The First Run

TFR Ep. 805: Faces Of Death (2026)

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt check out the new ‘Faces Of Death’! The film that dares to ask, does watching violence beget violence? The answer: yeah, dude. Can the refresh compete with the first viral video, banned in 46 countries no less! Plus Chris runs down the big releases on Physical Media.

00:00-20:56: Intro/Faces of Death (2026)

20:57-27:26: Physical Media Picks

27:27-30:14: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 804: Alpha

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, as the Super Mario Galaxy film rakes in over $372 million, Chris and Matt discuss the latest film from Julia Ducournau, ‘Alpha’! The director of ‘Raw’ and ‘Titane’ returns with a different kind of horror. Leaning more into metaphor and drama. But is there any hot lady on car action or cannibalism? Chris reveals the big releases on Physical Media, and more!

00:00-12:25: Intro/Alpha

12:26-18:11: Physical Media Picks

18:12-20:58: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 803: Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Matt and Chris count to 10 and go on the hunt for the devil...for some reason...in ‘Ready or Not 2: Here I Come’. Then, back by popular demand for one show only(?), Chris will give you the rundown of the big releases on physical media.

00:00-18:21: Intro/Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come

18:22-23:29: Physical Media Picks

23:30-25:18: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 802: Project Hail Mary

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt are joined by Darin Lundberg of NostalgiaCast and Back To Bluey to discuss Milana Vayntrub’s latest film, ‘Project Hail Mary’, featuring Ryan Gosling and Sandra Hüller, and directed by Phil Lord & Chris Miller, the team behind the Spider-Verse series. Does Ms. Vayntrub finally get the recognition she deserves as one of the planet’s pre-eminent actors, comedians, and greatest all-round human beings? Is this gag barely amusing given the disturbing amount of online sexual harassment she’s received. Possibly? I think so. So let’s move on dear listener and discuss what some are describing as an heart-warming sc-fi insta-classic.

00:00-32:23: Intro/Project Hail Mary

32:24-35:17: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 801: Undertone, 2026 Oscars Wrap Up

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt find out first hand why this is a movie podcast and not a spooky cast with the haunted podcast flick ‘Undertone’. Then, they give your the results of their annual battle royale for the Oscar winners, an awards show they have opinions on but stopped watching years ago.

00:00-20:25: Intro/Undertone

20:26-27:08: 2026 Oscars Wrap Up

27:09-29:22: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Focus: 2026 Oscars Special

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 02:45:28 +0000

Welcome to The First Run 2026 Oscars special! Chris and Matt share their predictions for the big 6 categories: Best Supporting Actress/Actor, Best Actor/Actress, Direction, and Best Picture. You can also review Matt and Chris’ selections for all the other categories as well as they’ve linked their ballots in the show notes. Enjoy and good luck on your Oscars Pool!

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 800: The Bride, Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair, 5 Favorite Films From Eps 701-800

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt celebrate their 800th episode by paying tribute to all you brides out there! First up, Jessie Buckley leads Maggie Gyllenhaal’s (let’s say) reinterpreting of the classic Universal horror film, with ‘The Bride!’. Then it’s on to one of Scalzo’s holy grails, ‘Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair’. Has the wait been worth it? And in classic TFR fashion when they break off another hundo, it’s Matt and Chris’ 5 Favorite Films from episodes 701 to 800! Now let’s get this party started!

00:00-23:11: Intro/The Bride!

23:12-35:05: Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair

35:06-45:27: 5 Favorite Films From Episode 701-800

45:28-47:25: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey.

TFR Ep. 799: How To Make A Killing

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt check out the latest film that should have gone straight to streaming but somehow slipped through, ‘How to Make a Killing’. Does Glen Powell retain his positive position over the Tatum Line? And what happens with a black comedy fails on its central premise? Well, Chris goes from indifferent to angry, thanks to Matt’s prodding.

00:00-21:52: Intro/How To Make A Killing

21:53-26:01: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 798: Good Luck Have Fun Don’t Die

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt venture once more into the breach to assist the always effervescent Sam Rockwell save the future in Gore Verbinski’s ‘Good Luck Have Fun Don’t Die’! All that and that’s about it!

00:00-12:33: Intro/Good Luck Have Fun Don’t Die

12:34-15:15: Robert Duvall

15:16-18:06: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 797: Whistle

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt call an audible and decide to watch ‘Whistle’, the tale of high schoolers who can't leave well enough alone and being supernaturally punished for it in brutal fashion. A tale as old as time, really.

00:00-16:44: Intro/Whistle

16:45-19:12: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 796: Send Help, Wonder Man

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt discuss Sam Raimi’s first horror film since ‘Drag Me To Hell’ from 2009(!) with ‘Send Help’! And that’s it. Actually no, Chris has had a breakthrough with the MCU he’s very excited to share with Matt. And that’s it. For real this time.

00:00-14:38: Intro/Send Help

14:39-18:38: Wonder Man

18:39-20:57: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 795: Mercy, The Rip, Top 10 Films of 2025: 5-1

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt check out the first true January movie of 2026 with Timur Bekmambetov’s ‘Mercy’, featuring Hollywood’s 4th best Chris (Pratt) and the UK’s best Ferguson (Rebecca). Then, the guys discuss the latest from the bro-iest bros in Hollywood, it’s Ben Affleck and Matt Damon in Joe Carnahan’s ‘The Rip’! Matt and Chris wrap it all up with their 5 Favorite Films of 2025!

00:00-12:17: Intro/Mercy

12:18-21:41: The Rip

21:42-37:16: 5 Favorite Films of 2025

37:17-41:26: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 794: 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, No Other Choice, Top 10 Films of 2025: 10-6

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, it’s a jumbo-sized program featuring Chris and Matt discussing Nia DiCosta’s ’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’. Picking up moments after the previous films, Spike’s adventures in the cursed Scottish Highlands continue as Ralph Fiennes’s Dr. Ian Kelson and the Jimmy’s take center stage. Then 2025 wraps with Park Chan-wook’s ‘No Other Choice’ as Lee Byung-hun’s loss of his job appears to force him to extreme measures to lock up a new job. Matt and Chris then begin the wrap up last year with their Ten Favorite Films of 2025, numbers 10-6!

00:00-15:23: Intro/28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

15:24-25:19: No Other Choice

25:20-38:35: Top 10 Films of 2025: 10-6

38:36-40:47: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey.

TFR Ep. 793: The Mastermind, 10 Most Anticipated Films of 2026: 5-1

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:52:56 +0000

This week on The First Run Matt and Chris were supposed to see the latest from Park Chan Wook but that didn't happen because Matt is dedicated enough to drive to NYC to see a movie for you. The nerve. Instead, they catch up with The Mastermind, a tragic comedy of errors masquerading as a heist film. Then, Chris and Matt give you their top 5 most anticipated films of 2026.

00:00-13:34: Intro/The Mastermind

13:35-16:29: Lee Cronin, The Mummy, and Famous Acquaintances

16:30-42:55: Most Anticipated of 2026: 1-5

42:56-45:20: Wrap up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey.

TFR Ep. 792: The Plague, 10 Most Anticipated Films of 2026: 10-6

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt discuss the theatrical directorial debut of Charlie Poling’s ‘The Plague’. A bunch of punk kids at a waterpolo summer camp encounter something unsettling…themselves. Plus Matt and Chris begin their Top 10 Most Anticipated Films, starting off with numbers 10-6!

00:00-16:12: Intro/The Plague

16:13-32:10: Most Anticipated Films of 2026: 10-6

32:11-34:13: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 791: Marty Supreme, 5 Other Things We Enjoyed In 2025

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 19:01:23 +0000

This week on The First Run, the buzz outweighs Chris and Matt's misgivings when they check out the latest from Josh Safdie, ‘Marty Supreme’. Then, because the guys have some kind of a laugh outside of movies for the show, they break down the top 5 other things they enjoyed in 2025.

00:00-16:25: Intro/Marty Supreme

16:26-19:19: RIP MTV

19:20-41:52: 5 Other Things We Enjoyed in 2025

41:53-45:23: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 790: Avatar: Fire And Ash

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Thu, 25 Dec 2025 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt travel once more to Pandora as the Avatar franchise returns with ‘Avatar: Fire And Ash’. This time we’re introduced to a new clan, the Mangkwan. A group of of raiders on the edge of survival willing to do anything to maintain their existence. Just how far, and how long, will they go? Well, I can at least guarantee to you this episode won’t be over 3 hours long. Be lucky to break 30.

00:00-17:01: Intro/Avatar: Fire And Ash

17:02-21:03: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 789: Wake Up Dead Man, Silent Night Deadly Night (2025), In Memoriam Rob Reiner

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Matt and Chris check out the latest accent from Daniel Craig in Rian Johnson's latest Knives Out mystery, ‘Wake Up Dead Man’. Then Chris will give you his thoughts on the 2025 remake of ‘Silent Night, Deadly Night’. Chris and Matt close out the how by spending a little time saying farewell to the late, great Rob Reiner.

00:00-16:24: Wake Up Dead Man

16:25-24:00: Silent Night, Deadly Night 2025

24:01-31:59: In Memoriam: Rob Reiner

32:00-37:19: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 788: Reflection In A Dead Diamond, Netflix & WB Merger

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt discuss the latest by the French husband and wife directing team, Hélène Cattet’s & Bruno Forzani’s ‘Reflection In A Dead Diamond’. Known for the striking visual storytelling style, this time they tackle the euro-spy thrillers. Is it a wonderfully mad mash-up of visuals and narrative? Or unintelligible mess? Plus, Chris shares his thoughts on the proposed Netflix/Warner Bros. merger. And there’s news about a certain impossible to find 4k steelbook. All this, and more!

00:00-10:59: Intro/Reflection In A Dead Diamond

11:00-15:44: Rare Steelbooks, Flesh Of The Gods, et al

15:45-27:20: Netflix & WB Merger

27:21-30:27: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 787: Train Dreams

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Matt and Chris take a long, dreamy train ride to nowhere, or the answer to everything, with ‘Train Dreams’. Not Train Wars like Chris keeps wanting to call it.

00:00-14:27: Intro/Train Dreams

14:28-30:04: Wrap-up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 786: Sisu: Road To Revenge, 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt venture once more to the 1940’s to watch a legendary Finish warrior dispatch a bunch more baddies in ‘Sisu: Road To Revenge’. Plus it’s the return of Matt’s favorite guest with the 2025 Gift Guide for the Movie Lover in your life! Or just yourself.

00:00-15:05: Intro/ Sisu: Road To Revenge

15:06-29:47: 2025 Holiday Gift Guide

29:48-32:30: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 785: The Running Man, Rank ‘Em: Edgar Wright

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt check out the latest from Edgar Wright with ‘The Running Man’, a dystopian film that dares to ask "What would you for $1 billion new bucks?" Also Matt had some technical difficulties with his microphone but it gets better after the intro!

00:00-20:05: Intro/The Running Man

20:06-29:30: Rank ‘Em: Edgar Wright's Films

29:31-31:39: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 784: Predator: Badlands, Bugonia

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt delve back into the Predator-verse! On this adventure, we eschew the Predator trope of the hunter villain, for a story about a honor, redemption, and cliche. Then Yorgos Lanthimos, Emma Stone, and America’s Sweet heart, Jesse Plemons reunite for the latest off-center cinematic experience with Bugonia!

00:00-14:21: Intro/Predator: Badlands

14:22-24:48 Bugonia

24:49-27:32: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 783: Frankenstein

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt check out the latest from Guillermo the Bull Frankenstein. It gets pretty heated discussing the merits of Mia Goth so you don't want to miss this one!

00:00-14:20: Intro/Frankenstein

14:20-23:52: Miscellany/Wrap Up

FindHelp.org

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 782: Good Boy, V/H/S: Halloween

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 04:03:00 +0000

Happy Halloween! This week on The First Run, Matt exercised his veto on musical bio-pics, sorry ‘Deliver Me From Nowhere’. Instead it’s the puppy perspective horror film, ‘Good Boy’! Then to keep the Halloween season going, it’s the latest in Shudder’s horror anthology, ‘V/H/S: Halloween’! Chris has some news for Matt that make him a super happy boy too! Then Matt and Chris close out the show where the last 4 watched, Letterboxd style! Finally, if you’re food insecure, check out FindHelp.org for assistance near you.

00:00-11:22: Intro/Good Boy

11:23-29:38: V/H/S: Halloween

29:39-37:32: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 781: Black Phone 2, A Working Man

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 04:05:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Matt and Chris break out of the basement and head to camp with ghosts and dead serial killers in tow with ‘Black Phone 2’. Chris will then give you his thoughts on the latest from Jason Statham, ‘A Working Man’.

00:00-18:48: Intro/Black Phone 2

18:49-25:42: A Working Man

25:43-30:01: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 780: Tron: Ares

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, the official movie podcast of Antifa, Chris and Matt return the anti-franchise that is Tron. Does Disney finally succeed and make a good Tron movie and justify their repeated attempts to build a franchise? And how about that Jared Leto?!? All this and MORE!

00:00-18:38: Intro/Tron: Ares

18:39-24:51: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 779: The Smashing Machine

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt check out ‘The Smashing Machine’, the latest from Benny Safdie and Dwayne Johnson about the life of famed MMA fighter Mark Kerr. Is this The Rock's best performance? Tune in to find out!

00:00-15:45: Intro/The Smashing Machine

15:46-22:26: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep, 778: One Battle After Another, Rank ‘Em: PTA

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt discuss the latest from auteur Paul Thomas Anderson featuring Mr. Leonardo DiCaprio, ‘One Batter After Another’. Be described as THE film of 2025, does the film deliver on its almost universal praise? Or is it another tepid entry after ‘Licorice Pizza’? After that, Matt and Chris do their best to rank Anderson’s films. How will their rankings stack up against yours? Listen on, patriots!

00:00-20:57: Intro/One Battle After Another

20:58-29:54: Rank ‘Em: PTA

29:55-34:17: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

Brooke Obie: One Fetish After Another: PTA Exploits Black Women and Averts Revolution

TFR Ep. 777: Him

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt check out the latest film from Jordan Peele's Monkey's Paw Productions, ‘HIM’. It’s a film that combines two of America's favorite pastimes...football and Satanism. It's another confusing episode of The First Run, buckle up!

00:00-16:19: Intro/HIM

16:20-20:24: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 776: The Long Walk, Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, 5 Favorite Robert Redford Films

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt lace up their Air Jordan’s and start stretching for the latest Stephen King big screen adaptation, ‘ The Long Walk’. Is it the perfect time for a dystopian thriller to take our minds off of, you know, everything? Then the legendary metal band Spinal Tap returns with ‘Spinal Tap II: The End Continues’. Can the David, Nigel, and Derek still dial things up to 11? Matt and Chris then bring back the final segment in honor of Robert Redford’s passing with their 5 Favorite Robert Redford Films.

00:00-18:08: Intro/The Long Walk

18:09-21:14: Physical Media Picks (?)

21:15-27:48: Spinal Tap II: The End Continues

27:49-41:06: 5 Favorite Robert Redford Films

41:07-42:26: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 775: The Conjuring: Last RItes, Highest To Lowest, Rank ‘Em: The Conjuring Series

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 04:21:45 +0000

This week on The First Run, Matt and Chris reluctantly go to the Warren well one last time with ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’. Can James Wan’s dwindling franchise be saved with this one last adventure into the darkness? Then Chris will give you the skinny on Spike Lee's latest joint, ‘Highest 2 Lowest’. How does Lee’s version of Kurosawa’s classic ‘High And Low’ fare with Denzel devouring the scenery? Finally, they wrap up the show with the definitive rankings of The Conjuring films.

00:00-15:12: Intro/The Conjuring: Last Rites

15:13-24:42: Highest2Lowest

24:43-35:11: Rank ‘Em: The Conjuring Franchise

35:12-36:42: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 774: Caught Stealing, The Toxic Avenger

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt both get their own personal movie picks! First up, they get involved in a non-heist heist as they discuss Darren Aronofsky’s latest, ‘Caught Stealing’, featuring Elvis and Catwoman. Then Macon Blair’s reboot of the classic Troma movie ‘Toxic Avenger’, in the can since 2023, finally gets a theatrical release! Can you possibly improve upon a beloved b-movie masterpiece? All that and more on another toxic (in a good way) episode of The First Run!

00:00-12:50: Intro/Caught Stealing

12:51-25:04: The Toxic Avenger

25:05-29:21: Andor/Outro

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR 773: Honey, Don’t, Batman ’89 Dolby

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt take a wild ride through Ethan Coen’s latest solo mystery-comedy, Honey, Don’t! Margaret Qualley plays a private eye with a monotone, a mission, an intense sexual appetite, and zero patience for nonsense. The guys will tell you if it even gets close to reaching the heights of past Coen classics.

Then, Gotham gets a Dolby facelift as Batman (1989) swoops back into theaters. The guys revisit Burton’s brooding classic, Nicholson’s chaotic Joker, and ask the eternal question: is this the best version of the Caped Crusader on screen?

00:00-15:17: Intro/Honey Don't
15:18-21:46: Batman 1989
21:47-23:19: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 772: Nobody 2, Eddington

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt take their kitty cat bracelet out of storage to watch the latest adventure of the Mansell family as they try and take a vacation and end up getting into all kinds of wacky trouble in ‘Nobody 2’. Then Ari Aster returns with ‘Eddington’, the story about, well, a story that maybe serves no one, or is the hilarious satire of Covid and our deep divide we didn’t know we needed.

00:00-12:46: Intro/Nobody 2

12:47-15:49: Chris Pratt (Now What?!?)

15:50-27:13: Eddington

27:14-32:13: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 771: Weapons, Dangerous Animals

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt lock and load for a double feature. First up is ‘Weapons’, the highly anticipated horror film from the writer/director of the still unavailable on physical media, ‘Barbarian’. Does it deserve all the hype?

Then they head down under with ‘Dangerous Animals’, a film that stars Jai Courtney and might actually be the better for it. I know, Matt and Chris are shocked too. So settle in for an all new, all different First Run!

00:00-19:38: Intro/Weapons

19:39-28:40: Dangerous Animals

28:41-33:17: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 770: The Naked Gun, Horror Madness: Finals

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt discuss Akiva Schaffer’s reboot of the Police Squad franchise with ‘The Naked Gun’. Can the film revive the spoof genre? Is it at least worthy of the originals? There’s the always hilarious review of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Viper Video Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris close out the show with the Horror Madness finals! Who’s coming out on top? Like a blind man at an orgy, we’re going to have to feel our way through this.

00:00-12:33: Intro/The Naked Gun

12:34-20:33: Physical Media Picks

20:34-31:56: Horror Madness: Finals

31:57-36:36: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

Horror Madness Bracket

TFR Ep. 769: Fantastic Four: First Steps, Horror Madness: 2020’s

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 12:56:25 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt stretch, flame on, and go full clobberin’ time as we dive into the story of Marvel’s first family in ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’. From cosmic rays to family bonds that would make Dom Toretto proud, they see if this entry is a breath of fresh air in the MCU. Or if it can make Chris care about the FF. There's the big release on physical media, the Viper Video and streaming picks of the week.Then they wrap it all up with a lengthy discussion on the 2020's for the final qualifier bracket of Horror Madness, which is weird since the decade is only half over.

00:00-21:29: Fantastic Four: First Steps

21:30-32:16: Physical Media Picks

32:17-50:11: Horror Madness: 2020's (so far)

50:12-51:54: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 768: Superman, Horror Madness: 2010’s

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt are joined by TFR theme composer Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey to discuss James Gunn’s big swing with ‘Superman’. After the failed Snyder-verse, Warner Bros. attempts a lighter not so dour reboot for the DC Cinematic Universe. Does Gunn pull it off and deliver a rollicking adventure filled reset? Do Gunn at least ‘get’ Superman? And most importantly, is Chris happy? Then there’s the periwinkle-esque Kryponite (that is a real thing) that is the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Viper Video Picks of the Week. Then the Justice Gang continues Horror Madness with films from 2010-2019!

00:00-36:17: Intro/Superman

36:18-45:06: Physical Media Picks

45:07-1:11:21: Horror Madness: 2010’s

1:11:22-1:14:15: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

Horror Madness Bracket

TFR Ep. 767: Jurassic World: Rebirth, Friendship, Horror Madness: 2000's

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt tag along for prehistoric chaos and painfully awkward hangouts. First up, it’s ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’, the latest chapter in the dino-verse. Does this evolution in the franchise finally earn its place in the fossil record—or is it just another roar without bite? Then they pivot to ‘Friendship’, the offbeat comedy pairing Tim Robinson’s cringe-inducing genius with Paul Rudd’s affable charm. It’s a buddy flick that veers into hilarious discomfort, misread signals, and painfully funny truths about adult relationships. Is it a cult classic in the making or just a masterclass in awkward silences? After that, they flip through this week’s Physical Media highlights, give you the Viper Video and Streaming Picks of the Week! Then Horror Madness bracket moves into the Willenium with the 2000s.

00:00-13:37: Intro/Jurassic World Rebirth

13:38-19:53: Physical Media Picks of the Week

19:54-28:25: Friendship

28:26-50:21: Horror Madness: 2000's

50:22-52:58: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

Horror Madness Bracket

TFR Ep. 766: F1, Horror Madness: 90’s

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 04:01:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt strap in for Joseph Kinski’s next mining of 80’s pastiche with ‘F1’. Allegedly druken abusive father Brad Pitt plays Sonny Hayes a race [insert vehicle here] driver that gets one last chance at glory that maybe provides some wisdom for the team along the way. There’s the formulaic rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Viper Video and Streaming Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris wrap up this track with another circuit of Horror Madness, this time focusing on the worn out tire treads that is the 90’s.

00:00-11:24: Intro/F1

11:25-19:46: Physical Media Picks

19:47-37:56: Horror Madness: 90’s

37:57-39:40: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

Horror Madness Bracket

TFR Ep. 765: 28 Years Later, Horror Madness: The 80’s

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 04:01:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt return to the wastelands of Britain with their review of ’28 Years Later’, the long-awaited continuation of the rage-fueled trilogy by Danny Boyle and Alex Garland. Does the legacy hold up or should it have stayed locked up in its money cage? Your gallant hosts dive into the latest and greatest physical media releases as well as give you the viper video and streaming picks of the week. Then it's time to dim the lights and cue the synths for the final segment: Horror Madness Elimination Bracket with the films of the 1980's. Eight iconic films enter... only one leaves. As the bracket shrinks, the debates get bloodier and the nostalgia hits harder.Chris even gets a little wistful has some nigh impossible choices need to be made.

00:00-20:07: Intro/28 Years Later

20:08-25:42: Physical Media Picks

25:43-43:33: Horror Madness: The 1980's

43:34-45:34: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

Fangoria article by Amber T

Horror Madness Bracket

TFR Ep. 764: The Life Of Chuck, Killer Of Killers, Horror Madness: The 70’s

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt discuss Mike Flanagan’s latest Stephen King adaptation with the joyous and life-affirming ‘The Life Of Chuck’. At least, that’s how it was sold to me. Then it’s on to the latest Predator film with ‘Killer Of Killers’. Like Flanagan and King, Dan Trachtenberg is not the Predator series leading force. So we’ll fill you in on how the latest entry fares. There’s the sadness-filled rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week. Matt and Chris close out the show with the latest round of Horror Madness, this time focused on the 70’s and whoa buddy. It’s going to be a doozy!

00:00-16:22: Intro/The Life Of Chuck

16:23-26:55: Physical Media Picks

26:56-34:13: Predator: Killer Of Killers

34:14-50:10: Horror Madness: The 70’s

50:11-52:31: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

Horror Madness Bracket

TFR Ep. 763: Ballerina, The Phoenician Scheme, Horror Madness: The 60’s

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt dive into two biggies. First, Ana de Armas steps into the massive shoes of Keanu Reeves in ‘Ballerina’, the latest entry in the John Wick universe. Then Wes Anderson returns with ‘The Phoenician Scheme’, a...we'll be generous and say "meticulously crafted" tale of deception, intrigue, and quirky jerks. Matt and Chris will also break down the biggest physical media releases, the Viper Video pick of the week, and the Streaming Pick of the Week. Then, they wrap things up with the next round of the Horror Madness bracket! This time, it's all about the terrifying and iconic horror films of the 1960s. Which classics will reign supreme? All that and more on this week’s The First Run!

00:00-20:34: Intro/Ballerina

20:35-28:00: Physical Media Picks

28:01-38:31: The Phoenician Scheme

38:32-53:07: Horror Movie Madness: The 1960's

53:08-54:34: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

Horror Madness Bracket

TFR Ep. 762: Bring Her Back, Horror Madness: The 50’s

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt engage with our grief once again via the horror genre with the Philippou Brothers’ ‘Bring Her Back’. Just how far would you go to reunite with your loved ones? And does it include eating inanimate objects? There’s the startling rundown of the big releases on Physical Media featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Matt and Chris then close out the show with a rundown of their Favorite Horror Films of the 50’s! Just because. I felt cute. Might delete later.

00:00-10:54: Intro/Bring Her Back

10:55-19:44: Physical Media Picks

19:45-32:34: Horror Madness: The 50’s

32:35-34:47: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

Horror Madness Bracket

TFR Ep. 761: Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning, 5 Favorite Action Franchises

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 30 May 2025 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt take one last ride (maybe?) with Tom Cruise before Ethan Hunt is sent to a farm upstate with Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning. They give you the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the the Viper Video and Streaming Picks of the Week. Matt and Chris then wrap it all up with their 5 Favorite Action Movie Franchises. I’m just going to need you to trust us one more time…

00:00-18:28: Intro/Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning

18:29-25:36: Rank ‘Em: Mission Impossible

25:37-33:20: Physical Media Picks

33:21-47:59: 5 Favorite Action Franchises

48:00-49:13: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 760: Final Destination: Bloodlines, 5 Favorite Final Destination Kills

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 23 May 2025 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt attempt to cheat death yet again with a return to the ‘Final Destination’ series with ‘Final Destination: Bloodlines’. After succumbing to the icy grip of indifferent audiences, and diminishing quality, the franchise returns. What insanely complicated plans does death have for our poor victims this time? Then it’s on to the Big Releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Viper Video Picks of the Week. Matt and Chris then close out the proceedings with their 5 Favorite Final Destination Kills! So buckle those safety belts, or maybe not? Good way to get trapped. Just keep your head on a swivel and those peepers peeled. It’s the First Run!

00:00-12:05: Intro/Final Destination: Bloodlines

12:06-19:51 Physical Media Picks

19:52-29:41: 5 Favorite Final Destination Kills

29:42-31:42: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 759: The Ugly Stepsister, 5 Favorite Fairy Tale Movies

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 16 May 2025 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt discuss the dark take on Cinderella with ‘The Ugly Stepsister’. How far would you go to obtain those perfectly reasonably and not at all trauma inspiring beauty standards to win the affections of the prince? There’s the perfectly fitting glass slipper-esque review of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Viper Video Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris close out the show with their 5 Favorite Fairy Tale Movies!

00:00-14:48: Intro/The Ugly Step Sister

14:49-23:10: Physical Media/Viper Video/Streaming Pick

23:11-35:35: 5 Favorite Fairy Tale Films

35:36-36:58: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 758: Thunderbolts*, 5 Favorite MCU Performances

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 09 May 2025 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, the MCU pulls out the B-Team with ‘Thunderbolts*’. Florence Pugh leads of teams of also-rans to save the city, and perhaps themselves. Does the MCU make that long-awaiting course correction? Or is it more content from the factory assembly line? Chris and Matt give you the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Viper Video and Streaming Picks of the Week! Then Matt and Chris rank where Thunderbolts (and ‘Captain America: Brave New World’) falls in their Letterboxd list and reveal their 5 Favorite MCU performances!

00:00-16:54: Intro/Thunderbolts*

16:55-26:53: Physical Media Picks

26:54-44:20: 5 Favorite MCU Performances/Latest MCU Ranking

44:21-48:49: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 757: Havoc, 5 Favorite Tom Hardy Performances

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 02 May 2025 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt call an audible and discuss Gareth Evans’ ‘Havoc’. Scheduled to be released on Netflix in 2023, plagued by delays, the latest from the director of the fantastic ‘The Raid’ films drops his Tom Hardy led martial arts, crime, splatterfest. There’s the always thrilling rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the streaming and Viper Video Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris close out the proceedings with their 5 Favorite Tom Hardy Performances. So let’s get things cooking [Bane voice]!

00:00-12:25 Intro/Havoc

12:26-22:00: Physical Media Picks, et al

22:01-35:20: 5 Favorite Tom Hardy Performances

35:21-37:55: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 756: Sinners, 5 Favorite Southern Gothic Films

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt check out the latest from Ryan Coogler and his first foray into horror with ‘Sinners’. Then, Chris will give you the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Viper Video Pick of the Week, Matt will tell you what to watch with the Streaming Pick of the Week. Then Matt and Chris wrap it all up with their 5 Favorite Southern Gothic films that may or may not be horror adjacent.

00:00-17:54: Intro/Sinners

17:55-29:00: Physical Media Picks

29:01-47:43: 5 Favorite Southern Gothic Horror Films

47:44-49:38 Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Bonus Ep. 6: Antichrist, Let The Right One In, Blu-Ray Picks, What Are The Odds?

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, it’s retro-week as Matt is out of town and Chris is otherwise occupied. In this classic episode from 2010, Chris, Matt, and Espo(?!?) get all spookified with their discussions about Lars Van Trier's 'Antichrist', as well as the Swedish vampire import, 'Let The Right One In’. Crazy Swedes…They review a rather weak week (see what I did there?) in blu-ray and dvd releases. Also on this episode, it’s the premier of the segment called 'What Are The Odds?', where they guys choose a topic and apply some odds making to it. Who doesn't enjoy a little gambling every now and again?

00:00-20:45: Intro/Antichrist

20:46-30:53: Physical Media Picks

30:54-46:33: Let The Right One In

46:34-1:08:08: What Are The Odds?!?

1:08:09-1:09:23: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 755: Freaky Tales, Death Of A Unicorn, 5 Favorite Val Kilmer Performances

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt engage with (or is it test) their love of anthology films with Ryan Fleck’s and Anna Boden’s ‘Freaky Tales’. A set of tall, kinda’ true tales set in Oakland in 1987. Do the creative team behind ‘Half Nelson’ and ‘Captain Marvel’ spin an engaging, winding, and ultimately cohesive tale? Chris explains why ‘Death Of A Unicorn’ was booted. And there’s the magical rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Viper Video Picks of the Week! Matt and Chris then close out the proceedings with a loving homage to Val Kilmer as they discuss their favorite Val performances. RIP Iceman.

00:00-12:53: Intro/Freaky Tales

12:54-26:05: Physical Media Picks, et al

26:06-28:21: Death Of A Unicorn

28:22-41:48: 5 Favorite Val Kilmer Performances

41:49-43:25: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 754: The Electric State, Ash

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris is on the way out of town to the Big Easy so you are left with this amuse bouche of an episode. First, Matt and Chris will discuss the latest bit of Netflix content from the Russo Brothers with ‘The Electric State’. Then Chris gives you his thoughts on the latest sci-fi horror from Shudder, ‘Ash’. Turn in next week to see how many hurricanes Chris held down.

00:00-11:21: Intro/The Electric State

11:22-15:21: Ash

15:22-16:24: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 753: Black Bag, Call It!

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, it’s the show you thought would never happen (if you listened last week). Chris and Matt discuss the latest (and second film of 2025) from maestro Steven Soderbergh. This time it’s the spy-thriller ‘Black Bag’. Is good ol’ Uncle Steve spreading himself too thin, or is it another banger as the kids say? A fine James Bond fill-in while we wait…and wait… There’s the suspicious rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week! Then Matt and Chris play a round of this or that with ‘Call It!’. So power on this secret burner phones and text your top secret war plans to your favorite writer. It’s another episode of The First Run!

00:00-10:59: Intro/Black Bag

11:00-19:48: Physical Media Picks

19:49-35:25: Call It!

35:26-37:09: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 752: Novocaine, 5 Favorite Soderbergh Scenes

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run is full of disappointment and regret. Chris and Matt check out America's favorite Quaid in ‘Novocaine’. As always, they give you the big releases on Physical Media, along with the Viper Video and Streaming Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris regale you with their 5 Favorite Steven Soderbergh Characters, for some reason.

00:00-11:34: Intro/Novocaine

11:35-20:15: Physical Media Picks

20:16-34:54: 5 Favorite Soderbergh Characters

34:55-37:22: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 751: Mickey 17, What Are The Odds?!?

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Mickey 17 is so fine, how so fine you ask? Did he blow our minds? That the question Chris and Matt answer this week as they discuss the latest form Mr. Bong Joon-Ho. There’s the so-good-we-should-clone-it rundown of the big releases on physical media, featuring the Streaming and Viper Video Picks of the Week! Matt and Chris close out the big show with the return of one of their least favorite games, ‘What Are The Odds?!?”.

00:00-10:23: Intro/Mickey 17

10:24-20:48: Physical Media Picks

20:49-38:11: What Are The Odds?!?

38:12-39:27: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 750: Nickel Boys, 5 Favorite Gene Hackman Performances

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt check out the Best Picture nominee ‘Nickel Boys’, a story of another dark chapter in American history. Also, Matt has a hard time getting past that is supposed to be in Tallahassee. As always, they give you the big releases on physical media, the Viper Video and streaming picks of the week, then wrap it all up with a tribute to a legend with their 5 Favorite Gene Hackman Performances.

00:00-15:10: Intro/Nickel Boys

15:11-30:39: Physical Media Picks & Oscar Results

30:40-43:31: 5 Favorite Gene Hackman Performances

43:32-44:58: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 749: The Monkey, 2025 Oscar Predictions

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt decide to throw caution to the wind, crank their monkey and see who gets taken out next. It’s Oz Perkins’ ‘The Monkey’! Based on the Stephen King story about a cursed not-a-toy drumming wind up monkey that brings nothing but carnage. But in a fun way. There’s the banana loving rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Viper Video Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris make their Oscars picks to help you determine what NOT to do on your bracket. All this and more on another primate filled episode of The First Run!

00:00-14:32: Intro/The Monkey

14:33-23:24: Physical Media Picks

23:25-36:06: 2025 Oscar Predictions

36:07-37:15: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

Scalzo Oscar Ballot

Matt Oscar Ballot

TFR Ep. 748: Captain America: Brave New World, The Gorge, 5 Favorite Anya Taylor-Joy Performances

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 21 Feb 2025 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt catch up with the latest from the MCU with ‘Captain America: Brave New World’. Then they dust off the Apple+ subscription and check out Anya Taylor Joy and Miles Teller light up the screen with their incredible chemistry in ‘The Gorge’. As always, they give you the big releases on physical media, the Viper Video and streaming picks of the week, then they wrap it all up with their 5 favorite performances from Ms. Taylor Joy.

00:00-16:56: Intro/Captain America: Brave New World

16:57-25:26: Physical Media Picks

25:27-34:17: The Gorge

34:18-44:34: 5 Favorite Anya Taylor Joy Performances

44:35-47:27: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 747: Heart Eyes, Red Rooms, TFR Libs

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt rethink their Valentine’s Day plans and decide to have some bro time. For the ladies. First up, funny man with apparent psychological problems Josh Ruben returns with the Valentine’s Day themed slasher, ‘Heart Eyes’. Then it’s the Canadian thriller based on that weird lady in the neighborhood’s internet search history, ‘Red Rooms’. Though maybe you think you can still fix her…? There’s the machete sharpening rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Viper Video Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris wrap up this spooktacular episode with a round of TFR Libs.

00:00-10:02: Intro/Heart Eyes

10:03-20:15: Physical Media Picks

20:16-29:06: Red Rooms

29:07-51:00: TFR Libs

51:01-52:41: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 746: Companion, 5 Favorite Performances of 2024

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Matt and Chris are reminded about the dangers of "emotional support" robots yet again with ‘Companion’. They give you the physical media, Viper Video and streaming picks of the week. Then they wrap up the show by handing out the real acting honors of Hollywood with their 5 Favorite Performances of 2024!

00:00-13:09: Intro/Companion

13:10-18:40: Fantastic Four Trailer

18:41-23:51: Physical Media Picks

23:52-34:54: 5 Favorite Performances of 2024

34:55-36:20: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 745: Presence, Wolf Man, 10 Favorite Films 2024: 5-1

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt discuss a pair of thrillers to open 2025. First up, it’s the return of the king, with Steven Soderbergh’s haunted house thriller, ‘Presence’. It’s a ghost story not really about a ghost story. After that, it’s Leigh Whannell’s not Wolfman, Wolf Man, with ‘Wolf Man’. Does Matt FINALLY get the wolf man horror film he deserves? As always, there’s the spookily spectacular review of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Viper Video Picks of the Week. Matt and Chris then wrap up the show by sharing their 5 Favorite Films of 2024!

00:00-11:17: Intro/Presence

11:18-18:27: Physical Media Picks

18:28-28:44: Wolf Man

28:45-42:25: 10 Favorite Films 2024: 5-1

42:26-44:24: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 744: The Brutalist, 10 Favorite Films 2024: 10-6

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt put those honorary film degrees to use with their review of ‘The Brutalist’, the singular film event of 2024 for film nerds. They give you the big releases on physical media, featuring the Viper Video and Streaming Picks of the Week. Matt and Chris then wrap up the show by telling you what you should watch with the bottom half their 10 Favorite Films of 2024. Let’s get this party started!

00:00-25:55: Intro/The Brutalist

25:56-35:29: Physical Media Picks

35:30-50:15: Top Films of 2024: 10-6

50:16-52:32: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 743: 2024 Catch-Up: The Order, A Complete Unknown, Juror #2, 10 Most Anticipated Films of 2025: 5-1

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, or as we may now have to start calling it, The Nick Hoult Cinema Experience! First up, Nick plays real-life neo-nazi Bob Mathews, while Jude Law is lawman Terry Husk (not a real person) in the Canadian thriller, ‘The Order’. Chris then shares his thoughts on ‘A Complete Unknown’, the Bob Dylan biopic that Matt was spared from watching. Next up, it’s the captivating review of the big releases on Physical Media featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Then the 2024 catch up continues with Clint Eastwood’s ‘Juror #2’. Clint returns to the director’s chair so we can all enjoy Nick Hoult in a legal thriller! Matt and Chris then close out the show by sharing their 10 Most Anticipated Films of 2025: 5-1!

TFR 2025 Calendar

00:00-12:39: Intro/The Order

12:40-17:30: A Complete Unknown

17:31-28:36: Physical Media Picks

28:37-35:34: Juror # 2

35:35-51:25: 10 Most Anticipated Films of 2025: 5-1

51:26-54:36: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 742: 2024 Catch-Up: Conclave, Nightbitch, 10 Most Anticipated Films of 2025: 10-6

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 05:03:00 +0000

Welcome back, constant listeners! In this episode of The First Run, Chris and Matt find their religion and ride along as the College of Cardinals elects the next owner of the Pope-Mobile in "Conclave." Then they check out ‘Nightbitch’, in which one Amy Adams says "Night, bitch!" to being a mom and a human woman. As always, there’s a confession about the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Viper Video and Streaming Picks of the Week. Matt and Chris then wrap it all up with part one of their Most Anticipated Films of 2025.

00:00-13:05: Intro/Conclave

13:06-22:26: Physical Media Picks of the Week

22:27-33:54: Nightbitch

33:55-47:00: Most Anticipated Films of 2025: Part 1

47:01-48:18: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 741: Nosferatu, 5 Favorite Scenes Of 2024

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt discuss their most anticipated film of 2024. Robert Eggers’ ’Nosferatu’ is finally here. Was it worth the wait, does it meet or exceed our expectations, or is it something else entirely? There’s the intoxicating review of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Steaming and Viper Video Picks of the Week. The Rotten Tomatoes Score game wraps for the year. Then Matt and Chris wrap up the show by sharing their 5 Favorite Scenes of 2024 (probably). So grab your crosses and garlic. We gots a Nosferatu to hunt!

00:00-20:26: Intro/Nosferatu (2024)

20:27-26:58: Physical Media Picks

26:59-41:01: 5 Favorite Scenes Of 2024*

41:02-42:19: Final RT Game Recap

42:20-43:58: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 740: Carry-On, Call It!

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 27 Dec 2024 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt review the latest potential entry into the "Is the action thriller a Christmas movie?" pantheon with the latest from Jaume Collet-Serra and Netflix, ‘Carry On’. They break down the big releases on Physical Media, the Streaming and Viper Video picks of the week. Then Matt and Chris wrap it all up with another edition of Call It!, in which Matt was a slacker and came up with nothing to contribute.

00:00-12:21: Intro/Carry On

12:22-21:42: Physical Media Picks

21:43-37:58: Call It!

37:59-40:52: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 739: Kraven The Hunter, 5 Favorite Christmas Movie Characters

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, the Sony Spider-Man, not Spider-Man, universe comes to a merciful close with ‘Kraven The Hunter’. We’re not counting ‘Spider-Noir’ on MGM+. Is it a fitting send-off? The last bleating cries of a project that featured just miss after miss after miss. The death rattle of a franchise. Do we finally have a good entry? There’s the mind bending long rundown of the big releases on Physical Media featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris close out the show by sharing their 5 Favorite Christmas Movie Characters. We’ll see if Matt just names Jim Carrey’s Grinch 5 times. Happy Holidays!

00:00-13:45: Intro/Kraven The Hunter

13:46-20:18: Physical Media Picks

20:19-30:29: 5 Favorite Christmas Movie Characters

30:30-31:40: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 738: Werewolves, 5 Favorite Genre Actors

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt slum it the genre B-move gutters they love so much with ‘Werewolves’. There’s the teeth-glaring breakdown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Viper Video and Streaming Picks of the Week. Then, Matt and Chris wrap it up by sharing their 5 Favorite Genre Actors. So look out for those super-moons my furry friends!

00:00-11:22: Intro/Werewolves

11:23-20:37: Physical Media Picks

20:38-31:09: 5 Favorite Genre Actors

31:10-33:46: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 737: Blitz, Who Dat?!?

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 05:03:00 +0000

This week Chris and Matt discuss the Apple+ original from director Steve McQueen, it’s ‘Blitz’. It’s our second Odyssey-esque film of the year. This time Saoirse Ronan stars with Elliott Heffernan as the mother and son separated during the blitz of England trying to survive and reunite. There’s the bottled lightning that is the Big Releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Viper Video Picks of the Week. Matt and Chris then close out the show with a round of everyone’s favorite role-playing game, Who Dat?!?

00:00-10:13: Intro/Blitz

10:14-19:08: Physical Media Picks

19:09-42:39: Who Dat?!?

42:40-44:17: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 736: Gladiator II, 5 Favorite Ridley Scott Characters

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt want to be sure you are entertained so they have a discussion on the latest sword and sandals epic from Ridley Scott with ‘Gladiator II’. Next up they discuss the big releases on Physical Media, give you their Viper Video and Streaming Picks of the Week. Matt and Chris then wrap it all up with their Top 5 Ridley Scott Characters.

00:00-15:00: Intro/Gladiator II

15:01-21:40: Physical Media Picks

21:41-36:17: 5 Favorite Ridley Scott Characters

36:18-40:36: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 735: Red One, 2024 Holiday Gift Guide

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 05:04:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt join Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evan’s on the mission to rescue Nick in ‘Red One’, the family-not-so-friendly holiday action film of November 2024! Next up, it’s on to the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Viper Video Picks of the Week! Finally Matt and Chris close out the show with the 2024 Holiday Gift Guide for the film lover in your life. Or just for you.

00:00-11:20: Intro/Red One

11:21-20:09: Physical Media Picks

20:10-36:58: 2024 Holiday Gift Guide

36:59-41:04: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

Bluesky

TFR Ep. 734: Anora, Heretic, 5 Favorite Against-Type Performances

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt continue to work their way down the sex worker ladder with Sean Baker’s latest, ‘Anora’. Then they highlight an extremely specific and relatively unlikely ,but no less valid, danger of religion with ‘Heretic’. As always they give you the big releases on physical media, the Viper Video and Streaming picks of the week, then wrap this all up with their 5 favorite roles where actors played against type.

00:00-17:54: Intro/Anora

17:55-27:02: Physical Media Picks

27:03-36:30: Heretic

36:31-50:06: 5 Favorite Roles Against Type

50:07-53:42: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 733: Azrael, 5 Favorite Political Thrillers

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt discuss the post-rapture horror film, ‘Azrael’, featuring current scream queen Samara Weaving. Does the mostly dialogue-less film deliver the scares and dread? Or does it feel like a gimmick? And is that Esperanto I hear…? There’s the death-defying rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Viper Video Picks of the Week. Chris and Matt then close out the big show by sharing their 5 Favorite Political Thrillers, apropos of absolutely nothing. Fingers crossed, here we go!

00:00-14:29: Intro/Azrael

14:30-21:29: Physical Media Picks

21:30-37:03: 5 Favorite Politcal Thrillers

37:04-41:35: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 732: Venom: The Last Dance, Rank ‘Em: SSU

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 04:03:00 +0000

This week on the First Run, Chris and Matt check out the final installment of Sony's Venom series, ‘Venom: The Last Dance’. Does the series go out with a bang or a whimper? You can probably guess but the guys will give you the final word on how it is. As always, Chris will bring the big releases on physical media, the Viper Video and streaming picks of the week. Finally, Matt and Chris will tell you which entry in the Sony Spider-Man Universe sits atop the steaming heap.

00:00-14:53: Intro/Venom: The Last Dance

14:54-27:43: Physical Media PicksP

27:44-39:52: Rank ‘Em: Sony Spider-Man Universe

39:53-41:15: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 731: Smile 2, The Shadow Strays, What Are The Odds?!?

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt dial up the carnage and suffering. First up, director Parker Finn takes over the reins for the solid ‘Smile’ film sequel with ‘Smile 2: Still Smilin‘’. Who’s our smile demon going to possess this time? And why is it never someone with a jacked up grill? After that, it’s the grin-inducing rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Matt and Chris then venture to Jakarta for Timo Tjahjanto’s ‘The Shadow Strays’. There’s a super secret organization of assassins out there, what happens with a hit goes wrong? Or maybe you just want to get out the game? Finally the guys close out the show with a round of Bill from Peekskill, NY’s favorite game, What Are The Odds?!? So let’s all say cheese and hope no one dies. It’s another episode of The First Run!

00:00-10:09: Intro/Smile 2

10:10-17:33: Physical Media Picks

17:34-24:32: The Shadow Strays

24:33-38:48: What Are The Odds?!?

38:49-40:08: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 730: V/H/S: Beyond, 5 Favorite Horror Anthologies

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt adjust the tracking on their VCRs to no avail with the latest in the V/H/S series, ‘V/H/S Beyond’. Then, they’ll give you the rundown of the Big Releases on Physical Media, featuring the Viper Video and Streaming Picks of the Week. Finally, Matt and Chris will wrap up the show with their all killer, no filler list of their 5 favorite Horror Anthologies.

00:00-25:57: Intro/VHS Beyond

25:58-36:25: Physical Media Picks

36:26-55:14: 5 Favorite Horror Anthologies

55:15-56:29: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 729: Joker: Folie à Deux, Salem’s Lot (24), 5 Streaming Horror Picks

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt find themselves back in early 80’s Gotham with the return of ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’. The first film received a less than stellar reaction from your erstwhile hosts. Can Todd Phillips’ latest musical super-hero film win them over? Then there’s the maniacal rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Viper Video Picks of the Week. But wait, there’s more! The long-delayed Stephen King adaptation of ‘Salem’s Lot’ has landed on Max. Was it worth the wait? Finally, Matt and Chris close out the big program with 5 Streaming Horror Picks for this Halloween Season!

00:00-15:33: Intro/Joker: Folie à Deux

15:34-23:36: Physical Media Picks

23:37-34:13: Salem’s Lot (24)

34:14-49:34: 5 Streaming Horror Picks

49:35-50:49: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 728: Megalopolis, 5 Favorite Directorial Runs

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt go big, some would even say mega. Big stars, big performance choices, big run times with Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis. We’ll give you the big releases on physical media, the viper video and streaming picks of the week. Then we wrap it up with our Top 5 Four film directorial runs.

00:00-21:45: Intro/Megalopolis

21:46-32:15: Physical Media Picks

32:16-48:48: 5 Favorite Directorial Runs

48:49-50:37: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey©

TFR Ep. 727: The Substance, 5 Favorite Body Horror Films

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt find themselves the closest mirror and take a long look at themselves aging… just getting so old… and discuss Coralie Fargeat’s ‘The Substance’. Demi Moore returns with a power house performance in possibly the most divisive horror films of the year. There’s the life-splitting rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris share their 5 Favorite Body Horror Films!

00:00-14:17: Intro/The Substance

14:18-25:20: Physical Media Picks

25:21-45:30: 5 Favorite Body Horror Films

45:31-47:20: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 726: Speak No Evil (’24), Rebel Ridge, TFR Libs

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Matt and Chris make some new friends and go on a quiet retreat in the country with ‘Speak No Evil’. Surely, nothing bad will happen at all. Then they catch up with the latest from First Run Favorite Jeremy Saulnier for a bit of the ultra-violence (?) with ‘Rebel Ridge’. As always, they give you the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Viper Video and Streaming Picks of the Week! Matt and Chris then wrap it up with another round of the fill in the blank game, TFR Libs.

00:00-15:35: Intro/Speak No Evil

15:36-26:31: Physical Media Picks

26:32-41:13: Rebel Ridge

41:14-1:03:00: TFR Libs

1:03:01-1:06:34: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 725: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, 5 Favorite Michael Keaton Performances

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt discuss the return of that madcap demon, Beetlejuice in ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’. Winona Ryder, Catherine O’Hara and Tim Burton return, this time with Jenna Ortega (queen of the requel) to tell bring us up to date on the Deetz family as they are tormented by Beetlejuice one more time. There’s the undead rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Viper Video Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris close out the show by sharing their 5 Favorite Michael Keaton Performances. Let’s see if we can get Matt to say, “I’m Batman’”.

00:00-17:35: Intro/Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

17:36-24:07: Physical Media Picks

24:08-38:05: 5 Favorite Michael Keaton Performances

38:06-40:01: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 724: AfrAId, The Killer (24), 5 Favorite Blumhouse Horror Films

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt catch up with the latest film about the dangers of AI, the boogeyman du jour, with Blumhouse's, ‘AfrAId’. Then it’s on to the latest from John Woo, who remakes his own classic of the genre, for some reason, with ‘The Killer’. As always there is the rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Viper Video Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris wrap it all up with their 5 Favorite Blumhouse Horror Films. Get ready do some spooooooky fun!

00:00-14:09: Intro/AfrAId

14:10-25:28: Physical Media Picks

25:29-36:13: The Killer (2024)

36:14-52:51: 5 Favorite Blumhouse Horror Films

52:52-54:34: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 723: The Crow (24), Strange Darling, 5 Worst Reboots

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt bring back the double-feature just for you! Specifically you [enter name here]. First up it’s the reboot of the middlingly popular Crow franchise with, ‘The Crow’. One of the Skarsgård kids plays Eric Draven with pop music star FKA Twigs as Shelly. Director of the original film, Alex Proyas is having a blast with the film’s poor reviews. Do those stuck up critics have it all wrong again? Then there’s the subversive viral hit that is ‘Strange Darling’. It’s a serial killer movie that keeps its audience guessing. Are the final answers worth the effort? There’s the goth focused rundown of the big releases on physical media, featuring the Streaming and Viper Video Picks of the Week! Matt and Chris then close out the show with the 5 Worst Reboots they are desperate to forget. That’s called foreshadowing kids!

00:00-15:53: Intro/The Crow (2024)

15:54-22:21: Physical Media Picks

22:22-29:10: Strange Darling

29:11-53:19: 5 Worst Reboots

53:20-54:59: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 722: Alien: Romulus, Favorite Alien Scenes

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 04:03:00 +0000

This week, it’s a team-up with ScreenRun and The First Run as The Lady Wan, Chris Scalzo, and Matt Howell suit up and shoot into space one more time for the latest in the Alien franchise, ‘Alien: Romulus’. Fede Alvarez of ‘Evil Dead’ and ‘Don’t Breathe’ directs the latest foray into deep space terror as a group of desperate people try to scavenge a derelict space station for space parts that will allow them to resettle on a new planet for a better life. Except something may (is) waiting for them…. A storied franchise with more than its share of highs and lows, how does the latest trip into the space haunted house in space work out this time? All this and more on the latest episode of ScreenRun and The First Run!

00:00-34:53: Intro/Alien: Romulus

34:54-41:03: Physical Media Picks

41:04-57:37: Best Scenes From Each Alien Film

57:38-1:01:19: Best Alien Romulus Performance

1:01:19-1:04:15: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 721: Cuckoo, Call It!

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt dive headfirst into the cinematic wonderland of the latest releases—so you don’t have to! This week, they’re cracking open the latest in arthouse horror from Neon, ‘Cuckoo’! Is ‘Cuckoo’ a mind-bending masterpiece or just a confusing cluck-fest? Are they the crazy ones for watching it—or are you for listening to them chirp about it? Join the guys as they try to untangle this twisted tale, armed with nothing but popcorn and questionable bird puns. As always, they run down the big releases on Physical Media, where they tell you which shiny discs are worth adding to your nest egg. Then, they've got the Viper Video Pick of the Week, where they dig deep into the video store archives to find a hidden "gem" and the Streaming Pick of the Week for those of you who don't like to stretch your wings by ever leaving the house. And of course, they can’t wrap things up without a round of Call It!, the game where the boys make impossible movie choices and regret them immediately. Probably. The First Run —because someone’s gotta do it first, and it might as well be us.

00:00-15:22: Intro/ Cuckoo

15:23-28:17: Physical Media Picks

28:18-45:23: Call It!

45:24-46:59: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 720: Trap, Rotten Tomatoes Score Game

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 09 Aug 2024 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt return to Pennsylvania and the M Knight Shyamalan universe with ‘Trap’. The Hartnett resurgence continues, but is the film with walking into? a trap. Get it? There’s the diabolical rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Viper Video Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris close out the show by playing the annual RT Score game! Who will come out on top and win the coveted AMC gift card?!? All that and more on another star-studded episode of The First Run!

00:00-13:14: Intro/Trap

13:15-25:16: Physical Media Picks

25:17-46:05: Rotten Tomatoes Score Game

46:06-49:12: Opera/Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 719: Deadpool & Wolverine, SDCC Wrap Up, Rank ‘Em: Fox X Films

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt take one last spin around the block with the Fox Marvel Films, an inconsistent friend that delighted and hurt is in equal measure. Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman show you what true besties look like with Deadpool and Wolverine. They give you the big releases on physical media, the Viper Video and Streaming Picks of the Week then wrap it all up with a run down of San Diego ComiCon and give you the definitive ranking of the Fox X Films.

00:00-21:51: Intro/Deadpool and Wolverine

21:52-27:42: Physical Media Picks

27:43-53:01: SDCC Discussion/Ranking the Fox X Films

56:02-54:42: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 718: Twisters, Who Dat?!?

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt batten down the hatches and prepare for the worst. It’s ’Twisters’ week, featuring ‘Twisters’! This time, it’s Glen Powell and a potentially catatonic Daisy Edgar Jones chasing them tornadoes. Does this retooling of a beloved 90’s disaster film spin is all up with excitement? There’s the pressure-dropping rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Viper Video Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris, play a rootin’ tootin’ varmit shootin’ round of Who Dat!?! Now let’s wrassle us up a tornado!

00:00-14:47: Intro/Twisters

14:48-26:25: Physical Media Picks

28:38-49:36: Who Dat?!?

49:37-52:04: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 717: Longlegs, 5 Favorite Movie Serial Killers

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, it's time for another wide theatrical Nic Cage release! Chris and Matt catch up with the man's latest unhinged performance with Oz Perkins’ ‘Longlegs’. Promoted as the scariest movie of the decade, but what about just 100 minutes of smothering dread? Then there’s the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Viper Video and Streaming Picks of the Week. Matt and Chris then wrap up the show with their Top 5 Serial Killers in Film. They stress "in film".... they aren't changing formats to true crime.

00:00-17:17: Intro/Longlegs

17:18-23:48: Physical Media Picks

23:49-37:42: Top 5 Movie Serial Killers

37:43-39:09: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 716: Maxxxine, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, 5 Most Anticipated Films Left in 2024

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt play the shortest game of 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon ever with a discussion of Ti West’s trilogy capper, ‘MaXXXine’. Mia Goth returns to wreak havoc in 1980’s LA in her pursuit of stardom, regardless of you gets in her way. Then it’s the neon-drenched review of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Viper Video Picks of the Week. But that’s not all, as Matt and Chris fire up the synthesizer and gas up their Chevy Nova. It’s time for one more road trip to Beverly Hills with ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’. It’s been 37 years since the last installment. Does Axel have anything left in the tank? Finally, Chris and Matt close out the show by sharing their 5 Most Anticipated Films For The Rest Of 2024.

00:00-12:21: Intro/MaXXXine

12:22-20:16: Physical Media Picks

20:17-29:50: Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F

29:51-46:22: 5 Most Anticipated Films Left in 2024

46:23-48:05: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 715: Kinds Of Kindness, 5 Best Films of 2024 (So Far)

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 11:23:44 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt catch up with the latest from Yorgos Lanthimos, the hardest working man in show business, with the unexpected anthology film, ‘Kinds Of Kindness’. There’s the love-struck break down of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Viper Video and Streaming Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris wrap it all up with their 5 Favorite Films of 2024...so far!

00:00-16:47: Kinds of Kindness

16:48-26:57: Physical Media Picks

26:58-40:09: Best of 2024 So Far

40:10-42:50: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 714: Thelma, 5 Favorite Donald Sutherland Perfomances

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt discuss the high octane action thriller you never saw coming with ‘Thelma’. June Squibb finally lands the top of the call sheet at the tender age of 94. Think of it as Hot Fuzz for The Villages. Then there’s the non-stop thrill ride that is the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Steaming and Viper Video Picks of the Week! Then Matt and Chris close out the program by honoring one of the greats with their 5 Favorite Donald Sutherland performances.

00:00-12:01: Intro/Thelma

12:02-19:02: Physical Media Picks

19:03-34:30: 5 Favorite Donald Sutherland Performances

34:31-36:10: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 713: Inside Out 2, 5 Favorite Family Films

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 21 Jun 2024 04:10:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Matt and Chris get in touch with their feelings with the latest from Pixar with, ‘Inside Out 2’. As always, there’s the joy-inducing rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Viper Video and Streaming Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris wrap it up the big show with their Top 5 Family Films. Will Chris squeeze in ‘Something Wicked This Way Comes’ again?!?

00:00-12:44: Intro/Inside Out 2

12:45-26:04: Physical Media Picks

26:05-41:06: Top 5 Family Films

41:07-42:52: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 712: Hitman, The Watchers, 5 Favorite Unusual Rom-Coms

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt have just had enough of each other. And funnily enough, both decide to engage with Richard Linklater’s ‘Hitman’, featuring up and coming (and just leaning over the Tatumline) leading man, Glen Powell. Chris shares his thoughts, and fears, regarding the debut feature by Ishana Night Shymalan with, ‘The Watchers’. Then it’s on to the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Viper Video Picks of the Week. Matt and Chris close out the show with their 5 Favorite Offbeat Rom Coms.

00:00-25:43: Intro/Hitman

25:44-33:44: Physical Media Picks

33:45-37:54: The Watchers

37:55-52:32: Unusual Rom-Coms

52:33-53:51: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 711: In A Violent Nature, Who Dat?!?

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt do their best menacing slow walk as they check out ‘In A Violent Nature’, the latest horror film to flip the horror script by asking "What if we just follow the bad guy?" They give you the big releases on physical media, the Viper Video and Streaming Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris wrap it up by trying on different personalities and answering some questions with Who Dat?

In A Violent Nature interview.

Matt Zoller Seitz article.

00:00-12:05: Intro/In a Violent Nature

12:06-22:46: Physical Media Picks

22:47-54:17: Who Dat?

54:18-56:34: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 710: Furiosa, Rank ‘Em: Mad Max Franchise

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 31 May 2024 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt rev their engines and prep for another beautiful day with the Mad Max Fury Road prequel, ‘Furiosa’. It’s a dive into the back story of Fury Road’s ultimate bad ass, with an actor swap out from Charlize Theron to Anya Taylor-Joy. So is this entry also all shiny and chrome? Then the guys bear witness to the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Viper Video Picks of the Week! Then Matt and Chris close out the big show by ranking the Mad Max films. So zoom zoom! Here we go!

00:00-16:12: Intro/Furiosa

16:13-23:40: Physical Media Picks

23:41-42:14: Rank ‘Em: Mad Max

42:15-44:28: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 709: I Saw The TV Glow, 5 Favorite Nostalgia Shows

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 24 May 2024 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Matt and Chris dip their toes into the nostalgia pool and let the capital M Metaphor wash over them with the latest from A24, ‘I Saw the TV Glow’. As always they give a run down of the big releases on physical media, the Viper Video and Streaming Picks of the Week. Then the wrap up it all give you a glimpse into what gives them the warm and fuzzies with their Top 5 Nostalgia TV Shows.

00:00-17:15: Intro/I Saw the TV Glow

17:16-24:59: Physical Media Picks of the Week

25:00-53:14: Top 5 Nostalgia Shows

53:15-55:40: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 708: Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes, 5 Favorite 4th Films

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 17 May 2024 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt travel into the Planet of the Apes future, many generations in the future to be exact, to see the beginning of a new trilogy with, ‘Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes’. Gone is Caesar and…everyone else. Are we ready for the next chapter? Do we care? Next is the banana filled festival that is the rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Matt and Chris then close out the show by sharing their 5 Favorite 4th Films! So take a listen to the latest episode while grooming your favorite apes!

00:00-12:38: Intro/Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes

12:39- 22:59: Physical Media Picks

23:00-38:03: 5 Favorite 4th Films

38:04-39:09: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 707: The Fall Guy, 5 Favorite 80’s Shows Needed A Movie Remake

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 10 May 2024 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt jump into their 1980 GMC K25 and do some donuts on the beach with Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt in ‘The Fall Guy’. The guys run down the big releases on physical media, featuring the Viper Video and Streaming Picks of the Week. Then they get creatively bankrupt and give Jimmy Hollywood some ideas with a rundown of their Top 5 80's Shows that Should be Made into Movies.

00:00-17:35: Intro/The Fall Guy

17:36-25:49: Physical Media Picks

25:50-46:17: Top 5 80's Shows that Should Get the Big Screen Treatment

46:18-49:10: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 706: Boy Kills Word, Late Night With The Devil, Call It!

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 03 May 2024 04:01:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, since everyone is talking about ‘Challengers’, Chris and Matt watched ‘Boy Kills World’. Genre films are the bread and butter of The First Run, and no amount of Zendaya led love triangles and threesomes will keep them from their revenge-action films. Was there even an Eiffel Tower in ‘Challengers’? Don’t waste anyone’s time. Hooked by the H. Jon Benjamin narration, Is there enough butt-kicking to save the day? Then it’s on to the IFC/Shudder original, ‘Late Night With The Devil’. David Dastmalchian leads the viral hit about a struggling talkshow that tries to boost ratings by interviewing an actual possessed kid. What could possibly go wrong? There’s abs-packed rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Viper Video Picks of the Week, AND the return this week of the Straight to DVD Pick of the Week. Finally Matt and Chris close out the show with a hot and spicy round of ‘Call It!’.

00:00-12:07: Intro/Boy Kill’s World

12:08-22:06: Physical Media Picks

22:07-35:48: Late Night With The Devil

35:49-53:46: Call It!

53:47-56:32: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 705: Abigail, Rebel Moon: The Scargiver, 5 Favorite Movie Traitors

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt bust out the garlic and crosses as they check out ‘Abigail’, a treatise in how terrifying precocious children can be. Then they slog into the Zack Snyder muck once more so you don't have to with ‘Rebel Moon: The Scargiver’. They'll give you the rundown on the big physical media releases, the Viper Video and Streaming Picks of the week then they wrap it all up with their favorite untrustworthy characters with the Top 5 Traitors in Film.

00:00-10:37: Intro/Abigail

10:38-23:25: Physical Media Picks

23:26-42:48: Rebel Moon:The Scargiver

42:49-58:13: Top 5 Traitors In Film

58:14-1:00:00: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 704: Civil War, What Are The Odds?!?

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt embed themselves in Alex Garland’s latest (and final?) directorial effort, ‘Civil War’. If you’ve ever wondered what would happen in the United States if society finally broke down over which way the toilet paper should be hung. Or maybe it was if Chicago pizza is real pizza? Something bad, I’m sure. There’s the crack-shot rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris close out the show with a round of What Are The Odds, featuring Tarantino, Frank Drebin, Phantom Menaces, and more!

00:00-21:44: Intro/Civil War

21:45-32:47: Physical Media Picks

32:48-54:44: What Are The Odds?!?

54:45-56:40: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 703: The First Omen, Immaculate, 5 Favorite Horror Prequels

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 04:11:13 +0000

How do you feel about nuns in peril? Well, if you're for it, then the guys have a treat for you. This week, Chris and Matt do a deep dive into the Nunsploitation renaissance of 2024 with ‘The First Omen’ and ‘Immaculate’. They give you the rundown of the big releases on Physical media, featuring the Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris wrap up the show with their Top 5 Horror Prequels. How has there not been a Howling prequel?

00:00-15:09: The First Omen

15:10-22:14: Physical Media Picks

22:15-29:45: Immaculate

29:46-48:40: Top 5 Horror Prequels

48:41-51:19: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 702: Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, TFR Libs

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt book a round trip back to Hollow Earth to check in on our good buddy, King Kong. Nope, sorry. Just Kong. It’s ‘Godzilla X Kong: New Empire’. Not only do we get a big box full of Kong, we get a bunch more giant apes, a baby Kong, and an ancient ice breathing titan. And if we’re lucky, maybe Godzilla will show up too. From there it’s on to the big releases in Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight To DVD Picks of the Week! There’s a quick discussion of the Aliens 4k disc too! Then Matt and Chris wrap up show with the harrowing atomic breath worthy fill-in-the-blank game, TFR Libs. Featuring the latest news about Scream, the MCU, and Chris and Matt go down a rabbit hole over what qualifies as sci-fi or not. It’s a doozy, folks!

00:00-17:20: Intro/Godzilla x Kong: New Empire

17:21-25:54: Physical Media Picks

25:55-51:31: TFR Libs

51:32-54:09: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 701: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, Road House, 2024 Summer Bracket

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt sign out their weird, grumpy uncles from the assisted living home for yet another trip to the paranormal well with ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’. Does the gang still pack an unlicensed nuclear accelerator punch? Then Matt and Chris ask the age-old question “Can you improve upon B-Movie perfection?” with the latest product from the strip mining of the 80’s, ‘Road House’. There’s the gnarly takedown of the big releases in Physical Media, featuring the Straight-To-DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week. Then Chris and Matt make their own version of what all the cool kids are doing in March with the annual First Run Summer Movie Bracket. Though Chris screws up and confuses ‘Sting’ with ‘Longlegs’. Idiot.

00:00-18:15: Intro/Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

18:16-24:40: Physical Media/Straight to DVD/Streaming Pick of the Week

24:41-38:14: Road House ’24

38:15-56:58 Summer Movie Bracket

56:59-58:51: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Summer Bracket [Blank]

TFR Summer Bracket [Scalzo]

TFR Summer Bracket [Matt]

TFR Ep. 700: Love Lies Bleeding, Dead Alive, 5 Favorite Movies Since Ep. 600

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 04:03:00 +0000

Well, well, well. It’s our big 700th episode extravaganza, that we’ll be treating like every other episode. This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt check back into the Rose Glass hotel for more raw and earnest filmmaking. This time out, it’s Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian in the lesbian crime thriller, ‘Love Lies Bleeding’. Then it’s a blast from the past. One of the more influential horror films in Chris’ development, it’s Peter Jackson romance slpatter-fest mashup, ‘Braindead’ or how it’s known here in the states, ‘Dead Alive’. There’s the bicep flexing rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris wrap the big anniversary show with their 5 Favorite Films Since Episode 600, as a minor announcement. So let’s go kick some ass for the lord.

00:00-14:12: Intro/Love Lies Bleeding

14:13-35:38: Physical Media Picks, Crow & Alien Romulus Trailers, & More

35:39-45:40: Braindead (Dead Alive)

45:41-1:05:59: 5 Favorite Films Since Episode 600

1:06:00-1:10:39: Wrap Up & Announcement

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 699: Imaginary, Damsel, 2024 Oscars Wrap Up

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt check out one of two 2024 films about imaginary friends. First up, it’s the latest Blumhouse horror joint, ‘Imaginary’. What happens if your imaginary friend turns out to be a jerk? Two films about imaginary friends in a single year doesn’t sound like a lot but it’s weird that it happened. Then they check out the latest product of Millie Bobbie Browns indentured servant contract with Netflix, ‘Damsel’. As always there’s the big release on physical media, the straight to dvd and streaming picks of the week. Then Matt and Chris are joined by a special guest to wrap this all up with a discussion of all the happenings at the 2024 Oscars and a ScreenRun announcement! I’m not going to give anything away about that thing that happened. You know the one.

00:00-11:34: Intro/Imaginary

11:35-20:50: Physical Media Picks

20:51-29:24: Damsel

29:25-51:57: 2024 Oscar Wrap-Up

52:58-54:26: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 698: Dune Part II, Lisa Frankenstein, 2024 Oscars Predictions

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt saddle up a grand poppa Sandworm and ride into Dune-iverse with Dune Part 2. While it’s Christmas morning for Matt, after Part 1, Chris felt like he needed to see Part 2 in order to get the whole experience. Whelp, swing and a miss on that one. As we’re clearly in the middle of a larger story, how does Dune Part 2 measure up against the great second films in sci-fi cinematic history? Or should Chris cut the spice intake and chill a bit. Then it’s on to the comedy/horror mash up, ‘Lisa Frankenstein’. Does Zelda Williams’ directorial debut spark to life? There’s spice-y rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris help you fill out your Oscars bracket with their picks that will win and which picks deserve to win. So fire up your 5 layer bean dip as you prep your Oscars Party. It’s The First Run!

00:00-21:23: Intro/Dune Part 2

21:24-30:30: Physical Media Picks

30:31-37:59: Lisa Frankenstein

38:00-52:44: 2024 Oscars Picks

52:45-53:58: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 697: Drive Away Dolls, Dream Scenario, 5 Favorite Coen Bros. Characters

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Matt’s been bitten by a Sumatran Rat Monkey and is feeling a bit under the weather, but we shall soldier on! First up, it’s Ethan Coen’s solo debut, ‘Drive Away Dolls’, featuring Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan as two lesbian friends on a road trip that take a turn south, literally and figuratively. Then the Nic Cage-essiance continues with ‘Dream Scenario’. Or does it? There’s the briefcase full of Physical Media Picks, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week! Then Matt and Chris share their 5 Favorite Coen Brothers Characters. So settle in, grab a pack of Huggies, and listen to another rowdy episode of The First Run. At least until Matt goes full zombie mode.

00:00-12:32: Intro/Drive Away Dolls

12:33-22:06: Physical Media Picks

22:07-31:56: Dream Scenario

31:57-48:26: 5 Favorite Coen Brothers Characters

48:27-51:04: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey.

TFR Ep. 696: Madame Web, Riki Oh: The Story Of Ricky, Who Dat?!?

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, ‘Madame Web’ breaks a Sony/MCU record. But not one of the good ones. Could the critics be wrong and just simply unable to appreciate a fun action film? Or is it just another example of ‘go woke, go broke’?!? Can Dakota Johnson finally cross the Tatum Line for Chris? Then, as a potential welcome respite, Matt and Chris partake in some fine, elegant filmmaking with ‘Riki-Oh: The Story Of Ricki’. After a decade of Chris trying to catch up with the Chinese Martial Arts Splatter-fest. Was it worth the wait? There’s head-crushing review of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Chris and Matt then close out the show with a dreamy round of everyone’s favorite role-playing game, ‘Who Dat’. So buckle up, become one with the web of life, and settle in for another spine-tingling episode of The First Run.

00:00-21:19: Intro/Madame Web

21:20-30:14: Physical Media Picks

30:15-38:11: Riki-Oh: The Story Of Ricky

38:12-55:22: Who Dat?!?

55:23-56:12: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 695: Out Of Darkness, The Beekeeper, 5 Favorite Performances Of 2023

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 05:03:00 +0000

This week on the First Run, Chris and Matt head back to the Stone Age and huddle closer to the flames to ward against the terrors of the night with ‘Out of Darkness’. Then they watch Jason Statham be the Stathamest Statham he can be as he bucks against type as a man who’s the best at what he does but what he does isn’t very nice in ‘The Beekeeper’. As always they give you the big releases on physical media, the Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week. Then they wrap all this up with their Five Favorite Performances of 2023.

00:00-13:39: Out of Darkness

13:40-25:49: Physical Media Picks

25:50-35:42: The Beekeeper

35:43-48:46: Top 5 Performances Of 2023

48:47-50:40: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 694: Argylle, Suitable Flesh, 10 Favorite Films Of 2023: 5-1

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 05:03:00 +0000

Let’s try and break into the algorithm and go viral. At the Grammy’s this past Sunday, Tay-tay herself, MISS Taylor Swift announced her new album, ‘The Tortured Poets Department’, dropping April 19th. Throughout the show, Matt and I will be dropping tidbits about the new album with a full discussion its production and an early listen to the first single, her cover of Tracy Chapman’s Turn Right Back Around. There also by some brief talk about the latest film from the twisted mind of Matthew Vaughn, ‘Argyle’, a different kind of possession film with the Shudder original ‘Suitable Flesh’. We keep cruising, because we can’t stop, won’t stop movin’ as we reveal the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris close out 2023 with their 5 Favorite Films of the year, 2023. So Just think, while you've been gettin' down and out about the liars and the dirty, dirty cheats of the world, You could've been gettin' down to this sick beat. It’s another episode of The First Run.

00:00-13:14: Intro/Argylle

13:15-26:07: Physical Media Picks/MegaCon

26:08-32:28: Suitable Flesh

32:29-47:29: 10 Favorite Films Of 2023: 5-1

47:30-49:44: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 693: The Zone Of Interest, Nyad, 10 Favorite Films Of 2023: 10-6

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 15:35:17 +0000

This week on the First Run, Chris and Matt take a leisurely trip to the bucolic Polish countryside where everything is totally normal and nothing is out of place with The Zone of Interest. Then they shift gears to take in some mom-tainment for a change with the swimming biopic Nyad. They run down the big releases on physical media, give you their straight-to-DVD and streaming picks of the week then wrap it all up with the bottom half of their favorite films of 2023.

00:00-15:07: The Zone Of Interest
15:08-23:14: Physical Media Picks
23:15-34:38: Nyad
34:39-50:13: 10-6 Favorites of 2023
50:14-53:04 :Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford Bey

TFR Ep. 692: American Fiction, Sound Of Freedom, 2024 Oscar Noms

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, it’s primary night! Can Nikki Haley topple Donald Trump and steal a primary win? Can Joe Biden win the state without even being on the ballot? Will Ron DeSantis now feel comfortable removing the lifts from his cowboy rasslin’ boots? And after that Chris and Matt are going to discuss Cord Jefferson’s ‘American Fiction’, nominated for 5 Oscars, including Best Picture! Then it’s on to the rallying cry film that’s got all the Q’Anon folks all foamed up in the jammies, It’s crazy Jim Caviezel and ‘Sound Of Freedom’! There’s the Granite State rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris discuss this year’s Oscar Noms. It’s all the surprises, snubs, and rubs! Matt already furiously texted me half a dozen times about ‘Saltburn’.

00:00-14:54: Intro/American Fiction

14:55-22:39: Physical Media

22:40-36:50: Sound Of Freedom

36:51-53:12: 2024 Oscar Noms

53:13-55:24: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 691: The Iron Claw, Past Lives, Call It!

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, it’s all A24 all the time. First up is the tragic story of the Von Erich wrestling family in Sean Durkin’s ‘The Iron Claw’. Then the Matt and Chris delve into the relationship between two friends as their lives diverge across the decades with Celine Song’s ‘Past Lives’. As always, they bring you the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week. Then Chris and Matt wrap it all up with another round of Call It! What horrible choices are presented this time and how many involve Arnold Schwarzenegger?

00:00-18:39: Intro/The Iron Claw

18:40-25:21: Physical Media Picks

25:22-44:12: Past Lives

44:13-1:01:30: Call It!

1:01:31-1:03:41: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 690: Ferrari, Maestro, 5 Other Things We Watched In 2023

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, it’s a Matt Howell special! It’s biopic week! We’re only missing horror comedies or plays to push Matt over the top. First up, Michael Mann’s ‘Ferrari’, featuring Adam Driver as the titular spaghetti loving talking car, Ferrari. Then Bradley Cooper’s passion project, ‘Maestro’, featuring the life and times of potentially America’s greatest composer, Leonard Bernstein. Cooper co-writes, directs, and stars as the titular Maestro, Lenny Bing-bongs! There’s the mouthwatering rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week! Then Matt and Chris close out the show discussing 5 other things we enjoyed from 2023 that didn’t make the show.

00:00-13:55: Intro/Ferrari

13:56-20:40: Physical Media Picks

20:41-29:25: Maestro

29:26-50:19: 5 Other Things We Watched In 2023

50:20-53:18: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 689: Poor Things, Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom, Rebel Moon, 2024 Preview

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Matt and Chris review three films for you! Lord help us. First up is the difficult to describe critical darling ‘Poor Things’, starring Emma Stone. Is it delightfully weird, a little too self-satisfied with its indulgences, or maybe it’s both? Then we check out ‘Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom’, the death rattle of the often disappointing DCEU. Finally, we’ll visit our ol pal Zack Snyder in his Star Wars-40k-Dune mish-mash ‘Rebel Moon: Child of Fire’. As always, there's the big releases on physical media, the streaming and straight-to-dvd picks of the week and then the guys close out the show with their 10 Most Anticipated Films of 2024.

00:00-17:40: Intro/Poor Things

17:41-36:51: Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom

36:52-44:46: Physical Media Picks

44:47-56:14: Rebel Moon: Child of Fire

56:15-1:19:49: Most Anticipated Films of 2024

1:19:50-1:23:33: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Sick Day

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 05:03:00 +0000

Sadly, Chris is on the injured list with a bad head cold and no voice. So enjoy this brand new opening from Matt and a re-broadcast of our 2023 Preview featuring the 10 films Chris and Matt were most excited about. How did that end up shaking out…? Don’t worry, the guys will be back next week with an extra super-sized gorgeous episode featuring ‘Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom’, ‘Poor Things’, ‘Rebel Moon Part 1: A Child Of Fire’, and the 2024 Preview! Holy cats that’ll be fun! See you next week!

TFR Ep. 688: Leave The World Behind, May December, Eileen, Christmas Playlist

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 22 Dec 2023 05:49:50 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt fire up the ol’ Netflix engine to discuss a pair of…interesting films. First up, the Obama’s produced ‘Leave The World Behind’. Sam Esmail’s adaptation of the book brings together a great cast as they deal with something kind of potentially cataclysmic event. Or not? Maybe? Then it’s on to Todd Haynes’ latest, ‘May December’, featuring Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore. Portman is an actress spending time with Moore as she’s set to portray her in a tv movie and hijinks ensue. There’s the holly AND jolly rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris share their perfect Christmas playlists, just for you!

00:00-11:20: Leave the World Behind

11:21-16:13: Eileen

16:14-24:30: Physical Media Picks

24:31-35:22: May December

35:23-50:00: Holiday Playlist

50:01-54:55: Wrap-Up

Scalzo’s Holiday Playlist

Matt’s Holiday Playlist

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 687: The Boy And The Heron, The Holdovers, Rolling Stones’ 50 Greatest Action Movies

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 05:03:00 +0000

This week on the First Run, Chris and Matt check out the latest and supposedly last film by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, ‘The Boy And The Heron’. Then it’s time to check in on winter break with Alexander Payne’s reunion with Paul Giamatti in, ‘The Holdovers’. There’s the non-denominational review of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week. Matt and Chris then wrap up the show with…something to do with Rolling Stones Top 50 Action Movies of All Time list. Righteous indignation probably.

00:00-16:26: Intro/The Boy And The Heron

16:27-26:37: Physical Media Picks

26:38-39:30: The Holdovers

39:31-59:47: Rolling Stones’ 50 Greatest Action Movies

59:48-1:00:53: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 686: Godzilla Minus One, Silent Night, It’s A Wonderful Knife, What Are The Odds?

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt rejoice in the return of the OG Kaiju, it’s ‘Godzilla: Minus One’! We’re back in post-war Japan, and Big G’s ready to tear stuff up. But instead of being an allegory for post atom bomb destruction, now we’re focusing on the people at ground level. Expanding the human side of the story is a gamble. Is there enough Godzilla smash though…? Then the guys turn to Shudder for a horror spin on one of Chris’ favorites, ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ with, ‘It’s A Wonderful Knife’! We’ll have to see if this is as good an idea as Ted Turner colorizing the original. There’s the holly decked rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week! Then Matt and Chris close out the show and unwrap another round of ‘What Are The Odds’!

00:00-16:59: Intro/Godzilla Minus One

17:00-20:34: Silent Night (2023)

20:35-32:50: Physical Media Picks

32:51-40:31: It’s A Wonderful Knife

40:32-1:04:13: What Are The Odds?!?

1:04:14-1:07:25: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 685: Napoleon, Saltburn, 2023 Holiday Gift Guide

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 05:03:00 +0000

This week on the First Run, Chris and Matt catch up with Sir Ridley Scott and his irrepressible English hatred of the French with the historical spectacle, ‘Napoleon’. Then they check out the love child of Call Me by Your Name and The Talented Mr Ripley with ‘Saltburn’, the latest from writer/director Emerald Fennell of ‘Promising Young Woman’ fame and the reason Chris was so insistent to see it. As always, there’s the breakdown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week. Then it’s time for the…dear Lord…holiday gift guide for the movie lover in your life. So let’s grease up the guillotine and get this show on the road!

00:00-17:09: Napoleon

17:10-27:09: Physical Media Picks

27:10-38:28: Saltburn

38:29-55:07: Holiday Gift Guide

55:08-59:24: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 684: Thanksgiving, The Marvels, 5 Favorite 80’s Slashers

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 05:01:00 +0000

We’re early! Happy Thanksgiving! This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt fire up the oven, mash the potatoes, un-can the cranberries, and whatever else has to be done to prepare for Eli Roth’s ‘Thanksgiving’. How does the latest expansion of the Grindhouse trailers hold up? Then it’s the latest (and greatest?) film in the MCU, this time it’s ‘The Marvels’! Captain Marvel, Captain Marvel, and Ms. Marvel team up to stop the Kree from devasting the galaxy. And maybe an X-Man or 2 may show up to tease us with the existence of mutants yet again. There’s the all the fixins’ associated with the big releases on Physical, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week! Then Matt and Chris close out the show by sharing their 5 Favorite Slasher Villains. So sharpen that carving knife and prepare for your Uncle’s crazy conspiracy theories. It’s another gravy covered episode of The First Run!

00:00-11:37: Intro/Thanksgiving

11:38-23:26: Physical Media Picks

23:27-38:26: The Marvels

38:27-53:24: 5 Favorite 80’s Slashers

53:25-55:27: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 683: The Killer, Bottoms, 5 Favorite Criterion Releases

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 05:03:00 +0000

This week on the First Run, Chris and Matt discuss David Fincher’s latest cinematic tryst with Netflix as he returns to his roots with his latest, ‘The Killer. Then Matt gives into Chris and checks out ‘Bottoms’, which attempts to answer the question “Can movie teenage lesbians be creepy hornballs too?” They’re sure you’ll be shocked by the answer. They run down the big Physical Media releases of the Week to get you pumped for Black Friday, give you the Streaming and Straight to DVD picks of the week, then wrap it all up with their 5 Favorite Criterion Releases. So let’s take a breath and stick to the plan. It’s another thrill-packed episode of The First Run!

00:00-18:35: Intro/The Killer

18:36-35:30: Physical Media Picks/Chris meets the Shat Man

35:31-44:30: Bottoms

44:31-59:25: 5 Favorite Criterion Releases

59:26-1:00:20: Wrap-up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 682: Anatomy Of A Fall, A Haunting In Venice, TFR Libs

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, it’s people falling out of buildings to their doom week on the big show. First up, Chris and Matt discuss this year’s Palm d’Or winner, ‘Anatomy Of A Fall’, a court room drama that is praised for its standout performance by Sandra Hüller as a woman accused of killing her husband. Did she? Didn’t she? Does it matter? Then Chris gets his Poirot itch scratched as Branagh returns to direct and star in ‘A Haunting In Venice’. After an okay first film, a dull second, is this the end of the gondola for Branagh’s series? There’s the gravity-defying review of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week! Then Matt and Chris close out the show by playing another round of everyone’s favorite fill-in-the-blank game, TFR Libs, featuring Timothy Chalamet, David Fincher, and more!

00:00-13:23: Intro/ Anatomy Of A Fall

13:24-20:47: Physical Media Picks

20:48-28:20: A Haunting In Venice

28:21-45:36: TFR Libs

45:37-46:40: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 681: Five Nights At Freddy’s, No Hard Feelings, 5 Gateway Horror Films

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, your ancient hosts, Chris and Matt, attempt connect with their inner Zoomer child and answer the question “What if Chuck E. Cheese was a homicidal maniac?” when they check out ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’. Then the guys fill the gaping raunchy sex comedy hole in their lives with Jennifer Lawrence and ‘No Hard Feelings’. As always there’s the stuffed crust pizza level of awesome that is the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris give you their picks on how to ease into this whole horror fandom thing with 5 Gateway Horror Recommendations. So pop yourself some corn, dim the lights, and settle in for another wonderful program!

00:00-17:23: Five Nights At Freddy’s
17:24-28:43: Physical Media Picks
28:44-36:33: No Hard Feelings
36:34-57:45: 5 Gateway Horror Recommendations
57:46-1:01:58: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 680: Killers Of The Flower Moon, Dark Harvest, Who Dat?!?

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt buckle in for Martin Scorsese’s ‘Killers Of The Flower Moon’. Do you enjoy sprawling epics revealing truths about our country’s past, and perhaps ourselves? Or are you complaining about its three and half hour run time? Do you consider Scorsese’s films like going to the DMV? Are you a jerk? Do you wonder if you’re a jerk? By the end of the show, you’ll know. Then, is the dearth of haunted scarecrows movies over? It’s ‘Dark Harvest’! There’s the spine-tingling rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Matt and Chris then wrap up the show with a round of your favorite role-playing game, ‘Who Dat?!?’. Get some talcum powder in the rubber suit. Turn down the lights, and let the latest episode just wash over you, fellow non-jerks!

BJ Colengelo’s Lily Gladstone article.

00:00-32:30: Intro/Killers Of The Flower Moon

32:31-43:30: Physical Media Picks

43:31-51:13: Dark Harvest

51:14-1:12:08: Who Dat?!?

1:12:09-1:14:46: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 679: V/H/S/85, Anderson/Dahl Netflix Shorts, Call It!

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, dem bois resist the siren song of our future pop overlord and her brainwashed horde by skipping the theater this week. That’s right…Chris and Matt stayed home…and it was glorious. The guys keep spooky season rolling with the latest installment from the V/H/S found footage horror anthology with Shudder’s ‘V/H/S/85’. Then they take a hard right turn into a completely different kind of creepy with four Wes Anderson short films based on the writings of Roald Dahl: ‘The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar’, ‘Poison’, ‘The Ratcatcher’, and ‘The Swan’ . As always, they break down the Big Releases on Physical Media, give you the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris wrap it all up with a round of their pick ‘em game, Call It! So let’s pop in the tape and adjust the tracking for another episode of The First Run!

00:00-23:24: Intro - V/H/S/85

23:25-38:24: Physical Media Picks

38:25-53:23: Wes Anderson/Roald Dahl Netflix Shorts

53:24-1:08:11: Call It!

1:08:12-1:12:57: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 678: The Exorcist: Believer, When Evil Lurks, 5 Favorite Final Girls

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, William Friedkin spins so hard in his grave that he’s able to power the entire eastern seaboard as Chris and Matt discuss David Gordon Green’s latest horror hijacking with ‘The Exorcist: Believer’. Does the legacy sequel possess us all once again with fear and dread? And is that fear and dread more about having to watch the next 2 films in this planned trilogy? Then Chris continues to anger Matt as they discuss ‘When Evil Lurks’, a film that will be on Shudder before you can say, do you smell something rotting? It’s another possession thriller, this time via Argentina. Is it good enough for Matt having to see it in the theaters 2 weeks prior to its streaming premiere? There’s the head-spinning rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris close out the show by sharing their 5 Favorite “Final Girls”! Will it feature anyone from a film newer than 2000? Only one way to find out all you ghouls and goblins!

00:00-16:46: Intro/The Exorcist: Believer

16:47-27:49: Physical Media Picks

27:50-36:26: When Evil Lurks

36:27-50:12: 5 Favorite Final Girls

50:13-54:33: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 677: The Creator, Saw X, 5 Streaming Horror Picks

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 04:03:00 +0000

This week on the First Run, Chris and Matt face one of the great questions of our time…why is sci-fi usually such a bummer? Who knows but they get served up another heaping helping of it via Gareth Edward’s with The Creator. Then, because Chris likes to push Matt ever closer to the edge, the guys burn away another couple hours of their lives with Saw X. Matt refuses to call it Saw 10. They give you a run-down of the big Physical Media releases, give you the Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week then kick off spooky season proper with recommendations for horror movies you can stream right now. So let’s get a glimpse of yet another possible doomed future and set up some new gnarly traps!

00:00-17:12: Intro/The Creator

17:13-26:16: Physical Media Picks

26:17-38:07: Saw X

38:08-58:10: 5 Streaming Horror Picks

58:11-1:00:00: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 676: It Lives Inside, Stop Making Sense, No One Will Save You, 5 Favorite Live Albums

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt take on a couple of horrific nightmares and cut a rug. First out of the gate is an Indian demon tormenting your soul so it’s nice and ripe for consumption in, ‘It Lives Inside’. Then Hulu brings us the gray alien monsters we’ve been waiting for, maybe, with, ‘No One Will Save You’. But it doesn’t end there, oh no! Matt and Chris react to the IMAX 4k Remastered release of Talking Heads’ seminal concert film, ‘Stop Making Sense’. There’s the life-altering run down of the big releases Physical Media Picks of the Week. To close things out, Chris and Matt share their 5 Favorite Live Albums. Will they all be Bowie albums for Chris? And Dave Matthews for Matt? Listen on to find out!

00:00-14:40: Intro/It Lives Inside

14:41-22:46: Stop Making Sense

22:47-34:16: Physical Media Picks

34:17-46:49: No One Will Save You (with spoilers)

46:50-1:10:56: 5 Favorite Live Albums

1:10:57-1:14:02: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 675: The Outlaw Johnny Black, El Conde, What Are The Odds?!?

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 04:03:00 +0000

This week on the First Run, the Chris and Matt call an audible and abandon Agatha Christie for Michael Jai White in ‘The Outlaw Johnny Black’. When one of the most anticipated films of a podcast host becomes an option to cover on said podcast, one takes the opportunity. Then the show slips on down to Chile, eats some hearts, and dusts just a nudge of Wes Anderson whimsy and twee onto the vampire genre with ‘El Conde’. As always, Chris will tell you all about the upcoming releases on Physical Media, give you the Straight To DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris wrap this all up with another edition of What are the Odds?!? So sit back, relax, and get ready for a really ill-advised indigenous wedding with The Outlaw Johnny Black.

00:00-13:39: Intro/The Outlaw Johnny Black

13:40-22:10: Physical Media Picks

22:11-31:42: El Conde

31:43-52:09: What Are The Odds?!?

52:10-55:46: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 674: The Nun II, Extraction 2, Call It!

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 04:03:00 +0000

On this episode of The First Run, it’s sequel week! First out of the gate, The Conjuring expanded universe continues with, ‘The Nun II’. Taissa Farmiga returns as the nun on a mission to bring justice to church, exposing its greed, abuses, and hypocrisy…No, that’s not right. Valak the demon returns. Not to be confused with Valek, the Vampire. Taissa is dispatched to end the horrors once again. Then Tyler Rake (Tyler Rake, christ) returns with ‘Extraction 2’. Reuniting the team from the first underwhelming action vehicle where the star…dies? Zombie Rake is brought back to extract someone new and this time, it’s personal! There’s the terrifying, yet bicep pumping rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris close out the show with a death-defying round of Call It featuring all your favorite 80’s references Chris can jam into a 15-minute segment!

00:00-15:44: Intro/The Nun II

15:45-24:53: Physical Media Picks

24:54-35:46: Extraction 2

35:47-49:14: Call It!

49:15-51:05: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 673: The Equalizer 3, They Cloned Tyrone, 5 Most Anticipated Films Left For 2023

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 08 Sep 2023 04:03:00 +0000

This week on the First Run, your favorite movie bros try to answer the eternal question…”Can Antoine Fuqua make a worthwhile film?” The latest attempt brings Denzel Washington up to bat yet again with ‘The Equalizer 3’. Then Chris and Matt slum it on Netflix with the sci-fi satire ‘They Cloned Tyrone’. There’s the subtly awesome rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Straight-to-DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week. Matt and Chris wrap up the show by searching for a diamond in the muck with The First Run’s Most Anticipated Films for the Rest of 2023. So let’s give you 9 seconds to start another episode of The First Run.

00:00-12:42: Intro/The Equalizer 3
12:43-22:31: Physical Media Picks
22:32-30:00: They Cloned Tyrone
30:01-45:29: Most Anticipated Films for the Rest of 2023
45:30-47:41: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 672: Beau Is Afraid, The Pope’s Exorcist, TFR Libs

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt finally catch up with Ari Aster’s ‘Beau Is Afraid’. It’s a sprawling tale of one man’s journey to visit his mother, with all the accompanying insanity, violence, humor, and just a dusting of an Elektra Complex, all led my Joaquin Phoenix. Clocking in at a meager 3 hours, is it the (Insert genre here) we’ve been waiting for? Or a bloated mess? Then as ‘The Pope’s Exorcist’ mania is sweeping the country, we discuss ‘The Pope’s Exorcist’. It’s the number 1 movie on Netflix and DEMANDS to be seen and discussed, guaranteed to have a legacy lasting generations. Or not. There’s the truly loving rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris wrap up the show with a round of the fill-in-the-blank game, TFR Libs. This round features Dune 2, Highlander, and more! The power of Moms compels you to listen to the latest episode of The First Run!

Note: Chris and Matt forget about Killers Of The Flower Moon & Poor Things when discussing the remaining 2023 releases like a couple of dummies.

00:00-12:26: Intro/Beau Is Afraid

12:27-19:49: Physical Media Picks

19:50-29:13: The Pope’s Exorcist

29:14-49:13: TFR Libs

49:14-50:36: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 671: Blue Beetle, 5 Favorite Legacy Comic Book Characters

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Matt and Chris bear witness to the last desperate gasps before the death rattle of the DCEU with ‘Blue Beetle’. Is this the definitive entry of the DCEU, the yardstick in which all the other entries are measured against? Maybe, maybe not, who gives a shit at this point. As always, they run down the big releases on physical media, give you their straight to dvd and streaming picks of the week then wrap up this episode with their five favorite legacy superheroes. It’ll make sense at the time, I promise. Let’s fire up the DCEU franchise for its penultimate entry with Blue Beetle.

00:00-17:18: Intro/Blue Beetle

17:19-30:15: Physical Media Picks

30:16-52:24: Top 5 Legacy Comic Book Characters

52:25-53:39: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 670: The Last Voyage Of The Demeter, TMNT: Mutant Mayhem, 5 Favorite Movie Vampires

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt engage with the hypothesis that asks, can you make a whole movie out of one chapter of a book? It’s a moment in time for the lord of the undead. Ahoy their matey’s! We gots us a Dracula! It’s ‘The Last Voyage Of The Demeter’! Then there’s another animated movie based on a beloved property. This time it’s the ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’! The boys are back in town with an animated reboot. Is 2D animation back, baby? There’s the garlic loving rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris close out the show with their 5 Favorite Movie Vampires. So come on in, all you ghouls and gals! It’s another episode of The First Run, packed the gills with Monster and Mutants!

00:00-15:34: Intro/The Last Voyage Of The Demeter

15:35-24:52: Physical Media Picks

24:53-36:28: TMNT: Mutant Mayhem

36:29-52:36: 5 Favorite Movie Vampires

52:37-54:45: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 669: Talk To Me, 5 Favorite A24 Releases, Part 2

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt, your curmudgeonly internet uncles, head down under for this year’s scariest movie of all time, ‘Talk To Me’. Should you believe the hype? Does A24 deliver another knock out film? The boys give you their oh-so informed opinions. Then it’s the terrifying, yet adorable run down the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week! Matt and Chris then wrap up the show with their definitive personal rankings of the top 5 (maybe 10) films in the A24 catalog. So pop open a Foster’s and watch out for all the deadly wild life, it’s the latest episode of The First Run!

00:00-13:25: Talk To Me

13:26-23:05: Physical Media Picks

23:06-45:40: 5 Favorite A24 Releases, Part 2

45:41-47:09: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 668: Barbie, 5 Favorite Movie Tie-In Promotions

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt succumb to the matriarchy and all things capitalism to discuss ‘Barbie’! Greta Gerwig’s big screen anti-man, pro-communism screed is here and is tearing up the charts! Could a movie about a girls’ toy actually be good? And have a little something for the fellas? There’s the pink-alicious rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week! Then Matt & Chris close out the big show by sharing their 5 Favorite Movie Tie-Ins, Promotions, whatever. So let’s all head over to the Malibu dream house and dip our toe-less feet in the pool. It’s Barbie, bitch!

00:00-19:37: Intro/Barbie

19:38-32:26: Physical Media Picks

32:27-50:13: 5 Favorite Movie Tie-In Promotions

50:14-51:35: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 667: Oppenheimer, 5 Favorite Christopher Nolan Scenes

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 04:03:00 +0000

This week on the First Run, Chris and Matt become Death, the destroyer of (cinematic) worlds with the latest 3 hour spectacle from Christopher Nolan, ‘Oppenheimer’. Matt, for one, is looking forward to wading into historical moral quandaries the guys have no business opining on. And Chris wants to see stuff blowns up real good. After that uplifting discussion, they’ll give you the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Straight-to-DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week, then wrap up the show with their 5 Favorite Christopher Nolan Scenes. So let’s push the big red button and hope there isn’t a cascading chain reaction of neutron collisions with the latest episode of The First Run.

00:00-29:33: Intro/Oppenheimer

29:34-41:36: Physical Media Picks

41:37-55:57: 5 Favorite Christopher Nolan Scenes

55:58-58:53: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 666: Mission: Impossible: Dead Reckoning: Part 1, 5 Favorite MI Action Set Pieces

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt choose to accept the latest entry in the ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise, ‘Dead Reckoning, Part 1’. We’re nearing the end of one of the most consistently entertaining action franchises of all time. Are we going out with a bang, or have we lost a step or two. Then there’s the death-defying review of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming & Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris close out the non-stop action with their 5 Favorite Mission: Impossible Action scenes! So rev up the car/motorcycle/train/plane of your choice and prepare for more high-flying action with another episode of The First Run!

00:00-18:30: Intro/ Mission: Impossible: Dead Reckoning: Part 1

18:31-27:49: Physical Media Picks

27:50-43:06: 5 Favorite MI Action Set Pieces

43:07-44:02: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 665: Insidious: The Red Door, Who Dat?!?

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt step-up to that crimson door and head into The Further one last time (Maybe? Possibly?) with Patrick Wilson’s directorial debut, ‘Insidious: The Red Door’. As always, there’s the biggest Physical Media Releases of the Week, featuring the Straight-To-DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris wrap up this boondoggle with another round of ‘Who Dat’?, a segment whose namesake has drifted beyond the limits of mortal memory. So close your eyes and get ready to like, project into the astral plane man! It’s another episode of The First Run!

00:00-12:00: Insidious: The Red Door

12:01-20:24: Physical Media Picks

20:25-43:57: Who Dat?

43:58-45:06: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 664: Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny, 5 Favorite Indy Scenes

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 04:03:00 +0000

On this episode of The First Run, Chris and Matt attempt to turn back the clock one more time as Harrison Ford returns for a final grand adventure in ‘Indiana Jones & The Dial Of Destiny’. Is there any gas left in Indy’s tank? Is why Nazi’s are bad need to be explained? Should we just have let the franchise end with The Last Crusade like we all agreed to back in 1989? There’s the rejuvenating rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming & Straight to DVD Picks of the Week! Then Matt & Chris close out the show with their 5 Favorite Indiana Jones scenes. So let’s crack that whip one more time! It’s another thrilling episode of The First Run!

00:00-18:54: Intro/Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny

18:55-25:48: Physical Media Picks

25:49-39:24: 5 Favorite Indy Scenes

39:25-41:49: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 663: Asteroid City, What Are The Odds?!?

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 04:03:00 +0000

This week on the First Run, Chris and Matt check the latest quirk fest from Wes Anderson, ‘Asteroid City’. Will it be the delightful deadpan delivery of the ‘Royal Tennenbaums’, or the lifeless deadpan delivery of ‘The Darjeeling Limited’? As always we there’s the thrilling yet contemplative rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week. Then, much to Chris’ delight, we get back to our games with another round of What are the Odds? So let’s tap into our collective ennui with another episode of The First Run!

00:00-17:17: Asteroid City

17:18-23:25: Physical Media/Straight to DVD/Streaming

23:26-53:57: What are the Odds?

53:58-55:22: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 662: The Flash, DCEU Snyder-Verse Ranking

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt break the speed of light and enter the Speed Force! The great sorta’ maybe DCEU reset is here with ‘The Flash’! How do you balance the promotion of one of your big summer tent pole films and potentially reboot a cinematic shared universe against its star’s off screen, let’s say “antics”. Will the people come out?!? There’s the affable yet fierce rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the week. Matt and Chris then close out the show by giving you the definitive DCEU Ranking!

00:00-23:26: Intro/The Flash

23:27-31:59: Physical Media Picks

32:00-44:01: DCEU Snyder-Verse Ranking

44:01-44:41: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

Letterboxd: Chris

Letterboxd: Matt

TFR Ep. 661: Brooklyn 45, 5 Streaming Horror Picks

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 04:03:00 +0000

This week on the First Run, Chris and Matt kick-off their summer experiment and drop down to one film. What does that mean? For one, Matt has to slow the intro down so he doesn’t end before the theme song does. This week, the guys check out the Shudder original, the ghost story Brooklyn 45. As always, there’s the top physical media releases, the Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris wrap it all up with their 5 Favorite Horror Films on Streaming. That’s right!!!

00:00-13:24: Intro/Brooklyn 45
13:25-27:20: Physical Media Picks
27:21-45:10: 5 Streaming Horror Movie Recommendations
45:11-47:12: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 660: Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse, The Boogeyman, 5 Favorite Animated Series Theme Songs

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt jump into the multiverse AGAIN! This time, it’s parallel universes just chock full of Spider-People. Miles Morales returns, with pretty much every other Spider-Man you can think of in ‘Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse’! The first film was a breath of fresh air in the animated genre. Can the sequel possibly be as enthralling as the original? Can it be better? There’s the web-slinging rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Next up, it’s the Stephen King Adaptation of his short story, ‘The Boogeyman’, which I understand deviates greatly from the source material. Originally destined for Hulu, it was pushed to the theaters after positive screenings. Was that the right call? Matt and Chris then wrap up the show with their 5 Favorite Animated Series Theme Songs!

00:00-16:07: Intro/ Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse

16:08-24:18: Physical Media Picks

24:19-31:34: The Boogeyman (’23)

31:35-46:59: 5 Favorite Animated Series Theme Songs

47:00-49:54: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 659: How To Blow Up A Pipeline, Dead Presidents, Heist Marathon Awards

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Matt and Chris join the revolution and get their ecoterrorism on with Daniel Goldhaber’s ‘How to Blow Up A Pipeline’. Can a film ignite a revolution? Then it’s time to put on some corpse paint and wrap up the Heist Marathon with the Hughes Brothers’ ‘Dead Presidents’. As always there’s the dreamlike rundown the physical media releases, with the Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week. Matt and Chris wrap up the show with the Heist Marathon Awards. So let’s sabotage some property with another episode of The First Run!

00:00-17:44: Intro/How to Blow Up A Pipeline

17:45-25:25: Physical Media Picks

25:26-36:22: Dead Presidents

36:23-44:15: Heist Marathon Awards

44:16-46:38: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 658: Fast X, Thief, 5 Favorite Movie Families

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 26 May 2023 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, it’s all about family. The always expanding, death means nothing, and neither does physics cinematic exploration of family. It’s Fast X! This time out Dom and the fam are haunted by the consequences of a prior adventure. Consequences that we had no prior knowledge of, like Dom’s brother. Has the Toretto family finally had one too many extravagant films? Are have we finally found Aristotle’s elusive balance? The Heist Marathon continues with Michael Mann’s directorial debut, ‘Heist’, featuring James Caan as master thief you just may be in over his head. But that’s what happens when you go for that one last big score. There’s the scrumptious rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week! Then Matt and Chris close out another exemplary episode by sharing their 5 Favorite Movie Families!

00:00-13:55: Intro/Fast X

13:46-20:54: Fast X Spoilers

20:55-32:39: Physical Media Picks and HBOMax

32:40-44:50: Thief

44:51-58:00: 5 Favorite Movie Families

58:01-1:00:15: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 657: Hypnotic, Dog Day Afternoon, 5 Favorite Ben Affleck Performances

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 19 May 2023 04:03:00 +0000

This week on the First Run, Chris and Matt check out Hypnotic, a mind control super powers movie that was apparently directed by Robert Rodriguez! They were just as surprised as you were. And even though they had seen the trailer multiple times, they remembered William Fichtner was in this but forgot Ben Affleck is too. That, gentle listeners, is what the book nerds call “foreshadowing.” Then the Heist Marathon slides into the grim and gritty 70’s with Al Pacino in Sidney Lumet’s Dog Day Afternoon. Spoiler alert, Fredo can’t catch a break in this one either. As always, there’s the physical media, straight to dvd and streaming picks of the week. Then they wrap it up with their 5 Favorite Ben Affleck Performances, which Matt didn’t expect to be so difficult for a man with 83 credits on IMDB.

00:00-14:14: Intro/Hypnotic

14:15-19:29: Physical Media Picks

19:30-31:25: Dog Day Afternoon

31:26-44:55: 5 Favorite Ben Affleck Performances

44:56-46:24: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 656: Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3, The Italian Job, 5 DC Casting Calls

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 12 May 2023 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt head back over to Knowhere and catch up with what was once the surprise of the MCU, it’s the ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy, Vol. III’! Promised to be the final film featuring the cast we all know and love, is it a fitting sendoff for the MCU’s endearing outcasts? Then the Heist Marathon continues with the beloved ‘The Italian Job’ featuring Michael Caine. It’s the OG, so no Wahlbergs here. There’s the sweet and engaging rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris close out the show by revealing their casting choices for the big names in James Gunn’s DCU reboot. Who’s your choices for the trinity?

00:00-22:13: Intro/Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

22:24-30:53: Physical Media Picks

30:54-41:14: The Italian Job (1969)

41:15-1:03:49: DCU Casting Call

1:03:50-1:05:15: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 655: Sisu, Rififi, Call It!

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 05 May 2023 04:03:00 +0000

This week on the First Run, Matt and Chris demonstrate their force of will by acting rationally in the face of adversity as they watch a Finnish dude brutally murder some Nazis in ‘Sisu’. Then they kick-off their Heist Movie Marathon with the French granddaddy of the genre, ‘Rififi’. There’s the luminescent rundown of the big releases on physical media, featuring the Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week, plus some bonus physical media talk. Then Matt and Chris wrap this up with everybody’s favorite game of inconsequential Sophie’s choices, Call It! Which Superman film do keep? Which action franchise do you keep? And more!

00:00-14:29: Intro/Sisu

14:30-32:30: Physical Media Picks & Discussion

32:31-41:17: Rififi

41:18-1:02:28: Call It!

1:02:29-1:04:49: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 654: Evil Dead Rise, Ghosted, 5 Favorite Sam Raimi Scenes

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run Chris and Matt head out to the cabin one more time…? Nope. It’s off to a soon-to-be condemned building to see what the Khandarian demons have been up to the last few years as A book of the Dead surfaces in rainy Los Angeles and hijinks ensue in ‘Evil Dead Rise’. Does the can’t miss franchise finally miss? Then it’s on to the Apple+ original ‘Ghosted’, featuring Hollywood ‘It’ people Ana De Armas and Chris Evans. It’s a rom-com spy thriller. It’s Chris’ flip-side to Matt’s horror-comedy hate. Knight And Day anyone? Can star wattage outshine potential issues? There’s the never-ending but always entertaining rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week! Then Matt & Chris close out the show by sharing their 5 Favorite Same Raimi seems that I hope just aren’t all Ash Army of Darkness clips. But they certainly could be…

TFR Ep. 653: Renfield, Holy Spider, 5 Favorite Supporting Characters

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 21 Apr 2023 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run…well, it’s a big milestone folks. This is our 653rd episode. 6. 5. 3. For this podcast landmark, Chris and Matt covered the latest from the world’s greatest actor as one of the world’s greatest monsters with Nic Cage as Dracula in ‘Renfield’. Nicholas Hoult and Awkwafina are in it too, I guess. Then they guys discuss the Dutch/Iranian procedural serial killer thriller thing that is ‘Holy Spider’. There’s the intoxicating rundown of the big releases on Physical M, featuring their Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris put a bow on this monumental occasion with their 5 Favorite Supporting Characters. So let’s shine a light on this abusive power dynamic and fire up another episode of The First Run!

00:00-17:30: Intro/Renfield

17:31-30:46: Physical Media Picks & Tangents

30:47-40:43: Holy Spider

40:44-55:32: 5 Favorite Supporting Characters/Sidekicks

55:33-57:15: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 652: The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Super Mario Bros., 5 Favorite Video Games

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt fire up their old NES systems, blow into the cartridge and boot up the new adaption of the classic game series, Super Mario Bros. in ‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ [play Oh! Effect]! Then Matt and Chris double down on all things Mario with a discussion of The Super Mario Bros. movie from 1993. Bob Hoskins. Bob Hoskins. There’s the boisterous rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week! Chris and Matt close out the show by sharing their 5 Favorite Video Games.

00:00-09:45: The Super Mario Bros. Movie

09:46-19:21: Physical Media/Straight to DVD/Streaming

19:22-27:53: Super Mario Bros.

27:54-45:56: Video Games

45:57-47:17: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 651: Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, Inhuman Kiss, TFR Libs

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 04:03:00 +0000

This week on the First Run, Chris and Matt pull out their character sheets and polyhedral dice with ‘Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’. On the D20 of cinema, does Chris Pine and party roll a critical success or flub it with a natural one? Then they shift gears into Thai folklore with the horror-romance ‘Inhuman Kiss’. Chris finally gets to see one of his favorite monsters on at least the small screen. As always, they break down the big Physical Media Releases for the week, giving you the Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week, and wrap up the big show with another round of everyone’s favorite fill-in-the-blank game, TFR Libs. So let’s roll for initiative and get this encounter!

00:00-17:11: Intro/Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

17:18-22:22: Physical Media Picks

22:23-31:36: Inhuman Kiss

31:37-52:54: TFR Libs

52:55-56:13: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 650: John Wick Chapter 4, Marlowe, 5 Favorite John Wick Things

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 04:03:00 +0000

This week on the First Run, Chris and Matt dust off their gold coins and get measured for a new bullet proof suits as it’s another round of John Wick, this time we’re at Chapter 4, with no extra title descriptor. Then Matt and Chris really lean into the over-40-white-guys-with-a-podcast aspect of the show with Liam “Seamus” Neeson in and as ‘Marlowe’. Director Neil Jordan takes a stab at the legendary gumshoe. There’s the reveal of the big Physical Media Releases, featuring the Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week. Then Chris and Matt wrap up the show with their 5 Favorite Things about, around, and including John Wick. It’s lookin’ like we’re back with another hard-fisted, rootin’-tootin’ episode!

00:00-27:32: Intro/John Wick: Chapter 4

27:33-37:24: Physical Media & Streaming Picks

37:25-45:11: Marlowe

45:12-59:39: 5 Favorite John Wick Things

59:40-1:01:30: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 649: Shazam: Fury Of The Gods, Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre, 5 DC Adaptions We’d Like To See

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt say the magic word and return to the world of the Marvel Family! It’s Captain Marvel, Mary Marvel, Captain Marvel Jr., or as current copyrights now call them, the Shazam family. It’s Shazam: Fury Of The Gods! Zachary Levi and the gang return to face Helen Mirren, Lucy Lui, and current Hollywood It Girl, Rachel Zegler, collectively known as the SISTERS OF ATLAS (supposed to be some reverb) there. Then Guy Ritchie ventures away from his wheelhouse, the British crime thriller, to make a spy caper featuring Jason Statham, Audrey Plaza, and even more stars to stop an arms dealer. But a cool arms dealer. There’s the lovingly cultivated rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Matt and Chris then close out the show by sharing their 5 Favorite DC Comic Stories Desperately In Need Of A Big Screen Adaptation! ’SHAZAM!’

00:00-15:27: Intro/Shazam: Fury Of The Gods

15:28-24:02: Physical Media & Streaming Picks

24:03-33:52: Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre

33:53-55:22: 5 DC Adaptions We’d Like To See

55:23-57:23: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 648: Scream VI, 65, Oscars Wrap Up

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 14:56:33 +0000

And on this episode of The First Run, we head back to the Ghostface well one more time with ‘Scream VI’. Do we find that oh-so-refreshing potion of scares, nervous chuckles, and meta-commentary or is there not enough left in the vein to fill the bucket? Then we take a journey to a time long, long ago in a star system very, very near with Adam Driver and ‘65’. We run down the physical media, straight to dvd and streaming picks of the week. Then we wrap it all up with the post-Oscars breakdown from the greatest podcast of all time.

00:00-15:12: Intro/Scream VI

15:13-21:09: Physical Media Picks

21:10-30:44: 65

30:45-43:43: 2023 Oscar Post Mortem

43:44-46:24: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 647: Creed III, Women Talking, Who Dat?!?

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt step back into the ring one more time to defend their title as the longest running cool film podcast in all the land with their discussion of ‘Creed III’. Michael B. Jordan steps into the director’s chair for the first time to continue the story of Adonis Creed as his past comes back to haunt him. Much like that breakfast burrito Matt had today. HA! Then Chris yells BINGO as he’s able to check off his final Best Picture nominee with Sarah Polley’s fictional take of a real event, ‘Women Talking’. At least Matt got to dodge Elvis. There’s the sun-drenched rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Matt & Chris close out the show with another round of everyone’s favorite leather-free role-playing game, ‘Who Dat’! Lace ‘em up!

00:00-17:35: Intro/Creed III

17:36-26:22: Physical Media Picks

26:27-40:27: Women Talking

40:28-55:55: Who Dat?!?

55:55-56:16: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 646: Cocaine Bear, EO, 5 Favorite Movie Animals

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt unretire the coke spoons and party like it's 1984 with the latest that's a thing movie, ‘Cocaine Bear’. Then Matt and Chris keep the all animals all the time episode going with the donkey film (a phrase Matt never thought he would say) ‘EO’.

There’s the sparkling lowdown on the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week.

Chris and Matt wrap it up all the fuzzy friend love with their 5 Favorite Movie Animals. Make a donation to the ASPCA and get ready to do a bump. It’s another stellar episode of The First Run.

00:00-09:58: Intro/Cocaine Bear

09:59-16:40: Physical Media Picks

16:41-30:27: EO

30:28-42:23: Top 5 Movie Animals

42:24-44:50: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 645: Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania, Burial, MCU Ranking

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt chug some Pym Particles via their Wolverine beer funnel and shrink down to the Quantamverse to check in on the latest and… let’s stick with latest, goings on in the MCU with Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania! We got legit Kang this time, finally! Or at least one of them. Does Phase 5 kick off with a ka-bloowie? Or a whimper? Then it’s on the Nazi Wherwolf, not Werewolf, thriller, ‘Burial’. Brana and her Russian comrades are tasked with bring a body to Stalin, while evading Nazi’s along they way. There’s the effervescent rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week! Matt and Chris then close out the show by attempting to hammer out a definitive MCU ranking. How low will those first couple Thor films go…?

00:00-23:33: Intro/Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantamania

23:34-33:48: Physical Media Picks

33:49-40:21: Burial (2022)

40:22-58:44: MCU Ranking (Mostly)

58:45-1:01:08: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 644: Knock At The Cabin, Sick, Top 10 Films Of 2022: 5-1

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 17 Feb 2023 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt get ready for another M. Night apocalypse with ‘Knock At The Cabin’. Do we get the effectively understated peril of Signs or the-boy-those-are-some-choices of ‘The Happening’? The world’s greatest movie podcast will let you know. Then they head back to meta town with Kevin Williamson’s pandemic slasher, ‘Sick’. There’s the enthralling rundown of the big upcoming Physical Media Releases, along with the Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week. And because it’s early February in 2023, Matt and Chris wrap up 2022 with their Top Five Films of the year. Since we’re not going to be one of those uninvolved observers, let’s listen to another episode of The First Run!

00:00-13:37: Intro/Knock At The Cabin

13:38-26:30: Physical Media Picks/Flash Trailer

26:31-36:21: Sick

36:22-53:05: Top 10 Films of 2022: 5-1

53:06-55:25: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Focus Ep. 25: ScreenRun: The Thing

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 05:03:00 +0000

We ran into some technical difficulties this week, so our discussion of ‘Knock At The Cabin’, ‘Sick’, and the conclusion of our Top 10 of 2022 will be delayed a week. In the interim, enjoy Matt’s appearance on Season 3 of ScreenRun, as John Carpenter’s masterpiece, ‘The Thing’, gets the ScreenRun breakdown! See you soon!

TFR EP. 643: Infinity Pool, Jung-E, Top 10 Of 2022: 10-6

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 05:01:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt once again dive into the deeply unsettling waters that are a Brandon Cronenberg joint with ‘Infinity Pool’. Mia Goth continues her stellar run along with one of the Skarsgard kids. The REALLY good looking one in a film about the worst vacation available, unless you’re filthy rich. And a jerk. Then Yeon Sang-ho, director of great ‘Train To Busan’ returns with the Netflix original, ‘Jung_E’. When is a sci-fi action film not so much about sci-fi or action? There’s the wildly entertaining countdown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Matt and Chris then close out the program by starting another countdown! It’s their 10 Favorite Films of 2022, starting with films 10-6. It is February after all.

00:00-17:56: Intro/Infinity Pool

17:57-24:27: Physical Media Picks

24:28-31:22: Jung_E

31:23-44:12: Top 10 Of 2022: 10-6

44:13-45:37: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR EP. 642: Missing, White Noise, Oscar Nom Reactions, 5 Favorite Indie Comedies

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt leverage the creepiness of the internet for both good and evil with the anthology sequel to ‘Searching’, ‘Missing’. This time, it’s Mom that’s gone AWOL. Can her young internet sleuthing daughter find her in time? Then it’s on to the latest from indie darling Noah Baumbach with his adaption of one of the great American literary satires, ‘White Noise’. There’s the illuminating rundown of the big physical media releases, featuring the Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week. Matt and Chris close out the show by letting you know which quirky gentleman and manic pixie dream girls are worth checking out with their Top 5 Indie Comedies. Honest to blog!

White Boy With A Podcast song by Bum Bag.

00:00-11:38: Intro/Missing

11:39-26:18: Physical Media Picks/2023 Oscars Announcement

26:19-35:53: White Noise

35:54-55:50: 5 Favorite Indie Comedies

55:51-01:00:14: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 641: Skinamarink, All Quiet On The Western Front, Call It!

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt relive their lo-fi, what the hell is HD, glory days of the 90’s with the experimental horror film that’s dividing audiences, ‘Skinamarink’. Has director Kyle Edward Ball redefined horror cinema? Or is this a one-off shiny little trinket easily forgotten? Then it’s on to the Netflix adaptation of ‘All Quiet On The Western Front’, this time actually made by a German. Does the fervent anti-war message carry through or are we just revisiting another ‘1917’ debacle. There’s the luminous yet refined rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Finally, Matt and Chris close out the show with having to make some impossible choices. It’s Call It! So settle in, bust out those Lego sets and don’t get shot trying to steal some eggs Dave! It’s another episode of The First Run.

00:00-15:12: Intro/Skinamarink
15:13-21:59: Physical Media Picks
22:00-34:46: All Quiet On The Western Front
34:47-52:26: Call It!
52:27-53:54: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 640: M3GAN, Aftersun, TFR Libs

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 13:59:01 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt check out the latest AI is evil and will kill us all film, ‘M3GAN’. Do we have another friend to the end? Then because it’s awards season and we can’t feel too good about ourselves, it’s the Scottish import ‘Aftersun’. The story of a young girl’s vacation with her father, and the distance between them and all of us. There’s the review of the big releases on Physical Media featuring the Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris wrap it all up with another edition of TFR Libs. Sorta’.

00:00-14:33: Intro/M3GAN

14:44-22:57: Physical Media Picks

22:58-31:54: Aftersun

31:55-47:33: TFR Libs

47:34-48:45: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 639: The Whale, Bardo, A False Chronicle Of A Handful Of Truths, 5 Favorite Acting Comebacks

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, renowned asshole Darren Aronofsky returns with ‘The Whale’. Perhaps we can get past all that and focus on Brendan Fraiser and what’s being called one of the best performances of the year. Then we begin our best of 2022 catch up with Alejandro Iñárritu’s ‘Bardo, A False Chronicle Of A Handful Of Truths’. A story about a identity, crisis, and humanity, that maybe something entirely different. Auteur’s gonna’ auteur. There’s the brand new ultra-cool revamp of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week! Matt and Chris close out the big show by sharing their 5 Favorite Acting Comebacks. Nic Cage does not count. You gotta’ be gone before you make a comeback.

00:00-20:25: Intro/The Whale

20:26-28:03: Physical Media Picks

28:04-42:36: Bardo, A False Chronicle Of A Handful Of Truths

42:37-1:02:00: Top 5 Acting Comebacks

1:02:01-1:03:37: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 638: Babylon, Glass Onion, 10 Films We're Looking Forward To In 2023

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt catch up with yet another ode to old Hollywood with Damian Chazelle’s ‘Babylon’. Is this an inspired addition to a tired sub-genre or is it the latest masturbatory entry of film makers telling us how great and important their craft is? We’ll let you definitively. Speaking of how oh so important filmmakers are, Matt and Chris finally check Rian Johnson’s latest, ‘Glass Onion’. Benoit Blanc returns to solve another star-studded murder! There’s the riveting rundown of the big Physical Media releases, featuring the Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week. And then Chris and Matt close it all out by telling you what films they are excited for, and by extension what you should be excited for, in 2023. It’s a biggin’ folks!

00:00-16:10: Intro/Babylon

16:11-21:30: Physical Media Picks

21:31-35:21: Glass Onion

35:22-58:00: 10 Films We're Looking Forward To In 2023

58:01-59:59: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 637: Avatar: The Way Of Water, Bones And All, 5 Favorite Jimmy Cameron Scenes

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 23 Dec 2022 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt return to Pandora after 13 years away to check in on what the haps! Is Unobrtainium still the hottest thing? Or is it now the Crypto of super space minerals. Has Cameron corrected the issues from the first entry and tightened things up a bit? Then it’s Luca Guadagnino’s ‘Bones And All’, the romance road trip body horror film you never knew you needed. If you fall into a very specific audience type. I’m thinking like 5% of you. There’s the review of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week! Then in honor of the Na’vi’s return, Matt and Chris share their 5 Favorite James Cameron Scenes, which I can only assume will be wall-to-wall Avatar picks.

00:00-15:02: Intro/Avatar: The Way of Water

15:03-24:54: Physical Media Picks

24:55-34:27: Bones And All

34:28-44:47: Top 5 James Cameron Scenes

44:48-46:27: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 636: Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio, Guardians Of The Galaxy Holiday Special, Who Dat?!?

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 16 Dec 2022 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, it’s the holidays so of course Chris and Matt crank up the creepy with ‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio’. The second adaptation of the classic story this year, but this time we’re sans Disney! Then Matt and Chris join the Guardians of the Galaxy in a Christmas search for Earth’s greatest hero in ‘The Guardians Of The Galaxy Holiday Special’. As always, there’s the thrilling break down of the upcoming Physical Media Releases and the Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week! Chris and Matt then wrap up it all up in a bow with the return of Who Dat?! It truly is an early Christmas gift from us to you, our listeners!

00:00-12:58: Intro/Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio

12:59-19:45: Physical Media Picks

19:46-27:46: Guardians Of The Galaxy Holiday Special

27:47-51:03: Who Dat?!?

51:03-52:13: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 635: Violent Night, Tár, 5 Favorite Unconventional Movie Weapons

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt discuss David Harbour’s is John McClane as Santa Claus in ‘Violent Night’. Santa is forced to confront, or perhaps revel in, his violent past when he becomes the only hope to save a naughty family from some even naughtier thieves on Christmas Eve. Then Cate Blanchett plays the titular ‘Tár’, a conductor on the edge bro. Fighting back against woke culture and perhaps her own ego. There’s the holly AND jolly rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Matt and Chris then close out the show by sharing their 5 Favorite Unconventional Movie Weapons. Suit up, grab you still brimmed bowler hat and cattle gun. It’s another rambunctious episode of The First Run!

00:00-10:30: Intro/Violent Night

10:31-25:17: Physical Media Picks

25:18-38:54: Tár

38:55-51:15: 5 Favorite Unconventional Movie Weapons

51:16-52:34: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 634: The Fabelmans, Spirited, 5 Favorite Spielberg Scenes

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt check out the latest feel pretty good but not too good nostalgia fest from Steven Spielberg, ‘The Fabelmans’. Does this semi-autobiographical film give us an earnest peek into the legendary director’s youth and love for cinema? Or does Matt’s repulsion to biopics continue? Then it’s on to the classic song and dance duo of Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds with the latest riff on a Christmas Carol, ‘Spirited’. As always, there’s the rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week. The show then wraps up Matt and Chris sharing their 5 Favorite Señor Spielbergo scenes. It’s all movies all the times

00:00-16:43: Intro/The Fabelmans

16:44-30:46: Physical Media Picks

30:47-40:15: Spirited

40:16-56:45: 5 Favorite Spielberg Scenes

56:46-58:10: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 633: The Menu, V/H/S/99, 2022 Holiday Gift Guide

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 25 Nov 2022 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt take a trip to experience THE exclusive menu provided by ‘The Menu’. Ralph Fiennes is a chef with a secret. Anya Taylor-Joy is one of the customers who may be on to the shenanigans. And everyone else may just be horrible. The Shudder brings back the found footage anthology series for another spin. So fire up those VCR’s, it’s ‘V/H/S/99’. Is it time to retire the series and move on to DVD01? Or is there still some fire in the old series left? There’s the heartwarming rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming & Straight to DVD Picks of the Week! Then Matt and somebody close out the show with their suggestions for the movie lover in your life (or just you). It’s the 2022 Holiday Gift Guide!

00:00-13:59: Intro/The Menu

14:00-26:16: Physical Media Picks

26:17-42:57: V/H/S/99

42:58-1:00:07: 2022 Holiday Gift Guide

1:00:08-1:01:53: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 632: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, Call It!

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt revisit the scientifically magical world of Wakanda with ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’! T’Challa has passed and to make things worse, Namor arrives in the MCU with his roguish charm and ankle wings to cause problems for our heroes. Then it’s on to the Roku Channel original, ‘Weird: The Al Yankovic Story’. It’s a week of film with colons. Will the artist responsible for such luminary classics as Eat It and Dare To Be Stupid deliver a biopic that even Matt can enjoy? There’s the scrumptious rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. The show closes with Matt and Chris having to make a few more tough calls with ‘Call It’, featuring John Carpenter, Clint Eastwood and more!

00:00-21:35: Intro/Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

21:36-31:40: Physical Media Releases

31:41-40:29: Weird: The Al Yankovic Story

40:30-56:10: Call It!

56:11-57:56: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 631: Banshees Of Inisherin, Decision To Leave, What Are The Odds?!?

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 05:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt book a trip to a lovely little island off the coast of Ireland (part of a much bigger island) to catch up with the reunion of writer/director Martin McDonagh, Colin Farrell, and Brendan Gleeson before they stop talking to each other forever with ‘The Banshees Of Inisherin’. Then it’s off to South Korea to help solve the mystery of an accident, that may be a murder, with a dusting of love thrown in. It’s Park Chan-Wook's latest, ‘Decision to Leave’. There’s the scintillating run down of the big upcoming releases on Physical Media, featuring the Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week! Then Matt and Chris wrap up the show with another entry of the betting game with no follow through, ‘What Are The Odds?!?’. Let’s all try and stay friends, and possibly murderous lovers, after this one, okay?

00:00-12:5 1: Intro/ The Banshees Of Inisherin

12:52-26:03: Physical Media Picks

26:04-38:47: Decision To Leave

38:48-58:39: What Are The Odds?!?

58:40-59:49: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 630: Triangle Of Sadness, Werewolf By Night, The Howling, Werewolf Marathon Awards

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt book a cruise with the rich and decadent to visit the scenic ‘Triangle Of Sadness’! Filled with a Russian oligarchs, Weapons Manufacturers, and possibly the worst of all, Social Media Influencers, is this trip with the 2 & half hour experience? Then as a treat, it’s ‘Werewolf By Night’! Disney+’s Halloween special is a throwback to the classic Universal monster movies! But is it more a trick? The Werewolf Marathon wraps with Joe Dante’s 80’s cult classic ‘The Howling’. Dee Wallace goes on a retreat after experiencing some severe workplace trauma, to find it hides a terrible secret. There’s the scintillating review of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Finally, Matt and Chris close out the show with the Werewolf Marathon Awards!

00:00-13:08: Intro/Triangle Of Sadness

13:09-22:19: Werewolf By Night

22:20-36:13: Physical Media Picks

36:14-46:52: The Howling

46:53-55:19: Werewolf Marathon Awards

55:20-58:31: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 629: Black Adam, Clerks III, Wolfen, 5 Favorite View Askew Universe Characters

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt shout “Shazam!” and The Rock’s passion project ‘Black Adam’ appears in a burst of lightning, ready for our review. Is it the course correction the DCEU has been waiting for? Then the guys make one last trip to the Quik Stop with ‘Clerks III’. Kevin Smith revisits the much beloved convenience store in Red Bank, NJ. But can you really go home again, again? The Werewolf Marathon continues with the barely relevant, ‘Wolfen’, featuring Albert Finney facing off against urban blight, gentrification, and some really ticked off not-quite werewolves. There’s the bone-chilling breakdown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight-To-DVD picks of the week. Then Matt and Chris wrap up the show with their 5 Favorite View Askew Universe Characters. Happy Halloween and…’SHAZAM’!

00:00-21:54: Intro/Black Adam/DCEU

21:55-36:38: Clerks III

36:39-55:21: Physical Media Picks

55:22-1:06:08: Wolfen

1:06:09-1:18:23: 5 Favorite View Askew Universe Characters

1:18:24-1:19:28: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 628: Halloween Ends, Blonde, Company Of Wolves, 5 Favorite Halloween Candies

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 21 Oct 2022 04:00:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt head back to Haddonfield one more time, for now, as the David Gordon Green and Danny McBride helmed Halloween rest comes to an end with, ‘Halloween Ends’. Is Jamie Lee Curtis’ second run at franchise resetting sequel the best one yet? Then it’s on to the film Matt has been chomping at the bit to discuss for weeks! Andrew Dominik’s ‘Blonde’, featuring Ana De Armas as the Marilyn Monroe. It’s Netflix’s first NC-17 film, could it herald the beginning of a re-examination of the rating and its stigma? But things don’t end there! The Werewolf Marathon continues with ‘The Company Of Wolves’, a Grimm’s Fairy Tale come to life ala Hammer Studios. But was the 80’s too late to release it? There’s the venerable rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Matt and Chris then close out the show by sharing their 5 Favorite Halloween Candies! What are you hoping to score this season?

00:00-18:50: Intro/Haloween Ends

18:50-33:50: Blonde

33:51-43:20: Physical Media Picks

43:21-55:44: The Company of Wolves

55:45-1:09:24: 5 Favorite Halloween Candies

1:09:25-1:11:45: Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 627: Amsterdam, Hellraiser, Ginger Snaps, 5 Favorite 80’s Horror Monsters

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt dive in to the A-Lister stuffed latest from David O. Russell, ‘Amsterdam’. Then we open the LeMarchand box and experience the ickiest of dubious pleasures with Hulu’s ‘Hellraiser’ remake/reboot. But wait there’s more! Our spooky season werewolf marathon continues with ‘Ginger Snaps’, a film that sets out to prove there is truly nothing so terrifying as a teenage girl. There’s the life-changing rundown of the big releases on physical media, featuring the Streaming and DVD Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris wrap it all up with their 5 Favorite Movie Monsters of the 80’s. So light ‘em if you got and join us down to the red-light district for another episode of The First Run!

00:00-17:34: Intro/Amsterdam

17:35-31:02: Hellraiser (22)

31:03-41:57: Physical Media Picks

41:58-51:22: Ginger Snaps

51:23-1:02:14: 5 Favorite 80’s Movie Monsters

1:02:15-1:04:57: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 626: Smile, The Wolf Man, 5 Streaming Horror Picks

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 07 Oct 2022 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt decide to deal with our personal trauma head on, via confronting an evil entity that represents said trauma. It’s been the chic thing to do in horror the past few years, but can it be too on the nose, or down the mouth if you will. It’s ‘Smile’’. Then our Halloween Werewolves Movie Marathon begins with the OG Universal classic, 1941’s ‘The Wolf Man’. Lon Chaney Jr. is the titular Wolfman, named Larry. Not something cool like Sirius or Dixon. Fenris? Nope it’s Larry the sexual predator Wolfman. How does the old boy hold up after all these years? There’s the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris close out the show by sharing some Horror Picks for you to stream this haunted season.

00:00-12:09: Intro/Smile

12:10-31:34: Physical Media Picks/Darkplace

31:35-43:35: The Wolfman (1941)

43:36-1:03:56: 5 Streaming Horror Picks

1:03:57-1:08:46: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 625: Don’t Worry Darling, Confess, Fletch, 5 Favorite Alternate Realities

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 30 Sep 2022 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt publicly serve Olivia Wilde with another review of her latest, ‘Don't Worry Darling’. Is it as bad as critics make out to be or is Harry Styles so miscast that not even Florence Pugh and Chris Pine can save it? Then, we'll open the 80's nostalgia time capsule and pull out a sequel I don't think anyone was asking for with ‘Confess, Fletch’. This one replaces Chevy Chase with Jon Hamm though so it can go nowhere but up, right? Right? As always, we'll run down the upcoming major releases on physical media, our Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week. Matt and Chris then finalize the latest notch on their podcast bed frame with our Top 5 Alternate Reality/Parallel Universes films. I realize now that even saying that may be a spoiler for one of the films. Oops! Anyway...let's take a listen to Don't Worry Darling while I fire another intern.

00:00-11:36: Intro/Don’t Worry Darling

11:37-29:12: Physical Media & Darkplace

29:13-42:36: Confess, Fletch

42:37-57:02: 5 Favorite Alternate Realities

57:03-1:00:02: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 624: Pearl, Moonage Daydream, 5 Favorite Albums

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt venture back to war time, World War I to be specific, and check in on everyone’s favorite super horny geriatric maniac in her young, formative years. Ti West and Mia Goth return with ‘Pearl’! Can a prequel possibly improve upon, or rescue, ‘X’? Then Matt throws Chris a bone as they discuss the David Bowie Super Documentary, ‘Moonage Daydream’. Bowie being Chris’ favorite musician, he tends to run super-critical of works associated with The Thin White Duke. How does this “documentary” turn out. And why is Chris using “Quotes”? There’s the life-affirming rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week! Then Matt and Chris close out the show by sharing their 5 Favorite Albums. How many Bowie albums will be on Chris’ list? Will The Return Of Bruno show up? Will Foreigner Make Matt’s list? Why does Matt hate Foreigner? And by extension, why does Matt hate Chris?

00:00-13:00: Intro/Pearl

13:01-29:20: Physical Media Picks/Darkplace

29:21-42:53: Moonage Daydream

42:54-1:17:21: Top 5 Favorite Albums [Currently]

1:17:22-1:18:20: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

Scalzo’s Frank Black & The Catholics Mix

TFR Ep. 623: Barbarian, Pinocchio, 5 Favorite Disney Characters

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 16 Sep 2022 04:03:00 +0000

This week on the First Run, Chris and Matt discuss the latest indie horror darling, ‘Barbarian’. Is it a Gen Z, ultra-meta Air BnB critique that’s too clever for its own good? Or is it a surprisingly effective gem? Your favorite internet uncles will fill you in. Then it’s on to the latest entry in the Tom Hanks does a bad accent canon, the “live-action” Pinocchio. As always, we’ll run down the upcoming releases on Physical Media, featuring the Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week. Matt and Chris then wrap up the show by sharing their Top 5 Disney (not Pixar) Characters. It’s gonna’ be a humdinger folks. So book those reservations, make sure your flashlight has fresh batteries, and hope for the best!

00:00-13:21: Intro/Barbarian

13:22-28:45: Physical Media & Darkplace

28:46-38:36: Pinocchio (Zemeckis)

38:37-51:38: 5 Favorite Disney Characters

51:39-53:44: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 622: Honk For Jesus. Save Your Soul., Resurrection, TFR Libs

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 04:00:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt share with you a kindness with their discussion of Adamma Ebo’s ‘Honk For Jesus. Save Your Soul’. The dark satire about a mega-church’s fall from grace and attempted comeback featuring Regina Hall and Sterling K. Brown. Redemption is guaranteed, right? Then Rebecca Hall and Tim Roth star in a riveting thriller, ‘Resurrection’. A film that takes a turn that may or may not work. Hall has been on quite a streak, does it continue? There’s the transcendent rundown of the big releases on physical media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Matt and Chris then close the show with another round of everyone’s favorite fill in the blank game, ‘TFR Libs’! Featuring Indiana Jones, Hellraiser, and more!

00:00-14:52 Intro/Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul

14:53-28:18 Physical Media, Weekly Picks and Darkplace!

28:19-40:50 Resurrection

40:51-1:02 TFR Libs

1:02-1:04 Wrap-Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 621: Three Thousand Years Of Longing, Voyage Of Time, Malick Marathon Awards

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 02 Sep 2022 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt catch up with another movie Matt has never heard of with George Miller’s (yes, that George Miller) ‘Three Thousand Years of Longing’. Tilda Swinton plays a scholar that specializes in storytelling, of legend and myth. She finds a bottle and releases an honest to goodness Jinn, played by the overly handsome DJ Idris Elba. So what wishes will be granted? And what stories will be told? Then it’s time to wrap up the Malick Marathon with both versions of “documentary”, ‘Voyage of Time’. Malick’s telling of the birth and end of the universe with two distinct versions, one narrated by Cate Blanchette and the other by Brad Pitt. There’s the loving rundown of the big physical media releases for the week and the guys share the Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week. Finally, Matt and Chris award their personal “best ofs” from the Malick Marathon.

00:00-11:16: Intro/Three Thousand Years Of Longing

11:17-22:57: Physical Media Picks & Darkplace(?)

23:58-33:22: Voyage Of Time

33:23-42:59: Malick Marathon Awards

43:00-44:41: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 620: Orphan: First Kill, Knight Of The Cups, Call It!

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 26 Aug 2022 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt discuss the return of everyone’s favorite Esther, it’s ‘Orphan: First Kill’. In this prequel to the cult classic, they take a BIG swing, but does it connect? For the hit. It’s a baseball metaphor. Then our Malick Marathon continues with its penultimate entry, ‘Night Of The Cups’. Christian Bale stars as a lost man in search of himself. As there is apparently raging hurricanes around him at all times as Malick’s camera is never stationary. There’s the life-bringing rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week, plus Chris checks in on whether Matt watched that first episode of ‘Garth Marenghi’s Dark Place’. Finally, Matt and Chris close out the show with another round of Call It! What’s making the cut this time…?

00:00-14:20: Intro/Orphan: First Kill

14:21-30:02: Physical Media & Darkplace

30:03-42:50: Knight Of The Cups

42:51-1:00:01: Call It!

1:00:02-1:01:37: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 619: Bodies Bodies Bodies, Bullet Train, The New World, 5 Favorite Brad Pitt Performances

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt catch up with the latest offering from A24, the post-post-modern murder satire ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’. Someone turns up dead during a friendly game, but who dun it? And does it even matter? From there it’s on to the Brad Pitt led latest over-saturated action cameo-fest, ‘Bullet Train’. So many stars! So much potential! So much movie! Then Matt and Chris crest the top of the bell curve with our third entry in our Malick Marathon, ‘The New World’. Breathtaking visuals, quiet, contemplatively shots, featuring an expansive story about the birth of America, through the lens of one relationship. There’s the cosmic rundown of the big Physical Media Releases, along with the Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week! The supersized episode then closes with Chris and Matt’s favorite Brad Pitt performances, which I assume is just a supercut of Pitt in ‘Thelma & Louise’.

00:00-14:42: Intro/Bodies, Bodies, Bodies

14:43-24:26: Bullet Train

24:27-39:01: Physical Media Releases

39:02-54:36: The New World

54:37-1:08:17: 5 Favorite Brad Pitt Performances

1:08:18-1:10:16: Warp Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 618: Prey, The Thin Red Line, 5 Sequel Scenarios

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt head deep into the frontier as we discuss the latest Predator sequel, ‘Prey’. In this entry, a budding Comanche warrior goes up against one of the fiercest hunters in the universe. Can she take it down? And how much Mary Sue BS does the internet stir up this time? Then our Malick Marathon continues with ‘The Thin Red Line’. Malick’s fictional story during the Guadalcanal Campaign in World War II. So how does it stack up against some of the more well-known war films like ‘Apocalypse Now’, ‘Platoon’, ‘Saving Private Ryan’…? There’s the crowd rousing rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Matt and Chris then close out the show by coming up with their 5 Sequel Scenario Ideas! Where should a Predator pop up next? When would you put Pinhead?

00:00-19:02: Intro/Prey

19:03-32:56: Physical Media Picks

32:57-43:40: The Thin Red Line

43:41-56:02: 5 Sequel Scenarios

56:03-57:38: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 617: Marcel The Shell With Shoes On, Days Of Heaven, The Lounge

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt check out the first animated feature for A24, it’s ‘Marcel The Shell With Shoes On’. Jenny Slate and Dean Fleischer-Camp bring their wildly popular shorts to the big screen in a heartwarming tale that hits all the buttons. Perhaps unremarkably so? Then Matt and Chris get their visual poetry on with ‘Days of Heaven’, the first entry in their Terrence Malick Marathon. There’s the electrifying rundown of the big Physical Media Releases, featuring the Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week. Then the guys wrap up the show by slowing it down for another hip and happening entry of ‘The Lounge’ featuring a breakdown of all the MCU announcements at the San Diego ComicCon. Note: The Warner Bros/Discovery discussion took place just as the Scoob sequel and Batgirl cancellations were announced. All the other recent shenanigans hadn’t broken yet. So put on some smooth jazz, kick back, and take it easy my friend. It’s another chill episode of The First Run.

00:00-09:24: Intro/Marcel The Shell With Shoes On

09:25-18:41: Physical Media Picks

18:42-29:41: Days of Heaven

29:42-59:28: The Lounge

59:29-1:01:23: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 616: Nope, Innocents, Master, 5 Favorite Scary Movie Kids

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt discuss Jordan Peele’s third film, his third number one debut, and the most successful original IP film of the year, ‘Nope’. After the smash success of ‘Get Out’ and the thrilling, but not quite as good ‘Us’, Peele returns with his take on the alien horror, comedy, social commentary, western, sci-fi, mystery, family drama genre. Then they guys pick up the slack left my Chris’ illness last week and discuss the Norwegian killer kids thriller, ‘The Innocents’. And the speaking of social commentary, there’s Regina Hall’s ‘Master’. There’s the death-defying rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Matt and Chris then close out the show by sharing their 5 Favorite Scary Kids. In a movie.

00:00-20:24: Intro/Nope

20:25-30:24: The Innocents

30:25-40:35: Physical Media Picks

40:36-49:52: Master

49:53-1:03:41: 5 Favorite Scary Movie Kids

1:03:42-1:06:13: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Focus Ep. 24: ScreenRun: Aliens

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris is recovering from a particularly nasty bug that prevented him from venturing out to the theaters and has affected his voice. He wants his ravings to be at the crystal clear quality you've come to expect so there is no new episode for this week. But fear not, most loyal listener. Your podcast BFFs are not going to leave you high and dry. For your listening pleasure, we have a special episode of Chris' other show, ScreenRun. ScreenRun is a film podcast where Chris and the podcast mommy herself, the Lady Wan, run through the filmography of a particular director, actor or movie franchise per season. It's really quite good, you should like and subscribe. In the show's second season, Chris and Wan ran through the Alien series and we've queued up for you the episode for what some would correctly call the best film in the franchise with James Cameron's 1986 sequel, Aliens. If you're saying to yourself "Matt...you're my favorite...I tune in for you!" I would say that you have excellent taste and to fear not since they were gracious enough to invite me as a guest on this episode. Thank you for your understanding and rest assured, your favorite internet uncles will be back next week to discuss the Norwegian supernatural thriller The Innocents, the psychological horror film Master, and Jordan Peele's much anticipated third film, Nope. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this special presentation of Screen Run.

TFR Ep. 615: Thor: Love And Thunder, Spiderhead, TFR Libs

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt check in on what’s been going on in the ol’ MCU as Phase 4 continues with ‘Thor: Love And Thunder’. Taika Waititi’s ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ is a favorite around these parts and we were anxious to see what was next. Then, HemsFest continues with Joseph Kosinski’s (of Top Gun Maverick fame) reunites with Miles Teller for the paranoia thriller, ‘Spiderhead’. What experiments would you perform if provided an ample number of inmates in secluded area? There’s the ravenous review of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Matt and Chris then close out the show with your favorite fill-in-the-blank game, ‘TFR Libs’. Is Marvel fatigue a thing? 3+ years before a new Bond film? Clerks 3?!? And more!

00:00-19:05: Intro/Thor: Love And Thunder

19:06-33:41: Physical Media Picks

33:42-42:40: Spiderhead

42:41-1:04:41: TFR Libs

1:04:42-1:06:17: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 614: Hustle, You Won't Be Alone, 5 Favorite Dramatic Turns By Comedians

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt lace up their Chuck Taylors and head down to the court to shoot some hoops as Adam Sandler returns in the Netflix original, ‘Hustle’. The sports movie is a tried and true genre, but is there enough there to make for compelling viewing? Or is it a clichéd exercise? Then it’s on to the horror import, ‘You Won’t Be Alone’, that takes a more humanist turn with the witch ethos. But does it sacrifice the terror too? There’s the shriek inducing rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Matt and Chris then wrap up the big show by sharing their 5 Favorite Dramatic Turns By Comedians. Is this how Matt becomes Joker? Listen on, if you dare!

00:00-09:30: Hustle

09:31-16:57: Physical Media Picks

16:58-26:58: You Won’t Be Alone

26:59-42:34: 5 Favorite Dramatic Turns By Comedians

42:35-43:47: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 613: The Black Phone, Mad God, What Are The Odds?!?

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt get their spooky time on with the latest from Blumhouse, ‘The Black Phone’. Is it the best horror movie in ages or is that more hyperbole from the desperate fan base of a genre with the lowest bar for entry and yet the highest bar for quality? Your know-it-all internet uncles are here to make the definitive call. Then they dive into the lemarchand box of stop motion animation, Phil Tippett’s ‘Mad God’, one man’s passion project 30 years in the making with a history that seems like it was cribbed from a creepy pasta. Was it worth it? Does it make sense? Have your hosts stared into the void and saw the void stare back? You’ll find out soon enough! They’ll have our rundown of the new releases on physical media, your Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week.Then Matt and Chris wrap it up with the bookie approved probability game, What Are The Odds? So Let’s get this further descent into despair and madness started with a clip from the Black Phone.

00:00-11:06: Intro/The Black Phone

11:07-20:27: Physical Media Picks

20:28-30:12: Mad God

30:13-52:51: What Are The Odds?!?

52:52-54:19: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 612: Lightyear, Cha Cha Real Smooth, The Thing 40th Anniversary Screening, 5 Favorite Pixar Characters

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt discus the latest content from Disney, it’s ‘Lightyear’, the movie Andy saw that inspired his love for the Buzz Lightyear character and toys! Is it a fitting sorta’ origin for Buzz? And where is poor, poor Tim Allen? Then it’s time for the guys to grow up one more time with the latest coming-of-age film, ‘Cha Chan Real Smooth’. This time, a young man is adrift after college and falls for an older woman with her own personal challenges. And heartfelt hilarity follows from there. As it always does…? Chris and Matt have a quick discussion on Fathom’s “presentation” of The Thing” to celebrate its 40th Anniversary. There’s the interstellar review of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Straight To DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week! Then Matt and Chris close out the show by sharing their 5 Favorite Pixar Characters? I wouldn’t hold out hope for a Lightning McQueen appearance. Vroom Vroom! It’s The First Run!

00:00-13:35: Intro/Lightyear

13:36-19:57: 40th Anniversary Screening of The Thing

19:58-35:35: Physical Media Picks

35:36-46:44: Cha Cha Real Smooth

46:45-55:41: 5 Favorite Pixar Characters

55:42-57:20: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 611: Jurassic World: Dominion, RRR, Who Dat?!?

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt take one last ride around the park with ‘Jurassic World: Dominion’. Is this a fitting send off or proof that this franchise should have remained extinct? Then it’s on to discuss ‘Rise Roar Revolt’ or ‘RRR’, the Tollywood action film that was a smash hit in India and is taking the rest of the world by storm. Are we going to have another example of Chris gushing over the new hotness du jour with Matt not seeing what the big deal is or vice versa? Will our hosts do what they usually do and agree? Listen on to find out! There’s the suspenseful rundown of the big Physical Media Picks of the Week, featuring straight to dvd and streaming picks of the week then we’ll wrap up the show with everyone’s reference to the 2010 New Orleans Saints, Who Dat?!? Featuring appearances by Greta Gerwig, Todd Phillips, Matt Reeves, and more!

00:00-24:39: Intro/Jurassic World: Dominion

24:40-38:37: Physical Media Picks

38:38-56:04: RRR

56:05-1:15:12: Who Dat?!?

1:15:13-1:16:26: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 610: Crimes Of The Future, Watcher, 5 Favorite Cronenberg Scenes

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt discuss Cronenberg’s return to gross, icky, body horror sex stuff with ‘Crimes Of The Future’. After a run of critically acclaimed thrillers, a shift into smaller, odder films, Daddy Cronenberg is back, but does he still got it? And it meaning Ewww and Ohhhh… Then it’s another theatrical release, IFC Midnight and Shudder presents ‘Watcher’, featuring Maika (‘It Follows’) Monroe. Does director Chloe Okuno breathe new life into the genre? There’s the edge-of-your seat rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Matt and Chris then close out the show with their 5 Favorite Most Unsettling Cronenberg Scenes.

00:00-15:23: Intro/Crimes Of The Future

15:24-32:06: Physical Media Picks

32:07-39:39: Watcher

39:40-55:44: 5 Favorite Cronenberg Scenes

55:45-57:43: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 609: Top Gun: Maverick, The Sadness, 5 Favorite Childhood Crushes

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt break out the aviators and cue up the Kenny Loggins for the sequel to that Tom Cruise volleyball movie, ‘Top Gun: Maverick’. 35+ years later, is the magic still there, or was the original such an artifact of its time that the past should have been left well enough alone. Then it’s on to Taiwan for the extreme horror riff on The Crazies, ‘The Sadness’. Described as “The most violent and depraved zombie movie of all time”, can it possibly live up to the hype? As always, there’s the breakdown of the big Physical Media releases and the Straight to DVD and Streaming Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris wrap up the show with their Top 5 Childhood Pop Culture Crushes…man that’s a mouthful.

00:00-24:49: Intro/Top Gun: Maverick

24:50-41:16: Physical Media Picks

41:17-52:05: The Sadness

52:06-1:06:43: 5 Favorite Childhood Crushes

1:06:44-1:08:18: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey

TFR Ep. 608: Men, Jiu-Jitsu, CageFest Awards

feedback@thefirstrun.com (Chris Scalzo) — Fri, 27 May 2022 04:03:00 +0000

This week on The First Run, Chris and Matt get into a philosophical discussion about Men. Specifically Alex Garland’s latest, ‘Men’. #NotAllMen, but maybe #MostMen? After the successes of ‘Ex Machina’ and ‘Annihilation’ (and the rumored ghost directing of ‘Dredd’), Garland returns with a horror film about toxic bro’s, bro. And so much more. Too much more? Then CageFest wraps with ‘Jiu-Jitsu’ featuring a bunch of people picking up some extra shifts and a drop-in by the man himself. There’s the stylin’ rundown of the big releases on Physical Media, featuring the Streaming and Straight to DVD Picks of the Week. Then Matt and Chris close out the show with the traditional marathon awards ceremony. Time to break down the best and worst of CageFest!

00:00-13:19: Intro/Men

13:20-27:24: Physical Media Picks

27:25-41:27: CageFest: Jiu-Jitsu

41:28-49:23: CageFest Awards

49:24-53:32: Wrap Up

Theme music by Jamal Malachi Ford-Bey