Movie Postmortem

In this episode of Movie Postmortem, we revisit Hook (1991), Steven Spielberg’s sequel to the Peter Pan story that asks a surprisingly grown-up question: what happens when Peter Pan grows up? We discuss Robin Williams’ journey from work-obsessed father back to the Pan we all know, Dustin Hoffman’s delightfully theatrical Captain Hook, and why the film hits very differently as an adult than it does as a child. We also talk about the imaginative production design and whether Spielberg’s emotional core overcomes some of the movie's rougher edges.Is Hook the flop that people say it is, or should you give it a watch?Tune in to find out!Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode, we review Akira, the groundbreaking cyberpunk anime that changed animation forever. We break down the film’s jaw-dropping animation, why the iconic bike slide still gets copied decades later, and how Akira helped shape everything from The Matrix to modern sci-fi anime. We also discuss the friendship and rivalry between Kaneda and Tetsuo, the film’s themes of power and corruption, and why the atmosphere of Neo-Tokyo feels so alive and dangerous.Tune in as we dissect one of the most influential animated films ever made!Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode of Movie Postmortem, we review The Transformers: The Movie (1986), the animated classic that traumatized an entire generation of kids in order to sell them new toys. We break down Hot Rod’s rise from reckless young Autobot to future leader, why the animation looked so good compared to other cartoons, and the pure power of the hit ballad “The Touch” by Stan Bush. Is The Transformers: The Movie a Cause for Celebration, or did it just emotionally scar children in the pursuit of merchandise sales? Either way, it’s officially Hot Rod Summer!Our episode on TransformersOur episode on Transformers 2: Revenge of the FallenOur episode on Transformers OneFollow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode of Movie Postmortem, we review Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023), the fantasy adventure that didn't do well at the box office, but captured the chaotic energy of a fun D&D campaign. We discuss why the humor works, the surprisingly heartfelt character moments, and what part reminded us of our real life family dynamic.We also offer our Script Stitch-Up to discuss what plot points could have been cut from film ... but you really should wait until Jarnathan finally arrives to hear those!Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode of Movie Postmortem, we review Resident Evil (2002), the video game adaptation starring Milla Jovovich that kicked off a franchise that has lasted for almost 25 years and grossed over a billion dollars! We discuss the film’s early-2000s style, how the movie plot works in video game logic, and why we think Michelle Rodriguez's character (Rain) is the real star of the film. Tune in to hear if we think the film captures the spirit of the games or if it needs a lot of Script Stitch-Up! Our episode on Event HorizonFollow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode of Movie Postmortem, Reggie and Isaiah are joined by Erin and Kevin from The Podcast That Wouldn’t Die to review Gravity (2013), Alfonso Cuarón’s intense survival film that won seven Oscars! We talk about Sandra Bullock's instantly likeable astronaut, the challenging process of making the film, and why this might be one of the most best theater experiences of the 2010s. We also discuss whether the story is as strong as its visuals and score.Tune in as we break down the film and suggest some funny Script Stitch-Up for alternate endings!Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠The Podcast That Wouldn't Die

In this episode, we review Armageddon (1998), the ultimate example of peak Michael Bay mayhem. We break down the film’s chaotic energy, the ensemble cast, and why Bay’s attempt to mimic Titanic's love story falls flat. We also talk about why NASA’s plan to train oil drillers instead of astronauts is such an absurd movie premise!Is Armageddon a disaster movie masterpiece or just a fun bad film? Either way, we’re here to determine the Causes of Celebration and the Causes of Death.Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode of Movie Postmortem, we review Major Payne, Damon Wayans’ military-school comedy that features a drill-sergeant taking charge of a troop of young cadets in need of discipline. We discuss Wayans’ over-the-top performance, the surprisingly positive message, and how the film walks the line between comedy and heart-warming family film.We also talk about whether the humor still lands today, and how the role might have been played by a different actor. Is Major Payne a Cause for Celebration or just a bad In Living Color comedy? Tune in!Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode of Movie Postmortem, I give a spoiler-free review of Crime 101, the sleek crime thriller that clearly wants to be Heat, but never quite matches the intensity. With stylish highway cinematography and moody Los Angeles nightscapes, the film often looks the part. Unfortunately, atmosphere can only carry you so far.I cover the best performances and talk about whether this a respectable theatrical release from Amazon, or another example of streaming-era films feeling just a little too small? Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode of Movie Postmortem, I review Mercy (2026), a screen-life thriller that can’t quite decide what kind of movie it wants to be. Marketed as a cautionary AI tale, the film promises high-stakes techno-paranoia but morphs into a far more conventional action film.I talk about why the screen-life format and AI angle feel unnecessary, how the story would function almost identically without them, and what really shocked me about the end of this film!Follow us on ⁠BlueSky⁠

In this episode of Movie Postmortem, we are joined by Cheryl and Jae and from the Vaguely Nerdy podcast to discuss Prometheus (2012), Ridley Scott’s ambitious Alien prequel that asks big questions about creation, and the origin of the xenomorphs. We do a full plot rundown and give you our takes on the events on the film.Most importantly, we tackle one of the strangest ideas buried in the film: how director Ridley Scott ties the Aliens’ storyline into Christian theology. As always, we determine the Causes of Death or Causes for Celebration and offer Script Stitch-Ups.Vaguely Nerdy Follow us on Bluesky ⁠@moviepostmortem.bsky.social⁠New episodes every week!

In our last Christmas episode, we review gremlins, the supposedly family friendly horror film that traumatized a generation of kids! We discuss the influence of Spielberg, why Pete should have been the main protagonist, and what we worry about with the upcoming Gremlins 3.

In this episode, we review Home Alone, the holiday classic that broke the box office. We do a rundown of the film and cover Kevin accidental abandonment, the sheer chaos of the McCallister household, and why the Wet Bandits may be the most persistent criminals in cinema history.We talk about John Williams’ iconic score, the perfectly telegraphed traps, and whether we like this film more than the second one. Tune in!