Across the Movie Aisle

Latest Episodes:

The First Rule of Box Office Holes: Stop ‘Digger’ Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

On this week’s episode, the gang offers up their services in Pope Leo’s Butlerian Jihad, a sentence that makes total sense in context. Then they review Digger, a movie that sparked one of the fiercest conversations we’ve ever had. It’s a bonkers, divisive provocation, and we responded in kind. Make sure to swing by Thursday for our Tom Cruise bonus episode. And if you want to nominate something for the assigned viewing bonus episode mentioned at the top of this show, leave it in a comment or bring it to the chat. We’ll pick nominees in a week and then you can vote on them.

This Is ‘Primetime.’ Why Don’t You Have a Seat? Sep 30, 2026

Show notes

On this week’s episode, we broke down the Paramount-Skydance/Warner Bros. Discovery merger, which seems to have cleared its final hurdle following the settling of the state AGs’ antitrust lawsuit. Then we reviewed Primetime, Lance Oppenheim’s riveting look at the rise and fall of Chris Hansen and his pervert-hunting news program. Make sure to swing by on Thursday for our bonus episode, where we’re going to be talking about lesbian bars and cultural bubbles. And if you enjoyed this show, let us know in the comments! The comments section is fun. Hit like and all that jazz too. Gotta juice those stats!

‘Resident Evil’ Is the Best Video Game Movie Ever Sep 23, 2026

Show notes

On this week’s episode, we discussed whether or not the decision to make Aslan a David Bowie-influenced lion voiced by Meryl Streep in a musical based on The Magician’s Nephew was a controversy or a nontroversy. Then we reviewed Resident Evil, which overperformed at the box office and earned raves from critics. It’s a movie made for gamers, which has its pluses … and its minuses.

If you disagree and think there’s a better video game movie, leave your choice in the comments!

Richard Kelly on ‘Donnie Darko’ at 25 Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

We’ve got a real treat for you today, folks: Richard Kelly—the director of Donnie Darko, Southland Tales, and The Box—joined us to discuss Donnie Darko’s 25th anniversary rerelease by Fathom Entertainment and Saga Arts. And, as a bonus, we got a bunch of insights into his sequel novel, which is coming out on December 15. Plus: some Southland Tales chat!

First things first: Get your tickets for the 25th anniversary showings of Donnie Darko today. It’s playing on October 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, likely in an AMC or a Cinemark near you.

Second things second: This is a bonus episode of Across the Movie Aisle, meaning that it is usually for subscribers only. We’ve decided to put out an extended preview of this episode to make sure we get in all the Donnie Darko chat. But if you notice it cutting off at 30 minutes or so and you want to get some insights into Richard’s surreal masterpiece, Southland Tales, we’ll need you to sign up for a membership to help keep the lights on around here. Fluid Karma doesn’t pay for itself, you know.

‘Practical Magic 2,’ a Movie for No One Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

On this week’s episode, we discussed David Ellison’s threat to flee California if Rob Bonta doesn’t wrap up his antitrust suit and the effort to secure federal production subsidies for movie studios. Then we reviewed Practical Magic 2, a terrible film. You guys are going to love this week’s bonus episode! Make sure to sign up now so you can get it delivered right to your inbox!

‘Mayday,’ We (May) Have a Problem Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

On this week’s episode, we debate this essay by Alison Pill on the perils of child acting. Is it possible to do professionally in an ethical way? Then we review Mayday, the new film from the guys who made the recent Dungeons and Dragons movie that everyone loved. Is this any good? Does it have just a tad too much Ryan Reynolds? We discuss! Make sure to swing by Thursday for our bonus episode on Cars at 20 (and all the kids under the age of 8 who still love it) and on Friday for our bonus episode on Sugar, the Apple TV series. Leave a comment!

‘The Dog Stars’: Woof or Whoa? Sep 02, 2026

Show notes

Hey, before we get started, a technical note: Due to a weird recording hiccup, Alyssa’s voice is slightly out of sync. I’ve gotten it as close as I can, but it’s … still not right. Sorry! Maybe just minimize the window and listen to this one. Or subscribe to your private ad-free RSS feed and get it straight to your favorite podcast app!

The episode itself is pretty good, though! We discussed why Dolly Parton and Tim Curry were so beloved and free from culture war nonsense. Then we reviewed The Dog Stars. WARNING: Lots of spoiler chatter in this one!

The Gospel of ‘Tony’ Aug 26, 2026

Show notes

On this week’s episode, we discuss the crazy lengths Warner Bros. is going to to keep spoilers for the new show Lanterns under wraps. Then we review Tony, the new biopic about Anthony Bourdain! Is it as good as Kitchen Confidential … or maybe better? Make sure to swing by on Thursday for our bonus episode on memoirs. Our next book club is, hopefully, starting this weekend; we’re discussing A Sudden Flicker of Light: A Revisionist History of Movies. Make sure to sign up so you can comment along with us about the first seven chapters! And share this episode with a friend!

Anne Hathaway, Dino Hunter: 'The End of Oak Street' Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

On this week’s episode we ask if dog peril should join the ranks of considerations for a Restricted rating from the MPA. Then we review The End of Oak Street, a movie with some dog peril that nevertheless earned a PG-13 rating. Make sure to swing by on Thursday for our bonus episode on Anne Hathaway. If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend!

'One Night Only,' aka 'Sex Purge' Aug 12, 2026

Show notes

This week we reviewed One Night Only (elevator pitch: What if extramarital sex were only legal for one night?), a movie that has been somewhat unfairly maligned by film critics, and discussed director Will Gluck’s feelings about audience discomfort with nudity. It’s a brave new world, folks, we’re just living in it.

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