Movies First: Film Reviews & Insights

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...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica dive into the whimsical yet thought-provoking film * Good Fortune *, where guardian angels navigate the complexities of modern corporate life and technology. The hosts unpack the absurd yet relatable premise of Keanu Reeves as Gabriel, a low-ranking angel who finds himself entangled in the bureaucracy of divine intervention while trying to sav...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica explore the uproarious comedy * Bad Shabbos *—a film that brilliantly merges the chaos of family dinners with the intricacies of Jewish traditions. The hosts delve into the film's clever premise, where a Shabbat dinner spirals into a comedic disaster reminiscent of *Weekend at Bernie's*, as David (played by John Bass) introduces his Catholic g...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica examine the provocative film * After the Hunt * which delves into the intricate power dynamics within a prestigious philosophy department at Yale University, where accusations of sexual misconduct ignite a tense atmosphere. The hosts discuss how the film's setting amplifies the stakes, revealing the explosive intersection of elite academia and...

In this episode of  *Movies First*, Alex First dives into the gripping drama * Inter Alia * which explores the intricate life of Jessica Parkes, a distinguished UK Crown Court judge portrayed by the talented Rosamund Pike. The hosts unpack the multifaceted challenges Jessica faces as she balances her professional responsibilities with the demands of motherhood and marriage to fellow legal professi...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica delve into the gripping world of mixed martial arts with the film * The Smashing Machine *. They explore how this powerful narrative transcends the brutality of the sport to reveal the harrowing journey of Mark Kerr, portrayed by Tim Johnson in what many consider his most nuanced performance yet. The hosts are captivated by Johnson's transform...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica tackle the perplexing blend of sports and horror in the film * Him *, where an NFL legend's dark secrets collide with psychological terror. As they dissect this ambitious genre mashup, the hosts ponder the implications of a young football prospect, Cameron Cade, being mentored by the sinister former quarterback Isaiah White, played by Marlon W...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica explore the highly anticipated reunion of the legendary rock band *Spinal Tap* in their latest film, * Spinal Tap: Back to the Stage *. After a staggering 40 years, the iconic band returns, but not without the trademark dark humor that fans have come to love, particularly the infamous curse surrounding their drummers. Listeners will be drawn i...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica dive deep into Paul Thomas Anderson's latest film, * One Battle After Another *, a riveting political thriller that reimagines a 33-year-old novel about the failures of 60s idealism. The hosts marvel at how Anderson masterfully intertwines contemporary themes of surveillance and extremism, making the narrative feel strikingly relevant today. L...

In this episode of  *Movies First*,  Chris and Jessica delve into the haunting dystopian film * The Long Walk *, an adaptation of Stephen King's first novel that eerily mirrors contemporary societal issues. Set in a world where teenagers must walk at a relentless pace of 3 miles per hour or face execution, the film serves as a brutal commentary on economic inequality and the lengths individuals go...