PODCAST · tv
Second Cut
by The Film Magazine
Lots of film podcasts focus on great or bad movies, but what about the ones in the middle? Join film critics Jacob, Kieran, Sam, and The Film Magazine crew as they examine the discourse around and content of films with mixed reviews. If you want thoughtful analysis from dedicated cinephiles, this is the show for you!
Episodes
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Ep. 66 Shiri
Sam and Kieran review one of the first big budget South Korean action films of the late-20th, early-21st century. Jacob didn't watch it because it's only available to stream at a prohibitive cost in the US. It sounded really interesting even if it wasn't worth the price of admission. There's more...
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Ep. 65 Gagarine
Jacob and Sam discuss a little known film from 2020, Gagarine. It's part magical realist space adventure, part grounded docudrama about a condemned building in France.Jacob, Kieran, and Sam re-visit an animated classic from their childhood: Pokemon the Movie 2000: The Power of One, which was...
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Pick 3: Oscars
Jacob, Kieran, and Sam evaluate the mixed bag of Oscars past. Each host chose a film within a category (Outrage, Overrated, or Snub), offering a wide variety of eras, thoughts, and styles. They also try and predict Best Picture because that never goes wrong! The Film Magazine: Every Non-English...
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Ep. 64 Pokemon the Movie 2000
Jacob, Kieran, and Sam re-visit an animated classic from their childhood: Pokemon the Movie 2000: The Power of One, which was selected because it was the most medium film on George's list for TFM below. It's tough having to take a look at a movie for kids as an adult when it doesn't live up to...
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Ep. 63 Sahara
People often think of Matthew McConaughey as a rom-com actor before the McConaissance, but he starred in big-budget blockbusters, too! The story behind Sahara is incredibly interesting, with lawsuits and studio malfeasance galore. The movie obviously got mixed reviews, and Jacob, Kieran, and Sam...
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Ep. 62 Silent Night, Deadly Night
Back at Christmastime, Jacob, Kieran, and Sam discussed a holiday slasher because we hardly watch any other type of movie! This one was released right before Nightmare on Elm Street to little fanfare, but did it deserve more attention? Does it now? The Film Magazine: Every Darren Aronofsky…
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Ep. 61 Breathless
Breathless was Jean-Luc Godard's first film... but we're reviewing the 1983 remake! We discuss Godard's film because Kieran hadn't seen it, then dive into all the shirtless Richard Gere action. The Film Magazine: Where to Start with Jean-Luc Godard by George Taylor M. Night Shyamalan Directed...
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Ep. 60 Halloween III
If you knew Michael Myers wasn't in Halloween III: Season of the Witch, you knew more than Jacob and Sam! Kieran suggested this during our Halloween-athon, and trio break down the only true anthology film in the Halloween film series. There are evil Celts, bug/goo kids, and a creepy protagonist…
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Ep. 59 Return to Horror High
MAJOR SPOILERS in this episode. Back in October 2022, Mark Carnochan joined the show to discuss an interesting slasher film, Return to Horror High. It's not a sequel, it's not a rip-off, and there are twists galore to make up for a lack of gore. There's also a young George Clooney! The Film...
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Ep. 58 Second Cut Draft
We open 2023 with a draft of the films we watched in 2022. We select our top 6 films each, and then have a rant about some films that disappointed us. It's a clip show, except we recorded a whole new episode instead of grabbing and playing clips from our old episodes... you decide which method is...
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Ep. 57 Jingle All the Way
Jacob, Kieran, and Sam celebrate the Holiday season with an Arnold Schwarzenegger Christmas film. Is it anti-capitalist satire, or just over-the-top drivel with no real message? The Film Magazine: A Ghost Story for Christmas Films Ranked by Kieran Judge Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) Review by...
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Ep. 56 New Moon
Technically it's called The Twilight Saga: New Moon, but who cares? Jacob, Kieran, and Sam discuss the phenomenon from over a decade ago. Is it as bad as the ancient Facebook memes would have us believe? The Film Magazine: 10 Sexiest Movie Vampires by Margaret Roarty Halloween Ends (2022) Review…
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Ep. 55 Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man
Jacob, Kieran, and Sam discuss a horror crossover classic, the first Monster Rally, and the reason the MCU exists--Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man. There's a lot of history to get into and a lot of silliness of cheesy 1940s films to break down, so join us in our second Halloween adventure of…
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Ep. 54 Pumpkinhead
Jacob, Kieran, and Sam kick off October with the first Halloween film of the season: Pumpkinhead. It's another cult classic film, but it doesn't go the way of the average cult classic film we review on this show. Or does it? There's a great pitch for a reboot at the end, stick around for that.…
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Ep. 53 Phantom of the Paradise
It isn't quite October, so we watch not quite a horror film. Phantom of the Paradise is an early feature from Brian De Palma that brings together several stories into a rock opera musical. Kieran and Sam aren't sure if it's good, but they are sure it's interesting! The Film Magazine: Don’t Worry...
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Ep. 52 Ava
Jacob, Kieran, and Sam watch one of Kieran's most despised films! Ava was a big budget production that failed to turn a profit due to the pandemic, but would it have fared much better in normal circumstances? The Film Magazine: Marilyn Monroe: 3 Career-Defining Performances by Emily Nighman 10…
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Ep. 51 Punisher: War Zone
Kieran makes his return to rant about Punisher: War Zone. Along with Jacob and Sam, they analyze whether or not this film is worthy of its cult following, and examine the question of whether or not "studio interference" is always a valid excuse for a film turning out poorly. The Film Magazine…
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Ep. 50 Nicolas Cage Extravaganza: Face/Off and Con Air
Jacob and Sam look at two of Nicolas Cage's most famous films, the 90's icons Face/Off and Con Air. In addition, they discuss their favorite Cage movies, and discuss his latest work, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. What beats jam-packed Nic Cage fun?! The Film Magazine: TFM Redbubble...
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Ep. 49 Speed Racer
Jacob and Sam discuss one of Sam's comfort movies! The Wachowskis directed Speed Racer and the film endured a tough release and reception. We discuss why, how, and whether ort not that was deserved! The Film Magazine: Wachowski Movies Ranked by Joseph Wade 10 Great Anime Films for Newcomers by…
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Ep. 48 Marie Antoinette
How should we evaluate films with historical subject matter? That's the question at the center of Marie Antoinette, a biopic from director Sofia Coppola that was the subject of rather harsh criticism. Jacob and Sam dive deep into the perceived problems with the film, and decide whether it…
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Ep. 47 Peeping Tom
Jacob and Sam discuss the 1960 film Peeping Tom. Michael Powell's horror film was rejected by British critics upon release, but the film has since been re-appraised. We discuss Powell, why people hated it, and whether it deserved that reputation. The Film Magazine: A Matter of Life and Death…
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Ep. 46 The Ladykillers (2004)
Jacob and Sam return with a review of the Coen Bros. 2004 film The Ladykillers! A remake of one of Sam's favorite British dark comedies, the film was transported to the southern US where Tom Hanks plays a Colonel Sanders con-man planning to rob a casino boat. The Film Magazine: ‘Fargo’ at 25 –...
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Ep. 45 Unplanned
The USA decided whether or not women have control of their body and reproductive health is now up to states, so Jacob and Sam watch an anti-abortion propaganda movie to see what the "pro-life" side has to say on the matter. Unplanned is "based on the 'true' story" of Abby Johnson, a director of a...
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Ep. 44 Doctor Who (1996)/Twin Peaks Fire Walk With Me
Only Sam came into this episode having seen each of these films. Jacob and Kieran are thrown into works that represent only a part of a larger story told through a variety of mediums in Doctor Who: The Movie and Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, respectively. The reactions are fun, and the films…
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Ep. 43 Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
Jurassic World: Dominion was recently released, so Jacob, Kieran, and Sam evaluate its latest forerunner. Should Fallen Kingdom have been a horror film? Should it have a human clone? Is it better than people give it credit for? Perhaps some of us think so... The Film Magazine: Jurassic World:...
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Ep. 42 Crash
Crash has always been a controversial Best Picture winner, so it's time to look at why. Jacob, Kieran, and Sam break down the film's problems, and discuss some of the good things, too! The Film Magazine: 21st Century Best Picture Oscar Winners Ranked by Joseph Wade Is Marvel’s Insistence on Being...
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Ep. 41 Top Gun
Jacob and Sam review the 80s classic Top Gun! They discuss Jacob's impressions as a first-time viewer, the career of Tom Cruise, and how many things actually happen in the film. RIP Tony Scott The Film Magazine: Top Gun: Maverick (2022) Review by Joseph Wade Mission: Impossible Movies Ranked by...
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Ep. 40 Lolita
How did they ever make a film of Lolita? By making it a comedy. Jacob, Kieran, and Sam evaluate one of Stanley Kubrick's not as well-regarded films in this episode. We compare and contrast with the book, and discuss our favorite Kubrick films! If you want more information about Lolita and its...
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Ep. 39 Spider-Man 3
It's a superhero classic from Sam Raimi, Spider-Man 3! There have been so many Spider-Man films since, how does this fare? Are there too many villains? Too many love interests? Too much everything? Yes. The Film Magazine: 10 Best Moments from Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man Trilogy by Katie Doyle…
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Ep. 38 A Wrinkle in Time
Joe filled in for Sam this week to discuss A Wrinkle in Time, Disney's 2018 adaptation of the popular novel. Ava DuVernay's follow up to Selma a financial and critical failure, but did it deserve it? We go over the film's various inconsistencies while praising the numerous positive things the…
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Ep. 37 To the Wonder
The Film Magazine's editor-in-chief Joe Wade joins the show to discuss Terrence Malick's To the Wonder. The film isn't exactly conventional, and has received mixed reviews due to its style. Jacob, Kieran, Sam, and Joe explore how To the Wonder fits into Malick's filmography, why anyone would want...
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Ep. 36 Shutter
We watched Shutter, a Thai horror film that was derided for its cliché scares. Jacob, Kieran, and Sam examine what is and isn't successful, and make plenty of comparisons to Japanese horror films along the way! The Film Magazine: Morbius (2022) Review by Sam Sewell-Peterson Sonic the Hedgehog 2...
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Ep. 35 Mary Shelley's Frankenstein
Kenneth Branagh's version of Frankenstein was released in 1994 on the heels of Coppola's Dracula film. There's an attempt to stay more true to the novel, but did it succeed? How does it compare to the long legacy of Frankenstein films? Jacob, Kieran, and Sam weigh in on all this and more! The…
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Ep. 34 mother!
Jacob, Kieran and Sam discuss Darren Aronofsky's film mother! Is it a masterpiece, or a clunky mess that isn't as clever as it wants to be? The Film Magazine: ‘The Godfather’ at 50 – Review by Jacob Davis King Richard (2021) Review by Joseph Wade (this one slaps) TFM Redbubble Music: Awakening...
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Ep. 33 Under Capricorn
Kieran chose a Hitchcock film! Under Capricorn is generally considered to be a weak Hitchcock film, but how does it hold up? Jacob, Sam, and Kieran discuss Hitchcock's other films before diving in to this costume drama set in colonial Australia. The Film Magazine: Top 10 Alfred Hitchcock Films by...
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Ep. 32 Batman Forever
Jacob and Sam evaluate Batman Forever, often considered one of the worst in the franchise. They also have a quick chat about 2022's The Batman, discuss the flamboyance of Joel Schumacher's characters, and try to decide whether Val Kilmer was good or not. The Film Magazine: 2022 Animated Feature...
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Pick 2: Cinema of Ukraine
Jacob, Kieran, and Sam watched a couple films from Ukrainian directors to show the unique national character of the country, and as a statement of solidarity with the people. Ukraine's sovereignty and ethnic identity is under threat from Russia during this crisis, and nothing displays those...
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Ep. 31 The King's Man
We're no stranger to prequels on this show! Here we analyze The King's Man, the prequel to the Kingsman films. Jacob, Kieran, and Sam discuss Matthew Vaughn's aristocratic shame, how much we don't care about these characters, and the underutilization of Rasputin as a villain. The Film Magazine:...
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Ep. 30 Brotherhood of the Wolf
Brotherhood of the Wolf (Le Pacte des loups) is a French blockbuster that blends genres. While it made quite a bit of money, Jacob and Sam try to figure out exactly how good it is. They discuss the weird twists, bad dubbing, and much more in this episode! The Film Magazine: Texas Chainsaw…
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Ep. 29 Wuthering Heights
Jacob, Kieran, and Sam explore 2011's Wuthering Heights. It's clearly a competent and thoughtful movie, but is it a good movie? Do people like it? Is it worth a watch? As a Yorkshire local, Sam offers plenty of regional insight to elevate this analysis of such a classic work brought to screen.…
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Pick 3: Wes Anderson, John Carpenter, Nicolas Winding Refn
Jacob, Kieran, and Sam each chose a film with mixed reviews to breakdown! Jacob: The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou directed by Wes Anderson Kieran: In the Mouth of Madness directed by John Carpenter Sam: Only God Forgives directed by Nicolas Winding Refn Some views are more positive than others,...
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Ep. 28 Eternals
Kieran makes his triumphant return, joining Jacob and Sam to discuss Marvel's Eternals. Chloe Zhao brought her own vision to the film, and the crew explains where it does and doesn't work. It's certainly a film deserving of mixed reviews, and it isn't only because it's a Marvel film! The Film...
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Ep. 27 Basic Instinct
Jacob and Sam cover the show's second erotic thriller with Paul Verhoeven's Basic Instinct. They discuss Sharon Stone's issues with the film - as well as her excellent performance - the convoluted plot, and Verhoeven's excellent cinematography. Surely the episode of the century! Sources: Cal Poly…
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Ep. 26 Attack of the Clones
Jacob and Sam evaluate George Lucas' follow-up to The Phantom Menace. They go through some hot takes on the film, examine the relationship between Anakin and Padme, and decide whether or not this movie is worse than its prequel predecessor. Chicago Tribune [Archive] - Movie review, 'Star Wars:...
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Ep. 25 Second Cut's 2021 Highs and Lows
Jacob and Sam cover their personal top five and bottom five films reviewed on Second Cut in 2021 based on their own individual criteria. Will Tenet make a list? What about the infamous Cats? They also give a brief, spoiler-filled break down of Spider-Man: No Way Home since the film was too...
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Ep. 24 Scrooged
It doesn't always appear on lists for "Christmas Classics," but Richard Donner's Scrooged is undoubtedly a holiday film with mixed reception. Was Bill Murray the right choice to play a Scrooge analogue? How does it compare to other adaptations of "A Christmas Carol?" And how many of those...
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Ep. 23 The Phantom Menace
The Phantom Menace was controversial upon its release. After years of build up, adult Star Wars fans felt let down, while younger audiences were raised on it as a vital work in the Skywalker Saga. Opinions have changed over the years, and Jacob and Sam look back on their experiences with it in...
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Ep. 22 Hook
Sam ruins yet another childhood favorite for himself as he and Jacob examine Hook, one of Steven Spielberg's worst-received films. Is Robin Williams the lone bright spot of the film? Is the Neverlandscape experiencing climate change? Does anyone care about Rufio? Are any of these hooks for our...
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Ep. 21 Road House
Patrick Swayze is Dalton - the toughest bouncer cooler/philosopher in 1980s America. Watch as he fights his way through bad guys, a poorer story, and even worse editing. Jacob and Sam really dig into Road House to see if this 80's cult classic is worth its fan's praise. Sources: 80s Kids - 20...
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Ep. 20 The Black Cauldron
The Black Cauldron, a childhood favorite of Sam's, comes from the strange era of 1980's Disney. Terrible production problems and changes in corporate leadership lead to numerous issues for the film. What does Sam think of it now, and does the film deserve to be seen as a misunderstood classic?...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Lots of film podcasts focus on great or bad movies, but what about the ones in the middle? Join film critics Jacob, Kieran, Sam, and The Film Magazine crew as they examine the discourse around and content of films with mixed reviews. If you want thoughtful analysis from dedicated cinephiles, this is the show for you!
HOSTED BY
The Film Magazine
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Second Cut have?
Second Cut currently has 70 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Second Cut about?
Lots of film podcasts focus on great or bad movies, but what about the ones in the middle? Join film critics Jacob, Kieran, Sam, and The Film Magazine crew as they examine the discourse around and content of films with mixed reviews. If you want thoughtful analysis from dedicated cinephiles, this...
How often does Second Cut release new episodes?
Second Cut has 70 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Second Cut?
You can listen to Second Cut on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Second Cut?
Second Cut is created and hosted by The Film Magazine.
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