Movie Postmortem

In this episode of  Movie Postmortem , we are joined by Cheryl and Jae and from the Vaguely Nerdy podcast to discuss Prometheus  (2012), Ridley Scott’s ambitious Alien prequel that asks big questions about creation, and the origin of the xenomorphs. We do a full plot rundown and give you our takes on the events on the film. Most importantly, we tackle one of the strangest ideas buried in the film:...

In this episode, we review  Dark Skies , the alien-abduction film that plays like a Paranormal Activity film with an alien swapped in. We talk about why this genre blend works better than it has any right to and why the dysfunctional family dynamic aids the story. Follow us on Bluesky @moviepostmortem.bsky.social New episodes every week!

In our last Christmas episode, we review gremlins, the supposedly family friendly horror film that traumatized a generation of kids! We discuss the influence of Spielberg, why Pete should have been the main protagonist, and what we worry about with the upcoming Gremlins 3.

In this episode, we review the high-grossing adaptation of the popular Dr. Seuss children's book. We do a plot rundown and discuss the production design that brought Whoville to life, our favorite lines from Jim Carrey, the character we would cut from the film, and why we have a problem with the film showing that the Grinch lives off of trash! Plus, two fun Christmas commercials! Merry Grinchm...

In this episode, we review Home Alone , the holiday classic that broke the box office. We do a rundown of the film and cover Kevin accidental abandonment, the sheer chaos of the McCallister household, and why the Wet Bandits may be the most persistent criminals in cinema history. We talk about John Williams’ iconic score, the perfectly telegraphed traps, and whether we like this film more than the...

In this episode of  Movie Postmortem , we review  Die Hard - the action classic that became one of the most popular Christmas movies of all time! We discuss Bruce Willis’ genre-redefining role as John McClane, Alan Rickman’s ice-cold brilliance as Hans Gruber, and why Holly’s corporate party has  so much  debauchery! Tune in as we celebrate the film that changed action movies forever.

In this episode, we review the Christmas comedy, Jingle All the Way  (1996). From Arnold Schwarzenegger’s increasingly unhinged antics on his quest for a Turbo Man doll to Sinbad’s conspiracy-fueled meltdown, we discuss why this film has become a Christmas staple. We talk about Phil Hartman's scene stealing, Sinbad's best lines, and whether the movie’s mayhem holds up or collapses under it...

For our Thanksgiving episode, we review Robert Eggers’  The Witch  (2015), the slow-burn horror folktale that pairs perfectly with the holiday because it focuses on Puritans, food, and family tension! We talk about the film’s haunting visuals, the religious beliefs shown in the film, and the harshest insult a man could ever receive!

In this episode, we review  The Stanford Prison Experiment , the dramatization of one of psychology’s most infamous studies. We discuss how the film captures the unsettling transformation of college students into “guards” and “prisoners,” the escalation of cruelty, and the complete absence of responsible oversight and scientific standards responsible for the whole thing. We also talk about the fla...

In this episode, we review  2012 , Roland Emmerich’s disaster epic that turned the Mayan apocalypse myth into two and a half hours of global chaos, improbable escapes, and collapsing landmarks. From John Cusack’s dad-driving survival skills to Woody Harrelson’s conspiracy theorist radio show, this movie delivers every disaster trope you could want. We do a full plot rundown so we can cover the abs...

In this episode we review M. Night Shyamalan’s  Split  (2016), the psychological thriller that brought the director back into the spotlight. James McAvoy gives memorable performance as Kevin Wendell Crumb, a man with 23 personalities. We talk about how the film handles mental health representation, the balance between thriller and fantasy, and whether the final act pays off the initial setup. Is ...

In this episode we  Bram Stoker’s Dracula  (1992), Francis Ford Coppola’s colorful, melodramatic take on the vampire classic. With Gary Oldman’s unforgettable performance, bold production design, and an erotic focus that made one of us blush, this film is equal parts masterpiece and mature soap opera. We break down the gothic visuals, the blend of sensuality and horror, and the film’s daring commi...

In this episode of  Movie Postmortem , we review It  (2017), the coming-of-age horror film based on the popular Stephen King novel! We talk about Bill Skarsgård’s portrayal of Pennywise, the film’s balance of humor and horror, and why the Losers Club reminds us of another of King's stories set in the late 1950s.

In this episode, we review Wes Craven’s  A Nightmare on Elm Street  (1984), the film that introduced the world to Freddy Krueger! We talk about the film’s surreal dream imagery, iconic villain, and its blending of horror and humor. Tune in as we break down its ‘Causes of Death or Causes for Celebration,’ and offer a few dream-inspired ‘Script Stitch-Ups.’

In this episode of  Movie Postmortem , we review  Evil Dead Rise - a gory reboot/sequel of the cult franchise that trades the cabin in the woods for an apartment and the chainsaw for a cheese grater. We talk about the practical effects, the relentless violence, and the moments that made us cheer, cringe, and cover our eyes.

In this episode of  Movie Postmortem , we review  Tron: Legacy  with special guests, the hosts of the  Vaguely Nerdy Podcast! Together, we dive into this legacy sequel that dazzled audiences with neon visuals and a Daft Punk soundtrack that was leagues better than the overly familiar story. We discuss light cycles, poor de-aging effects, digital damsels in distress, the best way to watch this film...

In this episode, we review Jordan Peele’s smash hit, Get Out . We talk about the layered symbolism in everything from teacups to deer, and the way horror is used as a lens for very real fears. Tune in for our postmortem on the movie that made everyone look twice at their tea drinking therapists.

In this episode we review  The Cabin in the Woods , Drew Goddard and Joss Whedon’s meta-horror/comedy mash-up that explores the idea that every slasher film cliche is actually the necessary result of an elaborate ritual with world-wide implications. Is this film a trope-smashing triumph, or just a clever idea that doesn't go far enough? Tune in as we identify its ‘Causes of Death’ or ‘Causes f...

In this episode we review  Godzilla: King of the Monsters  (2019), the sequel to the 2014 film that seriously upped the kaiju count by including classic monsters such as Mothra, Rodan, and King Ghidorah! We talk about the score, visuals, and the narrative choices that left made one of us laugh out loud. Tune in!

In this episode we review the Arnold Schwarzenegger classic,  Predator  (1987). Equal parts sci-fi and action, the film gave us one of cinema’s most iconic creatures and some of the most quotable one-liners of all time. We talk about why the Predator remains one of the best-designed movie monsters of all time and what parts don't hold up today.

In this episode, we discuss Ang Lee’s  Hulk  (2003), a superhero film probably 20 years ahead of its time. A strange mix of art-house ambition and comic-book action, the film explores Bruce Banner’s repressed trauma and while also delivering the spectacle of a giant green rage monster. The result? Something that really feels like an A24 superhero film. Join us as we dissect the ‘Causes of Death or...

In this episode we review  War of the Worlds (2025) - a low budget film shot during the COVID lockdown, where we follow the story of one man experiencing an alien attack on Earth while never leaving his computer screen. We talk about why Ice Cube was a poor choice for the lead, how blatant advertising pulls you out of the story, and whether this is a new classic "fun bad" film. Plus a ne...

In this episode, we go back to 2012 to revisit  The Amazing Spider-Man . We talk about Andrew Garfield being the "middle child" web-slinger, a love story that may remind you of Twilight, and a villain who still looks intimidating even though he's just a lizard wearing a lab coat. Plus, Reggie shares a red-carpet story involving Emma Stone, nerves, and a missed marriage proposal oppor...

In this episode, we review  Godzilla  (2014), the Legendary reboot that gave us monster fighting, but made us wait for it. We talk about Bryan Cranston’s too-early exit, the surprisingly good updated design for Godzilla, and the frustration of having the film cut away  just before  a fight starts. Does the payoff justify the slow burn? Tune in to find out.

In this episode we review  The Core  (2003), the film that asked: what would happen if the earth's core stopped spinning? From birds falling from the sky to an earth-saving mission that involves nukes and an unkempt Aaron Eckhart, this movie is peak disaster movie madness! We discuss the film’s bad science, messy hackers, miracle metals, and whether it earns its place in the "so bad it’s...