Footcandle Films

The MESH

Do you enjoy listening to people talk about films? What about those films that may not show up at the local multiplex but are instead showing at the smaller specialty theater across town? Then ”Footcandle Films” may be the show for you. Each month, the hosts discuss and review one ”smaller” film in-depth, discuss upcoming film news, and give recommendations on films that you may not be aware of, ones that you haven’t remembered in a while, or ones that are worth your time checking out. And all the while, the conversation never gets too ”high-brow” or pretentious. Just two guys who enjoy talking about movies. Your Hosts: Alan Jackson and Chris Frye, founders of the Footcandle Film Society.

  1. 1d ago

    The Social Reckoning — Plus a Trailer for The Exorcist: Martyrs

    In this episode, hosts Alan Jackson and Chris Frye review 'The Social Reckoning,' a film by Aaron Sorkin that explores the evolution of Facebook. They discuss the film's direction, the effectiveness of dramatization versus documentary, and the challenges of balancing humor with serious themes. The conversation delves into the film's prologue, character portrayals, and the effectiveness of humor, ultimately critiquing the heavy-handed storytelling and directorial choices of Aaron Sorkin. Despite some strong performances, the film struggles to resonate due to its lack of depth and reliance on familiar tropes. The conversation delves into various film projects, including 'The Comebacker' and the revival of 'The Exorcist' franchise, highlighting the excitement for unique storytelling in cinema. Additionally, recommendations for documentaries provide insights into social issues and personal narratives. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Film and Hosts04:18 Overview of 'The Social Reckoning'05:55 Sorkin's Approach and Comparisons09:59 Critique of Dramatization vs. Documentary10:04 Audience Expectations and Film Reception12:19 Direction and Humor in Serious Themes17:13 Sorkin's Signature Style and Its Impact20:52 Final Thoughts on Score and Direction21:25 Prologue Impact and Initial Impressions24:22 Character Focus and Development26:36 Mark Zuckerberg's Portrayal28:14 Humor and Dialogue Effectiveness30:38 Positive Performances Amidst Critique32:06 Heavy-Handed Storytelling34:23 Sorkin's Directorial Choices36:47 Final Thoughts on the Film40:59 Injury and Relationships in Sports42:01 Exploring New Film Projects43:30 The Comebacker: A Unique Perspective44:55 The Exorcist Franchise Revival51:19 Trailer Reactions and Expectations54:46 Documentary Recommendations and Insights

  2. 2d ago

    Digger — Plus a G.I. Joe Reboot and a Trailer for Ray Gunn

    In this episode of Footcandle Films, hosts Alan Jackson and Chris Frye discuss the film 'Digger,' directed by Alejandro Inarritu and starring Tom Cruise. They explore the film's reception, audience reactions, and its thematic connections to other works. The conversation delves into the themes of originality and divisiveness in cinema, particularly focusing on a recent film featuring Tom Cruise. The hosts discuss the film's political commentary, character dynamics, and audience reactions, ultimately reflecting on the broader implications of filmmaking and critical reception. The conversation delves into the film 'Digger', discussing its reception, themes, and character connections. The hosts also touch on upcoming projects, particularly a G.I. Joe reboot featuring Bradley Cooper. The conversation delves into various upcoming film projects, including adaptations and sequels, while also reflecting on past films and their impact. The hosts share their thoughts on the tone and direction of new releases, particularly focusing on animated films and their appeal. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context04:15 Review of 'Digger'10:44 Audience Reactions and Expectations14:20 Themes and Comparisons to Other Films16:36 The Call for Originality18:01 Political Commentary and Divisiveness19:30 Tom Cruise's Performance Impact20:57 Initial Concerns and Shifting Perspectives23:03 Heavy-Handed Messaging and Resonance25:01 Character Dynamics and Missed Opportunities26:55 Audience Reactions and Critical Reception28:48 Exploring Character Motivations30:48 Ambition in Filmmaking33:08 Awards Season Speculations35:35 Digger's Reception and Recommendations38:37 Exploring Digger's Themes and Expectations41:55 Character Connections and Narrative Depth44:22 Upcoming Projects and G.I. Joe Reboot52:26 Reflections on Film Adaptations54:03 Exploring New Projects from Paramount56:26 Anticipating Animated Films01:01:19 Trailer Insights for Ray Gun01:05:08 Recommendations and Film Reviews

  3. 6d ago

    Primetime — Plus Recapping the Footcandle Film Festival and the Trailer for Madden

    The conversation revolves around the recent Footcandle Film Festival and a review of the film 'Primetime', which stars Robert Pattinson and is directed by Lance Oppenheim. The hosts discuss their experiences at the festival, their thoughts on the film's narrative and performances, and the implications of its portrayal of Chris Hansen and the show 'To Catch a Predator'. The conversation reviews the film 'Primetime' and discusses the recent Footcandle Film Festival, highlighting various award winners and audience reactions. The hosts express their thoughts on the film's cinematography, narrative choices, and the overall festival experience, emphasizing the importance of audience engagement and the quality of submissions. The conversation delves into the upcoming Star Wars trilogy, focusing on the involvement of Simon Kinberg as the writer and John Watts as the director, while also discussing the potential return of characters from the Skywalker saga. Additionally, the hosts review the trailer for the film 'Madden' starring Nicolas Cage and Christian Bale, and Chris Frye recommends the film 'Gone Girl' directed by David Fincher. Chapters 00:00 Festival Reflections03:25 Film Review: Primetime06:05 Exploring Themes and Performances11:08 Character Analysis and Critique16:54 Final Thoughts and Conclusions22:52 Cinematic Choices and Disjointed Narratives24:49 Exploring Chris Hansen's Journey26:42 Festival Highlights and Awards Overview29:38 Celebrating the Footcandle Film Festival31:40 Award Winners and Audience Favorites35:58 Documentary and Narrative Short Films38:58 International and Feature Film Awards41:53 Scriptwriting Competition and Future Projects43:50 Reflections on the Festival Experience44:36 Star Wars News and Future Films46:12 Star Wars Trilogy Insights52:07 Casting Choices and Concerns53:24 The Madden Trailer Review01:01:23 Recommendation: Gone Girl

  4. Oct 29

    Resident Evil — Plus Trailers for Cliff Booth and Wife and Dog

    The conversation revolves around a review of the new film 'Resident Evil' directed by Zach Cregger, discussing its merits and shortcomings, particularly in relation to its video game origins and horror elements. The hosts, Alan and Chris, share their perspectives on the film's execution, character development, and overall impact, while reflecting on their experiences with the horror genre. The conversation revolves around a review of the latest Resident Evil film, discussing its strengths and weaknesses, character portrayals, and the potential for future installments. The hosts also touch on upcoming projects from director Zack Cregger and the anticipation surrounding a new film featuring the character Cliff Booth from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. The conversation explores various films directed by Guy Ritchie, including his recent works and the upcoming film 'Wife and Dog'. The hosts discuss their opinions on Ritchie's style, the themes of his films, and provide a recommendation for a comedy film called 'The Napa Boys'. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Foot Candle Films03:50 Celebrating 400 Episodes05:12 Overview of Resident Evil Review06:35 First Impressions of Resident Evil08:58 Evaluating the Film's Depth10:26 Comparing Video Game Adaptations12:01 Humor and Tone in Resident Evil13:36 Unique Scares and Set Pieces15:03 Expectations vs. Reality in the Film's Ending17:11 Character Development and Emotional Moments19:12 Final Thoughts on Sound Design and Overall Impression19:40 Resident Evil Review: Initial Impressions22:44 Character Analysis and Cameos24:49 Future of Resident Evil Franchise26:04 Upcoming Projects: Cliff Booth Returns35:57 Trailer Reactions and Anticipation38:06 Exploring Guy Ritchie's Filmography42:03 The Challenges of Outdoor Screenings44:17 Introducing 'Wife and Dog'46:53 Trailer Reactions and Insights50:00 Recommendations and Closing Thoughts

  5. Sep 15

    The Sun Never Sets — Plus Trailers for Artificial, Remain, and You Can See Everything

    Alan and Chris are back (finally, and a little behind schedule) with a review of The Sun Never Sets, the new film from writer-director Joe Swanberg starring Dakota Fanning, Jake Johnson, and Corey Michael Smith. Set against the Alaskan landscape, it follows a woman whose relationship with her older, divorced boyfriend hits a rough patch just as an old flame reappears in her life. The guys dig into the film, then flag a clearly marked spoiler section at the end if you'd rather wait. In the second half, three upcoming films get the trailer treatment. Artificial, Luca Guadagnino's OpenAI drama with Andrew Garfield as Sam Altman — dropped by Amazon, rescued by NEON, and arriving Christmas Day. Remain, the unlikely M. Night Shyamalan–Nicholas Sparks collaboration starring Jake Gyllenhaal, now repositioned from spooky October to Valentine's Day 2027. And You Can See Everything, the secretly shot, nearly three-hour Elizabeth Holmes documentary from Lance Oppenheim and Nathan Fielder that surprise-premiered at Telluride — and whose cast list raises some very interesting questions. Chris closes with his recommendation of the week: Louis Theroux: Inside the Manosphere on Netflix. Plus a reminder that the Footcandle Film Festival runs September 18–27 in Western North Carolina.

  6. Sep 10

    Coyote Vs. Acme, Venice Film Festival, Trailer Tapas

    Alan and Chris are back to take on one of the most improbable release stories in recent memory: Coyote vs. Acme has finally made it to theaters. Shelved by Warner Bros. in 2023 as a tax write-off, rescued by Ketchup Entertainment, and now in wide release nearly three years behind schedule, Dave Green's live-action/animation hybrid puts Wile E. Coyote on the witness stand against the company whose products have failed him for decades. Will Forte, John Cena, and Lana Condor star. The guys dig into whether the finished film justifies the fan campaign that saved it — and what it says about the studio system that nearly buried it. In the news, Alan and Chris cover the latest out of the Venice Film Festival, then run through two new trailers: Club Kid, Jordan Firstman's Cannes-premiering feature debut for A24 about a New York party promoter blindsided by the ten-year-old son he never knew about, and The Sun Never Sets, Joe Swanberg's first feature in nearly a decade, an Alaska-set love triangle shot on 35mm with Dakota Fanning, Jake Johnson, and Cory Michael Smith. Chris closes things out with his weekly recommendation: Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, Jane Schoenbrun's Queer Palm-winning meta-slasher starring Hannah Einbinder and Gillian Anderson.

  7. Aug 19

    The End of Oak Street

    A new dinosaur action adventure film has hit theaters starring Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor. No, it is not another installment in the Jurassic Park franchise but a new film from writer/director David Robert Mitchell. We've got a review of THE END OF OAK STREET, a serving of trailer tapas, and some pondering of the release strategy of the upcoming Beatles biopics. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode: Looper Footcandle Film Society

  8. Aug 12

    The Last House

    THE LAST HOUSE, a psychological sci-fi thriller, tells the story of a family of four suddenly sealed inside their home with no way out. We've got a review of the new film starring Wagner Moura & Greta Lee, a fresh round of Trailer Tapas, and a glimpse of what director Ari Aster is working on for his next film all on this episode. Recommendation from our hosts in this episode - Nope Footcandle Film Society

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Ratings & Reviews

4.2
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Do you enjoy listening to people talk about films? What about those films that may not show up at the local multiplex but are instead showing at the smaller specialty theater across town? Then ”Footcandle Films” may be the show for you. Each month, the hosts discuss and review one ”smaller” film in-depth, discuss upcoming film news, and give recommendations on films that you may not be aware of, ones that you haven’t remembered in a while, or ones that are worth your time checking out. And all the while, the conversation never gets too ”high-brow” or pretentious. Just two guys who enjoy talking about movies. Your Hosts: Alan Jackson and Chris Frye, founders of the Footcandle Film Society.

Information

  • Creator
    The MESH
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    405
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The MESH
  • Show Website
    Footcandle Films

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