The Hollywood Read

Latest Episodes:

Nepotism - Is It Bad? Aug 06, 2019

Show notes

This week we tackle the age old question: Nepotism, is it bad? LOL, of course it is. We take a look at the rising phenomenon of legacy actors who are increasingly dominating casting headlines and breakout roles in Hollywood, and wonder where it leaves us if our art comes from one rarified perspective. We also talk about Hobbs & Shaw and the totally cool and normal contractual demands of the Fast/Furious actors, who refuse to lose a fight.

Wall Street Journal on the Fast/Furious fight contract:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/fast-furious-stars-complicated-demandi-never-want-to-lose-a-fight-11564673490

Kayleigh twitter: @Ceilidhann

Sarah twitter: @Cinesnark

Leonardo DiCaprio's Risk Adverse Fame Game Aug 01, 2019

Show notes

Leonardo DiCaprio is currently starring in Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood, so now is the time to take a look at his career and the almost 30 whole years he has spent as a famous person. Jumping off that article in The Hollywood Reporter, which posits DiCaprio as the last true Movie Star, we discuss why he really isn't that adventurous, why his fame game is boring, and his scientifically proven aversion to women his own age. But first! We also go over the films announced for TIFF and Venice, including new films from Marielle Heller and Taika Waititi.

The Hollywood Reporter on Leo D: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/features/how-leonardo-dicaprio-became-hollywoods-last-movie-star-1225416

Kayleigh twitter: @Ceilidhann

Sarah twitter: @Cinesnark

Comic Con and CATS Jul 24, 2019

Show notes

This week we look back at the news and shockingly few surprises of a relatively quiet Comic Con, and then we descend into the madness of Cats. Is the fur really supposed to look like that? Why do only some cats wear clothes? Is Cats good or has everyone been Incepted? Join us as we break down the Cats trailer and try to gain some understanding of what appears to be a cocaine-fueled mass delusion.

Kayleigh's Cats-friendly twitter: @Ceilidhann

Sarah's Cats-confused twitter: @Cinesnark

Stop Creating Your Own Bad Headlines Jul 18, 2019

Show notes

What does Scarlett Johansson have in common with Big Little Lies? Bad headlines they both could have avoided with just a modicum of effort. This week we talk about the behind the scenes drama on Big Little Lies, and what happened to director Andrea Arnold. We also get into Scarlett Johansson's comments about her right to play any role, and whether or not that is appropriate when so many underrepresented communities still struggle to tell their own stories. ScarJo might be right down the road, but we break down why she's wrong right now.

Indiewire's report on Big Little Lies and Andrea Arnold: https://www.indiewire.com/2019/07/big-little-lies-season-2-andrea-arnold-lost-creative-control-jean-marc-vallee-1202156884/

Here's Kayleigh on the Big Little Lies debacle: https://www.pajiba.com/film_reviews/after-andrea-arnolds-big-little-lies-drama-when-will-women-directors-get-their-dues.php

And here is Sarah on ScarJo: https://www.laineygossip.com/scarlett-johansson-says-she-should-be-allowed-to-play-any-person-any-tree-any-animal/56091

Kayleigh twitter: @Ceilidhann

Sarah twitter: @Cinesnark

Midsommar Horror and Jake Gyllenhaal's Weirdo Marvel Turn Jul 11, 2019

Show notes

With the release of Midsommar, we wonder if adult-oriented summer counter-programming even works anymore, or if the summer drama is another victim of the streaming paradigm shift. We're also discussing the first trailer for the live-action Mulan remake, and Jake Gyllenhaal's off-kilter turn as Mysterio in Spider-Man: Far From Home. After failing to become an action hero in his own right, Jake G built his career around cinematic weirdoes, and now everything comes full circle as a comic book movie taps him to play a weirdo villain. Join us as we gush over Florence Pugh and follow Jake G's career path through the weird weeds.

Here's Kayleigh on Jake G's wonderful Instagram: https://www.pajiba.com/celebrities_are_better_than_you/an-ode-to-jake-gyllenhaal-and-his-surprisingly-wonderful-instagram-account.php

And here is Sarah on Midsommar: https://www.laineygossip.com/ari-asters-midsommer-starring-florence-pugh-movie-review/56004

Kayleigh twitter: @Ceilidhann

Sarah twitter: @Cinesnark

Best of 2019 So Far and Babe.net's Downfall Jul 02, 2019

Show notes

We're halfway through the year, so this week we're talking our favorite movies and TV shows we've seen in 2019 (so far). The movies have been a little rough so far, but there are some gems out there, and there is PLENTY of television to talk about. We also discuss Allison P. Davis's profile on the collapse of Babe.net, the outlet behind the Aziz Ansari #MeToo expose. It's a window into a classically toxic workplace that is, unfortunately, being used to minimize the consent conversation the Aziz expose originally set off. Join us as we do a Babe.net post-mortem followed our best of 2019 (so far).

Allison P. Davis's Babe.net expose: https://www.thecut.com/2019/06/babe-net-aziz-ansari-date-rise-and-fall.html

Kayleigh twitter: @Ceilidhann

Sarah twitter: @Cinesnark

Return to the Valley of Awful Men featuring Max Landis Jun 27, 2019

Show notes

This week we return to the Valley of Awful Men, as eight women come forward with allegations of all manner of abuse against Max Landis. We discuss Landis, the power that protected him, and a damaging Hollywood family legacy. And because we don't actually want to live in the pit of despair, we also talk Toy Story 4 and it's delightful new hero: actual garbage. This week's episode proves that proclaiming you're trash is only endearing if you're an animated spork, and not an actual person capable of doing real harm.

Sarah on Max Landis: https://www.laineygossip.com/eight-women-come-forward-accusing-screenwriter-max-landis-of-emotional-sexual-abuse/55914

How Max Landis used self-awareness to hide abuse: https://slate.com/culture/2019/06/max-landis-abuse-allegations-louis-ck.html

Kayleigh twitter: @Ceilidhann

Sarah twitter: @Cinesnark

Chernobyl and The Emmys Problem Jun 20, 2019

Show notes

We're taking a break from the depressing summer movie season to talk about television. We discuss Stranger Things star Gaten Matarrazo's new "prank" show on Netflix, and with Emmy nominations underway, we discuss a problem unique to the Emmys: the same shows win every year. The only relief the sameness of the awards year to year is the Outstanding Limited Series category, which this year ought to feature our favorite show of the moment, Chernobyl. Join us as we talk Chernobyl, the Emmys, and why Jared Harris should be cast in everything.

Here's Emily Nussbaum on the "cloying fantasia" of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/12/24/the-cloying-fantasia-of-the-marvelous-mrs-maisel

Kayleigh twitter: @Ceilidhann

Sarah twitter: @Cinesnark

Welcome to the Pit of Despair Jun 13, 2019

Show notes

From the Wonder Woman 1984 poster kerfuffle to that list of bad actors on Jezebel, it's been a long week in the pit of despair. Join us as we discuss the impending culture war brewing around Wonder Woman, and what is really behind that mean-spirited, blatantly clickbait Jezebel post. We also get into Warner Brothers' decision to sit out Hall H this year, and what it means for the pop culture juggernaut that is Comic Con. It's dark times on the internet, but at least we have Diana Prince's new gold armor to admire.

Jezebel's bad actors: https://themuse.jezebel.com/actors-who-are-bad-at-acting-1834085390

Kayleigh's defense of those actors: https://twitter.com/Ceilidhann/status/1136719851907702786

Kayleigh twitter: @Ceilidhann

Sarah twitter: @Cinesnark

What DOES the Audience Want? Jun 06, 2019

Show notes

Despite being one of the best movies of the year (so far), Booksmart is not doing that well, hindered by a poor release strategy, off-target marketing, and an unenthusiastic audience. But should a movie like Booksmart even have been released in theaters? Are smaller, character-driven films just better off in the digital world these days? And speaking of the digital world, why does The Lion King look so boring and flat? This week we're talking about the theatrical experience, how audiences are driving a shift in viewing habits, and why photo-realism isn't all that appealing.

Here's Kayleigh on how The Lion King is ruining cinema: http://www.pajiba.com/film_reviews/disneys-lion-king-posters-are-just-what-lions-look-like.php

Kayleigh twitter: @Ceilidhann

Sarah twitter: @Cinesnark

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