The Filmlosophers and Ensign Amy are blinded by the light -or should we say lens flare. Joined by host of The Capeless Crusaders David “Doc” Barrie, the crew “reflects” on the middle entry from J.J. Abrams’ sci-fi trilogy as they dig deep in 2013’s Star Trek Into Darkness.
The Vulcanized Vulcans take a hard look at what could possibly be the beginning of the end for the director’s efforts to reboot the beloved franchise. Has this sequel flown too close to the sun with its direct ties and parallels to its obvious inspiration, Wrath of Khan? Or has Abrams given fans a new perspective on this story? Revive your Tribbles and find out in this week's special episode of The Filmosphers!
The Filmlosophers and Ensign Amy warp to their next destination in a parallel universe as they embrace the master of the lens flare director J.J. Abrams’ fresh take in Star Trek (2009).
The Romanticized Romulans discuss how this reboot checks off a lot of the boxes many fans didn’t know they needed to check. But does this watered-down Shatner-ness of Kirk really satisfy fans of the franchise? Or has this film only ushered in a new age of Star Trek that fans can actually unanimously get behind? Set your phasers to stun and find out in this week's special episode of The Filmosphers!
The Filmlosophers and Ensign Amy beam back to the Multiverse where no man has gone before, as they dust off their phasers in celebration of Star Trek Month with a review of the most divisive film of the franchise, Star Trek: Nemesis.
Our Crew of Red Shirts takes an opinionated view on their first movie of the month, a much-derided film that many fans blame for the death of the franchise for several years. But does this thought still hold regarding the beloved series? Or is this just another case of a fanbase overreacting to the film’s outcome?
Find out in this week's special episode of The Filmosphers!
The Filmlosophers and Intern Amy may be a little late to the party, but they are definitely ready to join the joyful processional with the latest adaptation of the timeless Disney attraction, Haunted Mansion (2023).
The Corporeal Critics have finally made the trek to go see the film that Intern Amy has been itching incessantly to review, being the Disney Lore nerd that she is. But have the efforts already established in the first adaptation featuring Eddie Murphy already tainted the waters? Or will the fresh take and engaging cast of characters with an updated storyline give fans a new look at the attraction's mythos? Grab your sharpened axes & your popcorn, & tune in to find out in this week’s episode of The Filmlosophers!
The Filmlosophers and Intern Amy break out the cervezas and the jams as they get pulled into la familia with their latest thoughts on the indigenous indigo cabezón superhero out of Warner Bros and DC, Blue Beetle.
The Brazen Borachos can’t believe the amount of quality storytelling and fun coming out of the fallen house of the DCEU, and how Director Angel Manuel Soto brought the Latinx community to the big screen. But does this film only highlight the very issues that DC and Warner Bros seem to work to sweep under the rug: diversity in their films? Or has the incredible work by actor Xolo Maridueña and the rest of the cast only scratched the surface of what James Gunn has in store?
Grab your tacos & your popcorn, & tune in to find out in this week’s episode of The Filmlosophers!
The Filmlosophers and Intern Amy shred the streets of nostalgia as they delve deep into Seth Rogen’s fresh take on our shell-shocked crime fighters, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem. The Reptilian Reporters vibe off this latest iteration of our favorite non-amphibian warrior adolescents and their rodent father. Did Seth Rogen and his team find the unique bridge for this childhood classic quartet for fans young and old? Or does the imperfect styling of this TMNT world only highlight the very issues we are seeing in filmmakers trying to replicate the animation magic from Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse? Grab your pizza slices & your popcorn, & tune in to find out in this week’s episode of The Filmlosophers!
The hosts of the Filmlosophers, The Capeless Crusaders, and Video Game BANG! come together to say farewell to not only a staple in the Sacramento community, but also to dear a friend.
Late in June, we found out that our friend and podcast mate Curtis J. Fisher -also known as Skipntosh- passed away from a hard-fought battle with cancer. To many, he was more than just a friendly local comic book nerd; he was THE local comic book nerd. His love for the Sacramento Kings and all things nerdy made him a friend to every member of this city instantaneously. Next to his work in the podcast community, his musical career, and his ability to draw people from all crowds in, Curtis was like gravity. We knew that we had some things left to say to him, promises to keep, and goodbyes to be had.
When podcasters need to say something, we do it the only way we know how: we come to the table, put on our headphones, and hit record. Join VGB host Cory Vincent, The Capeless Crusader hosts David "Doc" Barrie and Anthony Esteves, and Filmlosophers Amy and Eddie Villanueva as we talk about how we've each been touched by his life, and how his legacy will always live on. We will miss you, Curtis Fisher.
The Filmlosophers and Intern Amy take a strange and nostalgic trip to a land of yesteryear, where they discuss the subtle surprise and not-so-subtle power behind Greta Gerwig’s latest film, Barbie. The Malleable Mammals reveal the impact this film has had on not just cinema but society as a whole, and all the people it’s upsetting. Has Greta Gerwig created a spotlight on a portion of cinema that has still yet to evolve after all these years: respect for women? Or does the heavy-handed nature of the messaging in the film only act as a deterrent to fans? Grab your rollerblades & your popcorn, & tune in to find out in this week’s episode of The Filmlosophers!
The Filmlosophers and Intern Amy are back after some studio construction to discuss Adele Lim’s directorial debut with Joy Ride. The Artisanal Non-Asiatics breakdown this raunchy buddy comedy and discuss the genius by the filmmakers. Has this film shed more light on how male-centric cinema has become? Or does the crass and lewd nature of the film truly overpower the deep rooted and well intended message within? Grab your bear-shaped boba & your popcorn, & tune in to find out in this week’s episode of The Filmlosophers!
The Filmlosophers and Intern Amy hold back the waterworks as they regal the surprise and delight of Pixar’s first film released in theaters since the pandemic, Elemental. The Earthen Eclectics unravel the complex and entertainingly beautiful story put to the silver screen by Director and long-time collaborator with Pixar Peter Sohn. Has Pixar tapped into something special and unique with the periodic table version of Romeo and Juliet? Or did the marketing team make the right call in not promoting this film to its fullest potential? Grab your coal nuts & your popcorn, & tune in to find out in this week’s episode of The Filmlosophers!
Jr Filmlosopher Logan joins the Filmlosophers and Intern Amy to maximize the conversation around the latest pull from our millennial youth with the newest entry in the Transformers franchise, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts. The Jazzed Jalopies do their best to rope in a Megatron-esque Spencer as they discuss the ups and downs of the confusing Autobot saga. Has time (and the pool of good ideas) fully run dry for the Transformers films, continuing to ruin our childhoods? Or has this latest film reignited the fuel for fans to come back and support their fandom? Grab your energon & your popcorn, & hope that Spencer doesn’t hurt us as you tune in to find out in this week’s episode of The Filmlosophers!
The Filmlosophers and Intern Amy are caught between a Speedster and a Bat-Place as they discuss their crisis of conscience in reviewing the recent drop from WB and DC in The Flash (2023). The Caped Critique-ers find themselves in deep water trying to piece out their thoughts and feelings on the film that has been the subject of controversy. Will the delinquent acts of actor Ezra Miller stain the movie like a scarlet letter? Or will its nostalgic factors ultimately be enough to win fans over? Grab your spaghetti timelines & your popcorn, & tune in to find out in this week’s episode of The Filmlosophers!
The Filmlosophers and Intern Amy find themselves immersed into a whole new world of animation art styles and Webslingers in our take on Sony’s smash hit Spidey sequel, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. The Wall-Crawling Wonderers are overwhelmed as they unravel their thoughts on the franchise that changed the animation game back in 2018. Has this new level of art style in cinema reached new heights with this latest project? Or are the scales beginning to tip more into the arena of distraction more than attraction? Grab your BAGEL! & your popcorn, & tune in to find out in this week’s episode of The Filmlosophers!
FIlmlosopher Spencer and Intern Amy torture Filmlosopher Eddie with a revisit to the franchise that almost made him rage quit the show, as they recap Amy’s first time viewing of The Asylum’s cult classic franchise, Sharknado. The Shadowy Sharktopuses find themselves once again enthralled in a conversation about the franchise that redefined the B-Movie genre, and Eddie’s view of indie filmmaking. Does the franchise ultimately fall in the harmless fun category of film? Or is this film -and its cult-classic status- only aiding in the downfall of new and better ideas being found in Hollywood? Grab your chainsaws & your popcorn, & tune in to find out in this week’s episode of The Filmlosophers!
The Filmlosophers and Intern Amy round out their month of Ani-MAY with a stunning (and surprising) project from Mamoru Hosoda that surpasses time and bullet trains with 2018’s Mirai. The Undeniable Uwu’s are completely dialed into this anime feature that debuted at the Cannes Film Festival, setting a whole new expectation for this generation’s anime. Has Hosoda really keyed in the art style that will carry new anime fans to the motherland? Or is this film indicative of the full missteps we see in his follow up work? Grab your yellow pants & your popcorn, & tune in to find out in this week’s special Ani-MAY episode of The Filmlosophers!
The Filmlosophers and Intern Amy kick off their celebration of the incredible month of Ani-MAY with a stark discussion of the 2021 Cannes Film Festival favorite and Studio Chizu’s latest offering, Belle. The Wacky Weebs immerse themselves into the world of Hosoda as they offer up their thoughts about the film cited as the spiritual sequel to Summer Wars. But has the amount of CG in the film really still qualify it as an anime? Or has the new age of anime art styles finally caught up to those that cling to the past? Grab your speaker whales & your popcorn, & tune in to find out in this week’s special Ani-MAY episode of The Filmlosophers!
The Filmlosophers and Intern Amy are joined by the host of the Capeless Crusaders, Doc Barrie, as they muster the courage to say farewell to James Gunn’s work in the MCU with our review of Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3. The Comical Conspirators drown their sorrows and amusement together as they discuss the implications and fallout of Gunn’s final entry in the GotG franchise. Has Gunn created the first complete and whole trilogy for the MCU? Or did his last entry only reveal the cracks within the writer/director’s abilities? Grab your face clips & your popcorn, & tune in to find out in this week’s episode of The Filmlosophers!
The Filmlosophers and Intern Amy are joined by fan of the show Marcus to geek out about all the galactic shows from a galaxy far, far away to celebrate the best holiday in the galaxy, Star Wars Day. The Rambunctious Rebels lose their minds over the evolution of every Star Wars show, from TV to streaming. Is the latest influx of content coming out of the House of Mouse overwhelming fans? Or has the new era of Star Wars and Star Wars fans hungry for what’s to come? Grab your blasters & your popcorn, & tune in to find out in this week’s special episode of The Filmlosophers!
The Filmlosophers and Intern Amy brave the chaotic and troubling mind of director Ari Aster and come out unsure of what to say about A24’s latest project, Beau is Afraid. The Discombobulated Dissenters attempt to deconstruct the thoughts of their mind in a way that vaguely conveys their opinions on the function -and dysfunction- of this film. Has the efforts of filmmaker Ari Aster and the like really retread new ground with their avant-garde style of directing? Or has the welcome of A24 and its edgier projects become far too worn? Grab your paintbrushes & your popcorn, & tune in to find out in this week’s episode of The Filmlosophers!
The Filmlosophers and Intern Amy summon the ultimate powers of positive affirmation to decipher the latest efforts of director Chris McKay and Nicolas Cage, Renfield. The Hellish Helsings break down the latest iteration of the Prince of Darkness in film, led by the most likely person to actually become Dracula: Nicolas Cage. But has the charm of Cage and his zany acting methods run its course? Or has Chris McKay and his team created (dark) magic that this film wields with perfection? Grab your wooden stakes & your popcorn, & tune in to find out in this week’s episode of The Filmlosophers!
The Filmlosophers and Intern Amy powerslide into the latest video game-film adaptation with Videogame BANG! host Cory Vincent, as they each run the gauntlet to discuss Nintendo and Illumination’s latest film, The Super Mario Bros (2023). The Jumping Jumpmen (and Jumpwoman) return to their childhood to revel in their delight at the film scorned by critics but loved by fans. Has the mega-team-up of Illumination and Nintendo finally given the House of Mouse a run for its money? Or has the curse still not been lifted off the impossible task of creating a video game-adapted film? Grab your power gloves & your popcorn, & tune in to find out in this week’s episode of The Filmlosophers!
The Filmlosophers and Intern Amy engage in blind combat (through conversation) as they discuss the latest entry in the John Wick franchise, John Wick: Chapter 4. The Cunning Choreographers unload their thoughts as they revel in their take on the film franchise that created a new image for Keanu Reeves for almost the last 10 years. Will this latest chapter of the John Wick saga continue the tradition of expertly crafted choreography and backstory? Or has the tank finally run out through the efforts of an older Keanu and cast? Grab your nicest suit & your popcorn, & tune in to find out in this week’s episode of The Filmlosophers!
Through fire and flame, the Filmlosophers and Intern Amy scale the depths of caverns deep to unearth the joy found in the latest film adaptation of the tabletop game, Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. The Miming Mimics have set their sights on Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley’s directorial efforts to discover whether fans finally get a sincere homage to the game of imagination and exploration. Have the directors finally appeased the massive fan base that has waited patiently for a decent portrayal? Or has the time passed for even the most clever of directors to take a roll at it? Grab your dice & your popcorn, & tune in to find out in this week’s episode of The Filmlosophers!
The Filmlosophers and Intern Amy fight against the surge of films beating their way into theaters to bob and weave through Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut in the latest entry of the Creed franchise, Creed III. The Lean, Mean Reviewing Machines take the battle to Michael B. Jordan and his cast as they discuss the efforts he makes, as well as its evident lack of that Sly charm. Has the removal of the Rocky/Journeyman element doomed the first-time director, and possibly this franchise? Or have we entered into a new generation of the every-man story, with Jordan and Coogler at the pulse? Grab your gloves & your popcorn, & tune in to find out in this week’s episode of The Filmlosophers!
The Filmlosophers and Intern Amy endure the painful yet emotionally charged tale of Charlie in Darren Aronofksky’s 2022 film, The Whale. The Auteur Authors discuss the implications of Aronofsky’s latest film, and whether the impact outweighs its implications. Knowing the director’s filming style, does The Whale meet expectations? Or has this film become a vehicle to resurface the magnificence of Brendan Fraser’s acting ability? Grab your Milky Ways & your popcorn, & tune in to find out in this week’s episode of The Filmlosophers!