Phoenix Cinema Podcast

Welcome to another episode of Phoenix Cinema Film Club! Film writer Larry Taylor (John McTiernan: The Rise And Fall Of An Action Movie Icon, Tony Scott: A Filmmaker On Fire) chose this week's movie Shoot To Kill, also known as Deadly Pursuit in the UK (a title we much prefer).

This 80's action thriller teams Sidney Poitier and Tom Berenger against a deadly killer with a hostage in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest.

It's not a perfect movie but it is so much fun. Listen on and then let us know your thoughts and...

Things start off a little emotional here at the top and if that makes you uncomfortable then this is the perfect movie to discuss.

Tim Robinson and Paul Rudd star in Andrew DeYoung's feature directorial debut, Friendship, about a man suffering through a mid-life crisis who becomes obsessed with his new next door neighbour.

It is awkward, hilarious, sad and confounding at times but truly worth the watch and the discussion. This is highly recommended, so watch the movie and listen to the episode in whatever order you like. (We've tried our best to keep...

Welcome to Phoenix Cinema Podcast Film Club where Phoenix Cinema manager Zalan Pall has chosen Kelly Reichardt's Certain Women, a reflective, emotional and intimate look at a collection of certain, um, women (and men) struggling to connect with each other amid intense loneliness in the vast Montana landscape.

Listen on as we discuss the unique storytelling style of Reichardt, focusing on the emotional depth of the characters and the significance of silence in the film. We also explore the themes of loneliness, isolation and the complexities of female experiences in rural America.

Enjoy the show...

Chris and Luke discuss James Gunn's new take on the iconic character of Superman which also serves as a launch of the new DCU Studios movie slate that Gunn is now overseeing. A lot to take on. But Gunn takes it on admirably in his signature style and we had a lot of fun with this!

Listen on as we discuss what it is that works for us and what maybe doesn't. We understand this movie has divided a lot of opinion but, come on, it's Superman! There's a lot to enjoy here.

Like, rate...

Film writer Larry Taylor joins Chris Austin and Luke Parker on the Phoenix Cinema Podcast to discuss his film books (John Mctiernan: The Rise And Fall Of An Action Movie Icon, Tony Scott: A Filmmaker On Fire). Larry talks about his early love of film and how it led to him writing two books on two influential film directors for him, books that we highly recommend.

Listen on as Chris explains why he initially hid Larry's book in the bookstore when he came across it and also for what's coming next!

John Mctiernan: The Rise...

Episode Four of Phoenix Cinema Podcast Film Club brings us Hannah's pick, Adaptation, a truly zany and ultra meta film written by Charlie Kaufman about Charlie Kaufman and his fictional brother Donald who are struggling with writers block while trying to adapt a book, The Orchid Thief.

The lines between fiction and reality blur massively here but thankfully it's very well written and well directed by Spike Jonze as well as being anchored by a truly terrific cast.

It's a head scratcher but a film well worth the group conversation and what an amazing group...

Chris Austin is joined by composer and editor of the podcast, Stefan Krieger, as well as actor/playwright/friend Will Charlton to discuss the new Joseph Kosinski movie, F1.

We discuss the film's nostalgic qualities reminiscent of classic summer blockbusters, the performances of the cast, particularly Brad Pitt, and the impact of the film's score by Hans Zimmer.

We conclude with our ratings and also choose what movie we would pair alongside this. Get involved in the comments and ratings below and let us know your thoughts and pairings also!

Strap in!

Chris Austin and Luke Parker discuss Danny Boyle's highly anticipated return to the zombie universe he began with 28 Days Later with what may well have been the best movie trailer of the year.

We discuss our expectations for the movie and whether they were met as well as the surprising plot and tonal directions the story takes as well as the set up for future instalments in this wild horror franchise.

Join us for one more venture into the ravaged and terrifying landscape of the Rage Virus.

In this episode of Phoenix Cinema Podcast Film Club, Chris and Luke are joined by Phoenix Cinema manager Zalan to discuss the 1995 film Safe directed by Todd Haynes.

We dive into the film's exploration of environmental illness, psychosomatic issues, and Julianne Moore's identity crisis. We also analyse the ambiguous narrative, the societal commentary on women's health and the film's unsettling tone.

Join us as we travel to the Wrenwood community for some "healing" and listen to the end as we reveal what the next film club pick will be as well as our ratings for...

Chris Austin is joined on Phoenix Cinema Podcast by musician/filmmaker/activist Tim Arnold who discusses his background, his love for Soho, segueing a career from music into storytelling into political activism and also about his new film SUPERCONNECTED which is set to screen as a live performance by Tim Arnold alongside his album at Phoenix Cinema on September 26. Get your tickets now!

Tim was a blast to talk to and his new film is about a subject that is very relevant in our modern day tech society. We could have spoken to him on this subject...

Welcome to Episode 2 of Phoenix Cinema Podcast Film Club where we discuss the sci-fi horror classic Alien (1979).

This is a beloved film and an all time classic for a reason. We dive into the impact this film made on genre films throughout the 80's, the incredible performance of the late Ian Holm (and a personal story from Chris about the time he met him), and why the hell someone would take a cat on board a spaceship with them.

We hope you enjoy!

Chris Austin is joined by his brother who is also the composer and editor of the podcast, Stefan Krieger, to discuss the eighth (and last?) movie in the long-running M:I franchise.

Suffice to say it did not go down well considering this is meant to be the final movie of what has been a mostly inconsistent film series.

But the disappointment of the movie resulted in a really fun conversation as we discuss what didn't work for us and why as well as what does work in this movie and the others in the...

Chris Austin and Luke Parker are joined by French film composer Raphaelle Thibaut on the Phoenix Cinema Podcast to discuss her life and career, most notably the recent Disneynature documentary film, Sea Lions Of The Galapagos, which is truly a stunning musical achievement.

Raphaelle was such a blast to talk to and we hope you enjoy this episode as we continue to talk to the best film composers currently working.

Sea Lions Of The Galapagos is available to watch now on Disney+.

Welcome to Episode 50 (!!) and our first official episode of the Phoenix Cinema Podcast Film Club where Chris and Luke are joined by our favourite guest Ralph D. Apel (Getting LOST) to discuss the final Roger Moore Bond movie, A View To A Kill (1985).

This was a blast to discuss as most Bond movies usually are. Join us as we dive into what (mostly) works as well as a whole lot that doesn't and stay tuned to the end of the episode as Luke reveals what we'll be watching next!

It's time for a new Wes Anderson movie! That means strap in for some amazing production design, a quirky Desplat score, a star-studded cast and Chris and Luke just aren't that into it.

Join us as we discuss why and dig into what makes a Wes Anderson movie work for us and why we'd like to see something different.

Feel free to completely disagree with us but you have to listen first!

The Phoenician Scheme is available to watch in cinemas now.

Our favourite recurring guest Ralph D. Apel rejoins Chris Austin and Luke Parker on the Phoenix Cinema Podcast to discuss his work as a producer on the feature film documentary, Getting LOST which had its UK premiere at Phoenix Cinema in November of 2024.

Ralph is so engaging that it took two episodes to get around to this but the wait was worth it as Ralph reveals how he got involved with the film, his LOST podcast that became so popular Jorge Garcia (Hurley from LOST) would listen to it while making the show, his experience meeting Oscar-winning...

Composer of the podcast, Stefan Krieger, joins Chris and Luke as they discuss Ryan Coogler's latest film, SINNERS, which may be the most entertaining film of the year.

The music by Ludwig Göransson is absolutely fantastic and this is a film that deserves to be seen on the biggest screen possible.

Listen in as we travel to Clarksdale, Mississippi, 1932, for the best juke joint in town!

Chris Austin spoke with Oscar-winning film composer Anne Dudley (The Full Monty) about her music inspirations growing up, the power of collaboration with key filmmakers in her life and also about her upcoming film, SIGNS OF LIFE, that she composed and produced.

Anne was a delight to speak to and has had such a prolific and incredible career composing music for films, TV shows and artists.

Do look out for SIGNS OF LIFE set to be released in the UK by end of the year and check out Anne's incredible discography wherever you get your...

Chris and Luke are joined by our favourite cinema manager, Zalan Pall of Phoenix Cinema, to discuss this Oscar-winner for Best Animated Film, Flow, by Latvian filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis

In a post-apocalyptic world seemingly devoid of humans, animals still cling on to survival and we follow one black cat's journey in particular as it makes its way across a perilous landscape and the community of different creatures it encounters and the relationships they form along the way.

It's a beautiful film in many ways with no dialogue which enhances every other aspect in so many...

Chris and Luke head to a divided Argentina in 1976 for this warm, heartfelt dramedy starring Steve Coogan and a penguin.

The movie may feel forced at times but its heart is in the right place and, again, the penguin, It makes all the difference.

Listen now!

Welcome to a special Film Club episode of Phoenix Cinema Podcast where we dive into the unofficial Bond film, Never Say Never Again, the Thunderball remake starring Sean Connery on his final return to the role!

Ralph D. Apel (Getting LOST) rejoins Chris Austin and Luke Parker and fellow Film Club member Hannah Tavares to dive into this 1983 Irvin Kershner directed film, made to challenge and go head to head with the Roger Moore-starring Octopussy that same year!

This was a fun discussion where we all have our say on the Bond franchise as a...

Fil Freitas is a filmmaker and Duty Manager of the world-famous The Prince Charles Cinema in London and what he's done is he's made a movie called THE REGULARS which is a film set at the PCC and starring the PCC staff (as well as a couple of professional actors) about a day in the life working at the venue and just trying to get through the shift.

Fil was a blast to speak to, clearly so intelligent about film and so generous with his time. This is truly a special achievement and we are so proud...

Veteran film director Barry Levinson teams with veteran producer Irwin Winkler to direct legendary actor Robert De Niro (in dual roles!) in what may very well be De Niro's final say on the gangster genre.

Join Chris and Luke as they dig into this film that has been a box office bomb but is not as bad as the critics have been making it out to be. Your mileage on this one may vary but, hey, you get double De Niro for the price of one!

Film composer Raashi Kulkarni joins Chris and Luke in the PCP studio and reveals her love of music and scoring started at a very early age through to her years spent learning on the job as an assistant composer for hit TV shows to making it on her own and being the sole composer on feature films.

Raashi was an absolute pleasure to talk to and a lesson in what it is to stay humble but incredibly resilient, hard-working and collaborative.

Look out for the upcoming A Nice Indian Boy soon to reach the UK...

Producer and podcaster Ralph D. Apel (Getting LOST) joins Chris Austin and Luke Parker for an epic discussion about Ralph's multiple podcasts stretching back to 2006 as well as their favourite movie scores and composers and favourite Bond movies and everything but the movie we were meant to discuss. But that's the result of a great conversation. Time flew and we hope you enjoy one of our favourite guests so far!

It's the year 2054 and if you need a bit of money you can sign up to be an 'Expendable' someone who gets to join a space colony and if you die, no problem, you just get cloned!

Robert Pattinson stars in dual roles in Bong Joon-Ho's latest sci-fi action comedy, a rollicking good time with some truly off-kilter performances and a quirky tone that can only truly be Joon-Ho's.

Join Chris and Luke as they dive into this strange but wildly entertaining flick currently screening at Phoenix Cinema!

BAFTA-winning film composer Paul Leonard-Morgan (Limitless, Dredd) joins Chris for a chat about his career, musical influences and his upcoming projects.

Paul was a delight to speak to with a wicked sense of humour as you'll hear for yourself in this latest episode of the Phoenix Cinema Podcast.

Make sure to check out the film LAST BREATH at a cinema near you as well as the new Netflix documentary CHAOS: THE MANSON MURDERS to hear the latest scores from Paul Leonard-Morgan.

Travel back to Rio de Janeiro, 1970, with Chris and Luke as they spend time with the Paiva family and the brutal, oppressive forces that storm into their lives and tear them apart.

Spearheaded by a tour-de-force performance by Golden Globe-winning actress Fernanda Torres, this haunting, tense and emotional film speaks to familial love and the connection that binds us even in the face of such despair and horror.

Winner of Best International Film at the Academy Awards, I'm Still Here is still showing at Phoenix Cinema. See it while you can!

Join Chris and Luke as they journey to Poland with David and Benji in this moving and often funny story of the different ways we process pain and how that affects our interactions with the world.

The characters wonderfully portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin reminded us deeply of many different experiences and moments from our own lives making this a truly universal moviegoing experience.

Let's travel by boat to New York in 1947....look up! It's the Statue of Liberty; a symbol of hope and freedom for many.That's how this monumental and epic story begins.

Chris and Luke dive into this sprawling three and a half hour movie that, trust us, you do not feel and into the fantastic performances by its amazing ensemble cast as well as the excellent direction by Brady Corbet.

This is the American Dream....be careful what you wish for.

BAFTA and OSCAR-winning film composer Volker Bertelmann (All Quiet On The Western Front, Conclave) joins Chris and Luke to discuss his career, his musical upbringing and the wonderful ongoing collaborations he has forged with other composers and directors.

Volker is a fascinating and extremely talented individual who was so generous with his time and always open, honest and willing to share his hard-earned wisdom and life experience.

Join us for this insightful conversation and then head to your favourite streaming platform and listen to his music under his full name or as Hauschka. Enjoy!

Make sure you bring a set of tissues with you for this romantic tear-jerker starring Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield.

Chris Austin and Luke Parker discuss the lead actors excellent performances and great chemistry as well as the effectiveness of the non-linear narrative and Bryce Dessner's moving score.

Adam "Tex" Davis is an Emmy-nominated screenwriter and director best known for his documentary series Brain Games and Brainchild and the classic teen rom-com Just Friends.

Chris and Luke got the opportunity to welcome Adam on to the pod and they touch on Adam's humble origins and beginnings as a screenwriter, his influences and inspirations, and they crazy encounters and journey he's had along the way.

Harvey Weinstein (aka He Who Must Not Be Named) bought one of his scripts, Leonardo DiCaprio produced another and Pharrell Williams produced his Netflix documentary series.

Adam "...

Chris and Luke head back to 1838 for this Gothic horror retelling of the 1922 classic Nosferatu, the latest mood piece by filmmaker Robert Eggers.

This already feels like a classic of the genre and an indication that Chris may be coming around on Eggers as a director.

Dark, horrific, tense, romantic (?), this is a great way to kick off Season Two!

Chris and Luke end Season One with a discussion of Edward Berger's new film, Conclave, with an all star cast of character actors set within the walls of the Vatican as the battle to appoint a new Pope begins.29

We cover the stunning directing and cinematography as well as the brilliant performances of everybody involved. Ever wanted to see a Vatican cardinal vape within the City walls? Well then, this is the film for you!

Chris and Luke reflect on the year and what stood out to them the most from the podcast and beyond!

They also share what they feel is their favourite movie of the year (given there is also so much they have yet to see) and look ahead to what's to come and what they feel excited for.

Join us for a time of reflection and thank you all for listening to our debut year. Onwards and upwards, happy movie-watching and Happy New Year everyone!

Chris and Luke are joined by very special guest, BAFTA nominated actor/director Dexter Fletcher (Rocketman, Ghosted, HBO's Band Of Brothers).

Dexter grew up in North London and used to frequent the Phoenix Cinema when he was younger. He shares with us his movie-going memories at the venue as well as some reflections on the incredible five-decades long career he's had working alongside and directing some of the biggest names in Hollywood.

This is a real treat, join us for a trip to Phoenix Cinema with Dexter Fletcher.

Chris and Luke head back to World War II London for this AppleTV movie directed by British filmmaker Sir Steve McQueen about a young boy trying to get home to his mother across a war-torn landscape.

Our hosts don't feel exactly the same way about this movie but that only makes it a more interesting discussion. One thing they definitely agree on? Saoirse Ronan keeps killing it.

Chris and Luke are joined by Phoenix manager, Zalan, to discuss this quiet, contemplative and subtly powerful gem of a movie.

Join us as we head to New Ross, Ireland in 1985 where the undercurrent of this local society bubbles with a corrupt and sinister force. Cillian Murphy will stare hauntedly into space for long sections of the movie and we love it.

Chris and Luke travel to the Orkney Islands, Scotland, for this raw, heart-wrenching and ultimately triumphant and healing journey of a young woman in the throes of alcohol addiction. Saoirse Ronan's best performance according to someone on this podcast!