Awesome Friday Podcast

Matthew Simpson & Simon Best

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A podcast for film lovers! Join us each week for an in-depth discussion of two new films (or TV series), plus filmmaker interviews and special episodes.     Here is where you can connect with us: Homepage: https://awesomefriday.caTwitter: @AwesomeFridayCaFacebook: Awesome FridayInstagram: @AwesomeFridayCa YouTube: Awesome Friday Email: Contact UsIf you like what you hear, please consider supporting us via Patreon or Ko-Fi, and please visit the blog at AwesomeFriday.ca for more reviews and features. 

Megalopolis & Saturday Night

Greetings programs!  Welcome back to our two-episode extravaganza! In this episode we review and discuss Francis Ford Coppola's biggest swing in decades, Megalopolis and Jason Reitman's Saturday Night, a close look at the 90s minutes preceding the first ever broadcast of Saturday Night. We have a ton to say about each so join us!One note before you do though, that on the heels of our impromptu hiatus, we're headed into an actual hiatus until the new year.  We hope everyone has a safe and happy h

Nov 25, 2024 • 1:06:30

Joker: Folie à Deux & The Substance

Greetings Programs!  We're back after an impromptu hiatus with two new episodes, of which is this is one!  Join us for a conversation about Joker: Folie à Deux by Todd Phillips and The Substance by Coralie Fargeat.  These are both divisive, singular works of filmmaking, but do they both work?  Listen to find out!One note before you do though, that on the heels of our impromptu hiatus we're headed into an actual hiatus until the new year.  We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season, and

Nov 25, 2024 • 1:03:36

Woman of the Hour & Don't Move

Greetings programs!  This week on the show we are reviewing Anna Kendrick's directorial debut Woman of the Hour, a based-on-real-life thriller about the time a serial killer went on The Dating Game, and then a new Netflix thriller called Don't Move.  We have a lot to say about each and we hope you join us!BONUS CONTENT:     On this weeks patron bonus episode we talk about areas of film history we'd like to explore more which leads to talk of Giallo and Hammer Horror, and then we move on to endin

Oct 29, 2024 • 47:19

Episode 162: Speak No Evil & The Wild Robot

Greetings programs! This week on the show, we're talking about two new-to-home video releases. First up, Speak No Evil is a remake of a 2022 Danish film starring James McAvoy. Then we dive into the world of The Wild Robot, a lovely new film from Dreamworks Animation starring the vocal talents of Lupita Nyong'o, Pedro Pascal, and more!BONUS CONTENT:     In this episode of your bonus show, we're talking about animated films inspired by our coverage of The Wild Robot on our main show this

Oct 21, 2024 • 52:45

Episode 161: VIFF 2024: Rumours & The Apprentice

Greetings programs!  This week on the show, we're looking at the last of our VIFF 2024 coverage with a discussion of Guy Maddin's surreal political satire Rumours and, following that, a look at the new Donal Trump biopic The Apprentice.  Both films are challenging to the viewer, for entirely different reasons, and we hope you enjoy the conversation. BONUS CONTENT:     This week on your bonus show, Simon asks about the horror movies that get under our skin and make us squirm in our seats

Oct 14, 2024 • 59:13

Episode 160: VIFF 2024: Inedia & It's What's Inside (& Transformers One, too)

Greetings programs!  On this week's show, we're taking on two exciting films.  First up, a BC shot indie film that played as part of the 2024 Vancouver International Film Festival, Inedia.  Then we turn our attention to a new Netflix release, the single location mystery movie It's What's Inside.  Both of these films are exciting for some of the same, and some entirely different reasons, and we have a lot to say about each of them!  Additionally we talk about Transformers One for a solid

Oct 8, 2024 • 53:58

Episode 159: VIFF 2024: Lucky Star & Conclave

Greetings programs!  Our favourite time of year is back; the Vancouver International Film Festival is on now! The 2024 edition features a ton of great films, and we're here to talk about two of them: Gillian McKercher's family drama Lucky Star and Edward Berger's All Quiet on the Western Front follow-up Conclave.  It's a good discussion about two films we liked, so join us! BONUS CONTENT:     To celebrate the festival, in this week's bonus episode, we talk about some of our favourite fi

Sep 30, 2024 • 48:16

Episode 158: Blink Twice & Lee

Greetings programs!  That's right, it's a double-episode day!  On this episode of the show we're taking a look at two new movies.  First Zoë Kravitz directorial debut Blink Twice starring Naomi Ackie and Channing Tatum, and then the upcoming biopic of World War II war photographer Lee Miller Lee starring Kate Winslet and Andy Samberg. Join us!BONUS CONTENT:     The bonus episode for this week has Matthew asking about our favourite Jimmy Stewart movies and Simon asking about our favourit

Sep 22, 2024 • 56:23

Episode 157: Seeds & His Three Daughters

Greetings, programs! This week on the show, we're talking about Seeds, Kaniehtiio Horn's directorial debut, which premiered at TIFF.  Following that, we look at Azazel Phillip's latest, His Three Daughters, which is now on Netflix. This episode was supposed to debut last week, but circumstances prevented that, so you're getting it today!  Double episode day, woo!We hope you enjoy it. BONUS CONTENT:     This episode's bonus content is us discussing the nicest celebrities we have met and

Sep 22, 2024 • 54:23

Episode 156: Universal Language & Rebel Ridge

Greetings, Programs! This week on the show, we're looking at Canada's official selection for the Academy Award for Best International Feature, Matthew Rankin's Universal Language. It's a singular piece of art that we have a lot to say about, and it premieres in Canada at TIFF this week: https://tiff.net/events/universal-languageFollowing that, we look at Jeremy Saulnier's new Netflix-produced action thriller Rebel Ridge, featuring star-in-the-making Aaron Pierre. Join usBONUS CONTENT:

Sep 9, 2024 • 1:02:18

Episode 155: Out Come The Wolves & Trap

This week on the show, join us for a breakdown of the new Canadian survival horror film Out Come The Wolves, starring Missy Peregrym in her second collaboration with Backcountry director Adam MacDonald. Then, we'll look at the newest film by five-star three-star director M. Night Shyamalan, Trap, which features a tour-de-force performance from Josh Hartnett.  Join us!BONUS CONTENT:     This week's bonus episode is available for all patrons!  Join us for a discussion of great worldbuildi

Sep 2, 2024 • 1:05:42

Episode 154: Twisters & Alien: Romulus

Greetings programs!  This week on the show, we're talking about two movies with deep connections to older films we love.  First up is Twisters, Lee Isaac Chung's sequel to the 1990s classic that Matthew adores, and then Alien: Romulus, the Fede Álvarez-directed mid-quel film that takes place immediately between the two classic films Alien and Aliens. Join us!BONUS CONTENT:     This week's bonus episode is live for Patrons!  Remember, if you subscribe to the Patreon you get a new weekly

Aug 19, 2024 • 1:08:25

Episode 153: A Quiet Place: Day One & Deadpool & Wolverine

Greetings Programs!  We're back after a month long hiatus and we're excited to talk about two summer movies!  Join us for discussions two different franchise third entries: A Quiet Place: Day One and the Marvel multiverse romp Deadpool & Wolverine.Join us!BONUS CONTENT:     This week's subscriber bonus episode is available now!  We disucss films we love that the world at large doesn't so much, and also go through the films Simon watched on Holiday, rapid-fire.  Patreon subscriptions

Aug 12, 2024 • 1:09:37

Episode 152: I Saw The TV Glow & Daddio

This week on the show we're talking about Jane Schoenbrun's I Saw The TV Glow and Christy Hall's Daddio.  Both Singluar visions from their creator, but do they both work?  Join us to find out!BONUS CONTENT:     This week's patron bonus show sees Simon ask about the era of AA action movie video game adaptations, and what recent movies we'd like to get that treatment, and Matthew asks for our two three directorial first features.  Fun fact: both of these questions are inspired by a recent

Jun 23, 2024 • 59:50

Episode 151: Hit Man & Bad Boys: Ride or Die

Greetings programs! This week on the show we're looking at the sexy new Netflix comedy Hit Man, and then joining Martin Lawrence and Will Smith for another case in Bad Boys: Ride or Die. Join us!BONUS CONTENT:     This week's patron bonus episode sees us talking about Kevin Costner and his filmography, both our favourites and types of movies we'd like to see him do still. Patronage starts at just $2 CAD per month!Link: https://www.patreon.com/posts/june-16th-bonus-106443727EPISODE HOMEP

Jun 18, 2024 • 58:30

Episode 150: Star Wars: The Acolyte & Under Paris

Greetings programs!  This week on the Awwesome Friday Podcast Matthew and Simon are taking a look at two new streaming things.  First we have the new entry in the Star Wars universe, The Acolyte, and following that the new French shark movie Under Paris.  It's a fun episode and we hope you enjoy it!BONUS CONTENT:     This week our patreon supporters get to hear Simon ask about comic book characters that are better on the page than on the screen, and then in celebration of Under Paris Ma

Jun 9, 2024 • 1:05:01

Episode 149: Boy Kills World & Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

Greetings programs!  Join us as we dive into Boy Kills World, the new live action cartoon action film starring Bill Skarsgård, and then return with us to the wasteland as we look at George Miller's latest, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.  We have a lot to say about both of these movies and we hope you enjoy the show!BONUS CONTENT:     This week on the bonus show we talk about formative but perhaps underseen or underappreciated movies from the late 1990s, including titles like Don McKellar's La

Jun 4, 2024 • 54:59

Episode 148: The Fall Guy & Challengers

Greetings programs!  This week on the show, we're taking a close look at the new Ryan Gosling & Emily Blunt starring, David Leitch-directed ode to stunt work, The Fall Guy.  Following that, we're looking at Luca Guadagnino's latest Challengers, starring Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O'Connor.   BONUS CONTENT:     This week's supporter bonus show sees us talking about our favourite directors and about concert films.  It's a good one!  The episode is available to all Patreon supporter

May 28, 2024 • 51:54

Episode 147: The People's Joker & Abigail

Greetings programs!  This week on the show we're discussing The People's Joker, chaotic but important coming of age story that remixes the Batman milieu into something singularly personal, and also utterly universal, by Vera Drew.  Next we tackle the locked-house horror thriller Abigail.  Join us! BONUS CONTENT:     This week our Patreon supporters can join us for a conversation about what makes movies that are so bad they're good, and then our most anticipated movies of the year of our

May 13, 2024 • 55:14

Episode 146: Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver & Civil War

Salutations applications!  This week, we're catching up on the latest from beefcake auteur filmmaker Zack Snyder, the second part of his Seven Samurai riff, Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver, which I promise you is its actual title.  After that, Simon finally had a chance to catch up with Alex Garland's latest film, Civil War, which is a discussion not to be missed. Join us!BONUS CONTENT:     On this week's bonus show, Simon and Matthew discuss a series of Matthew's lukewarm takes on

Apr 29, 2024 • 1:02:06

Episode 145: Fallout & Humane

Greetings, programs! Join us this week for reviews of the new Amazon Prime adaptation of Fallout and then the new Canadian dystopian black comedy horror movie Humane, Caitlin Cronenberg's feature directorial debut.  BONUS CONTENT:     This week's patron bonus episode has us talking about horny 1980s movies and then, fittingly, our favourite David Cronenberg movies.  All paid patrons get access to the bonus shows, and support starts at just $2 CAD per month!Link: https://www.patreon.com/

Apr 23, 2024 • 1:06:25

Episode 144: The Beast & Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

Greetings Programs!  This week on the show, we're diving into a heady French Science Fiction film, La Bete (The Beast), starring Lea Seydoux and George MacKay, which will be in Canadian cinemas this week.  Then we move on to the latest entry in the legendary Monsterverse, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire.    We have a lot to say about each of them, so let's dive in!  Join us!BONUS CONTENT:     This week's bonus discussion explores some interesting topics, including a formative animated f

Apr 16, 2024 • 56:31

Episode 143: Dune: Part Two & Monkey Man

Greetings, programs! This week, we're finally taking on Dune Part Two, alongside Dev Patel's directorial debut, the action movie Monkey Man. Join us!BONUS CONTENT:     Patreon supporters, be sure to check out this week's exclusive bonus episode. We start out by asking if there is a certain film you'd like to hear re-scored by a certain composer, and we go to all kinds of places from there! If you're not already a supporter, it starts at just $2 Canadian per month!Link: https://www.patre

Apr 8, 2024 • 1:11:17

Episode 142: Make/Remake: Roadhouse (w/ Guest Dakota Arsenault)

Greetings, programs! We're back after a two-week hiatus! This week, we're talking about something a little different: 1989s Road House and 2024s Road House.  The former is an 80s action classic with big hair, cheesy dialogue, and throat rips and then the latter is an update that tests the limits of how much Jake Gyllenhaal can carry a movie. Join us!BONUS CONTENT:     Greetings patrons! We're back after a two-week break with a new bonus episode! This week, we have a special guest, Dakot

Mar 26, 2024 • 1:15:22

Episode 141: The Zone of Interest & Spaceman

Greetings programs! Join us for a discussion about Jonathan Glazer's academy award nominated The Zone of Interest and Johan Renck's Adam Sandler starring existential sci-fi drama Spaceman. It's a good discussion, and we hope you enjoy it!BONUS CONTENT:     On this week's Patreon supporter bonus episode, Matthew saw Dune Part Two and then hijacked the whole show to talk about it.  Simon also asks about movies and shows that we were expecting to not like but ended up loving, which is a fu

Mar 4, 2024 • 49:11

Episode 140: Anyone But You & Avatar: The Last Airbender

This week on the show, we're looking at the new Shakespeare-adapted rom-com Anyone But You and the new live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender.  Listen to find out how they each hold up!BONUS CONTENT:     This week, Matthew & Simon went on an actual trip to an actual cinema to see Christopher Nolan's film Tenet in 70mm, so that ended up being the major topic of discussion in this week's bonus round, as well as more talk about Mr Nolan and his filmography.  All of our Pa

Feb 27, 2024 • 1:00:12

Episode 139: I.S.S. & The Taste of Things

Greetings programs!  We're back after a week away and talking about the new outer space set thriller I.S.S. and then catching up with France's official submission for the Best International Feature Oscar, The Taste of Things.  Our opinions are both the same and different about both of these movies, and one them garnered a pretty specific reaction from Matthew. Join us!    BONUS CONTENT:     This week for your bonus episode, Simon and I talk first about films from our childhood that don'

Feb 19, 2024 • 47:51

Episode 138: Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom & The Beekeeper

Greetings programs! This week on the show, we're catching up with the last CDEU film, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom and then we move on to Jason Statham's new action movie, The Beekeeper. Both of these movies are more fun than you think; join us to find out why!BONUS CONTENT:     This week's bonus chat has us discussing our favourite against-type performances, among other things.  Join us on Patreon for as little as CAD $2 per month!Link: https://www.patreon.com/posts/february-4th-980004

Feb 7, 2024 • 58:42

Episode 137: Oscars Special: The 96th Academy Awards Predictions & Preferences

Greetings programs! It's that time of year when the Oscar nominees are announced! This week, we're breaking down our preferences and predictions for (almost) every category of the 96th Academy Awards. Some of our choices line up, and some don't, so listen to see if you agree with Matthew, Simon or both.  Join us!BONUS CONTENT:     Staying on theme with the Academy Awards, we look back at the best picture winners of our lifetimes and try to choose a favourite, and then attempt to pick ou

Jan 29, 2024 • 1:20:50

Episode 136: Eileen & Next Goal Wins

This week on the show, we're covering the just-released thriller Eileen, starring Thomasin McKenzie and the incomparable Anne Hathaway, which Matthew first saw at Sundance 2023, and then finally follow up with Taika Waititi's latest sports underdog story Next Goal Wins. BONUS CONTENT:     This week's bonus episode, available to all paid Patreon supporters, starts with a discussion of how one successful thing can influence the entire media landscape and carries on -a little rambly- from

Jan 22, 2024 • 48:23

Episode 135: Echo & Lift

Greetings programs!  Join us this week as we look closer at the new Marvel Cinematic UNvierse series Echo and then the new F Gary Gray heist film Lift, which stars Kevin Hart.  We liked one of these things more than the other. Listen to find out which! ,BONUS CONTENT:     This week's bonus chat has us talking once again about formative cinematic experiences.  It's a bit free-form, but it was a fun conversation.  Alll Patreon supporters can listen, and support starts at as little as $2 C

Jan 16, 2024 • 1:04:50

Episode 134: The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes & The Society of the Snow

Greetings programs! This week, we're diving into the world of the Hunger Games with the new prequel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, and then taking a look at Span's entry for the Best International Feature award at this year's Oscars, The Society of the Snow. BONUS CONTENT:     On this week's Patron Bonus Round, we discuss some of the movies we received as Christmas gifts this year, leading to a talk about Tremors 2, Thelma & Louise, and It Follows.  This episode is available to

Jan 8, 2024 • 1:01:40

Episode 133: Our Favourite Films of 2023

Greetings programs!  There is no bonus round this week, but our regular episode is double-sized, and we tackle all of our favourites of the year.  We each made a list of a dozen films; we tackled all of them, with our absolute favourites coming last. We've had an excellent year making the show, and we want to thank everyone who has listened.  We're looking forward to spending 2024 talking about movies with you!EPISODE HOMEPAGE:On this episode's homepage, you will find a JustWatch-powere

Jan 1, 2024 • 1:55:50

Episode 132: Leave The World Behind & The Holdovers

Greetings programs! This week, we tackle the latest capital-C content from Netflix in Leave The World Behind and then the first new collaboration between Paul Giamatti and Alexander Payne in nearly twenty years, the 1970s and Christmas set The Holdovers.Join us!BONUS CONTENT:     This week, our Patreon supporters can hear us talk about our favourite background jokes in movies, as well as our top three Ebenezer Scrooge portrayals. It only costs CAD 2$/ month to join our Patreon, and we'l

Dec 18, 2023 • 54:10

Episode 131: Killers of the Flower Moon & Godzilla Minus One

This week on the show we're finally catching up with Martin Scorsese's epic meditation on American sin, Killers of the Flower Moon, and the latest entry in the 70-year-strong giant monster franchise, Godzilla Minus One. BONUS CONTENT:     This week's Patreon bonus episode has Simon asking for our dream Star Wars pitches and Matthew asking about which movies we won't be able to pass up on physical media.  Join us for that for as little as $2 Canadian per month!  Link: https://www.patreon

Dec 11, 2023 • 1:10:04

Episode 130: The Burning Season & May December at Whistler Film Fest 2023

Greetings, patrons!  This week, we're covering the 2023 Whistler Films Festival, one of the most interesting festivals in the Pacific Northwest because it so often features great Canadian content.   We're covering our usual two films, both playing as part of the fest.  First up is the new Canadian relationship drama The Burning Season and then Todd Haynes' new Natalie Portman & Julianne Moore starring drama May December.  Whistler Film Festival:The online portion of this year's Whis

Dec 4, 2023 • 1:16:11

Episode 129: Five Nights at Freddy's & Jawan

This week on the show, we're reviewing the latest video game film adaptation, Five Nights at Freddy's, and the latest from superstar Shah Rukh Khan, Jawan. Also, join us for this week's bonus show, free for all listeners!Join us!BONUS CONTENT:     This week's bonus show is a long one, in which we have an extended discussion of Loki, followed by Simon asking why is The Lost World: Jurassic Park (and indeed, every sequel to Jurassic Park) not as good as Jurassic Park, and Matthew -having

Nov 27, 2023 • 55:49

Episode 128: Anatomy of a Fall & The Marvels

This week on the show, join us as we talk about Anatomy of a Fall, one of the best courtroom dramas in recent memory, and the latest MCU entry, The Marvels.  BONUS CONTENT:     This week on the bonus show, Simon asks about the film scores we love and the best one of the century so far, and Matthew asks about movies we have blind-bought and ended up loving.  All Patreon supporters get access to the bonus, and this week's episode will be available to everyone else starting on November  27

Nov 20, 2023 • 1:12:03

Episode 127: The Killer & Monarch: Legacy of Monsters

Greetings programs!  This week's show sees us taking on the newest David Fincher movie, The Killer and the new Godzilla TV series from AppleTV+, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.  Join us!STRIKE NOTE:            The 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes have both ended, with the unions winning virtually everything they had asked for.  Solidarity!BONUS CONTENT:     This week Simon asks if there are any stone-cold classic films that we just don't connect with, and Matthew asks what our favourite gian

Nov 13, 2023 • 1:00:18

Episode 126: A Haunting in Venice & Quiz Lady

Greetings programs!  This week, we're taking on two films new to Disney+: Kenneth Branagh's latest Poirot mystery, A Haunting in Venice, and the new Awkwafina & Sandra Oh starring comedy Quiz Lady.   STRIKE NOTE:            This episode was produced during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labour of the writers and actors currently on strike, the films being discussed here wouldn't exist.BONUS CONTENT:     Patreon supporters this week get an extra half-hour discussion

Nov 6, 2023 • 1:02:56

Episode 125: Bottoms, Fair Play, & Pain Hustlers

Greetings programs!  We're back after an impromptu hiatus!  To make up for it we're talking about three films on the show: Emma Seligman's Bottoms, Chloe Domont's Fair Play, and David Yates's Pain Hustlers.  Join us!STRIKE NOTE:            This episode was produced during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the labour of the writers and actors currently on strike, the films being discussed here wouldn't exist.   BONUS CONTENT:     On this week's patron bonus episode, Matt asks Simon to n

Oct 30, 2023 • 57:01

Episode 124: VIFF 2023: I'm Just Here for the Riot, Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe, & The Royal Hotel

The 2023 Vancouver International Film Festival has drawn to a close, and this week, we're talking about three films we saw as part of the fest: I'm Just Here for the Riot, a documentary about the 2011 Stanley Cup Riot in Vancouver, our hometown. Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make-Believe is a documentary about a beloved children's entertainer who helped shape generations of Canadians.The Royal Hotel is a gripping thriller from director Kitty Green about two young women who take a job at a b

Oct 9, 2023 • 1:00:35

Episode 123: Flora and Son & The Creator

This week on the show, we dive into two movies in which our opinions are nearly mirror images of one another.  Join us for discussions of Flora and Son, and The Creator!STRIKE NOTE:            This episode was produced during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labour of the writers and actors currently on strike, the films discussed here wouldn't exist.BONUS CONTENT:     This week, our patron bonus conversation is about movies we use as litmus tests for other people, among other th

Oct 2, 2023 • 56:10

Episode 122: No One Will Save You & The Fall of the House of Usher

This week, we're diving into two horror titles! Join us for the new Disney+/Hulu alien home invasion film No One Will Save You and then Mike Flanagan's latest for Netflix, The Fall of the House of Usher.  Join us!STRIKE NOTE:            This episode was produced during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labour of the writers and actors currently on strike, the films discussed here wouldn't exist.BONUS CONTENT:     This week, our patrons get to hear us talk about whether we

Sep 25, 2023 • 1:07:01

Episode 121: No Hard Feelings & Talk To Me

Greetings programs! We're back with another summer catch-up episode! Join us as we dive into No Hard Feelings with Jennifer Lawrence, and then stick around for this year's big summer horror breakout, Talk To Me.  Join us!STRIKE NOTE:            This episode was produced during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labour of the writers and actors currently on strike, the films being discussed here wouldn't exist.BONUS CONTENT:     Greetings patrons!  Thank you once again for j

Sep 18, 2023 • 50:25

Episode 120: The Meg 2: The Trench & El Conde

Greetings programs! This week, Matthew and Simon catch up with another summer blockbuster, diving headfirst into the sea with The Meg 2: The Trench and then visit South America with the upcoming satire El Conde. Join us!STRIKE NOTE:            This episode was produced during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labour of the writers and actors currently on strike, the films discussed here wouldn't exist.BONUS CONTENT:       This week on the bonus show, Simon asks which is th

Sep 11, 2023 • 1:03:11

Episode 119: The Last Voyage of the Demeter & Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem

Greetings programs! Join us this week as we catch up with two summer movies, The Last Voyage of the Demeter and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem!STRIKE NOTE:            This episode was produced during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labour of the writers and actors currently on strike, the films discussed here wouldn't exist.BONUS CONTENT:     Apologies, friends, no bonus recording this week. SUPPORT:             Patreon    Ko-Fi EPISODE HOMEPAGE:     Visit

Sep 4, 2023 • 1:05:38

Episode 118: Past Lives & Reinventing Elvis

Greetings programs!  This week, Rachel subs in for Simon again, and she and Matthew take on the A24 critical darling Past Lives and the new documentary Reinventing Elvis, which explores the story of the '68 comeback special. STRIKE NOTE:            This episode was produced during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labour of the writers and actors currently on strike, the films being discussed here wouldn't exist.BONUS CONTENT:     This week, I ask Rachel about remakes that

Aug 28, 2023 • 1:23:59

Episode 117: Ahsoka, Season 1, Episodes 1 & 2

Greetings programs!  We're here slightly off schedule to talk about the new Star Wars adventure, Ahsoka!  Starring Rosario Dawson, Natasha Liu Brodizzo, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ahsoka picks up a decade after Star Wars Rebels ended and promises to take the characters we already love on a new adventure in the Star Wars Universe.  STRIKE NOTE:            This episode was produced during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labour of the writers and actors currently on strik

Aug 22, 2023 • 58:39

Episode 116: They Cloned Tyrone & Joy Ride (and also Star Trek)

Greetings, programs, and welcome to another edition of the Awesome Friday Podcast. This week on the show, we're taking on her recent Netflix release, They Cloned Tyrone, and the still-in-cinemas Joy Ride.  Simon also gets Matthew talking about the recent musical episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, which is why the episode runs a little over time.   We hope you enjoy it!STRIKE NOTE:            This episode was produced during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labour o

Aug 13, 2023 • 1:22:39

Episode 115: Fantasia Film Festival 2023

Greetings programs!  This week we dive head first into the 2023 Fantasia Film Festival.  We've each seen a number of films and we're going to talk about a number of them including Hundreds of Beavers, Birth/Rebirth, Satan Wants You, A Disturbance in the Force, With Love and a Major Organ, Aporia, Sympathy for the DEvil, and River. Join us!STRIKE NOTE:            This episode was produced during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labour of the writers and actors currently on

Aug 6, 2023 • 1:19:12

Episode 114: Oppenheimer & Barbie

Greetings programs!  This week we're getting caught up in the fascination that is gripping the nation.  That's right, it's the Barbenheimer episode! Both Oppenheimer and Barbie are being hailed as being some of the best filmmaking of the year.  Do we agree?  Yes, yes we do, and listen in to find out why!STRIKE NOTE:            This episode was produced during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labour of the writers and actors currently on strike, the films being discussed h

Jul 31, 2023 • 1:21:51

Episode 113: Asteroid City & Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 1

Greetings programs!  This week, we dive head first into the world of Wes Anderson with Asteroid City, and then we jump off a cliff with Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part 1.  Join us! STRIKE NOTE:            This episode was produced during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labour of the writers and actors currently on strike, the films being discussed here wouldn't exist.EPISODE HOMEPAGE:            CVisit this episode's homepage for JustWatch-powered

Jul 23, 2023 • 1:05:21

Episode 112: Two Year Anniversary Special: The Best Movies Since July 2021!

Greetings programs!  It has been two years, almost to the day, since we relaunched the Awesome Friday Podcast! To celebrate that fact, we are joined by Rachel, and we talk about our favourite films from when the show has been running - that's July 2021 to now.   It was a very fun conversation to record, and we hope you enjoy it too!We'd like to thank everyone who is listening or has listened or has thought about listening for helping us reach this milestone.  We love you all!  This epis

Jul 16, 2023 • 1:41:59

Episode 111: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny & Nimona

Greetings Programs! Join us this week as we dive into the latest Indiana Jones film and the new Netflix/Annapurna animated release Nimona.  It's a good one!HOMEPAGE:Find JustWatch.com powered streaming links for each film as well as our ratings and all of our other content at this episode's homepage: https://awesomefriday.ca/2023/07/podcast-indiana-jones-nimona/       BONUS CONTENT:            In this weeks bonus chat Simon asks Matthew to explain his fluid Mission: Impossible rankings

Jul 10, 2023 • 1:11:58

Episode 110: Marvel's Secret Invasion & Biosphere

Greetings program! This week we're taking on the latest Marvel series, Secret Invasion starring Samual L Jackson as Nick Fury, and an upcoming indie comedy starring Mark Duplass and Sterling K Brown, Biosphere (in cinemas July 9th). We have a lot to say about both, so join us!BONUS CONTENT:            This week on our bonus chat, we start with Matthew's recent acquisition of Waterworld on Arrow Video Special edition UHD Blu-Ray, and that leads into a discussion of the 90s shlock we both

Jul 2, 2023 • 1:07:35

Episode 109: Guy Ritchie's The Covenant & Extraction 2

Greetings, Programs!  This week we're joined by longtime friend of the show Rachel Ho for our discussions of  Guy Ritchie's The Covenant, Chris Hemsworth in Extraction 2, and subway systems around the world (no, really!).  We hope you like it! BONUS CONTENT:            Rachel also joined us for our patron bonus chat this week, in which we talk about film festivals and the films we see there that we know will be hits.  It's an interesting one, and patrons at every tier can listen.  Tiers

Jun 26, 2023 • 1:32:30

Episode 108: Fast X & Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Greetings programs!  This week on the show, we're talking about two super fun movies: Fast X, the 11th Fast & Furious movie and Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse, the sequel to the best movies of 2018.  Join us! BONUS CONTENT:     This week our patron bonus chat is all about new TV, including It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Tribeca Premieres, and Black Mirror.  Patrons at every tier can listen here (and it's only 2$/month to join!): https://www.patreon.com/posts/june-18th-bonus

Jun 18, 2023 • 1:13:57

Episode 107: Air & Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

.Greetings, programs!  We're back after a week away!  Join us for a lively discussion of Air (now on Prime Video) and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (now in cinemas).  One of these movies we really liked and the other, the opposite of that.  Listen to find out which is which! BONUS CONTENT:     This week's bonus chat for Patreon subscribers is also live.  We start with The Truman Show and end up discussing Julie Andrews.  It's a good one, I think!  Patrons at all tiers can listen, and

Jun 12, 2023 • 1:07:45

Episode 106: Shazam: Fury of the Gods & The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Greetings Programs!  Join us this week as we discuss Shazam: Fury of the Gods and The Super Mario Bros Movie.  One of these movies is fun; you'll have to listen to find out which! BONUS CONTENT:     Patreon supporters at every tier get access to this week's bonus conversation, in which we dive into It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, one of Matt's favourite shows and one that Simon has just started watching for the first time.  Support starts at just CAD $2 per month!  https://www.patreo

May 28, 2023 • 1:04:32

Episode 105: Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3 & You Hurt My Feelings

Greetings, programs!  This week we finally catch up with Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3, and then writer/director Nicole Holofcener's latest film, You Hurt My Feelings starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus.  Join us!        BONUS CONTENT:     This week's bonus for Patreon subscribers is a discussion of Letterkenny and Star Trek: Lower Decks, both great and made in Canada.  Subscribers at all tiers (starting at just $2 CAD) get access, so join today!      Link: https://www.patreon.com/posts/may-

May 21, 2023 • 1:14:17

Episode 104: Evil Dead Rise & Still: A Michael J Fox Movie

Greetings Programs!  This week we're covering Evil Dead Rise, a great new addition to the ongoing Evil Dead Franchise and hen the newly released AppleTV+ Documentary Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie. Join us!BONUS CONTENT:     All Patreon subscribers get access to our bonus chats, this week talking about Dennis Quaid and then moving into some classic movies of the 1980s and 1990s. EPISODE HOMEPAGE:     Visit this episode's homepage for JustWatch powered streaming links for both movies, as

May 15, 2023 • 55:50

Episode 103: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves & BlackBerry

Greetings programs!  This week on the show, we take a look at the newly on-demand fantasy heist movie Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves before switching gears to the upcoming Canadian dramatization of the rise and fall of one of our biggest tech giants, BlackBerry.   We also talk a little about the writer's strike, and just in case there is any ambiguity: we stand with the writers. Be sure to go to this episode's homepage for JustWatch-powered streaming links for both titles,

May 7, 2023 • 1:04:47

Episode 102: Scream 6 & Sisu

Greetings programs!  This week we dive into the latest instalment in the ongoing Scream franchise and then into a bloody Finnish revenge story.  Join us! BONUS CONTENT:     This week's bonus chat starts with headphone jacks and then dives into -among other things- movies filmed in Malta.  All Patreon subscribers can listen to it here!EPISODE HOMEPAGE: Find JustWatch-powered steaming links, our ratings, and all of our other content on this episode's homepage at AwesomeFriday.ca!CONNECT W

May 1, 2023 • 51:34

Episode 101: 65 & Ghosted

Greetings programs!  This week on the show, we dive head first into two.... well, two not-great films. First up is the Adam Driver Fights Dinosaurs sci-fi actioner 65.  Then we look at the new Chris Evans & Ana de Armas action rom-com Ghosted. BONUS CONTENT:     This week on our patron-subscriber bonus chat, we dive into the third seasons of The Mandalorian and Star Trek: Picard, how they're similar and how they're different and whether either of them is actually good.  Every tier o

Apr 23, 2023 • 58:55

Episode 100: Falcon Lake & How To Blow Up A Pipeline

Greetings programs!  We're back after a brief hiatus, and this week we're covering Canadian Screen Award Best Picture nominee Falcon Lake and the new indie thriller How To Blow Up A Pipeline.  Spoiler alert: it's two good movies on this week's show!BONUS CONTENTThis week on our patron bonus chat, we talked about A24 films and our journeys with them.  Join the Patreon to hear it!EPISODE HOMEPAGE: Find our ratings, JustWatch powered streaming links, and all of our other content on this ep

Apr 16, 2023 • 55:03

Episode 99: John Wick: Chapter 4 & Tetris

Greetings programs!  Join Matthew and Simon for a dive into the world of hyper-stylized action that is John Wick: Chapter 4, and then into the weird but true story of Cold War politics, intrigue, and espionage that is Tetris.  It's a weird show, but hey, when is it not?Join us!BONUS CONTENT:     Patrons at all tiers can hear our bonus discussion about the classic films we've missed over the years over on Patreon.  Our lowest tier is just $2 CAD/month! EPISODE HOMEPAGE:Find our star rati

Apr 3, 2023 • 1:06:48

Episode 98: Missing & Pathaan

Greetings, programs and welcome back to the show!  This week we are looking at two 2023 releases now available on demand.  First up is the new screen-set film Missing starring Storm Reid, and the Hindi language action thriller Pathaan starring Shah Rukh Khan!  Join us!EPISODE HOMEPAGE:You can find JustWatch-powered streaming links for both films, our ratings, and all of our other content at this episode's homepage.BONUS CONTENTPatrons can join us for a bonus conversation about the recen

Mar 26, 2023 • 47:09

Episode 97: Cocaine Bear & Brother

Greetings programs!  This week on the show Matthew and Simon dig into the latest meme-turned-movie Cocaine Bear and the Canadian Screen Award Best Picture nominee, Brother.  One of these films is really good and the other ... well, you'll have to listen to find out!Check out our star ratings, streaming links, and all of our other content at this episode's homepage: https://awesomefriday.ca/2023/03/podcast-cocaine-bear--brother/BONUS CONTENT & SUPPORT:This week patrons at all tier ca

Mar 19, 2023 • 52:49

Episode 96: I Like Movies & Inside

Greetings Programs!  This week on the show we look at a Canadian festival darling, Chandler Levack's I Like Movies,  as well as the recent Berlinale debut Inside starring Willem Dafoe.  THere's a lot to talk about, especially when it comes to what works for one viewer vs another.   Join us!This episode's homepage can be found here.BONUS CONTENT:     If you are a Patreon subscriber be sure to check out this episode's bonus content right here on the Patreon feed.CONNECT WITH US:      Mat

Mar 12, 2023 • 2:59

Episode 95: Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania & The Mandalorian Season 3 Episodes 1 and 2

Greetings programs and welcome to this week's episode of the show.  This week is all Disney all the time as we are slightly late to the part on Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania but also slightly early to the party for The Mandalorian Season 3, of which we have seen the first two episodes. BONUS CONTENT:Additionally, starting this week we have bonus content for our Patreon supporters.  Typically, whenever we record a podcast, there's a solid 15-30 minutes of us talking about random thin

Mar 5, 2023 • 59:10

Episode 94: Knock at the Cabin & We Have a Ghost

Greetings programs!  This week on the show Matthew and Simon take a look at the new M. Night Shyamalan movie Knock at the Cabin and the new Netflix release We Have a Ghost.  There are many opinions in this one, so listen and let us know what you think!LINKS:            Matthew was recently a guest on The LAMBCast, the podcast of the Large Association of Movie Blogs, discussing a personal favourite film, The Man Who Would Be King.  Listen to that on Apple Podcasts or Spotify or Podomatic

Feb 26, 2023 • 48:26

Episode 93: Somebody I Used To Know & Sharper

Greetings programs!  This week Matthew and Rachel take a look at two new streaming releases: Prime Video's new rom-com Somebody I Used To Know and AppleTV+'s new thriller Sharper. CONNECT WITH US:      Matthew on Twitter: @SmatthewAF Simon on Twitter: @TemporaryPen Home:   AwesomeFriday.ca Awesome Friday on Twitter: @AwesomeFridayCa    Awesome Friday on Facebook: Awesome Friday Awesome Friday on Instagram: @AwesomeFridayCa AwesomeFriday on YouTube: Awesome Friday Email Awesome F

Feb 12, 2023 • 1:10:10

Episode 92: Jung_E & Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Greetings programs!  This week on the show we're talking about the newly released Korean science fiction film JUNG_E and the not so recently released Marvel movie Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.   Check out this episode's homepage for streaming links, our ratings, and all of our other content. SUPPORT:Thanks so much to all of our listeners, new and old!  Please consider smashing that link button, the five-star review, or simply tell your friends!  Additionally, we have a Patreon and Ko-

Feb 5, 2023 • 1:02:07

Episode 91: The 2023 Sundance Film Festival

Greetings programs!  You've all been good so here's a bonus episode of the podcast in which Rachel Ho and Matthew break down a few great titles from this year Sundance Film Festival.This was Matthew's first year attending the festival and Rachel's second, and it was a pretty good year if these six films are any indication.Join us as we take a look at Still, Fair Play, The Pod Generation, Eileen, Magazine Dreams, and Infinity Pool.Head to this episode's homepage for JustWatch powered str

Jan 31, 2023 • 1:42:53

Episode 90: You People & M3gan

Greetings, programs, and welcome back to the show!  This week we dive into two 2023 releases.  First, we'll discuss the new Netflix rom-com You People, starring Jonah Hill, Lauren London, Eddie Murphy, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.  Second, we'll catch up with the Blumhouse-produced killer robot doll movie M3gan!    Check out this episode's homepage for streaming links, our ratings, and more!Matthew has started writing for Exclaim.ca!  Read his review of the new AppleTV+ series Shrinking her

Jan 29, 2023 • 51:48

Episode 89: Burial & Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

Greetings programs! This week on the show, we're catching up with two more 2022 films, the IFC Midnight produced Shudder exclusive Burial and the latest film in the Shrek franchise, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. One of these movies is a little more divisive than the other here at Awesome Friday HQ; listen to find out which!Check out this episode's homepage for JustWatch-powered streaming links, our ratings, and more! SUPPORT:            Thank you so much for joining us! Whether you're n

Jan 22, 2023 • 49:42

Episode 88: The Last of Us (w/ Guest Shaurya Chawla)

Greetings programs! You’re reading this correctly, a second episode this week! I was given access to the entire first season of the new HBO series The Last of Us, an adaptation of the PlayStation video game franchise of the same name. Joining me to speak about it is my friend Shaurya Chawla, who has not only seen the whole series but, unlike me, has played the game. In this episode, we will give some brief thoughts on the whole of season one, followed by a more in-depth discussion of th

Jan 16, 2023 • 38:10

Episode 87: Matt & Simon & Rachel's Top Movie Moments of 2022!

Greetings, programs, and welcome to a special episode of the Awesome Friday Podcast! This week Matthew, Simon, and Rachel get together and discuss their favourite movie moments of 2022. This episode is replete with spoilers for every movie we discuss, so if you haven't seen something, please be mindful of segments you may want to skip or maybe bookmark this one and come back later.Either way, this is the first time that Simon and Rachel have been in a (virtual) room together, and it was

Jan 15, 2023 • 1:34:50

Episode 86: Matt & Simon's Top 11 Films of 2022!

Greetings, programs, and welcome to the first episode of 2023!  Simon is back from holiday, and we're counting down our favourite films of 2022.  This is a long episode because there is a lot to get through; it's hard to keep the discussions of excellent cinema brief!   Many of the films we're counting down have been featured on the show before.  Here are links to those (but in alphabetical order, you'll have to listen to find out where they land!)- All Quiet on the Western Front- The B

Jan 8, 2023 • 1:51:40

Episode 85: The Banshees of Inisherin & Avatar: The Way of Water (& Elvis, too) (w/ Guest Host Rachel Ho)

Greetings, programs, and welcome to our final episode of 2022! We usually post on Sundays, but since you have been good, we're dropping this one on Christmas Eve.  This week we're joined again by Rachel Ho of Contra Zoom Podcast, Exclaim.ca, and others as we talk about The Banshees of Inisherin (one of the year's best) and Avatar: The Way of Water (another movie we have seen!) as well as a brief discussion about Baz Luhrmann's Elvis.Be sure to head to this episode's homepage for streami

Dec 24, 2022 • 1:25:10

Episode 84: Diaspora, Polaris, & The 2022 Whistler Film Festival (w/ Guest Host Rachel Ho)

Greetings programs! This week Rachel and I are speaking about the 2022 Whistler Film Festival. This is my third year covering Whistler, and Rachel flew out to attend in person! We'll be talking about several films, but in particular, two Canadian releases: Diaspora from director Deco Dawson, about a young Ukrainian immigrant living in Winnipeg and Polaris from director Kirsten 'KC' Carthew, about a young girl surviving in a frozen post-apocalypse.  Be sure to head over to this episode's

Dec 18, 2022 • 1:00:41

Episode 83: Something in the Dirt & Emancipation (w/ Guest Host Rachel Ho)

Greetings, programs, and welcome to a very special episode of the show.  This week (and next!) Simon is on holiday, so Matthew will be joined once again by our friend Rachel Ho of Exclaim.ca, ThatShelf.com, POV Magazine, and The Globe and Mail!  We're diving into an indie darling and a big, oscar-bait action spectacle this week.  First, Benson & Moorhead's Something in the Dirt, which is finally in release after premiering all the way back at Sundance at the beginning of 2022.  Then

Dec 11, 2022 • 1:16:23

Episode 82: Troll & Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio

Greetings programs! We're breaking down two new Netflix releases this week on the show. First, we look at the Norwegian kaiju film Troll and then the new stop-motion adaptation of Pinocchio by director Guillermo del Toro.Join us, and then be sure to check out this episode's homepage for streaming links, our star ratings, and all of our other content. CONNECT WITH US:      Matthew on Twitter: @SmatthewAF Simon on Twitter: @TemporaryPen Home:   AwesomeFriday.ca Awesome Friday on Twit

Dec 4, 2022 • 1:01:43

Episode 81: Andor (reprise), Spirited, & The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special

Greetings, programs, and welcome to a very special Awesome Friday Podcast. This week we're covering three things: First, we're headed back to Ferrix to revisit Andor, which might be the best Star Wars thing in a long while. Following that, we're kicking off the holiday season with a look at Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell in AppleTV+'s new holiday musical Spirited, and then a quick trip out to Knowhere for Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. This episode is jam-packed, so w

Nov 27, 2022 • 53:54

Episode 80: Bullet Train & TÁR

Greetings, programs, and welcome to another week on the Awesome Friday Podcast. In this episode, we dive into the neon-lit, glossy action comedy Brad Pitt spectacle Bullet Train and a tour de force performance from Cate Blanchett in Todd Field's TÁR. Join us!Be sure to visit the homepage for this week's episode, where you can find JustWatch powered streaming links, our ratings, and all of our other content: https://awesomefriday.ca/2022/11/podcast-bullet-train--tar/ Once again, this wee

Nov 20, 2022 • 55:41

Episode 79: Don't Worry Darling & The Wonder

Greetings programs! This week on the show, we have a Florence Pugh doubleheader.  First, we look at the now-streaming Don't Worry Darling by director Olivia Wilde.  When it was released, this one was laden with controversy, but is it a good movie?  Only one way to find out! Following that, we have the new Netflix release, The Wonder, from Sebastien Lelio, who previously won an Oscar for A Fantastic Woman. After listening, be sure to visit this episode's page for JustWatch-powered stream

Nov 13, 2022 • 2:22

Episode 78: Weird: The Al Yankovic Story & Enola Holmes 2

Greetings, programs, and welcome to the Awesome Friday Podcast for November 6th 2022! This week we're diving into two new streaming releases: The Roku Channel Original "Weird: The Al Yankovic Story" starring Daniel Radcliffe, and the Netflix Original "Enola Holmes 2" starring Millie Bobby Brown. Every week it looks like there are more listeners joining us, so if you are new here, we want to say welcome! If you aren't new, we want to say welcome back! We're glad you're here. If you like

Nov 6, 2022 • 44:42

Episode 77: Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities

Greetings, programs, and welcome to a very special episode of the podcast. This week instead of our usual two things, we are reviewing one or eight, depending on your perception of the universe.   Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities is an 8-episode horror anthology that is now out on Netflix, and we are looking at all eight episodes. We both have strong feelings about them; listen in to find out what they are!  Be sure to visit this episode's homepage for our ratings, streaming

Oct 30, 2022 • 1:15:01

Episode 76: Raymond & Ray & Decision to Leave

Greetings Programs! This week on the podcast, Matt and Simon take a look at a pair of wayward bothers in the new AppleTV+ release Raymond & Ray and the Cannes Film Festival Best Director winning Decision to Leave from the great Park Chan-wook. Will there be hot takes? Only one way to find out! Find links to listen (and JustWatch powered streaming links for each movie) below.Join us!Every week it looks like there are more listeners joining us, so if you are new here, we want to say w

Oct 23, 2022 • 59:22

Episode 75: Marvel's Werewolf by Night & All Quiet on the Western Front

Greetings programs! This week the Awesome Friday Podcast is back with a look at two new streaming titles. First up is the latest Marvel experiment, the Halloween special Werewolf by Night. Following that, we look at the new adaptation of All Quiet on the Western Front, produced by Netflix. You’ll find streaming links powered by JustWatch, as well as our ratings and all our other content at this episode's homepage: https://awesomefriday.ca/2022/10/podcast-werewolf-by-night--all-quiet-on-

Oct 16, 2022 • 1:04:26

Episode 74: VIFF 2022 Top Fives w/ Dakota from Contra Zoom

Greetings programs! We’re back after just a few days with a special bonus wrap-up episode for the 2022 Vancouver International Film Festival. This episode is also a joint episode with our friends Contra Zoom, Dakota from that show and Matthew are breaking down their five favourites from the festival together, and the episode will be going out on both of our feeds! Surprisingly our top five lists only share one film in common, and you’ll have to listen to find out which! Be sure to visit

Oct 11, 2022 • 1:25:52

Episode 73: VIFF 2022: Viking & Triangle of Sadness

Greetings programs! This week on the podcast, we're looking at two films that played as part of the 2022 Vancouver International Film Festival. First up is Canadian director Stéphane Lafleur's new high-concept comedy Viking. Then we take a closer look at Ruben Östlund's Palme d'Or winning satire of wealth and privilege Triangle of Sadness. Be sure to visit this episode's homepage for JustWatch-powered streaming links, our ratings, and all of our other content. Join us!CONNECT WITH US:

Oct 9, 2022 • 57:47

Episode 72: Blonde & Star Wars: Andor

Greetings programs! This week on the podcast, we are looking at the divisive new Marilyn Monroe movie Blonde, starring Ana de Armas as the titular blonde bombshell, before moving on to the latest entry in the Star Wars franchise, Andor. We spend half the episode swooning over one of these; listen to find out which!JustWatch-powered streaming links, our ratings, as well as all of our other content and a complete list of where you can listen to this episode are available at AwesomeFriday.

Sep 25, 2022 • 1:00:00

Episode 71: Blank & Moonage Daydream

Greetings, programs, and welcome to another edition of the Awesome Friday Podcast.  This week Matt and Simon take a look at the new high-concept indie thriller Blank and the new documentary about the life and art of David Bowie, Moonage Daydream.  One of these movies is one of the best movies of the year, so listen closely to find out which. When you're done listening to the episode, be sure to head to AwesomeFriday.ca, where you will find streaming links for each film (powered by JustW

Sep 18, 2022 • 47:00

Episode 70: Pinocchio & Saloum

Greetings programs! We're back after a two-week break with two new movies, one hot off the presses from the largest media conglomerate in history and the other finally seeing wide release after a successful festival run last year. First up is Robert Zemeckis' live-action remake of Disney's Pinocchio, followed by the Senegalese action horror movie Saloum. One of these movies we really didn't like, listen to find out which and then watch the other!Be sure to visit AwesomeFriday.ca for thi

Sep 11, 2022 • 50:43

Episode 69: Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul. & Three Thousand Years of Longing (w/ special guest host Rachel Ho!)

Greetings, programs, and welcome to this week's episode of the Awesome Friday podcast! This week we're taking a closer look at two new films: first, the satire of southern baptist megachurches from first-time director Adamma Ebo, Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul. Which stars the electric duo of Sterling K. Brown and Regina Hall. Following that, we have the latest from Mad Max creator George Miller, the modern fairy tale Three Thousand Years of Longing starring the inimitable Tilda Swinton

Aug 28, 2022 • 1:02:50

Episode 68: Alienoid & She-Hulk: Attorney at Law

Greetings programs! This week on the podcast, we’ve got two exciting titles for you. First up is the South Korean science fiction epic Alienoid, then the latest Marvel series, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law.There are streaming links powered by JustWatch as well as all of our other content on this episode's homepage.Join us!CONNECT WITH US:      Matthew on Twitter: @SmatthewAF Simon on Twitter: @TemporaryPen Home:   AwesomeFriday.ca Awesome Friday on Twitter: @AwesomeFridayCa    Awesome

Aug 21, 2022 • 56:37

Episode 67: Day Shift & Fall

Greetings, programs, and welcome to our latest episode! This week on the Awesome Friday Podcast, we're breaking down the latest Netflix release, Day Shift starring Jamie Foxx and Dave Franco, and the new young-women-trapped-in-a-place horror movie Fall. One of these movies we really liked. Listen to find out which!Be sure to visit this episode's homepage for JustWatch-powered streaming links to each title, our ratings, and all of our other content. Meanwhile, relax and enjoy your flight

Aug 14, 2022 • 44:02

Episode 66: Lightyear & Prey

Greetings, programs, and welcome to another episode of the Awesome Friday Podcast. This week we're talking about two new Disney releases: First, the latest Pixar Studios animated feature, Lightyear, followed by Prey director Dan Trachtenberg's prequel to the 1980s action horror classic Predator. Be sure to visit this episode's homepage for JustWatch powered streaming links for each title, plus all of our other content!Join us!SUPPORT:         We want to say thanks for listening to all o

Aug 7, 2022 • 48:08

Episode 65: Nope & Not Okay

Greeting programs! This week on the podcast we are discussing Jordan Peele's latest directorial effort, the UFO horror thriller Nope, and Quinn Shephard's indictment of influencer culture Not Okay.  Join us for this discussion of two thematically linked films, something we totally planned for.  Honest. Also: Head over to this episode's homepage for JustWatch powered streaming links and all of our other content. SUPPORT:         We want to say thanks for listening to all our listeners, n

Jul 31, 2022 • 49:14

Episode 64: Vengeance & The Gray Man

Greetings programs! This week on the podcast, we’re talking about BJ Novak’s feature directorial debut Vengeance, and the Russo Brothers helmed $200 action blockbuster The Gray Man, starring Chris Evans and Canada’s Ryan Gosling. Check out this episode's homepage for streaming links, review scores, and all of our other content. Join us!SUPPORT:             Patreon    Ko-Fi CONNECT WITH US:      Matthew on Twitter: @SmatthewAF Simon on Twitter: @TemporaryPen Home:   AwesomeFriday.ca

Jul 24, 2022 • 52:30

Episode 63: Games: Neon White & Medal of Honour

Welcome back, friends to a new episode of the games podcast! This week I wax lyrical about the splendours of 'Neon White', before trying to convince you of its link to EA's 'Medal Of Honor' reboot from 2010. Enjoy!Visit this episode's homepage to find a full listing of where you can listen to Awesome Friday as well as all of our other content: Neon White & Medal of Honor at AwesomeFriday.caCONNECT WITH US:      Matthew on Twitter: @SmatthewAF Simon on Twitter: @TemporaryPen Home

Jul 21, 2022 • 23:18

Episode 62: Bonus: Our Favourite Marvel Movies featuring over a dozen of our friends *Updated*

Greetings, programs and welcome to a special bonus episode of the Awesome Friday Podcast. In our main episode this week, we asked over fifty of our friends to contribute their top ten Marvel Cinematic Universe entries and used those to establish a consensus top ten.We also asked everyone if they would be willing to record a short audio clip about their favourite with the intent of sprinkling those into the show. Well, we didn’t get one from everyone, but we did get a level of response t

Jul 20, 2022 • 30:23

Episode 61: Marvel Extravaganza! Ms Marvel, Thor: Love & Thunder, Our MCU Top Ten(s), and The Ultimate MCU Top Ten

Greetings, programs, and welcome to our first anniversary! It's hard to believe we relaunched the podcast a year ago to the day, but here we are a year later. We are so grateful for all of you, for your listening and engagement, and for the community that we're starting to build. It's fitting that this week saw the release of two new Marvel Cinematic Universe entries because that's how the show began. Last year we covered the Disney+ series Loki and the film Black Widow. We decided to m

Jul 17, 2022 • 1:56:41

Episode 60: Games: Flight Of Nova & Superhot VR

Hello! Welcome to a new edition of the games podcast where I throw superlatives at two of my favourite games so far this year. First, I talk space flight and violent atmosphere-heat death in ‘Flight Of Nova‘, then making John Woo movies in ‘Superhot VR‘.It’s unscripted again – time, it’s (not) on my side – but back to being double the length! Yay! So settle in and join me actually finding my love for gaming again. Enjoy!Visit us at this episode homepage for this and all of our other con

Jul 14, 2022 • 22:49

Episode 59: Games: Red White Yellow Cruising

It’s back! New year craziness and some technical issues brought the game podcast to a halt, and life found a way (to get in the way), but it finally feels like a good time to restart!You’ll notice that the games podcast is going to have shorter episodes from now on, both to help make it fit into my schedule, and also because I’m only going to talk about one game at a time. However, it’s now fully scripted, so you can read along if you please! Bonus article!This week, I’m trying to put i

Jul 5, 2022 • 10:57

Episode 58: Marcel the Shell with Shoes On & Stranger Things 4

Greetings programs! Welcome to the first episode of July, in which we discuss a lovely new movie and the return of a much-loved television series. In the top half, we’ll introduce you to Marcel the Shell with Shoes on, the brainchild of Jenny Slate, Dean Fleischer-Camp, and Elisabeth Holm, which balances childlike whimsey with deep emotional resonance. Then, in the bottom half of the show, we’re talking about Stranger Things 4, how it holds up against the previous seasons, and whether S

Jul 3, 2022 • 1:05:01

Episode 57: An interview with filmmaker Dan Mirvish on his film '18 1/2'

Greetings programs! Dan Mirvish is an award-winning filmmaker known for films like Omaha: The Musical! and Bernard & Huey, as well as co-founding the Slamdance Film Festival. His latest film is a genre mashup, part thriller and part dark comedy, set in the 1970s and adjacent to the watergate scandal 18 1/2 tells the story of a young transcriptionist who hears the infamous missing time from the Nixon Watergate tapes and the idealistic journalist she brings the story to.I sat down wit

Jun 29, 2022 • 31:52

Episode 56: The Sea Beast & Obi-Wan Kenobi

Greeting programs! Join us this week as we discuss the upcoming Netflix animated film The Sea Beast, directed by Chris Williams and starring Karl Urban and Jared Harris, and the recently concluded Obi-Wan Kenobi series from Disney+.There are streaming links powered by JustWatch as well as all of our other content available at this episodes homepage: https://awesomefriday.ca/2022/06/podcast-the-sea-beast--obi-wan-kenobi/ Join us!SUPPORT:           We want to say welcome and thanks for li

Jun 26, 2022 • 1:17:53

Episode 55: Spiderhead & Cha Cha Real Smooth

Greetings programs and welcome to this week's episode of the Awesome Friday Podcast. Simon is back after his week off and we are talking about two new streaming releases. First up is the new Netflix Sci-Fi thriller Spiderhead, starring Chris Hemsworth, Miles Teller, and Jurnee Smollett. Following that we have Sundance darling Cha Cha Real Smooth, the sophomore effort from writer, director, and star Cooper Raiff and co-starring Dakota Johnson, now released on AppleTV+. There are streamin

Jun 19, 2022 • 58:00

Episode 54: Hustle & The Phantom of the Open (w/ special guest co-host Rachel Ho)

Greetings programs! It’s time for a new episode of the Awesome Friday Podcast! This week we’re looking at a pair of sports movies: Hustle, the love letter to basketball from Adam Sandler, and The Phantom of the Open, the true story of the man who shot the worst round of golf in British Open History, starring Mark Rylance. This week Simon had some commitments that couldn’t be avoided, but luckily our friend Rachel Ho was able to join me in his place. Rachel is an award-winning critic bas

Jun 12, 2022 • 57:51

Episode 53: The Righteous & Top Gun: Maverick

Greetings, programs, and welcome to this week’s podcast! Following a year-long journey from its festival premiere at Fantasia 2021, Mark O’Brien’s The Righteous is finally coming to cinemas and on-demand thanks to Arrow Video and Vortex Media, and after a 36-year gap, Tom Cruise is back as a Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell in the long-awaited sequel to the 1980s classic Top Gun, Top Gun: Maverick.There are streaming links powered by JustWatch along with all of our other coverage of these films

Jun 5, 2022 • 1:04:27

Episode 52: An Interview with Mark O'Brien on his film 'The Righteous'

Greetings programs! Canadian actor Mark O’Brien has been working steadily since the mid-2000s with roles in CBC’s The Republic of Doyle and AMC’s Halt & Catch Fire, and movie appearances in Denis Villeneuve's Arrival, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett’s Ready or Not, and Noah Baumbach’s Marriage Story. This week sees his feature film writing and directorial debut, The Righteous, arrive in cinemas nearly a year after its premiere at least year Fantasia Festival. Grappling with

Jun 2, 2022 • 22:59

Episode 51: RRR & The Northman

This week on the Awesome Friday Podcast, we’re talking about two big 2022 historical epic films. First up is the Tollywood breakout RRR from director S. S. Rajamouli and stars Ram Charam and N. T. Rama Rao Jr. Second, the latest from The Witch and The Lighthouse director Robert Eggers, The Northman. You can listen to this episode right here on this page (after the jump) or wherever you listen to podcasts, and there are links to both titles wherever they are streaming powered by JustWatc

May 29, 2022 • 1:08:04

Episode 50: Uncharted & Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers

Greeting programs! This week, we’re looking at the newly on-demand Uncharted starring Tom Holland and the new streaming nostalgia trip Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers. Join us!You can find JustWatch powered streaming links for each film, as well as all of our other content, at this episode's homepage: https://awesomefriday.ca/2022/05/podcast-uncharted--chip-n-dale-rescue-rangers/ We want to say welcome and thanks for listening to all our listeners, new and old; we appreciate every one of y

May 22, 2022 • 44:37

Episode 49: Make/Remake: Zero Hour! & Airplane!

Greetings, programs, and welcome to a very special episode of the Awesome Friday Podcast.  Airplane! is one of the greatest comedy films of all time, but did you know it’s a remake? This week we are talking all about Airplane! and the 1957 Canadian Melodrama it's based on, Zero Hour!.You can find JustWatch powered streaming links for both movies on this episode's home page: https://awesomefriday.ca/2022/05/make-remake-zero-hour-airplane/Join us! We want to say welcome and thanks for lis

May 15, 2022 • 1:06:43

Episode 48: An Interview with Director Emerson Moore on his new film 'Escape the Field'

Greetings programs! Writer and director Emerson Moore's first feature, Escape the Field, a story about six strangers stranded in an endless cornfield, is on-demand now. I had the chance to sit down with him via zoom to talk about the film, his experiences making it, and more!You can find streaming links for Escape The Field on this episodes homepage here: https://awesomefriday.ca/2022/05/interview-director-emerson-moore/CONNECT WITH US:        Homepage: https://awesomefriday.ca        T

May 14, 2022 • 15:20

Episode 47: Petite Maman & Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Greetings programs and welcome to another episode of the Awesome Friday Podcast! This week we’re taking a look at Celine Schiamma’s delightful Petite Maman, and the latest entry in the juggernaut that is the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Join us!There are JustWatch powered streaming links, as well as all our other content, available this episodes homepage: https://awesomefriday.ca/2022/05/podcast-petite-maman-doctor-strange/  We want to say welc

May 8, 2022 • 10:02

Episode 46: Memory & Everything Everywhere All At Once

Another week, another podcast episode! Join us for discussions of the new Liam Neeson led action thriller Memory and the sophomore effort from The Daniels Everything Everywhere All At Once. There are JustWatch powered streaming links, as well as all of our other content, available at this episode's homepage: https://awesomefriday.ca/2022/05/podcast-memory-everything-everywhere-all-at-once/We want to say welcome and thanks for listening to all our listeners, new and old; we appreciate ev

May 1, 2022 • 56:47

Episode 45: The Batman & The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

Salutations applications, and welcome to a new episode of The Awesome Friday Podcast. We're back after a two-week hiatus and talking about two of the year's most anticipated movies. First up, freshly t streaming services and premium rental, Matt Reeves's noir-inspired take on the caped crusader, The Batman. Following that, the newly released to cinemas film The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, in which Nicolas Cage plays the role he was born to play: Nicolas Cage. There are JustWatc

Apr 24, 2022 • 53:50

Episode 44: An Interview with Reel Canada Executive Director Jack Blum on National Canadian Film Day

The third Wednesday of every year is National Canadian Film Day, a nationwide event that celebrates the best in Canadian cinema. This year is no different, and tomorrow's event promises to be one of the best yet, with screening events in every province and territory and around the world. This morning I sat down with Jack Blum, executive director of Reel Canada (the organisation that puts National Canadian Film Day on), to speak about this year's event, the tribute to the late Jean-Mac V

Apr 19, 2022 • 20:05

Episode 43: An Interview with Actor, Writer, and Producer Jonas Chernick on his film Ashgrove

Greetings programs! Welcome to another Awesome Friday interview! Joining me this time is Jonas Chernick, who produced, co-wrote, and stars in the film Ashgrove. Ashgrove is the story of a scientist played by Amanda Brugel, who may be the key to solving a worldwide pandemic and is forced to take a few days for herself and her family. Chernick plays her husband, and we sat down to talk about the film, what it's like shooting a movie during a pandemic, and more.HOMEPAGE LINK:There are stre

Apr 14, 2022 • 28:03

Episode 42: Moonfall & Our Flag Means Death

Greeting programs, and welcome to the Awesome Friday Podcast. This week we’re taking a closer look at the new ridiculous (in a good way) Roland Emmerich film Moonfall and the Rhys Darby and Taika Waititi led series Our Flag Means Death. Spoiler alert we loved both of these things, so come and join us for a love fest. Ed. Note: We had technical difficulties while recording this episode; some interference cropped up that we didn’t hear during recording. While I could minimize it, I couldn

Apr 10, 2022 • 51:56

Episode 41: An Interview with actor Shawn Doyle on his film Ashgrove (and also Star Trek: Discovery)

Salutations applications, and welcome to an Awesome Friday Interview with actor Shawn Doyle! A native of Newfoundland, Shawn has been working steadily in film and television since the early 1990s, and in just the last few years has racked up an impressive filmography that includes recurring appearances in The Expanse, Hannibal, Cardinal (for which he won a Canadian Screen Award last year) and most recently Star Trek: Discovery. This year he has two films in the Canadian Film Festival, A

Apr 4, 2022 • 27:47

Episode 40: Grab Bag: Moon Knight, Halo, & The Canadian Film Festival

Greetings programs and welcome back to the Awesome Friday Podcast. This week is a little different than most weeks, instead of two things we are covering a whole bunch of things in a grab bag format. There have just been too many things to narrow it down you see, so join us for brief discussions about The 94th Oscars and the slap heard ‘around the world, Halo, Marvel’s Moon Knight, and the films of the Canadian Film Festival. Join us!We want to say welcome and thanks for listening to al

Apr 3, 2022 • 1:14:45

Episode 39: Deep Water & Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood

Salutations applications and welcome to a new episode of the Awesome Friday Podcast! This week we're taking a closer look at two new films: First, director Adrian Lyne's new film Deep Water starring Ben Affleck and Ana de Armas, recently released on Amazon Prime here in Canada and Hulu in the US, followed by Richard Linklater's latest animated nostalgia piece, Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood.Join us!We want to say welcome and thanks for listening to all our listeners, new and old;

Mar 27, 2022 • 59:28

Episode 38: An Interview with Katie Boland, Director, Writer, Producer, and Star of We're All In This Together

Greetings programs! Katie Boland is a Canadian actor, writer, director, and producer. She is probably best known for her television appearances and the web series she created, Long Story Short. However, this year, Katie made her feature film directorial debut with We’re All In This Together, a story about a dysfunctional family brought together by absurd events. Not only is she the film’s director, though, but she also adapted it from the best selling book, produced it, and starred in i

Mar 24, 2022 • 22:56

Episode 37: Spider-Man: No Way Home & The Outfit

Welcome back to Awesome Friday, on a Sunday! In this week's episode, we speak at length about a little movie you might have heard about from last year, Spider-Man: No Way Home, which has finally come to home video. Then it's onto a new release from Focus Features, The Outfit, a single location mystery thriller starring Mark Rylance and Zoey Deutch. Join us!You can find streaming links (where available) to both films and all of our other content at this episode's homepage.Meanwhile, rela

Mar 20, 2022 • 1:08:05

Episode 36: An Interview with Seth A Smith, Director of Tin Can

Welcome to a special episode of the Awesome Friday Podcast in which I sit down with director Seth A Smith to talk about his film Tin Can.  Tin Can played at both Fantasia Festival last year and the Vancouver International Film Festival, which is where I originally saw it. It is now getting a wide release from LevelFILM, and Seth and I sat down on Zoom to talk about it.You can find links to buy or rent Tin Can, as well as all of our other content, at this episodes' page at AwesomeFriday.

Mar 18, 2022 • 22:26

Episode 35: West Side Story & The Adam Project

It's Awesome Friday on a Sunday! This week we're talking about West Side Story, which has just been released to Disney+, and the new Ryan Reynolds starring Netflix family action movie The Adam Project.There are streaming links and our ratings on this episode's homepage. Join us! We want to thank you all for listening. We do appreciate every one of you. If you like what you hear, please consider giving us a like, review, and subscribe on your podcasting platform of choice, and if you can

Mar 13, 2022 • 1:11:48

Episode 34: Turning Red, Fresh, & After Yang

Greetings programs! We’re a day late in posting this episode of the podcast, but to make up for it, we’re talking about three, yes three, excellent movies for you to watch. First up is Pixar’s Turning Red, their first feature set in Canada and another surefire hit for Disney+. Second, we’re talking about the Disney+/Hulu original Fresh, a romantic thriller that goes to some very unexpected places. Last but far from least, we’re talking about the sophomore film from Kogonada, After Yang,

Mar 7, 2022 • 1:07:14

Episode 33: The Afterparty & The Dropout

On this week’s podcast, we take a closer look at the hit AppleTV+ comedy The Afterparty and the upcoming Disney+ drama The Dropout. You can find streaming links as well as both Matt and Simon's ratings for these series on this episode's homepage. We want to thank you all for listening. We do appreciate every one of you. If you like what you hear, please consider giving us a like, review, and subscribe on your podcasting platform of choice, and if you can spare a few bucks, you could sup

Feb 27, 2022 • 52:23

Episode 32: Texas Chainsaw Massacre & The Cursed

Greetings, programs, and welcome to another edition of the Awesome Friday Podcast. This week we’re tackling two new horror movies: First, the latest Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and then the newly released period-set gothic werewolf movie The Cursed. Join us!As always, we want to thank you all for listening. We do appreciate every one of you. If you like what you hear, please consider giving us a like, review, and subscribe on your podcasting platform of choice, and if you can spare a few b

Feb 20, 2022 • 1:06:31

Episode 31: Parallel Mothers & The 94th Academy Award Nominations

Greetings, programs, and welcome to another Awesome Friday! This week is a little different; we're covering the latest film from Pedro Amaldóvar, Parallel Mothers, which, as it turns out, is an excellent segue into our second topic: the recently announced nominations for the 94th Academy Awards. This episode runs a little longer than our average, but we think it's worth it!As always, we want to thank you all for listening. We do appreciate every one of you. If you like what you hear, pl

Feb 13, 2022 • 1:22:48

Episode 30: Slamdance Interview w/ Avalon Fast

Greetings programs and welcome to a very special episode of the podcast. This week we’re joined by Avalon Fast, director of Honeycomb, a new indie feature playing as part of the Slamdance Film Festival. We talk with her at length about her film and the experience of making it, as well as a quick recap of some more favourites of the festival. As always, we want to thank you all for listening. We really do appreciate every one of you. If you like what you hear, please consider giving us a

Feb 6, 2022 • 50:36

Episode 29: Games: Virtual Virtual Reality & Half-Life: Alyx

Hello and welcome to a new episode of our games podcast! This week I travel deep into the Grid for a VR special, with Oculus Quest’s answer to Portal (yes, really), and then a reminder of why Valve is the best in the business of games design. Put on your VR headset of choice* and join me!*VR headset not requiredVR gaming has been threatening to disrupt the industry for many years, yet never quite living up to its promises. But between ‘Virtual Virtual Reality‘ and ‘Half-Life: Alyx‘, it’

Feb 4, 2022 • 0:24

Episode 28: The Book of Boba Fett & Pam and Tommy

Greetings programs! This week on the Awesome Friday Podcast, we talk about two new series, both from Disney. First up is The Book of Boba Fett, which has aired five episodes and is struggling to figure out precisely what it wants to be. Next, Pam & Tommy, the upcoming miniseries starring Lily James, Sebastian Stan, and Seth Rogen, depicts a specific moment in 90s pop culture with staggering accuracy and honestly. You can find streaming links for both of these titles and tons of othe

Jan 30, 2022 • 1:07:45

Episode 27: Games: JETT: The Far Shore & Vampire Survivors

Hello and welcome to the first Awesome Friday Games Podcast of 2022! This week I’m discussing two games that are connected to graphics vs. mechanics. Hey! Listen!The first game this week is ‘JETT The Far Shore‘, a title that will leave you exhilarated and frustrated (often at the same time). Then, we take a look at the game getting all the buzz this week, ‘Vampire Survivors‘ (that I also call a variety of things including ‘Vampire Survival’, so please excuse my memory).Hope you enjoy it

Jan 27, 2022 • 31:54

Episode 26: The Tragedy of Macbeth & Peacemaker

Greetings programs! This week on the podcast, we’re talking about Macbeth and Peacemaker. One is a timeless tale of a power-hungry man who tries to take control of his life with a trail of unthinkable violence, and the other is Macbeth. Both of them are excellent, too. We also discuss James Gunn as a writer and director, which goes to some interesting places, especially in the wake of further revelations about Joss Whedon. As always, we want to thank you all for listening. We really do

Jan 23, 2022 • 1:09:37

Episode 25: Marvel's Eternals & The Matrix Resurrections

Greetings programs! In the latest episode of the podcast, Simon and I are discussing two films just released for home audiences in Canada: Marvel’s Eternals and The Matrix Resurrections. Join us!You can find streaming links for both of these films at this episodes homepage.  As always, we want to thank you all for listening, and if you like what you hear, please consider giving us a like, review, and subscribe on your podcasting platform of choice, and if you can spare a few bucks, you

Jan 16, 2022 • 1:03:08

Episode 24: 2021 in Review

Greetings programs and welcome to the first Awesome Friday Movie Podcast episode of 2022! In this episode we take a look back over some of our favourites from the year past. Join us!We cover a lot of things in this episode, and here’s where we’ve covered about them previously: Review: ‘Midnight Mass’ is another excellent horror story from Mike Flanagan and one of the best series of the year Awesome Friday Movie Podcast: ‘Star Wars: Visions’ & ‘Midnight Mass’ Tribeca 2021 Review: ‘Th

Jan 9, 2022 • 1:06:00

Episode 23: The Shining & Doctor Sleep

Greetings programs! Welcome to episode 20 of the Awesome Friday Movie Podcast. This week we’re talking about a classic and its recent sequel: Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining and Mike Flanagan’s Doctor Sleep.You can read our prior coverage of Doctor Sleep here: Review: ‘Doctor Sleep’ shines in more ways than one Matt’s Favourite Films & Performers of 2019 As always, we want to thank you all for listening, and if you like what you hear, please consider giving us a like, review, and subs

Dec 19, 2021 • 1:10:04

Episode 22: Games: Halo Infinite & Halo 4

Welcome to the new episode of the Awesome Friday Games Podcast! And as you can see from the title, this week it's all Halo, all the time. There's a little reflection on Halo's significance on its release in 2001, then a look at Halo Infinite and how it compares to the divisive Halo 4. Enjoy!Check out all our episodes and more at AwesomeFriday.ca

Dec 17, 2021 • 31:57

Episode 21: The Witcher & West Side Story

Greetings programs and welcome to another edition of the Awesome Friday Movie Podcast. This week Matthew and Simon are taking a look at the new season of Netflix’s The Witcher and Steven Spielberg’s remake of West Side Story. You can find prior coverage of these titles here: Review: ‘The Witcher Season 2’ is a cool, confident continuation and improvement of the story that began in season one Review: ‘West Side Story’ reinvents a classic with modern context And of course you can find all

Dec 12, 2021 • 1:12:58

Episode 20: Games: Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy & Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Hello there, and the warmest of welcomes to this week's Awesome Friday Games Podcast!This week Simon takes a dive into why 'Marvel's Guardians Of The Galaxy' makes such a strong case for game of the year, and also looks into the endless thrills of the Spec OPs missions in 'Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2'. Be sure to hit up this episodes homepage for more!

Dec 9, 2021 • 25:17

Episode 19: Games: Call of Duty: Vanguard & Rez

Hello! Welcome to the new Awesome Friday Games Podcast! This is a new weekly dive into a new game and a classic title from the archives, and pairs beautifully with our movie podcast like Laphroaig and parmesan. As someone who has very little time to play anything these days, I’m always interested in what catches my attention, so I’m looking forward to sharing that with you. I also have recently found a place for my large collection of classic games spread over multiple consoles, so I’ll

Dec 3, 2021 • 32:54

Episode 18: The Humans & Marvel's Hawkeye

Greetings, programs, and welcome to the 18th edition of the Awesome Friday Movie Podcast! This week we're talking about The Humans, an adaptation of a Tony Award-winning play with an all-star cast, and Hawkeye, the latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Join us!You can read our prior coverage of The Humans and Hawkeye here: Review: 'Hawkeye' premiere episodes are lighthearted fun Review: 'The Humans' uses horror tropes to heighten family drama despite not being a horror movie

Nov 28, 2021 • 1:00:26

Episode 17: The Harder They Fall & Tick,Tick... Boom!

Greetings programs and welcome to the latest edition of the Awesome Friday Movie Podcast! This week we are looking at two new Netflix movies. First up, The Harder They Fall, a western starring Jonathan Majors, Idris Elba, and a host of other talented actors. Second, Tick, Tick… Boom! , the new film adaptation of famed Rent composer Jonathan Larson’s one-man show directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda and starring Andrew Garfield. One of these movies we have differing opinions on, the other we u

Nov 14, 2021 • 1:01:59

Episode 16: Finch & Red Notice

Greetings programs! This week on the Awesome Friday Movie Podcast we are taking on the new Tom Hanks boy-and-his-dog-and-his-robot-post-apocalyptic-road-trip movie Finch and the most expensive movie Netflix has ever made, the Ryan Reynolds, Dwayne Johnson, and Gadot adventure heist movie Red Notice. Join us!You can read prior coverage of each film here: Review: ‘Finch’ has Tom Hanks in fine form on a post-apocalyptic road trip with a naive robot and a dog Review: ‘Red Notice’ coasts on

Nov 7, 2021 • 1:01:25

Episode 15: Army of Thieves & Dune

Greetings programs! This week on the Awesome Friday Movie Podcast we are talking about the new Netflix heist film (and sequel to Army of the Dead) Army of Thieves and the latest blockbuster adaptation of a classic science fiction story from Canadian auteur Denis Villeneuve, Dune.Read my reviews of these films here: Review: ‘Army of Thieves’ is a fun heist movie Review: ‘Dune’ is a vast, beautiful film that loses sight of its emotional core You can also find links to buy, rent, or stream

Oct 30, 2021 • 1:17:17

Episode 14: Night Teeth & No Time To Die

Greetings programs! This week on the Awesome Friday Movie Podcast, we’re taking on the new Netflix vampire thriller Night Teeth and the 25th entry in the James Bond franchise, No Time To Die. You can read my review of No Time To Die here:Review: ‘No Time To Die’ gives Daniel Craig an emotional ending to his time as James BondYou can also find links to these films on streaming services on this episodes homepage. As always, we want to thank you all for listening, and if you like what you

Oct 17, 2021 • 1:35:02

Episode 13: Muppets Haunted Mansion & There’s Someone Inside Your House

Greetings programs! It’s Awesome Friday, on a Sunday, because it’s a state of mind and not a time or place. This week Simon and I are talking about Disney’s new Halloween special, Muppets Haunted Mansion and Netflix’s new teen slasher, There’s Someone Inside Your House.You can read my review of There’s Someone Inside Your House, which I saw as part of Fantastic Fest, here:Fantastic Fest Review: ‘There’s Someone Inside Your House’ is a solid teen slasherYou can also head to this episodes

Oct 10, 2021 • 44:38

Episode 12: Lego Star Wars Terrifying Tales & Titane

Greetings programs! Welcome to this weeks episode of the Awesome Friday Movie Podcast. Join us for 50 minutes this week as we discuss two titles that couldn’t be more different: Lego Star Wars Terrifying Tales and Titane.One of these is for kids of all ages, and the other is very much so not, but both are excellent in their own ways. Read Matt’s initial review of Titane here:Review: ‘Titane’ is one of the most unforgettable cinema-going experiences of the yearAs always, we want to thank

Oct 3, 2021 • 50:27

Episode 11: Star Wars: Visions & Midnight Mass

Greetings programs! It’s that time again, Awesome Friday on a Sunday! Remember, it’s a state of mind and not a day of the week. In this episode, we have two new series to talk about, the latest Star Wars project Star Wars: Visions and director Mike Flanagan’s latest series for Netflix, Midnight Mass. This episode is nearly 90s minutes long, but that’s because we absolutely loved one of these series and have a lot to say about it. Join us!You can read our prior coverage of these series h

Sep 26, 2021 • 1:29:05

Episode 10: Make/Remake: Three Versions of The Thing

Greetings programs, and welcome to a special episode of the podcast.  This week we're doing something a little different and taking a look at three versions of the same film.  1951's The Thing From Another World, 1982's John Carpenter directed horror classic The Thing, and the 2011 remake/prequel thereof, also titled The Thing.  We had a lot of fun preparing for this episode, watching or re-watching each of the three movies, and we really enjoyed putting it together for you. We want to

Sep 19, 2021 • 1:10:45

Episode 9: Kate & Cruella

Greetings programs! We’re back with our 9th episode of the new Awesome Friday Podcast. This week we’re talking about one new thing and one not so new thing. First up is the new Mary Elizabeth Winstead starring action film from Netflix, Kate, which we have mixed feelings about, and second is the new-to-all-Disney+-subscribers Disney film starring Emma Stone, Cruella, which as it turns out, we both really like. We can be found on most major podcasting platforms now and for a list of links

Sep 12, 2021 • 52:48

Episode 8: Candyman & Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Greetings programs! it’s that time of the week: Awesome Friday, on a Sunday. On this weeks episode of the podcast we’re taking on two new theatrical releases: Candyman, from director Nia DaCosta and Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings from director Destin Daniel Cretton. We can be found on most major podcasting platforms now and for a list of links to most of them, or to listen right here on the website, please scroll down. We want to thank you all for listening and your

Sep 5, 2021 • 1:07:53

Episode 7: Fantasia Festival Wrap Up Special!

This week on the podcast we’re recapping some of our favourite films from this year’s Fantasia Festival! Join us!This years festival was a great one and it was hard to narrow our favourites to just five in total, which is why we went with seven (but even that was difficult! You can check out all of our festival coverage by clicking the banner above, and you’ll find where to stream each of the five we’ve chosen (when they’re available) on this episode's page here. Scroll down to find an

Aug 29, 2021 • 1:01:24

Episode 6: Free Guy & The Night House

Greetings Programs and welcome to another episode of the Awesome Friday Movie Podcast!  This week Matt and Simon are talking about the summer movie sensation Free Guy, starring Vancouver Local Ryan Reynolds, and the new horror movie release The Night House starring Rebecca Hall. One of these films we think is excellent and the other we think is pretty good. Listen to find out which! You can read our prior coverage of these titles here: Review: ‘Free Guy’ is a love letter to gaming and j

Aug 22, 2021 • 49:36

Episode 5: Nine Days & Marvel's What If..?

This week we are discussing a new movie and a new series. First up is the drama Nine Days, which is now in theatres and headed to an on-demand release this fall. Second, the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe entry, Marvel's new animated Anthology series What If...?You can read our prior coverage of these titles here: Review: ‘Marvel’s What If…?’ explores what might have been in the MCU, and it’s great Review: ‘Nine Days’ is a beautiful achievement We'd like to thank you all for listening

Aug 15, 2021 • 1:18:51

Episode 4: Vivo & The Suicide Squad

Greetings programs, it’s Awesome Friday on a Sunday, which means we’re back with another episode of the Awesome Friday Movie Podcast!Join us this week as we discuss two new movies. First up is the new Sony Pictures Animation film Vivo, which features the voice, and songs, of Lin-Manuel Miranda and was released to Netflix this week. Second up is James Gunn’s triumphant return to superhero movies; the Warner Brothers and DC released The Suicide Squad, now in theatres (and on HBO Max in th

Aug 8, 2021 • 1:02:07

Episode 3: Beans & Jungle Cruise

Greetings programs! We're back with another episode of the Awesome Friday Podcast! This week we're once again talking about two movies: 'Beans', a Canadian coming of age story set against the 1990 Oka Crisis, currently in theatres, and 'Jungle Cruise', the latest Disney family adventure which is both in theatres and on Disney+ with premier access. You can read prior coverage of both movies here: VIFF Review: Beans is a coming of age story set against a horrible, true, Canadian backdrop

Aug 1, 2021 • 1:05:15

Episode 2: Blood Red Sky & Settlers

Greetings programs! We're back for the second week in a row with a new episode.  Rejoice!This week we are looking at two new releases:  Blood Red Sky (from Netflix), a movie pitting vampires vs hijackers at 30,000 ft, and Settlers (from IFC), a slow-burn western set on Mars. You can read Matthew's original reviews for those here: Review: ‘Blood Red Sky’ isn’t quite the film it could be, but is still fun Review: ‘Settlers’ compelling performances and stunning production design keep it in

Jul 25, 2021 • 50:59

Episode 1: Black Widow & Loki

Greetings friends!  It has been a minute, hasn't it, but we're back with a new episode for the first time in six years.  Join us as we brush off the rust and talk about the latest Marvel projects, Black Widow and Loki. We'd like to thank you for your time and support as listeners, and ask for you for the same things that every podcast asks you for. Like, subscribe, and review us on your favourite podcasting platform, and if you so choose you could support us via Patreon and help us keep

Jul 18, 2021 • 54:13