Fences Review

Julian Meush February 25, 2017

The final film in my Oscar review series is the 1950's drama; Fences.

This film centres on Denzel Washington’s character of Troy Maxson as we follow him through what becomes the most extreme example of a midlife crisis you might ever see on film. He feels trapped by his obligations to his family and lives his life on edge.

Oscar Predictions and Results

Julian Meush February 25, 2017

With the Oscars only a day away we thought it was time for us to reveal our predictions. We divided our predictions into two categories and prognosticated the major categories. Who will take home the golden statues?

Now updated with the winners!

Hidden Figures Review

Julian Meush February 25, 2017

Theodore Melfi's Hidden Figures is the next film in my Oscar review series.

Set during the time of the space race it centres around three African American women working at NASA. It’s got a brilliant opening scene that will make you fall in love with these woman right from the get-go. You immediately get a taste of their fun banter and how close of a friendship that they have. You are left wanting more.

Lion Review

Julian Meush February 24, 2017

Garth Davis' Lion is next up in my Oscar review series.

Lion is very much a foreign film, but it's also very much a biopic and an adventure story. It pieces together elements from all over cinema and shows us something amazing. Lion is based on a true story, one of three in the Best Picture category, and is the one that feels the most honest. It’s a very personal story and though it doesn't have the spectacle, it is no less extraordinary.

Hacksaw Ridge Review

Julian Meush February 24, 2017

The latest instalment in my Oscar review series is Mel Gibson's Hacksaw Ridge.

Hacksaw Ridge can easily be divided into two sections. The first half being bright and thought provoking. It asks questions about someone's right to stay true to their beliefs regardless of the consequences. It’s full of patriotism, god and a touch of romance but about halfway through it becomes a completely different movie.

Arrival Review

Julian Meush February 23, 2017

The next entry in my Oscar review series is Denis Villeneuv's beautifully shot Arrival.

I can’t speak highly enough about this movie. It awed me, moved me and made me think. Which is a trifecta that is rarely attained by any movie. Having seen it twice since it’s theatrical release in November I can tell you that it not only holds up to repeat viewings, but I would agree with many on the web that say that the second time you watch this movie may actually be superior to the first.

July 30, 2026

Bonus Episode - ToB Film Club - The Warriors (1979)

Another cult classic, 'The Warriors' brings a distinctly unique sense of style and grittiness that feels right at home on the grimy streets of 1970's New York City. The gang-centered heightened reality of the film feels almost Shakespearian in nature, as if you're watching an mythological journey fraught with peril of all kinds - violence, temptation, and the law. This movie was selected as a double-feature of sorts with Nolan's recently released 'The Odyssey' and the comparisons between these stories feels apt. At the end of the day it's just people trying to get home and doing their best to overcome the challenges the world throws at them. The stakes are clear, and while the nature of good guys vs bad guys is more than a bit muddied here (Ajax... dude, wtf?) the thrilling chases, bombastic action sequences and the long awaited final confrontation are all working at a high level (despite some pretty flat performances and lackluster dialogue). While there are certain elements of the movie that DO NOT age well (looking at you gender politics), the core of the film remains strong and executed well. Plus, as an added bonus, the soundtrack for this movie absolutely slaps! This is a fun ride and it's easy to see why it's endured over these many years.

July 23, 2026

Episode 207 - Avengers: Doomsday Trailer + News Roundup

We're into the full swing of blockbuster season. With 'Obsession' breaking box office records, 'The Odyssey' now filling IMAX theatres, and 'Spider-Man' right around the corner, movies feel very "back" right now. Plus, with Comic-Con next week Marvel released their first full-length 'Avengers: Doomsday' trailer. Julian and Matt try to decide if the hype is there, which feels crazy when considering it's an Avengers movie after all, but that might speak more to the situation Marvel currently finds themselves in. Meanwhile, DC doesn't want to be left behind, releasing a new trailer for 'Clayface' , which is shaping up to be a sneaky hit in the body-horror space (despite still not Batman). This all leads to Matt's idea that comic book movies should be treated like jury duty. Plus, a news rundown covering the passing of Sam Neil, Netflix updates (they're bad), some box office updates, and more!

June 25, 2026

Episode 206 - Shrek 5 or Austin Powers 4?

Time marches on and we all feel old. This week, 'Toy Story 5' hit theaters, and while reviews have been positive, it's crazy to think we're onto the fifth installment in that franchise. In a similar vein, we recently learned that Mike Myers is interested in returning to 'Austin Powers', on the heels of his appearance in the trailer for another fiver, 'Shrek 5' (which already has people in it's own tizzy). Matt and Julian debate the merits of either prospect, and then turn the page to stare into the abyss that is AI invading Hollywood. Plus a grab-bag of entertainment stories covering odd popcorn bowls, a Knicks documentary, a scrapped Palpatine show and much more! Finally, to wrap things up, a brief discussion on 'House of the Dragon' season 3 premiere, 'Obsession', 'The Furious', and 'Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring' (both in and out of concert).

May 27, 2026

SSSW - The Mandalorian and Grogu

It's hard to believe it's been so long since the last Star Wars movie hit theatres. After years of announcements, failed projects, and even a change in leadership at Lucasfilm, the first movie in nearly a decade is a follow-up to the first ever live action Star Wars show. Maybe that's fitting for a new era, under new management. The film itself is a fast paced, action-packed, adventure that hails back to the old serials that George Lucas loved. While it is certainly a fun time at the movies, with exciting set-pieces, characters inclusions from across the lore, all of which set on planets with diverse biomes (i.e. some of the things Star Wars does best). Unfortunately, the movie lacks compelling stakes, character depth (where's Din's arc?), much of any plot to speak of, or even a sense of real "importance" - and while that may be a bit intangible, it prompts the question: why was THIS movie the first to bring Star Wars back to feature films in almost a decade? Julian and Rachel try to answer that question and dive deep into all the nerdy details.

Fences Review

Oscar Predictions and Results

Hidden Figures Review

Lion Review

Hacksaw Ridge Review

Arrival Review

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