Silver Screen Queens

Reviewing movies and the culture that surrounds them.

This podcast is no longer in production.

284: Halloween (2018)

Published 31 October 2018 • 49 minutes, 39 seconds

For the ninth episode in the long-running franchise, Jamie Lee Curtis returns to her iconic role as Laurie Strode, in a film that is definitely a sequel to the 1978 original, but only kinda sorta a sequel to its seven other sequels. Billed as Laurie’s final* showdown with legendary slasher Michael Myers, we find her isolated from her family (daughter Judy Greer and granddaughter Andi Matichak), and needing to tap reserves of strength and preparation built up over four decades living in fear.

283: A Star Is Born (2018)

Published 24 October 2018 • 55 minutes, 24 seconds

“From director Bradley Cooper…” proclaimed the (excellent) trailer, and so it is. We had to wait a couple of weeks to see this in Australia, which only gave the hype train time to build up steam. So, does it live up to expectations?

282: Bad Times at the El Royale

Published 17 October 2018 • 39 minutes, 17 seconds

A few weeks ago we saw a sexy, neon movie poster, and immediately wanted to know more. Serendipity showed us the trailer, and informed us that this throwback thriller was directed by one of our favourite writer/directors, Drew Goddard, and from that moment on, we were hooked. With an intriguing premise and an innovative storytelling technique, we were very keen to talk about BAD TIMES AT THE EL ROYALE.

281: Venom

Published 10 October 2018 • 46 minutes, 15 seconds

Don’t mention the Spider-guy is the watchword of this Sony take on one of its Marvel properties. Tom Hardy is inspiringly cast as Eddie Brock/Venom, and joined by some talented and unexpected co-stars in this film by the director of Zombieland.

280: Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

Published 3 October 2018 • 52 minutes, 10 seconds

If you spend a lot of time online, you will eventually see a Mr Rogers quote. If you grew up outside of the US, like us, you probably don’t know who that is. Luckily, there’s a new documentary to tell us about his life, and his incredible legacy of kindness and caring.

279: Searching

Published 26 September 2018 • 41 minutes, 31 seconds

John Cho finally gets a lead worthy of his immense talents, and filmmakers finally succeed in capturing life on the internet, in this tight thriller about a desperate dad with a missing daughter.

278: A Simple Favor

Published 19 September 2018 • 44 minutes, 47 seconds

Anna Kendrick’s small-town mommy vlogger Stephanie meets Blake Lively’s glamorous PR exec Emily through their sons. It’s going great, until Emily disappears, dragging Stephanie into a mystery she’s only too happy to explore.

277: To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

Published 12 September 2018 • 47 minutes, 33 seconds

This Netflix movie based on a popular YA novel has been getting some serious buzz, and not just because it serves a multitude of underserved audiences. Cute and fun, it also launched the career of the internet’s newest boyfriend, Noah Centineo, and given the most memorable part of X-MEN: APOCALYPSE, Lana Condor, her first lead.

276: The Meg

Published 5 September 2018 • 32 minutes, 44 seconds

It’s Jason Statham vs Megashark, with a mega budget and a transparent play for the China market. If you like giant shark movies, then this is for you. If you don’t, then I don’t know what to tell you. Check the show notes for some video of Jason Statham’s diving career, as well as one of John Barrowman’s more infamous line readings.

275: Crazy Rich Asians

Published 29 August 2018 • 52 minutes, 43 seconds

One of the most anticipated films of the year, and the first since 1993 to feature a predominantly Asian/Asian-American cast helmed by an Asian-American director, this little rom-com has a lot riding on it’s couture-clad shoulders. Luckily, Michelle Yeoh and Awkwafina are on board.