Media Matters Podcast Network

Michael Wilson

HIT OR MISS: WHO TREK A Star Trek and a Doctor Who Podcast celebrating every visual part of the franchises, from 1963 to the present day. Honest but respectful reviews, episode discussions, general chat & interviews. SILVER SCREEN Film reviews and analysis from Film Studies BA graduate Michael Wilson, his knowledgeable but enigmatic co-host D.K and a host of fellow cinephile guests. In 60-90 minutes they'll review and analyse new releases, classics, guilty pleasures and films they love, hate, or love to hate.

  1. SSP Cinema Classics 23 - Sunset Boulevard Review

    JAN 24

    SSP Cinema Classics 23 - Sunset Boulevard Review

    Cinema Classics Number 23 - "This is my life! It always will be! Nothing else! Just us, and the cameras, and those wonderful people out there in the dark!" Cinema Classics is back for 2026! In a very apt choice we're looking at classic cinema reflecting on classic cinema this month, as we head down to Sunset Boulevard — Billy Wilder’s venomous, melancholic love letter to Hollywood and one of the most iconic films of the Golden Age. Regular host Michael is joined by stalwart returning guest and fellow first-time viewer Tobi to discuss Wilder’s refusal of subtlety, the film’s ruthless focus and moral ambiguity, and how its heightened dialogue and stylised performances blur the line between tragedy, black comedy, and outright horror. From its famously fatalistic opening to an ending that fully commits to madness, we explore how Sunset Boulevard is a film about illusion, performance, and an industry that devours its own ghosts. We also dig into the film’s meta-casting, gothic production design, dive deep into the themes, and explore why Norma Desmond isn’t meant to feel like a real person — but a movie star who never stopped acting. Is the film slow, or simply uncompromising? Are its clichés dated — or foundational? And who, exactly, is it cruelest to? Fire up your old-school projector, get nostalgic for the past and join us for our thoughts on the ultimate Hollywood fable. What a wonderful next year it's going to be! What fun we'll have! TW: Attempted suicide, mental illness - 29:14 to 32:40 #podcast #cinema #classicfilm #classicfilmlovers #classicfilmstars #sunsetboulevard #hollywood #gloriaswanson #normadesmond #billywilder Links: Follow Tobi on BlueSky - DarkSonic@bsky.social Find Mike and the podcast all over the internet via https://linktr.ee/mikespods Follow Mike on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/g479 Follow the podcast on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/3xH6 Join the Silver Screen Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/329752622011042/?ref=share E-mail us at mwilsonba1982@gmail.com Created & Hosted by Michael Wilson. Written by Michael Wilson. Edited by Michael Wilson. Produced by Mike Wilson. “All right, Mr DeMille… I’m ready for my close-up.”

    1h 32m
  2. HoM: Doctor Who Podcast Festive Special - "Eve of the Daleks" Review & More

    12/28/2025

    HoM: Doctor Who Podcast Festive Special - "Eve of the Daleks" Review & More

    Series 1, Episode 10 - "Because something seems impossible. We try, it doesn't work, we try again. We learn, we improve, we fail again, but better, we make friends, we learn to trust, we help each other. We get it wrong again. We improve together, then ultimately succeed. Because this is what being alive is. And it's better than the alternative. So come on, you brilliant humans. We go again and we win. Deal?" It’s that wibbly-wobbly stretch of the year when time feels a bit out of sync, so what better moment to dive into some classic Doctor Who time-loop chaos? To close out our Dalek deep-dive series, we’re ringing in the New Year a little early with Jodie Whittaker’s festive special, “Eve of the Daleks.” Host Mike has swapped the turkey sandwiches and leftover chocolates for the microphone one final time this year, joined by two fantastic returning guests for a truly international episode. From Germany comes our good friend Tobi, and calling in from the USA is our favourite filmmaker and fellow geek Michael Whaley. Our globe-spanning panel kicks things off with a Hit or Miss look at four previous festive specials before debating the best of the rest. Then it’s straight into the main event: a deep dive into “Eve of the Daleks,” covering the angry tin despots themselves, Yaz’s big reveal, the Groundhog Day-style structure, the guest stars, the criminally underused Dan Lewis, and more. We also take a peek at the critics’ reactions before offering our own highlights and final scores. So settle in, unwrap another chocolate, maybe skip the “beef and beans,” and warm up your voice for the Auld Lang Syne singalong by shouting at some Daleks as we wrap up the year with a bang. It’s not quite fireworks… but it’s definitely a celebration. Links: Michael Whaley: • Website - https://cmichaelwhaley.wixsite.com/cmwphoto/portfolio?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio • Instagram - Cmwhaleyphoto • Everywhere else - @alwaysmichaelwhaley Tobi: • BlueSky - @darksonic.bsky.social Follow Mike and the podcasts all over the internet via linktr.ee/mikespods Follow Mike on Discord: MikeOfSteel#2913 Writer/Editor/Producer/Host - Michael K. Wilson Created by Michael K. Wilson Based on a format by Will Templar "YOU. ARE. SUCH. SNOW-FLAKES!"

    1h 43m
  3. SSP Cinema Classics Christmas Special - It's a Wonderful Life Review

    12/20/2025

    SSP Cinema Classics Christmas Special - It's a Wonderful Life Review

    Cinema Classics Number 22 - "Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?" “Merry Christmas, you beautiful old podcast!” It's here! Our Silver Screen Christmas Special this year lands with Cinema Classics as we dive into possibly the definitive holiday movie: Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life. Host Mike “Bailey” is joined by Guardian Angel-a, Sandy “Claus”, and Rob(in) Lunt for a bumper-length festive deep dive. We kick things off by chatting through our favourite Christmas films and regular seasonal viewing before exploring the origins of It’s a Wonderful Life—from its beginnings as a self-published booklet to its historical context, legacy, possible Muppet connections, and even why some at the FBI once frowned upon it. (Bah, humbug!) We unwrap the film’s themes, the messages that resonate today, and what makes it such an enduring seasonal favourite. There’s praise for Capra’s direction, the beautifully crafted sets, its emotional score, and the grounded performances—from James Stewart’s iconic turn, to Donna Reed’s underrated heart, to Lionel Barrymore’s despicably villainous Mr. Potter, and more. Finally, we close with critical context, our favourite elements, and our traditional ratings out of five heavenly stars. So grab a mince pie, put your feet up, ring a bell for Clarence, and enjoy this Christmas cracker of an episode. Links: Angela: • Bluesky: rammsteinfurimmer.bsky.social • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rammst3infurimmer • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@rammstein4immer • Instagram: @rammstein4immer • Tumblr: ClockworkAnge • TikTok: @clockworkangela Rob: • Facebook - robertdlunt Noisy Cow Theatre Company: • Website: https://noisycowtheatreco.co.uk/ • FB: /www.facebook.com/share/15kB1AcBZb/ • Instagram: www.instagram.com/noisycowtheatre?igsh=aDZtMHcxaGQwaHZp Find Mike and the podcast all over the internet via https://linktr.ee/mikespods Follow Mike on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/g479 Follow the podcast on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/3xH6 Join the Silver Screen Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/329752622011042/?ref=share E-mail us at mwilsonba1982@gmail.com Created & Hosted by Michael Wilson. Written by Michael Wilson. Edited by Michael Wilson. Produced by Mike Wilson. "A toast to my big brother George: The richest man in town."

    1h 54m
  4. Silver Screen Podcast - Batman Returns Review

    12/11/2025

    Silver Screen Podcast - Batman Returns Review

    Episode 137 - "As I was saying, I'm a woman and can't be taken for granted. Life's a bitch, now so am I." The Silver Screen Signal is lighting up the night sky, and that can only mean one thing: it’s time for another seasonally relevant episode of this here movie podcast. Host Mike has emerged from Wilson Manor for a December deep dive into Tim Burton’s festive, freaky, feisty superhero sequel, Batman Returns. We’ve assembled two outstanding ladies for their own returns to the podcast—and trust us, they have thoughts. First, racing in like Batwoman to rescue us once again from unreliable guests and co-hosts alike, it’s Sandy Eavenson. Joining her is a woman who has made Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman her personal life goals—Vean. Strap into your Batmobiles, folks… this one’s a doozy. Our intrepid trio digs into the troika of the Bat, the Cat, and the Penguin—what each brings to the film, who gets sidelined, who’s the most Burton-esque, and who ultimately steals the whole show. And that’s before we even touch on Max Shreck and his creepy dual relevance as both an expressionist boogeyman and the real-world villain who doesn’t need a costume. We dive deep into the film’s themes, its unforgettable visuals, Burton’s iconic direction, and the script’s evolution from early drafts to that final, unplanned proof-of-life shot of Catwoman. There’s also talk about our first encounters with the film, its cultural impact, the stellar performances, the instantly quotable dialogue, and so much more. So grab yourself a glass of milk, adjust a neon sign or two, watch out for any suspicious umbrellas, and join us—because, like Selina Kyle's answering machine, the party never stops on the Silver Screen Podcast. Links: • Follow Vean on BlueSky - @LadyVean • Batman '89 review - https://youtu.be/lHV2Yk0dthU • Michelle Pfeiffer visits her iconic Catwoman costume on display in 2025 - https://youtube.com/shorts/PCZ_N1n6jJk?si=o_EH_nx_W7YLwy-L • Michelle Pfeiffer finds her Catwoman whip after 27 years - https://youtube.com/shorts/8RONxq5LoQE?si=liC_lN9BVxSK2WAd • Sean Young campaigns to play Catwoman on The Joan Rivers Show - https://youtu.be/MWeH6_naCO0?si=_8Pjd2SIvfSKoo6x - Find Mike and the podcast all over the internet via https://linktr.ee/mikespods - Follow Mike on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/g479 E-mail us at mwilsonba1982@gmail.com Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/329752622011042/?ref=share "My name is not Oswald! It's Penguin! I am not a human being. I am an animal! Cold-blooded!"

    1h 38m
  5. SSP Cult Classics 44 - The Lost Boys Review

    12/02/2025

    SSP Cult Classics 44 - The Lost Boys Review

    "One thing about living in Santa Carla I never could stomach; all the damn vampires." For the final Cult Classics of 2025, D.K. is joined by the bloodsucking Brady Bunch, as a collection of guests, old and new, descend upon the murder capital of the world to discuss Joel Schumacher's 1987 action horror 'The Lost Boys', and answer the question, would you give up your humanity for Jami Gertz? Head down to the boardwalk and join them, maybe pick up a comic book, or two. Links: Angela: Bluesky: rammsteinfurimmer.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rammst3infurimmer Threads: https://www.threads.net/@rammstein4immer Instagram: @rammstein4immer Tumblr: ClockworkAnge TikTok: @clockworkangela Ian: Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/jLq7CEUD8WfkUQfs7 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtKbRGVfa8r3klvHNMTq4zg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IanS.3D Instagram: https://instagram.com/sknne?utm_sourc... Jenn: Instagram: @valinstarr • Follow Mike Wilson on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/19uigRT9WA • Follow Mike Wilson on Instagram & Threads - @michael.k.wilson • Follow Mike Wilson on BlueSky - @mikepods.bsky.social Find the podcast all over the internet via https://linktr.ee/mikespods Follow DK on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/4upxV Follow the podcast on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/3xH61 Join the Silver Screen Podcast Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/329752622011042/?ref=share E-mail us at mwilsonba1982@gmail.com Cult Classic Opening Music/Closing Credits music by Timeless Journey, for more information, go to: https://soundcloud.com/timelessjourney Created, written & hosted by DK. Produced by DK Edited by Nick. Executively Produced by Mike Wilson "Come on, be one of us." Thank you for being with us on this Cult Classics journey.

    1h 2m
  6. Silver Screen Podcast - Planes, Trains and Automobiles Review

    11/27/2025

    Silver Screen Podcast - Planes, Trains and Automobiles Review

    Episode 135 - "You wanna hurt me? Go right ahead if it makes you feel any better. I'm an easy target. Yeah, you're right, I talk too much. I also listen too much. I could be a cold-hearted cynic like you... but I don't like to hurt people's feelings. Well, you think what you want about me; I'm not changing. I like... I like me. My wife likes me. My customers like me. 'Cause I'm the real article. What you see is what you get." Happy Thanksgiving, or just Happy Holidays! This timely episode of Silver Screen Podcast is taking the ultimate nightmare road trip, joining Steve Martin and the late, great John Candy and breaking down John Hughes' rare adult comedy 'Planes, Trains & Automobiles'. Our "Hughes Crew" will be very familiar to anyone who caught last week's review of Ferris Bueller's Day Off, as host Mike is joined once again by Michael Whaley and Sandy Eavenson, much better companions than Del Griffith, and not a spilled beer in sight. Our Turkey Day Trio will give their favourite moments of comedy in this hilarious adventure, break down how this complements the all-important emotional heart, and discuss the importance of John Hughes' script and direction, as well as the incomparable performances of Martin and Candy. There's talk of our personal experiences and connections to the movie, how it's popularity has been a slow burn over the years and how it's increasingly become a holiday tradition, on both sides of the Atlantic. Host Mike even presents his bold thesis that it's more of a Christmas movie than a Thanksgiving one, though it's placed in the context of that holiday too. As always we wrap up with audience thoughts, conclusions and scoring. There's lots to enjoy so chuck on this episode with your turkey, or just your average Thursday dinner and don't think about the looming menace of Black Friday! Join us instead doing the Mess Around, swearing at rental agents and ultimately forming connections and getting home, one way or another. Links: Follow Michael Whaley on YouTube, TikTok or Instagram - @alwaysmichaelwhaley - Find Mike and the podcast all over the internet via https://linktr.ee/mikespods - Follow Mike on Letterboxd: https://boxd.it/g479 E-mail us at mwilsonba1982@gmail.com Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/329752622011042/?ref=share "Was that seat hot or what? I feel like a Whopper. Turn me over, I'm done on this side. I'm afraid to look at my ass. There'll be griddle marks."

    1h 25m

About

HIT OR MISS: WHO TREK A Star Trek and a Doctor Who Podcast celebrating every visual part of the franchises, from 1963 to the present day. Honest but respectful reviews, episode discussions, general chat & interviews. SILVER SCREEN Film reviews and analysis from Film Studies BA graduate Michael Wilson, his knowledgeable but enigmatic co-host D.K and a host of fellow cinephile guests. In 60-90 minutes they'll review and analyse new releases, classics, guilty pleasures and films they love, hate, or love to hate.