The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, are joined again by Spencer Williams as they step over the threshold and into the realm of B-movies, diving deep into a double feature of The Room (2003) and The Disaster Artist (2017). The Room was directed, written, produced and starred by the mysterious Tommy Wiseau, as well as Greg Sestero, Juliette Danielle, and many others. The Disaster Artist, directed and starred by James Franco, is based on Greg Sestero’s best-selling tell-all about the making of Tommy's cult-classic disasterpiece, The Room, and what all transpired behind the scenes.
The Filmlosophers are short by one as Chad is away, but fear not! Eddie Villanueva brings in Star Wars enthusiast Michael Strange to discuss the recently released and domestically successful Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) n. The film brings back our favorite cast, including Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Anthony Daniels, as well as our new favorites like Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Adam Driver and others. Episode VIII has created a rift in the galaxy, splitting their fans and causing many to ask the question: what is the direction of the remainder of the franchise?
This weekend’s releases include the Pitch Perfect 3, Father Figures, Downsizing, The Greatest Showman and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.
The Filmlosophers revisit the fateful days of World War II with this week’s review of Joe Wright’s film Darkest Hour (2017). Featuring Gary Oldman in an Oscar-buzzing lead role as British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, the film recounts a series of events in 1940 as the Nazis bring continental Europe to its knees and threaten total annihilation.
The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, submerge themselves in the compelling depths of Guillermo del Toro’s latest take on modern mythology, The Shape of Water (2017). Starring Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Octavia Spencer, Richard Jenkins, and master creature performer Doug Jones, the film features compelling meditations on the nature of identity, communication, empathy and the struggle for power in the face of the unknown.
In addition to The Shape of Water, this weekend’s releases include the Margot Robbie-fronted biopic I, Tonya (2017) and The Disaster Artist (2017) starring James Franco.
The Filmlosophers shine with their knowledge as they discuss the impact that Marvel has had in cinema for the past decade! Chad and Eddie talk about what films like Iron Man and Guardians of the Galaxy have done for theaters, and how the the MCU has reshaped more than just how we view movies, but culture as a whole!
The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, welcome Eddie’s wife, Doris, to the show for the first time as they dance their way through the Mexican Land of the Dead with this week’s slightly spoilerish review of Pixar Animation Studios’ latest Disney collaboration, Coco (2017). The lively film is Pixar’s 19th feature length project and stars the voices of Benjamin Bratt, Gael García Bernal, Alanna Ubach, and first timer Anthony Gonzalez, along with some incredible cameos from well-known Latin actors such as Edward James Olmos, Gabriel Iglesias, Cheech Marin and others.
The Filmlosophers brave Crime Alley with this week’s review of the long awaited film of the year, Justice League. Directed by Zack Snyder, the film has a star-studded cast including Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller, Jason Momoa, Henry Cavill, Ray Fisher, Ciarán Hinds , Jeremy Irons, and others. Does the film do the franchise “justice?” How does the franchise fare after the immense success of Wonder Woman? Stay tuned to find out!
The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, The Filmlosophers tour the spaceways and spar with the gladiators of Sakaar in this week’s spoiler review of Marvel Studios’ latest release, Thor: Ragnarok (2017). Starring Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Idris Elba, Anthony Hopkins, Cate Blanchett, Tessa Thompson, Jeff Goldblum, Karl Urban and Mark Ruffalo, the film marks the MCU debut of acclaimed New Zealand director Taika Waititi and has the gods of Asgard facing their own end at the hands of Marvel’s first female boss baddy, Hela.
Chock-full of teases, character deaths (it is Ragnarok, after all) and cinematic Easter eggs, the film moves the Asgardians’ storyline forward by leaps and bounds...and let’s not even talk about the cameos. This rollicking cosmic adventure truly has a lot to love, even after Thor’s hammer falls to pieces.
The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, summon a ride on the Bifrost Bridge to prepare for next week’s debut of the highly anticipated Thor: Ragnarok (2017) with a recap and review of the franchise’s two previous installments, Thor (2011) and Thor: The Dark World (2013). As the MCU’s first foray into cosmic (mis)adventures, the Thor franchise has a surprisingly crucial role in establishing the universe-spanning culmination due next year in Avengers: Infinity War (2018).
Also, with Halloween just around the corner, we share our list of the Top 5 Halloween films to watch between now and October 31st.
The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, take a walk down memory lane with this week’s review of The Princess Bride (1987), which celebrates its 30th Anniversary this month. One of the most quotable films of all time, it’s the “inconceivable” cult favorite that translated the concept of the romantic comedy for a more youthful audience. Starring Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Wallace Shawn, Andre the Giant and many more, the film has left an inarguable mark on pop culture and remains a favorite for millions of fans.
In movie news, we take a look at the first responses to Ron Howard’s title reveal for Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018).
The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, zip up their collared jackets and head to the post-apocalyptic future of Blade Runner 2049 (2017), Denis Villenueve’s gorgeous sequel to Ridley Scott’s sci-fi masterpiece starring Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Robin Wright, Jared Leto, Ana de Armas and Sylvia Hoeks. From the cinematography to the score, and everywhere in between, there’s a lot to talk about with this film in spite of its low opening weekend attendance.
In movie news, we loose our geeky minds over the latest trailer for Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017).
The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, prep for this weekend’s most anticipated release with a throwback review of Blade Runner (1982), Ridley Scott’s sci-fi masterpiece starring Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Darryl Hannah and Edward James Olmos. Based on Philip K. Dick’s “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?”, the film stands tall as one of the most beloved examples of dystopic fiction brought to film.
In movie news, we share details about the start of filming for the next installment of the cinematic Shyamalaniverse in Glass (2018).
The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, welcome Spencer Williams and get confused about their own existence during this week’s review of Darren Aronofsky’s new film, mother! (2017), starring Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Harris and Michelle Pfeiffer. As critical and public responses continue to indicate, this is a film that easily provokes and confounds its audience regardless of whether it’s ultimately loved or hated.
In movie news, we share a few initial critical reactions to Denis Villanueve’s soon-to-be-released Blade Runner 2049 (2017). The film, starring Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling, opens on October 7th.
The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, don their bespoke suits and dress it up for this week’s review of Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017), starring Taron Egerton, Mark Strong, Colin Firth and Julianne Moore. With guest starring turns from Channing Tatum, Halle Berry, Pedro Pascal and Jeff Bridges - not to mention a series of cameos from Elton John - the film marks the first sequel of director Matthew Vaughn’s career.
In movie news, we briefly preview one of the weekend’s other debuts, The Lego Ninjago Movie (2017).
The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, dabble in a bit of spycraft with this week’s overview of the thrilling genre of spy movies. From some of Hitchcock’s greatest works to prominent franchises featuring marquee characters like James Bond, Jason Bourne and even Dom Torreto, we’re taking a look at the compelling and secretive world of espionage on film.
In movie news, we celebrate Warners making it official by signing Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins to a record setting contract for the sequel.
The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, face their fears with a review of It (2017), a new adaptation of Stephen King’s killer clown novel. Coming on the heels of the lackluster adaptation of another Stephen King novel, The Dark Tower (2017), does this outing prove to be more engaging? Also, how does it compare to the 1990 television mini-series starring Tim Curry as Pennywise?
The Filmlosophers discuss the hilarity of vulgarity in The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017), the bromantic action comedy you’ve heard so much about starring Samuel L. Jackson and Ryan Reynolds. The profanity-laden film follows two highly trained specialists—one an assassin, the other a private bodyguard—trying to overcome an aggressive team of mercenaries and reach the international criminal court at The Hague...and bickering all along the way.
In movie news, we pay tribute to the late Jerry Lewis, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 91 after a storied career in Hollywood that spanned more than 70 years.
The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, welcome guest commentator Wendy Day for a reflective review of Detroit (2017), directed by Kathryn Bigelow and starring John Boyega, Will Poulter, Algee Smith, Jacob Latimore, Anthony Mackie and many more. The film recounts the horrifying events that transpired at the Algiers Motel in the midst of the summer of 1967, when racial tensions boiled over in America’s fifth largest city and led to violence between citizens and law enforcement officers.
In movie news, we discuss Samuel L. Jackson’s recent comments about whether or not Nick Fury will make an appearance in Avengers: Infinity War (2018).
The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, venture into the realm of modern myth-making with their review of the much anticipated film adaptation of Stephen King’s The Dark Tower (2017), starring Idris Elba as Roland Deschain, the Gunslinger, and Matthew McConaughey as Walter O’Dim, the Man in Black. After spending many years stuck in development hell, was the new film from director Nikolaj Arcel worth the wait?
In movie news, we discuss breaking news from Disney Studios about the projected launch of an all-Disney streaming service in 2019.
The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, welcome frequent guest and outspoken advocate Laura Sirikul for a timely conversation about the growing influence of women in film, both on and behind the screen. As the number of female-led stories continues to expand and roles open up for women in prominent leadership roles behind the camera, what are some indicators of meaningful progress...and how far does the industry still need to go to break down the “celluloid ceiling” for good?
The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, share thoughts on Christopher Nolan’s taut, tense new film, Dunkirk (2017), which interweaves multiple narratives to depict one of World War II’s most intense stories of struggle and triumph. After nearly two hours spent in near-constant suspense, what impact did the tight shots, resonant sounds and epic aerial dogfights have on our delicate psyches?
In movie news, we also reflect on Comic-Con 2017 with feedback on new announcements from Warner Bros./DC, Marvel Studios and more. Panels and trailers from Justice League (2017), Ready Player One (2018), Thor: Ragnarok (2017), Black Panther (2018) and Avengers: Infinity War (2018) were among this year’s hottest topics.
The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, head deep into the motion capture wilderness of Matt Reeve’s War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) starring Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson and Steve Zahn. As the Simian Flu continues to transform the planet, how will that impact the tense interactions between sentient apes and humans who fear being supplanted as the dominant species on the planet?
In movie news, we discuss all of the news and developments from D23 Expo, including footage from Avengers: Infinity War (2018) the live action The Lion King (2019) and the Mary Poppins sequel, casting announcements for the live action Aladdin film (2018), a trailer for A Wrinkle in Time (2018) and behind the scenes footage from Star Wars; The Last Jedi (2017).
The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, embrace their darker side with a review of Despicable Me 3 (2017), wherein reformed villain Gru, voiced by Steve Carell, considers going back to his dastardly evil days after parting ways with most of his Minions and meeting his twin brother Dru, also voiced by Steve Carell, for the first time. This third installment marks a turning point for the franchise, but is it for the better or for the worse?
In movie news, we discuss new details from MCU architect Kevin Feige that Zendaya’s character in Spider-man: Homecoming (2017) may not have been exactly who we thought she was.
The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, join with Sacramento's best cosplayer, Trenton Brewer, to relive the hormone-infused days of high school with a spoiler-filled recap of Spider-man: Homecoming (2017) starring Tom Holland, Michael Keaton and Robert Downey Jr. With a flurry of nods to the other films of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this latest take on the friendly neighborhood webslinger brings the humor and heart of Marvel’s “everyman,” Peter Parker, into the fold with a little help from a variety of familiar faces.
The Filmlosophers, Eddie Villanueva and Chad Riley, test drive Edgar Wright’s critical darling, Baby Driver (2017). Starring Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Lily James, Jon Hamm and Jamie Foxx, the film centers on a young wheelman named Baby as he navigates his roles as criminal, foster son and boyfriend. The inventive film showcases much more than a series of car stunts, with a distinctive soundtrack that proves to be as much a focus as any of the characters involved.
In movie news, we discuss Spider-Man Tom Holland’s confirmation that Peter Parker showed up in the MCU long before Captain America: Civil War (2016).