I Hate Critics Movie Review Podcast

This week on the I Hate Critics Movie Review Podcast, we take a look at the weekend box office releases for August 1st—including a reboot, a remake, and an emotional indie drama. Fantastic 4 Another attempt to bring Marvel’s first family to the big screen—will this reboot finally get it right? We break down the casting, the story choices, and whether it holds a candle to previous iterations… for better or worse. Naked Gun Yes, that Naked Gun. A reboot of the iconic slapstick franchise that starred Leslie Nielsen hits theaters, and we ask the important question: can modern comedy recapture the absurd brilliance of the original? Or should some franchises be left untouched? Together An indie drama with a powerful emotional core. We dive into this intimate, relationship-driven film and discuss how well it balances its themes of love, grief, and connection. A smaller release, but one that may leave a big impact. Follow Us: Website: I Hate Critics Facebook: Everyone is a Critic Podcast Twitter/X: @criticspod Instagram: @criticspod Patreon: Support Us Merch: TeePublic Store YouTube: Watch Us 🎨 Check out Jeff's art at Jeff Lassiter Art 🎬 Read Sean’s reviews at Sean at the Movies Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe!

Clueless Directed by Amy Heckerling Starring Alicia Silverstone and Paul Rudd Shallow, rich and socially successful Cher (Alicia Silverstone) is at the top of her Beverly Hills high school's pecking scale. Seeing herself as a matchmaker, Cher first coaxes two teachers into dating each other. Emboldened by her success, she decides to give hopelessly klutzy new student Tai (Brittany Murphy) a makeover. When Tai becomes more popular than she is, Cher realizes that her disapproving ex-stepbrother (Paul Rudd) was right about how misguided she was -- and falls for him.

This week on the I Hate Critics Movie Review Podcast, we’re talking about the big theatrical releases from the weekend of July 18th — and it’s a mix of prestige and nostalgia. Eddington A new drama making its theatrical debut, Eddington explores themes of ambition, genius, and sacrifice. We dive into its performances, direction, and whether it lives up to the awards buzz it’s been getting. I Know What You Did Last Summer The classic 90s slasher is back in theaters, bringing its blend of teen horror and campy thrills to a new generation. Does it hold up? Is it better remembered as a cultural moment than as a film? We hash it out. Plus, plenty of tangents, laughs, and maybe even a few hot takes you didn’t see coming. Follow Us: Website: I Hate Critics Facebook: Everyone is a Critic Podcast Twitter/X: @criticspod Instagram: @criticspod Patreon: Support Us Merch: TeePublic Store YouTube: Watch Us Check out Jeff's Art at Jeff Lassiter Art and read Sean's Reviews at Sean at the Movies. Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe!

First Knight Directed by Jerry Zucker Starring Richard Gere, Sean Connery, and Julia Ormond Handsome swordsman Lancelot (Richard Gere) is incredibly skilled at fighting, but when he meets the lovely Guinevere (Julia Ormond), he can't seem to get past her defenses. She is betrothed to King Arthur (Sean Connery) and plans to go ahead with the wedding, despite her attraction to Lancelot. When the devious warrior Malagant (Ben Cross) rises up against Arthur, Lancelot must try to put his feelings aside and defend his king, Guinevere and all of Camelot.

This week on the I Hate Critics Movie Review Podcast, we look at the big new theatrical releases for the weekend of July 11th, with a special focus on the highly anticipated Superman. The Man of Steel returns to the big screen in a new vision of the iconic hero—does it soar to heroic heights, or does it fall flat? We also discuss the state of superhero movies in general, how audiences have changed since the genre’s peak, and what this new Superman means for the future of the DC cinematic universe. Plus, our usual banter on the box office, trailers, and whatever else we feel like complaining about! Follow Us: Website: I Hate Critics Facebook: Everyone is a Critic Podcast Twitter/X: @criticspod Instagram: @criticspod Patreon: Support Us Merch: TeePublic Store YouTube: Watch Us Check out Jeff's Art at Jeff Lassiter Art and read Sean's Reviews at Sean at the Movies. Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

This week on the I Hate Critics Movie Review Podcast, Sean and Jeff weigh in on the heated Superwoke controversy, diving into the cultural conversation and what it means for the film world. We also review three big new releases: Heads of State Directed by Ilya Naishuller Starring John Cena, Idris Elba, Priyanka Chopra The U.S. President and British Prime Minister—famous for their public feud—are forced to work together after Air Force One goes down in hostile territory. Can they stop a global conspiracy and save the free world? The Old Guard 2 Directed by Victoria Mahoney Starring Charlize Theron, Uma Thurman, Kiki Layne Andy and her band of immortal warriors face their greatest threat yet as a long-lost immortal re-emerges, complicating their mission to protect humanity. Jurassic World: Rebirth Directed by Gareth Edwards Starring Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey A daring mission to retrieve dinosaur DNA from the original Jurassic Park site uncovers a shocking, sinister secret hidden for decades. Plus our usual tangents, debates, and laughs! 🎧 Follow Us & Support the Show: 🌐 Website: I Hate Critics 📘 Facebook: Everyone is a Critic Podcast 🐦 Twitter/X: @criticspod 📸 Instagram: @criticspod 💸 Patreon: Support Us 👕 Merch: TeePublic Store ▶️ YouTube: Watch Us 🎨 Check out Jeff's art at Jeff Lassiter Art 📝 Read Sean’s reviews at Sean at the Movies If you enjoy the show, please rate, review, and subscribe!

Leprechaun 3 Brian Trenchard Smith Starring Warwick Davis Released June 27th, 1995 One night in Las Vegas, a pawn shop owner purchases a statue of a leprechaun from a mysterious stranger. He ignores the stranger's warning to never remove the statue's golden medallion and takes it for himself. Instantly the statue transforms into the murderous Leprechaun, who vows to kill anyone who takes his gold. Scott McCoy, who unwittingly took a gold coin from the pawn shop, and Tammy, Scott's new friend, are first on the list. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers The Movie Directed by Bryan Spicer Starring Amy Jo Johnson, Jason David Frank Release June 30th, 1995

This week on the I Hate Critics Movie Review Podcast, Jeff and Sean kick things off by once again lamenting the state of Star Wars fandom, which never fails to disappoint. Then it’s full throttle into two of the week’s biggest (and most unfairly maligned) releases, plus a look back at a modern sci-fi classic. 🚗 F1: The Movie Directed by Joseph Kosinski Starring Brad Pitt, Kerry Condon, Damson Idris, and Javier Bardem Sonny Hayes was once Formula 1’s most promising driver until a devastating accident derailed his career. Decades later, he’s lured back to the track to help save a struggling team and mentor a young hotshot, learning that redemption isn’t a solo journey. 🤖 Megan 2.0 Directed by Gerald Johnstone Starring Allison Williams and Violet McGraw Two years after M3GAN’s murderous rampage, Gemma is trying to regulate AI—while the military creates an even more dangerous android, Amelia. When Amelia becomes self-aware, Gemma is forced to bring back M3GAN—faster, stronger, deadlier—to stop her. We loved Megan 2.0 and launch our own little campaign to SAVE MEGAN 2.0!, as the movie is getting unfairly buried at the box office and even its own studio seems to be giving up on it. 🔍 Classic: Ex Machina (10 Years Later) Directed by Alex Garland Starring Domhnall Gleeson, Alicia Vikander, and Oscar Isaac We revisit the haunting, thought-provoking Ex Machina a decade later. Caleb wins a chance to test Nathan’s beautiful and cunning AI creation, Ava—but quickly realizes he’s more of a pawn than a participant. Still chilling and relevant today. Follow Us: Website: I Hate Critics Facebook: Everyone is a Critic Podcast Twitter/X: @criticspod Instagram: @criticspod Patreon: Support Us Merch: TeePublic Store YouTube: Watch Us 🎨 Check out Jeff’s art at Jeff Lassiter Art 🎬 Read Sean’s reviews at Sean at the Movies Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe!

Batman Forever 1995 Directed by Joel Schumacher Written by Lee Batchler, Akiva Goldsman Starring Val Kilmer, Jim Carrey, Tommy Lee Jones, Nicole Kidman Batman (Val Kilmer) faces off against two foes: the schizophrenic, horribly scarred former District Attorney Harvey Dent, aka Two-Face (Tommy Lee Jones), and the Riddler (Jim Carrey), a disgruntled ex-Wayne Enterprises inventor seeking revenge against his former employer by unleashing his brain-sucking weapon on Gotham City's residents. As the caped crusader also deals with tortured memories of his parents' murder, he has a new romance, with psychologist Chase Meridian (Nicole Kidman).

This week on the I Hate Critics Movie Review Podcast, we dive into a wide range of cinematic experiences—from post-apocalyptic horror to action-comedy chaos to heartfelt animated sci-fi. Whether you’re here for the zombies, the laughs, or the feels, we’ve got something for everyone. 🎬 28 Years Later The long-awaited sequel to Danny Boyle’s iconic zombie saga is finally here. Picking up nearly three decades after the outbreak began, 28 Years Later explores a decimated world where survival is no longer just about staying alive—it's about finding meaning in the ruins. Can the franchise recapture the bleak brilliance of the original? We discuss. 💥 Bride Hard Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like—an action-comedy hybrid where a bride goes full John McClane to save her wedding day. It’s loud, it’s absurd, and it might just be one of the wildest rom-com premises ever made. Is it a guilty pleasure, or just guilty of trying too hard? We break it down. 🚀 Elio Pixar returns with Elio, a coming-of-age sci-fi story about a boy mistakenly abducted by aliens and declared the ambassador of Earth. It’s heartwarming, imaginative, and packed with that Pixar charm—but does it stand with the studio’s best? Tune in to hear our thoughts. Follow Us: Website: I Hate Critics Facebook: Everyone is a Critic Podcast Twitter/X: @criticspod Instagram: @criticspod Patreon: Support Us Merch: TeePublic Store YouTube: Watch Us 🎨 Check out Jeff Lassiter’s art at jefflassiter.com 📝 Read Sean’s reviews at Sean at the Movies Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen!

This week on the I Hate Critics Movie Review Podcast: Sean and Jeff kick things off by gleefully roasting the trailer for the upcoming I Know What You Did Last Summer sequel—which looks more like a parody than a follow-up. From there, they split on one of the more polarizing new releases before coming together for an emotional deep-dive into one of the year's best films. Materialists Directed by Celine Song Starring Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, Pedro Pascal A high-end New York City matchmaker finds herself caught between a lucrative life with the “perfect” client and unresolved feelings for her flawed, but compelling, ex. One of our hosts appreciated the charm, the other… not so much. The Life of Chuck Directed by Mike Flanagan Starring Tom Hiddleston, Karen Gillan, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Mark Hamill, Mia Sara, and Carl Lumbly Flanagan dials back the horror to deliver a deeply personal, existential love letter to life and memory. Based on a Stephen King short story, The Life of Chuck is haunting, beautiful, and profoundly moving. Both Sean and Jeff were all in on this one. Classic Review: A Good Marriage We didn’t linger too long on this 2014 thriller based on another Stephen King short story. Following the emotional resonance of The Life of Chuck, returning to a run-of-the-mill King adaptation just didn’t quite hit. 🎧 Follow & Support Us: Website: I Hate Critics Facebook: Everyone is a Critic Podcast Twitter/X: @criticspod Instagram: @criticspod Patreon: Support Us on Patreon Merch: TeePublic Store YouTube: Watch the Podcast 🎨 Check out Jeff's artwork at Jeff Lassiter Art ✍️ Read Sean’s reviews at Sean at the Movies If you like what you hear, don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

Sean and Jeff sit down and do a commentary track for Friday the 14th Part 4: The Final Chapter

This week on the I Hate Critics Movie Review Podcast, we cover a wild mix of genres—stylish revenge thrillers, quirky capers, shark horror, supernatural suspense, and a cult classic thriller. Ballerina Directed by Len Wiseman Starring Ana de Armas, Keanu Reeves Set in the John Wick universe, Ballerina follows Eve Macarro, trained by the deadly Ruska Roma, as she unleashes her skills on an army of assassins in her quest to avenge her father's murder. The Phoenician Scheme Directed by Wes Anderson Starring Benicio Del Toro, Mia Threapleton In classic Anderson fashion, this film delivers a visually whimsical and tonally oddball tale of inheritance, danger, and absurdity as a nun becomes the unlikely heir to a business empire under siege from international foes. Dangerous Animals Directed by Sean Byrne Starring Hassie Harrison A sun-soaked nightmare with blood in the water. A surfer named Zephyr is held captive by a shark-worshiping serial killer aboard his boat, racing to escape before becoming bait in a gruesome ritual. Bring Her Back Directed by Michael and Danny Philippou Starring Sally Hawkins, Billy Barratt, Sora Wong From the creators of Talk to Me comes another chilling descent into supernatural terror. A foster home hides sinister secrets when two siblings witness a horrifying ritual that puts their souls—and sanity—at risk. Classic Review: Mute Witness (1995) Directed by Anthony Waller Starring Marina Zudina, Faye Ripley This criminally underrated ‘90s thriller follows a mute makeup artist who accidentally stumbles upon a snuff film being made in a Russian studio. What follows is a tense and terrifying game of survival against the Russian mafia. 🎧 Whether you’re in the mood for high-octane action, art house eccentricity, or brutal horror, this episode has something for every film fan. Follow Us Online: 🌐 Website: I Hate Critics 👍 Facebook: Everyone is a Critic Podcast 🐦 Twitter/X: @criticspod 📸 Instagram: @criticspod 💵 Support us on Patreon: Patreon 👕 Merch: TeePublic Store ▶️ YouTube: Watch Us 🎨 Check out Jeff's artwork: Jeff Lassiter Art 📝 Read Sean's film reviews: Sean at the Movies 💬 Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform!

Directed by Clint Eastwood Written by Richard LaGravenese Starring Meryl Streep, Clint Eastwood Release Date June 2nd, 1995 My written review of The Bridges of Madison County https://shorturl.at/FCmiE The Bridges of Madison County is a 1992 best-selling romance novel by American writer Robert James Waller. It tells the story of an Italian-American World War II war bride living on a farm in 1960s Madison County, Iowa. Madison County is known for having the largest group of covered bridges in one area west of the Mississippi River, which are historically significant and were added to the National Register of Historic Places. The novel was later adapted into a film featuring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood, set in 1965 and centered around the love story between Francesca Johnson and National Geographic photojournalist Robert Kincaid.

Johnny Mnemonic 1995 Directed by Robert Longo Starring Keanu Reeves, Dina Meyer, Ice T In this film based on the William Gibson story, Johnny (Keanu Reeves) is a data courier who has a secret stash of information implanted into his mind. However, the data will kill Johnny if he cannot retrieve it within 48 hours. Accompanied by physically enhanced bodyguard Jane (Dina Meyer), Johnny sets out to acquire the passwords he needs to save himself. Worse yet, he is hunted by gangster Shinji (Denis Akiyama) and businessman Takahashi (Takeshi), both of whom seek the data Johnny possesses.

This week on the I Hate Critics Movie Review Podcast, we dive into explosive action, unexpected comedy duos, and a nostalgic dose of horror mayhem. 🎬 Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning Tom Cruise returns (again!) in what might be the last ride for Ethan Hunt. We unpack the stunts, the stakes, and whether the franchise is truly wrapping up—or just reloading. 🧠 Hurry Up Tomorrow This buzzworthy indie thriller is gaining traction. We break down whether its high-concept premise actually delivers or gets lost in its own ambition. 😂 Friendship Starring Tim Robinson & Paul Rudd. A quirky new comedy featuring two of the funniest guys in the business—does the unexpected pairing hit the right notes or trip over its own weirdness? 💀 Final Destination: Bloodlines The deathtrap franchise is back. Is this a fresh take on fate, or just a retread of the greatest hits with new faces and gorier kills? 🎞 Classic Rewind: Final Destination 2 Arguably the peak of the series, we revisit the legendary log truck scene and discuss why this sequel still holds up after all these years. Follow & Support Us Online: 🎧 Website: I Hate Critics 👍 Facebook: Everyone is a Critic Podcast 🐦 Twitter/X: @criticspod 📸 Instagram: @criticspod 💸 Patreon: Support Us 👕 Merch: TeePublic Store 📺 YouTube: Watch the Show 🎨 Check out Jeff’s art: Jeff Lassiter Art 📝 Read Sean’s reviews: Sean at the Movies 💥 Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you listen!

Crimson Tide Directed by Tony Scott Starring Denzel Washington, Gene Hackman, and Viggo Mortensen Release Date May 12th, 1995 After the Cold War, a breakaway Russian republic with nuclear warheads becomes a possible worldwide threat. U.S. submarine Capt. Frank Ramsey (Gene Hackman) signs on a relatively green but highly recommended Lt. Cmdr. Ron Hunter (Denzel Washington) to the USS Alabama, which may be the only ship able to stop a possible Armageddon. When Ramsay insists that the Alabama must act aggressively, Hunter, fearing they will start rather than stop a disaster, leads a potential mutiny to stop him.

This week on the I Hate Critics Movie Review Podcast, Jeff and Sean discuss two new documentaries stirring up buzz in the film world: The Dark Side of Society, which explores the cult horror hit Society, and Megadoc, a behind-the-scenes look at Francis Ford Coppola’s long-gestating and enigmatic Megalopolis. New Releases Shadow Force Directed by Joe Carnahan Starring Omar Sy and Kerry Washington An estranged couple with a dangerous past are forced back together when their former employers—a secretive shadow ops unit—put a deadly bounty on their heads. With their son in tow, they must outrun trained killers and reconcile old wounds. Fight or Flight Directed by James Madigan Starring Josh Hartnett Mid-air mayhem erupts as a mercenary tracks a mysterious figure known only as "The Ghost" on an international flight. When it’s revealed the plane is packed with assassins targeting them both, survival depends on an uneasy alliance. Clown in a Cornfield Directed by Eli Craig Starring Katie Douglas and Kevin Durand A small town’s hidden rage takes a terrifying turn when a vengeful clown emerges from the cornfields, targeting residents one by one. Part slasher, part social commentary, this horror flick mixes bloodshed with rural paranoia. Classic Review: The Funhouse (1981) Directed by Tobe Hooper Starring Elizabeth Berridge In this underrated cult classic, a group of teens sneaks into a traveling carnival for an overnight thrill—but their night of mischief turns deadly when they witness a murder inside the Funhouse. Trapped inside with a disfigured killer, it’s a fight to survive until morning. Coming Next Week: Final Destination: Bloodline Hurry Up Tomorrow Follow Us: Website: I Hate Critics Facebook: Everyone is a Critic Podcast Twitter/X: @criticspod Instagram: @criticspod Patreon: Support Us Merch: TeePublic Store YouTube: Watch Us 🎨 Check out Jeff’s Art at Jeff Lassiter Art 📝 Read Sean’s Reviews at Sean at the Movies Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe!

On this week’s episode of the I Hate Critics Movie Review Podcast, Sean and Jeff celebrate one of the most dynamic actresses working today—Florence Pugh. From indie dramas to superhero blockbusters, she’s proven her versatility again and again. We take a deep dive into her incredible career, discussing highlights like Fighting with My Family, Macbeth, The Falling, A Good Person, Little Women, Oppenheimer, and, of course, Midsommar. New Releases: The Surfer Directed by Lorcan Finnegan Starring Nicolas Cage A man returns to his childhood beach to surf with his son, only to be humiliated by territorial locals. What starts as a quiet trip turns into a psychological and physical war of wills. The Shrouds Directed by David Cronenberg Starring Vincent Cassel, Diane Kruger, and Guy Pearce In classic Cronenberg fashion, this eerie sci-fi tale follows a grieving tech entrepreneur who invents a machine to communicate with the dead—blurring the line between life, death, and obsession. Another Simple Favor Directed by Paul Feig Starring Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick The stylish thriller returns as Stephanie heads to Italy to support her enigmatic friend Emily—only to find herself wrapped up in another web of secrets, lies, and possibly revenge. Thunderbolts Directed by Jake Schreier Starring Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Sebastian Stan, and Lewis Pullman Marvel’s team of misfits and antiheroes—including Yelena Belova—are thrown together for a dangerous mission where survival means confronting their most painful pasts. Spotlight: The Career of Florence Pugh We break down the rise of Florence Pugh—how she’s become one of our favorite performers and why she continues to command the screen no matter the genre. Follow Us: Website: I Hate Critics Facebook: Everyone is a Critic Podcast Twitter/X: @criticspod Instagram: @criticspod Patreon: Support Us Merch: TeePublic Store YouTube: Watch Us 🎨 Check out Jeff’s Art: Jeff Lassiter Art 📝 Read Sean’s Reviews: Sean at the Movies Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe!

While You Were Sleeping Directed by John Turteltaub Starring Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman Released April 21st, 1995 Lonely transit worker Lucy Eleanor Moderatz (Sandra Bullock) pulls her longtime crush, Peter (Peter Gallagher), from the path of an oncoming train. At the hospital, doctors report that he's in a coma, and a misplaced comment from Lucy causes Peter's family to assume that she is his fiancée. When Lucy doesn't correct them, they take her into their home and confidence. Things get even more complicated when she finds herself falling for Peter's sheepish brother, Jack (Bill Pullman).