The Rivals of Amziah King — Plus Trailers for Bitter Christmas, Fjord, and a Fake Trailer for Babies

Footcandle Films 1#38: Hello everyone and welcome to Foot Candle Films here on the Mesh dot TV Podcast Network. My name is Alan Jackson and with me across the table is Chris Fry. Chris, how are you doing? Footcandle Films 2#40: Hello everyone and welcome to Foot Candle Films here on the Mesh dot TV Podcast Network. My name is Alan Jackson, and with me across the table is Chris Frye. Chris, how are you doing? Doing doing well. looking forward to the festival which is quickly upon us that takes its name from this podcast. I and the podcast, I guess, takes its name from the Film Society, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. but yes, doing well, looking forward to the festival getting started pretty soon. Footcandle Films 1#38: I guess takes name from the Film Society, cetera, et cetera, et cetera. but yes, doing well. Looking forward to the festival getting started pretty soon. It will be within days at the time of this recording. But that stresses me out when I say that, so I'm not going to say it again. And we're just gonna barrel on to with our our show because that's Footcandle Films 2#40: Fair enough. Footcandle Films 1#38: what my mind is able to fixate on at one thing at a time. So we're gonna deal with the podcast at the moment and as this is Foot Candle Films where we Footcandle Films 2#40: the podcast at the moment and as this is for Kendall Films where we review some of the latest films coming out. Footcandle Films 1#38: review some of the latest films coming out in movie theaters or online streaming. And we also discuss some upcoming films through the use of trailers and news that we talk about for upcoming productions we're being made aware of. And we try to wrap up the each show. And Chris, I I didn't check with you beforehand, but are you prepared to give a recommendation this week? Footcandle Films 2#40: And we also discuss some upcoming films through the use of trailers and news that we talk about for upcoming productions we're being made aware of. And we try to wrap up each show. And Chris, I I didn't check with you beforehand, but are you prepared to give a recommendation this week? I have done my homework. I have a recommendation. Okay, Chris's recommendation will be in place for this episode. Everybody, calm down. Footcandle Films 1#38: Okay, Chris's recommendation will be in place for this episode. Everybody, calm down. National emergency is averted. Chris will give us a recommendation of a film he thinks we ought to check out at the end of the episode. But Chris, we have a lot to get into, so why don't we talk about our first or our only review is going to be the film The Rivals of Amaziah King. That is gonna be the film we're gonna be reviewing in just a moment. Footcandle Films 2#40: National Emergency is averted. Chris will give us a recommendation of a film he thinks we ought to check out at the end of the episode. But Chris, we have a lot to get into, so why don't we talk about our first or our only review and is gonna be the film The Rivals of Amaziah King. That is gonna be the film we're gonna be reviewing in just a moment. Footcandle Films 1#38: That is by writer-director Andrew Patterson, starring Matthew McConaughey, Angelina Looking Glass, and Kurt Russell. we'll be reviewing that film in just a moment, again, followed by some news and trailers to share for upcoming films and Chris's recommendations. So Chris, are you ready to get right into our main review? Let's do it. All right, here we go. Our discussion of the rivals of Amaziah King. Footcandle Films 2#40: That is by writer-director Andrew Patterson, starring Matthew McConaughey, Angelina Looking Glass, and Kurt Russell. we'll be reviewing that film in just a moment, again, followed by some news and trailers to share for upcoming films and Chris's recommendations. So, Chris, are you ready to get right into our main review? Let's do it. All right, here we go. Our discussion of the rivals of Amaziah King. The tags for the rivals of Amaziah King on IMDB are Caper, Contemporary Western, Dark Comedy, Crime, Drama, and Thriller. I'm surprised they didn't throw in musical for good measure. The website summary of the film is as follows Amaziah King, beekeeper, musician, and anchor of his community reunites with his former foster daughter Kateri after many years apart and fends off threats to his honey business. Footcandle Films 1#38: summary of the film is as follows. Mziah King, beekeeper, musician, and anchor of his community, reunites with his former foster daughter, Kateri, after many years apart, and fends off threats to his honey business. To me that sounds like a whole lot going on in this two hour and ten minute film. Alan, what are your thoughts on this second feature from writer director Andrew Patterson? so my thoughts are Footcandle Films 2#40: To me, that sounds like a whole lot going on in this two hour and ten minute film. Alan, what are your thoughts on this second feature from writer-director Andrew Patterson? so my thoughts are Footcandle Films 1#38: mostly and almost unanimously positive in that I really do appreciate and enjoy this film. Footcandle Films 2#40: mostly and almost unanimously positive. Okay. In that I really do appreciate and enjoy this film. Okay. With one glaring Footcandle Films 1#38: With one glaring miss misstep, I believe, the film takes. Footcandle Films 2#40: Misstep, I believe, the film takes. All the CGI monsters. Footcandle Films 1#38: Right, right, that's it. with w with one major character development that I do not agree with and I think derails the entire film. Wow. Yeah. I mean it it's it's it's hard for me to walk away and say, Yes, I I love this film when there is a glaring issue. Maybe we talk about it in spoilers at the end, or maybe I just kind of talk very broadly about it later on. But Footcandle Films 2#40: Wow. Yeah. it it's it's it's hard for me to walk away and say, Yes, I I love this film when there is a glaring issue. Maybe we talk about it in spoilers at the end. Sure. Or maybe I just kinda talk very broadly about it later on. But there is there is enough of a issue with one one character in particular and their their actions and the implications of those actions that has me very Footcandle Films 1#38: there is there is enough of a issue with one one character in particular and their their actions and the implications of those actions that has me very mi still loving the film. I love everything it's trying to do, but I have a hard time walking away from it holding in the highest esteem that I could. So let me cover everything that made my review positive for the most part. Footcandle Films 2#40: Still loving the film. I love everything it's trying to do, but I have a hard time walking away from it, holding in the highest esteem that I could. So let me cover everything that made my review positive. Sure. you gave a little log line of the film, and yes, it does sound like there's a lot going on. And yeah, there is a lot going on. we i i it it is it is two hours and ten minutes, but I will never say it's slow, and I will never say that it's Footcandle Films 1#38: You gave a little log line of the film. And yes, it does sound like there's a lot going on. And yeah, there is a lot going on. we it it is it is two hours and ten minutes, but I will never say it's slow. And I will never say that it's not interesting to watch in almost every element of the film, in my opinion. we do have Matthew McConaughey as the title, the titular Almaziah King. And I feel like this is the most Footcandle Films 2#40: not interesting to watch in almost every element of the film, in my opinion. we do have Matthew McConaughey as the title the titular Amaziah King. And I feel like this is the most McConaugheyish role that a Matthew McConaughey could play. And that it he was the right cast to ensure this. I mean he it was a character that you could almost say was probably written for him Footcandle Films 1#38: McConaughey ish role that a Matthew McConaughey could play. And that if he was the right casting for this, I mean he it was a character that you could almost say was probably written for him in a way or written with him in mind. Yeah. So it was great casting. I I think Matthew McConaughey Footcandle Films 2#40: I can I could believe that. Sure. So it was great casting, I I think Matthew McConaughey. Footcandle Films 1#38: was really strong and really good in this performance. Probably one of my favorite McConaughey performances I've seen in quite a while. we've got Kurt Russell in here, who smaller role. Footcandle Films 2#40: Sure. we've got Kurt Russell in here who smaller role but meaningful role and impactful role and I think he's Footcandle Films 1#38: But meaningful role and impactful role. And I think he's having a really good time playing the kind of character he does, the Dob McCoy in this small town. and I gotta call out Angelina Looking Glass as Katari, the former foster child that that Amaziah helped helped raise for a little while, who's come back into his life now. Footcandle Films 2#40: kind of character he does, the Dobb McCoy in this small town. And I gotta call out Angelina Looking Glass as a Katari, the former foster child that that Amaziah helped helped raise for a little while, who's come back into his life now. Not familiar with her at all, younger, younger actress, but boy, she is she's really good in this. Really, really good. Footcandle Films 1#38: Not familiar with her at all, younger younger actress, but boy, she is she's really good in this. Really, really good. But I th I think what really works for this film for me, Chris. yeah, the the performances are great, but it's everything around the performances that I think what make the film work for me. you mentioned music. Yes, music is an element of the film and I think it's I I think it's wisely used. I think it's integral to the story d in some regards. Footcandle Films 2#40: But I I think what really works for this film for me, Chris, yeah, the the performances are great, but it's everything around the performances that I think what make the film work for me. you mentioned music. Yes, music is an element of the film and I think it's I I think it's wisely used. I think it's integral to the story d in some regards. Footcandle Films 1#38: you are in a small town where Footcandle Films 2#40: you are in a small town where Footcandle Films 1#38: there's kind of a community, a culture of community of people that are musicians and they're family members of one another. And it's just you get to know these some of these characters. There's nice little vignettes with some of the key supporting characters. That just it's just a a good group of people to want to hang out with. And I think that's a comfort level that the film exhibits as well. Footcandle Films 2#40: There's a community, culture of community of people that are musicians and they're family members of one another. And it's just you get to know these some of these characters. There's nice little vignettes with some of the key supporting characters. That just it's just a a good group of people to want to hang out with. And I think that's a comfort level that the film exhibits as well. And you have a film that really dances around on genres. you you you listed a whole bunch of different genres and yeah, it fits the bill on several of Is it a thriller? Sure. Is it a crime yeah. Is it a drama? Sure. Is it a family drama? Is it kind of about relationships and people? Yes. small town kind of exploring small town dynamics, yeah. And it's about beekeeping, which I don't think we've got a movie about beekeeping in a really long time. Footcandle Films 1#38: And you have a film that really dances around on genres. you you you listed a whole bunch of different genres and yeah, it fits the bill on several of Is it a thriller? Sure. Is it a crime movie? Yeah. Is it a drama? Sure. Is it a family drama? Is it kind of about relationships and people? Yes. small town kind of exploring the small town dynamics. Yeah. And it's about beekeeping, which I don't think we've had a movie about beekeeping in a really long time. Footcandle Films 2#40: So not Footcandle Films 1#38: So Footcandle Films 2#40: since probably Yuli's Gold, way back. my gosh, you pulled that out and I did not I've never seen that. okay. Okay, yeah. So I'm I'm O for O on on big beekeeping movies and this movie, Footcandle Films 1#38: my gosh, you pulled that out and I did not I've never seen that. So Okay, yeah. So I'm I'm O for O on on big beekeeping movies until this movie. Now I'm over one in two, one out of two of potential beekeeping movies I could have seen. So I do really like this movie. I like more than anything the what it's trying to do with its the style, the Footcandle Films 2#40: One and two. One out of two of potential beekeeping movies I could have seen. So I do really like this movie. I like more than anything the what it's trying to do with its style, the Footcandle Films 1#38: tone, the feel of the film was really nice and very comfortable. Again, I will Explain my my one huge major concern of the film in broader terms a little bit later on. But Chris, I wanna flip it over to you. What did you think of the rivals of Amaziah King? So Footcandle Films 2#40: my my one huge major concern of the film in broader terms a little bit later on. But Chris, I want to flip it over to you. What did you think of the rivals of Amazai Key? So I I I liked it as well. I'm a I'm a fan of the film. I will say there to me I I've was seen the other direct writer director of the first film that he made, The Vast of Dark, and it was a sci fi Footcandle Films 1#38: fan of the film. I will say there to me, I I've was seen the other director writer director of the first film that he made, The Vast of Dark, and it was a sci fi though, you know, indie very much indie sci fi film and it was interesting. and I liked it. I can't remember if I recommended it on the show or not. Footcandle Films 2#40: low indie, very much indie sci fi film and it was interesting. and I liked it. I can't remember if I recommended it on the show or not. and I don't know that it ever went to theaters. I think it might have gone straight to either Amazon or Hulu. I can't remember which service. But I liked it and I could see okay, there's potential here. And with this one, I feel like Patterson has taken another step in ambition in, having some stars in the cast 'cause I don't believe there were stars in Vest of Vast of Night. I think it was pretty much smaller. actors and stuff. So this steps up an ambition. You add music to the mix. and, you know, try to mash up a bunch of genres instead of like sci-fi was pretty much the main one for the other film. there are some things that I feel like were still a little rough around the edges, which, you know, it is an independent film. He is making the film that he wants to make. He's not beholden to studios, all that kind of stuff. So cool. And maybe that's gonna be kind of like his hallmark is things are kind of Footcandle Films 1#38: There are some things that I feel like were still a little rough around the edges, which, you know, it is an independent film. He is making the film that he wants to make. He's not beholding the studios, all that kind of stuff. So cool. And maybe that's gonna be kind of like his hallmark is things are kind of shaggy in some instances, and you know, that's kind of the indie filmmaker maybe kind of mold that he's in. Okay, cool. that being said, I we will address I feel like it's safe to kick that down the road a little Footcandle Films 2#40: shaggy in some instances and you know that's kind of you know the indie filmmaker maybe kind of mold that he's in. Okay, cool. that being said, I we will address I feel like it's safe to kick that down the road a little Footcandle Films 1#38: little bit for in spoilers 'cause you and I are we've discussed this film a little bit just, off mic. pretty sure we're on pa on the same page about what is a little bit of a misgiving. Mm-hmm. outside of that, I do wanna I'll give one thing that I really liked and then I'll give Footcandle Films 2#40: bit for spoilers because you and I are we've discussed this film a little bit just, you know, off mic. And I pretty sure we're on pay on the same page about what is a little bit of a misgiving. outside of that, I do wanna I'll give one thing that I really liked and then I'll give Footcandle Films 1#38: a different misgiving. Okay. For me. Sure. well I guess the performances, yeah, I said, you know, just like you, I I think they were great. I was not familiar with Angelina looking glass either and I thought she did a really good job. Footcandle Films 2#40: A different misgiving for me. well, I guess the performances, yeah, I said, you know, just like you, I I think they were great. I was not familiar with Angelina looking glass either, and I thought she did a really good job. McConaughey, Russell. Both I liked a lot, and I wish I could have had a little bit more of both. You get more of McConaughey than you do of Russell. But but Footcandle Films 1#38: Russell. Both I liked a lot and I wish I could have had a little bit more of both. You get more of Makanahe than you do of Russell. But but Footcandle Films 2#40: in our off mic discussion, you said, Yeah, but that gives Angelina looking glass a chance to take center stage as opposed to focusing either one of those stars. So bravo indie film deciding to do that and letting, whereas a bigger film might have not allowed her to do that take center stage. So that's not the that, that's a I guess I'll mention more than one thing I liked. So I like that. The cinematography in this film, shots of bees, local restaurants with folks eating in their cars, interiors of people's houses, ch a church covered dish meal. Footcandle Films 1#38: discussion you said yeah but that gives Angelina looking glass a chance to take center stage as opposed to focusing either one of those stars. So bravo Indy film deciding to do that and letting you know whereas a bigger film might have not allowed her to do that take center stage. So that's not the that you know that's a I guess I'll mention more than one thing I like to so I like that the cinematography in this film, shots of bees, local restaurants with folks eating in their cars, interiors of people's houses, ch a church covered dish meal, things Footcandle Films 2#40: Things looked great and more importantly in a film where you're trying to capture local flavor and make things seem authentic, even though you're shooting a movie, it seemed very authentic to me. The locations and things that it used, it didn't seem and there may have been sets involved, I don't know, but to me it felt real and felt authentic. There's a scene a scene in a church and there again everything just felt very, very real, which helped me get in the world of this film. Footcandle Films 1#38: Looked great, and more importantly, in a film where you're trying to capture local flavor and make things seem authentic, even though you're shooting a movie, it seemed very authentic to me. The locations and things that it used, it didn't seem and there may have been sets involved, I don't know, but to me it felt real. Sure. There's a scene a scene in a church, and there again, everything just felt very, very real, which helped me kind of get in the world of this film. Okay. And then I'll say. Footcandle Films 2#40: And then I'll say, probably my favorite scene. I don't know if you have one, but my favorite scene is a covered dish explainer that Makana Hay gives to looking glass. And yeah, it's like walking down the line and like mentioning who made certain dishes and the benefits or maybe not so benefits of certain like that and then, you know, got chuckles in the audience and that was good. yeah, Footcandle Films 1#38: probably my favorite scene. I don't know if you have one. but my favorite scene is a covered dish explainer that Hannah Hay gives to looking glass. And yeah, it's like walking down the line and like mentioning who made certain dishes and the benefits or maybe not so benefits of certain like that. And then, you know, got chuckles in the audience and that was good. yeah. Footcandle Films 2#40: that was probably probably my favorite scene. Now, a little bit of a misgiving before you and I Footcandle Films 1#38: That's probably probably my favorite scene. Yeah. Now. a little bit of a misgiving before you and I, being the spoiler talk, get to that one. Footcandle Films 2#40: didn't spoiler talk, get to that one. The opening scene I liked, but I found the editing a little jarring. And basically what it would do was it was at this what do you call these places that are the waitresses weren't on roller skates, but it's like a fast food type joint. It's not a drive in because that's a movie theater, but it's like a it's like a drive up Footcandle Films 1#38: The opening scene I liked, but I found the editing a little jarring. And basically what it would do is it was at this what do you call these places that are the waitresses weren't on roller skates, but it's like a fast food type joint drive in because that's a movie theater, but it's like a it's like a drive up, it's I don't remember. Yeah, there's another name for it. Yeah, yeah. You drive up play shorter at the at the box and all. Footcandle Films 2#40: Yeah, a sonic, but a sonic back in the day and a independent type thing. Yeah. And they come out to the car and they give okay. So, shots look great, everything looks great. It's giving you a feel for where this film's set. But the editing would go along and then all of a sudden it would stop. And the music would the sound would continue and everything. And at first I was like, Okay, is something up with the playback? but then it continued. It's like, okay, well it's a it's just the the style of the way this thing was going and it Footcandle Films 1#38: sudden it would stop and the music with the sound would continue and everything at first I was like, okay, is something up with the playback, you know? But then it kind of continued. It was like, okay, well it's a it's just the the style of the way this thing was going and it kinda confused me a little bit. And then eventually some of the credits start appearing over the film would stop, the credits would show. It was like, okay, got it. And then at the end of the film that kinda comes back a little bit. Footcandle Films 2#40: confused me a little bit and then eventually some of the credits start appearing over when the film would stop the credits would show up. It was like, okay, got it. And then at the end of the film that kind of comes back a little bit, but there weren't credits with it. So it's like, okay, interesting choice. But I can I can forgive that one a little bit. The one that I wish watching this film I would have counted how many times it happened. And there again, maybe it's a stylistic choice that the director and I guess he Footcandle Films 1#38: And there again, maybe it's a stylistic choice that the director and I guess the editor decided to put in this film. but the number of times the film went to black and sometimes was in black for a little bit, like more than just like a second, potentially was like a ponderous four or five seconds scene, like maybe ten second black, and then come back and like Footcandle Films 2#40: the editor decided to put in this film. but the number of times the film went to black and sometimes was in black for a little bit, like more than just like a second to change. It was like a ponderous four or five seconds seeming like maybe 10 second black and then come back. I'm like, okay, I kind of don't did you just run out of an idea to make a cool transition, or you just like what? Why? I didn't understand. There was one, but they're saying that Footcandle Films 1#38: Okay, I kinda don't did you just run out of an idea to make a cool transition or you just like what why? I I don't understand. There was one, but they saying that, there was one, cut to black and then the next scene was somebody opening a refrigerator so the black then turned into it's like, Okay, that's an example is I was cool with that one. But some of the other ones had just it felt Footcandle Films 2#40: There was one cut to black and then the next scene was somebody opening a refrigerator so the black then turned into light and I was like, okay, that's an example of I was cool with that one. But some of the other ones had just it felt it felt like we were cutting scenes together and we didn't know how to get these scenes together. So we just put black there because we had to. the flow felt a little disjointed. so that that's kind of but overall, like it like you said. Footcandle Films 1#38: It felt like we were cutting scenes together and we didn't know how to get these scenes together, so we just put black there because we had to. the flow felt a little disjointed. so that that's kind of but overall, like it like you said, I like the film. Yeah. but that was something that kind of held me back initially. Footcandle Films 2#40: I like the film. Yeah. but that was something that held me back initially. Footcandle Films 1#38: The the two things you mentioned just then. I I didn't notice the extended black sequences or at least they didn't register with me, but the freezing, the freeze frames, especially in the beginning and then late in the film too, it kinda reintroduces Footcandle Films 2#40: The the two things you mentioned just then. I I didn't notice the extended black sequences, or at least they didn't register with me. The number of times they would cut to black, okay. But the freezing the freeze frames, especially in the beginning and then late in the film too, it kinda reintroduced. Footcandle Films 1#38: that element. I I think there's some rationale for it. I think it's a you know almost like you're you're Footcandle Films 2#40: I I think there's some rationale for it. I think it's a almost like you're you're watching video, watching film, play is one thing, but then when something freezes and you're able to absorb that moment for just an extra second or two. Almost like you're remembering through photographs, you're of visualizing that. Okay. I think it's also something like a nostalgia type thing. There's little bit of a nineteen seventies avant garde style to it. Footcandle Films 1#38: Watching video, watching film, play is one thing, but then when something freezes and you're able to absorb that moment for just an extra second or two. Almost like you're remembering through photographs, you're utilizing that. I think it's also something that's nostalgia type. There's a little bit of a nineteen seventies avant garde style to it, a little bit too. So I I don't know if it was just a artistic choice to try to make it different or or what. It was jarring and I will just comment. Footcandle Films 2#40: So I I don't know if it was just a artistic choice to try to make it different or or what. It was jarring and I will just comment, as a theater manager and playing the film testing the morning before we're actually going to show it and that being in the first few minutes, yes, I immediately thought, my gosh, something is wrong with our projectors and it is messing up the playback of this movie because it kept freezing. So I had to Footcandle Films 1#38: as a theater manager and playing the film for testing the morning before we're actually going to show it and that being in the first few minutes, yes, I immediately thought, my gosh, something is wrong with our projectors and it is messing up the playback of this movie because it kept freezing. So I had to check that out and research online and ensure myself that no, that was intentional. So yes, I I agree. It was it was odd and and a little jarring. Footcandle Films 2#40: check that out and research online and ensure myself that no that was intentional. So yes, I I agree. It was it was odd and and a little jarring. Footcandle Films 1#38: but ultimately having seen this film two and a half times, which is true, I have seen it two times and little bits of it a a third time. I actually kinda like it. The the the freeze frame stuff at the beginning, once once I get used to it and knew it was there, it Footcandle Films 2#40: but ultimately having seen this film two and a half times, which is true, I have seen it two I've only seen it once. Little bits of it a a third time. Okay. I actually kinda like it. The the the freeze frame stuff at the beginning once once I got used to it and it was there. Footcandle Films 1#38: was kinda it was kinda cool. all right, so I think we can I think we don't need to go into a spoiler thing. I know how to I know how to couch this without giving away details. Footcandle Films 2#40: all right, so I think we can I think we don't need to go into a spoiler thing. Quite a I gotta couch this with giving away details. Okay. I will just say that my the big thing I've been alluding to and I think you you have concerns about it as well, is that there is a character in this film, one of the main characters, mm-hmm, who takes a little more center stage late in the film. I mean I think we can you've already kind of alluded to it was Angelina looking glassina looking glass plays a little more critical. Footcandle Films 1#38: I will just say that my the big thing I've been alluding to, and I think you you have concerns about it as well, is that there is a character in this film, one of the main characters, who takes a little more center stage late in the film. I think we can you've already alluded to it was Angelina looking glass plays a little more critical role in the latter half of the film than than the other characters do. We follow her story a little bit more. Footcandle Films 2#40: Sure. The other characters do. Right. Follow her story a little bit more. Footcandle Films 1#38: And she is motivated by some sense of revenge and to kind of make up for what harms she feels like were befallen other people in her family, her community. So she takes some actions, actions that we're following along with her, which I think, you know, the idea behind what she's trying to do, I think everybody is on board with. Footcandle Films 2#40: And she is motivated by some sense of revenge and to kind of make up for what harms she feels like were befallen other people, her family, her community. Yes. So she takes some actions, actions that we're following along with her, which I think, you know, the idea behind what she's trying to do, I think everybody is on board with. Footcandle Films 1#38: but there are two specific things she does that Footcandle Films 2#40: There are two specific things she does. Yes. That I feel like unfortunately pushed the film into a different direction than it needed to be, especially with it in regards to her character. And it really causes me to lose sight of who this character is. And feel like it's a her actions maybe aren't justified to the extent that Footcandle Films 1#38: I feel like unfortunately pushed the film into a different direction than it needed to be, especially with it regards to her character. And it really causes me to lose sight of who this character is and feel like it's a her actions maybe aren't justified to the extent that the plot needs them to be. So therefore it makes it a very dark Footcandle Films 2#40: the plot needs them to be. So I'm gonna before makes it a very dark character, which I don't think there was any reason for this film to make this person a dark character or any reason to lead up to why this person would be this way. So I that's about as broad as I can explain it, Chris, but I do think those two actions they do resonate throughout the r in the final of the film and where we're supposed to come to a final element of the film where we're supposed to have this Footcandle Films 1#38: character which I don't think there was any reason for this film to make this person a dark character or any reason to lead up to why this person would be this way. So I that's about as broad as I can explain it, Chris. But I do think those two actions they do resonate throughout the r in the final of the film and where we're supposed to come to a final element of the film where we're supposed to have this this moment with with her. Footcandle Films 2#40: this moment with with her in in the resolution of the film, it just it feels cheap and hollow because I know these other actions that were taken by her character and I don't feel like it all adds up to the kind of ending that that it should. So it was very, very broad. But how did I do? Did I describe that? Okay where you were with it too? Well, you know Footcandle Films 1#38: in in the resolution of the film, it just it feels cheap and hollow because I know these other actions that were taken by her character and I don't feel like it all adds up to the kind of ending that that it should. So it was very, very broad. But is it how did I do? Did I describe that? Is that is that kinda where you were with it too? Well, you know, maybe just because it's the contrarian nature of being a co-host on a podcast, you try to play a little bit of a devil's average. Footcandle Films 2#40: Maybe just because it's the contrarian nature of being a co-host on a podcast, you try to I'm gonna play a little bit of a a devil's advocate for the writer and director, Andrew Patterson. So now that being said, I'll push back a little bit. one of the taglines of the film that I believe is on the poster is Ain't No One All Good or All Bad. Or sorry, it was all bad or all good. So flip that around, but still Simpson. Okay. Now Footcandle Films 1#38: or the writer and director Andrew Patterson. So now that being said, I'll push back a little bit. Mm-hmm. one of the taglines of the film that I believe is on the poster is Ain't No One All Good or All Bad? Sure. Or sorry, it was all bad or all good. So still seems to Okay. Now, I think Footcandle Films 2#40: I think that is what they're trying to communicate with what happens with the character of Kateri. Now, I will agree it did catch me off guard. And in one sense, I was dis you know, a little disappointed because it just seemed surprising. I didn't get there. And I think, you know, maybe it it well it would have could have been better fleshed out. The her the decision she makes and kind of like a turn, you know, those two events. Footcandle Films 1#38: That is what they're trying to communicate with what happens with the character of Kateri. Now, I will agree it did catch me off guard and in one sense I was dis aga you know, a little disappointed because it just seemed surprising. I didn't get there. And I think, you know, maybe i it it would've could have been better fleshed out. The decision she makes and kind of like a turn, you know, those two events. I'll say also and maybe it could have better been better shown too. Footcandle Films 2#40: I'll say also, and maybe it could have better been better shown too with Anziah King, he there's an accident that happens at his processing plant, his honey processing plant. And at first he seems kind of disinterested and kind of cold towards what has happened. And then he he comes around and realizes, okay, this guy got hurt. and coincidentally, Tony Revelori is in the film kind of a odd Footcandle Films 1#38: With Anxiah King, he there's an accident that happens at his processing plant, his honey processing plant. And at first he seems kind of disinterested and kind of cold towards what has happened. And then he he comes around and realizes, okay, this guy got hurt. Coincidentally, Tony Revellori is in the film. Kind of an odd choice to throw. And then again, independent film, maybe it's like Footcandle Films 2#40: Choice to throw in here. And then again, independent film. Maybe it's like he's somehow friends with some of the people. And it's like, okay, let's tow Tony Revalori as a banjo player in this film. But you're like, okay. And I thought he was cool. It was just kind of weird to see Tony Revalori, he of Grand Budapest Hotel, kind of like in this film as a banjo player who has an accident. so but it worked, but yeah, it just somehow. Footcandle Films 1#38: he's somehow friends with some of the people and it's like, okay, let's to Tony Revellori as a banjo player in this film. But you're like, okay, and I thought he was cool. It was just weird to see Tony Revellori, he of Grand Budapest Hotel. Kind of like in this film as a a banjo player who has an accident. so but it worked, but yeah, it just somehow Footcandle Films 2#40: maybe a little bit more 'cause Amazon King, like in the intro, they talk about how he's the anchor of the community and everything. And get that. And obviously a lot of people like this guy. However, maybe make him a little more like he has his faults, maybe show some of his faults a little more. There are some other people in the community that I'll call out. A another person who had a cameo who when he popped up, I hadn't seen his name in the credits or in the news for the film. And when he popped up, I like, Footcandle Films 1#38: maybe a little bit more 'cause Amazai came an intro that talked about how he's the anchor of the community and everything and get that. And obviously a lot of people like this guy. However, maybe make him a little more like he has his faults. Maybe show some of his faults a little more. There are some other people in the community that I'll call out. another person who had a cameo who when he popped up, I hadn't seen his name in the credits or in the news for the film and when he popped up, I that's Footcandle Films 2#40: That's Footcandle Films 1#38: That's the guy from Riverdale. Maybe that's how he's known. Cole Sprouse. He pops up and he is someone else that has come to know Amaziah King. He was a he's a former person that has been in jail. He's been incarcerated, but he's out. He had a job with Amaziah and now he works at a fast food place. But you know, he he himself kind of goes into that whole all bad or all good because he's doing some criminal activity in the past. And now he's kind of made Footcandle Films 2#40: the guy from Riverdale. How maybe that's how he's known, Cole Sprouse. He pops up and he is someone else that has come to know Amaziah King, had a job he was a he's a former person that has been in jail. He's been incarcerated, but he's out. He had a job with Amaziah and now he works at a fast food place. But, you know, he he himself kind of goes into that whole all bad or all good because he's done some criminal activity in the past, but now he's kind of made Footcandle Films 1#38: made Footcandle Films 2#40: Made good with it. There's another character, what was it? Remick, I think is his name, who is also someone who has benefited from being friends with Amazon King but has had some trouble with the army and stuff. So you get kind of, but maybe if it had delicately been leaned on a little more, specifically, I guess, with Kateri, maybe it would have made you and I a little bit more buying into the some of the choices that she makes. Footcandle Films 1#38: good with it. There's another character Remick, I think is his name. who is also someone who has benefited from being by King but has had some trouble with the army and stuff. So you get kind but maybe if it had delicately been leaned on a little more, specifically I guess, with Kateri, maybe it would have made you and I a little bit more buying into the some of the choices that she I think it's just the way that they I I don't I don't have a an issue with a film wanting to balance that line between good and bad and nobody's perfect. Nobody's per and I totally get that. And actually love Footcandle Films 2#40: Yeah, I I don't I don't have a an issue with a film wanting to balance that line between good and bad. Right. Nobody's perfect. Nobody has faults. Footcandle Films 1#38: all the elements in the film you just you just mentioned where we get to kind of hear a little bit about some of these other characters and yes, we realize that. Yeah, they they've done bad things. They've been arrested, they've they've committed crimes, they're Footcandle Films 2#40: get to hear a little bit about some of these other characters and yes we realize it yeah they they've done bad things, they've been arrested, they they've committed crimes, they're you know, they've had their issues. Right. But the whole movie is kinda like there's still a community, there's still a family that is kind of there to support each other and you admire that. So again it plays in that poster tag of people good, not all people bad. Okay, got it. It's just that with the Kateri character Footcandle Films 1#38: they've had their issues, but the whole movie is kinda like there's still a community, there's still a family that is kind of there to support each other and you admire that. So again, that plays in that poster tag of I mean all people good, not all people bad. Okay, got it. It's just that with the Kateri character, there's no background reason to believe Footcandle Films 2#40: There's no background reason to believe. Footcandle Films 1#38: that those actions needed to be taken. Sure. I get you. Footcandle Films 2#40: that those actions needed to be taken. Sure, I get you. Because I can plot a very, very good listen that ends perfectly. Right. That does not involve her taking the actions she took. Other actions that could have been taken, in the in the notion in in the sense of revenge, yes, I think there's absolutely things there. I just I would have liked a little more understanding of why why we're to believe that she would perform these actions and do the things she did. Footcandle Films 1#38: Because I can plot a very, very good movie that ends perfectly that does not involve her taking the actions she took. Other actions that could have been taken in the in the notion in in the sense of revenge, yes, I think there's absolutely things there. I just I would have liked a little more understanding of why why we're to believe that she would perform these actions and do the thing she did. And Footcandle Films 2#40: And in both cases, well at least one of Footcandle Films 1#38: in both cases, well, at least one of them. Footcandle Films 2#40: a little bit of a smile on her face, which is a bit concerning. And again, I I'm not sitting here saying though she's gotta be this perfect character, but it's like Sure. I get you we want to root for her. Right. At the end of the film, we want her to be the victor. We want her to have succeeded. Footcandle Films 1#38: A little bit of a smile on her face, which is a bit concerning. And again, I I'm not sitting here saying though she's gotta be this perfect character, but it's like we want to root for her. At the end of the film, we want her to be the victor. We want her to have succeeded. But it's like it's a it it it could be perceived as a hollow victory because you know what she actually did to g to to do those things. And it just didn't feel right. Footcandle Films 2#40: But it's like it's a i it it could be perceived as a hollow victory because you know what she actually did to to to do those things. And it just just didn't feel right. it's one those moments where honestly when when the first instance of this happening happened, I kinda was like, Whoa, whoa, whoa. I what's happening? It's like shifts into another movie. Okay, what just what just happened? Footcandle Films 1#38: Just didn't feel right. Anyway, it's one of those moments where honestly when when the first instance of this happening happened, I was like, whoa, whoa, whoa. I actually honestly, in the middle of the movie, I'm like, okay, what just what just happened? Why did she just do that? Or what did she mean to? Was this an accident or whatever? And then you realize, no, it wasn't really an accident. It was kind of intentional. I was like, okay. Well, that's that's alarming. So that's kind of where I ended up. Footcandle Films 2#40: Did she mean to? Was this an accident or whatever? And then you realize, no, it wasn't really an accident. It was intentional. It's like, Okay, well that's that's alarming. So that's kinda where I ended up with it. Sure. So I I she introduced an element into the film that honestly had not really been Footcandle Films 1#38: So I I she introduced an element into the film that honestly had not really been there. And she was the one to bring it in, and she's the one to act on it, as opposed to anybody else. So anyway. it was just a little it was concern. It was concern there. Again, I still admire the film because I do think it's got every other element working for it really nicely. I do enjoy the film, but it's just something that I have to wrestle with. Footcandle Films 2#40: She was the one to bring it in and she's the one to act on it as opposed to anybody else. So anyway. Right. it was just a little it was concern. Sure. Again, I still admire the film because I do think it's got every other element working for it really nicely. I do enjoy the film, but it's just something that I have to wrestle with. That character's motivations and and and her a little bit of her Footcandle Films 1#38: that character's motivations and and and her a little bit of her what is perceived as a real shift in her personality that I don't feel like was given enough background knowledge to know why it should have gone there. So I'll say I brought up the one scene that I said was my favorite, but actually now that I think about it Footcandle Films 2#40: what is perceived as a real shift in her personality that I don't feel like was given enough background knowledge to know why it should have gone there. So I'll say I brought up the one scene that I said was my favorite, but actually now that I think about it, there's another scene that's probably up there and maybe tie with it. And there, you know, I didn't see any bad scenes in this film. Some that I questioned, maybe character made but no bad scenes, so that's always a good sign for a film. But Footcandle Films 1#38: There's another scene that's probably up there maybe tied with it. And they, I didn't see any bad scenes in this film. Some that I questioned, maybe character mode, but no bad scenes, so that's always a good sign for a film. But this film does have, I think I said one of the tags was a dark comedy. And I could see why because you know it's has all these serious things happening. But there are some fun, funny things that happen, like, you know, the the Footcandle Films 2#40: This film does have I think I said one of the tags was a dark comedy and I could see why because it's has all these serious things happening. But there are some fun, funny things that happen, the the tour down the covered dish thing which I already mentioned. But one more that I will mention that made me laugh out loud, and in general, I even though I go see lots of comedies and I'll kind of chuckle to myself, I never like laugh like ha like out that but this this line just because it was Footcandle Films 1#38: tore down the covered dish thing which I already mentioned. But one more that I will mention that made me laugh out loud and in general I even though I go see lots of comedies and I'll kind of chuckle myself, I never like laugh like, huh like but this this line just because it was I don't know, it was just it was really funny. Basically Mziah and Kateri and one of his helpers have to go get some re do some B remediation out of an elementary school. Footcandle Films 2#40: I don't know, it was just it was really funny. Basically, Mzia and Kateri and one of his helpers have to go get some re do some B remediation out of an elementary school. And it's a big, huge mess. And that, it's played for last. Although there's some serious things happening because some kids are allergic and all this kind of stuff. Kind of, you know, things keep kind of happening, dominoes keep falling that just make the situation more ludicrous and crazy. And at one point Footcandle Films 1#38: right. Yeah. That it's played for last. Although there's some serious things happening because the kids are allergic and all this kind of stuff. things keep happening, dominoes keep falling that just make the situation more ludicrous and crazy. Yeah. And at one point, Footcandle Films 2#40: Amza standing there with Kateri and he says, This is gonna go down as a dark day at this elementary school. Like that that just cause he says it really heavy, but in a way he's kind of joking. Kateri knows it too, but she's like, Yeah, she I think even like crosses herself, you know, and that that Footcandle Films 1#38: Amzia's standing there with Kateri and he says, This is gonna go down as a dark day at this elementary station. Like that just because he says it really kind of way, he's kinda joking. Kateri knows it too, but she's Yeah, she I think even like crosses herself, you know. That made me laugh. Yeah, these kids are these kids are gonna remember this day. No, I'd forgotten about the school scene. It was good. Yeah, it was good. Footcandle Films 2#40: made me laugh because it was just like, Yeah, these kids are these kids are gonna remember this day. Like so that yeah. So, you know, it's just yeah, I I think it was a good film. There are things that kind of, you know bump me off the path of saying this was a masterpiece, but I hope people check it out. I think you and I both are always happy to see something that's a little bit off the beaten path. And this follows that that recipe. Footcandle Films 1#38: me off the path of saying this was a masterpiece, but I hope people check it out. I think you and I both are always happy to see something that's a little bit off the beat. absolutely. No, this this this did meet that criteria and it's one of the reasons why I'm still gonna I'm still gonna champion it just with the caveat that I have to personally wrestle with that I struggle with the the the situation we talked about. So Footcandle Films 2#40: Still gonna still gonna champion it just with the caveat that I have to personally wrestle with that I struggle with the the the situation we talked about. So Footcandle Films 1#38: all right. Well that is the rivals of Amaziah King. it is I know it had a very short theatrical run. We brought it for our Film Society screening. I think it's gonna be online probably within a matter of a few weeks. I look forward to watching it again because I wanna see if the one Footcandle Films 2#40: all right, well that is the rivals of Amaziah King. it is I know it had a very short theatrical run. We brought it for our Film Society screening. I think it's gonna be online probably within a matter of a few weeks. And I look forward to watching it again because I wanna see if the one Footcandle Films 1#38: I guess big misgiving you and I have Footcandle Films 2#40: I guess big misgiving you and I have about the care tra whether that just washes or sounds like it didn't really go away for you. It didn't go away. So actually it was amplified by the same. It's still it's worth watching see. Footcandle Films 1#38: Yeah. Whether that washes or it sounds like it didn't really go away. It didn't. It didn't go away. So actually it was amplified with a second viewing. But anyway, it's still it's worth watching again to kind of see if it holds up or not. So on that end. but that is the Rivals of Amaziah King. We are both recommending, saying we enjoyed it, we liked it. we think people should see it. Yes. We just did have a couple misgivings with it, but Footcandle Films 2#40: but that is the rivals of Amaziah King. We are both recommending. Yes. Saying we enjoyed it, we liked it. we think people should see it. Yes. D just we just did have a couple misgivings with it, but not enough to derail our enthusiasm for wanting people to see this film. Correct. And also, as you we always kinda say when we see a gr a really good film that Footcandle Films 1#38: Not enough to derail our enthusiasm for wanting people to see this film. And also, as you we always kinda say when we see a gr a really good film that is really interesting and unique, it's like I really am anxious to see what Andrew Patterson does next. You said you've seen The Vast of Night. Yes. And you liked it. Yeah. I have not seen it. I'm actually kinda wanting to go back and see it now just because I've seen Amaziah King and so I am very curious to see. Footcandle Films 2#40: is really interesting and unique, is like I really am anxious to see what Andrew Patterson does next. You said you've seen The Vast of Night. Yes. And you liked it. I liked it. Yeah. Yeah. I have not seen it. I'm actually kind of wanting to go back and see it now just because I've seen as much as I can I think you'll like it and appreciate it. Yeah. So I am very curious to see what what Andrew gets into next and if somebody follow along with us. So agreed. All right. Footcandle Films 1#38: what what Andrew gets into next and if it's something we follow along with. So all right. Well with that, let's take a quick break. When we come back, we have a couple of actually three quick trailers to play of films coming up soon that we want to share with you and talk about. And then also Chris's recommendation of the episode will be at the end of the episode. So stay tuned. You're listening to Foot Candle films and we'll be right back. Footcandle Films 2#40: Well, with that, let's take a quick break. When we come back, we have a couple of or actually three quick trailers to play of films coming up soon that we want to share with you and talk about. And then also Chris's recommendation of the episode will be at the end of the episode. So stay tuned. You're listening to Foot Candle Films, and we'll be right back. Footcandle Films 1#38: Welcome back to Foot Candle Films here on the Mesh dot TV Podcast Network. Alan and Chris with you again. we had our review of the rivals of Amaziah King, first half of the show. Both of us positive, but with a couple of misgivings, concerns, issues, but otherwise still positive on the film. Chris, let's talk about some films that are going to be coming to theaters soon. Footcandle Films 2#40: Welcome back to Foot Candle Films here on the Mesh.tv podcast network. Alan and Chris with you again. we had our review of the rivals of Amaziah King, first half of the show. Both of us positive, but with a couple of misgivings, concerns, issues, but otherwise still positive on the film. Chris, let's talk about some films that are going to be coming to theaters soon. Okay. this one in particular, this first one I'm gonna bring up, is actually coming to theaters October. Footcandle Films 1#38: this one in particular, this first one I'm gonna bring up is actually coming in theaters October ninth, which by my calculation is about three weeks away. this is a film I I I constantly am looking to see what films are being batted around as potential best pitcher nominees for the year. You know, throughout the year kind of are you're shaping this list of like what are considered maybe some of the Footcandle Films 2#40: by my calculation is about three weeks away. Okay. this is a film I I I constantly am looking to see what films are being batted around as potential best pitcher nominees for the year. You know, throughout the year you kind of are you're shaping this list of like what are considered maybe some of the some of the films that may be looking to get that honor by the end of the year. Footcandle Films 1#38: Some of the films that may be looking to get that honor by the end of the year. And this film is one that's just started popping up in those lists in the last little bit. I'm like, okay, so I need to check into this. It's a film by Ne distributed by Neon Studios. it did win. well, no, I'm sorry, it didn't win, but the director, Christian Manjui, has won the Palm Dior award twice already. Norwegian, I believe. Footcandle Films 2#40: This film is one that's just started popping up in those lists in the last little bit. I'm like, okay, so I need to check into this. It's a film by Ne distributed by Neon Studios. it did win, well no, I'm sorry, it didn't win, but the director, Christian Manjui, has won the Palm Dior award twice already. Norwegian, I believe. Footcandle Films 1#38: I'm not sure if the director's Norwegian, but this film takes place in Norway. And it's a Norwegian woman, her devout Romanian husband relocate with their five children to a remote, close-knit coastal town. Their teenage children form a fast bond with a neighboring family as unease begins to simmer around their rigid beliefs. When allegations of abuse emerge, they are forced to confront a system of judgment that blurs the line between concern and prejudice. Footcandle Films 2#40: Not if the director's Norwegian, but this film takes place in Norway. Okay. As a Norwegian woman, her devout Romanian husband relocate with their five children to a remote, close-knit coastal town. Their teenage children form a fast bond with a neighboring family as unease begins to simmer around their rigid beliefs. When allegations of abuse emerge, they are forced to confront a system of judgment that blurs the line between concern and prejudice. Footcandle Films 1#38: The movie's called Fjord, and the director is Christian Manjui. This film stars Sebastian Stan, which it's kind of interesting. So Sebastian Stan is actually Romanian, like natively. I did not know. Right. So this is actually his getting to explore his original native language as he I think speaks Romanian in the film. but Footcandle Films 2#40: The movie's called Fjord, and the director is Christian Majui. This film stars Sebastian Stan, which it's interesting. So Sebastian Stan is actually Romanian, natively. I did not know that. Right. So this is actually his getting to explore his original native language as he I think speaks Romanian in the film. wow. but Footcandle Films 1#38: so that's kind of interesting. Footcandle Films 2#40: So that's interesting. Sebastian Stan, who, we we we talked Bucky. Bucky from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but also a different man. Yes. We talked about. So do you know who his co star in this film is? yes, she Footcandle Films 1#38: Sebastian Stan who, we we we talked about Bucky from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but also a different man. Yes. We talked about so are you do you know who his co star in this film is? yes. She Footcandle Films 2#40: of worst person in the world and sentimental value and backrooms, Renette. And a different man. That's true. Yep, yep. yeah, Sebastian Stan was Footcandle Films 1#38: And also of a different a different and a different man. And a different they were co stars on that film together there. yeah, Sebastian Stan was born in Romania. he but he moved to Vienna, Austria when he was eight and then New York when he was twelve. So growing up most of his life in the United States. But yes, he is originally Romanian. And so I think I I read somewhere that him getting to kind of go back and explore the native native language was was interesting. Footcandle Films 2#40: Okay. he but he moved to Vienna, Austria when he was eight and then New York when he was twelve. So growing up most of his life in the United States. But yes, he is originally Romanian. And so I think I I read somewhere that him getting to kind of go back and explore the native native language was was interesting. And then yes, we alluded to the actress Renette Ren Rensiv or Rinsev. Rensiv is is in the film as well. So again the film's name is Fjord. Let's watch the trailer for this film. Footcandle Films 1#38: And then yes, we alluded to the actress Renette Ren Rensives. Yes, Rensiv is is in the film as well. So again, the film's name is Fjord. Let's watch the trailer for this film and we can talk about it on the other side. Here we go. So that was the trailer for Fjord, coming out in October. Sebastian Stan, Renate Renssev, and directed by Christian Manjui. Chris, any initial takeaways, thoughts on this? Footcandle Films 2#40: So that was the trailer for Fjord, coming out in October. Sebastian Stan, Renate Rensev, and directed by Christian Manjui. Chris, any initial takeaways, thoughts on this? yeah, it reminds me of another film. Now granted, haven't seen this one, but Anatomy of a Fall where something has happened. Yes, there's a court trial, and you're kind of left to say, okay. Footcandle Films 1#38: seen this one but Anatomy of a fall where something has happened. Yes. There's a court trial and you're kind of left to say, okay Footcandle Films 2#40: Whose side am I supposed to be on? This is this is really odd, but it puts it makes it yeah, very tense the entire time. And that's what this looks like to be. And yeah, Sebastian Stan almost unrecognizable to me because he's like bald and you know not how you normally see Sebastian Stan. So and then like you said, sometimes speaking Romanian, so or with definitely with an accent. So yeah, looks looks good, but but tense. So no, it's gonna be, I'm sure I have. Footcandle Films 1#38: Whose side am I supposed to be on? This is this is really odd, but it put it makes it yeah, very tense the entire time and that's what this looks like to be. And yeah, Sebastian Stan almost unrecognizable to me because he's like bald and not how you normally see Sebastian Stan. So and then like you said, sometimes speaking Romanian, so definitely with an accent. So yeah, looks looks good but but tense. No, it's gonna be I'm sure a heavy watch when we we kinda comment whenever we feel like a film may be a one timer and this this could be one of those instances. It definitely looks a tough subject matter, but I think it looks really good. So I'm I'm very interested to see this film coming out I'm sure in Select Theaters in October. and it is being released about the time to say hey we wanna we can get a little recognition for this so at the end of the year and see how it how it shapes up there. All right. So that is Fjord. Footcandle Films 2#40: Yeah. I'm very interested to see this film. Coming out I'm sure in Select Theaters in October. and it is being released about the time to say, hey, we wanna we can get a little recognition for this, so see how it how it shapes up there. All right, so that is Fjord coming out next month. Chris Lissa talk talk about another film coming out. I believe this one is coming out November twenty. Footcandle Films 1#38: Coming out next month. Chris, let's talk talk about another film coming out. I believe this one is coming out November 25th, Footcandle Films 2#40: Nationwide, maybe in Select Cities a couple weeks earlier. Okay. Mid-November. The film's title is Bitter Christmas. And this is the latest film written and directed by Pedro Madovar. Bitter Christmas tells two alternating stories. One about Elsa, an advertising director, during a long weekend. Footcandle Films 1#38: nationwide, maybe in Select Cities a couple weeks earlier in mid-November. the film's title is Bitter Christmas. And this is the latest film written and directed by Pedra Amadovar. Bitter Christmas tells two alternating stories. One about Elsa, an advertising director during a long weekend in December. Footcandle Films 2#40: December. And the second takes place in twenty twenty six, where the first one takes place in two thousand four. Okay. The second one takes place in twenty twenty six and stars Raul, a screenwriter and director, who is writing a script that we soon discover is the story of Elsa and her boyfriend and other friends. Okay. Okay. Two parallel track stories but feeding off of each other gotcha timeless. Okay. So with that, let's take a look at this at the trailer for Footcandle Films 1#38: And the second takes place in 2026, where the first one takes place in 2004. The second one takes place in 2026 and stars Raul, a screenwriter and director, who is writing a script that we soon discover is the story of Elsa and her boyfriend and other friends. We're just gonna leave it at that. So two two parallel track stories but feeding off of each other time-wise. So with that, let's take a look at this at the trailer for bitter Christmas. Footcandle Films 2#40: Peter Christmas. I believe I don't have a castless in front of me. Okay. So I don't remember who all's in this. It's Penelope Cruz. it's a pretty good badge. But you don't know for sure. I know for sure. Let's watch the film trailer and Footcandle Films 1#38: I believe I don't have a castless in front of me. Okay. So I don't remember who all's in this. Penelope. it's a pretty good bet. But we'll see. No, we don't know for sure, but let's watch the film trailer and we'll know here very, very quickly who is in this this film. Here we go. All right, so that was the trailer or part of the trailer, 'cause we didn't play the whole thing on this podcast because it was all if you happen to speak Spanish, that's great. You could follow along. Footcandle Films 2#40: All right, so that was the trailer or part of the trailer, 'cause we didn't play the whole thing on this podcast because it was all Unless you happen to speak Spanish. If you happen to speak Spanish, it's great. You can follow along. Footcandle Films 1#38: for those that you can't, I recommend going and checking out the full trailer online with subtitles so you can see that. But Chris, Pedro Modovar, we have reviewed a couple of his films and more recent films in recent years. I think the last one we did Antonio Banderas. Footcandle Films 2#40: But Chris, Pedro Almodovar, we have reviewed a couple of his films and more recent films in recent years. I think the last one we did had Antonio Benderis. Cannot remember the name of it off the top of my head. But he kind of played the loose Pedro Almodovar kind of version of Pedro Almodovar in the film and I can't remember the name of the film. But I think Ben Daris may have gotten nominated, I'm not sure. Footcandle Films 1#38: think Ben Daris may have gotten nominated, I'm not sure for the role. But yeah, we we definitely talked about that that film on the show. Yeah, I'm I'm I'm working on it. I'm I'm searching. I I Footcandle Films 2#40: for the role. But yeah, we we definitely talked about that that film on the show. yeah, I'm you're searching. Yeah, interns working on Footcandle Films 1#38: I need to I need to find this out. I need to make sure I'm sure. I'll say the the premise of the film sounds interesting and of course it looks well shot and all with bright colours, kinda like the hallmarks you associate with Almadobar. It looks like this film, you know. Footcandle Films 2#40: Sure. I'll say though the premise of the film sounds interesting and of course it looks well shot and all you with bright colors, kind of like the hallmarks you associate with Alma Dobar. It looks like this film, you know, cashes in on this. So Footcandle Films 1#38: Cashes MFS. All right. I was correct. yeah, actually the last film he did that we reviewed here was The Room Next Door. Okay. So this was the one before that talking about. actually it was a few before that, but the last one we reviewed before this. The Room Next Door, he did The Strange Way of Life, the short film. Parallel Footcandle Films 2#40: Okay. So this was the one before that that I was talking about. Or a couple of before that. The last one we reviewed before this. Was the room next door? He did The Strange Way of Life, the short film, Parallel Footcandle Films 1#38: Mothers was the film before that. and then Pain and Glory is the one you're thinking of with Antonio Banderas from Footcandle Films 2#40: Pain and Glory. There we go. Yeah. Antonio Banderas. Yeah. Back in twenty nineteen. Gotcha. of course he's made plenty plenty of other films. He's a busy dude. Yeah, yeah, yes. I thought, interestingly enough, you know, this is one of those trailers where they're putting up like little quotes and accolades up on the screen and the word playful came up. I'm like, Okay, playful's good. I Al Madova it's a little bit of change from like the room next door or Footcandle Films 1#38: back in twenty nineteen. of course he's made plenty, plenty of other films beyond that. Yeah, the AES. I thought interestingly enough, you know, this is one of those trailers where they're putting up like little quotes and accolades up on the screen and the word playful came up, which I'm like, okay, playful's good. I Alma Dover it's a little bit of a change from like the room next door or or so. Although Pain and Glory had some playfulness to it. It was a it was a little Footcandle Films 2#40: The painting glory had some playfulness too and it was a l i it was a little a little lighter touch in some elements though. Sure. So but anyway are we all interested in this. Yeah, I'm interested in seeing it. The it does, it's a director and you could say he kinda looks a little bit like Alan Dover. So maybe another thing like he's maybe experience of him making films at some points he's put some things in there that people didn't like him doing. So Footcandle Films 1#38: Little lighter touch in some elements of it. So but anyway, overall are you interested in this? Yeah, I'm interested in seeing it. The it does, you know, it's a director and you know you could say Kyle looks a little bit like Elder. So maybe another thing like he's maybe experience of him making films at some points he's putting Yeah. Yeah. Could be a little bit of a meta thing. Footcandle Films 2#40: Yeah, could be a little bit of a meta thing going, who knows? But yeah, it looks interesting. I'll always give his his films a shot. So you wanna Footcandle Films 1#38: Go in, who knows? But yeah, it looks interesting. I'll always give his his films a shot. All right, well you will not have long to wait, so November seems to be the month that this film will be rolling out and available for people to see. So we will be looking out for that one as well. All right, the last film I want to bring up is a film that I just was made aware of like last night, seriously. And it is a film called Babies. Okay. Yes, babies, Footcandle Films 2#40: And it is a film called Babies. Okay. It's Babies. Footcandle Films 1#38: like like little Little humans, little people, babies. this is a American comedy drama film written and directed by Lauren Miller Rogan. Does that last name sound familiar? Rogan. As Seth Rogan's wife. Yep. Okay. And the film stars Seth Rogan, Anna Kendrick, Dan Stevens, Ed Helms, Zach Cherry, Sharon Stone, and David Strathan. Footcandle Films 2#40: Yes. Little tiny people. this is a American comedy drama film. Okay. Written and directed by Lauren Miller Rogan. Does that last name sound familiar? Seth Rogan's wife. Yep. Okay. And the film stars Seth Rogan. Okay. Anna Kendrick, Dan Stevens, Ed Helms, Zach Cherry, Sharon Stone, and David Strathan. Okay. Footcandle Films 1#38: So this is a film about Footcandle Films 2#40: So this is a film about Footcandle Films 1#38: a couple who my understanding, I've not actually even seen the trailer. We're gonna watch it together for the first time. But what I read is this is a film about a couple that had made the decision not to have children, but are now coming back to kind of reckon with that choice for some reason. So let's take a look at the trailer for babies again, I believe written and directed by Lauren Miller Rogan. Footcandle Films 2#40: understanding I've not actually even seen the trailer. We're gonna watch it together for the first time. But what I read is this is a film about a couple that had made the decision not to have children, but are now coming back to reckon with that choice for some reason. So let's take a look at the trailer for babies again, I believe written and directed by Lauren Miller Rogan. I'm gonna be looking up to see if she has done anything else, if if this is a first feature or for her or Footcandle Films 1#38: I'm gonna be looking up to see if she's done anything else, if if this is a first feature or for her or or anything else she's been involved with. I did not know that he was married to somebody like in the business. Yeah. All right. Well here we go. Let's check out the trailer for babies. Footcandle Films 2#40: I knew Seth Rogan was married. I did not know that he was married to somebody like in the business. So that that is news to me. So huh Well here we go. Let's check out the trailer for baby. Footcandle Films 1#38: Okay, hold on, hold on, hold on. So, all right. As I said, I have not watched this trailer and that serv that that that is unfortunately on me for having not previewed this trailer. So this is a fan made trailer for the film Babies. The film Babies is real. Okay. But that little clip of a trailer we just tried to play is not real. It is a fan made AI Footcandle Films 2#40: Okay, hold on, hold on, hold on. So alright. As I said, I have not watched this trailer and that serv that that that is unfortunately on me for having not previewed this trailer. So this was a fan made trailer for the film Babies. The film Babies is real. Okay. But that little clip of a trailer we just tried to play is not real. It is like But it's like almost like the room worthy. It's like so bad it's good. Footcandle Films 1#38: it was so it looked so bad. I mean when it started the first few seconds, I'm like, my gosh, what is this? Yeah they brought the people's name back. Yeah. Like, I'm so happy it's not real. But yeah, so disregard there is no trailer for the movie Babies. I have searched no, Footcandle Films 2#40: But it looked it's kinda off. What is this? And the way they brought the people's na the actors' names on screen was amazing. I'm so happy it's not real. But yeah, so disregard there is no trailer for the movie Babies. I have searched no. Footcandle Films 1#38: that was a fan made trailer, poorly made. And Footcandle Films 2#40: Poorly made and Footcandle Films 1#38: there is no trailer for babies yet. However, babies has played. Footcandle Films 2#40: Yet. However, Babies has played. It played on September twelfth, which would have been just a couple of days ago at the Toronto International Film Festival. Okay. And what I described about the film is accurate. yes, Lauren Miller wrote Miller Rogan, who wrote and directed the film, is married to Seth Rogan. They've been together now for twenty one years. and they got into c questions about, you know, I I I get the impression there may be a little bit of Footcandle Films 1#38: It played on September twelfth, which would have been just a couple of days ago at the Toronto International Film Festival. And what I described about the film is accurate. yes, Lauren Miller wrote Miller Rogan, who wrote and directed the film, is married to Seth Rogan. They've been together now for twenty one years. and then they got into questions about, you know, I I I get the impression there may be a little bit of autobiography. elements to it or self-re referential elements to this movie. But yeah. interesting too coming on the heels of our review last week of the Sun Never Sets. Yeah. about couples. Yeah. Very some similar things. Yeah. So here here's fr according to V vanity Fair, this is what we missed in a trailer. and that would tell us Footcandle Films 2#40: That's interesting too, coming on the heels of our review last week of The Sun Never Sets. Yeah. about couples like children and and then this Yeah, interesting. So here's here's f according to Brent Fandy Fair, this is what we missed in a trailer. Okay. Footcandle Films 1#38: a happily married couple played by Seth Rogan and and Anna Kendrick. Welcome a close friend of theirs and her young daughter into their home. Footcandle Films 2#40: Welcome a close friend of theirs and her young daughter into their home when she and her husband decide to separate. Ha they see the realities of parenthood up close, all while Annie, the Anna Kendrick character Footcandle Films 1#38: When she and her husband decide to separate. They see the realities of parenthood up close, all while Annie, the Anna Kendrick character, her mother sees her Alzheimer's worsen, and Annie's grief-stricken father, David Strathon, struggles with his changing reality. And at the same time, Annie and another friend, played by Issa Ray, a mother herself try open their dream business together. TikTok says the biological clock, and Aaron and Annie feel pressured to decide what their family will look like in the future. So Footcandle Films 2#40: Her mother sees her Alzheimer's worsen and Annie's grief stricken father, David Stratham, struggles with his changing reality. And at the same time, Annie and another friend, played by Issa Ray, a mother herself tried to open their dream business together. TikTok says the biological clock and Aaron and Annie feel pressure to decide what their family will look like in the future. So Gotcha. Drama, probably some lighter comedy moments involved too, just with these two leads. But yes, t tackling this whole idea of what w what is to be our family, what is to be family, and the dynamics of of relationships and parenting and and all that. So anyway, sorry we don't have a trailer to play, but you know go watch the one that's AI gen or fan generated or whatever, 'cause it's it's kind of amazing. Footcandle Films 1#38: Drama, probably some lighter comedy moments involved too, just with these two leads. But yes, to kind of tackling this whole idea of what w what is to be our family, what is to be family, and the dynamics of of relationships and parenting and and all that. So anyway, sorry we don't have a trailer to play, but you know. go watch the one that's AI general. It's really bad. It's really so bad. my gosh. Yeah. Yeah, it is. Footcandle Films 2#40: Yeah. Footcandle Films 1#38: I there for a second watching that fan-made trailer, I'm like, all right, I just now have a renewed hope in anybody should be able to make a movie if this is the trailer for the film that we're now going to watch. And luckily that was not the case. So Okay, so that's Babies is playing the festival circuit. I don't know when it's getting a wide release or anything, or when it's getting a trailer. So we will we will definitely keep our eye to the Footcandle Films 2#40: I there for a second watching that fan made trailer and all right, I just now have a renewed hope in anybody should be able to make a movie if this is the trailer for the film that we're now going to watch. And sure. Luckily that was not the case. Okay, so that's Babies is playing the festival circuit. I don't know when it's getting a wide release or anything, or when it's getting a trailer. So we will we will definitely keep our eye to Footcandle Films 1#38: ground. Footcandle Films 2#40: on that one and see when that comes about. Footcandle Films 1#38: on that one and see when that comes about. Okay, so that's all I've got for trailers and news and so forth, Chris. I think we are at the end of our episode where we toss it over to you to give a recommendation. Chris, I'm right now looking up I want to have a little theme music bit or some sort of jingle or something to play but for each of our sections, but definitely for the film recommendation. Okay. Footcandle Films 2#40: Okay, so that's all I've got for trailers and news and so forth, Chris. I think we are at the end of our episode where we toss it over to you to give a recommendation. Chris, I'm right now looking up. I want to have a little theme music bit or some sort of jingle or something to play but for each of our sections. Tell you what definitely for the I'll give you I'll give you a jingle and it's not even a jingle, but it's music. It is not copywritten because it's out of copyright. Footcandle Films 1#38: You want that to be the Footcandle Films 2#40: can be, but it's a music cue from one of my favorite films, 2001. I think you should use the also sprout exhaust or the day the thing for the yeah I think because you know A you can get a hold of a clip of it pretty easily and I think that'd be funny. But anyways I can can read that the editor's discretion you you that's an option right now we need a little jingle for Chris's recommendation. Footcandle Films 1#38: the thing for your Yeah, I think 'cause A, you can get a hold of a clip of it pretty easily. Okay. I think that'd be funny. Okay, I can I can weave that in. All right, so we're gonna have a little we need a little jingle for Chris's recommendation. Footcandle Films 2#40: I think we do a jingle for trailer toppas you know and Footcandle Films 1#38: I think we do a jingle for trailer tapas, which is, I'm I'll come up with something for that. I want that one to have restaurant sounds in the background because Footcandle Films 2#40: I want that one to have restaurant sounds in the background because it's like you're at a min getting a a tapas restaurant or something. So but then the the jingle, I don't know what the actual jingle, but you hear some foley effects of a restaurant, glasses tinkling and stuff like that. We don't have anything going on. This is just a on air production meeting. That's what this is. Sure. What else are you gonna do? No, no, no, no. Who needs sleep? Who needs sleep? That's right. Okay, so I'm gonna go duh duh Footcandle Films 1#38: right, okay. But then the the jingle, I don't know what the actual jingle, but you hear some foley effects of a restaurant classes. We don't have anything else going on, so this is something I can this is something I can sink my teeth into because really there's nothing else going on right now in our lives that we have to worry about. Yeah, good. Who needs sleep? That's right. Okay, so I'm gonna go duh duh Chris's recommendation of the episode. Chris, what film would you like to recommend for us this week? I I mean who needs the actual Footcandle Films 2#40: This is recommendation of the episode. Chris, what like to recommend for us this week? I I mean, who needs the actual? Footcandle Films 1#38: Yeah, I think that that was enough. I'm just gonna do that. okay, so my recommendation is a film from twenty twenty six. It's called Is God Is. It's newly available on Amazon Prime. It did have a theatrical one on. It is from first time, at least that I could find. Footcandle Films 2#40: I think that that's awesome. Just cut that out and do that. okay, so my recommendation is a film from 2026. It's called Is God Is. It's newly available on Amazon Prime. It did have a theatrical one-on-it is from first time, at least that I could find, Footcandle Films 1#38: director Alicia Harris and it stars, let's see, Footcandle Films 2#40: director Alicia Harris, and it stars, let's see. Footcandle Films 1#38: Carrie Young, Mallory Johnson, Vivica A. Fox and Genome, but also say it stars someone that they kind of keep it a secret in the movie, but if you've seen the trailer, it's obvious, Sterling K. Brown. And he plays he's kind of an actor of mine that I I like and stuff. The general plot description is two sisters embark on an epic quest for revenge, confronting a charged family Footcandle Films 2#40: Carrie Young, Melory Johnson, Vivica A. Fox, and denomine, but also say it stars someone that they kind of keep it a secret in the movie, but if you've seen the trailer, it's obvious. Sterling K. Brown. And he plays he's kind of an actor mine that I I like and stuff. So the general plot description is two sisters embark on an epic quest for revenge, confronting a charged family Footcandle Films 1#38: history that pushes them to extraordinary lengths. The tagline for the film, Footcandle Films 2#40: history that pushes them to extraordinary lengths. The tagline for the film Footcandle Films 1#38: Make Your Daddy Dead, Real Dead. The daddy in this is Sterling K. Brown, by the way. Footcandle Films 2#40: Make your daddy dead, real dead. The daddy in this is Sterling K. Brown, by the way. it is a comedy film, but it is definitely a dark comedy film and some action stuff in there. I really appreciate it. It's well shot too. It was really impressive to me if this is actually her first film, which I think it is, really impressive. can't wait to see what she decides to do next. And it was based on a Footcandle Films 1#38: It is a comedy film, but it is definitely a dark comedy film and some action stuff in there. I really appreciate it. It's well shot too. It was really impressive to me. This is actually her first film, which I think it is. Really impressive. can't wait to see what she decides to do next. And it was based on a play, which I could see how it could be a play, but like this is a perfect example of taking a play but then really making it cinematic, because yes, this play is there or this movie is very cinematic. Footcandle Films 2#40: play, which I could see how it could be a play, but this is a perfect example of taking a play but then really making it cinematic because yes, this play is there or this movie is very cinematic. It's it's awesome. one of the reasons why other than the fact I like it, one of the reasons why I wanted to recommend it on this show, A, I just recently saw it. B it's streaming on Prime, so easy to see. C is because of the idea of revenge in here. Footcandle Films 1#38: It's it's awesome. one of the reasons why, other than the fact I like it, one of the reasons why I wanted to recommend it on this show, A, I just recently saw it, B, it's streaming on Prime, so easy to see. C is because of the idea of revenge in here. And we touched on that in Amaziah King and some misgivings we had there. here, the idea of revenge I feel like is is handled better and kind of Footcandle Films 2#40: And we touched on that in Amaziah King and some misgivings we had there. here the idea of revenge I feel like is is handled better and kind of I cannot remember recently on the show or maybe semi recently, either you and I have reviewed a movie or we discussed a movie where revenge was kind of it and kind of how it the downside well there are many downsides, but one of downsides of revenge is the toll it takes on you in trying to seek revenge and Footcandle Films 1#38: the downside, well there are many downsides, but one of the downsides of revenge is the toll it takes on you when you're trying to seek revenge. Mm-hmm. And that that is definitely a theme of this movie as well. So it is not one for the children. There's lots of violence in it. is got it is though, is from an emerging filmmaker, at least in my opinion, Leisha Harris, it's streaming on Prime, I recommend it. Okay. Tidy One Hundred Minutes. All right. Well I know this is a film we actually talked about months ago. Footcandle Films 2#40: That that is definitely a theme of this movie as well. So it is not one for the children. There's lots of violence in it. Is Guys Is though, is from an emerging filmmaker, at least in my opinion, Leisha Harris, it's streaming on Prime. I recommend it. And it's a tidy one hundred minutes, which is nice. Well I know this is a film we actually talked about months ago, Footcandle Films 1#38: a few months ago and showed the trailer of and talked about a little bit. So yeah, Footcandle Films 2#40: a few months ago, showed the trailer of and talked a little bit. So yeah. Footcandle Films 1#38: I think there was some interest in seeing it. So I'm glad you had a chance to check it out and you are vouching for it. So that is great. it's on the watch queue. Just added it. It's it's there. The ever growing watch queue I keep on my end of films. I'd like to see Footcandle Films 2#40: Is great. it's on the watch queue. Fair enough. It's it's there. The ever-growing watch queue I keep on my end of films I'd like to see. Probably Footcandle Films 1#38: probably will never get to. But at least they just they haunt me as a long list of here's all the films that are great films I should be watching and don't. So all right, Chris. Well I think that is going to wrap it up for today. we are going to we we had our review of the rivals Footcandle Films 2#40: will never get to. But at least they just they haunt me as a long list of here's all the films that are great films I should be watching and don't. Sure. Alright, Chris. Well I think that is going to wrap it up for today. we are going to we we had our review of the rival. Footcandle Films 1#38: of Amazai King. We had trailers for Fjord and Bitter Christmas. And then the last one, well we didn't do the trailer for babies, but we at least described what a trailer for babies might look like. Footcandle Films 2#40: King, we had trailers for Fjord and Bitter Christmas and then the last one, well we didn't do the trailer for babies, but we at least described what a trailer for babies might look like Footcandle Films 1#38: if the one existed. and then Chris's recommendation of Is God is as well. So Chris, if anybody wants to get in touch with us, talk, dialogue, share their thoughts and opinions, how can they do so? Footcandle Films 2#40: if there's one existed. Yes. and then Chris's recommendation of Is God Is as well. So Chris, if anybody wants to get in touch with us, talk, dialogue, share their thoughts and opinions, how can they do so? If you'd like to contact us, you can do so by sending an email to info at footcandle.org or leave us a voicemail at the Mesh.tv website. We can also check out past Foot Candle Film episodes as well as other podcasts on various subjects from barbecue to comedy to mental health. We're also on Facebook at Foot Candle Film Society and other social platforms as Foot Candle Film. Do us a favor if you like the show, consider s leaving us a review on whatever platform you receive your favorite podcast on because it'll help us reach new listeners and we'd appreciate that. The Foot Candle Film Festival Footcandle Films 1#38: Do a favor if you like the show, consider a review on whatever platform you receive your favorite podcast on, because it will help us reach new listeners, and we'd appreciate that. Foot Candle Film Festival, this year's version, the 2026 version, is coming up September 18th through the 27th. Depending on when this was released, it might have already started. But for more information so you don't miss out, visit Foot Candle Film Festival.com. All right. That will wrap us up for today. Thanks everybody for listening, and we'll look forward to talking to you next time. Take care. See you in the ticket. Footcandle Films 2#40: This year's version, the twenty twenty six version, is coming up September eighteenth through the twenty seventh. Depending on when this was released, it might have already started. But for more information so you don't miss out, visit Foot Candle Film Festival dot com. All right, that will wrap us up for today. Thanks everybody for listening. We'll look forward to talking to you next time. Take care. See you in the ticket line.