atlas-small.jpg">atlas-small-300x264.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="264" class="wp-image-3008 size-medium alignleft">Welcome to Episode 107 of the “Reel Chat Podcast.” This is our very first commissioned special – brought to you by Reel Chat listener and supporter Matt Devanny. 

Based on the New York Times best-selling novel of the same name by David Mitchell, 2012’s “Cloud Atlas” is an exploration of how the actions of individual lives impact one another in the past, present and future. The story is a time-shifting weave of six interlinking narratives, with diverse settings from the savagery of a Pacific Island in the 1850s to a dystopian Korea of the near future.

“Cloud Atlas” has been called “ambitious” and “polarising,” and I suppose, those are fair and accurate assessments. Directed by the Wachowskis and Tom Tykwer (of “Run Lola Run” fame), the film is an absorbing and stimulating exploration of various themes concerning the human condition and Cartesian thought. It’s certainly not everyone’s cup of tea. It asks thought-provoking, philosophical questions while managing to entertain and dazzle some, while bamboozling and frustrating others. 

Joining your host Adam Stolfo is returning regular Penny Jelly, as well as Reel Chat stalwart Michael Hadjion and “Cloud Atlas” appreciator Andy Hazel.

NOTE ON THIS EPISODE

This commissioned episode of Reel Chat will be its last in this current format. It was recorded before this decision was finalised, so it plays as a regular episode would – minus my “Final Word” for the simple reason that I didn’t want the show to go on hiatus on the back of a big negative review. (Spoiler: “Cloud Atlas” wasn’t exactly for me – at least on this viewing.)

There are a number of important factors that have contributed to this decision. As I’m sure most of you know, these creative endeavours are driven by passion. The time, work and money that goes into each and every episode needs to be a worthwhile investment – not just for me, but for my entire team. Unfortunately Reel Chat is no longer meeting these requirements. But this doesn’t mean it never can. Particularly with the right backing and support.

My advice to our loyal listeners who want to see it go on – people power is integral. Share our back catalog with other like minded movie fans. Demand its return!

I’d like to personally thank everyone who has been such an integral part of its life since we released our inaugural episode at the end of 2014.

As Reel Chat contributors Jesse and Damon have rightly pointed out to me directly of late, this is not necessarily the end – just the end of this chapter. Hopefully I can rekindle the spark and bring back Reel Chat (or something similar) with a new coat of paint as well as a clear and exciting new direction. I love film and love sharing my passion with other like minded personalities.

Thank you so much for tuning in. In the words of the Terminator – “I’ll be back!”

Adam Stolfo

small.jpg">small-300x269.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="269" class="alignleft wp-image-2940 size-medium">Welcome to Episode 106 of the “Reel Chat Podcast.” This week we continue our countdown of Empire Magazine’s Top 100 Greatest Movies of all time.

Writer/Director Joss Whedon pulled off the impossible with 2012’s “The Avengers”, uniting various superheroes who enjoyed successful standalone features prior to this potentially disastrous effort. Showered in Whedon’s signature off-beat humour and one-liner wit, the plot terrifically balances a somewhat weighty tone inspired by the events and character developments of earlier entries with plenty of eye-catching visuals and thrilling action.

“The Avengers” still holds up as one of the better superhero flicks among a swamp-thick ocean of superhero overexposure. It’s funny looking back and thinking screens felt overflowing with fantastical tales about arrogant millionaires in flying iron suits, ill-tempered green giants sporting some daisy dukes, a god of thunder with daddy issues and a military experiment turned WWII hero. Oh, and we’re going to throw into the mix, just for good measure, a former Russian spy with deadly martial arts skills, a highly-talented master archer and a cycloptic Samuel L. Jackson as the crotchety director of a mysterious super-secret government agency. Thankfully, what could have been a complete disaster actually became a shockingly good time at the movies, terrifically satisfying on every level – at least for comic book movie-loving fans.

Joining your non-fan host Adam Stolfo is returning filmmaker Jesse O’Brien, as well as fellow podcasters (and Marvel super-fans) James Davidson and Tyson Legg. Join the team as they discuss, in detail, the sixth film in the all-conquering Marvel Cinematic Universe, as well as the life and career of writer/director Joss Whedon, the large ensemble cast, it’s Blu-ray and 4K release, Alan Silvestri’s “Avengers Theme” and epic score, it’s layering of the foundation of modern-day Hollywood blockbusters, and much, much more!

So does “The Avengers” deserve it’s spot in the Top 100? And is position number 65 where it belongs?

300x281.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="281" class="alignleft wp-image-2928 size-medium">Welcome to Episode 105 of the “Reel Chat Podcast.” This week we continue our countdown of Empire Magazine’s Top 100 Greatest Movies of all time.

At this point, George Lucas hardly needs more hullabaloo. 1983’s “Return Of The Jedi” marks a triumph for Lucas and his production family – the third of three movies made over a span of 6 years that stand together as a unit, a mass entertainment coup. And as it turns out – that was just the beginning!

“Jedi” fails to be either as fresh as “A New Hope” or as surprising as “The Empire Strikes Back”. Too much is predictable here (such as the appearance of a second Death Star) and too many compromises were made for the younger audience members (the very presence of the Ewoks, for example) which is especially noticeable after the more adult themes of the previous installment. That said, “Jedi” does manage to adequately complete the story arc of the original trilogy. There’s nice symmetry with the way the character storylines are wrapped up, and there’s enough action to keep the film interesting and just as engaging as its predecessors. 

Joining your host Adam Stolfo to tackle “Jedi” for a second time is returning filmmaker Jesse O’Brien, as well as fellow Star Wars super-fans James Davidson and Sam Aftasi. Join the team as they discuss the film’s many versions, its controversial Special Edition, the work of creator George Lucas, the mysterious (and unknown) world of director Richard Marquand, Jesse’s run-in with the son of Kenny Baker (R2-D2)… as well as Adam’s take on how “Jedi” may have ended in an “alternate” universe!

So does “Return Of The Jedi” deserve it’s spot in the Top 100? And is position number 66 where it belongs?

small.jpg">small-296x300.jpg" alt="" width="296" height="300" class="wp-image-2912 size-medium alignleft">Welcome to Episode 104 of the “Reel Chat Podcast.” This week we continue our countdown of Empire Magazine’s Top 100 Greatest Movies of all time.

Leonard Shelby (Guy Pearce) has a “condition.” He’ll be the first one to tell you. He’ll be the second one to tell you. He’ll even be the third one to tell you. But whether this condition makes sufferers behave the way Leonard does in director Christopher Nolan’s 2000 thriller “Memento” is a question for the experts. It certainly makes for one trippy, challenging movie.

Told in a convoluted, flashback-filled narrative, Leonard witnesses the death of his wife and subsequently develops short-term memory loss. He can remember everything about his life before his wife’s murder, but every memory afterward disappears within moments. Since he can no longer file away the events of his life in his head, he writes notes and sticks them in his pockets. He takes Polaroids and adds captions. He even turns himself into an illustrated man, tattooing upon his every limb “the facts,” immutable truths about the man who raped and murdered his wife. The man he has sworn to find and kill.

But Christopher Nolan isn’t content to merely tell the story of a man with no short-term memory trying to avenge his wife’s murder. In a daring gamble, the story is told backwards. The ending comes first, followed by the scene that, in real time, came before it. Nolan has created a masterful approximation of life the way Leonard experiences it. We don’t just live in Leonard’s world. We live in Leonard’s head.

Joining your host Adam Stolfo is returning filmmakers Greg Pakis and Saara Lamberg, as well as fellow podcaster Ryan Kendall. Join the team as they discuss the film’s non-linear structure, it’s cast and “brand” of a director, it’s surprisingly bland mystery, its close to perfect exploration of the neurobiology of memory, the atmospheric score of David Julyan, it’s alternate (and re-sequenced) DVD special edition (hidden on the disc as an Easter Egg) and as always – much, much more!

So does “Memento” deserve it’s spot in the Top 100? And is position number 67 where it belongs?

300x272.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="272" class="alignleft wp-image-2904 size-medium">Welcome to Episode 103 of the “Reel Chat Podcast.” This week we continue our countdown of Empire Magazine’s Top 100 Greatest Movies of all time.

Like most great comedies, 1984’s “Ghostbusters” relies on the interactions and conversations between its characters, but leaves enough headroom for some great visuals that play along with the gags. The rest of the film reveals something greatly lacking in many modern comedies: smart dialogue, full of quips, cynicism, sarcasm, and all-around zaniness that feels spontaneous rather than scripted. From the Columbia Pictures logo, accompanied by Elmer Bernstein’s eerie score, to the moment the iconic theme song is cued, a smile full of fond memories plasters itself to the audience’s faces. Everything that follows is a grandiose spectacle of comedy and special effects, enhanced by an outstanding cast that makes the film feel as fresh and original as it did when it originally premiered in 1984.

The creative team rightly allowed Bill Murray to go all out with Venkman and establish that cynical comic persona for which he is now celebrated. With director Ivan Reitman reining it all together, the spook-fest that is “Ghostbusters” still produces laughs of epic proportions. Demonstrating that big-budget special effects can mesh well with laugh-out-loud comedy, the film also enjoys being one of the most successful comedy franchises ever made and continues to convert a new generation of fans with each viewing.

Joining your host Dr. Adam Stolfo (the mouth of Reel Chat) is Dr. Michael Hadjion (the heart of Reel Chat), Dr. Damon Quah (the brains of Reel Chat) and special guest panelist Tyson Legg of the “Nic, Tys and Videotape” podcast (our token African-American every-man). Join the team as they discuss the film’s ongoing legacy, its origins, the work and career of director Ivan Reitman (he’s a genius), the unforgettable cast, its upcoming 2020 sequel, the decisions on where they used (and did not use) Elmer Bernstein’s score, the current state of the Ghostbusters franchise as a whole, and as always – much, much more!

This is of course a very special episode of Reel Chat, as it marks the third time the show has revisited a film that’s already been covered – all the way back in January 2015 (Episode 1).

So does “Ghostbusters” deserve it’s spot in the Top 100? And is position number 68 where it belongs?

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Welcome to Episode 102 of the “Reel Chat Podcast.” This week we continue our countdown of Empire Magazine’s Top 100 Greatest Movies of all time.

Hollywood has produced dozens of dazzling, lively, and artistic musicals over the past eight decades, but if there’s one picture that epitomizes the genre and everything we love about it, it would have to be ‘Singin’ In The Rain.’ Though not as sophisticated as “Gigi”, as groundbreaking or substantive as “West Side Story”, as romantic or inspirational as “The Sound Of Music”, or as edgy and biting as “Chicago”, this beloved, tuneful romp explodes with energy, exuberance, satirical humour, innocence, and whimsy. It doesn’t take itself seriously, yet stands as a serious example of why movies captivate our minds and stoke our senses.

A nostalgic tribute and light-hearted spoof of the early days of talking pictures, “Singin’ In The Rain” honours its industry while savagely lampooning it. Though the script makes good-natured fun of a host of Hollywood foibles – from splashy premieres, backstage backstabbing, and oversized egos to stuffy elocution experts, creative short-sightedness, and performer stereotypes – at its core, “Singin’ In The Rain” is a sweet, naive love story played with winning earnestness by Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds. The lack of pretension, mystifying talent, and sheer joy that emanate from every frame of “Singin’ In The Rain” are what make this beloved film so memorable and so worthy of repeat viewings. Does it deserve it’s reputation as one of the greatest musicals ever made?

Joining your host Adam Stolfo is returning special guest panelists Andy Hazel and Glen O’Brien. Join the team as they discuss the fascinating work and career of co-director/star Gene Kelly, his partner in crime Stanley Donen, the film’s superb cast, it’s amazing costumes, it’s many memorable songs (including its use of the famous title song), it’s legacy and pop cultural impact, it’s worthy Blu-ray release (outside of Australia anyway), and as always – much, much more!

So does “Singin’ In The Rain” deserve it’s spot in the Top 100? And is position number 69 where it belongs?

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Welcome back to Episode 101 of the “Reel Chat Podcast” – the premiere episode of our brand new (and fifth) season. After a brief hiatus, we continue with our countdown of Empire Magazine’s Top 100 Greatest Movies of all time.

Magical and memorable, rip-roaring and heartbreaking, 1994’s “The Lion King” efficiently re-purposes elements of both Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” and their very own “The Jungle Book” (scary, scarred cat seizes control of a pack by killing their leader; orphaned and outcast ‘cub’ is befriended by lovable but goofy animals who sing and dance him around until he’s ready to face the bad guy who killed his dad). Indeed, it was even originally titled “King Of The Jungle.”

These familiar elements are forged into a timeless tale of betrayal, tragedy and revenge, further embellished with some coming-of-age fun and training-for-the-big-fight moments, with maybe a little childhood sweetheart romance thrown in for good measure. Sure, it’s not perfect – the powerful emotional impact of its first and last acts is somewhat undone by an arguably necessary but still diluent middle act filled with slapstick comedy characters and playful merriment montages, and some of the character motivations are questionable – but it’s the “Rocky” of Disney features; a tremendous underdog tale of epic proportions. With it’s stunning animation, “The Lion King” – which was actually expected to be vastly overshadowed by the then-upcoming “Pocahontas” – was a masterclass in simple storytelling and features a fantastic score (who would have ever thought that Elton John meets Hans Zimmer would work!?). 

Joining your host Adam Stolfo is the returning Michael Hadjion, as well as special guest Patreon supporter Ben Houghton. Join the team as they discuss the film’s staggering financial and critical success, it’s upcoming 2019 CGI remake, it’s legacy as the most successful 2D animated film of all time, the work and career of co-directors Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff, the film’s iconic voice cast, the well-known controversies, Hans Zimmer’s Academy Award winning score, the memorable songs of Elton John and Tim Rice, it’s plethora of home video releases, as well as touching upon it’s direct-to-video sequels and it’s long-running Broadway musical.

So does “The Lion King” deserve it’s spot in the Top 100? And is position number 70 where it belongs?

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Welcome to Episode 100 of the “Reel Chat Podcast” – a podcast that has always promised our listeners and fans, whether here or abroad, the “Reel World as we know it”.

Joining your host Adam Stolfo on this special celebratory episode is an extensive rotating team of Reel Chat regulars and special guests. Adam gave them all tasks as well. A “must listen” for all movie fans and podcast fans alike.

First up (in Group 1), Adam is joined by Reel Chat regular Penny Jelly, Adam’s long-term friend James Davidson and special guest co-hosts of the “Nic, Tys and Videotape” podcast – Tyson Legg and Nic Kaschke.

In Group 2, Adam is joined by Reel Chat stalwarts Andrew McCaskill and Damon Quah, as well as special guests – filmmaker Saara Lamberg and Ryan Kendall.

Next up in Group 3, Adam is joined by his regular subs – filmmaker Jesse O’Brien and Adam’s best mate Michael Hadjion, as well as long-term friend Ben Houghton and Adam’s wife Helen Seta Stolfo, who finally makes her debut appearance here after 100 episodes.

And in Group 4 (the final group), Adam is joined by the multi-talented Andy Hazel, long-time listener and super fan Evalin Ling, the “Professor” Glen O’Brien and Adam’s long-term high school mate Sam Aftasi (on short notice).

This is the most jam-packed episode of Reel Chat yet. Audio messages from our special guests, listeners and fans… highlights from the early days… unexpected surprises… it’s all here in Reel Chat 100!

Adam would like to personally thank everyone for being such a big part of such a special evening of celebration. And a special thanks to everyone who has contributed to Reel Chat since it’s inception in 2015. This episode is a quintessential celebration of the milestone achievement.

New Reel Chat theme song is “Monody” by TheFatRat.

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Welcome to Episode 99 of the “Reel Chat Podcast.” This week we introduce the first episode of our Team Focus spin-off series – a concept that gives the Reel Chat team a chance to give their retrospective treatment to film projects by our very own team members and special guests, complete with the filmmakers present on the episode. An exclusive insight if you like.

Joining your host Adam Stolfo is Reel Chat regulars Andrew McCaskill, Penny Jelly and Damon Quah, as well as the writer/director extraordinaire himself Jesse O’Brien. For this first episode, Reel Chat chose Jesse’s ambitious science fiction film “Arrowhead” (2016) which follows Kye (Dan Mor), a prisoner of war in an unspecified future who is tasked with a rescue mission, but is ultimately stranded on a desert moon.

With a background in effects work, O’Brien wrote a script for his feature debut that incorporated impressive CGI that he knew how to achieve himself, plus he had made a 10-minute proof of concept short film, “Arrowhead: Signal” which illustrated that the ambitious filmmaker had an achievable vision.

Made in Australia for a mere $187k, “Arrowhead” really is a remarkable achievement in every sense of the word and we’ve done our best to do Jesse’s feature film debut the justice it so rightly deserves.

We advise you all to please support Jesse and check out his film before listening to our podcast. We have included a number of useful links below to make it as easy as possible.

THE THEATRICAL TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyqJF7WkC-g

iTUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/au/movie/arrowhead/id1117269755

INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/arrowheadmovie

FACEBOOK: Where you can watch the all encompassing “Into The Desert: The Complete Making Of Arrowhead” documentary https://www.facebook.com/ArrowheadMovie/

BLU-RAY & DVD RELEASE:https://www.jbhifi.com.au/movies-tv-shows/movies-tv-shows-on-sale/australian-cinema/arrowhead/950748/ https://www.jbhifi.com.au/movies-tv-shows/movies-tv-shows-on-sale/australian-cinema/arrowhead/950752/

A big thank you from the Reel Chat team for your willingness to support Australian independent content.

300x290.jpg" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2822" width="300" height="290" alt="">Welcome to Episode 98 of the “Reel Chat Podcast.” Well, we’re flying! We’re officially 3/10 of the way through our “epic” countdown of Empire Magazine’s Top 100 Greatest Movies of all time.

Joining your host Adam Stolfo for this special recap episode is Reel Chat regulars Andrew McCaskill and Penny Jelly, as well as the returning Jesse O’Brien. Join the team as they touch upon last month’s 91st Academy Awards before breaking down in more detail the third block of 10 movies in Empire’s prestigious Greatest Movies list. Rankings, tallies, controversy – it’s all here for even the most hardened (or opinionated) of podcast listeners.