January 21, 2024 • 54 mins
**Podcast:** First on Film and Entertainment
**Host:** Alex First
**Guest Film Critics:** Greg King, Peter Krause
**Episode Summary:**
In this engaging episode, host Alex First, along with esteemed critics Greg King and Peter Krause, delve into a variety of films that span genres and emotions. From the nostalgic to the visceral, this episode covers a diverse selection of cinematic experiences.
**Highlights:**
- **17:** A play where 60 and 70-year-olds portray 17-year-olds, exploring the vulnerability and apprehension of school leavers. The panel discusses the effectiveness of this unique casting choice.
- **The Beekeeper:** An action-packed film starring Jason Statham. The critics have mixed feelings about its plausibility and script, but acknowledge the well-executed action sequences.
- **Night Swim:** A horror film that starts off with promise but veers into the preposterous. The critics weigh in on the film's use of suspense and its eventual descent into cliché.
- **Mean Girls:** The musical adaptation of the cult classic is met with enthusiasm for its energy and engaging score, though opinions on the memorability of the songs vary among the critics.
- **The Holdovers:** A poignant film featuring Paul Giamatti that impresses the critics with its character development and emotional depth. It's heralded as a potential dark horse for the awards season.
- **The Iron Claw:** Based on the true story of a wrestling family, the film's portrayal of ambition and family dynamics garners praise, with standout performances highlighted by the panel.
đź“‹ Episode Chapters
(00:00) First on film and entertainment, Gregory King, Peter Krause and Alex
(00:41) Psychologist asks two people to project back to when they were 17
(03:13) The season has kicked off for Melbourne theatre company with 17
(03:43) Matthew Watette's poignant play about five school leavers stars aged 17
(07:14) Peter: I think this could actually do well on film, M
(08:51) Peter says he sees much national theatre live at that nova
(10:24) Jason Statham stars as Adam Clay in action thriller The Beekeeper
(14:17) Peter says the Beekeeper Ma is muddled and forgettable
(16:48) Peter Krause gives The Beekeeper a six out of ten rating
(18:06) Nightswin is based on a short film from 2000
(23:17) Peter: The film starts off quite well but deteriorates as it goes on
(26:07) This time it's back as a movie musical. The tale of adolescent angst is based on their stage musical
(26:54) Tina Faye stars as teacher in new Mean Girls musical
(30:18) Greg says the new Mean Girls is an effective musical with good music
(34:20) Paul Hunman plays adjunct professor of ancient history at prestigious boarding school
(38:07) Paul Giamatti is superb as the cynical teacher Angus
(39:38) Peter Oppenheimer thinks 'Beautifully made film' will win Oscars
(46:13) Zac Efron stars as Fritz von Erich in this film
(50:22) Peter says he used to watch world championship wrestling when he was younger
(52:55) Peter gives Iron Claw an eight out of ten score
(53:29) The Oscar nominations will be out on January 24
**Host:** Alex First
**Guest Film Critics:** Greg King, Peter Krause
**Episode Summary:**
In this engaging episode, host Alex First, along with esteemed critics Greg King and Peter Krause, delve into a variety of films that span genres and emotions. From the nostalgic to the visceral, this episode covers a diverse selection of cinematic experiences.
**Highlights:**
- **17:** A play where 60 and 70-year-olds portray 17-year-olds, exploring the vulnerability and apprehension of school leavers. The panel discusses the effectiveness of this unique casting choice.
- **The Beekeeper:** An action-packed film starring Jason Statham. The critics have mixed feelings about its plausibility and script, but acknowledge the well-executed action sequences.
- **Night Swim:** A horror film that starts off with promise but veers into the preposterous. The critics weigh in on the film's use of suspense and its eventual descent into cliché.
- **Mean Girls:** The musical adaptation of the cult classic is met with enthusiasm for its energy and engaging score, though opinions on the memorability of the songs vary among the critics.
- **The Holdovers:** A poignant film featuring Paul Giamatti that impresses the critics with its character development and emotional depth. It's heralded as a potential dark horse for the awards season.
- **The Iron Claw:** Based on the true story of a wrestling family, the film's portrayal of ambition and family dynamics garners praise, with standout performances highlighted by the panel.
đź“‹ Episode Chapters
(00:00) First on film and entertainment, Gregory King, Peter Krause and Alex
(00:41) Psychologist asks two people to project back to when they were 17
(03:13) The season has kicked off for Melbourne theatre company with 17
(03:43) Matthew Watette's poignant play about five school leavers stars aged 17
(07:14) Peter: I think this could actually do well on film, M
(08:51) Peter says he sees much national theatre live at that nova
(10:24) Jason Statham stars as Adam Clay in action thriller The Beekeeper
(14:17) Peter says the Beekeeper Ma is muddled and forgettable
(16:48) Peter Krause gives The Beekeeper a six out of ten rating
(18:06) Nightswin is based on a short film from 2000
(23:17) Peter: The film starts off quite well but deteriorates as it goes on
(26:07) This time it's back as a movie musical. The tale of adolescent angst is based on their stage musical
(26:54) Tina Faye stars as teacher in new Mean Girls musical
(30:18) Greg says the new Mean Girls is an effective musical with good music
(34:20) Paul Hunman plays adjunct professor of ancient history at prestigious boarding school
(38:07) Paul Giamatti is superb as the cynical teacher Angus
(39:38) Peter Oppenheimer thinks 'Beautifully made film' will win Oscars
(46:13) Zac Efron stars as Fritz von Erich in this film
(50:22) Peter says he used to watch world championship wrestling when he was younger
(52:55) Peter gives Iron Claw an eight out of ten score
(53:29) The Oscar nominations will be out on January 24
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