Mountainhead is the latest sharp satire from Jesse Armstrong, tackling the terrifyingly current intersection of AI, generative content, and the existential threats they pose to modern civilisation. Written in November of last year and fast-tracked into production at an astonishing pace, the film stars a strong ensemble cast including Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman, and Ramy Youssef, and blends biting humour with sobering themes. We found it funny and engaging in the moment, though we’re not convinced it’ll have long-term staying power. Still, the ethical and technological questions it raises sparked one of our more pessimistic discussions yet, as we confront the unsettling implications this story has for the future of humanity.

Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.

For the second week in a row, we’ve recorded the longest episode in the show's history. Because The Last of Us: Season 2 brings out the passion, the debates, and some very strong opinions. As long time fans of the Part II game, we were deeply curious to see how HBO would tackle its already divisive story, and the result is as polarising as expected. Prepare for an at times contentious discussion packed with full spoilers, where we dive into the big character death, Ellie’s evolving characterisation, Kaitlyn Dever’s introduction as Abby, and the most memorable scenes and performances of the season. We also break down the similarities and departures from the game, and assess whether the show’s incredible production values and strong acting can live up to its ambitious source material. It’s a loaded question. And one we’re not entirely aligned on. Question Of The Week: If you could make yourself the CEO of one tech or media company, which would it be?Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.

After a long production wait, it’s finally time to return to the oppressed galaxy of Andor for its second and final season. A massive 12 episode journey that inspired our longest podcast episode ever. Diego Luna leads an outstanding cast alongside Genevieve O’Reilly, Stellan Skarsgard, and of course the returning Ben Mendelsohn mate. This season offers some of the most unique writing and narrative structure we've seen from Star Wars. With jaw dropping production values that rival any theatrical experience, the series leads beautifully into Rogue One, the film which functions as the story's true finale in many ways. We break down the show’s most memorable episodes and moments, following the evolving arcs of Cassian, Mon Mothma, Luthen, Dedra, Cyril, and many others in ways that are both satisfying and surprising. Join the Rebel Alliance, and experience Star Wars at perhaps its most sophisticated and unforgettable.Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.

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We’ve watched and reviewed every Mission Impossible film on the podcast, and it’s all led to The Final Reckoning, the apparent last chapter in this legendary franchise. Directed once again by Christopher McQuarrie, the film delivers several standout moments, including two impressive action set pieces. One of which (as teased on the poster) is so absolutely, undeniably insane, it surely has to be the culmination of Tom Cruise one upping himself with each stunt. While the movie offers plenty for long-time fans to enjoy, its bloated runtime and some underwhelming ancillary elements sap the punch and energy needed to reach true greatness. Still, for anyone who’s followed Ethan Hunt’s journey, this finale remains a worthwhile ride.

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

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Fallout isn’t just the pinnacle of the Mission Impossible franchise... it’s peak cinema. Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt in this action masterpiece once again directed by Christopher McQuarrie, featuring multiple jaw dropping set pieces, including the epic Paris exchange scene (which Zac won’t stop gushing about). The film’s relentless pacing, outstanding score by Lorne Balfe, and countless fun moments make it a cinematic adrenaline rush. Henry Cavill joins the cast, bringing brute force and incredible intelligence as August Walker. Alongside the incredible stunts (the Halo jump took one year to prepare!), we also attempt to dive into the myth of Ethan Hunt as a character. Hopefully he can make it out of his Final Reckoning one last time!Record your own podcasts with Zencastr at https://zencastr.com/?via=cinemaeffect to get 30% off today.

Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation officially ushers us into the McQuarrie era of the franchise, delivering a masterclass in action filmmaking with Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt facing off against the sinister Solomon Lane, the coolest named villain played with chilling intensity by Sean Harris. This installment also introduces Rebecca Ferguson’s Isla Faust, whose presence quickly won over many Cinema Effect fans and hosts. From the physical Vienna Opera House sequence to the breathtaking underwater heist and high-speed motorcycle chase, every action set piece hits the mark. And with a strong team dynamic featuring Simon Pegg, Jeremy Renner, and Ving Rhames, Rogue Nation stands out as one of the most tightly crafted and entertaining entries in the series. It's onwards and upwards from here folks!

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Since we've just returned from Japan, we have to stay on theme by talking about Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984). This famous anime film is widely regarded as Hayao Miyazaki’s first major success, laying the groundwork for what would soon become Studio Ghibli. The story follows Princess Nausicaä as she navigates a toxic, post-apocalyptic world filled with stunningly designed creatures and airships. With its richly imagined setting and striking character designs, it's certainly a thematically ambitious sci-fi fantasy. Our discussion dives into all of that, though we definitely veer off track now and then. Especially in our increasingly desperate attempt to determine whether Lord Yupa actually dies.

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Season 3 of The White Lotus once again delivers a sharp and sometimes shocking blend of satire, mystery, and drama, solidifying Mike White’s status as one of the most compelling creators in modern television. Set against another luxurious backdrop and featuring a phenomenal cast including Michelle Monaghan, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Parker Posey(!), Jason Isaacs, Carrie Coon, and so many more, the season offers no shortage of memorable characters and dynamics. We dive deep into the intersecting stories, the season’s surprisingly grand themes, and the show's signature mix of comedy and commentary. This season continues to prove why the show is one of the most discussed and entertaining series on TV. Hence why we need 2+ hours to do it justice.

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