In this episode, film critic Mike Schultz joins host Jim to discuss the year in cinema and give a preview of upcoming movies for the holiday season. They kick off the conversation by talking about the latest DC superhero film, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, which has been receiving poor reviews. Mike speculates that the movie may underperform due to the fact that Jason Momoa will no longer be playing Aquaman in future films, which may dampen fans' excitement.
Next, they delve into the topic of Wonka, a prequel to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Mike expresses his doubts about prequels in general and questions the necessity of an origin story for Willy Wonka.
The Color Purple musical adaptation hitting theaters is praised for its impressive all-star cast, including Oprah Winfrey, Quincy Jones, and Steven Spielberg, who were all involved in the original film. Mike cautiously expresses his optimism for the adaptation but raises concerns that the live-action scenes may be too similar to Spielberg's beloved original.
The podcast then moves on to discuss Ferrari, a biopic about the carmaker, starring Adam Driver and directed by Michael Mann. Mike shares his enjoyment of the recent trend of more focused biopics that cover narrow timeframes instead of trying to tell an entire life story.
In the realm of animation, the highlights are expected to be Migration, from the makers of Despicable Me, and a new Minions short playing beforehand. These films are sure to captivate audiences with their vibrant visuals and entertaining storytelling.
Mike strongly recommends Godzilla: Minus One, a Japanese Godzilla film that treats the monster seriously while also developing compelling human characters. According to Mike, this movie offers an emotional experience that fans of the franchise will not want to miss.
Moving on to video game adaptations, they discuss Five Nights at Freddy's, which Mike found to be impressive in its ability to scare and entertain its target audience of young viewers. While it may not be terrifying for adults, it successfully delivers on its intended purpose.
The podcast also explores the growing trend of concert films, with major releases from Beyoncé and Taylor Swift. Mike believes that the immersive experience of replicating an entire stadium show will continue to attract audiences.
Local theater news is also covered, with the closing of the Regal theater in Moline and the opening of the new indie theater, The Last Picture House, in Davenport. Mike expresses hope that The Last Picture House will find success in catering to audiences seeking more adventurous films.
Lastly, Mike shares his predictions for the upcoming Oscars. He believes that Bradley Cooper will win Best Actor for his role in Maestro, and Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer will take home the award for Best Picture. Jim and Mike engage in a discussion about the remaining major film awards yet to be decided.
Overall, this podcast episode provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of cinema, with discussions ranging from superhero films to musical adaptations, biopics, animation, video game adaptations, concert films, and local theater. Listeners can expect to gain valuable insights and recommendations from the knowledgeable film critic Mike Schultz.