Movies Worth Seeing Michael Pisciuneri

Step into the eerie glow of the '70s showbiz limelight as my guest, Adi Asher, and I dissect "Late Night with the Devil," where ambition dances devilishly with fate. Imagine, if you can, a world where the pursuit of fame could cost you everything, even your soul. We dive headfirst into the heart of Jack Delroy's character, a late-night host caught in the tangled web of his own ambitions. His moral compass spins wildly as he vies to eclipse none other than Johnny Carson. Through the film's single-location setting, we peel back the layers of a mysterious elite club, hinting at the sinister and secretive, much like the cryptic corridors of "Eyes Wide Shut." 

Adi and I then shift gears to the darker side of fame. We discuss the shocking extremes some go to for notoriety, contrasting a teenager's assault for TikTok fame with the film's narrative of a Faustian deal that's as costly as life itself. We ponder the eerie similarities between this and the plot of "The Devil's Advocate," where success's shadow looms long and heavy over one's moral fiber. The film's chilling subtext prompts us to question the moral dilemmas we face in our own quests for recognition and the haunting possibility of losing ourselves along the way.

But it's not all doom and gloom; we also share a laugh about our own late-night hosting dreams, tossing around the notion of an OnlyFans account as a quirky stepping stone to stardom. We even dare to dream big, issuing a playful challenge for none other than Quentin Tarantino to grace our podcast with his presence. Whether it's through laughter or critical analysis, Adi and I bring our unique perspectives to the fore, critiquing the film's impact and its reflection of our societal obsessions with the limelight. Join us for a compelling journey into the heart of cinematic suspense and the soul of ambition.
Support the Show.

Prepare to be enthralled and possibly a bit disturbed as we, Michael Pishonery and Addy A'Shula, along with our guest AJ, offer an unflinching critique of wealth and its follies through our discussion of the dark comedy "Saltburn." This episode promises to unravel the psychological twists of a film that's as darkly humorous as it is thought-provoking. We're not just talking about the plot here; we're dissecting the film's take on class dynamics, the impact of an outsider's seductive creepiness on a wealthy family, and Barry Keoghan's spellbinding performance. Carrie Mulligan and Rosamund Pike's smaller but no less significant roles also come under our spotlight, as does the movie's ability to shock and intrigue with scenes that push the envelope.

Venture into the realm of the privileged elite with us as we dissect the necessity of shock value in film. Is it just a ploy to hook viewers, or is there a deeper meaning behind the hedonistic depictions of the rich? Listen as we debate whether the portrayal of wealth in "Saltburn" eclipses its artistic quality or enhances its narrative. The discussion takes a turn towards a transformative moment within the film, contemplating metaphorical interpretations of power shifts and personal metamorphosis. We'll also delve into how the casting choices contribute to the movie's thematic layers, creating a relatable yet surreal experience for the audience.

Wrapping up our in-depth conversation, we speculate on the ambiguous outcomes for the characters, particularly the elusive Elspeth and the machinations of the mysterious Oliver. As we share our personal standout moments, we analyze the broader social commentary "Saltburn" offers on class and privilege, and how it contrasts the lives of the untouchable wealthy against the striving middle class. Don't miss our insights on the film’s intricate details, which shape the narrative and leave a lasting impression. Discover which scenes left us awestruck, and join us in the examination of a film that boldly challenges viewers with its narrative choices and stunning conclusions.
Support the Show.

Step into the narrative ring with us and special guest Adi Aishua as we explore the emotional landscape of "The Iron Claw," a film that brings the tumultuous tale of the Von Erich wrestling dynasty to life. Zac Efron's portrayal of family and fame dives deep into the Von Erich clan's journey, marked by patriarch Fritz's heavy hand and the brothers' search for validation amidst the chaos of the ring. Listen closely as we dissect the actors' stunning physical metamorphoses and the poignant depiction of brotherhood that resonates far beyond the wrestling arena, a testament to the film's powerful storytelling.

The conversation takes an unexpected turn when we geek out over a He-Man cameo, playfully considering digital wig makeovers and the alchemy behind the iconic transformation. We waltz through the film's soundtrack, lose ourselves in the era's beats, and unpack how music underscores the emotional pulls of the narrative. With Adi Aishua's fresh perspectives and our shared enthusiasm, we peel back the layers of the on-screen relationships that amplify the drama and tug at the heartstrings.

Wrapping up the episode, we venture into the broader realm of cinematic storytelling, drawing parallels with Brendan Fraser's return to the spotlight in "The Whale" and the artful direction of movies that leave a lasting impact. Our musings wander into the daring territory of "Epstein the Musical" before grounding back to the reflections on the Von Erich saga, offering listeners a hearty mix of history, tragedy, and the riveting complexities of family legacy. Tune in for a discussion that's as gripping as the wrestling moves it depicts, and stay for the unexpected detours that make this episode truly one-of-a-kind.
Support the Show.

Ever wonder how a movie can make you laugh, grip your seat, and still leave you wanting more? Join us as we navigate the cinematic odyssey of 2023, where we dissect the year's silver screen spectacles, including the gravity-defying stunts of "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 1." Our discussion veers through the Italian locations that left us awestruck, blending a rich tapestry of critique and nostalgia that only true film enthusiasts can appreciate. From the personal anecdotes tied to the locations to the challenge of distinguishing this year's gems from last, we promise an episode filled with insightful banter and a relentless quest for the movies that truly shine.

Imagine Tom Cruise scaling another skyscraper in his fifties. We chew over the "Mission Impossible" saga's future and its daredevil lead's career longevity, debating whether the franchise should stick to its spy thriller roots or continue upping the ante. We also can't help but muse on the parallels with other action giants, like the "Fast and Furious" series. But we don't stop there; animated wonders and the web-slinging excellence of "Across the Spider-Verse" are on the agenda too. We pick apart the narrative depth, moral dilemmas, and whether cameo appearances enhance or distract from the storytelling.

Let's not forget the punchlines and face-palms that movies can sometimes bring. We take a no-holds-barred approach to the cringe-inducing dialogues from the "Madame Webb" trailer, sparing no criticism for what looks to be 2024's potential popcorn fodder. From admiration for unexpected comebacks like Brendan Fraser's gripping performance in "The Whale," to the whimsical hopes for a bolder "Mario Brothers" sequel, we cover the highs, the lows, and the laugh-out-loud moments that make going to the movies—or just talking about them—a blast. So, settle in for a ride through the best, the worst, and everything in-between from the world of film in 2023.
Support the Show.

Has the superhero genre finally met its kryptonite? This episode pulls no punches as we take aim at the cinematic disappointments that marked 2023, with a particular side-eye at the superhero fatigue that "Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania" so clearly embodies. We throw down the gauntlet on Marvel's relentless release schedule, debating its toll on even the most die-hard fans. But it's not all doom and gloom; we shine a light on "Across the Spider-Verse" for its breath of fresh air in a stifling year for the industry.

You thought "Barbie" was just child's play? Think again. We strip down the layers of misguided marketing that left us with more than we bargained for, peeling back the political veneer that the trailers carefully concealed. In an era where even the heavyweights like David Fincher stumble, we dissect the disconnect that left "The Killer" in the shadows of his past glory. And as for the legacy sequels like "Indiana Jones 5," we grapple with the question: Are they redefining classics or just riding on nostalgia's coattails?

We wrap things up with a reflective glance at the year's challenges and a hopeful gaze towards the horizon. Despite the stumble of DC films and the waning allure of the big screen, we spot a flicker of hope in the surprising dynamism of "Godzilla Minus One." And as we bid adieu to the year with a mixture of humor and weariness, our anticipation for "Deadpool 3" proves that our love for cinema burns eternal. So join us as we raise a toast to the past and set our sights on the cinematic adventures awaiting us in the new year.
Support the Show.

"Is 'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes' more than just a fancy title? 

we dive headfirst – or maybe just toe-dip – into the Hunger Games prequel. Will it soar like a songbird or hiss away like a snake? Let's find out!
We're going to investigate young Snow. Does he chill us to the bone, or is he more of a snowflake? We'll dig into Rachel Ziegler's performance too. Spoiler alert: There's singing involved – because what’s a Ballad without a few tunes?
Get ready for a rollercoaster of ‘why did they do that?’ as we compare this prequel to the beloved original trilogy. It's like déjà vu, but with less... well, everything. From casting choices that had us scratch our heads to plot twists that left us spinning in circles – we're covering it all!
Join us for laughs, rants, and maybe even a few revelations as we navigate the maze that is 'The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.' 
Support the Show.