Cinemaholics

Cinemaholics.com
Cinemaholics

Don't know what to watch? Join film critics Jon Negroni and Will Ashton for no-nonsense conversations about the latest films coming to theaters and streaming online. They may not always agree, but one thing's for sure. They're both Cinemaholics.

  1. Novocaine – Spoiler-free Instant Take

    MAR 13 · BONUS

    Novocaine – Spoiler-free Instant Take

    Will Ashton is back with a solo Instant Take on Novocaine, the action-comedy-romance hybrid starring Jack Quaid (The Boys) as a pain-insensitive bank employee who becomes an unlikely action hero. Directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen (Villains), this film surprised Will with its surprising charm. But also its creative premise, and solid central performances, too. Based on the real-life condition CIP (congenital insensitivity to pain), Novocaine walks a tonal tightrope between over-the-top violence and sincere character development. Will shares why Jack Quaid’s “young Tom Hanks” energy works so well here. Especially alongside Amber Midthunder (Prey), and how the film balances disability representation with fun genre thrills. Will also unpacks some of the film’s weaknesses, including uneven comedy, some clunky reveals, and a few undercooked side characters. But overall, this one came in above expectations and might just be Jack Quaid’s best leading role to date. Also starring Ray Nicholson, Betty Gabriel (Get Out), and Matt Walsh, Novocaine delivers quirky action, gory visuals, and a lot of heart…even if it sometimes plays it too safe. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholics See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    12 min
  2. Black Bag – Spoiler-free Instant Take

    MAR 11 · BONUS

    Black Bag – Spoiler-free Instant Take

    In this spoiler-free instant take, Will Ashton jumps on the mic solo to give you his first impressions of Black Bag, the sleek and sizzling new spy thriller from director Steven Soderbergh. With a star-studded cast led by Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender, Black Bag is a taut, high-style espionage caper that calls back to the classy, grown-up thrillers of yesteryear. Will dives into what makes this film click.Iits sophisticated style, whip-smart screenplay (co-written by Soderbergh collaborator David Koepp), and a third act that actually sticks the landing. He compares it to classics like Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Out of Sight, highlighting how Soderbergh leans into his signature charm, sexiness, and cinematic craftsmanship. Other stars include Naomi Harris, Pierce Brosnan, Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, and Marisa Abela. All of whom get their moment to shine. Will also touches on Fassbender’s continued hot streak post-The Killer. Plus, why Blanchett is perfectly matched for this kind of layered, stylish fare. Clocking in at a brisk 95 minutes, Black Bag is a sharp and satisfying return to form. It's equally suited for a theater outing or a high-quality night in. Listen in for Will’s take on where Black Bag ranks among Soderbergh’s post-retirement filmography. And why this might be one of his most entertaining efforts in years. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholics See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    10 min
  3. Nickel Boys – Film Review

    FEB 25

    Nickel Boys – Film Review

    In this week’s episode, Jon Negroni and Will Ashton take a deep dive into Nickel Boys, the latest film from director RaMell Ross (Hale County This Morning, This Evening). An adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, the film follows two Black teenagers trapped in the harrowing realities of Nickel Academy, a reform school in 1960s Florida that crushes hope as efficiently as it enforces silence. With Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson leading the cast and a uniquely immersive first-person perspective, Nickel Boys has drawn a lot of critical acclaim, but does it earn its accolades? Jon and Will unpack the film’s daring cinematography, its unconventional narrative structure, and Ross’s refusal to hold the audience’s hand. They debate the film’s Oscar prospects, its underwhelming box office reception, and why its use of silence might be its most powerful weapon. Plus, how does Nickel Boys fit into the tradition of documentary filmmakers transitioning into narrative storytelling? And yes, Will finds a way to compare it to The Tree of Life, because of course he does. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholics See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    36 min
  4. Interview – Harrison Xu and Ivan Leung talk 'Extremely Unique Dynamic'

    JAN 23

    Interview – Harrison Xu and Ivan Leung talk 'Extremely Unique Dynamic'

    Today on Cinemaholics, we’re joined by two hilarious and incredibly talented filmmakers/actors, Harrison Xu and Ivan Leung, to talk about their new indie film, Extremely Unique Dynamic. This queer Asian meta stoner coming-of-age dramedy takes storytelling to a whole new level—it’s a movie about two guys making a movie about two guys making a movie. Yes, it’s as wonderfully chaotic as it sounds. Extremely Unique Dynamic has been making waves, playing at over 25 film festivals and breaking box office records during its LA theatrical run. In this episode, Harrison and Ivan share the wild journey of creating a deeply personal, yet entirely universal story that subverts stoner comedy tropes while addressing themes of representation, identity, and authenticity. We dive into everything—how they infused the film with their real-life personalities, their unexpected success at festivals, and even a bit of party bus pole-dancing backstory. Along the way, we also discuss pop-punk soundtracks, karaoke go-tos, and what they hope this movie will mean 50 years from now. Plus, we get into some lighter moments, including their favorite reality TV shows, nostalgic movie picks, and the unexpected challenges of doing Q&As. Whether you’re a fan of stoner comedies, indie filmmaking, or unique dynamics (see what we did there?), this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Catch Extremely Unique Dynamics at upcoming screenings in LA, San Francisco, New York, and even Vancouver, with VOD release just around the corner. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholics See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    56 min
  5. A Complete Unknown – Film Review

    JAN 8

    A Complete Unknown – Film Review

    In this week's episode, Jon Negroni and Will Ashton dive deep into A Complete Unknown, the latest biopic from director James Mangold (Logan, Walk the Line). The film, starring Timothée Chalamet as the iconic Bob Dylan, chronicles the enigmatic artist’s rise to fame during the transformative folk scene of the 1960s. With Edward Norton and Monica Barbaro rounding out the cast, and a runtime of 140 minutes, the movie captures Dylan’s transition from a folk music darling to a rock 'n' roll revolutionary. Jon and Will discuss Mangold’s directorial approach, Chalamet’s performance as the elusive Dylan, and the narrative’s attempt to balance the artist’s enigmatic persona with a traditional biopic structure. They also highlight the supporting cast, including Norton’s standout role and Boyd Holbrook’s intriguing portrayal of Johnny Cash. Is A Complete Unknowna respectful ode to Dylan’s artistry, or does it play it too safe? Tune in as the hosts break it all down, from the film’s subtle nods to Dylan’s legacy to its reception among fans and critics alike. Searchlight Pictures released A Complete Unknown in U.S. theaters on December 25, 2024. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholics See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    58 min
  6. Nosferatu – Spoiler-free Instant Take

    JAN 2 · BONUS

    Nosferatu – Spoiler-free Instant Take

    In this special instant take, Will Ashton dives into Robert Eggers' latest film, Nosferatu, unpacking its deep ties to the 1922 horror classic and its fresh take on the Dracula mythos. He breaks down Eggers' distinct artistic style, highlights standout performances from Willem Dafoe and Bill Skarsgård, and praises the film's jaw-dropping production design and cinematography. Will also reflects on how Nosferatu fits into the modern horror landscape, sharing why it’s such an exciting year-end release that horror fans won’t want to miss. Nosferatu opened in theaters on December 25 through Focus Features and has a runtime of 132 minutes. The rest of the cast includes Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, Ralph Ineson, and Simon McBurney. More about Nosferatu: Set in 19th-century Europe, Nosferatu follows Thomas Hutter, a real estate agent who heads to the eerie, isolated estate of Count Orlok to close a business deal. Sounds straightforward, right? Not quite. Things take a dark and sinister turn when Hutter realizes Orlok is no ordinary recluse: he’s a full-on vampire with a thirst for blood and an unsettling interest in Hutter’s wife, Ellen. As the danger escalates and Orlok’s shadow creeps closer to the village, the story unfolds into a chilling mix of gothic horror, psychological tension, and devastating stakes. Robert Eggers brings his trademark grit and authenticity to this retelling, delivering a film that feels both classic and refreshingly new. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here. Check out our Cinemaholics Merch! Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics! Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram. Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholics See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    14 min
    4.4
    out of 5
    85 Ratings

    About

    Don't know what to watch? Join film critics Jon Negroni and Will Ashton for no-nonsense conversations about the latest films coming to theaters and streaming online. They may not always agree, but one thing's for sure. They're both Cinemaholics.

    You Might Also Like

    Content Restricted

    This episode can’t be played on the web in your country or region.

    To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

    Stay up to date with this show

    Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.

    Select a country or region

    Africa, Middle East, and India

    Asia Pacific

    Europe

    Latin America and the Caribbean

    The United States and Canada