Back To The Blockbuster

Back To The Blockbuster
  • 4.9 (55)
  • Film Reviews
  • Updated Daily

Welcome to Back To The Blockbuster, a Playlyst original podcast hosted by Gaius Bolling and Jackson Pye. Gaius brings his industry knowledge to the conversation as he currently works Press for film & TV while Jackson brings the casual moviegoer opinion. The duo also covers milestone movie anniversaries and predicts the box office every week. In addition to the main show, Gaius also hosts a bi-weekly spinoff called Back To The Blockbuster Presents: Deep Dives that sees Gaius and rotating guests diving into a different film of their choosing across all genres!

  1. Jun 19

    Episode 292 - The Reel Deal: Spider-Man’s New Day, Jump Street’s Wild Return & Sean Penn Takes on the Capitol

    This week, we’re diving headfirst into a tidal wave of fresh trailers and blockbuster announcements. First up, we break down the long-awaited second trailer for Spider-Man: Brand New Day—what does it mean for Peter Parker’s future, and what will this street level Spider-Man film bring? Then, we unpack the haunting first look at The Social Reckoning, a film that promises to hold the digital age accountable. From the deep blue sea to the darkest desires, we also explore the trailers for Whalefall (think survival horror meets oceanic chills after being swallowed by a sperm whale) and I Want Your Sex (the provocative new comedic erotic thriller everyone’s talking about out of Sundance). Plus, Heart of the Beast brings the action plus Brad Pitt with a dog , and we’ve got the details on that explosive new trailer. But that’s not all. In a move that has comedy fans buzzing, we confirm that 24 Jump Street is officially in the works—yes, Schmidt and Jenko will  be back! Plus, we discuss Sean Penn’s ambitious new project: a movie centered on the Capitol Riots and other industry news! Joining us for this discussion is Dustin Rybka, soon to be co-host on our spin-off, The Cinema Vault, and JC of @mercwiththemovies! We’ve got theories, hot takes, and a full breakdown of everything you need to know. Grab your popcorn and hit play—this episode is stacked!

    1h 56m

  2. Jun 10

    Episode 291 - We're Obsessed With Obsession So, So, So, So, So, Much

    In this episode, Gaius and Jackson are breaking down the phenomenon in the making known as Obsession, written and directed by Curry Barker. Starring Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson, & Megan Lawless, we're diving into every aspect of a film that has taken the horror genre and industry by storm. From its narrative themes, to the all-timer performances from its leads, particularly Inde Navarrette’s all timer turn, to its unprecedented box office run, we're discussing why we're obsessed with Obsession and why you should be too.

    1h 52m

  3. Jun 2

    Episode 290 - Hokum - When Supernatural Horror, Folklore & Trauma Collide

    Join hosts Gaius and Jackson on 'Back To The Blockbuster' as they delve into the world of Hokum, a supernatural horror film written and directed by Damian McCarthy and starring Adam Scott, Peter Coonan, and David Wilmot, Florence Ordesh and Michael Patric, Will O'Connell and Brendan Conroy. This episode sees the co-hosts diving into the mysteries and hauntings of The Bilberry Woods Hotel as Adam Scott’s Ohm Bauman travels to Ireland to lay the ashes of his parents to rest and finds himself learning about a local witch name the Cailleach, a local witch who kidnaps children and leads them in chains on a tour through the underworld, where they are clawed by the souls of who live there. How is this connected to a bartender at the hotel that goes missing? Is the hotel haunted? And, what will Ohm discover that his past traumas will collide with the horror that’s on display at The Bilberry Woods Hotel. It’s a mystery worthy of exploring, much like this episode which looks into what is one of the best horror films of the year.

    1h 13m

  4. May 29

    Episode 289 - Obsession Begins An Unprecedented Box Office Run

    In this episode, we dive into the week’s biggest movie news. Obsession’s unprecedented box office run is turning heads, and we break down why this film is breaking the mold and what it could mean for future releases. We also explore a film in development from the Radio Silence directing duo—an adaptation based on the Choose Your Own Adventure book series—and discuss how interactive storytelling might reshape the theatrical experience. Plus, we’ll break down Dacre Montgomery’s casting alongside Donnie Yen in the John Wick spinoff Caine, and Kyle Gallner joining Brie Larson in JT Mollner’s Skeletons. We’ll also glance at the latest box office results for The Mandalorian and Grogu, and cap things off with our take on the trailer for Her Private Hell.

    1h 29m

  5. May 26

    Episode 288 - The Batman: Part II Cast Reveal & What’s In Development?

    We break down the full cast list for The Batman: Part II, analyzing how the new actors fit into the story, what their presence signals for the tone and direction of the sequel, and what fans can expect next. Also on deck, we give a front-row look at the new Planet of the Apes project in development under director Matt Shakman. We discuss what era or angle the film might explore, how it could fit into the franchise, and what unique vision Shakman could bring. Next up, David Koepp is crafting a Westworld feature for the big screen. We explore potential narratives, how the movie could reboot the 1973 original or translate the TV world to cinema, and what this means for the franchise’s future. Ready to laugh? Netflix is developing Grown Ups 3. We chat about what a third installment could look like, how streaming might influence its humor and ensemble dynamics, and what this means for Netflix’s comedy slate. In other Netflix news,  Brad Pitt’s The Adventures of Cliff Booth is getting a two-week IMAX release. We dive into why an immersive, premium-format run matters, what it could mean for the film’s box office, and the broader theatrical strategy.What’s Matt Damon’s next move? Rumors swirl as Matt Damon enters talks for a mysterious new movie from The Daniels at Universal. We speculate on possible genres and plots, the potential collaboration dynamics, and what this could mean for both talents’ schedules. Lastly, Focus Features’ horror film Obsession is making waves at the box office. We unpack the buzz, audience reception, release strategy, and what this blockbuster tells us about today’s horror landscape.Joining in once again is Dustin Rybka, co-host on the soon to be released Back to the Blockbuster spin-off, The Cinema Vault! Strap in! We have you covered on all the latest Hollywood news.

    1h 45m

  6. May 15

    Episode 287 - Fear - 30th Anniversary

    This episode celebrates the 30th anniversary of Fear, a psychological thriller that turned Mark Wahlberg from rapper/Calvin Klein model to the boyfriend parents hoped to keep their daughters away from. We revisit the film’s premise, its release climate in the mid-90s, and why Fear remains a touchstone in psychological thrillers. We set the stage by outlining the stakes, the suburban setting that doubles as a trap, and what fans new and old still find shocking. In addition, we highlight the ensemble that makes Fear work on every level. We analyze Mark Wahlberg and Reese Witherspoon’s chemistry and character arc, and spotlight Alyssa Milano, Amy Brenneman, and William Petersen’s performances and how their characters amplify the thriller’s dynamics. We also take a look at the film’s themes, which unpack obsession, power dynamics, gaslighting, and the unpredictable push-pull of attraction and danger. This episode connects the on-screen psychology to broader thriller tropes and what makes Fear creep under the skin.Joining in for this discussion is Mark J. Parker of the Release Date Rewind podcast who is more than ready to take a look back at this late ‘90s classic.  Links for Guests: Release Date Rewind Where To Watch Fear

    1h 34m

  7. May 8

    Episode 286 - Movie Trailer & News Bonanza!

    In this episode, we kick things off with the latest trailers shaking up the industry, including Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey and a slate of teasers from Zach Cregger’s take on Resident Evil, DC Studios’ Clayface, A24’s Tony, which looks into the early life of the late Anthony Bourdain, Evil Dead Burn, One Night Only, Verity, and Netflix’s Office Romance starring Jennifer Lopez. We shift into bigger headlines—casting news for Miami Vice 85 with Michael B. Jordan and Austin Butler joining the Joseph Kosinski take on an ‘80s classic, a Django/Zorro crossover at Sony, Greta Gerwig’s Narnia headed for a full theatrical release via Netflix, and Blake Lively settling the It Ends With Us lawsuit with Justin Baldoni. We close with a box office spotlight on the biopic Michael and The Devil Wears Prada 2. Joining in for this heavy news chat is Dustin Rybka, the co-host of the soon to be released Back To The Blockbuster spinoff, The Cinema Vault! Tune in for quick takes, insider angles, and what these moves could mean for the year ahead.

    1h 56m

  8. Apr 30

    Episode 285 - Scream 4 - 15th Anniversary

    Celebrating Scream 4’s 15th anniversary, this episode dives into Wes Craven’s return to Woodsboro and Kevin Williamson’s razor-sharp screenplay. We revisit the film’s killer mix of nostalgia and new shocks, spotlighting the standout performances of Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette, along with Emma Roberts, Hayden Panettiere, and an all-star supporting cast—Anthony Anderson, Alison Brie, Adam Brody, Rory Culkin, Erik Knudsen, Marielle Jaffe, Nico Tortorella, Marley Shelton, and Mary McDonnell. Listen in for behind-the-scenes stories, a breakdown of the film’s twists and meta-horror sensibilities, and reflections on its lasting impact on the franchise as an entry that was way ahead of its time. Joining in for this discussion is Alex and Dean of the Return Revenge Resurrection podcast to throw in their expertise as to why Scream 4 has emerged as the fan favorite of the franchise all these years later. Link For Guests: Return Revenge Resurrection Where To Watch Scream 4

    1h 43m
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4.9
out of 5
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About

Welcome to Back To The Blockbuster, a Playlyst original podcast hosted by Gaius Bolling and Jackson Pye. Gaius brings his industry knowledge to the conversation as he currently works Press for film & TV while Jackson brings the casual moviegoer opinion. The duo also covers milestone movie anniversaries and predicts the box office every week. In addition to the main show, Gaius also hosts a bi-weekly spinoff called Back To The Blockbuster Presents: Deep Dives that sees Gaius and rotating guests diving into a different film of their choosing across all genres!

Information

  • Creator
    Back To The Blockbuster
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    341
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Back To The Blockbuster
  • Show Website
    Back To The Blockbuster