Episode 19: Christmas By The Reels The Cinephile's Aisle podcast

1:21:14

not Denis Villeneuve for DUNE: PART TWO, we'll tell you that much. Awards season wraps up with the 97th Academy Awards and it's been one hell of a ride with films nominated for Best Picture involving the use of AI, not involving an intimacy coordinator, having a cast member doing blackface, and all of these combined do not even live up to Karla Sofia Gascon's now-deleted tweets. But Steve and Ofili are joined by Misgana nonetheless to predict who takes home the coveted shiny golden statuette for a few categories on film's biggest night. Let us know if you agree with our picks or your predictions if otherwise! Send us a text Support the show Find us on Instagram , Twitter , and YouTube at @CinephilesAisle.…

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Episode 21: "THE BRUTALIST" feat. Misgana 1:09:46

8 weeks ago1:09:46

1:09:46

It's not everyday you get to see an epic picture so enthralling like THE BRUTALIST, so of course Steve and Ofili had to return to cover all things related to the latest true American classic. Joined by Misgana, the trio discuss the period drama's central themes of immigration and identity (7:15), how the film lives in service of Judaism (19:35), and clashes of sexuality and power (32:25). Finally, looking forward to the Oscars, TCA touch on the use of generative AI in film (55:30) and how this affects Adrien Brody and filmmaker Brady Corbet. TCA Verdict: 8.3/10 Send us a text Support the show Find us on Instagram , Twitter , and YouTube at @CinephilesAisle.…

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Episode 20: "Awards Talk–SAG's and BETTER MAN" feat. Irima 53:13

10 weeks ago53:13

53:13

Awards season is here, and for this episode, we are thrilled to be joined by Irima to kick it off! We discuss the 2025 SAG Awards’ biggest categories: Outstanding Male and Female Leads and their Supporting counterparts. Then, we switch gears to talk about why a Better Man stands out. We had a blast recording this one and we hope you enjoy it too. Available now, wherever you listen to podcasts! Send us a text Support the show Find us on Instagram , Twitter , and YouTube at @CinephilesAisle.…

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Episode 19: Christmas by the Reels 41:36

13 weeks ago41:36

41:36

What makes a movie the Christmas movie? Is it the cozy vibes, holiday spirit, or just a snow-covered backdrop? On this episode, we tackle the big question, share our personal favorite Christmas movies, and even debate the eternal question: is Love Actually really a Christmas movie? Plus, we take on the challenge of reimagining non-Christmas movies as holiday films! From classics to unexpected picks, this episode is packed with fun, spirited debates, and plenty of holiday cheer. Tune in for all the festive feels! Send us a text Support the show Find us on Instagram , Twitter , and YouTube at @CinephilesAisle.…

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Episode 18: "CONCLAVE" feat. Ayisha and Misgana 1:13:12

15 weeks ago1:13:12

1:13:12

Dive into our latest episode as we unpack Conclave , exploring its twists and the deeper philosophy around the interplay of certainty, doubt, and faith. This was an incredibly engaging discussion, capped off with our takes on potential Best Picture winners—ranging from mainstream favorites to some hipster niche picks. While Steve couldn’t join us this time, we were thrilled to have Misgana back for her second episode and a special guest appearance by Ayisha from the Popcorn for Dinner podcast. Don’t forget to check out Popcorn for Dinner on Twitter (@popcorn_dinner) and Spotify Send us a text Support the show Find us on Instagram , Twitter , and YouTube at @CinephilesAisle.…

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Episode 17: "ANORA" feat. Misgana 50:37

18 weeks ago50:37

50:37

The TCA is joined by a special guest to cover Steve's "next Best Picture" and Ofili's "one of the best four movies in 2024." In episode 16 we discuss Sean Baker's filmmaking style, the various on-screen relationship dynamics depicted in Baker's latest independent drama, and that final sequence that has got everyone talking. We also talk about how Baker is doing for sex workers what Scorsese did for gangsters, and how this feels like it could be 2024's PARASITE. Will ANORA follow suit by winning the coveted Oscar statuette? Leave us a message and let us know! TCA Verdict: 9.7/10 Send us a text Support the show Find us on Instagram , Twitter , and YouTube at @CinephilesAisle.…

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Episode 16: "WE LIVE IN TIME" 51:08

21 weeks ago51:08

51:08

* SPOILER-FREE * Say what you want about Crowley's nonlinear structuring of his 2024 tearjerker, but Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield have just delivered the most grounded performances for an on-screen couple in 2024. Ofili and Steve are back to cover the latest romantic drama from A24, WE LIVE IN TIME, and they discuss how the film tackles grief, the feeling of not being enough, and when not to use non-linearity in storytelling. TCA Verdict: 8/10. Send us a text Support the show Find us on Instagram , Twitter , and YouTube at @CinephilesAisle.…

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Episode 15: "DÌDI" 52:59

27 weeks ago52:59

52:59

"In my opinion, OSCAR-worthy 2025, very easily" is how Ofili starts off talking about the feature directorial debut from Freemont, CA filmmaker Sean Wang, DÌDI (弟弟). Together with Steve, TCA covers the coming-of-ager and how Academy Award nominee Wang draws inspiration from his 2008 California summers showing learning to kiss, the struggle to fit in with your peers, and the importance of learning to love your mothers. TCA Verdict: 10/10. Send us a text Support the show Find us on Instagram , Twitter , and YouTube at @CinephilesAisle.…

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Episode 14: "Did we like DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE?" 1:05:49

31 weeks ago1:05:49

1:05:49

Send us a text Support the show Find us on Instagram , Twitter , and YouTube at @CinephilesAisle.

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Episode 13: "HUSBANDRY (2021)" feat. Ikem 1:01:27

41 weeks ago1:01:27

1:01:27

Ofili and Steve are joined with Nigerian filmmaker, Ikem Okeke, writer and director of the 2021 short film, HUSBANDRY. Okeke takes them behind the scenes (2:55) of what shooting in Lagos was like, the shoestring constraints of a short film, and how thinking on your feet can be the defining factor of any passion project. Okeke also discusses his next film, and how he has grown as a filmmaker since HUSBANDRY. Ofili and Steve also cover recent blockbusters, including FURIOSA and CHALLENGERS (26:00). Your TCA hosts close off with a preview of Summer 2024 for film (36:30), covering HIT-MAN, THE WATCHERS, and TRAP. You can watch HUSBANDRY here: Husbandry Send us a text Support the show Find us on Instagram , Twitter , and YouTube at @CinephilesAisle.…

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Episode 12: "Long live the Monkey King" 48:01

50 weeks ago48:01

48:01

Ofili and Steve are back covering the latest crowd favorite, MONKEY MAN. They share what they loved about Dev Patel's directorial debut, what creative choices rubbed them the wrong way, and how not every film featuring a man wearing a suit while fighting bad guys should be termed a "John Wick Movie." Send us a text Support the show Find us on Instagram , Twitter , and YouTube at @CinephilesAisle.…

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Episode 11: "DUNE" 1:06:01

1 year ago1:06:01

1:06:01

"My planet Arrakis is so beautiful when the sun is low." *SPOILER ALERT: Episode contains key plot details from DUNE: PART TWO * In this Season 1 finale, we discuss all things DUNE. Ofili and Steve give their initial reactions to Denis Villeneuve's epic science-fiction sequel to DUNE (2021), the inspired performances of Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson and Javier Bardem, the deviations from Frank Herbert's 1965 novel, and what lies in store for MESSIAH . As it was written. Send us a text Support the show Find us on Instagram , Twitter , and YouTube at @CinephilesAisle.…

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Episode 10: "Poor Things Review" 48:46

1 year ago48:46

48:46

It's "Bella in Wonderland" at The Cinephile's Aisle as Ofili and Steve return to discuss Yorgos Lanthimos (4:10) and his latest installation in his bizarre filmography, 'Poor Things' (9:00). They also look forward to a few upcoming films (35:10), including 'Dune: Part Two' and 'Madame Web'. Send us a text Support the show Find us on Instagram , Twitter , and YouTube at @CinephilesAisle.…

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Episode 9: "Bait, Buzz, and Snubs" 1:11:35

1 year ago1:11:35

1:11:35

Ofili and Steve react to the 96th Academy Awards nominations. Send us a text Support the show Find us on Instagram , Twitter , and YouTube at @CinephilesAisle.

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Episode 8: Holiday Special 55:14

1 year ago55:14