Shows / Houselights: A Film Director Podcast
Houselights: A Film Director Podcast
If you’re looking for the best movie podcast for everyone who appreciates movies, subscribe to “Houselights” today!
Each week, hosts Darren Moser, John Mills, and Tristan Riddell share what they see as a movie director’s signature approach and how it shaped the movies you love. Join them as they unpack the works of some of the most prominent directors - and the lost works of the most masterful auteurs.
Weekly episodes comprise series featuring works of different directors approached in…
Episodes
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastAdaptation (2002) - Spike Jonze | Houselights #239
In this episode, we take a closer look at Spike Jonze’s Adaptation, exploring its unique narrative structure and the standout performances by Nicolas Cage…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastBeing John Malkovich (1999) - Spike Jonze | Houselights #238
Start our Spike Jonze retrospective with "Being John Malkovich"! Discover how this 1999 classic challenges identity & reality through Jonze's unique vision.
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastScream VI (2023) - Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett | Houselights #237: Wing of Ghostface
For longtime fans, Scream VI is a satisfying, blood-soaked entry that balances legacy and reinvention. It’s not perfect, but it’s bold, entertaining, and…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastScream (2022) - Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett | Houselights #236: Wing of Ghostface
"Scream" (2022), the fifth installment in the iconic horror franchise, attempts to breathe new life into a series that has become a staple of the genre. While…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastScream 4 (2011) - Wes Craven | Houselights #235
"Scream 4" is a commendable addition to the franchise that successfully balances nostalgia with a modern twist. It captures the essence of what made the…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastScream 3 (2000) - Wes Craven | Houselights #234
While this installment attempts to capture the magic of its predecessors, it often feels like a shadow of what once was. We’ll explore the film's…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastScream 2 (1997) - Wes Craven | Houselights #233
Scream 2 is an excellent follow-up. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel but understands the assignment. If you liked the first one, there’s a lot here to…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastScream (1996) - Wes Craven | Houselights #232
"Scream" (1996) is a landmark film that redefined the slasher genre and remains a must-watch for horror enthusiasts. Its clever writing, engaging characters…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastNew Nightmare (1994) - Wes Craven | Houselights #231
While New Nightmare has its moments of creativity and strong performances, it ultimately falls short of delivering the thrills and chills that fans expect from…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastNightmare on Elm Street (1984) - Wes Craven | Houselights #230
There’s no denying Nightmare’s place in horror history. It birthed a legend, introduced a terrifying concept, and proved that low-budget horror could be wildly…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastPrey (2021) - Thomas Sieben | Houselights #229: Wing of Predator
Prey proves that the Predator concept doesn’t need constant escalation or lore expansion to be effective—it just needs focus, craft, and the courage to tell a…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastThe Predator (2018) - Shane Black | Houselights #228: Wing of Predator
"The Predator" (2018) attempts to breathe new life into the iconic franchise with a mix of action, humor, and sci-fi elements. However, the film struggles with…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastOppenheimer (2023) - Christopher Nolan | Houselights #227
In many ways, Oppenheimer feels like the thematic culmination of Nolan’s career. From The Prestige to Inception to Interstellar, he has always been fascinated…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastPredators (2010) - Nimród Antal | Houselights #226: Wing of Predator
Predators may not break new ground, but it’s a smartly brutal throwback that understands what made the first film great—tense jungle action, deadly hunters…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastPredator 2 (1990) - Stephen Hopkins | Houselights #225: Wing of Predator
Predator 2 is an ambitious but messy sequel. It deserves credit for not simply rehashing the original and for daring to expand the mythos. But its execution…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastPredator (1987) - John McTiernan | Houselights #224: Wing of Predator
More than three decades later, Predator remains a blueprint for how to craft a taut, thrilling, and endlessly watchable action film. If you’ve never seen it…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastBefore Midnight (2013) - Richard Linklater | Houselights #223
"Before Midnight" is a thought-provoking and heartfelt film that offers a mature look at love and commitment. It may not have the same whimsical vibe as…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastBefore Sunset (2004) - Richard Linklater | Houselights #222
"Before Sunset," directed by Richard Linklater, is a remarkable film that beautifully captures the complexities of love, time, and the human experience. As the…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastBefore Sunrise (1995) - Richard Linklater | Houselights #221
"Before Sunrise" is a compelling exploration of storytelling that prioritizes character development and authentic dialogue over conventional plot structures…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastOnce Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) - Quentin Tarantino | Houselights #220
Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is a mesmerizing, sun-soaked film that effortlessly blends nostalgia, humor, and an undercurrent of…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastThe Hateful Eight (2015) - Quentin Tarantino | Houselights #219
The Hateful Eight is a visually stunning, well-acted, and tension-filled Western, but its indulgent pacing and familiar storytelling keep it from reaching…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastDjango Unchained (2012) - Quentin Tarantino | Houselights #218
Django Unchained tackles the brutal realities of slavery with unflinching honesty while also delivering a thrilling story. The film's bold approach to its…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastDeath Proof and Inglorious Basterds - Quentin Tarantino | Houselights #217
Join us on our latest podcast episode as we dive deep into the cinematic worlds of Quentin Tarantino with a thrilling review of "Death Proof" and "Inglourious…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastKill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair (2004) - Quentin Tarantino | Houselights #216
From the very first frame, the film captivates with its stunning cinematography, vibrant colors, and meticulously choreographed fight scenes. Uma Thurman's…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastJackie Brown (1997) - Quentin Tarantino | Houselights #215
While Jackie Brown may not enjoy the same mainstream fame as Tarantino’s other films, it is undoubtedly one of his most mature and thoughtful works. It’s a…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastPulp Fiction (1994) - Quentin Tarantino | Houselights #214
Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction is a cinematic experience that reshaped the landscape of gritty filmmaking. From its razor-sharp dialogue to its non-linear…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastReservoir Dogs (1992) - Quentin Tarantino | Houselights #213
Reservoir Dogs is a violent, exhilarating plunge into the psychology of criminals, packed with moral ambiguity and unrelenting tension. Decades later, its…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastAvatar: The Way of Water (2022) - James Cameron | Houselights #212
Avatar: The Way of Water is a triumphant return to Pandora that expands the universe James Cameron so vividly brought to life in 2009 and deepens its emotional…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastWhite Christmas (1954) - Michael Curtiz | Houselights #211: Special
Michael Curtiz's "White Christmas" is a timeless holiday masterpiece that continues to delight audiences with its heartwarming story, stellar performances…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastTitan AE (2000) - Don Bluth | Houselights #210
Titan A.E. is a testament to ambition and risk-taking in animation, but it’s also a cautionary tale of execution falling short of vision. For every moment of…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastAll Dogs Go to Heaven (1989) - Don Bluth | Houselights #209
All Dogs Go to Heaven is a film with undeniable heart and artistry but struggles to find its footing. Its ambitious themes and dazzling visuals make it…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastThe Land Before Time (1988) - Don Bluth | Houselights #208
The Land Before Time is a beautifully animated film with an emotional core that continues to resonate. However, its rushed storytelling and limited character…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastAn American Tail (1986) - Don Bluth | Houselights #207
An American Tail succeeds in delivering a visually spectacular and emotionally charged story but falters in execution. It’s an ambitious work that tackles…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastThe Secret of NIMH (1982) - Don Bluth | Houselights #206
The Secret of NIMH is a bold and memorable entry into the world of animated cinema, even if its narrative ambition occasionally outpaces its execution. It is a…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastAsteroid City (2023) - Wes Anderson | Houselights #205
Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City offers a visually stunning, quirky escape, yet feels like it’s missing some of the emotional depth that has grounded his previous…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastOctober Sky (1999) - Joe Johnston | Houselights #204
October Sky is a heartwarming and inspirational film that tells the true story of Homer Hickam, a young boy from a coal-mining town in West Virginia who dreams…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastJumanji (1995) - Joe Johnston | Houselights #203
Released in 1995 and directed by Joe Johnston, "Jumanji" is a beloved family adventure film that captivates audiences with its imaginative premise and…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastThe Rocketeer (1991) - Joe Johnston | Houselights #202
The Rocketeer is a delightful and entertaining film that combines action, romance, and adventure in a nostalgic package. It's a love letter to the golden age…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastHoney, I Shrunk the Kids (1989) - Joe Johnston | Houselights #201
"Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" is a charming and imaginative film that offers a unique and entertaining experience. Its combination of creative special effects…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastMovies That Shaped Us | Houselights #200
In this special episode, each of us shared five movies that have profoundly impacted who we are today. These aren’t just the blockbusters or cult classics we…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastTombstone (1993) - George P. Cosmatos | Houselights #199
Tombstone (1993) is a Western classic that delivers unforgettable performances and thrilling action while diving deep into themes of loyalty, justice, and…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastLeviathan (1989) - George P. Cosmatos | Houselights #198
Leviathan is a mixed bag. It has moments of tension and some striking visuals, but ultimately, it lacks the originality or depth to elevate it to the level of…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastCobra (1986) - George P. Cosmatos | Houselights #197
“Cobra” is a film that delivers on its promise of intense action and a tough protagonist. Sylvester Stallone’s performance and the film’s gritty atmosphere are…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastRambo: First Blood Part II (1985) - George P. Cosmatos | Houselights #196
“Rambo: First Blood Part II” is a must-watch for fans of action films and 80s cinema. It solidifies John Rambo as a cultural icon and delivers a thrilling…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastAlexander (2004) - Oliver Stone | Houselights #195
Curious about Oliver Stone's epic portrayal of one of history's most legendary conquerors? Our in-depth review of Alexander delves into the film’s grand scope…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastNixon (1995) - Oliver Stone | Houselights #194
"Nixon" is a film that, much like its subject, is complex, ambitious, and polarizing. Oliver Stone’s direction and Anthony Hopkins’ performance elevate the…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastJFK (1991) - Oliver Stone | Houselights #193
JFK is as fascinating as it is a flawed film. It raises important questions and challenges viewers to think critically about the official narratives they have…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastThe Doors (1991) - Oliver Stone | Houselights #192
“The Doors” is a film that will likely divide audiences. Those who appreciate Olivet Stone’s kinetic style and Kilmer’s intense performance will find much to…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastThe Patriot (2000) - Roland Emmerich | Houselights #191
"The Patriot" (2000), a film that intertwines the personal trials of a family with the broader struggle for independence. Mel Gibson delivers a compelling…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastThe Killer (2023) - David Fincher | Houselights #190
“The Killer” is a gripping thriller that showcases David Fincher’s unparalleled skill in creating atmospheric, character-driven narratives. It’s a film that…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastGodzilla (1998) - Roland Emmerich | Houselights #189
“Godzilla” (1998) stands as a visually impressive but polarizing entry in the Godzilla franchise. While it delivers spectacle and thrills, it falls short in…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastIndependence Day (1996) - Roland Emmerich | Houselights #188
Emmerich’s direction ensures a brisk pace, balancing explosive action sequences with moments of tension and character development. The screenplay, co-written…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastStargate (1994) - Roland Emmerich | Houselights #187
Stargate is a must-watch for sci-fi enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys a good adventure. Its blend of mythology, science fiction, and action makes it a timeless…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastUniversal Soldier (1992) - Roland Emmerich | Houselights #186
“Universal Soldier” excels as an action-packed sci-fi film with a unique premise and memorable set pieces, but it falters in narrative cohesion and character…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastMoon 44 (1990) - Roland Emmerich | Houselights #185
*This movie deals with sexual assault.* “Moon-44” is an ambitious film that reaches for the stars but ends up getting lost in a black hole of its own making…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastDa Five Bloods (2020) - Spike Lee | Houselights #184
“Da 5 Bloods” is a film with noble intentions and some truly powerful moments, but it doesn’t always hit the mark. It’s a mixed bag that will resonate with…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastBlacKkKlansman (2018) - Spike Lee | Houselights #183
In our latest podcast episode, we delve into the provocative and timely film, **BlacKkKlansman**, directed by the ever-bold Spike Lee. This true-story…
Houselights: A Film Director Podcast25th Hour (2002) - Spike Lee | Houselights #182
“25th Hour” is a powerful exploration of human emotions, regrets, and the choices that shape our lives. Spike Lee’s vision shines through, even when navigating…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastMalcolm X (1992) - Spike Lee | Houselights #181
Join us on this episode of Houselights as we delve into Spike Lee's film Malcolm X. Our hosts explore Denzel Washington's riveting performance, historical…
Houselights: A Film Director PodcastDo the Right Thing (1989) - Spike Lee | Houselights #180
"Do the Right Thing" is a cultural touchstone that remains as relevant today as it was upon its release. Its portrayal of racial tensions, systemic injustice…