Footcandle Films

Alan and Chris are back (finally, and a little behind schedule) with a review of The Sun Never Sets, the new film from writer-director Joe Swanberg starring Dakota Fanning, Jake Johnson, and Corey Michael Smith. Set against the Alaskan landscape, it follows a woman whose relationship with her older, divorced boyfriend hits a rough patch just as an old flame reappears in her life. The guys dig into the film, then flag a clearly marked spoiler section at the end if you'd rather wait. In the second half, three upcoming films get the trailer treatment. Artificial, Luca Guadagnino's OpenAI drama with Andrew Garfield as Sam Altman — dropped by Amazon, rescued by NEON, and arriving Christmas Day. Remain, the unlikely M. Night Shyamalan–Nicholas Sparks collaboration starring Jake Gyllenhaal, now repositioned from spooky October to Valentine's Day 2027. And You Can See Everything, the secretly shot, nearly three-hour Elizabeth Holmes documentary from Lance Oppenheim and Nathan Fielder that surprise-premiered at Telluride — and whose cast list raises some very interesting questions. Chris closes with his recommendation of the week: Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere on Netflix. Plus a reminder that the Footcandle Film Festival runs September 18–27 in Western North Carolina.

Alan and Chris are back to take on one of the most improbable release stories in recent memory: Coyote vs. Acme has finally made it to theaters. Shelved by Warner Bros. in 2023 as a tax write-off, rescued by Ketchup Entertainment, and now in wide release nearly three years behind schedule, Dave Green's live-action/animation hybrid puts Wile E. Coyote on the witness stand against the company whose products have failed him for decades. Will Forte, John Cena, and Lana Condor star. The guys dig into whether the finished film justifies the fan campaign that saved it — and what it says about the studio system that nearly buried it. In the news, Alan and Chris cover the latest out of the Venice Film Festival, then run through two new trailers: Club Kid, Jordan Firstman's Cannes-premiering feature debut for A24 about a New York party promoter blindsided by the ten-year-old son he never knew about, and The Sun Never Sets, Joe Swanberg's first feature in nearly a decade, an Alaska-set love triangle shot on 35mm with Dakota Fanning, Jake Johnson, and Cory Michael Smith. Chris closes things out with his weekly recommendation: Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, Jane Schoenbrun's Queer Palm-winning meta-slasher starring Hannah Einbinder and Gillian Anderson.

A new dinosaur action adventure film has hit theaters starring Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor. No, it is not another installment in the Jurassic Park franchise but a new film from writer/director David Robert Mitchell. We've got a review of THE END OF OAK STREET, a serving of trailer tapas, and some pondering of the release strategy of the upcoming Beatles biopics. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode: Looper Footcandle Film Society

THE LAST HOUSE, a psychological sci-fi thriller, tells the story of a family of four suddenly sealed inside their home with no way out. We've got a review of the new film starring Wagner Moura & Greta Lee, a fresh round of Trailer Tapas, and a glimpse of what director Ari Aster is working on for his next film all on this episode. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - Nope Footcandle Film Society     

SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY picks up where the previous Spidey cinematic installment NO WAY HOME left off.  Peter Parker lives alone as a full-time Spider-Man forgotten by his friends.  Mounting pressure triggers a dangerous change threatening his ability to fight a new mysterious enemy. We've got a review of the latest MCU entry as well as a round of Trailer Tapas fresh from the internet kitchen. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - Redux Redux Footcandle Film Society   

Olivia Wilde directs and stars in the new film THE INVITE alongside Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, & Edward Norton. We got a review plus a round of Trailer Tapas discussing three upcoming movies, and a recommendation of a film you can watch from the comfort of your own couch. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode  - Mile End Kicks Footcandle Film Society 

Writer/ Director Christopher Nolan's work is back on the big screen with his take on THE ODYSSEY starring seemingly all of Hollywood's hottest actors.  We've got a review plus talk of three upcoming films in our Trailer Tapas section.   Recommendation from our hosts in this episode: Tuner Footcandle Film Society

Julian Schnabel is the latest director enabled by the deep pockets of Netflix to bring a passion project to life. IN THE HAND OF DANTE is a time line jumping tale starring Oscar Isaac, Al Pacino, Gerard Butler and John Malkovich. We've got a review plus each host shares some of their favorite films of the year thus far. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - Sunlight Footcandle Film Society   

Krypto was for many a standout in last year's SUPERMAN. Now his rightful owner, SUPERGIRL, gets a big screen film of her own. We've got a review of the new film plus direct from the cinematic kitchen a fresh round of Trailer Tapas. Recommendation - He Got Game Footcandle Film Society 

Andrew Stanton has helmed big cinematic successes like FINDING NEMO and WALL-E. He was also a writer on TOY STORY 1, 2, & 4. With TOY STORY 5 he gets his first chance to sit in the directors chair for a TOY STORY film. We've got a review of TOY STORY 5, a discussion of the deal between Google and a24 involving the use of AI in filmmaking, and some discussion of the new films by Taika Waititi and Jesse Eisenberg. Recommendation - The Princess & The Frog Footcandle Film Society 

Spielberg's back on the big screen with a sci-fi thriller starring Emily Blunt, Josh O'Connor, Colin Firth, Colman Domingo, and Eve Hewson. We've got a review of DISCLOSURE DAY plus sneak peaks of three upcoming releases in our Trailer Tapas section.   Recommendation from our hosts in this episode:  Exit 8 Footcandle Film Society   

The latest movie from writer/director John Carney stars Paul Rudd as Rick a washed up wedding singer. One night after a gig he bonds over music with Danny, a fading boy band star played by Nick Jonas. When Danny reignites his career after turning one of Rick’s songs into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. We've got a review of POWER BALLAD plus a fresh order of Trailer Tapas. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - The Testament of Ann Lee Footcandle Film Society

Writer, director, & YouTube creator Kane Parsons got an early 21st birthday present with the opening weekend of his first feature film BACKROOMS bringing in 82 million dollars making him the youngest filmmaker ever to hit number one at the box office.  We've got a review plus a round of Trailer Tapas. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - Dust Bunny Footcandle Film Society 

The Mandalorian and Grogu have made the lightspeed jump from the small to big screen with a new addition to the Star Wars cinematic universe. We've got a review of STAR WARS: THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU, a round of Trailer Tapas, and a recommendation of a film you can watch from the comfort of your couch - all on this episode.   Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - Chef (2014) Footcandle Film Society 

Director Kyle Balda, known for animated work like MINIONS & DESPICABLE ME 3, makes his first foray into the pasture of live action & CGI talking animals with THE SHEEP DETECTIVES starring Hugh Jackman and the voices of Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Patrick Stewart, Bryan Cranston, and Regina Hall.  We've got a review plus some Trailer Tapas, & a recommendation of a film you might have missed. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - Splitsville Footcandle Film Society

In HOKUM Adam Scott plays novelist Ohm Bauman who travels to a remote inn in Ireland to scatter his parents’ ashes. Once there he hears tales of things being haunted and has disturbing visions. We got a review of the new film plus a fresh round of Trailer Tapas. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - Good Fortune Footcandle Film Society 

Director Antoine Fuqua's new film MICHAEL portrays the early life of the famous musician Michael Jackson with the title role being played by his nephew Jaafar Jackson. Our hosts share a review followed by quick looks at two upcoming movies slated for release in the near future. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - Twinless Footcandle Film Society 

Peter Farrelly is primarily known as the writer/director of comedies like DUMB AND DUMBER, KINGPIN, & THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY.  After a brief detour into drama with 20218's GREEN BOOK he's returned to the realm of comedy with his latest film BALLS UP starring Mark Wahlberg and Paul Walter Hauser.  We've got a review plus a discussion of the news coming out of the recently wrapped CinemaCon. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode- Four Lions Footcandle Film Society 

Jonah Hill’s new comedy (OUTCOME) stars Keanu Reeves as Hollywood leading man Reef Hawk. When Reef learns about an extortion plot tied to a mysterious video, he preemptively sets out on a redemption tour to make amends, confront his demons, and avoid getting cancelled. Recommendations from our hosts in this episode - Anaconda (2025)   Footcandle Film Society    

Zendaya & Robert Pattinson star in THE DRAMA as a happily engaged couple whose relationship gets put to the test when an unexpected turn sends their wedding week off the rails. We've got of the film plus a look at some upcoming films in our Trailer Tapas segment. Recommendations - Pizza Movie   Footcandle Film Society

Writer/director BenDavid Grabinski's new action comedy MIKE & NICK & NICK & ALICE stars Vince Vaughn as both of the titular Nicks, James Marsden as the titular Mike, and Eiza González as the titular Alice. We've got a review of the new Hulu exclusive film plus a generous helping of Trailer Tapas.  Recommendations from our hosts in this episode - Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie Footcandle Film Society 

Ryan Gosling plays a science teacher alone on a spaceship light years from Earth in PROJECT HAIL MARY. We go long on the review (football pun intended...but also we did really talk a good bit about this one) and then wager which of seven upcoming proposed films based on IP we'd back with all our podcasting millions. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode- Sing Street Footcandle Film Society 

The new Pixar film HOPPERS has been seen by many in the movie going world as a bounce back effort for the studio whose recent output hasn't fared well. Chris reviews the new film and then both hosts run down the outcomes of Sunday night's 2026 Academy Awards ceremony. Recommendations from our hosts in this episode: The Singers, Two People Exchanging Saliva   Footcandle Film Society 

Actress/Writer/Director Maggie Gyllenhaal is back with her 2nd feature film THE BRIDE! starring Jessie Buckley, Christian Bale, Annette Bening, Peter Sarsgaard, Penélope Cruz, and her brother Jake Gyllenhaal. We've got a review plus a Trailer Tapas segment where we sample the trailers of three new films set to release in the coming weeks. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - Wild Rose Footcandle Film Society 

During the research process of making his 2022 biopic ELVIS starring Austin Butler director Baz Luhrmann gained access to mountains of archival footage of interviews, performances, and candid moments behind the scenes. He's now assembled a documentary entitled EPiC: ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT. We've got a review plus a Trailer Tapas segment with quick glimpses of films on the release schedule horizon. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - Man on the Run Footcandle Film Society 

The new movie HOW TO MAKE A KILLING starring Glen Powell is loosely based on the 1949 film KIND HEARTS AND CORONETS. Powell plays Becket Redfellow who was disowned at birth by his obscenely wealthy family. His mother does the best she can to raise him on her own. When she becomes terminally ill she urges Becket on her deathbed to reclaim his inheritance. We've got a review of the dark comedy plus via the Trailer Tapas segment a look at three movies arriving in cineplexes in the coming months.   Recommendation from our host in this episode- A Little Prayer   Footcandle Film Society 

Writer/Director Bart Layton's new film CRIME 101 follows an elusive thief who while plotting his final score encounters a disillusioned insurance broker. As their paths intertwine a relentless detective trails them hoping to thwart the multi-million dollar heist they are planning. We've got a review of the film plus a round of trailer tapas that helps us decide what we'll be discussing next week.   Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - Psycho Therapy: The Shallow Tale of a Writer Who Decided to Write About a Serial Killer   Connect with Footcandle Film Society here 

Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi tackles taboo topics in his work. The 2025 Palm D'Or winner and Academy award nominated IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT fits right in with his filmography as it depicts a mechanic who is reminded of his time in an Iranian prison when he encounters a man he suspects of being his sadistic jailor. Our hosts share their thoughts on the film & then run down all the movie trailers shown during the cultural event that was the 2026 Super Bowl. Recommendation - Come See Me In The Good Light Footcandle Film Society 

Director Sam Raimi returns to his indie horror roots with the new film SEND HELP starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien.  Our hosts share a review and then indulge in a round of Trailer Tapas with glimpses of I LOVE BOOSTERS, EPIC, & MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE.   Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - Secret Mall Apartment Footcandle Film Society 

Our hosts have thawed out enough from the weekend winter weather that hit Western NC to bring a review of THE SECRET AGENT starring Golden Globe winner & Oscar nominee Wagner Moura. Speaking of the upcoming Academy Awards, Alan & Chris review the lucky nominees and make early guesses as to who might take home the golden statues. A recommendation from our hosts in this episode: A Big Bold Beautiful Journey Footcandle Film Society   

Our hosts review their first 2026 cinematic release - 28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE starring Ralph Fiennes & Jack O'Connell. Afterwards they partake in some Trailer Tapas sampling three upcoming films they are looking forward to. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode:  28 Days Later Footcandle Film Society 

Did ya' hear? Stellan Skarsgård snagged a Golden Globe for his role in SENTIMENTAL VALUE. Our hosts share a review of the new film by Joachim Trier plus share their Top 5 lists of the best cinema of 2025.   Recommendation from our host in this episode: Spinal Tap II - The End Continues   Footcandle Film Society 

Happy New Year podcast listeners. Our hosts ring in the new year with reviews of MARTY SUPREME starring Timothée Chalamet & SONG SUNG BLUE starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson. In the spirt of celebrating the new year Chris shares his annual list of films he's most anticipating in 2026.   Recommendation from our host - The Life of Chuck   Footcandle Film Society 

Director Chloé Zhao's HAMNET starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal is out in movie theaters now and generating award season buzz. Our hosts share their review on this cinematic peek into the creative process of William Shakespeare followed by Alan quizzing Chris on his thoughts on the 3rd installment of the Avatar franchise. Recommendation from our host in this episode - The Alabama Solution Footcandle Film Society

Director Rian Johnson is back with the third installment in his murder mystery series with WAKE UP DEAD MAN: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY. We share a review and then gaze into our cinematic crystal ball at three upcoming movies of 2026 by discussing their trailers. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode: Zootopia 2 Footcandle Film Society 

Russell Crowe returns to be big screen in NUREMBERG as the Nazi leader Hermann Göring on trial with Rami Malek starring as a psychiatrist and Michael Shannon as a prosecutor in the case. We've got a review of the star studded historical drama plus thoughts on the recently announced Golden Globe nominations. Recommendation from our house in this episode: Roofman Footcandle Film Society

WICKED: FOR GOOD had a huge opening weekend, earning an estimated $150 million in North America and $226 million globally. Our hosts share a review of the new film starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande and then discuss a trio of trailers for upcoming releases.   Recommendation - Train Dreams   Footcandle Film Society 

Edgar Wright, Noah Baumbach, & Guillermo del Toro - three big directors all with 2025 releases. We've got full reviews of Wright's THE RUNNING MAN and Baumbach's JAY KELLY followed by a recommendation and mini-review of sorts of del Toro's FRANKENSTEIN. Recommendation - Frankenstein (2025)    

Once again the hosts were AWOL last week. To make up for their absence they share two reviews on this episode. First they talk about PREDATOR: BADLANDS starring Elle Fanning and then discuss the latest collaboration between actress Emma Stone & director Yorgos Lanthimos BUGONIA.   Recommendation - Vulcanizadora   Footcandle Film Society  

Aș penance for not recording a podcast last week our hosts return with two movie reviews instead of the usual one. First up we have a discussion of the seasonally appropriate horror film BLACK PHONE 2 followed by thoughts on the new documentary MR. SCORSESE. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - Weapons Footcandle Film Society

A new installment of Disney's TRON franchise has come to theaters after a fifteen year hiatus. We've got a review of TRON: ARES starring Jared Leto plus thoughts on some movie news of new films in the OCEAN'S series. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode: Final Destination Bloodlines

The Safdie Brothers' solo projects are upon us. Josh's tale of a ping pong obsessed fellow will hit screens in December but first we have Benny's biopic of mixed-martial arts and UFC champion Mark Kerr as portrayed by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. We've got a review of THE SMASHING MACHINE on this episode along with discussion of the upcoming film that has Jack Black and Paul Rudd starring as a pair of friends trying to single handedly remake the b-horror movie ANACONDA.   Recommendations from our hosts - Tucker and Dale Vs. Evil   Footcandle Film Society 

With the 2025 Footcandle Film Festival officially wrapped our hosts return to their regular scheduled duties...that of reviewing films. We've got a review of the new Paul Thomas Anderson film ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER plus news of a sequel to THE SOCIAL NETWORK.   Recommendation from our hosts in this episode- Inherent Vice   Footcandle Film Society     

With HIGHEST 2 LOWEST Director Spike Lee remakes Akira Kurosawa’s HIGH AND LOW taking it from the streets of Tokyo to the streets of modern day New York City. The film marks the fifth collaboration between Lee and star Denzel Washington. Our hosts share a review and then ponder the trailers of two new films coming soon to theaters.   Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - The Roses

Our hosts didn't take a break last week but recorded an episode discussing the new film RELAY.  Cranky computers resulted in the episode being lost however...they give a quick recap on this episode before launching into a discussion of Darren Aronofsky's CAUGHT STEALING.   Recommendation from our hosts in this episode: I Like Movies Footcandle Film Festival September 19-28, 2025 in Hickory, NC!

With his feature film debut writer/director Michael Shanks tells the story of Tim and Millie, a couple who move to the country and encounter an unnatural force that threatens to corrupt their lives, their love, and the their flesh. The couple is played by real-life married couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie. We've got a review of TOGETHER followed by some trailer talk of some upcoming theatrical releases.   Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - Materialists   Footcandle Film Society    Footcandle Film Festival 

Writer/director Zach Cregger is back on the big screen with the followup to his 2022 horror hit BARBARIAN. The new film stars Julia Garner, Josh Brolin and Alden Ehrenreich and follows the actions of a small town after a classroom full of young school children go missing. We've got a review of WEAPONS plus thoughts on the new trailers for JAY KELLY and IF I HAD LEGS I'D KICK YOU.   Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - Oddity Footcandle Film Society | Footcandle Film Festival 

What's a "requel"? Well, according to the internet, it is what you call a "reboot" combined with a "sequel". Exhibit A - The new version of THE NAKED GUN starring Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson, & Paul Walter Hauser directed by Lonely Island member Akiva Schaffer. We've got a review plus a discussion of the trailer for the film BLUE MOON - the 9th collaboration between actor Ethan Hawke and director Richard Linklater.   Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping Footcandle Film Society | Footcandle Film Festival 

With FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS we have the 4th film in the franchise utilizing the 3rd version of the cast and 3rd person in the director's chair. Will this be the 1st successful iteration of the these comic book characters? Our hosts have a review plus discuss two trailers of upcoming 2025 releases.   Recommendation from our hosts in this episode- The Jerk   Footcandle Film Society and Film Festival    

Director Ari Aster, darling of independent cinema, is back on the big screen with his fourth feature EDDINGTON starring Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, and Austin Butler. We've got a review plus some PIXAR talk and a recommendation of a film that might not be on your cinematic radar. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode:Bob Trevino Likes It Footcandle Film Society | Footcandle Film Festival