Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix has long stood as one of our favourite entries in the Harry Potter saga, but the big question is whether it still holds up under scrutiny on our millionth rewatch. Directed by David Yates, who ushers in a new era for the franchise, the film balances the whimsical and nostalgic elements we still get a kick out of with a darker tone. Most importantly, it builds toward an absolutely phenomenal final act, delivering one great scene after another and culminating in the legendary duel between Dumbledore and Voldemort, which we spend plenty of time gushing over. Daniel Radcliffe also elevates his craft with his performance this time around in how he portrays Harry’s troubled state. For a film that moves at a surprisingly brisk pace, there is so much to unpack, including the unforgettable introduction of one of the most easily hateable characters in fiction in Professor Umbridge. That sets us up perfectly for our question of the week, where we dive into the characters we love to hate (and hate to love).

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It’s time for us to tackle Project Hail Mary, one of the highest rated sci-fi films since Dune Part Two, and we’re even joined by a very special guest, literally Ryland Grace himself. Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and starring Ryan Gosling, the film follows a lone astronaut on a desperate, high risk mission to save the Sun and humanity. Gosling delivers what might (debatably) be his most entertaining performance yet, carrying a story that blends big screen spectacle with humour and heart. There’s a major element to the plot we won’t spoil here, despite the marketing giving it away, but it adds a unique and memorable twist to the journey. We break down how the film compares to Andy Weir’s novel, debate the effectiveness of its action sequences against other modern sci fi heavyweights, and discuss why it works so well as a cinematic experience. Overall, it’s an easy recommendation for just about anyone to catch in theatres. After the review, it's time to react to the first trailer for HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series.Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.

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Starship Troopers might look like a standard 90s sci fi action movie on the surface, but beneath it lies a sharp layer of satire that makes the film far more interesting than expected. Following Johnny Rico and his fellow soldiers as they battle alien bugs, the movie balances its parodic tone with a genuinely entertaining story and characters, helped in no small part by a cast that is almost absurdly attractive, including Denise Richards, Dina Meyer, and Neil Patrick Harris. Nearly 30 years on, we were surprised by how well the comedy, drama, and practical effects still hold up, all building toward a brilliantly meta propaganda ending that almost had us ready to enlist for the Federation! After the review, we dive into a huge news chat covering the Oscars results, and the brand new trailers for the highly anticipated Dune: Part Three and Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.

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Mike Newell returns to the show for the second time in a fortnight with Donnie Brasco (1997). Following the gripping true story of FBI agent Joe Pistone, played by Johnny Depp, who infiltrates the New York Mafia under the alias Donnie Brasco and forms a dangerous bond with aging mobster Lefty Ruggiero, portrayed by Al Pacino. The chemistry between Depp and Pacino is fantastic, making every scene they share super entertaining while slowly building toward an unexpectedly tragic story. Pacino delivers a performance worthy of his peak run in the 1990s, while Depp fits seamlessly into the role of a New Yorker navigating the criminal underworld. Filled with memorable moments and compelling character drama, the film stands out as a gangster movie that is often overlooked, and one that could easily be considered among the greats of the genre.

Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.

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Romper Stomper is a confronting Australian drama set in 1990s Melbourne that follows a violent gang of neo Nazi skinheads whose hatred and reckless behaviour slowly tear apart their own unstable world. Starring Russell Crowe in one of the role's which launched his career, the film throws viewers directly into the ugly mindset of its characters, forcing us to experience the story through their deeply unpleasant perspective. Watching this well known Aussie film for the first time, we found there was a lot to admire in how brutally the movie commits to its premise, delivering violent and memorable moments, and some powerful reveals along the way, all building toward a dramatic and surprisingly clever ending. Plus after the review, we turn to the small screen with reactions to several new TV trailers including the final season of The Boys, Beef Season 2, and DC’s Lanterns.Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.

The arrival of the Triwizard Tournament at Hogwarts injects Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire with adrenaline, spectacle, and such outrageous peril for students that you have to question how it was ever approved in the first place. Directed by Mike Newell and starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Brendan Gleeson, and introducing Ralph Fiennes as Lord Voldemort, this fourth chapter pushes the franchise into darker and more dangerous territory. Despite countless rewatches, we still find it hugely entertaining, and perhaps even underrated among the series’ heavy hitters. We debate some of its sillier moments and Dumbledore’s infamous demeanor. But we all agree that Fiennes’ chilling debut as Voldemort is absolute peak. After the review, we break down the latest surprising developments surrounding Warner Bros being purchased by a major corporation, and brace yourselves for Zac’s rant about the upcoming God of War series on Amazon Prime.

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Jonathan Glazer’s Under the Skin (2013) is a haunting and hypnotic sci-fi drama starring Scarlett Johansson as a mysterious woman who roams Scotland, luring unsuspecting men into her orbit. With minimal dialogue and an abstract narrative, the film is less about straightforward plot and more about atmosphere and interpretation. Glazer’s mesmerising use of sound design and otherworldly visuals creates a memorable experience, elevated immensely by the unsettling score. Johansson delivers a committed performance, complete with a convincing British accent, anchoring a film that has inspired years of analysis. So after reading the script, we attempt to bring some fresh insights to this modern cult classic and unpack what might really be going on beneath the surface.

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In our first delve into the concert film genre, Jayden and Liam discuss Jonathan Demme and Talking Heads' seminal 1984 film, Stop Making Sense. We discuss our relationship with the band, our concert experiences, and how the film captures the concert spectacle.

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