Always the Critic: A Movie Podcast

On Episode 162 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we bring down the Red Room in our review of Black Widow , starring Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, Rachel Weisz, and David Harbour. Rico and Jess discuss the newest Marvel movie, including the strength of the supporting cast, the deep themes and best action sequences, as well as lamenting how late it’s arrived in the MCU. For episodes with simila...

On Episode 161 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we hit pause on reviewing a new movie and look back at the year 2021 so far, ranking our top 5 movies. Rico and Jess examine the 2021 movie outlook, comparing it to 2020 and discussing what we can expect heading into the latter half of the year, rank their top 5 movies of 2021, and touch on what they’re anticipating most for new releases. For episod...

On Episode 160 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we grab some Corona’s and salud to family as we review F9: The Fast Saga , starring Vin Diesel, John Cena, and Michelle Rodriguez. Rico flies solo in this episode as he discusses the sequel’s over-the-top set pieces, why John Cena’s character is Dom’s brother and the state of the franchise heading into the the final, two-part installment. For episod...

On Episode 159 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we pick up our pepper spray as we review The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard , starring Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, and Salma Hayek. Rico and Jess discuss the sequel in all its disappointing glory, the sad precedent of the action-comedy genre, the state of action movies today in the wake of the superhero movie boom, and their thoughts on the recent...

On Episode 158 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we have some ice cold piragua as we review In the Heights. Rico and Jess discuss the musical adaptation, including  the vibrant performances and favorite sequences, the themes explored, the recent colorism controversy, and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s singing ability. For episodes with similar movies, click below Family Movies Follow us! Patreon Instag...

On Episode 157 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we pack our bags and head for London to review Cruella. Rico and Jess discuss the Disney live-action retelling, including the various twists in the plot, the ridiculously fabulous performances from Emma Stone and Emma Thompson, the stunning costume design, and the possibility a sequel. For episodes with similar movies, click below Family Movies Foll...

On Episode 156 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we step off the sand path for our review of A Quiet Place Part II. Rico and Jess discuss the new release from writer-director John Krasinski, including the way the plot treads new ground, the inclusion of new characters played by Cillian Murphy and Djimon Hounsou, and the amazing themes and symbolism explored throughout the sequel. For episodes with...

On Episode 155 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we gear up to enter the quarantine zone as we review of Army of the Dead. Rico and Jess discuss the Netflix release from (infamous) director Zack Snyder, including Dave Bautista’s performance,  the plot and visual style, the insertion of Tig Notaro, and the surprise twist on the zombies. For episodes with similar movies, click below Action Adve...

On Episode 154 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we open the curtains on our review of The Woman in the Window. Rico and Jess discuss the Netflix release from director Joe Wright, including the troubled production, the prestige cast, the poorly executed homages to Hitchock, and the general disappointment of the film. For episodes with similar movies, click below Thriller Follow us! Patreon Instagr...

On Episode 153 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we shave our heads and go full Jason Statham as we review Wrath of Man. Rico and Jess discuss the newest (forgettable) movie from director Guy Ritchie, including the outrageous testosterone-infused dialogue, the awful first act, the bizarre cameos, and the general disappointment of the film. For episodes with similar movies, click below Action Adven...

On Episode 152 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we are Sex Bob-omb, and we’re here to review Scott Pilgrim vs. the World ! Rico , Jess , and special guest Miguel Albarracin discuss the cult classic in celebration of its 10th anniversary, including how stacked the cast is, favorite fight moments and quotes, which characters we identify most with, as well as who is worse: Scott or Ramona? For episo...

On Episode 151 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we have a flawless victory (or not) as we review Mortal Kombat (2021)! Rico and Jess discuss the video game adaptation in all its Outworld-ly glory, including if the fight scenes lived up to the gameplay, the cheesiness of the script, the goriness and violence that came with the R rating, the awful third act, and the potential for a sequel. For epis...

On Episode 150 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we celebrate our 150th episode and Rico’s birthday by sharing our favorite movie from each year of our lives! Rico and Jess have fun talking through their favorite movies, choosing just one from every year of their lives, including films like Jurassic Park, The Princess Bride, Pride and Prejudice, and La La Land. For episodes with similar movies, cl...

On Episode 149 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we get off the ~blue~ and review Voyagers , starring Colin Farrell, Tye Sheridan, and Lily-Rose Depp! Rico and Jess discuss the surprisingly heavy themes and moral and ethical quandaries of the film, the slightly disappointing acting performances from the young cast, as well as the set design, plot development, and musical score. For episodes with s...

On Episode 148 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we bow to no one and review Godzilla vs. Kong , starring Godzilla (as himself) and Kong (as himself)! Rico and Jess laugh their way through one the most entertaining movies of the year, discussing the fight sequences, the “plot”, and the human characters, including the dismal lack of Kyle Chandler, to Rico’s dismay. For episodes with similar movies,...

On Episode 147 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we over-correct and review Nobody , starring Bob Odenkirk! Rico and Jess discuss Bob Odenkirk’s surprisingly smooth transition to an action hero, the blessedly short run time of the movie, the bizarre but menacing villain, their favorite gags and action set pieces, and the possibility of a sequel. For episodes with similar movies, click below Action...

On Episode 146 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we unite the mother boxes and review the infamous Zack Snyder’s Justice League ! Rico , Jess , and special guest Bobby Orlando (from our Sonic the Hedgehog review!) discuss the long-awaited and much-demanded Snyder Cut, including the differences between the 2017 theatrical cut and this director’s cut, the positives and negatives, and then delve into...

On Episode 145 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we take a break from reviewing new releases and rank the last 10 movies we watched for the first time in our very first Top 10 Last 10! Rico and Jess borrow a page out of the CineReeLists playbook and cover their last 10 first-time watches, ranking each one. Listen and let us know: were you surprised by the movies or upset by the rankings? Special t...

On Episode 144 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we go off planet and review Chaos Walking, starring Tom Holland and Daisy Ridley. Rico and Jess discuss their general impressions of the film, lament the terrible execution of a really interesting premise, and talk through plot beats and the lack of chemistry between Holland and Ridley. For episodes with similar movies, click below Action Adventure...

On Episode 138 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we wrap up our quick mini-series, where each host defends a presumably indefensible January release movie panned by critics, with 1999’s She’s All That . Jess tries her best to convince Rico that She’s All That is an underrated and kind of great teen rom-com, citing the iconic makeover reveal, the magic of Freddie Prinze Jr., and the edgy themes the...

On Episode 137 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we begin a quick mini-series where each host defends a presumably indefensible January release movie panned by critics, starting with 2004’s Along Came Polly . Rico tries his best to convince Jess that Along Came Polly is an underrated comedy, citing Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s brilliant side character and a few strong scenes. The two discuss what the...

On the latest episode of the Always the Critic movie podcast, we look back and rank our favorite movies of 2020. Rico Albarracin and Jessica Firpi take turns naming their favorite movies of the year. Although they share a few in common, the co-hosts surprise each other with their picks. They also talk about the year of 2020 in movies, their favorite performances of the year and movies that just mi...

On Episode 134 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we finish out our mini-series discussing underrated Christmas movies and spend Christmas with The Family Stone. Rico and Jess discuss their favorite lines and scenes from the movie, ask questions like “Was Meredith that terrible?”, and talk through the amazing cast, which includes Diane Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Sarah Jessica Parker, Luke Wilson, Derm...

On Episode 133 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we pick up on week 2 of our mini-series discussing underrated Christmas movies. We head back to 2005 with Ryan Reynolds in Just Friends. Rico and Jess discuss their differing opinions on the film plus major plot points, the toxic concept of the friend zone, and laugh through their favorite lines and scenes. For episodes with similar movies, click be...

On Episode 132 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we begin a new mini-series discussing underrated Christmas movies. We start by getting a glimpse into a different life with The Family Man. Rico and Jess look back at the 20-year-old film by discussing the major plot points, themes of money vs. family, some problematic tropes that don’t hold up anymore. Of course, we get into detail about the enigma...