In honor of the release of @A24 Highest 2 Lowest, it is time to talk about the 10 best Spike Lee Joints! So join film critic, Ben Friedman, as we explore the films of Spike Lee: From Do the Right Thing to Highest 2 Lowest and everything in between.
The 2026 Oscars rapidly approach! With the Venice Film Festival, Toronto International Film Festival, and Telluride Film Festival all around the corner ititss time to blindly preview the films in contention for the 98th Academy Awards! Who will win best picture? What @A24 sports film will be up for Oscar consideration? Will Adam Sandler win an Oscar for @Netflix Jay Kelly? Should Spike Lee be nominated for his film Highest 2 Lowest? Why is The Life of Chuck failing at Oscar success? Which film f...
From @WarnerBros comes one of the craziest films of the decade in Weapons directed by Zach Cregger. The film follows a Pennsylvania suburban town that is shaken when 17 school kids run out at night at 2:17am and are never seen again. Weapons stars Josh Brolin and Julia Garner and is one of the most bizarre, upsetting, creepy, and ambitious horror films we've seen in years.#Weapons #WeaponsMovie #WeaponsReview #JoshBrolin #WeaponsJuliaGarner #juliagarner #horror #warnerbros #horrormovies...
Two weeks after setting the comedy world on fire for their vicious satire on President Trump South Park is back with a new episode where they go nuclear on JD Vance, ICE, and the dog killer Kristi Noem who is now director of Homeland Security. Oh, and they also imply Trump's mansion is just Epstein Island, in an episode that has the MAGA Sphere triggered with some accusing South Park of having gone woke.#southpark #jdvance #comedy #trump #cbs #paramount #charliekirk #cartman #politics #cancelled...
From @neonrated comes the latest body horror film Together, which stars Allison Brie (Community and Glow) and Dave Franco. Together follows a codependent couple that stumble upon a mysterious cavern that begins to morph the two bodies into one - in this wildly gross, comedic, insane film of a couple in crisis. Together is directed and written by Michael Shanks and stars real life couple Allison Brie and Dave Franco. Together releases to theaters July 30, 2025.#together #allisonbrie #davefranco #...
From @Netflix and Happy Madison comes the sequel 30 years in the making... Happy Gilmore 2 starring Adam Sandler! Happy Gilmore 2 follows Happy Gilmore who isn't done with golf — not by a long shot. Since his retirement after his first Tour Championship win, Gilmore returns to finance his daughter's ballet classes. Happy Gilmore 2 stars Adam Sandler reprising his beloved role, along with original cast members Christopher McDonald, Julie Bowen, and Ben Stiller returning. Joining Sandler for Hap...
From @marvel and @Disney comes the 37th film within the MCU, Fantastic Four First Steps directed by Matt Shakman and starring Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards. Fantastic Four First Steps (2025) follows the Fantastic Four on Earth-828, in 1960 who must protect their retro-futuristic world from the planet-devouring cosmic being Galactus. Fantastic Four First Steps is the introduction of these characters created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby and stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Jose...
@paramountpictures reached a deal with the creators of South Park for 1.5 billion dollars, and 48 hours later, they turned around said F U to Paramount and blasted the President of the United States calling him a pedophile wannabe dictator with a small manhood. South Park is back and better then ever with its season 27 opener which tackles Trump taking bribes and making a mockery out of Paramount pictures, who in an act of cowardice settled with trump on his bogus 60 minutes lawsuit, and seemi...
Released by @A24 Eddington is the 4th film from filmmaker Ari Aster and stars Joaquin Phoenix as Sheriff Joe Cross. Eddington follows a small town in New Mexico in the summer of 2020 as the residents are confronted with COVID, mask mandates, and Black Lives Matter protests, along with a heated mayoral campaign between Conservative candidate Sheriff Joe Cross, and democratic incumbent Ted Garcia. Eddington is a dark comedy thriller written and directed by Ari Aster that stars Joaquin Phoenix, Ped...
@WarnerBrosPictures and @paramountpictures and @dcoff @dcofficial brings you Watchmen Chapter II (2024). In 1985, the murder of a government sponsored superhero draws his outlawed colleagues out of retirement and into a mystery that threatens to upend their personal lives and the world itself. This a direct retelling of Alan Moore's hugely influential comic book Watchmen, which was turned into a movie directed by Zack Snyder in 2009, with Watchmen (2009). Watchmen Chapter Two notably stars Katie...
Distributed by @disneyanimation and @Disney Moana 2 is a sequel to the beloved 2016 film Moana starring Dwayne The Rock Johnson. Moana 2 follows Moana, who after receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she's ever faced. Developed as a tv show, Moana 2 is directed by David Derrick Jr, Jason Hand, and Dana Ledoux Miller, and features a story by Jared Bush. Auli'i Craval...
With Wicked just debuting and becoming a phenomenon it seems like an apt time to discuss the Best Supporting Actress race which Ariana Grande has now officially joined for Wicked! The award contenders and nominations are wide open with no clear frontrunner formulating. Now, film critic Ben Friedman decided to look back at the past 11 months and prognosticate early contenders for next years Oscars ceremony focusing on Best Supporting Actress today! Is Ariana Grande the frontrunner to win an Oscar...
Distributed by @paramountpictures and the sequel to the Oscar winning film Gladiator... Ridley Scott once agains enters back into the colosseum with Gladiator II starring Paul Mescal. Gladiator II follows Years after witnessing the death of Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius must enter the Colosseum after the powerful emperors of Rome conquer his home. With rage in his heart and the future of the empire at stake, he looks to the past to find the strength and honor needed to return the glo...
Distributed by @UniversalPictures Wicked is directed by John M. Chu and stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. Wicked follows green-skinned Elphaba, a young misunderstood woman, who has yet to discover her true power and crosses paths with Glinda, a young privileged and ambitious woman, and the two forge an unlikely friendship that is tested when they come fact to face with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Wicked is an adaptation of the stage musical of thee same name composed ...
Distributed by @netflix and the winner of the Cannes Film Festival Emilia Perez is directed by French filmmaker Jacques Audiard and stars Zoe Saldaña. Emilia Perez follows a cartel leader who undergoes surgery to become a woman with the help of his lawyer. Emilia Perez is a musical crime comedy directed by Jacques Audiard and stars Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Selena Gomez. Emilia Perez has its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival and released on November 13, 2024 on Netflix just i...
With 2024 nearing its end the 97th Academy Awards hosted by Conan O'Brien rapidly approaches. The award contenders and nominations are wide open with no clear frontrunners formulating. Now, film critic Ben Friedman decided to look back at the first 11 months and prognosticate early contenders for next years Oscars ceremony, focusing on Best Actress today. Is Mikey Madison in ANORA the frontrunner to win best actress? Is Karla Sofia Gascon in EMILIA PEREZ going to make history and become the firs...
For today's episode, we delve into the mournful crime masterpiece that is Martin Scorsese's "The Irishman.” Join critics Keith Phipps and Ben Friedman as we explore the genius of Scorsese's direction, Robert De Niro's chilling portrayal of Frank Sheeran, the soulfuss of Al Pacino as Jimmy Hoffa, and the return of Joe Pesci to the big screens, in this fascinating deconstruction of the crime genre. We'll discuss the film's themes, its impact on the crime genre, and its enduring legacy in cinema. �...
Welcome to Film School Dropout, where film critic Ben Friedman and today's guest Variety's Senior Awards Editor Clayton Davis ( @ByClaytonDavis ) embark on a profound journey into the world of cinema and faith. In this video, we'll be delving deep into Martin Scorsese's thought-provoking masterpiece, "Silence." This film is a testament to Scorsese's own faith, as well as a meditation on themes of faith, doubt, and the devout nature of his filmmaking as a Catholic. Follow Clayton Davis All Social...
Directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese, "The Wolf of Wall Street" is a rollercoaster ride through the life of Jordan Belfort, a charismatic stockbroker who defrauded countless investors during the 1990s. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Belfort, the film presents a captivating portrayal of his extravagant lifestyle, unscrupulous business practices, and the ultimate downfall of his empire. Belfort's crimes, as depicted in the movie, include securities fraud, money laundering, and widespread marke...
Hey there, fellow cinephiles! 🎥 Get ready to embark on a cinematic adventure as we delve into the magical world of Martin Scorsese's "Hugo." Joining me in this video is none other than the hilarious comedian, early Youtube Film Critic, and 1/2 of the Schmoes himself, Mark Ellis! In this discussion, we're not just talking about the film itself, but also exploring the fascinating love that legendary director Martin Scorsese has for the art of cinema. From dazzling visuals to heartwarming storytel...
Welcome to our YouTube analysis of 'Shutter Island' (2010). In this video, comedy writer Spencer Roth Rose and critic Ben Friedman delve deep into Martin Scorsese's psychological thriller to uncover hidden meanings, symbolism, and the intricacies of the storyline. Join us as we explore the complex characters portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo, dissect the film's themes of mental illness and the nature of reality, and examine the director's use of suspenseful visuals and music to cre...
"No one gives it to you, you have to take it." In 2007, Martin Scorsese found himself finally triumph winning both Best Director and Best Picture, for his crime-thriller The Departed. o take down South Boston's Irish Mafia, the police send in one of their own to infiltrate the underworld, not realizing the syndicate has done likewise. While an undercover cop curries favor with the mob kingpin, a career criminal rises through the police ranks. But both sides soon discover there's a f--ing rat amo...
Are you a film enthusiast or a Leonardo DiCaprio fan looking for captivating insights into his journey to stardom? Look no further! In this episode of Film School Dropout, critics Zaki Hasan (IGN, San Francisco Chronicle) and Ben Friedman (Highbrow Magazine) take a deep dive into the iconic movie "The Aviator" and how it played a pivotal role in shaping Leo's career. Join us as we unravel the magic of Martin Scorsese's direction and Leonardo DiCaprio's exceptional acting in "The Aviator." Discov...
Welcome to my film podcast where we dive deep into the cinematic world! In this episode, Professor Forrest Hartman joins Ben Friedman as they explore the historical epic, "Gangs of New York." Like Killers of the Flower Moon, Gangs of New York is a period piece American story that explores the past to make sense of the present. Join us as we dissect the film's brilliant storytelling, incredible performances, and its portrayal of 19th-century New York. We'll also discuss the film's impact on the i...
Kundun (1997) - Unmasking Disney's Cowardice in the Face of China's Pressure Prepare to delve into the untold story of "Kundun" (1997), a Martin Scorsese film that has been buried by controversy and Disney's seemingly appeasing stance towards China. Join Drew McWeeny and Ben Friedman as we uncover the complex web of censorship, politics, and corporate decisions that led to this film's obscurity. Find Drew McWeeny: https://drewmcweeny.com Twitter: https://x.com/drewmcweeny?s=21 🔍 Make sure to su...
n honor of Killers of the Flower Moon release today, Welcome to our in-depth analysis and discussion of Martin Scorsese's classic film, "Casino" (1995). In this video, Mariah Owen and Ben Friedman dive deep into the world of mobsters, casinos, and the glitz of Las Vegas as we dissect the storytelling, characters, and cinematography that make this movie a true cinematic masterpiece. 🔍 Be sure to hit that subscribe button and ring the notification bell to join our community of film enthusiasts! �...
n this video, we delve into the suspenseful masterpiece that is Martin Scorsese's "Cape Fear" (1991). Join us as we explore the genius of Scorsese's direction, Robert De Niro's chilling portrayal of Max Cady, and the thrilling cat-and-mouse game that unfolds in this iconic thriller. We'll discuss the film's themes, its impact on the thriller genre, and its enduring legacy in cinema. 🔍 Dive into the world of #CapeFear 🎥 Analyzing Scorsese's #Masterpiece 🎬 Robert De Niro's #Chilling Performance...
Discover the cinematic masterpiece that is Martin Scorsese's most beloved film, Goodfellas. Follow the rise and fall of Henry Hill, played by Ray Liotta, as he delves into the world of organized crime. This classic crime drama, featuring Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, is a must-watch for any film enthusiast. Join us for a journey through the gritty streets of New York and the power struggles of the mob. Kierre Stowe over at SacTownMovieBuffs joins me! Guest Links: Follow Kierre at: https://www.sa...
Brace yourselves for an incendiary exploration of the most outrage-inducing, faith-challenging film in cinematic history - "The Last Temptation of Christ." 🎬 Delve into the scandal, blasphemy accusations, and the tempestuous controversy that continues to ignite passionate debates. Experience the audacity of Martin Scorsese's 1988 masterpiece that dared to redefine religion and spirituality on the big screen. Join us on a no-holds-barred journey into the film's most controversial scenes and thei...
"Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour Movie Review & Ultimate Song Ranking!" is now live! We, alongside special guest Meredith Loftus, dissect this game-changing concert film and rank the best song from each Taylor Swift album. Experience the evolution of Swift's music, from the heartfelt ballads of "Taylor Swift" to the pop anthems of "1989", the lyrical masterpieces of "folklore" to the nostalgic notes of "Fearless (Taylor's Version)". We're breaking down the cinematography, the storytelling, and t...
