Fred Asquith On Film

This week on FoF we are discussing the fallout from The Odyssey including whether I got paid to love the movie (spoiler: no) and updating my Nolan Movie Rankings. We also brush over the Dune: Part 3 and Digger trailers before diving into YOUR HOT TAKES! via voice note. Fyi this was recorded BEFORE the release of the Doomsday trailer so I will discuss that on next week's pod alongside the Spider-Man: Brand New Day review.SUBSCRIBE and join the FoF Family!RATE & REVIEW! ("FoF IS ON THE UP")Send FoF a voice note! ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://memo.fm/fredasquithonfilm/⁠⁠⁠⁠EXPLORE the FoF socials via my creepy website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fredasquith.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Intro(00:12) Did I get “paid” to love The Odyssey?(02:23) Updating Nolan Ranking(06:53) Avoiding Dune Part 3 Trailer(07:44) Digger Trailer(10:37) Netflix buying Letterboxd?-YOUR HOT TAKES!Send FoF a voice note! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://memo.fm/fredasquithonfilm/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠(11:22) Lucy on Young vs Old Cinema Talkers(13:02) Ed says Titanic is bad(14:27) Jared says T1 better than T2(16:19) Paul’s Bladder Test for Movie Ratings(20:13) Johanna on a Nolan Horror Movie(22:23) Dalton on Evil Dead Burn(23:49) Sam on 10 Things I Hate About You (28:26) Send FoF a voice note! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://memo.fm/fredasquithonfilm/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-(28:35) Next Week - SPIDEY! (& Doomsday trailer)

This week on FoF we are chatting Movie. Yes THE Movie event of the year (and that's saying something this year) - The Odyssey. We review it in depth and - of course - with NO SPOILERS for those who haven't read the book (like me). My junket interview with Nolan is out on my YouTube (link below), and thank you to everyone who entered the Odyssey 70mm IMAX ticket competition last week! That winner has now been announced on my Instagram Story on Monday 13th. SUBSCRIBE and join the FoF Family!RATE & REVIEW! ("FoF IS ON THE UP")Send FoF a voice note! ⁠⁠⁠https://memo.fm/fredasquithonfilm/⁠⁠⁠EXPLORE the FoF socials via my creepy website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fredasquith.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Intro(00:44) ⁠Watch my Christopher Nolan interview!!!! https://youtu.be/3kmRkWjcEIU(00:56) The Odyssey Review (no spoilers)(03:05) Nolan's common traits(06:29) Cast & Performances(11:14) Fantasy Nolan, Edgy Nolan(12:53) The practicality, scale & aesthetic(14:18) 70mm Cinematography(17:25) The tactility & texture(18:29) Action bang for your buck(19:39) Nolan's 2nd Acts ROCK(20:18) Final act (no spoilers) and Nolan's narrative tropes(22:17) Emotion vs Interstellar / Inception(24:51) Absolute Cinema.(25:58) A future comfort movie?(27:10) Summary & Letterboxd Rating https://boxd.it/f76Q6P(29:30) The FoF Disclaimer(29:43) SeatyMapper - incredible BFI screening experience(32:54) Forrest Grump - talking in the screening(33:28) Nolan Voice Note - Structure over Substance? https://memo.fm/fredasquithonfilm/(37:31) Watch my Christopher Nolan interview!!!! https://youtu.be/3kmRkWjcEIU⁠

This week on FoF we are pre-Odyssey. My junket interview with Nolan is out on my YouTube, and I have a competition to win 2 tickets to opening day! Stick around and find out how to win. We also have two, yes TWO scoops on Avengers: Doomsday, followed by your Voice Note HOT TAKES, before finishing with a review of Evil Dead Burn (Spoiler Free). Timestamps below. SUBSCRIBE and join the FoF Family!RATE & REVIEW! ("FoF IS ON THE UP")Send FoF a voice note! ⁠⁠https://memo.fm/fredasquithonfilm/⁠⁠EXPLORE the FoF socials via my creepy website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fredasquith.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Intro(00:44) Watch my Christopher Nolan interview!!!! https://youtu.be/3kmRkWjcEIU(01:29) Odyssey Ticket competition!!!!(02:31) Avengers: Doomsday EXCLUSIVE SCOOPS!———(10:14) Send the pod a voice note!!! https://memo.fm/fredasquithonfilm/(10:43) Will’s love for Bad Movies & Letterboxd curves(16:15) Ardy’s review of Supergirl(17:28) Eoin’s thoughts on Star Ratings for genre(21:12) Reuben’s HOT Nolan Batman Take———(23:48) EVIL DEAD BURN Review (no spoilers) https://boxd.it/f8ywez(32:18) Odyssey review incoming - SUBSCRIBE!

This week on FoF we are raising a glass to THE INVITE, the spiritual sequel to THE DRAMA, where social etiquette is once again tossed aside at a dinner party in the face of another crazy revelation. I talk through the comedy, aesthetic, and emotional beats of the movie - SPOILER FREE!We also return to the well of Voice Notes from the FoF community! We discuss the greatness of THE LAST JEDI, Spielberg passing the torch, on-screen couples with chemistry and more! You can send me a voice note HERE: https://memo.fm/fredasquithonfilm/I also have time for a positive Forrest Grump after I took my Mum to see Obsession (stick around for her cute review). SUBSCRIBE and join the FoF Family!RATE & REVIEW! ("FoF IS ON THE UP")Send FoF a voice note! ⁠https://memo.fm/fredasquithonfilm/⁠EXPLORE the FoF socials via my creepy website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fredasquith.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Intro(00:08) THE INVITE Review (Spoiler-Free) https://boxd.it/eWcJdn(10:28) The Best SHH of All Time (Forrest Grump!)(15:36) Luke's Hot Take about The Last Jedi(18:31) Philippe's Hot Take about Spielberg/Barker(24:07) Reuben's Hot Take about Blade Runner(26:08) Vanessa's Hot Take about On-Screen Couples(30:48) Send FoF a voice note! ⁠⁠https://memo.fm/fredasquithonfilm/⁠⁠(30:58) Next Week!

This week on FoF we open the floodgates to VOICE NOTES from the FoF community! I asked you to send in your hot takes and you didn't disappoint. We run through discussions about banning popcorn, Monster Movies, Classic Movies and the age-old star rating system debate. You can send me a voice note HERE: https://memo.fm/fredasquithonfilm/I also vent about The Odyssey ticket release panic, before finishing off with my review of the funniest comedy of 2026 - Never Change! SUBSCRIBE and join the FoF Family!RATE & REVIEW! ("FoF IS ON THE UP")Send FoF a voice note! https://memo.fm/fredasquithonfilm/EXPLORE the FoF socials via my creepy website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fredasquith.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Intro & HELLO ALAN(01:13) Send FoF a voice note!!! https://memo.fm/fredasquithonfilm/(02:02) YOUR Hot Takes!!!(02:17) Jack’s HOT TAKE on Dunkirk & Nolan https://letterboxd.com/fredasquith/list/fred-ranks-christopher-nolan/(03:54) Dalton’s HOT TAKE on the next James Bond(04:53) David’s HOT TAKE on cinema snacks(06:56) Jaime’s HOT TAKE on 2001 A Space Odyssey(08:37) Shiv’s HOT TAKE on Tarantino & Kill Bill(10:47) Julia’s HOT TAKE on Star Ratings(18:39) Jordan’s HOT TAKE on Monster Movies & Depth in Blockbusters(23:52) Igor’s HOT TAKE on Classic Movies(25:59) Tyler’s HOT TAKE on The Godfather Trilogy(28:54) seriously tho...Send FoF a voice note!!! https://memo.fm/fredasquithonfilm/-(30:17) Missing Jackass & Supergirl :((31:45) NEVER CHANGE! Review (OUT NOW on Disney+) https://boxd.it/eJ9Q8L(38:28) Mini Darling says hello

This week on FoF we tentatively turn to the world of Toy Story in hope that a 5th movie can recapture the magic of the original trilogy. I talk through how it hit me as a new Dad, and whether I thought it was successful on par with the previous classics. This review is SPOILER FREE, meaning anything that is shown in the trailer is fair game.SUBSCRIBE and join the FoF Family!RATE & REVIEW! ("FoF IS ON THE UP")EXPLORE the FoF socials via my creepy website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fredasquith.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Check out my interview with Director Andrew Stanton! https://youtu.be/rpFRZ697llM(00:39) Toy Story 5 - setup/synopsis(01:27) The franchise so far…(02:13) The criteria for a good Toy Story movie?(02:22) CONTEXT: I’m a new Dad(02:43) Breaking news…(03:19) The Gang vibes are done right. (04:27) New characters(04:49) Developing the animation(06:24) Platforming different members of the gang(06:56) Great pacing(07:48) Some negatives(08:42) It’s super funny, Conan especially(09:19) Crying & Allowing It To Matter(10:45) Not pandering to parents for the sake of it(12:10) Should a 5th movie exist? Should it continue?(12:53) Summary & Letterboxd Rating https://boxd.it/eKC3zb(13:55) The FoF Disclaimer(14:04) Kids enjoying it in the screening(14:28) Post-credits sequence btw(14:41) General Toy Story ranking(16:00) Check out my interview with Director Andrew Stanton! https://youtu.be/rpFRZ697llM⁠(16:22) NEXT WEEK!

This week on FoF we are reviewing Disclosure Day, the new blockbuster movie from Steven Spielberg about government extra-terrestrial cover ups. We discuss comparisons to his own movies Close Encounters and War of the Worlds (and…Crystal Skull), as well as Arrival from Denis Villeneuve. I go through what works, what doesn’t work, and whether Spielberg did enough Spielberging to make this worth a trip to the cinema. This review is SPOILER FREE, meaning anything that is shown in the trailer is fair game.We also find time to have a good impassioned rant about Scorsese joining forces with an AI company. SUBSCRIBE and join the FoF Family!RATE & REVIEW! ("FoF IS ON THE UP")EXPLORE the FoF socials via my creepy website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fredasquith.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Intro, No Spoilers etc(01:13) My Stance on Spielberg (Recent Work, Sci-Fi)(03:03) My Stance on Aliens(04:25) My Review Anxieties(07:16) The Review starts, Approach to Aliens vs Arrival & Close Encounters(12:44) Failure to Explore Themes(14:08) Road Movie, comparison to War of the Worlds(15:26) Performances(17:49) Spielberg knows what he’s doing(20:36) General Story Logic(22:07) General thoughts, anxieties and confusion(23:55) Summary, Letterboxd Rating & FoF Disclaimer https://boxd.it/eIQZ4P———(25:42) Scorsese Joins AI Storyboarding Company(37:05) NEXT WEEK!

Today on FoF we discuss 2 Dad movies of differing quality. In the case of MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE I have not had a more baffling, disorientating cinema experience in quite some time, so we have a nice big giggle about that in my first EVER non-Review Movie Review. Moving onto POWER BALLAD (via a little OBSESSION update) I talk about how it tapped into my new Dad perspective, made me realise Nick Jonas has talent and earnt my forgiveness for its frailties. Both these reviews are SPOILER FREE, meaning anything that is shown in the trailer is fair game. SUBSCRIBE and join the FoF Family!RATE & REVIEW! ("FoF IS ON THE UP")EXPLORE the FoF socials via my creepy website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fredasquith.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Intro-(00:23) MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE Review (Spoiler-Free)(00:57) I have no idea what is happening(01:50) A message to He-Man fans(02:42) How has this passed me by(04:24) The whole premiere experience(05:58) Movie started(06:49) I can’t even dog on this movie(07:27) I feel asleep(08:40) I walked out(10:30) Not giving it a Letterboxd rating https://boxd.it/eyqcmN(11:18) What happened to Idris Elba’s American accent?(11:50) The FoF Disclaimer-(12:10) OBSESSION Box Office - we were there at the start(14:15) Cinema Air Con Reviews-(14:40) POWER BALLAD Review (Spoiler-Free)(15:10) Synopsis(15:59) Funny angry comedy and references (16:30) Paul Rudd in his element(17:09) It’s funny! And interesting!(17:40) Rudd & Jonas chemistry & talent(18:08) Great depiction of the Creative Process(19:33) Lip Syncing was offputting (19:56) Cheap visuals and scale(21:09) But it works overall(22:00) My First Dad Movie Experience(23:14) This could be a Family Favourite(24:16) Summary & Letterboxd Rating https://boxd.it/eyqmop-(24:55) Next Week!

Today on FoF we enter the BACKROOMS, a new horror(?) movie directed by Kane Parsons off the back of a very successful YouTube mini-series of the same name. I review it's visual and tonal strengths, whilst discussing why I think it is lacking in the scares department. This review is SPOILER FREE, but in this case that means providing context on what you may already know from the general YouTube mini-series premise, as well as what is shown in the trailer (which isn't much). I also find time to have a quick rant about how long the Bond casting is taking, before letting you in on a little secret about my new baby's Letterboxd account!!!! SUBSCRIBE and join the FoF Family!RATE & REVIEW! ("FoF IS ON THE UP")EXPLORE the FoF socials via my creepy website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fredasquith.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Intro (00:59) Origin / Context about Backrooms (Important)(03:33) Synopsis & Set Up(04:21) The Therapisation of Horror(05:28) Strong foundational premise (06:24) Strong visuals & initial tone(07:50) Not scary enough (09:35) Found footage sequences (10:30) Over explanation diluting the horror(12:25) The evil presence was not revealed effectively (14:11) Something’s been lost from the original image/series (18:10) Visual strengths(18:52) The performances are strong(19:43) Which audience will this work for?(20:23) Summary & Letterboxd Rating https://boxd.it/ewY8Qz(21:07) The FoF Disclaimer -(21:21) Bond Casting RANT (23:31) Mini Darling’s Letterboxd!!?(26:28) Next week…

Today we return to a galaxy far, far away to review (SPOILER-FREE) The Mandalorian & Grogu, the new anxiously anticipated big screen spin-off of the previous Disney+ streaming spin-off. So we’re spinning off the spin-off. I walk you through my snap reaction to the film (because they have barely given us any time to gather our thoughts) before descending into an impassioned rant to Star Wars fanatics and casual fans alike. We talk about the marketing, the love (or lack thereof), the action, the warms, and the fuzzies. Stick around to find out Mark Kermode’s favourite seat in the BFI IMAX, as well as the behaviour of the guy sat next to me. SUBSCRIBE and join the FoF Family!RATE & REVIEW! ("FoF IS ON THE UP")EXPLORE the FoF socials via my creepy website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fredasquith.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Intro(00:41) My Star Wars Credentials(02:00) Rob - our Star Wars fanatic correspondent(02:52) Plot Synopsis/Set Up(03:49) Marketing & Anticipation(05:03) Is it a Cinematic Experience?(07:42) Disney have messed us around with this IP(12:15) This is strategy first not passion first(13:00) Sigourney Weaver’s weird performance, and Pedro(14:22) No Warm & Fuzzies, No Star Wars(16:15) Picking out some positives(18:13) Not coming from a place of love(20:07) Star Wars fans deserve better than this. (23:40) I take no joy in saying I was bored. (25:36) Summary & Letterboxd rating https://boxd.it/eqqxsF(26:30) The FoF Disclaimer(26:40) A brief ranking of Mando & Grogu(27:05) SeatyMapper - Mark Kermodes Favourite BFI IMAX Seat(28:03) Forrest Grump - Mando & Grogu Cinema etiquette RANT(30:08) Next week!

This week on FoF we indulge in 2 types of movies Hollywood does not make anymore…except they just did! Finding Emily (which is a British Rom Com tbf and not Hollywood), and Tuner (a cool Crime-Caper) both pleased me on different levels and for different reasons which we will go into in full FoF depth, with laughs along the way. We discuss the return of the Rom-Com and why being a "Sunday Afternoon" movie is no bad thing. I finish with another RANT about people talking in cinemas ARRGHHHHSUBSCRIBE and join the FoF Family!RATE & REVIEW! ("FoF IS ON THE UP")EXPLORE the FoF socials via my creepy website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fredasquith.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TIMESTAMPS(00:00 Intro(01:00) Finding Emily Review (Out 22nd May) https://boxd.it/elLvJV(18:26) Tuner Review (Limited Release 22nd May, Wide 29th May) https://boxd.it/el3oFJ(27:38) Movie Etiquette Forrest Grump(29:37) Mando & Grogu NEXT WEEK!

This week on FoF I CRACKED NOLAN’S ODYSSEY CIPHER BEFORE ANYONE ELSE ON EARTH and discovered a secret Discord group chat. We then go baaaaa-rmy for The Sheep Detectives, but maybe not in a good way, maybe in a baaad way. Speaking of which, I address the reaction to my bad review of Hokum last week as well as my glowing review of Obsession, what it shows about movie discourse and how I determine my star ratings. We then find time to discuss secret screenings, Project Hail Mary Oscar buzz, boiling hot cinemas and also review Ian McKellen’s wonderful performance in The Christophers.SUBSCRIBE and join the FoF Family!RATE & REVIEW! ("FoF IS ON THE UP")EXPLORE the FoF socials via my creepy website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fredasquith.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Intro(00:25) The Odyssey Code CRACKED https://discord.com/invite/odysseymovie(05:52) Hokum Reactions & Ratings Backlash RANT(08:25) Obsession HYPE, Preview Screenings & My 5 Star Rating Ethos (another RANT)(12:31) Inde Navarette (Obsession) Awards contender?(13:50) Project Hail Mary Oscar Buzz & Discourse(17:00) The Sheep Detectives https://boxd.it/e82dZp(27:14) Forrest Grump Parent Baby Screenings having better etiquette(29:12) Billie Eilish Hit Me Hard And Soft Live In 3D Review(29:39) Are Secret Screenings Fun or Annoying?(30:58) The Christophers Review https://boxd.it/egCMHz(38:01) Forrest Grump Air Con Rant(39:56) NEXT WEEK!

This week on FoF a Horror Double-Bill, OBSESSION vs HOKUM, and ONE of them is an instant classic (which may or may not be getting a 5 star treatment). The other is, well, just ok (or maybe worse) - but I might be in the minority on that, so I explain why I think that is. Have a listen to find out which is which! (Spoiler Free reviews for both btw). We also revisit the discussion around 25+ Year Old screenings raised on a previous episode, with another great contrasting point from a fellow listener. SUBSCRIBE and join the FoF Family!RATE & REVIEW! ("FoF IS ON THE UP")EXPLORE the FoF socials via my creepy website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fredasquith.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Intro(00:54) OBSESSION Review - Spoiler Free (Letterboxd - https://boxd.it/e8Zg7N)(14:52) HOKUM Review - Spoiler Free (Letterboxd - https://boxd.it/e9OxBH)(27:55) Over 25+ Year Old Screenings FOLLOW UP - Interesting Listener Email!(31:34) NEXT WEEK

This week on FoF it's Anne Hathaway's comeback, Anne she does Hathaway of coming up with 2 movies in 1 week, doesn't she! We review "The Devil Wears Prada 2" which you will be all too aware of, and also her art-house outing in David Lowery's "Mother Mary". Both are fraying at the seams for different reasons. We also find time for a giggle as we pitch other 90s and 00s Rom Coms to be given a present day Legacy Sequel (in honour of Prada 2). As always we finish with Forrest Grump, SeatyMapper (a moment of reflection haha), and a new relevant extract from my 15 year old movie journals. SUBSCRIBE and join the FoF Family!RATE & REVIEW! ("FoF IS ON THE UP")EXPLORE the FoF socials via my creepy website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fredasquith.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TIMESTAMPS(00:00) I INTERVIEWED STANLEY TUCCI! https://youtu.be/qOXTZ0CFJiI(01:57) I'm a Dad now. This is a whole new perspective. (02:45) The Devil Wears Prada 2 Review https://boxd.it/e825jF(24:00) Pitching 90s/00s Legacy Sequels(27:35) Mother Mary Review https://boxd.it/e81N0l(38:03) Forrest Grump at a Press Screening(39:13) A bit of SeatyMapper perspective haha(41:01) 150yo Fred reviews "27 Dresses"(42:34) Check out my Tucci Interview!!!! https://youtu.be/qOXTZ0CFJiI

This week on FoF we round up all the important news from CinemaCon 2026, the annual movie tradeshow. We delight at the incoming Tom Cruise Oscar campaign, throw some anxious shade on the Hunt for Gollum and get jealous of people with Dune: Part 3 tickets. We also touch on Ben Stiller's new Focker movie, Bradley Cooper's Oceans prequel, why Dwayne Johnson is moving mad with Jumanji 3, and MORE, before debating whether anyone is actually hungry for Hunger Games: Sunrise On The Reaping. We finish off with a special correspondents take on Lee Cronin's The Mummy - a movie I was NFI'd to - and a special edition of Forrest Grump with TWO, yes TWO listener emails that I found very entertaining, one of which asks: SHOULD we have Over 25yo Only Screenings?SUBSCRIBE and join the FoF Family!RATE & REVIEW! ("FoF IS ON THE UP")EXPLORE the FoF socials via my creepy website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fredasquith.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Intro(01:15) Tom Cruise starts Oscar campaign(03:23) LOTR Hunt For Gollum doubts(06:52) Dune 3 Ticket RANT(11:10) Focker-in-Law (with Ariana Grande!)(13:35) One Night Only: The Purge of Rom Coms(16:54) Resident Evil & Zach Cregger's slate(19:06) Michael B Jordon's Thomas Crown Affair(20:17) I haven't read The Odyssey btw(21:52) Bradley Cooper's Oceans 11 Prequel(23:27) Warner Bros to compete with A24(24:55) The Rock thinks Jumanji 3 is Jumanji 4(26:51) The Boroughs is Stranger Things v.2(28:09) Is ANYONE hungry for more Hunger Games?(32:44) Special Correspondent reviews Lee Cronin's The Mummy for us(36:06) Forrest Grump & SeatyMapper (LISTENER EMAILS!) - plus an important call to arms(41:51) NEXT WEEK IS BIG!

This week on FoF we honour the release of James McAvoy's directorial debut CALIFORNIA SCHEMIN' by ranking The Best Movies Directed by Actors. Largely a subjective list of 19, but with some input from you guys from the group chat. Expect mentions of Favreau, Stiller, Gerwig, Wilde and more. Oh, and of course Clint. I then review CALIFORNIA SCHEMIN' and discuss how it's themes of northern aspiration resonate with me. We also find time to discuss the potential long-term cultural impact of THE DRAMA (review on last week's show) before rounding off with praise for the cast of SNL UK. SUBSCRIBE and join the FoF Family!RATE & REVIEW! ("FoF IS ON THE UP")EXPLORE the FoF socials via my creepy website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fredasquith.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Intro-(00:18) The Top 19 Movies Directed By Actors(Group Chat)(List on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/TV2a8)(03:45) Citizen Kane (Orson Welles)(04:32) Wuthering Heights (Emerald Fennel)(05:20) The Town (Ben Affleck)(07:10) Mid90s (Jonah Hill)(08:03) The Brutalist (Brady Corbet)(08:46) Woman of the Hour (Anna Kendrick)(09:52) BlackBerry (Matt Johnson) - doesn’t count (10:41) Eighth Grade (Bo Burnham)(12:21) Tropic Thunder (Ben Stiller)(14:39) A Quiet Place (Jon Krasinski)(15:57) Iron Man (Jon Favreau)(17:49) Little Women (Greta Gerwig)(20:01) Apocalypto (Mel Gibson)(21:31) A Star Is Born (Bradley Cooper)(22:53) Booksmart (Olivia Wilde)(23:58) Nope (Jordan Peele)(25:06) Sully (Clint Eastwood)(26:54) Submarine (Richard Ayoade)(28:20) Monty Python’s Life of Brian (Terry Jones)(30:18) When Harry Met Sally (Rob Reiner)Full list on Letterboxd https://boxd.it/TV2a8-(32:15) The Drama Box Office & Future(34:15) CALIFORNIA SCHEMIN' Review (Letterboxd)(45:52) SNL UK(48:05) Coming Up

This week on FoF there’s some drama, in particular THE DRAMA, the new ambiguously marketed movie starring Zendaya and R-Patz as a husband and wife to-be troubled by…something. I open with a quick Spoiler-Free review for those wondering whether or not to go see it, before diving into a full Spoiler Review where I am able to discuss the aspects hidden from the marketing. For those of you have seen the film, I’m sure you’ll agree there is much to discuss. We also analyse once and for all who has the BIGGEST 2026 between Zendaya, Robert Pattinson and Anne Hathaway, before finishing off with some Air-Con related Forrest Grump ranting, a new Seat-related segment idea, and my best Gandalf impression. SUBSCRIBE and join the FoF Family!RATE & REVIEW! ("FoF IS ON THE UP")EXPLORE the FoF socials via my creepy website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fredasquith.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Intro(00:51) “The Drama” Spoiler-Free Review(03:41) “The Drama” SPOILER Review(18:16) Summary & Letterboxd Rating https://boxd.it/dShlWp(20:29) The FoF Disclaimer & My FILM Degree-(22:06) Who will win 2026? Hathaway vs Pattinson vs Zendaya-(30:03) FORREST GRUMP - ranting about Stratford Vue cinema air con(32:34) Is “SeatyMapper” a thing?(33:24) My Best Gandalf Impression

This week on Fred On Film we bask in the warm afterglow of Project Hail Mary’s brilliant box office opening. We then dive into new trailers for Dune: Part Three and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, leading me to officially declare: MOVIES ARE BACK!The Spider-Man trailer rant is worth sticking around for, btw. Actually, the whole Ep is decent. We then get stuck into a review of THE IMMORTAL MAN (the new Peaky Blinders movie on Netflix) and explore why my Darling Wife and I technically gave it the same rating, but had completely opposite experiences.We finish off with a look at London's "greatest" cinemas. Expect Forrest Grump rants about Picturehouse Central, and stay to the end to find out my legitimate favourite screen in the city (and the exact seat you need to book next time you go).SUBSCRIBE and join the FoF Family!RATE & REVIEW! ("FoF IS ON THE UP")EXPLORE the FoF socials via my creepy website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fredasquith.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Intro, 2 cameras(01:26) Movies are BACK! Project Hail Mary aftermath(04:39) Dune: Part Three, Villeneuve, and the worst Bond joke ever(06:26) Spider-Man: Brand New Day trailer controversy HUGE RANT(10:01) Me and Darling review Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man https://boxd.it/dChhST(12:55) The Top 100 Cinemas IN THE WORLD: London reactions, rants, and my favourite screen in London. FULL ARTICLE: https://www.timeout.com/film/the-100-greatest-cinemas-in-the-world-right-now

This week on FoF we chat to the team at Dolby. You may or may not be aware of Dolby Atmos, Dolby Cinema, plus other Dolby offerings via Apple Music, Netflix etcetera. In this interview we dive into all the above, whether it’s bs or legitimately better, plus discuss building relationships with filmmakers (Sam Mendes! Edgar Wright!) and more in this all-round lovely convo. Ironically, my interview with Dolby had the most audio issues of any interview or episode so apologies if you notice little issues here and there. Tried to make it as smooth as possible across the board and if I do say so myself it’s a cracking listen. You’re welcome. SUBSCRIBE and join the FoF Family!RATE & REVIEW! ("FoF IS ON THE UP")EXPLORE the FoF socials via my creepy website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fredasquith.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Intro(02:39) Explaining Dolby Atmos & Dolby Vision products(06:29) When should you choose to see a film with Dolby?(09:18) LISTENER QUESTIONS!(10:58) Cool Top Gun: Maverick story(12:03) Relationships with filmmakers(13:44) The Best Place To Sit In Cinemas(19:41) Favourite EVER use of Dolby?(21:37) Dolby Remastering (inc. Edgar Wright!)(24:40) Can you experience Dolby at home…properly?(27:02) Partnerships with streaming - legit?(28:47) Any specific TV recommendations?(30:06) What changes do you see coming to movies and Dolby?(32:20) Can the Atmos product improve any further?(36:19) Final Thoughts ⁠@FredAsquithOnFilm

It’s the morning after the Oscars 2026 and my TV debut as a co-panelist on the ITV Live Oscars Show. I sit here in my One Battle robe fresh off 3 hours sleep with much to discuss about possibly the most perfect Academy Awards in recent memory. Shocks, surprises, and history being made. Check the timestamps below for more info... Let's do this. SUBSCRIBE and join the FoF Family!RATE & REVIEW! ("FoF IS ON THE UP")EXPLORE the FoF socials via my creepy website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fredasquith.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Intro-THE OSCARS(02:20) Amy Madigan for Best Supporting Actress(04:30) Anne Hathaway CHAOSCAR Win! Plus hello to Darling (05:48) One Battle wins Best Casting - HUGE MOMENT(08:01) Sinners & One Battle share the Screenplay spoils(08:16) Pedro Pascal & Baby Yoda - 2 for 2 on Chaoscars!(08:57) One Battle Best Editing - Historic Sweep Incoming?(11:06) First Female Best Cinematography Winner! AND WE PREDICTED IT!!(13:20) Best Director and why PTA was correct(14:33) Adrien Brody brings home ANOTHER CHAOSCAR!!(15:26) Best Actor, and the majesty of Michael B Jordan(20:24) Jessie Buckley winning & crying(21:21) Playing off speeches - WHY? LET THEM SPEAK(23:08) Ewan McGregor & Nicole Kidman with weird Best Picture vibes(24:28) Best Picture and the One Battle nerves(27:19) I think this Oscars was legitimately perfect and here’s why(29:04) Mine & Your Prediction RESULTS!-MY LIVE ITV OSCARS EXPERIENCE (BTS)(31:17) Getting the gig(33:15) Pre-Show Nerves(35:570 Jonathan Ross welcoming me into the job(38:17) The end, getting introduced to the ITV Commissioner-(39:35) See you NEXT WEEK! @FredAsquithOnFilm

Yeah, you heard me right. Just little old me dropping in on the feed here to tell you that I will be LIVE on ITV this Sunday 15th from 10.15pm as a panelist on the official ITV Oscars coverage!!! Hosted by Jonathan Ross, I'll be alongside Elle Osili-Wood and Samson Kayo discussing the nominations and narratives before reacting live to the awards as they are handed out.Needless to say, since we are before the birth of my child, this is the most exciting thing to happen to me in my entire life. Stick around and subscribe because next week I will be back with my exclusive FoF Oscars Reaction (saying all the things I couldn't say on TV), as well as I'm sure some behind the scenes of my Live Show experience. I'll be posting as the show goes on so join us on Instagram! @fredasquithonfilm TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Join Me at the Oscars LIVE on ITV!

This week on FoF we venture into the unknown with PROJECT HAIL MARY, Ryan Gosling’s new Sci-Fi Epic that is so sweet and funny you’d forgive yourself for calling it the Rom Com of the Year. I discuss why the comedy is landing, why it’s Gosling’s most complete performance in years, and whether it matches up to Interstellar for pure spectacle.I also give you an adults POV on the new Pixar movie HOPPERS. I talk you through the established Tiers of Pixar Greatness and place Hoppers on the scale, before discussing it’s brilliance and drawbacks. We finish off with a new edition of Forrest Grump (ranting about my cinema experiences), this time realising that I’M THE PROBLEM?! And finally an extract from my 2008 Movie Journal. What did 15yo Fred think about Wall.E?SUBSCRIBE and join the FoF Family!RATE & REVIEW! ("FoF IS ON THE UP")EXPLORE the FoF socials via my creepy website ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fredasquith.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Intro(00:31) PROJECT HAIL MARY review! - no spoilers (Letterboxd)(18:37) HOPPERS review! - no spoilers (Letterboxd, and here's my interview with the director!)(25:26) Forrest Grump rant (and it’s MY FAULT)(28:36) 15yo Fred reviews Wall.E in 2008(31:46) Next week is HUGE!!!!

I'm a time traveller. Hello from March 16th. Here's what happened at the 2026 Academy Awards!We run through the 10 biggest battles at this year's Oscars, making a prediction for each (which will definitely be correct). We then have THE CHAOSCARS! - Your audience submissions; unhinged predictions, wild theories and alternative takes for what will happen next Sunday. Who will cry first? What jokes will Conan make? Who will be there to just promote their upcoming movie about the fashion world?!We round off with another edition of Forrest Grump and this time it's the Everyman Cinema chain coming under my scrutiny. Why ARE their side tables SO small?SUBSCRIBE and join the FoF Family!RATE & REVIEW! ("FoF IS ON THE UP")EXPLORE the FoF socials via my creepy website ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fredasquith.com⁠⁠⁠⁠TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro-01:23 Oscar Predictions!!02:36 Best Cinematography06:33 Best Original Screenplay07:43 Best Adapted Screenplay09:11 Best Supporting Actor12:06 Best Supporting Actress19:08 Best Actress22:10 Best Actor26:14 Best Casting29:08 Best Director30:53 Best Picture36:14 Run-through of predictions-37:00 THE CHAOSCARS (Alt-predictions inc. YOUR submissions!)-43:36 Forrest Grump RANT about Everyman Cinemas48:04 Next week!!!

On this bonus episode of Fred Asquith On Film we have a very special collab feature with my good friends James & George of Pulp Kitchen (fellow London-based movie podcast)! In anticipation of the 2026 Oscars, we run through the Best Picture battles and winners from 2000-2025, debating ALL the highs, lows, Gladiators and Green Books, in order to determine: What is the BEST Best Picture of the 21st Century? Let me know your thoughts on our decision AND if you wanna hear more collabs/features like this! SUBSCRIBE and join the FoF Family!RATE & REVIEW! ("FoF IS ON THE UP")EXPLORE the FoF socials via my creepy website ⁠⁠⁠https://fredasquith.com⁠⁠⁠TIMESTAMPS00:24 Intro02:21 The Evolution of Best Picture04:48 Gladiator (2000)06:47 A Beautiful Mind (2001)08:03 Chicago (2002)09:57 The Return of the King (2003)14:36 Million Dollar Baby (2004)14:58 Crash (2005)16:25 The Departed (2006)19:07 No Country For Old Men (2007)20:51 Slumdog Millionnaire (2008)22:47 The Hurt Locker (2009)25:27 The Kings Speech (2010)26:06 The Artist (2011)26:58 Argo (2012)29:26 12 Years A Slave (2013)32:00 Birdman (2014)36:15 Spotlight (2015)37:28 Moonlight (2016)38:54 The Shape of Water (2017)41:20 Green Book (2018)44:08 Parasite (2019)46:35 Nomadland (2020)47:20 CODA (2021)47:45 Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022)49:38 Oppenheimer (2023)51:53 Anora (2024)54:43 DECISION TIME! The BEST-Best Picture of the 21st Century!!57:01 Rotten Tomatoes Ranking GAME!

This week on Fred On Film we deep-dive into the weird, wonderful and yet awfully dull BAFTAs ceremony. I discuss why the show feels so flat, the big surprises and shocks, and the impact on the Oscar race. I also take you into my two starriest Premieres yet (Baz Luhrman afterparty, anyone?) before reviewing both movies: EPIC - a new Elvis concert movie - and MAN ON THE RUN - the new Paul McCartney doc. We finish off with the much-demanded return of Forrest Grump (3 things that annoyed me in cinemas this week) and another little snippet from my 15 year old movie journals. SUBSCRIBE and join the FoF Family!RATE & REVIEW! ("FoF IS ON THE UP")EXPLORE the FoF socials via my creepy website ⁠⁠https://fredasquith.com⁠⁠TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro-The BAFTAs!00:53 Why does the BAFTA Ceremony always feel so…stale?06:55 Is the Sinners late surge happening?08:11 Sean Penn winning the BAFTA changes everything…09:49 Robert Aramayo BEAT the A-Listers?! (and thanked Ethan Hawke)11:15 A moment that made me laugh12:00 Our FoF Community Predictions need work…12:53 Oscar predictions incoming!!-13:06 The Elvis & Paul McCartney Premieres were STARRY 18:21 “EPIC: ELVIS IN CONCERT ” Review! https://boxd.it/d6Qo5V21:05 “MAN ON THE RUN” (Paul McCartney Doc) Review https://boxd.it/dcocAZ-27:04 Forrest Grump (3 Annoying Things In Cinemas this week)31:05 15yo Fred reviews The Hurt Locker in 201032:38 NEXT WEEK - OSCARS PREDICTIONS!!!!

This week on Fred On Film, my Darling Wife is in the studio as producer! And she only has one thing to say…ANYWAY, first we dive straight into the mud (and other fluids) of Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights. Is it just trash fan fiction, or something more? I discuss the discourse, the dirty deeds, and my delight with the movie. Plus, with the news that Brad Pitt’s F1: The Movie is getting a sequel, I read out your hilarious suggestions for title ideas (2 F 2 Furious anyone?). Probably my favourite time of 2026 so far hahahaI then struggle through the Testament of Ann Lee (Amanda Seyfried’s…musical??) and alongside it launch a new segment: Forrest Grump (cinema rants).We finish another excerpt from my Teenage Movie Journals, another certain Amanda Seyfried musical from 2008…cmon, Take A Chance On Me and stay till the end to find out which one, and what 15yo me had to say about it. SUBSCRIBE and join the FoF Family!RATE & REVIEW! ("FoF IS ON THE UP")EXPLORE the FoF socials via my creepy website ⁠https://fredasquith.com⁠TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro-00:36 WUTHERING HEIGHTS Review! (Mild Spoilers)01:30 My relationship to the book and the interpretation in general07:07 The Naughty Bits 08:34 Performances are strong within the world of THIS version11:49 Striking (but inconsistent?) visual style13:16 Charlie XCX’s soundtrack has way less presence than I expected14:31 Poissibly a 2nd Act pacing issue14:56 It is trash, but I think it landed the plane on being slightly more than that16:42 Summary & Letterboxd Rating https://boxd.it/d73uAr18:06 The FoF Disclaimer18:19 DARLING IS HERE! Her review…-19:06 LOLLING at possible titles for the F1 sequel (LISTENER SUGGESTIONS!)24:43 THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE Review! (No Spoilers) https://boxd.it/d6Q89H29:47 Forrest Grump: Cinema Rants Ep131:46 My Teenage Movie Journals - Amanda Seyfried/Accent Edition!34:11 NEXT WEEK IS VERY EXCITING

This week on Fred on Film I explore, or you could say rant about, the recent use of AI in Netflix Documentaries, my reaction to it and what we - the audience - should be doing about all this. We then get stuck into a review CRIME 101, the new heist thriller starring Chris Hemsworth and Monica Barbaro in the most odd and boring on-screen relationship in recent memory. But is it ALL bad?We also run through the key Movie Trailers that dropped at the Super Bowl, discussing why Mando & Grogu are coming to the big screen, why you should avoid the Project Hail Mary Trailers, and why Tarantino & Fincher is a match made in heaven. We finish off with my Darling Wife's take on Saving Private Ryan and I reveal how she has managed to turn our Wuthering Heights double date into a Galentine's affair. SUBSCRIBE and join the FoF Family!RATE & REVIEW! ("FoF IS ON THE UP")EXPLORE the FoF socials via my creepy website https://fredasquith.comTIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro 00:35 AI on Netflix: PANIC07:28 CRIME 101 Review (no spoilers!) ⁠https://boxd.it/d38kvl-18:35 Superbowl Trailers!19:12 Mandalorian & Grogu - why is this in cinemas?23:16 Project Hail Mary - avoid!24:59 Disclosure Day - cmon Spielberg, gimme something27:20 The Adventures of Cliff Booth - QT+Fincher=Perfect Movie-33:19 SAVING PRIVATE RYAN feels cliche now (rewatch thoughts)35:34 WUTHERING HEIGHTS: Hype & Darling's Galentines39:14 NEXT WEEK!

This week on Fred on Film I’m fresh off my 2nd EVER celeb interviews, chatting to stars Rachel McAdams & Dylan O’Brien, director Sam Raimi and producer Zainab Azizi, about their new black-comedy survival-gore oddity SEND HELP!Then I review whether it’s funny/edgy enough (NO SPOILERS), whether we’re getting Evil Dead Sam Raimi or MCU Sam Raimi, and go on a deep dive into why I think Rachel McAdams is underrated. Plus: First-look thoughts on The Beatles movie(s?) press pics, starring Paul Mescal, Barry Keoghan, Harris Dickinson and Joseph Quinn, and a quick laugh/cry at the newly announced Fast & Furious 11 title. Explore the FoF socials/YT via my creepy website https://fredasquith.comTIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro-SEND HELP!00:40 Send Help - Intro / Synopsis02:33 Sam Raimi (director) & Zainab Azizi (producer) INTERVEW07:15 Rachel McAdama & Dylan O’Brien (stars) INTERVIEW!-SEND HELP Review (no spoilers)12:19 Send Help REVIEW12:33 Really enjoyed the opening set up of themes & tone 13:06 Sam Raimi is the OG of black comedy/horror15:35 It’s lacking a sense of place. Was it shot in a studio?18:13 Less than the sum of it’s parts?19:03 A Post-MCU Sam Raimi rather than Evil dead Sam Raimi20:14 Summary & Letterboxd Rating https://boxd.it/cWqFJ720:47 Graham Norton was in my screening22:57 Rachel McAdams has a fascinatingly underrated filmography-26:28 Beatles Biopic First Images Released! My Thoughts33:28 Fast & Furious 11 HAHAHAHAH (mention The Beatles Doc)-35:42 Coming up NEXT WEEK

On the new ep of Fred Asquith on Film I’ve got some Oscar Nom thoughts, questions and hot takes. Was Paul Mescal snubbed for Hamnet? Is Sinners in the driving seat? And how the fork did F1 get a nom?! I then review PRIMATE, a new comedy-horror about a chimp going bananas (incredibly, was it cliche?). We’re also getting controversial because I watched The Godfather Part II for the first time, and I don’t think you’re gonna like my opinion. But thanks to your listener submissions of GOAT Movies You Love To Hate, I might be ok? Lastly we take a little spin through my 2008 movie journal, where I reviewed Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs on the SAME DAY. P.S. I called The Traitors finalé WEEKS ago. Explore the FoF socials/YT via my creepy website https://fredasquith.comTIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro-00:36 My Oscar Nominations HOT TAKEAWAYS (predictions coming soon)01:02 Sinners - is it in the Best Picture Driving seat?02:48 This makes the Netflix purchase of Warner Brothers even more depressing. 04:37 F1 got a Best Picture nomination??!?!07:35 Chase Infiniti got snubbed, but I found out why09:45 No nomination for The Rock11:15 Paul Mescal’s iPhone face was NOT snubbed. -12:28 Just so you know, I predicted The Traitors. Stick with me. -13:41 PRIMATE Review (no spoilers)14:50 The cast looked awkward at the premiere15:34 I was willing to get on board with the cliche, but17:30 It’s far funnier than it is scary, and that’s a problem18:45 The plotting felt far too paint-by-numbers. No surprises. 20:01 It betrayed horror logic. 20:58 It isn’t entirely unsuccessful.21:40 Summary & Letterboxd Rating https://boxd.it/cP5B7j-22:47 My Godfather 2 crisis and YOUR most hated All-Time Classic Movies!!-31:05 A new hilarious snippet from my Movie Journal (Pulp Fiction) 

This week on FoF I breakdown how they could make The Traitors EVEN BETTER. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been loving this series, but it could be INCREDIBLE with these tweaks. Imagine if you actually wanted to watch the missions?!Plus; I’m excited by Steven Knight’s (Peaky Blinders) new Bond script teaser, Hans Zimmer is scoring the new HBO Harry Potter series… or is he? And I breakdown some of your reactions to 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.To finish off, I take you into the mind of 2008 Fred as we look at my then-list of top 100 movies, and leaf through my hilarious movie journal. And don’t miss the now-trademarked FoF disclaimer.Explore the FoF socials/YT via my creepy website https://fredasquith.comTIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro 00:38 How can we fix The Traitors? My 4 Step Plan. 07:07 New Bond Script Teaser from Steven Knight!10:14 Hans Zimmer to score HBO’s Harry Potter…or is he?14:09 Bone Temple REACTION has got me thinking… (SPOILERS!!!)20:18 THE RIP Review (no spoilers) and why you should watch it regardless-24:33 Fred’s Favourite Movies 2008 (Time Capsule!!!)31:08 What I’ve learnt about movie criticism & subjectivity from looking back at this list32:30  My 2008 Film Journal!!!!! (Hilarious 15 year old reviews)44:49 THE FOF DISCLAIMER-45:12 Please rate and review! + Next Week’s HUGE ANGENDA

This week on FoF I’m reviewing 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (no spoilers) and explaining why it’s my favourite 28 movie yet. From Nia DaCosta out Danny Boyle-ing Danny Boyle and bringing back the human threat, to Ralph Fiennes absolutely stealing the show in a way that feels genuinely awards-worthy.I also go on a (deeply necessary) rant about the latest Traitors chaos and my big prediction for potential finalist, before taking you on a mini tour of Dolby HQ in Soho where I got a proper Atmos/Vision education and started plotting a potential listener-invite Dolby day.Plus: physical media regrets, my home cinema setup, showing my Darling Wife The Sixth Sense, and my obsession with those “how have I never heard of this?” movies that somehow exist in major actors’ filmographies.Explore the FoF socials/YT via my creepy website https://fredasquith.comTIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro-28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE Review - no spoilers!!00:47 You may already suspect my opinion on this movie…02:36 This felt spiritually closer to 28 Days Later04:15 Ralph Fiennes is a GOAT06:23 Spike (Alife Williams) is more in the background, this is a good thing07:38 Grisly, but fun, with depth if you want to look for it08:56 I was gripped throughout, watch checks: zero10:01 This is a good cinema movie, watch it with an audience10:35 I love how each of these movies feels different to the other13’11 Summary & Letterboxd Rating https://boxd.it/bZVqnV-14:20 THE TRAITORS my observations, frustrations and predictions-21:00 My Trip to Dolby HQ, what I learned, Tom Cruise and A POTENTIAL DOLBY / FOF GIVEAWAY!!-30:25 Blu-ray, 4K & Physical Media Update32:03 My Home Cinema Setup33:10 THE SIXTH SENSE twist with my Darling Wife!!!!! https://boxd.it/cxKGYH35:44 REMINISCENSE, Hugh Jackman, and hidden movies in Movie Star filmographies https://boxd.it/cxHUfl39:27 MYSTIC RIVER and Adult Dramas That Your Parents watched https://boxd.it/cyY5tJ-41:25 NEXT WEEK!

Welcome back to reality then, my little Christmas hams. On this week’s FoF: I’m reviewing the finale of Stranger Things. You may know, I think Stranger Things is sheet, but did the finale win me over?The Traitors has a new “Secret Traitor” twist, but is it ACTUALLY fun not knowing who a traitor is?I’m sorting 2026 films into categories of “GO AWAY”, “CURIOUS” and “MOST ANTICIPATED”, looking at movies like “The Social Reckoning”, Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey”, “Devil Wears Prada 2”,  “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Dune: Part 3”. And to fight back against January’s bleakness I bought a load of Blu-Rays (HELLO 2009), so I’ll take you through them.Oh, and I’m reviewing Hamnet, the one where Paul Mescal is Shakespeare, but did he pull it off? Have a watch and find out.Timestamps:00:00 Intro-STRANGER THINGS FINALE https://boxd.it/cnLN9j02:26 Overall thoughts and ranting about the 50 minute epilogue09:12 The Cinema Release and My Prediction for Netflix Cinema Ownership-14:06 New TRAITORS!! Successes & failures of the Secret Traitor concept-BLU RAY HAUL16:11 The Haul Begins17:43 Thoughts on Extended & Directors Cuts (Nosferatu, Amadeus, LOTR)22:30 Sunshine and how I used to lack Cinema Etiquette in my youth24:42 My Darling Wife DOESN’T KNOW THE SIXTH SENSE TWIST????27:49 Inception 4K, and why I’m not the biggest fan-29:25 The Godfather REWATCH, and why it is indeed 5 stars https://boxd.it/cmIjMb34:01 Marty Supreme REWATCH and why it is still 4 stars for me (SPOILERS!) https://boxd.it/cqayNr-LOOKING AHEAD TO 2026 MOVIES38:28 Intro39:15 These 2026 movies can GO AWAY41:25 I’m CURIOUS about these 2026 movies 47:49 My MOST ANTICIPATED 2026 movies-51:24 HAMNET REVIEW - not strictly spoilers here, but skip if you are gonna see the movie https://boxd.it/bmjVRP-59:14 NEXT WEEK! Is a big one. 

It’s Chrimbo limbo. Life is desolate. You’re busy flogging stuff to CeX, I get it. So this is a brief, uplifting pod where I’m reviewing one of my favourite films of recent months and basically crying my eyes out on the Pod. PLUS we’ll be running down movies you can watch after Christmas in the limbo and all the way till February. We’re talking New Years Movies, we’re talking Snowy Movies, we’re talking… well watch the forking pod and find out.Timestamps: (00:00) Agenda-(01:20) The Best Crimbo Limbo Movies(01:37) When Harry Met Sally(02:18) The Holdovers still counts(03:00) The Best January Movies (Criteria & List)-(05:24) SONG SUNG BLUE Review (this is important) - no spoilers(05:59) Set Up for this review(06:38) I have been waiting SO LONG to hype this movie(07:01) Worried they were sweeping the preview screening under the rug(07:43) Synopsis(07:56) So much was telling me this was about to be bad(08:42) Muted reception for Hugh Jackman & Kate Hudson(10:36) I FEEL EMOTIONAL.(11:56) If ONLY I love this movie, that’s ok(12:37) This doesn’t PRESENT as a good movie. But stick with it. (13:39) The lead performances and chemistry are sublime. (14:26) This is a deeply optimistic, happy movie to spend time with. (15:40) I am now a Neil Diamond jukebox(17:04) Step by step this completely won me over until I was sobbing (I’m emotional again)(18:55) You know when a movie has you by the b@lls(19:17) One ESSENTIAL PIECE OF INFO before seeing this movie(20:45) Summary & LETTERBOXD RATING https://boxd.it/bN9hJT-(22:27) Coming up! 

It's a late-Christmas surprise from Santa Fred! A bonus episode of FoF to warm your toes by the fire to. In this episode, I start off with a rundown of some very exciting trailers, including my worries for Disclosure Day and my excitement for The Odyssey. I then dive into THE FOFSCARS! Your definitive, alternative movie awards for 2025, including fun categories such as "Most Tears Shed", "Best Needle Drop", "Swing And A Miss", plus a few categories suggested by YOU the listener. Stick around till the end where I run through my Top 10 Movies of 2025, with some surprises along the way. As discussed in the group chat via @fredasquithonfilm, I have included some 2026 releases in my Top 10 to stay true to what I've seen this year, but kept the categories and deeper discussions to 2025 releases only. Explore the FoF socials/YT via my creepy website https://fredasquith.comTIMESTAMPS00:00 Agenda-TRAILER NEWS01:25 DIGGER Trailer -  new Tom Cruise movie is a COMEDY!03:28 ANIMAL FARM Trailer - an abomination04:09 AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY Trailer - like going to a Dad Rock concert07:22 DISCLOSURE DAY Trailer - some worries about new Spielberg UFO movie 13:10 THE ODYSSEY Prologue - I saw it!! And…17:09 Never doubt Nolan. -18:12 THE FOFSCARS!18:45 Criteria of Eligibility20:08 The 2 WORST Movies of 202522:20 The Trailer So Good It Made Me Go To The Cinema23:39 SURPRISE of 202524:44 DISAPPOINTMENTS of 202527:52 The Biggest “Swing and a Hit” of 202529:06 The Biggest “Swing and a Miss” of 202531:00 Most Underrated Movie of 2025 32:13 The 2 Most Overrated Movies of 202534:24 The Best Ensemble Casting35:27 My Favourite Performances of 202536:41 The ‘You Did All You Could’ Award for Best Performance in a Bad Movie38:13 Best Needle Drop39:17 Most Tears Shed39:35 The Best Jump Scare39:59 The Winners and Losers of 202541:06 The Lesson of 202542:11 Peak Era42:58 Shot of 202543:47 The One That Doesn’t Feel Like a 2025 Movie44:26 The Paycheck Award45:00 Screening of 2025-45:34 THE FOF TOP 10 MOVIES OF 2025 - set up & one that missed out47:10 Number 1047:37 Number 948:01 Number 848:19 Number 749:01 Number 649:32 Number 550:23 Number 450:57 Number 351:31 Number 252:19 Number 1 aka THE BEST MOVIE OF 2025-54:43 A thank you to YOU. 55:59 A teaser…  

This week on FoF it’s a quickfire pre-Christmas review episode of 3 movies that are all interesting for very different reasons; Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value (a cosy-but-devastating father/daughter story that I may need to rewatch), Josh Safdie’s manic Marty Supreme (think Anora meets Catch Me If You Can meets Whiplash), and the twisty, seggsy, slightly deranged popcorn thriller The Housemaid (fundamentally ball sheet, but…..)Explore the FoF socials/YT via my creepy website https://fredasquith.comTIMESTAMPS(00:00) Agenda-(00:50) SENTIMENTAL VALUE Review - no spoilers(02:22) I will give this movie another chance.(03:20) A hilarious amount of production companies(04:10) A great opening sequence(04:40) I’m not keen on movies about making movies(05:18) Brilliant performances(05:40) It felt a bit ponderous. But I need to double check.-(06:43) MARTY SUPREME Review - no spoilers(07:24) I worked out the perfect reference points for this movie.(09:40) This feels closer to the Safdie Brother movies than Smashing Machine(10:18) Timothee Chalamet becomes a man in Marty Supreme.(11:26) This is enthralling and anxiety-inducing but not annoying or insidious(12:39) It has a threatening edge(13:18) Does it justify the runtime? (long)(13:45) Surprisingly optimistic, made my mate cry(14:14) Summary and LETTERBOXD RATING! https://boxd.it/c0cLzx-(14:46) THE HOUSEMAID Review - no spoilers(15:12) I worked out the reference points for THIS movie too!!(15:36) I had no idea what I was in for.(16:00) It was bad and YET…I was loving it. Intentionally funny??(18:00) Here’s why it works.(18:35) This is a GREAT cinema movie. I love that.(20:04) Keep expectations low and go have a good time.(20:26) Make sure you see it on a busy weekend night! Context is everything.(21:17) Summary and LETTERBOXD RATING! https://boxd.it/bZVagJ(21:33) THE FoF DISCLAIMER-(21:44) Go eat something

This week on FoF it’s an AVATAR SPECIAL:I take you behind the scenes of my first ever junket interviewing James Cameron for Avatar: Fire and Ash in Paris, from Eurostar chaos and five-star hotels to the surreal nerves of waiting outside his hotel room and finally sitting down with one of the greatest living directors.I break down how the whole thing came together, play you our full 4-minute chat (including talk of height, kickboxing, performance capture and AI making movies), and then give a spoiler-free review of Avatar 3, why it’s my favourite of the trilogy so far, how the Fire Na’vi and Oona Chaplin completely change the game, and where I think it lands on box office, Oscars chances, and whether Cameron will even come back for more, plus some thoughts on what this all means for the future of the franchise.Explore the FoF socials/YT via my creepy website https://fredasquith.comTIMESTAMPS(00:00) Agenda(01:18) We didn’t get nominated for Best Podcast??(01:50) CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS!-JAMES CAMERON BEHIND THE SCENES(02:51) How did this opportunity come my way?(03:35) You have to submit questions in advance(04:05) I will never take a trip like this for granted(06:03) Is french cooking better than the rest of the world??(07:58) SO much prep, SO little time(10:06) You don’t know if you will ACTUALLY do the interview until it begins(10:55) Some questions that didn’t make the cut(13:20) Rushing on the morning of the junket + my smelly breakfast(14:30) Why is it in a hotel(15:06) No idea where I was going, nervous(15:35) Intimidating, nervy vibes and giant green room(16:46) A fascinating clash of energies hahaha(18:02) Getting called to see James, build up(19:26) As soon as I saw him in the flesh, I relaxed(20:22) Initial small talk, hoping it got filmed-JAMES CAMERON INTERVIEW!(21:04) The full junket interview-BEHIND THE SCENES CNTND(25:04) I felt a bit disappointed afterwards(28:29) The intimidating countdown clock behind James Cameron’s head(29:32) I FIST BUMPED JAMES CAMERON(30:11) The Fancy Premiere and my 59 Canapes(31:05) James Cameron didn’t hear me, his best friend, screaming for him-AVATAR: FIRE & ASH REVIEW - no spoilers(31:18) I’m in a difficult position to be open about my opinion here, BUT(32:59) Incredible action set pieces(33:34) The visuals, technologically speaking, are insanely good(34:24) It’s photo-realistic to a boggling degree(35:00) Seagulls sound like seagulls(35:12) Why I prefer this to Way of Water - EDGE(37:00) Oona Chaplin’s incredibly performance has reshaped my whole perspective on performance capture(38:36) Sam Worthington is SO famous hahahaha(39:00) Caveats begin - the logic of the world doesn’t always add up(39:30) A criticism of the visuals (if I should be so bold)(43:06) All the Avatar movies lack humour(44:15) It IS long. But it gets away with it.(45:00) More of the same, but the BEST version of it.(46:23) Summary, Star Rating and Letterboxd Review(47:04) DISCLAIMER-AVATAR DISCUSSION POINTS(47:27) Will this movie make another $2billion at the box office?(49:26) Will it get any Oscar attention?(50:17) Will James Cameron come back to Pandora?-(51:25) A thank you to you all.(51:43) COMING UP ON FOF!

This week on FoF I’m fresh back from Paris after interviewing James Cameron (still not over it), and I tease the upcoming Avatar: Fire and Ash special, plus why I’m apparently seeing Avatar 3 again to catch the rumoured trailer double-whammy. Then I dive into Quentin Tarantino’s brutal Paul Dano take and explain why, as a There Will Be Blood obsessive, I think he’s completely missed the point of that performance. And in the biggest industry bombshell of the episode, I unpack the talk of Netflix potentially acquiring Warner Bros/HBO and what that could mean for the future of cinemas.Finally, I round things off with my thoughts on Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, why the gothic vibe works for me, why the mystery mechanics still frustrate me, and where it lands on my star scale.Explore the FoF socials/YT via my creepy website https://fredasquith.comTIMESTAMPS(00:00) FoF IS ON THE UP! James Cameron Junket(03:38) New Spielberg & Avengers Doomsday Trailers attached to Avatar 3(04:56) AGENDA(05:49) Tarantino controversy RE: Paul Dano and There Will Be Blood-(16:26) Netflix to buy Warner Bros HBO?!(18:24) This is like McDonalds buying The Louvre(19:21) WHY are they doing this? What’s the plan??(20:40) The real issue here is the security of the cinema industry(21:26) Scary quote from Netflix CEO about cinema vs streaming(21:53) Can cinemas survive without WB releases?(23:08) This is the apocalypse, essentially. It’s over.(24:12) Attempting to be positive-Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery REVIEW - no spoilers(25:21) Most annoying title convention ever(26:18) Synopsis(27:05) Much improved aesthetic compared to the second one(29:00) The mysteries of Knives Out Mysteries are too convoluted for me(31:07) BUT, will fans of Knives Out enjoy this?(31:42) STAR RATING + SUMMARY plus a star rating rant (LETTERBOXD REVIEW - https://boxd.it/bmjMiL)-(33:41) CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS!!!(35:23) Next week - the AVATAR SPECIAL!!

This week on FoF:  I unpack the whole saga of how I nearly ended up on Sky News to talk Wicked, why I basically “Prince Andrew-ed” the opportunity, and what it actually says about FoF quietly creeping up in the film world (yes, even CNN have been sniffing around).From there we tumble into Christmas ad season as I crown the undisputed winner, lay into Coca-Cola’s uncanny AI truck nightmare, side-eye Tesco’s melancholic effort, and ask whether the Christmas advert conveyor belt has completely ruined Chrimbo.Then it’s my definitive ranking of 19 actual Christmas movies (no “Christmas-adjacent” cheats allowed) from Krampus at the bottom to You-Know-Exactly-Who at Number 1, complete with YOUR AUDIENCE RANKING as done in our Broadcast Channel (via fredasquith.com) Expect plenty of disagreements and some distinctly average impressions.Finally, I rattle through reviews of Train Dreams, Blue Moon and new Netflix release Jay Kelly, from lonely loggers and ghost-story vibes to Ethan Hawke monologuing for his life and why Billy Crudup’s “shrimp cocktail” bit might be one of the scenes of the year.Explore the FoF socials/YT via my creepy website HERE.TIMESTAMPS(01:49) The FoF Disclaimer(02:06) I should’ve been on Sky News. Why wasn’t I on Sky News?(08:55) My thoughts on All The UK Christmas Adverts(09:30) The FoF Best Christmas Ad 2025 is Waitrose(10:00) The FoF WORST Christmas Ad 2025 is the Coca Cola AI monstrosity(11:42) The other one that is terrible is the sad Tesco ad-(12:10) THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES OF ALL TIME(12:50) What movies DON’T COUNT(14:26) My Top 19 Christmas movies(14:45) Number 19 - Krampus(15:06) Number 18 - Surviving Christmas(15:25) Number 17 - Four Christmases(15:47) Number 16 - Christmas With The Kranks(16:20) Number 15 - The Holiday (Darling’s favourite, it annoys me)(17:08) Number 14 - Miracle on 34th Street (1993)(18:04) Number 13 - The Grinch (I love this Jim Carrey story of the movie more than the movie)(19:20) Number 12 - Nativity! (and why it’s technically bad but spiritually good)(20:27) Number 11 - National Lampoons Christmas Vacation (and how it pioneered a sub genre)(21:32) Number 10 - Klaus (basically a perfect movie)(22:21) Number 9 - The Muppets Christmas Carol (including some 7/10 impressions)(24:54) Number 8 - The Polar Express (and the most magical time watching it with my nephew)(26:16) Number 7 - It’s A Wonderful Life (and why I barely remember the second half)(27:45) Number 6 - Elf (headphone warning)(28:15) Number 5 - The Santa Clause (underrated)(29:41) Number 4 - Die Hard (yes its a christmas movie)(29:58) Number 3 - Home Alone (and why it works)(30:43) Number 2 - The Holdovers (an instant classic)(32:13) Number 1 is…….. (you guessed it)(33:50) How does my ranking compare to YOUR FoF Community vote?-(36:22) Train Dreams REVIEW - out now on Netflix(43:01) Summary & Letterboxd Rating https://boxd.it/bTlxLf-(43:25) Blue Moon REVIEW - out now in cinemas(49:39) Summary & Letterboxd Rating https://boxd.it/bPz1xx-(50:40) Jay Kelly REVIEW - out on Netflix 5th Dec(56:33) Summary & Letterboxd Rating https://boxd.it/bmjGFJ

SPOILERS!! This week on FoF I have my biggest rant yet in tackling the fallout and backlash to my negative review of Wicked: For Good - it's been intense to say the least and I’ve got A LOT of thoughts. I reflect on what’s fair in film criticism, whether seeing the musical is required context, and why the plot is nonsensical and MORE in the timestamps below. Plus, I praise Tom Cruise for his honorary Oscar, marvel at James Cameron's Jurassic Park near-hit, and express my theory connecting Jim Carrey to Eddie Murphy’s career arc in “Being Eddie”.Please note, this rant has MAJOR SPOILERS of the plot of this movie, so if you've never seen the musical and want to see the movie I advise you listen after your screening. Explore the FoF socials/YT via my creepy website HERE.TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Agenda-WICKED RANT - This is in response to my original review, which you can hear in the previous episode on this feed or on any platform via my website HERE.Letterboxd Review HERE.(01:25) The fallout from “WICKED: FOR GOOD” has been mental  (02:30) A perspective of someone who hasn’t seen the musical IS valid  (04:08) This is a MOVIE. It deserves to be critiqued as a movie.  (06:18) But I DO sympathise with what Wicked musical fans are enduring here  (07:38) You don’t have to ALWAYS be ENTIRELY informed on EVERYTHING  (10:55) Movie criticism - ALL of it - is subjective. My new disclaimer.  (11:44) This is an issue on modern film discourse  (12:04) Seek out reviews by critics who have your perspective on the genre or material  (12:43) Post Wicked Double-Bills, the tide turned…  (15:23) Something isn’t 5 stars for being accurately adapted  (17:47) A dark tone doesn’t mean it has to be boring  (20:55) Clarification on the songs “not being good enough”  (21:48) If you love the musical and know the songs, that DOES make a difference, I accept that  (23:09) Plot issues I’ve been mulling over  (24:14) My observation on the desert surrounding Oz  (25:40) Tie-ins with the Wizard of Oz feel SO underbaked  (27:17) There’s an excuse for every plot hole due to the nature of the source IP  (28:00) The ending completely refutes the message of the first part  (29:56) THIS annoyed me more than ANYTHING  (31:42) I’m not saying these questions AREN’T answered necessarily  (31:56) I didn’t HATE the movie even though I sound like it  (33:02) Finishing with our new disclaimer and a positive message Wicked: For Good Letterboxd Review HERE.-(33:45) On a happy note - “SONG SUNG BLUE”! Coming soon  (34:40) Tom Cruise’s Honorary Oscar - what a speech!  (38:02) James Cameron almost directed “JURASSIC PARK”?!?!?!?!  (39:24) James Cameron directing a a Billie Eilish show movie in 3D????!!?!?  (40:12) Does the movie star still exist? “MARTY SUPREME” is a HUGE litmus test  (44:33) “BAKE OFF” does Peep Show!  (44:45) “BEING EDDIE” - Drawing parallels between Jim Carrey and Eddie Murphy  - LETTERBOXD REVIEW HERE(47:28) Who was the Ed Sheeran doc for?  (47:53) Knives Out 3 review poll  (48:42) I think - generally - I’m skipping Stranger Things S5  (49:15) Coming up NEXT WEEK! And finishing with our new disclaimer

SPOILERS!! This week I give you insight into my attendance at the WICKED: FOR GOOD Premiere, before diving into a full, frank and honest review on the movie.Please note, this review has MAJOR SPOILERS of the plot of this movie, so if you've never seen the musical I advise you listen after your screening. Explore the FoF socials/YT via my creepy website HERE.TIMESTAMPSWicked PREMIERE Review(00:55) The Biggest Most Chaotic Premiere Yet(05:18) Premieres are not conducive for content creation(07:05) Weird popcorn and a weird vibe-WICKED: FOR GOOD Review - SPOILERS!!!!(08:20) My relationship to the first movie and the musical(09:45) There’s a BUT coming…(10:24) I came into this screening with the absolute best intentions(11:04) If I didn’t know better I’d think this story was made up a few months ago - BIG SPOILERS(15:04) Where are the bangers?(16:25) I accept if you’ve seen the musical you’d be more ready for this(17:13) But I was in a room of Wicked superfans…(19:25) Midway toilet trip with my Darling Wife(19:55) I understand what Wicked fans may say to this criticism(20:52) There is no clear story arc here like the first half(22:08) Where is the FUN?(23:06) I understand these criticisms are largely the faults of the Musical(24:25) A message to the superfans(25:20) The 5 Star Reviews will come, and then go(25:37) LETTERBOXD RATING (27:30) What do YOU think?-(28:06) Coming up next week(29:05) When should I review Knives Out 3?

This week on FoF I give the full rundown of my Traitors Castle experience with Tiktok (and why I was a terrible Traitor). I also then explain why Nick was such a terrible Celebrity Faithful, as well as discuss why Squid Game The Challenge S2 isn't working for me. We then rundown the Best Pre-Christmas Movies to watch in November and get in the spirit, before finishing off with reviews of "Anemone" and "Predator: Badlands".Explore the FoF socials/YT via my creepy website HERE.TIMESTAMPS(01:52) Was I a Good Traitor? My Traitors Castle Experience!(06:15) My Biggest Irritation with the Celebrity Traitors Finale(10:34) Celebrity Gameshow Prize Pot Culture Is Icky(13:15) Best Suggestion for a Future Faithful(13:49) "Squid Game: The Challenge" S2 Isn’t As Good – Here’s Why(15:46) I Am Boycotting the MJ Movie(17:25) The Best Pre-Christmas Movies (and Ones That Don’t Count)-(21:05) "Anemone" Review (Daniel Day-Lewis Comeback)(22:33) Premise(23:55) Northern Accents & Northern Stories in Film(23:28) A Slow Mood Piece(24:08) Why Daniel Day-Lewis Is the Greatest of His Generation(27:59) A Brilliant Film School Movie(28:56) Summary & Letterboxd Rating-(29:55) "Predator: Badlands" Review(31:15) Surprisingly Well-Versed in Predator Lore(32:45) A Valid Move for the IP(34:27) Great Opening(35:30) Technically Strong and Made with Love(36:11) BUT… a Fundamental Issue(38:22) Losing the Grounding of the Original (and "Prey")(39:35) Star Wars Meets Shrek?(40:52) A Step Too Far for the Franchise(42:25) From a Predator/AVP Apologist(42:55) Summary & Letterboxd Rating-(43:15) Ranking the Predator Movies(45:55) Alien vs Predator Franchise

This week on FoF I’m telling you why Squid Game: The Challenge is better than it's parent series, and "Titanic" is the greatest major movie accomplishment of our lifetime. But not before revealing 2 HUGE invites I got this week for FoF related events you will be hearing far more about. I'm also reviewing the new Jennifer Lawrence movie "Die My Love", which is a Stealth Horror movie let me tell you (no spoilers for that one), including a new addition into the list of annoying things someone can do in a cinema near you. Explore the FoF socials/YT via my creepy website HERE.TIMESTAMPS(00:00) Intro ft. Pxssy Palace(01:13) Squid Game: The Challenge is BACK. Here’s why it’s better than the full series. (04:11) I was also nearly ON the first Challenge series. ANNOYING(06:44) I’m going to The Traitors Castle with TikTok!!!!!!(09:52) I’ve been invited to the Wicked: For Good PREMIERE!!!!(15:05) Rewatched Titanic and it's SO GOOD (LETTERBOXD)(18:27) One (of many) reasons why Titanic is so good(22:24) Why I’m missing Bruce Springsteen, Black Phone 2 and Now You 3 Me. (25:43) Predator: Badlands review coming next week-(26:42) Die My Love REVIEW - no spoilers(28:55) Synopsis / Set up(30:15) 4:3 Square Format doesn’t feel as much of a CHOICE anymore(31:17) Striking imagery and style from Lynne Ramsey(33:33) This is Jennifer Lawrence at FULL J-Law(34:53) The movie needs a trigger warning(36:50) Most annoying guy in my cinema(37:53) MILD SPOILERS - The premise wears thin towards the end(39:05) Summary & LETTERBOXD RATING -(39:33) Next week is a big one!!!!!

This week on FoF I’m under two blankets, spiralling into a myriad of rants, and reviewing two brand new films: the tense, lo-fi "Bugonia" (no spoilers) and the sweaty, twitchy "Ballad of a Small Player" (spoilers!).Elsewhere: I talk Celebrity Traitors, why I pulled down a reel, and how Stranger Things has somehow invented cinema! WOW! I also make a public plea for an "Aftermath" poster at Stratford station.Explore the FoF socials/YT via my creepy website HERE.TIMESTAMPS(00:00) TikTok/Insta @fredasquithonfilm - THANKS FOR 15k!(00:05) I started, then regretted, advertising on other podcasts  (01:28) I WANT THE AFTERMATH POSTER AT STRATFORD  (03:26) Spotify listeners  (04:58) I am obsessed with Mark from Celebrity Traitors  (05:40) I took my Traitors Reel down  (06:44) Potential future guests on Celebrity Traitors  (08:49) Stranger Things Invents Movies! OMG!  (14:52) I’m under two blankets right now  –  (15:54) "BUGONIA" REVIEW – no spoilers  (16:58) Plot line  (17:20) The lo-fi premise really works and reminded me of my favourite book  (19:04) An Accessible Yorgos Lanthimos movie  (22:01) No redeemable / appealing characters but that’s ok, unlike "Eddington"  (22:49) Rating + Letterboxd Review  –  (23:59) "BALLAD OF A SMALL PLAYER" REVIEW – spoilers!!!  (25:20) There’s a lot of tension and sweating  (26:03) Colin Farrell’s bad accent was forgivable  (26:50) Gambling Addiction depictions  (27:56) It’s a lean and fun story  (28:36) Questioning my Letterboxd Rating…  (29:24) It feels a bit inconsequential  –  (30:27) Coming soon!  (31:17) "Wicked: For Good" INCOMING  

This week on FoF: we discuss more of your suggestions for Imperfect but 10/10 movies, I also run through the 6 times in my life I've felt genuinely scared by a movie or scene, starting with my first sleepless night at 6 years old. We have a run through of my recent TV viewing including a protracted RANT about why I'm disappointed by the Celebrity Traitors series. I also review the new Kathryn Bigelow political thriller "A House of Dynamite" starring Rebecca Ferguson, coming soon to Netflix.Explore the FoF socials/YT via my creepy website HERE.TIMESTAMPS(00:00) TikTok/Insta @fredasquithonfilm - THANKS FOR 15k!(01:37) More of your Imperfect 10/10s!(08:40) The ULTIMATE Imperfect 10/10 to shut down the whole discussion(10:15) Let’s think of the next discussion! - DM me @fredasquithonfilm on Instagram!(10:31) Why I don’t really engage with Halloween(11:30) Unfortunately I won’t catch Black Phone 2 in cinemas-(12:31) The 6 Times I’ve Been Most Scared By A Movie(13:40) The Witches 1990(15:48) Martyrs 2008(17:43) The Blair Witch Project - spoilers!(18:57) The Sixth Sense(19:41) Silence of the Lambs inc. Buffalo Bill impressions(20:58) Suspiria 2018-(25:02) TV Update starting with John Candy: I Like Me (on Prime)(26:40) Mr. Scorsese (Apple TV)(28:14) Celebrity Traitors RANT (BBC)(34:13) The Perfect Neighbour (Netflix) was amazingly candid-(37:26) "A House of Dynamite" review - SPOILERS!(37:58) Has Rebecca Ferguson market-corrected Jessica Chastain?(38:48) The Premise(40:06) I have to review this with SPOILERS(40:30) The first 30 minutes of control room thriller GOT ME(41:37) But then…(45:39) Idris Elba’s US accent is nowhere near as good as everyone claims(47:35) So much potential(48:25) Summary & LETTERBOXD RATING-(49:15) Send me the next discussion question!(49:36) Coming up next week…

This week on FoF: a play-by-play of how I was invited, denied and then finally admitted onto the BFI London Film Festival Red Carpet. PLUS, I tell a hilarious anecdote about Chloe Zhao leading me and Steven Spielberg in some group meditation, I also review "Frankenstein" and "After The Hunt", which are wildly related movie titles now I think about it. Also - a shoutout for more of YOUR Imperfect 10/10s - DM me @fredasquithonfilm on Instagram!Explore the FoF socials/YT via my creepy website HERE.TIMESTAMPS(00:00) TikTok/Insta @fredasquithonfilm - THANKS FOR 10k!(01:10) Imperfect 10/10s - your initial submissions!(06:03) Some thoughts on Diane Keaton’s passing(07:30) More Imperfect 10/10s(09:50) I watched loads of movies in my teens that I couldn’t digest(12:06) The London Film Festival has been a bit exhausting?!?! Haha(15:40) A hopefully humorous LFF anecdote(17:36) Spielberg, Zhao, and the weird LFF Hamnet introduction(22:44) My LFF Red Carpet experience!!!!! inc. getting denied by security hahahaha-(32:10) After The Hunt REVIEW - spoilers throughout!!!(33:44) Synopsis & Themes discussed(34:53) I am a Luca Guadagnino lover, possibly more than most(38:09) Great moments of allegory(39:25) Progressive in its exploration, but not it’s conclusion (41:59) It’s got a Fincher / Social Network aesthetic(43:09) Summary & LETTERBOXD RATING-(43:57) Frankenstein REVIEW - spoilers throughout!!!(45:00) In the shadow of Nosferatu(46:55) Guillermo didn’t strike his Pan’s Labyrinth balance here(49:01) The length, structure and pacing is an issue(52:05) Summary & LETTERBOXD RATING-(52:45) Next week...

This week on FoF: a thank you to everyone I met at the Pulp Kitchen event. Plus, my theory on the excellent pacing of “One Battle After Another”, the longeivity of Alan Partridge as a character, and a rundown of the London Film Festival so far including the earliest screening ever of a very special upcoming movie. And MORE!Explore the FoF socials/YT via my creepy website HERE.TIMESTAMPS(00:00) TikTok/Insta @fredasquithonfilm - THANKS FOR 10k!(00:50) Mailbag/Questions from you guys(01:28) Pulp Kitchen 200 - congrats!(02:15) I met loads of you there and that was lovely(02:49) What will I do for 200 eps??(04:48) It’s weird to meet listeners in person in a good way(06:40) IMPERFECT 10/10 movies - send in your suggestions!(09:34) “One Battle After Another” Box Office thoughts(11:25) Theory on One Battle/PTA’s perfect pacing - SPOILERS!(18:54) One Battle’s PTA ranking confirmed(19:49) You might be listening to the Creator of the Year(20:21) Running through some recent TV/Streaming watches(21:09) Why Alan Partridge as a character in the new series still works(24:00) Other TV including “Celebrity Traitors”(25:30) Quick thoughts on “Monster” starring Charlize Theron(26:50) Not keen on the new “Monster: Ed Gein” series on Netflix (29:45) My London Film Festival Press Screenings!(31:05) Quick thoughts on “Wake Up Dead Man” (Knives Out 3)(34:25) Coming up NEXT WEEK

This week on FoF: my new home cinema setup refuses to woof, and hope for the 5-star masterpiece "One Battle After Another". PLUE I review "The Lost Bus" and "The Smashing Machine" - both true stories. One is a claustrophobic thriller and the other stars The Rock. And yes, I do decide if he’s winning the Oscar. And MORE!Explore the FoF socials/YT via my creepy website HERE.TIMESTAMPS(00:00) TikTok/Insta @fredasquithonfilm - THANKS FOR 10k!(01:14) My new Dolby Atmos subwoofer isn’t allowed to woof (02:15) One Battle After Another response / box office (06:40) Sip of my juice merch (07:35) Mandalorian & Grogu Trailer, why (11:14) Avatar 2 re-release, don’t bother (12:40) Sip of my juice merch – THE LOST BUS REVIEW (13:35) Synopsis / Intro (15:36) Paul Greengrass qualities with escalating real-time chaos (17:25) He pioneered the “shaky cam” dialogue/action style (18:19) The intimacy of The Lost Bus suits him, but… (18:49) …fewer practical effects (20:03) I could sense the budget constraints and cutting around the seams (23:30) The nature of the story itself possibly too claustrophobic (25:10) Good performances, cliché dialogue and themes (25:55) The “shaky cam” feels dated (28:18) Summary and LETTERBOXD RATING. See that rating HERE. – THE SMASHING MACHINE REVIEW – SPOILERS! (28:40) Synopsis / Intro – SPOILERS (29:21) Spoilers incoming! (29:45) I’m not sure what the core driver of this movie is. (34:45) My biggest ick with sporting movies (35:45) Is the real life story good enough to adapt? (38:04) There were positives, such as this allegory for addiction (39:49) I felt like I was immersed in the era (40:49) Some transcendent moments (42:35) Will The Rock win the Oscar? It’s now or never (44:13) The fighting scenes lacked punch – pun intended (46:16) Summary and LETTERBOXD RATING. See that rating HERE.  – (46:48) Coming up!!!

This week on FoF: lashings of praise for "One Battle After Another", the new movie from Paul Thomas Anderson starring the one and only Leo. Maybe PTA's funniest, most accessible and emotional movie yet. I walk through my spoiler-free thoughts, unpack why PTA remains in a league of his own, and then rank ALL of his films from worst to best (including One Battle). PLUS - I’ve finally got a home cinema system set up (and reveal my first Blu Rays), discuss a movie that won’t be released until 2115, why I’ll never tell someone not to see a film, and how I felt when my sister asked to go see "A Big Bold Beautiful Journey". Shudder. Explore the FoF socials/YT via my creepy website HERE.TIMESTAMPS(00:00) TikTok/Insta @fredasquithonfilm - THANKS FOR 10k! (01:17) My New Home Cinema System (02:16) My first Blu Ray purchases (slightly embarassing) (03:54) My sister wanted to see "A Big Bold Beautiful Journey" (06:11) Never let your opinion get in the way of someone potentially having a good time (08:10) A movie has been made for release in 2115 – "One Battle After Another" REVIEW! (11:18) NO SPOILERS, but maybe go see the film first? (13:22) I was nervous about not liking this movie, here’s why (16:29) Turns out… (17:20) Truly exceptional character-led comedy (20:35) No one is better than Leo at panic-manic comedy (21:35) Every character is tangible, fully drawn and with true depth (24:15) Explorative, meandering plots that feel tight and intentional (25:57) One interesting trope of PTA’s narrative set-ups (27:55) I FELT THINGS (28:25) PTA has a distinct style that feels forever future-facing (31:30) The most accessible, commercially viable PTA movie by FAR (32:42) He’s the best of the best and yet never afraid to be silly (34:20) He doesn’t seem to have passed his peak (36:29) MY LETTERBOXD RATING (review HERE) – PTA MOVIE RANKING (on Letterboxd HERE) (38:00) At number 9 (39:10) At number 8 (39:42) At number 7 (40:23) At number 6 (42:03) At number 5 (42:35) At number 4 (43:29) At number 3 (44:25) At number 2 (46:46) At number 1 (48:10) WHERE DOES "One Battle After Another" GO IN THE RANKING? – (50:47) I will never go over an hour (51:10) COMING UP NEXT WEEK

Today marks the 1-year anniversary of the FoF podcast feed. To celebrate, I went on my biggest FoF rant to date (yes, even bigger than Happy Gilmore 2). But which film broke me? In this episode, I review "Spinal Tap II", "The Long Walk", and "A Big Bold Beautiful Journey". (We also touch on the Emmys, the new Mitchell & Webb sketch show, and the Charlie Sheen documentary.) Explore the FoF socials/YT via my creepy website HERE.TIMESTAMPS00:00 My 1 Year Podcasting Anniversary!!!03:55 Emmy’s - congrats to Owen Cooper04:21 New Mitchell & Webb Sketch Show07:55 A call from Darling08:37 Binged the Charlie Sheen Netflix documentary12:39 3 Reviews coming up, here’s your due warning of the vibes--SPINAL TAP SPOILERS- (for what it’s worth)13:24 “SPINAL TAP II: THE END CONTINUES” REVIEW!15:20 Slight “Happy Gilmore 2” syndrome16:44 The core 3 still give enough17:35 But it feels a bit thin18:17 It doesn’t destroy the legacy of the 1st movie19:27 Letterboxd Rating--THE LONG WALK SPOILERS-19:40 “THE LONG WALK” REVIEW!21:09 My journey to see this movie was genuinely cursed27:20 To me, it’s a tacky premise29:20 Nothing takes me out of a movie more than THIS31:40 Cliche characters and cliche dialoge35:07 No visual flair37:06 I probably would’ve loved this as a teenager, so there’s that38:00 Letterboxd Rating--A BIG BOLD BEAUTIFUL SPOILERS-39:12 “A BIG BOLD BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY” REVIEW!41:13 The Rant Begins. 41:45 They would never wait that long to kiss42:20 I’m not saying attractive people can’t be sad, but…43:35 The lead performances aren’t working for me45:10 So annoying so boring46:06 It’s not meaningful, it’s not emotional47:00 I couldn’t believe when this happened47:32 Zero chemistry. HOW????49:05 My steak digestion was more interesting49:46 This SHOULD be my thing50:05 Letterboxd Rating-50:34 TikTok/Insta @fredasquithonfilm - THANKS FOR 10k!

This week on FoF we react to the news of "Critterz" - a movie co-created by OpenAI (ew) - before DEEP DIVING into a brand new report (which you can read HERE) showing that Gen Alphas absolutely LOVE going to the cinema. I discuss why I think that might be.We also have brief reviews of me turning off "Highest 2 Lowest" and digesting "Sorry, Baby", and then finish off with a diatribe of why the "Wuthering Heights" trailer vibe is a good thing (and not heracy). Explore the FoF socials/YT via my creepy website HERE.-TIMESTAMPS00:00 TikTok/Insta @fredasquithonfilm - THANKS FOR 10k!02:26 A movie co-created by Open AI. Ew. 07:11 NEW REPORT! Do Gen Alpha like going to the cinema?11:40 Theories for why Gen Alpha are cinema lovers18:24 Highest 2 Lowest brief REVIEW21:13 Sorry, Baby brief REVIEW25:09 Wuthering Heights TRAILER26:49 I read the book so I’m gonna have my say28:45 New interpretations are a good thing. Why not?30:22 Why is this book NOT sexy?31:40 This could be really successful33:06 28 Years Later: Bone Temple TRAILER35:32 REALLY exciting period coming up