Talking apes and Jedi Knights are cool, but how do they impact Hollywood as a whole? That's the kind of stuff we talk about on Popcorn Culture - a mixed-bag-exploration of movies, TV shows, and pop culture buzz that we love, as well as those that we love slightly less.
Popcorn Culture - Review: The Equalizer 3
Robert McCall (Denzel Washington) is no longer a government assassin - he now lives in Southern Italy with a new community he calls his own. But old habits die hard, and he continues to stand up for the oppressed - and soon, he finds himself taking on the local mafia. We review the movie and discuss whether the Denzel-Antoine Fuqua actor-director pairing still has its draws.Image Credit: IMDb
9/6/2023 • 21 minutes, 2 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: Training Day
With The Equalizer 3 now in the theatres, we revisit Denzel Washington and director Antoine Fuqua's first collab, a crime thriller classic from 2001 which has gone on to gain cult status. The film revolves around two LAPD narcotics officers, played by Washington and Ethan Hawke, over a 24-hour period in the gang-ridden neighborhoods - and things don't go as planned. We review the film and talk about how the tropes hold up. Image Credit: IMDb
9/5/2023 • 22 minutes, 53 seconds
Popcorn Culture - The ‘BFM Turns 15’ Special
In conjunction with BFM turning 15, we’re looking back at a very special list of our own - our top 15 movies that we’ve reviewed on the show. Expect picks that embrace classic films, full-on weirdness, and genre favourites!Image Credit: IMDb
9/4/2023 • 22 minutes, 38 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Stuff We Missed: Women Talking
One of the most critically acclaimed films of 2022, Women Talking was written and directed by Sarah Polley and based on Miriam Toews's 2018 novel of the same name. It features a stacked cast (think Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley, Frances McDormand), and tells a compelling story of an isolated community talking about guilt, sexual violence, and living alongside perpetrators. We discuss the film's theme, performances, and ultimately, whether it works as a film experience. Image Credit: Michael Gibson/Orion Releasing LLC
8/30/2023 • 21 minutes, 38 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Throwback: 12 Angry Men
In honor of Malaya's independence (sorry, we know it's a tenuous link), we're throwing it back to a classic film from 1957, Sidney Lumet's 12 Angry Men. Exploring concepts of guilt, accountability, and consensus, it's widely regarded as one of the best films ever made. In this Throwback, we discuss if it lives up to its reputation. Image credit: IMDb
8/29/2023 • 22 minutes, 21 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Supercut: Movie Scores & Soundtracks (Part 2)
We don't like to brag, but we're bringing this episode back for a sequel due to popular demand. On this Supercut, we continue celebrating our favourite needle drops, famous film composers, and the movie songs and soundtracks that we just can't stop listening to.Image Credit: IMDb
8/24/2023 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 10 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: Blue Beetle
It's a shame that Blue Beetle is being released during a transitory, turbulent time in DC's cinematic timeline because, by all accounts, it looks like a fun time at the movies. It tells the story of Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña), a kid who bonds with a symbiotic relic called the Scarab and is given a suit of armor and extraordinary powers. We review DC's newest film in the who-knows-what-chronology-this-is and discuss if it's enough to get the studio back on track. We also talk about Blue Beetle's Latinx representation and how this bodes for James Gunn's rebooted DC universe. Image Credit: DC 21
8/23/2023 • 22 minutes, 3 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Throwback: The Fly
There are numerous reasons why 1986's The Fly became a pop culture touchstone - it is a classic David Cronenberg body horror fest, it's the root of many a childhood nightmare, and it is the beginning of the Jeff Goldblum phenomenon. We throwback to the classic and discuss why they really don't make 'em like they used to.Image Credit: FILMGRAB
8/22/2023 • 21 minutes, 49 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Supercut: Entertaining Vs Challenging Movies
Some moviegoers love having their minds challenged (think The Tree of Life or 12 Years a Slave), while others just want to have a good time (Godzilla vs Kong, anyone?). In this Supercut, we weigh the merits of those difficult, challenging films that ask a lot of us as viewers, against the movies that are just pure entertainment. Image Credit: Memento/ MUBI, Coco/IMDb, Legally Blonde/IMDb
8/17/2023 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 14 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: Hungry Ghost Diner
When her uncle mysteriously turns up unannounced one night, Bonnie (Chen Keat Yoke) ends up taking a trip back to her hometown in rural Behrang Stesen. Little does she expect to get stranded there during a Covid-19 lockdown, where she is forced to take refuge in her family's old coffeeshop - only to discover that it is haunted by the ghosts of her relatives who have returned for the Hungry Ghost Festival. We review the movie and talk about, among other things, its unique premise. Image Credit: IMDb
8/16/2023 • 20 minutes, 29 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Stuff We Missed: Stone Turtle
This local thriller made waves when it was released last year, both for its strong showing at the Locarno Film Festival and all the positive reviews; and it's finally available for streaming in Malaysia. Plot details are kept deliberately mysterious: a woman living on the east coast becomes entangled with a man who isn't what he seems. Oh, and there's time travel involved. Directed by Woo Ming Jin, the film stars Asmara Abigail, Bront Palarae and Amerul Affendi. We review the movie. Image Credit: Greenlight Pictures
8/15/2023 • 20 minutes, 14 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Supercut: Actors vs Beast and Monsters
Brad Pitt vs an octopus. Kate Winslet vs an eagle. Viola Davis fighting for her life against an evil python - all possibilities we explore in this frankly unhinged Supercut, in which we talk about the actors we'd like to see facing off against fictional beasts and monsters!Image Credit: IMDb
8/10/2023 • 1 hour, 5 minutes, 57 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: Meg 2: The Trench
What do you get when you cross a sequel, gigantic prehistoric sharks, and Jason Statham? Why, a follow-up to 2018's The Meg, of course! In this review, we talk about whether Meg 2: The Trench lives up to its promise of more sharks, and a darker tone.Image Credit: Warner Bros.
8/9/2023 • 19 minutes, 33 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: The Bear S2
After a season of stress, grief, mayhem, The Bear returns to explore the (mis)adventures of Carmy, Syd, Richie and co, as they continue to try to revamp The Beef into a different, finer version of its former glories. But what do they gain and what do they lose in this process? And how much does a sense of purpose factor in? That's what Season 2 looks into - we discuss whether it's a worthy follow-up to what was a great first season. Image Credit: Hulu
8/8/2023 • 19 minutes, 44 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Supercut: Double Bills
There's an art to putting together the perfect double bill. You could go by director (Memento and Inception?), by actor (Speed and John Wick?), by genre (Pacific Rim and Edge of Tomorrow?), or by theme (Little Miss Sunshine and The Royal Tenenbaums?). The key to a good double bill though, is that each movie should not just stand well on its own, but pair with the other to maximise the viewer experience. On this week's Supercut, we discuss which movies we'd love to watch as a double bill. Image Credit: In The Mood For Love/ TMDB, Moonlight/ The Academy Museum Store
8/3/2023 • 1 hour, 7 minutes, 30 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: They Cloned Tyrone
This seemingly unassuming Netflix release ends up leaving quite an impression with a sci fi/horror plot that reimagines the blaxploitation genre through an impressive cast (John Boyega, Jamie Foxx, Teyonah Parris), loads of style, and a surprising amount of heart. We're trying not to give away the plot, but really, the title is all you need.Image Credit: Parrish Lewis/Netflix
8/2/2023 • 20 minutes, 13 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Stuff We Missed: Evil Dead Rise
The latest entry in the Evil Dead franchise takes the notion of difficult families to horrific extremes, as a reunion between two estranged sisters is interrupted by... well, flesh-possessing demons. We needed a lot of convincing, but we review the movie and see how it holds up against its rich horror history. Image Credit: IMDb
8/1/2023 • 20 minutes, 40 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Supercut: The Perfect Cinema Experience
Director Christopher Nolan recently revealed his favourite seats in a cinema. It got us thinking - center seats, middle section... or couple-sofas way at the back? How about snug beanie beds? Onyx, Screen X, 4DX, or IMAX? Popcorn, nuggets, or smuggled-in snacks? Or maybe you're a Netflix-at-home kinda person. On this Supercut, we're discussing, and designing, the perfect moviegoing experience. Whether it's on opening night in a packed hall, or three weeks later on a weekday afternoon, whether it was for Avengers: Endgame or during Titanic way back in 1997, we're talking about the many different ways we've made and experienced a perfect trip to the cinema.Image Credit: 123rf.com
7/27/2023 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 44 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: Oppenheimer
A 3 hour runtime, a film shot wholly for 70mm IMAX, a stacked cast including Cilian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr, Matt Damon and Emily Blunt, and arguably the most ambitious project by director Christopher Nolan. Question is - does Oppenheimer live up to all the hype? With practically no CGI, as claimed by Nolan himself, and a story based on one of the most important events in modern history - Robert Oppenheimer's role in the creation of the atomic bomb - this movie has all but ensured its place as a major awards contender. We review Oppenheimer and discuss its aggressive use of practical effects, Nolan's insistence on IMAX and rare premium formats, as well as Cilian Murphy's turn as a leading man on the big screen.Image Credit: Universal Pictures
7/26/2023 • 22 minutes, 11 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: Barbie
While the marketing for this movie has been off-the-charts, the studio has been surprisingly light on details regarding plot. Here's what we know - it's a comedy-drama directed by Greta Gerwig and stars Margot Robbie as the lead Barbie among the many other Barbies. It also stars Ryan Gosling as the main Ken among other Kens, and the two leads go off on an adventure that challenges the nature of their iconic relationship and the world they live in. This movie also caused a shortage of pink paint in the real world. In this episode, we discuss Barbie's legendary pop culture impact, how this movie stands up to the hype, the film's ridiculously stacked cast, and if it's the champion of the Barbenheimer battle. Image Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures
7/25/2023 • 21 minutes, 52 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Supercut: Perfect Movies And TV Shows
Ask someone what they think is a perfect movie or TV show, and you're likely to get a whole variety of answers, from Casablanca to The Godfather to Back to the Future to Coco, or from FRIENDS to Mad Men to The Good Place. So in this Supercut, we break down what perfection means when it comes to the screen, and share some of our personal, perfect favourites. Image Credit: The Truman Show/FILMGRAB, Casablanca/IMDb, Fleabag/IMDb
7/20/2023 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 49 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
Do we really need a synopsis of MI7, or at this point are we all just waiting to see what literal new heights Tom Cruise will scale (and leap off of)? For what it's worth, in this latest edition, Ethan Hunt and the IMF team have to track down a new weapon of mass destruction, which sets off a deadly chase around the world while contending with a mysterious, seemingly all-powerful foe. Will Ethan sacrifice even those he loves for the success of the mission? Image Credit: GQ India
7/18/2023 • 20 minutes, 37 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Supercut: Of Memes and Movies
There are so many ways these days for movies and shows to get promoted, or to have their lives and pop culture footprint extended - social media love and fandom will do that to you. In this Supercut, we break down some of the things we've watched mostly because of the social media buzz, and discuss the ways memes have shaped the way films and shows get talked about.Image Credit: Imaginur/Flickr, Wednesday/IMDb, Sucession/IMDb
7/13/2023 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 27 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Stuff We Missed: Black Mirror
Charlie Brooker's ongoing meditation on how technology is shaping and warping our lives is back for its sixth season! Featuring some heavy-hitting actors including Salma Hayek, Aaron Paul, Josh Hartnett, Kate Mara, and Zazie Beetz, it also explores some new stories for the series, and looks at the past and present as much as the future. We discuss whether it's worth the time.Image Credit: Netflix
7/12/2023 • 20 minutes, 9 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Stuff We Missed: Mrs Harris Goes To Paris
Popcorn Culture - Review: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
For the fifth and final time, Indiana Jones returns to our screens with both whipcracks and wisecracks (sorry) to spare. With Harrison Ford closing off his time as this iconic character and James Mangold behind the camera, expectations are high despite Kingdom of the Crystal Skull getting disappointing reviews previously. We talk about what it's like watching a (much-older) Dr Jones face off against his old enemies, the Nazis, and saying goodbye to this long-running franchise. Image Credit: IMDb
7/5/2023 • 21 minutes, 34 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Throwback: The Fugitive
Based on the TV show from the 1960s, The Fugitive is all about a husband wrongly accused of killing his wife, who then has to evade capture while trying to clear his name. Featuring Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones trying to out-grizzle each other, The Fugitive was a smash hit when it was first released in 1993. 30 years on, we watch it and discuss how this thriller has held up.Image Credit: Film Affinity
7/4/2023 • 21 minutes, 35 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: Elemental
The latest release from Pixar Studios, Elemental is a play on the classic theme of opposites attract. Set in a world where the elements of nature have been anthropomorphised and two opposing elements (fire and water) fall in love, it explores romance and relationships, along with ethnic and generational hang-ups. And while all of that sound close to what we'd expect from this studio, the box office (and reviews) have been underwhelming. We watch it for ourselves, and discuss whether it worked for us, and why it doesn't seem to have landed as well for others. Image Credit: inbetweendrafts.com
6/28/2023 • 20 minutes, 2 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Throwback: Rush Hour
A classic buddy comedy, Rush Hour was also Jackie Chan's first true Hollywood crossover - pairing his physical chops with Chris Tucker's fast-talking comedy. It was a success at the time, though Chan himself has always disavowed it. So how has it aged 25 years on? We discuss. Image Credit: digitalspy.com
6/27/2023 • 20 minutes, 36 seconds
Popcorn Culture - A Bit of Culture x Supercut II
It's time for another crossover - or as we like to call it, A Bit of Popcorn Culture! We're adopting the format and style of A Bit of Culture, and asking each person to bring in a topic - related to cinema and pop culture of course - to discuss, before we close off with recommendations. This time round, we're discussing musical biopics and whether they're ever any good, the impact of Artificial Intelligence on filmmaking, and nostalgia hype and whether it's generational.Image Credit: Get On Up/comingsoon.net, Writer's Strike in the US/TheNewYorkTimes, ET/IMDb.com
6/22/2023 • 45 minutes, 52 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: The Flash
After several delays, production issues, controversy surrounding its leading actor and a massive shakeup at Warner Bros and DC, The Flash is finally out in cinemas. Hailed as the final film in the current DC timeline spearheaded by Zack Snyder, The Flash loosely adapts the critically acclaimed 'Flashpoint Paradox' comics arc in an attempt to reset the DC cinematic landscape. Barry Allen warps back in time to save his mother, only to find himself in another reality - one where there's no Justice League, Earth has a different Kryptonian, General Zod is ready to destroy the planet... and then there's Batman. We review The Flash and discuss the end of the DCEU ahead of James Gunn's new cinematic universe, seeing Michael Keaton don the Batsuit after 31 years, and if this movie lives up to all the industry praise it has been getting.
6/21/2023 • 22 minutes, 55 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: Extraction 2
Extraction was a resounding success for Netflix so it was only a matter of time before we got a sequel, which promises to have higher stakes, more action and more explosions than its predecessor. Chris Hemsworth reprises his role as commando Tyler Rake, who must now go on a mission to save a ruthless gangster's imprisoned family. In this episode, we review one of the biggest drops on Netflix this year, Extraction 2, and discuss if it packs enough high-octane craziness to rival the first movie, how it compares to other blockbuster action movies, and where we'd like to see the series go from here.
6/20/2023 • 22 minutes, 33 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Supercut: Guilty Pleasures
Some movies and TV shows are so formulaic, so cringey, so undeserving of anyone's time... that we just have to watch them again, and again. Maybe it's secretly liking Batman & Robin, defending Face/Off as ci-ne-mah, quoting Ella Enchanted or binging trashy reality shows with the word "Love" in it - we all have our guilty pleasures. In this Supercut, we're discussing the shows and movies that we know are objectively bad, yet find ourselves drawn to them anyway.
6/15/2023 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 59 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: Transformers: Rise of the Beasts
How many live-action Transformers movies are there? Honestly, we're not sure, but that won't stop Rise of the Beasts from making a lot of money at the box-office. Based on the ultra-popular Beast Wars line of toys and equally popular 3D animated series from the 90s, this latest film reintroduces us to Optimus Prime and his Autobots, the villainous Decepticons, and a new species of primal cybernetic beings. Of course, there's also a world-ending threat in the mix. We review Transformers: RotB and discuss the ups and downs of the film, while trying to make sense of the series' complicated canon (or lack thereof).
6/14/2023 • 20 minutes, 51 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: American-Born Chinese
Based on the popular graphic novel by Gene Luen Yang, American-Born Chinese is the story of Jin Wang (Ben Wang), a teenager who finds himself juggling his home life and school life... all while figuring out his role in a battle of Chinese mythological gods! The show also reunites Everything, Everywhere, All At Once stars Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu and Ke Huy Quan. In this episode, we discuss one of Disney+'s most highly reviewed shows to date and its place in today's crowded pop culture landscape.
Nice is a bit of a loaded word - while it's ostensibly a good thing, does it make for interesting stories or characters? That's what we explore in this Supercut - who are some of the nicest on-screen characters, and what makes them work without being boring? And simply put - which fictional character would you most like to be friends with?
6/8/2023 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 46 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Miles Morales returns to the multiverse as Spider-Man, reuniting with Gwen Stacy, and encountering other Spider-People who have been tasked with protecting the multiverse... though the path to collaboration is far from smooth. Following as a sequel to 2018's widely lauded Spider-Man: Into The Spider Verse, this comes with high expectations. We discuss whether the film manages to live up to all of it, and capture the joy of the first movie.
6/7/2023 • 21 minutes, 34 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: Ted Lasso S3
Believe! The multiple Emmy Award-winning show that champions niceness, mental health and self-development in the guise of being a workplace sitcom, is back. In this review, we break down whether Ted Lasso manages to close off its character arcs well, and whether it lives up to the potential of Season 1.
6/6/2023 • 21 minutes, 13 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Supercut: Finales
What goes into creating the perfect finale for a beloved show? From those that stuck the landing (Cheers, Breaking Bad) to those that crashed and burned (How I Met Your Mother, Game of Thrones), this week, we're talking about that all-important final stretch.
6/1/2023 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 58 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: The Little Mermaid
As far as Disney classics go, The Little Mermaid is one the big ones, and this live action remake has attracted controversy almost from the beginning - particularly for its casting of African-American actress/singer Halle Bailey in the titular role of Ariel. But beyond that, are also questions of whether people are increasingly growing weary of these live-action Disney remakes. So we head under the sea to review this latest outing - which also stars, among others, Melissa McCarthy as Ursula the sea witch, and Javier Bardem as Ariel's father Triton - and discuss whether this version recaptures the magic of its predecessor.
5/31/2023 • 22 minutes, 57 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: Succession S4
Big tech is coming, a pivotal presidential election is impending, and the Roy children are still maneuvering for their place at the top of the family’s billion-dollar media empire - while patriarch-mogul Logan Roy (Brian Cox) remains as inscrutable and ruthless as ever. With one of the best-reviewed and most avidly watched shows of the last few years coming to a close, the stakes get higher every episode, and the boardroom (and family gathering) drama is dialled up to a hundred. We review the show’s final season, and talk about whether it led up to a worthy finale.
5/30/2023 • 21 minutes, 53 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Supercut: Movies Or Shows We've Quit
Some movie franchises go downhill, some TV shows jump the shark, and some pop culture phenomena just don't know when to stop. On this week's Supercut, we talk about the movies and TV shows we've just given up on, and what made us tap out.
5/25/2023 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 34 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: Fast X
Like it or not, there's no denying that the Fast and the Furious franchise is a pop culture juggernaut, with recent installments raking in billions of dollars at the global box office. In Fast X, the first of a three-part planned finale, Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) gathers the Family for another go-round against a dangerous new foe played by Jason Momoa. In this episode, we review the tenth movie in the Fast franchise and discuss if the crazy cars, bombastic stunts, and multiple mentions of familial bonds are enough to keep the series revving for another sequel or two.
5/24/2023 • 20 minutes, 32 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: The Woman King
To say that we were hyped for The Woman King would be an understatement. Although cinemas in Malaysia decided to give it a pass, we finally get to (legally) watch and review it thanks to Netflix. In this 1820s war drama, Viola Davis plays a battle-tested general who trains an army of female warriors who must protect their kingdom against a new enemy. As if Viola Davis needs any further praise, we discuss her critically acclaimed performance in The Woman King as Nanisca, and speculate as to why the film didn't get as much shine during this year's awards season.
5/23/2023 • 22 minutes, 57 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Supercut: New Generation of Sitcoms
Sitcoms have changed so much over the last fifteen years. They may not have laugh tracks, but the new generation of sitcoms have given us some of the funniest content ever made for TV and streaming. From It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia to Derry Girls, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine to Abbott Elementary, we're dedicating today's Supercut to our favorite new-ish sitcoms of the modern-ish era.
5/18/2023 • 57 minutes, 20 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: The Mother
On the surface, The Mother looks like just another skippable action flick on Netflix, but upon closer inspection, its skippability quickly decreases. First, it stars Jennifer Lopez as a military-trained assassin who comes out of hiding to protect her estranged daughter against revenge-crazed criminals. If you're still not sold, it's also directed by Niki Caro, who helmed The Zookeeper's Wife, North Country, McFarland USA... and the live-action remake of Mulan. In this episode, we review a movie that has every right to be a lot of mindless fun, at the very least, and discuss if it truly lives up to its potential.
5/17/2023 • 20 minutes, 57 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: Stuff We Missed: Shrinking
Every now and then, a great show debuts with all the right ingredients and a nearly flawless first season... with no (pop) cultural impact. That show is Shrinking. Starring Jason Segel in one of his best roles, the comedy-drama tells the story of Jimmy, a grieving therapist who breaks all rules of conduct by getting too close to his patients. The show is written by Brett Goldstein of Ted Lasso fame and also stars Harrison Ford being his grumpiest, grouchiest, grinchiest self. In this episode, we review Shrinking and discuss everything we liked about it.
5/16/2023 • 20 minutes, 30 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Supercut: Movie Scores and Soundtracks
Following a week of films in which the score and songs are front and centre, we discuss the importance of getting it right when it comes to the music in films. From pitch perfect needle drops, to famous composers, we run through all our favourites.
5/11/2023 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 6 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
The conclusion of the madcap adventures of the most ragtag heroes in the MCU, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is more than a swansong for Star-Lord and gang, but also for its director and writer James Gunn. We discuss whether this is a return to form for Marvel, as well as whether this unlikely trilogy manages to land the (space) ship.
5/10/2023 • 23 minutes, 5 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: Ponniyin Selvan: II
A continuation of the blockbuster saga that is Ponniyin Selvan, Part II picks up where the first movie left off - as Prince Arunmozhi Varman (Jayam Ravi) continues on his path towards becoming Emperor Rajaraja I, despite threats to his family. And frankly, more characters than you can shake a stick at. The film also boasts a star-studded cast, including Vikram, Aishwarya Rai, and Karthi, alongside Mani Ratnam's direction and A.R. Rahman's score - so we discuss whether it lives up to the promise of the first film, and does justice to its source material.
5/9/2023 • 22 minutes, 23 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: Ghosted
Cole (Chris Evans) and Sadie (Ana de Armas) meet-cute and go on an amazing date, and Cole thinks she could be "the one" - only to find himself ghosted. Determined to win Sadie over, he hops on a flight to London, but discovers that there is a lot more to Sadie than meets the eye. The movie is being marketed as a romantic action-adventure with sizzling chemistry between the two leads; we review the movie and talk about whether it delivers.
5/3/2023 • 19 minutes, 4 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Throwback: The Parent Trap
It might be as unbelievable as a pair of twins pulling a cross-continental switcheroo, but The Parent Trap turns 25 this year - and we're happy to report that its charms remain as warm and fuzzy as ever. Lindsay Lohan in her sparkling debut performance plays twins Hallie and Annie, who are separated at birth after their parents' divorce, and discover each other at a summer camp after 11 years. There, they hatch a plot to reunite their parents (Natasha Richardson and Dennis Quaid). We talk about why the movie is such a rewarding rewatch, and whether we'd ever want a remake.
5/2/2023 • 20 minutes, 34 seconds
Popcorn Culture - A Bit of Culture x Supercut
For the first time, we're doing something a little different with Supercut - it's a crossover! We're adopting the format and style of A Bit of Culture, and asking each person to bring in a topic - related to cinema and pop culture of course - to discuss, before we close off with recommendations.
4/27/2023 • 52 minutes, 6 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: The Super Mario Bros. Movie
The latest attempt to translate the wildly popular game to the big screen - after some notable flops - features a large celebrity voice cast (Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jack Black, Seth Rogen) and all the characters that fans would expect (Mario and Luigi, Princess Peach, Bowser, Donkey Kong). But it's also been dogged by some criticisms even before its opening, from casting to its general approach, so we weigh up whether this one's a good watch at the cinema, and whether it does justice to its source material.
4/26/2023 • 18 minutes, 57 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Throwback: Twins
One of THE classic buddy comedies, Ivan Reitman's Twins has something of an unbeatable premise: Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny Devito are twin brothers, who are initially unaware of each others' existence, until they encounter one another, and then comedic hijinks ensue. We discuss whether it's a fun rewatch, and how it translates to a viewing 35 years after it first premiered.
4/25/2023 • 20 minutes, 9 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: Renfield
We all know and fear Dracula - so imagine being his helper for centuries on end. This is exactly where Renfield (Nicholas Hoult) finds himself in this movie: desperate to break away from his master's clutches and ready to start living his own best life. But will his narcissistic - and undead - boss (Nicolas Cage) leave him be? We love an outlandish premise on this show, so we review the movie and talk about whether it truly... comes to life.
4/19/2023 • 20 minutes, 3 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: Beef
Steven Yeun and Ali Wong star in this dark comedy show where two strangers get entangled in a road rage incident that results in an escalating series of events, where they keep trying to take revenge on each other - all while we progressively learn more and more about the twists and turns of their lives. The show has been a smash hit since its release, and we review it to see if it's worth all the hype.
4/18/2023 • 21 minutes, 57 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Supercut: True Stories
Here's a true story - this "based on a true story" Supercut is based on a previous Supercut we did back in 2020 about movies and TV shows based on true stories. In the spirit of two critically acclaimed true event movies this week, Tetris and Air, we're revisiting our favourite movies and TV shows that are based on real people and events. We discuss the things Hollywood gets right about these adaptations, the level of creative license we're willing to accept, and when a "true story" becomes "loosely inspired by".
4/13/2023 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 29 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: Air
We're not sure what's more exciting about this movie - the fact that it reunites Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, or that it has a stacked cast including Viola Davis, Chris Tucker, and Jason Bateman, or that it's about the most iconic shoeline in modern culture, the Air Jordan. In this episode, we review Air, a quirky biopic about how Phil Knight (Affleck) and Sonny Vaccaro (Damon) pursued Michael Jordan to have his name slapped on a new range of Nike shoes.Image Credit: airmovie/Instagram
4/12/2023 • 22 minutes, 46 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: Tetris
Anyone who's anyone knows Tetris - the wildly popular videogame that kept players hooked in the 80s and is still enjoyed to this day. But unlike the game, the story behind the making of Tetris is anything but straightforward. Apple TV's newest watercooler film chronicles the life of Henk Rogers (Taron Egerton), who developed Tetris in 1988 and then risked it all by travelling to the Soviet Union in the hopes of going mainstream. In this episode, we review Tetris and its unorthodox part-puzzle-part-political-thriller concept, the performances of Egerton and crew, and the movie's musically driven energy.Image Credit: tetris_official/Instagram
4/11/2023 • 22 minutes, 35 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Supercut: Great Voices
A good performance is rooted in so many things - physicality, emotions, the right casting - but something we don't talk about enough (pun intended) is the power of a great voice and how that contributes to an actor's stature and star power. So in this Supercut, we're highlighting some of our favourite voices on-screen!
4/6/2023 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 31 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
This latest reboot of the beloved game sees Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Rege-Jean Page and Hugh Grant (among others in a rather stacked cast) embark on an epic quest to retrieve a long-lost relic, though as you might expect, things also go awry... and hijinks ensue. We talk about whether the laughs stack up against the adventure/fantasy elements, and whether this breathes new life into the franchise.
4/5/2023 • 20 minutes, 5 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: Murder Mystery 2
After the success of the Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston pairing in Murder Mystery, it's time for a sequel. This installment sees Sandler's Nick Spitz (a police officer) and Aniston's Audrey Spitz (a hairdresser and mystery novel enthusiast) going head to head with baddies in locales as varied as Hawaii and Paris. We discuss whether it's a fun watch and whether we want to see more.
4/4/2023 • 20 minutes, 39 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Supercut: Keanu Reeves
From adorable stoner to romantic heartthrob to sci fi hero to avenging hitman, if any actor’s done it all, it’s Keanu Reeves - while managing to maintain a perennial good guy image throughout. In this Supercut, we pay tribute to all things Keanu.
3/30/2023 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 38 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: John Wick: Chapter 4
In his fourth outing, the John Wick legend continues to grow - the hitman, played by Keanu Reeves (of course), takes his fight global as he goes after powerful underworld figures around the world. We review and geek out over the movie, and talk about the improbable journey the John Wick franchise has taken to mega success.
3/29/2023 • 21 minutes, 7 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Throwback: A Better Tomorrow
John Woo. Chow Yun-Fat. Leslie Cheung. Hong Kong classics don’t come more stacked than this. Ahead of our review of John Wick: Chapter 4, we throw back to one of the originators of the gun fu and that indefinable John Woo cinematic style. In the movie, an ex-gangster attempts to reconcile with his estranged brother who is a policeman, but finds that his past is more difficult to leave behind than he anticipated. We review the movie, and revel in its awesomeness!
3/28/2023 • 20 minutes, 14 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Supercut: Remakes
One of the most heated conversations in pop culture of late is about Hollywood's dependence on IP - be it milking major franchises, making sequels to movies from decades ago, and yes, remakes. While some remakes (like Ocean's Eleven) are great, many others didn't have to be made, again. In this Supercut, we discuss our favourite and not-so-favourite remakes, what we'd like to see remade, as well as the movies and TV shows we never want touched... ever!
3/23/2023 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 31 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: Shazam! Fury of the Gods
With the old DC Universe now defunct and / or collapsing on itself, Shazam! Fury of the Gods could be the last time we see Zachary Levi as the titular goofy hero... or not. It's all pretty confusing. This time, Billy Batson and the gang are up against a trio of ancient gods who are in search of the magic that was stolen from them eons ago. In this episode, we review the sequel to Shazam! and discuss if it warrants a whole trilogy, if we'd like to see Shazam in James Gunn's new DC Universe, and if this second installment is as fun as the first movie.
3/22/2023 • 23 minutes, 21 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Throwback: Jason and the Argonauts
As we enter the summer blockbuster season and prepare for CGI overload, we're throwing back to 1963 and the visual effects spectacular of its time - Jason and the Argonauts. Jason, a man in search of a magical Golden Fleece, gathers Greece's best warriors and goes off on an adventure, battling hydras, giants, and a skeleton army along the way. Classic, cinematic fun. In this episode, we discuss the film's stop motion animation and why it's still so inspiring, as well as what modern blockbusters can learn from classic cinema.
3/21/2023 • 19 minutes, 50 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Supercut: Oscars 2023
Fresh off the 2023 Academy Awards, we sit down to discuss its highs and lows, and of course both the big wins and major snubs.
3/16/2023 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 49 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: 65
65 boasts an impressive (if offbeat) premise and line-up of talent: it comes from the writers of A Quiet Place, stars Adam Driver... and is about a pilot who crashes on an unknown planet, which turns out to be our very own planet Earth, but during the Cretaceous period, which means to survive, he needs to battle both the prehistoric elements, and of course its creatures. We discuss this high-concept movie, and where it fits into previous dino-driven blockbusters.
3/15/2023 • 21 minutes, 15 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: The Last of Us S1
We last checked in on The Last of Us at the halfway mark, and at the time, gave it rave reviews. Now that the first season is done (with Season Two in the pipeline), we discuss the series, and whether it lived up to the hype and promise not just of its beginning, but also of its origins, the critically acclaimed and much-beloved videogame duology.
3/14/2023 • 22 minutes, 29 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Supercut: Stressful Watches!
From the palpable tension in every second of Uncut Gems to the unwavering sense of danger in Saving Private Ryan, some of the best movies are also some of the most stressful to watch... and rewatch. In this episode, we discuss some of our "favourite" stress-inducing films and TV shows and wonder why we willingly put ourselves through these situations.
3/9/2023 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 42 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: Creed III
In Adonis Creed's (Michael B. Jordan) third outing, he needs to put his career and family life on the line when a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy, Damian (Jonathan Majors), resurfaces to prove himself. We review the movie and talk about whether the Creed franchise still packs a punch.
3/8/2023 • 21 minutes, 28 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Stuff We Missed: The Bear
Yes, chef! In this episode, we finally get around to reviewing the critically acclaimed, award-winning half-hour drama series, The Bear. A young chef named Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) leaves the fine dining world to save his family's sandwich shop, only to find that managing an eclectic group of kitchen staff while balancing family drama and running a business is causing him to spiral out of control. We discuss the show's anxiety-inducing brand of comedy-drama, the amazingly talented cast it brings to the table, and how many seasons of The Bear we'd love to put up with.
3/7/2023 • 21 minutes, 33 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Supercut: Movies We Want To See Back In Cinemas
With the big-screen reissue of Titanic for its 25th anniversary, that had us thinking - what other movies would we like to have the opportunity to watch (or re-watch) in theatres? We discuss some of our picks, and why we've chosen them, and open up the discussion to our listeners as well!
3/2/2023 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 30 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: Imaginur
Nik Amir Mustapha's Imaginur explores memory, identity and time, through the story of Zuhal (Beto Kusyairy) who turns to hypnotherapy to help cure his panic disorder. However, his life is shortly turned upside down as strange events and encounters follow, and he is unable to find the line between reality and fantasy. We talk about what it's like watching this film and its non-linear approach to storytelling.
3/1/2023 • 21 minutes, 50 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: Cocaine Bear
A bear gets into bricks of coke and goes on an all-out rampage in the Georgia forest, terrorising innocents and creating a trail of chaos in an attempt to feed its newfound addiction. We review one of the wildest movies of the year and discuss if its blend of comedy, action, and gore lives up to its positively ridiculous plot.
2/28/2023 • 21 minutes, 44 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Supercut: Marvel
31 films and 8 series down (and who knows how many more to go), the Marvel engine is chugging along and busier than ever. In this Supercut, we look back at the Phases that have come our way, and discuss how these films have shaped and affected the industry and the landscape of cinema, for good or ill. We also discuss our favourites, alongside the ones that just didn't work.
2/23/2023 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 27 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantamania
The latest installment of the MCU, and the first in Phase Five, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantamania, sees Scott Lang and Hope van Dyne, along with Hank Pym, Janet van Dyne, and Lang's daughter, Cassie, go on a new adventure exploring the Quantum Realm, on a journey that leads them to a showdown against Kang the Conqueror, played by Jonathan Majors, in a role that's been much-tipped as the next Big Bad in Marvel. We discuss whether this movie is a good one, and whether it does well in setting up the next series of continuing stories in the MCU.
2/22/2023 • 21 minutes, 33 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Throwback: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids!
A surprise hit from 1989, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids set a high watermark for the admittedly niche genre of comedic science fiction. Telling the story (and misadventures) of what happens when zany scientist and inventor Wayne Szalinski accidentally shrinks his kids - and his neighbour's- and they have to find their way back to safety. Years on, we discuss whether this film holds up to scrutiny, both in terms of its storytelling and its special effects.
2/21/2023 • 21 minutes, 14 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Supercut: Steven Spielberg
Whether you enjoy movie monsters, action adventures, sci fi thrillers, historical dramas, or war epics, chances are at least one Steven Spielberg movie will count amongst your list of favourites. An incredibly prolific filmmaker with a five-decade long career, Spielberg has given us some of the biggest, most beloved blockbusters of all time - ET, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, take your pick! - and influenced a whole generation of filmmaking. In this Supercut, we look at his style of filmmaking, our favourite Spielberg movies, and why, despite his incredible success, he's often viewed as being more crowd-pleasing than accomplished.
2/16/2023 • 1 hour, 12 minutes, 15 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: The Fabelmans
Directed by Steven Spielberg, The Fabelmans is a semi-autobiographical movie inspired by Spielberg's own adolescence and how he fell in love with filmmaking. In the movie, the fictional Sammy Fabelman (Gabriel LaBelle), discovers the power of cinema alongside uncovering difficult truths about his family. The film also stars Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, and Seth Rogen. We review the "film about films", and discuss how it gives us an intimate look at one of the best-known filmmakers of our time.
2/15/2023 • 21 minutes, 44 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: Pamela, A Love Story
Looking past the blonde bombshell persona, Pamela, A Love Story re-examines and reframes Pamela Anderson's legacy, starting from her beginnings as a small-town girl all the way to her ascent into becoming an international sex symbol. Along the way, the documentary also asks complex questions about fame and how women, in particular, are viewed by the public eye. We review the film and talk about all the praise it's been garnering.
2/14/2023 • 21 minutes, 45 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Supercut: Historical Films
From the kitschy joy of The Flintstones, to the sweeping gowns and lavish trappings of period dramas, historical films and shows have an appeal uniquely their own. In this episode of Supercut, we talk about some favourites who have done it well, and what they get right.
2/9/2023 • 1 hour, 12 minutes, 21 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Mid-season Review: The Last of Us S1
Based on the critically acclaimed videogame duology, The Last of Us S1 has been garnering more praise with each passing episode and is being called one of the most faithful adaptations of any source material. With nine episodes this season, each over an hour long, we decided to check-in at the halfway mark and give our thoughts on HBO's newest watercooler sensation. From Pedro Pascal's portrayal of Joel to the terrifying depiction of "the infected", we discuss The Last of Us so far and what we'd like to see in the rest of the season.
2/8/2023 • 22 minutes, 29 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Stuff We Missed: Catherine Called Birdy
A comedy set in medieval times with a slightly bizarre plot, Catherine Called Birdy is about a daughter (Bella Ramsey) who decides to thwart her destitute father's plans of marrying her off to a wealthy family. The film, directed by Lena Dunham, has been gaining buzz since its release late last year. We check out the new-to-streaming comedy and discuss Lena Dunham's filmmaking style, the continuing awesomeness of Bella Ramsey, and why buzzy comedies like Catherine Called Birdy don't make it big at the box office anymore.
2/7/2023 • 22 minutes, 15 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Supercut: What Movie Would You Like To Be In?
Our Supercut this week is based on a very simple question, first begun in Kermode and Mayo's Take - if you could be in any movie, or in a single scene, what would it be? We discuss some of our picks, and ask listeners for theirs!
2/2/2023 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 52 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: You People
Described as a buddy comedy, You People is about a new couple and their families contending with cultural clashes, societal expectations and generational differences. It also boasts a stellar behind-the-scenes lineup (Kenya Barris and Jonah Hill co-wrote the script), and a pretty impressive ensemble cast, including Hill, Eddie Murphy, Nia Long, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, David Duchovny and Rhea Perlman. We discuss whether it lives up to all that potential.
1/31/2023 • 21 minutes, 34 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Supercut: Lessons We Learnt From The Movies
Movies and TV shows can awe and entertain, but they can also inspire and influence, and most of us could point to at least one movie or TV show that taught us a life lesson or two - whether it’s to “Just keep swimming,” or that “...words and ideas can change the world.” On this week’s Supercut, we talk about the lessons we’ve learnt from the things we’ve watched.
1/26/2023 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 54 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Throwback: It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World
To mark the Year of the Rabbit, we’re throwing back to one of the Chinese New Year classics: It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World, starring beloved Hong Kong cinema names like Bill Tung, Lydia Sum, and Eric Tsang. The madcap comedy revolves around a family struggling to make ends meet when they suddenly win the lottery. We review the movie and talk about the joys of revisiting Asian holiday classics.
1/25/2023 • 22 minutes, 13 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Supercut: Comeback Kids
Following on the buzz of Ke Huy Quan's awards run for his comeback role as Waymond Wang in Everything Everywhere All At Once, we celebrate actors who've staged impressive comebacks from controversy and career lulls, and ask: who's next? Who's going to make it big, once again?
1/19/2023 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 37 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Stuff We Missed: See How They Run
A grizzled inspector played by Sam Rockwell, a host of suspects and a murder mystery set in 1950s London - what's not to love? Despite its stacked cast, including Saoirse Ronan, Adrien Brody, Ruth Wilson, and David Oyelowo, See How They Run flew under our collective radar and barely made a dent at the box-office. In this episode, we check out the stylised caper on streaming and decide for ourselves if it's worth the time and if it does justice to its ensemble cast.
1/18/2023 • 21 minutes, 52 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Throwback: Clue
Spoiler alert - we really like Clue! Based on the board game of the same-ish name and directed by Jonathan Lynn, 1985's Clue is a murder-mystery-comedy that gathers six blackmail victims in an isolated mansion in a race against time against a secret killer. With a plot that fully acknowledges its Cluedo roots, Clue is one of those movies that's always ripe for a rewatch. We discuss the ways the film has aged, the joy of watching Christopher Llyod and Tim Curry in the same scene, and the ways the movie has influenced modern mystery-comedies like Knives Out and Glass Onion.
1/17/2023 • 21 minutes, 49 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Supercut: Intense Actors
Long stares, detailed monologues, anger that you can't take your eyes off of - all hallmarks of Intense Actors. After a week of discussing both Ralph Fiennes and Christian Bale, we're dedicating this week's Supercut to actors that never turn that dial down, and what makes them so compelling.
1/12/2023 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 27 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: The Pale Blue Eye
Gruesome murders with hearts ripped from chests, Edgar Allan Poe as an eager young cadet helping to investigate, Christian Bale... all this makes up the scaffolding of mystery thriller The Pale Blue Eye. But does the film (and its central case) hold up to closer scrutiny? We weigh in.
1/11/2023 • 20 minutes, 37 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Stuff We Missed: The Menu
Variously described as a dark comedy horror and a psychological thriller, The Menu features Ralph Fiennes as a celebrity chef, and Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Hoult, Hong Chau (among others in a large ensemble cast) as diners who attend his exclusive restaurant where unexpected, unsettling things ensue. A sleeper hit in 2022, we discuss the experience of watching this movie, and whether it lives up to its promise.
1/10/2023 • 20 minutes, 58 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Supercut: To Rewatch, Or Not To Rewatch
Many movies and TV shows are enjoyable, but only a select few transcend that to being rewatchable. Whether it's reruns of FRIENDS, annual viewings of Die Hard, or repeat watches of Anchorman, what makes some things so good, you want to experience them over and over again? We discuss what makes some content so much fun to revisit.
1/5/2023 • 58 minutes, 57 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Review: White Noise
In Noah Baumbach's first attempt at an adaptation (White Noise was originally a novel written in 1985 by Don DeLillo), he takes on the story of a suburban family forced to evacuate their home following a chemical leak nearby that causes toxic black cloud over the region. Starring Adam Driver, Greta Gerwig, and Don Cheadle, the film has been getting praise for its performances and darkly comedic tone. We review the movie and talk about how it fits within the larger landscape of Baumbach's quirky cinema.
1/4/2023 • 22 minutes, 44 seconds
Popcorn Culture - Stuff We Missed: Banshees of Inisherin
The old In Bruges gang is back! Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, and director Martin McDonagh reunite in this 2022 tragicomedy, where Padraic (Farrell) is left devastated when his lifelong friend Colm (Gleeson) suddenly ends their relationship. The film follows Padraic's attempts to repair the friendship, which lead to shocking results. We review the movie.