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Cinema Effect

Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.

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Tuesday · 1 hr 33 min
#308 - Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
Mask of the Phantasm is perhaps the most famous Batman movie outside of the live actions yet it remained a gaping hole for each of us on CE until last week. A tie in to the animated series of the 90's, this sleeper hit of a children's film is possibly the most mature analysis of the character in film form as it delves into the mechanism's of why Bruce dons the mask and what could lead him to taking it off. The film is a showcase of high-quality craftmanship in all facets from the voice performances and writing to the iconic and timeless animation. Zac also talks about House of the Dragon S3 for 20 minutes if your keen on our thoughts on that. Question Of The Week: What is your favourite mid-budget sci-fi project? Post your answer in the comments below to be featured on next week's episode. Next Week's Film: Event Horizon (1997) Timestamps ;) 0:00 - Review 57:26 - What We've Been Watching 1:16:09 - Question Of The Week
August 24 · 1 hr 32 min
#307 - Primal Fear
There is no **BLEEEP** ! Primal Fear is your fairly standard 90's courtroom thriller with a killer twist, this is Edward Norton's first major role! An outstanding performance that run's circles around his veteran co-star making this story a truly thrilling watch. In a story that has every possible avenue of being typical given its ties to religion, the justice system and age-gap relationships, it goes to incredible lengths to SPLIT away from its contemporaries. Question Of The Week: What is your favourite direct to DVD movie?Post your answer in the comments below to be featured on next week's episode.Next Week's Film: Batman: Mask of the Phantasm Timestamps ;) 0:00 - Review 57:47 - News Chat 1:14:54 - What We've Been Watching 1:20:00 - Question Of The Week
August 17 · 1 hr 19 min
#306 - Zero Dark Thirty
Kathryn Bigelow's Zero Dark Thirty saw the director returning to the theater of war in the Middle East this time examining the long road to finding the most wanted man in history. Jessica Chastain stars as a fresh faced agent tasked with the impossible but armed with any amount of human rights violations to get it done. A brilliant supporting cast brings tension and excitement to even the quieter tradecraft scenes in the film balancing out the equally enthralling action throughout. We sing our praises for the modern master of tension however the film isn't without its flaws and ethical blackspots but at least even at its darkest, the night scenes are still viewable. Question Of The Week: What is the best Edward Norton performance?Post your answer in the comments below to be featured on next week's episode.Next Week's Film: Primal Fear (ABC iview) Timestamps ;)0:00 - Review1:08:11 - What We've Been Watching1:10:42 - Question Of The Week
August 10 · 1 hr 43 min
#305 - Spider-Man: Brand New Day
Oh that me? Pure aura. Press tours, polyester edits and a hunger for Tom to return as Spidey on our big screens after a 5 year drought has created the worlds newest and fastest billion dollar movie. No multiverse, no surprise cameo's, a world of quality. Holland and friends play their characters better than ever, and new comer Sadie Sink is fierce in her role introducing the next era of the MCU. The film walks a fine line of getting caught up in the past and being overstuffed however just like its titular character is able to mutate into something better and truly exciting. Question Of The Week: What's your favourite instance of Kyle Chandler just popping up in a movie?Post your answer in the comments below to be featured on next week's episode. Next Week's Film: Zero Dark Thirty (Stan) Timestamps ;)0:00 - Review1:23:50 - News Chat1:27:54 - What We've Been Watching1:34:32 - Question Of The Week
August 3 · 1 hr 30 min
#304 - Sin City
We're back with another Frank Miller adaptation, again at the hands of a mediocre director who sure as hell has flair. The testosterone fueled anthology film features a star studded cast including Bruce Willis, Clive Owen, Mickey Rourke, Rosario Dawson and genuinely so much more as they reckon with the corruption and violence of Basin City. With a style that truly transports you into the pages of a comic book this notorious noughties films has seemingly stood the test of time and even in this age of cinema saturated with comic adaptations it remains worth seeking out. We continue the comic coverage in news chat as we go over some huge casting news out of last weeks Marvel panel at SDCC before launching into our favourite modern desaturated films. Question Of The Week: Should Spider-Man: Brand New Day have dropped the characters of MJ and Ned?Post your answer in the comments below to be featured on next week's episode.Next Week's Film: Spider-Man: Brand New Day Timestamps ;)0:00 - Review54:48 - News Chat1:01:57 - What We've Been Watching1:15:18 - Question Of The Week
July 29 · 2 hr 19 min
#303 - The Odyssey
Defy the gods and the source material Once again a Christopher Nolan film gets discussed and dissected by three adoring white fan boys, with his most recent effort being an adaptation of Homer's epic, The Odyssey. An incredibly old story about a man going there and back again with the help and hinderance of some wacky creatures. Each of us have a different relationship to the source but that doesn't really stop the universal glaze that this session ended up being. This film is the ultimate expression of Nolan's sensibilities that he has been nurturing and presenting to us across his 20+ year career, with a cast and crew of familiar faces and some new, delivering a powerful (and very large) entirely shot on IMAX epic that has been promised and teased for over a decade now. The hype doesn't end with the review though, as we cover some huge trailer news as well as discussing hype that we don't buy into. Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today. Timestamps ;) 0:00:00 - Intro0:00:57 - Review1:57:33 - News Chat2:07:25 - Question Of The Week
July 20 · 1 hr 12 min
#302 - The Gray Man
After years of threatening to get around to it, we’ve finally watched and reviewed Netflix’s globe trotting action thriller The Gray Man (2022). Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, the film stars Ryan Gosling as an elite CIA operative, with Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, and Billy Bob Thornton. We compare the Russo brothers’ work here to the rest of their filmography and discuss how their reputation has evolved outside of the shadow of their enormous Marvel successes. The cast is put to varying levels of use, though Chris Evans steals plenty of scenes as the delightfully sociopathic Lloyd Hansen, while the globe spanning action sequences prove mostly entertaining. Where the real debate begins is over the screenplay, particularly the quality of its dialogue and dramatic moments. Is it quality? Is it Netflix slop? Is it quality Netflix slop? And what even qualifies as slop? These are the pressing questions we attempt to answer before delivering our final verdict. Then after the review, we each reveal our favourite Netflix slop shows. Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday. Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today. Timestamps ;) 0:00 - Intro 0:35 - The Gray Man Review 55:23 - What We've Been Watching 1:01:19 - Question Of The Week
July 13 · 1 hr 26 min
#301 - 300
There really is no better time to review Zack Snyder’s 300 than for episode 301 of Cinema Effect. Starring Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, David Wenham, and Michael Fassbender, this stylised action epic retells the legendary Battle of Thermopylae, where King Leonidas and 300 Spartan warriors make their final stand against the invading Persian army. Despite being familiar with many of its iconic moments through pop culture, this was our first time actually sitting down to watch the full film, and it completely divided us. There is no denying Snyder’s singular vision, with a meticulously crafted visual style inspired by Frank Miller’s graphic novel, combining a striking bronze colour palette, extensive digital effects and green screen, trademark slow motion and speed ramping, all layered beneath heavy film grain. Whether those unique creative choices actually work, however, is where the debate begins. Some of us found the experience mesmerising, while others thought it was rubbish. Either way, if you have never seen 300, it is an action spectacle worth experiencing at least once to decide which side of the battle you fall on. Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday. Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today. Timestamps ;) 0:00 - Intro 00:36 - 300 47:33 - News Chat 1:03:19 - What We've Been Watching
June 29 · 1 hr 44 min
#300 - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
It’s pretty unbelievable that we’ve reached the 300th episode of Cinema Effect, so what better way to celebrate than with the grand finale to one of our favourite franchises, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, after spending the last eight months revisiting the entire saga. The film brings Harry’s journey to its explosive conclusion as the Battle of Hogwarts erupts and the fate of the wizarding world hangs in the balance. The shortest film in the series wastes no time, embracing its role as the action packed endgame with spectacular visual effects and relentless momentum that still make for an exciting watch more than 15 years after we packed cinemas to see it. While repeated viewings inevitably make some of the story beats feel familiar, Alan Rickman’s extraordinary performance and the emotional revelations surrounding Snape elevate the film to another level. Plus we always can't get enough of Ralph Fiennes' Voldermort. We break down the movie's big twists, character arcs, and final choices. At least until The Cursed Child comes along (and don't get Jayden started on that). After the review, we read your responses to one final Harry Potter question: if you could bring back one actor from the films for HBO’s upcoming series, who would you choose?
June 22 · 1 hr 37 min
#299 - Disclosure Day
We have unintentionally ended up reviewing every Steven Spielberg alien film on the podcast (yes, we’re counting War of the Worlds, whether he does or not), and now we bring that journey home with Disclosure Day. Starring Emily Blunt, Josh O'Connor, Colman Domingo, and Colin Firth (who sports an exceptional beard), Spielberg’s latest blockbuster surprised us in more ways than one, blending a modern conspiracy thriller with big action set pieces and the kind of whimsical 1980s wonder that has defined so much of his career. He even dragged his old mate John Williams out of retirement to compose the score. The film takes some unexpected turns that left each of us with different expectations. Even so, it remains a well-crafted spectacle, anchored by a hugely satisfying final twenty minutes that pays off the journey in a big way. After the review, we break down the latest Spider-Man: Brand New Day trailer, before tackling a very important question of the week: do we think aliens have visited Earth? Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday. Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today. Timestamps ;) 0:00 - Intro 00:36 - Disclosure Day Review 1:08:19 - News Chat 1:15:45 - What We've Been Watching 1:22:13 - Question Of The Week
June 15 · 1 hr 38 min
#298 - Oldboy
There’s only one way to tackle Oldboy, Park Chan-wook’s revered South Korean masterpiece (not the Hollywood remake!), and that’s to dive in head first. The film follows a man who is mysteriously imprisoned for 15 years before being suddenly released and given the chance to uncover who ruined his life and why. Needless to say, this is a dark, twisted, and often confronting cinematic experience that gives you a lot to process by the time the credits roll. The film is rightly celebrated for its exceptional filmmaking and visual style, including one of the most iconic and flawlessly executed action tracking shots ever put to screen. Yet it is the rollercoaster of shocking twists and revelations that truly defines the experience. We discuss what it was like experiencing the story for the first time, how it holds up on a rewatch, and why its many dark and violent moments still have the power to make audiences squirm more than twenty years later. Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday. Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today. Timestamps ;) 0:00 - Intro 00:36 - Oldboy Review 1:12:43 - News Chat 1:17:54 - What We've Been Watching 1:22:04 - Question Of The Week
June 8 · 1 hr 29 min
#297 - Mortal Engines
Continuing our trend of reviewing films with "Mortal" in the title, we arrive at Mortal Engines (2018), Peter Jackson’s attempt to launch a new fantasy blockbuster franchise on the scale of The Lord of the Rings. Starring Hera Hilmar, Robert Sheehan, Hugo Weaving, and Jihae, the film is set in a post-apocalyptic world where moving cities roam the Earth and consume smaller settlements for resources. It is an incredibly silly premise, and one we were particularly excited to see brought to life. Unfortunately, the execution left us sorely disappointed. Between weak writing, uninspired direction, unconvincing visuals, and a cast that struggles to bring much charisma or presence to the screen, the film never manages to capitalise on its concept. Worst of all, it is not even bad enough to become entertaining. Instead, we found it largely dull, to the point where we paused the movie multiple times before summoning the willpower to continue. Considering it became one of the biggest box office bombs of its era, it is not difficult to see why.Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.Timestamps ;)0:00 - Intro00:36 - Mortal Engines Review1:06:49 - What We've Been Watching1:19:25 - Question Of The Week
June 1 · 1 hr 42 min
#296 - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
We’re very excited to finally reach the point in the Harry Potter saga where we can celebrate the often overlooked Deathly Hallows Part 1, a film that deserves far more love than it gets. While some viewers dismiss it as the "boring one" because they are impatiently waiting for the action packed spectacle of Part 2, we think they are missing some of the strongest character writing in the entire franchise. As Harry, Ron, and Hermione go on the run as wanted fugitives, separated from the comfort of Hogwarts, the series takes on a unique tone that only enriches the story. We discuss the many standout scenes and sequences that make this chapter so memorable, from tense escapes to quiet character moments. Helped brought to life by the ever-expanding roster of incredible British and Irish acting talent. We also have plenty of praise for the stunning Deathly Hallows animated sequence, one of the most creative storytelling choices in the series. David Yates does it again with thoughtful, exciting, and underrated direction that continues to impress us every time we revisit it. Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday. Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today. Timestamps ;) 0:00 - Intro 00:36 - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 Review 1:25:30 - What We've Been Watching 1:30:39 - Question Of The Week
May 25 · 1 hr 8 min
#295 - Austin Powers: International Man Of Mystery
Yeah baby, yeah! Liam has successfully bullied the Austin Powers franchise onto the show through our Instagram poll, which means it is time to revisit Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery. Starring Mike Myers in the dual roles of Austin Powers and Dr Evil alongside Elizabeth Hurley, the film follows a groovy British spy thawed out in the 1990s to stop his old nemesis from taking over the world. Myers’ comedic prowess still impresses us, especially in how distinct and memorable he makes both characters, delivering plenty of the goofy, quotable, and iconic moments the franchise is known for. Beneath all the silliness, though, the movie works surprisingly well as a commentary on James Bond films, the spy genre, and the cultural attitudes that failed to evolve beyond the 1960s. Much like Austin himself probably needs to stop being quite so horny. Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday. Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today. Timestamps ;) 0:00 - Intro 00:36 - Austin Powers Review 48:06 - What We've Been Watching 58:56 - Question Of The Week
May 18 · 1 hr 31 min
#294 - Wind River
Wind River is a film we’ve talked about reviewing behind the scenes for a very long time, so now that the moment has finally arrived, it had self-imposed high expectations to live up to. Written and directed by Taylor Sheridan, this modern western thriller serves as the final chapter in his frontier trilogy, transporting the genre to the frozen landscapes of Wyoming in a setting that feels both harsh and unique. Starring Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen, the story follows a wildlife tracker and FBI agent investigating the murder of a young Native American woman on a remote reservation. The film is elevated by a terrific score from Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, and tackles poignant themes surrounding inequality and violence within Native American communities. This leads us into some deeper discussion about the writing and execution of those ideas. One thing we all completely agree on though, is that Jeremy Renner once again reminds us just how underrated he is as an actor, delivering an excellent and emotionally grounded performance throughout. Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday. Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today. Timestamps ;) 0:00 - Intro 00:36 - Wind River Review 1:08:42 - What We've Been Watching 1:17:05 - Question Of The Week
May 11 · 1 hr 18 min
#293 - The Mortal Instruments: City Of Bones
Our familiarity with The Mortal Instruments as a young adult franchise varied wildly between us, which made the film adaptation The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones both a fresh discovery and a revisit more than a decade later. Starring Lily Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower, Lena Headey, and Jared Harris, the film follows Clary Fray as she uncovers a hidden world of Shadowhunters (which is annoyingly one word!), demons, and supernatural secrets lurking beneath New York City. The results were definitely mixed, but never lacking in entertainment. With roots famously tied to Harry Potter fan fiction, there are some very noticeable parallels. Though the truly baffling part is how the story spirals in the second half, throwing out one unearned plot twist after another every few minutes, often creating unintentionally hilarious moments. And yes, we absolutely have to talk about the infamous incest storyline. Still, there is some charm here, helped by a solid cast and surprisingly strong score. Then after the review, we compare this film to some of the worst YA adaptations ever made. Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday. Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today. Timestamps ;) 0:00 - Intro 00:36 - The Mortal Instruments Review 49:55 - What We've Been Watching 58:56 - Question Of The Week
May 4 · 1 hr 3 min
#292 - Is This Thing On?
We may have unfortunately lost a good chunk of the opening of this episode to technical issues, but that was not going to stop us from diving into Is This Thing On? (2025), the latest film from master auteur Bradley Cooper. The big question going in, can he make a movie that isn't awards bait? Following a struggling New York couple at a crossroads, the story centres on Will Arnett’s character as he unexpectedly tries his hand at stand up comedy while navigating a fractured relationship with Laura Dern. With a low budget indie feel and Searchlight Pictures backing, the film leans into an intimate New York setting that we were immediately on board with. Arnett’s naive charisma makes him an engaging lead, while Cooper shows up in a performance that feels self aware and slightly parodic. We get into whether the writing around the central relationship and its resolution fully lands. Then after the review, we break down ours and your least favourite comedians. Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday. Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today. Timestamps ;) 0:00 - Intro 00:36 - Is This Thing On? Review 35:40 - News Chat 42:54 - Question Of The Week
April 27 · 1 hr 45 min
#291 - Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
We have peaked. Our journey through the franchise has led us not only to peak Harry Potter, but peak cinema with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, a thoroughly engaging entry that perfectly balances the series’ biggest dramatic moments with some of its funniest, immersing us in the Hogwarts school year better than ever. Directed once again by David Yates, the film shines through its richly developed character work, especially the fully realised relationship between Harry and Dumbledore, brought to life by what we think are near Academy Award level performances from Daniel Radcliffe and Michael Gambon. Their search for Voldemort’s Horcruxes (fiction's best MacGuffins) gives the story real weight, while the supporting cast elevates things further, with Draco and Snape playing crucial roles and Jim Broadbent’s Slughorn an absolute delight in every scene. Every moment feels purposeful and entertaining, and it’s no surprise this is the only film in the series to earn an Oscar nomination for cinematography, with a visual identity that truly stands apart. Needless to say, we love this movie, so get ready for us to gush about it. Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday. Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today. Timestamps ;) 0:00 - Intro 00:36 - Half-Blood Prince Review 1:25:11 - What We've Been Watching 1:30:18 - Question Of The Week
April 20 · 1 hr 36 min
#290 - Fury
A gritty and undeniably cool WW2 film, Fury (2014) sees director David Ayer (pronounced Air) at a point before he “lost the sauce,” delivering a brutal story set in the final days of Nazi Germany. Starring Brad Pitt, Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman, Jon Bernthal, and Michael Peña, the film follows a tight knit tank crew navigating the horrors of war from inside their claustrophobic steel machine. The craftsmanship is strong across the board, with standout performances, striking cinematography, and a powerful score, while the character dynamics and underlying tension give us plenty to analyse in the film’s more dramatic moments. While we found aspects of the ending and the archetypes it leans on a bit harder to fully get behind, the tank action is just so cool. And yes, the rounds are actually red and green, somehow making it feel like Star Wars but grounded in realism. After the review, we open up the discussion to other directors who may have declined over time, or simply lost their sauce. Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday. Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.
April 13 · 1 hr 27 min
#289 - 12 Monkeys
A well regarded dystopian sci-fi thriller from the 90s, 12 Monkeys marks our first time covering the work of Terry Gilliam, giving us the perfect excuse to dive into his unique filmmaking sensibilities and the stylistic quirks that define his movies. Starring Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe, and Brad Pitt, the film follows a time travelling prisoner sent back to uncover the origins of a devastating virus that wiped out most of humanity. Willis anchors the story with a classic leading performance (even if he may have overcommitted to drooling in a few scenes) while Pitt steals the spotlight with a wild, unpredictable turn that was especially fun to experience on a blind watch. The film’s time travel narrative builds toward an ending that raises big questions about fate and whether the past can truly be changed, and we found ourselves with very different interpretations. Sticking with the time travel theme, after the review we pick which celebrities we would go back and remove from Hollywood, leading to some hot takes indeed. Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday. Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.

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