Popcorn Culture

BFM Media

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 the movies, TV shows, and pop culture buzz that we love, as well as the ones we love (slightly) less.

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22 episodes
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Avg 37 min
English

Episodes 22

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Friday · 23 min
Merdeka Special: Talentime + Ola Bola
This week, we pay tribute to two iconic performers who left an indelible mark on the screen and in our childhoods. We look back at the memorable careers of Tim Curry and Peter Cullen and the characters that made them household names. After that, ahead of the long Merdeka weekend, the timing felt right to throw it back to a couple of films that celebrate Malaysia and Malaysianness. So we start off by discussing Yasmin Ahmad’s bittersweet final movie, Talentime (2009), and the love story and acknowledgement of multiculturalism at its heart. Then, we continue on to recommend Ola Bola (2016), a film inspired by the highs of the Malaysian football team that successfully got into the 1980 Summer Olympics. Image Credit: IMDb, Peter Cullen (Facebook) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 21 · 22 min
The End of Oak Street: Nailbiting or Toothless?
The End of Oak Street was marketed as the next IMAX summer tentpole film after The Odyssey and Spiderman: Brand New Day, but the sci-fi dinosaur thriller hasn't lived up to expectations, either at the box office or with audiences, who've given it middling ratings. The film also marks David Robert Mitchell's return to the director's chair for the first time in eight years since Under the Silver Lake polarised festivalgoers at the Cannes Film Festival in 2018. We discuss the prehistoric set pieces, the high-calibre cast of Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor, and why the film might be struggling to find audiences. Image Credit: IMDb See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 14 · 22 min
DC + Daniel Craig’s Bond Films
We kick off this episode by reviewing DC, the fourth film by Arun Matheswaran, the acclaimed Tamil filmmaker behind Rocky (not the Sylvester Stallone film about boxing) and Saani Kaayidham. Like his other films, the film follows characters from the margins of society and centres around revenge and crime. This time, however, Matheswaran places that familiar brutality within a romance – specifically a violent retelling of Bengali romance novel Devdas by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. It stars Lokesh Kanagaraj in his acting debut as the title character, Devdas, alongside Wamiqa Gabbi as Chandra. Separately, Casino Royale celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The film marked Daniel Craig’s debut as James Bond, rebooting the franchise with a grittier, more grounded take on the iconic spy. In light of that, we will be reviewing the entire Craig Bond series as a whole, looking back at how this era redefined the character, what worked, what didn’t, and how it holds up two decades. Image Credit: IMDb See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
August 7 · 22 min
Spider-Man: Brand New Day
7 years after the last Spider-Man outing, we return to the world and story of Peter Parker, as he operates as the web-slinging superhero, but in a time where everyone’s forgotten that he exists. As he faces an evolution in his powers, he also faces one of the most powerful threats he’s ever encountered. This film sees the return of the familiar trio of Tom Holland, Zendaya and Jacob Batalon, alongside Mark Ruffalo, Sadie Sink and Jon Bernthal. We discuss whether it lives up to the hype as one of this year’s most eagerly anticipated blockbusters and where Marvel might go next. Image Credit: IMDb See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 31 · 44 min
Widow's Bay & The Drama + Memorable Performances
In this episode, it's a double-bill of reviews! First, we review The Drama — Norwegian director Kristoffer Borgli's romantic black comedy starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson as a happily engaged couple whose relationship is thrown into crisis when an unexpected revelation surfaces during their wedding week. Meanwhile, Widow's Bay is a horror-comedy series on Apple TV+ set in a quaint New England island town where Mayor Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys) is desperate to revive his struggling community, all while contending with superstitious locals convinced the island is cursed. Created by Katie Dippold (Parks & Rec) and directed by Hiro Murai (Atlanta), the show is one of the year's freshest genre blenders. Then on Take Two, we look at memorable performances that have stayed with us long after the credits roll. Image Credit: IMDb See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 24 · 44 min
The Odyssey + Best of Christopher Nolan
Christopher Nolan is back after three years with The Odyssey, an epic mythological adventure adapted from Homer's ancient Greek poem. Nolan has always been incredibly passionate about the IMAX format, so it's no surprise he would be the one to deliver the first feature film ever shot entirely with IMAX cameras. It follows the legendary hero Odysseus (Matt Damon) on his perilous decade-long journey home after the Trojan War, as he battles monsters, gods, and countless trials while his wife Penelope (Anne Hathaway) and son Telemachus (Tom Holland) struggle to fend off suitors who believe he will never return. We review the film and then on Take Two talk about the best and worst of Christopher Nolan. Image Credit: IMDb See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 17 · 42 min
Minions & Monsters + Best Sidekicks
The Minions are back in the third instalment of their standalone franchise, and this time, the adorable, semi-gibberish-spouting yellow creatures are taking over Hollywood and unleashing monsters. Pierre Coffin pays tribute to multiple horror classics and tropes while also hewing to the well-established formula of Minion hijinks and physical comedy. We discuss whether this is the best film in the series before discussing the best on-screen sidekicks and why they matter. Image Credit: IMDb See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 10 · 39 min
Dear You & The Furious + Best of 2026 (so far!)
This week, we're looking at two films from opposite ends of the cinematic spectrum. First, we review The Furious, Kenji Tanigaki's bone-crunching Hong Kong action thriller about a father tearing through a criminal underworld to rescue his kidnapped daughter. Then, we switch gears with Dear You, the Teochew-language family drama that's become one of the year's biggest word-of-mouth sensations, following a grandson's search for his long-lost grandfather that uncovers decades of love, sacrifice and family secrets. Then on Take Two, we discuss your picks for the best films and series at the midway point of 2026, before closing with our favourite score of the year. Image Credit: IMDb See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
July 3 · 43 min
Supergirl & Obsession + Favourite Superhero Movies
In this episode, we have a double bill of reviews. Obsession is the second low-budget indie horror movie by a Gen-Z director that has taken the world by storm, after Backrooms. Directed by Curry Barker, the film centres around Bear (Michael Johnston), a hopeless romantic who uses a mystical “One Wish Willow” to make his crush Nikki (Inde Navarrette) love him, but as they say, be careful what you wish for. We discuss the complexities of the themes and whether it is indeed one of the scariest films in recent years, as some make it out to be. James Gunn's new DC Universe continues with Supergirl, the follow-up to last year's Superman. Directed by Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya) and starring Milly Alcock, Jason Momoa and more, the film follows Kara Zor-El as she embarks on a cosmic journey of vengeance and justice alongside Krypto the Superdog while dealing with heartache and grief. We review the film and then, on Take Two, discuss some of our favourite superhero films of all time. Image Credit: IMDb See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 26 · 43 min
Toy Story 5 + Pixar Favourites
Woody and the gang are back once again, in the 5th installment of the Toy Story franchise. This time, the gang finds themselves facing a new threat: technology, in the form of a tablet, which has become Bonnie’s new favourite plaything. So how does the movie do in dealing with such a timely subject, and is it a worthy addition to Toy Story? We discuss that, before pivoting to discussing the best of Pixar, and why they’re our favourites. Image Credit: Pixar See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 19 · 44 min
Disclosure Day + Best Alien Movies/Series
Steven Spielberg returns to one of his favourite subjects with Disclosure Day, an original sci-fi thriller about a meteorologist and whistleblower racing to expose years of government secrecy surrounding the existence of extraterrestrial life while powerful deep-state forces try to stop them. It's Spielberg's first alien film since War of the Worlds and has been billed as a spiritual companion to Close Encounters of the Third Kind. We discuss whether the legendary director still has the magic before discussing the best movies and series featuring aliens. Image Credit: IMDb See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 12 · 42 min
Masters of the Universe & Backrooms + Favourite Childhood Characters (Pt 2)
In this episode, we review two films that are vastly different. Masters of the Universe is a campy fantasy superhero adventure film based on the beloved 1980s He-Man animated series. Directed by Travis Knight, the film stars Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man/Prince Adam, Jared Leto as Skeletor, as well as, Alison Brie, Idris Elba and more. It follows Prince Adam's journey from Earth to the magical world of Eternia, where he must embrace his destiny as He-Man and confront the evil Skeletor in a battle for the fate of the universe. Meanwhile, Backrooms is a science-fiction horror film based on the viral internet phenomenon on 4Chan and the subsequent YouTube series, by Kane Parsons. Written and directed by Parsons in his feature film debut, the movie stars Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve and follows a therapist searching for a mission patient who has vanished into a mysterious room of another dimension. Then, on Take Two, we talk about our characters, shows, and movies we loved when we were kids. Image Credit: IMDb See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
June 5 · 44 min
The Sheep Detectives + Onscreen Animals
What happens when you take a flock of sheep raised on a steady diet of Agatha Christie and the like, add the death of their beloved shepherd, lessons about grief and pain, and sprinkle on some gentle humour? The result is Craig Mazin's The Sheep Detectives, starring Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Braun and Molly Gordon (as people) and a rich voice cast, featuring Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, Bryan Cranston and Chris O'Dowd (as sheep). We review the movie, before pivoting in Take Two, to our favourite on-screen animals. Image Credit: IMDb See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 29 · 42 min
Colony & Polong + Horror Baddies
Train to Busan director Yeon Sang-ho returns with Colony, a zombie thriller in which professor Se-jeong, played by Gianna Jun, is thrust into a nightmare when a rapidly mutating virus is unleashed at a biotech conference, sealing the facility and trapping survivors inside. The film premiered at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival and marks Yeon's most thematically ambitious genre work yet. Meanwhile, closer to home, Malaysian director Zulkarnain Azhar steps into horror with Polong. Inspired by the real case of Mona Fandey, the film follows an ambitious journalist who uncovers the dark past of a notorious female shaman only to unleash a dangerous entity the shaman once controlled. Then on Take 2, we discuss your favourite types of horror baddies/antagonists. Image Credit: IMDB See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 22 · 40 min
The Mandalorian and Grogu + Highs and Lows of Star Wars
Star Wars is back on the big screen, with The Mandalorian and Grogu. Building on the Disney+ series, the film brings together, as the title suggests, the Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu AKA Baby Yoda, as they go on a Western-inspired space adventure. Things get messy when they go on a mission that involves the infamous Hutts. First, we discuss if the film lives up to the series. Then on Take Two, we explore the highs and lows of the Star Wars franchise. Image Credit: IMDb See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 15 · 18 min
Mortal Kombat II
Helmed by returning director Simon McQuoid, Mortal Kombat II is the sequel to 2021’s initial return to this video game universe. Expect martial arts hijinks and fantasy as the champions of Earthrealm are (surprise) forced to fight one another even as they attempt to resist the rise of a larger villain, Shao Khan. We discuss whether this installment in the franchise is good old-fashioned action fun, or another video game adaptation dud. Image Credit: IMDb See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 24 · 44 min
Michael & Beef S2 + Vibey Movies/Series
We review Michael, the biopic on Michael Jackson, starring his nephew Jaafar Jackson in the lead role. Then, we discuss the acclaimed comedy drama series, Beef, which is back with another season and a whole new cast of characters. This time, it follows two couples (Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan as one pair, alongside Charles Melton and Cailee Spaeny) divided by generation, wealth, power and crumbling marriages. Then, on Take Two we ask you: What’s a movie or show where the vibe (like the music, wardrobe, or overall mood) really made the experience for you? Image Credits: 1MDb See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 17 · 46 min
The Pitt S2 + Doctors on Screen
Season 2 of The Pitt takes us back to Dr Robby’s emergency department in Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center, where the team continues to negotiate high stakes medical emergencies, personal conflicts and hurts, and America’s political tensions. So we discuss whether this season lives up to the highs and strengths of the first, before turning our attention to the many doctors who have graced our screens, from Meredith Grey, to JD and Turk, and House… and more. Image Credits: 1MDb See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 10 · 45 min
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie + Shrinking S3
In this episode, we dive into two very different returns to familiar worlds. First up, it’s a cosmic upgrade for everyone’s favourite plumber in The Super Mario Bros Galaxy Movie – a colourful, high-energy adventure that trades the Mushroom Kingdom for outer space. Then, we shift gears to Season 3 of Shrinking, where the therapy sessions get messier, the relationships more complicated, and the show continues to balance grief and humour in a way that feels both sharp and disarmingly honest. Then on Take 2, we discuss our favourite Harrison Ford performances. Image Credits: 1MDb See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
April 3 · 43 min
The Lord of the Rings Celebration
Throughout the month of March, The Lord of the Rings Extended Editions were released in Malaysia for the first time in conjunction with the franchise’s 25th anniversary. The Lord of the Rings, based on J. R. R. Tolkien's magnum opus novel of the same name, is, of course, one of the most celebrated film franchises of all time. It's one of the rare franchises that is beloved by the nerdiest of fans, smashed the box office, went on to win 11 Oscars, and still remains incredibly relevant in contemporary pop culture. In this episode, we review the extended editions and discuss whether they still hold up after all these years. Later on Take Two, we celebrate our favourite things about the franchise, be it characters, moments, rousing speeches, music, glorious battle sequences and more. Image Credits: 1MDb See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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