A+Z Movie Review Podcast

No good pod goes unpublished! Alex and Zach return to the mics for a return to Oz and the conclusion of the Broadway hit adaptation Wicked: For Good. They discuss how it lines up with the original stage production, how Act 2 compares to its Act 1 movie and stage predecessors and get in deep on the music and lore of Oz. Plus, they dive in on all of its possible awards chances and so, so, so much more. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 1:52 - General Non-Spoiler Thoughts 11:37 - Concession Stand (Candy - Sweet/Positive Notes) - SPOILERS AHEAD 23:18 - Concession Stand (Popcorn - Salty/Negative Notes) - SPOILERS AHEAD 40:21 - Concession Stand (Refreshments - Wash-It-Down/Other Notes) - SPOILERS AHEAD 46:05 - Original Songs 49:10 - "Clock Tick" 50:50 - Original Songs (cont.) 53:40 - Other Reactions 1:03:14 - Song Review Rundown 1:06:19 - Box Office 1:15:14 - Wrap-Up 1:20:38 - Outro Follow us on Instagram @a.z_moviereview. Follow us on Twitter @a_z_moviereview.

The Honmoon is sealed! Alex and Zach sing along with Netflix's surprising chart-topper: K-POP DEMON HUNTERS. We talk about the film's absolutely BOPPING soundtrack, our coming around to watch the film and its stunning breakthrough into the mainstream. We also discuss whether this cultural surge could send the movie and its songs into legitimate Oscar contention. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 1:33 - Background 2:20 - Non-Spoiler Review 10:27 - Concession Stand (Sweet, Salty, Refresher) - SPOILERS AHEAD 29:55 - Favorite Songs 35:44 - Opening up to K-Pop? 39:22 - Oscar Opportunities? Animated? Original Song? 47:58 - Outro Follow us on Instagram @a.z_moviereview. Follow us on Twitter @a_z_moviereview.

"I herald his beginning. I herald your end." We herald the return of Alex and Zach to the MCU! We take our first steps into Phase Six with the return of Marvel's First Family to the big screen in THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS. We compare the 37th film in the MCU to the previous cinematic attempts at the Fantastic Four, examine if its retro-future style over substance and how this movie takes us towards the end of the Multiverse Saga and Avengers: Doomsday. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 1:55 - Background 3:30 - Non-Spoiler Review 17:15 - Concession Stand (Sweet, Salty, Refresher) - SPOILERS AHEAD 46:39 - Fantastic Four + Tomorrowland in Disneyland 50:39 - Post-Credit Scenes - SPOILERS AHEAD 54:18 - MCU Connections / Looking Ahead to Avengers: Doomsday - SPOILERS AHEAD 1:00:46 - Other MCU Projects 1:04:01 - Avatar 3: Fire and Ash Trailer Thoughts 1:06:17 - What's the next "big" movie? 1:09:07 - Outro Follow us on Instagram @a.z_moviereview. Follow us on Twitter @a_z_moviereview.

There's always a way. Alex and Zach leap into the sky for the start of a new DC Universe with the arrival of SUPERMAN. We discuss if James Gunn's vision for this Man of Steel is a hit and what the future is for rebooted cinematic universe. We look into the chemistry of David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan as Clark Kent and Lois Lane, the dripping evil of Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor and if, ultimately, they got the character of Superman right. (Spoiler: they absolutely did.) TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 3:22 - Non-Spoiler Review 12:28 - Starting the New DC Universe 17:32 - General Discussion 19:58 - Concession Stand (Sweet, Salty, Refresher) - SPOILERS AHEAD 59:15 - Lois, Clark and Lex 1:02:01 - KRYPTO! 1:07:33 - "Politics" 1:09:39 - What's Next in the DCU? Future of Batman? 1:23:53 - Superman Wrap-Up 1:27:31 - Looking Forward to Fantastic Four 1:29:12 - Alex's Quick Hit on K-Pop Demon Hunters / Outro Follow us on Instagram @a.z_moviereview. Follow us on Twitter @a_z_moviereview.

Lights out, and away we go! Alex and Zach jump into the driver seat for the adrenaline-fueled summer blockbuster of F1 THE MOVIE. We discuss if Brad Pitt and company hit top speed or need to turn back into pit lane, and we ask if this movie will create new fans of the sport. Plus, as fans of the sport ourselves, we strut our wheel knowledge of how well this translates Formula One racing from track to screen. Also, after taking another ill-fated trip to dinosaur island, Zach gives a quick rundown on Jurassic World: Rebirth. Yet another movie in the franchise where they were, again, more concerned with if they could than if they should. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 1:03 - F1 General Discussion/Background 8:56 - F1 Non-Spoiler Review 13:43 - F1 Concession Stand (Sweet, Salty, Refresher) - SPOILERS AHEAD 42:05 - Does This Create New F1 Fans? 45:52 - F1 "This Wouldn't Actually Happen" Nit Picks 56:41 - F1 Sequel? 59:22 - Jurassic World: Rebirth Non-Spoiler Review 1:01:12 - Jurassic World: Rebirth Quick Concession Stand (Sweet, Salty Refresher) - SPOILERS AHEAD 1:06:37 - Outro Follow us on Instagram @a.z_moviereview. Follow us on Twitter @a_z_moviereview.

You are not a catch, because you are not a fish. Alex and Zach have a date night for A24 and Celine's Song new RomCom (?) MATERIALISTS. We explore whether or not it's actually a RomCom and if the trailers built up expectations the movie couldn't match. We also talk through whether this movie, for all of its expert craftmanship, isn't filled out by its characters or actors. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 1:14 - Non-Spoiler Review 10:10 - Concession Stand 24:37 - Reacting to Twitter Reactions / Other Plot Points 35:48 - Outro Follow us on Instagram @a.z_moviereview. Follow us on Twitter @a_z_moviereview.

You keep dancing with the devil, and one day he's going to follow you home. Alex and Zach finally saw writer-director Ryan Coogler's newest cinematic blast SINNERS. We see if we can handle a dip into the horror side of film, and let you know whether it's easy to stomach. (Short answer: YES! (*with caveats from Alex)). We examine the movie's exploration of race relations in the Jim Crow South mixed in with an explosion of vampire tension. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 1:19 - Background 3:15 - Non-Spoiler Review 22:07 - Concession Stand (Sweet, Salty, Refresher) - SPOILERS AHEAD 47:42 - Further Questions - Good Title? Franchise Opportunity? 54:15 - Coogler’s Unique Ownership Rights 59:21 - Outro Follow us on Instagram @a.z_moviereview. Follow us on Twitter @a_z_moviereview.

"Okay, that was pretty good." Alex and Zach jump back into the Marvel Cinematic Universe as it begins its turn back towards big-time stakes with THUNDERBOLTS*. We see if the 36th film in the MCU lives up to its early hype, hitch our wagons to Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova/Black Widow) and Lewis Pullman (Bob!) and examine how this team-up pushes the MCU back on the rails. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 2:35 - General Discussion/Background 5:35 - Non-Spoiler Review 14:47 - Concession Stand (Sweet, Salty, Refresher) - SPOILERS AHEAD 43:12 - Wish to Have Seen? - SPOILERS 50:41 - Post-Credit Scene - SPOILERS 57:13 - Outro Follow us on Instagram @a.z_moviereview. Follow us on Twitter @a_z_moviereview.

Hollywood's Biggest Night goes to... ANORA! The indie sex worker dramedy takes home five Oscars to be the big winner at the 97th Academy Awards. Alex and Zach run through the production of the show and grade host Conan O'Brien. What and why were those song performances? What jokes hit? Plus, we break down the historic night for Anora's Sean Baker, the surprise of Mikey Madison and the rest of the big awards. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 1:06 - Background 2:10 - How Was The Show? 4:15 - What Were Those Song Performances For? 17:29 - Stand-Out Moments 21:49 - Awards Talk: Anora's Big Night 30:06 - Other Big Winners: Kieran Culkin, Zoe Saldaña 32:18 - Adrien Brody and His Big Speech 36:33 - Below the Line Winners: Dune Part Two, Wicked, Speeches by Documentary and Short Film Winners 39:54 - Other Ceremony Notes 43:48 - Looking Forward 46:48 - Outro Follow us on Instagram @a.z_moviereview. Follow us on Twitter @a_z_moviereview.

If everybody looks the other way, then everybody's in on it. Alex and Zach round out the 2025 Best Picture slate with one of the most uniquely told and impactful story of the nominees: Nickel Boys. We examine this extremely necessary telling of this under-documented side of the Civil Rights movement and the first-person point-of-view camera style that sets it apart from the rest.  Plus, we give our final rundown of the 10-film Best Picture race and compare the field against years past. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 0:56 - Completing the Best Picture Gauntlet 2:12 - Background / General Discussion 7:05 - Non-Spoiler Review 15:45 - Concession Stand (Sweet, Salty, Refresher) - SPOILERS AHEAD 34:50 - Oscar Chances 37:26 - Final Best Picture Discussion 42:15 - Is This a Good Best Picture Nominee Field? 51:21 - Outro Follow us on Instagram @a.z_moviereview. Follow us on Twitter @a_z_moviereview.

It is the destination, not the journey. Alex and Zach continue their Best Picture journey with the tome that is "The Brutalist." The length of the film has been much-discussed here and elsewhere, and we let you know straight away if that should deter viewers from taking in the film. We also get into a bigger Best Picture discussion with the heavy-hitters under our belt. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 1:24 - Should the Length of "The Brutalist" Turn People Away? 7:55 - Background 10:59 - Non-Spoiler Review 18:31 - Concession Stand (Sweet, Salty, Refresher) - SPOILERS AHEAD 39:11 - Oscars Chances 48:46 - Best Picture Chances 53:08 - Outro Follow us on Instagram @a.z_moviereview. Follow us on Twitter @a_z_moviereview.

We shared our playlist with the DJ, and he was very rude and dismissive. Alex and Zach ride along with the entertainingly manic rollercoaster of Best Picture nominee Anora. We discuss where this early front-runner now sits in the Oscars conversation and take-in one of the more rewatchable, hilarious and tragic nominees of the year.  TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 1:18 - General Discussion (Background, etc.) 6:33 - Non-Spoiler Review 8:52 - Best Picture Discussion 16:03 - Concession Stand (Sweet, Salty, Refresher) - SPOILERS AHEAD 37:09 - Oscars Chances 38:39 - Oscar Voter Criticism  44:01 - Oscar Chances (cont.) 46:01 - Outro Follow us on Instagram @a.z_moviereview. Follow us on Twitter @a_z_moviereview.

Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself? Alex and Zach dissect the bold body horror Best Picture nominee "The Substance". We let you know right off the top if we recommend seeing this at times wild and at times grotesque look on beauty standards on women and women in Hollywood and shift focus to Best Actress front-runner Demi Moore. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 1:08 - Would You Recommend This Movie? / Non-Spoiler Review 5:41 - Awards Conversation / General Discussion 9:20 - Demi Moore, Best Actress? 13:28 - Concession Stand (Sweet, Salty, Refresher) - SPOILERS AHEAD 28:35 - Oscars Chances 33:16 - Outro Follow us on Instagram @a.z_moviereview. Follow us on Twitter @a_z_moviereview.

Greatness in unexpected places. Alex and Zach pour over a surprise Best Picture contender with the Brazilian film I'm Still Here. We express our love for a film that caught us off guard, from the production to the performances, including the singular work of Fernanda Torres. Plus, we look at its awards chances and our hopes for the movie. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 0:54 - General Discussion 2:34 - Non-Spoiler Review 11:50 - Best International Feature 18:22 - Concession Stand (Sweet, Salty, Refresher) - SPOILERS AHEAD 35:20 - Oscars Chances 40:01 - Outro Follow us on Instagram @a.z_moviereview. Follow us on Twitter @a_z_moviereview.

This is a war! Alex and Zach investigate the papal election thriller Conclave, a dark horse Best Picture candidate. We dissect the twists and turns of this captivating story, the string of unexpected reveals and look into the Oscars chances, particulary the performance of Ralph Fiennes and adapted screenplay. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 1:43 - General Discussion 4:02 - Non-Spoiler Review 12:50 - Concession Stand (Sweet, Salty, Refresher) - SPOILERS AHEAD 29:34 - Oscars Chances 38:36 - Outro Follow us on Instagram @a.z_moviereview. Follow us on Twitter @a_z_moviereview.

Track some mud on the carpet! Alex and Zach gather 'round to explore the work of legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan in 2025 Best Picture nominee A Complete Unknown. We celebrate the bevy of great performances (both acting and singing) and see where it stacks up against other musician biopics and other Best Picture and Acting nominees. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 1:03 - General Discussion (Background, Our Dylan Knowledge, Nominations, etc.) 4:58 - Non-Spoiler Review 9:42 - Timothée Chalamet/Best Actor Discussion (Sebastian Stan "The Apprentice"/Colman Domingo "Sing Sing") 16:26 - Concession Stand (Sweet, Salty, Refresher) - SPOILERS AHEAD 35:35 - Oscars Chances 40:05 - Outro / Where to Watch Oscar Nominees Follow us on Instagram @a.z_moviereview. Follow us on Twitter @a_z_moviereview.

On your left! Alex and Zach take a break from awards season for the return of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Sam Wilson's big-screen debut as the new Captain America. We push back against the critical reception to the 35th film in the MCU, look into what charms and thrills and where it sits among the current MCU discourse and the installments to come this year. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 1:03 - General Discussion (Light MCU Talk, Critical Reception, etc.) 4:37 - Non-Spoiler Review 20:19 - Concession Stand (Sweet, Salty, Refresher) - SPOILERS AHEAD 47:04 - Extra Points - SPOILERS 52:27 - MCU Post-Credit Scenes - SPOILERS 56:18 - Outro Upcoming MCU Slate Follow us on Instagram @a.z_moviereview. Follow us on Twitter @a_z_moviereview.

Alex and Zach get into the most controversial and most nominated 2025 Oscar contender: Netflix's Emilia Pérez. We dive into this bold swing of a French-made musical about a transgender Mexican drug lord, the discussions around the film's content and production as well as its award season drama. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 1:20 - General Discussion (Background, Nominations, etc.) 4:46 - Non-Spoiler Review 15:35 - Concession Stand (Sweet, Salty, Refresher) - SPOILERS AHEAD 30:15 - Transgender Criticism 34:30 - Mexico Criticism 37:25 - Karla Sofía Gascón Social Media Controversy 39:13 - Awards Chances 54:54 - Netflix Awards Woes 58:50 - Outro Follow us on Instagram @a.z_moviereview. Follow us on Twitter @a_z_moviereview.

Lisan al gaib! Alex and Zach continue into the Best Picture race with their look at Dune: Part Two. We explore this modern epic, see where this sand worm soared compared to its Part One, and look at its chances on Oscar Sunday. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 2:30 - General Discussion (Nominations, Popcorn Bucket, etc.) 9:14 - Non-Spoiler Review 16:00 - Concession Stand (Sweet, Salty, Refresher) - SPOILERS AHEAD 31:38 - Awards Chances 33:59 - Outro Follow us on Instagram @a.z_moviereview. Follow us on Twitter @a_z_moviereview.

Good news! Alex and Zach are back! We jump right into the 2025 Oscars Best Picture race with one of our favorite film of last year, Wicked. We break down the witchy musical, give their thoughts and take a look at its awards chances, plus some early thoughts on the Best Picture race and how to watch all the nominees. TIME STAMPS: 0:27 - Intro 1:42 - Oscar Nominations Rundown 5:01 - Non-Spoiler Review 17:09 - Concession Stand (Sweet, Salty, Refresher) - SPOILERS AHEAD 44:49 - Awards Chances 50:14 - Where to Watch Best Picture Nominees 53:12 - Outro Follow us on Instagram @a.z_moviereview. Follow us on Twitter @a_z_moviereview.