Episodes

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica delve into the thrilling and comedic world of the film *Bride Hard*, where the chaos of wedding planning collides with the high-stakes realm of international espionage. The film's unique premise features a maid of honor who is also a secret agent, navigating the challenges of both roles with hilarious and heartwarming results. Chris notes the impressive directorial shift from Simon West, known for *Con Air*, to this playful action comedy, high...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica dive into the innovative new film *Fantastic Four: First Steps* that redefines the superhero genre by shifting focus from epic battles to the deeply personal themes of pregnancy and parenthood. Set in a stunning retro-futuristic 1960s universe, the film leaps past the typical origin story, introducing an already beloved team facing unexpected challenges when Sue Storm’s pregnancy alters their dynamics. Chris marvels at the visual aesthetics of...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica embark on a poignant exploration of the film *The Friend*, a unique tale that shifts the narrative of grief from human to canine. Centered around a Great Dane named Apollo, who is left to navigate the complexities of loss after his owner’s tragic death, this adaptation from a nameless novel presents a fresh perspective on mourning. Chris highlights the remarkable character development brought to life by Naomi Watts as Iris and Bill Murray as W...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica explore the thrilling revival of the classic horror film *I Know What You Did Last Summer* after a 28-year hiatus. Set against the backdrop of 2025, this reimagined tale delves into how our relationship with secrets has evolved in the age of social media. The expanded cast of five young adults introduces a fresh dynamic, filled with complex relationships and underlying tensions, all ignited by a fateful Fourth of July incident. The return of ...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica delve into the groundbreaking new Superman film directed by James Gunn, where the iconic hero is reimagined in ways that challenge traditional narratives. The episode kicks off with a jaw-dropping scene of Superman being playfully dragged through the snow by his dog, Krypto, a striking visual that sets a tone of vulnerability rarely seen in superhero films. Chris discusses how this unexpected opening humanizes Superman, showcasing him at his l...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris takes listeners on an inspiring journey through the life of the legendary French actress, *The Divine Sarah Bernhardt*. This dramatized biographical film artfully intertwines historical events with creative storytelling, beginning with the dramatic amputation of Bernhardt's right leg at the age of 70, a consequence of a stage accident. Despite this setback, her resilient spirit shines bright as she continues to command her surroundings with humor and perf...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Alex dives deep into the gripping Danish medical drama *Second Victims* (Det andet offer), a film that confronts the harrowing realities faced by healthcare professionals in high-stakes environments. The narrative follows Alex, a dedicated neurologist played by Özlem Saglanmak, who is thrust into a chaotic shift marked by critical decisions that will have profound consequences. As she juggles her responsibilities supervising an inexperienced intern, Emily, and ...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica embark on a compelling journey into the world of *The Unholy Trinity*, a film that aims to breathe new life into the Western genre. With only three major Western releases anticipated in 2024, this unique project by Australian filmmakers Lee Zachariah and Richard Grey stands out by drawing parallels between the frontier mythologies of Australia and America. The hosts explore the film's gripping opening scene set in 1873, where the tension escal...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris embarks on a thrilling exploration of the latest installment in the iconic franchise, *Jurassic World: Rebirth*. Set five years after *Jurassic World Dominion*, the film introduces a world where dinosaur attractions have lost their luster, and only a small population of prehistoric creatures survives in a remote equatorial region. The hosts delve into the ambitious plot driven by a pharmaceutical conglomerate's illegal mission to collect DNA samples from ...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Alex First delves into the highly anticipated sequel *28 Years Later The episode highlights the film's innovative take on the zombie genre, showcasing a diverse array of Infected, from slow, crawling creatures to...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica dive into the thrilling sequel *M3GAN 2.0* that challenges the traditional narrative of artificial intelligence in cinema. Gone are the days of AI solely depicted as a threat; this film intriguingly poses the question: what happens when we need a killer AI to combat another? The hosts explore how the sequel builds upon the original's premise, presenting a complex dynamic where AI is both the problem and the potential solution. A standout aspe...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica rev up their engines as they dive into the exhilarating world of *Formula 1: The Movie*, a film that uniquely captures the essence of high-stakes racing by filming during actual F1 events. The hosts explore the audacious choice to blend Hollywood drama with the raw authenticity of real races, likening it to shooting a war film amidst an ongoing battle. They dissect the character of Sonny Hayes, played by the charismatic Brad Pitt, a former cha...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica embark on an insightful journey through the animated film *Elio*, which boldly tackles themes of existential loneliness and the quest for belonging through the eyes of an 11-year-old orphan. Voiced by the talented Jonas Kibrab, Elio's desperate plea for extraterrestrial intervention serves as a poignant reflection of the profound isolation many children experience today. The film's ability to weave heavy emotional territory into a family-frien...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica delve into the delightful chaos of *Riviera Revenge*, a romantic comedy that uncovers the hidden secrets of long-term relationships. Inspired by a true story, the film follows 75-year-old Francois, a former military man, who stumbles upon love letters in his attic that reveal his wife Annie's decades-old affair with their close friend, Boris. This shocking discovery transforms their seemingly idyllic life and forces the family to confront buri...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Alex First dives into the chilling depths of *Dangerous Animals*, an Australian psychological horror film that redefines the shark thriller genre. Drawing inspiration from classics like *Jaws* and *Dead Calm*, this film intricately weaves natural horror with psychological tension, delivering a gripping experience that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. The story follows Bruce Tucker, a Gold Coast charter boat operator played chillingly by Jai Courtney...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris & Jessica explore the complex world of love and ambition in *Materialists*, a film that delves into the life of Lucy, played by Dakota Johnson, a professional matchmaker who excels in uniting others while struggling to find her own happiness. At 35 and boasting nine successful marriages under her belt, Lucy's obsession with wealth in her personal life raises intriguing questions about the intersection of love and materialism in today's society. As we dis...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris & Jessica explore the latest installment in the iconic *Karate Kid* franchise, a film that not only pays homage to its roots but also boldly navigates the complex waters of cultural integration. Since its inception in 1984, the franchise has amassed over $700 million worldwide, and this new chapter might just be its most culturally significant yet. With a unique blend of Eastern and Western martial arts traditions, the film expands its narrative scope whi...

In this episode of *Movies First*, we delve into the inspiring true story depicted in *EL47*, a film that chronicles the life of Manola Vital, a bus driver whose courageous actions transformed Barcelona's public transportation landscape during a tumultuous period in Spanish history. Set against the backdrop of the 1950s and 60s, the film highlights the plight of internal migrants, including Vital and his daughter Joanna, as they navigate the challenges of displacement and seek a new life in the ...

In this episode of *Movies First*, we dive into the chilling world of *Bring Her Back*, the latest horror feature from the Philippou brothers, Danny and Michael, who captivated audiences with their debut film, *Talk to Me*. Set in their native South Australia, this gripping tale follows the harrowing journey of two siblings, Piper, a nearly blind girl, and her older stepbrother Andy, as they navigate the aftermath of their father's tragic death and the looming threat of separation by social serv...

In this episode of *Movies First*, we dissect the gripping film *Beating Hearts*, a bold reimagining of the classic romantic tragedy that intertwines the themes of love, crime, and class struggle. Set against the backdrop of Northern France from the 1970s to the 1990s, this cinematic journey follows the tumultuous relationship between Jackie, a middle-class girl haunted by her past, and Clotaire, a working-class youth drawn into a world of crime. Their paths cross at school, igniting a passionat...

In this episode of *Movies First*, we delve into the thought-provoking remake of Disney's beloved classic, *Lilo and Stitch*, exploring its deeper themes of grief and the significance of chosen families in contemporary society. Directed by Dean Fleischer Campbell, known for his Oscar-nominated work on *Marcel the Shell with Shoes On*, this adaptation draws fascinating parallels between its characters' journeys and the universal quest for belonging in a world that often feels unwelcoming. The st...

In this episode of *Movies First*, we explore the intense and thought-provoking Australian psychological thriller, *The Surfer*, featuring a captivating performance by Nicolas Cage as a man seeking to reclaim his past by purchasing his childhood clifftop home. As he grapples with financial struggles and an estranged relationship with his teenage son, portrayed by Finn Little, the narrative delves into the complexities of masculinity and belonging against the backdrop of a hostile local surf comm...

In this episode of *Movies First*, we dive into the transformative narrative of *The Wedding Banquet*, a remake that brilliantly reinterprets Ang Lee's 1993 classic. This film intricately weaves themes of marriage, family, and cultural identity, presenting a fresh perspective on modern relationships amid the complexities of IVF struggles and immigration challenges. The story centers around Jingle and Lee, portrayed by Kelly Marie Tran and Lily Gladstone, who face the emotional turmoil of fertili...

In this episode of *Movies First*, we dissect the latest installment of the iconic *Mission Impossible* franchise, *The Final Reckoning* , which has grossed over $4 billion across eight films. Despite the thrilling stunts and breathtaking visuals—like Tom Chris soaring in biplanes over South Africa and diving into the depths of the Bering Sea—the film struggles under the weight of a bloated storyline that leaves audiences wanting more. We explore how the film attempts to blend the intimate es...