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Previous Next December 20, 2023 WRITTEN BY: QUENTIN AND NICK For most people, movie trailers are a key driver for determining whether or not to see a movie, which, I mean… obviously, right? They give a great impression of a movie’s tone, story, characters, and performances. However, trailers are usually accompanied by posters, sometimes more than one. And while movie posters may not give the same type of insight into what a movie is hoping to deliver, they often can be timeless works of art that give off a certain vibe , featured on clothing and other merchandise, as well as covering the walls of art galleries and dorm rooms, around the world for years to come. I’d venture to guess most people don’t remember much about the trailers for The Silence of the Lambs , Scarface , or A Clockwork Orange , but the imagery on their respective posters is recognizable across multiple generations, even to people who have never seen the films. With that in mind, Quentin and Nick wanted to look back at some of the best movie posters of 2023. What posters from this year best elicited a curiosity in the movies they were advertising? What posters best encapsulated what their movies were about? What posters might be hanging on someone’s wall in 20 years? What posters are just damn cool to look at? To be clear, we are only talking about the quality of the poster, not the quality of the movie it represents. So, as such, we aren’t going to bore you with a write up about why we love and appreciate each poster. If you have questions, ask us on X (formerly known as Twitter) @bitesizebreak For now, we’re going to let the posters speak for themselves, just like the artists who created them intended. Also, despite some really amazing fan-made posters out there, we are only listing official marketing materials. So, which one is your favorite?

PRIME TARGET: SEASON ONE Starring: Leo Woodall, Quintessa Swindell, Stephen Rea, David Morrissey, Martha Plimpton, Sidse Babett Knudsen, Jason Flemyng, Harry Lloyd, Ali Suliman, Fra Fee, and Joseph Mydell Creator: Steve Thompson QUENTIN While I’m sure there is an audience for Prime Target , I ain’t it. It’s not that it’s even a bad show, necessarily; it’s just such a nothing burger. The action sequences don’t really get the blood pumping, the conspiracy isn’t all that mysterious or engaging, and the performances are blandly vanilla with very little in the way of charisma or screen presence coming from most of the cast. Maybe that’s all due to its inherent British-ness (full disclosure: I don’t care for Slow Horses either), or maybe it’s because it’s a “thriller” about math…either way, I struggled to stay awake for this show.

PRESUMED INNOCENT Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Ruth Negga, Peter Sarsgaard, Bill Camp, Elizabeth Marvel, Renate Reinsve, O-T Fagbenle, Chase Infiniti, Lily Rabe, Nana Mensah, and Kingston Rumi Southwick Creator: David E. Kelley QUENTIN Overall, as a legal thriller, Presumed Innocent more than satisfies. The performances, the pacing of the case, and the twists and revelations keep things very compelling. However, there is something about the two main characterizations that is a little…incredulous? First, Rusty Sabich (Jake Gyllenhaal), the defendant, is painted as a selfish idiot and a brilliant lawyer. It’s hard to be both. I was often thinking, “bro, what are you doing?!” Second, Tommy Molto (Peter Sarsgaard), the prosecutor, boasts mustache-twirling douchebaggery that is excessive. Gyllenhaal and Sarsgaard are both great, but the way their characters are written results in a tiny strike. Still a winning series, though. PRESTON There are some shows that require us to reflect on how seriously we should consider renewing our subscription to a streaming service that will allow us to enjoy it when any new season releases; Presumed Innocent is one of those shows. Jake Gyllenhaal plays an attorney that is accused of a crime that he would normally be the one to prosecute. His life is upended and he walks a masterful, thin tightrope that will keep you guessing what really happened while on the edge of your seat the whole time. Enjoy your new on again/off again relationship with Apple TV+. PAIGE In Presumed Innocent , Jake Gyllenhaal excels in his first starring television role. Despite this legal drama already having a film adaptation, I still found myself engrossed in this mystery thriller. The story's skillful tension-building draws you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. It's pacy, but I really enjoyed how it keeps you guessing throughout as new things unravel within the case. Is Gyllenhaal’s character Rusty actually capable of this crime or not? That’s for you to tune in to find out, as this is the type of genre that Apple TV+ thrives best in. SHADAN Add Presumed Innocent to Apple TV+’s growing list of underrated TV shows. I admittedly stepped away from it after the first few episodes, but I’m glad I gave it another shot. I should’ve known better than to doubt a courtroom drama from David E. Kelley because it delivers a compelling second half with solid twists and a more than memorable ending. Jake Gyllenhaal may be the marquee name here, but Ruth Negga’s performance is what propelled me to keep watching. For my money, Defending Jacob remains the streamer’s best legal thriller, but Presumed Innocent is a compelling enough series to add to your watchlist.

DOPE THIEF Starring: Brian Tyree Henry, Wagner Moura, Marin Ireland, Amir Arison, Nesta Cooper, Kate Mulgrew, Ving Rhames, Dustin Nguyen, and Liz Caribel Sierra Creator: Peter Craig AMARÚ Brian Tyree Henry's and Wagner Moura’s charisma are the sole reason I continued watching Dope Thief . This crime drama is set during Covid years, and it feels like it was made during them, too. Henry’s character is set up as a careful hustler, then subsequently makes dumb decisions that, admittedly, allows his comedic timing with Moura to flourish, but this story isn’t set up to be funny. It’s written as the dark cat-and-mouse game we see in Marin Ireland’s B-plot, which feels like an entirely separate show. I wanted to like this so much more, but its weird construction never cohesively puts together its disparate parts. QUENTIN Dope Thief is a middling series despite Brian Tyree Henry’s best efforts to make it something more. The biggest problem is that you’re forced to root for two small-time loser criminals as they run from faceless big-time criminals, which is a proven formula but almost exclusively in comedies. Thief plays it too seriously to earn complete buy-in, including several subplots that don’t add much (Marin Ireland’s Mina is wholly unnecessary) and shallow character traits that mistake “descriptions” for genuine depth (making Wagner Moura’s Manny an addict, for example). Still, as usual, Henry holds your attention, but it’s probably for the best that this is a miniseries. ROBERT The best word I can use to describe Dope Thief is meandering. It simultaneously takes itself too seriously, yet not enough in crucial parts that call for a change in attitude. With a show like this, where low-level thieves get caught up in a larger conspiracy, you must suspend disbelief. However, thinking about how often Brian Tyree Henry’s Ray is bailed out of life-or-death situations, you question whether this should’ve been sustained for even eight episodes. The performances and dynamics between actors are good, and the music is top-notch, but Dope Thief is a middle-tier Apple effort.

SHŌGUN Starring: Cosmo Jarvis, Hiroyuki Sanada, Anna Sawai, Tadanobu Asano, Fumi Nikaidô, Tokuma Nishioka, Takehiro Hira, Ako, Shinnosuke Abe, Yasunari Takeshima, Hiroto Kanai, Toshi Toda, Tommy Bastow, Hiromoto Ida, Takeshi Kurokawa, and Nestor Carbonell Creators: Rachel Kondo and Justin Marks QUENTIN While there are a few things I could nitpick about Shōgun , including an ending that left me wanting at least one more episode and the sometimes-distracting line delivery from Cosmo Jarvis, the fact is this miniseries is exceptional. The lavishly cinematic costume, production, and set design pave the way for a layered story of political intrigue, fate, faith, duty, and Japanese culture; a story driven by tremendous performances from the entire ensemble (but none more so than Hiroyuki Sanada, Anna Sawai, and Tadanobu Asano). They resonate even through all the subtitles. Flat out, Shōgun is among the best historical epics to ever grace the small screen.

FIVE DAYS AT MEMORIAL Starring: Vera Farmiga, Cherry Jones, Cornelius Smith Jr., Robert Pine, Jessica Greco, Adepero Oduye, Julie Ann Emery, Michael Gaston, and Molly Hager Creators: John Ridley and Carlton Cuse JACOB It’s a tad structurally unsound, especially with the editing in the seventh episode and some plot placements, but Five Days at Memorial is nevertheless a thoroughly engrossing story, particularly for those unaware of its lesser known aspects. Those who remember Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath will be familiar with many of the newsworthy elements, but this series succeeds by focusing on the human elements that we didn’t witness. Standout performances from a terrific ensemble (notably Cherry Jones, Jessica Greco, and Robert Pine) elevate the series beyond simple dramatization into something truly special, and I would recommend it to anyone asking. QUENTIN Five Days at Memorial is a tough miniseries to review without sounding slightly heartless. The writers make Hurricane Katrina (and its aftermath) the star of the show over actual characters, attempting to appeal to viewers’ lowest common denominator of humanity; however, by telling the story through virtually nameless and undeveloped characters, it’s hard to make personal connections outside of recognizing the tragedy of it all. It’s too matter-of-fact, like a Wikipedia article come to life. Questions about medical ethics and morality are certainly interesting, but in being more about “general people” than “specific persons,” it didn’t move me as much as it probably should have.

Previous Next January 23, 2023 WRITTEN BY: PAIGE With several films in play this awards season, independent film studio A24 has established itself as one of the hottest production companies in Hollywood. Founded in 2012 by Daniel Katz, David Fenkel, and John Hodges, the company has since grown exponentially, branching out from film to produce award-winning television series like HBO’s Euphoria and Hulu’s Ramy , as well as stand-up comedy specials for Jerrod Carmichael and Ali Wong. With prominent hits and diverse films like Ex Machina , Hereditary , and Uncut Gems in recent years, the company has shown that it isn’t afraid to take risks and think outside the box. From its first film, the Charlie Sheen-starring A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III in 2013, to 2016’s Moonlight , which won Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor for Mahershala Ali, A24 has shown that it is a powerhouse distributor that should be considered one of the best in the business. As an A24 admirer, I can honestly say that I have loved most everything I have seen from the studio, from its horror films to its indie dramas. Some of my favorites include Room , Green Room , Spring Breakers , Swiss Army Man , Lady Bird , and Locke . With releasing such unique, small-budget films, it has shown that it isn't afraid to be different, and that is what makes the studio stand out to me so much. In allowing itself and the people it works with the freedom to be creative, A24 has been able to attract some of the best directors, actors, and actresses working today. Alas, while I could ramble on all day about why I’ve become such a fan of the studio, we’re here to look at its 2022 release calendar and discuss why it may have been the company’s best year yet. Although A24 released particularly impressive slates in both 2017 and 2019, in my mind, 2022 has been, without question, its best year so far. With 20 total releases, I’ve decided to list the five that I believe to be must watches. Of note, you’ll notice that critical hits such as The Whale , Causeway , The Inspection , White Noise , and After Yang didn’t make the cut. That just goes to show you just how strong, deep, and varied A24’s slate was in 2022. AFTERSUN I may not be a parent, but I’ve battled depression, and this film shines an honest light on that inner turmoil by portraying a depressed father attempting to put on a brave face for his daughter even though he can feel it all melting away. As such, this film really hit me emotionally. Yeah, it may not be the most entertaining film of the year, but it doesn’t need to be because it’s much more than that. It has deep layers that explore the desire to preserve shared memories. Aftersun is a beautifully heartfelt film with charming performances from Paul Mescal and Frankie Corio, and it’s the type of film that will make you rethink every interaction you've ever had with your parents. MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON I still can’t believe A24 actually got this film made, and it’s honestly everything I’d hoped it would be. Creators Dean Fleischer-Camp and Jenny Slate turning their early 2000s short film into a feature was something I didn’t know I needed until I got it. We all need a feel-good, heartwarming film to watch from time to time, and Marcel the Shell with Shoes On is just that flick. It’s beautiful from the inside out, and one of the sweetest, most endearing movies of the year. It will remind you to appreciate all the little things in life, to smile more, and give you all the feels. I promise you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll smile from ear-to-ear throughout the entire film. BODIES BODIES BODIES You ever feel like a movie was made especially for you? That’s Bodies Bodies Bodies for me. It’s pretty much an Agatha Christie-inspired episode of Euphoria , which, y’all know, I love that show. It’s phenomenally written and directed, featuring a spectacular cast that nails each stereotype perfectly, especially Rachel Sennott, who is pure gold in this flick. This film will have you laughing your ass off at all the one-liners, its color palette is dope AF, and the soundtrack is bloody rad. I’m calling it now: this is an immediate cult classic that will be watched at every sleepover. X/PEARL Yes, I’m cheating a little bit here, but you can’t have one without the other. It’s rare that we get two films from a franchise released in the same calendar year, let alone with both featuring a killer performance from the underrated Mia Goth. We start off with X , a classic slasher focusing on a group of 1970s porn stars being murdered. Right off the bat, I knew I would love this film because the slasher genre is my jam. Then, we get thrown back to the early 1900s with the prequel Pearl , a character-driven, psychological horror movie that features a performance from Mia Goth deserving of all the awards. All in all, director Ti West gave us something special that you can’t deny, and this horror franchise is one that should be on your radar! EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE I don’t even know where to start when talking about this gem of a film, besides pointing out the obvious: it’s one of the best films of the year! Directing duo Daniels delivers one of the most bizarre and imaginative movies I’ve ever seen. It kicks ass while also being a heartwarming film with a powerful story. Everything Everywhere All at Once is packed with creative ideas, and the outstanding ensemble cast, led by Michelle Yeoh, executes each one so flipping well. If you haven’t seen this film yet, I don’t know what the hell you are doing with your life because you’re missing out on something brilliant. Overall, A24 blew me away in 2022! All these films rocked my socks off, and the five (okay, I cheated, six) films I recommended display just how diverse this film production company truly is. The list above includes a moving drama, heartfelt animation, a horror comedy, the start of an instant classic franchise, and an adrenaline-fueled sci-fi comedy. It really highlights just how impressive 2022 was for A24 when potential Best Picture nominee The Whale didn't even crack the Top FiveSix. And now that 2023 is here, I can’t wait to watch what’s coming next! Director Ti West will finish his Pearl trilogy with MaXXXine , starring modern-day scream queen Mia Goth; Ari Aster directs Oscar winner Joaquin Phoenix in the surrealist comedy-horror Beau is Afraid ; and Jesse Eisenberg makes his directorial debut with the coming-of-age dramedy When You Finish Saving the World , starring Julianne Moore and Finn Wolfhard. A24 isn't slowing down and, given the growth we’ve seen in the last decade, I’m very excited to see what 2023 and beyond bring for the studio! Photo Credits: A24

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT COSBY Starring: Doug E. Doug, Godfrey, Marc Lamont Hill, Gloria Hendry, Chris Spencer, Michael Jai White, Lili Bernard, Roland Martin, and Joseph C. Phillips Director: W. Kamau Bell NICK We Need to Talk About Cosby is about so much more than the rise and fall of Bill Cosby. It’s about race, Cosby's tumultuous relationship with the black community, and the survivors. The subject matter is heavy, and director W. Kamau Bell pulls no punches by asking tough questions of the copious amount of interviewees featured. He looks back at the early signs of Cosby's transgressions weighed against the cultural impact the actor/comedian had, and, most importantly, allows these women a platform to tell their stories. It’s uncomfortable, important, and something everyone needs to see.

OBITUARY: SEASON ONE Starring: Siobhán Cullen, Michael Smiley, Ronan Raftery, Danielle Galligan, David Ganly, and Michael Hough Creator: Ray Lawlor QUENTIN Hulu’s new Irish import, Obituary , isn’t particularly necessary viewing, but if you have the right mindset and sensibilities (read: dark and quirky), there is some entertainment value to be found in this highly bingeable six-episode season. The obvious comparison is Dexter (but less self-serious), but it also has shades of After Life and the macabre humor of Wednesday , all while reminding you of just about every show you’ve seen featuring small towns filled with peculiar characters and hidden secrets. With chuckles, mystery, a delightful Siobhán Cullen, and plenty of soothing Irish accents, Obituary makes for a charming and breezy (if somewhat disposable) viewing experience.

FUBAR: SEASON ONE Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Monica Barbaro, Milan Carter, Travis Van Winkle, Jay Baruchel, Aparna Brielle, Andy Buckley, Fortune Feimster, Barbara Eve Harris, Gabriel Luna, and Fabiana Udenio Creator: Nick Santora NICK With the television landscape changing over the last few years, it’s no longer enough to just have huge movie stars like Harrison Ford or Sylvester Stallone lead your series. It needs to be good. Unfortunately, the Arnold Schwarzenegger-led FUBAR is merely fine, but nothing more. Like many Arnold blockbusters, FUBAR is a bunch of fun fluff…and there’s nothing wrong with that…but as the series goes on, even his presence isn’t enough to lift it beyond mediocrity. There are moments of humour and the father/daughter dynamic is good, but some oddly cast side characters and a lack of direction plunges this into forgettable territory. QUENTIN Do you remember the USA network’s “Characters Welcome” era? With shows like White Collar and Burn Notice being so weirdly glossy and brightly lit that they looked cheap and fake? FUBAR is like Netflix made a True Lies -ripoff in that style, and somehow lucked in to getting Arnold Schwarzenegger to star in it. All that is to say FUBAR is not very good. Even the Arnold-loving kid in me from the 80s lost interest about midway through. It’s not particularly funny, the action isn’t all that great, and there is a lot of make-sure-the-old-people-understand exposition. Hopefully, this…and, for the love of God, Fortune Feimster…won’t be back.

Previous August 1, 2024 Next A BITESIZE CHAT WITH X-MEN '97 DIRECTORS Directors Emi/Emmett Yonemura & Chase Conley have a chat with Amaru about the first season of X-Men '97 and how they brought the iconic comic-book characters back to the small screen after 30+ years. Make sure to check out X-Men '97 now on Disney Plus. Interview conducted on May 16th, 2024 by Amarú Moses. Photo Credits: Disney Plus

MARVEL'S MOON GIRL AND DEVIL DINOSAUR: SEASON ONE Starring: Diamond White, Fred Tatasciore, Alfre Woodard, Libe Barer, Sasheer Zamata, Gary Anthony Williams, Laurence Fishburne, and Jermaine Fowler Creators: Jeffrey M. Howard, Kate Kondell, and Steve Loter AMARÚ Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur is a delightful series, with each episode progressively improving after a sweet and stylish, yet slightly overstuffed pilot. The subsequent 25-minute episode format packs beautiful animation, lovable characters, and humorous dialogue in tightly paced stories full of marvelous lessons for kids and childlike wonder for adults. The sonically imaginative soundtrack and visually stylish storytelling highlight a unique rogues gallery of characters that you want to visit with again and again. It’s been a while since a kid’s show has brought back that Saturday Morning Cartoon feeling, and I’m glad a new generation has a staple to watch on their weekend wake-ups.