Full Spoiler Filled Episode Releasing Soon! Get ready for an interesting spoiler free discussion on the recent Todd Phillips film, JOKER, starring Joaquin Phoenix + Robert De Niro. Listen to find out if you should see this film or avoid it at all costs and why. We're discussing things like cinematography, colors, acting and performances. Is this the best Joker portrayal or does Joaquin Phoenix completely miss the mark? Find out in this spoiler free edition of The Racking Focus Podcast. Remember ...
Oct 10, 2019•12 min•Season 1Ep. 20
This week John and Josiah had some real scheduling problems, especially when the movie theatre seriously abbreviated the showings of The Goldfinch. We only had time to do our "Hot Take" segment in the car, but we still had volumes to share about this high society novel adaptation. Listen to the reasons why we DISAGREE with the critical rating for this movie on Rotten Tomatoes. We loved this masterwork of technique and although it is long, it tells a rich and rewarding, tension-filled, story expl...
Sep 18, 2019•30 min•Season 1Ep. 19
John and Josiah visit a museum of movie frames painted by cinematographer Roger Deakins and filled with images from a spectacular cast and creative team as they watch The Goldfinch. Listen to this spoiler free review of the film and then after you have seen the film, check out of longer spoiler filled review.... We loved this one and hope you will too. Remember to write us a review at Apple Podcasts and to email us at [email protected] with comments, suggestions and films you have for us...
Sep 17, 2019•10 min•Season 1Ep. 19
This week Josiah and John are taking a trip to Derry to confront IT CHAPTER TWO. This adaptation of the lengthy Stephen King novel is eaqually lengthy, running 2 hours and 50 minutes. As a sequel to IT Chapter One, It is serviceable, but "it" does not reach the same horror heights. Full of quality jump scares and some excellent acting, pacing is the challenge for the filmmakers. We are joined by Alec in the car, and haunted by a security guard, as we give our immediate take on the film and then ...
Sep 10, 2019•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 18
John + Josiah venture back to Derry, Maine to watch the horror unfold. Do our losers defeat Pennywise the Dancing Clown? Or do they succumb to their fear? You won't find out in this episode because it's spoiler free, however, you might find out if it's worth going to see in the theater or if you should wait for it to hit streaming. Remember to write us a review at Apple Podcasts and to email us at [email protected] with comments, suggestions and films you have for us to review. Visit our...
Sep 09, 2019•10 min•Season 1Ep. 18
This week John and Josiah brave the perils of wifi and video streaming to watch the 2018 film SHOPLIFTERS by respected Japanese director, Hirokazu Koreeda. We loved this movie but found it challenging to watch, both because of technical issues and the deep dive into common day Japanese culture. There is much to talk about this one, available on HULU as we publish. It received the Palme D'or at Cannes and was nominated for an Academy Award. It raises the question of what is a family and how does ...
Sep 03, 2019•57 min•Season 1Ep. 17
John + Josiah take a week off from the theater to view the 2018 Japanese film from Hirokazu Kore-eda, Shoplifters. The official selection from Japan for The Academy Awards, it was beat out in the Best Foreign Film category by Alfonso Cuarón's "Roma." In our first spoiler free episode, we share some things we loved about the film along with a brief synopsis and some recommendations of other films that are similar to this movie. Remember to write us a review at Apple Podcasts and to email us at ra...
Sep 02, 2019•6 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Although neither John nor Josiah are die hard Springsteen fans, they are both fans of Gurinder Chadha's love letter to the lyrics of the Boss (event though they can be difficult to parse) and this charming film about England in the 1980s. The movie deals with racism, fascism, love and family with some beautiful camera work and some well designed musical set pieces. There is much to discuss. We hope you enjoy our new format for part two. After seeing the movie, John and Josiah give a hot take on ...
Aug 28, 2019•58 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Josiah and John spend a few hours in Hell's Kitchen this week with the cinematic adaption of the Vertiogo graphic novel, The Kitchen. They entered the theater with high hopes for a women led ganster main course. Did Warner Bros serve a tasty recipe cooked up or was the dinner burnt? First, John and Josiah give their hot take in the car immediately following the film and then take a few days to reflect, read the graphic novel and other reviews and the discuss the film again in studio. Remember to...
Aug 20, 2019•57 min•Season 1Ep. 15
On the flight back from Italy, John saw Alien was available on the in-flight movie screens and watched it for the 20+ time. Now he shares some insight into why he thinks it is such a great watch and how it stands out as a quality film into the larger "Alien" franchise. What makes this movie unique and long lived? Remember to write us a review at Apple Podcasts and to email us at [email protected] with comments, suggestions and films you have for us to review. Follow us on Instagram at @R...
Aug 16, 2019•12 min•Season 1Ep. 14
SPOILERS AHEAD Josiah and John took a trip to see Lulu Wang's masterstroke, The Farewell. They both rated this one pretty high and had a rich discussion about culture, language, story, composition and character. This was one of their best experiences doing the podcast and we hope you will join them in their discussion. Remember to write us a review at Apple Podcasts and to email us at [email protected] with comments, suggestions and films you have for us to review. Follow us on Instagram...
Aug 13, 2019•56 min•Season 1Ep. 14
So John missed the Tarantino premiere while ironically in the land of Sergio Leone, but still has some thoughts. Let's take a look at the highly rated movie again from another angle. How does the movie deal with reality, nostalgia and more... in this second reflection of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood . Remember to write us a review at Apple Podcasts and to email us at [email protected] with comments, suggestions and films you have for us to review. Follow us on Instagram at Rackingfocusp...
Aug 08, 2019•10 min•Season 1Ep. 12
SPOILERS - SPOILERS - SPOILERS AHEAD John and Josiah get behind the wheel to take Hobbs and Shaw out for a spin in the Fast and Furious sidecar: Johnson and Statham ....we mean Hobbs and Shaw. Can this be the first film in the Fast And Furious extended cinematic universe? Can a movie of spectacle and celebrity be a rewarding cinema experience? Do Kirby and Mirren balance the testosterone packed adventure? And of course, how does family fit into the story? Josiah and John ponder this and more in ...
Aug 06, 2019•58 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Alec joins Josiah as a guest co-host for this episode of the Racking Focus Podcast as John is off on vacation. This week they saw the 9th feature from director Quentin Tarantino, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. They talk all about the production design, filmmaking, and naturally, how violent the ending was. In case you're wondering what our ratings are: Josiah: 8.5/10 Alec: 8/10 We highly suggest going and seeing this film before listening because it's just that good, plus everything we talk abou...
Jul 30, 2019•46 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Josiah shares about one of his favorite Bond films and why it's just so damn good. Remember to write us a review at Apple Podcasts and to email us at [email protected] with comments, suggestions and films you have for us to review. Follow us on Instagram at @RackingFocusPodcast and join us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @PodFocus If you enjoy the episode, please consider supporting them on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/rackingfocuspod Send in a voice message, question, or request h...
Jul 26, 2019•17 min•Season 1Ep. 11
This week Josiah and John travel to Europe with your friendly neighborhood webslinger and chat about Spider-Man: Far From Home . Can the MCU survive after the mammoth masterwork that was Endgame ? Can Marvel strike gold again with the Peter Parker (and his tingle) where Sony struggled so often? Will young love blossom or be foiled by elemental dangers of the comic book variety? ---- SPOILERS AHEAD ----- The guys also consider the news from SDCC about Marvel phase 4 and 5 movies. This week's spec...
Jul 23, 2019•50 min•Season 1Ep. 11
What happens when a big budget hollywood monster CGI brawl-fest meets a poorly written drama? Well, this is pretty much that movie. Join us as we annihilate what could've been a wonderful film in our review of Godzilla: King of the Monsters. If you enjoy the episode, please consider supporting them on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/rackingfocuspod Send in a voice message, question, or request here: https://anchor.fm/racking-focus-podcast/message
Jul 22, 2019•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Josiah and John take on the horror in broad daylight of MIDSOMMAR . Going to see a matinee at a local AMC theatre, they braved the daylight and got pretty disturbed by the cinematic masterwork that is Ari Aster's Midsommar . Without spoiling the podcast, remember there are spoilers throughout and we recommend seeing this one in the theatre for the full impact of its story, imagery and craftsmanship. Remember to write us a review at Apple Podcasts and to email us at [email protected] with...
Jul 20, 2019•47 min•Season 1Ep. 10
This week Josiah and John consider love in the court of public opinion as they discuss the short film MADE PUBLIC . They are joined by our podcast editor, Samantha Detweiler and extra special guest steadicam operator, Lisa Sene. You can't see this one in a theater so follow the link below and weigh in on the well crafted cinematic nuptials. Watch the film before listening to our podcast at https://vimeo.com/343986585 The film has been recognized at a variety of festivals: 2017 Emergence Award fo...
Jul 02, 2019•41 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Josiah & John make it out alive during their screening of The Dead Don’t Die. The better question is, does this film live on or is it dead where it stands? Find out in this episode as they discuss the pros and cons as a Sturgill Simpson song plays in their heads on repeat.
Jun 26, 2019•55 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Put on your sunglasses and black suits and join John + Josiah as they tackle the new MIB: International film starring Chris Hemsworth + Tessa Thompson. Is the movie worth remembering or would you like to be neuralyzed? You make the choice! If you enjoy the episode, please consider supporting them on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/rackingfocuspod Send in a voice message, question, or request here: https://anchor.fm/racking-focus-podcast/message
Jun 20, 2019•53 min•Season 1Ep. 7
John + Josiah discuss the potential train wreck that is Simon Kinberg's "Dark Phoenix" and if it is in fact, better or worse than X3: The Last Stand. If you enjoy the episode, please consider supporting them on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/rackingfocuspod Send in a voice message, question, or request here: https://anchor.fm/racking-focus-podcast/message
Jun 11, 2019•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 6
John + Josiah go on a musical journey and sing praises about the first of two films being reviewed this week in the new Elton John bio-musical, Rocketman. Join them as they discuss the musical numbers, acting, and the insane amount of glasses that Taron Egerton wears in this film on this week's episode of the Racking Focus Podcast. If you enjoy the episode, please consider supporting them on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/rackingfocuspod Send in a voice message, question, or request here: http...
Jun 04, 2019•52 min•Season 1Ep. 4
John + Josiah have their crosshairs set on John Wick 3 for this week's episode. Tune in as they discuss the action packed sequences, lighting, cinematography and the detail oriented film that is the third installment in the John Wick trilogy. If you enjoy the episode, please consider supporting them on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/rackingfocuspod Send in a voice message, question, or request here: https://anchor.fm/racking-focus-podcast/message
May 21, 2019•54 min•Season 1Ep. 3
John + Josiah catapult themselves into a discussion on Game of Thrones to discuss the things the show is doing right, as well as the aspects the show is potentially doing wrong within its 8th and final season. Join them as they journey through Westeros and talk all things filmmaking. If you enjoy the episode, consider supporting us on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/rackingfocuspod
May 10, 2019•52 min•Season 1Ep. 2
John + Josiah dive into one of the biggest movies of not just the year, but of the last decade. Did they bite off more than they could chew for their first episode? Find out as they discuss Avengers: Endgame in all of it's glory! If you liked the episode, consider supporting us on Patreon. https://www.patreon.com/rackingfocuspod
Apr 30, 2019•1 hr 23 min•Season 1Ep. 1
This is a spoiler filled reviews of new movies, with a hot take and a more reflective review by two students of cinema from two generations of filmmaking. The first review is immediately recorded in their car after the film in the theater parking lot. The second half of the show is recorded a few days later after additional reflection, encounters with other reviews, critics and the listening community.
Apr 20, 2019•6 min
