Screen Thoughts - Movie & TV Reviews
282 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago - ★★★★ - 33 ratingsHollister & Wilder review all things on the screen ... every week. Not to be missed.
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Episodes
May December
December 14, 2023 18:37 - 30 minutes"May December," featuring a star-studded cast including Julianne Moore and Natalie Portman, is much more than the torrid story of a seventh-grade teacher who ensnared her student, went to prison for it, and married him upon her release. It transcends that narrative, offering a profound exploration of complex themes. Don't miss the discussion on the film's production, including the techniques employed by Todd Haynes. His interpretations consistently delve deeper than the obvious. Learn more ab...
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
December 11, 2023 18:46 - 25 minutesHigh schooler Addie Tedrow, a lover of all things Hunger Games, joins Christine Merser to discuss the latest in the series, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, as well as the other stories in the iconic Hunger Games franchise. Don't miss their interesting, intergenerational discussion of this film. Christine's fear of snakes coils around the difficulty of some of the scenes. P.S. we do include some spoilers in this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.f...
Film Reviews: NYAD and The Holdovers
November 15, 2023 18:01 - 25 minutes"The Holdovers," bringing back 70s and 80s boarding school films, heads toward awards season with Paul Giamatti finding his way to front-page news. Why hasn't he had more starring roles when he's such a strong actor? We have our theories. And "NYAD", where Annette Bening and Jodie Foster save the day. NYAD's swim is an amazing feat, no question about that. How they made it into a movie is up for discussion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Burial
November 02, 2023 04:00 - 30 minutesWho knew that the movie The Burial on Amazon Prime was as fabulously brilliant and fun and compelling as it is? Don’t watch the trailer. Just listen to this podcast and go watch. Better yet? They agree! Hollister and Wilder are both huge fans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lessons in Chemistry
October 27, 2023 19:44 - 30 minutesThis week it's all about Lessons in Chemistry on AppleTV+. It should not come as a surprise to regular listeners of Screen Thoughts that Hollister and Wilder hold differing opinions on the show, on pretty much every front. And, just in time for Halloween, Hollister shares some insider information on the 25th anniversary of "Practical Magic," starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Super Models & Flora and Son
October 10, 2023 12:25 - 23 minutesHollister welcomes the writers back to work and comments on the opening line of the new contract, which is something out of Star Wars to be sure. First up is 'The Super Models,' the documentary (Hollister takes offense that it's even in that category) surrounding the four super models of the eighties; Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford and Linda Evangelista and how they found their way to superstardom. But the highlight is the discovery of John Carney's Flora and Son, the stor...
Series Review: The Morning Show, Season Three
September 28, 2023 19:39 - 28 minutesMerser and Wilder talk The Morning Show, reviewing this new season and commenting on the past two seasons, all the while discussing women's increasing power in the making of film & television and what an exciting time it is for our ability to showcase women in film and history. Such a great show this week. Part of the strike is still on, but hope springs eternal that the role of women will continue to grow! **This podcast was recorded before the writer's strike had ended. Learn more about yo...
Oppenheimer
July 23, 2023 14:55 - 28 minutesChristine and Wilder speed through their review of the three hour Oppenheimer, singing its praises, its importance and so many behind the scenes extras. Is it about Nolan, the director? The acting acumen of everyone, from Cillian Murphy to Robert Downey? The cinematography tricks? So many things to consider. One of Christine’s recommendations is to watch Fat Man and Little Boy, the 1989 film about the Manhattan Project before you see this. Or read American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy ...
Talking the Crowded Room, the Hollywood Writer's Strike, Golda, and More
July 07, 2023 12:00 - 44 minutesChristine (AKA Hollister) and Wilder dissect Apple’s the Crowded Room, and address Christine’s POV around the futility of the writer’s strike, while Wilder defends it. And, Somebody Somewhere, season two on HBO? Christine speaks to the enormity and importance and talent of Bridget Everett’s hit. Golda, Helen Mirren’s portrayal of Golda Meir, comes out in August and Screen Thoughts has tickets for the preview and video of an interview with Mirren, which will be offered to Screen Thoughts' view...
Documentary Film Review: At the River
June 23, 2023 16:19 - 19 minutesThe names of many of the heroes of the Civil Rights movement are well known to us today: MLK, Malcolm X, Medgar Evers—the list goes on. But there were unsung heroes of the movement as well. Among these were white men of the cloth in rural towns and small cities of the American South, whose congregations might be wearing white cloaks on Saturday night before attending services the next morning, believing that they could both be good Christians as well as racist segregationists. Some of these p...
Talking The Diplomat
April 26, 2023 02:39 - 35 minutesOn a very special episode of Screen Thoughts, Christine Merser, Bryan Cohen and Shanette Barth Cohen give a review of Netflix's The Diplomat, kicking the episode off with praise for the show's creator Debora Cahn. They are chock full of admiration and talk about the comparisons to so many past TV shows; The West Wing, Grey’s Anatomy, Homeland, all of whom Debora wrote for. Some say it’s the best series on television. Don’t miss this review. One of the best from Screen Thoughts! Learn more abo...
Talking The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Renfield, Mafia Mama & Jennifer Garner
April 24, 2023 20:52 - 54 minutesWhat a week it was chatting about Mario’s amazing box office receipts, Mafia Mama (look for no lovers on this podcast), and Renfield. We finish up with Jennifer Garner, and her talent often unseen by the choices she has made in the films she has chosen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Talking Hollywood Remakes, a Review of Air & What We've Been Watching
April 14, 2023 18:28 - 50 minutesTim Miller is back, guest co-hosting with Hollister and this podcast is chock full of film. They don’t agree on Air at all, with comparison’s by Hollister to Jerry Maguire versus Tim’s comparison to Moneyball. Some interesting takes on the new surge of Hollywood remakes. What do Spielberg and Tim have in common? A lot actually, and recommendations - quick ones for what is coming in April and what Tim and Hollister saw in March. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Movie Review: Catherine Called Birdy Review
October 27, 2022 14:20 - 24 minutesLena Dunham’s latest creation is out and ready to be seen by mothers and daughters all across the land. Brave girl, that Lena Dunham. No one tackles the Medieval Ages in film. Recipe for failure is the reason why, but she goes forth, fearless in her quest to bring her favorite childhood book to life. Don’t miss this review. And according to Hollister, don’t miss the film. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
List of 6 Halloween Films
October 20, 2022 07:06 - 13 minutesJoin Hollister and Wilder as they explore their favorite Halloween films. Spoiler alert: not all are about Halloween. They are, however, classics and it’s a great list of what to watch to get in that dark, scary place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
TV Series Review: HBO’s House of the Dragon
September 06, 2022 21:29 - 38 minutesHouse of the Dragon. Game of Thrones. Don’t get Wilder started on the fantasy appeal for both. But she even won Hollister over with the need to at least give House of the Dragon a try. Plot. Cinematography. Acting. Special Effects. And, and, and. The plot line is amazing and one of the things Wilder points out is that unlike Game of Thrones, this might, just might, put women on the map as the great leaders they can be. Hollister and Wilder debate the redeeming value of having rape-laden shows...
HBO’s House of Dragons Review
September 06, 2022 21:29 - 38 minutes - 29 MBHouse of Dragons. Game of Thrones. Don’t get Wilder started on the fantasy appeal for both. But she even won Hollister over with the need to at least give House of Dragons a try. Plot. Cinematography. Acting. Special Effects. And, and, and. The plot line is amazing and one of the things Wilder points out is that unlike Game of Thrones, this might, just might, put women on the map as the great leaders they can be. Hollister and Wilder debate the redeeming value of having rape-laden shows on th...
Apple TV’s Bad Sisters Series Review
September 06, 2022 21:19 - 23 minutesBad Sisters. “If those are bad sisters, I want to be one!,” said Hollister. Mixing comedy with drama (tragedy?) is a good combination according to Hollister and with some exceptions in approach, Wilder agrees. Don’t miss their review of this new series by Sharon Horgan of Catastrophe fame and fortune. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
TV Series Review: A League of Their Own Series
August 24, 2022 00:05 - 21 minutesAmazon Prime’s A League of Their Own Series: Join Wilder and Hollister as they celebrate and evaluate the new Amazon Prime series, A League of Their Own. Hollister takes us back to 1992’s A League of Their Own with Penny Marshall, and some of the highlights. Don’t miss out on this series, or their review. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A League of Their Own Series
August 24, 2022 00:05 - 21 minutes - 16.5 MBAmazon Prime’s A League of Their Own Series: Join Wilder and Hollister as they celebrate and evaluate the new Amazon Prime series, A League of Their Own. Hollister takes us back to 1992’s A League of Their Own with Penny Marshall, and some of the highlights. Don’t miss out on this series, or their review.
TV Series Review: Surface
August 06, 2022 01:04 - 19 minutes - 15 MBSurface. Amazing acting is part of the appeal around Surface, Gugu Mbatha-Raw will wow you with her prowess, and it’s also a story about a women finding her own way in a sea of gaslights that turn out to be not what they appear. Edge of your seat but not scared perfection. Apple, well done.
TV Series Review: Peacock's The Resort
August 06, 2022 01:04 - 19 minutesAmong Peacock's stream of new programming we found 'The Resort.' Hollister & Wilder are both fans of this show, where you're not quite sure where it's going as time goes on. Wilder found the relationship between the two main characters very relatable and loved Nick Offerman's contribution to the show. Hollister poses the question: do you ever wonder what people would think if they found your cell phone? For fans of Palm Springs, we think you'll like this. Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...
TV Series Review: The Bear
July 25, 2022 16:34 - 18 minutesRecommended by so many and for such good reason. "One of the best series ever,” sang Hollister. Wilder is right there with her. They agreed on everything including the exceptional writing, acting and general approach to showing the truth behind how very hard it is to work in a restaurant. Hulu's The Bear touches on everything from family dynamics to suicide to money to the idea of striving for excellence. Hollister says you can’t binge, Wilder said, “watch me!” Learn more about your ad choice...
Series Review: Loot
July 12, 2022 13:23 - 27 minutesLoot is a satire about the billionaire sector, but with some twists and turns that make it actually helpful, according to Hollister. Apple TV+ is nailing content right now, according to Wilder, and Loot is a part of it all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Film Review: Cha Cha Real Smooth
July 05, 2022 22:33 - 16 minutesCha Cha Real Smooth, with Dakota Johnson, who according to Hollister has one speed - ‘coy,’ is described by Wilder as ’sweet’ and Hollister concurs. It’s worth the watch for sure. Vulnerable men? We are all in. Written, directed and starring Cooper Raiff, who is one of the darlings of Hollywood right now, Cha Cha Real Smooth is not to be missed. Listen and find out where the name came from, although Hollister thinks it’s a mistake! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Movie Review: Flag Day
July 05, 2022 15:52 - 19 minutesSean Penn makes an all-in-the-family film with both his daughter, Dylan, and son, Hopper - one that he first read and shared with Dylan, now thirty, fifteen years ago. His performance is impeccable according to both Hollister and Wilder, but Dylan? Not so sure. But, for Hollister, the story might matter a lot to those who struggled with forgiveness inside families and let’s face it, there is plenty of that out there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Movie Review: Everything Everywhere All at Once
June 22, 2022 16:23 - 29 minutes"Is it an age thing?" queries Hollister a number of times to Wilder during the review. Either way, so many points of view around so many things that came up for both Hollister and Wilder while they watched the film. And, one of our interns weighs in. We also hear from an active listener and no one agrees? Maybe that’s the sign of a great film. Either way, the much talked about Everything Everywhere All at Once is a heated conversation around what it means and why it matters. Learn more about ...
Movie Review: Top Gun Maverick
June 13, 2022 02:32 - 32 minutesMovie Review: Top Gun Maverick - Hollister and Wilder feel the need for speed and want to alert you all that there are spoilers in our review this week. Hollister is not a Cruise fan; Wilder is. Join us for this sequel thirty-six years in the making. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Film Review: The Valet
June 06, 2022 23:22 - 23 minutesHollister can’t stop crying after watching The Valet, and had no idea that the Euginio Derbez, who hurt her heart in The Valet, also played the music teacher in the acclaimed Coda last year. He’s phenomenal. What a film, and the best part about it is that it’s not a RomCom as its touted, but rather a lesson in class differential and how to treat others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Series Review: Under the Banner of Heaven
May 31, 2022 21:01 - 20 minutesThe Mormon Church's secrets exposed. A murder in the eighties. Mormon Fundamentalists meets the power of the Mormon Church dedicated to making sure the dirty underpinnings of its challenging history stays buried. Hollister recommends watching Netflix's documentary, Murder Among the Mormons before watching Under the Banner of Heaven. Different murder. Same issue. For a passive religious philosophy, a lot of murdering going on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Film & Series Reviews: The Outfit & The Offer
May 18, 2022 18:44 - 29 minutesHollister and Wilder come to blows over The Offer but agree on the fine work done by all in The Outfit. Think Mafia, but know that the Godfather wasn't allowed to use that word, or agreed not to, so the Mafia would 'allow' them to do the film. So much interesting information and back stories around both these projects. Don't miss this week's reviews. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
TV Series Review: Gaslit and The First Lady
May 09, 2022 22:41 - 26 minutesHollister and Wilder talk about two shows this week; Gaslit with Julia Roberts and The First Lady with Viola Davis, Michelle Pfeiffer and Gillian Anderson. Much to discuss as our country's political history gets unveiled from the female perspective, which somehow got lost in a sea of men. Don’t miss this episode, although one of the two series both Hollister and Wilder think could have been better done. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
TV Series: Anatomy of a Scandal
April 24, 2022 23:31 - 22 minutesHollister and Wilder come to blows about the worth of Netflix's Anatomy of a Scandal, as well as the way it was made. Don't miss it, and according to Hollister, watch it at your earliest convenience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Screen Thoughts: Pachinko
April 18, 2022 14:44 - 21 minutesHollister and Wilder finally agree, and not only do they agree, they are singing the praises of what could be one of the finest series ever produced for the screen. Roots not withstanding. Don't miss this review, and if it doesn't make you immediately turn on the series, well, there is no hope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Abbott Elementary - ABC Series Review
March 29, 2022 16:21 - 20 minutesCheck out Screen Thought’s review of ABC’s Mockumentary, Abbott Elementary! Hollister and Wilder rave about Abbott Elementary because sometimes watching television should be sheer fun and laughter, and they announce April’s Film Club choice. Wilder’s pick this month. Bridgerton. Hollister’s eyes roll but she’s in. Premise: "A group of dedicated, passionate teachers—and a tone-deaf principal—are brought together in a Philadelphia public school where they are determined to help their students...
Film Review: Coda & HBO Series: Winning Time
March 14, 2022 01:05 - 26 minutesIs Coda unique or just another remake of girl lives in dysfunctional family, meets fabulous boy and ends up with a groundbreaking try out to enter a new world where her immense talent can emerge? And, both Hollister and Wilder are overwhelmed with the brilliance of HBO’s new series, Winning Time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
TV Series Review: Severance and The Dropout
March 10, 2022 17:01 - 43 minutesHollister has a personal story around Elizabeth Holmes and The Dropout and she is not inclined toward sympathy of any kind, and when it comes to Severance, both Hollister and Wilder had a lot to say. As everyone struggles with the new world of work environment and commitment to living life before job, it’s a thought provoking notion to separate your work life from your personal life through brain changes. A lot of great insights into all of it this week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...
Movie Review: The Eyes of Tammy Faye
March 03, 2022 17:50 - 18 minutesMovie Review: The Eyes of Tammy Faye by Christine Merser Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Tinder Swindler, Nightmare Alley, and Inventing Anna
February 24, 2022 23:02 - 29 minutesThis week is chock full of bad peeps; #TinderSwindler; do not get Hollister started. Why is this man not in jail? Wilder goes wild for Nightmare Alley including the dark photography and dark deals. And, Hollister and Wilder disagree (what else is new?)over Netflix's #InventingAnna, which seems to be right in line with other media reviews; people are either loving it or loathing it. Either way, don’t miss the takeaways from all these films and series this week. Learn more about your ad choices...
Screen Thoughts Pam & Tommy
February 16, 2022 22:27 - 34 minutesAcademy Awards. Killing Eve. And a review of Pam & Tommy, Hulu’s new series around the sex tapes from Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee, stolen and put out into the universe without their permission or compensation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
TV Series Review: The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Woman in the Window
February 10, 2022 23:07 - 15 minutesHollister and Wilder walk through Kristen Bell and her Woman in the House ... So much to discuss, including Wilder's idea around how they could have done the title. Don't miss it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Film Review: Call Jane from Sundance 2022
February 02, 2022 22:30 - 17 minutesHollister goes nostalgic having lived through the sixties/seventies abortion break throughs. Either way, Sundance's Call Jane is the story of "Jane" who you can call if you need an abortion; an illegal, scary, abortion. It's a network of women who make sure that women who want to end their pregnancies can do so in a safe environment. It's not out yet, but both Hollister and Wilder believe it will get distribution, and predict that because it's done by the women that brought you Carol, it will...
TV Series Review: Cheers Season 2
February 02, 2022 22:27 - 22 minutes - 25.6 MBHollister doesn't think it's worthy of her attention although she touts Episode 5 and the best forty minute story that shows how sexual abuse from celebrities happens. Wilder doesn't think that the documentary (it's supposed to be a docu-series but Hollister would say it's more reality tv) goes far enough in the scandal uncovering. Either way, they both agree that the athleticism these young people exhibit is phenomenal.
TV Series Review: Cheer Season 2
February 02, 2022 22:27 - 22 minutesHollister doesn't think it's worthy of her attention although she touts episode 5 and the forty minute story that shows how sexual abuse from celebrities happens. Wilder doesn't think that the documentary (it's supposed to be a docu-series but Hollister would say it's more so reality tv) goes far enough into the scandal uncovering. Either way, they both agree that the athleticism these young people exhibit is phenomenal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Screen Thoughts: The Gilded Age
February 02, 2022 22:25 - 12 minutesJulian Fellowes has left England behind and brought this well-researched, upstairs downstairs drama to HBO (they are nailing new content this month!) in the form of the Gilded Age. Starring the likes of Cynthia Nixon (you might not recognize her) and Christine Baranski, as the old money and some fresh talent as the new, the Gilded Age transports us to New York. Getting mixed reviews by others, Hollister and Wilder walk us through the background and the overall potential of what Hollister is s...
TV Series Review: Gilded Age
February 02, 2022 22:25 - 12 minutes - 14.4 MBJulian Fellows left England behind and brought is well-researched, upstairs downstairs drama to HBO (they are nailing new content this month!) in the form of the Gilded Age, with the likes of Cynthia Nixon (you might not recognize her) and Christine Baransky, as the old money and some new talent as the new. Getting mixed reviews by others, Hollister and Wilder walk us through the background and the overall potential of what Hollister is sure will be another success for Fellows.
Series Review Short: Somebody Somewhere
February 01, 2022 20:18 - 6 minutesOur new Screen Thoughts Shorts where we podcast a short review around something we think is timely or relevant shouldn’t be missed. First stop? Somebody Somewhere. Do not miss all the feelings and laughter and sadness and hope that comedian Bridget Everett brings to Somebody Somewhere, the brainchild of HBO. While we're just a few episodes in to season 1, something tells us this show is going to grace our screens for quite a long time! Well done! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaph...
Screen Thoughts: And Just Like That, Pivoting, & Emily in Paris
January 18, 2022 19:50 - 36 minutesOk, we knew these three wouldn’t be rocket science, but ? Hollister stands by And Just Like That, and Wilder can’t relate, which according to Hollister is no surprise given Wilder’s age. And Emily and the ladies of Pivoting? Well, listen and see what you think. And, the scandal around Emily in Paris and the Golden Globes will leave you understanding the nods it got last year, which might not have been deserved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Screen Thoughts: The Lost Daughter
January 10, 2022 21:33 - 31 minutesThis week Hollister and Wilder remember Sidney Poitier, and talk through Maggie Gyllenhaal's The Lost Daughter, both from the perspective of a woman who has never had children and one who has. So much to discuss in this film and Hollister predicts many nods from the upcoming awards season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Screen Thoughts: Don’t Look Up & Being the Ricardos
January 01, 2022 21:02 - 37 minutesHollister and Wilder are back after a short few weeks celebrating the holidays with two films - Don’t Look Up and Being the Ricardos. How does Dr. Strangelove enter into it all? Blame it on Wilder. Such controversy around the Richardos film, and in both films, women reign supreme. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices