The CineClub Podcast

In the final part of this year’s A CineClub Halloween, the team of Billy, Jake, Matthew and Rhys delve into the world of horror B-Movies, spanning three separate generations.

Beginning with the classic era of Roger Corman and Ed Wood with films like Plan 9 From Outer Space (1957) and Bucket of Blood (1959), the team pick apart the tropes and traits of these films, as well as their influences on the future B-Movies to come.

The group then moves on to what seems to be their favourite period of B-Movies: those spanning fr...

In the third instalment of this year’s A CineClub Halloween, the team of Jake, Billy and Dion delve into the worlds of Stephen King, specifically the adaptations of his horror works.

Conversations span from both renditions of It (1990/2017/2019) to Carrie (1976) and even some of King’s more cult or niche projects like Creepshow (1982) and Maximum Overdrive (1986). There’s so much to cover in so little time.

Discussions arise as to whether or not Stephen King himself is a good writer, or whether his stories work better in the vacuum of the silver screen. One thing...

In the second episode of this year's A CineClub Halloween, the team of Jake, Billy, Dion and new host Alec tackle both arthouse and international horror.

Beginning with arthouse horror, the group makes their way through a plethora of films, including The Substance (2024), Sinners (2025) and Get Out (2017), in relation to the boom in 'Arthouse' horror. They talk about the newfound award buzz and critical acclaim horror has been receiving over the last few years, as well as if this phenomenon is new at all, or has some basis in the past too.

They then move...

‘A CineClub Halloween makes its bloody return this spooky season with our first in a four-part series. This week, the team of Billy, Matthew, Dion and Rhys delve into Blumhouse, the studio arguably at the forefront of modern horror.

While a lot of the discussion centres on this year’s surprising smash hit Obsession (2026), as well as the ramifications that will come along with it for Blumhouse, the group also gives some time in the spotlight to Blumhouse’s other horror works. From Five Nights at Freddy’s (2023), to The Black Phone (2021) to Creep (2014) and most everything in-betwe...

It’s all about film musicals this week as Billy, Jake, Emily and Adam explore the features of the genre and pick out their favourites.

There are musicals through the decades including Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), Little Shop of Horrors (1986), The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall (2011) Tick Tick Boom (2021) and what appears to be everyone’s favourite Singin’ in the Rain (1952).

The chat covers the performances, storytelling, props, sequences and, of course, the all-important songs.

Our presenters are Billy, Jake, Emily and Adam. The episode was engineered and edited by Emi...

It’s a real epic episode this week where Matthew, Jake, Rhys and Billy review this summer’s film releases.

The chat includes discussion of Spiderman (2026), Supergirl (2026), The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026), Tony (2026), and briefly Toy Story 5 (2026).

If you’re wondering why Odyssey (2026) wasn’t on the list of summer 2026 releases, rest assured that the latest Christopher Nolan film will have a whole episode of it’s own coming soon.

Our presenters are Matthew, Jake, Rhys and Billy. The episode was engineered and edited by Emily Main.

Let us know what films you enjoye...

This week we’re having fun trying to Guess the Film from some prompts provided by Matthew, Billy and Rhys.

It’s a hoot listening to the lads in the studio trying to Guess each other’s films from a brief summary of the film, a piece of trivia relating to the film and the decade of the film. There’s points available, so play along and let us know your score and if you would like to hear more of this type of content.

Our presenters are Matthew, Billy and Rhys. The episode was engineer...

This week we continue the Japanese theme with a full episode focusing upon the influential filmmaker Akiro Kurosawa.

Our presenters, Rhys and Billy, consider, in detail, the features of Kurosawa’s work over six decades of filmmaking; from the distinct visual style, the repeating themes, the pacing and movement, and the huge impact he has had on directors and filmmakers which come after him.

Our presenters are Rhys and Billy. The episode was engineered and edited by Emily Main.

Let us know your favourite Kurosawa film and what would you like to see on...

This week the focus is Studio Ghibli, the critically acclaimed Japanese animation studio. The studio officially began in 1985, but the recognisable style and themes are evident in even earlier work such as Castle of Cagliostro (1979) which is mentioned a few times in this episode.

Our presenters, Jake, Amy and Dion, are fans of Ghibli and they each pick favourites from Ponyo (2008), The Boy and the Heron (2023), The Wind Rises (2013) and Princess Mononoke (1997). It’s quite a love fest for Ghibli…

Our presenters are Jake, Amy and Dion. The episode was engineered and edited by Emily Main...

In this episode, Dion, Elliott and Jake discuss the films of the Cannon Group Inc which made films between 1967 and 1994. The company are renowned for action films – some good, and many…not so good.

The team sift through Cannon’s canon and pick their personal favourites Bloodsport (1988) and Highlander (1986), and some others such as Superman IV (1987) Masters of Universe (1987) Death Wish II (1982), and they wonder whether Cannon deserves it’s cult following. Let us know what you think…

Our presenters are Dion, Elliott and Jake. The episode was engineered and edited by Emily Main.

Let us k...

This week Jake and Dion wax lyrical about the writer, director and actor, Kevin Smith.

The discussion focuses on Smith’s fictional universe View Askewniverse and the films of this canon, such as Clerks (1994), Mallrats (1995), Chasing Amy (1997), Dogma (1999) and the Jay and Silent Bob films.

Our presenter duo pick their favourites and heartily disagree on some points - although Smith's signature film parody scenes are mutually appreciated.

Our presenters are Jake and Dion. The episode was engineered and edited by Emily Main.

Let us know your favourite Kevin Smith film and wh...

To get in the mood for the UK release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day (2026), the team have a whole episode dedicated to Spider-Man films.

Our presenters Dion, Jake, Matthew and Billy all pick favourites and take time to discuss Spider-Man films from the Sam Raimi era to Marc Webb and Jon Watts, then take a detour into the animated films, and what they are hoping for with the new Destin Daniel Cretton update.

Our presenters are Dion, Jake, Matthew and Billy. The episode was engineered and edited by Emily Main.

Let us know...

This week the team of Dion, Elliott and Matthew discuss A24 Films.

This indie production and distribution company have created a cannon of cult classics such as The Lighthouse (2019), Backrooms (2026), The Iron Claw (2023) and Dream Scenario (2023).

The chat focuses upon the distinctive styles of storytelling that A24 have developed in the horror and arthouse spheres, and which are now influencing more mainstream productions.

Our presenters are Dion, Elliott and Matthew. The episode was engineered by Billy Moore and edited by Emily Main.

Let us know your favourite A24 film and what...

It’s a special episode this week to celebrate Graduation.

We managed to squeeze five presenters into Studio 4 so that Matthew, Emily, Rhys, Jake and Billy could reminisce together about their time studying at the University of Sunderland and being regular CineClub members.

They each pick their favourite films from the course, from CineClub and one final film they’d love to screen - that’s a lot to pack in to the 70th episode of the CineClub Podcast.

Our presenters are Matthew, Emily, Rhys, Jake and Billy. The episode was engineered by ‘the lege...

To celebrate his 100th birthday, CineClub celebrates the work of Mel Brooks.

This week’s presenters, Elliott, Dion and Billy pick their favourite Brooks films including Young Frankenstein (1974), Spaceballs (1987) and The Producers (1967) and Blazing Saddles (1974).

The team discuss the impact of Brooks in the development of the parody/spoof film, his acting appearances in random films and his huge influence upon other directors. Brooks is clearly worthy of his ‘icon’ status.

Our presenters are Elliott, Dion and Billy. The episode was engineered by Matthew Elliott and edited by Emily Main.

Let us kno...

This week the team of Billy, Emily and Rhys take another foray into the realm of television with a discussion of the fantasy epic Game of Thrones and it’s spin offs House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

There is a lot of chat about the characters and plot points and a bit of ranting from Rhys about subverting expectations, plot armour and some apparent ‘teleporting’…

Our presenters are Billy, Emily and Rhys. The episode was engineered by Matthew Elliott and edited by Emily Main.

Let us know your fav...

It’s back to the Golden Age of Hollywood this week on the podcast with Jake and Billy looking back on the work of director Billy Wilder.

It’s classics all the way from Double Indemnity (1944) to Sunset Boulevard (1950), The Seven Year Itch (1955), Some Like it Hot (1959) and The Apartment (1960).

The guys rank their favourites and ruminate on the repeating tropes in Wilder’s films and whether Wilder is one of the most underrated directors of this era.

Our presenters are Jake and Billy. The episode was engineered and edited by Emily Main.

L...

This week our CineClub presenters forego the big screen and have a night in to review their favourite prestige television picks.

Goodness knows how Matthew, Jake, Adam, Dion and Billy all managed to fit in the studio at once, but they definitely have fun discussing Better Call Saul (AMC), 3 Body Problem (Netflix), Invincible (Amazon Prime), Pantheon (AMC) and Daredevil (Netflix).

TeleClub produces some glorious banter. But never fear silver screen lovers, the team will be back to the cinema next time…

Our presenters are Matthew, Jake, Adam, Dion and Billy. The episode was en...

This week the team investigate the filmography of the late, great, David Lynch. Starting with Eraserhead (1980), The Elephant Man (1980), Dune (1984) and Blue Velvet (1986) Jake, Matthew, Dion and Billy discuss the weird wonders of early Lynch.

CineClub engineer and editor Emily makes her very first appearance on mic to discuss Twin Peaks before the team review his later films. Stay til the end and listen for the suitably Lynchian ending to the episode…

Our presenters are Jake, Matthew, Dion, Billy and Emily. The episode was engineered and edited by Emily Main.

Let us know yo...

This week Rhys and Billy chat to film scholar Dr Steve Cannon about the French New Wave. The conversation begins discussing the emergence of the New Wave and how it captures the spirit of the era of 1950’s and 1960’s France.

The team discuss the innovations of the New Wave directors, not only with new film techniques such as direct address to the audience, but also with ideas and style.

Most important of all is the influence of French New Wave in the development of CineClub itself…

Our presenters are Rhys and Billy with D...

This week the team, Elliott, Billy, Connell and Jake, talk Hong Kong action films. Starting with Bruce Lee’s classic martial arts films Enter the Dragon (1974) and Way of the Dragon (1972) our film devotees appreciate the spectacular fight scenes and wonder about the crossover with video games.

The conversation moves on to consider ways the genre has evolved - sometimes with comic elements such as in Jackie Chan’s Police Story (1985) and Rush Hour (1998), and sometimes with a bleak outlook such as in Chow Yun-fat’s City on Fire (1987) and Hard Boiled (1998). It’s clear there is a Hong K...

This week the team of Matthew, Dion and Rhys review the extensive filmography of the acclaimed and influential director, Martin Scorsese. Starting with Goodfellas (1990), Cape Fear (1991), Taxi Driver (1976) and Raging Bull (1981) the discussion focuses upon Scorsese’s repeated use of specific actors and his skill in creating trust on set which enables great on-screen performances.

The chat even considers Scorsese’s storytelling and use of music in documentary making with commentary on The Last Waltz (1978) and George Harrison: Living in the Material World (2011).

Our presenters are Matthew, Dion, and Rhys. The episode was engineered and edit...

This week Dion, Matthew, Rhys and Billy focus upon Nick Park’s Aardman films. The discussion begins with the quirky British charm of the Wallace and Gromit shorts and features from A Grand Day Out (1989) The Wrong Trousers (1993) A Close Shave (1995) The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005) A Matter of Loaf and Death (2008) and Vengeance Most Fowl (2024). The team remark upon the success of the spin-off from the Wallace and Gromit films– Shaun the Sheep (2015) and the critically acclaimed Chicken Run (2000) and generally marvel at Aardman’s back catalogue of animated classics which have delighted audiences for decades.

Our pr...

This week Jake chats with film maker Andrew T Smith. Andrew was writer and editor of acclaimed documentary Filmed in Supermarionation (2014) about the work of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson.

Andrew discusses the process of supermarionation film making and the broader work of Century 21 Film Productions such as Thunderbirds: The Anniversary Episodes (2015) and Nebula-75 (2020). His current work is focused upon preserving answer prints from the original supermarionation productions that have been hidden in sheds for decades – a F-A-B international rescue mission if ever there was one!

Our presenters are Jake and Andrew T Smith. The episode wa...

This week the team of Elliott, Joseph, Samantha and Adam discuss film adaptations such as The Maze Runner (2014), The Hobbit (2012), Wuthering Heights (2026), Red, White and Royal Blue (2023), The Hunger Games (2012) and Dune (2021).

There are strong opinions on some fan favourites and some witty one-liners from Joseph. Wuthering Heights attracts some high emotions from laughing inappropriately in the cinema to floods of tears. Ultimately, there are serious points about what makes a good adaptation. Listen carefully or ‘You shall not pass’….

Our presenters are Elliott, Joseph, Samantha and Adam. The episode was engineered and edited by Emily...

This week the team of Billy, Jake and Matthew are joined by Dr Dan Ward. The episode starts with a general chat about action films such as the Rambo films, Big Trouble in Little China (1986) and Taken (2008).

The discussion extends to the connections between the military and action films. Dr Dan explains the use of films as ‘soft power’ for governments. You’ll never watch an action film in the same way again….you’ll be shaken, not stirred.

Our presenters are Billy, Jake, Matthew and Dr Dan Ward. The episode was engineered and edited by Emily M...

It’s Oscar time this week at CineClub Podcast as the team discuss the contenders for the golden statuette – arguably the most recognised film trophy in the world.

The two front runners, One Battle After Another (2025) and Sinners (2025) are not everyone’s favourite picks. And the chat between Dion, Elliott, Adam and Billy soon moves to ask questions about the fairness (or not) of the nominations process and some films which would have been worthy nominees.

Our presenters are Dion, Elliott, Adam and Billy. The episode was engineered and edited by Emily Main.

Let us...

Our presenters Matthew, Adam, Ben and Billy indulge in some guilty pleasures this week looking at some questionable but loved films such as Popeye (1980), The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976), The Lego Ninjago Movie (2027), North Sea Hijack (1980) and Venom (1981).

A recurring theme in the discussion is also the behind the scenes guilty pleasures of the actors/directors during film production. Tune in to find out more…

Our presenters are Matthew, Adam, Ben and Billy. The episode was engineered by Rhys Hunter and edited by Emily Main.

Let us know what your favourite guilty pl...

This week it’s the good, the bad and the ugly of movie posters. The team of Connell, Elliott, Matthew and Jake have a blast discussing their favourites and fails of film promo posters.

Our presenters are Connell, Elliott, Matthew and Jake. The episode was engineered and edited by Emily Main.

Let us know what your favourite Film Poster and what would you like to see on the CineClub Podcast in the future by using the email below or sending a message on our Instagram.

This episode was recorded and produced by the Ci...

Biopics are a relatively new genre so the team of Matthew, Ben, Samanatha and Jake have some fun highlighting the key elements and emerging trends in this type.

There’s a review of Air (2023), A Complete Unknown (2024), Rocket Man (2019) and Patton (1970). The team wonder about ‘truth’ claims in some of the films and whether the tendency to represent only a small section of a person’s life will continue in future biopics.

Our presenters are Matthew, Ben, Samantha and Jake. The episode was engineered and edited by Emily Main.

Let us know what your fav...

In this episode the team of Connell, Billy, Dion and Rhys turn their attention to the everlasting wonder of The Wizard of Oz (1939, Fleming) and it’s adaptations Wicked (2024, Chu), Wicked: For Good (2025, Chu), The Wiz (1978, Lumet) Return to Oz (1985, Murch) and the obscure After the Wizard (2011, Gross).

The discussion focuses upon the timeless quality of the 1939 film from many perspectives such as the aesthetics of the sets and use of colour, to the universal message and the nostalgia it evokes. It seems there really is no place like home…

Our presenters are Connell, Billy, Dion...

In this episode, the team of Elliott, Billy, Dion and Jake discuss the Tron franchise focusing on Tron (1982, Lisberger), Tron: Legacy (2010, Kosinski) and Tron: Ares (2025, Rønning).

The chat covers the aesthetics of the films and how innovative the first film was, but also the generally weak dialogue and the annoyingly long gaps between the films. Interestingly, the connections to other film, television and music productions seem to make the Tron franchise ‘cult’ films … ‘Have you guys ever seen Tron?’

Our presenters are Elliott, Billy Dion and Jake. The episode was engineered and edited by Emily Main...

This week the Podcast is recorded in front of a live audience as part of our International Film Festival where we screened Divines (2016), Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988) and Chungking Express (1995).

The team of Florence, Rhys and Jake take questions about the films from the audience and provide commentary on the cultural and historical contexts and overall style of each of the films – and even the use of British slang in the subtitles…

Our presenters are Florence, Rhys and Jake. The episode was engineered and edited by Emily Main.

Let us k...

It’s a milestone this week for The CineClub Podcast as we reach 50 episodes! To celebrate the Golden Anniversary, the team of Jake, Billy, Matthew and Bebe take a nostalgic review of the evolution of the podcast.

It’s a joyous episode of quirky behind the scenes memories, a few film one-liners and some highs and lows along the way. It’s a love letter to CineClub itself…

Our presenters are Jake, Billy, Matthew and Bebe. The episode was engineered and edited by Emily Main.

Let us know your favourite CineClub episode and what wou...

In this episode Billy, Rhys, Jake and Elliott engage in some rapid-fire banter about the Predator universe of films.

Jake and Elliott confess to watching the Predator films before they were strictly old enough and this prompts some quite deep chat. The group rank some of the older films and spend time considering the crossover films and the lore of the universe overall. It’s clear there are some Predator super fans on the team!  

Our presenters are Billy, Rhys, Jake and Elliott . The episode was engineered and edited by Emily Main.

Let us...

We’re back after the festive break and exploring the Rom-Com genre with old hands Matthew and Jake and newbies Amy and Samantha.

The team pick out some favourites: Annie Hall (1977), When Harry Met Sally (1989) Notting Hill (1999) and the less well-known Swedish film Four More Years (2010).

The discussion naturally focusses on love and laughs and the difficulties of making comedy work across cultural boundaries. Is there such a thing as ‘British cosy’? Perhaps Hugh Grant might know…  

Our presenters are Matthew, Jake, Ben, Amy and Samantha. The episode was engineered and edited by Emily Mai...

This week we get to commemorate a very important birth… yes, it’s a year since the first CineClub Podcast!

The team of Jake, Ben, Joseph and Adam talk favourite festive films from Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2 (1992), to Arthur Christmas (2011) and Klaus (2019). The chat covers some of the quirky characters, music and strange plots, and even whether Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) is a Christmas film at all… oh yes it is!

Our presenters are Jake, Ben, Joseph and Adam. The episode was engineered and edited by Emily Main.

Let us know your favourite Christ...

This week the team of Billy, Matthew and Rhys welcome new presenter, Ben.

The discussion addresses the expectations of the western genre and highlights how genres can develop over time. The team discuss pre and post 1950’s westerns and how these films become increasingly action packed as they move from the ‘classic’ western to the parody westerns such as Blazing Saddles (1974) and Three Amigos (1987) to the ‘modern’ westerns such as Unforgiven (1992).

Our presenters are Ben, Billy, Matthew and Rhys. The episode was engineered and edited by Emily Main.

Let us know your favourite western fi...

This week we break new CineClub ground with an episode which was recorded live at Diegos rather than in Studio 4. The team of Rhys, Dion, Billy and Connell discuss the Knives Out series and interact with a live audience.

The chat begins by examining performances and storylines in Knives Out (2019) and Glass Onion (2022) and teases the forthcoming Wake Up Dead Man (2025).

Our presenters are Rhys, Dion, Billy and Connell. The episode was engineered and edited by Emily Main.

Let us know your favourite Knives Out film using the email below or sending a...

This week we introduce two new presenters Adam and Joseph who join Elliott and Matthew to shine the desk lamp on to Pixar films.

With a focus on the Pixar franchises of Monsters, Inc, and Incredibles, and then the Oscar winning Up (2009) and Cars 2 (2011), the discussion considers the darker and often scarier themes and scenes which seem to characterise Pixar films.  Inevitably, the discussion starts to address some issues with the Disney brand and whether Pixar can regain it’s earlier status.

Our presenters are Elliott, Matthew, Adam and Joseph. The episode was engineered and edi...