On the latest episode of Always the Critic podcast, we’re turning 200!! In honor of making it to 200 episodes, the crew answers a few questions from followers before welcoming special guest Tasha Jones to induct our inaugural movie score hall of fame! We are joined by our new friend Tasha Jones, aka the official hype girl for John Williams, to nominate 12 movie score tracks that we would induct into our Movie Score Hall of Fame . We nominate movies from luminaries such as Bernard Herrmann, Ennio...
Sep 10, 2024•1 hr 38 min•Season 4Ep. 200
On Episode 267 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we head back to spice world of Arrakis for a review of Dune: Part 2 , starring Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, and Florence Pugh. Rico and Jess discuss this masterful sequel from prestige director Denis Villenueve, talking through the haunting anti-hero story, the world building and culture building, the performances and characters (justice for Chani!), the amazing score from Hans Zimmer, th...
Mar 05, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Season 5Ep. 267
On Episode 266 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we’re back to look at some of the movies we saw over the last few weeks. Rico and Jess take turns talking about movies they have watched recently, including Argylle, Anatomy of a Fall, American Fiction, Bob Marley: One Love and The Beekeeper. For episodes with similar movies, click below Variety Shows Follow us! Patreon Instagram Twitter Facebook Rico’s Youtube Rico’s Letterboxd Jessica’s Letterboxd...
Feb 22, 2024•46 min•Season 5Ep. 266
On Episode 265 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we head to WWII Germany to review The Zone of Interest , starring Sandra Hüller and Christian Friedel. Rico and Jess discuss this Oscar Best Picture contender from director Jonathan Glazer, talking through the haunting story, the performances and characters, the audacious sound design (also Oscar nominated), the most sickening and impactful scenes, and more in spoilers. For episodes with similar movies, click below Drama Become a Subscriber! Month...
Jan 31, 2024•49 min•Season 5Ep. 266
On Episode 265 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we’re looking forward to the 2024 movie slate and we chat about 10 movies we're excited to watch. Rico and Jess take turns naming 2024 movies that they want to watch. Although they share a few in common, of course the surprise each other with what they left off the list. They also talk about Ariana Grande. For episodes with similar movies, click below Variety Shows Follow us! Patreon Instagram Twitter Facebook Rico’s Youtube Rico’s Letterboxd Jess...
Jan 18, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 5Ep. 265
On Episode 264 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we’re back from our holiday break to look back at the year 2023 and rank our top 10 movies of the year. Rico and Jess take turns naming their top 10 movies of the year. Although they share a few in common, the co-hosts surprise each other with their picks. They also talk about the year 2023 in movies, most memorable scenes/moments in film, the best performances of the year, and the movies that just missed the list. For our original Most Anticipate...
Jan 09, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Season 5Ep. 264
On Episode 263 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we’re back from our Thanksgiving break to review all the in-theater releases we watched recently, including Saltburn , starring Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, and Rosamund Pike. Rico and Jess discuss Emerald Fennell's wild dabaucherous romp Saltburn , the latest from Hayao Miyazaki The Boy and the Heron , Dream Scenario with Nic Cage, and the triumph that is Godzilla Minus One . For episodes with similar movies, click below Animated Action Adventure...
Dec 12, 2023•1 hr•Season 5Ep. 263
On Episode 261 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we’re back in the Panem to review The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes , starring Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler, Viola Davis, and Peter Dinklage. Rico and Jess discuss this prequel release from Hunger Games franchise director Francis Lawrence, talking through the plot, the performances from Zegler and Blyth, the ~ballad~ singing, some context missing in the book-to-screen adaptation, the best and most surprising parts of the film, and...
Nov 22, 2023•55 min•Season 5Ep. 262
On Episode 261 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we’re back in the MCU to review The Marvels , starring Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, and Iman Vellani. Rico and Jess discuss the SAG-AFTRA strike ending, the Mean Girls musical trailer, what they’ve been watching since their last episode before diving into this late 2023 release from director Nia DaCosta, talking through the scattered plot, the female relationships at the center of the film, Iman Vellani’s scene-stealing performance as Kamala Khan/...
Nov 14, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Season 5Ep. 259
On Episode 260 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we sing our hearts out and discuss Taylor Swift: The Era Tours! Rico and Jess discuss the blockbuster concert film. We chat about our favorite moments, what we wished to have seen in the movie and how it stacks up to concert movies we've seen before. For episodes with similar movies, click below Variety Shows Become a Subscriber! Monthly Subscription Listen To Us! Spotify Apple Podcasts Anchor Follow us! Patreon Instagram Twitter Facebook Rico’s Y...
Oct 17, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 5Ep. 260
On Episode 259 of the Always the Critic podcast, Jess and Rico continue the mini Spooky SZN with another Daebak K-Rambles Podcast crossover episode to review of Ballerina , starring Jun Jong-Seo and Kim Ji-Hoon. Jess and Rico discuss this Netflix original film from writer-director Lee Chung-Hyun, talking through its derivative nature, the revenge plot and the performances, the action scene editing à la Christopher Nolan, the cinematography and bisexual lighting, Kim Ji-hoon’s thirst trap scenes,...
Oct 10, 2023•1 hr•Season 5Ep. 259
On Episode 258 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we to New Asia to review The Creator , starring John David Washington, Gemma Chan, Allison Janney, and Madeleine Yuna Voyles. Rico and Jess discuss this 2023 release from director Gareth Edwards, talking through the genre of sci-fi A.I. robot movies, the stunning and impressive visuals, John David Washington’s track record, the performance from child actress Voyles, the predictable plot beats and most compelling scenes, and more in spoilers. For e...
Oct 02, 2023•58 min•Season 5Ep. 258
On Episode 257 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we’re finally back in time to review Dumb Money, starring Paul Dano, Shailene Woodley, Pete Davidson, America Ferrera, Seth Rogan, Sebastian Stan, and more. Rico and Jess discuss what they’ve been up to and watching since their last episode before diving into this rare late-2023 release based on a recent true story, talking through the pandemic setting, workplace dissatisfaction theme, the experience of living through this story in real time, the ...
Sep 26, 2023•54 min•Season 5Ep. 257
On Episode 256 of the Always the Critic Podcast, on the eve of Hurricane Idalia, we queue up our list of best storm movies. Rico and Jess take turns listing their top 5 storm movies, producing two vastly different lists based on slightly different criteria, citing movies like Twister , The Wizard of Oz , The Day After Tomorrow , Groundhog Day , and more! For episodes with similar movies, click below Variety Shows Follow us! Patreon Instagram Twitter Facebook Rico’s Letterboxd Jessica’s Letterbox...
Aug 29, 2023•40 min•Season 5Ep. 256
On Episode 255 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we each list out favorite movies in ABC order, one movie for each letter of the alphabet. Rico and Jess discuss and list 26 of their favorite movies in ABC order. Rico mentioned movies like The Dark Knight and Moneyball , while Jessica listed out Bridesmaids and The Mummy , among others. For episodes with similar movies, click below Variety Shows Become a Subscriber! Monthly Subscription Listen To Us! Spotify Apple Podcasts Anchor Follow us! Patre...
Aug 14, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 5Ep. 255
On Episode 254 of the Always the Critic Podcast, it’s Blindspots: Volume 3, where we discuss some movies (classic or not) that we watched for the first time. Rico and Jess discuss and remove a wide range of movies from their shame lists. Rico got around to movies like Chinatown and The Big Short , while Jessica knocked out Waiting to Exhale and Kick-Ass , among others. Check out the other Blind Spots episodes! Movie Blindspots: Volume 2 / Ep. 126 Movie Blindspots / Ep. 71 For episodes with simil...
Aug 08, 2023•51 min
On Episode 253 of the Always the Critic Podcast, it’s a double feature as we review two hotly anticipated movies that won the weekend (possibly the year), Greta Gerwig’s Barbie and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer . Rico and Jess first talk about Barbie and how much they connected with the clever, beautiful story and commentary, mentioning the excellent comedy, its celebration of women, the resurgence of the color pink, America Ferrera’s monologue, and the killer OST. Later in the show, Rico and ...
Jul 25, 2023•1 hr 56 min•Season 5Ep. 253
On Episode 252 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we survive a car chase through the streets of Rome on our review of Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning - Part 1, starring Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Hayley Atwell, and more. Rico and Jess discuss the 6th MI installment, talking through the plot, the retcons, the practical stunts, Esai Morales’s villain, the excellence of all the ladies in the MI franchise, our top sequences in all of the Mission Impossible movies, and m...
Jul 18, 2023•1 hr•Season 5Ep. 252
On Episode 251 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we hit pause on reviewing a new movie and look back at the year 2023 so far, ranking our top 10 movies. Rico and Jess examine the 2023 movie outlook, comparing it to previous years and discussing what we can expect heading into the latter half of the year, rank their top 10 movies of 2023, and touch on what they’re anticipating most for new releases. For episodes with similar movies, click below Variety Shows Become a Subscriber! Monthly Subscript...
Jul 11, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 5Ep. 251
On Episode 250 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we put on our fedora (again) on our review of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, starring Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Mads Mikkelsen, and more. Rico and Jess discuss the 5th Indie installment, talking through the awesome and terrible, uncanny valley CGI, the new themes explored, Mikkelsen’s villain, the best and worst sequences, the third act that left us a bit stunned, the state of the Indiana Jones franchise, and more in spoilers. F...
Jul 07, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 5Ep. 250
On Episode 249 of the Always the Critic Podcast, it’s a double feature as we review the R-rated comedy No Hard Feelings and Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City , before the non-spoiler section of our Daebak K-Rambles Past Lives review. Rico and Jess first talk about No Hard Feelings and how much they’ve missed Jennifer Lawrence, mentioning the rather tame nature of the movie (despite that ONE scene, you know the one), how it succeeded in being heartfelt, newcomer Andrew Barth Feldman’s comedic chops, t...
Jun 28, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 5Ep. 249
On Episode 248 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we suit up and enter a new dimension (again) on our review of The Flash, starring Ezra Miller, Michael Keaton, Sasha Calle, and more. Rico and Jess discuss the latest DC movie, talking through the terrible, uncanny valley CGI, the return of Keaton’s Batman, the divisive figure of Ezra Miller, the state of the DCEU, Barry’s now Hispanic background, Calle’s Supergirl and how we wished we had more of her, the dizzying final act and all the surprising...
Jun 20, 2023•57 min•Season 5Ep. 248
On Episode 247 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we MAXIMIZE on our review of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, starring Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback, Ron Perlman, Peter Dinklage, Pete Davidson, and so many more. Rico and Jess discuss the latest in the Transformers franchise, talking through the cast list, Anthony Ramos and his rising star power, Pete Davidson’s voice acting for Mirage, the overt 90s OST, favorite scenes, THAT ending, and more. For episodes with similar movies, click below ...
Jun 13, 2023•46 min•Season 5Ep. 247
On Episode 246 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we suit up and enter a new dimension on our review of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, starring Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Oscar Isaac, and so many more. Rico and Jess discuss the sequel to 2018’s Into the Spider-Verse , talking through the Hispanic representation, the ethical and moral quandaries along with the emotional touchpoints, the emphasis on Steinfeld’s Gwen Stacy and her world’s art style, the portrayal of Oscar Isaac’s Miguel ...
Jun 06, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Season 5Ep. 246
On Episode 245 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we swim fathoms below for our review of The Little Mermaid, starring Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy, Javier Bardem, Awkwafina, Daveed Diggs, and more. Rico and Jess discuss the latest Disney live-action remake, talking through how perfect Halle Bailey was as Ariel, the Aquaman-esque approach to the underwater CGI, Melissa McCarthy’s Ursula and the “Poor Unfortunate Souls” number, thoughts on Jonah Hauer-King’s endearing Prince Er...
May 30, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Season 5Ep. 245
On Episode 244 of the Always the Critic Podcast, it’s all about family on our review of Fast X, starring Vin Diesel, Jason Momoa, Michelle Rodriguez, Ludacris, Tyrese Gibson, Charlize Theron, John Cena, and so many more. Rico and Jess discuss the first movie in the possible Fast X trilogy, talking through how stacked the cast is and how the franchise seems to lure in Oscar winners, their favorite Fast saga movie, the best and most ridiculous moments and lines, thoughts on Jason Momoa’s new villa...
May 23, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 5Ep. 244
On Episode 243 of the Always the Critic Podcast, in honor of Mother’s Day, we queue up our list of best movie moms! Rico and Jess take turns listing the movie mothers who teach, inspire, or just plain kick ass, citing moms like Sarah Connor (Terminator), Queen Ramonda (Black Panther), Mrs. Incredible (The Incredibles), Molly Weasley (Harry Potter franchise), and more! For episodes with similar movies, click below Variety Shows Follow us! Patreon Instagram Twitter Facebook Rico’s Letterboxd Jessi...
May 16, 2023•46 min•Season 5Ep. 243
On Episode 242 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we’re back with a brand new playlist on our review of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, starring Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, and so many more. Rico and Jess discuss the final movie in the Guardians trilogy, talking through how James Gunn decided to go for the emotional jugular (why are we crying over an otter?), the best moments and music, thoughts on the new villain and Will Poulter’s Adam Warlock, how...
May 09, 2023•46 min•Season 5Ep. 242
On Episode 241 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we go on a high fantasy adventure on our review of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, starring Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Justice Smith, Sophia Lillis, Hugh Grant, and more. Rico and Jess discuss the D&D adaptation, talking through how approachable the plot and characters were (since they have no prior experience playing the game), Chris Pine and his endless charisma, how silly and great Hugh Grant is, the resistance to the over...
Apr 04, 2023•44 min•Season 5Ep. 241
On Episode 240 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we’re back and in a brand-new suit for our review of John Wick: Chapter 4, starring Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård, more. Rico and Jess discuss the latest film in the John Wick franchise, talking through how the John Wick movies rank among the greatest action franchises, the newcomers and how they stacked up, the unassailable action sequences, Skarsgård’s French accent, Keanu’s lack of lines, the future of John Wick, and mor...
Mar 28, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 5Ep. 240
