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A gritty and undeniably cool WW2 film, Fury (2014) sees director David Ayer (pronounced Air) at a point before he “lost the sauce,” delivering a brutal story set in the final days of Nazi Germany. Starring Brad Pitt, Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman, Jon Bernthal, and Michael Peña, the film follows a tight knit tank crew navigating the horrors of war from inside their claustrophobic steel machine. The craftsmanship is strong across the board, with standout performances, striking cinematography, and a powerful score, while the character dynamics and underlying tension give us plenty to analyse in the film’s more dramatic moments. While we found aspects of the ending and the archetypes it leans on a bit harder to fully get behind, the tank action is just so cool. And yes, the rounds are actually red and green, somehow making it feel like Star Wars but grounded in realism. After the review, we open up the discussion to other directors who may have declined over time, or simply lost their sauce. Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday. Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.

A well regarded dystopian sci-fi thriller from the 90s, 12 Monkeys marks our first time covering the work of Terry Gilliam, giving us the perfect excuse to dive into his unique filmmaking sensibilities and the stylistic quirks that define his movies. Starring Bruce Willis, Madeleine Stowe, and Brad Pitt, the film follows a time travelling prisoner sent back to uncover the origins of a devastating virus that wiped out most of humanity. Willis anchors the story with a classic leading performance (even if he may have overcommitted to drooling in a few scenes) while Pitt steals the spotlight with a wild, unpredictable turn that was especially fun to experience on a blind watch. The film’s time travel narrative builds toward an ending that raises big questions about fate and whether the past can truly be changed, and we found ourselves with very different interpretations. Sticking with the time travel theme, after the review we pick which celebrities we would go back and remove from Hollywood, leading to some hot takes indeed. Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday. Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix has long stood as one of our favourite entries in the Harry Potter saga, but the big question is whether it still holds up under scrutiny on our millionth rewatch. Directed by David Yates, who ushers in a new era for the franchise, the film balances the whimsical and nostalgic elements we still get a kick out of with a darker tone. Most importantly, it builds toward an absolutely phenomenal final act, delivering one great scene after another and culminating in the legendary duel between Dumbledore and Voldemort, which we spend plenty of time gushing over. Daniel Radcliffe also elevates his craft with his performance this time around in how he portrays Harry’s troubled state. For a film that moves at a surprisingly brisk pace, there is so much to unpack, including the unforgettable introduction of one of the most easily hateable characters in fiction in Professor Umbridge. That sets us up perfectly for our question of the week, where we dive into the characters we love to hate (and hate to love). Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday. Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.

It’s time for us to tackle Project Hail Mary, one of the highest rated sci-fi films since Dune Part Two, and we’re even joined by a very special guest, literally Ryland Grace himself. Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and starring Ryan Gosling, the film follows a lone astronaut on a desperate, high risk mission to save the Sun and humanity. Gosling delivers what might (debatably) be his most entertaining performance yet, carrying a story that blends big screen spectacle with humour and heart. There’s a major element to the plot we won’t spoil here, despite the marketing giving it away, but it adds a unique and memorable twist to the journey. We break down how the film compares to Andy Weir’s novel, debate the effectiveness of its action sequences against other modern sci fi heavyweights, and discuss why it works so well as a cinematic experience. Overall, it’s an easy recommendation for just about anyone to catch in theatres. After the review, it's time to react to the first trailer for HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series.Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday. Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.

Starship Troopers might look like a standard 90s sci fi action movie on the surface, but beneath it lies a sharp layer of satire that makes the film far more interesting than expected. Following Johnny Rico and his fellow soldiers as they battle alien bugs, the movie balances its parodic tone with a genuinely entertaining story and characters, helped in no small part by a cast that is almost absurdly attractive, including Denise Richards, Dina Meyer, and Neil Patrick Harris. Nearly 30 years on, we were surprised by how well the comedy, drama, and practical effects still hold up, all building toward a brilliantly meta propaganda ending that almost had us ready to enlist for the Federation! After the review, we dive into a huge news chat covering the Oscars results, and the brand new trailers for the highly anticipated Dune: Part Three and Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday. Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.

Mike Newell returns to the show for the second time in a fortnight with Donnie Brasco (1997). Following the gripping true story of FBI agent Joe Pistone, played by Johnny Depp, who infiltrates the New York Mafia under the alias Donnie Brasco and forms a dangerous bond with aging mobster Lefty Ruggiero, portrayed by Al Pacino. The chemistry between Depp and Pacino is fantastic, making every scene they share super entertaining while slowly building toward an unexpectedly tragic story. Pacino delivers a performance worthy of his peak run in the 1990s, while Depp fits seamlessly into the role of a New Yorker navigating the criminal underworld. Filled with memorable moments and compelling character drama, the film stands out as a gangster movie that is often overlooked, and one that could easily be considered among the greats of the genre. Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday. Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.

Romper Stomper is a confronting Australian drama set in 1990s Melbourne that follows a violent gang of neo Nazi skinheads whose hatred and reckless behaviour slowly tear apart their own unstable world. Starring Russell Crowe in one of the role's which launched his career, the film throws viewers directly into the ugly mindset of its characters, forcing us to experience the story through their deeply unpleasant perspective. Watching this well known Aussie film for the first time, we found there was a lot to admire in how brutally the movie commits to its premise, delivering violent and memorable moments, and some powerful reveals along the way, all building toward a dramatic and surprisingly clever ending. Plus after the review, we turn to the small screen with reactions to several new TV trailers including the final season of The Boys, Beef Season 2, and DC’s Lanterns.Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.

The arrival of the Triwizard Tournament at Hogwarts injects Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire with adrenaline, spectacle, and such outrageous peril for students that you have to question how it was ever approved in the first place. Directed by Mike Newell and starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Brendan Gleeson, and introducing Ralph Fiennes as Lord Voldemort, this fourth chapter pushes the franchise into darker and more dangerous territory. Despite countless rewatches, we still find it hugely entertaining, and perhaps even underrated among the series’ heavy hitters. We debate some of its sillier moments and Dumbledore’s infamous demeanor. But we all agree that Fiennes’ chilling debut as Voldemort is absolute peak. After the review, we break down the latest surprising developments surrounding Warner Bros being purchased by a major corporation, and brace yourselves for Zac’s rant about the upcoming God of War series on Amazon Prime. Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday. Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.

Jonathan Glazer’s Under the Skin (2013) is a haunting and hypnotic sci-fi drama starring Scarlett Johansson as a mysterious woman who roams Scotland, luring unsuspecting men into her orbit. With minimal dialogue and an abstract narrative, the film is less about straightforward plot and more about atmosphere and interpretation. Glazer’s mesmerising use of sound design and otherworldly visuals creates a memorable experience, elevated immensely by the unsettling score. Johansson delivers a committed performance, complete with a convincing British accent, anchoring a film that has inspired years of analysis. So after reading the script, we attempt to bring some fresh insights to this modern cult classic and unpack what might really be going on beneath the surface. Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday. Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.

In our first delve into the concert film genre, Jayden and Liam discuss Jonathan Demme and Talking Heads' seminal 1984 film, Stop Making Sense. We discuss our relationship with the band, our concert experiences, and how the film captures the concert spectacle. Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday. Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.

Godzilla Minus One roars back to basics with a powerful reimagining of the iconic kaiju, set in post war Japan as a nation already devastated by World War II is pushed even further into despair by the arrival of Godzilla (hence the 'Minus One'. Directed by Takashi Yamazaki, the film blends human drama with large scale destruction, following survivors struggling with guilt and responsibility in a country left with almost nothing. Made on a remarkably small budget of just $15 million USD, the scale and quality of the visual effects are genuinely impressive, allowing the film to feel both epic and grounded as required for the story. By returning Godzilla to its post nuclear origins and using the aftermath of WWII to explore strong anti imperialist themes, the themes are well integrated into the time period, and carry weight alongside the spectacle, resulting in a very high quality modern Godzilla film (especially compared to the Hollywood slop we've received recently).Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.

Josh Safdie may have gone solo without brother Benny, but Marty Supreme brings back the same nervous energy and relentless momentum that defined Uncut Gems, this time set against the world of competitive table tennis in the 1950s. Timothée Chalamet stars as Marty Mauser, a man singularly obsessed with becoming a professional ping pong champion, scraping together money, burning bridges, and moving swiftly from one chaotic situation to the next in a spiral of ambition, desperation, and survival. The film thrives on its frantic pacing, offbeat humour, and a lineup of outstanding performances, including memorable turns from celebrity appearances playing surprisingly fun characters. Questions linger over whether Chalamet’s intensity is enough to carry him toward his first Oscar, whether Marty’s increasingly wild antics stay entertaining, and whether the final act delivers a satisfying payoff. All of which place Marty Supreme firmly among the most talked about films of this awards season. Then after the review, technical hiccups are no match for a full set of predictions across every major Academy Award category heading into the 2026 Oscars. Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday. Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.

After an extended holiday break, Cinema Effect is back for our seventh season in 2026, picking things up exactly where we left off with the Harry Potter franchise and Alfonso Cuarón’s Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The story follows Harry as he returns to Hogwarts for his third year while the escape of Sirius Black sets off a darker, more mysterious chapter involving the super scary Dementors, hidden pasts, and a clever time travel twist that reshapes the entire narrative. We discuss the film’s unique visual style, the way the series begins to age up its themes and characters, and how Cuarón’s distinct directorial influence gives this entry a tone and identity all its own. Its reputation as a fan favourite is helped by how standalone the story feels, free from direct involvement by Lord Voldemore, and by the cool, suspense driven mystery at its core. Add in memorable performances from series newcomers David Thewlis and Gary Oldman alongside returning favourites like Alan Rickman, and it is clear that the Prisoner of Azkaban remains a great film that still feels fantastic no matter how many times we've seen it over the years. Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday. Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.

You know we had to get dressed up for the occasion, because this is indeed the most prestigious night in podcasting,. The sixth annual Cinema Effect Awards! We roll out a full awards ceremony, firstly celebrating the standout film and TV releases of 2025, highlighting the very best titles from the year that was. But that is just the beginning. Once those formalities are out of the way, we dive headfirst into the best and worst of everything we reviewed across the past twelve months. From best musical score and standout performances to the most painful misfires and our favourite episode of the year. It's crazy that another year has flown by. It's been another fun one, so thank you for listening, writing in, and sticking with us. Cinema Effect will return in Avengers Doomsday.Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.

Noah Baumbach’s Jay Kelly is a fast moving character driven comedy that follows the unravelling midlife detour of Jay Kelly (George Clooney), a world famous actor whose life begins to crack under the weight of regret. Including sharp dialogue and memorable supporting players, with Adam Sandler providing a great vulnerability. Baumbach’s signature humour is front and centre with an easy rhythm that keeps the story light on its feet. While Jay's character arc touches on the push and pull of personal relationships vs the pursuit of one's career, we couldn’t help but wish the film lingered a bit longer on some of those moments. The experience is engaging enough that it leaves us wanting more! After the review, we look to big 2026 trailers including Supergirl and Street Fighter. Plus a discussion on the most impressive directing efforts by actors. Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday. Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.