Checkout Cinema

Checkout Cinema listener Lydia recommended that Amelia and Janine discuss IN A LONELY PLACE (1950), a film noir starring the iconic Humphrey Bogart. Luckily, Amelia already had many opinions about this movie ready to go, and gave Janine a little bit of time to catch up by watching the film and sharing her thoughts on this week's episode. Nicholas Ray's 1950 film noir IN A LONELY PLACE stars Humphrey Bogart as Dixon Steele, a misogynistic screenwriter embittered by Hollywood. When he becomes a prime suspect of the murder of a coat check girl, his neighbor Laurel Gray (Gloria Grahame) becomes his only alibi... Until his violent nature has her doubting Steele's innocence as their relationship deepens. Thanks to Darrell for editing this episode. Support your local library!

This week, Amelia and Janine discuss iconic filmmaker Gregg Araki's I WANT YOUR SEX (2026), an erotic thriller-comedy starring Cooper Hoffman and Olivia Wilde. While they unpack the story, the central question becomes clear: is this film a critique on generational differences relating to sex and sexuality, or is it a complicated character study? We'd love to know what you think!Thanks to Darrell for editing this episode. Support your local library!Clips:Gregg Araki Q&A with Cooper Hoffman https://youtu.be/W3IEUvtUlkwAI Podcast Example https://youtu.be/ovM3FmHkfUs

Amelia and Janine are joined by giveaway winner Joey to discuss his favorite film: AMÉLIE (2001), a French romantic comedy following whimsical waitress Amelie Pouline as she tries to help people with their life and love problems. She keeps all of her plots a secret, instead hoping people will believe everything that happens is by fate rather than her own interference.It's always a delight to watch and discuss someone's favorite film, and this episode is a real treat! Thanks to Darrell for editing this episode. Support your local library!

Amelia and Janine watched John Early's directorial debut MADDIE'S SECRET (2025), a satirical comedy drama centering on Maddie Ralph, a foodie content creator whose recent success has brought her past struggles with food back to the forefront. While it was a first watch for Janine, Amelia had the chance to see the movie during TIFF last year and even got to interview the cast. Read her full review here: https://www.cinematary.com/writing/2026/1/20/maddies-secret-2025-by-john-earlyThis episode discusses complicated topics such as eating disorders, childhood abuse, and mental health issues. If you or a loved one is struggling, there are resources available to help you. Find support through the National Eating Disorder Association online at https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/ (NEDA).Thanks to Darrell for editing this episode. Support your local library!

THE VIRGIN SUICIDES (1999, dir. Sofia Coppola) centers on the Lisbon sisters, five sisters in 1970s suburbia who all die by suicide. Framed by the recollection of the teenage boys who were fascinated by them, this beautiful and striking dreamscape of a film tries to lay bare the complicated minds of teenage girls. Darrell joins Janine and Amelia to discuss this movie, the three of them examining this movie from their unique perspectives in relation to their understandings of femininity and girlhood. This episode discusses complicated and emotional issues like suicide. If you or someone you know are struggling with suicidal thoughts, there are resources available to help you. Call or text the National Suicide Hotline at 988. https://988lifeline.orgThank you to Darrell Winfree for both joining our conversation and editing this episode. Support your local library!