Ben Talks Film

From Apple comes The Lost Bus, a 2025 American survival drama film directed by Paul Greengrass, who co-wrote the screenplay with Brad Ingelsby. It is based on a section of the non-fiction 2021 book Paradise: One Town's Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire by Lizzie Johnson about a rescue during the 2018 Camp Fire. It stars Matthew McConaughey, America Ferrera, Yul Vazquez and Ashlie Atkinson.

With the fall movie season arriving it is time to talk the best actor Oscar race for 2026, which at this moment is wide open and it is anyone's for the taking. There are no clear frontrunners, so who will get nominated is the question on everyone's mind, especially with Leonardo DiCaprio and Dwayne the Rock Johnson's performances having just debuted for audiences to see!Will this be the year that Timothee Chalamet finally wins his best actor for his performance in Marty Supreme? Is Leonardo DiCaprio the frontrunner for his performance in One Battle After Another? Why are audiences divided on The Rock's performance in The Smashing Machine? Will Daniel Day Lewis' return to acting be well received? And can Jeremy Allen White make the jump from tv actor to movie star with Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere? Find out the questions to all of the questions and more!

​ @WarnerBros  capped off an amazing 2025 by releasing what may be the best movie of 2025 and now the frontrunner to win Best Picture at the Oscars in One Battle After Another! Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, One Battle After Another tells the story of a washed up American revolutionary who is brought back into the battle when a military man threatens his daughter's life. One Battle After Another is the 10th film from director, Paul Thomas Anderson and is based off the book Vineland by Thomas Pynchon and stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, and Chase Infiniti. One Battle After Another released in theaters on September 26, 2025.#onebattleafteranother #onebattleafteranotherreview #onebattleafteranotherpaulthomasanderson #paulthomasanderson #onebattleafteranothermovie #leonardodicaprio #WB #oscars

From  @A24  comes Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's first serious film in well over a decade... The Smashing Machine! Directed by Benny Safdie (Uncut Gems, Good Times) The Smashing Machine tells the story of Mark Kerr, one of the first UFC fighters, who is struggling to overcome an addiction to opioids, as well as navigate his turbulent relationship. The Smashing Machine is based on a true story and stars Dwayne The Rock Johnson and Emily Blunt, both of who are campaigning for Oscar nominations. The Smashing Machine had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival and will be premiering in theaters on October 3!

From  @LionsgateMovies  comes The Long Walk directed by Francis Lawrence. Starring Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson The Long Walk follows a group of men in a dystopian American who are drafted to participate in a totalitarian military event where they must walk at a speed of 3 miles an hour or else face execution, until there is only one left standing. The Long Walk is based on a Stephen King novel and debuts to theaters across America on Friday, September 12, 2025.

From A24 and Apple comes Spike Lee's newest movie and 5th collaboration with Denzel Washington: Highest 2 Lowest which is a remake/reimagining of Kurosawa's masterpiece High and Low. Highest 2 Lowest follows Paul King, a music mogul about to make the biggest deal of his career, only to find out his son has been kidnapped, or so he thinks. Highest 2 Lowest stars Denzel Washington, ASAP Rocky, and Jeffrey Wright and is directed by the Great Spike Lee and is set in New York City and as of September 5 is available to stream on Apple TV.#SpikeLee #highest2lowest #asaprocky #newyorkcity #Brooklyn #moviereview #a24 #denzelwashington

Today: full podcast festival breakdown. I start with the biggest premieres at Venice and Telluride — winners, surprises, and which films actually left me excited. Then I roll into my Oscar power rankings (who’s rising, who’s slipping), followed by my 25 most anticipated films for the next 12 months — the ones I’m betting will matter.After that I do a short Physical Media Corner where I show recent blu-ray pickups (including some great A24 releases and collectors editions including Midsommar). Finally, I close with a 50th anniversary review of JAWS - a superb movie!

From Columbia Studios and Sony Pictures comes Darren Aronofsky's latest film Caught Stealing starring Austin Butler... and unlike most of Aronofsky's other films, I did not hate this movie. Caught Stealing follows a former baseball player finds himself immersed in the criminal underworld of 1990s Giuliani's New York. Caught Stealing is based off the book of the same name written by Charlie Huston. Caught Stealing comes out to theaters on August 29, 2025 and stars a large ensemble casting including Austin Butler, Zoe Kravitz, Dr. Who's Matt Smith, Regina King, Bad Bunny, and Liev Schreiber.

In honor of the release of  ⁨@A24⁩  Highest 2 Lowest, it is time to talk about the 10 best Spike Lee Joints! So join film critic, Ben Friedman, as we explore the films of Spike Lee: From Do the Right Thing to Highest 2 Lowest and everything in between.

The 2026 Oscars rapidly approach! With the Venice Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, and Telluride Film Festival all around the corner ititss time to blindly preview the films in contention for the 98th Academy Awards! Who will win best picture? What @A24 sports film will be up for Oscar consideration? Will Adam Sandler win an Oscar for  @Netflix  Jay Kelly? Should Spike Lee be nominated for his film Highest 2 Lowest? Why is The Life of Chuck failing at Oscar success? Which film festival will have the most important films? And can Avatar Fire and Ash repeat previous success? Find out the questions and many more in today's episode of Oscars 2026 Predictions, brought to you by film critic Ben Friedman.Email Me: [email protected] Follow Me on Social Media: Instagram, TikTok -  @BenTalksFilm  Subscribe to my Podcast Channel: Ben Talks FilmTimecodes00:00 Oscars 2026 Preview03:20 The History of Sound ( @mubi  )04:30 The Life of Chuck ( @neonrated  )06:00 A Big Beautiful Journey ( @Sony  )06:55 Nuremberg ( @Sony )09:00 Brazil's International Feature: The Secret Agent ( @neonrated  )10:30 Spike Lee's Highest 2 Lowest Deserves More Attention ( @A24  and  @Apple  )11:40 Marty Supreme  @A24  )12:00 The Smashing Machine is The Rock's Oscar Play ( @A24  )15:30 Nouvelle Vague ( @Netflix  )16:30 After the Hunt ( @AmazonMGMStudios  )18:00 Father Mother Sister Brother ( @mubi  )18:30 Wicked for Good ( @UniversalPictures  )19:30 F1 ( @Apple  )20:00 Brendan Fraser's Rental Family looks great  @searchlightpictures  )21:25 Springsteen Deliver Me From Nowhere ( @20thCenturyStudios  )22:45 Ella McCay ( @Disney  )24:00 The Lost Bus ( @Apple  )25:30 A House of Dynamite ( @Netflix  )26:30 Avatar Fire and Ash ( @Disney  )27:30 Is This Thing On? ( @searchlightpictures  )28:20 Frankenstein ( @Netflix  )29:30 Hamnet ( @FocusFeatures  )30:30 Bugonia ( @FocusFeatures  )32:00 One Battle After Another ( @WarnerBros  )33:00 Jay Kelly ( @Netflix  )33:30 Sentimental Value ( @neonrated  )34:30 Sinners is the Oscar frontrunner ( @WarnerBros  )#oscars #academyawards #oscars2026 #emmastone #predictions #venicefilmfestival #sinners #adamsandler #oscarpredictions

From  @WarnerBros  comes one of the craziest films of the decade in Weapons directed by Zach Cregger. The film follows a Pennsylvania suburban town that is shaken when 17 school kids run out at night at 2:17am and are never seen again. Weapons stars Josh Brolin and Julia Garner and is one of the most bizarre, upsetting, creepy, and ambitious horror films we've seen in years.#Weapons #WeaponsMovie #WeaponsReview #JoshBrolin #WeaponsJuliaGarner #juliagarner #horror #warnerbros #horrormovies

Two weeks after setting the comedy world on fire for their vicious satire on President Trump South Park is back with a new episode where they go nuclear on JD Vance, ICE, and the dog killer Kristi Noem who is now director of Homeland Security. Oh, and they also imply Trump's mansion is just Epstein Island, in an episode that has the MAGA Sphere triggered with some accusing South Park of having gone woke.#southpark #jdvance #comedy #trump #cbs #paramount #charliekirk #cartman #politics #cancelled #censorship #hetrumpedus

From  @neonrated  comes the latest body horror film Together, which stars Allison Brie (Community and Glow) and Dave Franco. Together follows a codependent couple that stumble upon a mysterious cavern that begins to morph the two bodies into one - in this wildly gross, comedic, insane film of a couple in crisis. Together is directed and written by Michael Shanks and stars real life couple Allison Brie and Dave Franco. Together releases to theaters July 30, 2025.#together #allisonbrie #davefranco #reaction #review #NEON #toxicrelationships

From  ⁨@Netflix⁩  and Happy Madison comes the sequel 30 years in the making... Happy Gilmore 2 starring Adam Sandler! Happy Gilmore 2 follows Happy Gilmore who isn't done with golf — not by a long shot. Since his retirement after his first Tour Championship win, Gilmore returns to finance his daughter's ballet classes. Happy Gilmore 2 stars Adam Sandler reprising his beloved role, along with original cast members Christopher McDonald, Julie Bowen, and Ben Stiller returning. Joining Sandler for Happy Gilmore 2 include newcomers Benny Safdie, John Day, Sunny Sandler, and a very hilarious supporting performance from Bad Bunny.#HappyGilmore2 #Sandler #Comedy #AdamSandler #Netflix #HappyGilmore #HappyMadison #BadBunny

From  @marvel  and  @Disney  comes the 37th film within the MCU, Fantastic Four First Steps directed by Matt Shakman and starring Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards. Fantastic Four First Steps (2025) follows the Fantastic Four on Earth-828, in 1960 who must protect their retro-futuristic world from the planet-devouring cosmic being Galactus. Fantastic Four First Steps is the introduction of these characters created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby and stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn, Julia Garner, and Ralph Inesson. Fantastic Four First Steps premiered in theaters Friday, July 25 to positive reviews and kickstarts the new phase of Marvel stories in Avengers: Doomsday.#fantasticfour #fantasticfourfirststeps #marvel #reaction #review #disney #MCU

​ @paramountpictures  reached a deal with the creators of South Park for 1.5 billion dollars, and 48 hours later, they turned around said F U to Paramount and blasted the President of the United States calling him a pedophile wannabe dictator with a small manhood. South Park is back and better then ever with its season 27 opener which tackles Trump taking bribes and making a mockery out of Paramount pictures, who in an act of cowardice settled with trump on his bogus 60 minutes lawsuit, and seemingly fired Stephen Colbert despite good ratings. So join me as we talk about The Sermon on the 'Mount and how it is one of the most daring acts of political satire we've had in the 21st century!#southpark #clobert #comedy #trump #cbs #paramount #skydance #cartman #politics #cancelled #censorship #hetrumpedus

Released by  @A24  Eddington is the 4th film from filmmaker Ari Aster and stars Joaquin Phoenix as Sheriff Joe Cross. Eddington follows a small town in New Mexico in the summer of 2020 as the residents are confronted with COVID, mask mandates, and Black Lives Matter protests, along with a heated mayoral campaign between Conservative candidate Sheriff Joe Cross, and democratic incumbent Ted Garcia. Eddington is a dark comedy thriller written and directed by Ari Aster that stars Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, and Austin Butler. Eddington had its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival where it was booed and called centrist crap. It has since gone on to be one of the most controversial films of the decade, especially in light of President Donald Trump's re-election. Is Eddington the movie we need right now or is Eddington too soon?Eddington Timecode00:00 Eddington Introduction04:30 Eddington Story10:00 Eddington Politics and Social Justice Warriors/Wokeism Criticisms 14:00 Joaquin Phoenix Performance in Eddington 20:00 Radicalization via Social Media23:30 Eddington Spoilers!#eddington #eddingtonreview #eddingtondonaldtrump #a24movie #joaquinphoenix #pedropascal #A24 #western

 @WarnerBrosPictures  and  @paramountpictures  and  @dcoff  @dcofficial  brings you Watchmen Chapter II (2024). In 1985, the murder of a government sponsored superhero draws his outlawed colleagues out of retirement and into a mystery that threatens to upend their personal lives and the world itself. This a direct retelling of Alan Moore's hugely influential comic book Watchmen, which was turned into a movie directed by Zack Snyder in 2009, with Watchmen (2009). Watchmen Chapter Two notably stars Katie Sackoff of Battlestar Galactica and Mandalorian fame.

Distributed by  @disneyanimation  and  @Disney  Moana 2 is a sequel to the beloved 2016 film Moana starring Dwayne The Rock Johnson. Moana 2 follows Moana, who after receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she's ever faced. Developed as a tv show, Moana 2 is directed by David Derrick Jr, Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, and features a story by Jared Bush. Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson reprise their roles as Moana and Maui respectively. Moana 2 releases worldwide on November 27.

With Wicked just debuting and becoming a phenomenon it seems like an apt time to discuss the Best Supporting Actress race which Ariana Grande has now officially joined for Wicked! The award contenders and nominations are wide open with no clear frontrunner formulating. Now, film critic Ben Friedman decided to look back at the past 11 months and prognosticate early contenders for next years Oscars ceremony focusing on Best Supporting Actress today! Is Ariana Grande the frontrunner to win an Oscar for Wicked? Will the Emilia Perez controversy hurt Zoe Saldana and Selena Gomez's Oscar hopes? Will Saiorse Ronan win her first Oscar for Blitz? Can Brazil's I'm Still Here draw enough eyes towards Fernanda Torres and Fernanda Montenegro to receive the film an Oscar nom? Are we forgetting Jennifer Lopez Oscar chances? beniverse.media @gmail.com  for any inquires

Distributed by  @paramountpictures  and the sequel to the Oscar winning film Gladiator... Ridley Scott once agains enters back into the colosseum with Gladiator II starring Paul Mescal. Gladiator II follows Years after witnessing the death of Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius must enter the Colosseum after the powerful emperors of Rome conquer his home. With rage in his heart and the future of the empire at stake, he looks to the past to find the strength and honor needed to return the glory of Rome to its people. Gladiator 2 is a sequel 20+ years in the making and stars Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen, and Joseph Quinn.

Distributed by  @UniversalPictures  Wicked is directed by John M. Chu and stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. Wicked follows green-skinned Elphaba, a young misunderstood woman, who has yet to discover her true power and crosses paths with Glinda, a young privileged and ambitious woman, and the two forge an unlikely friendship that is tested when they come fact to face with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Wicked is an adaptation of the stage musical of thee same name composed by Stephen Schwartz, which is an adaptation of Gregory Maguire's novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. Wicked stars Ariana Grande as Glinda, Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Ethan Slater as Bob, and Jeff Goldblum as Oz. Wicked releases worldwide on November 21.

Distributed by @netflix and the winner of the Cannes Film Festival Emilia Perez is directed by French filmmaker Jacques Audiard and stars Zoe Saldaña. Emilia Perez follows a cartel leader who undergoes surgery to become a woman with the help of his lawyer. Emilia Perez is a musical crime comedy directed by Jacques Audiard and stars Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Selena Gomez. Emilia Perez has its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival and released on November 13, 2024 on Netflix just in time for Oscar Season right around the corner. Emilia Perez Timecodes 00:00 Emilia Perez Introduction 00:30 Identity Politics 02:00 Virtue Signaling 02:30 Transgender Artists 03:30 Emilia Perez Praises 04:00 Jaques Audiard Direction Emilia Perez 05:00 Emilia Perez Musical 05:30 Emilia Perez Broadway Staging 06:00 Emilia Perez Editing 07:00 Zoe Saldana Emilia Perez 07:20 Zoe Salanda Singing and Dancing Emilia Perez 07:40 Karla Sofia Gascon Emilia Perez 08:30 Transgender Criticisms in Emilia Perez 09:00 Emilia Perez Unreliable Narrator 10:30 Selena Gomez Emilia Perez 11:15 Selena Gomez Oscars Emilia Perez 13:00 Emilia Perez Annette 13:30 Emilia Perez Oscars 15:00 Emilia Perez Criticisms 16:00 Emilia Perez Review #emiliaperez #emiliaperezreview #emiliaperezselenagomez #emiliaperezmovie #selenagomez #oscars #netflix

With 2024 nearing its end the 97th Academy Awards hosted by Conan O'Brien rapidly approaches. The award contenders and nominations are wide open with no clear frontrunners formulating. Now, film critic Ben Friedman decided to look back at the first 11 months and prognosticate early contenders for next years Oscars ceremony, focusing on Best Actress today. Is Mikey Madison in ANORA the frontrunner to win best actress? Is Karla Sofia Gascon in EMILIA PEREZ going to make history and become the first transgender woman to be nominated for an academy award? Will Cynthia Erivo become the surprise spoiler and be nominated for WICKED? Can Saiorse Ronan win her first Oscar for a bad movie in THE OUTRUN? Will  @Netflix  find success running Angelina Jolie in MARIA? And just what should fans expect from Lily Rose Depp in NOSFERATU? Let's not forgot earlier performances like Zendaya in CHALLENGERS and June Squibb in THEMLA, plus the international Branch like Fernanda Torres in I'm Still Here. TIME CODES 1:15 Lily Rose Depp is getting rave reviews for her role in NOSEFERATU from @focusfeatures 3:30 Amy Adams has yet to win an Oscar, but is NIGHTBITCH really going to land her a nomination? 4:28 Zendaya gets raves reviews for CHALLENGERS But is that enough to receive Zendaya an Oscar nom? 6:42 Tilda Swinton wows in The Room Next Door despite mixed reception 7:42 Believe the hype. Demi Moore Oscar nomination incoming for THE SUBSTANCE! 10:45 Cynthia Erin and WICKED is becoming a phenomenon!  @UniversalPictures  has the goods! 12:00 Angelina Jolie Oscar nomination in MARIA feels certain for  @Netflix  14:00 Mikey Madison is the frontrunner to win best actress in ANORA 16:30 Saoirse Ronan is bad in THE OUTRUN and is not deserving of an Academy Award nomination 17:20 Will June Squibb become the oldest woman to be nominated for an Academy Award with THEMLA? 17:45 Will Karla Sofia Gascon make history and become the first transgender actress to be nominated for an Academy Award in  @Netflix  controversial EMILIA PEREZ? 20:00 Hard Truths 20:30 Fernanda Torres in I'm Still Here 21:00 Julianne Moore in The Room Next Door 22:30 Florence Pugh deserves love for her performance in  @A24  We Live in Time 22:50 Kate Winslet's latest Oscar bait film is LEE 24:00 Nicole Kidman gets sexy and bares it all in  @A24  Babygirl 25:00 Best Actress Oscar 2025 Predictions [email protected] for any inquires! #oscars #academyawards #oscars2025 #cynthiaerivo #predictions #goldenglobes #wicked #emiliaperez #oscarpredictions

For today's episode, we delve into the mournful crime masterpiece that is Martin Scorsese's "The Irishman.” Join critics Keith Phipps and Ben Friedman as we explore the genius of Scorsese's direction, Robert De Niro's chilling portrayal of Frank Sheeran, the soulfuss of Al Pacino as Jimmy Hoffa, and the return of Joe Pesci to the big screens, in this fascinating deconstruction of the crime genre. We'll discuss the film's themes, its impact on the crime genre, and its enduring legacy in cinema. 🔍 Dive into the world of #TheIrishman 🎥 Analyzing Scorsese's #Masterpiece 🎬 Robert De Niro's #Chilling Performance 💡 Unraveling the #Crime 🎞️ Influence on the #cinema Guest: Keith Phipps The Reveal: https://thereveal.substack.com/ Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/kphipps3000.bsky.social Order The Age of Cage: Age of Cage: Four Decades of Hollywood Through One Singular Career https://a.co/d/bJIh68x

Welcome to Film School Dropout, where film critic Ben Friedman and today's guest Variety's Senior Awards Editor Clayton Davis ( @ByClaytonDavis ) embark on a profound journey into the world of cinema and faith. In this video, we'll be delving deep into Martin Scorsese's thought-provoking masterpiece, "Silence." This film is a testament to Scorsese's own faith, as well as a meditation on themes of faith, doubt, and the devout nature of his filmmaking as a Catholic. Follow Clayton Davis All Social Media Platforms:  @ByClaytonDavis  Variety: https://variety.com/author/clayton-davis/ Martin Scorsese, an iconic director known for classics like "Taxi Driver" and "Goodfellas," took a significant departure from his usual gangster genre with "Silence." Released in 2016, this epic work is a cinematic adaptation of Shusaku Endo's novel of the same name. At its heart, "Silence" is a story of two Jesuit priests, Father Rodrigues and Father Garupe, portrayed by Andrew Garfield and Adam Driver, who embark on a perilous mission to find their mentor, played by the incredible Liam Neeson, in 17th century Japan, a country where Christianity is outlawed. As a devout Catholic, the themes of faith, doubt, and the silent presence of God have long been a central part of Scorsese's life. In this video, we'll explore how his faith has influenced not only the making of this film but also his entire cinematic career. We'll also examine how the film addresses the complex interplay between faith, cultural differences, and the clash of belief systems, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of rural Japan. Martin Scorsese's personal connection to the material shines through, making this work a testament to his lifelong exploration of faith, doubt, and the human condition. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the devout nature of Scorsese's filmmaking and the profound themes at the heart of "Silence." If you're a fan of thought-provoking cinema, religious exploration, or just want to dive deeper into the mind of one of cinema's greatest directors, be sure to watch this video. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell to stay updated on more engaging content like this. Thank you for joining us!

Directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese, "The Wolf of Wall Street" is a rollercoaster ride through the life of Jordan Belfort, a charismatic stockbroker who defrauded countless investors during the 1990s. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Belfort, the film presents a captivating portrayal of his extravagant lifestyle, unscrupulous business practices, and the ultimate downfall of his empire. Belfort's crimes, as depicted in the movie, include securities fraud, money laundering, and widespread market manipulation. He led his firm, Stratton Oakmont, in conducting pump-and-dump schemes, selling worthless stocks to unsuspecting clients, and reaping enormous profits at their expense. The movie doesn't shy away from showing the excesses of Belfort's life, including his lavish parties, substance abuse, and the damaging impact on his personal relationships. Belfort's character, played brilliantly by DiCaprio, is portrayed as both a charming and ruthless figure. He captivates audiences with his charisma and persuasive skills while simultaneously repulsing them with his immoral actions. The film's exploration of Belfort's complex personality and the moral ambiguity of his character makes it a thought-provoking and controversial masterpiece. As for the Human Resources (HR) violations committed by Jordan Belfort and his office, they were extensive. Belfort's firm, Stratton Oakmont, fostered a toxic and unethical work environment where employees were encouraged to engage in unethical practices to make a quick profit. These violations included harassment, hostile workplace conditions, and coerced participation in illegal activities, all in the pursuit of financial gain. Belfort's character in the movie doesn't shy away from depicting the harsh realities of these HR violations and the devastating impact they had on the lives of many involved. "The Wolf of Wall Street" is a gripping exploration of greed, power, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Join us in this video as we delve deeper into the film, its portrayal of Jordan Belfort, and the real-life events that inspired this cinematic masterpiece. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more captivating insights into the world of film and true stories! Follow Kevin Gootee: Gutting the Sacred Cow: https://guttingthesacredcow.com X: https://twitter.com/KevinGootee?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Hey there, fellow cinephiles! 🎥 Get ready to embark on a cinematic adventure as we delve into the magical world of Martin Scorsese's "Hugo." Joining me in this video is none other than the hilarious comedian, early Youtube Film Critic, and 1/2 of the Schmoes himself, Mark Ellis! In this discussion, we're not just talking about the film itself, but also exploring the fascinating love that legendary director Martin Scorsese has for the art of cinema. From dazzling visuals to heartwarming storytelling, "Hugo" is a true masterpiece that showcases Scorsese's passion for the silver screen. 🌟 But wait, there's more! We've got loads of exciting questions to tackle during our chat, like: 🚂 What inspired Scorsese to make a family-friendly film like "Hugo"? 🔍 How does "Hugo" pay tribute to the early days of cinema? 👏 What's Mark's take on the movie, and does he have any memories reviewing this movie with Kristan Harloff / Schmoes Know? Find Mark Ellis touring in a city near you! https://markellis.live Rotten Tomatoes is Wrong: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL86SiVwkw_od2DVVSBr_VflvaERThigDQ&si=VNoKLOzJ4K3ItYid X: @markellislive So grab your popcorn, hit that play button, and join us on this fun, upbeat, and educational journey through the enchanting world of "Hugo" and Scorsese's incredible love for movies. Don't forget to leave your thoughts and questions in the comments below, and who knows, we might just answer YOUR burning questions in the next video! 🍿🤩 Subscribe, like, and share this video with your fellow film buffs, and let's celebrate the magic of cinema together! 🎉✨

Welcome to our YouTube analysis of 'Shutter Island' (2010). In this video, comedy writer Spencer Roth Rose and critic Ben Friedman delve deep into Martin Scorsese's psychological thriller to uncover hidden meanings, symbolism, and the intricacies of the storyline. Join us as we explore the complex characters portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo, dissect the film's themes of mental illness and the nature of reality, and examine the director's use of suspenseful visuals and music to create a haunting atmosphere. Whether you're a fan of the film or simply curious about its secrets, this analysis will provide you with a fresh perspective on 'Shutter Island.' Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell for more film analysis content! Follow Spencer Roth-Rose! @roomiecrisis Blackout Dates: https://open.spotify.com/show/5dtICRmQdT5opYIFfdHyyx?si=UlW_wohYQ6iv8oXqFIRAiw

"No one gives it to you, you have to take it." In 2007, Martin Scorsese found himself finally triumph winning both Best Director and Best Picture, for his crime-thriller The Departed. o take down South Boston's Irish Mafia, the police send in one of their own to infiltrate the underworld, not realizing the syndicate has done likewise. While an undercover cop curries favor with the mob kingpin, a career criminal rises through the police ranks. But both sides soon discover there's a f--ing rat among them. The Departed stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Mark Wahlberg, Alec Baldwin, and Jack Nicholson. And who better to talk The Departed then the biggest Bostonian I know - Jeff "The Insneider" Sneider of LA Magazine and co-host of FYC and The Hot Mic! Follow Jeff Sneider: The Hot Mic: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWhZZEYoeaYDnefV6OuvQBaMudPxARbPa FYC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1WealoPgdg&list=PLPlwQzXEf5ypOLgG9NSSBJrJCegurGHbY TheInsneider: http://theinsneider.blogspot.com/ X: https://twitter.com/TheInSneider?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Are you a film enthusiast or a Leonardo DiCaprio fan looking for captivating insights into his journey to stardom? Look no further! In this episode of Film School Dropout, critics Zaki Hasan (IGN, San Francisco Chronicle) and Ben Friedman (Highbrow Magazine) take a deep dive into the iconic movie "The Aviator" and how it played a pivotal role in shaping Leo's career. Join us as we unravel the magic of Martin Scorsese's direction and Leonardo DiCaprio's exceptional acting in "The Aviator." Discover the behind-the-scenes stories, the critical acclaim, and the impact of this film on Hollywood history. If you're passionate about cinema and want to learn more about Leo's journey from heartthrob to legendary actor, this episode is a must-listen. Don't miss out on this exciting cinematic journey! Tune in now and subscribe for more engaging episodes on your favorite films and actors. Find Zaki Hasan: The Movie Film Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-moviefilm-podcast/id549057901 https://www.spreaker.com/user/moviefilmpodcast X: https://twitter.com/zakiscorner?lang=en Website: http://www.zakiscorner.com/

Welcome to my film podcast where we dive deep into the cinematic world! In this episode, Professor Forrest Hartman joins Ben Friedman as they explore the historical epic, "Gangs of New York." Like Killers of the Flower Moon, Gangs of New York is a period piece American story that explores the past to make sense of the present. Join us as we dissect the film's brilliant storytelling, incredible performances, and its portrayal of 19th-century New York. We'll also discuss the film's impact on the industry and its enduring legacy. If you're a movie buff or simply curious about this Scorsese masterpiece, don't miss this episode! 🎬 Subscribe for more film discussions! 🍿 Explore the rich history of Gangs of New York. 🎭 Dive into the characters and performances. 🏙️ Discover the gritty portrayal of 19th-century New York. 🎥 Join the conversation about cinematic legacies. #GangsOfNewYork #FilmPodcast #MovieDiscussion #MartinScorsese #CinematicLegacy

Kundun (1997) - Unmasking Disney's Cowardice in the Face of China's Pressure Prepare to delve into the untold story of "Kundun" (1997), a Martin Scorsese film that has been buried by controversy and Disney's seemingly appeasing stance towards China. Join Drew McWeeny and Ben Friedman as we uncover the complex web of censorship, politics, and corporate decisions that led to this film's obscurity. Find Drew McWeeny: https://drewmcweeny.com Twitter: https://x.com/drewmcweeny?s=21 🔍 Make sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our critical examination of cinema's unspoken truths. 🎥 In this video, we'll leave no stone unturned: 🌟 The Film's Intention and Impact: - A closer look at the filmmaker's intention behind "Kundun" and its potential impact on Tibet-China relations. 🌍 Disney's Controversial Role: - A thorough critique of Disney's decision to downplay the film's release and marketing, sparking debates on corporate censorship and moral responsibility. 🎬 The Power of Art and Free Expression: - An exploration of the fundamental importance of artistic expression and the consequences when it is stifled. 🌐 The Broader Implications: - A discussion on how the "Kundun" controversy fits into the larger context of Hollywood's relationship with China and the moral dilemmas it poses. 📢 Help us shed light on Disney's role in this controversy by liking, sharing, and sharing your thoughts in the comments below. Your engagement is crucial in revealing the darker side of corporate influence on art. 📚 Explore our other film analysis and discussion videos, where we fearlessly challenge the status quo. Hit that like button if you appreciate our critical perspective. #KundunMovie #DalaiLama #Tibet #China #DisneyControversy #Censorship #CorporateInfluence #MartinScorsese #HiddenTruths #FreedomOfExpression

n honor of Killers of the Flower Moon release today, Welcome to our in-depth analysis and discussion of Martin Scorsese's classic film, "Casino" (1995). In this video, Mariah Owen and Ben Friedman dive deep into the world of mobsters, casinos, and the glitz of Las Vegas as we dissect the storytelling, characters, and cinematography that make this movie a true cinematic masterpiece. 🔍 Be sure to hit that subscribe button and ring the notification bell to join our community of film enthusiasts! 🎥 In this video, we cover: - A comprehensive plot breakdown - Character analysis, from Ace Rothstein (Robert De Niro) to Nicky Santoro (Joe Pesci) - The mesmerizing cinematography and direction by Scorsese - The film's historical and cultural context Join us on this cinematic journey as we explore the rise and fall of the characters in the high-stakes world of casino gambling. Whether you're a fan of Scorsese's work, a cinephile, or just looking for a thrilling discussion, this video is a must-watch! 📢 Help us reach our goal of 1000 new viewers by liking, sharing, and leaving your thoughts in the comments below. Your engagement is what keeps our channel alive! 📚 Don't forget to check out our other film analyses and subscribe for more exciting content on your favorite movies. Hit that like button if you enjoyed this video! Follow Mariah Owen: https://www.gteproductionsinc.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/mariahowen?igsh...

n this video, we delve into the suspenseful masterpiece that is Martin Scorsese's "Cape Fear" (1991). Join us as we explore the genius of Scorsese's direction, Robert De Niro's chilling portrayal of Max Cady, and the thrilling cat-and-mouse game that unfolds in this iconic thriller. We'll discuss the film's themes, its impact on the thriller genre, and its enduring legacy in cinema. 🔍 Dive into the world of #CapeFear 🎥 Analyzing Scorsese's #Masterpiece 🎬 Robert De Niro's #Chilling Performance 💡 Unraveling the #Suspense 🎞️ Influence on the #ThrillerGenre Guest: Danny Jarabek Linktree: https://linktr.ee/dannyjarabek

Discover the cinematic masterpiece that is Martin Scorsese's most beloved film, Goodfellas. Follow the rise and fall of Henry Hill, played by Ray Liotta, as he delves into the world of organized crime. This classic crime drama, featuring Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, is a must-watch for any film enthusiast. Join us for a journey through the gritty streets of New York and the power struggles of the mob. Kierre Stowe over at SacTownMovieBuffs joins me! Guest Links: Follow Kierre at: https://www.sactownmoviebuffs.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kierrethecritic?_t=8gcNcEWrYnm&_r=1 Instagram: https://instagram.com/sactownmoviebuffs?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== #Goodfellas #MartinScorsese #CrimeDrama #ClassicMovie #RobertDeNiro #JoePesci"

Brace yourselves for an incendiary exploration of the most outrage-inducing, faith-challenging film in cinematic history - "The Last Temptation of Christ." 🎬 Delve into the scandal, blasphemy accusations, and the tempestuous controversy that continues to ignite passionate debates. Experience the audacity of Martin Scorsese's 1988 masterpiece that dared to redefine religion and spirituality on the big screen. Join us on a no-holds-barred journey into the film's most controversial scenes and their seismic impact on the world. Witness the audacious performances, the daring storytelling, and the undeniable artistry that sent shockwaves. Whether you're a cinematic rebel or just seeking to challenge your own beliefs, click NOW to unravel "The Last Temptation of Christ." Prepare to be both shocked and provoked - this analysis will leave you questioning everything and everyone. 🔥🔥🔥😱🎥 Join Meredith Loftus and myself as we journey into the spiritual mind of Martin Scorsese and our lord and savior, Jesus Christ. Meredith Loftus Guest Links: https://collider.com/author/meredith-loftus/#:~:text=Meredith%20Loftus%20is%20a%20Los,freelance%20features%20writer%20for%20Collider. https://x.com/meredithloftus?s=21 #lasttemptationofchrist #controversyexplained #martinscorsesecatholic #religiousmovies #jesusmovid

"Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour Movie Review & Ultimate Song Ranking!" is now live! We, alongside special guest Meredith Loftus, dissect this game-changing concert film and rank the best song from each Taylor Swift album. Experience the evolution of Swift's music, from the heartfelt ballads of "Taylor Swift" to the pop anthems of "1989", the lyrical masterpieces of "folklore" to the nostalgic notes of "Fearless (Taylor's Version)". We're breaking down the cinematography, the storytelling, and the music that makes each era unique. But it's more than a movie review. We're picking the standout song from each album, discussing the lyrics, the melodies, and the impact. And we want you involved, Swifties! Share your #1 song from each album in the comments below! Like what you see? Give us a thumbs up 👍, hit subscribe, and click the bell 🔔 to stay updated. Your likes, shares, and comments help our channel grow and we appreciate every bit of your support! #TaylorSwift #TheErasTour #ConcertFilmReview #Swifties #SongRanking #TaylorSwiftEras #MusicDiscussion Stay tuned for more music magic, Swifties! 🎵💖 Meredith Loftus: Collider: https://collider.com/author/meredith-loftus/ Collider - Bob's Burgers: https://collider.com/bobs-burgers-season-14-regular-sized-rudy/ X: https://twitter.com/MeredithLoftus

1986, the summer of Tom Cruise's ascension. In the span of one year Cruise starred in Top Gun and Martin Scorsese's The Color of Money opposite Paul Newman. But how did this pool hustling sports drama turn Tom Cruise into the biggest star in the world? And how did this film essentially save Martin Scorsese's career? Plus, how did this film lead to Paul Newman's first best actor win at the academy awards? Find out here as film critics Scott Mantz and Ben Friedman dive deep into The Color of Money! Guest Links: Scott Mantz Twitter: https://twitter.com/MovieMantz?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor https://www.moviemantz.com/ #1986movies #tomcruise #paulnewman #colorofmoney #werewolvesoflondon #paulnewmanoscarwin #oscars1987 #59oscars

In this thought-provoking video, film fans Jason Alley (Sactown Movie Buffs) and Ben Friedman dive deep into Martin Scorsese's criminally underrated film, "After Hours." Join us as we unpack the themes, symbolism, and wackiness that make this movie an absolute gem. Guest Links: Sactown Movie Buffs: https://www.sactownmoviebuffs.com/

With 'Killers of the Flower Moon' just weeks away, film reviewers Brian and Ben discuss Martin Scorsese's most "slept on" film, THE KING OF COMEDY! Rupert Pupkin, is an aspiring comedy hoping to make it big on The Jerry Langford Show (Jerry Lewis). Robert De Niro stars as Pupkin. Guest Links Find Brian Rowe YT Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAwardsContender X: https://twitter.com/mrbrianrowe

With 'Killers of the Flower Moon' just weeks away, film reviewers Ben and Isaac discuss Martin Scorsese's masterpiece, Raging Bull, which features maybe Robert De Niro's best performance in his career as Jake LaMotta. 'Raging Bull' stars DeNiro and Joe Pesci and features a screenplay by Paul Schrader. Guest Links Find Cody Dericks Letterboxd: ⁠https://letterboxd.com/codymonster91/⁠ Rotten Tomatoes: ⁠⁠https://www.rottentomatoes.com/critics/cody-dericks/movies⁠⁠ Twitter: @codymonster91 ⁠https://twitter.com/codymonster91?lang=en⁠⁠https://twitter.com/codymonster91?lang=en⁠ Find my reviews on Highbrow Magazine: https://www.highbrowmagazine.com I post/tweet my reactions and reviews to movies here: https://x.com/bentitofriedman?s=21 Email - [email protected] Contact for all inquires or just to say hi!

On March 30, 1981 President Ronald Reagan was shot and wounded by John Hinckley Jr. Hinckley believed that assassinating a living President would impress actress Jodie Foster. Thus, Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver lives in infamy due to its complicated connected to the assassination attempt. With 'Killers of the Flower Moon' just weeks away, film critic Ben Friedman is joined by filmmaker, actor, and founder of production company GTE Productions Mariah Owen to discuss maybe the most controversial movie of the 20th century: Taxi Driver. Directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Paul Schrader, Taxi Driver stars Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle, a vigilante taxi driver out to save Iris, a 12 year old prostitute played by Jodie Foster. Harvey Keitel, Cybill Shepherd, and Albert Brooks co-star. Maybe you know Taxi Driver because this is the movie that supposedly inspired John Hinckley Jr. to shoot President Ronald Reagan, and how Martin Scorsese's film was unfairly blamed as dangerous. Guest: Mariah Owen. Canadian award-winning actor, filmmaker, and entrepreneur and founder of the production company GTE Productions. Guest Links Find Mariah Owen Website: https://www.mariahowen.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/mariahowen?lang=en Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariahowen/?hl=en

With 'Killers of the Flower Moon' just weeks away, film writers Ben and Cody join together to discuss Martin Scorsese's first Oscar winning film, 1974's 'Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore' starring Ellen Burstyn, Kris Kristofferson, Alfred Letter Harvey Keitel, and Jodie Foster. Guest: Cody Dericks. Chicago based Film Writer and podcaster for Next Best Picture. Guest Links Find Cody Dericks Letterboxd: https://letterboxd.com/codymonster91/ Rotten Tomatoes: ⁠https://www.rottentomatoes.com/critics/cody-dericks/movies⁠ Twitter: @codymonster91 https://twitter.com/codymonster91?lang=enhttps://twitter.com/codymonster91?lang=en

With 'Killers of the Flower Moon' just weeks away, film critic Ben covers Martin Scorsese's 2nd film, Boxcar Bertha, an exploitation romance-crime movie starring Barbara Hershey and produced by Roger Corman.

With 'Killers of the Flower Moon' just weeks away, film critics Ben and Thomas join together to start at the beginning of Martin Scorsese's career and discuss his 1967 film, 'Who's That Knocking at My Door' starring Harvey Keitel and Zina Bethune. Guest: Thomas Stoneham-Judge. Seattle Based Film Critic & Founder of ForReel Guest Links Find Thomas Stoneham-Judge YouTube: ForReel https://www.youtube.com/@thisisforreel Twitter: @beingTSJ ForReel: https://thisisforreel.com/

The Exorcist: Believer releases in theaters October 6, 2023 and film critic Ben Friedman is here to give his spoiler free thoughts! A sequel to 1973's "The Exorcist", David Gordon Green's sequel follows two families who daughters become possessed by the devil. Leslie Odom Jr., Ellen Burstyn, and Ann Dowd star. The Exorcist: Believer is released by Universal Pictures and produced by Blumhouse.

Stephanie Hsu, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jean Smart, Women Talking, Dolly De Leon, Keke Palmer, Whoopi! Who will score a best supporting actress nomination?  #oscars #womentalking #tar #babylon #powerrankings #fyc #jamieleecurtis #everythingeverywhere   🔵 For more of Ben’s Movie Reviews check out Into the Beniverse: https://intothebeniverse.com  🔴 See More of Ben’s Videos: https://youtube.com/channel/UCFrKfnbJtkchQ4gPfcOdTxw  🔵 Tune into Ben and Bran See a Movie every Friday at 9am: Apple:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ben-bran-see-a-movie/id1553597949Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80YjA4NDllMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0XsXRUvqx3tXV8uISu2UCP?si=CXrhLVSQQUSdcC6j9-i8-QAnchor: https://anchor.fm/bbsam/episodes/Trick-R-Treat---BBSAM-e19aoq8  🔴 Follow Ben on Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/the_beniverse  🔵 Follow Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.beniverse/ CONTACT  [email protected]

Welcome to The Beniverse and on today's episode I did a round robin review of 10 films with Oscar dreams! #harrystyles #mexico #bardo #guillermodeltoro #shesaid #jenniferlawrence #stopmotion #bansheesofinisherin  🔵 For more of Ben’s Movie Reviews check out Into the Beniverse: https://intothebeniverse.com  🔴 See More of Ben’s Videos: https://youtube.com/channel/UCFrKfnbJtkchQ4gPfcOdTxw  🔵 Tune into Ben and Bran See a Movie every Friday at 9am: Apple:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ben-bran-see-a-movie/id1553597949Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80YjA4NDllMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0XsXRUvqx3tXV8uISu2UCP?si=CXrhLVSQQUSdcC6j9-i8-QAnchor: https://anchor.fm/bbsam/episodes/Trick-R-Treat---BBSAM-e19aoq8  🔴 Follow Ben on Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/the_beniverse  🔵 Follow Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.beniverse/ CONTACT  [email protected]

Halloween III: Season of the Witch, or as its better known The Halloween movie not featuring Michael Myers! 🔵 For more of Ben’s Movie Reviews check out Into the Beniverse: https://intothebeniverse.com 🔴 See More of Ben’s Videos: https://youtube.com/channel/UCFrKfnbJtkchQ4gPfcOdTxw 🔵 Tune into Ben and Bran See a Movie every Friday at 9am: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ben-bran-see-a-movie/id1553597949 Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy80YjA4NDllMC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw== Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0XsXRUvqx3tXV8uISu2UCP?si=CXrhLVSQQUSdcC6j9-i8-Q Anchor: https://anchor.fm/bbsam/episodes/Trick-R-Treat---BBSAM-e19aoq8 🔴 Follow Ben on Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/the_beniverse 🔵 Follow Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.beniverse/ CONTACT [email protected]