The Smashing Machine & Anemone (what to expect)
Scorecards, Watchlist Worthy, New Pod Drop
We just couldn’t help ourselves this week. The return of Daniel Day-Lewis to acting and The Rock with hair? We just had to give you two scorecards this week. Grab your favorite snack and dive into to a special edition of Sweet & Condensed.
Here’s what we have for you this week:
Concession Stand Scorecard: The Smashing Machine & Anemone
Watchlist Worthy: Kelly is back with another book adaptation
New Pod Drop: The movie Jordan Peele was LIVID about losing the opportunity to make
This week’s movie - The Smashing Machine
Letterboxd Description:
The unforgettable true story of a UFC legend.
The story of legendary mixed martial arts and UFC fighter Mark Kerr.
Best Watched With
Uncles with camcorders, fans of The Rock.
End Credit Thoughts
We were concerned that having only half of the Safdie Brothers at the helm would translate into only half of the juice, but fortunately, Benny was ready for the solo mission. From sight to sound this movie is heavy on the vibes, and is completely carried by Dwayne The Rock Johnson’s career-best performance.
The camera work can best be described as an uncle with a camcorder at the family function. The shaky, hand-held zooms perfectly capture the late 90s wardrobes and decor. This wouldn’t be a Safdie film if there wasn’t a healthy dose of anxiety, and the jazz-inspired drums provide just that.
Emily Blunt is completely convincing as the well-intended but problematic girlfriend. But the only thing that could outshine Johnson’s perfectly ripped quad muscles was his acting chops. This is not “The Rock” making jokes and relying solely on charisma. This is Dwayne Johnson acting his absolute ass off. From start to finish, we get a believable glimpse into the life of a man who was gentle, intelligent, troubled, and driven.
The Smashing Machine is a biopic that is based on the true story of Mark Kerr. You don’t have to be a UFC fan to enjoy the movie, but you can’t be too squeamish. There are plenty of faces beaten to bloody pulps, bones snapped, and pain inflicted. By the end of the movie, we couldn’t help but feel like there were some shortfalls in the story, but perhaps that is because it’s all based on a real person’s life.
This movie is not going to be for everyone. It has a slower pace, a very distinct visual style, and it lingers on tense, raw moments. The Rock’s performance alone is worth watching the movie. For most people, it’s going to be worth watching from the comfort of your couch. Wait to stream this one.
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@justjoshperez
@ericharrison
@kellyharrison
@newmexicodrew
This week’s second movie - Anemone
Letterboxd Description:
All is not forgiven.
The film explores the complex and profound ties that exist between brothers, fathers, and sons.
Best Watched With
Daniel Day-Lewis forever fans and a family member with some shit that needs to get worked out between the two of you over a pint and pour of whiskey.
End Credit Thoughts
If you read Anemone and immediately thought of Finding Nemo, you are not alone. We were surprised to find out this movie contains zero predatory marine invertebrate animals, and that Anemone is also a flower signifying different symbolism and meanings dependent on the cultural and regional context.
Anemone is Ronan Day-Lewis’ directorial debut. He is the son of Daniel Day-Lewis, which is probably why the once in a generation actor came out of retirement to star across from Sean Bean. The movie visually striking with images just as rich as the culture embedded in this film. We knew the return of Daniel Day-Lewis would be a clinic in Oscar award worthy performances, but we questioned if this movie would be all form and no substance.
Other than Day-Lewis’ performance, which we will get to, the cinematography steals the spotlight. Based in Northern Ireland, rolling hills, mountain ranges, and the roaring skies over the Irish Sea is gorgeously captured; showcasing the beauty, strength, and resilience of the second largest island of the British Isles and the people who inhabit it. The overcast skies bring a gloom and doom ambience to the brutal exploration of familial ties between the men of this family. The visuals are nicely paired with a dark, dirge like score.
The story is messy and often wanders like the wind—not sure where it came from and unsure where it’s going. But the performances are powerful enough to endure the windy storm. Daniel Day-Lewis is probably the only person to deliver this script and make the monologues captivating. There were a couple moments where the audience, all four of us, laughed at the dialogue but with reverence. Sean Bean goes toe to toe playing opposite of Day-Lewis as his brother.
Extremely emotional and deeply troubled characters living within a the traumas of war and the consequences that follow. Every character’s soul is tearing and the internal wrestle erupts through dialogue and action as they confront the complexity of their intertwined lines.
It wasn’t the story that got our butts into seats. But this isn’t a movie one goes to for anything but to witness a living legend come back to grace audiences with his presence on the silver screen for the first time in eight years. Will he continue after this? Or was this a one and done in service to his son’s career? We do not know. We all thought Phantom Thread (2017) would be his last. So if you want to catch Day-Lewis in what might be his last big screen performance, by all means go see this one on the big screen.
If you desire a coherent story and something less arthouse-y, you can wait till this one comes to streaming.
Regretting You (2026) by Josh Boone
When Josh and Eric bullied me into writing ANOTHER Watchlist Worthy (for reasons I do not know) I started scrolling through upcoming movies and saw Regretting You. So I’m here to talk about Regretting You…and no. I have NOT read the book. But the trailer took me by surprise and had my eyes leaking. Which admittedly is not hard to do but oh my goshhhhhhh. I am such a music person. ESPECIALLY in movies. Like, YES. TELL ME WHAT TO FEEL. And oh boy did I feel it in this trailer when Everywhere Everything by Noah and Gracie started playing.
Coleen Hoover has a reputation for ripping your heart out, putting it in a blender and then poring it into a glass and serving it back to you with her books (too much?). So I expect nothing less with this movie. Maybe we move backwards with this one. Watch the movie then read the book? What are the odds I get everyone to read it? Eric? Sarah? Josh? Drew? Tap in.
For now, watch the trailer and bring a tissue.
-Kelly✨
Letterboxd Description:
Come undone.
A passionate and tumultuous love story set against the backdrop of the Yorkshire moors, exploring the intense and destructive relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw.
Also Directed by Josh Boone:
Stuck in Love (2012)
The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
The New Mutants (2020)
WEAPONS: Spoilers #63
Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
🎥 Watch this episode on YouTube
In this episode, Eric and Josh discuss the movie Weapons in detail, including major spoilers. They cover the plot, the cast, and their personal reactions to the film’s various elements, such as the unexpected twist involving Aunt Gladys.
The conversation explores the balance between horror and humor, plot holes, and the evolution of horror cinema, referencing films like LongLegs and works by Jordan Peele. Eric and Josh express their enthusiasm for horror’s creative storytelling and filmmaking, while also sharing some personal anecdotes related to their viewing experiences.
Tune in next week for | Tron: Ares
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