Get ready for a deep dive into the latest film and TV news, as Quentin and Casey G. Smith gear up for Episode 99 of Filmmaker Commentary! This pre-show episode covers everything from pandemic-era box office successes to a nuanced look at what makes an animated series binge-worthy. You’ll hear their honest takes on recent releases and upcoming projects, all delivered with the engaging, film-lover’s perspective you expect from your Filmmaker Commentary friends.
What We Cover
- The strong theatrical opening of “Black Widow” and its hybrid release strategy.
- Personal reviews of “Black Widow,” “Army of the Dead,” and “Kill Bill Vol. 1.”
- Insights into animated series like “Record of Ragnarok,” “Invincible,” and “Rick and Morty” Season 5.
- Netflix’s “This is Pop” documentary series, especially the episode on The Men.
- First impressions of the “Manifest” series and Marvel’s “What If…?” trailer.
- Discussions on the legacy of HBO shows and the creative process behind series like “Masters of the Universe: Revelation.”
Key Moments
- 0:54 — The hosts celebrate Black Widow’s record-breaking hybrid release, signaling a positive shift for theatrical cinema.
- 5:04 — A candid review of “Black Widow,” praising key performances and the execution, despite initial skepticism.
- 11:08 — An enthusiastic breakdown of Zack Snyder’s “Army of the Dead,” highlighting its unexpected heart and multi-layered storytelling.
- 15:58 — Diving into “Record of Ragnarok,” a unique anime that blends diverse mythologies into a gladiatorial battle against humanity.
- 34:15 — An in-depth discussion on the Netflix series “Sex and the City,” sparking a debate on creative responsibility and audience perception.
Gear & Films Mentioned
- Zack Snyder (DP)
- Black Widow
- Fast 9
- The Exorcist
- Us
- Army of the Dead
- Death Proof
- Invincible
- Record of Ragnarok
- Kill Bill Volume 1
- This is Pop
- Karate Kid
- Guardians of the Galaxy
- Black Panther
- Manifest
- Rick and Morty Season 5
- Multiplicity
- Sex and the City
- Insecure
- Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends
- What If…?
- Becket
- Shang-Chi
- Masters of the Universe: Revelation
- The Eternals
Listener Questions
- What impact has the pandemic had on film distribution and audience behavior?
- What are the subtle differences between a film’s “soundtrack” and its “score”?
- How do creators balance entertainment with social responsibility in TV shows like “Sex and the City” or “Insecure”?