Best Always The Critic A Movie Podcast Podcasts (2024)

1
Dune: Part 2 / Ep. 267 1:23:46

5M ago1:23:46

1:23:46

On Episode 267 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we head back to spice world of Arrakis for a review of Dune: Part 2, starring Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Austin Butler, and Florence Pugh. Rico and Jess discuss this masterful sequel from prestige director Denis Villenueve, talking through the haunting a…

1
Anatomy of a Fall, American Fiction and More / Ep. 266 45:30

6M ago45:30

45:30

On Episode 266 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we’re back to look at some of the movies we saw over the last few weeks. Rico and Jess take turns talking about movies they have watched recently, including Argylle, Anatomy of a Fall, American Fiction, Bob Marley: One Love and The Beekeeper. For episodes with similar movies, click belowVariety Shows…

1
The Zone of Interest / Ep. 266 48:54

7M ago48:54

48:54

On Episode 265 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we head to WWII Germany to review The Zone of Interest, starring Sandra Hüller and Christian Friedel. Rico and Jess discuss this Oscar Best Picture contender from director Jonathan Glazer, talking through the haunting story, the performances and characters, the audacious sound design (also Oscar nomi…

1
Most Anticipated Movies of 2024 / Ep. 265 1:02:35

7M ago1:02:35

1:02:35

On Episode 265 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we’re looking forward to the 2024 movie slate and we chat about 10 movies we're excited to watch. Rico and Jess take turns naming 2024 movies that they want to watch. Although they share a few in common, of course the surprise each other with what they left off the list. They also talk about Ariana G…

1
Best Movies of 2023 / Ep. 264 1:23:22

7M ago1:23:22

1:23:22

On Episode 264 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we’re back from our holiday break to look back at the year 2023 and rank our top 10 movies of the year. Rico and Jess take turns naming their top 10 movies of the year. Although they share a few in common, the co-hosts surprise each other with their picks. They also talk about the year 2023 in movies…

1
Reindeer Games Ruins Christmas 59:32

8M ago59:32

59:32

Henry and Will close out their first season with another singularly unimportant film—a Hollywood legend's mediocre Christmas heist picture! Starring a particularly punchable Ben Affleck, an impressively ripped Gary Sinese, and a far too good for this Charlize Theron, it's a festival of pointless jabbering that's still better than watching anything …

1
200 Cigarettes is Disappointing Me! 56:11

8M ago56:11

56:11

Today Henry and Will take on 200 Cigarettes, a 1999 piece of ensemble nostalgia fluff that is hard to find and, sadly, pretty hard to watch. Learn all about Will's turn of the century crushes and how Dave Chappelle has—big surprise—always been a transphobic prick. Read Henry's newsletter! It's called Less Art and it's about movies. Find it at henry…

1
Saltburn, Godzilla Minus One and a Winter 2023 Movie Round-up / Ep. 263 1:00:28

8M ago1:00:28

1:00:28

On Episode 263 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we’re back from our Thanksgiving break to review all the in-theater releases we watched recently, including Saltburn, starring Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, and Rosamund Pike. Rico and Jess discuss Emerald Fennell's wild dabaucherous romp Saltburn, the latest from Hayao Miyazaki The Boy and the Heron,…

1
Big Business Provides Shenanigans 1:02:45

9M ago1:02:45

1:02:45

Big Business is a movie, kind of, in which Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin and Bette Midler and Lily Tomlin shriek and mug and produce low-key hijinks in the DCOM mode. It also features surprisingly tender characterization of a gay couple and was exactly what Henry and Will needed this week. Read Henry's newsletter! It's called Less Art and it's about…

1
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes / Ep. 262 55:02

9M ago55:02

55:02

On Episode 261 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we’re back in the Panem to review The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, starring Tom Blyth, Rachel Zegler, Viola Davis, and Peter Dinklage. Rico and Jess discuss this prequel release from Hunger Games franchise director Francis Lawrence, talking through the plot, the performances from Z…

1
The Hudsucker Proxy Is ADHD Heaven 1:02:13

9M ago1:02:13

1:02:13

In which Henry and Will discuss the futility of journalism, the beauty of pastiche, and Paul Newman's giant swinging, uh, clock. Content warning! Contains frank discussion of suicide! Read Henry's newsletter! It's called Less Art and it's about movies. Find it at henrygiardina.substack.com. Read Will's newsletter! It's called Strange Times and it's…

1
The Marvels / Ep. 261 1:11:37

9M ago1:11:37

1:11:37

On Episode 261 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we’re back in the MCU to review The Marvels, starring Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, and Iman Vellani. Rico and Jess discuss the SAG-AFTRA strike ending, the Mean Girls musical trailer, what they’ve been watching since their last episode before diving into this late 2023 release from director Nia DaCos…

1
Spotlight is Fake, Fake, Fake! 1:10:25

10M ago1:10:25

1:10:25

According to the Hollywood establishment, Spotlight was the best film of 2015. We beg to differ! And differ we do! Henry loathes this movie—Will thought it was fine—but we agree that a realistic depiction of journalism demands half-full Dunkin' cups on every desk and mustard stains on every shirt. Instead, Spotlight gives us triumphalism and speech…

1
House of Wax Melted Our Hearts 1:11:55

10M ago1:11:55

1:11:55

What do you get when you combine Vincent Price, Charles Bronson, and a few thousand gallons of melted wax? The 1953 3D classic House of Wax, a thoroughly unhinged movie that we love with our all the passion our waxen hearts can muster. Read Henry's newsletter! It's called Less Art and it's about movies. Find it at henrygiardina.substack.com. Read W…

1
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour / Ep. 260 1:02:27

10M ago1:02:27

1:02:27

On Episode 260 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we sing our hearts out and discuss Taylor Swift: The Era Tours! Rico and Jess discuss the blockbuster concert film. We chat about our favorite moments, what we wished to have seen in the movie and how it stacks up to concert movies we've seen before. For episodes with similar movies, click below Vari…

1
Daebak K-Rambles Crossover: Ballerina (Movie) / Ep. 259 59:38

10M ago59:38

59:38

On Episode 259 of the Always the Critic podcast, Jess and Rico continue the mini Spooky SZN with another Daebak K-Rambles Podcast crossover episode to review of Ballerina, starring Jun Jong-Seo and Kim Ji-Hoon. Jess and Rico discuss this Netflix original film from writer-director Lee Chung-Hyun, talking through its derivative nature, the revenge pl…

1
Parasite is Hard to Love 1:10:30

10M ago1:10:30

1:10:30

Bong Joon-ho's 2019 Oscar-winning Black comedy is a classic upstairs-downstairs tale, with a famous violent twist. It's great, but do we love it? It's complicated. Read Henry's newsletter! It's called Less Art and it's about movies. Find it at henrygiardina.substack.com. Read Will's newsletter! It's called Strange Times and it's about insane stuff …

1
The Creator / Ep. 258 57:31

11M ago57:31

57:31

On Episode 258 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we to New Asia to review The Creator, starring John David Washington, Gemma Chan, Allison Janney, and Madeleine Yuna Voyles. Rico and Jess discuss this 2023 release from director Gareth Edwards, talking through the genre of sci-fi A.I. robot movies, the stunning and impressive visuals, John David Was…

1
Dumb Money / Ep. 257 54:20

11M ago54:20

54:20

On Episode 257 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we’re finally back in time to review Dumb Money, starring Paul Dano, Shailene Woodley, Pete Davidson, America Ferrera, Seth Rogan, Sebastian Stan, and more. Rico and Jess discuss what they’ve been up to and watching since their last episode before diving into this rare late-2023 release based on a re…

1
Earthquake Gives You Everything You Want 1:01:22

11M ago1:01:22

1:01:22

Will and Henry dive headfirst into the world of 1970s disaster movies with the exquisite Charlton Heston and George Kennedy epic "Earthquake," a movie that manages to be beautiful and engaging without actually being, y'know, good. Read Henry's newsletter! It's called Less Art and it's about movies. Find it at henrygiardina.substack.com. Read Will's…

1
Blood Harvest Needs Way More Tiny Tim 1:07:45

11M ago1:07:45

1:07:45

Will and Henry ask the important questions: is Tiny Tim the special sauce of any movie he's in? Why does Mervo need to retreat into his clown persona? Why is Peter Krause's eye twitching uncontrollably when he's supposed to be dead? Join us as we watch this utterly insane film and laugh the hardest we've laughed in a very long time. We have a websi…

1
Top 5 Storm Movies / Ep. 256 40:29

12M ago40:29

40:29

On Episode 256 of the Always the Critic Podcast, on the eve of Hurricane Idalia, we queue up our list of best storm movies. Rico and Jess take turns listing their top 5 storm movies, producing two vastly different lists based on slightly different criteria, citing movies like Twister, The Wizard of Oz, The Day After Tomorrow, Groundhog Day, and mor…

1
The Apartment is Goddamned Perfect 1:06:59

12M ago1:06:59

1:06:59

Join Henry (@punkgroucho) and Will (@ouijum) as they embark on the first episode of I'll Watch Anything, a podcast with a sense of optimism! For our first movie, we tackle Billy Wilder's 1960 masterpiece The Apartment. Is it as brilliant as everyone says? The answer is a resounding yes! Check out Will's newsletter Strange Times! Check out Henry's n…

1
Favorite Movies A-Z List / Ep. 255 1:02:40

1y ago1:02:40

1:02:40

On Episode 255 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we each list out favorite movies in ABC order, one movie for each letter of the alphabet. Rico and Jess discuss and list 26 of their favorite movies in ABC order. Rico mentioned movies like The Dark Knight and Moneyball, while Jessica listed out Bridesmaids and The Mummy, among others. For episodes w…

1
Movie Blindspots: Volume 3 / Ep. 254 50:57

1y ago50:57

50:57

On Episode 254 of the Always the Critic Podcast, it’s Blindspots: Volume 3, where we discuss some movies (classic or not) that we watched for the first time. Rico and Jess discuss and remove a wide range of movies from their shame lists. Rico got around to movies like Chinatown and The Big Short, while Jessica knocked out Waiting to Exhale and Kick…

1
Barbie & Oppenheimer / Ep. 253 1:55:46

1y ago1:55:46

1:55:46

On Episode 253 of the Always the Critic Podcast, it’s a double feature as we review two hotly anticipated movies that won the weekend (possibly the year), Greta Gerwig’s Barbie and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. Rico and Jess first talk about Barbie and how much they connected with the clever, beautiful story and commentary, mentioning the excell…

1
Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning - Part 1 / Ep. 252 1:00:14

1y ago1:00:14

1:00:14

On Episode 252 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we survive a car chase through the streets of Rome on our review of Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning - Part 1, starring Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Hayley Atwell, and more. Rico and Jess discuss the 6th MI installment, talking through the plot, the retcons, the practical …

1
2023 Midyear Review 1:07:32

1y ago1:07:32

1:07:32

On Episode 251 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we hit pause on reviewing a new movie and look back at the year 2023 so far, ranking our top 10 movies. Rico and Jess examine the 2023 movie outlook, comparing it to previous years and discussing what we can expect heading into the latter half of the year, rank their top 10 movies of 2023, and touch …

1
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny / Ep. 250 1:05:37

1y ago1:05:37

1:05:37

On Episode 250 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we put on our fedora (again) on our review of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, starring Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Mads Mikkelsen, and more. Rico and Jess discuss the 5th Indie installment, talking through the awesome and terrible, uncanny valley CGI, the new themes explored, Mikkelse…

1
No Hard Feelings in Asteroid City's Past Lives/ Ep. 249 1:04:29

1y ago1:04:29

1:04:29

On Episode 249 of the Always the Critic Podcast, it’s a double feature as we review the R-rated comedy No Hard Feelings and Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City, before the non-spoiler section of our Daebak K-Rambles Past Lives review. Rico and Jess first talk about No Hard Feelings and how much they’ve missed Jennifer Lawrence, mentioning the rather tame …

1
The Flash / Ep. 248 56:46

1y ago56:46

56:46

On Episode 248 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we suit up and enter a new dimension (again) on our review of The Flash, starring Ezra Miller, Michael Keaton, Sasha Calle, and more. Rico and Jess discuss the latest DC movie, talking through the terrible, uncanny valley CGI, the return of Keaton’s Batman, the divisive figure of Ezra Miller, the sta…

1
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts / Ep. 247 45:33

1y ago45:33

45:33

On Episode 247 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we MAXIMIZE on our review of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, starring Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback, Ron Perlman, Peter Dinklage, Pete Davidson, and so many more. Rico and Jess discuss the latest in the Transformers franchise, talking through the cast list, Anthony Ramos and his rising star pow…

1
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse / Ep. 246 1:09:43

1y ago1:09:43

1:09:43

On Episode 246 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we suit up and enter a new dimension on our review of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, starring Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Oscar Isaac, and so many more. Rico and Jess discuss the sequel to 2018’s Into the Spider-Verse, talking through the Hispanic representation, the ethical and moral quan…

1
The Little Mermaid (2023) / Ep. 245 1:19:33

1y ago1:19:33

1:19:33

On Episode 245 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we swim fathoms below for our review of The Little Mermaid, starring Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy, Javier Bardem, Awkwafina, Daveed Diggs, and more. Rico and Jess discuss the latest Disney live-action remake, talking through how perfect Halle Bailey was as Ariel, the Aquaman-esque…

1
Fast X / Ep. 244 1:00:37

1y ago1:00:37

1:00:37

On Episode 244 of the Always the Critic Podcast, it’s all about family on our review of Fast X, starring Vin Diesel, Jason Momoa, Michelle Rodriguez, Ludacris, Tyrese Gibson, Charlize Theron, John Cena, and so many more. Rico and Jess discuss the first movie in the possible Fast X trilogy, talking through how stacked the cast is and how the franchi…

1
Top 5 Best Movie Moms / Ep. 243 46:10

1+ y ago46:10

46:10

On Episode 243 of the Always the Critic Podcast, in honor of Mother’s Day, we queue up our list of best movie moms! Rico and Jess take turns listing the movie mothers who teach, inspire, or just plain kick ass, citing moms like Sarah Connor (Terminator), Queen Ramonda (Black Panther), Mrs. Incredible (The Incredibles), Molly Weasley (Harry Potter f…

1
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 - Spoilery Deep Dive, El Capitan Theater, and The Bet 58:30

1+ y ago58:30

58:30

El Capitan, The Bet, And A Critical Review of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 Do you ever find yourself captivated by bittersweet endings? A place where stories culminate, leaving you with thrilling resolutions and surprising turns. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, the last installment of the MCU films, premiered last May 5, 2023. The movie is directe…

1
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 / Ep. 242 46:05

1+ y ago46:05

46:05

On Episode 242 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we’re back with a brand new playlist on our review of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, starring Chris Pratt, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, and so many more. Rico and Jess discuss the final movie in the Guardians trilogy, talking through how James Gunn decided to go for …

1
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 First Impressions and Spoilers! 1:00:29

1+ y ago1:00:29

1:00:29

Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3 - First Impressions and SpoilersGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is an upcoming science fiction superhero film set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The movie is directed by James Gunn, who also directed the previous two installments of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. The film features an ensemble cast including …

1
Super Mario Bros. 2023 Movie: Critics vs. Audiences 29:20

1+ y ago29:20

29:20

The Super Mario Bros. 2023 movie has been met with mixed reviews from critics, but audiences seem to be enjoying it. In this episode of Anti Film Film Club, we discuss the gap between the critics score and box office revenue, and we try to figure out why the movie is resonating with audiences despite the negative reviews. SuperMarioBrosMovie, Criti…

1
Revisiting Birdman: A Critical Look Back at the 2014 Film by Alejandro Inarritu 50:21

1+ y ago50:21

50:21

Introduction: Briefly introduce the film and its accolades 4 Oscars wins, Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography Noms for Michael Keaton, Edward Norton, and Emma Stone, and Sound editing and sound mixing Keaton won Best Actor GG Highlight the main themes of the film Father / Daughter themes - challenging and diff…

1
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves /Ep. 241 44:13

1+ y ago44:13

44:13

On Episode 241 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we go on a high fantasy adventure on our review of Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, starring Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Justice Smith, Sophia Lillis, Hugh Grant, and more. Rico and Jess discuss the D&D adaptation, talking through how approachable the plot and characters were (since they …

1
John Wick: Chapter 4 / Ep. 240 1:06:19

1+ y ago1:06:19

1:06:19

On Episode 240 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we’re back and in a brand-new suit for our review of John Wick: Chapter 4, starring Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård, more. Rico and Jess discuss the latest film in the John Wick franchise, talking through how the John Wick movies rank among the greatest action franchises, the ne…

1
Shazam: Fury of the Gods / Ep. 239 57:09

1+ y ago57:09

57:09

On Episode 239 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we’re back in Philly for our review of Shazam: Fury of the Gods, starring Zachary Levi, Djimon Hounsou, Rachel Zegler, Lucy Liu, Helen Mirren, and more. Rico and Jess discuss the most recent DC release, talking through how it stacks up to the first movie, the character arcs that impressed and the one…

1
2023 Oscars Recap - 95th Academy Awards / Ep. 238 1:03:20

1+ y ago1:03:20

1:03:20

On Episode 238 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we recap and comment on the 95th Academy Awards. Rico and Jess talk through the telecast, going over some of their predictions and their experience watching the broadcast at an Oscars party. They recap the historic Everything Everywhere All at Once sweep, delight in Ke Huy Quan (who effectively won t…

1
Looking Out For The Little Guy - A Casual Review of Quantumania 1:04:38

1+ y ago1:04:38

1:04:38

Here we are a year later and this is the Re-Reboot of the Anti Film Film Club podcast where the father-daughter duo of Erik and Sydney review movies and shows. We unpack our thoughts on Marvel's Quantumania, the kick off film for Phase 5 of the MCU, and talk about our trip to the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood for opening night. And yes, the book,…

1
Creed III & Cocaine Bear / Ep. 237 1:39:32

1+ y ago1:39:32

1:39:32

On Episode 237 of the Always the Critic Podcast, it’s a double feature as we review Creed III, starring Michael B. Jordan, Jonathan Majors, and Tessa Thompson, and R-rated comedy Cocaine Bear, starring Keri Russell, Alden Ehrenreich, O’Shea Jackson Jr., and Ray Liotta. Rico and Jess first turn toward the ring, talking about Michael B. Jordan’s dire…

1
Ant-Man & the Wasp: Quantumania / Ep. 236 57:04

1+ y ago57:04

57:04

On Episode 236 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we visit the quantum realm on our review of Ant-Man & the Wasp: Quantumania, starring Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jonathan Majors, and more. Rico and Jess discuss the most recent Marvel Cinematic Universe release, talking through the dizzying CGI bonanza, the underwhelming utiliza…

1
Rom-Com Hall of Fame Vol. 2 / Ep. 235 1:23:45

1+ y ago1:23:45

1:23:45

On the latest episode of Always the Critic podcast, we get together with special guest Tasha Jones to induct a second class into the romantic comedy hall of fame! We are joined by our friend Tasha Jones, aka the official hype girl for John Williams, to nominate eight actors/actresses who we would induct into our Nora Ephron Romantic Comedy Hall of …

1
Knock at the Cabin / Ep. 234 53:07

1+ y ago53:07

53:07

On Episode 233 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we catch a few grasshoppers and contend with the apocalypse on our review of Knock at the Cabin, starring Dave Bautista, Jonathan Groff, and Ben Aldridge. Rico and Jess discuss this M. Night Shymalan thriller, talking through Dave Bautista’s amazing performance, the shooting style that created a sens…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Always The Critic A Movie Podcast

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide