It's time to start a new monthly franchise! So why not put to the test if there really is a better love story than Twilight. In this film adaptation of the global phenomenon, Kristen Stewart embarks on an intense, angsty relationship with the enigmatic vampire Robert Pattinson. We’ll explore the chemistry between the leads that has captivated and divided audiences, as well the film's impact on popular culture, and its atmospheric setting. I guess after this review all three of us have asserted ourselves as Twilight defenders. And while you may like to debate us on the strength of the story and dialogue, it is impossible to deny that vampire baseball is dope.



Timestamps ;)

0:00 - Intro

1:12 - Twilight Review

51:52 - News Chat

1:00:38 - What We've Been Watching

1:12:05 - Question Of The Week

#208 - Twilight

All because Liam's poll streak cannot be stopped, this week we explore Eden (2014). In this French drama we follow the journey of Paul, a DJ (loosely based on the director's brother) who is deeply immersed in the vibrant world of the electronic dance music scene, and witness the highs and lows of his career and personal life. Over the almost 20 years the story spans, he will make music, perform at gigs, do lots of drugs, breakup with at least four girlfriends (including Greta Gerwig), and hang out with Daft Punk. Between the three of us, we found a lot to like in both the film's music and Paul's character study. Then the show will briefly transform into a spin-off podcast 'EDM Effect' as Jayden takes us through his impressive personal list of DJ recommendations.  Timestamps ;)

0:00 - Intro

1:35 - Eden Review

58:44 - What We've Been Watching

1:08:36 - Question Of The Week

#207 - Eden

Richard Linklater returns to Cinema Effect with a bit of a departure from the Before Trilogy with his new Netflix movie, Hit Man. Starring Glen Powell as a philosophy teacher who also goes undercover for the cops as a side gig, the film sees him take on a multitude of personas in order to convince as a contract killer. But problems start to arise when he breaks protocol to let a desperate woman off the hook. While some questionable narrative choices were made, this sexy crime flick still manages to entertain throughout in large part to Powell's comedic chops, and some excitingly tense scenes. The film also claims that real hitmen don't exist, which we find hard to believe. So if you've ever hired a hitman please let us know in the comments.



Timestamps ;)

0:00 - Intro

2:07 - Hit Man Review

54:36 - News Chat

57:32 - What We've Been Watching

1:07:07 - Question Of The Week

#206 - Hit Man

If you thought you didn't care about baseball, think again because 2011's Moneyball is a must-watch. This compelling sports drama is all about the true story of how the sport was revolutionised and forever changed in the early 2000's. In order to finally win the World Series on a limited budget, Mr Beane, portrayed by Brad Pitt, takes an unconventional approach to assembling a competitive baseball team. It's a great story with a fantastic screenplay and performances from its stellar cast, including Jonah Hill and Philip Seymour Hoffman. This film certainly left us learning a lot about the sport, and agreeing that it is indeed hard not to be romantic about baseball. After the review, we'll discuss other quality movies about sports we don't usually care for. Spoilers: believe it or not Jayden actually likes something related to American Football.



Timestamps ;)

0:00 - Intro

1:26 - Moneyball Review

1:03:03 - News Chat

1:06:29 - What We've Been Watching

1:24:07 - Question Of The Week

#205 - Moneyball

Rev up your engines for the second week in a row, as we journey back to completely deranged post-apocalyptic Straya for George Miller's long-awaited Fury Road prequel all about Furiosa. The film has been in development since before Fury Road was even filmed over a decade ago, and tells the saga of the titular character's backstory prior to her time with Tom Hardy's Mad Max. Anya Taylor-Joy takes on the mantle of a young Furiosa, and does so very capably with a supporting cast lead by Chris Hemsworth playing a bogan wasteland cult leader. How entertaining we found Hemsworth's unconventional performance is just the first of many points we found disagreements with in this review. We'll debate the trademark action sequences, cinematography, Junkie XL's score, and much more. All before we discuss other top examples of actors taking on a role outside of their usual range.



Timestamps ;)

0:00 - Intro

1:39 - Furiosa Review

1:00:57 - News Chat

1:08:10 - What We've Been Watching

1:15:28 - Question Of The Week

#204 - Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

For the first time on the show we'll delve into George Miller's insane post-apocalyptic world (aka Australia) with Mad Max: Fury Road. This 2015 reboot is a highly acclaimed addition to the action genre for its featured impressive stunts and unbelievably well choregraphed sequences. Upon re-watching we did differ with each other on how enjoyable the experience was overall. But don't be deterred Fury Road die hards, for Jayden is your champion in this episode. We'll look at the performances of Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron and Nicholas Hoult, the film's eccentric visual design, and look forward to the possibilities of the newly released Furiosa prequel before we see it.  Timestamps ;)

0:00 - Intro

1:44 - Mad Max: Fury Road Review

01:01:03 - What We've Been Watching

01:05:47 - Reading Your Comments

#203 - Mad Max: Fury Road

Let's return not just to the cinemaaaaa, but to a franchise we first reviewed on the show a few years back. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is the latest instalment in the iconic series, and follows on from the end of Caesar's journey hundreds of years in the future. This time Wes Ball takes over the big shoes left by Matt Reeves as he tells the story of new ape characters, and explores their evolving dynamics with the last surviving humans on Earth. The film unsurprisingly features visual effects so good that you forget you're watching totally simulated environments and characters. And that illusion is only further held up by the strong performances (both motion captured and in-camera). But despite it's impressive features, we did have some differing experiences with how engaging we found this new journey. But to find out if it was one ultimately worth taking, you'll just have to please bear with us through the intro. Timestamps ;)

0:00 - Intro

4:55 - Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes Review

56:18 - News Chat

1:10:16 - What We've Been Watching

1:13:26 - Reading Your Comments

#202 - Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes

Welcome to a new grand era of Cinema Effect. What we lack this week in drastic changes to the show we'll make up for in quality discussion as we tackle the incredibly eccentric and multi-layered world of Todd Haynes' I'm Not There. This is a bold and unconventional biographical film about the legendary musician Bob Dylan, where multiple a-list actors portray different facets of Dylan's persona. Including memorable performances from the likes of Heath Ledger, Christian Bale, and even Cate Blanchett! Be warned we are mostly total Bob Dylan noobs here. So we enjoyed learning about the man through osmosis, and discussing how the film transcends traditional and stale biopic conventions to deliver Hayne's truly unique cinematic vision. 



Timestamps ;)

0:00 - Intro

3:47 - I'm Not There Review

1:05:50 - News Chat

1:09:53 - What We've Been Watching

1:20:10 - Reading Your Comments

#201 - I'm Not There

Yes, we have now officially recorded 200 episodes of Cinema Effect. And for such a landmark occasion, why not get together to dive deep into David Fincher's chilling 1995 classic, Seven (or Se7en if you prefer). We all know the film that launched Fincher's career to new heights is gruesome and suspense-filled. We all know about its plot twists and unforgettable climax. We'll breakdown all of those classic scenes, but the complex themes and lead characters, played wonderfully by Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt, are what make the film a compelling watch almost 30 years later. Plus, if you ever wanted to hear us confess our own sins, then today is your lucky day!



Timestamps ;)

0:00 - Intro

1:38 - Seven Review

1:03:33 - What We've Been Watching

1:20:32 - Reading Your Comments

1:36:03 - Quiz

#200 - Seven

This year's most anticipated sequel, Rebel Moon Part Two, has finally been uploaded to Netflix! The film continues Zack Snyder's epic sci-fi saga and picks up right where the first half left off. Kora and her ragtag warrior buddies must train a bunch of scrubs to defend their home against the Imperium. Part Veldt farming simulator, and part Seven Samurai in space, the movie's effective action and faster pace was mostly able to keep us entertained. Zaddy does have to overcome his own very cliché characters and dialogue. But at least the performances get more time to shine in Part Two's standout flashback sequences. Now we must anxiously wait for Netflix to greenlight at least six sequels. Because only then will we finally have a true Snyderverse.



Timestamps ;)

0:00 - Intro

1:23 - Rebel Moon Part Two Review

42:48 - What We've Been Watching

51:19 - Reading Your Comments

#199 - Rebel Moon Part Two: The Scargiver

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

Zac Finn

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