Movie Postmortem

In this episode of  Movie Postmortem , we revisit Aladdin (1992), the Disney classic powered by unforgettable music, fun characters, and one of the greatest voice performances in film history. We spend a lot of time celebrating Robin Williams’ Genie, whose improvisational energy completely transformed animated movies and elevated  Aladdin  into something magical. Plus, we have an important discuss...

In this episode of  Movie Postmortem , we review  The Transformers: The Movie  (1986), the animated classic that traumatized an entire generation of kids in order to sell them new toys. We break down Hot Rod’s rise from reckless young Autobot to future leader, why the animation looked so good compared to other cartoons, and the pure power of the hit ballad “The Touch” by Stan Bush. Is  The Transfo...

In this episode of  Movie Postmortem , we review  Mortal Kombat  (2021), the reboot that tried to deliver brutal fights and iconic fatalities from the popular fighting game it was based on, but was knocked out by poor decision making behind the scenes. We discuss the film’s biggest missteps, from the introduction of Cole Young as a bland audience surrogate to the baffling decision to skip the actu...

In this episode of  Movie Postmortem , we review  Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023), the fantasy adventure that didn't do well at the box office, but captured the chaotic energy of a fun D&D campaign. We discuss why the humor works, the surprisingly heartfelt character moments, and what part reminded us of our real life family dynamic. We also offer our Script Stitch-Up to...

In this episode of  Movie Postmortem , we review Wreck-It Ralph  (2012), the animated adventure that asks: what if the bad guy just… didn’t want to be the bad guy anymore? We share some memories from our time in arcades growing up, then dive into a fun discussion of the film. We talk about the nostalgia of seeing classic video game characters share the screen, the clever rules that govern how arca...

In this episode of  Movie Postmortem , we review  Resident Evil  (2002), the video game adaptation starring Milla Jovovich that kicked off a franchise that has lasted for almost 25 years and grossed over a billion dollars! We discuss the film’s early-2000s style, how the movie plot works in video game logic, and why we think Michelle Rodriguez's character (Rain) is the real star of the film. T...

In this episode of  Movie Postmortem , we review  Lara Croft: Tomb Raider  (2001), the first video game adaptation of the popular video game franchise. We discuss the misguided efforts to make Angelina Jolie match the physical dimensions of the game version of the character, the early CGI, and whether the movie captures what gamers actually enjoyed about  Tomb Raider . Is this film a Cause for Cel...

In this episode of  Movie Postmortem , Reggie and Isaiah are joined by Erin and Kevin from  The Podcast That Wouldn’t Die  to review  Gravity  (2013), Alfonso Cuarón’s intense survival film that won seven Oscars! We talk about Sandra Bullock's instantly likeable astronaut, the challenging process of making the film, and why this might be one of the most best theater experiences of the 2010s. W...

In this episode of  Movie Postmortem , we review  The Martian  (2015), the sci-fi film where survival comes down to science, problem-solving, and a whole lot of potatoes. Stranded alone on Mars, Mark Watney (Matt Damon) must rely on botany, engineering, and relentless optimism to stay alive long enough for NASA to bring him home. We break down why the film’s step-by-step problem-solving is so sati...

In this episode, we review  Armageddon (1998) , the ultimate example of peak Michael Bay mayhem. We break down the film’s chaotic energy, the ensemble cast, and why Bay’s attempt to mimic Titanic's love story falls flat. We also talk about why NASA’s plan to train oil drillers instead of astronauts is such an absurd movie premise! Is  Armageddon  a disaster movie masterpiece or just a fun bad...

In this episode of  Movie Postmortem , we are joined by the hosts of the Based on a Book Podcast  to discuss Arrival. Together, we review Denis Villeneuve’s cerebral sci-fi film where alien contact is less about invasion action and more about learning about language. We break down Amy Adams’ performance, the amazing cinematography, and the haunting soundtrack. Our guests help us compare the film t...

In this episode of  Movie Postmortem , we review Major Payne , Damon Wayans’ military-school comedy that features a drill-sergeant taking charge of a troop of young cadets in need of discipline. We discuss Wayans’ over-the-top performance, the surprisingly positive message, and how the film walks the line between comedy and heart-warming family film. We also talk about whether the humor still land...

In this episode of  Movie Postmortem , we review Rush Hour  (1998), the action-comedy that launched one of the most popular franchises of the late ’90s. We discuss Jackie Chan’s physical brilliance as Inspector Lee, Chris Tucker’s motor-mouth energy as Detective Carter, and how their cultural clash somehow turns into perfect comedic chemistry. Somehow, we even manage to connect this to K-pop, trac...

In this episode of  Movie Postmortem , I give a spoiler-free review of  Crime 101 , the sleek crime thriller that clearly wants to be Heat, but never quite matches the intensity. With stylish highway cinematography and moody Los Angeles nightscapes, the film often looks the part. Unfortunately, atmosphere can only carry you so far. I cover the best performances and talk about whether this a respec...

In this episode, we are joined by the hosts of  Final Girls Podcast to review  10 Cloverfield Lane , the bottle thriller about paranoia and control. Together, we discuss Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s quietly brilliant protagonist, and how the movie utilizes uncertainty to keep both its characters and the audience guessing about what will come next! We also debate the controversial third act, the Clove...

In this episode of  Movie Postmortem , I review  Mercy  (2026), a screen-life thriller that can’t quite decide what kind of movie it wants to be. Marketed as a cautionary AI tale, the film promises high-stakes techno-paranoia but morphs into a far more conventional action film. I talk about why the screen-life format and AI angle feel unnecessary, how the story would function almost identically wi...

In this episode, we review  Megamind . Released in a year packed with animation heavy-hitters, this clever superhero satire was largely forgotten despite great voice acting and a surprisingly thoughtful take on villains, heroes, and purpose. We break down why  Megamind  works and why its release date may have doomed it commercially. Follow us on BlueSky Our episode on How To Train Your Dragon Vide...

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!