Pulp Kitchen: A Film Podcast

This week film journalist and critic Rhianna Dillon joins George to talk about some of the best black and white movies of all time (James is away in California). There's a good chance that your favourite films were all inspired by a black and white film from the previous generation, so this episode explores those timeless classics, as well as more recent films that opted for black and white out of choice. Films discussed include: 12 Angry Men (1957) The Apartment (1960) Brief Encounter (1945) Bringing Up Baby (1938) Casablanca (1942) Citizen Kane (1941) Cold War (2018) Fatherland (1994) His Girl Friday (1940) Ida (2013) Ish (2025) It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) La Haine (1995) Les Diaboliques (1955) My Favourite Wife (1940) Paper Moon (1973) Psycho (1960) Schindler’s List (1993) Some Like It Hot (1959) Sunset Boulevard (1950) Young Frankenstein (1974) Send us your questions to hello@pulpkitchenpodcast.com ! Enjoy new episodes of Pulp Kitchen every Wednesday YouTube/Spotify: Pulp Kitchen Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulpkitchenpodcast / https://www.instagram.com/jamesbriefel/ / https://www.instagram.com/georgepundek/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pulpkitchenpodcast Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/GeorgePulp/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who are the BEST actors working today…? Or at least, who are our favourites? This week on Pulp Kitchen, we’re talking about the actors we always look forward to seeing on the big screen. From some bigger stars in Hollywood to some of the most exciting upcoming performers working today, we’re picking the actors who consistently make us want to see whatever film they’re in. 00:00:00 - How many Pokemon can James name? 00:06:18 - Spider-Man 2 00:10:56 - The Best Actors Working Today 00:55:56 - Emails 01:20:46 - Game Tickets to our pub quiz: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pulp-kit... Vote for us in the ITV bCreator Awards 2026: https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/vote/ Subscribe to our Patreon! patreon.com/PulpKitchenPodcast Send us your questions to hello@pulpkitchenpodcast.com Enjoy new episodes of Pulp Kitchen every Wednesday YouTube/Spotify: Pulp Kitchen Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulpkitchenpodcast / https://www.instagram.com/jamesbriefel/ / https://www.instagram.com/georgepundek/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pulpkitchenpodcast Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/GeorgePulp/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Pulp Kitchen, we review Ridley Scott’s new post-apocalyptic thriller The Dog Stars, starring Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin and Margaret Qualley. Tickets to our pub quiz: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pulp-kit... Vote for us in the ITV bCreator Awards 2026: https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/vote/ Subscribe to our Patreon! patreon.com/PulpKitchenPodcast Send us your questions to hello@pulpkitchenpodcast.com Enjoy new episodes of Pulp Kitchen every Wednesday YouTube/Spotify: Pulp Kitchen Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulpkitchenpodcast / https://www.instagram.com/jamesbriefel/ / https://www.instagram.com/georgepundek/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pulpkitchenpodcast Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/GeorgePulp/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Horror is dominating the box office... but why? From low-budget breakouts to billion-dollar franchises, horror has become one of Hollywood’s most reliable and profitable genres. In this episode, we look at why audiences keep showing up for scary movies, how horror filmmakers turn tiny budgets into huge profits, and why the genre continues to outperform so much of the rest of the box office. We dive into the biggest horror hits, the franchises that keep printing money, and why horror has become such an important proving ground for new directors and filmmakers. So… why is horror doing so well when everything else is struggling? 00:00:00 - Intro 00:03:30 - Why Horror Dominates At The Box Office 00:35:05 - Emails 00:55:53 - Game Tickets to our pub quiz: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pulp-kit... Vote for us in the ITV bCreator Awards 2026: https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/vote/ Subscribe to our Patreon! patreon.com/PulpKitchenPodcast Send us your questions to hello@pulpkitchenpodcast.com Enjoy new episodes of Pulp Kitchen every Wednesday YouTube/Spotify: Pulp Kitchen Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulpkitchenpodcast / https://www.instagram.com/jamesbriefel/ / https://www.instagram.com/georgepundek/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pulpkitchenpodcast Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/GeorgePulp/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Pulp Kitchen, we review Will Gluck’s new rom-com One Night Only , starring Monica Barbaro and Callum Turner, alongside David Robert Mitchell’s sci-fi thriller The End of Oak Street , starring Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor. Tickets to our pub quiz: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pulp-kit... Vote for us in the ITV bCreator Awards 2026: https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/vote/ Subscribe to our Patreon! patreon.com/PulpKitchenPodcast Send us your questions to hello@pulpkitchenpodcast.com Enjoy new episodes of Pulp Kitchen every Wednesday YouTube/Spotify: Pulp Kitchen Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulpkitchenpodcast / https://www.instagram.com/jamesbriefel/ / https://www.instagram.com/georgepundek/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pulpkitchenpodcast Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/GeorgePulp/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some of the greatest films ever made were box office failures. This week, we're looking at the best films that flopped at the box office. From Fight Club and The Shawshank Redemption to Children of Men, The Big Lebowski, Donnie Darko and more. Why did these films fail? Were they badly marketed, ahead of their time, released at the wrong moment… or simply misunderstood by audiences? And what does a film's box office actually tell us about its quality? We're breaking down the biggest box office bombs, the films that found their audiences years later, and the movies that prove being a flop doesn't necessarily mean being a failure. 00:00:00 - Intro 00:08:18 - The Best Films That Flopped At The Box Office 00:54:03 - Emails 01:10:15 - Game Tickets to our pub quiz: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pulp-kit... Vote for us in the ITV bCreator Awards 2026: https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/vote/ Subscribe to our Patreon! patreon.com/PulpKitchenPodcast Send us your questions to hello@pulpkitchenpodcast.com Enjoy new episodes of Pulp Kitchen every Wednesday YouTube/Spotify: Pulp Kitchen Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulpkitchenpodcast / https://www.instagram.com/jamesbriefel/ / https://www.instagram.com/georgepundek/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pulpkitchenpodcast Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/GeorgePulp/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, James is taking George back to where it all began and revisiting the first four seasons of Game of Thrones, arguably some of the greatest television ever made. How well does the show hold up today? Is Season 1 still as brilliant as we remember? What makes the characters, world-building and storytelling so compelling, and where does the show fall short? We dive into the biggest moments, best performances, most shocking deaths and unforgettable episodes, while asking whether the first four seasons really deserve their legendary reputation. And, with the benefit of hindsight, just how big was Game of Thrones? Was it simply a hugely successful TV show, or one of the biggest cultural phenomena in television history? We revisit everything that made Game of Thrones appointment television. How good is it really? And does it still stand among the greatest shows of all time? Tickets to our pub quiz: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pulp-kit... Vote for us in the ITV bCreator Awards 2026: https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/vote/ Subscribe to our Patreon! patreon.com/PulpKitchenPodcast Send us your questions to hello@pulpkitchenpodcast.com Enjoy new episodes of Pulp Kitchen every Wednesday YouTube/Spotify: Pulp Kitchen Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulpkitchenpodcast / https://www.instagram.com/jamesbriefel/ / https://www.instagram.com/georgepundek/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pulpkitchenpodcast Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/GeorgePulp/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we review Tony, the new Anthony Bourdain biopic starring Dominic Sessa. Tickets to our pub quiz: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pulp-kit... Vote for us in the ITV bCreator Awards 2026: https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/vote/ Subscribe to our Patreon! patreon.com/PulpKitchenPodcast Send us your questions to hello@pulpkitchenpodcast.com Enjoy new episodes of Pulp Kitchen every Wednesday YouTube/Spotify: Pulp Kitchen Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulpkitchenpodcast / https://www.instagram.com/jamesbriefel/ / https://www.instagram.com/georgepundek/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pulpkitchenpodcast Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/GeorgePulp/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, George is jumping deep into House of the Dragon Season 3, so SPOILER WARNING. Breaking down the biggest moments, battles, twists and everything that happened across the season. Tickets to our pub quiz: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pulp-kit... Vote for us in the ITV bCreator Awards 2026: https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/vote/ Subscribe to our Patreon! patreon.com/PulpKitchenPodcast Send us your questions to hello@pulpkitchenpodcast.com Enjoy new episodes of Pulp Kitchen every Wednesday YouTube/Spotify: Pulp Kitchen Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulpkitchenpodcast / https://www.instagram.com/jamesbriefel/ / https://www.instagram.com/georgepundek/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pulpkitchenpodcast Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/GeorgePulp/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’re handing over the hot takes to you! We run through some of the most controversial, outrageous and downright questionable movie opinions sent in by our audience, and react accordingly. Are these genuinely controversial opinions, or are you all absolutely right? 00:00:00 - Intro 00:08:13 - Hot Takes 00:46:49 - Emails 01:08:26 - Game Tickets to our pub quiz: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pulp-kit... Vote for us in the ITV bCreator Awards 2026: https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/vote/ Subscribe to our Patreon! patreon.com/PulpKitchenPodcast Send us your questions to hello@pulpkitchenpodcast.com Enjoy new episodes of Pulp Kitchen every Wednesday YouTube/Spotify: Pulp Kitchen Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulpkitchenpodcast / https://www.instagram.com/jamesbriefel/ / https://www.instagram.com/georgepundek/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pulpkitchenpodcast Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/GeorgePulp/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Hunt for the Wilderpeople and its new 4K re-release, we sat down with its director, Taika Waititi. We reflect on the film's enduring legacy, discuss how comedy has evolved over the past decade, and explore how those changes have influenced Taika's work as a filmmaker. Tickets to our pub quiz: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pulp-kit... Vote for us in the ITV bCreator Awards 2026: https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/vote/ Subscribe to our Patreon! patreon.com/PulpKitchenPodcast Send us your questions to hello@pulpkitchenpodcast.com Enjoy new episodes of Pulp Kitchen every Wednesday YouTube/Spotify: Pulp Kitchen Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulpkitchenpodcast / https://www.instagram.com/jamesbriefel/ / https://www.instagram.com/georgepundek/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pulpkitchenpodcast Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/GeorgePulp/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spoiler Warning! If you haven't seen Spider-Man: Brand New Day yet, go back and listen to our spoiler-free review first, because in this episode, we discuss everything! We're breaking down every major plot point, cameo, action sequence, and emotional moment from Spider-Man's latest. We discuss what worked, what didn't, the biggest surprises, our favourite scenes, and what the ending means for Peter Parker and the future of the MCU. From the performances and villains to the post-credit scenes and MCU connections, this is our complete deep dive into Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Join us as we unpack every moment and let us know your thoughts in the comments! Tickets to our pub quiz: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pulp-kit... Vote for us in the ITV bCreator Awards 2026: https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/vote/ Subscribe to our Patreon! patreon.com/PulpKitchenPodcast Send us your questions to hello@pulpkitchenpodcast.com Enjoy new episodes of Pulp Kitchen every Wednesday YouTube/Spotify: Pulp Kitchen Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulpkitchenpodcast / https://www.instagram.com/jamesbriefel/ / https://www.instagram.com/georgepundek/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pulpkitchenpodcast Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/GeorgePulp/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the highs of Avengers: Endgame to the sprawling Multiverse Saga, Marvel Studios has released more films and TV shows than ever before. But has that been a good thing? In this episode, we look back at every MCU film and Disney+ series released since Endgame, discussing the biggest hits, the biggest disappointments, and the key moments that have shaped the franchise over the last seven years. With Avengers: Doomsday on the horizon, we ask the big questions: Where did the MCU lose momentum? Which projects deserve more credit? And is Marvel finally heading back in the right direction? Whether you've kept up with every release or fallen behind, this is your complete catch-up on the Multiverse Saga before the next chapter begins. 00:00:00 - Intro 00:04:19 - George's Safari Story 00:24:13 - What Happened to the MCU? 01:32:01 - Emails 01:48:13 - Game Tickets to our pub quiz: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pulp-kit... Vote for us in the ITV bCreator Awards 2026: https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/vote/ Subscribe to our Patreon! patreon.com/PulpKitchenPodcast Send us your questions to hello@pulpkitchenpodcast.com Enjoy new episodes of Pulp Kitchen every Wednesday YouTube/Spotify: Pulp Kitchen Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulpkitchenpodcast / https://www.instagram.com/jamesbriefel/ / https://www.instagram.com/georgepundek/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pulpkitchenpodcast Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/GeorgePulp/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spider-Man is back! In this episode, we give our spoiler-free review of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, breaking down everything from Tom Holland's latest performance to the film's action, emotion, villains, visuals, and how it sets us up for Avengers: Doomsday Does Brand New Day successfully build on the ending of No Way Home? Is this the fresh start the character needed? And how does it set the stage for the future of the MCU? Whether you've already seen the film or you're deciding whether to head to the cinema, we've got you covered, no spoilers, just our honest thoughts and verdict. Our Spoilercast is out on Friday! Tickets to our pub quiz: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pulp-kit... Vote for us in the ITV bCreator Awards 2026: https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/vote/ Subscribe to our Patreon! patreon.com/PulpKitchenPodcast Send us your questions to hello@pulpkitchenpodcast.com Enjoy new episodes of Pulp Kitchen every Wednesday YouTube/Spotify: Pulp Kitchen Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulpkitchenpodcast / https://www.instagram.com/jamesbriefel/ / https://www.instagram.com/georgepundek/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pulpkitchenpodcast Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/GeorgePulp/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

(*movies that have 'American' in the title) George returns from his honeymoon to discuss the merits and flaws of some of the most famous movies with 'American' in the title. George is joined by friend of the show Fred Asquith while James is away. Movies discussed in this episode: American Animals (2018) American Beauty (1999) American Fiction (2023) American Gangster (2007) American Graffiti (1973) American History X (1998) American Honey (2016) American Hustle (2013) American Made (2017) American Pie (1999) American Psycho (2000) American Sniper (2014) An American Werewolf in London (1981) The American (2010) Tickets to our pub quiz: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pulp-kit... Vote for us in the ITV bCreator Awards 2026: https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/vote/ Subscribe to our Patreon! patreon.com/PulpKitchenPodcast Send us your questions to hello@pulpkitchenpodcast.com Enjoy new episodes of Pulp Kitchen every Wednesday YouTube/Spotify: Pulp Kitchen Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulpkitchenpodcast / https://www.instagram.com/jamesbriefel/ / https://www.instagram.com/georgepundek/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pulpkitchenpodcast Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/GeorgePulp/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a spoiler discussion of The Odyssey. James is away so I'm joined by friend of the show (and regular PK substitute teacher) Fred Asquith. Tickets to our pub quiz: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pulp-kit... Vote for us in the ITV bCreator Awards 2026: https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/vote/ Subscribe to our Patreon! patreon.com/PulpKitchenPodcast Send us your questions to hello@pulpkitchenpodcast.com! Enjoy new episodes of Pulp Kitchen every Wednesday YouTube/Spotify: Pulp Kitchen Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulpkitchenpodcast / https://www.instagram.com/jamesbriefel/ / https://www.instagram.com/georgepundek/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pulpkitchenpodcast Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/GeorgePulp/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's the question that's been hanging over cinema for years: who will be the next James Bond? Joining us to tackle it is official James Bond correspondent and friend of the show, Benedict Townsend! We discuss the current state of the franchise, what we want from Denis Villeneuve's take on 007, and evaluate the actors most likely to land cinema's most coveted role. Who has the best odds? And what does the future of Bond actually look like? We break it all down. Quiz Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pulp-kitchen-podcasts-big-film-quiz-tickets-1991928902970?aff=oddtdtcreator The ITV bCreator Awards 2026: https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/vote/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/PulpKitchenPodcast Send us your questions to hello@pulpkitchenpodcast.com! Enjoy new episodes of Pulp Kitchen every Wednesday YouTube/Spotify: Pulp Kitchen Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulpkitchenpodcast / https://www.instagram.com/jamesbriefel/ / https://www.instagram.com/georgepundek/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pulpkitchenpodcast Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/GeorgePulp/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're just over half way through 2026 and it has been a banger so far! In this episode we preview all the biggest and most exciting films still yet to release in 2026. George is away, and today I have the wonderful Benedict Townsend in his place. Quiz Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pulp-kitchen-podcasts-big-film-quiz-tickets-1991928902970?aff=oddtdtcreator The ITV bCreator Awards 2026: https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/vote/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/PulpKitchenPodcast Send us your questions to hello@pulpkitchenpodcast.com! Enjoy new episodes of Pulp Kitchen every Wednesday YouTube/Spotify: Pulp Kitchen Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulpkitchenpodcast / https://www.instagram.com/jamesbriefel/ / https://www.instagram.com/georgepundek/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pulpkitchenpodcast Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/GeorgePulp/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this spoiler-free review, we're joined by Fred Asquith to give our full take on The Odyssey, how it compares to the rest of his filmography, and why he occupies a unique position in cinema. We discuss the expectations that come with every Nolan release, his unparalleled ability to attract world-class talent, and the enormous audience trust he's built over the years. Nolan is the biggest director in the world right now. Following a decade of blockbuster hits, the Oscar-winning success of Oppenheimer, and now The Odyssey. Is it another masterpiece? Join us as we dive in. Quiz Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pulp-kitchen-podcasts-big-film-quiz-tickets-1991928902970?aff=oddtdtcreator Fred's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE2A8F2sGldDakbuiilK4HQ The ITV bCreator Awards 2026: https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/vote/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/PulpKitchenPodcast Send us your questions to hello@pulpkitchenpodcast.com! Enjoy new episodes of Pulp Kitchen every Wednesday YouTube/Spotify: Pulp Kitchen Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulpkitchenpodcast / https://www.instagram.com/jamesbriefel/ / https://www.instagram.com/georgepundek/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pulpkitchenpodcast Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/GeorgePulp/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We love talking about underrated films, and so do you. In this episode, we're joined by Fred Asquith to share some of our favourite overlooked gems, before diving into your recommendations too. If you're looking for something great that might have slipped under your radar, this one's for you. 00:00:00 - Intro 00:09:42 - Underrated Movies 00:59:35 - Emails 01:16:24 - Game Fred's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE2A8F2sGldDakbuiilK4HQ The ITV bCreator Awards 2026: https://www.bcreator.co.uk/awards/vote/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/PulpKitchenPodcast Send us your questions to hello@pulpkitchenpodcast.com! Enjoy new episodes of Pulp Kitchen every Wednesday YouTube/Spotify: Pulp Kitchen Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulpkitchenpodcast / https://www.instagram.com/jamesbriefel/ / https://www.instagram.com/georgepundek/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pulpkitchenpodcast Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/GeorgePulp/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.