Reading Between the Reels: Film analysis with snark and heart

RBR #95: “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves”

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is a 2023 action-adventure fantasy that follows a charming thief and his band of unlikely adventurers as they embark on a quest to retrieve a lost relic. Selected by our listeners, the film captures the essence of the beloved role-playing game, blending humor and high-stakes adventure, ultimately highlighting themes of redemption, teamwork, and the value of friendship.

RBR #94: “The Count of Monte Cristo”

The Count of Monte Cristo, a 2002 film directed by Kevin Reynolds, is a gripping tale of betrayal, revenge, and redemption. Selected by our listeners, this riveting adaptation of Alexandre Dumas' classic novel becomes our latest deconstruction as we take a closer look at its beautiful cinematography, rousing score, gripping performances, and timeless themes.

RBR #93: “The Gray Man”

The Gray Man is a Netflix film directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and based on Mark Greaney's novel. With a stellar cast led by Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans, the movie features intense action, intricate espionage, and a gripping portrayal of one man's quest for redemption in a world of shadows and betrayal.

RBR #92: “Blade Runner 2049”

Blade Runner 2049 is a visually stunning and thematically rich science fiction film directed by Denis Villeneuve. Set thirty years after the events of Ridley Scott's original Blade Runner, the movie explores themes of identity, memory, and the essence of humanity amidst a backdrop of breathtaking cinematography and a haunting score.

RBR #91: “Sherlock Holmes”

Sherlock Holmes, from 2009 and directed by Guy Ritchie, offered a fresh and dynamic interpretation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic characters and was a wildly popular box office success. In this episode, we deconstruct its various cinematic aspects, including the film’s exhilarating action sequences, intricate plot, and captivating performances–particularly those of Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, and Mark Strong.

RBR #90: “Mission: Impossible”

Mission: Impossible is a 1996 action-thriller directed by Brian De Palma and based on the popular TV series. On this episode, David Jesse (“Tatooine Sons”) joins us to discuss the movie’s intricate plot, impressive stunts, and how it established Tom Cruise as an action superstar and jump-started a successful film franchise.

RBR #89: “Ghostbusters: Afterlife”

Ghostbusters: Afterlife successfully resurrected the beloved franchise with a refreshing blend of nostalgia and new beginnings. Directed by Jason Reitman (son of Ghostbusters director Ivan Reitman), the film cleverly balances homage to the original while carving its own path with a new generation of characters. With Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire hitting theaters this week, we revisit the first legacy sequel to Ghostbusters.

RBR #88: “Oppenheimer”

Oppenheimer is a biographical drama directed by Christopher Nolan that delves into the brilliant physicist’s pivotal role in the Manhattan Project during World War II, his ethical dilemmas regarding the creation of the atomic bomb, and his subsequent grappling with the consequences of his work. The film was a box office smash and has garnered significant critical acclaim and 13 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor. Anthony King (Force Ghost Conversations) returns to discuss the movie and its chances at the Oscars.