A+Z Movie Review Podcast

Hollywood's Biggest Night goes to... ANORA! The indie sex worker dramedy takes home five Oscars to be the big winner at the 97th Academy Awards. Alex and Zach run through the production of the show and grade host Conan O'Brien. What and why were those song performances? What jokes hit? Plus, we break down the historic night for Anora's Sean Baker, the surprise of Mikey Madison and

If everybody looks the other way, then everybody's in on it. Alex and Zach round out the 2025 Best Picture slate with one of the most uniquely told and impactful story of the nominees: Nickel Boys. We examine this extremely necessary telling of this under-documented side of the Civil Rights movement and the first-person point-of-view camera style that sets it apart from the rest. P

It is the destination, not the journey. Alex and Zach continue their Best Picture journey with the tome that is "The Brutalist." The length of the film has been much-discussed here and elsewhere, and we let you know straight away if that should deter viewers from taking in the film. We also get into a bigger Best Picture discussion with the heavy-hitters under our belt.TIME STAMPS:

We shared our playlist with the DJ, and he was very rude and dismissive. Alex and Zach ride along with the entertainingly manic rollercoaster of Best Picture nominee Anora. We discuss where this early front-runner now sits in the Oscars conversation and take-in one of the more rewatchable, hilarious and tragic nominees of the year. TIME STAMPS:0:27 - Intro1:18 - General Discussion

Have you ever dreamt of a better version of yourself? Alex and Zach dissect the bold body horror Best Picture nominee "The Substance". We let you know right off the top if we recommend seeing this at times wild and at times grotesque look on beauty standards on women and women in Hollywood and shift focus to Best Actress front-runner Demi Moore.TIME STAMPS:0:27 - Intro1:08 - Would

Greatness in unexpected places. Alex and Zach pour over a surprise Best Picture contender with the Brazilian film I'm Still Here. We express our love for a film that caught us off guard, from the production to the performances, including the singular work of Fernanda Torres. Plus, we look at its awards chances and our hopes for the movie.TIME STAMPS:0:27 - Intro0:54 - General Discu

This is a war! Alex and Zach investigate the papal election thriller Conclave, a dark horse Best Picture candidate. We dissect the twists and turns of this captivating story, the string of unexpected reveals and look into the Oscars chances, particulary the performance of Ralph Fiennes and adapted screenplay.TIME STAMPS:0:27 - Intro1:43 - General Discussion4:02 - Non-Spoiler Review

Track some mud on the carpet! Alex and Zach gather 'round to explore the work of legendary singer-songwriter Bob Dylan in 2025 Best Picture nominee A Complete Unknown. We celebrate the bevy of great performances (both acting and singing) and see where it stacks up against other musician biopics and other Best Picture and Acting nominees.TIME STAMPS:0:27 - Intro1:03 - General Discus

On your left! Alex and Zach take a break from awards season for the return of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Sam Wilson's big-screen debut as the new Captain America. We push back against the critical reception to the 35th film in the MCU, look into what charms and thrills and where it sits among the current MCU discourse and the installments to come this year.TIME STAMPS:0:27 -

Alex and Zach get into the most controversial and most nominated 2025 Oscar contender: Netflix's Emilia Pérez. We dive into this bold swing of a French-made musical about a transgender Mexican drug lord, the discussions around the film's content and production as well as its award season drama.TIME STAMPS:0:27 - Intro1:20 - General Discussion (Background, Nominations, etc.)4:46 -