Thursday, March 28, 2024
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Movie Review: The Drop


Director: Michaël R. Roskam
Writers: Dennis Lehane (screenplay), Dennis Lehane (short story “Animal Rescue”)
Stars: Tom Hardy, Noomi Rapace, James Gandolfini

Synopsis: Bob Saginowski finds himself at the center of a robbery gone awry and entwined in an investigation that digs deep into the neighborhood’s past where friends, families, and foes all work together to make a living – no matter the cost.

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The Drop isn’t the most immaculate of films but it’s serviceable and you gotta love seeing Hardy and Gandolfini on screen together.

DIRECTION – B-

SCRIPT – B

PERFORMANCES – A-

SCORE/MUSIC – B

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OVERALL GRADE: B+

Movie Review: The Zero Theorem


Director: Terry Gilliam
Writers: Pat Rushin (screenplay)
Stars: Christoph Waltz, Lucas Hedges, Mélanie Thierry

Synopsis: A computer hacker whose goal is to discover the reason for human existence continually finds his work interrupted thanks to the Management; namely, they send a teenager and lusty love interest to distract him.

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DIRECTION
Terry Gilliam’s The Zero Theorem is a bit familiar with a Brazil-like aesthetic, a character working at a job with a “big brother” figure watching over him and technology once again at the forefront. The world Gilliam creates is still compelling as ever with intriguing settings and bright colors that give environment a lot of life. However, at the same time, it’s dark and constricted, which plays into the Qohen character well and sets the tone of the film. The film does become a little dull in the middle and even a bit self-indulgent, but for the most part, Gilliam offers another serviceable film featuring some fascinating themes that he explores in a way only Gilliam can.

Grade: B+

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SCRIPT
Qohen is working at a mundane job, is looking for something more and is just wanting to be wanted. After a conversation with “Management”, he does get a new task of trying to break “The Zero Theorem”, which is something that seems impossible that no one has been able to accomplish. Admist trying to break the Zero Theorem, we see that Qohen struggles with loneliness and becomes distracted by fantasy, as well as frustration and seclusion. The story overall is a bit slow but builds within it’s themes while packing an emotional element that plays into those themes really well and allows for the characters to shine. The Zero Theorem itself is harrowing task for anyone and how Qohen deals with it is something that’s certainly relatable and compelling.

Grade: B+

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RELATED: Frank Movie Review

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PERFORMANCES
Christoph Waltz doesn’t give the performance of his career, but he’s still really good here. His character of Qohen is someone who struggles with isolation and social situations, which Waltz plays wonderfully. His visual aesthetic is also interesting, as he has no hair on him, which adds to the emptiness of his character. The supporting characters are mostly minor and brief, but we get some interesting performances from Tilda Swinton, Matt Damon and Mélanie Thierry.

Grade: A-

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SCORE
George Fenton’s score is uniquely gorgeous. It ranges from harrowing to rock n roll to orchestral in a way that’s never distracting and actually works for the film in some really beautiful ways. Fenton’s score can easily be overlooked in a Gilliam world, where the bizarre characters and aesthetic takes the lead, but here it’s just as prominent in all the best ways.

Grade: A

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FINAL THOUGHTS
The Zero Theorem raises some interesting questions and explores them in a way that’s fascinating, tough to watch at times and also emotional. The world is unique, the characters are bizarre and the story hits on a lot of the same themes we’ve seen from Gilliam before. This may not be his best work, but it’s still engaging and raises some provocative themes that easily carries this film as a good watch.

Overall Grade: B+

Movie Poll: Which Liam Neeson character you want in a fight?

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This week for our movie poll, we are discussing a couple of Liam Neeson characters in anticipation for Neeson’s latest film, A Walk Among the Tombstones. While is some ways this film does feel a little bit familiar, at the same time, it looks pretty badass. And Neeson can still kick some butt. So, our question is pretty simple. If you were going to get into a fight, which movie character would you rather have on your side in a fight?

Vote below!

[yop_poll id=”68″]

Podcast: Top 3 Tom Hardy/James Gandolfini Performances

This week on the InSession Film Podcast, we discussed The Drop, starring the always great Tom Hardy and James Gandolfini. Gandolfini will surly be missed as he was terrific at what he did and was always a presence on screen. And while Tom Hardy may not have the resume quite yet, he’s still a presence and has proven himself in many ways already. Both actors have amazing work and it gave us some solid choices to choose from, which led to some fun conversation.

That being said, what Tom Hardy or James Gandolfini performances would make your list? Here are the one’s that made ours (Keep in mind we all have different criteria for our lists as well):

JD

1) Bronson – Charles Bronson (Hardy)
2) Locke – Ivan Locke (Hardy)
3) True Romance – Virgil (Gandolfini)

Blake

1) The Sopranos – Tony Soprano (Gandolfini)
2) Bronson – Charles Bronson (Hardy)
3) Lawleess – Forrest Bondurant (Hardy)

Honorable Mentions (Combined)

The Castle, Enough Said, Inception, The Dark Knight Rises, Warrior, RocknRolla, Layer Cake

Hopefully you guys enjoyed our lists and if you agree or disagree with us, let us know in the comment section below. Like last week, there may not be as much to choose from compared to lots of other Top 3’s we’ve done, but still a great amount of work done by these two amazing actors. That being said, what would be your Top 3? Leave a comment in the comment section or email us at [email protected].

For the entire podcast, click here or listen below.

For more lists done by the InSession Film crew and other guests, be sure see our Top 3 Movie Lists page.

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Podcast: The Drop, Top 3 Hardy/Gandolfini Performances, Blake’s Fall Films – Episode 82

This podcast brought to you by Audible.com. Sign up today for a FREE audiobook and 30-day trial and thanks for your support!

This week on the InSession Film Podcast, we have no guest but we do salivate over Tom Hardy and James Gandolfini in our review of The Drop, which stars the both of them in what is Gandolfini’s last role in film. Going off of that, we also discuss our Top 3 Hardy/Gandolfini Performances, two actors that are superb and terrific at what they do. We also give Blake some space to discuss his favorite films he’s looking forward to this fall and as usual, we finish off the show with Movies We’ve Seen This Week.

Also, be sure to check out our latest Extra Film segment, where we discuss a new film called Starred Up, which is a great British film we’d recommend. As for this week’s Extra Film, we’re going to do something fun. We’re discuss the new film Life of Crime, and to go along with that, we’re asking for audience suggestions for a classic crime film that you’d like to hear us discuss. If you have a suggestion, leave a comment in the comment section below!

Anyway, check out this week’s show and let us know what you think in the comment section. Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our podcast!

The Drop Movie Review (5:56)
    Grades
    JD: B+
    Blake: B

Top 3 Tom Hardy/James Gandolfini Performances (25:21)
James Gandolfini will surly be missed as he was terrific at what he did and was always a presence on screen. And while Tom Hardy may not have the resume quite yet, he’s still a presence and has proven himself in many ways already. Both actors have amazing work and it gave us some solid choices to choose from, which led to some fun conversation. That being said, what would be your Top 3?

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RELATED: Listen to Episode 81 of the InSession Film Podcast!

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– Blake’s Fall Films (48:59)

Since Blake was out the last couple of week’s, we wanted to give him some space to discuss some of the films he’s looking forward to this fall, which included a few that was just recently seen at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival.

– Movies We’ve Seen This Week (1:07:52)

    JD: The Drop, Dinosaur 13, True Romance, Starred Up, The Hunchback of Notre Dame
    Brendan: The Drop, Enemy

– Music

    Flashback 1 – Raf Keunen
    You’re So Cool – Hans Zimmer
    Now I Take Everything From You – Dean Valentine
    Tales Of Electric Romeo – Immediate
    The Return of the Eagle – Atli Örvarsson

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InSession Film Podcast – Episode 82

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Next week on the show:

    Main Review – The Maze Runner

    Top 3 – Movie Escapes

Maze Runner movie

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Help Support The InSession Film Podcast

If you want to help support us, there are several ways you can help us and we’d absolutely appreciate it. For more information, please visit our Donate page here. Every penny goes directly back into supporting the show and we are truly honored and grateful. Thanks for your support and for listening to the InSession Film Podcast!

Podcast: Starred Up – Extra Film

This week on the InSession Film Podcast: Extra Film segment, Brendan has the week off but Matt Oakes from Silver Screen Riot joins us to discuss Starred Up, a highly-buzzed British film starring (up) Jack O’Connell and the always great Ben Mendelsohn.

Also, this weekend on Episode 82, we are discussing The Drop starring Tom Hardy. In anticipation for that discussion, we’d like to encourage you to vote on this week’s poll, where we we ask you about your favorite Tom Hardy role!

Anyway, we hope you have fun listening to this week’s Extra Film segment on Starred Up. Check out the show and let us know what you think in the comment section below. Hope you enjoy and thanks for listening!

Starred Up Movie Review (7:05)
    Grades
    JD: A-
    Matt: B

– Music

    Crossing the Line – David McKenzie
    The Return of the Eagle – Atli Örvarsson

We try to make this the best movie podcast we possibly can and we hope you enjoy them. Subscribe on iTunes and Stitcher and please leave us a review on iTunes. You can also find us on Soundcloud and TuneIn Radio as well. We really appreciate all your support of the InSession Film Podcast.

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Subscribe to our Podcasts on iTunes
Listen on Stitcher
Starred Up – Extra Film

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Mobile App

To hear this Extra Film episode and everything else we do, download our apps on the Amazon Market for Android and the Podcast Box app on IOS devices. The mobile app covers all of our main shows, bonus podcast’s and everything else relating to the InSession Film Podcast. Thanks for your wonderful support and listening to our show. It means the world to us!

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Help Support The InSession Film Podcast

If you want to help support us, we would greatly appreciate it! For more info, click here or the banner below.

Help Support Us - Donate Per Show

Podcast: Movies We’ve Seen This Week – Ep. 81 Bonus Content

This week for our InSession Film Podcast: Bonus Content, due to time constraints, we moved the Movies We’ve Seen This Week segment to our Bonus Content, which included some great discussion on some pretty good films. Check it out!

Click here to buy this item and support our podcast!

You can also hear via our mobile apps (see information below).

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Mobile Apps!

Listen to all of our bonus content on our apps for just a one-time fee! Whether you have an iPhone, Android or Windows phone, our apps are available in many different ways that is convenient for you. With our mobile app, not only can you listen to all of our bonus content, but our main shows and our Extra Film podcasts as well. Click here for more info!

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If you don’t want to purchase our bonus content, but still want to support us, there are other you can help us out. Click here for more info.

Movie Review: Frank


Director: Lenny Abrahamson
Writers: Jon Ronson (screenplay), Peter Straughan (screenplay)
Stars: Michael Fassbender, Domhnall Gleeson, Maggie Gyllenhaal

Synopsis: Jon, a young wanna-be musician, discovers he’s bitten off more than he can chew when he joins an eccentric pop band led by the mysterious and enigmatic Frank.

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INTRO
“Frank is the most sane person I have ever known.” This phrase is uttered early on in the film by Scoot McNairy’s character, and it presents the most ironic yet true statement about this film. For the most part, Frank is anything but a sane film, and certainly among the most bizarre films of 2014. Yet at the same time, when it ends, you realize its poignancy, its beauty, and even its ultimate sanity. The film speaks to the struggle for artistic acceptance, and the mental instability that struggle can lead to, specifically the fear it creates with the outside world and that world’s perception of you. And while the film doesn’t always flow as smoothly as it should, this theme is ever-so present, and always engrossing.

DIRECTION
Lenny Abrahamson’s eye for simplicity and raw honesty is an interesting contrast with the film’s sheer awkwardness and pitch black humor. This is not an easy combination to seamlessly achieve, but Abrahamson does quite a good job creating a consistent tone throughout most the film. For the most part the film feels balanced, it’s both funny and poignant when and where it needs to be, and the story of artistic struggle (for both Frank and Jon) encapsulates the film’s themes quite nicely. There are moments when the balance doesn’t quite gel, especially toward the film’s final act, and some of the supporting characters do get lost in the shuffle, but when you look at the film strictly from Frank’s perspective, the poignancy still rings true.

Grade: B

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SCRIPT
The script is the real star of this show. Ronson and Straughan’s quirky dialogue and bizarre plot directions perfectly set the tone for this film, and that quirkiness is consistent all the way through. It’s a script that doesn’t pander, it knows what it wants to convey but doesn’t spoon-feed the audience with its themes, and there’s a level of respect to be had there. While Abrahamson’s direction drives home the thesis of artistic ambition and its fine line between genius and insanity, he could not have gotten there without this script to perfectly set the groundwork, and it’s a beautiful foundation with seamless heart and weirdness; just watch the scene with Frank trying to emulate the most “perfect” sounds while the band records their album and you’ll get it. On top of that, the dialogue, oh that dialogue! Just listening to Frank’s explanation of human faces, comparing them to science fiction, is enough to put a grin on your face.

Grade: A

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RELATED: Boyhood Movie Review

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PERFORMANCES
This film is really about Domhall Gleeson’s Jon and Michael Fassbender’s Frank, the struggle for artistic acceptance and dreams surrounds them both, and they are really the only actors worth singling out. Despite spending over 90% of the film wearing this huge fake head, Michael Fassbender is fantastic in this film, and is somehow able to emulate laughter and heart without facial expression. There’s a great scene where he asks if he should just say his facial expressions out loud, but the ironic thing is that he doesn’t even need to do that, his body language is that good. Fassbender is one of the best actors working today, and Frank is another great character to add to that resume. And then there’s Domhall Gleeson, a young man with striving ambitions of musical stardom, struggles for that acceptance in his simple attempts just to write songs; he perfect embodies the typical “starving artist”, and we sympathize with him. The remaining actors are fine in their roles, but they are either overshadowed by Fassbender and Gleeson or just don’t bring much to the story. Gyllenhaal especially, who essentially plays an obnoxious bitch who cares deeply for Frank, doesn’t add much to the film’s drama unfortunately. And maybe she isn’t supposed to, but the fact remains that Fassbender and Gleeson take all the glory, and its glory worth noting.

Grade: A-

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SCORE
In order to properly review Stephen Rennick’s score, the focus needs to be on what’s important. Sure, the musical score for this film is fine and dandy, but it’s not the focus here. Instead, that focus belongs on the songs, also contributed by Rennick, and performed by Frank’s band. And to be blunt, never has there been a band that created music of such abnormality and beauty. It’s interesting when you hear one of the band’s songs and think, “That was the worst piece of trash I’ve ever heard,” then hear the next one and think, “That was downright beautiful,” (just listen to the film’s closing song I Love You All and you’ll hear for yourself). There is an obvious influence to the classic psychedelic and acid rock of the late ‘60s (you can just watch Frank channel the late Jim Morrison from The Doors), but with a modern alternative edge, most reminiscent of the band Animal Collective. This juxtaposition of the bizarre and the beautiful makes the music almost bipolar, but interesting enough, it actually adds to the film’s blend of dark humor and drama. So while it serves the film quite well, the music itself is quite difficult to wrap your head around.

Grade: B

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FINAL THOUGHTS
Frank is bizarre, awkward, funny, beautiful, poignant, and then some, and it’s that seamless blend of all those ingredients that make it worth recognizing. It’s a film that is not for everyone, and some of the poignancy is somewhat lost in the film’s slightly more convoluted third act, but when it works, dare I say, it works! The script is top notch, Fassbender and Gleeson are a revelation, and the music will stay with you (good or bad, depending on how you perceive it). Frank probably won’t end up as one of the best films of 2014, but it is among the most ambitious and daring, and for that reason alone it is worth seeing. Frank himself would love for you to see it, but most importantly he would love for you to enjoy it, and he would have nothing but kind words for you if you did walk out loving this film. In the words of Frank, “I love you all.” Let’s hope you love him too.

Overall Grade: B+

Movie Review: The Congress


Director: Ari Folman
Writers: Stanislaw Lem (novel), Ari Folman (adaptation)
Stars: Robin Wright, Harvey Keitel, Jon Hamm

Synopsis: An aging, out-of-work actress accepts one last job, though the consequences of her decision affect her in ways she didn’t consider.

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DIRECTION
Ari Folman’s The Congress is certainly one of the most ambitious films we’ve seen this year and tackles some big ideas. The first act of the film crucially sets up the characters, in which Robin Wright plays a version of herself. The last two acts are animated and the animation is gorgeous, trippy and even haunting at times. The hallucinatory sequences fit the story well and thrust us into the mindset of these characters, as well as the themes that Folman is exploring. While the film does work as a Hollywood satire, Folman had bigger ideas in mind, takes a risk and really goes for it. It doesn’t 100% stick the landing, but it’s solid through most of it.

Grade: A

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SCRIPT
Robin Wright plays a version of herself where her acting career has tailed off due to her insecurity and fear, thus putting her agent in a position to offer her something of a lifetime. A major Hollywood studio has offered to use her likeness via computer CGI to re-create a young Robin Wright that they could use in any movie at any time in the future. The catch? She can’t act anymore, anywhere, ever. And she gets a bunch of money. From there the film jumps 20 years in the future where chemical drugs take precedent and leave you in an animated world where you can be and look like any person you want to be. The film explores ideas of beauty and youth that is extremely captivating as well as themes on chemical dependence and technology. The story itself does fizzle a little and the script mostly leans on it’s themes toward the end of the film but they never become pretentious or uninteresting.

Grade: A-

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RELATED: Boyhood Movie Review

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PERFORMANCES
Robin Wright may be well known for The Princess Bride and Forest Gump, but she’s still a working actress and still relevant. Despite the play on her acting career, she’s fantastic in the film, which is a vital piece in it’s potency. While some have criticized the live-action scenes, they work for me and added a layer that plays out critically at the end of the movie. Her performance is also important because the supporting roles in this film, such as Harvey Keitel, Paul Giamatti and John Hamm are pretty small. Good, but small.

Grade: A-

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SCORE
Max Richter score is gorgeous here. He relies heavily on the strings but adds some incredible poignancy to the emotional scenes of the film and it never felt forced. The music itself lingers on some beautiful melodies that seem to flow fluidly with Robin Wright’s character. There’s also some great soundtrack pieces that fit perfectly with the themes presented in certain scenes that was brilliantly handled.

Grade: A

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FINAL THOUGHTS
The Congress isn’t for everyone but the animation is beautiful and the ideas that this film raises is provocative. Robin Wright carries the film well and overall, this is a film we’d recommend.

Overall Grade: A-

Movie Poll: What’s your favorite Tom Hardy role?

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In anticipation for Tom Hardy’s new film The Drop coming out in limited theaters this weekend, we decided to ask you about Hardy’s favorite roles for our movie poll this week. He’s done some incredible work and has moved up into my personal Top 3 favorite working actors today. Probably is my favorite honestly.

At any rate, he’s a pretty likable guy who’s done some amazing work in cinema and we want to know which movie or role you prefer? Inception and The Dark Knight Rises are probably his most well-known performances but Warrior, Locke and Bronson are arguably his best. So, which side do you sit on?

Vote below!

[yop_poll id=”67″]

Podcast: Top 3 Terry Gilliam Movies

This week on the InSession Film Podcast, we discussed the latest from director Terry Gilliam, The Zero Theorem. Gilliam is certainly one of the most polarizing directors out there, and while not everyone loves his films, he definitely has a unique style that has earned him a top spot in Hollywood. His films are creative, imaginative and throw us into worlds that are as provocative as they are bizarre. Either way, this gave us some really great conversation that we hope you enjoy.

That being said, what 2014 fall films would make your list? Here are the one’s that made ours (Keep in mind we all have different criteria for our lists as well):

JD

1) Monty Python and the Holy Grail
2) Brazil
3) Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Brendan

1) The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
2) Twelve Monkeys
3) The Fisher King

Mark

1) Brazil
2) Twelve Monkeys
3) The Fisher King

Honorable Mentions (Combined)

Tideland, Time Bandits

Hopefully you guys enjoyed our lists and if you agree or disagree with us, let us know in the comment section below. With Gilliam, there’s not as much to choose from compared to lots of other Top 3’s we’ve done, but still a good amount of work. That being said, what would be your Top 3? Leave a comment in the comment section or email us at [email protected].

For the entire podcast, click here
or listen below.

For more lists done by the InSession Film crew and other guests, be sure see our Top 3 Movie Lists page.

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Podcast: The Zero Theorem, Top 3 Terry Gilliam Movies – Episode 81

This podcast brought to you by Audible.com. Sign up today for a FREE audiobook and 30-day trial and thanks for your support!

This week on the InSession Film Podcast, Mark Hurne drops by to help us review The Zero Theorem, the latest from polarizing director Terry Gilliam and also stars the wonderful Christoph Waltz. Going off of that, we discussed our Top 3 Terry Gilliam Movies, which left room for some overlap but ultimately gave us some fantastic discussion about the unique and artistic films he tends to make. As for Movies We’ve Seen This Week, look for it on this week’s Bonus Content!

Mark was a phenoumenal guest and is a guy you need to follow if you love film. He’s incredibly smart and you’ll find yourself is some great film conversation. Also, just a reminder to check out our latest Extra Film where we review The Congress, starring Robin Wright!

Anyway, check out the show and let us know what you think in the comment section below. Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our podcast!

The Zero Theorem Movie Review (7:05)
    Grades
    JD: B+
    Brendan: B
    Mark: B

Top 3 Terry Gilliam Movies (46:14)
Terry Gilliam is certainly one of the most polarizing directors out there, and while not everyone loves his films, he definitely has a unique style that has earned him a top spot in Hollywood. His films are creative, imaginative and throw us into worlds that are as provocative as they are bizarre. Either way, this gave us some really great conversation that we hope you enjoy. That being said, what would be your Top 3?

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RELATED: Listen to Episode 80 of the InSession Film Podcast!

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– Movies We’ve Seen This Week (See our Ep. 81 Bonus Content)

    JD: The Zero Theorem, Green Zone, Rambo 3, Let’s Be Cops, Flash Gordon, August Rush, The Congress, Brazil
    Brendan: The Zero Theorem, The Congress, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, The Lion King, The Orphanage, The Last of Us (video game)
    Mark: The Zero Theorem, Borgman, All That Jazz, Boyhood, Elephant, Last Train Home

– Music

    Bainsley Leaves – George Fenton
    Galaxy Song – Monty Python
    Flash’s Theme – Queen
    The Return of the Eagle – Atli Örvarsson

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InSession Film Podcast – Episode 81

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Next week on the show:

    Main Review – No Good Deed

    Top 3 – TBD

No Good Deed

[divider]

Help Support The InSession Film Podcast

If you want to help support us, there are several ways you can help us and we’d absolutely appreciate it. For more information, please visit our Donate page here. Every penny goes directly back into supporting the show and we are truly honored and grateful. Thanks for your support and for listening to the InSession Film Podcast!

Podcast: The Congress – Extra Film

This week on the InSession Film Podcast: Extra Film segment, we review The Congress, starring Robin Wright as herself in a fascinating film featuring both live-action and animated scenes. There’s a lot to dive into with this movie and we navigated our way to a pretty interesting conversation that we hope you enjoy.

Also, don’t miss Episode 80 where we do an InSession Film Throwback Review of The Master and our Top 3 2014 Fall Films that we’re most anticipating. We had a really great discussion and the fall couldn’t get here quicker.

Anyway, we hope you have fun listening to this week’s Extra Film segment on The Congress. Check out the show and let us know what you think in the comment section below. Hope you enjoy and thanks for listening!

The Congress Movie Review (5:19)
    Grades
    JD: A-
    Brendan: A-

– Music

    Beginning and Ending – Max Richter
    The Return of the Eagle – Atli Örvarsson

We try to make this the best movie podcast we possibly can and we hope you enjoy them. Subscribe on iTunes and Stitcher and please leave us a review on iTunes. You can also find us on Soundcloud and TuneIn Radio as well. We really appreciate all your support of the InSession Film Podcast

Subscribe to our Podcasts RSS
Subscribe to our Podcasts on iTunes
Listen on Stitcher
The Congress – Extra Film

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Mobile App

To hear this Extra Film episode and everything else we do, download our apps on the Amazon Market for Android and the Podcast Box app on IOS devices. The mobile app covers all of our main shows, bonus podcast’s and everything else relating to the InSession Film Podcast. Thanks for your wonderful support and listening to our show. It means the world to us!

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Help Support The InSession Film Podcast

If you want to help support us, we would greatly appreciate it! For more info, click here or the banner below.

Help Support Us - Donate Per Show

Podcast: Summer 2014 Box Office Down 25% – Ep. 80 Bonus Content

This week for our InSession Film Podcast: Bonus Content, we discuss why the summer box office in 2014 was down 25% and if it’s as big a deal as many outlets are claiming it to be.

To buy this item and support our podcast, click here.

As we mention on our Bonus Content page, the buying of these bonus podcast segments helps support the show in tremendous ways, but they are available for free listening as well. Either way, we appreciate your support and thanks for listening! If you don’t want to purchase our bonus content, but still want to support us, there are other you can help us out. Click here for more info.

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Mobile Apps!

Listen to all of our bonus content on our apps for just a one-time fee! Whether you have an iPhone, Android or Windows phone, our apps are available in many different ways that is convenient for you. With our mobile app, not only can you listen to all of our bonus content, but our main shows and our Extra Film podcasts as well. Click here for more info!

Featured: The 10 Best Superhero Films of All Time Blog Relay

We are very honored and happy to be apart of the Top 10 Superhero Films Blog Relay as this genre has always been a big part of our DNA here at InSession Film. The rules for this blog relay are simple and by simple we mean, they’re not. They’re a bit more complicated but it is all in an effort to make a rock solid, high-flying, objective/subjective list. That being said, here are the rules:

1. The list of movies will be passed to another blogger who will post their list within a week.

2. The blogger will take their list, remove 3 movies – with explanations, and replace with 3 new movies – with explanations.
3. If a movie lasts five rounds without being removed, it is locked into place.
4. If a movie is removed three different times, it is locked out and can no longer be chosen by someone else.
5. Once four movies are locked into place, bloggers will replace 2 movies.
6. Once eight movies are locked into place, bloggers will replace 1 movie.
7. Once all ten movies are locked into place, the relay will be complete.

If you’re still confused, here’s a little more to help sum it up.

Bubbawheat from Flights, Tights & Movie Nights began with a list of The Avengers, Batman Returns, The Dark Knight, Hellboy 2, The Incredibles, Iron Man, Spider-Man 2, Superman, X-Men,Unbreakable, Batman: Under the Red Hood & Blade 2.

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Andrew from A Fistful of Films rearranged things by removing Batman: Under the Red Hood, X-Men and Hellboy 2 and adding Chronicle, Mystery Men and The Rocketeer.

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Ruth from FlixChatter yanked Blade 2, Chronicle and Mystery Men, and replaced them with Batman Begins, X-Men 2 and Captain America: The Winter Soldier.

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Terrence from The Focused Filmographer pulled out The Incredibles, Batman Returns and X-Men 2, before adding Batman: Mask of the Phantasm, V For Vendetta and Guardians of the Galaxy.

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Jay from Life Vs Film dropped Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Superman, and Batman: Mask Of The Phantasm then put back in Incredibles and X-Men 2.

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DJ from Simplistic Reviews then chopped out Batman Begins and X-Men 2, while adding in Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Batman (’89) before handing the ball over to us!

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This genre is a lot of fun to write about and what makes a lot of these films great, is that they aren’t just good “superhero” films, but they are just good films in general that most audiences can appreciate. In the end, the final ten films on this list will represent that and that was our main criteria when looking at this list.

So, here are the current films on the list:

The Avengers group shot in New York
The Avengers (Locked)
The Avengers is on this list and locked for a very good reason. It’s the quintessential superhero movie and was executed almost flawlessly. Sure, there’s a few nitpick things here and there if you want to be an a-hole, but for the everyone else, this is just pure fun and easily one of the best of the genre. I can watch the New York battle a thousand times and still geek out every time.

Joker-2
The Dark Knight (Locked)
What Heath Ledger did as the Joker was just incredible and deserved his Oscar regardless of the circumstances. His performance was incredibly menacing, powerful and even very funny at times. But let’s not forget Christian Bale either, who I like in this series and Nolan’s take on the genre is not one simply forgets.

Spider Man
Spider-Man 2 (Locked)
Andrew Garfield may be my Spider-Man but very few superhero films are on the level of Spider-Man 2 in my opinion. Easily one of the best and perhaps my personal favorite when it comes to the genre. That train sequence…

Iron-Man-3-Tony-Stark
Iron Man (Locked)
The pedestal has been set my friends. Tony Stark and his Iron Man suits are icons and while Iron Man 2 and Iron Man 3 haven’t been on the same level, the first Iron Man film set the bar and the character has never wavered.

unbreakable movie
Unbreakable (Locked)
Believe it or not, M. Night Shyamalan has made good movies. Bruce Willis seemed to work well within his system too. For a superhero film, this one is truly unique and deserves to be in the conversation. Man, what happened to M. Night?

The-Rocketeer
The Rocketeer (Locked)
The Rocketeer is one that can get lost in the shadows of today’s films but this one still packs a punch. Before director Joe Johnston brought us Captain America: The First Avenger, he was at the helm for this one and it satisfied on a lot of levels.

theincredibles
The Incredibles
This is easily, in my opinion, one of the best superhero films out there. It should be on the final list of this blog relay. It’s a great film with fantastic family themes that everyone can relate with and enjoy, regardless of age. Finally, a sequel is coming!

Guardians of the Galaxy - Marvel
The Guardians Of The Galaxy
One of the riskiest films any studio has ever put out there and it paid off in huge ways for Marvel and Disney. Guardians is easily one of the best films of the summer and arguably the best stand-alone Marvel film. Either way, it’s terrific.

Watchmen Movie
Watchmen
Zack Snyder has been very hit or miss for me, but Watchmen is undeniably on the “hit” end of the spectrum. It’s dark, gritty and showcases some incredibly compelling (and menacing) characters. Remind me to never mess with Rorschach.

V For Vendetta
V For Vendetta
Honestly, I’ve never seen this. I’ve always heard mixed things though, which is probably why I’ve never been amped to watch this. The cast looks great though so perhaps I’ll add this to the queue sometime.

Winter Soldier
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Now, earlier I said Guardians is arguably the best Marvel stand alone film. Arguably. However, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, in my opinion, is the one that takes that title crown. From beginning to end, it’s thorough, thrilling and is the same fun you’d expect from Marvel. It’s layered well and introduces a great villain, an element that lacks in most Marvel films.

Batman 89
Batman ’89
This film is iconic for many reasons and today’s superhero films better be at the doorstep thanking Tim Burton and what he did with this film. It set the stage for what we see today and for good reason. Michael Keaton is great as Batman, and of course, Jack Nicholson’s Joker is even better.

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Who We Are Dropping:

Okay, maybe this isn’t entirely fair since I haven’t seen V for Vendetta but from what I’ve heard and comparing that to everything else on this list, it makes sense. Perhaps after I see it, then maybe it can be in the discussion but it’s hard for me to say. Maybe it’s just my circles, but whenever this conversation comes up, I don’t hear this come up much either. Again, not saying it’s bad, but these are my reasons for dropping it.

Booting Watchmen isn’t easy either. This is a great film that needs to be in the conversation and will certainly be in a lot of people’s Top 10 lists. However, because of the dark nature of this property it could alienate some audiences, which rubs up against our criteria a little bit. Overall, still a very good movie.

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Who We Are Adding:

X-Men: First Class is the best film and gives us some of the best character moments in that franchise, if you ask me. Michael Fassbender and James McAvoy’s chemistry is impeccable and bring us some of the best moments we’ve ever seen in a superhero film. Fassbender’s Magneto destroying Nazi’s all while McAvoy’s Xavier is trying to teach others to fight in a different kind of way is super compelling. Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique is another added element that works really well, despite some continuity issues with the other X-Men films. It’s not a perfect film but Matthew Vaughn creates something really solid here. Also, one of my favorite scores in the genre by Henry Jackman.

Sorry DJ, I know you guys just booted this one but we are going to add it back into the mix. The timing of this film was perfect as the genre was slipping a bit and it set a new standard, especially regarding the DC franchise and this character. People can say what they want about Bale, but he made the character his and he owned it. For me it worked really well, given the tone Christopher Nolan was going for. The build up of this character was paced well, something a lot of films in the genre struggle with mightily. This character needed a reboot, desperately, and Nolan gave us something great. Ahem, unlike another character that may share the same universe that we won’t mention that maybe he had his hands in. Ahem.

At any rate, thanks Simplistic Reviews for passing the torch on to us, this was a lot of fun! Now we are passing the baton off to Dan Clark at Talking in Circles and Geek Cast Radio! You have one week, good luck Dan!

Podcast: Top 3 2014 Fall Films

This week on the InSession Film Podcast, our theme was all about anticipation, and more specifically, the fall season at the movies. The fall is usually a time of the year we can expect some of the best films of the year, and by all accounts, 2014 seems to be the case. There are many films coming out this fall that we are extremely excited for and our Top 3 this week was difficult but we had a great time discussing the top 3 films we’re most anticipating.

That being said, what 2014 fall films would make your list? Here are the one’s that made ours (Keep in mind we all have different criteria for our lists as well):

JD

1) Inherent Vice
2) Fury – M
3) The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Them/Him/Her / Foxcatcher

Brendan

1) Inherent Vice
2) Whiplash
3) Interstellar

Michael

1) Interstellar
2) Gone Girl
3) The Skeleton Twins

Max

1) Inherent Vice
2) Foxcatcher
3) Birdman

Honorable Mentions (Combined)

Mood Indigo, Frank, Dumb and Dumber To, The Woods, Unbroken, Big Hero 6, Nightcrawler, The Judge, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, among others already mentioned in other people’s lists.

Hopefully you guys enjoyed our lists and if you agree or disagree with us, let us know in the comment section below. Obviously, there are a TON of other great movie “dames” to choose from, and that being said, what would be your Top 3? Leave a comment in the comment section or email us at [email protected].

For the entire podcast, click here or listen below.

For more lists done by the InSession Film crew and other guests, be sure see our Top 3 Movie Lists page.

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Podcast: The Master, Top 3 2014 Fall Films – Episode 80

This podcast brought to you by Audible.com. Sign up today for a FREE audiobook and 30-day trial and thanks for your support!

This week on the InSession Film Podcast, Max and Michael from The QFilmcast joins us as we do our second ever InSession Film Throwback Review as we discuss The Master from director Paul Thomas Anderson in anticipation for Inherent Vice and other great films this fall. Going off of that we discuss our Top 3 2014 Fall Films that we are most looking forward to, which led some amazing and fun discussion regarding the hype surrounding this year’s fall season at the movies. Due to time constraints, we moved our Movies We’ve Seen This Week segment to the after credits section of the show.

As usual, Max and Michael were fantastic guest and we couldn’t recommend their podcast enough. By now most of us have Netflix or have access to it in some way, so subscribing to these guys is easily worth your time. Also, just a reminder to check out last week’s Extra Film where we discussed Magic in the Moonlight and Frank!

Anyway, check out the show and let us know what you think in the comment section below. Thanks for listening and thanks for supporting our podcast!

The Master Movie Review (8:19)
    Grades
    JD: A+
    Brendan: A+
    Max: 8/10 Paint Thinner Cocktails
    Michael: 7/10 Paint Thinner Cocktails

Top 3 2014 Fall Films (41:05)
This week’s theme is all about anticipation, and more specifically, the fall season at the movies. The fall is usually a time of the year we can expect some of the best films of the year, and by all accounts, 2014 seems to be the case. There are many films coming out this fall that we are extremely excited for and our Top 3 this week was difficult but we had a great time discussing the top 3 films we’re most anticipating. That being said, what would be your Top 3?

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RELATED: Listen to Episode 79 of the InSession Film Podcast!

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– Movies We’ve Seen This Week (Post-Credits)

    JD: The Master, Tape, If I Stay, Nebraska, Expendables 3, Frank, The Lone Ranger (last 20 minutes)
    Brendan: Frank, Magic in the Moonlight, There Will Be Blood, Magnolia, E.T., The Lone Ranger (last 20 minutes)
    Max: Calvary, Serpico
    Michael: A Most Wanted Man

– Music

    No Other Love – Jonny Greenwood
    Now I Take Everything From You – Dean Valentine
    All of Me – Tanlines
    The Return of the Eagle – Atli Örvarsson

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InSession Film Podcast – Episode 80

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Next week on the show:

    Main Review – TBD

    Top 3 – TBD

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Help Support The InSession Film Podcast

If you want to help support us, there are several ways you can help us and we’d absolutely appreciate it. For more information, please visit our Donate page here. Every penny goes directly back into supporting the show and we are truly honored and grateful. Thanks for your support and for listening to the InSession Film Podcast!

Podcast: Magic in the Moonlight, Frank – Extra Film

This week on the InSession Film Podcast: Extra Film segment, we discuss the latest from Woody Allen, Magic in the Moonlight, as well as the new film, Frank, starring a “two-headed monster” in Michael Fassbender. We had not guest this week but Brendan and JD hold down the fort well in some really fun conversation about these two films.

For Episode 80 this week, we’re gonna look to the fall of 2014 and discuss our Top 3 2014 Fall Films we’re most anticipating. Going off of that, we’re going to do our second ever InSession Film Throwback review in Paul Thomas Anderson’s The Master from 2012 as we look forward to Inherent Vice in December. It’s going to be a really fun show, so be sure to be on the look out for that soon.

Anyway, we hope you have fun listening to this week’s Extra Film segment. Check out the show and let us know what you think in the comment section below. Hope you enjoy and thanks for listening!

Magic in the Moonlight Movie Review (5:32)
    Grades
    JD: B-
    Brendan: B-

Frank Movie Review (27:44)
    Grades
    JD: A-
    Brendan: B

– Music

    I Love You All – The Soronprfbs
    It All Depends On You – Ruth Etting
    The Return of the Eagle – Atli Örvarsson

We try to make this the best movie podcast we possibly can and we hope you enjoy them. Subscribe on iTunes and Stitcher and please leave us a review on iTunes. You can also find us on Soundcloud and TuneIn Radio as well. We really appreciate all your support of the InSession Film Podcast

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Magic in the Moonlight, Frank – Extra Film

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