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Send us a text Three hosts get high, sip whiskey, and sort out why a stylish, 60s-set Fantastic Four feels both gorgeous and strangely soft. We rate the acting, roast the CGI baby, praise Galactus and Silver Surfer, and debate whether retrofuturism is a comforting lie or a clever setup for future conflict. • 60s-set retrofuturism as aesthetic and thesis • Galactus and Silver Surfer visuals landing with weight • Performances: Kirby shines, Pascal contained, Reed underused • Score motif memorable but overplayed • Desire for inventive “team powers” problem-solving • Comparison with Superman’s hopeful grit vs naïve optimism • All art as propaganda; family and compliance messaging • Hopes for X‑Men to introduce social friction and stakes • Final ratings and rewatchability judgments • Teasers for Dolby screenings, Tron and Avatar trailers “Go see this movie. See it in Dolby. It f*****g rocked me in Dolby.” Support the show

Send us a text We rate Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man, argue what makes a fair-play whodunit, and wrestle with how religion and charisma shape control, community, and consequence. Between jokes and toasts, we land on 3.5 out of 5 and ask for bolder risks next time. • scoring the film by cinematography, acting, score, story, rewatchability • standout shots that map power and space in the church • ensemble performances and tonal hamminess on purpose • pacing drag and the line between twisty and fair-play solvable • faith, cult dynamics, and the soft-pedaled cost of belief • media risk, IP fatigue, and why new voices matter • playful “insert ourselves into the plot” alternate scenes “Always wear your seatbelts” Support the show

Send us a text We mark our 100th episode by reviewing Wicked 2 with clear eyes and full glasses, weighing standout CGI against flat lighting, soft songs, and a story that stalls whenever the music starts. The Oz lore tie-ins land, but the pacing and depth rarely do. • definitive category ratings across acting, cinematography, score, story and rewatchability • why blanket lighting flattens emotion and kills depth • how song placement undercuts momentum and character beats • propaganda, perspective and who gets to define “good” • CGI creature work that actually impresses • stage vs screen: why act two sag hits harder on film • audience energy, theater vibes and expectations vs delivery • our final verdict at 2.5 out of 5 If you enjoyed it, please like and subscribe and do all the things Support the show

Send us a text We score Predator Badlands, argue whether a simple hero’s journey helps or hurts, and celebrate a creature-forward approach that finally trusts the predator. We toast new “listeners,” confess our vices, and then drop into lore, tropes, and ridiculous self-inserts that break the universe in fun ways. • fan acceptance over fan service • acting under prosthetics landing real emotion • CGI and practical effects blending cleanly • soundtrack as functional atmosphere • shonen-style growth arc and clan worldbuilding • plot simplicity vs desire for narrative ambition • predator culture, toxic norms, matriarchal hints • rewatchability drivers and franchise future • wild crossovers and inserting ourselves into the hunt Support the show

Send us a text We rate Good Fortune a 3.5 while praising Keanu Reeves and questioning the film’s soft landing on class. Humor and heart land, but the “rich learns a lesson” wrap leaves us hungry for real stakes, worker power, and change that lasts. • Keanu’s performance as a near-human mirror • Why mid-tier cinematography still works • Soundtrack energy without memorability • The ending’s rich-savior problem • Class, shareholders and who the system serves • Gig work, recession fallout and flooded labor markets • What meaningful change might look like • How we’d rewrite the boardroom for workers Support the show

Send us a text We rate Darren Aronofsky’s Caught Stealing a clean three, then pull apart why it moves fast but leaves a faint aftertaste. The cast delivers competence, the camera delivers polish, and the story leans on old tropes that drain the emotion it tries to spark. • rating the film across acting, cinematography, soundtrack, story, rewatchability • Austin Butler’s strengths in stylized roles versus interior drama • Matt Smith’s scene-stealing energy and Regina King’s dialed-up cop • trailer shots versus cinematic surprises in set pieces • Guy Ritchie echoes in pacing and needle drops • the fridging trope and why it blunts character stakes • nihilistic ending and symbolic accountability • how chaos films earn meaning when choices drive consequences • our fixes: go full absurdist, or deepen moral cost • a final consensus at three out of five Support the show

Send us a text We rate Good Boy, salvage a lost recording, and settle into a dog’s-eye horror that hits harder than slashers. Between bourbon, Pineapple Express, and hallway dread, we trace empathy, ownership, and why silence can be the scariest instrument on the board. • rating the categories: acting, cinematography, score, story, rewatchability • dog-as-protagonist and sensory POV through scent and silence • empathy for innocence vs desensitization to human death • the fox image, ghost retriever, and metaphor of illness • long hallways, patience, and when silence works • responsibility of pet ownership and listening to warning cues • alternate cuts: guard dog vs retriever, how the plot changes • shoutouts to listeners, Blade debate, and Air Bud jokes “Thanks to our newest listeners in Springfield—Cadarius, this one’s for you. Cheers to Air Bud and to every nepo baby burning in hell—respectfully.” Support the show

Send us a text Cameron Kade's journey from promising football recruit to something much darker explores how institutions exploit young athletes and the cult-like devotion sports can demand. The film examines the dangerous allure of fame, fortune, and the cost of tunnel vision when pursuing a dream at all costs. • Marlon Wayans delivers a standout dramatic performance as Isaiah White, breaking from his usual comedic roles • The film uses striking cinematography, including helmet-cam shots and x-ray sequences showing physical trauma • Jim Jeffries makes a surprising appearance in a serious role that adds to the film's exploration of exploitation • Tunnel vision serves as both visual technique and thematic element throughout the movie • The cult-like aspects of sports culture are made explicit through ritualistic imagery and Satan worship metaphors • Third act becomes increasingly chaotic, leaving some viewers with unresolved questions • Commentary on how parents can sell away their children's futures through sports dreams • Examination of CTE and physical toll of football adds real-world relevance to the horror elements If you enjoyed our discussion of "Him," please subscribe to High and Dry Podcast wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on social media. Email us your thoughts or suggestions for future episodes! Support the show

Send us a text James Gunn's Superman delivers a powerful message about radical kindness in a cynical world, earning our highest podcast rating ever with its vibrant visuals and standout performances. • Superman embodies genuine goodness without being naive or simplistic • David Corenswet brings warmth and authenticity to the iconic role • Rachel Brosnahan delivers the most compelling Lois Lane in decades • Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor parallels modern tech billionaires with superb depth • Punk rock soundtrack enhances the film's theme of standing up against corrupt systems • Supporting characters including Mr. Terrific and Hawkgirl add rich dimension • Story focuses on doing what's right versus what's politically expedient • Colorful visuals and cinematography mark a refreshing departure from previous DCEU films • Superman chooses to follow his moral compass despite criticism and pushback • Film demonstrates that superhero stories can be optimistic without sacrificing depth This superhero film proves that good storytelling doesn't require moral ambiguity to be compelling—sometimes what we need most is a reminder that choosing kindness is the most radical act of all. Support the show

Send us a text We dive into the Naked Gun reboot, a comedy that delivers jokes at breakneck speed while updating the franchise for modern audiences without losing its absurdist roots. • Liam Neeson takes on the Leslie Nielsen role with mixed results, though the film still delivers constant laughs • Pamela Anderson surprises with her comedic talents and willingness to poke fun at herself • The film avoids problematic humor typical of early 2000s comedies while maintaining a high joke-per-second ratio • Standout scenes include a jealous, murderous snowman yelling "Daddy!" and an owl with unexpected personality • The movie literally names a "Plot Device" as its MacGuffin, acknowledging its focus on comedy over storytelling • At 3.5/5 stars, it's a solid comedy that succeeds at what it sets out to do: make people laugh consistently • The film subtly comments on social issues like police brutality and tech billionaires without becoming preachy • Perfect for getting "blasted and just sitting there laughing" rather than analyzing deep narrative structure Support the show

Send us a text We dive into Zach Cregger's latest horror film "Weapons," a twisted tale about a small town where multiple children mysteriously disappear simultaneously, leaving only one student behind. • Josh Brolin delivers a standout performance as a desperate father searching for answers • The film brilliantly uses multiple character perspectives to gradually reveal its supernatural mystery • A witch has infiltrated the town, using mind control and manipulation to pursue her sinister agenda • Every character harbors personal flaws and addictions that blind them to the danger until it's too late • The cinematography creates persistent tension through innovative camera work and thoughtful framing • Benedict Wong's character represents one of the few moral anchors in a town descending into chaos • Scenes like the hair-cutting sequence create profound unease without relying on traditional jump scares • The 217 reference and AK-47 dream sequence sparked intense debate about their symbolic meaning • Each character story reveals another puzzle piece, culminating in the final revelation through Alex's eyes • The film earns its 4/5 rating through strong performances, atmospheric direction, and genuine scares If you enjoyed our review of "Weapons," be sure to check it out in theaters while you can for the full experience. This is one horror film that deserves to be seen on the big screen! Support the show

Send us a text The High and Dry Podcast team delivers a scathing review of "Nobody 2," rating it a dismal 1.5 out of 5 stars for its incoherent plot, poor performances, and problematic messaging. • Bob Odenkirk returns as a violent family man whose ultraviolence is inexplicably portrayed as heroic • The film oscillates between serious and campy tones, creating a disorienting viewing experience • Christopher Lloyd appears underutilized, with his character barely developed despite potential • Sharon Stone's villain makes inexplicable choices that defy basic logic • Poor cinematography makes action sequences feel jumpy and lacking impact • The film's treatment of women is particularly problematic, suggesting wives should accept and participate in their husband's violence • The plot contains numerous logical inconsistencies, including the small-town setting having multiple violent crime syndicates • Several characters' motivations and actions make little sense within the narrative If you enjoy our reviews, please subscribe and check out our other episodes where we analyze films with a lot more coherence than this one displayed. Support the show

Send us a text Ryan Coogler's "Sinners" blends vampire horror with a profound exploration of cultural identity through the lens of a 1930s juke joint under siege by Irish vampires. The film's exceptional cinematography and soul-stirring soundtrack elevate it to our highest-rated movie yet. • Michael B. Jordan delivers a standout dual performance as twins, creating two distinct characters who share significant screen time • The film uses aspect ratio changes brilliantly, expanding the screen as the narrative's scope widens • Score and soundtrack integrate blues and Irish music to tell a story about cultural preservation and amalgamation • Vampires as Irish immigrants creates a powerful metaphor about historical racial dynamics in America • The contrasting approaches to cultural blending—sharing versus consuming—forms the core thematic tension • Cinematography shines particularly during musical sequences where visuals and sound become fully integrated • Despite some third-act predictability, the film maintains its artistic integrity and emotional impact Watch Sinners in IMAX if possible for the full intended experience with its expansive visuals and immersive sound design. Support the show

Send us a text We dive into the recently released zombie thriller 28 Years Later, exploring its place in the franchise and evaluating what makes it stand out in the horror genre. • Film serves as both sequel and standalone story accessible to viewers unfamiliar with earlier films • Strong performances from Aaron Taylor Johnson and Ralph Fiennes anchor the emotional core • Cinematography blends nostalgic handheld camera work with innovative visual techniques • Soundtrack creates unexpected emotional resonance, particularly during pivotal scenes • Story explores coming-of-age themes through a post-apocalyptic lens • Different types of infected expand the franchise mythology in interesting ways • Tracksuit-wearing cult hints at fascinating directions for future sequels • Film makes thoughtful points about death, acceptance, and human nature amid horror • High rewatch value with many subtle details to discover • Earns a solid 4 out of 5 rating from High and Dry Podcast If you enjoyed our review of 28 Years Later, please subscribe to High and Dry Podcast wherever you get your podcasts and let us know what you thought of the movie. Support the show

Send us a text Robert Pattinson delivers a masterful dual performance in Bong Joon-ho's Mickey 17, a sci-fi satire that explores identity, expendability, and the dark side of colonial expansion. The film follows a man who is repeatedly cloned and sacrificed for a fledgling colony on an alien planet, ultimately challenging the authoritarian leadership threatening both human settlers and indigenous life. • Pattinson plays both Mickey 17 and Mickey 18, showcasing distinct personalities despite being clones • Mark Ruffalo portrays Kenneth Marshall, a Trump-like authoritarian leader complete with red-cap-wearing supporters • The film features strong performances from Naomi Ackie and Toni Collette in supporting roles • Bong Joon-ho's direction creates a deliberately muted visual palette that brightens only when characters experience freedom • The storyline draws clear parallels to contemporary politics while examining the ethics of colonialism • Originally scheduled for release in 2022, the film faced multiple delays including one following an assassination attempt on Donald Trump If you enjoyed our review of Mickey 17, please rate and subscribe to High and Dry Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. We'll be back next week with another film breakdown! Support the show