With HBO’s new Harry Potter series now in production, we decided there’s no better time to feed our anticipation (and scepticism) by revisiting the beloved film saga month by month, starting with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (or Sorcerer’s Stone for our US listeners). Chris Columbus’ 2001 adaptation remains a magical introduction to the wizarding world, overflowing with wonder, fun, and a sense of discovery that still feels special even after countless rewatches. Experiencing Hogwarts for the first time again through Harry’s eyes is a true delight, and the warmth of the supporting cast brings the story to life (particularly Robbie Coltrane’s Hagrid). As expected, we get caught up in the amusing little details that we notice as long-time fans, but ultimately agree this film remains a classic kids adventure which very effectively kicks off one of modern cinema’s great franchises.

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It’s time to return to the filmography of ultra friend of the show Denis Villeneuve with Enemy (2013), his debut English-language feature, which he once described as a “practice run.” If that’s the case, it’s one of the most impressive practice runs imaginable, as the film stands out as a technical showcase filled with haunting atmosphere, incredible lighting, rich colours, and an unsettling score. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal in dual roles, the story follows a man who discovers another person who looks exactly like him, leading to a tense and eerie unravelling of their intertwined lives. Beneath the surface, Enemy is loaded with symbols and metaphors (and yes, some very striking spider imagery) that invites interpretation. We dive deep into the film’s themes and mysterious storytelling. So come for our incredibly thorough explanation of what it all means, rivalling Chris Stuckmann's "Ending Explained" video.

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Boy A (2007) is a moving and emotionally heavy British drama that explores themes of second chances, rehabilitation, and whether true change is possible for those with dark pasts. Andrew Garfield delivers a powerful and empathetic performance as Jack, a young man released from prison after committing a terrible crime as a child, trying to rebuild his life under a new identity. Peter Mullan is also memorable as Jack’s mentor Terry, whose great Scottish accent and heartfelt connection with Jack add warmth and hope to the story. Supported by these believable performances and a grounded sense of realism, the film keeps you engrossed in Jack’s emotional roller coaster from start to finish. After the review, we lighten things up by revealing the new names we’d choose for ourselves and reading out your choices too.

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The long-awaited Leo and PTA collab is finally here. One Battle After Another follows stoner, ex-revolutionary Dad, Bob, and his spirited daughter, Willa, living off-grid. When an old nemesis of the family resurfaces, comedic shambles ensue as father and daughter try to reclaim their past, future, and each other. A grand premise for another personal epic of PTA’s, but does it stick the landing or collapse under the weight of its own reach? Join a crew of wannabe film critics review a different movie every week, and discuss other nonsense. Listen to new episodes every Monday.

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We’re returning to Paul Thomas Anderson’s filmography for the first time in years with Inherent Vice (2014), a pot-fuelled, bumbling detective story that plays as equal parts mystery, comedy, and fever dream. Joaquin Phoenix stars as private investigator Doc Sportello, stumbling his way through a tangle of crime, corruption, and shifting culture in 1970s Los Angeles. The film features a stacked supporting cast including Josh Brolin, Owen Wilson, Benicio del Toro, and Reese Witherspoon, all adding to the charm in different ways. We unpack its offbeat tone, surreal humour, and perhaps deliberately convoluted plot, debating just how effectively PTA balances it all in this uniquely strange ride.

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The Hidden World is by far the least watched entry in DreamWorks’ beloved How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, which made it exciting for us to finally see it for the first time. Following Hiccup, Toothless, and the whole gang of snots and louts as they face their biggest challenge yet, the film offers a heartfelt continuation of the saga, though we felt it lacked the soaring highs of the previous instalments. F. Murray Abraham did stand out with his entertaining performance as the villain Geralt. And most importantly, after years of waiting for resolution, it was rewarding to finally experience the satisfying conclusion to this iconic animated franchise. After the review, we briefly review the new trailer for The Mandalorian and Grogu, then dive into a discussion about which creatures we would most want to train.

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Thanks to our Instagram voters, we dove into The Butterfly Effect, and we ended up thoroughly enjoying the ride. Starring Ashton Kutcher and Amy Smart, this sci-fi thriller delivers shocking twists and surprises that pack serious entertainment value while still staying grounded in the core emotional weight of its story. Despite some of the wild and over the top moments, the characters remain relatable thanks to solid performances across the board. We also dig into the dramatically different endings between the theatrical and director’s cuts, which left us fascinated by how each changes the film’s impact. After the review, we switch gears and recap the highlights from this year’s exciting Emmy Awards.

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Oliver Stone drew from his own experiences as an infantryman in Vietnam to craft an unflinching portrayal of the war that feels sweaty, uncomfortable, and authentic. Platoon (1986) follows a young soldier played by Charlie Sheen, with Willem Dafoe and Tom Berenger in supporting roles (also a very young Johnny Depp), as the film immerses viewers in the chaos of combat. Stone pulls no punches in showing the conflict in a starkly negative light, which explains why the US government refused to cooperate with the production. This episode is especially fun because we disagree on almost every major aspect of the film, from the cinematography to the performances, the characters, and its standout sequences. There is plenty to unpack in this very famous war movie, so prepare yourself for some hot takes.

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