It's the Pictures

In this episode of It's the Pictures podcast, hosts Max Covill and Evan Crean discuss the films of Rob Reiner, their holiday movie acquisitions, and the current film awards season. They reflect on their favorite films, including classics and recent releases, while also sharing insights on television highlights from the past year. The conversation transitions into a tribute to Rob Reiner's iconic films, followed by a review of recent movies they've watched and their anticipation for upcoming releases in 2026.

Max details some of the best Blu-ray and 4K UHD releases of 2025. Titles include Eyes Wide Shut, Dollars Trilogy, Tron, Dark City, and more.

In this episode, hosts Evan and Max discuss the monumental acquisition of Warner Bros. by Netflix, the implications for the film industry, and the excitement surrounding the re-release of Star Wars. They also reflect on their top films of 2025, sharing insight into movies like Sinners, One Battle After Another, Marty Supreme, Weapons, and more.Chapters00:00 The Netflix-Warner Bros. Acquisition Shock11:36 The Excitement of Star Wars' Return23:39 Top Films of 2025: A Year in Review01:04:14 Looking Ahead: Anticipated Films and Final ThoughtsWebsite: itsthepictures.com Download the episode today, and find us on Bluesky, Instagram, and Letterboxd. Like the show? Review us on iTunes! We are also available on Stitcher, Spotify, and Letterboxd. Stock Media provided by SoundAttack / Pond5

In this episode of the It's the Pictures podcast, Max Covill and Evan Crean discuss the three movies in the Knives Out franchise. Before that they discuss Muppets Knives Out, Poker Face cancelation, and Warner Bros for sale. The feature this week is a discussion on Knives Out, Glass Onion, and Wake Up Dead Man. Stay tuned afterwards for some thoughts on A House of Dynamite, If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, and the Apple TV+ series Down Cemetery Road. Website:https://itsthepictures.libsyn.com/itsthepictures.comDownload the episode today, and find us on Bluesky, Instagram, and Letterboxd. Like the show? Review us on iTunes! We are also available on Stitcher, Spotify, and Letterboxd. Stock Media provided by SoundAttack / Pond5

In this episode of the It's the Pictures podcast, Max Covill is joined by guest Amelia Emberwing to delve into the collaborations between director Yorgos Lanthimos and actress Emma Stone. Before that they discuss The Mummy 4 news, Chloe Zhao and Manga adaptations, and a new Miss Piggy movie. They explore the films, including 'The Favourite' and 'Poor Things', discussing themes, performances, and the unique storytelling styles of Lanthimos. The conversation also touches on the recent films 'Kinds of Kindness' and 'Bugonia', analyzing their narratives and the implications of their endings. Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest01:07 Exploring Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone's Collaborations02:38 News in the Entertainment Industry17:35 Deep Dive into 'The Favourite'27:12 Analysis of 'Poor Things' and Its Themes35:03 Visual Storytelling Techniques38:58 Critique of 'Kinds of Kindness'40:45 Discussion on 'Bugonia'43:10 Character Analysis and Themes46:25 Spoiler Discussion on 'Bugonia'53:54 Final Thoughts on Yorgos Lanthimos' Work59:48 What We've Been Watching, including Hazbin Hotel and Nobody Wants ThisWebsite:https://itsthepictures.libsyn.com/itsthepictures.comDownload the episode today, and find us on Bluesky, Instagram, and Letterboxd. Like the show? Review us on iTunes! We are also available on Stitcher, Spotify, and Letterboxd. Stock Media provided by SoundAttack / Pond5

Max and Evan are joined by Journalist and BOFCA member, Andrew Crump. First, they discuss Jane Schoenbrun's new adaptation of Black Hole and Stranger Things. Then, Keanu Reeves movies, minus John Wick and The Matrix. Stay tuned after the credits for What You've Been Watching, as the guys discuss HIM, John Woo movies, and Little Amelie. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction03:58 Discussion on Jane Schoenbrun's Upcoming Projects09:39 Stranger Things and Its Cultural Impact17:30 Keanu Reeves: A Look at His Filmography27:14 Exploring Keanu's Lesser-Known Films35:11 Keanu's Acting Style and Public Persona40:58 The Impact of Celebrity Reputation43:23 Consumerism and Celebrity Influence45:52 Contrasting Celebrity Personas48:36 Exploring Keanu Reeves' Filmography52:40 Diving into Keanu's Lesser-Known Roles57:51 The Complexity of Keanu's Characters01:03:41 Personal Reflections on Keanu Reeves01:08:33 Recent Movie Recommendations01:13:45 John Woo's Cinematic Legacy01:19:11 Exploring New Releases and AnimationWebsite:https://itsthepictures.libsyn.com/itsthepictures.substack.comDownload the episode today, and find us on Bluesky, Instagram, and Letterboxd. Like the show? Review us on iTunes! We are also available on Stitcher, Spotify, and Letterboxd. Opening: "The Fire" by Dan_Mantau (c) 2022 - http://ccmixter.org/files/Dan_Mantau/64603 Licensed underCreative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0)Closing: Pixie Pixels (featuring Kara Square) by spinningmerkaba (c) copyright 2016 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/jlbrock44/53778 Additional comments? Email us: itsthepictures@gmail.com  

Max and Evan discuss the filmography of John Candy in honor of the new documentary, I Like Me, now airing on Amazon Prime Video. First, they discuss the late Diane Keaton and the mark she left on cinema. Then, they talk about new movies in the Ocean's 11 franchise, a Sigourney Weaver Alien return, and a national rollout of Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair. Stay tuned after the credits for What You've Been Watching, as the guys discuss Tron: Ares and Weapons. Website:https://itsthepictures.libsyn.com/itsthepictures.substack.comDownload the episode today, and find us on Bluesky, Instagram, and Letterboxd. Like the show? Review us on iTunes! We are also available on Stitcher, Spotify, and Letterboxd. Opening: "The Fire" by Dan_Mantau (c) 2022 - http://ccmixter.org/files/Dan_Mantau/64603 Licensed underCreative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0)Closing: Pixie Pixels (featuring Kara Square) by spinningmerkaba (c) copyright 2016 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/jlbrock44/53778 Additional comments? Email us: itsthepictures@gmail.com

Max and Evan discuss the filmography of Paul Thomas Anderson. Before they go from Hard Eight to One Battle After Another, they talk about the latest in film and television. Jimmy Kimmel is back on air, a new Spaceballs 2 photo emerges, and The Social Network is getting a sequel. Hard Eight (1996)Boogie Nights (1997)Magnolia (1999) Punch-Drunk Love (2002)There Will Be Blood (2007)The Master (2012)Inherent Vice (2014)Phantom Thread (2017)Licorice Pizza (2021)One Battle After Another (2025) Website:https://itsthepictures.libsyn.com/itsthepictures.substack.comDownload the episode today, and find us on Bluesky, Instagram, and Letterboxd. Like the show? Review us on iTunes! We are also available on Stitcher, Spotify, and Letterboxd. Opening: "The Fire" by Dan_Mantau (c) 2022 - http://ccmixter.org/files/Dan_Mantau/64603 Licensed underCreative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0)Closing: Pixie Pixels (featuring Kara Square) by spinningmerkaba (c) copyright 2016 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/jlbrock44/53778 Additional comments? Email us: itsthepictures@gmail.com

Max shares his thoughts on some of the other movies he saw during the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF 2025). Before that the news of Robert Redford's passing, raves for Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another, Jimmy Kimmel put "on hold," and the TIFF's People's Choice Winner. Stay tuned afterwards for the additional coverage out of the Venice Film Festival. Movies covered include:The Testament of Ann LeeBad ApplesWake Up Dead ManRental familyArcoLove+WarEPiC: Elvis Presley in ConcertThe Secret AgentHamnetFrankensteinThe Smashing MachineNewport and the Great Folk DreamWebsite:https://itsthepictures.libsyn.com/itsthepictures.substack.comDownload the episode today, and find us on Bluesky, Instagram, and Letterboxd. Like the show? Review us on iTunes! We are also available on Stitcher, Spotify, and Letterboxd. Opening: "The Fire" by Dan_Mantau (c) 2022 - http://ccmixter.org/files/Dan_Mantau/64603 Licensed underCreative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0)Closing: Pixie Pixels (featuring Kara Square) by spinningmerkaba (c) copyright 2016 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/jlbrock44/53778 Additional comments? Email us: itsthepictures@gmail.com

Max shares reviews from the Toronto International Film Festival 2025. Included in this episode: Sentimental Value It Was Just an Accident A Private Life The Last Viking Nirvanna, The Band, The Show, The Movie No Other Choice The Choral Website: https://itsthepictures.libsyn.com/ itsthepictures.substack.com Download the episode today, and find us on Bluesky, Instagram, and Letterboxd.  Like the show? Review us on iTunes! We are also available on Stitcher, Spotify, and Letterboxd.  Opening: "The Fire" by Dan_Mantau (c) 2022 - http://ccmixter.org/files/Dan_Mantau/64603 Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) Closing: Pixie Pixels (featuring Kara Square) by spinningmerkaba (c) copyright 2016 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/jlbrock44/53778 

Max shares some news ahead of TIFF 2025. Listen to some of the first reviews out of Telluride and Venice. Website:https://itsthepictures.libsyn.com/itsthepictures.substack.comDownload the episode today, and find us on Bluesky, Instagram, and Letterboxd. Like the show? Review us on iTunes! We are also available on Stitcher, Spotify, and Letterboxd. Opening: "The Fire" by Dan_Mantau (c) 2022 - http://ccmixter.org/files/Dan_Mantau/64603 Licensed underCreative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0)Closing: Pixie Pixels (featuring Kara Square) by spinningmerkaba (c) copyright 2016 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/jlbrock44/53778 Additional comments? Email us: itsthepictures@gmail.com

Max and Evan discuss the Fall Movie season, mentioning some of their most anticipated films for the rest of 2025. A lot of emphasis is on films playing at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and the Venice Film Festival. Stay tuned afterward for thoughts on Weapons and The Luckiest Man in America. MaxIt Was Just An Accident No Other ChoiceFrankensteinSentimental ValueHamnetThe Wizard of the Kremlin EvanDust BunnyJohn Candy: I Like MeJay KellyWake Up Dead ManRental FamilyHouse of DynamiteWebsite:https://itsthepictures.libsyn.com/itsthepictures.substack.comDownload the episode today, and find us on Bluesky, Instagram, and Letterboxd. Like the show? Review us on iTunes! We are also available on Stitcher, Spotify, and Letterboxd. Opening: "The Fire" by Dan_Mantau (c) 2022 - http://ccmixter.org/files/Dan_Mantau/64603 Licensed underCreative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0)Closing: Pixie Pixels (featuring Kara Square) by spinningmerkaba (c) copyright 2016 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/jlbrock44/53778 Additional comments? Email us: itsthepictures@gmail.com

Max and Evan are joined by guest Toussaint Egan to discuss the post-2000s output from the director Hayao Miyazaki. Before they dive into movies like Spirited Away, The Boy and the Heron, and Howl's Moving Castle, they discuss some of the latest film news. Then comes the finale of the Summer Box Office game. Stay tuned afterward for thoughts on the new movies like The Naked Gun and a lot more.  Check out episode 191 of the It's the Pictures podcast if you want more Hayao Miyazaki coverage. #hayaomiyazaki #studioghibliWebsite:https://itsthepictures.libsyn.com/itsthepictures.substack.comDownload the episode today, and find us on Bluesky, Instagram, and Letterboxd. Like the show? Review us on iTunes! We are also available on Stitcher, Spotify, and Letterboxd. Opening: "The Fire" by Dan_Mantau (c) 2022 - http://ccmixter.org/files/Dan_Mantau/64603 Licensed underCreative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0)Closing: Pixie Pixels (featuring Kara Square) by spinningmerkaba (c) copyright 2016 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/jlbrock44/53778 Additional comments? Email us: itsthepictures@gmail.com

Max and Evan discuss the early Adam Sandler comedies. Before they dive into movies like Happy Gilmore, Billy Madison, and The Wedding Singer, they discuss some of the latest film news. First, some thoughts on the Emmy nominations. Then, talking about some films added to TIFF 2025, the 50th festival. Finally, an update on the box office game as the last movie, Fantastic Four: First Steps, heads to theaters. Stay tuned afterward for thoughts on the new I Know What You Did Last Summer, KPop Demon Hunters, and Superman.  Website: https://itsthepictures.libsyn.com/ itsthepictures.substack.com Download the episode today, and find us on Bluesky, Instagram, and Letterboxd.  Like the show? Review us on iTunes! We are also available on Stitcher, Spotify, and Letterboxd.  Opening: "The Fire" by Dan_Mantau (c) 2022 - http://ccmixter.org/files/Dan_Mantau/64603 Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) Closing: Pixie Pixels (featuring Kara Square) by spinningmerkaba (c) copyright 2016 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/jlbrock44/53778  Additional comments? Email us: itsthepictures@gmail.com

Max and Evan discuss the Christopher Reeve Superman movies. Before they dive into Superman, Superman II, and Superman III, they discuss some of the latest film news. First, an acknowledgement of the NYT top 100 of the 21st century poll. Then, a director has been hired for James Bond and an update on the Summer Box Office Game. Stay tuned afterward for a review of Jurassic World Rebirth and more.  Website: https://itsthepictures.libsyn.com/ itsthepictures.substack.com Download the episode today, and find us on Bluesky, Instagram, and Letterboxd.  Like the show? Review us on iTunes! We are also available on Stitcher, Spotify, and Letterboxd.  Opening: "The Fire" by Dan_Mantau (c) 2022 - http://ccmixter.org/files/Dan_Mantau/64603 Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) Closing: Pixie Pixels (featuring Kara Square) by spinningmerkaba (c) copyright 2016 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/jlbrock44/53778  Additional comments? Email us: itsthepictures@gmail.com

Max does a solo episode as he talks about the latest news in the film industry, the summer box office game, and reviews some recent theater releases in 28 Years Later and The Life of Chuck. Website: https://itsthepictures.libsyn.com/ itsthepictures.substack.com Download the episode today, and find us on Bluesky, Instagram, and Letterboxd.  Like the show? Review us on iTunes! We are also available on Stitcher, Spotify, and Letterboxd.  Opening: "The Fire" by Dan_Mantau (c) 2022 - http://ccmixter.org/files/Dan_Mantau/64603 Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) Closing: Pixie Pixels (featuring Kara Square) by spinningmerkaba (c) copyright 2016 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/jlbrock44/53778  Additional comments? Email us: itsthepictures@gmail.com

Film Critic Odie Henderson joins Max and Evan to discuss the 50th anniversary of JAWS. The landmark film continues to excite filmgoers even all these years later. The episode also includes discussions on Mission: Impossible, Sinners, and reviews of Pee-Wee as Himself and Ballerina.  Website: https://itsthepictures.libsyn.com/ itsthepictures.substack.com Download the episode today, and find us on Bluesky, Instagram, and Letterboxd.  Like the show? Review us on iTunes! We are also available on Stitcher, Spotify, and Letterboxd.  Opening: "The Fire" by Dan_Mantau (c) 2022 - http://ccmixter.org/files/Dan_Mantau/64603 Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) Closing: Pixie Pixels (featuring Kara Square) by spinningmerkaba (c) copyright 2016 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/jlbrock44/53778  Additional comments? Email us: itsthepictures@gmail.com

Max and Evan discuss the John Wick series of films on this week's episode. Using the recently released documentary "Wick is Pain" and the upcoming spin-off "Ballerina" as a jumping-off point, the guys share some of their favorite parts of the John Wick series. Before the feature, they talk about the winners of the Cannes Film Festival, some embargo controversy and more. Stay tuned afterwards for thoughts on the Harrison Ford classic, Witness, and the new feature, Jane Austen Wrecked My Life.  Website: https://itsthepictures.libsyn.com/ itsthepictures.substack.com Download the episode today, and find us on Bluesky, Instagram, and Letterboxd.  Like the show? Review us on iTunes! We are also available on Stitcher, Spotify, and Letterboxd.  Opening: "The Fire" by Dan_Mantau (c) 2022 - http://ccmixter.org/files/Dan_Mantau/64603 Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) Closing: Pixie Pixels (featuring Kara Square) by spinningmerkaba (c) copyright 2016 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/jlbrock44/53778  Additional comments? Email us: itsthepictures@gmail.com

Max and Evan are joined by horror afectionado and journalist Deirdre Crimmins to discuss tropes in Horror / Sci-fi. Before starting the episode, there's some brief discussion on GTA VI and some upcoming movies from James Grey and Jane Schoenbrun. Then the conversation turns to the featured topic with a discussion of some of the more common tropes in Sci-Fi / Horror. Finally, stay turned afterwards for a brief review of Marvel's Thunderbolts* Website: https://itsthepictures.libsyn.com/ itsthepictures.substack.com Download the episode today, and find us on Bluesky, Instagram, and Letterboxd.  Like the show? Review us on iTunes! We are also available on Stitcher, Spotify, and Letterboxd.  Opening: "The Fire" by Dan_Mantau (c) 2022 - http://ccmixter.org/files/Dan_Mantau/64603 Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) Closing: Pixie Pixels (featuring Kara Square) by spinningmerkaba (c) copyright 2016 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/jlbrock44/53778  Additional comments? Email us: itsthepictures@gmail.com

Max and Evan talk about the Baseball movie. There's a baseball movie for whatever mood you might be in. Max and Evan talk about some recent ones they've been enjoying including Eephus. Also deeper dives into A League of Their Own and Bull Durham. Stay tuned afterwards for some thoughts on the new Ryan Coogler movie, Sinners.  Website: https://itsthepictures.libsyn.com/ itsthepictures.substack.com Download the episode today, and find us on Bluesky, Instagram, and Letterboxd.  Like the show? Review us on iTunes! We are also available on Stitcher, Spotify, and Letterboxd.  Opening: "The Fire" by Dan_Mantau (c) 2022 - http://ccmixter.org/files/Dan_Mantau/64603 Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) Closing: Pixie Pixels (featuring Kara Square) by spinningmerkaba (c) copyright 2016 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/jlbrock44/53778  Additional comments? Email us: itsthepictures@gmail.com