Lights, Camera... Aggro?

All Of Us Strangers

Send us Fan Mail This week, Nicky has chosen to talk about ALL OF US STRANGERS (2023). Written and directed by Andrew Haigh, and starring Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal, ALL OF US STRANGERS is the story of Adam. We meet him in his forties, still dealing with the childhood loss of his parents and the trauma of growing up gay in the 1980s. He’s been bottling up a lot. A chance meeting with his dead dad opens up a whole load of parental conversations he never got to have. And then there’s Harry, the neighbour downstairs. This film parachuted straight into Nicky’s ‘top movie of all time’ spot the second she saw it. And Phil? He’ll share his thoughts on the pod. Fair warning - this film is about grief and parental loss, as is the chat on the pod. Take care if you’re feeling particularly raw right now. References mentioned, and wider reading… Imagined Spaces by Gail Low and Ruth Morrison - https://www.imaginedspaces.org/taking-a-line-for-a-walk/all-of-us-strangers Reddit thread - https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/195xu51/official_discussion_all_of_us_strangers_spoilers/?solution=32402ff2277c206632402ff2277c2066&js_challenge=1&token=7afd7253fec22262ff1c52b1703fe9ec9ef2774bf47f77021865e95577eb0279&jsc_orig_r= Alex Needham in the Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/jan/26/all-of-us-strangers-sex-death-ghosts-and-that-ending-discuss-with-spoilers Guardian – a selection of gay men share their thoughts - https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/feb/05/what-does-all-of-us-strangers-say-about-being-gay Nicky’s immediate thoughts upon leaving the cinema https://substack.com/@bondiela/p-141100603 • Finally, you can find us on Bluesky at @lightscamereapod • On Insta at @lightscameraaggro • Or you can email us at lightscameraconflict@gmail.com (Yes, we set up our email address before we’d finalised our name. What of it?!) #films #podcast #movies #filmreview Support the show

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Aliens

Send us Fan Mail This week, Phil has chosen to talk about ALIENS (1986). Written by James Cameron, David Giler, and Walter Hill, and directed by James Cameron, ALIENS is the story of PTSD-stricken Ripley and the fact that despite a prior film clearly outlining her lived experience, no one will listen to her until it’s too late. Oh, the lot of being a woman! With space-goo a-plenty, this action horror is forty years old this year. Does it hold up? Does it still need an 18 certificate? And can Phil convince Nicky of its merits when she’s made it abundantly clear she’s no fan of ‘space films’. Phil’s been a long-time fan, whist this is Nicky’s first watch. Listen to see whether this week it’s more amenable than aggro on the pod. References mentioned, and wider reading… A concise summary - https://www.filmsite.org/series-alien2.html The South Australian unknown student response - https://www.sace.sa.edu.au/documents/652891/225c8b2b-8ccb-45b5-b705-b8e7c4737f7f A comprehensive list of all the tropes included in the film - https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Film/Aliens - • Finally, you can find us on Bluesky at @lightscamereapod • On Insta at @lightscameraaggro • Or you can email us at lightscameraconflict@gmail.com (Yes, we set up our email address before we’d finalised our name. What of it?!) #films #podcast #movies #filmreview Support the show

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An Evening With Gary Lineker

Send us Fan Mail his week, Nicky has chosen to talk about AN EVENING WITH GARY LINEKER (1994). Written by Arthur Smith and Chris England, and directed by Andy Wilson, AN EVENING WITH GARY LINEKER tells the story of Bill and Monica Despacos. As they try to fix their marriage during a holiday in Ibiza, the Italia ’90 World Cup tournament adds a heated backdrop onto which all their secrets can spill. Starring UK comedy legends from the era, (Caroline Quentin, Paul Merton, and Martin Clunes) as well as soon-to-be movie star, Clive Owen, this gem of a film is riddled with nostalgia for people of a certain age. Nicky rewatches this TV movie before every international competition in which England Men compete. Phil? Well, if you want his opinions, you’ll have to listen to find out. References mentioned, and wider reading… Why Italia 90 Was Not Beautiful To Everyone, But Will Always Be Special, by Amy Lawrence - https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/jun/15/italia-90-world-cup-special The Letterboxd link - https://letterboxd.com/film/an-evening-with-gary-lineker/ • Finally, you can find us on Bluesky at @lightscamereapod • On Insta at @lightscameraaggro • Or you can email us at lightscameraconflict@gmail.com (Yes, we set up our email address before we’d finalised our name. What of it?!) Support the show

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Batman (1989)

Send us Fan Mail This week, Phil has chosen to talk about BATMAN (1989). Written by Sam Hamm and Warren Skaaren, and directed by Tim Burton, this comic book adaptation landed with a kapow, and ushered in a whole new UK certificate rating. Is this a nerds-only event or does it also appeal to non-comics fans? Is Jack Nicholson perfectly cast or a dated precursor more modern Joker takes? And can modern day audiences root for anyone who says, ‘Hello Legs,’ upon meeting a colleague? All this and more gets discussed this week. Phil was old enough to watch this at the cinema. Nicky was too young by seven months. Can she finally get over the disappointment and give Batman a fair hearing? There’s only one thing to do… listen and find out. References mentioned, and wider reading… Kenneth Lowe for Paste Magazine - https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/batman/autumn-classics-batman-1989 Funkula on Quarter to Three forums - https://forum.quartertothree.com/t/does-the-burton-batman-suck/40824 Chris Feil on The Film Experience - http://thefilmexperience.net/blog/2019/10/2/soundtracking-batman-1989.html Mario Rodriguez in Americana: The American Journal of Popular Culture https://americanpopularculture.com/journal/articles/fall_2014/rodriguez.htm #films #podcast #movies #filmreview Support the show

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Before Midnight / Return Of The Jedi

Send us Fan Mail It’s mini pod time again. Another between-season fix, keeping you going before the start of Series Three. Yes, the format continues to be abandoned as Phil and Nicky complete the trilogies they started in Series Two. Nicky has brought BEFORE MIDNIGHT (2013) and Phil has chosen RETURN OF THE JEDI (1983) Enjoy! References mentioned, and wider reading… Elijah Gonzalez in Paste Magazine - https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/richard-linklater/before-midnight-time-non-idealized-love Dana Stevens in Slate.Com - https://slate.com/culture/2013/05/before-midnight-directed-by-richard-linklater-reviewed.html The Blog od Marzarbul - https://www.theblogofmazarbul.com/2021/10/02/a-flawed-masterpiece-why-return-of-jedi/ Dagon Dogs - https://dagondogs.com/2016/04/09/return-of-the-jedi-quick-dirty-review #films #podcast #movies #filmreview Support the show

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The Empire Strikes Back / Before Sunset

Send us Fan Mail It’s mini pod time! Your between-season fix, keeping you going before the start of Series Three. For two weeks only, the format has been abandoned as Phil and Nicky complete the trilogies they started in Series Two. Phil is here with THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK (1980) whilst Nicky has brought BEFORE SUNSET (2004). Enjoy! References mentioned, and wider reading… Post by Shaun Watson - https://swatson7856.medium.com/movie-review-star-wars-episode-v-the-empire-strikes-back-1980-d233d27ce339 Review bv Roger Ebert - https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-empire-strikes-back-1997-1 Review by Peter Bradshaw - https://www.theguardian.com/film/2004/jul/23/before-sunset-review Post by Jaime Rebanal https://cinemafromthespectrum.com/2019/08/31/before-sunset-review-taking-that-one-chance-that-got-away-all-over-again/ • Finally, you can find us on Bluesky at @lightscamereapod • On Insta at @lightscameraaggro • Or you can email us at lightscameraconflict@gmail.com (Yes, we set up our email address before we’d finalised our name. What of it?!) Support the show

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All The Presidents Men

Send us Fan Mail This week, Nicky has chosen to talk about ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN (1976). Written by Carl Bernstein, Bob Woodward, and William Goldman, and directed by Alan J Pakula, ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN is a love letter to journalism. With Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman playing the tenacious reporters on the scent of Watergate scandal, this film combines routine procedure, the tiniest of details, along with thrills and chills as our heroes search for the truth. That’s Nicky’s view, anyway. She returns for a rewatch on a yearly basis. And Phil? Who knows? Listen to the episode and find out. References mentioned, and wider reading… Substack by John Devore about the realities of journalism -https://150wordreviews.substack.com/p/essay-all-the-presidents-men-1976 Medium post by Syifa Abibi - https://medium.com/theuglymonster/all-the-presidents-men-the-washington-post-vs-richard-nixon-22c8848e20f3 George Clooney’s opinion - https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/movie-george-clooney-called-cinematic-perfection-perfect-film/ Info about the split diopter by Jo Light https://nofilmschool.com/split-diopter-all-presidents-men Steve Buttry’s comparison to Spotlight - https://stevebuttry.wordpress.com/2015/11/24/spotlight-a-generation-later-echo-of-all-the-presidents-men/ Interview with Alan J Pakula - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DyeWjsutZE Support the show

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Karate Kid

Send us Fan Mail This week, Phil has chosen to talk about THE KARATE KID (1984). Written by Robert Mark Kamen and directed by John G Avildsen, THE KARATE KID is a long time fave of Phil’s. Telling the story of Daniel - a new kid on the block who’s developed the unfortunate habit of getting beaten up on the daily - and his rise to karate dominance with the help of friendly maintenance man, Mr Miyagi! Phil approached this chat like the giddy school boy he is. Forty-two years on, is Nicky just too grown up these days to warm to the film’s charms? Listen to the chat and find out. This conversation was recorded in January 2026. References mentioned, and wider reading… Lessons from The Karate Kid by Gwendolyn Bluemich https://community.thriveglobal.com/lessons-from-the-karate-kid/ The Difficult Realities of the Karate Kid Lessons We Can Learn About East Asian Representation in Mainstream Culture… https://www.cultursmag.com/the-difficult-realities-of-the-karate-kid-lessons-we-can-learn-about-east-asian-representation-in-mainstream-cinema/ HOW THE KARATE KID RUINED THE MODERN WORLD by Dr. David Wong https://www.cracked.com/article_18544_how-the-karate-kid-ruined-modern-world.html To book Ralph Macchio… https://www.aaespeakers.com/keynote-speakers/ralph-macchio Phil’s first contribution to the pod’s research! https://screenrant.com/karate-kid-daniel-villain-theory/ Obama catches a fly https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45j8CtSm50U Smithy’s training montage at Sport’s Personality of the Year https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvvKUtHlDK8 #films #podcast #movies #filmreview Support the show

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Before Sunrise

Send us Fan Mail This week, Nicky has chosen to talk about BEFORE SUNRISE (1995). Written by Richard Linklater and Kim Krizan, and directed by Richard Linklater, this film asks an age-old question. If Ethan Hawke asked you to get off a train with him, would you? For Nicky, it’d be a real quick yes. She’d walk round Vienna, have the most meaningful experience of her life, and measure all romantic encounters against that one night, finding that they repeatedly came up short. And Phil? For his personal stance, you’ll need to listen to the pod. Nicky has loved this film since she discovered it in the nineties. Phil is a more recent viewer. This conversation was recorded in February 2026. (Also, when Nicky describes not having a train ticket when she was seventeen, she means she didn’t have a booked seat. No fare dodging here!) References mentioned, and wider reading… https://medium.com/@Jeanaubinet/before-sunrise-the-charm-of-simplicity-and-emotional-depth-0235eab7b15f The Charm of Simplicity and Emotional Depth https://chicagofilmscene.com/the-conversational-intimacy-of-before-sunrise/ https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/49w7ra/does_anyone_know_what_the_couple_in_the_beginning/ - The German couple’s argument, translated. https://nofilmschool.com/How-to-write-a-conversation - Screen writing tips https://www.willmcphail.com/store/lady-no-kids-2025 - The adventures of Lady No-Kids by Will McPhail https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/jan/30/before-sunrise-review-richard-linklater-ethan-hawke-julie-delpy by Peter Bradshaw #films #podcast #movies #filmreview Support the show

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Notting Hill

Send us Fan Mail This week, Phil has chosen to talk about NOTTING HILL (1999). Written by Richard Curtis and directed by Roger Michell, NOTTING HILL tells the story of sweet, bumbling Will, played by Hugh Grant in his sweet and bumbling rom-com period. After casually throwing orange juice over a humungous movie star, bookseller Will and mega-famous Anna, start a relationship. Is it too implausible to be believed? Does Will the bookseller behave well at all times? Does Richard Curtis’ London bear any resemblance to the real place? All these questions and more will be answered on the pod. Phil has loved this film for a long time. Nicky has also watched it a few times. Did they find common ground? Is this the film that’ll align their views? You’ll just have to listen to find out. References mentioned, and wider reading… https://www.curzon.com/journal/hugh-grant-rom-com-speeches/ - The Very Specific Appeal of Hugh Grant’s Romantic Declarations, by Yasmin Omar https://colehaddon.substack.com/p/what-that-last-brownie-really-means - What That Last Brownie Really Means, by Cole Haddon https://bethlisogorsky.substack.com/p/notting-hill-1999-review - Notting Hill: What Works/What Doesn’t - By Beth Lisogorsky https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2014/mar/17/notting-hill-julia-roberts-richard-curtis-film-guilty-pleasure - My Guilty Pleasure: Notting Hill, by Peter Bradshaw https://29secrets.com/pop-culture/25-years-since-notting-hill-a-tribute-to-the-most-chaotic-rom-com-ever-made/ - A Tribute to the Most Chaotic Rom Com Ever Made, by Anne T Donahue #films #podcast #movies #filmreview #nottinghill Support the show

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Dirty Dancing

Send us Fan Mail This week, Nicky has chosen to talk about DIRTY DANCING (1987). Written by Eleanor Bergstein and directed by Emile Ardolino, DIRTY DANCING tells the story of boy meets girl, girl learns professional dance routine while boy’s colleague gets backstreet abortion, boy gets sacked, girl is put in corner, boy and girl have time of their lives. An everyday tale, relatable to all. Is this the sexiest film ever made or did Nicky just think it was when she was twelve? Does Baby’s coming of age tale resonate with straight men on the same level? Can Nicky argue its feminist merits or is it simply enough to win the hearts of sleepover attendees the world over? These questions and more get discussed on this week’s pod. In all seriousness, this episode contains frank discussions around the subject of abortion, as it relates to Penny’s story. References mentioned, and wider reading… Dirty Dancing is an Underrated Feminist Masterpiece- https://www.themarysue.com/dirty-dancing-feminist-masterpiece/ Dirty Dancing, Jewishness, and Who Gets to be White - https://thewhitepages.net/p/out-of-the-corner The interview with Eleanor Bergstein - https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-back-alley-abortion-that-almost-didnt-make-it-into-dirty-dancing/ Guardian article by Ann Lee - https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/may/19/my-favourite-film-aged-12-dirty-dancing • Finally, you can find us on Bluesky at @lightscamereapod • On Insta at @lightscameraaggro • Or you can email us at lightscameraconflict@gmail.com (Yes, we set up our email address before we’d finalised our name. What of it?!) #films #podcast #movies #filmreview Support the show

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A Fish Called Wanda

Send us Fan Mail This week, Nicky has chosen to talk about A FISH CALLED WANDA (1988). Written by John Cleese, and directed by John Cleese and Charles Chrichton, A FISH CALLED WANDA is a comic caper that tells the story of a slick diamond heist that falls apart when the double crossing starts. With a corruptible lawyer, an elderly dog owner, and farcical lols aplenty, has this romp stood the test of time? Nicky’s been a fan for decades. Can she convince Phil to feel the joy of the comedy or are some bits just too damn problematic now? Listen to the chat and find out. This conversation was recorded in January 2026, before the death of Tom Georgeson. References mentioned, and wider reading… https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Film/AFishCalledWanda - TV tropes https://notlefthandedfilmguide.co.uk/2020/06/27/a-fish-called-wanda/ from 2020, the Not Left Handed Film Guide to the film. https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2018/07/the-oral-history-of-a-fish-called-wanda?srsltid=AfmBOoqWHEVDTQmGmpAH3zXFa-zUuKSvfAUexxI5KzQphAGV6Vd-DaTT –The oral history of A Fish Called Wanda in Vanity Fair. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/a-fish-called-wanda-1988 - Roger Ebert’s review https://michaelpalincentreforstammering.org – Michael Palin Centre for Stammering #films #podcast #movies #afishcalledwanda #comedyfilms Support the show

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Ghostbusters

Send us Fan Mail This week, Phil has chosen to talk about GHOSTBUSTERS (1984). Written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, and directed by Ivan Reitman, this is the story of four paranormal investigators as they tackle the supernatural shenanigans in New York City. A fun adventure from a previous era or dated, crude, and of its time? Who knows? You’ll have to listen to the pod and see where the discussion goes. References mentioned, and wider reading… https://criticalpopcorn.com/2020/05/30/catching-up-with-classics-ghostbusters-1984/ https://suddenlyashotrangout.com/2014/06/10/ghostbusters-1984-the-marshmallow-apocalypse/ https://medium.com/mediametaphysics/ghostbusters-and-the-esoteric-capitalism-of-the-1980s-382eba6bc688 #films #podcast #movies #filmreview Support the show

Rear Window

Send us Fan Mail This week, Nicky has chosen to talk about REAR WINDOW (1954). Written by John Michael Hayes and Cornell Woolrich, and directed by Alfred Hitchcock, REAR WINDOW is the story of an injured photojournalist turned detective, providing a stark warning about flash photography in unlit rooms. Whether you come for the spenny set, the classic Hollywood stars, or the naked voyeurism and the questions it raises, come one, come all, for this absolute banger. Nicky classes this as a Christmas film, because there’s never a festive period when it’s not aired, and Phil thinks…? Well, who knows? You’ll have to listen to find out. References mentioned, and wider reading… Henry Oliver - Why is Rear Window so Tense? https://www.commonreader.co.uk/p/why-is-rear-window-so-tense Andrew Neylon - Words from a Room - https://arneylon.wordpress.com/2013/01/30/rear-window-1954/ 30 Interesting Facts About Rear Window - https://alltherightmovies.com/feature/30-interesting-facts-about-rear-window/ Film Site Movie Review - https://www.filmsite.org/rear2.html #films #podcast #movies #filmreview Support the show

Toy Story

Send us Fan Mail This week, Phil has chosen to talk about TOY STORY (1995). Directed by John Lasseter, and written by John Lasseter, Pete Doctor, Andrew Stanton, and Joe Ranft, TOY STORY is the tale of Andy and his toys. Woody – the Sheriff and overall top dog - gets usurped by Buzz, a deluded alpha who thinks he can fly. With an enemies to friends trope coupled with a team work makes the dream work vibe, TOY STORY is the much-loved family favourite that every single person has seen. Except Nicky. Until Now. Hear her first time thoughts as Phil shares his long-held enthusiasm for the film. More tea, Mrs Nesbitt? References mentioned, and wider reading… https://toystoryfangirl.com/2015/09/17/toy-story-throwback-toy-story-at-the-oscars/ Heidi Wilhem, about the 1996 Academy Awards. https://tapg1946.wordpress.com/2019/03/19/toy-story-1995/ TAP-G, about the Easter Eggs. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/toy-story-1995 Roger Ebert’s review. #films #podcast #movies #filmreview Support the show

Star Wars A New Hope

Send us Fan Mail This week, Phil has chosen to talk about STAR WARS: EPISODE IV - A NEW HOPE (1977). Written and directed by George Lucas, STARS WARS - A NEW HOPE is the ultimate story of good versus evil. It’s the good guys on a humanitarian mission against the bad guys intent on universal destruction. It’s faith in what you can’t see and hope in a better world. Or, is it just a camp as tits space film that gets shown on the telly every Christmas? Phil has worn his Star Wars pyjamas for decades. Nicky has yet to discover the joys of sci fi night wear. This conversation, featuring his enthusiasm alongside her first time impressions, was recorded in November 2025. References mentioned, and wider reading… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3yRv5Jg5TI The Chewbaca mask lady will brighten your day. https://lovethynerd.com/skywalker-saga-reflections-star-wars-episode-iv-a-new-hope/ - Skywalker Saga Reflections https://www.biography.com/movies-tv/george-lucas-star-wars-facts - George Lucas and the Origin Story Behind Star Wars https://medium.com/@_ochre/watching-star-wars-episode-iv-a-new-hope-for-the-first-time-fdc5718874cb - Watching Star Wars: Episode VI A New Hope for the First Time #films #podcast #movies #starwars #FILMPODCAST #moviepodcast Support the show

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