The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, debate whether Illumination Entertainment’s new film, Sing (2016), hits a high note or falls a bit flat. Sing features a stellar vocal cast that includes Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Taron Egerton, Scarlett Johansson, Tori Kelly and Seth MacFarlane.

News items include the death of “Princess Leia” actor Carrie Fisher and a first look at the Alien: Covenant (2017) trailer from director Ridley Scott.

The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley dissect the new Netflix-Legendary release, Spectral (2016). Originally meant for theatrical release, the final cut brings a cinematic visual quality to the original content format through the streaming service. Starring James Badge Dale, Emily Mortimer, Max Martini and Bruce Greenwood, the film follows a team of soldiers and scientists who are battling a group of deadly apparition-like adversaries.

News items include trailer reviews for John Wick 2 (2017), The Emoji Movie (2017), Despicable Me 3 (2017), Arsenal (2017) and Blade Runner 2049 (2017).  The team also discusses new imagery from the Ridley Scott-fronted Alien: Covenant (2017) via Entertainment Weekly.

The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, welcome VideoGameBANG co-host David Webb and Oblivion Comics & Coffee co-owner Laura Benson for a no-holds-barred, spoiler-rich review of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016). Good guys, bad guys, massive battle sequences and a number of familiar faces left a strong impression on the crew, and we're excited to share our review straight from the theater on opening night!

The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, delve into the noir-esque critical darling Nocturnal Animals (2016), starring Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal in a film directed by fashion designer Tom Ford. Featuring supporting turns from Michael Shannon and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, the film explores themes of love and loss within an intricate storyline that bridges fiction and reality.

News items include a new poster and tagline for Transformers: The Last Knight (2017), a first look at The Fate of the Furious (2017) and an update from Mark Wahlberg on the as-yet-not-greenlit Uncharted film.

The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, break down the essential building blocks of your favorite holiday films. If making a Christmas movie follows a certain formula, what are the components of that formula (and do your favorite December flicks fit the mold or break it)?

News items include an Ocean's 8 (2017) casting announcement and new movie trailer reactions for Cars 3 (2017), Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), The Shack (2017), Transformers: The Last Knight (2017), Sleight (2017), and The Mummy (2017).

The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, kick off holiday season 2016 with a "wish list" of their most anticipated December films in a variety of categories, from comedy and drama to auteur flicks and genre options. Beyond obvious choices like Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), Assassin's Creed (2016), La La Land (2016) and Sing (2016), did your faves make the cut?

News items include new Rita Repulsa images from next year's Power Rangers (2017) film, along with Annie Award nominations for Zootopia (2016) and Kubo and the Two Strings (2016) and word of multiple new Ghostbusters films in the works from original director Ivan Reitman.

The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, review Disney's Moana (2016), a non-Pixar animated tale with a colorful cast of characters and a distinctly mythological bent. Featuring song lyrics from Broadway star Lin-Manuel Miranda and starring newcomer Auli'i Cravalho as Moana alongside Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as demigod Maui, the film offers a refreshingly modern take on the well-honed Disney model of filmmaking.

Other news items include reports of a Highlander remake from John Wick and John Wick 2 director Chad Stahelski, and an exciting casting announcement for Marvel's Black Panther film as it adds Angela Bassett in a key role.

The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, engage in a deep discussion of Denis Villanueve's masterful new film, Arrival (2016). Starring Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner and Forest Whitaker, Arrival features a strong emotional subtext and exceptional work in sound editing, cinematography, writing and directing.

In addition to the film review, the gents react to a week full of new movie trailers, including Disney's live action Beauty and the Beast (2017), Luc Besson's next blockbuster Valerian: City of a Thousand Planets (2017) and the Anthony Hopkins-Colin Farrell procedural thriller Solace (2017).

The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, welcome entertainment journalists Val Complex and co-host to Sacramento's largest gaming podcast, Aaron Carter, for an important discussion about the latest documentary from critically acclaimed filmmaker, Ava DeVernay, titled 13th. While you won't hear a typical "review" of the film here, you will learn much from this engaging discussion about race, criminality, American history and personal experience.

The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, share a spoiler-light review of Marvel Studios' Doctor Strange (2016) starring Benedict Cumberbatch. The latest MCU film features some trippy visuals and has received criticism for some of its casting decisions. Is the whole greater than the sum of its parts, or does its ambitious stance leave the story feeling fragmented in various segments of the multiverse?

News items in this episode include another director dropout for Warner Bros. stuck-in-development-hell The Flash, as well as a recent announcement about a new, live action Snow White film from Disney.

The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, spend the last week of October discussing the other half of the distinctive style of Tim Burton - live-action films! From his first '"interesting" efforts with his short film made in the early '80s to discussing his directorial debut with Pee Wee's Big Adventure (1985), the duo discuss Burton's uncanny ability to create incredible live-action films. His cult classic status would be attained with his comic-book adaptation of Batman (1989), giving the world a glimpse at the creative genius that Burton would birth from, bringing forth outstanding films such as Edward Scissorhands (1990) and his deep and moving film, Big Fish (2003).

News items in this episode include a discussion of recently released trailers, including Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol.2, Logan, and Man Down, the new musical clip from Disney's Moana (2016), and the latest Honest Trailer on The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993). Also, check out our Halloween Candy review of the quintessential Halloween film, Halloween (1978).

The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, spend the last half of October discussing the distinctive style of Tim Burton - this week, focusing on his work in stop-motion animation. From his first professional forays in the medium in the early 1980s to integrating stop-motion into seminal classics such as Pee Wee's Big Adventure (1985) and Beetlejuice (1988), Burton later went on to spur the medium toward innovation. Burton revitalized the genre as a creative voice for the fan favorite The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), directed by Henry Selick, then pushed it further with his full-length directorial debut The Corpse Bride (2005) and kept trying new techniques for Frankenweenie (2012).

News items in this episode include discussion of a rumored Leonardo DiCaprio-produced Captain Planet film and just-released details of the new Wolverine film's villainous Reavers in Logan (2017), which is set to be Hugh Jackman's bow as the X-Men film franchise's central character.

When building imaginary worlds and characters, what is the right balance to strike between practical effects and CGI? The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, take a look at the history of both disciplines in film and highlight the pioneering filmmakers that have pushed the medium forward with innovations that use both styles to wow the crowd.

News items include the first details from producer Colin Trevorrow about the Jurassic World sequel coming in 2018, and we offer a quick analysis of the Power Rangers (2017) teaser trailer from New York Comic Con (NYCC).

Welcome to our first lightning round! Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, take things up a notch (BAM) and let the words fly, in this special edition of The Filmlosophers! Dialing up the dialogue, and taken over by the clock, the duo talk about everything from on-screen vigilantes to Netflix, with overrated directors and Halloween candy thrown into the mix - and only five minutes to tackle each subject! Does the team beat the clock and get in their thoughts? Find out in this episode of The Filmlosophers! Also, stick around towards the end as we make an announcement about our upcoming Octo-Burton Fest giveaway!

News items include the completion of filming for Spider-Man: Homecoming; the announcement of a release date for Disney’s upcoming live-action film, Mulan; and Ben Affleck revealing the working title for his upcoming solo Batman film.

Topics Include: Eddie Villanueva, Chad Riley, Sacramento, Podcast, Movies, Film, Netflix, Directors, Halloween, Trick or Treat, Spider-Man, Disney, Batman

The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, discuss the film that everyone has been talking about since its debut at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, The Birth of a Nation (2016). Directed by and starring Nate Parker, the film hosts an incredible ensemble of actors, including Gabrielle Union and Armie Hammer. The Filmlosophers discuss the merits of the film, which chronicles the journey of Nat Turner, a literate slave and preacher in the antebellum South, who orchestrates an uprising. How do The Filmlosophers view this period film whose director and star has been shrouded in recent controversy?

News items include our reaction to the first trailer for Passengers (2016), starring Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt; first impressions of M. Night Shyamalan’s latest, Split (2016); and an early look at Denzel Washington’s next turn as director and star in Fences (2016), a film adaptation of the famous August Wilson play also starring Viola Davis. All that, and we count down some of our top 5 Oscar winning films.

Topics include: Sundance Film Festival, Nate Parker, The Birth of a Nation, Gabrielle Union, Armie Hammer, Passengers, Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Pratt, M. Night Shyamalan, Split, Denzel Washington, Fences, Viola Davis, top 5 Oscar winning films, Eddie Villanueva, Chad Riley, Movies, Sacramento, podcast

The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, take a trip down a dirt country road and review Antoine Fuqua’s interpretation of a Western classic, The Magnificent Seven. Starring Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Haley Bennett, and many others, the film takes moviegoers on an action-packed adventure, as seven gun men in the old west gradually come together to help a poor village against savage thieves. Do The Filmlosophers succumb to the nostalgia the film brings to the table, or do they take a hard nosed look at Fuqua’s representation of one of the best Western films in cinema history?

News items include our interview with producer of the controversial documentary, The Principle, Mr. Rick Delano, the announcement that Jared Leto will portray Andy Warhol in a biopic titled Warhol, and the cast images released on Instagram for the upcoming sequel to the 1995 family film of the same name, Jumanji.

Topics Include: Antoine Fuqua, The Magnificent Seven, Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Haley Bennett, The Principle, Rick Delano, Jared Leto, Andy Warhol, Jumanji, Eddie Villanueva, Chad Riley, Western, Sacramento, Podcast, movies, film, review

This week the Filmlosophers are giving you guys a bonus: Special Feature!

The Eddie and Chad conduct an interview with Mr. Rick DeLano. Rick is the producer of a new documentary that argues that the Earth is actually the center of the Universe. Rick addresses the controversy of his film, addresses some of the unfair treatment he feels he has received from the press, and a whole lot more that you do not want to miss!

Topics include: The Principal, Rick DeLano, Controversy, Documentary, Science, Katheryne Thomas, geocentrism, movie, sacramento, podcast, filmmaker, producer, Eddie Villanueva, Chad Riley

The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, review and discuss Disney’s third live-action film of 2016, Queen of Katwe. Starring newcomer Madina Nalwanga, Lupita Nyong'o, and David Oyelowo, the film accounts the journey of a young girl with dreams of becoming a Chess Champion. Helmed by director Mira Nair, we contemplate the film’s impact in the Oscar race, and ask the question whether the film’s unique story-telling will win over moviegoers, as well as critics, alike.

News items include the casting of Benicio Del Toro’s in the upcoming Predator reboot, Peter Berg discussing his perfect pairing to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in the sequel to his action/comedy smash hit, The Rundown (2003), and the latest and historic addition of the first Latina comedian on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live”.

The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, review Clint Eastwood's latest, Sully (2016), starring Tom Hanks as Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenburger. How does this most recent biopic stack up against Eastwood's filmography, and what are it's chances for generating box office sales and awards season nominations?

News items include a SacAnime interview with John DiMaggio, recently released set photos from Steven Spielberg's highly anticipated Ready Player One (2017) and a few fun updates from James Gunn's Facebook Q&A for GotG 2 (2017).

The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, bring the dynamic duo from Videogame BANG!, Cory Vincent and Aaron Carter, as we look back on the life and contributions of Gene Wilder in the world of comedy, specifically comedic duos. We’ll explore the history of comedy in films, and see how the incredible pairing of Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor changed the landscape of comedic films, as well as the world, in a great discussion filled with laughs and jokes.

Other news items in this episode include a recently reveal of Deathstroke to the DC Cinematic Universe, Marvel and ABC Studios considering a comedy sitcom “New Warriors” featuring Squirrel Girl, and a look at a recent casting for Michael Bay’s latest installment to the Transformers franchise, “The Last Knight”. We’ll also announce a contest giveaway at the end of the show, so stay tuned!

The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, welcome entertainment journalists Val Complex and Laura Sirikul for an important discussion about women in cinema - particularly behind the scenes. What percentage of Hollywood directors, writers, cinematographers and other key roles are women, and how can everyday moviegoers help move the needle to create more opportunities beyond the celluloid ceiling?

Other news items in this episode include a recently release list of the BBC's Top 100 films of the 21st century and a sneak preview of this year's Oscar Award contenders including Hell or High Water (2016) and The Light Between Oceans (2016).

As the summer movie season comes to an end, The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, discuss the history of the "summer blockbuster" and provide a quick summary of the distinguishing characteristics that give a movie blockbuster status. Also, the duo states their cases and vote for the Top 5 Summer Films of 2016.

News items in this episode include costume details from Henry Cavill that show a possible new Superman look for Zack Snyder's upcoming Justice League (2017) film, as well as an early description of Guillermo del Toro's latest passion project, The Shape of Water, which is billed as an otherwordly tale set during the Cold War era.

The Filmlosophers, Eddia Villanueva and Chad Riley, go existential with a review of The Little Prince (2016), a film adaptation of the beloved French fable currently showing on Netflix. Featuring vocal performances from Jeff Bridges, Rachel McAdams, Marion Cotillard and more, the original story by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry receives a stop-motion treatment, while the film features an entirely new story set in the modern world and depicted in computer animated format.

News items include details from Patrick Stewart on what may be Professor X's final appearance in the untitled Wolverine (2017) sequel, as well as word of a reboot for the Chronicles of Narnia franchise from TriStar Pictures.

The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, welcome cosplayer Maid of Might and VideoGameBANG! host Cory Vincent for a spoiler-rich review of Suicide Squad (2016) starring Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Jared Leto and Viola Davis. From the costumes to the soundtrack, we delve into everything that works and anything that doesn't in one of this summer's most highly anticipated films.

News items include sequel news on Sicario 2, a name change for Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and more casting updates for Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017). We also take a moment to discuss the first poster for Transformers: The Last Knight (2017) and the casting controversy surrounding Matt Damon's role in The Great Wall (2017).

This is a special bonus episode of the Filmlosophers recorded during San Diego Comic Con. Eddie and Chad get to sit down with the amazing author of the Red Rising trilogy, Pierce Brown.