Movies First: Film Reviews & Insights cover art

Movies First: Film Reviews & Insights

Movies First: Film Reviews & Insights

By: bitesz.com
Listen for free

About this listen

 Movies, reviewed and rated. If you love movies you’ll love Movies First with well-known and respected reviewer Alex First and his sidekicks Chris & Jessica. Answering the big question...should I see this movie?

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/movies-first-film-reviews-insights--2648009/support.Copyright bitesz.com Art
Episodes
  • Divine Disarray: Unpacking the Chaos of 'Good Fortune'

    Divine Disarray: Unpacking the Chaos of 'Good Fortune'
    Dec 4 2025
    In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica dive into the whimsical yet thought-provoking film *Good Fortune*, where guardian angels navigate the complexities of modern corporate life and technology. The hosts unpack the absurd yet relatable premise of Keanu Reeves as Gabriel, a low-ranking angel who finds himself entangled in the bureaucracy of divine intervention while trying to save people from their own poor choices, like texting while driving.

    Listeners will be entertained by the film's portrayal of Arge, played by Aziz Ansari, a gig economy worker living out of his car and hustling through life via an app called Task Sergeant. The juxtaposition of Arge’s struggles with the ultra-wealthy tech mogul Jeff, portrayed by Seth Rogen, offers a humorous yet critical commentary on class and wealth inequality in today’s society. Chris and Jessica highlight how the film cleverly uses comedy to address serious themes without becoming preachy, particularly through the lens of Arge’s girlfriend, Elena (Kiki Palmer), a passionate labor activist.

    The hosts reflect on the film's ability to balance humor with insightful social commentary, drawing parallels to classics like *Trading Places* and *It’s a Wonderful Life*, but with a contemporary twist. They discuss how Gabriel's attempts to assist others often lead to chaos, mirroring the confusion many feel in the face of modern societal challenges.

    Ultimately, *Good Fortune* serves as a reminder that even divine beings might struggle to navigate the complexities of modern life, offering a comforting thought that we’re all just trying our best. With a score of 7.5 out of 10, this film is both charming and buoyant, inviting audiences to reflect on their own lives while enjoying a lighthearted narrative.
    https://www.bitesz.com/podcast/movies-first

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/movies-first.

    To access the Movies First reviews archive visit our website at www.bitesz.com/podcast/movies-first

    To access the Movies First reviews archive visit our website at www.bitesz.com/podcast/movies-first

    This episode includes AI-generated content.
    Show More Show Less
    5 mins
  • A Family Farce: Exploring the Hilarious Chaos of 'Bad Shabbos'

    A Family Farce: Exploring the Hilarious Chaos of 'Bad Shabbos'
    Dec 4 2025
    In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica explore the uproarious comedy *Bad Shabbos*—a film that brilliantly merges the chaos of family dinners with the intricacies of Jewish traditions. The hosts delve into the film's clever premise, where a Shabbat dinner spirals into a comedic disaster reminiscent of *Weekend at Bernie's*, as David (played by John Bass) introduces his Catholic girlfriend Meg to his traditional Jewish family amidst mounting tensions and unexpected mishaps.

    Listeners will appreciate the dynamic cast, including Kyra Sedgwick as the conflicted mother grappling with her daughter's conversion, and the unexpected yet delightful appearance of Method Man as the doorman caught in the unfolding chaos. Chris and Jessica unpack the film's exploration of interfaith relationships and family acceptance, highlighting how it resonates with nearly 50% of Jewish Americans navigating similar challenges in their own lives.

    The hosts discuss the film's unique setting—a cramped 10th-floor apartment—where the pressure of familial expectations amplifies the comedic stakes. They draw attention to the character of Benjamin, David's sister's insufferable boyfriend, whose antagonism adds fuel to the already volatile family dynamics, creating a pressure cooker of hilarity.

    As the plot thickens, the hosts reflect on the film's ability to tackle serious themes like mental health and religious identity through a comedic lens, illustrating how laughter can emerge from chaos. They note the clever production design that authentically captures the essence of Jewish culture while serving as a backdrop for farcical events.

    Ultimately, *Bad Shabbos* resonates as a relatable tale of family gatherings gone awry, reminding us that regardless of our backgrounds, we all share the universal experience of wanting our important moments to go smoothly. With a commendable score of 7.5 out of 10, this film invites viewers to embrace the discomfort of family dynamics and find joy in the laughter that follows.
    https://www.bitesz.com/podcast/movies-first

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/movies-first.

    To access the Movies First reviews archive visit our website at www.bitesz.com/podcast/movies-first

    To access the Movies First reviews archive visit our website at www.bitesz.com/podcast/movies-first

    This episode includes AI-generated content.
    Show More Show Less
    4 mins
  • A Tapestry of Secrets: Exploring the Tensions in 'After the Hunt'

    A Tapestry of Secrets: Exploring the Tensions in 'After the Hunt'
    Dec 4 2025
    In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica examine the provocative film *After the Hunt* which delves into the intricate power dynamics within a prestigious philosophy department at Yale University, where accusations of sexual misconduct ignite a tense atmosphere. The hosts discuss how the film's setting amplifies the stakes, revealing the explosive intersection of elite academia and personal ambition.

    Julia Robert takes on a challenging role as Alma Imhoff, a cold and calculating professor vying for tenure in a male-dominated department, all while concealing a chronic illness from her colleagues. The complex relationship between Alma and her student Mikey, portrayed by A.O. Etabiri, adds layers of mentorship and attraction that complicate their interactions. Mikey, a privileged yet alienated philosophy student, grapples with her identity and her parents' significant influence at Yale, raising questions about the true nature of belonging.

    Andrew Garfield delivers a powerful performance as Hank Gibson, the accused professor whose fierce denial of Mikey's allegations adds to the film's tension. Chris and Jessica highlight the film's exploration of truth and perception, particularly through Alma’s conflicted loyalties as she navigates the murky waters of the situation. The hosts also discuss the heavy secrets each character carries, from Alma's troubled past to Mikey's struggles with her identity as an adopted child, and how these elements contribute to the film's narrative complexity.

    While Luca Guadagnino's direction is praised, the hosts note that the film sometimes feels overloaded with themes such as sexual assault, tenure politics, and hidden illnesses. Despite its ambitious scope, Chris and Jessica argue that these imperfections may spark important conversations about power dynamics in academia. With a score of 7.5 out of 10, *After the Hunt* stands as a thought-provoking piece that resonates with contemporary issues, reminding us that sometimes the most challenging stories leave a lasting impact.
    https://www.bitesz.com/podcast/movies-first

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/movies-first.

    To access the Movies First reviews archive visit our website at www.bitesz.com/podcast/movies-first

    To access the Movies First reviews archive visit our website at www.bitesz.com/podcast/movies-first

    This episode includes AI-generated content.
    Show More Show Less
    4 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.