Cinemaholics

Cinemaholics.com

Don't know what to watch? Join film critics Jon Negroni and Will Ashton for no-nonsense conversations about the latest films coming to theaters and streaming online. They may not always agree, but one thing's for sure. They're both Cinemaholics.

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TV & FilmTV & Film

Episodes

Interview – Harrison Xu and Ivan Leung talk 'Extremely Unique Dynamic'
23-01-2025
Interview – Harrison Xu and Ivan Leung talk 'Extremely Unique Dynamic'
Today on Cinemaholics, we’re joined by two hilarious and incredibly talented filmmakers/actors, Harrison Xu and Ivan Leung, to talk about their new indie film, Extremely Unique Dynamic. This queer Asian meta stoner coming-of-age dramedy takes storytelling to a whole new level—it’s a movie about two guys making a movie about two guys making a movie. Yes, it’s as wonderfully chaotic as it sounds. Extremely Unique Dynamic has been making waves, playing at over 25 film festivals and breaking box office records during its LA theatrical run. In this episode, Harrison and Ivan share the wild journey of creating a deeply personal, yet entirely universal story that subverts stoner comedy tropes while addressing themes of representation, identity, and authenticity. We dive into everything—how they infused the film with their real-life personalities, their unexpected success at festivals, and even a bit of party bus pole-dancing backstory. Along the way, we also discuss pop-punk soundtracks, karaoke go-tos, and what they hope this movie will mean 50 years from now. Plus, we get into some lighter moments, including their favorite reality TV shows, nostalgic movie picks, and the unexpected challenges of doing Q&As. Whether you’re a fan of stoner comedies, indie filmmaking, or unique dynamics (see what we did there?), this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Catch Extremely Unique Dynamics at upcoming screenings in LA, San Francisco, New York, and even Vancouver, with VOD release just around the corner. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.comJoin our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here.Check out our Cinemaholics Merch!Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics!Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram.Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Complete Unknown – Film Review
08-01-2025
A Complete Unknown – Film Review
In this week's episode, Jon Negroni and Will Ashton dive deep into A Complete Unknown, the latest biopic from director James Mangold (Logan, Walk the Line). The film, starring Timothée Chalamet as the iconic Bob Dylan, chronicles the enigmatic artist’s rise to fame during the transformative folk scene of the 1960s. With Edward Norton and Monica Barbaro rounding out the cast, and a runtime of 140 minutes, the movie captures Dylan’s transition from a folk music darling to a rock 'n' roll revolutionary. Jon and Will discuss Mangold’s directorial approach, Chalamet’s performance as the elusive Dylan, and the narrative’s attempt to balance the artist’s enigmatic persona with a traditional biopic structure. They also highlight the supporting cast, including Norton’s standout role and Boyd Holbrook’s intriguing portrayal of Johnny Cash. Is A Complete Unknowna respectful ode to Dylan’s artistry, or does it play it too safe? Tune in as the hosts break it all down, from the film’s subtle nods to Dylan’s legacy to its reception among fans and critics alike. Searchlight Pictures released A Complete Unknown in U.S. theaters on December 25, 2024. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.comJoin our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here.Check out our Cinemaholics Merch!Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics!Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram.Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nosferatu – Spoiler-free Instant Take
02-01-2025
Nosferatu – Spoiler-free Instant Take
In this special instant take, Will Ashton dives into Robert Eggers' latest film, Nosferatu, unpacking its deep ties to the 1922 horror classic and its fresh take on the Dracula mythos. He breaks down Eggers' distinct artistic style, highlights standout performances from Willem Dafoe and Bill Skarsgård, and praises the film's jaw-dropping production design and cinematography. Will also reflects on how Nosferatu fits into the modern horror landscape, sharing why it’s such an exciting year-end release that horror fans won’t want to miss. Nosferatu opened in theaters on December 25 through Focus Features and has a runtime of 132 minutes. The rest of the cast includes Nicholas Hoult, Lily-Rose Depp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, Ralph Ineson, and Simon McBurney. More about Nosferatu: Set in 19th-century Europe, Nosferatu follows Thomas Hutter, a real estate agent who heads to the eerie, isolated estate of Count Orlok to close a business deal. Sounds straightforward, right? Not quite. Things take a dark and sinister turn when Hutter realizes Orlok is no ordinary recluse: he’s a full-on vampire with a thirst for blood and an unsettling interest in Hutter’s wife, Ellen. As the danger escalates and Orlok’s shadow creeps closer to the village, the story unfolds into a chilling mix of gothic horror, psychological tension, and devastating stakes. Robert Eggers brings his trademark grit and authenticity to this retelling, delivering a film that feels both classic and refreshingly new. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.comJoin our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here.Check out our Cinemaholics Merch!Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics!Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram.Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Complete Unknown – Spoiler-Free Instant Take
10-12-2024
A Complete Unknown – Spoiler-Free Instant Take
Today on Cinemaholics, Will Ashton gives his spoiler-free instant take of A Complete Unknown, the latest biographical drama from director James Mangold. Starring Timothée Chalamet as a young Bob Dylan, the film chronicles Dylan's rise in the New York folk scene of the early 1960s, culminating in his revolutionary performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965. With a screenplay co-written by Mangold and Jay Cocks, and a stellar supporting cast including Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, and Monica Barbaro, A Complete Unknown is already earning high praise as one of the best films of 2024. Tune in for Will’s thoughts on Chalamet’s portrayal of Dylan, the film’s nostalgic vibe, and if it'll be a must-watch this holiday season. Searchlight Pictures will release A Complete Unknown in select U.S. theaters on December 25, 2024. More about A Complete Unknown: New York, 1961. Against the backdrop of a vibrant music scene and tumultuous cultural upheaval, an enigmatic 19-year-old from Minnesota named Bob Dylan arrives with his guitar and revolutionary talent, destined to change the course of American music. He forges intimate relationships with music icons of Greenwich Village on his meteoric rise, culminating in a groundbreaking and controversial performance that reverberates worldwide. Timothée Chalamet stars and sings as Bob Dylan in James Mangold’s A COMPLETE UNKNOWN, the electric true story behind the rise of one of the most iconic singer-songwriters in history.   The film also stars Edward Norton as Pete Seeger, Elle Fanning as Sylvie Russo, Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, Boyd Holbrook as Johnny Cash and Scoot McNairy as Woody Guthrie. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.comJoin our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here.Check out our Cinemaholics Merch!Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics!Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram.Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Maria
06-12-2024
Maria
Today on Cinemaholics, Will Ashton delivers a short, spoiler-free review of Maria, Angelina Jolie's latest lead performance in a new biographical drama from director Pablo Larraín about legendary opera singer Maria Callas in 1970s Paris. More information about Maria: Angelina Jolie stars as Maria Callas, the iconic soprano, in Pablo Larraín’s Maria. This moving drama reimagines the legendary singer’s final days in Paris as she reflects on her dazzling but turbulent life in the spotlight. Directed by the acclaimed Pablo Larraín (Jackie, Spencer), with a screenplay by Steven Knight, the film offers an intimate look at the diva’s identity, struggles, and overall legacy. The film also features Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Haluk Bilginer, and Kodi Smit-McPhee and is the final entry in Larraín's trilogy about iconic 20th-century women, following Jackie and Spencer. Premiering at the Venice Film Festival, where Jolie's performance earned acclaim, Maria debuted in select U.S. theaters on November 27, 2024, and will stream on Netflix from December 11, with theatrical releases in Italy and Germany to follow in early 2025. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.comJoin our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here.Check out our Cinemaholics Merch!Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics!Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram.Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Piano Lesson – Instant Take
06-11-2024
The Piano Lesson – Instant Take
Will Ashton gives his instant take review of The Piano Lesson, directed and co-written by Malcolm Washington and starring Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Ray Fisher, Michael Potts, Erykah Badu, Skylar Aleece Smith, Danielle Deadwyler, and Corey Hawkins. Synopsis: A battle is brewing in the Charles Household. At the center stands a prized heirloom piano tearing two siblings apart. On one side, a brother (John David Washington) plans to build the family fortune by selling it. On the other, a sister (Danielle Deadwyler) will go to any lengths to hold onto the sole vestige of the family’s heritage.  Their uncle (Samuel L. Jackson) tries to mediate,  but even he can’t hold back the ghosts of the past.  Adapted from August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork, THE PIANO LESSON explores the intergenerational dynamics of identity, resilience and transcendence - revealing startling truths about how we perceive the past and who gets to define our legacy.  The film is directed and co-written by Malcolm Washington in his feature directorial debut. From Oscar nominated producers Denzel Washington and Todd Black, and featuring an all-star cast including Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Ray Fisher, Michael Potts, Erykah Badu, Skylar Aleece Smith with Danielle Deadwyler and Corey Hawkins. Links: Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.comJoin our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here.Check out our Cinemaholics Merch!Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics!Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram.Support our show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholicsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.