On this episode of Movie Joust!, we take on Avatar : Fire and Ash— James Cameron’s latest swing at epic blockbuster filmmaking — and ask the uncomfortable question: does this franchise still earn the awe it demands, or is the spectacle finally outpacing the substance?
We break down our sharply divided reactions, from the film’s overwhelming visual ambition to its emotional sincerity, narrative sprawl, and cultural relevance. Is Cameron still pushing the medium forward, or are audiences being asked to mistake scale for depth?
As always, we debate the hype, challenge the consensus, and figure out who this movie is actually for — die-hard fans, casual viewers, or no one at all.
This week on Movie Joust!, we dive into two very different new releases: Hamnet, the emotionally devastating literary adaptation generating serious awards buzz, and Ella McCay, James L. Brooks’ long-awaited return that left us unexpectedly divided.
We break down what Hamnet gets right — and where it risks tipping into emotional overkill — before debating whether Ella McCay is a thoughtful political comedy-drama or a tonal misfire. From performances to themes to audience expectations, this episode tackles why these films provoke such strong reactions — and who they’re really for.
Jason, Josh, and Jesse break down the Atlanta Film Critics Circle's list of the best movies of 2025, including favorite performances, epic stunts, and underrated gems! Plus, look out for the guys' own picks for what movies to catch up on from the last 12 months.
This week on Movie Joust!, we take on two of the biggest films of the holiday season: Wicked: For Good — does this Broadway mega-adaptation live up to the hype or fall flat on its sprawling ambitions? — and Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, the latest Benoit Blanc case that blends murder mystery with unexpected thematic depth.
Join Atlanta film critics Jesse, Jason, and Josh as they break down what worked, what didn’t, and why these very different films are generating such strong reactions — from dazzling musical spectacle to clever twists and tonal surprises. Whether you’re team Wicked, a mystery lover, or just here for the friendly joust, this episode has something for every movie fan.
Join us on Movie Joust as we dive into the cinematic world with hosts Jesse Nussman, Jason Evans, and Josh Sewell. This episode explores the intriguing dynamics of Edgar Wright's adaptation of "The Running Man," starring Glenn Powell. We discuss the film's faithfulness to Stephen King's original Bachman book, its satirical take on dystopian America, and the casting choices that shape its narrative.
Then, we delve into Noah Baumbach's latest film, "Jay Kelly," starring George Clooney and Adam Sandler. We explore the film's introspective narrative, examining themes of fame, identity, and the sacrifices made for art.
"In this episode, we explore the thrilling dynamics of 'Predator: Badlands' and the intense drama of 'Die My Love.' Join us as we delve into the unique storytelling and performances that define these films. We also discuss 'Nuremberg,' a historical drama that captivates with its portrayal of the post-war trials. Tune in for a comprehensive analysis of these diverse cinematic experiences. #PredatorBadlands #DieMyLove #Nuremberg"
Join us as we delve into the intriguing world of "Bugonia," the latest film by Yorgos Lanthimos. We explore Emma Stone's captivating performance as a CEO with a cosmic secret and discuss the film's unique blend of humor, suspense, and social commentary. Discover how Lanthimos' storytelling challenges perceptions and leaves audiences questioning reality. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the film's themes, performances, and its place in modern cinema. #Bugonia #EmmaStone #YorgosLanthimos
Join us as we dive into the cinematic portrayal of Bruce Springsteen's transformative journey in "Deliver Me From Nowhere," starring Jeremy Allen White. This episode unpacks the film's exploration of Springsteen's artistic evolution, the impact of his Nebraska album, and the performances that bring this story to life. We discuss the film's narrative choices, its appeal to die-hard fans, and the broader implications of music biopics in today's cinema landscape. Tune in for an engaging discussion with film critics Jesse Nussman, Josh Sewell, and Jason Evans as they share their insights and critiques. #Springsteen #FilmCritics #JeremyAllenWhite
Join film critics Jesse Nussman, Josh Sewell, and Jason Evans as they delve into Guillermo del Toro's latest adaptation of 'Frankenstein.' Discover the intricacies of del Toro's storytelling, the film's faithfulness to Mary Shelley's novel, and the emotional depth of its characters. This episode unpacks the film's gothic atmosphere, its thematic exploration of creation versus creator, and the performances that bring this classic tale to life. Tune in for a thoughtful critique and lively discussion on one of the year's most anticipated films. #Frankenstein #GuillermoDelToro #FilmCritique
In this episode, we explore the dual cinematic worlds of 'Tron: Ares' and 'House of Dynamite.' Delve into the revolutionary digital effects and cultural impact of Tron, alongside the tense narrative and character dynamics in Kathryn Bigelow's latest thriller. #TronAres #HouseOfDynamite #SciFiThriller"
Atlanta film critics unveil their meticulously curated list of the top 25 movies of the 21st century. From the groundbreaking "Get Out" to the epic "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, discover the films that have defined a generation. Dive into the trends, surprises, and personal picks that shaped this list, and explore the cinematic masterpieces that continue to captivate audiences worldwide. #FilmCritics #TopMovies #21stCenturyCinema
"Join us on Movie Joust as we dive into 'The Smashing Machine,' the latest film starring Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. Explore his transformative performance as a wrestler battling personal demons, and discuss the potential impact on the Best Actor race. Plus, we touch on the broader landscape of award season contenders. Don't miss this insightful episode!"
Join us on Movie Joust as we explore Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another," a film that masterfully blends comedy, action, and social commentary. Discover why this movie is a strong Oscar contender, featuring standout performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and Chase Infinity. Dive into the film's themes of family, revolution, and the relentless cycle of battles, both personal and political. Don't miss our in-depth discussion on the film's narrative, character dynamics, and its place in modern cinema. #PaulThomasAnderson #OneBattleAfterAnother #MovieJoust
Join Jesse Nussman and fellow Atlanta film critics Jason Evans and Josh Sewell as they delve into the remarkable life and career of Robert Redford. From his profound impact on independent film through the Sundance Film Festival to his iconic roles in classics like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "All the President's Men," this episode celebrates Redford's enduring legacy in Hollywood. Discover the films that defined a generation and the stories behind them. #RobertRedford #FilmLegacy #Sundance
Join film critics Jesse Nussman, Josh Sewell, and Jason Evans as they dissect the latest adaptation of Stephen King's "The Long Walk." This episode explores the film's unrelenting bleakness, its stark portrayal of a dystopian reality, and the powerful performances by David Jonsson and Cooper Hoffman.
Discover why this movie is both a conversation starter and a test of endurance for its audience. Tune in for a candid discussion on the film's themes, its comparison to "The Hunger Games," and the unique challenges of adapting a Stephen King novel. #StephenKing #TheLongWalk #FilmCritique
In this episode of Movie Joust, film critics Jesse Nussman and Josh Sewell review Darren Aronofsky’s Caught Stealing and Ethan Coen’s Honey Don’t. They dive into the films’ themes, character dynamics, and directorial choices—exploring Aronofsky’s signature storytelling style and Coen’s comedic legacy. The critics compare performances, narrative structure, and the challenge of balancing dark comedy with serious drama, while reflecting on their favorite Coen Brothers films and the impact of their cinematic worlds.
In this episode, Jesse Nussman and Josh Sewell delve into the films of Spike Lee, focusing on his latest work, 'Highest 2 Lowest,' which stars Denzel Washington. They explore the collaboration between Lee and Washington, the influence of Kurosawa's 'High and Low,' and the themes of legacy, responsibility, and cultural commentary present in the film.
The discussion also touches on the performances of the cast, particularly Washington and Jeffrey Wright, and the dynamics of their characters. The hosts reflect on Lee's unique style and the significance of his work in the context of American cinema, concluding with recommendations for other notable films in Lee's filmography.
In this episode of Movie Joust, we tackle the new horror-thriller Weapons. First, we give our spoiler-free impressions and let you know whether it’s worth your ticket money. Then, we dive deep into the film’s twists, themes, and most shocking moments in our spoiler discussion.
If you’ve seen the movie (or don’t mind spoilers), stick around to hear our unfiltered takes on what Weapons does right, where it misses the mark, and why it might just stick with you long after the credits roll.
It’s slapstick vs. sports! In this week’s episode of Movie Joust, we pit the absurd brilliance of The Naked Gun against the unlikely sequel Happy Gilmore 2.nIs classic Zucker-style absurdity still king? Or does Adam Sandler’s return to the green bring the bigger laughs in 2025?
Jesse and Jason go head-to-head on Eddington, Ari Aster’s latest descent into the surreal and the soul-shattering. Is it a brilliant piece of cinematic dread—or a self-indulgent spiral into nonsense?