Movies First: Film Reviews & Insights

In this episode of *Movies First*, we explore the gripping thriller *The Correspondent*, which chronicles the harrowing experience of journalist Peter Greste during his 400-day imprisonment in Egypt. What begins as a routine Christmas assignment for Al Jazeera quickly spirals into a nightmare as Greste faces trumped-up charges that threaten to erase his career and freedom. We discuss the chilling...

In this episode of *Movies First*, Alex delves into the hauntingly atmospheric French film *Misericordia*, a psychological drama that unfolds in a quaint village rocked by the death of its beloved baker, Jean Pierre Rigal. This pivotal event sets off a series of revelations that peel back the layers of relationships and tensions within this close-knit community, where residents share an unusual ha...

In this episode of *Movies First*, we dive into the provocative German film *Hysteria*, a gripping exploration of historical trauma and cultural identity. Directed by Mehmet Akif Büyükatalay, this film boldly confronts the tragic 1993 arson attacks that claimed five Turkish lives, transforming it into a narrative that questions the ownership of storytelling itself. We discuss the innovative approa...

In this episode of *Movies First*, we delve into the intricate layers of *The Accountant 2*, a thrilling sequel that expertly combines high-stakes action with moments of unexpected humor. Ben Affleck returns as Christian Wolf, a neurodivergent antihero whose mathematical genius is matched only by his combat skills. We explore the complexities of his character, highlighting his emotional reserve an...

 In this episode of *Movies First*, we take a deep dive into the action-packed film *The Accountant 2*, featuring Ben Affleck as Christian Wolf, a neurodivergent character who redefines the role of an action hero. The discussion focuses on how the film flips traditional narratives, showcasing Christian's mathematical prowess as a superpower in both accounting and combat. The contrasting dynamics b...

In this episode, we explore the powerful narrative of the Oscar-nominated film, "The Seed of the Sacred Fig," directed by Mohammad Rasulov. This gripping story reveals how art can become a form of resistance against oppressive regimes, as Rasulov filmed it in secret while living in exile. We discuss the film's metaphor of the sacred fig tree, the impact of personal freedoms being suffocated, and t...

In this thrilling episode of *Movies First*, Alex dives into the psychological rollercoaster that is *Drop*, a film that transforms an elegant evening into a nightmare of manipulation and fear. At the heart of the story is Violet, a widowed psychologist grappling with the aftermath of domestic violence, who finally agrees to meet Henry, a photographer, at a chic Chicago restaurant. But what begins...

In this captivating episode of *Movies First*, the team delves into the genre-defying film *Sinners*, a masterful blend of period drama, blues music, and Southern Gothic horror. Set in 1932 Mississippi, the narrative follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack, portrayed by the talented Michael B. Jordan, as they return home after tumultuous experiences working for Al Capone and serving in World War I....

In this gripping episode of First on Film & Entertainment, host Alex First is joined by critics Sandy Kaye, Peter Chris, and Greg King as they dive into two thought-provoking films: *Warfare* and *Drop*. The discussion begins with *Warfare*, a harrowing portrayal of a Navy SEAL mission gone awry in Iraq. The panel praises Alex Garland's direction, highlighting the film's intense realism and em...

In this gripping episode of *Movies First*, the team explores Alex Garland's latest film, *Warfare*, a raw and unflinching portrayal of a real military incident that unfolded on November 19, 2006, in Ramadi, Iraq. The narrative centers on a group of Navy SEALs, supported by Iraqi scouts and Marines, who embark on what is supposed to be a routine surveillance mission in Al Qaeda-controlled territor...

In this exciting episode of *Movies First*, the team dives into the ambitious adaptation of the world's best-selling video game, *Minecraft*, featuring the comedic talents of Jack Black and the charismatic Jason Momoa. The film transforms the abstract, blocky world of the game into a live-action adventure, centering on Steve, played by Black, who dreams of becoming a miner. This relatable characte...

In this poignant episode of *Movies First*, the team delves into the harrowing historical narrative presented in the film *Small Things Like These*, which shines a light on the Magdalene Laundries of Ireland, where over 30,000 women were confined between 1922 and 1996. Cillian Murphy delivers a powerful performance as Bill Furlong, a coal merchant whose past as the child of an unmarried mother inf...

In this thought-provoking episode of *Movies First*, the team delves into Paul Schrader's latest film, *O Canada*, a complex exploration of mortality and truth that intertwines the talents of Richard Gere and Jacob Elordi. The film's unique structure features a documentary filmmaker, Leonard Fife, portrayed by Gere, who unravels his life’s secrets on his deathbed, all while his wife, played by Uma...

In this electrifying episode of *Movies First*, Alex dissects the latest action thriller, *A Working Man*, featuring Jason Statham as Levon Cade, a former Royal Marines commando turned construction foreman. The film follows Cade as he navigates the complexities of his quiet life in Chicago, strained family relationships, and the emotional weight of his past. When the daughter of his employers is k...

In this enchanting episode of *Movies First*, Alex takes listeners on a journey through Disney's reimagined classic, *Snow White*. This fresh adaptation breathes new life into the 1937 animated feature, blending modern sensibilities with the beloved fairy tale's magical elements. The discussion highlights the film's transformation into a narrative of female empowerment and leadership, showcasing S...

In this riveting episode of *Movies First*, Chris & Jessica dive into the groundbreaking mob film *The Alto Knights*, where Robert De Niro takes on the audacious challenge of portraying both the cunning crime boss Frank Costello and his ruthless rival Vito Genovese. The discussion highlights the film's historical roots, showcasing how these real-life figures shaped organized crime in 1950s New...

In this thought-provoking episode of *Movies First*, hosts Chris & Jessica take a deep dive into the modern spy thriller *Black Bag*, which redefines the genre by merging traditional espionage with the pressing threat of cyber warfare. The film's gripping premise revolves around a computer worm capable of catastrophic consequences, such as a nuclear meltdown, making the narrative chillingly re...

In this lively episode of *Movies First*, hosts Peter Krause, Greg King, Jacqui, and Jacqueline delve into the controversial Australian comedy *Spit*, a sequel to the 2003 film *Getting Square*. The film features the return of the iconic character Johnny Spiteri, played by David Wenham, who navigates his way back to Australia after years abroad, only to find himself embroiled in a series of comedi...

In this exciting episode of *Movies First*, host Alex First dives into the highly anticipated Australian film *Spit*, which marks the return of the beloved character Johnny Spiteri, portrayed by David Wenham. This sequel to the 2003 hit *Get In Square* reunites key players from the original film, including writer Chris Nist, director Jonathan Teplitsky, and actor Gary Sweet, ensuring a familiar an...

In this gripping episode of *Movies First*, host Alex First dives into the intense Australian prison drama *Inside*, which unpacks the intricate layers of violence, redemption, and generational trauma within the correctional system. The film follows Mel Blight, played by Vincent Miller, who commits murder at the tender age of 12, a tragic act that sets him on a harrowing path through the prison sy...

In this intriguing episode of *Movies First*, hosts Chris and Jessica delve into the thought-provoking sci-fi film *Mikey 17*, where the concept of immortality takes a chilling turn. Set on the frozen planet of Nilfheim, the film follows Mikey Barnes, portrayed by Robert Pattinson, a disposable worker who has been cloned 17 times, each iteration carrying the haunting memories of their own deaths....

In this compelling episode of *Movies First*, host Alex First explores the haunting film *I'm Still Here*, which vividly chronicles Brazil's turbulent history during the military dictatorship that seized power in 1964. The narrative centers on the Paiva family, whose lives are irrevocably altered by the regime's oppressive actions. Set against the backdrop of 1970 Rio de Janeiro, the episode delve...

In this thought-provoking episode of *Movies First*, hosts Chris & Jessica delve into the poignant biopic *Maria*, which chronicles the tumultuous final days of legendary opera singer Maria Callas, portrayed by Angelina Jolie. The film explores the stark contrast between Callas's once-vibrant career and her tragic descent into isolation, raising profound questions about the price of genius and...

In this captivating episode of *Movies First*, host Alex First dives into the biographical film *A Complete Unknown*, which chronicles the transformative early years of Bob Dylan from 1961 to 1965. The narrative unfolds against a backdrop of significant social and political upheaval in America, showcasing Dylan's evolution from a 19-year-old aspiring artist to a controversial figure that reshaped...

In this evocative episode of *Movies First*, hosts Chris and Jessica delves into the poignant film *The Last Showgirl*, which captures the fading glamour of Las Vegas showgirls in a world that seems to be moving on without them. With only a mere 2% of the original shows still running, the film tells the story of Shelley, a 57-year-old performer who clings to her place in the spotlight. Alex discus...