Houselights: A Film Director Podcast

Houselights: A Film Director Podcast

If you’re looking for the best movie podcast for everyone who appreciates movies, subscribe to “Houselights” today! Each week, hosts Darren Moser, John Mills, and Tristan Riddell share what they see as a movie director’s signature approach and how it shaped the movies you love. Join them as they unpack the works of some of the most prominent directors - and the lost works of the most masterful auteurs. Weekly episodes comprise series featuring works of different directors approached in unexpected ways. For example: The entire filmography of a celebrated director like David Fincher or Christopher Nolan; The films of a director during a particular decade, like Francis Ford Coppola in the 1990s; A single film from each decade of the impactful director Spike Lee to see how his style evolved; The approach of different directors to a single franchise character or series, such as Hannibal Lecter or James Bond, and They’re always open to suggestions from listeners at https://thenerdparty.com/contact! In each case, your hosts bring unique takes to the discussion, fostering an informative conversation that’s equally insightful and entertaining...from an objectively critical but objectively fair angle. So, if you’re interested in the stories behind the story, the decisions that shape our favorite films, and the people who make them happen, “Houselights” is the best movie podcast for you. We are proud to be part of The Nerd Party Network, which is dedicated to presenting an objective perspective on the media we all love.

Episodes

House of Fuqua - 242 - The Replacement Killers

August 28, 2025 • 43 mins
Explore Antoine Fuqua's directorial debut, "The Replacement Killers," as we discuss its homage to Hong Kong action cinema, the star-studded cast, and the challenges Fuqua faced as a first-time director. With insights into the film's nostalgic 90s vibe and its place in Fuqua's evolving career, this discussion is a must-listen for action movie enthusiasts and film buffs alike.
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House of Jonze - 241 - Her

August 22, 2025 • 62 mins
In this episode, we explore the complex relationship between technology and intimacy as depicted in Spike Jonze's visionary film, 'Her.' Join us as we examine the emotional depth and philosophical questions raised by the film, examining how artificial intelligence challenges our understanding of love and connection. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of human relationships in a digital age.
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House of Jonze - 240 - Where the Wild Things Are

August 14, 2025 • 51 mins
Spike Jonze’s 2009 film Where the Wild Things Are is an ambitious adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s classic children’s book, but despite its stunning visuals and unique atmosphere, it struggles to capture the warmth and timeless charm of the original story. Billed as a family movie, this fantasy-drama often feels more like an indie art film, leaving many viewers, especially younger audiences, confused, restless, or disappointed.
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House of Jonze - 239 - Adaptation

August 7, 2025 • 51 mins
In this episode, we take a closer look at Spike Jonze’s Adaptation, exploring its unique narrative structure and the standout performances by Nicolas Cage, Chris Coooper, and Meryl Streep. We delve into the film's themes of creativity and identity, offering insights that both fans and newcomers will appreciate. Join us for a thoughtful conversation about this intriguing film and what makes it a significant work in contemporary cine...
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House of Jonze - 238 - Being John Malkovich

July 25, 2025 • 59 mins
Start our Spike Jonze retrospective with "Being John Malkovich"! Discover how this 1999 classic challenges identity & reality through Jonze's unique vision.
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Wing of Ghostface - 237 - Scream VI

July 10, 2025 • 70 mins
For longtime fans, Scream VI is a satisfying, blood-soaked entry that balances legacy and reinvention. It’s not perfect, but it’s bold, entertaining, and proves that Ghostface still has plenty of life—and knives—left.
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Wing of Ghostface - 236 - Scream (2022)

July 3, 2025 • 68 mins
"Scream" (2022), the fifth installment in the iconic horror franchise, attempts to breathe new life into a series that has become a staple of the genre. While it successfully pays homage to its predecessors, it struggles to carve out its own identity.
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House of Craven - 235 - Scream 4

June 26, 2025 • 55 mins
"Scream 4" is a commendable addition to the franchise that successfully balances nostalgia with a modern twist. It captures the essence of what made the original films so beloved while addressing contemporary issues within the horror genre. Although it may not reach the heights of the original "Scream," it offers enough thrills, humor, and social commentary to satisfy both longtime fans and newcomers alike. The film stands as a tes...
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House of Craven - 234 - Scream 3

June 19, 2025 • 51 mins
While this installment attempts to capture the magic of its predecessors, it often feels like a shadow of what once was. We’ll explore the film's self-referential humor, uneven pacing, and the challenges of continuing a beloved franchise. With a mix of nostalgia and critique, we’ll discuss how "Scream 3" fits into Craven's legacy and whether it manages to deliver the thrills fans expect. 
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House of Craven - 233 - Scream 2

June 13, 2025 • 58 mins
Scream 2 is an excellent follow-up. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel but understands the assignment. If you liked the first one, there’s a lot here to enjoy—familiar faces, fresh kills, and a continued sense that horror can be scary and smart without taking itself too seriously.
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House of Craven - 232 - Scream

June 5, 2025 • 54 mins
"Scream" (1996) is a landmark film that redefined the slasher genre and remains a must-watch for horror enthusiasts. Its clever writing, engaging characters, and masterful direction make it a standout in the realm of horror cinema. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the genre, "Scream" offers a thrilling experience that combines scares with sharp wit.
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House of Craven - 231 - New Nightmare

May 29, 2025 • 52 mins
While New Nightmare has its moments of creativity and strong performances, it ultimately falls short of delivering the thrills and chills that fans expect from a Nightmare on Elm Street film. It’s a thought-provoking entry in the franchise, but one that lacks the cohesive storytelling and visceral scares that made the original films classics. For die-hard fans of the series, it may be worth a watch, but for those seeking a truly te...
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House of Craven - 230 - Nightmare on Elm Street

May 23, 2025 • 60 mins
There’s no denying Nightmare’s place in horror history. It birthed a legend, introduced a terrifying concept, and proved that low-budget horror could be wildly imaginative. But as a film, it’s best appreciated with caveats. It’s not airtight. It’s not consistently scary. But it is audacious, and sometimes that’s enough to earn a nightmare or two.
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Wing of Predator - 229 - Prey

May 15, 2025 • 60 mins
Prey proves that the Predator concept doesn’t need constant escalation or lore expansion to be effective—it just needs focus, craft, and the courage to tell a story from a new point of view. It’s the best the franchise has been since the original 1987 film, and a thrilling reminder that even well-worn monsters can still surprise us.
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Wing of Predator - 228 - The Predator

May 8, 2025 • 53 mins
"The Predator" (2018) attempts to breathe new life into the iconic franchise with a mix of action, humor, and sci-fi elements. However, the film struggles with a convoluted plot that juggles multiple storylines, leading to moments of confusion. While "The Predator" offers some entertaining moments and nostalgic nods to its predecessors, it ultimately leaves viewers divided on its effectiveness as a continuation of the franchise.
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House of Nolan - 227 - Oppenheimer

May 2, 2025 • 56 mins
In many ways, Oppenheimer feels like the thematic culmination of Nolan’s career. From The Prestige to Inception to Interstellar, he has always been fascinated with the intersection of genius and guilt, ambition and consequence. But here, stripped of science fiction and cinematic sleight of hand, Nolan delivers a film that is brutally human. The most horrifying image isn’t the mushroom cloud—it’s a silent, shell-shocked Oppenheimer,...
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Wing of Predator - 226 - Predators

April 24, 2025 • 53 mins
Predators may not break new ground, but it’s a smartly brutal throwback that understands what made the first film great—tense jungle action, deadly hunters, and a battle of wills. It stumbles occasionally, but it lands on its feet and claws out.
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Wing of Predator - 225 - Predator 2

April 18, 2025 • 54 mins
Predator 2 is an ambitious but messy sequel. It deserves credit for not simply rehashing the original and for daring to expand the mythos. But its execution feels scattered, and it lacks the tight pacing and focus that made its predecessor a classic. Worth watching for fans of the franchise or sci-fi horror, but temper your expectations.
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Wing of Predator - 224 - Predator

April 11, 2025 • 62 mins
More than three decades later, Predator remains a blueprint for how to craft a taut, thrilling, and endlessly watchable action film. If you’ve never seen it, now’s the time, as we start our Wing of Predator and explore how each director tackles the character.
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House of Linklater - 223 - Before Midnight

April 3, 2025 • 53 mins
"Before Midnight" is a thought-provoking and heartfelt film that offers a mature look at love and commitment. It may not have the same whimsical vibe as "Before Sunrise," but it wraps up the trilogy in a powerful way, leaving you with plenty to think about. If you’re a fan of the series or just love a good exploration of relationships, this one’s definitely worth a watch.
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