The Hollywood Read

Latest Episodes:

True Crime Theater Nov 03, 2020

Show notes

This week we're talking true crime, and the shift over the last few years of true crime from undercover interest to mainstream obsession. We discuss how Netflix has contributed to the mainstreaming of true crime, the ethics of commodifying murder and mayhem as entertainment, and the programs and documentaries that have defined the recent trend in true crime. Then we share our top three true crime stories and those stories we can't stand to think about.

Find us on Twitter: @Ceilidhann & @Cinesnark

Leto Joker Returns and Quibi Dies Oct 27, 2020

Show notes

Just in time for Halloween, the scariest news of all comes as Jared Leto's widely disliked version of the Joker will be returning in the Snyder Cut. We break down Leto's return, as well as the current state of the Snyder Cut and it s mysteriously ballooning budget. Then, we discuss Kayleigh's favorite thing ever, which is the inevitable death of Quibi and the contraction of the streaming space. Join us!

Find us on Twitter: @Ceilidhann & @Cinesnark

Celebrity Gossip Returns! Oct 20, 2020

Show notes

2020 is a trash fire cesspit, but it has now given us a classic celebrity scandal with the Dominic West-Lily James affair. We're not here to judge the personal decisions of consenting adults, but we ARE here to dissect a bonkers celebrity scandal that includes castles and beautifully hand-written notes. Join us as we discuss the public relations reality of celebrity scandals, and commiserate with the poor James-West publicists.

Find us on Twitter: @Ceilidhann & @Cinesnark

The COVID Oscars and a True Crime Tangent Oct 13, 2020

Show notes

This week, we start discussing Soul's shift to Disney+, but we get sidetracked by Jeffrey Dahmer and our fears about Ryan Murphy making a series about Dahmer's killing spree. We then get back on track and discuss Alyssa Rosenberg's op-ed about cancelling the Oscars and the challenges faced by the COVID Oscars and what it could mean for the film industry as a whole. Join us!

Alyssa Rosenberg on the COVID Oscars: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/10/09/its-time-face-reality-cancel-2021-oscars/

COVID Is Affecting TV Too! Oct 06, 2020

Show notes

After another round of pandemic updates about what movies are or are not coming out in 2020, we dive into how COVID-19 is impacting television. It isn't garnering the same headlines as film, but TV is feeling a COVID pinch, too, cancelling shows left and right, even shows that were previously renewed. Join us as we review how the pandemic is quietly changing television while everyone is worried about movies.

Find us on Twitter: @Ceilidhann & @Cinesnark

Virtual TIFF and the Cuties Controversy Sep 30, 2020

Show notes

We're back with a recap of the virtual Toronto Film Festival, which was a very strange experience, like everything else in 2020. But first, we update the Tenet box office and speculate on the mystery of whether or not Mulan was successful. Then we grit our teeth and talk about Cuties and the unjust controversy that was blown way out of proportion by bad-faith actors over the last few weeks. Join us for this super fun and totally normal conversation!

Find us on Twitter: @Ceilidhann & @Cinesnark

John Boyega Takes On the Disney Industrial Complex Sep 08, 2020

Show notes

A lot is happening this week, from the continuing roll out of Tenet, to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announcing a major Netflix development deal, to John Boyega calling out the crap development for his character in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Join us as we dive into the issues around increasing representation beyond the entry-level approach of just casting more people of color without considering how to tell compelling stories with them.

Find us on Twitter: @Ceilidhann & @Cinesnark

Rest In Power, Chadwick Boseman Sep 01, 2020

Show notes

Following the untimely passing of Chadwick Boseman, we're celebrating his life and legacy, recalling his great performances and unique ability to give life and humanity to larger-than-life icons. Join us as we say goodbye to a tremendous artist who left to soon.

Places you can contribute to the fight against colorectal cancer:

https://coloncancercoalition.org/donate/

https://impact.ccalliance.org/give/266249/#!/donation/checkout

https://www.aacr.org/ways-to-give/

Harry & Meghan Freedom Found Aug 19, 2020

Show notes

This week we talk about Finding Freedom, the largely anti-climactic tell-all about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. We break down how the book portrays the divisions and competition within the royal family, why driving out Harry and Meghan was probably a fatal error for the British monarchy, and how ongoing scandals could impact the royal family. Join us as we low key call for revolution!

Find us on Twitter: @Ceilidhann & @Cinesnark

The Times They Are A-Changing Aug 13, 2020

Show notes

It's been a big week for the film industry, from Disney's shocking announcement regarding the digital release of Mulan, to the repeal of the Paramount Decree, to long-gestating rumors about Ellen DeGeneres's toxic work place exploding in the mainstream. Join us as we break it all down, from what success could look like for Mulan on streaming, to what it means to lose the Paramount Decree, and how Ellen's faux-kindness front has concealed years of workplace toxicity.

Kayleigh on Ellen's celebrity supporters: https://bit.ly/31PRh9F