Heretic (what to expect)
Scorecard, Living in a movie world, New haunted house flick, HP pod
We really want to make a Valentine’s Day joke (look at all those birthdays!)…but we won’t. You all are the best.
🎂 We have a ton of birthdays this week!
Happy Birthday to our Sweet Friends:
Jacob (11/10), fav movie: A Walk To Remember
Brenna (11/11) fav movie: The Fox and The Hound
Joshua (11/11) fav movie: Training Day
Poopoocacapp (11/14)fav movie: The Matrix 🎂
Here’s what we have for you this week:
Concession Stand Scorecard: Heretic
Temp These Takes: You can live in any movie for 24 hours
Watchlist Worthy: We’ve never seen a haunted house like this
Pod Drop: The Sorcerer’s Stone⚡️
This week’s movie - “Heretic”
Letterboxd Description:
Question everything.
Two young missionaries are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed, becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse.
Best Watched With
A friend that you've debated religion with (and still call them friend).
End credit thoughts
Heretic comes right out of the gate strong with unique opening credits, surprising laughs, beautiful shots of Utah, and of course, the undeniable charm of Hugh. There were a few choices that had us scratching our heads (not in a good way), but an interesting story that was worth the twists and turns.
The sound design was done so well that there were multiple times we thought the sounds were actually coming from the theater and not the speakers. The camera work was equally as effective in making us feel creeped out and on edge.
Chloe East (Sister Paxton) was at her best in the opening scene at the bus stop (she had our whole theater laughing out loud), but from then on her performance was merely fine. Sophie Thatcher (Sister Barnes) was entertaining every time she was in frame. But the reason most of us paid the price of admission, was for Hugh Grant. Fans of Grant will be familiar with his endless charm and charisma, but this is the first time we've seen it used for evil. His performance carries most of the film and provides an anchor to a story that could have easily gotten lost at sea.
The suspense had us on edge most of the film, and we couldn't help but try and guess what in the world Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant) was up to. The exploration of religion and why we believe what we believe is an interesting concept, but near the end the commentary felt heavy-handed.
This movie looks and sounds incredible, and Hugh Grant delivers an all-time Hugh Grant performance. We laughed more than we expected in a true thriller, and it made our wheels turn. Heretic is a good movie, but it’s a perfect movie to watch on the couch.
Wait to stream this one.
Watch the trailer here
If you could live in any movie’s world for 24 hours, what are you choosing?
Sarah
Middle Earth all the way. I would like to visit the Shire and go to the Green Dragon pub; or stay in Rivendell and read in their library; or go horseback riding across the plains of Rohan. I am less keen on the whole Mordor/orc business, so I’d prefer to avoid those pitfalls…
Kelly
Ever since I was a little girl I wanted Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory to be real. I wanted to eat candy apples from the trees and drink from the chocolate river. (As long as it had no little boy contamination) Honestly, I’d probably go just to inhale the sweet smell. What a dream it would be to live in a sugar coated paradise. I’d die of diabetes with a smile on my face. 🍭🍬🍫✨
Eric
Although I know my time would be VERY short, I would love to experience a day in J. R. R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth.
I am a true millennial - I love comfort and technology and hate to be inconvenienced. So again I repeat - I would not survive. But it would be a blast.
Josh
I’ve always wanted to spend a day moving from classes like Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions, Transfiguration, and then ending the long, hard academic day at the Hog’s Head with a Butterbeer and a shot of Firewhiskey. Maybe catch a Quidditch match, ride a hippogriff, or go broke hitting the shops in Diagon Alley. Give me the magical world of Hogwarts.
If that’s cheating because it’s technically a book, let me experience Pandora for 24 hours. Well, however long it takes for me to get killed, but would love to spend some time in the world of Avatar.
New Mexico Drew
If I had 24 hours, I would make sure I could do something I’d never be able to do IRL. I’ll be inside Inception calling Tom Hardy “darling” and telling him he needs to dream bigger because I will be doing insane shit. Jumping from one bendy building to another, jetpacks, laser guns. My seven year old imagination would make it easy work.
What’s your take? Hit Reply or leave a comment below and let us know!
Presence (2025) Directed by Steven Soderbergh
If you're a horror fan, Steven Soderbergh’s Presence should be on your radar for January 2025. And yes, I know that January is reserved for garbage, throwaway movies - BUT FEAR NOT. We seem to have a banger on our hands.
With a resume as impressive as it is unique - including Ocean’s Eleven, Out of Sight, Contagion, Kimi, Traffic, and yes—even Magic Mike—Soderbergh has proven his versatility, earning high praise from critics (Rotten Tomatoes crooks) and audiences alike.
The trailer for Presence had me hooked from the start. It’s voice over delves into grief and loss—a theme that pulls me right in, as I'm drawn to horror that explores the darker aspects of trauma. I hate loss and I hate grief and I hate losing a loved one - so I love movies that explore that. Soderbergh seems to be bringing a fun take to the haunted house genre - a ghost’s perspective that should add an intriguing twist.
The cast is another exciting highlight, mixing peeps from Uncut Gems and Kill Bill with some newer faces, too. All signs point to Presence being a chilling, emotional journey that’s both haunting and thought-provoking. I can’t wait.
-Eric
Letterboxd Description:
In this house there is a PRESENCE.
A family moves into a suburban house and becomes convinced they’re not alone.
Also Directed by Steven Soderbergh
Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
Contagion (2011)
Traffic (2000)
🎧 Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
Re-releasing the Harry Potter Medium Project series we originally released on our other channel onto this one.
In this episode, Sarah and Josh discuss the adaptation of Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone.
They share their initial and recent reading experiences, compare the book to the movie adaptation, and discuss key themes, favorite characters, and memorable moments.
Sarah and Josh gripe about movie-Harry’s hair but not his eye color; to find out what Hogwarts houses we belong in; and to understand a bit more about Josh’s strong aversion to those kids’ wizarding hats in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone!
They also explore their own Hogwarts houses, favorite magical items, and the subject they would have excelled in at Hogwarts. The episode showcases a balance of humor, personal reflections, and a deep love for the magical world of Harry Potter.
Tune in next week for | Red One
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