Movies First: Film Reviews & Insights

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica explore the enchanting film * The History of Sound *, a mesmerizing journey that transcends traditional storytelling by inviting audiences into a world where music is not just heard but seen, tasted, and felt. At its heart, this film is a profound love story that intertwines art, memory, and the deep connections that music fosters between indi...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica immerse themselves in the poignant film * Choir of Hope *, set against the backdrop of World War I in 1916. The narrative unfolds in the small Yorkshire town of Ramsden, where a community grapples with grief and loss while finding solace in an unexpected place—a choir. This exploration of music serves as a powerful metaphor for survival and re...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica take a deep dive into the raw and poignant film * Urchin *, directed by Harris Dickinson in his directorial debut. Set against the stark backdrop of London's homelessness crisis, the film follows Mike, portrayed by Frank Delain, a young homeless addict whose life spirals into chaos as he grapples with addiction and the harsh realities of stree...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica delve into the emotionally charged film * Sentimental Value *—a gripping exploration of family dynamics and the complexities of reconciliation. The story revolves around Gustav Borg, a once-celebrated filmmaker who attempts to reconnect with his estranged daughters, Nora and Agnes, by casting them in a script that mirrors their painful past. W...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica explore the heartfelt and inspiring film * Song Sung Blue *, which tells the true story of Neil Diamond tribute artists Mike Sardinia and Claire Stengel, who perform together as Lightning and Thunder. Directed by Craig Brewer, the film takes a deep dive into their lives, showcasing not only their love story but also the complexities of their p...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica venture into the wild and wacky world of * Anaconda 2025 *, a meta-reboot of the 1997 cult classic that combines humor, adventure, and a giant snake. With a budget of $45 million and a box office gross of over $136 million for the original, the hosts explore how this new iteration captures the essence of the original while offering a fresh tak...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica dive into the heartwarming and thought-provoking film * Rental Family * starring Brendan Fraser as Philip Van der Plu, an American actor navigating the peculiar world of rental family services in Japan. After struggling for seven years in his acting career, Philip finds himself taking on unconventional roles that challenge his understanding of...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica tackle the ambitious runtime of * Avatar: Fire and Ash *—a staggering 3 hours and 17 minutes that rivals the length of a transatlantic flight. They discuss James Cameron's commitment to creating immersive cinematic experiences, questioning whether every moment of the film justifies its lengthy duration. The narrative picks up right after *The...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica dissect the gripping psychological thriller * The Housemaid * based on the bestselling novel that has captivated millions worldwide. With its universal themes of fear, deception, and entrapment, the film presents a chilling narrative that resonates deeply, particularly when set against the backdrop of a seemingly safe domestic environment. Lis...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica explore the emotionally charged narrative of * My Brother's Band *, a film that intertwines music, identity, and the profound impact of second chances. They delve into the life of Thibaut, a celebrated classical conductor whose world is shattered by a leukemia diagnosis and the shocking revelation that his sister is not truly his sister. This...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica dive into the intriguing political landscape of * Ella Mikey *, directed by James L. Brooks. Set against the backdrop of the 2008 recession, the film follows Emma Mikey's character, a young lieutenant governor, as she navigates a scandal involving her seemingly innocent use of government property for personal time with her husband. The hosts e...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica embark on a thought-provoking journey through the afterlife with the new film * Eternity *. This unique romantic comedy presents a bureaucratic twist on the age-old question of eternal love, placing protagonist Joan, played by Elizabeth Olsen, in an impossible position between her first husband, Luke, who died young in the Korean War, and Larr...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica delve into the intriguing world of * Wake Up Dead Man *, the latest installment in the Knives Out franchise that takes murder mysteries to a new level within the confines of a church. The hosts explore the darkly ironic setting of Our Lady of Perpetual Fortitude, where the past sins of Father Duplentice, played by Josh O'Connor, collide with a...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica dive deep into the enchanting yet thought-provoking world of * Wicked: for Good *, exploring the transformative journey of villains into heroes and how the narrative challenges our understanding of good and evil. They discuss the revolutionary portrayal of power, truth, and justice, particularly through Michelle Yeoh's chilling role as Madame...

In this episode of  *Movies First*, reviewer Alex First delves into the harrowing psychological drama * Nuremberg *, which offers a profound exploration of the landmark trial that sought justice for crimes against humanity in the aftermath of World War II. The film centers on the unsettling dynamic between Nazi leader Hermann Goering, portrayed chillingly by Russell Crowe, and U.S. army psychiatri...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica navigate the chilling narrative of * Dead of Winter *, a gripping survival thriller that intertwines themes of love, loss, and resilience against the brutal backdrop of the Minnesota wilderness. The hosts delve into the poignant journey of Barb, portrayed by the remarkable Emma Thompson, who embarks on a pilgrimage to scatter her late husband'...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica embark on a gripping exploration of the psychological thriller * If I Had Legs I'd Kick You *, a film that authentically portrays the harrowing journey of a mother's mental breakdown. They delve into Rose Brian's mesmerizing performance as Linda, a therapist whose life unravels amidst the chaos of her daughter's mysterious illness. The hosts d...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica plunge into the dystopian depths of the new remake of * The Running Man *, a chilling take on Stephen King's 1982 classic that feels eerily relevant in today's society. The hosts dissect how the film updates the original premise, where a desperate father enters a deadly game show to secure medical care for his ailing child, reflecting our curr...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica dive into the enchanting world of * Now You See Me: Now You Don't *, where the timeless allure of magic collides with the gritty realities of cryptocurrency scams and blood diamonds. The hosts explore how the film brilliantly introduces a new generation of magicians who kick off their journey by exposing a cryptocurrency con through a spectacu...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica delve into the intriguing world of art heists with the film * The Mastermind *. Set against the tumultuous backdrop of 1970s Massachusetts, the story follows James Blaine Mooney, or JB, portrayed by Josh O'Connor—a failed architect driven to steal four Arthur Dove paintings in a desperate bid to escape his father's criticism and prove his wort...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica embark on an exhilarating journey through the latest installment of the *Predator* franchise, which takes a bold leap by centering the narrative on a young Yautja warrior named Deck, brilliantly portrayed by Demetrius Schuster. The hosts discuss how this fresh perspective—following an alien hunter rather than the traditional human prey—creates...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica delve into the intriguing adaptation of * Kiss of the Spider Woman *, a musical that boldly juxtaposes the harrowing realities of Argentina's Dirty War with the vibrant world of theater. The hosts explore the complex relationship between Molina, a gay window dresser portrayed by Tonatiu, and Valentin, a political revolutionary played by Diego...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica explore the mind-bending film * Bugonia *, a captivating fusion of ancient myths and contemporary conspiracy theories. The hosts delve into the film's unique premise, which intriguingly links the bizarre belief that bees spawn from dead oxen to modern-day paranoia surrounding alien pharmaceutical executives. They highlight Jesse Plemons' portr...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica take a chilling dive into the psychological horror of * Silent Night, Deadly Night *—a reimagining that transforms the beloved figure of Santa Claus into a haunting embodiment of trauma and violence. The hosts explore the film's intricate portrayal of Billy Chapman, whose childhood trauma of witnessing his parents' murder at the hands of a San...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica delve into the unsettling film * Shell *—a dark exploration of society's obsession with youth and beauty that raises more questions than it answers. The hosts discuss how the film, starring Elisabeth Moss as a 40-something actress grappling with her fading relevance in Hollywood, confronts the uncomfortable truths about aging and the beauty in...