This Seats Taken

The summer blockbuster season is in full swing, and we're diving into everything from Superman's ongoing cultural impact to the controversial use of AI in filmmaking. The Man of Steel continues to dominate conversations weeks after release, with fans still discovering Easter eggs and collecting merchandise that's flying off shelves faster than a speeding bullet.

We explore the shifting landscape of animation...

Superman marks a triumphant new beginning for DC, delivering a joyful, optimistic superhero film that balances fun action with genuine heart. James Gunn's vision for the Man of Steel brings the character back to his comic book roots while feeling thoroughly modern and relevant for today's audiences.

• David Corenswet silences doubters with his perfect embodiment of both Superman and Clark Kent
• Nicholas Holt...

Two movie enthusiasts discuss the latest Jurassic World installment alongside summer blockbusters and theater experiences, evaluating whether the dinosaur franchise should continue or go extinct.

• Fourth of July weekend reflections and personal experiences at parties and lake houses
• Discussion of theater experiences and debates about optimal seating positions
• Deep dive into Jurassic World Rebirth's disapp...

Brad Pitt roars back to the screen in a high-octane thrill ride that proves age is just a number when passion drives you forward. As veteran racer Sonny Hayes, Pitt brings a magnetic charisma to a character whose superstitious quirks – including his refusal to touch winning trophies – hint at a complicated past filled with triumph and regret.

When struggling team owner Ruben Cervantes (perfectly cast Javier Bardem) recruit...

A movie marathon day turned chaotic adventure kicks off this special episode marking a new era for the podcast. Rob shares his ambitious feat of watching four movies across three different theaters in a single day—complete with bizarre audience encounters, a medical emergency, and the controversial decision to walk out of "The Materialist" before its conclusion. From the stunning visuals of "How to Train Your Dragon&...

Ana de Armas takes center stage in "Ballerina," expanding the John Wick universe through the story of a vengeful assassin trained from childhood who returns to kill those responsible for her father's murder.

• Ballerina fits seamlessly into the John Wick universe, taking place between John Wick 3 and 4
• Ana de Armas brings a unique fighting style focused on explosives and grenades rather than John Wick&...

Rob Miranda and martial arts expert Brandon Knight dissect the Karate Kid franchise, from the 1984 original to the new Karate Kid Legends film, exploring what makes these movies enduring cultural touchstones.

• Brandon shares his expertise as a martial artist with black belts in four different disciplines
• Both hosts discuss upcoming horror releases including new Alien and Predator projects
• The original Karate K...

We analyze whether The Accountant 2 improves upon its predecessor as Ben Affleck returns as Christian Wolff, the autistic mathematical genius who serves as both accountant and assassin.

• Ben Affleck delivers a more nuanced performance of autism in the sequel, showing detailed mannerisms and speech patterns
• The movie portrays autism almost as a superpower rather than a limitation
• John Bernthal returns as Christ...

Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan's fifth collaboration "Sinners" combines Southern blues, vampire horror, and family drama into a genre-bending masterpiece set in 1930s America. The film follows twin brothers who return to their plantation hometown to open a juke joint, only to encounter an ancient evil that threatens their community.

• Michael B. Jordan delivers a remarkable dual performance as twins Smok...

Chris Fritza, kickboxer and real estate agent, shares his journey from childhood martial arts to preparing for his upcoming MMA debut on June 7th. He discusses his fighting philosophy, training regimen, and mental approach while we review fighting movies Roadhouse and The Amateur.

• Real estate agent by day, MMA fighter by night
• Started martial arts in fifth grade, always wanted to fight professionally
• Views fi...

We recount our disappointing experience at the Podcast Movement convention in Chicago which fell drastically short of our expectations, then discuss exciting movie news from CinemaCon.

• The stark difference between our successful Podfest experience in Orlando and the business-focused, unwelcoming atmosphere at Podcast Movement
• How the Ambies award show became the highlight of an otherwise disappointing convention

Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot star in Disney's controversial live-action remake of their first princess film, but behind the fairytale lies a troubled production and mishandled marketing campaign.

• Rachel Zegler faced backlash from the moment she was cast as Snow White due to her ethnicity
• Gal Gadot's performance as the Evil Queen lacks dimension, continuing a pattern of similar performances across her films...

Jack Quaid delivers standout performances in both Novocaine and Companion, showcasing his range as an actor and his ability to play very different characters with conviction and nuance.

• Novocaine follows a man with congenital insensitivity to pain who must use his condition to rescue a woman he cares about after a bank robbery
• The film brilliantly portrays how dangerous not feeling pain can be – from setting timers...

Karla Serrato joins us to discuss her multifaceted career as an audiobook narrator, actress, and podcast host while sharing candid insights about the entertainment industry and creative life. She opens up about finding her voice through various mediums, from Second City improv to her taboo-breaking podcast adventures.

• Co-host of PottyMouth Poopcast, tackling taboo topics with scientific depth and humor
• Audiobook na...

Robert Pattinson showcases his remarkable acting range in two wildly different sci-fi films that explore identity, time, and what it means to be human.

• Mickey 17 tells the story of an "expendable" human clone who goes on dangerous missions knowing his memories will be transferred if he dies
• Bong Joon-ho's direction balances sci-fi concepts with emotional storytelling
• Robert Pattinson's cha...

Our podcast dives deep into pop culture, movie reviews, and the joy of friendship with an engaging conversation between friends. The episode features a mix of lighthearted banter, humor, and personal insights while tackling celebrity controversies and movie anticipation. 

• Movie recommendations and reviews 
• Captain America costume story and TikTok fame 
• Kendrick vs. Drake Super Bowl discussion 
• Diddy’s c...

We dive into the clumsy intersection of horror and romance in "Heart Eyes," a Valentine's Day slasher that misses the mark. The film's lack of character development, poor dialogue, and jarring tonal shifts dilute the horror experience and transform what should be a tense narrative into an unintentional comedy.

• Introduction of the film and its premise 
• Dissection of character development issues <...