Adventure sports films/documentaries have become more and more popular as the technology to actually film some of these things has advanced. If the film cannot adequately convey the scope and hazard of the events, it doesn’t matter how compelling the human stories are behind them.

And in the end, these films are about the humans.

Now, NatGeo presents what may very well be the ultimate adventure:

Everest: The Other Side

110 Minutes, Rated PG-13

Directed by Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai Va...

There is a reason Laika is one of (if not THE) biggest names in the stop motion animation field. From Coraline, to Kubo and the Two Strings, to ParaNorman, The Box Trolls (underrated), the quality of their films has never been in question.

Travis Knight returns and gives us a straight-up love letter to Laika’s home base of Portland, Oregon,and another surprising adventure.

WILDWOOD

130 Minutes, Rated PG-13

Written by Chris Butler, Colin Meloy, Carson Ellis

Directed by Travis KNight

Wow. Normally, documentaries are fairly predictable: present a thing and then, most of the time, opine on it according to your (the filmmaker's) beliefs.

But every once in a while, you get something... different.

YOU CAN SEE EVERYTHING

174 Minutes, Rated R

Directed by Nathan Fielder, Lance Oppenheim

Synopsis:

Thirty-four days before she's sent to prison, notorious Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes invites a skeptical film crew to document her every move. What begins as an intimate portrait becomes a mind-bending...

So the guys did a panel at this year's FanX Salt Lake:

The Visually Stunning Movie Podcast VS The Evil Dead

A great time was had by all those in attendance, and they've finally made it available to everyone.

Have fun, y'all!

~~~~~

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Tom Cruise has a new movie out, with acclaimed director Alejandro G. Iñárritu:

DIGGER

129 Minutes, Rated R

Written by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Alexander Dinelaris, Nicolás Giacobone

Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu

Synopsis:

The most powerful man in the world embarks on a frantic mission to prove he is humanity's savior before the disaster he's unleashed destroys everything.

Some say it's incredible... some say it's execrable...

But what is it, really?

Facebook, for all its age, is still THE ubiquitous social media platform, and Zuckerberg remains the face of social media, for good or ill. In theaters now, it's

THE SOCIAL RECKONING

112 Minutes, Rated R

Written by Aaron Sorkin

Directed by Aaron Sorkin

Synopsis:

Follows Frances Haugen, a young Facebook engineer, who enlisted the help of Jeff Horwitz, a Wall Street Journal reporter, to blow the whistle on the social network's most guarded secrets.

What do we think?<...

You can read more reviews and opinions on our website: https://VSMoviePodcast.com.

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Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to our audio wherever you listen to podcasts (https://shows.acast.com/vsmoviepodcast).

And please, if you like what we do, consider helping us keep on entertaining you. Find out how...

New in theaters this weekend, Brad Pitt really pushes himself to the edge as he fights

THE HEART OF THE BEAST

101 Minutes, Rated PG-13

Written by Cameron Alexander

Directed by David Ayer

Synopsis:

After a harrowing plane crash, a Special Forces officer and his combat dog find themselves stranded deep in the Alaskan wilderness. Together, they are forced into a brutal fight for survival against the elements.

Can Pitt pull a Hanks and pull off a...

Blasting into theaters this Friday, September 4, from writer/director Adam Wingard, comes

ONSLAUGHT

92 Minutes, Rated R

Written by Simon Barrett, Adam Wingard

Directed by Adam Wingard

Synopsis:

When a rogue squad of genetically engineered super soldiers break loose in the desert, a badass Army sniper must unleash hell to protect her young daughter.

Can you say "Carpenter wanna-be?"

~~~~~

You can read more reviews and opinions on our website: https://VSMoviePodcast.com.<...

We missed it at Sundance, where it was a sensation (seriously, two Press & Industry screenings has hundreds of people turned away!), but now we've seen it.

What is it? It's

BUDDY

95 Minutes, Rated R

Written by Casper Kelly, Jamie King

Directed by Casper Kelly

Synopsis:

A brave girl and her friends must escape a kids television show.

Does it live up to the hype generated at Sundance?

Let's find out.

2026 has been a pretty good year for low-budget, indie-type, horror films, with Obsession and Backrooms both bringing the heat earlier in the year.

Heck, even Markiplier's Iron Lung made some waves, even if it didn't break through at the box office.

Enter first-time director Alex Ullom, then, with his existential horror,

IT ENDS

89 Minutes, Rated R

Written by Alex Ullom

Directed by Alex Ullom

Synopsis:

Friend son a late-night food run become trapped on...

In theaters this week, Ridley Scott returns with a post-apocalyptic thriller:

THE DOG STARS

158 Minutes, Rated R

Written by Peter Heller, Mark L. Smith, Christopher Wilkinson

Directed by Ridley Scott

Synopsis:

In a post-apocalyptic world, a virus wipes out humanity. Survivors face roaming scavengers called Reapers. Protagonist Hig, a pilot, survived the flu but lost his wife.

Legendary director, solid cast... can it be more than the sum of its parts?

Let's find out.<...

Well, another week, another ambitious release. This time, it's the Spielbergian-flavored

THE END OF OAK STREET

99 Minutes, Rated PG-13

Written by David Robert Mitchell

Directed by David Robert Mitchell

Synopsis:

The Platt family bands together to navigate their new surroundings after a cosmic event transports their suburban neighborhood to someplace unknown.

Can this film possibly capture and present itself in the way it hopes to?

Let's find out.

~~~~~

...

Well, the discussion on this one got crazier than we had anticipated:

ICE CREAM MAN

86 Minutes, Rated R

Written by Eli Roth, Noah Belson

Directed by Eli Roth

Synopsis:

An idyllic summer town descends into madness when an ice cream man serves kids sweet delights with horrifying results.

Let's talk about what Eli Roth has or hasn't done with this one, shall we?

~~~~~

You can read more reviews and opinions on...

When last we left Peter Parker, he'd just been wiped from the global memory in order to stop an incursion of universes into his own.

But now, he's back:

SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY

145 Minutes, Rated PG-13 Written by Chris McKenna, Erick Sommers, Stan Lee

Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton

Synopsis:

A forgotten Peter Parker lives alone as a full-time Spider-Man until mounting pressure triggers a dangerous change and a powerful new enemy emerges.

So what do w...

So, fun fact: this has been such a crazy year that I completely overlooked posting the panel I did with Craig Price at COMICPALOOZA this May.

It was a fun discussion on 4 films from 1986 - FORTY YEARS AGO.

We had countless choices, but these were the ones we went with. We discussed them on a stage in the middle of the show floor, last panel of the day, and at the end, well... you'll see (hear).

Enjoy this look back at "4 for 40."

~~~~~

You can...

Without a doubt, this week's, and perhaps this Summer's, biggest release is

THE ODYSSEY

172 Minutes, Rated R

Written by Christopher Nolan, Homer

Directed by Christopher Nolan

Synopsis:

After the Trojan War, Odysseus faces a dangerous voyage back to Ithaca, meeting creatures like the Cyclops Polyphemus, Sirens, and Calypso along the way.

Much speculation and controversy has been thrown this film's way, most without basis in knowledge, but some thrown out by people who know.

...

While both Ryan and I are fans of the Evil Dead franchise, I am by far the more... devoted... fan.

So what did we think of the latest entry in the Sam Raimi created universe:

EVIL DEAD BURN

110 Minutes, Rated R Written by Sébastien Vanicek, Florent Bernard

Directed by Sébastien Vanicek

Synopsis:

After the loss of her husband, a woman seeks solace with her in-laws. As one by one they transform into deadites, she comes to discover th...

So this week has another, artier movie release than usual. We missed it at Sundance, A24 bought it, and now it's here.

THE INVITE

107 Minutes, Rated R

Written by Cesc Gay, Will McCormack, Rashida Jones

Directed by Olivia Wilde

Synopsis:

Joe and Angela's marriage is on thin ice. When they invite their enigmatic upstairs neighbors for a dinner party, the night spirals into unexpected places.

This isn't your typical date movie, that's for sure.

~~~~~<...

In 2016, Disney released an animated film that caught the interest of the audience and became one of their favorite and most successful "modern" films. In 2025, they released the sequel to said film, which also did pretty well.And this year, we got... checks notes... a live action remake of the original film.

*sigh*

Here we go.

It's time to talk about Dwayne Johnson's wig

MOANA

What did we think? Listen on to find out.

~~~~~

...

This weekend we got the latest installment in the Minion-verse:

MINIONS AND MONSTERS

90 Minutes, Rated PG

Written by Pierre Coffin, Brian Lynch

Directed by Pierre Coffin, Patrick Delage

Synopsis:

Follows the Minions in 1920s Hollywood as they search for frightening creatures for their monster movie, partner with a green creature, and must save the planet after unleashing monsters.

Just like the Toy Story franchise, the Minions are generally seen as a bulletproof theatrical release. But is it?<...

Yep. It's time.

What do we think about

SUPERGIRL

107 Minutes, Rated PG-13

Written by Ana Nogueira, Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster

Directed by Craig Gillespie

Synopsis:

Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, joins forces with an unlikely companion on an interstellar journey of vengeance and justice when an unexpected adversary strikes too close to home.

Much ado has been ado-ing in the lead up to opening weekend.

Let's discuss, shall we?

~~~~~<...

Did we need FIVE Toy Story films…?

After Toy Story 4 made me cry twice, my initial reaction is to say “no.”

But let’s talk about it.

TOY STORY 5

102 Minutes, Rated PG

Written by Andrew Stanton, McKenna Harris

Directed by McKenna Harris, Andrew Stanton

Synopsis:

Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the rest of the gang's jobs are challenged when they're introduced to electronics, a new threat to playtime.

~~~~~

You can read...

Another year, another deconstructed hero. This one draws on all kinds of "source material" to cobble together it's narrative.

Listen as Mark and Ryan discuss

THE DEATH OF ROBIN HOOD

123 Minutes, Rated R

Written by Michael Sarnoski

Directed by Michael Sarnoski

Synopsis:

Grappling with his past after a life of crime and murder, Robin Hood finds himself gravely injured after a battle he thought would be his last. In the hands of a mysterious woman, he...

Well, well, well....

So very much negative talky-talk about this one:

DISCLOSURE DAY

145 Minutes, Rated PG-13

Written by David Koepp, Steven Spielberg

Directed by Steven Spielberg

Synopsis:

If you found out we weren't alone, if someone showed you, proved it to you, would that frighten you? The truth belongs to eight billion people.

We watched it. What did WE think about the latest from Steven Spielberg?

Listen on to find out.<...

Mark isn't the most musical-movie inclined fan, but I’ve been known to enjoy one from time to time.

Ryan tends to be, tho.

Two of director John Carney’s previous films (Sing Street and Flora and Son) are, by any definition, great, and we both enjoyed the hell out of them.

Paul Rudd is a commodity best taken in manageable doses, and Nick Jonas is, put simply, not Mark's cup of tea.

With these two competing thoughts in my head, how then would we react to

No Clipping into theaters this week, it's

BACKROOMS

110 Minutes, Rated R

Written by Will Soodik, Kane Parsons

Directed by Kane Parsons

Synopsis:

After a therapist's patient disappears into a dimension beyond reality, she must venture into the unknown to save him.

Based on the viral YouTube IP, can this big screen adaptation of short clips generate big bucks at the box office?

Let's find out.

~~~~~

You can read...

Well, Mark was at Comicpalooza over the Memorial Day weekend, and somehow wound up moderating a Star Wars panel on the fly.

THIS IS THE WAY... BACK TO THEATERS:

THE FUTURE OF STAR WARS

And what you're about to experience is the result of that panel.

Enjoy. We all did.

~~~~~

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We know you're seeing all kinds of typically hyperbolic takes on this one:

STAR WARS: THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU

132 Minutes, Rated PG-13

Written by Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni, Noah Kloor

Directed by Jon Favreau

Synopsis:

Once a lone bounty hunter, Mandalorian Din Djarin and his apprentice Grogu embark on an exciting new Star Wars adventure.

But what is an actual, reasonable take on this film, without the click-bait headlines and sensationalistic presentations?

Listen to...

Less than 2 weeks away from our road trip to Houston, Tx, for

COMICPALOOZA

as members of the Podcast Track.

We're looking forward to talking about a lot of great movies and taking part in some additional panels, as well.

Friend of the show Craig Price from MATINEE HEROES is here to help Mark get prepped for his first trip to this long-running and respected event.

~~~~~

You can read more reviews and opinions on our website: https://VSMoviePodcast...

Concert movies are drawing people back into theaters, probably because even at premium rates, they're still FAR cheaper than actual tour tickets, and easier to get.

Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft – The Tour Live in 3D

114 Minutes, Rated PG-13

Written by Tarik Mikou, Billie Eilish

Directed by James Cameron, Billie Eilish

Synopsis:

An accompanying 3D concert film, documenting the Manchester shows and co-directed by Eilish and James Cameron.

So how does Billie Eilish's tour video st...

I saw the trailer for The Sheep Detectives a couple months ago on a lovely date night with my wife.

I couldn’t believe it when I leaned over and told her “I don’t know why, but I want to see that.”

THE SHEEP DETECTIVES

109 Minutes, Rated PG

Written by Craig Mazin, Leonie Swann

Directed by Kyle Balda

Synopsis:

Every night a shepherd reads aloud a murder mystery, pretending his sheep can understand. When he is found de...

After 20 years, Anne Hathaway returns to Runaway magazine to cross swords with Meryl Streep:

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2

119 Minutes, Rated PG-13

Written by Aline Brosh McKenna, Lauren Weisberger

Directed by David Frankel

Synopsis:

As Miranda Priestly nears retirement, she reunites with Andy Sachs to face off against her former assistant turned rival: Emily Charlton.

Was this sequel worth the wait?

Let's find out.

~~~~~

You can read more...

Why is it the only mummy movies that have had any measure of success in the last 30 years are the (first two) ones starring Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz?

Lee Cronin's The Mummy

134 Minutes, Rated R

Written and Directed by Lee Cronin

Synopsis:

The young daughter of a journalist disappears into the desert without a trace. Eight years later, the broken family is shocked when she is returned to them, as what should be a joyful reunion turns into a living...

Great news for us today, as we have been accepted into the Podcaster Program for this year's

Comicpalooza!

Check out their website at comicpalooza.com for guest and ticket information!

~~~~~

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The Super Mario Bros Movie was a not-unsurprising hit, so it was only natural for Universal to want a sequel.

And here it is.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

98 Minutes, Rated PG

Written by Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic, Pierre Leduc

Directed by Matthew Fogel

Synopsis:

Mario ventures into space, exploring cosmic worlds and tackling galactic challenges far from the familiar Mushroom Kingdom.

But can it possibly fill the White Gloves of the original hit...

After the unexpectedly bonkers first film, we didn't feel as though a second was possible or necessary...

But after seeing the trailer, we become cautiously optimistic.

READY OR NOT 2: HERE I COME

108 Minutes, Rated R

Written by Guy Busick, R. Christopher Murphy, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin

Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett

Synopsis:

After surviving one deadly game, Grace and her sister Faith must now outrun four rival families competing for a powerful throne - winner takes all.

A big winner out of the Sundance Film Festival, A24 snapped this one up quick and now it's in theaters for your viewing (and listening) pleasure:

UNDERTONE

93 minutes, Rated R

Written by Ian Tuason

Directed by Ian Tuason

Synopsis:

The host of a popular paranormal podcast becomes haunted by terrifying recordings mysteriously sent her way.

Is it worth the hype? Let's find out.

~~~~~

You can read more reviews and opinions o...

Maggie Gyllenhaal is here with a tremendous cast (Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale) and inspiration from on of the greatest horror novels ever written to give us:

THE BRIDE!

126 Minutes, Rated R

Written by Maggie Gyllenhaal, Mary Shelley

Directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal

Synopsis:

In 1930s Chicago, Frankenstein asks Dr. Euphronius to help create a companion. They give life to a murdered woman as the Bride, sparking romance, police interest, and radical social change.

There's been a LOT...

Big announcement today from Nathan Fillion and his former (?) shipmates:

FIREFLY RETURNS!

Sure, it's in animated form, and sure, they don't have an actual commitment from a distribution outlet yet...

But HEY! It's back.

~~~~~

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