Always the Critic: A Movie Podcast artwork

Always the Critic: A Movie Podcast

315 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago - ★★★★★ - 34 ratings

For the movie goer and movie lover, Always the Critic Podcast is a group of friends discussing and reviewing everything from box office juggernauts to indie sleeper hits to throwback favorites.

No film degrees, no connections, no experience necessary because when it comes to film, we’re “always the critic.”

TV & Film
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Episodes

Amsterdam / Ep. 221

October 11, 2022 15:00 - 41 minutes - 38.5 MB

On Episode 221 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we sing to a corpse on our review of Amsterdam, starring Christian Bale, John David Washington, and Margot Robbie. Rico and Jess talk through one of Rico’s most anticipated movies of 2022, discussing the bizarre plot and writing, the preachy themes, awful acting from Washington and Taylor Swift, and more in spoilers. For episodes with similar movies, click below Drama Become a Subscriber! Monthly Subscription Listen To Us! Spotify Appl...

Hocus Pocus 2 / Ep. 220

October 04, 2022 15:00 - 40 minutes - 37.4 MB

On Episode 220 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we put a spell on you—again—on our review of Hocus Pocus 2, starring Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker. Rico and Jess discuss the Disney+ sequel, including the recycled plot, the good and bad comedy, and terrible writing, before transitioning into Rico’s first impressions of the Netflix release Blonde with Ana de Armas and getting into a small argument over the best Disney Channel Original Movies (DCOMs). For episodes with...

Don't Worry Darling / Ep. 219

September 27, 2022 07:00 - 59 minutes - 54.6 MB

On Episode 219 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we wake up in a male utopia (ironically located in the desert) for our review of Don’t Worry Darling, starring Florence Pugh, Harry Styles, Chris Pine, and Olivia Wilde. Rico and Jess discuss the Wilde’s sophomore film and the number 1 movie at the box office, including the complex and entertaining-as-hell press tour, the faltering themes of the movie (ahem, feminism), Harry Styles’s acting, the horrendous final act, comparisons to the origin...

The Woman King / Ep. 218

September 20, 2022 07:00 - 44 minutes - 40.5 MB

On Episode 218 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we visit the kingdom of Dahomey on our review of The Woman King, starring Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, and Lashana Lynch. Rico and Jess discuss the number 1 movie at the box office, including the complicated history surrounding the portrayal of this African state, Viola Davis’s powerhouse performance, the intense themes of the movie, comparisons to Black Panther, the best and most emotionally evocative scenes, and more in spoilers! For episodes...

Pinocchio (2022) / Ep. 217

September 13, 2022 07:30 - 55 minutes - 51.2 MB

On Episode 217 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we wish upon a star on our review of Pinocchio, starring Tom Hanks, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth. Rico and Jess have themselves a bit of a bonfire as they take turns roasting the latest Disney “live-action” remake from director Robert Zemeckis, including differences between the 1940 movie and the remake, Hanks’s bland and uneven performance, the wayward themes and messages of the movie, the uncanny valley of the CGI, the ...

LOTR: The Rings of Power, Episodes 1-2 / Ep. 216

September 06, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 67.7 MB

On Episode 216 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we’re back in Middle Earth to review the first two episodes of the Amazon Prime show Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Rico and Jess discuss the plot, the complaints from the worst corners of the Internet, the cinematography and CGI, the differences in the portrayals of Galadriel and Elrond in the show versus Peter Jackson’s movies, the characters and storylines they’re most drawn to so far, and more. Subscribe to the Patreon so you don...

She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, Episodes 1-2 / Ep. 215

September 01, 2022 07:00 - 59 minutes - 54.4 MB

On Episode 215 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we do something completely out of character and review the first two episodes of the Disney+ Marvel show She-Hulk. Rico and Jess discuss the plot beats of the show, the complaints from the worst corners of the Internet, the CGI, Captain America’s virginity, the interesting topics and concepts the show is commenting on, and what they’re looking forward to for the rest of the show and for the MCU at large. Subscribe to the Patreon so you don’t...

Concerning Middle Earth: An LOTR Retrospective, Part 2 / Ep. 214

August 30, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 62 MB

On Episode 214 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we complete our quest and vanquish evil in part 2 of our quick series covering each Lord of the Rings film leading up to Amazon’s Rings of Power, finishing up with The Return of the King. Rico, Jess, and Jess’s sister Rebecca discuss the experience of watching the final film in theaters, the false endings, fun facts, their favorite lines, sequences, and, yes, even discuss Gollum’s nonexistent ~member~ Then, the group talk through the Rings of...

Concerning Middle Earth: An LOTR Retrospective, Part 1 / Ep. 213

August 23, 2022 07:15 - 1 hour - 71.6 MB

On Episode 213 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we go on a quest in part 1 of our quick series covering each Lord of the Rings film leading up to Amazon’s Rings of Power, starting with Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers. Rico, Jess, and first-time guest Jess’s sister Rebecca discuss their personal experience with the franchise, the legacy of the work, fun facts, how it was made, their favorite lines, sequences, and, yes, even qualms for each movie. For episodes with similar movies,...

The Gray Man on a Bullet Train with Prey / Ep. 212

August 16, 2022 07:00 - 49 minutes - 45.7 MB

On Episode 211 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we look back at the movies that we saw in August that we haven't had a chance to discuss. Rico and Jess talk about the disappointing Netflix action flick The Gray Man (03:18), the fast-moving Bullet Train with its stacked cast (15:04), and then finish up by discussing the surprisingly great Predator prequel-sequel Prey (30:32). For episodes with similar movies, click below Action Adventure Thriller Become a Subscriber! Monthly Subscripti...

Nope / Ep. 211

July 26, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 65.3 MB

On Episode 211 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we can’t look away on our review of Nope, starring Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer, and Steven Yeun. Rico and Jess take a deep dive into the latest thriller from the twisted mind of Jordan Peele, including the performances, the most horrifying sequences, multiple interpretations of what Peele’s underlying messages could be, critiques on the final act, and more in spoilers! For episodes with similar movies, click below Thriller Become a Subscri...

2022 Midyear Review / Ep. 210

July 19, 2022 07:00 - 44 minutes - 41 MB

On Episode 210 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we hit pause on reviewing a new movie and look back at the year 2022 so far, ranking our top 5 movies. Rico and Jess examine the 2022 movie outlook, comparing it to the previous pandemic years and discussing what we can expect heading into the latter half of the year, rank their top 5 movies of 2022, and touch on how their lists of most anticipated movies has shaped up. For our original Most Anticipated Movies of 2022 episode, listen on Appl...

Thor: Love & Thunder / Ep. 209

July 12, 2022 07:00 - 43 minutes - 40.1 MB

On Episode 209 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we blast Guns N’ Roses on our review of Thor: Love & Thunder, starring Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, Natalie Portman, and Christian Bale. Rico and Jess discuss the latest MCU entry from director Taika Waititi, including if Natalie Portman belongs in the MCU, Christian Bale’s villain, the funniest moments (like Russell Crowe effectively stealing the show), the issues with the final act, and more. For episodes with similar movies, click bel...

Jurassic World: Dominion / Ep. 208

June 15, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 62.4 MB

On the Episode 208 of Always the Critic podcast, we try to avert an ecological disaster on our review of Jurassic World: Dominion, starring Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Neil, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum. Rico and Jess head back into director Colin Trevorrow’s Jurassic World, discussing their general thoughts, the critical reception versus the audience reaction, a laundry list of nitpicks, how the new movie draws upon its predecessors, the best sequences, new dinos, new characters...

Life Finds a Way: A Jurassic Retrospective / Ep. 207

June 07, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 71.6 MB

On the Episode 207 of Always the Critic podcast, we gear up for Jurassic World: Dominion by taking a look back at the Jurassic franchise as a whole. We ponder the state of this five-film franchise, talking through our own relationship with the franchise, the unassailable first Jurassic Park film, our favorite moments and characters, the worst parts of the sequels, and what we’re looking forward to seeing in Jurassic World: Dominion! **To listen to our original review of Jurassic World: Fal...

Top Gun: Maverick / Ep. 206

May 31, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 56.3 MB

On Episode 206 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we feel the need, the need to review Top Gun: Maverick, starring Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, and Jennifer Connelly. Rico and Jess launch headlong back into the danger zone, discussing their general thoughts, some miscellaneous qualms, the new movie’s themes, the gorgeous cinematography, Tom Cruise as an action hero, the new Top Gun crew, favorite sequences, and more. For episodes with similar movies, click below Action Adventure Become a Sub...

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness / Ep. 205

May 10, 2022 07:00 - 58 minutes - 53.8 MB

On Episode 205 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we venture into the multiverse on our review of Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Elizabeth Olsen. Rico and Jess give interesting stories about how their parents reacted to the movie and discuss their general thoughts, including their biggest qualms, the portrayal of Wanda Maximoff, and Sam Raimi back in the director’s chair, before turning their attention to spoiler talk, like fan service moments...

The State of Star Wars / Ep. 204

May 04, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 69.3 MB

On the Episode 204 of Always the Critic podcast, we celebrate Star Wars Day with a special May 4th episode of our own. We ponder the state of the galaxy far, far away, talking through our own relationship with the franchise, favorite movies and characters, discuss the upcoming offerings in Star Wars movies and TV, and even share what fantasy Star Wars story we would want to see! For episodes with similar movies, click below Variety Shows Become a Subscriber! Monthly Subscription Listen...

The Northman & The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent / Ep. 203

April 26, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 74.8 MB

On Episode 203 of the Always the Critic Podcast, it’s a double feature as we review viking revenge story The Northman and action-comedy The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, starring Nicolas Cage and Pedro Pascal. Rico and Jess first talk about the Ringer’s rom-com coverage and J.Lo’s quietly prolific rom-com career. Turning toward Iceland, the duo express how strange and wonderful Robert Eggers’s The Northman was, mentioning the funky plot, the hallucinogenic visuals, and Alexander Skar...

Morbius / Ep. 202

April 19, 2022 17:00 - 51 minutes - 46.8 MB

On Episode 202 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we face a choice—hunt and consume blood, or watch this movie—on our review of Morbius, starring Jared Leto. Rico and Jess wade through the quagmire that is this new superhero movie, discussing the awful critical reception, the unusually bad performance from Leto, the wasted supporting cast, the bizarre pacing and storytelling, worst scenes, and more! *Here is the UPROXX Interview with Director Daniel Espinosa referenced on the podcast: ‘Morb...

Everything, Everywhere, All at Once / Ep. 201

April 12, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 56.7 MB

On Episode 201 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we stick googly eyes on our foreheads and strap in for our review of Everything Everywhere All at Once, starring Michelle Yeoh, Ke Huy Quan, Stephanie Hsu, and Jamie Lee Curtis. Rico and Jess verse-jump into a robust multiverse, discussing the film’s Asian representation, the unassailable Michelle Yeoh, the triumphant return of Ke Huy Quan to the silver screen, the small but might VFX team, the deeper themes and meaning, their favorite scenes...

Movie Score Hall of Fame / Ep. 200

April 05, 2022 16:00 - 1 hour - 90 MB

On the latest episode of Always the Critic podcast, we’re turning 200!! In honor of making it to 200 episodes, the crew answers a few questions from followers before welcoming special guest Tasha Jones to induct our inaugural movie score hall of fame! We are joined by our new friend Tasha Jones, aka the official hype girl for John Williams, to nominate 12 movie score tracks that we would induct into our Movie Score Hall of Fame. We nominate movies from luminaries such as Bernard Herrmann, E...

Oscars Recap & The Lost City / Ep. 199

March 29, 2022 13:20 - 49 minutes - 45.1 MB

On Episode 199 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we recap the 94th Oscars and review The Lost City, starring Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum. Rico and Jess talk through the ridiculously disappointing Academy Awards ceremony, including the un-televised awards, the Encanto song, and the Slap®. Then the crew discusses the new romantic action-comedy, including the chemistry between the leads, funniest moments, Brad Pitt, glitter sequin jumpsuits, and more! For episodes with similar movies, clic...

Deep Water / Ep. 198

March 22, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 65.1 MB

On Episode 198 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we are joined by special guest Jake Christie for our review of Deep Water, starring Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas. Rico, Jess, and Jake talk through the newest movie from veteran filmmaker Adrian Lyne, discussing the chemistry between the leads, sex in movies, qualms with the plot development, comparisons to other Lyne-directed films, SNAILS, and more! GUEST: Jake Christie - Marvel Cinematic University Twitter @TheJakeChristie Pod Twitter @...

Turning Red / Ep. 197

March 15, 2022 17:00 - 1 hour - 59.9 MB

On Episode 197 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we hit up Toronto Chinatown for our review of Turning Red, starring Rosalie Chiang and Sandra Oh. Rico and Jess talk through the newest Pixar movie, discussing the fun Asian representation, general audience complaints, how this time period is almost never depicted in movies, the symbolism of the red panda, funniest scenes, and more! For episodes with similar movies, click below Animated Family Become a Subscriber! Monthly Subscription L...

The Batman / Ep. 196

March 08, 2022 08:00 - 1 hour - 74.6 MB

On Episode 196 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we solve riddles with the bat and the cat on our review of The Batman, starring Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Colin Farrell, Andy Serkis, and Paul Dano. Rico and Jess talk through the latest iteration of the caped crusader, talking through director Matt Reeves’s vision, the deep and affecting themes, the best sequences, Kravitz’s Catwoman, comparisons to previous Batman movies, and so much more. If you liked this episode, then maybe check o...

The Worst Person in the World / Ep. 195

March 01, 2022 14:51 - 1 hour - 58 MB

On Episode 195 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we go on an introspective journey in 12 chapters on our review of The Worst Person in the World, starring Renate Reinsve. Rico and Jess first touch on the SAG Awards and how it might affect the Oscars before discussing the indie drama, talking through Renate Reinsve’s acting performance, the deep and affecting themes, the best and most memorable moments, an exploration of mortality and legacy, and so much more. For episodes with similar movi...

Uncharted / Ep. 194

February 22, 2022 08:00 - 55 minutes - 50.5 MB

On Episode 194 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we find ourselves on a quest for treasure on our review of Uncharted, starring Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg. Rico, Jess, and guest Miguel Albarracin discuss the video game adaptation, talking through the action and the suspension of disbelief, the female characters, comparisons to the video game franchise, and the possibility of a sequel. For episodes with similar movies, click below Action Adventure Listen To Us! Spotify Apple Podcasts...

Death on the Nile & Marry Me / Ep. 193

February 15, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 66.8 MB

On Episode 193 of the Always the Critic Podcast, it’s a double feature as we review murder-mystery Death on the Nile and rom-com Marry Me, starring Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson. Rico and Jess first talk about the Academy Awards and how they refuse to nominate blockbusters or crowd-favorite movies, and then comment on the Super Bowl trailer drops. Turning toward Africa, the duo express how disappointing Kenneth Branagh’s Death on the Nile was, mentioning the stacked cast, the mess of CGI v...

Scream (2022) and The Tender Bar / Ep. 192

February 08, 2022 08:00 - 1 hour - 58.8 MB

Rico is joined by Chipper Beal as they head back to Westboro to talk about Scream (2022). They first discuss the upcoming Oscar nominations and what would surprise from the announcement. They then discuss the mixing of new characters with legacy characters in Scream (14:10) and the meta nature of the franchise. Later in the show, Rico and Chipper discuss The Tender Bar, (37:29) with a wonderful performance by Ben Affleck and the good and bad of the story. For episodes with similar movies, c...

Most Anticipated Movies of 2022 / Ep. 191

February 01, 2022 09:00 - 57 minutes - 52.8 MB

On Episode 191 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we queue up our list of most anticipated 2022 movies! Rico and Jess take turns listing 2022 release movies they’re excited to see, citing movies like The Batman, Knives Out 2, Don’t Worry Darling, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, and more! For episodes with similar movies, click below Variety Shows Follow us! Patreon Instagram   Twitter   Facebook   Rico’s Letterboxd   Jessica’s Letterboxd --- Send in a voice message: https://...

Top 10 Movie Lists / Ep. 190

January 26, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 59.8 MB

On Episode 190 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we wing it on a brand-new variety show where each host comes up with their own Top 10 movie list. Rico starts off with his “Top 10 Best Uses of Color in a Movie,” citing movies like To Catch a Thief and Skyfall. Jess shares her “Top 10 Female-Fronted Romantic Period Piece Movies”, with entries like Far from the Madding Crowd and The Young Victoria. For episodes with similar movies, click below Variety Shows Follow us! Patreon Instagram  ...

In Defense of... Orange County / Ep. 189

January 18, 2022 08:00 - 1 hour - 64.1 MB

On Episode 189 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we wrap up our quick In Defense of… mini-series, where each host defends a presumably indefensible January release movie panned by critics, with 2002’s Orange County. Rico tries his best to convince Jess that Orange County is an underrated teen comedy, citing the decent script from Mike White, the wackiness of Jack Black, and Colin Hanks’s boyish charm. The two discuss what the critics said back when the movie first hit theaters, where the mo...

In Defense of... 27 Dresses / Ep. 188

January 11, 2022 09:00 - 1 hour - 58.4 MB

On Episode 188 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we return to our In Defense of… mini-series, where each host defends a presumably indefensible January release movie panned by critics, with 2007’s 27 Dresses. Jess tries her best to convince Rico that 27 Dresses is a decent rom-com, citing the James Marsden’s charm, the memorable “Benny and the Jets” bar scene, and Judy Greer’s mere presence. The two discuss what the critics said back when the movie first hit theaters, where the movie could ...

Best Movies of 2021 / Ep. 187

January 04, 2022 08:00 - 1 hour - 66.6 MB

On Episode 187 of the Always the Critic Podcast, it’s a retrospective as we look back and rank our favorite movies of 2021. Rico and Jess take turns naming their top 10 movies of the year. Although they share a few in common, the co-hosts surprise each other with their picks. They also talk about the year 2021 in movies, most memorable moments in film (good and bad), the best performances of the year, and the movies that just missed the list. For episodes with similar movies, click below ...

Spider-Man: No Way Home / Ep. 186

December 21, 2021 14:05 - 1 hour - 65.6 MB

On Episode 186 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we swing back to New York for our review of Spider-Man: No Way Home, starring Tom Holland, Zendaya, Benedict Cumberbatch, Alfred Molina, and Willem Dafoe. Rico and Jess tackle the latest Marvel movie, talking through Holland’s amazing acting performance, how they felt the movie stacked up against the other two MCU Spider-Man movies, the return of classic Spidey villains from previous franchises, and a whole web of SPOILERS! For episodes with...

West Side Story (2021) / Ep. 185

December 14, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 65.4 MB

On Episode 185 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we head to New York to review West Side Story, starring Rachel Zegler, Ansel Elgort, Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, and Rita Moreno. Rico and Jess talk through director Steven Spielberg’s reimagining of the classic Broadway musical, including comparisons to the 1961 movie, the authentic cast of Hollywood newcomers, Ansel Elgort controversy, favorite sequences, and debating why the movie did so poorly at the box office. For episodes with simil...

Encanto & House of Gucci / Ep. 184

December 07, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 74.3 MB

On Episode 184 of the Always the Critic Podcast, it’s our third double feature in a row(!!) as we review Disney’s Encanto and House of Gucci, starring Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Al Pacino, Jared Leto, and Jeremy Irons. Rico and Jess head to the mountains of Colombia, talking Disney’s latest animated film, slight comparisons to Coco, the enchanting original music from Lin-Manuel Miranda, and favorite scenes and third act complaints. Later in the show, Rico and Jess discuss House of Gucci, (39:3...

King Richard & Ghostbusters: Afterlife / Ep. 183

December 01, 2021 01:00 - 1 hour - 55 MB

On Episode 183 of the Always the Critic Podcast, it’s ANOTHER double feature as we talk King Richard, starring Will Smith, and Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Rico and Jess pick up a racket and hit a few tennis balls in the rain, talking Will Smith’s performance as Richard Williams and its Oscar potential, their favorite scenes, and how the movie follows the typical biopic progression. Later in the show, Rico and Jess discuss Ghostbusters: Afterlife, (24:25) including how fun they found the sequel...

Spencer & Belfast / Ep. 182

November 16, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 57.1 MB

On Episode 182 of the Always the Critic Podcast, it’s a double feature as we cover Spencer, starring Kristen Stewart, and Kenneth Branagh’s Belfast. Rico and Jess head to Sandringam to spend Christmas with the royals, talking about Stewart’s performance as Princess Diana, the abounding metaphors and meta commentary on the true modern tragedy, and the strange musical score. Later in the show, Rico and Jess discuss Belfast, (36:20) including how beautiful, fun, and heartwarming they found the...

Eternals / Ep. 181

November 09, 2021 17:22 - 1 hour - 72.1 MB

On Episode 181 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we hunt a few deviants in our review of Eternals, starring Salma Hayek, Richard Madden, Gemma Chan, and Angelina Jolie (among many others). Rico and Jess talk through Academy Award-winning director Chloé Zhao’s entry into the MCU, including the themes explored, the characters and their development, nitpicks and major complaints, and what we can expect from the post-credits scenes. For episodes with similar movies, click below Superhero Fol...

Last Night in Soho / Ep. 180

November 02, 2021 08:00 - 46 minutes - 42.5 MB

On Episode 180 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we fall asleep and dream of 1960s London in our review of Last Night in Soho, starring Thomasin McKenzie, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Matt Smith. Rico and Jess talk through director Edgar Wright’s first foray into pure thriller, including the great visuals, their disappointment in the plot, the performances from the entire cast, and Edgar Wright as a director. For episodes with similar movies, click below Thriller Follow us! Patreon Instagram  ...

Dune / Ep. 179

October 26, 2021 14:46 - 1 hour - 65.5 MB

On Episode 179 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we face our fears, because fear is the mind-killer, in our review of Dune, starring Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Jason Mamoa, Josh Brolin, and Zendaya. Rico and Jess discuss the latest film from prestige director Denis Villenueve, including their thoughts on the world building, the cinematography, the stacked cast and how they’re utilized, comparisons to the 1984 Dune movie, and predictions about the possible part 2. For...

The Last Duel / Ep. 178

October 19, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 67.3 MB

On Episode 178 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we don a suit of armor and joust our way through a review of The Last Duel, starring Matt Damon, Adam Driver, Ben Affleck, and Jodie Comer. Rico and Jess discuss the latest film from prestige director Ridley Scott, including how they felt about the acting performances, the cinematography, the (infuriating) sexual assault case, the way the story is told through multiple perspectives, and Ridley Scott as a director. For episodes with similar m...

They Call Me Bond... Daniel Craig / Ep. 177

October 13, 2021 17:00 - 1 hour - 107 MB

On Episode 177 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we finish off with a bang in part 4 of our series covering every single Bond film leading up to No Time to Die, finishing with Daniel Craig’s 007. Rico and Jess review a total of 5 Bond films, discussing Craig’s performance as Bond, the differences from his predecessors, and their raw thoughts on each film, including the best/worst Bond girls and Bond theme songs. Rico and Jess then wrap up the series with a few rankings and superlatives (01:22...

No Time to Die / Ep. 176

October 11, 2021 16:00 - 1 hour - 60.9 MB

On Episode 176 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we take the Aston Martin out for one last ride on our review of No Time to Die, starring Daniel Craig, Lea Seydoux, Ana de Armas, Ralph Fiennes, and Rami Malek. Rico and Jess discuss Daniel Craig’s last outing as James Bond, including how they felt about Rami Malek’s villain, the cinematography, the titular Bond song by Billie Eilish, the twist ending, and some thoughts about the future of James Bond. For episodes with similar movies, click ...

They Call My Bond... Dalton and Brosnan / Ep. 175

October 08, 2021 16:00 - 1 hour - 90.4 MB

On Episode 175 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we dial up the action and inappropriate puns in part 3 of our series covering every single Bond film leading up to No Time to Die, continuing with Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan’s 007s. Rico and Jess watched a total of 6 Bond films, discussing Dalton’s two outings as Bond in The Living Daylights (1987) and License to Kill (1989), and continuing with Brosnan’s turn as 007 starting with Goldeneye (1995) and finishing with Die Another Day (20...

Venom: Let There Be Carnage / Ep. 174

October 05, 2021 07:00 - 49 minutes - 45 MB

On Episode 174 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we review the absolute carnage of a movie that is Venom: Let There Be Carnage, starring Tom Hardy, Woody Harrelson, Naomie Harris, and Michelle Williams. Rico and Jess have a rather short discussion about the Venom sequel, including how they felt about the plot, editing, and pacing of the film, and a longer rambling about the future of Spider-Man at Sony and the implications of the (spoiled-to-no-end) post-credits scene. For episodes with si...

They Call Me Bond... Roger Moore / Ep. 173

October 01, 2021 16:07 - 1 hour - 83.7 MB

On Episode 173 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we deploy a parachute with the Union Jack flag, in part 2 of our series covering every single Bond film leading up to No Time to Die, continuing with Roger Moore’s 007. Rico and Jess watched a total of 8 Bond films, none of which they’d seen before, discussing Moore’s first outing as Bond in Live and Let Die (1973) all the way to A View to a Kill (1985), with a stop off at Sean Connery’s last hoorah as 007 in the non-canonical Never Say Never...

They Call Me Bond... - Sean Connery / Ep. 172

September 28, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 73.2 MB

On Episode 172 of the Always the Critic Podcast, we take our martinis shaken, not stirred, in part 1 of our new series covering every single Bond film leading up to No Time to Die, starting with Sean Connery’s 007. Rico and Jess watched a total of 7 Bond films, none of which they’d seen before, discussing the very first film Dr. No (1962) all the way to Diamonds Are Forever (1971), with a stop off at George Lazenby’s one and only portrayal of 007 in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969). T...

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