The Strange Harbors Podcast

The 98th Oscars Recap

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, Amir Touray) — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 20:28:52 +0000

The 98th Academy Awards have now come and gone in a largely uncontentious ceremony. We discuss the final awards season showdown between Ryan Coogler's Sinners with its record-breaking nominations and Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another, along with this year's many deserved — and maybe a few undeserved — wins. We also run down some surprises in the telecast, its beautiful In Memoriam segment, and the Timothée Chalamet of it all.

"The Pitt" Season 2

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, Amir Touray) — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 19:29:52 +0000

Everyone's favorite medical drama — The Pitt — is back. A new day in the emergency room brings new challenges for the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center, and we discuss — with our own in-house medical professional, Dr. Amir Touray — how the new season is progressing, specifically, the first nine episodes. Does The Pitt continue its winning run? Was the first season just lightning in a bottle? Will Dr. Robby survive this season? We talk about it all right before the other shoe drops in the last stretch of episodes.

"A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, Amir Touray) — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 17:16:23 +0000

HBO's Game of Thrones is back with yet another spinoff, this time based on George R.R. Martin's Dunk and Egg novellas. A departure from the palace intrigue and massive scale of both Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms digs into more lighthearted slice-of-life drama, at least until its explosive climax. We discuss the short first season, its pitch-perfect casting, and its memorable roster of Westerosi characters.

"Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray, Derek Wong) — Wed, 4 Mar 2026 23:52:08 +0000

Gore Verbinski returns with his first film in nine years with his time travel comedy "anthology" film: Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die. This time around, he tries his hand at satire and topicality — a movie about our obsession with screens, our inability to cope with tragedy-filled modernity, and the encroaching threat of AI. Is he successful? Tune in and find out.

"Send Help"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray, Derek Wong) — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 16:13:16 +0000

2026 has blessed us with a new Sam Raimi original in the form of Send Help, a deserted island survival thriller. Do Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien have what it takes to return Raimi to his roots? After years in the IP game — Oz, Doctor Strange — has the Drag Me to Hell and Evil Dead mastermind retained his horror chops?

The Most Anticipated Films of 2026

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Thu, 5 Feb 2026 22:12:27 +0000

Keeping with tradition, we follow up our best of 2025 episode with its natural companion: our episode on the most anticipated films of 2026. After an odd 2025 where many of our most exciting picks turned out to fall short of expectations, we can only hope that 2026 might fare better. Indie gems, huge blockbusters in Nolan's The Odyssey and Dune: Messiah, and other new projects from beloved auteurs, 2026 is shaping up to pack quite a punch. Tune in and find out our individual picks!

"28 Years Later: The Bone Temple"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:20:34 +0000

Hot off a placement of 28 Years Later on all of our 2025 top ten lists last week, its sequel — The Bone Temple — has quite large shoes to fill. Can Nia Dacosta capture the same humanist magic of one of last year's best movies? We discuss the villainous Jimmies, Ralph Fiennes continuing barn burner performance as Dr. Kelson, and yet another surprising ending in the 28 franchise.

The Best Films of 2025

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 18:37:47 +0000

It's that time of year again. We're counting down Derek, Jeff, and Amir's favorite movies of last year. 2025 was a year of great movies but also a year of crushing disappointments: many films we were looking forward to the most fizzled out. Fortunately that makes room for plenty of big surprises and dark horses in our top ten lists. What made the cut? What were some of the honorable mentions? Tune in and find out!

"Pluribus"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray, Derek Wong) — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 03:44:22 +0000

For our first TV review of 2026, we discuss Vince Gilligan's Apple TV smash hit, Pluribus, which just wrapped its first season on Christmas Eve of last year. We dive deep into Gilligan's illustrious pedigree, the state of streaming and TV, and the many ways in which Pluribus is bucking convention.

"Marty Supreme"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Wed, 7 Jan 2026 16:05:59 +0000

"Avatar: Fire and Ash"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 03:58:55 +0000

The Strange Harbors Podcast returns to Pandora as we review the third installment of the mega-blockbuster sci-fi epic, Avatar. We once again catch up with the Sully clan in their quest to liberate their world from human colonization, this time with the added wrinkle of a new Na'vi threat. The gang is all here: Jake, Neytiri, their kids, Quaritch, and our boy Payakan, but is Fire and Ash a worthy successor to The Way of Water? Or is it just treading the Pandoran seas? Tune in and find out.

"Wake Up Dead Man"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, Amir Touray) — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 20:13:41 +0000

This week, we review the third film in the whodunnit series of Benoit Blanc mysteries: Wake Up Dead Man. After Knives Out and Glass Onion, director Rian Johnson returns to the reins of his favorite genre. We discuss the franchise's increasingly charismatic roster of secondary protagonists, the year of Josh O'Connor, and whether or not Johnson's penchant for heavy-handed topicality once again derails a Benoit Blanc tale.

"Wicked: For Good"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 13:40:28 +0000

Last year's Wicked: Part One, despite its shortcomings, was bolstered by infectious energy, powerhouse performances, and bop-worthy songs. Can this year's followup, For Good, pull off the same magic trick again? Once again, our resident Wicked fan faces off with the two laymen of the podcast to review the second half of the hit adaptation.

"Die My Love"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, Amir Touray) — Wed, 3 Dec 2025 04:21:55 +0000

Two of our hosts watch their first Lynne Ramsay film with Die My Love, a relationship thriller that tests the boundaries of expression with its D+ CinemaScore and divisive reactions. In Die My Love, new mother Grace (Jennifer Lawrence) molds away at home while her aloof husband Jackson (Robert Pattinson) is at work. With only her baby, a barking dog, and her own thoughts to keep her company, she begins to unravel. We discuss its mixed reception, the economics of auteurism, and dive deeper into our fractured consensus on the film.

"Frankenstein"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 20:39:35 +0000

Guillermo del Toro's long-gestating passion project, Frankenstein, is here. Perhaps one of the famed Mexican filmmaker's greatest influences, Mary Shelley's horrifying creature once again graces the big screen, this time with del Toro's signature, gothic sensibilities. We discuss the monster's history, its many adaptations, and review its latest incarnation.

"Bugonia"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, Amir Touray) — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 03:30:11 +0000

After our Luca Guadagnino episode, we are continuing our coverage of director in their "pump 'em out" phase with Yorgos Lanthimos' third film in as many years — Bugonia. Once again re-teaming with his muse Emma Stone, Lanthimos delivers an uproarious, mean-spirited conspiracy thriller. We discuss director jail, an updated rundown of Lanthimos' filmography, and a review of the film.

"After the Hunt"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Wed, 5 Nov 2025 00:05:45 +0000

Luca Guadagnino directs his third movie in two years with After the Hunt. A "cancel culture" drama set in 2019, Guadagnino's latest collides academia with an attempted snapshot of the #MeToo era. Will it complete a barn burner trifecta after Challengers and Queer last year? Or is 2025 too late to put the finger on the pulse of 2019? Tune in and find out.

What We're Watching, Fall 2025

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 18:40:08 +0000

As we head into a jam-packed end of 2025, we give a refreshed list of what we're looking forward to, plus a little rundown of what we've been watching on both the big and small screens. Some topics from our lowkey hangout episode: HBO's Peacemaker, Alien: Earth, The Smashing Machine, and a rundown of New York Film Festival.

"The Long Walk"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 19:58:25 +0000

Short and sweet episode this week as Derek is on a much-deserved vacation. Jeff and Amir give a quick review of The Long Walk, the latest Stephen King adaptation. A movie that grew with its buzz, it features some of the best performances of the year in Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson, but is it enough to carry its relatively simple premise for 108 minutes? Plus, an in-depth discussion of a long history of Stephen King movies.

"One Battle After Another"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Sun, 5 Oct 2025 13:36:23 +0000

"No fear. Like Tom f---ing Cruise." One Battle After Another is Paul Thomas Anderson like you've never seen him before. Gripping you from the first second of its barnburner opening montage, Anderson synthesizes his typical mastery of emotional stakes with the very unexpected: action chops. We discuss his love for Terminator 2, another all-timer Leonardo DiCaprio performance, and the star turn of one Chase Infiniti. Even middle-of-the-road PTA is good enough for a spot in the best of the decade. Hell, make it two decades.

"Highest 2 Lowest"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 19:19:52 +0000

This week we review Highest 2 Lowest, Spike Lee's brazen remake of the 1963 black and white Akira Kurosawa classic, High and Low. A divisive movie with its own modern mind apart from its predecessor, Highest 2 Lowest split audiences at Cannes this year and has now split us on the podcast as well. Akira Kurosawa at the height of his power or Spike Lee's late style curio? We talk about aging masters, baffling scores, and Lee's storied oeuvre as a whole.

2025 Summer Box Office Wager Results

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray, Derek Wong) — Sat, 20 Sep 2025 14:55:54 +0000

It's that time of year again where we reveal the winner of our annual summer box office wager. Amir has taken the crown since the 2023 inception of this standing contest among hosts. Will he do it again this year? Or can Derek or Jeff finally win one? We discuss the movies of the summer: surprise hits, dark horse picks, and the biggest disappointments. Plus, a brief recap of the Emmys.

"Caught Stealing"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 03:11:11 +0000

Darren Aronofsky follows up his divisive Oscar-winner, The Whale, with a throwback to 90s capers. Caught Stealing is an After Hours pastiche without any ego and a studio potboiler aimed right down the middle of the road, it just happens to star one of the most charismatic casts assembled in 2025. Jeff and Derek discuss the star power of Austin Butler, the few surprises the film has in store, and this strange departure from Aronofsky's typical auteurism. Tune in!

"Alien: Earth"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Fri, 5 Sep 2025 01:00:38 +0000

Xenomorphs get the prestige television treatment with Noah Hawley's Alien: Earth. Mashing up extraterrestrial horror with corpo-palace intrigue, the eight-episode first season looks to expand the world of the Ridley Scott classic. Does Hawley's acclaimed pedigree with Legion and Fargo hold promise for his new series? We review the first five episodes.

"Weapons"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 21:11:57 +0000

Zach Cregger follows up his 2022 surprise hit Barbarian with another bout of sneaky horror with Weapons. Centered around a town grappling with a singular classroom of missing children, Cregger's sophomore feature-length film turns a microscope into a Fresnel lens to heat up the rot of an empathy-starved community: safety, routine, and comfort crumbling into dust amidst hidden dangers and inexplicable tragedy. The question is, does it stick the landing? Tune in to our review to find out.

"Eddington"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, Amir Touray) — Sat, 9 Aug 2025 23:28:00 +0000

Leaving Cannes critics perplexed and polarized this spring, Ari Aster's Eddington takes aim at the fabric of the American zeitgeist. Is it the defining finger on the pulse of COVID-abetted brain rot? Or is it as groan-worthy as an "Ari Aster COVID movie" sounds? We discuss the film, Aster's filmography, and the prospect of assembling a political perspective through a fractured, dogshit Internet.

"The Fantastic Four: First Steps"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Mon, 4 Aug 2025 11:30:33 +0000

New Earth. Fresh start. The MCU's latest brings Marvel's First Family to the big screen in a retro-futuristic, sci-fi epic. Will a red-hot, A-list cast and a heavy-hitting, non-cloud Galactus finally give The Fantastic Four the movie it deserves? Or will a flagging franchise's recent pain points once again prove that Marvel is running out of steam? Tune in as we review The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

"28 Years Later"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Sat, 26 Jul 2025 17:59:41 +0000

As Jeff calls it on his Letterboxd review: "A movie of surprisingly gentle compassion but also dudes getting their entire spinal columns hauled out of their neck holes." This week we review the reunion of Danny Boyle, Alex Garland, and Anthony Dod Mantle for 28 Years Later, over two decades after 28 Days Later changed the zombie genre forever. We talk about the film's emotional surprises, its misleading trailer, and its franchise future. Tune in!

"Superman"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:58:31 +0000

James Gunn stewards a new DC Cinematic Universe with the hotly anticipated Superman. Starring David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Nathan Fillion, and Edi Gathegi, this new version of the Big Blue Boy Scout attempts to turn over a new leaf for a floundering franchise by taking pages from a rich tapestry of comics. Is it successful? We review the film, rank the silver screen Supermen, and talk about the future of DC at the movies.

"Ballerina" and "F1"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Sat, 12 Jul 2025 20:12:27 +0000

Jeff is on vacation this week, so it's up to Derek and Amir to pull off the rare double feature episode. In a week of dueling popcorn blockbusters, which crowdpleaser — John Wick spinoff Ballerina or racing drama F1 — will reign supreme? We talk Ana De Armas, Brad Pitt, and the highs and lows of both movies.

"Materialists"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Fri, 4 Jul 2025 04:54:43 +0000

Celine Song's followup to 2023's gem Past Lives explores the world of matchmaking through a spin on the classic love triangle. Song turns her signature gentle tension on its head with a take on modern dating and transactional matrimony. Is it successful? Will lightning strike twice for the Oscar-nominated filmmaker? Tune in and find out...

What We're Watching, Summer 2025

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 20:31:27 +0000

This installment of our What We're Watching series is a television catchup episode, where we discuss two big, recent hits — both in their second seasons — that we just haven't had time to cover in full: The Last of Us and The Rehearsal. Both headliners for Max (soon to be HBO Max again), the two series' sophomore seasons take giant swings. Do they connect? Listen to our review now.

"Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Wed, 4 Jun 2025 03:06:15 +0000

Arguably one of the best action franchises of all time comes to a presumed end with Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning. Somehow, the most divisive entry yet, Christopher McQuarrie and Tom Cruise's latest attempt to save movies as champions of the analog finds Ethan Hunt once again fighting the rogue AI known as The Entity. Are its two barnburner stunt extravaganza's enough to stick the franchise's landing? Find out as we discuss our rankings, fan service, and the quest to preserve the moviegoing experience altogether.

"Andor" Season 2

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Fri, 23 May 2025 17:03:22 +0000

Critically-acclaimed Andor has returned. Politically sophisticated and emotionally bracing, Tony Gilroy's Star Wars series about the birth of a rebellion has returned for a second and final season. Does it live up to its first season's incredible highs and adult-minded storytelling? We discuss and review the show, its odd release schedule, and where it ranks within the shaky Star Wars canon.

"Thunderbolts"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Mon, 12 May 2025 00:20:33 +0000

2025 Summer Box Office Wager

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Sun, 4 May 2025 18:38:18 +0000

It's that time of the year again where we make our friendly bet on the season's box office results. After two years in a row of Amir taking the bag, Derek and Jeff are trying extra hard in 2025 to take down the reigning champ, but will everyone's lists be different enough? Tune in as we predict the winners, losers, and wild cards of the summer.

"Sinners"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Sun, 27 Apr 2025 17:54:10 +0000

Ryan Coogler's Sinners is one of the year's best films: a purposefully messy vampire metaphor just overflowing with passion and ideas, painted across a tapestry of folklore, diegetic blues, and epic horror. It’s why we go to the movies. We discuss its deep roster of incredible performances and its myriad of themes that catapult it beyond standard bloodsucker fare.

"The Pitt"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray, Derek Wong) — Sat, 19 Apr 2025 02:18:59 +0000

On this week's podcast, we review the latest streaming sensation on Max and the spiritual successor to ER, The Pitt. A medical drama like no other, the series prides itself on its realism and its real-time, 15-episode conceit. It just so happens that one of our co-hosts, Dr. Amir Touray, is well-equipped to review the series in a way most of us aren't able to. How accurate is the show? Is this the best new series of 2025? Tune in and find out.

"A Working Man"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, Amir Touray) — Fri, 4 Apr 2025 00:12:50 +0000

Director David Ayer re-teams with Jason Statham for another professionally titled actioner: A Working Man. Following up last year's The Beekeeper, will the duo recapture the absurd magic of their debut? We review the film and discuss the careers of both Ayer and Statham.

"Daredevil: Born Again"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, Amir Touray) — Sun, 30 Mar 2025 02:52:35 +0000

For our first television episode of 2025, we review the long-anticipated revival of Marvel's Man Without Fear — Daredevil: Born Again. Is the new series able to find the best version of itself despite extensive reshoots and behind-the-scenes shakeups? Charlie Cox and Vincent D'Onofrio slip back into the roles like a pair of comfortable shoes, but is it enough to carry it all? Tune in and find out our thoughts.

"Black Bag"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 20:32:03 +0000

This week, we review director Steven Soderbergh's second film to be released in as many months. Black Bag sure is steamy — Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett playing married spooks certainly heightens its seductiveness — but its real heat lies in its surprising juxtaposition, honing in on a passionate kernel of loyalty and devotion within a sea of spy-versus-spy cynicism: the ultimate, lean expression of “couple goals.” We talk about its razor-sharp screenplay, riveting performances, and unexpected economy.

"Mickey 17"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 18:38:01 +0000

It's been six long years since the last Bong Joon-ho film, Parasite, swept through the 2020 Oscars, including the prize of Best Picture. A beloved filmmaker that has brought us both intimate, grounded thrillers as well as propulsive genre yarn, Bong Joon-ho is once again dipping his toe into sci-fi class warfare with Mickey 17. Featuring Robert Pattinson in multiple roles and another "freaky little guy" routine, does Mickey 17 continue the South Korean director's streak of bracing storytelling?

The 97th Oscars Recap

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 6 Mar 2025 21:30:39 +0000

A welcome respite from Jimmy Kimmel's irony-pilled sarcasm, the 97th annual Academy Awards found late-night legend Conan O'Brien in the host chair. Jeff, Derek, and Amir break down the broadcast and the nominees, from the winners to the losers, the graceful to the ugly. We discuss Anora's historic evening, a weird in-memoriam tribute, and the longest acceptance speech in Oscar history.

"The Monkey"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 22:16:58 +0000

This week, after a long month of lists, recaps, and Oscar nominated heavy hitters, we lighten the mood with the gory, splatter-filled Stephen King adaptation of The Monkey. Oz Perkins' second film in a year, The Monkey stars both Theo James and Christian Convery in dual roles, Tatiana Maslany, Colin O'Brien, Adam Scott, and Elijah Wood. Does Perkins follow up last summer's Longlegs with a potent mashup of Final Destination and Stephen King? Or does this horror comedy fizzle out?

"The Brutalist"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 16:09:16 +0000

It's incredibly easy to overpraise something like Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist just for its degree of difficulty and the unlikelihood of it even existing, but it’s the real deal: a living Great American Novel plucked from time. We sit down and review the three-and-a-half-hour epic - complete with intermission - and discuss its performances, ambition, and staggering scope.

"Nickel Boys"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Sat, 8 Feb 2025 22:11:33 +0000

This week we review RaMell Ross's Nickel Boys, an adaptation of Colson Whitehead's novel of the same name. The story of two Black boys who form an unshakeable bond at a segregated reform school in the Jim Crow South, Nickel Boys transcends its first person conceit, its Oscar-bait trappings, and the swerve of its twist ending to deliver a major work of American cinema. Keep an eye on this one.

The Most Anticipated Films of 2025

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 18:17:24 +0000

As per tradition, we follow up the best of 2024 with our Most Anticipated Films of 2025 episode as Jeff, Derek, and Amir list what's got them excited going into the new year. Running the gamut of indie gems to the massive blockbusters, tune in to find out what's on our hotlist for 2025!

The Best Films of 2024

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 17:21:48 +0000

Another year of cinema in the rear view as we count down our personal top tens of 2024. A year that highlighted the limits of accessibility for some of its best films, 2024 gave us the most varied lists we've ever had on the show with showings across all genres. What made Jeff, Derek, and Amir's lists? What were honorable mentions? Tune in and find out.

"Juror #2"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 02:19:18 +0000

At 94-years young, Clint Eastwood is still going strong with his latest meat-and-potatoes legal thriller, Juror #2. Featuring a murderers' row of actors and a premise to die for, is Eastwood's latest just a redux of your dad's favorite movie from the mid 90s? Or is there something more than meets the eye?

"Nosferatu"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Sat, 4 Jan 2025 15:57:33 +0000

Happy new year! We ring in 2025 by reviewing podcast favorite filmmaker Robert Eggers' latest historical horror: his grim vision of the vampire classic, Nosferatu. We talk vampires, Dracula, and Eggers' slavish devotion to granular detail. Does it continue his streak of bracing period terror, or is it more of a hindrance this time around? Tune in and find out.

"Anora"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, Amir Touray) — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 03:43:27 +0000

This week, we review Cannes and awards season darling Anora. Another exploration of director Sean Baker's working class milieus, this story of a fiery stripper who falls in with an immature son of Russian oligarch is a barnburner showcase for Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, and Yura Borisov. Does it live up to its festival hype?

"The Beast"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 02:38:29 +0000

For better or worse, Bertrand Bonello's The Beast is one of the most memorable movies of 2024. A discombobulating sci-fi trip through time that stars Lea Seydoux and George Mackay, it explodes the kernel of loneliness at the center of Henry James' 1903 novella - The Beast in the Jungle - into something much more...perplexing.

"Gladiator II" and "Wicked"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Toura, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Sat, 7 Dec 2024 00:25:42 +0000

2024's challenger to last year's "Barbenheimer" phenomenon is here in the form of the Gladiator II and Wicked double feature. We review both highly anticipated films, and our discussion just might surprise you! Tune in and find out!

"Conclave"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Sat, 23 Nov 2024 03:00:06 +0000

This week we review Edward Berger's Conclave, a papal conspiracy thriller in the guise of a serious business, hiding a goofed-up B-movie underneath. We talk about its twists and turns, its murderers' row of a cast, and its absolutely preposterous ending. Will this make our best-of-the-year lists? Tune in and find out!

"A Different Man"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Sat, 16 Nov 2024 03:04:19 +0000

This week, we review Aaron Schimberg's under-the-radar indie darling, A Different Man, an unlikely companion piece to this year's The Substance and may even overtake it as the essential 2024 text on self-hatred and the self-wounding blade of wish fulfillment. Effortlessly smart without an ounce of ostentatious force, this is a movie with a million layers underneath its cruel, nasty joke of getting exactly what you want. Tune in to our review!

"Red Rooms"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Fri, 8 Nov 2024 21:52:44 +0000

This week we review Pascal Plante's Red Rooms, an under-the-radar indie that's taken the horrorsphere by storm. A serial killer thriller that finds power in its restraint and shocking prescience, Red Rooms is an evil — yet vital — film to understand the stranglehold of postmodern, screen-abetted detachment. We discuss our culture of macabre obsessions, parasocial madness, and growing numbness, as well as Juliette Gariépy’s incredible performance at the center of this film.

"The Penguin"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 20:16:51 +0000

This week we review the new Max series continuing Matt Reeves' The Batman saga: The Penguin. Starring Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz, and Clancy Brown, the eight-episode miniseries details Oz Cobb's rise from Gotham nobody to connected crime boss. We review the first five episodes.

"Joker: Folie à Deux

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 19:29:31 +0000

This week, we review Todd Phillips' highly anticipated sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux. Is it a misbegotten misfire? Or is it a movie with a strange set of balls? Is it both? We discuss its interesting metatext, spiteful movies, and the odd throughline between Joker 2 and Megalopolis.

"Megalopolis"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray, Derek Wong) — Fri, 4 Oct 2024 15:28:41 +0000

Self-financed and over 40 years in the making, Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis is the most divisive movie of the year. Is it an unmitigated disaster or an old master's magnum opus? Or is it somewhere in between? We're all divided on this one, but we can all agree on one thing: you've never seen anything like this before, and you might not ever again.

"The Substance"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff ZHang, Amir Touray, Derek Wong) — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 20:47:27 +0000

Once again transmogrifying old-school exploitation into her own feminist styling of New French Extremity, Coralie Fargeat trades in the empowered bloodletting of 2018’s Revenge for body horror. Your mileage may vary with The Substance, but whether you wince, cackle, or simply abandon the theater out of disgust, one thing is quite clear: it's quite unforgettable.

"Rebel Ridge"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 04:36:08 +0000

Director Jeremy Saulnier follows up his brutal downers of Green Room and Hold the Dark with a politically angry new action thriller. With a star-making turn from actor Aaron Pierre, Rebel Ridge rides into the pantheon of contemporary suspense in ways that might be surprising, especially if you're expecting more sanguine violence from Saulnier. We discuss all the ways Rebel Ridge subverts your typical action tropes to deliver something fresh.

"Life After Fighting"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 23:59:49 +0000

It's a deeper cut this week as we dive straight into a smaller, VOD action gem with Bren Foster's kinetic martial arts actioner, Life After Fighting. We review this by-your-bootstraps indie gem that puts big budget blockbusters to shame with its brutal confidence and unbelievable choreography. We're giving away what we thought about it right here, but that's because we want all of you action fans to see this immediately.

"Alien: Romulus"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 00:51:18 +0000

Fede Álvarez takes over the reins of Xenomorph terror with Alien: Romulus. In this episode, we review the first Alien movie in seven years, and the first in over a decade to depart from series godfather Ridley Scott. Does Álvarez chart his own path with his tense, gorehound pedigree from Evil Dead and Don't Breathe? Or is it just a rehash of better movies before it? Listen and find out.

"Trap"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 19:52:42 +0000

It's not an M. Night Shyamalan film without some divisiveness. We discuss his new Josh Hartnett vehicle, Trap, his late career stylings, and the pros and cons of his heightened realities. Is Trap one of Shyamalan's best? Or is it another dud?

"House of the Dragon" Season 2

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 8 Aug 2024 16:04:21 +0000

We return to television this week to conduct a postmortem on the controversial second season of HBO's House of the Dragon. The Game of Thrones spinoff has its fans split down the middle with a divisive finale, and season in general, as the Greens and Blacks head to war. We discuss the contention at the center of the series' reception, as well as give our own differing thoughts.

"Deadpool & Wolverine"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Fri, 2 Aug 2024 20:04:15 +0000

Deadpool joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe proper in Shawn Levy's Deadpool & Wolverine. Or does he? We review the 34th film in the MCU. Can the Merc with the Mouth and the wayward X-Man band together to save Marvel's flagging Multiverse fortunes? Or is it just another parade of cameos and fan service?

"Twisters"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 20:50:53 +0000

Sequel, reboot, re-quel, revival, whatever you call it, Twisters is here. We review Lee Isaac Chung's followup to the 1996 smash hit. Does it avoid legacy sequel traps, or does it lean into them? Does the summer of Glen Powell continue? Tune in and find out!

"Longlegs"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 02:17:25 +0000

Oz Perkins' fourth feature-length horror film rides upon a wave of hype. From its cryptic teasers to the hyperbolic reception as "one of the scariest movies ever," Longlegs has quite a reputation to live up to. Is it really something special? Or is it just a hodgepodge pastiche of better movies? Tune in and find out.

"A Quiet Place: Day One"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, Amir Touray) — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 23:38:48 +0000

Another week, another prequel. We review A Quiet Place: Day One, directed by pod favorite filmmaker Michael Sarnoski (Pig). Will a new Quiet Place away from the Abbott Family sidestep prequel doldrums? Will Sarnoski once again subvert genre convention with the human element? Tune in and find out!

"The Bikeriders"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray, Derek Wong) — Sat, 6 Jul 2024 23:16:01 +0000

Just through star power alone, Jeff Nichols' The Bikeriders is an elegy for the home of a band of outsiders and misfits, eroded by time into something much more sinister and encroaching. We discuss the trio of movie stars at the film's center and its surprising power through familiar tropes.

"Bad Boys: Ride or Die"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 23:50:59 +0000

The fourth installment of the Bad Boys franchise finds Mike Lowery (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence) on the run from a criminal conspiracy. 2020's Bad Boys For Life struck gold with new directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah taking over the action reins from Michael Bay. Will they succeed again? Tune in and find out.

"Hit Man"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray, Derek Wong) — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 00:40:14 +0000

Funny and sexy cinema is back! This week, we tackle Richard Linklater's latest film: Hit Man. We discuss the filmmaker's storied oeuvre, the film's capital "M" movie star performances in Glen Powell and Adria Arjona, and its knottier-than-expected questions of identity. It's steamy, uproarious, and just a little twisted.

"Interview with the Vampire" Season 2

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 6 Jun 2024 23:36:42 +0000

One of the best shows on TV finally makes its return. This week, we review the first four episodes of Interview with the Vampire's second season. The second season finds Louis and Claudia on the run after supposedly killing Lestat, and the pair travel the world in search of more of their own kind. Does the new season live up to the series' pristine reputation?

"Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Fri, 31 May 2024 01:16:42 +0000

George Miller has huge shoes to fill: his own. A follow-up to one of the best action movies ever made, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is a long-awaited prequel to the 2015 high-octane whirlwind. Nearly a decade later, does Miller have what it takes to live up to an impossible standard, or is he doing something completely different? Tune in and find out.

2024 Summer Box Office Wager

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Fri, 24 May 2024 00:08:21 +0000

We are back with our second annual Summer Box Office Wager! After our disastrous guesses last year (bad for us, entertaining for you), we're back for another round of predicting this season's biggest movies. Have we learned our lessons? Or will we miss big again? Find out and follow along!

Catching Up With "X-Men '97"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Sat, 18 May 2024 00:06:18 +0000

Back by popular demand, we're catching up with Marvel's hit animated series: X-Men '97. We spent the first episode praising the first stretch of the season for its freshness and surprisingly mature handling of its mutant heroes. Does it stick the landing? We review the rest of the season and its sprawling three-part finale.

"Challengers" with Ashley Zhang

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Fri, 10 May 2024 19:08:18 +0000

This week, we review Luca Guadagnino's electrically charged tennis drama, Challengers. Joined by special guest Ashley Zhang, we discuss the trinity of great performances from Zendaya, Mike Faust, and Josh O'Connor, as well as sing our praises for a rare blockbuster-level crowdpleaser that’s still full of blood, vitality, and texture.

"Immaculate" and "The First Omen"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Fri, 3 May 2024 01:07:31 +0000

It's nun week as we head into a rare double feature episode, this time covering Michael Mohan's Immaculate and Arkasha Stevenson's The First Omen. Nunsploitation is back! Or is it? We tackle these twin movies with eerily similar subject matters and themes, both movies centered around young novitiates who uncover sinister conspiracies within their convents. It's a nun showdown. Which horror movie will come out on top? Listen to find out!

"Civil War"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 02:36:39 +0000

This week we are talking about Alex Garland’s new film, Civil War. A movie that attempts to sidestep politics to tell a story about wartime journalists, Garland’s latest is another stab at ambitious speculative fiction. We discuss its touted "apoliticism," its technical prowess, and its treatise on the state of journalism. Does it succeed, and more importantly, does it actually have anything to say? Tune in and find out.

"Monkey Man"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 01:29:43 +0000

This week, we review Dev Patel's debut as director and action star: Monkey Man. A passion project years in the making marred by delays and production troubles only to be saved last-minute by producer Jordan Peele, Patel's kinetic actioner has plenty to prove. Can it rise above its muddled storytelling to deliver its throat punches and kicks in the teeth? Tune in and find out.

“X-Men '97”

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Thu, 4 Apr 2024 21:09:09 +0000

Obvious nostalgia bait or the start of something special? This week we're discussing the Disney Plus revival of X-Men: The Animated Series. Bringing back the iconic series right where the original left off over 25 years ago, X-Men '97 reunites new and old talent for Marvel's first big push for mutants before the live action movie.

"Love Lies Bleeding"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 01:18:42 +0000

This week we review director Rose Glass' sophomore feature, Love Lies Bleeding. A lesbian crime thriller in the vein of The Wachowskis' Bound, the film stars Kristen Stewart, Katy O'Brian, Ed Harris, Jena Malone, and Dave Franco. Does it live up to Glass' searing debut, 2019's Saint Maud? Tune in and find out.

The 96th Oscars Recap

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 19:48:44 +0000

We're a week late, but here's our coverage of the 96th annual Academy Awards in the year of Barbenheimer. As usual, we discuss snubs, surprises, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Who won? Who should've won? Once again, we give the rundown.

"Dune: Part Two"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray, Derek Wong) — Sat, 9 Mar 2024 04:24:48 +0000

The long-awaited Dune: Part Two is finally here. Does director Denis Villeneuve land all the wondrous, brutalist tableaus thrown in the air over three years ago with Part One? Does he successfully merge dense, sci-fi imagemaking with Frank Herbert’s heady and prescient themes? We review Dune: Part Two.

The Most Anticipated Films of 2024

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Fri, 1 Mar 2024 01:48:23 +0000

Starting a new tradition this year, this is our first annual "Most Anticipated Films" episode. We put forth our individual ballots for what we're most excited for, culminating in a list of 15 movies that are on our radars.

"Mr. & Mrs. Smith"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Sun, 11 Feb 2024 14:46:08 +0000

Our first television episode in a while and the first of 2024, we're reviewing the new Amazon Prime Video series from creators Donald Glover and Francesca Sloane: Mr. & Mrs. Smith. A reimagining of the 2005 hit movie (and a short-lived 1996 television show), the series follow John (Donald Glover) and Jane (Maya Erskine), two spies who agree to complete espionage missions under the cover of marriage. Is the new Mr. & Mrs. Smith another tepid remake, or does it forge a new - more interesting - path?

The Best Films of 2023

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, Amir Touray) — Sun, 4 Feb 2024 19:49:54 +0000

2023: a tumultuous, but also exciting year for cinema that saw the bottoms fall out of once unstoppable franchises and the rise of new and old masters. Characterized by surprise blockbusters, stinging excavations of the human condition, and a few bold oddities, this year was a cornucopia of great film. This is always our favorite episode to do every year, so tune in to our hot and cold takes as we count down our favorite movies of the year.

"Poor Things"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray, Derek Wong) — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 20:30:47 +0000

Our lead-up to The Best Films of 2023 episode continues as we cover Yorgos' Lanthimos' ribald, fisheye fantasy: Poor Things. Is it the Greek filmmaker's most accessible film? We talk Emma Stone, fearless performances, and the sweetly demented world constructed for this raunchy coming-of-age fable.

"The Holdovers"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, & Amir Touray) — Sat, 13 Jan 2024 00:25:39 +0000

The feel good film that took holiday moviegoers by storm, Alexander Payne's The Holdovers follows a cranky history teacher at a remote prep school that is forced to remain on campus over the holidays with a troubled student who has no place to go. We discuss the trifecta of affecting performances in Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, and first-time performer Dominic Sessa, as well as all the awards they're picking up.

"Ferrari"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Sat, 6 Jan 2024 02:32:42 +0000

"Two objects cannot occupy the same point in space or the same moment in time.” Michael Mann’s Ferrari disguises the fissures of masculinity in the typical rhythms of biographical fare, but does it fit in with the famed director's late oeuvre of between-the-lines human feeling? We discuss the movie, Adam Driver, Penelope Cruz, and its shocking racing scenes.

"Silent Night"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Sat, 23 Dec 2023 01:33:16 +0000

Action maestro John Woo is back with his first stateside movie in 20 years, Silent Night. A dialogue-free revenge flick soaked in blood, chrome, and improvised explosives, the film finds Joel Kinnaman on a one-man quest to take down those responsible for the death of his son. Is Woo back and better than ever? Or has he lost his touch. We discuss.

"Godzilla Minus One"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 21:56:10 +0000

This week, Derek, Amir, and Jeff sit down with the latest Toho monster flick to wash up on American shores, Godzilla Minus One. A Japanese film that has taken the U.S. box office by storm, Minus One combines disaster movie spectacle with a surprisingly strong human element. We review the movie and discuss its anti-war messaging, its shockingly low budget, and our favorite Godzilla films.

"May December"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Fri, 8 Dec 2023 19:39:52 +0000

A thorny balancing act of different tones that drills straight into sordid psychodrama and the elusive nature of performance, Todd Haynes’ May December is high wire cinema at its finest. We review the film and dive deep into the trinity of powerhouses that is Julianne Moore, Natalie Portman, and Charles Melton.

"The Marvels"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 13:07:16 +0000

This week, Derek, Amir, and Jeff review Nia DaCosta's The Marvels, the 33rd entry in a flagging Marvel Cinematic Universe. With the three leads of Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, and Iman Vellani, it's certainly aiming higher, further, and faster. But is it another Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3? Or is it another Quantumania? We discuss.

"The Killer"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 23:58:45 +0000

David Fincher returns with his take on the hitman yarn with The Killer. Starring Michael Fassbender as the titular assassin whose world is turned upside down after a botched job, Fincher's latest strips down the archetype to its nuts and bolts. Is it a minor entry in the perfectionist director's legendary oeuvre? Or are there hidden layers underneath its simple veneer? Tune in to our review of The Killer.

"Priscilla"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 00:33:53 +0000

Sofia Coppola aims her dreamlike sights at Elvis Presley with Priscilla, a not-quite biopic of its titular Queen of Rock and Roll. The perfect convergence of subject matter and a filmmaker’s particular wheelhouse, Coppola’s spotlight on the wife of Elvis Presley twists the director’s potent examinations of girlhood adolescence with the nightmare of being groomed by an American legend. A dark, potent B-side to last year's Elvis.

"Killers of the Flower Moon"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Thu, 2 Nov 2023 23:02:19 +0000

This week, we take a look at Martin Scorsese's three-and-a-half-hour epic tragedy, Killers of the Flower Moon. A deliberate indictment of insidious American exceptionalism, the film explores an oft-overlooked atrocity from the country's ignoble past. Focusing on a real-life conspiracy of murder to rob the Indigenous Osage of Oklahoma of their wealth, Killers of the Flower Moon is another compelling chapter in Scorsese's late style. Does it stack up against his recent masterworks of Silence and The Irishman? Tune in to our review.

"Saw X"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 00:40:14 +0000

Director Kevin Greutert returns to the franchise that birthed his feature-length career with Saw X, a precise and brutal affair that knows exactly what its audience wants. Tobin Bell returns as John Kramer and Shawnee Smith returns as Amanda Young in this punch-in-the-arm midquel, but is it enough to revitalize the series?

"The Creator"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Thu, 5 Oct 2023 23:20:41 +0000

Star Wars: Rogue One director Gareth Edwards returns with his sprawling, sci-fi epic, The Creator. Breathing rarefied air as an original, non-IP, non-sequel, non-franchise movie, Edwards new vision finds itself sitting in an uphill, cinematic landscape. Does it deliver on its buzzed-about promise?

"No One Will Save You"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 23:30:36 +0000

This week we are reviewing Hulu's buzzy alien abduction thriller, Bryan Duffield's No One Will Save You. With white-knuckle suspense and a stylish dialogue-free conceit, can the film sustain its bravura across 93 minutes? Tune in and find out what we thought.

"A Haunting in Venice"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Sat, 23 Sep 2023 02:42:29 +0000

Kenneth Branagh returns for a third installment of his Agatha Christie adaptations with A Haunting in Venice. Is the third time the charm for this lukewarm franchise of diminishing returns? Is Kenneth Branagh in his flop era, or is he finally cooking with gas? We investigate and review A Haunting in Venice.

Hollywood On Strike

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 22:29:32 +0000

This week, in lieu of covering a movie or show, we are delivering a primer on the concurrent WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in Hollywood. We talk about wage disparities, worsening working conditions, the inequities in residual payments from digital platform, and the blurring line between journalist and promoter.

2023 Summer Box Office Wager Results

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, & Amir Touray) — Sat, 9 Sep 2023 01:35:55 +0000

With Labor Day, thus concludes our first Summer Box Office Wager, and the results are nothing short of...disastrous. Listen to how poorly we did predicting the Barbenheimer phenomenon, a recap of this summer's releases, as well as what we're looking forward to for the rest of the year.

"Talk to Me"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 12:16:47 +0000

This week on The Strange Harbors Podcast, we talk about the horror sensation of the year, Danny and Michael Phillipou's Talk to Me. When a group of friends get swept up in a viral trend of demonic possession, they become hooked on the new thrill — until one of them unleashes terrifying supernatural forces. Does Talk to Me live up to the hype? Tune in and find out.

"Barbie" with Ashley Zhang

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 02:35:19 +0000

Part two of our Barbenheimer extravaganza finds us in a world of dolls, fashion, and existential crises. With special guest Ashley Zhang, the show reviews Greta Gerwig's much-anticipated Barbie. We talk everything from Gerwig's much-lauded filmography to the state of IP-driven cinema. Is Barbie the high watermark? Or is it another shallow cash grab?

"Oppenheimer"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 20:48:21 +0000

Theory vs. practice. Creation vs. destruction. Christopher Nolan’s paradoxically sprawling, intimate Oppenheimer is a deconstruction of the “great man” biopic. Navigating the vast gulf between science and empathy, Nolan’s latest delivers a harrowing drama about the moral cost of unleashing upon the world the most horrible weapon it has ever known. Is it Nolan's best? Find out if Jeff and Derek see eye to eye.

"Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Tue, 18 Jul 2023 01:39:10 +0000

Christopher McQuarrie returns to the Mission: Impossible franchise, along with the president of movies himself, Tom Cruise. The last movie star's crusade for analog supremacy finally becomes text as the IMF team battles a sinister AI. What death-defying stunts await in Dead Reckoning Part One? Tune in and find out as we barrel through the setpieces and the franchise itself.

"Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, & Amir Touray) — Thu, 6 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000

This week, Derek and Amir review the fifth movie in the Indiana Jones franchise, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. A departure from previous installments, James Mangold takes the reins from Steven Spielberg. This time, we follow along as Indiana Jones must work alongside his goddaughter, played by the talented Phoebe Waller-Bridge, as they race against a nefarious foe in search of a legendary artifact that could change the course of history.

"Past Lives"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 03:02:58 +0000

This week, Jeff and Derek review Celine Song's feature film debut, Past Lives. A quiet, restrained movie about roads not taken and choices we make, Past Lives follows Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends separated after Nora's family emigrates from South Korea. Decades later, they are reunited for one fateful week as they confront destiny, love and the choices that make a life.

"The Flash"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 22:55:55 +0000

The DC Extended Universe winds down with the long-gestating solo outing for its resident speedster: The Flash. Can the film overcome its controversial star and troubled production to deliver the definitive Barry Allen story? Will it crumble under the fan service of its relentless cameos, or will it score another win for multiverse storytelling? Tune in and find out our thoughts!

"Lake Mungo"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 15:02:15 +0000

We're taking a break from new releases this week to celebrate the 15th anniversary of one of Jeff's favorite horror movies, the 2008 cult sleeper: Lake Mungo. A profoundly sad exploration of grief, guilt, and the secrets we keep from the ones we love most, Lake Mungo is a gut punch disguised as a ghost story mockumentary.

"Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Thu, 8 Jun 2023 23:15:56 +0000

The highly anticipated Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is finally here. With huge shoes to fill in a changing cinematic zeitgeist, does this Spider sequel live up to its acclaimed predecessor? We discuss the new film's groundbreaking artistry and keen deconstruction of wall crawler’s metafiction.

"Fast X"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, & Amir Touray) — Fri, 26 May 2023 01:04:33 +0000

The Fast and the Furious franchise has never met a villain it couldn't reform, a dead fan favorite it couldn't resurrect. After blasting off into space in the last movie, does the series still have the sauce or has it jumped the shark? We review the latest adventure of Vin Diesel's ridiculous family, discuss its ham sandwich of a villain, and muse about all the surprising returns in the movie.

2023 Summer Box Office Wager

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Thu, 18 May 2023 20:45:58 +0000

The start of a new Strange Harbors Podcast tradition begins here with our first annual summer box office wager. Jeff, Derek, and Amir write in their ballots for what they think will be the top ten biggest movies this summer. Can the Disney juggernaut be toppled? Will Top Gun mania boost Mission: Impossible? Is the Transformers series cooked? Come listen to our lively discussion on the biggest movies of the year.

"Beau Is Afraid"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Fri, 12 May 2023 23:27:57 +0000

This week, we dive into horror maestro Ari Asters latest film, the wildly divisive Beau Is Afraid. Coined by the filmmaker as a Jewish Lord of the Rings about a man visiting his mother, Beau Is Afraid is the ultimate subversion of the mommy issues monomyth. We talk dream logic, the film's surprising humor, and the hero's journey. Is Ari Aster three for three? Tune in and find out!

"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Wed, 10 May 2023 00:51:54 +0000

What's the best MCU trilogy? Where does Guardians of the Galaxy land? We're reviewing Vol. 3 this week, and It’s one last hurrah as the Guardians race against the clock to save a grievously injured teammate, touring through James Gunn’s warped imagination in a surprisingly personal goodbye.

"Evil Dead Rise"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 21:25:36 +0000

This week, we're talking guts, gore, and Deadite fun with Lee Cronin's Evil Dead Rise. The latest installment of the Evil Dead franchise that originated with Sam Raimi's highly-regarded trilogy from 1981 to 1992, this new film transplants the cabin in the woods terror to a condemned LA high-rise. We run through our rankings of the series and the nasty surprises the new film has in store. Come get some.

"How to Blow Up a Pipeline"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 23:31:21 +0000

This week, we discuss the indie drama-slash-thriller How to Blow Up a Pipeline. The surprise hit out of last year's Toronto Film Festival, Daniel Goldhaber's gutsy call to action about sabotage in the face of impending climate disaster finds a gripping, procedural heist within its incendiary message. But before we dive into the film we answer some listener mail, as we parse through our feelings about Netflix's Beef in the wake of the David Choe scandal.

"Beef"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 19:06:07 +0000

Road rage comes to Netflix in Lee Sung Jin's dark comedy, Beef. Starring Steven Yeun, Ali Wong, Young Mazino, Joseph Lee, and David Choe, the ten-episode series revolves around a down-on-his-luck contractor and a wealthy entrepreneur whose traffic run-in escalates into dangerous obsession. We talk about the series' mostly Asian cast, the pitfalls of representation, and the harmful Netflix binge model.

"Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Thu, 6 Apr 2023 23:15:53 +0000

Is Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves the first surprise hit of 2023? We sit down and discuss this breezy fantasy comedy, breaking down its surprising craft, uproarious gags, and who is the best Hollywood Chris.

"John Wick: Chapter 4"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 19:51:36 +0000

2023's first action movie extravaganza is here in John Wick: Chapter 4. The eagerly anticipated end (or is it?) of the John Wick saga pulls out all the stops, and we discuss this exhilarating, metal-as-hell ballet of bullets that blows the doors off action filmmaking.

The 95th Oscars Recap

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 12:54:17 +0000

Almost two weeks later, we discuss the 95th Academy Awards — winners, losers, triumphs, and gaffes. Letting the awards marinate, we cover Everything Everywhere All at Once's historic evening, as well as some of the surprises the ceremony had in store for us. Who won? Who should've won? We give the rundown.

"The Last of Us" Season Finale

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 00:38:51 +0000

This week, we wrap up our coverage of the first season of HBO's "The Last of Us." We run down its explosive final set piece, its cannibal-fueled lead-up, and recap all the things we loved - and didn't love - about this inaugural season.

"Creed III"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 17:24:46 +0000

Michael B. Jordan makes his directorial debut with the highly-anticipated "Creed III," the ninth installment of the "Rocky" franchise. With a whole new style without mainstay Sylvester Stallone, can Jordan pull off his anime-inspired, boxing vision? We review the film and take a look back at the long-running franchise.

"The Last of Us" Goes to the Mall

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Thu, 2 Mar 2023 20:36:44 +0000

Our journey through "The Last of Us" continues with our penultimate recap of the season, covering episodes 6 and 7, titled "Kin" and "Left Behind." A brief detour in Jackson, Wyoming leads to another devastating flashback, this time focusing on Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and her tragic past. We discuss the trajectory of the series right before the finale while Derek breaks down the expectations and reality of the series as it relates to the games.

"Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 20:04:04 +0000

The Marvel Cinematic Universe kicks off Phase Five with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. Jettisoning the fleet caper energy of the first two films, the latest Scott Lang adventure finds the titular shrinking hero at odds with a new multiverse-threatening big bad: Jonathan Majors' Kang the Conquerer. Is this new chapter for Marvel a fresh start? Or a dire miscalculation? Tune in and find out our thoughts.

A Kansas City Pitstop on "The Last of Us"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 03:12:17 +0000

After a critically acclaimed third episode of its first season, can HBO's The Last of Us keep its winning streak alive? We sit down and discuss episodes 4 and 5, titled "Please Hold to My Hand" and "Endure and Survive," respectively, diving deep into its brand new mini-arc with guest actress Melanie Lynskey as well as Joel and Ellie's budding camaraderie. Also, one of the game's most heartbreaking threads makes an appearance.

"Knock at the Cabin"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Sun, 12 Feb 2023 01:47:54 +0000

Director M. Night Shyamalan returns with his single-location home invasion thriller, Knock at the Cabin. Based on Paul Tremblay's novel Cabin at the End of the World, the film stars Jonathan Groff, Ben Aldridge, Kristen Cui, Dave Bautista, and Rupert Grint. Does Shymalan's filmmaking chops stack up to the gut punch of its source material's shocking ending? Tune in and find out if we can come to a consensus on Knock at the Cabin.

Catching Up With "The Last of Us"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Wed, 1 Feb 2023 03:43:43 +0000

Our biweekly coverage of HBO's "The Last of Us" continues, as we discuss episodes 2 and 3 of the first season of the hit show. We review the rollicking, streamlined shocker of "Infected," and the very much talked about "Long Long Time," which features the biggest deviation from the game so far.

"Skinamarink"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 03:06:05 +0000

Keeping up our annual tradition of talking about Oscar nominations and then a horror movie, this year we are diving head first into Kyle Edward Ball's viral sensation, Skinamarink. We discuss the snubs, surprises, and predictions for the upcoming Academy Awards, and then segue into an our very different opinions about the hottest indie movie of the season. We've never been more divided!

"The Last of Us"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 02:02:53 +0000

Two newbies and a veteran sit down and discuss the pilot of the highly anticipated HBO series: The Last of Us. Based upon the hit video game of the same name, the new series by Chernobyl's Craig Mazin and Naughty Dog's own Neil Druckmann finds Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey in the roles of Joel and Ellie. We talk about our different perspectives of the series, our expectations, and our thoughts on video game adaptations as a whole. Is this a new high-watermark for video game adaptations? Tune in and find out!

The Best Films of 2022

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 16:32:31 +0000

It's that time again: the biggest, longest episode of the year in which Jeff, Derek, and Amir run down their top 10 films of the past 365 days. After two-plus years floundering in the pandemic, it seems that the film industry is finally regaining its legs. This year, Top Gun: Maverick and Avatar: The Way of Water blasted off, the Daniels’ multiverse-hopping stunner Everything Everywhere All at Once was the sleeper hit of the year, and old masters in their late eras such as Steven Spielberg and David Cronenberg returned in top form. It might have been harder than ever to whittle down a top ten in 2022, but it was an absolute delight to journey through the year’s cinema. Join us as we discuss our individual ballots and compare our overlaps and unique picks!

"Avatar: The Way of Water"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Fri, 23 Dec 2022 14:26:01 +0000

Return to the world of Pandora with our episode on the last huge blockbuster of the year, Avatar: The Way of Water. A dazzling gallery frame around cinematic technology in the hands of one James Cameron, its wild spectacle, unbelievable detail, and technical wizardry will blast the eyeballs out of your sockets, but its honest and sincere undercurrents just might be its secret weapon. In the last episode of 2022, we discuss Cameron's filmography, his commitment to technology, and the impact of the Avatar franchise.

"Bones and All"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 21:03:12 +0000

This week, we're talking about director Luca Guadagnino's latest, the sweetly sick cannibal romance: Bones and All. Starring Taylor Russell, Timotheé Chalamet, and Mark Rylance, the film follows two star-crossed lovers as they embark upon a roadtrip through Middle America while grappling with their forbidden cravings of human flesh. What did we think of the movie? Tune in and find out!

"The Fabelmans"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Sat, 10 Dec 2022 00:37:18 +0000

This week we discuss director Steven Spielberg's most personal film yet, his autofiction as self-therapy: The Fabelmans. We examine our differing opinions on the film, its all-star cast, and we have a heated debate over a pointless Twitter prompt that leaves some of our jaws on the floor. Tune in!

"Tár"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Fri, 2 Dec 2022 18:14:14 +0000

This week we're diving into Todd Field's first film in over 16 years: the searing, thorny Tár. We talk about the film's timely themes, its surprising humor, and the towering performances by Cate Blanchett and Nina Hoss. A portrait of a woman undone by the ego of her own genius, Tár is one of the year's most talked about films.

"Black Panther: Wakanda Forever"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 21:14:31 +0000

The sequel to Ryan Coogler's game-changing, culture-shifting Black Panther is finally here. Reconfiguring an already-written screenplay as a moving tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman, Wakanda Forever already gets points for degree of difficulty alone. It’s sprawling, shaggy, and overstuffed, but leave it to Ryan Coogler to pull off the miraculous feat of deftly threading real-life tragedy with cultural acuity and an affecting superhero story on grief, loss, and the cycle of violence. Listen to our thoughts!

"The Banshees of Inisherin"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 00:15:57 +0000

Men and their decimated kinships unraveled upon the screen, richly textured and frequently uproarious, Martin McDonagh's The Banshees of Inisherin explores evaporating bonds, crushing loneliness, and enmity in grotesque escalation. We discuss the playwright's latest and his intimate account of a detonating friendship, starring Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Barry Keoghan, and Kerry Condon. This is The Banshees of Inisherin.

"Decision to Leave"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Fri, 4 Nov 2022 19:41:23 +0000

“The closer you look, the harder you fall.” Park Chan-wook cross-pollinates a police procedural with a femme fatale romance in his latest film. Swirling around two lost souls navigating a web of murder, deceit, and desire to desperately cling to their perverse affair, Decision to Leave is a sensual puzzle box. We discuss the illustrious director's filmography, the painterly craft behind the movie, and the inscrutable Tang Wei.

Wrapping up "House of the Dragon"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 20:13:28 +0000

This week, we're wrapping up our discussion of the first season of House of the Dragon and its final three episodes. Derek is on vacation for one more week, so Jeff and Amir sit down and discuss the home stretch of the inaugural season of this much-hyped Game of Thrones spinoff. Does it stick the landing? Tune in and find out.

"Black Adam"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 21:42:27 +0000

Is the hierarchy of power in the DC Universe really about to change? We review the DCEU's latest, Jaume Collett-Serra's Black Adam, a superhero film almost 20 years in the making. How is Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as the Shazam-powered antihero? We discuss that, the Justice Society of America, the big cameo, and more.

"Interview with the Vampire"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Sat, 15 Oct 2022 01:58:07 +0000

This week, we discuss the new AMC series, Interview with the Vampire. A new adaptation of Anne Rice's The Vampire Chronicles, we compare the new series - starring Jacob Anderson and Sam Reid - to Neil Jordan's 1994 film and delve into this modernization. How do the new Louis and Lestat stack up against the classic performances from Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise? Tune in and find out.

"House of the Dragon"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Thu, 6 Oct 2022 21:59:53 +0000

Game of Thrones is back! This week, we discuss the OTHER big-budget fantasy series on the air right now, House of the Dragon. With its first big time jump out of the way, this is the perfect opportunity to discuss and review the series. We talk about the legacy of its parent series, and whether or not it's worth watching, especially if you were burned by the final season of Game of Thrones. Tune in and hear our thoughts.

"Andor"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 18:58:37 +0000

Tony Gilroy returns to the Star Wars universe to helm Andor, a new Disney Plus series serving as the origin story for Rogue One’s morally ambiguous rebel spy. A refreshing bottom-up approach eschewing retreads and cameos, Andor breaks new ground detailing the everymen of Star Wars, the oppressive rot of The Empire, and the broiling foment of rebellion. Tune in for our review of the first three episodes.

"Barbarian"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 20:24:23 +0000

Can creepy murder dungeons be included in a house’s square footage on Zillow? We talk everything Barbarian, director Zach Cregger's sleeper horror hit that's taken the country by storm. Surprisingly funny with nasty surprises, gore-hounds and squirm-fiends with appetites for the sick stuff will have a great time. Tune in to hear our thoughts!

"The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Thu, 8 Sep 2022 20:15:21 +0000

Amazon Prime Video's big streaming play and the most expensive series ever made, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, is finally here. Taking place during the murky Second Age of Middle-Earth with dangers known and unknown lurking, does this sprawling fantasy epic live up to its deep pockets? We discuss fantasy television, Peter Jackson, Tolkien purists, and some of the controversy surrounding the show.

"Three Thousand Years of Longing"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Fri, 2 Sep 2022 17:37:49 +0000

Australian director George Miller returns with his first feature since 2015's Mad Max: Fury Road with Three Thousand Years of Longing. A fable for adults, the film stars Tilda Swinton and Idris Elba in a fateful encounter between a nebbish narratologist and wish-granting Djinn. Join us as we discuss the film's oddly misleading marketing, what the film tells us about the power of stories, and our full thoughts on the movie.

"The Rehearsal"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 12:26:22 +0000

Nathan Fielder returns to television with his indescribably bizarre new series: The Rehearsal, now streaming on HBO Max. Part social experiment, part docuseries, part meta comedy, and all head trip, The Rehearsal uses Fielder's brand of puppet mastery to help people prepare for the big events and confrontations of their lives. We dive deep into this uproarious new show and the moral implications of Fielder's manipulations.

"Resurrection"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 17:35:49 +0000

This week, we dive into the resident mind-melter from this year's Sundance Film Festival, Andrew Semans' psychological horror film, Resurrection, starring Rebecca Hall and Tim Roth. A tale about motherhood, hidden pasts, and the limits of control, Resurrection unspools a single mother’s crushing secret in a steely structure that belies its brazen, outrageous horror. And you bet we talk about its doozy of an ending that left us divided.

"Prey"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 20:06:18 +0000

This week we're talking about the latest installment of the wildly uneven Predator franchise, Dan Trachtenberg's back-to-basics Prey, which stars Amber Midthunder and Dakota Beavers as 18th Century Comanche hunters squaring off with a deadly alien threat. We discuss the movie's strange release as a streaming-only title and dive deep into Predator history: our favorite entries, the awfulness of 2018's The Predator, and how Prey fares against its predecessors.

"RRR"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Fri, 5 Aug 2022 20:16:38 +0000

This week we're filling in a lull in programming by discussing THE action musical sensation of the year, S. S. Rajamouli's Tollywood epic, RRR. Available on Netflix in dubbed Hindi or on the ZEE5 streaming platform in its native Telugu, RRR is one of the wildest, most entertaining movies you'll see this year. Do you know...Naatu?

"Nope"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 00:05:37 +0000

This week, we're diving deep into Jordan Peele's third feature film after 2017's Get Out and 2019's Us: Nope. Does Peele solidify his horror chops with a hat trick? Or is this UFO mystery his first flop? Stick around and find out!

"Star Trek: Strange New Worlds"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 15:22:54 +0000

This week, we're talking about the third - and latest - Star Trek series streaming on Paramount Plus, which just wrapped its first season. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is a new approach to this new era of Trek. Following Discovery and Picard, can Strange New Worlds break new ground? Or is it another case of diminishing returns for the franchise? Tune in and find out!

"Thor: Love and Thunder"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 20:18:52 +0000

This week, we're discussing the silly - and divisive - Ragnarok redux, Thor: Love and Thunder. The third lowest rated Marvel Cinematic Universe entry on Rotten Tomatoes, the latest Odinson adventure from the mind of Taika Waititi has people wondering: Are we turning on the MCU? We discuss the movie, its critical reception, and our own - perhaps surprising - opinions.

"Elvis"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, & Amir Touray) — Thu, 7 Jul 2022 23:59:17 +0000

Can you still squeeze juice out of the musical biopic formula? Baz Luhrmann - madman director of films such as Romeo+Juliet, Moulin Rouge, and The Great Gatsby - is sure up to the challenge. Austin Butler gives a tour de force performance as Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, but is the rest of the film up to snuff? We debate in this week's episode.

"The Black Phone"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Fri, 1 Jul 2022 01:18:41 +0000

This week, we discuss one of the most hyped and anticipated horror movies of the year, Scott Derrickson's The Black Phone. 10 years ago, Derrickson and frequent collaborator C. Robert Cargill terrorized us with snuff films and Bughuul in Sinister, a film that science has deemed "the scariest movie ever." Now, their new film, The Black Phone, aims to recapture that magic with Ethan Hawke once again. Does it succeed? Tune in and find out!

"Obi-Wan Kenobi"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 01:34:27 +0000

Amir is out this week for a big move, but Jeff and Derek get together to talk about the latest Disney Plus Star Wars series, Obi-Wan Kenobi, which brings back Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christiansen, reprising their iconic roles from the Star Wars prequel trilogy. How does the show fare amongst its streaming Star Wars contemporaries? Is there still juice left to squeeze from the oft-tread sands of Tatooine? Tune in and find out!

"Crimes of the Future"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 17:29:39 +0000

David Cronenberg is back! This week, we're discussing the latest sci-fi mind-bender with Crimes of the Future, starring Viggo Mortensen, Léa Seydoux, and Kristen Stewart. Come for Cronenberg’s body horror resurgent, stay for the perfect weirdo performances. This is a weird one!

"Top Gun: Maverick"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, Amir Touray) — Thu, 2 Jun 2022 15:19:20 +0000

This week, we're talking about the long awaited, long delayed Top Gun: Maverick, directed by Joseph Kosinski. We discuss Tom Cruise and his inimitable star power, his filmography, and his absolute commitment to analog spectacle. Top Gun: Maverick is one of the year's best action films, and it's nothing like you've ever seen. Listen along!

"Men"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, Amir Touray) — Thu, 26 May 2022 16:37:38 +0000

Men, am I right? This week we're split on Alex Garland's latest mind-melting horror film, Men. Starring Jessie Buckley, Rory Kinnear, and Papaa Essiedu, the film follows a beleaguered Harper Marlowe as she grapples with the creepy denizens of a remote town, all wearing the same face. What did we think of the movie and its wild third act? Tune in and find out.

What We're Watching, 2022 Mid-Year Recap

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray, Derek Wong) — Fri, 20 May 2022 14:39:50 +0000

A casual episode of The Strange Harbors Podcast, we catch up on all the things we've been watching this year that we haven't covered on the pod. This week, we're talking about shows such as Severance, Winning Time, The Afterparty, Hacks, The Staircase, Better Call Saul, Outer Range, and Halo. We also take a look at the new meta Nicolas Cage buddy comedy, The Unbearable Weight Massive Talent.

"Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, Amir Touray) — Thu, 12 May 2022 20:27:36 +0000

Arguably the biggest film of the year so far, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is finally here. Does it blow the doors off the multiverse concept? Does legendary horror maestro Sam Raimi get to flex his muscles? What's next for the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Tune into our discussion and find out!

"Moon Knight"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray, Derek Wong) — Fri, 6 May 2022 00:24:21 +0000

This week, we make an auspicious return to covering more television with Disney Plus' new Marvel series, Moon Knight, which wrapped up this past week. How does the show fare in adapting one of Marvel's most complex characters? We discuss the character, its difficulty in translating onto the screen, and Oscar Isaac's killer performance playing multiple roles.

"The Northman"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 21:21:38 +0000

This week, we're talking Robert Eggers and his latest, metal as hell Viking revenge epic, The Northman. Breathing new life into sword and sorcery following The Witch and The Lighthouse, The Northman returns Hamlet back to its Nordic roots with an epic scope, a bigger budget, and a thirstier bloodlust. What did we all think? Tune in and find out.

"Ambulance"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 18:05:20 +0000

Everyone is yelling, everything is exploding, and nothing makes any sense in Michael Bay’s breakneck heist actioner, Ambulance. And that’s exactly why it’s delightful. This week, we're discussing everyone's favorite auteur and his divisive filmography, his latest film, and a Jake Gyllenhaal performance for the ages. Let's take a ride in Michael Bay's Ambulance.

"Everything Everywhere All at Once"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, Amir Touray) — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 18:20:47 +0000

Verse-jump into the most fun you'll have at the movies this year. Exploding intimate family drama into a multiverse-hopping, martial arts, sci-fi epic, Everything Everywhere All at Once is a blast of inventive genre fiction. We talk its zany creativity, its kinetic action, and the themes at the movie's heart.

Happy Trails, Bruce Willis

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, & Amir Touray) — Thu, 7 Apr 2022 21:22:48 +0000

With the news of Bruce Willis' retirement from acting, we're diving deep into the venerated actor's storied career. We discuss hits and misses, his place in the action star pantheon, and of course, our personal favorite Bruce Willis movies. Join us as we say farewell to a legend.

The 94th Oscars Recap

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 23:50:01 +0000

Who won big at the Oscars and who went home empty handed? We discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly of the 94th annual Academy Awards, and of course, the big slap at the center of it all.

"X"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 15:27:43 +0000

With bloody slasher mayhem unspooling on a porn set, Ti West’s latest slice of brutality, X, brings the nudity and gore, but underneath its vintage horror pastiche lies a sex-positive, beating heart that examines the cutting power of jealousy and the unforgiving cruelty of time. What did we think of this throwback slasher? Tune in and find out!

"The Batman"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Fri, 11 Mar 2022 19:43:48 +0000

Within the glut of modern superhero fiction on the big screen, Matt Reeves’ The Batman is a stylish, revitalizing tonic. A coming-of-age story grafted onto a pitch-black noir, the film plants the seeds for The World’s Greatest Detective and strikes at the beating hearts of Batman, the Waynes, and Gotham City. How does the latest Caped Crusader stack up within the character's storied history of film adaptations? Hear our thoughts with the latest episode!

"West Side Story"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 3 Mar 2022 20:41:16 +0000

Leave it to Steven Spielberg to spin a stage-to-screen retread into dazzling, cinematic gold. 2021’s West Side Story wisely retains its original orchestrations while injecting depth into its conflicts and modern verve into its visuals, mining multiple star-making performances out of its sprawling cast. This week, we discuss Spielberg's legendary filmography as well as his latest, and his very first, movie musical.

"Kimi"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 22:01:46 +0000

With his latest film Kimi, Steven Soderbergh appropriates the inelegance of pandemic dramas and tech gimmicks to craft a crackling paranoid thriller. On this week's episode we discuss the experimental filmmaker's filmography, his latest film, and the merits and pitfalls of pandemic filmmaking. What did we all think of Kimi? Tune in and find out.

"The Empty Man"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 02:10:02 +0000

This week, we're discussing two completely unrelated topics: the recently revealed Oscar nominations, and the cult horror favorite, David Prior's under-the-radar The Empty Man, which is now streaming on HBO Max. We dive into Oscar surprises and snubs, and then a full review of the chilling secrets and ontological dread of The Empty Man.

"Nightmare Alley"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Thu, 3 Feb 2022 17:41:15 +0000

Guillermo del Toro's gorgeously bleak remake of the 1947 noir, Nightmare Alley, is now streaming on HBO Max and Hulu. This week, we discuss the famed director's filmography and his latest journey into darkness, which stars Bradley Cooper, Rooney Mara, Cate Blanchett, Willem Dafoe, and Toni Collette.

"Peacemaker"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 16:59:27 +0000

This week, we're talking Peacemaker, James Gunn's HBO Max spinoff of last year's The Suicide Squad, starring John Cena, Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, Jennifer Holland, and Steve Agee. We dive right into its blast of an opening credits, its sick sense of humor, and the weird state of the DC Comics canon. Tune in!

"Yellowjackets"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray, Derek Wong) — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 01:27:49 +0000

Yellowjackets is the buzziest show on TV that has taken the Internet by storm. Showtime's genre mashup that crosses Lost with Lord of the Flies is part survival epic, part psychological horror story, and part coming-of-age drama. Tune in as we recap and recount the entire first season with theories looking forward and the theories that didn't pan out.

The Most Anticipated Films of 2022

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 21:54:57 +0000

Last week, we took a look at some of our favorite movies and shows from 2021. Now, we're looking forward. Join us as we go through our most anticipated movies and series coming in 2022. From new Martin Scorsese to new Robert Eggers to a ton of returning franchises and sequels, 2022 is looking to be jam-packed year.

The Best Films of 2021

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 6 Jan 2022 23:13:49 +0000

2021. Another year down, COVID is still raging, and things are looking pretty grim for movie theaters out there. The pandemic has transformed the cinematic landscape into a tempest of uncertainty, with only the most gargantuan of tentpoles being sure things at the box office. But just because profitability is scarce doesn’t mean movies are dead. Just to name a few gems, this year saw lush Arthurian legend come to life, a new freewheeling Paul Thomas Anderson flick, Ridley Scott in his element, and fresh bloodcurdling horrors. Tune in and follow along as Jeff, Derek, and Amir count down their lists.

"The Matrix Resurrections"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Thu, 30 Dec 2021 20:00:35 +0000

The final episode of 2021! This week, we talk about Lana Wachowski's divisive sci-fi romance, The Matrix Resurrections, which finds Keanu Reeves and Carrie-Anne Moss returning for a fourth installment. A strange film that is most likely not what you would expect from a sequel to one of the best films of the last three decades, The Matrix Resurrections contains multitudes and multitudes of layers. We're firmly split down the middle on this one. Which side will you come down on? Tune in and find out.

"Spider-Man: No Way Home"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 18:27:09 +0000

The biggest movie of the year, Marvel's Spider-Man: No Way Home, is finally here. Tom Holland's third solo outing as the web-slinger has built up an unbelievable amount of hype. Does the movie, with its slew of villains and surprise guests, live up to the hype? We discuss the film, what it means to be Spider-Man, and the future of the franchise.

"Benedetta"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Thu, 16 Dec 2021 18:14:42 +0000

Long-delayed and eagerly anticipated, Paul Verhoeven’s incisive take on “nunsploitation” is finally here. There will be many to point out Benedetta's racy sex scenes and its high lesbian camp, but the film is so much more than that. This week, we discuss Verhoeven's filmography, his latest sprawling satire, and its abundance of themes.

Ridley Scott Power Hour: "House of Gucci" and "The Last Duel"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Thu, 9 Dec 2021 20:33:32 +0000

Welcome to the Ridley Scott Power Hour, a jam-packed episode in which we talk about the esteemed director's filmography and dive deep into the two films he's made this year: House of Gucci and The Last Duel. We review the films and discuss their themes, their performances, and the unique controversies surrounding each. Tune in!

"Hawkeye"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 2 Dec 2021 21:57:53 +0000

Hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving holiday! This week, we're back discussing Marvel's latest Disney Plus series, Hawkeye, starring Hailee Steinfeld as Kate Bishop and Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton. What did we think of the front half of this street-level romp? Who's the big villain teased in the third episode? Tune in and find out!

"Spencer"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 21:35:23 +0000

One of the most anticipated films - and one of the most anticipated performances - of the year is here in the form of Pablo Larraín's Spencer, starring Kristen Stewart as Diana, Princess of Wales. This week, we discuss this psychological horror film disguised as a biopic, the searing performance at its center, and Princess Diana herself.

"Eternals"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, Amir Touray) — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 20:46:15 +0000

This week, we're discussing Chloé Zhao's foray into the Marvel Cinematic Universe: the sprawling, messy, and oh-so-divisive Eternals. An overlong epic that attempts to balance Zhao's humanist themes with Jack Kirby's cosmic corner of Marvel, Eternals is a fascinating film trying to do a lot of things. Is it successful? Tune in and find out.

"Last Night in Soho"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, Amir Touray) — Thu, 4 Nov 2021 20:39:17 +0000

For our 100th episode, we're discussing Edgar Wright's latest film, Last Night in Soho. Perhaps his most earnest narrative yet, Wright tackles psychological horror with a straight face. Thomasin McKenzie and Anya Taylor-Joy star in this time-bending murder mystery. How does the esteemed director fare without his trademark humor and his signature cheekiness? Tune in and find out!

"Dune"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, Amir Touray) — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 19:42:19 +0000

It's finally here! The long-awaited, long-delayed adaptation of Frank Herbert's seminal sci-fi novel, Dune is gracing the silver screen. With its tome of lore and multitude of themes, Dune has long been viewed as "unfilmable" and "unadaptable." How does Denis Villeneuve's vision translate this influential epic? Does it finally break the Dune curse? Tune in and find out.

"No Time to Die"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 21:11:30 +0000

This week, we bid a fond farewell to Daniel Craig as James Bond. Craig's fifth and final appearance as 007, we reminisce about the franchise and the Bonds of yore, while also diving deep into Cary Joji Fukunaga's No Time to Die. How does the film fare in the shadow of Spectre? Where does it rank among all the Craig Bonds? Tune in and find out!

"Titane"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Thu, 7 Oct 2021 11:00:00 +0000

This week, we're discussing the newly christened Palme d'Or winner, Titane. A film that contains multitudes, Julia Ducournau’s followup to 2016’s Raw navigates the horrorscapes of the New Flesh, exploring gender, sex, violence, and the enveloping desire for human connection. It's the wildest movie of 2021, with some of the year's best performances.

"Midnight Mass" with Prince Jackson

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, Prince Jackson) — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 20:38:18 +0000

Knight Light: A Horror Movie Podcast

"Malignant"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 19:23:26 +0000

The wildest horror movie of 2021 is here, and it's not the one you were thinking of. This week, we're talking about James Wan's latest film, Malignant, the dark horse contender for having the most jaw-dropping twist of the year. Don't let its sleepy trailer fool you, Malignant is hiding some dark secrets.

"Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, & Amir Touray) — Thu, 9 Sep 2021 17:39:42 +0000

This week, we're talking about the Marvel Cinematic Universe's first Asian-led superhero movie, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. We break down our reactions with a full spoiler review, discussing the film's kinetic action, affecting performances, and its CGI bonanza of a third act. Rep sweats, the legendary Tony Leung, and an update to our unofficial MCU rankings, we cover it all!

"Candyman"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Thu, 2 Sep 2021 14:07:59 +0000

Candyman, Candyman, Candyman...this week we're speaking the forbidden name as we discuss Nai DaCosta's sequel to the 1992 Bernard Rose classic. How does the new Candyman stack up against the original? How does it reconfigure its themes and mythology? Tune in and find out! Spoilers from the start on this one...

What We're Watching, Summer 2021

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 17:02:56 +0000

Taking a break from our regular programming, this week we're discussing what we've all been watching in between our coverages. Trending movies and series, throwbacks, and more, find out what's been on our radar lately. On this episode, we take a look at Snake Eyes, Nine Perfect Strangers, Hacks, CODA, and much, much more. PLUS, a live reaction to the new trailer for Spider-Man: No Way Home which debuted in the middle of recording this episode.

"Pig"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 17:44:01 +0000

This week we're discussing director Michael Sarnoski's feature debut, Pig, Starring Nicolas Cage and Alex Wolff. A film that careens right when you think it will bank left, Pig is a tremendously tender and heartfelt film - the anti John Wick. Yes, both films feature a grizzled professional coming out of retirement to get justice for a lost animal companion, but that's where comparisons end. What did we think of the latest Nicolas Cage performance? Tune in and find out!

"The Suicide Squad"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 16:19:13 +0000

This week, we discuss director James Gunn's new entry into the DCEU, The Suicide Squad. We dive deep into the film's comic book roots, its wicked humor, and Gunn's signature irreverent violence. We also discuss the reasons behind its relative underperformance at the box office, and how the industry is currently shaping itself around COVID and its delta variant.

M. Night Shyamalan and "Old"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 18:57:18 +0000

This week, we're discussing M. Night Shyamalan's new film, Old! Does Old harken back to the director's glory days? Does it continue his comeback tour? Let's travel to the beach that turns you old and find out.

Wrapping Up "Loki"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 14:40:01 +0000

It's the Loki finale and the Marvel Multiverse is here! We're capping off an extended stay in the MCU with a discussion of the final episode of Loki's first season. Does it button up a satisfying arc for our God of Mischief? What's in store for the Marvel Cinematic Universe now that we have Jonathan Majors in a key role? Tune in and find out!

"Black Widow"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 15 Jul 2021 19:13:01 +0000

Our Marvel Cinematic Universe extravaganza week continues with the second episode of this week, diving deep into Scarlett Johansson's Avengers swan song, Black Widow. Where does the film stack up within the MCU? Has the film's multiple delays impacted its effectiveness? And will the baton be passed to Florence Pugh's scene-stealing Yelena Belova? Tune in and find out!

Catching Up With "Loki"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 17:31:18 +0000

Technical difficulties got in the way of a new episode last week, but now you're getting two this week! First up, we catch up with episodes 3, 4, and 5 of Marvel's Loki, which is now streaming on Disney Plus. Has the show kept its crown after our initial thoughts on the first two episodes? Tune in and find out!

"Fast and Furious 9"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 1 Jul 2021 12:00:00 +0000

This week, we're discussing the wild, outrageous, and logic-lite spectacle of F9, the latest installment of the Fast and Furious franchise. Has the series finally gone off the deep end? Or is it still the action series we know and love? Tune in and find out!

"Luca" and the Movies of Pixar

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray, Derek Wong) — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 16:24:14 +0000

Is the "Pixar slump" a real thing? We sit down and investigate the movies of Disney's premier animation studio and review its latest film, "Luca," directed by Enrico Casarosa, starring Jacob Tremblay, Jack Dylan Grazer, and Emma Berman, now streaming on Disney Plus. How does this fish-out-of-water tale stack up against the rest of Pixar's library? Tune in and find out!

"Black Bear"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 13:47:09 +0000

This week, we've got a deeper cut for you with Lawrence Michael Levine's 2020 film, Black Bear. Starring Aubrey Plaza, Christopher Abbott, and Sarah Gadon, Black Bear is a twisty, surprise-filled chamber piece with biting performances and fascinating layers. Let's talk about the film and its jaw-dropping plot twist!

"Loki"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray, Derek Wong) — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 16:06:50 +0000

"Your savior...is here!" This week, we've got a special installment of the pod as we discuss the first TWO episodes of Marvel's latest Disney Plus series, Loki. We all got a chance to see the episodes ahead of its premiere, and we'll be breaking down the first episode, while giving our general spoiler-free thoughts on the second.

"A Quiet Place Part II"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 3 Jun 2021 17:47:59 +0000

Shhh...this week, we're talking John Krasinski's follow-up to his 2018 hit thriller, the twice-delayed A Quiet Place Part 2. Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, and Noah Jupe return as the Abbotts, along with new addition Cillian Murphy. Is this a sequel worth making some noise over? Tune in and find out.

"Army of the Dead"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Thu, 27 May 2021 16:16:03 +0000

This week, we're discussing Zack Snyder's second film of 2021, this time for Netflix, Army of the Dead. Zombies! Heists! Robots! How does Snyder's return to undead horror fare, and how does it rank within his filmography? We've got different takes, so tune in and find out what they are!

"Spiral: From the Book of Saw"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Thu, 20 May 2021 14:00:00 +0000

Saw is back, baby! The ninth installment of the Saw franchise, Spiral: From the Book of Saw, makes a clean break from continuity to give us a brand new story. Injected with some star power with Chris Rock and Samuel L. Jackson, Spiral dives right back into the brutal world of the Jigsaw Killer. How does the film stack up to its predecessors? Tune in and find out!

What We're Watching, 2021 Spring Cleaning

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Thu, 13 May 2021 16:29:08 +0000

0:53-6:16 - Cancellation of the Golden Globes
6:17-11:10 - Invincible
11:11-14:09 - Mare of Easttown
14:10-17:55 - Shadow and Bone
17:56-22:31 - Jupiter’s Legacy
22:32-23:22 - The Mitchells vs. The Machines
23:23-24:47 - Ted Lasso
24:48-26:03 - Gangs of London
26:04-29:47 - Black Bear
29:48-32:05 - House of Flying Daggers
32:06-33:12 - The Americans
33:13-36:05 - CW’s Kung Fu
36:06-39:35 - CW’s Superman & Lois
39:36-40:55 - Wrath of Man
40:56-44:46 - Saw Franchise
44:47-48:31 - New Releases

"Mortal Kombat"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray, Derek Wong) — Thu, 6 May 2021 15:01:34 +0000

Action, blood, gore, and Fatalities. What more do you want from a Mortal Kombat movie? Does the Simon McQuoid's reboot clear its low bar of expectations and requirements for an entertaining video game adaptation? Is there enough Mortal Kombat in Mortal Kombat? Tune in and find out!

Wrapping Up "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 15:23:32 +0000

This week, we wrap up our discussion of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, the second series in the MCU's new Disney Plus slate. As we enter the finale, the conflict between Sam, Bucky, and the Flag Smashers come to a head. Will Sam finally pick up the shield? Does the series effectively tackle its themes? Listen in and find out what we thought.

Bonus Episode: The Lost Gambit of the 93rd Oscars

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, Amir Touray) — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 16:00:21 +0000

A bonus episode of The Strange Harbors Podcast! A night of historic wins, marred by a disastrous gamble. What went wrong at the 93rd Academy Awards? We discuss the evenings winners, losers, and the baffling decision that upended the entire ceremony.

"Gangs of London"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 14:52:31 +0000

This week, we discuss action maestro Gareth Evans and Matt Flannery's (The Raid, The Raid 2) under-the-radar crime epic, Gangs of London, which is now streaming on AMC and AMC+. Starring Ṣọpẹ Dìrísù and Joe Cole, this British crime drama proves that Evans is still one of the best action architects in film and television.

Catching Up With "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 16:21:27 +0000

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier passes its series midpoint, and we discuss the two eventful episodes, "Power Broker" and "The Whole World Is Watching." Things we loved, things we didn't love, and everything in between, tune in and find out our thoughts on episodes 3 and 4.

"Invincible"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray, Derek Wong) — Thu, 8 Apr 2021 17:31:33 +0000

This week, we're talking about Amazon Prime Video's new animated superhero series, Invincible, a comic book adaptation with a devious twist. A show over two decades in the making, how does it compare to the source material? And how does it translate one of the best comic book swerves of all time? Tune in and find out.

"The Falcon and the Winter Soldier"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, Amir Touray) — Thu, 1 Apr 2021 18:06:11 +0000

Leaving WandaVision's sitcom world, Disney Plus' new series - The Falcon and the Winter Soldier - checks in on two fan-favorite Captain America pals, Sam Wilson and Bucky Barnes. Flag Smasher, John Walker, Baron Zemo, Isaiah Bradley! There's a ton to unpack, so tune in and find out what we thought of the MCU's latest.

"Zack Snyder's Justice League"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 15:36:30 +0000

One of the most anticipated streaming events of the year is finally here. With double the theatrical runtime and an infusion of $70 million, Zack Snyder's Justice League - or The Snyder Cut - is a filmmaking enterprise the likes we've never seen before, and will likely never see again. Is it hubris or is it a justified director's cut? Tune in and find out!

"Minari"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 14:28:15 +0000

This week, we're discussing the brand new Best Picture nominee, Lee Isaac Chung's Minari. With equal parts melancholy, optimism, and tenderness, the film finds poetic balm within the American immigrant experience. Tune in and listen to our thoughts!

Wrapping Up "WandaVision"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray, Derek Wong) — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 20:34:46 +0000

This is the last of our three episodes discussing Marvel's Disney Plus series, WandaVision. In our postmortem, we dive deep into our thoughts on: things we love, things we didn't love, and the fervent theory-crafting surrounding the show. How does WandaVision stack up against our expectations? Tune in and find out!

The Art of the Movie Trailer

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, Amir Touray) — Thu, 4 Mar 2021 20:38:44 +0000

This week, we're taking a break from singular film and TV coverage to talk a bit about one of our favorite forms of entertainment content: the movie trailer. What makes a good trailer? What makes a bad trailer? How have trailers evolved over the years? Tune in and join our discussion!

"I Care a Lot"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 20:45:20 +0000

This week, we're discussing J Blakeson's new pitch-black neo-noir, I Care a Lot, starring Rosamund Pike. Heralding the return of the villain protagonist, does our character's unrepentant immorality hinder our enjoyment of the film? How does cinema handle its unsympathetic protagonists?

"Judas and the Black Messiah"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 17:49:41 +0000

"What We Lose When Biopics Cast Actors Who Are the Wrong Age" by Angie Han

Catching Up With "WandaVision"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, Amir Touray) — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 18:03:23 +0000

Back by popular demand, we're revisiting the new Disney Plus MCU series, WandaVision. Catching up with episodes 3, 4, and 5, join us as we chat about the newest developments in this popular superhero show. Mephisto! X-Men! Theories abound!

"Synchronic"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Thu, 4 Feb 2021 16:36:12 +0000

This week, we're discussing indie darlings Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead's time travel thriller, Synchronic. The film stars Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan as a pair of best friend paramedics as they deal with a mysterious street drug that allows its users to time travel. The directing duo has built quite a reputation with their micro-budget genre films (Spring, Resolution, The Endless). How does Synchronic stack up against their sci-fi filmography? Take a listen! Synchronic is out on VOD now.

"One Night in Miami"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 18:16:48 +0000

TIFF 2020 Film Review: One Night in Miami by Jeffrey Zhang

"WandaVision"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 21:18:48 +0000

TV Review: WandaVision by Jeffrey Zhang

"Batman: The Animated Series"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 16:26:41 +0000

If you can't tell, the episode order of Batman: The Animated Series on HBO Max is a little strange. That's because it's in air order, and not production order. The order in which the episodes aired makes zero sense, so we're pointing you to the correct, production order for your reference. You can find that here.

"Possessor"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Thu, 7 Jan 2021 17:21:41 +0000

This week, we discuss filmmaker Brandon Cronenberg's sophomore feature, the gnarly and ultra-violent Possessor. Starring Andrew Riseborough, Christopher Abbott, and Jennifer Jason Leigh, Possessor takes us deep into the world of corporate espionage and assassinations by way of, well...possession. What did we think of this body horror thriller? Listen and find out!

"Wonder Woman 1984"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray, Derek Wong) — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 18:11:11 +0000

Listening to this episode, you might come to realize that we are three men talking about a female-directed, female-led superhero film. There are many, many important voices out there talking about the film, and many women who have written reviews that cover a variety of opinions. Below, you'll find a few pieces written by women that are worth reading:

Wonder Woman 1984 Overcomes Its Uneven Script with Pure '80s Escapism by Sara Clements
"The Empty Spectacle of Wonder Woman 1984" by Anjelica Jade Bastien
"Wonder Woman’s Middle Eastern Stereotypes Should Have Stayed in the 1980s" by Roxana Hadadi
There's Not Enough Action (or Wonder Woman!) in Wonder Woman 1984 by Katie Rife
Wonder Woman 1984 Review: A Blockbuster Worth Waiting For by Wenlei Ma

Christopher Nolan and "Tenet"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Thu, 24 Dec 2020 15:33:56 +0000

This week, we discuss one of the most anticipated films of 2020 that not many people were able to see until recently. Of course, we're talking about Christopher Nolan's latest time-twisting epic, Tenet. How does it stack up within the famed director's filmography? Tune in and find out.

What We're Watching, End of 2020 Edition

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 17 Dec 2020 17:14:54 +0000

1:01 - 7:14 - Disney Investor Panel
7:15 - 12:35 - The Mandalorian
12:36 - 17:14 - The Boys
17:15 - 23:13 - The Expanse
23:14 - 28:48 - The Queen's Gambit
28:49 - 31:51 - M. Night Shyamalan's The Village
31:52 - 36:04 - The Leftovers
36:05 - 37:19 - One Night in Miami
37:20 - 41:46 - Speed Racer
41:47 - 48:58 - Saved By the Bell Reboot

The State of Cinema: Warner Bros. and HBO Max

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray, Derek Wong) — Sun, 13 Dec 2020 20:27:16 +0000

Hannibal Season 3: The Number of the Beast is 666/The Wrath of the Lamb

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, Amir Touray) — Sun, 13 Dec 2020 20:20:10 +0000

Say farewell to The Hannibal Files with our final episode recapping the last two episodes of this wonderful show. The Red Dragon ends here, and perhaps in a way that you might not expect. We talk about the end of Dolarhyde, and of course, Will and Hannibal. What is the legacy of the show? Tune in and find out.

Hannibal Season 3: And the Woman Clothed in Sun/And the Beast from the Sea

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 12:10:21 +0000

Welcome to the penultimate episode of The Hannibal Files. In the home stretch of the series and this podcast, we discuss the scattered yet still compelling episodes leading up to the end. Building up to the final showdown between Dolarhyde and those out to catch him, the show is reveling in Richard Armitage's feral performance and some new dynamics with old characters.

Hannibal Season 3: The Great Red Dragon/And the Woman Clothed with the Sun

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Thu, 5 Nov 2020 16:13:59 +0000

The final arc of Bryan Fuller's Hannibal starts here. Three years after Dr. Lecter's capture, a new case draws everyone back into the good doctor's orbit. Richard Armitage is Francis Dolarhyde, a monstrous new killer targeting entire families. Will Hannibal cooperate and help the FBI catch him?

Interlude: Michael Mann's Manhunter

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 18:09:56 +0000

Before we tackle the final arc of Bryan Fuller's Hannibal, we're going to be taking a look at Michael Mann's 1986 thriller, Manhunter. Based on the Thomas Harris novel Red Dragon, Manhunter serves as the first adaptation of the Red Dragon story, and the basis of the final six episodes of Hannibal. Widely considered as a cult classic, Manhunter is a neon injection of 80s neo-noir.

Hannibal Season 3: Digestivo

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 22 Oct 2020 12:56:21 +0000

The Mason Verger arc comes to a close with the midseason finale of Hannibal. "Digestivo" buttons up a number of storylines, setting the stage for a brand new direction in the final half-season of the series. How do Will and Hannibal escape their predicament at Muskrat Farm? What fate befalls the Verger estate? Tune in and listen to our thoughts!

Hannibal Season 3: Contorno/Dolce

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 11:54:50 +0000

Hannibal and Bedelia's time together in Italy has come to an end as the good doctor is luring all his enemies to him. Jack, Will, and Pazzi close in on Hannibal in an explosive couple of episodes that sets up the mid-season finale. Tune in and find out what we thought about the latest gruesome developments!

Hannibal Season 3: Secondo/Apertivo

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, Amir Touray) — Thu, 8 Oct 2020 13:03:18 +0000

With episodes 3 and 4, Hannibal hits a lull in the pacing in which we all agree isn't the best for the series. Will visits the infamous Lecter estate, while we catch up with the rest of the cast, whose fates are all still up in the air from last season's bloodbath.

Hannibal Season 3: Antipasto/Primavera

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Thu, 1 Oct 2020 10:44:58 +0000

A new chapter of The Hannibal Files begins as we follow the fugitive Hannibal Lecter and his unexpected companion to Europe. Paris! Florence! Stolen identities! What is the esteemed doctor up to after the bloodbath that ended the second season? Tune in as we begin the discussion on the third and final season of Hannibal

Hannibal Season 2: Mizumono

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, Amir Touray) — Thu, 24 Sep 2020 13:34:42 +0000

We've finally made it to the end of the second season of Hannibal. Get ready as Derek, Jeff, and Amir dive into one of the best episodes of television of all time, the absolutely shocking and bonkers Mizumono. It's a bloodbath at Hannibal Lecter's house as Will and Jack execute their master plan, and not everything goes smoothly. What surprise does the good doctor have in store for us? Tune in and find out!

Hannibal Season 2: Ko No Mono/Tome-Wan

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 17 Sep 2020 13:24:40 +0000

The first Verger saga comes to a close in the penultimate episodes of Hannibal's second season, with Jack and Will's trap for Hannibal ready to be sprung. What happened to Freddie Lounds? Will Alana forgive all the betrayals coming her way? We discuss this and more before the killer season finale next week.

Hannibal Season 2: Shiizakana/Naka-Choko

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 12:48:04 +0000

Robot bears and pigs in suits! We're nearing the end of Hannibal's second season, and Will Graham is playing a dangerous game. Can he bait the Chesapeake Ripper, or will he succumb to his newfound darkness? Join Derek, Jeff, and Amir as they discuss these two wild episodes.

Hannibal Season 2: Yakimono/Su-Zakana

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray, Derek Wong) — Thu, 3 Sep 2020 11:30:42 +0000

This week, it's just Jeff and Amir as they discuss a bit of real world news before the regular Hannibal talk. More than half way into the second season, the show has wrapped one of its best arcs, and set a new status quo. Tune in to find out what we thought of all the new developments and the new direction the series is taking.

Hannibal Season 2: Mukozuke/Futanomo

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 16:55:30 +0000

The tides are turning in Hannibal's second season. One of the series' most memorable tableaus is finally here, and the power begins to shift away from the inimitable Dr. Lecter. What other nasty twists does Hannibal have in store for us? Tune in and find out!

Hannibal Season 2: Hassun/Takiawase

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray, Derek Wong) — Thu, 20 Aug 2020 11:34:18 +0000

This week, The Hannibal Files is thrown into chaos. Will's murder trial! More Hannibal Lecter shenanigans! Two mysterious killers-of-the-week, and Beverly's investigation heats up. There's lots to talk about, so strap in and listen up!

Hannibal Season 2: Kaiseki/Sakizuke

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, Amir Touray) — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 16:07:57 +0000

After taking a break to talk about a few things decidedly NOT Hannibal-related, Derek, Jeff, and Amir are now back to cover the second season of Bryan Fuller's Hannibal. Springboarding from a shocking cold open, Season 2 starts with propulsive momentum. What's the new status quo? Who's the new killer of the week? We discuss all this and more in this week's episode.

Intermission: What We're Watching

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Thu, 6 Aug 2020 11:35:39 +0000

We've wrapped up our recaps and discussions for the first season of Bryan Fuller's Hannibal, so it seems like the perfect place to take a one week break, and talk about a few things that are decidedly NOT Hannibal. This week, Derek, Jeff, and Amir take the opportunity to talk about some of the films and shows that they've been watching. What's worth your time? What isn't? Tune in and find out!

Hannibal Season 1: Savoureux

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Thu, 30 Jul 2020 10:53:47 +0000

The first season of Hannibal ends with a bang as we discuss what's to be done with Will Graham and the first 12 episodes as a whole. With Will on the hook for Abigail's grisly fate at the end of the last episode, the show pulls the rug out and deploys a fascinating reversal of roles. What did we think of "Savoureux?" Tune in and find out.

Hannibal Season 1: Rôti/Relevés

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 17:44:52 +0000

Shocker after shocker as Hannibal barrels towards its first season endgame. The final two episodes before the finale, Join Derek, Jeff, and Amir as they discuss the developments of "Rôti" and "Relevés."

Abigail Hobbs takes center stage once again as Will Graham continues to spiral out of control. What did we think of Hannibal's wicked actions this week? Tune in and find out!

Hannibal Season 1: Trou Normand/Buffet Froid

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 15:12:56 +0000

As we enter the final stretch of episodes of Hannibal's first season, we have two quieter, table-setting episodes in "Trou Normand" and "Buffet Froid." Will Graham spirals out of control, as Hannibal begins plotting his endgame for the season. Abigail Hobbs returns, and a new character, Georgia Madchen, enters the game. What did we think of these two episodes? Tune in and find out!

Hannibal Season 1: Sorbet/Fromage

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Thu, 9 Jul 2020 16:38:47 +0000

As we pass the midpoint of Hannibal's first season, we get two fun, action-packed episodes focused mostly on our favorite cannibal serial killer, Dr. Lecter. In this latest episode of The Hannibal Files, Derek, Jeff, and Amir discuss some fascinating production notes, the introduction of some great characters, and the themes of friendship.

Hannibal Season 1: Coquilles/Entrée

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 2 Jul 2020 19:42:30 +0000

This week, Hannibal makes the leap from good television to must-see classic as we discuss episodes 5 and 6 of the show's first season, titled "Coquilles" and "Entrée," respectively. We talk about another disposable killer-of-the-week episode elevated by some beautiful thematic work, plus the big turning point of the season. What did Derek, Jeff, and Amir think of the episodes? Tune in and find out!

Hannibal Season 1: Potage/Oeuf

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, Amir Touray) — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 13:15:18 +0000

Continuing our journey with Bryan Fuller's Hannibal, now streaming on Netflix, we discuss episodes 3 and 4 of the first season, titled Potage and Oeuf. Following two appetizer courses, Hannibal throws us right into the deep end. Tune in as Derek, Amir, and Jeff dive deep into Hannibal's main course - the introduction of key player Abigail Hobbs, and the theme of family.

Hannibal Season 1: Apéritif/Amuse Bouche

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 13:30:52 +0000

Our journey through Bryan Fuller's Hannibal starts here! Whether you're a new fan tuning in on Netflix, or a diehard veteran revisiting the series, this is the perfect place to get your fix of Hannibal discussions. This week, join Amir, Derek, and Jeff as they talk about the first two episodes of the first season, titled "Apéritif" and "Amuse Bouche." This is a spoiler filled discussion, so if you have not seen the first two episodes, please do so. Bon Appétit.

Prologue: "The Silence of the Lambs"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 10:48:32 +0000

Before we get into the nitty gritty with Bryan Fuller's Hannibal television series, we talk about Jonathan Demme's indelible 1991 film, The Silence of the Lambs. A dark horse horror film that unexpectedly swept the Oscars that year, The Silence of the Lambs is a classic that is undeniable with its influence. 29 years later, how does it hold up? And how does it compare to NBC's television series? Join us as we explore the film's themes, performances, and legacy.

Special Announcement: The Hannibal Files

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Thu, 4 Jun 2020 16:53:57 +0000

As we start The Strange Harbors Podcast's third season, we're returning to our roots of a series-centric format. What started with HBO's Watchmen now continues with NBC's Hannibal - welcome to The Hannibal Files: A Strange Harbors Podcast. Join us on a dark new journey as we dive deep into the mythology of Hannibal Lecter, Will Graham, and Bryan Fuller’s gross and gorgeous world adapted from the Thomas Harris novels. This is a short announcement episode, with a little more information of how our new season of episodes will progress. Hope you'll join us!

Coronavirus and the State of Cinema

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Thu, 28 May 2020 20:22:29 +0000

"Rick and Morty"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Thu, 21 May 2020 18:02:44 +0000

Action Cinema and "Extraction"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray, Derek Wong) — Thu, 14 May 2020 20:24:43 +0000

"Community"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray, Derek Wong) — Thu, 7 May 2020 18:32:01 +0000

Influential Episodes of TV

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 20:17:59 +0000

Cinematic Universes

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 15:38:50 +0000

"Hereditary"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray, Derek Wong) — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 16:24:40 +0000

What We're Watching, Quarantine Edition

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Thu, 9 Apr 2020 18:41:58 +0000

"Devs"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong, Amir Touray) — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 18:51:04 +0000

"The Invisible Man"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 19:12:48 +0000

Top 25 Movies of the Decade (2010-2019)

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray, Derek Wong) — Wed, 4 Mar 2020 15:47:36 +0000

"Star Trek: Picard"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray, Derek Wong) — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 16:26:27 +0000

"Birds of Prey"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 14:13:09 +0000

Oscars Recap: A Historic Night for "Parasite"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 00:59:00 +0000

"Infernal Affairs" and "The Departed"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray) — Wed, 5 Feb 2020 18:40:14 +0000

"1917"

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Amir Touray, Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 13:06:20 +0000

What We're Watching

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang) — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 14:05:27 +0000

Special Announcement

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Amir Touray, Derek Wong) — Tue, 14 Jan 2020 10:19:08 +0000

Happy New Year from all of us at The "Who Watches the Watchmen?" Podcast. We hope everyone had a great holiday season! As you all might know, the future of HBO's Watchmen is uncertain at this point; therefore, we are going to be taking the podcast in a new direction. This is a special announcement for our retitled show: The Strange Harbors Podcast. Join us next week for the first episode of our new broadcast. Thanks for listening!

Epilogue: Season One Postmortem with Amir Touray

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Thu, 26 Dec 2019 11:24:53 +0000

Watchmen S01E09: See How They Fly

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Sat, 21 Dec 2019 16:55:00 +0000

Supplemental material:

Peteypedia - Official Supplemental Material by HBO

Watchmen S01E08: A God Walks into Abar

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Tue, 10 Dec 2019 22:18:38 +0000

Supplemental material:

Peteypedia - Official Supplemental Material by HBO

Watchmen S01E07: An Almost Religious Awe

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Fri, 6 Dec 2019 16:54:00 +0000

Supplemental material:

Peteypedia - Official Supplemental Material by HBO

Watchmen S01E06: This Extraordinary Being

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Tue, 26 Nov 2019 19:39:08 +0000

Supplemental material:

Peteypedia - Official Supplemental Material by HBO

Watchmen S01E05: Little Fear of Lightning

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 23:08:56 +0000

Supplemental material:

Peteypedia - Official Supplemental Material by HBO

Watchmen S01E04: If You Don't Like My Story, Write Your Own

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 23:28:57 +0000

Supplemental material:

Peteypedia - Official Supplemental Material by HBO

Watchmen S01E03: She Was Killed by Space Junk

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (& Amir Touray, Jeff Zhang, Derek Wong) — Tue, 5 Nov 2019 23:21:57 +0000

Supplemental material:

Peteypedia - Official Supplemental Material by HBO

Watchmen S01E02: Martial Feats of Comanche Horsemanship

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Amir Touray) — Tue, 29 Oct 2019 17:52:06 +0000

Supplemental material:

Peteypedia - Official Supplemental Material by HBO

Watchmen S01E01: It's Summer and We're Running Out of Ice

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Tue, 22 Oct 2019 16:21:06 +0000

Supplemental material:

The Case for Reparations by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Peteypedia - Official Supplemental Material by HBO

Prologue: Zack Snyder and the Movie Adaptation of Watchmen

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Tue, 15 Oct 2019 20:56:00 +0000

Prologue: The Works of Alan Moore and the Themes of Watchmen

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Tue, 8 Oct 2019 09:48:07 +0000

Prologue: Damon Lindelof, Expectations, and Trailers

Whowatchesthepodcast@gmail.com (Derek Wong, Jeff Zhang) — Fri, 20 Sep 2019 19:15:57 +0000