McFly's Movie House

Jackie Chan is an action movie legend known for his death-defying stunts and laugh-out-loud comedy. With his use of props and rhythmic comedic timing, Chan's brand of physical comedy is unmistakable. One of his most praised films is 1985's "Police Story," which he also directed. On today's episode of the podcast, Pat Mitchell and I chat about this beloved classic, delve into Jackie Chan's upbringing an...

It's October, and I haven't given you any spooky movies to check out! As a big fan of the horror genre who actively seeks out under-the-radar titles, I'm using today as an opportunity to shout out some macabre gems that deserve more attention. For today's round-up episode, we're diving into some rarely-seen horror haunts. Happy Spooky Season, everyone! 

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Watching a filmmaker's directorial debut is a wonderful way to see how their creative seeds are planted early in their careers. These movies can introduce a director's style and serve as a foundation for themes they'll expand upon later. My favorite directorial debuts offer fresh perspectives and challenge regular cinematic conventions. On today's episode of McFly's Movie House, Declan Adams and I will chat...

Peter Bogdanovich's 1968 film "Targets" is an exhilarating debut that stars the legendary Boris Karloff as a fading horror icon who crosses paths with a deranged sniper in Los Angeles. Loosely inspired by the 1966 Charles Whitman mass shooting, "Targets" is chilling and utterly jarring — a horror movie set in broad daylight. In this episode, Bryan Starr and I discuss Bogdanovich's film, career, and bac...

There’s so much more to road trip movies than picturesque landscapes and a sense of escapism. Beyond their gripping visuals, these films often convey profound messages about transformation, mirroring the longest journey we all undertake – the journey through life. In this episode of McFly's Movie House, I'm diving into some of my most cherished road trip movies. Join me as we explore their deeper meanings and unforgettabl...

Agnès Varda's "Cléo from 5 to 7" is an iconic piece of cinema from the French New Wave movement. The film follows Cléo in "real-time" as she awaits biopsy results from five to seven pm, taking us on a journey of self-discovery. While it initially explores the fears associated with mortality, it ultimately highlights themes of isolation and loneliness. A timeless film on self-identity and the public persona,...

Wim Wenders is a celebrated German filmmaker known for his diverse filmography and exploration of humanistic themes, often presented through wandering protagonists. Renowned for his "road" movies, Wenders' use of natural landscapes and urban settings creates a visually immersive experience that's uniquely his. In today's episode, I'm joined by Tyler Whitmore from the ReelTok podcast to discuss three of...

There's nothing quite like getting an adrenaline rush from a film filled with tension and unease. Anxiety-inducing movies offer a cathartic experience, letting us feel exhilarating fear from the comfort of our own homes. These flicks are even better with a group of your closest friends — cheering or sitting in a collective state of nail-biting tension. Hold the coffee for today's episode, as I'm giving you a burst of...

Many consider Yasujiro Ozu's Noriko Trilogy (1949's Late Spring, 1951's Early Summer, and 1953's Tokyo Story) the Japanese maestro's magnum opus. Dealing with timeless familial themes that still resonate today, my guest Sinjun and I will discuss these endearing family dramas while touching on the cinematic techniques that Ozu was so well-known for and a background in Japanese filmmaking at the time.

Sinjun C...

Why do some folks love dystopian movies so much? From societal critiques to chilling visions of the future, these films offer escapism and thought-provoking narratives. Join Marta as she delves into the best dystopian movies that highlight the dangers of social trends, political shifts, and technological advancements. Explore our top picks and reflect on what these dark futures reveal about our present and potential future. 

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Today's round-up episode will explore female loneliness in cinema. Films that showcase the inner turmoils of the mind aren’t new, but many of them come from a male perspective. Joined by Sophie Holsinger, our aim for today's episode is to highlight the isolation of womanhood by each highlighting five of our favorite films with this theme and discussing why they're so dear to us.

Sophie Holsinger is a film writer and c...

Director Zarrar Kahn joins us on McFly's Movie House today to chat about his feature film debut, In Flames, the first Pakistani film to premiere at the 76th Cannes Film Festival as part of the Director’s Fortnight in over 47 years. In Flames is a supernatural horror and social drama that uses the genre as a tool to explore the traumas of living in an oppressive patriarchal society. The film was Pakistan’s official entry for th...

David Lynch's Lost Highway is a mind-bending and surreal sensory experience that demands in-depth discussion. The first entry in Lynch's Los Angeles Trilogy, Lost Highway, is a dark fever dream that'll only keep you guessing.

Seth and Marta (both David Lynch fanatics) will break down Lost Highway for listeners while also discussing Lynch's career up until this point and his inspirations.

Seth Mullan-feroze is a fi...

Anthony Shim's second feature film, Riceboy Sleeps, follows a Korean mother, So-young, and her son, Dong-hyun, as they immigrate to Canada for a better life. The film explores personality identity and heritage that speaks to the immigrant experience so well. Emotionally resonant, Riceboy Sleeps has received rave reviews and awards on an international scale; it had its domestic premiere at TIFF, where it took home the Platform ...

1966's Tokyo Drifter is one of the most well-known films by Japanese New Wave maverick Seijun Suzuki. A wildly creative and avant-garde yakuza classic, Tokyo Drifter takes inspiration from Old Hollywood musicals, Westerns, film noir, and traditional gangster tropes yet never takes itself too seriously, delivering on all these homages with glaring colors and visual opulence.

Returning guest Harry Argyle and I will be chatting ab...

2023’s ‘Another Body’ sheds light on the invasive world of deepfake adult content. This episode features a conversation with Reuben Hamlyn, who discusses the creation of the documentary, the disturbing realities of deepfakes, and how individuals can safeguard against digital exploitation. ‘Another Body’ has garnered attention at major film festivals and is a poignant exploration of technology’s dark side.

Reuben Hamlyn is a BIFA-nom...

The coming-of-age genre, a favorite among many film enthusiasts, is a testament to the universal experiences of self-discovery, relatable dilemmas, and key life themes. In their relatability, these movies offer a sense of understanding and validation to people of all ages.

ReelTok's George Carmi and I are huge fans of the coming-of-age genre. We'll discuss why this genre is comforting to so many people while each highlight...

Laura Adkin's debut feature film, Re: Uniting, is hitting theatres in the US this month. The movie introduces us to a group of six best friends who were once close, yet life has taken them in different directions. They decide to get together for a fun weekend trip to celebrate their 25th college reunion, yet things aren't what they seem. 

Adkin's movie plays out like a second coming-of-age many adults face when they s...

Rainer Werner Fassbinder's World on a Wire (1973) stands as a groundbreaking piece in sci-fi cinema, merging the director's distinctive style with futuristic themes. This two-part television miniseries, adapted from Daniel F. Galouye's novel Simulacron-3, explores the concept of simulated reality and artificial intelligence. Fassbinder's innovative narrative techniques and visual flair contribute to the film&apo...