Missing Frames: Catching up with Cinema

Go APES with The Franchyze Boiz!Shawn, Brad, and Aaron take a deep dive into one of the strangest, smartest, and most influential franchises in science fiction history: Planet of the Apes. In Part One of their epic discussion, they revisit all five films from the original series, from the groundbreaking 1968 classic starring Charlton Heston to the increasingly bizarre sequels that somehow become darker, stranger, and more politically charged with each installment.Along the way, they explore the franchise's unforgettable characters, groundbreaking makeup effects, civil rights allusions, nuclear anxieties, and the surprising emotional depth hiding beneath all that ape makeup.This franchise has it all: mutant cultists, ape revolutions, time travel, political allegory, and the literal end of the world. What's not to love?It's a madhouse! A MADHOUSE!!HOSTSShawn EastridgeBrad GullicksonAaron Prescott

It’s been nearly a year since the release of Superman, so what better time to catch up with Ma Kent herself, Neva Howell?In this special Between Takes episode of Missing Frames, Neva returns to the show to reflect on the whirlwind year following Superman’s release, including the heartfelt reactions from fans who embraced her warm, grounded portrayal of Martha Kent. She shares stories about meeting Superman fans from across the country, discusses some of the comics and Superman stories she’s been exploring lately, and opens up about what it’s been like becoming part of one of pop culture’s most beloved mythologies.Shawn and Neva also revisit some of the film’s most emotional moments, including her and Pruitt Taylor Vince's (Pa Kent) reactions to the film's powerful final scene and why the Kent family dynamic resonated so deeply with audiences. They also discuss Neva’s recent appearances on 9-1-1: Nashville, her upcoming film projects, and her excitement about attending this year’s Superman Celebration in Metropolis, Illinois. Naturally, Shawn and Neva also look ahead to the future of the DCU, including their excitement for projects like Supergirl and Lanterns. (As for Clayface… Neva may be sitting that one out.)And yes, Shawn does his best “Lois Lane investigative journalist” impression while trying to uncover whether Ma and Pa Kent might return for James Gunn’s upcoming Superman sequel, Superman: Man of Tomorrow.Neva’s official response?“Fingers crossed.”

“You can’t handle the truth!” But can you handle finally watching A Few Good Men? In this episode of Missing Frames, Shawn introduces returning guest Richie Pepio to Rob Reiner's iconic courtroom drama A Few Good Men. Together, they unpack what makes the movie work, from Aaron Sorkin’s signature dialogue (and early “Sorkinisms”) to Reiner’s direction and the film’s stacked cast, including Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, and Demi Moore.Along the way, Shawn and Richie reflect on Sorkin’s evolution as a writer, the film’s origins as a stage play, and why A Few Good Men remains such a defining showcase for powerhouse acting and a reminder that Rob Reiner was truly one of the all-time great filmmakers.HOSTSShawn EastridgeRichie Pepio

In this episode of Missing Frames, John Mills returns to tackle one of Akira Kurosawa’s most acclaimed films: HIGH AND LOW. Along the way, Shawn and John discuss the film’s remarkable cinematography, its influence on filmmakers from David Fincher to Michael Mann, and why Kurosawa’s storytelling still feels strikingly modern more than sixty years later. They also reflect on Kurosawa’s legacy in global cinema, how his work shaped everything from the American Western to Star Wars, and why High and Low deserves to be considered one of the greatest crime films ever made. HOSTSShawn EastridgeJohn Mills

While heading to the theater for James Cameron’s latest blockbuster, Avatar: Fire and Ash, Shawn and Sarah Eastridge take a look back, reflecting on the original film and The Way of Water. Following their screening, they break down their spoiler-free and spoiler-heavy thoughts on the newest entry and ask the big question: do they want more Avatar? And more importantly: do they want more Avatar WITHOUT James Cameron at the helm?HOSTSShawn EastridgeSarah Eastridge

2025 has been the Year of Superman, and Missing Frames has been celebrating James Gunn’s new film by sitting down with some of the writers, artists, and actors who help make the Man of Steel so special. Past conversations have included comic legends Dan Jurgens, Mark Waid, Tom King, and Phillip Kennedy Johnson, reflections on Richard Donner’s iconic film with Lauren Shuler Donner, and even a chat with Ma Kent herself, Neva Howell.Today’s guest is another incredible talent: Jonah Lees, who appears in Superman as Dean Farr, one of Lex Luthor’s LuthorCorp cronies, alongside his real-life twin brother, Christian. But Jonah’s career extends far beyond Metropolis. A highlight of the conversation is his work with Richard Linklater and Ethan Hawke on Blue Moon, as well as his recent portrayal of John Lennon in the Brian Epstein biopic Midas Man. An actor, songwriter, musician, and director, Jonah is a multifaceted creative whose range is as impressive as it is exciting. What begins as a Superman celebration quickly becomes a love letter to many shared passions: Superman, Richard Linklater, and The Beatles.

Can you love both Zack Snyder’s MAN OF STEEL and James Gunn’s SUPERMAN? While online discourse often paints fans as divided, there are many who appreciate both interpretations of the iconic hero. In this episode of Missing Frames’ Celebrating Superman series, Shawn is joined by fellow Nerd Party members Matthew Rushing and John Mills—two longtime Superman fans who enjoy both Snyder’s and Gunn’s visions of the character. Together, they explore what makes each take so compelling, and why tearing down others for their personal preferences runs counter to everything Superman represents.HOSTSShawn EastridgeJohn MillsMatthew Rushing

DC Comics' Superman Group Editor PAUL KAMINSKI joins Shawn's Celebrating Superman series to discuss their love of the Man of Steel, James Gunn's new film, and all of the exciting things the Superman creative team have in store for Superman fans through the rest of this year AND BEYOND!

The brilliant Eisner winning writer RYAN NORTH is not only writing Shawn's favorite comic run of the past few years, FANTASTIC FOUR, he's also writing the new limited series KRYPTO: THE LAST DOG OF KRYPTON. In this episode, he and Shawn celebrate Superman, Krypto the Super Dog, Fantastic Four, Kurt Vonnegut, Star Trek, computer science, and so much more. Is there anything they DON'T discuss? You'll have to tune in to find out!

The Franchyze Boiz join in on the Superman Celebrations!! In the first part of their Superman franchise re-watch, Shawn, Brad, and Aaron take a look at the four Christopher Reeve films as well as Bryan Singer's Superman Returns.HOSTSShawn EastridgeBrad GullicksonAaron Prescott

Few writers/artists have had as much of an impact on the Man of Steel's legacy as Dan Jurgens. Dan has been working on Superman comics since the late 80s/early 90s, and has continued writing and illustrating Superman stories to this day. In today's CELEBRATING SUPERMAN episode, Dan joins Shawn to discuss how he got started writing Superman, his favorite Superman stories, his 2024 visit to the set of James Gunn's new film, and, of course, the legendary DEATH OF SUPERMAN issue, which was both written and illustrated by him.

Missing Frames reaches another milestone: EPISODE 150! And another milestone episode means that Brad Gullickson is back in the guest seat watching one of Shawn's favorite movies for the very first time: master filmmaker Satoshi Kon's final film PAPRIKA. Shawn and Brad discuss the film's brilliance, its beauty, its heart, and its all-around bonkers story (which Christopher Nolan more than likely snagged some inspiration from for his 2010 film Inception). They also chat about Satoshi Kon's legacy as a filmmaker and what makes Paprika such a special entry in his brilliant filmography.HOSTSShawn EastridgeBrad Gullickson

No Superman Celebration would be complete without honoring Richard Donner and his 1978 masterpiece, SUPERMAN, starring Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman, and Marlon Brando. Donner’s visionary film not only invented the "Comic Book Movie," it helped launch the era of modern blockbusters, standing proudly alongside the likes of Steven Spielberg's Jaws and George Lucas' Star Wars.In this episode, Shawn celebrates Donner’s legacy with none other than LAUREN SHULER DONNER, the love of Donner's life and one of Hollywood’s most accomplished producers. Her credits include Mr. Mom, Pretty in Pink, Free Willy, You’ve Got Mail, and the entire X-Men franchise. Join Lauren and Shawn as they reflect on Richard “Dick” Donner’s incredible life, career, and his enduring impact on the legacy of Superman.