In this episode of Movie Postmortem, we review Resident Evil (2002), the video game adaptation starring Milla Jovovich that kicked off a franchise that has lasted for almost 25 years and grossed over a billion dollars! We discuss the film’s early-2000s style, how the movie plot works in video game logic, and why we think Michelle Rodriguez's character (Rain) is the real star of the film.

Tune in to hear if we think the film captures the spirit of the games or if it needs a lot of Script Stitch-Up!

Our episode on Event Horizon

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In this episode of Movie Postmortem, we review Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), the first video game adaptation of the popular video game franchise.

We discuss the misguided efforts to make Angelina Jolie match the physical dimensions of the game version of the character, the early CGI, and whether the movie captures what gamers actually enjoyed about Tomb Raider.

Is this film a Cause for Celebration as an early video game adaptation, or just another example of weak source material resulting in a weak film? Tune in!

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In this episode of Movie Postmortem, Reggie and Isaiah are joined by Erin and Kevin from The Podcast That Wouldn’t Die to review Gravity (2013), Alfonso Cuarón’s intense survival film that won seven Oscars!

We talk about Sandra Bullock's instantly likeable astronaut, the challenging process of making the film, and why this might be one of the most best theater experiences of the 2010s. We also discuss whether the story is as strong as its visuals and score.

Tune in as we break down the film and suggest some funny Script Stitch-Up for alternate endings!

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The Podcast That Wouldn't Die

In this episode of Movie Postmortem, we review The Martian (2015), the sci-fi film where survival comes down to science, problem-solving, and a whole lot of potatoes. Stranded alone on Mars, Mark Watney (Matt Damon) must rely on botany, engineering, and relentless optimism to stay alive long enough for NASA to bring him home.

We break down why the film’s step-by-step problem-solving is so satisfying, how its hopeful and humorous tone set it apart from darker space stories, and why Mark might be one of the most likable protagonists in modern sci-fi.

Plus, a commercial about a drink that Mark probably wished he had on Mars!

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In this episode, we review Armageddon (1998), the ultimate example of peak Michael Bay mayhem. We break down the film’s chaotic energy, the ensemble cast, and why Bay’s attempt to mimic Titanic's love story falls flat. We also talk about why NASA’s plan to train oil drillers instead of astronauts is such an absurd movie premise!

Is Armageddon a disaster movie masterpiece or just a fun bad film? Either way, we’re here to determine the Causes of Celebration and the Causes of Death.

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In this episode of Movie Postmortem, we are joined by the hosts of the Based on a Book Podcast to discuss Arrival. Together, we review Denis Villeneuve’s cerebral sci-fi film where alien contact is less about invasion action and more about learning about language.

We break down Amy Adams’ performance, the amazing cinematography, and the haunting soundtrack. Our guests help us compare the film to its source material (Ted Chiang’s short story) while we dig into why this film is so different than other films about first contact.

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Based on A Book Podcast

In this episode of Movie Postmortem, we review Major Payne, Damon Wayans’ military-school comedy that features a drill-sergeant taking charge of a troop of young cadets in need of discipline. We discuss Wayans’ over-the-top performance, the surprisingly positive message, and how the film walks the line between comedy and heart-warming family film.

We also talk about whether the humor still lands today, and how the role might have been played by a different actor. Is Major Payne a Cause for Celebration or just a bad In Living Color comedy? Tune in!

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In this episode of Movie Postmortem, we review Rush Hour (1998), the action-comedy that launched one of the most popular franchises of the late ’90s. We discuss Jackie Chan’s physical brilliance as Inspector Lee, Chris Tucker’s motor-mouth energy as Detective Carter, and how their cultural clash somehow turns into perfect comedic chemistry.

Somehow, we even manage to connect this to K-pop, tracing parallels in global pop culture crossovers and martial arts.

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