Movie Postmortem

In this episode, we begin our journey through Middle-earth with The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Peter Jackson’s popular adaptation that set a new standard for fantasy filmmaking. We discuss the incredible cinematography, Howard Shore’s unforgettable score, the practical effects, and how the movie makes us care about a huge cast of characters embarking on an increasingly dangerous quest. Tune in as we identify our Causes of Celebration and talk about our favorite memes from the film! Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode of Movie Postmortem , we review Novocaine , the action-comedy that asks a simple question: What if a guy who couldn’t feel pain had to rescue the woman he loves? We discuss Jack Quaid’s performance as Nate, a cautious bank employee living with congenital insensitivity to pain, and how the movie cleverly establishes all the little precautions required to keep him safe in everyday life. We also talk about Amber Midthunder’s Sherry, the film’s surprisingly effective romantic-comedy opening, and the moment everything takes a turn. Tune in to hear what we think this film about bumps and bruises needed to fix! Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode of Movie Postmortem , we review Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained , a bloody, deliberately provocative, and surprisingly funny revenge Western set in the backdrop of American slavery. We discuss Christoph Waltz’s charismatic Dr. King Schultz, Jamie Foxx’s transformation from enslaved man to bounty hunter as Django, and Samuel L. Jackson's unforgettable Stephen. We also talk about the racial tension that is present throughout the film, Tarantino’s ability to make horrific violence and absurd comedy coexist in the same scene, and how the film constantly exposes the grotesque logic of the world its characters inhabit. Tune in as we discuss one of Tarantino’s most popular films! Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode of Movie Postmortem , we return to Forks for Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 1 , where Bella and Edward finally get married, have their honeymoon, and learn what happens if you never had sex ed classes in school. We discuss some surprisingly well shot scenes, Jacob's multiple embarrassing moments, and the major theme that this script handled poorly. Join us for our plot run-down as we discuss how matrimony, melodrama, and a monstrous pregnancy collide in the fourth film of this franchise. Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode of Movie Postmortem , we revisit The Mummy (1999), the blockbuster that gave us ancient curses, flesh-eating scarabs, and perhaps one of the best casts ever assembled on-screen. We discuss Fraser’s perfect combination of action-hero charisma and comedy, Rachel Weisz’s endlessly charming Evelyn Carnahan, and a supporting cast packed with memorable characters like Jonathan, Beni, Ardeth Bay, and Imhotep himself. We also discuss the film’s impressive practical sets and stunt work, the CGI that hasn’t survived quite as gracefully, and why Imhotep’s resurrection still produces some genuinely cool imagery. Tune in to hear our thoughts on one of the most entertaining adventure movies of the 1990s! Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode of Movie Postmortem , we review Black Dynamite (2009), one of the funniest and smartest spoof films ever made. More than just a parody, the film lovingly recreates the look, feel, and wonderfully rough edges of 1970s blaxploitation cinema. We discuss the films and actors that inspired the movie, why Michael Jai White's performance is so incredibly layered, and how Black Dynamite manages to celebrate blaxploitation while hilariously poking fun at its tropes. We talk about our favorite moments, Black Dynamite's legendary one-liners, and one of the most ridiculous conspiracy plots ever put on film. Tune in! Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode of Movie Postmortem , we revisit Man of Steel , Zack Snyder's ambitious reboot that reintroduced Superman to a new generation and launched the DC Extended Universe. We discuss Henry Cavill's performance as Clark Kent, Michael Shannon's General Zod, and the film's destructive action sequences. But we also ask whether the screenplay truly understands what makes Superman inspiring. From Jonathan Kent's controversial decision to the massive destruction of Metropolis, we examine the choices that continue to split fans more than a decade later. Join us as we discuss one of the most debated superhero films ever made. Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode of Movie Postmortem , we review Mortal Kombat II , the long-awaited sequel that finally delivers more of the characters, tournaments, and over-the-top action fans were hoping for. But does fixing the biggest complaint about the first movie automatically make this a better film? We break down the expanded roster of fighters, the brutal fatalities, and the movie's embrace of the games' mythology. We also discuss which newcomers stole the show, which fan favorites fell flat, and whether the sequel strikes a better balance between fan service and storytelling. Tune in! Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode of Movie Postmortem , we are joined by Kellie from The Final Girls Podcast to revisit Spider-Man (2002), the superhero movie that launched the comic-book franchise that continues to this day. Together, we discuss Tobey Maguire’s earnest performance as Peter Parker, Willem Dafoe’s delightfully unhinged Green Goblin, and why this film still holds up. We also explore Sam Raimi’s horror roots, Danny Elfman’s memorable score, and the sincerity that allows the film’s emotional moments to work alongside its comic book action. Plus, our problems with the iconic kiss scene. Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠ https://www.final-girls.com/

In this episode of Movie Postmortem , we revisit Thor. We discuss Chris Hemsworth's effortlessly charismatic performance, Tom Hiddleston's turn as Loki, and why the father-son conflict between Thor and Odin remains the emotional centerpiece of the film. We also break down Kenneth Branagh's Shakespearean approach to this comic book film, the movie's infamous love of Dutch angles, and why the Destroyer still makes for one of the MCU's most forgettable early villains. Did Thor deserve more credit all along, or did time simply make us appreciate it more? Join us as we discuss the God of Thunder's first adventure! Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode of Movie Postmortem , we fire up the grill and celebrate Independence Day , the blockbuster that dominated the box office during the summer of 1996! With monument-destroying aliens and one of the greatest presidential speeches in movie history, this film delivers spectacle on an epic scale. We discuss how this film helped cement Will Smith's movie-star status, why some of the special effects hold up better than others, and how seeing the film in Washington DC made the experience even better. Plus, hear which part of the film we think should be completely cut as part of a script stitch up.

In this episode of Movie Postmortem , Reggie and Isaiah revisit Jurassic Park , the blockbuster that inspired Reggie to become a scientist. We discuss how Spielberg's masterful direction, groundbreaking visual effects, and John Williams' iconic score made this film something that holds up even after more than 30 years. Join us as we examine the Causes of Celebration of this film! Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode of Movie Postmortem , we are joined by the hosts of the Vaguely Nerdy Podcast to discuss Disclosure Day , the alien-contact film that had all of us excited long before it ever reached theaters. We debate the film's biggest strengths and weaknesses, rank our favorite Spielberg alien movies, and even discuss if we've experienced a real-life alien encounter ourselves. We also explore why the film's fascinating premise and strong performances never quite overcome its clunky script. Was Disclosure Day worth the wait, or is it another reminder that a great premise can only carry a film so far? Tune in as we disclose the truth about this film. Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode of Movie Postmortem , we revisit Bumblebee, the Transformers movie that brought a smaller, more character driven story to the screen. Set in the 1980s, the film follows Charlie and Bumblebee as they form a friendship that feels like a mashup of E.T. and The Iron Giant . We discuss why the smaller scale works so well, how Hailee Steinfeld carries the emotional core of the story, and why Bumblebee himself is more expressive here than in the entire Michael Bay series combined. Tune in as we discuss this robot-car coming-of-age story. Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode of Movie Postmortem , we revisit Hook (1991), Steven Spielberg’s sequel to the Peter Pan story that asks a surprisingly grown-up question: what happens when Peter Pan grows up? We discuss Robin Williams’ journey from work-obsessed father back to the Pan we all know, Dustin Hoffman’s delightfully theatrical Captain Hook, and why the film hits very differently as an adult than it does as a child. We also talk about the imaginative production design and whether Spielberg’s emotional core overcomes some of the movie's rougher edges. Is Hook the flop that people say it is, or should you give it a watch? Tune in to find out! Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode of Movie Postmortem , we review Princess Mononoke, Hayao Miyazaki’s epic fantasy about humanity, nature, and the impossibly difficult task of trying to do the right thing when others yearn for fighting. We discuss the breathtaking animation, the morally complex characters in Iron Town and the forest, and why Ashitaka may be one of the most genuinely noble protagonists we’ve ever covered on the show. Plus, we talk about why this film is so much better than the films it inspired. Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode, we review Akira, the groundbreaking cyberpunk anime that changed animation forever. We break down the film’s jaw-dropping animation, why the iconic bike slide still gets copied decades later, and how Akira helped shape everything from The Matrix to modern sci-fi anime. We also discuss the friendship and rivalry between Kaneda and Tetsuo, the film’s themes of power and corruption, and why the atmosphere of Neo-Tokyo feels so alive and dangerous. Tune in as we dissect one of the most influential animated films ever made! Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode of Movie Postmortem , we revisit Aladdin (1992), the Disney classic powered by unforgettable music, fun characters, and one of the greatest voice performances in film history. We spend a lot of time celebrating Robin Williams’ Genie, whose improvisational energy completely transformed animated movies and elevated Aladdin into something magical. Plus, we have an important discussion about genie-wish strategy: if you found a magic lamp, what are the smartest wishes you could actually make without getting tricked? Here's a preview: vague wording around immortality is probably a terrible idea! Tune in! Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode of Movie Postmortem , we review The Transformers: The Movie (1986), the animated classic that traumatized an entire generation of kids in order to sell them new toys. We break down Hot Rod’s rise from reckless young Autobot to future leader, why the animation looked so good compared to other cartoons, and the pure power of the hit ballad “The Touch” by Stan Bush. Is The Transformers: The Movie a Cause for Celebration, or did it just emotionally scar children in the pursuit of merchandise sales? Either way, it’s officially Hot Rod Summer! Our episode on Transformers Our episode on Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen Our episode on Transformers One Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode of Movie Postmortem , we review Mortal Kombat (2021), the reboot that tried to deliver brutal fights and iconic fatalities from the popular fighting game it was based on, but was knocked out by poor decision making behind the scenes. We discuss the film’s biggest missteps, from the introduction of Cole Young as a bland audience surrogate to the baffling decision to skip the actual fighting tournament. Tune in to hear why we think this film is a Flawless Defeat when it comes to storytelling. THE SECRET of RAIDEN'S SHOUT in MORTAL KOMBAT! @MRSEATS explains what Raiden is saying during his flying attack. Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠