A+Z Movie Review Podcast

No good pod goes unpublished! Alex and Zach return to the mics for a return to Oz and the conclusion of the Broadway hit adaptation Wicked: For Good. They discuss how it lines up with the original stage production, how Act 2 compares to its Act 1 movie and stage predecessors and get in deep on the music and lore of Oz. Plus, they dive in on all of its possible awards chances and so, so, so much mo...

The Honmoon is sealed! Alex and Zach sing along with Netflix's surprising chart-topper: K-POP DEMON HUNTERS. We talk about the film's absolutely BOPPING soundtrack, our coming around to watch the film and its stunning breakthrough into the mainstream. We also discuss whether this cultural surge could send the movie and its songs into legitimate Oscar contention. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 1:33 - Ba...

"I herald his beginning. I herald your end." We herald the return of Alex and Zach to the MCU! We take our first steps into Phase Six with the return of Marvel's First Family to the big screen in THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS. We compare the 37th film in the MCU to the previous cinematic attempts at the Fantastic Four, examine if its retro-future style over substance and how this movie takes us...

There's always a way. Alex and Zach leap into the sky for the start of a new DC Universe with the arrival of SUPERMAN. We discuss if James Gunn's vision for this Man of Steel is a hit and what the future is for rebooted cinematic universe. We look into the chemistry of David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan as Clark Kent and Lois Lane, the dripping evil of Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor and if, ultimat...

Lights out, and away we go! Alex and Zach jump into the driver seat for the adrenaline-fueled summer blockbuster of F1 THE MOVIE. We discuss if Brad Pitt and company hit top speed or need to turn back into pit lane, and we ask if this movie will create new fans of the sport. Plus, as fans of the sport ourselves, we strut our wheel knowledge of how well this translates Formula One racing from track...

You are not a catch, because you are not a fish. Alex and Zach have a date night for A24 and Celine's Song new RomCom (?) MATERIALISTS. We explore whether or not it's actually a RomCom and if the trailers built up expectations the movie couldn't match. We also talk through whether this movie, for all of its expert craftmanship, isn't filled out by its characters or actors. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intr...

You keep dancing with the devil, and one day he's going to follow you home. Alex and Zach finally saw writer-director Ryan Coogler's newest cinematic blast SINNERS. We see if we can handle a dip into the horror side of film, and let you know whether it's easy to stomach. (Short answer: YES! (*with caveats from Alex)). We examine the movie's exploration of race relations in the Jim Crow South mixed...

"Okay, that was pretty good." Alex and Zach jump back into the Marvel Cinematic Universe as it begins its turn back towards big-time stakes with THUNDERBOLTS*. We see if the 36th film in the MCU lives up to its early hype, hitch our wagons to Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova/Black Widow) and Lewis Pullman (Bob!) and examine how this team-up pushes the MCU back on the rails. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 2...

Hollywood's Biggest Night goes to... ANORA! The indie sex worker dramedy takes home five Oscars to be the big winner at the 97th Academy Awards. Alex and Zach run through the production of the show and grade host Conan O'Brien. What and why were those song performances? What jokes hit? Plus, we break down the historic night for Anora's Sean Baker, the surprise of Mikey Madison and the rest of the...

If everybody looks the other way, then everybody's in on it. Alex and Zach round out the 2025 Best Picture slate with one of the most uniquely told and impactful story of the nominees: Nickel Boys. We examine this extremely necessary telling of this under-documented side of the Civil Rights movement and the first-person point-of-view camera style that sets it apart from the rest.  Plus, we give ou...

It is the destination, not the journey. Alex and Zach continue their Best Picture journey with the tome that is "The Brutalist." The length of the film has been much-discussed here and elsewhere, and we let you know straight away if that should deter viewers from taking in the film. We also get into a bigger Best Picture discussion with the heavy-hitters under our belt. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 1...

We shared our playlist with the DJ, and he was very rude and dismissive. Alex and Zach ride along with the entertainingly manic rollercoaster of Best Picture nominee Anora. We discuss where this early front-runner now sits in the Oscars conversation and take-in one of the more rewatchable, hilarious and tragic nominees of the year.  TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 1:18 - General Discussion (Background,...

Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself? Alex and Zach dissect the bold body horror Best Picture nominee "The Substance". We let you know right off the top if we recommend seeing this at times wild and at times grotesque look on beauty standards on women and women in Hollywood and shift focus to Best Actress front-runner Demi Moore. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 1:08 - Would You Recommend...

Greatness in unexpected places. Alex and Zach pour over a surprise Best Picture contender with the Brazilian film I'm Still Here. We express our love for a film that caught us off guard, from the production to the performances, including the singular work of Fernanda Torres. Plus, we look at its awards chances and our hopes for the movie. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 0:54 - General Discussion 2:34 -...

This is a war! Alex and Zach investigate the papal election thriller Conclave, a dark horse Best Picture candidate. We dissect the twists and turns of this captivating story, the string of unexpected reveals and look into the Oscars chances, particulary the performance of Ralph Fiennes and adapted screenplay. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 1:43 - General Discussion 4:02 - Non-Spoiler Review 12:50 - Con...

Track some mud on the carpet! Alex and Zach gather 'round to explore the work of legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan in 2025 Best Picture nominee A Complete Unknown. We celebrate the bevy of great performances (both acting and singing) and see where it stacks up against other musician biopics and other Best Picture and Acting nominees. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 1:03 - General Discussion (Backgro...

On your left! Alex and Zach take a break from awards season for the return of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Sam Wilson's big-screen debut as the new Captain America. We push back against the critical reception to the 35th film in the MCU, look into what charms and thrills and where it sits among the current MCU discourse and the installments to come this year. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 1:03 -...

Alex and Zach get into the most controversial and most nominated 2025 Oscar contender: Netflix's Emilia Pérez. We dive into this bold swing of a French-made musical about a transgender Mexican drug lord, the discussions around the film's content and production as well as its award season drama. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 1:20 - General Discussion (Background, Nominations, etc.) 4:46 - Non-Spoiler R...

Lisan al gaib! Alex and Zach continue into the Best Picture race with their look at Dune: Part Two. We explore this modern epic, see where this sand worm soared compared to its Part One, and look at its chances on Oscar Sunday. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 2:30 - General Discussion (Nominations, Popcorn Bucket, etc.) 9:14 - Non-Spoiler Review 16:00 - Concession Stand (Sweet, Salty, Refresher) - SPOIL...

Good news! Alex and Zach are back! We jump right into the 2025 Oscars Best Picture race with one of our favorite film of last year, Wicked. We break down the witchy musical, give their thoughts and take a look at its awards chances, plus some early thoughts on the Best Picture race and how to watch all the nominees. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 1:42 - Oscar Nominations Rundown 5:01 - Non-Spoiler Revi...

Alex and Zach are BACK to kick off the high time of Awards Season with the 2024 Oscar Nominations. They discuss all the top line awards for the March 10 ceremony, determine if it will be a runaway year for Oppenheimer and look into perceived snubs for Barbie. Plus, they detail each category and layout where to find all the Best Picture nominees on streaming. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 1:44 - Oppenh...

Alex and Zach press start, eat a mushroom and break open the block on The Super Mario Bros. Movie. They go down the warp pipe on the wildly fun video game adaptation that has broken box office records. Plus, they detail all the new trailers from the week (Barbie, Blue Beetle, Spiderverse, Indiana Jones), outline all the new Star Wars film announcements, give their quick Dungeons & Dragons revi...

Alex and Zach say the word and zap back into the DC Universe with Shazam! Fury of the Gods. They fly through this fun kid-turned-superhero sequel and break down the fraught nature of the current/ending/resetting DC Comics film universe. Plus, they discuss the announced future of DC Studios w James Gunn. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 2:18 - Non-Spoiler Discussion 17:15 - Low Box Office/Current State of...

Alex and Zach give their immediate reactions to the 2023 Academy Awards. They break down a near-sweep of big wins for Everything Everywhere All At Once, including Best Picture and a surprise for first-time winner Jamie Lee Curtis. They discuss all the winners, including a slew of undercard wins for All Quiet on the Western Front, the cap of Brendan Fraser's award renaissance and RRR prevailing ove...

Alex and Zach keep in time in the Cate Blanchett-led force of Tár. They applaud Blanchett's Oscar-nominated performance, roll through the slow-building turn of the film and examine its niche depiction of cancel culture and a fall from grace. Plus, another round of updated Academy Award Best Picture rankings (so far). TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 2:05 - Non-Spoiler Discussion 17:19 - Academy Awards Di...