Movies First: Film Reviews & Insights

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica dive into the emotionally charged drama * Reminders of Him *, a film that flips the narrative on redemption stories by focusing not just on the seeker of forgiveness, but on those who must decide whether to grant it. The hosts explore the complex journey of Kenna, portrayed by Mikey Monroe, who returns to Laramie, Wyoming after serving seven y...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica embark on a thought-provoking journey through the sci-fi film * Project Hail Mary *, where the fate of humanity rests on the shoulders of an unlikely hero—a middle school science teacher. With the sun dying and an alien organism named Petrova threatening Earth, Dr. Ryland Chris, played by Ryan Gosling, finds himself on a mission light years aw...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica take a wild plunge into the darkly comedic sci-fi horror film * Cold Storage *, where the most dangerous entity to emerge from space isn't an alien invasion, but a tiny parasitic fungus. The hosts unpack the film's bizarre premise, which begins with the Skylab disaster of 1979, leading to a zombie outbreak caused by a long-dormant fungus hidde...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica delve into the introspective drama * Midwinter Break *, a film that challenges the conventions of storytelling by focusing on the subtle, unspoken moments of love and faith between a retired Irish couple, Stella and Jerry. Set against the backdrop of their trip to Amsterdam, the hosts explore how the film captures the quiet unraveling of their...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica dive into the delightful animated sports film * GOAT *, which tells the heartwarming story of a small goat with dreams as big as his heart. Set in a vibrant world where Roarball—a thrilling twist on basketball—is dominated by powerful animals like rhinos and polar bears, our protagonist Will Harris faces the ultimate underdog challenge. The ho...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica embark on a captivating exploration of Mikey Gyllenhaal's bold reimagining of the classic tale in * The Bride *. This film takes a daring leap by shifting the focus from Frankenstein's monster to his partner, the Bride, while intertwining the life of Mary Shelley in a unique and creative narrative. The hosts delve into the intriguing concept o...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica explore the poignant biographical drama * I Swear *, which tells the compelling story of John Davidson, a Scottish teenager whose life is turned upside down by Tourette's syndrome. Set in 1983, the film begins with John as a promising soccer goalkeeper, filled with potential and dreams, only to be confronted by the sudden onset of debilitating...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica embark on a wild journey through the outrageous dark comedy * Beckett's Fortune *. The film opens with Beckett Redfellow, portrayed by Glen Powell, facing his imminent execution while recounting his tumultuous life story to a priest. This daring premise sets the stage for a narrative filled with tragedy, ambition, and moral ambiguity. The host...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica delve into the poignant exploration of relationships in Bradley Cooper's latest film,  *Is This Thing On?*  The film presents a refreshing take on the end of a marriage, focusing on the quiet acceptance between Alex and Tess Novak, played by Will Arnett and Laura Dern, rather than the typical dramatic fare. Their 26-year marriage concludes not...

In this episode of  *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica take a thrilling dive into Baz Luhrmann's latest documentary, *EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert *, a mesmerizing tribute to the King of Rock and Roll. With over 1,100 performances between 1969 and 1977, Elvis's energy and charisma are legendary, and this documentary immerses viewers in his electrifying world without ever leaving North America. Ch...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica take a daring plunge into the provocative film * Pillion* The narrative centers around Colin, portrayed by Harry Melling, an introverted parking officer whose mundane life is transformed when he encounters the enigmatic Ray, played by Alexander Skarsgård. Their connection ignites in a pub, leading to a unique and submissive relationship that p...

In this episode of *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica dive into the whimsical yet frustrating world of * Somebody to Love * (Follemente), a romantic comedy that explores the chaos of overthinking in dating. The film presents a unique premise: what if every decision you made on a date was influenced by a chorus of voices in your head? The story follows Pierro, a 40-year-old high school teacher, and...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica dive into the vibrant world of * Marty Supreme *, a film that takes us back to the 1950s and introduces us to the audacious Marty Mauser, a dreamer with aspirations of becoming the world's greatest table tennis player. The hosts explore Marty's journey from the Lower East Side of New York City to the competitive scene of the British Open in Lo...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica delve into the poignant film * Hamnet *, an adaptation of Mikey O'Farrell's novel that explores the deeply personal life of William Shakespeare through the lens of his family, particularly focusing on the tragic story of his son, Hamnet. The episode opens with the revelation that Hamnet's untimely death at just 11 years old may have inspired o...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica dive into the heart-pounding horror film * Primate *, where the line between love and terror blurs in an unimaginable way. The chilling premise poses a haunting question: what if your beloved family pet turned into your worst nightmare? The episode kicks off with a shocking attack that sets a brutal tone, immediately plunging listeners into th...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica explore the inspiring yet tumultuous life of Christy Martin, one of the most influential figures in women's boxing, as depicted in the film * Christy *. Starting from humble beginnings in West Virginia, Christy's journey from an accidental boxer to a trailblazer in the sport is a powerful tale of resilience and determination. With her initial...

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...