Unsung Cinematics

Stewart and Rastislav

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The Unsung Cinematics podcast reviews some of the best kept secrets in TV and Film. Your hosts Stewart and Rasto provide insight to a misunderstood movie to see if it deserves the title of being “unsung”. We dust off and discuss films and television shows that are considered underrated, forgotten, and even neglected. unsungcinematics.substack.com

2 ABR

The Italians - 2025

Disclaimer: The publicist for The Italians contacted the Unsung Cinematics team and asked them to review this film. They received no compensation in return for their review, and their opinions are their own. In this family, everything is on the table! For their new full length episode, Stewart, Rastislav and Ken review The Italians, a 2025 release from All In Pictures. It played at several film festivals and has been available on VOD since April 2025. The screenplay is by Lisa Phillips Visca, and Michelle Danner is the director and lead actress in the role of Angelina. The story follows Angelina and Vincenzo, a California-based couple whose marriage definitely has its share of ups and downs. The newest shake-up arrives when their son Nico brings his new girlfriend Lily to a family dinner; she is a vegetarian atheist, which of course conflicts with Angelina and Vincenzo’s old school values. Vincenzo sees Nico’s affection for her and is more welcoming, but friction between Angelina and Lily soon becomes evident. Unfortunately, this won’t be the only trial for Angelina; a health challenge, a secret held by Vincenzo and a reunion with her estranged mother will need to be faced. With enough humour and heart, this dysfunctional family can hopefully get back to bonding at the dinner table. Stewart, Rastislav and Ken all agree that the cast elevated the material; their line deliveries were very clear, which was appreciated in light of how dialogue can be hard to distinguish in some modern films. There was some feeling that Visca’s experience with stage plays needs further adaptation to the craft of screenwriting. There are some story stumbles early on, but more of a groove is found as the film progresses. They felt that Danner (who is also an acting coach) was effective in her portrayal, likely informed by her family experiences. Written by Lisa Phillips Visca, and directed by Michelle Danner. Starring Danner as Angelina, Rob Estes as Vincenzo, Matthew Daddario as Nico, Abigail Breslin as Lily, Perrey Reeves as Min, Luca Riemma as Father Joe, and Lainie Kazan as Lucia. Unrated, but has some coarse language and suggestive content. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit unsungcinematics.substack.com

53 min
25 MAR

Off The Record - 2 - 2026

Welcome to the second Off the Record of 2026! This time, Stewart, Rastislav and Ken have an assortment of films and shows with timely topics. Stewart brings us his feature review of 2025’s Oscar nominee Bugonia, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. He was pleasantly surprised by this film’s conspiracy angle, involving aliens and the mass death of bees. Emma Stone as a “suit” is victimized by Jesse Plemons and Aiden Delbis, playing brothers who raise bees off the grid and believe that Stone’s company is bringing aliens to earth and consequently poisoning their bees. Ken follows with a look at 2009’s US immigration drama Crossing Over, directed by Wayne Kramer. Harrison Ford, Cliff Curtis, Ashley Judd and Ray Liotta are some of the actors. Ken felt there were some story problems, but one sequence in a convenience store and a thoughtful examination of the immigration process help counter this. Rasto then leads us to The Path, a 2016 Hulu series created by Jessica Goldberg. Aaron Paul, Michelle Monaghan and Hugh Dancy are the leads in this cult-themed drama; Rasto found Dancy’s performance worthy of particular praise. He enjoyed the examination of how different cults or sects operate and attract followers. Starting into the lesser picks, Stewart shines (moon)light on 2020’s The Wolf of Snow Hollow, written and directed by its star Jim Cummings. Robert Forster, Riki Lindhome and Chloe East also star. Stewart doesn’t think this werewolf-themed comedy/drama is worth howling over, but appreciated the practical effects and unexpected creation of suspense during the daytime. Ken’s lesser pick is another Oscar nominee and also immigration-themed, 2025’s One Battle After Another directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, Benicio del Toro, Chase Infiniti and Sean Penn. Ken felt that Anderson’s quirky style didn’t mesh well with the examination of immigration and white supremacists; however he did enjoy the action and some of the performances. Rastislav second cult-themed entry is unfortunately disappointing; the 2025 Netflix miniseries Wayward, created by Mae Martin and starring Martin alongside Toni Collette. Rastislav didn’t feel this Toronto-area set drama was as substantive in its examination of cult activity as The Path was, choosing instead to focus on topics that have already been looked at in better films. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit unsungcinematics.substack.com

59 min
28 FEB

Old Henry - 2021

SPOILER WARNING: This film has a pretty major twist in the third act and we couldn’t help talking about it early in our podcast. You may wish to watch Old Henry before listening to our review! He may seem like a mild old sodbuster, but think twice before you slap leather against Old Henry. Stewart, Rastislav and Ken are back to review this western that has a few tricks up its sleeve. While not a box office success (perhaps due to its theatrical release during the recent pandemic), Old Henry has nonetheless garnered solid reviews, a growing fanbase, and notice from major Hollywood studios for its writer/director Potsy Ponciroli. His new project The Rescue (starring Brandon Sklenar) is due in theatres from Paramount Pictures in January 2027. The story begins in 1906 Oklahoma; widower Henry McCarty is a world-weary farmer who works his acreage and tends his hogs alongside his son Wyatt and occasionally his brother-in-law Al. Their life is arduous but Henry wants Wyatt to learn the value of hard work. Wyatt doesn’t always agree with this mindset; Al advises him that he will have plenty of time in the future to see the world but for now, it’s best he stays on the farm. Things change when Henry discovers the unconscious sheriff Curry on his property; Curry has with him a satchel of money that he had to protect, and against his hesitation Henry brings Curry back to the farm so that he and Wyatt can bring him back to relative health. Curry eventually tells them he was set upon by Ketchum, Stillwell and Dugan, a trio of outlaws posing as lawmen. Ketchum and company pay an initial “visit” to Henry and leave, with the intent to get information from Al, who they’ve figured out is Henry’s brother-in-law. Curry slowly improves, and Wyatt snoops around and finds the money and hints about his father’s past. Henry is forced to kill Dugan, who is surveilling their farm. Curry tells them more about Ketchum’s doings, and eventually Ketchum, having hired several more guns, returns to the farm with Al as his captive. When Ketchum tries to use Al to force Henry to turn over Curry and the money, the final reckoning begins. Henry shows Ketchum and his men his true skillset and Wyatt is forced to become his father’s son sooner than he expected... Stewart, Rastislav and Ken all agree that this is an enjoyable film that belies its $1.5 million budget through the dedication and creativity of its director, actors and crew. The cinematography is expansive, and the music enhances the story without overpowering it. The actors do great work in realizing Ponciroli’s well-researched and plotted story. Listeners are encouraged to join this film’s growing posse of fans. Written and directed by Potsy Ponciroli. Starring Tim Blake Nelson as Henry, Gavin Lewis as Wyatt, Scott Haze as Curry, Stephen Dorff as Ketchum, and Trace Adkins as Al. Unrated, but equivalent to an R for violence and language. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit unsungcinematics.substack.com

1 h 6 min
20 ENE

Off The Record - 1 - 2026

In our first 2026 Off the Record we boldly feature Star Trek Academy the brand new feature from Paramount and Alex Kurtzman. Stewart Rips into the new series starring Holly Hunter as Captain Nahla Ake and Sandro Rosta who becomes the new chancellor to the recently resurrected Star Fleet Academy. Sandro the other main character plays a renegade who was upset with Starfleet’s nefarious ways. As far as flops go this one beams you right into the dead of space, with just 90k views on their free premiere on YouTube. Rasto then reviews his TV series Archive 81 which is a fairly recent 2022 adaptation of various horror like series such as Rosemary’s Baby and other copycats in the last few decades. Cancelled after just 1 season Rasto believes it was wrapped up nicely. Rebecca Sonnenshine developed this series and the main character is played by Mamoudou Athie. Ken leaps into action with his Clean Shaven pick from 1993 written and directed by Lodge Kerrigan and starring Peter Greene. It takes a serious look at mental illness and the consequences of letting people run free with such disabilities. With our lesser picks out of the way we move on to Stewart’s better pick Together from 2025, which is a film based on the Greek Mythology of the better half, where people originally had 2 heads, 4 arms, and four legs. In this horror we see what would happen if two people were split, and were to suddenly start to meld together to become one. Directed by Michael Shanks, and starring Dave Franco with Alison Brie who are a real life couple. This film managed to get itself into a copyright dispute with another production company. Rasto then gives us his take on the 1966 French film Au hasard Balthazar. The film is unique because it follows around a donkey from the perspective of said animal, and how it interacts with the various humans and owners in it’s life. Directed by Robert Bresson and starring Anne Wiazemsky who has a unique acting ability. Ken finally wraps up his 2021 pick Old Henry. This western seems to be unique in a way, and Ken enjoyed it. Directed and written by Potsy Ponciroli and starring Tim Blake Nelson. Stewart also has a quick follow-up on the Toxic Avenger Reboot. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit unsungcinematics.substack.com

1 h
30/12/2025

Macross Plus Movie Edition - 1995

Top Gun with Mecha and reckless fighter pilots, involved in a love triangle involving a 4th party AI, ‘plus’ the kitchen sink. Macross Plus is an anime film from 1995 based on the 4 part miniseries cartoon of the same name. This is a continuation from the Macross Franchise also called Robotech from the 80’s. This Shōji Kawamori directed film is set in the year 2040, 3 decades after the previous situation with the war between Humans and the Zentradi Aliens. The three main characters are Isamu, Guld, and Myung who were high school friends on a planet called Eden, but after an incident that happened years prior they went their separate ways. Years later they met back up again, as the two boys were now highly respected fighter jocks who flew experimental mechas (hybrid robot/jets.) Also back on the scene is Myung who was the prior love interest of the men, and despite their friendship from years prior, there is now a hostility that exists between them. Through the film they are constantly fighting with each other, but a much worse threat looms on the horizon and that is a new AI model that is set to take over the masses through pop culture and its deceptive ways. Little did the boys know, but Myung was actually the one who was using her own experiences to train this new artificial intelligence. Sharon Apple the AI begins to have plans of her own and the three come together to stop it. This film had some very good reviews on IMDB and has a bit of a cult following. The four of us all have a different take on the film, when it comes to the plot, the music, and the animation. There seems to be many references to other films, one being that the AI might be based on the actor Sharon Stone. By the Creators of Cowboy Bebop and written by Keiko Nobumoto, Takumi Yamazaki as Isamu, Unshou Ishizuka as Guld, Rica Fukami as Myung, Megumi Hayashibara as Lucy McMillan, and Mako Hyōdō as Sharon Apple. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit unsungcinematics.substack.com

1 h 28 min
16/12/2025

B'Twixt Now and Sunrise - 2022

Out of the normal and into the paranormal in this 2011 supernatural murder mystery by Francis Ford Coppola. Twixt now rebranded as B’Twixt Now and Sunrise which was recut as the ‘Authentic Cut’ in 2022. Will his changes make a difference in this box office flop? Big guns were brought on board for this film, Val Kilmer, Bruce Dern, Elle Fanning and Ben Chaplin in their respected rolls as author, Edgar Allan Poe, the animated sheriff and the vampire/ghoulish girl. Hall Baltimore writes books about witch hunting and is in a slump so he travels to a small US town for a book signing in the hopes are reinvigorating himself. Nobody knows who he is except the sheriff who hopes that his latest idea is suitable for Baltimore’s latest book. He tells a twisted tale about the murder of kids, vampires across the lake, and a ghost that haunts the town to this day. Will Hall Baltimore and Sheriff Bobby LaGrange solve this mystery and get the book written? Baltimore gets a little help along the way from a mysterious 13 year old girl and the ghost of Edgar Allan Poe who appears in his dreams. This film bombed at the box office, but was also trashed by critiques and the average movie goer alike. Stewart, Rastislav and Ken take a deep dive into the film and uncover some of the symbolism but also criticize the plot which didn’t make much sense. Even with the big name actors and the comical moments, it seems this is a ghastly tale indeed. Written and Directed by Francis Ford Coppola and shot mostly at his own estate. Based on some of real events of Coppola’s life. Film Rating: R for Graphic Scenes and Blood This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit unsungcinematics.substack.com

1 h 11 min
26/11/2025

Off The Record - 6 - 2025

After some downtime Stewart, Rastislav and Ken make their return for Off The Record number 6 of 2025. Kens feature pick is Rampage from 1987 Directed by William Friedkin and starring Michael Biehn. A mostly sombre film about the vampire killer Richard Chase and what the experience was like in the courtroom for the jurors. Even though this was a serious film, Ken recounts a few memorable and funny moments and is on his recommended list. Stewart’s greater pick Friendship from 2024 is a story about two neighbours who become great friends, but through the struggles of everyday life have a falling out because the main character is a bit of a born loser. Andrew DeYoung take this classic tale and puts a modern twist on it. The main character played by Tim Robinson is very good in his role. Rasto decides to go the documentary route this time with his 2022 pick called Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues, which explores the life and times of this pioneer of jazz. Directed by Sacha Jenkens using actual footage of Louis Armstrong. Rasto was very pleased with this film and the controversy surrounding Louis Armstrong at the time. We slide back to Ken for another semi-court room drama called Juror No. 2 directed by Clint Eastwood in 2024. Ken was somewhat impressed but also let down at a key moment in the film. Nicholas Hoult stars in the film, And Ken decides this film is worth a better score than our recent review of Cry Macho. After all these serious picks, Stewart from out in left field brings us his tale of the Toxic Avenger from 1984, which in all manor of speaking is a B Movie done so wrong, that it turns out alright! Tons of gore, red ketchup and brutal scenes, not for the faint of heart. Directed by Michael Herz starring Mitch Cohen. This bad boy falls under the classic Troma over the top film. As the name says a nerdy janitor turns into a toxic vigilante after falling into some toxic waste. You can watch the kill count on Youtube if you are brave enough. Rasto brings us back to reality with Three Pines from 2022 which he still gave a half descent score. Created by Emilia di Girolamo and starring Alfred Molina. This is a Canadian Film, from Montreal that explores the life of a small towns sins and how the residents navigate each others crimes while still trying to remain neighbours. There is one other ‘Meh’ film that Rasto brought to our attention and that is sleeping Dogs starring Russell Crowe from 2024 which was in his opinion just meh.... This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit unsungcinematics.substack.com

58 min
26/09/2025

Cry Macho - 2021

Stewart, Rastislav and Ken are back to review Clint Eastwood’s 2021 neo-western Cry Macho. This film had a lengthy development journey; the late N. Richard Nash originally intended this as a screenplay, but retooled it into a novel published in 1975. There were several attempts to bring it to the screen with potential leading men such as Eastwood, Robert Mitchum, Roy Scheider and even Arnold Schwarzenegger! It was finally realized with Eastwood pulling double duty in the lead role and in the director’s chair. Mike Milo is a retired rodeo and ranch hand who was fired by his old boss and ranch owner for what appears as Mike ‘being too old’. A year later he is approached by his old boss to journey into Mexico to retrieve the ranch owners son from his delinquent mother and bring him back to the US. Along the way they meet some interesting people and create a bond with each other and the boys rooster named ‘Macho’. Stewart enjoyed the easygoing wholesomeness of this film, but Rastislav and Ken felt the story and character development were half-baked in comparison to other Eastwood films such as Unforgiven and Gran Torino. They all appreciated the cinematography, music and production design. There were other bright spots including some of the incidental characters (to Rastislav’s amusement) and the song “Find a New Home” written by the film’s composer Mark Mancina and performed by Will Bannister. Written by Nick Schenk and N. Richard Nash (based on Nash’s novel) and directed by Clint Eastwood. Starring Eastwood as Mike, Eduardo Minett as Rafo, Dwight Yoakam as Howard, Natalia Traven as Marta and Fernanda Urrejola as Leta. Film Rating: PG This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit unsungcinematics.substack.com

58 min

The Unsung Cinematics podcast reviews some of the best kept secrets in TV and Film. Your hosts Stewart and Rasto provide insight to a misunderstood movie to see if it deserves the title of being “unsung”. We dust off and discuss films and television shows that are considered underrated, forgotten, and even neglected. unsungcinematics.substack.com

Creador

Stewart and Rastislav
Años de actividad

2020 - 2026
Episodios

116
Clasificación

Explícito
Copyright

© Stewart Rathje & Rastislav Miklos
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Unsung Cinematics