PEAKY BLINDERS: THE FINAL SEASON Starring: Cillian Murphy, Paul Anderson, Anya Taylor-Joy, Sam Claflin, Tom Hardy, Sophie Rundle, Ned Dennehy, Benjamin Zephaniah, Natasha O’Keeffe, Finn Cole, Aimee-Ffion Edwards, Packy Lee, Ian Peck, Kate Phillips, Harry Kirton, Daryl McCormack, Pauline Turner, Emmett J. Scanlan, Charlene McKenna, Amber Anderson, James Frecheville, Conrad Khan, and Stephen Graham Creator: Steven Knight QUENTIN For its final season, Peaky Blinders made some big changes, including a time jump and introducing a reformed Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy). Unfortunately, New Tommy makes for a mostly dull gangster. He no longer drinks whiskey, is less prone to settling matters with a Tommy Gun, and spends the majority of the season in smoke-filled meetings instead of making things happen “by order of the Peaky Fookin’ Blinders.” Meanwhile, all other major characters are sidelined (Arthur (Paul Anderson) is especially wasted), and the ending is a total cop out. Despite the typically stellar acting and cinematography, it’s a disappointing end to a generally great series.

Previous Next April 24, 2025 For a lot of people, Sinners is the first smash hit of 2025. Amanda Guarragi joins us as we go into our thoughts and discuss whether we agree! Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel for all of our latest video content including our interviews, and be sure to give us a thumbs up and comment your thoughts!

GOOD OMENS: SEASON TWO Starring: David Tennant, Michael Sheen, and Jon Hamm Creator: Neil Gaiman QUENTIN Season Two of Good Omens doesn’t hold together quite as well as Season One, but the easy chemistry between David Tennant and Michael Sheen makes for a fun and easy watch. It’s like watching two old friends simply having fun and chewing scenery together (Tennant, especially). Plus, at only six episodes, it’s a quick and breezy viewing experience. I admit the four-year break between seasons made it a little hard to jump back in because my memory of almost all character development is hazy, but that is more of a mental block for me. I can’t blame the show for that.

THE DROPOUT Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Naveen Andrews, William H. Macy, Stephen Fry, Dylan Minnette, Camryn Mi-young Kim, Sam Waterston, Elizabeth Marvel, Laurie Metcalf, Bill Irwin, and Kurtwood Smith Created by: Elizabeth Meriwether QUENTIN Although unsure as to whether it’s a scathing takedown of Elizabeth Holmes (Amanda Seyfried) or a somewhat sympathetic (and darkly comic) portrait of a woman in over her head, The Dropout ’s end result is ultimately an eye-opening true crime series about corporate fraud and the unchecked ambition of disruptor culture. Seyfried anchors the series with an awards-worthy performance, nailing Holmes’ vocal intonation and mannerisms perfectly. She truly disappears into the role, from immature college kid to human icicle of a CEO, in unsettling ways, which helps keep the series engaging even if you already know all the gritty details.

Previous May 19, 2025 Next A BITESIZE CHAT WITH KATE MARA In her career, Kate Mara has gone from the streets of Washington D.C. in House of Cards to the vacuums of outer space in The Martian . Now, she's taking on her toughest role yet: Tim Robinson's wife. I got the chance to catch-up with Mara and chat about her performance as Tami in Andrew DeYoung’s absurdist comedy Friendship . BB: In this film you offer such an effective deadpan delivery, especially in contrast to Tim Robinson's very exaggerated humour. Was that difficult to work off of or did his zaniness help with your performance? KM:  *laughs* No, it wasn't difficult, it was such a joy, just such a unique experience! I've never been in a movie like this. Really, it was all there in the script. It's not like there was tons of improv or anything to be surprised by, but every take Tim does is so different, every take. So, you just never know what you're gonna get, which is so fun. It's so fun to be able to be reacting to somebody in that way; keeps you on your toes. And he's so clever and interesting. It was just a really fun role to play. BB: Since you mentioned improv, I know you said there wasn't a lot, but… KM:  I should say there wasn't a lot in my scenes. Maybe there was for Tim and Paul. I actually don't know, cause I wasn't there for those. But the script was so strong, and a lot of it was there already. But I will say that our director (Andrew DeYoung) always sort of kept it going for like a little bit longer... like when the scene would end, he'd always keep it rolling just a little bit longer to see what would happen. And obviously there were definitely moments that were added and stuff like that, but for the most part it was very much there already, which is so nice. BB: Now, obviously the movie is very funny, but with your character Tami, we get glimpses of the fact that she survived cancer, hints about a difficult relationship with her father, and she's seemingly in an unhappy marriage. There’s clearly a tragic nature to her so how much of that played into the performance, even in the sillier moments? KM:  Yeah, there’s so much. There are a lot of layers to the character and what she sort of has been through up until this moment and what they've been through. They've been together a long time. So there was a lot of story there that happened before this moment in their lives, which is always really useful to have all of these elements that you get to play with. Our director said at the beginning, before we started filming, “I want to film it like it's The Master , like it's like a drama.” And he really did, which is why it's so uniquely weird and hysterical. BB: Certainly, and for a movie where the main focus is mostly on male insecurity and male friendships, I'm curious, when you were reading the script, where did you see your character fit into all that? What stood out to you? KM:  I mean, the reason I wanted to do it is cause it's just a very different tone than anything I've ever been a part of. I felt like doing a comedy would definitely be a challenge, and it was, in specific ways, just cause I've never been in that world before. And working with such great comedians like Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd, it's very intimidating being in that world when you're not used to that environment. So, that's why I wanted to do it. And I thought Tami was a really fun role. She's got things in there that are subtly, for an actor, really fun to play with. BB: She really holds everything together. But, before I go, I have to ask: What on earth do you think happened to Tami in that sewer? KM:  *laughs* That is up to your imagination as an audience member. I love that we don't really ever tell you. That's the beauty of it, it could be whatever you think it is. BB: Alright, I tried. *laughs* Well, it was nice meeting you today and best of luck on the film! KM:  Thank you. Nice to meet you! Make sure to check out Friendship now in theatres. Interview conducted on May 9th, 2024 by Adriano Caporusso.

Previous Next February 7, 2024 WRITTEN BY: NICK Even though the Academy refused to acknowledge it, The Iron Claw , the tragic story of professional wrestling’s famed Von Erich family, was one of the best films of 2023. Frankly, I’m not at all surprised it was so good. The real-life, behind-the-scenes stories from the world of professional wrestling are a treasure trove of good storytelling and something we need to see more of on our screens. On the documentary side, we have the excellent Dark Side of the Ring on VICE TV, as well as 1999’s Beyond the Mat , but for narrative storytelling, these true stories are mostly ignored for some reason. To give you an idea of what I’m talking about, I have compiled a list of pro wrestling tales that are most worthy of gracing the big screen or a prestige miniseries on the small screen. There may be just four listed below, but there are so many to choose from; so many, in fact, that I might even write a Part Two at some point down the road. KURT ANGLE Kurt Angle's story is a little different than most because it’s not specific to pro wrestling. It’s the story of what it takes to become a sports icon. Admittedly, much like his contemporaries, Angle has dealt with marital troubles, injuries, addiction, and legal issues, including five separate arrests for driving under the influence. That isn’t the story we're telling. Before entering the WWE, Angle was a successful and renowned amateur wrestler. In fact, he has been heralded as the greatest shoot wrestler of all time, and is one of four people to complete the Amateur Grand Slam by winning the Junior Nationals, NCAA Championship, World Championship, and an Olympic Gold Medal; the latter of which he astonishingly won with, as Angle put it, a broken freakin’ neck. So, let’s not dive into the cautionary tales that we’ve seen time and time again. For Kurt, his inspirational rise through the amateur ranks to Olympic glory, followed by his transition to professional wrestling (where he became one of the best technical wrestlers of all time, by the way) is more than enough. Everyone loves a sports story about driven athletes who reach the mountaintop, and Angle’s career has that in spades, from beginning amateur wrestling at 7-years-old to being inducted into the International Sports and WWE Halls of Fame despite the real physical pain that comes from fighting in the squared circle. CHRIS BENOIT & EDDIE GUERRERO At its core, this is the story of two men: Chris Benoit, the intense and consummate professional who kept to himself; and Eddie Guerrero, the charismatic showman. The pair became best friends while following very similar paths, with both working around the world as independent wrestlers before passing through ECW, WCW, and, eventually, the WWE. The focus here should be on Guerrero. Following a car accident shortly before arriving in the WWE, Guerrero became heavily addicted to painkillers and alcohol, resulting in a dramatic downward spiral. He fractured relationships with his wife, his children, and his friends. When he was arrested for DUI, he was released by the WWE. He seemed destined to become another “what if?,” something that happens too frequently in the industry. However, after numerous attempts to sober up, Guerrero finally got clean, presumably thanks to the aid of Benoit. He got his family back, his job back, and was able to make it to WrestleMania, the WWE’s flagship event, alongside his best friend Benoit, both of whom ended the show holding championship belts in a confetti-filled celebration. Flash forward a year from this feel-good moment, and everything changes. Although Guerrero’s story is ultimately one of redemption, his past indiscretions came back to haunt him. At 38-years-old, he suffers a fatal heart attack in his hotel room. It was sudden, and few were as devastated as Benoit. Flash forward again… two years later, seemingly out of nowhere, Benoit murders his wife and seven year old son before taking his own life. No one truly knows the specifics of what led to this tragedy, but a combination of concussion history, performance enhancing drugs, grief, and alcohol are all believed to have played a part. THE HART FAMILY As much as the story of the Von Erichs is legendary and filled with tragedy, the story of the Hart Family is just as expansive. Yes, the biggest tragedy – and the one most of those uninitiated to wrestling might be aware of – is that of Owen Hart, who fell to his death due to a rigging accident during a live pay-per-view, but there is enough tragedy in this family to create an entire miniseries. You have Stu, the patriarch and one of the most influential men in the history of wrestling. He not only raised 12 children with his wife of 53 years, but he founded and operated Stampede Wrestling, one of the more well-known promotions in the days of the territories. All 12 children became affiliated with wrestling in some way, making it the family business. Stu would train wrestlers out of his basement, affectionately known as The Hart Family Dungeon, where he would beat the hell out of them while showing them the ropes en route to becoming superstars of their own. The most successful of his children, Bret “The Hitman” Hart, is regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. A whopping 32x professional wrestling champion, he spent years on top of the wrestling world until leaving the WWE for rival WCW, which resulted in the infamous Montreal Screwjob. As a result, he wasn’t in the building for the untimely passing of his brother, Owen. Owen, for his part, was beloved by many and known for his practical jokes. Although his talent was undeniable, he never had a true breakthrough to the top of the card. For whatever reason, the WWE never saw his full potential. The story of his accident will sadly be what he’s remembered for, as the aftermath includes the potential crime scene not being preserved while the show continued. Since this was in 1999, most fans were left wondering what happened….was it real or part of the storyline?...since there was no social media to alert the viewing audience to what had actually taken place. That doesn’t even touch on the extended family. Both “The British Bulldog” Davey Boy Smith (deceased at 39 years old) and Jim “The Anvil” Neidhart (deceased at 63 years old) are notable wrestlers that married into the family. Both “Dynamite Kid” Tom Billington (deceased at 60 years old) and Brian Pillman (deceased at 35 years old) were considered as part of the family by the Harts. There are a range of stories to tell from this sprawling family tree, all of which could make for a fascinating narrative feature. JAKE ROBERTS In his prime, Jake “the Snake” Roberts was known for both his intimidating-yet-reserved promo style and for bringing Damien, a live python, to the ring with him. Later in life, he has been known for his issues with addiction and severe health concerns, likely stemming from the years of abuse he put his body through, be it in the ring or from a bottle. It’s his early life, however, where the true tragedy takes place. Roberts' father, Grizzly Smith, may be most well known as a hulking, 6’10, 350-pound wrestler from the 60s and 70s, but he was also a confirmed pedophile. According to Roberts, he is the result of Smith raping the 13-year-old daughter of his then-partner. Later, after a forced and failed first marriage, Smith’s horrifying pattern of sexual abuse continued with Smith’s second wife, as well as Roberts and his siblings. Roberts’ sister, professional wrestler Rockin’ Robin, claims Smith began sexually abusing her when she was eight years old. It’s safe to say that Smith was a genuine monster, and for Roberts, his upbringing greatly attributed to him becoming one of the heavier substance abusers in wrestling. As the years went on and continuous failed attempts at sobriety piled up, Roberts grew to a near immobile 300lbs. He battled muscular cancer, near-fatal pneumonia, a brain abnormality, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. His name rose higher and higher on the list of the presumed “next one to go.” However, at 68-years-old, Roberts is still alive and kicking, making for a tale of perseverance and, unlike many of these stories, one with a happy ending. Thanks to fellow wrestler Diamond Dallas Page’s unique yoga regimen, which has been a saviour for many a wrestler, Roberts was able to finally defeat his demons, and he has been clean and sober for the past 12 years. A life that seemed destined for tragedy ends up a beacon of hope that, no matter what you’ve been through, you can make it through to the other side. That sure sounds like the makings of a film script to me. Photo Credits: Photo 1 - ESPN; Photo 2, 3, 4 - WWE

YELLOWSTONE: THE COMPLETE FINAL SEASON Starring: Kevin Costner, Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, Wes Bentley, Cole Hauser, Kelsey Asbille, Brecken Merrill, Gil Birmingham, Finn Little, Forrie J. Smith, Denim Richards, Ian Bohen, Ryan Bingham, Wendy Moniz, Jen Landon, and Mo Brings Plenty Creators: Taylor Sheridan and John Linson QUENTIN PART ONE In Season Five: Part One, Yellowstone continues the slow downward trajectory started in Season Four. Through the first eight episodes, the fall from Great Show to Decent Show has been completed, mostly because nothing happens (Kevin Costner, Cole Hauser, and the cinematography remain excellent). Sure, there are small incidents…a car accident here, a bar fight there…but they are mostly forgotten by the next episode. Overall, the series is still hampered by the lack of a central villain, so all we are left with is the overwritten family melodrama (Beth (Kelly Reilly), especially). That said, it’s set up to return to form with an explosive Part Two. PART TWO Given the behind-the-scenes drama with Kevin Costner, not to mention 2023’s industry strikes, it’s hard to be overly critical of Yellowstone ’s final stretch. That said, it’s a rushed and disjointed affair that’s exacerbated by being only six episodes. There are two main storylines — one about the ranch’s fate, one explaining the absence of John Dutton (Costner) — but the latter one, which is far more interesting, is clearly shoehorned in as series writer Taylor Sheridan scrambled to recover from Costner’s unexpected departure. The other storyline is fine enough for series fans, but when Frankensteined together like this, they combine to make an undercooked and underwhelming ending, overall.

Previous Next July 20, 2026 With audiences buying tickets a year in advance, The Odyssey may have literally been the most anticipated movie of the year. Did Christopher Nolan put together another masterpiece worth the wait? Join Matt, Nick, Amarú, and recurring guest Jeannine Brice as we discuss this likely Oscar contender, break down all the performances, and decide where this lands in our Christopher Nolan rankings. Click HERE to subscribe to our YouTube channel for all of our latest video content including our interviews, and be sure to give us a thumbs up and comment your thoughts!

BASED ON A TRUE STORY: SEASON ONE Starring: Kaley Cuoco, Chris Messina, Tom Bateman, Priscilla Quintana, Liana Liberato, and Natalia Dyer Creator: Craig Rosenberg QUENTIN I imagine Based on a True Story was pitched as “Only Murders in the Building , but younger and hipper!” since it mixes Only Murders with Santa Clarita Diet vibes. Overall, it’s a fairly mediocre series, with the only thing worth mentioning being Tom Bateman, who plays his character with a devilish coolness. However, that doesn’t mean the series is a waste of time. It’s just that, as a satire on the true crime genre and true crime diehards, it already feels a bit stale, while the rest is merely surface-level serviceable. Still, as a half-hour summer diversion, it’s good enough up until the unsatisfying ending.

Previous Next November 27, 2025 WRITTEN BY: PAIGE As we approach the end of 2025, it feels like a good time to look back and celebrate some films celebrating their 10th anniversary. As it stands, 2015 was a pretty decent year for cinema. Big franchises like Star Wars and Jurassic World were finally back on the big screen, director Quentin Tarantino released The Hateful Eight , Tom Cruise hung off the side of an airplane in Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation , and who can forget the first time we saw The Hulkbuster in Avengers: Age of Ultron . That said, I want to honor some of my personal favorites from that year by proclaiming the films I thought to be the standout in each genre. Without further ado, let’s dive into the past and highlight the 2015 movies that stood out the most to me. Shall we begin? BEST ACTION: MAD MAX: FURY ROAD Truth be told, 2015 was absolutely stacked with action movies, making it one of the tougher categories to decide. However, when it gets down to it, Mad Max: Fury Road stands tall above the rest. George Miller’s fourth Mad Max installment is, without a doubt, the best of the franchise. From its first frame, Miller straps you in and takes you for the ride of a lifetime. The visceral set pieces, astonishing world-building, stunning cinematography, and gritty performances in Fury Road are all next level. Although it may not have been a huge success at the box office, that doesn’t change the fact that it’s not only my favorite action movie from 2015 but also may be the overall best actioner of the past decade. BEST ANIMATED: INSIDE OUT Bar none. I mean, what’s the competition? Hotel Transylvania 2 ? Minions ?? Tom and Jerry: Spy Quest ?!? There is no need to overthink this one, so I’m not going to waste words elaborating any further. Inside Out is the only and obvious choice. BEST COMEDY: SCOUTS GUIDE TO THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE Forget what critics and audiences thought of Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse when it first came out because they were WRONG! Whenever I rewatch this flick, I can’t help but fall more in love with it. Is it cheesy, raunchy, and absurd? Absolutely, but it knows exactly what it is and owns it. The acting and writing perfectly capture the spirit of the film, and while this may be a hot take, this underappreciated gem is one of the best zombie comedies of all time. Sure, Scouts Guide is mindless and ridiculous, but it’s also a lot of fun and wildly entertaining. Director Christopher Landon deserves a scout's badge for his ability to blend horror and comedy so perfectly together. BEST DRAMA: ROOM For Best Drama, I’m going with A24’s Room , which became the studio’s first film nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. This gut-wrenching film is devastating yet hopeful, mainly due to the chemistry between Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay, who play mother and son. Their performances in this harrowing tale of survival, love, and perseverance are truly remarkable. Larson, who is phenomenal in this film, rightfully won the Oscar for Best Actress for her tour de force performance; however, newcomer Jacob Tremblay should’ve also been nominated and won because it’s one of the greatest and most authentic child performances I’ve ever seen. Director Lenny Abrahamson has a gift for directing riveting dramas (if you’ve seen the limited series Normal People , you know what I mean), and it’s the little things he does in this film that make me cry. BEST HORROR: GREEN ROOM While 2015 may have been an overall weak year for horror, I had a hard time deciding between two standouts: Green Room and It Follows . Ultimately, A24’s Green Room came out on top, mostly because I find myself rewatching it quite often. For horror fans who crave an adrenaline-fueled, gripping, and bloody film, this thriller is for you. Packed with endless tension, this pulse-pounding flick will have you at the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Frankly, Green Room is just such an underrated and underappreciated gem that I must call it out here because not nearly enough people talk about it, especially with how chilling and menacing Patrick Stewart is as a neo-Nazi villain. Writer/director Jeremy Saulnier delivers a punk rock flick that is one of my top movies of 2015, genre be damned. BEST ROMANCE: MR. RIGHT Despite not being the most romantic film I've ever seen, Mr. Right is a delightful little rom-com that gives me so much serotonin, especially given Sam Rockwell’s charm, though I admit bias since I adore him. Alongside Rockwell is Anna Kendrick, and the pair have electric chemistry; her eccentric and chaotic liveliness is a wonderful match for Rockwell's offbeat and deranged charisma. Together, they make what could’ve been an unmemorable action rom-com into something truly enjoyable. It's by no means a masterpiece or groundbreaking because its premise is a bit batshit crazy, but it’s quirky and just a whole lot of fun. A hitman meets the girl next door… What’s not to love? And let’s be honest, there’s nothing more romantic than throwing knives at each other on your first date. BEST SCI-FI: EX MACHINA People may be shocked that I don’t have Star Wars: The Force Awakens listed here, but when I think of sci-fi as a genre, I want a thought-provoking piece of cinema that makes me ponder the possibilities of life. Sometimes, I even want a story that gets under my skin. Alex Garland’s Ex Machina , yet another A24 movie, does just that. This film is so brilliant that I'm still in awe that it's Garland’s directorial debut. It offers everything you could possibly want in a great sci-fi movie: it boasts stunning special effects, an awesome score and soundtrack, amazing performances (including a memorable dance sequence with Oscar Isaac), and an insightful story. The themes and issues of artificial intelligence, as well as the interplay between man and machine, make one wonder what actually makes humans human. If a statement like that isn’t revolutionary, then I don’t know what is. BEST HIDDEN GEM: TANGERINE When life gives you lemons, go watch Sean Baker’s Tangerine . Shot entirely on an iPhone 5, this is indie filmmaking at its finest. Baker is an expert at this type of slice-of-life movie, immediately immersing the audience in an odyssey that follows two best friends embarking on a wild day around Los Angeles. This offbeat comedy is surprisingly heartfelt, as Baker's screenplay gives the characters a sense of familiarity and realism through raw and intimate dialogue and scenarios. It may not be Baker's first film, or even his most popular, but it's certainly the one that put him on the map for me. Frankly, not enough people talk about its greatness. If you haven’t checked out Tangerine yet, it's already 10 years old, so what are you waiting for? Get to it!

THE WHITE LOTUS: SEASON TWO Starring: Jennifer Coolidge, Aubrey Plaza, Theo James, Will Sharpe, Haley Lu Richardson, Meghann Fahy, Sabrina Impacciatore, Simona Tabasco, Beatrice Grannò, Adam DiMarco, Micheal Imperioli, F. Murray Abraham, Leo Woodall, and Tom Hollander Creator: Mike White PAIGE The White Lotus ’ second season went out with a bang…like holy moly this show is bat shit crazy! Every episode kept me on my toes and had me speculating what was to come every week. With this season depicting the power of sex through love, lust, and jealousy, it made me glad I was just an outsider looking in on these characters’ holiday. The creator, the clever and brilliant Mike White, has now gone two for two in assembling incredible ensembles that keep delivering. Like, just give Jennifer Coolidge another Emmy already! Man, I can’t wait to see where our next White Lotus vacation lies. JACOB There will be no sophomore slump for writer/director Mike White, as his follow-up season to The White Lotus is as full of mystery, awkwardness, memorable characters, and terrific performances as the one before. White’s skewering of the rich and self-absorbed may not use as sharp a stick this time around, but he more than makes up for it by crafting characters and arcs that are some of the sweetest there can be in a show like this. The decadent settings of Italy provide an often-stunning backdrop to the proceedings, and I can’t wait to see where the show goes next.

DR. DEATH: SEASON TWO Starring: Édgar Ramírez, Mandy Moore, Ashley Madekwe, Gustaf Hammarsten, and Luke Kirby Creator: Ashley Michel Hoban QUENTIN After a surprisingly good first season, Dr. Death : Season Two comes across as a series that Peacock felt forced to make simply because they’ve had few wins and need more content. The first half of the season is so focused on the relationship between Dr. Macchiarini (Édgar Ramírez) and Benita (Mandy Moore) that you kind of forget the series is supposed to be about someone called “The Cutthroat Conman.” It’s more like a Lifetime movie about a lying husband. It eventually gets to the medical malpractice story in the final few episodes, which is admittedly interesting, but it’s a little too late at that point.