Patreon! (patreon.com/spoilerpiece) The exclusive audio content this week is on the much-beloved ROBOCOP, which one of our Selectpiece patrons chose for us.

Happy New Year! What better way to start 2020 than by reflecting on our favorite 2019 films? Evan kicks off (6:07) by focusing on movies he didn't think got enough attention like LUCE, THE FAREWELL, and HAPPY DEATH DAY 2U. Next Megan discusses films (21:44) she thought were overlooked: HIGH LIFE, MICKEY AND THE BEAR, and THE MUSTANG. Finally, Dave raves (38:44) about BOOKSMART, 1917, and HONEYLAND. Love our picks? Hate em? Let us know by email ([email protected]) or by phone (862-21-PIECE)!