Episodes

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica take a chilling dive into the psychological horror of *Silent Night, Deadly Night*—a reimagining that transforms the beloved figure of Santa Claus into a haunting embodiment of trauma and violence. The hosts explore the film's intricate portrayal of Billy Chapman, whose childhood trauma of witnessing his parents' murder at the hands of a Santa-suited killer shapes him into a complex character grappling with violent urges and a twisted moral co...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica delve into the unsettling film *Shell*—a dark exploration of society's obsession with youth and beauty that raises more questions than it answers. The hosts discuss how the film, starring Elisabeth Moss as a 40-something actress grappling with her fading relevance in Hollywood, confronts the uncomfortable truths about aging and the beauty industry, which raked in a staggering $430 billion last year. Listeners will find themselves reflecting o...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica dive into the whimsical yet thought-provoking film *Good Fortune*, where guardian angels navigate the complexities of modern corporate life and technology. The hosts unpack the absurd yet relatable premise of Keanu Reeves as Gabriel, a low-ranking angel who finds himself entangled in the bureaucracy of divine intervention while trying to save people from their own poor choices, like texting while driving. Listeners will be entertained by the ...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica explore the uproarious comedy *Bad Shabbos*—a film that brilliantly merges the chaos of family dinners with the intricacies of Jewish traditions. The hosts delve into the film's clever premise, where a Shabbat dinner spirals into a comedic disaster reminiscent of *Weekend at Bernie's*, as David (played by John Bass) introduces his Catholic girlfriend Meg to his traditional Jewish family amidst mounting tensions and unexpected mishaps. Listene...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica examine the provocative film *After the Hunt* which delves into the intricate power dynamics within a prestigious philosophy department at Yale University, where accusations of sexual misconduct ignite a tense atmosphere. The hosts discuss how the film's setting amplifies the stakes, revealing the explosive intersection of elite academia and personal ambition. Julia Robert takes on a challenging role as Alma Imhoff, a cold and calculating pro...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Alex First dives into the gripping drama *Inter Alia* which explores the intricate life of Jessica Parkes, a distinguished UK Crown Court judge portrayed by the talented Rosamund Pike. The hosts unpack the multifaceted challenges Jessica faces as she balances her professional responsibilities with the demands of motherhood and marriage to fellow legal professional, Michael Wheatley. Listeners will be drawn into the emotional turmoil as Jessica strives to raise...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica delve into the gripping world of mixed martial arts with the film *The Smashing Machine*. They explore how this powerful narrative transcends the brutality of the sport to reveal the harrowing journey of Mark Kerr, portrayed by Tim Johnson in what many consider his most nuanced performance yet. The hosts are captivated by Johnson's transformation, not just physically but also in his portrayal of Kerr's psychological unraveling due to painkille...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica tackle the perplexing blend of sports and horror in the film *Him*, where an NFL legend's dark secrets collide with psychological terror. As they dissect this ambitious genre mashup, the hosts ponder the implications of a young football prospect, Cameron Cade, being mentored by the sinister former quarterback Isaiah White, played by Marlon Wayans. The film's premise raises eyebrows as it explores themes of isolation within a remote training co...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica explore the highly anticipated reunion of the legendary rock band *Spinal Tap* in their latest film, *Spinal Tap: Back to the Stage*. After a staggering 40 years, the iconic band returns, but not without the trademark dark humor that fans have come to love, particularly the infamous curse surrounding their drummers. Listeners will be drawn into the hilarity as the hosts discuss how the characters have evolved over time. Nigel Tufnell, once a ...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica dive deep into Paul Thomas Anderson's latest film, *One Battle After Another*, a riveting political thriller that reimagines a 33-year-old novel about the failures of 60s idealism. The hosts marvel at how Anderson masterfully intertwines contemporary themes of surveillance and extremism, making the narrative feel strikingly relevant today. Listeners will be captivated by the character arc of Pat Calhoun, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio, who tr...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica delve into the haunting dystopian film *The Long Walk*, an adaptation of Stephen King's first novel that eerily mirrors contemporary societal issues. Set in a world where teenagers must walk at a relentless pace of 3 miles per hour or face execution, the film serves as a brutal commentary on economic inequality and the lengths individuals go to escape poverty. Listeners will be captivated by the chilling premise and the way it reflects our cu...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica dissect the ambitious yet flawed romantic film *A Big, Bold, Beautiful Journey* starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell. Despite the star power and a hefty $40 million budget, the film struggles to deliver on its emotional promises, leaving audiences feeling detached and underwhelmed. Listeners will be intrigued by the hosts' analysis of the film's unconventional premise involving a mystical car rental company and magical doors that serve as...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica explore the captivating animated heist film *The Bad Guys 2*, a sequel that delves into the messy realities of redemption through the lens of charming anthropomorphic characters. As former criminals navigate the challenges of rebuilding their lives, the film cleverly balances serious themes with family-friendly humor, making it a standout in the genre. Listeners will be drawn into the thrilling opening sequence set in Cairo, where our anti-he...

In this episode of *Movies First*, the Chris and Jessica dive deep into the unconventional relationship drama *Splitsville*, where a fatal car crash serves as the catalyst for a series of unexpected confessions and bizarre friendships. With Kyle Marvin's portrayal of Carrie, a man grappling with the disintegration of his seemingly perfect marriage, the film challenges traditional narratives around infidelity and modern relationships. Listeners will be captivated by the film's exploration of dua...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Alex First takes listeners on an extraordinary journey through the stunning IMAX documentary *Australia 3D: The Wild Continent*. Spanning five years and covering an awe-inspiring 50,000 kilometres, this 38-minute feature offers an unparalleled glimpse into the diverse ecosystems and breathtaking landscapes of Australia. The host discusses the film's impressive aerial photography, which provides rare views of remote areas, from the lush rainforests of the Great ...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Alex First dives into the heartwarming Australian film *Kangaroo*, a compelling tale inspired by the true story of Chris Brolga Barnes. Starring Ryan Corr as Chris Masterman, a Sydney weather presenter whose career takes a nosedive after a botched segment, the film explores themes of redemption and personal growth as Chris finds himself in the remote town of Silvergum. The narrative kicks off with Chris's self-serving nature, leading to a life-changing encount...

In this heartfelt episode of *Movies First*, Chris pays tribute to the legendary Diane Keaton, whose passing has left an undeniable void in the world of cinema. With a career spanning decades, Keaton was not just an actress; she was a muse, a style icon, and a powerhouse whose talent and charisma captivated audiences worldwide. Chis reflects on her early life in Santa Monica, California, and the artistic influences that shaped her journey, including her Broadway debut and her groundbreaking role...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica embark on a thrilling exploration of *Honey Dont*, a groundbreaking film that reimagines the classic film noir genre through a modern lesbian lens. The hosts delve into Margaret Qualley's captivating portrayal of Honey O'Donohue, whose journey through the sun-soaked streets of Bakersfield is steeped in complex family dynamics and trauma. They discuss the weight of her performance, particularly in emotionally charged moments with her sister, He...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica explore the chilling depths of the latest installment in the *Conjuring* franchise, *The Conjuring: Last Rites*. This ninth film not only continues the series' legacy of supernatural horror but also delves into profound themes of family, faith, and generational trauma. The hosts discuss how the film artfully intertwines the haunting saga of the Smurl family with a deeply personal narrative centered on the Warrens' daughter, Judy, portrayed by ...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica explore the sharp and witty world of *The Roses*, a dark comedy that reinterprets the age-old adage "all's fair in love and war." With powerhouse performances from Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch, the film takes a modern spin on the classic War of the Roses narrative, diving into the complexities of career dynamics and power shifts within a seemingly perfect marriage. The hosts discuss the film's captivating setup, featuring Theo as a ...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica delve into the haunting narrative of *Weapons*, a chilling exploration of a school tragedy where 17 children vanish without a trace at precisely 2:17 AM, leaving only one classmate behind. The hosts discuss the film's unsettling atmosphere, expertly crafted by director Zach Cregger, who transforms ordinary elements into a visual language of dread. Julia Garner shines as a determined teacher, desperately piecing together the mystery of her miss...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica dive into the groundbreaking independent film *Sorry Baby*, a debut feature that defies the typical labels often associated with indie cinema. Directed, written, and starring Eva Victor, the film follows Agnes, a character navigating life in a quiet university town, and is structured in clever chapters that seamlessly blend the present with poignant flashbacks. The hosts discuss how Victor's multifaceted role enhances the film's authenticity, ...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and his co-host Jessica, dive into the wildly unpredictable world of Darren Aronofsky's latest thriller, *Caught Stealing*. What begins as a seemingly innocuous favor—watching a cat—quickly escalates into a chaotic whirlwind involving Russian mobsters and religious zealots, all while maintaining an unexpected charm. Chris highlights Justin Butler's standout performance as Hank Thompson, a burned-out bartender with a past in baseball, who finds himself ens...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and his co-host Jessica, dive into the thought-provoking film *Eddington*, a haunting exploration of modern America set against the backdrop of a small New Mexico border town during the COVID pandemic. The narrative follows Sheriff Joe Chris, played by Joaquin Phoenix, who begins as a skeptical figure questioning mask mandates in a town untouched by the virus. As the story unfolds, the tension between him and the progressive mayor, portrayed by Peter Pasc...