Movie Joust!

Movie Joust!

By: Jesse Nussman, Jason Evans, Josh Sewell

Language: en

Categories: Tv, Film, Reviews

Movie Joust! is a movie podcast where critics with clashing tastes challenge hype, legacy, and consensus — forcing films to earn their reputation. Each week, Atlanta film critics debate new releases, awards contenders, and cultural flashpoints in cinema, putting “prestige,” popularity, and critical buzz under pressure. From legacy filmmakers to divisive adaptations, Movie Joust! isn’t about polite agreement — it’s about sharp takes, real disagreement, and figuring out who movies are actually for. If you’re tired of plot recaps and safe opinions, welcome to the fight.

Episodes

Why 'Marty Supreme' is the Next Sports Movie Classic
Jan 08, 2026

Join us on the Movie Jobs Podcast as we dive into the whirlwind world of "Marty Supreme," a film that blends sports, comedy, and drama in the 1950s table tennis scene. Discover how Timothée Chalamet's charismatic portrayal of Marty, a young man chasing his dreams amidst chaos, captivates audiences. With insights from film critics Jason Evans, Jesse Nussman, and Josh Sewell, explore the film's unique take on ambition, identity, and the Jewish American experience. Don't miss this engaging discussion on a movie that's both exhilarating and thought-provoking.

Duration: 00:55:56
Does Avatar 3 Deserve the Hype — or Has James Cameron Lost the Plot?
Dec 19, 2025

On this episode of Movie Joust!, we take on Avatar : Fire and Ash— James Cameron’s latest swing at epic blockbuster filmmaking — and ask the uncomfortable question: does this franchise still earn the awe it demands, or is the spectacle finally outpacing the substance?

We break down our sharply divided reactions, from the film’s overwhelming visual ambition to its emotional sincerity, narrative sprawl, and cultural relevance. Is Cameron still pushing the medium forward, or are audiences being asked to mistake scale for depth?

As always, we debate the hype, challenge the consensus, and figure out who...

Duration: 00:53:22
Is Hamnet Profound or Manipulative — and Why Ella McCay Left Us Divided
Dec 12, 2025

This week on Movie Joust!, we dive into two very different new releases: Hamnet, the emotionally devastating literary adaptation generating serious awards buzz, and Ella McCay, James L. Brooks’ long-awaited return that left us unexpectedly divided.

We break down what Hamnet gets right — and where it risks tipping into emotional overkill — before debating whether Ella McCay is a thoughtful political comedy-drama or a tonal misfire. From performances to themes to audience expectations, this episode tackles why these films provoke such strong reactions — and who they’re really for.

Duration: 01:01:03
Best Movies of 2025 | Top Picks from Atlanta Film Critics
Dec 04, 2025

On this week’s Movie Joust!, Jesse, Jason, and Josh break down their favorite films of the year, spar over performances, celebrate unforgettable moments, and argue about the most underrated gems you might’ve missed. Whether it’s awards buzz, surprise hits, or films you need to catch before 2026, we’ve got you covered.

Tune in for sharp takes, passionate disagreements, and recommendations that might just reshape your watchlist.

Duration: 00:54:21
“Wicked: For Good — Broadway Magic or Misfire? + Is Wake Up Dead Man a Fresh Knives Out Twist?”
Nov 24, 2025

This week on Movie Joust!, we take on two of the biggest films of the holiday season: Wicked: For Good — does this Broadway mega-adaptation live up to the hype or fall flat on its sprawling ambitions? — and Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, the latest Benoit Blanc case that blends murder mystery with unexpected thematic depth.

Join Atlanta film critics Jesse, Jason, and Josh as they break down what worked, what didn’t, and why these very different films are generating such strong reactions — from dazzling musical spectacle to clever twists and tonal surprises. Whether you’re t...

Duration: 00:56:15
'The Running Man' & 'Jay Kelly'
Nov 17, 2025

Join us on Movie Joust as we dive into the cinematic world with hosts Jesse Nussman, Jason Evans, and Josh Sewell. This episode explores the intriguing dynamics of Edgar Wright's adaptation of "The Running Man," starring Glenn Powell. We discuss the film's faithfulness to Stephen King's original Bachman book, its satirical take on dystopian America, and the casting choices that shape its narrative.


Then, we delve into Noah Baumbach's latest film, "Jay Kelly," starring George Clooney and Adam Sandler. We explore the film's introspective narrative, examining themes of fame, identity, and the sacrifices made...

Duration: 00:55:48
'Predator: Badlands' & 'Die My Love'
Nov 09, 2025

"In this episode, we explore the thrilling dynamics of 'Predator: Badlands' and the intense drama of 'Die My Love.' Join us as we delve into the unique storytelling and performances that define these films. We also discuss 'Nuremberg,' a historical drama that captivates with its portrayal of the post-war trials. Tune in for a comprehensive analysis of these diverse cinematic experiences. #PredatorBadlands #DieMyLove #Nuremberg"


Duration: 00:45:31
'Bugonia' | Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos reunite for alien comedy
Nov 02, 2025

Join us as we delve into the intriguing world of "Bugonia," the latest film by Yorgos Lanthimos. We explore Emma Stone's captivating performance as a CEO with a cosmic secret and discuss the film's unique blend of humor, suspense, and social commentary. Discover how Lanthimos' storytelling challenges perceptions and leaves audiences questioning reality. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the film's themes, performances, and its place in modern cinema. #Bugonia #EmmaStone #YorgosLanthimos


Duration: 00:49:49
Exploring the Depths of Springsteen: A Cinematic Journey with 'Deliver Me From Nowhere'
Oct 27, 2025

Join us as we dive into the cinematic portrayal of Bruce Springsteen's transformative journey in "Deliver Me From Nowhere," starring Jeremy Allen White. This episode unpacks the film's exploration of Springsteen's artistic evolution, the impact of his Nebraska album, and the performances that bring this story to life. We discuss the film's narrative choices, its appeal to die-hard fans, and the broader implications of music biopics in today's cinema landscape. Tune in for an engaging discussion with film critics Jesse Nussman, Josh Sewell, and Jason Evans as they share their insights and critiques. #Springsteen #FilmCritics #JeremyAllenWhite

Duration: 00:48:51
Exploring Guillermo del Toro's 'Frankenstein': A Cinematic Journey Through Creation and Critique
Oct 21, 2025

Join film critics Jesse Nussman, Josh Sewell, and Jason Evans as they delve into Guillermo del Toro's latest adaptation of 'Frankenstein.' Discover the intricacies of del Toro's storytelling, the film's faithfulness to Mary Shelley's novel, and the emotional depth of its characters. This episode unpacks the film's gothic atmosphere, its thematic exploration of creation versus creator, and the performances that bring this classic tale to life. Tune in for a thoughtful critique and lively discussion on one of the year's most anticipated films. #Frankenstein #GuillermoDelToro #FilmCritique

Duration: 00:45:12
Tron: Ares & House of Dynamite
Oct 12, 2025

In this episode, we explore the dual cinematic worlds of 'Tron: Ares' and 'House of Dynamite.' Delve into the revolutionary digital effects and cultural impact of Tron, alongside the tense narrative and character dynamics in Kathryn Bigelow's latest thriller. #TronAres #HouseOfDynamite #SciFiThriller"

Duration: 00:43:30
Top 25 Movies of the 21st Century: Deep Dive with Atlanta Film Critics
Oct 11, 2025

Atlanta film critics unveil their meticulously curated list of the top 25 movies of the 21st century. From the groundbreaking "Get Out" to the epic "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, discover the films that have defined a generation. Dive into the trends, surprises, and personal picks that shaped this list, and explore the cinematic masterpieces that continue to captivate audiences worldwide. #FilmCritics #TopMovies #21stCenturyCinema

Duration: 01:07:30
The Smashing Machine: Dwayne Johnson's Transformative Role and the Best Actor Race
Oct 03, 2025

"Join us on Movie Joust as we dive into 'The Smashing Machine,' the latest film starring Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. Explore his transformative performance as a wrestler battling personal demons, and discuss the potential impact on the Best Actor race. Plus, we touch on the broader landscape of award season contenders. Don't miss this insightful episode!"


Duration: 00:40:13
One Battle After Another: A Deep Dive into Paul Thomas Anderson's Latest Masterpiece
Sep 25, 2025

Join us on Movie Joust as we explore Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another," a film that masterfully blends comedy, action, and social commentary. Discover why this movie is a strong Oscar contender, featuring standout performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and Chase Infinity. Dive into the film's themes of family, revolution, and the relentless cycle of battles, both personal and political. Don't miss our in-depth discussion on the film's narrative, character dynamics, and its place in modern cinema. #PaulThomasAnderson #OneBattleAfterAnother #MovieJoust


Duration: 01:04:39
Celebrating Robert Redford: A Cinematic Legacy
Sep 18, 2025

Join Jesse Nussman and fellow Atlanta film critics Jason Evans and Josh Sewell as they delve into the remarkable life and career of Robert Redford. From his profound impact on independent film through the Sundance Film Festival to his iconic roles in classics like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "All the President's Men," this episode celebrates Redford's enduring legacy in Hollywood. Discover the films that defined a generation and the stories behind them. #RobertRedford #FilmLegacy #Sundance


Duration: 00:43:46
"The Long Walk": A Deep Dive into Stephen King's Bleakest Adaptation
Sep 07, 2025

Join film critics Jesse Nussman, Josh Sewell, and Jason Evans as they dissect the latest adaptation of Stephen King's "The Long Walk." This episode explores the film's unrelenting bleakness, its stark portrayal of a dystopian reality, and the powerful performances by David Jonsson and Cooper Hoffman.

Discover why this movie is both a conversation starter and a test of endurance for its audience. Tune in for a candid discussion on the film's themes, its comparison to "The Hunger Games," and the unique challenges of adapting a Stephen King novel. #StephenKing #TheLongWalk #FilmCritique

Duration: 00:42:22
Caught Stealing & Honey Don’t Review | Darren Aronofsky’s Dark Comedy vs Ethan Coen’s Legacy
Aug 28, 2025

In this episode of Movie Joust, film critics Jesse Nussman and Josh Sewell review Darren Aronofsky’s Caught Stealing and Ethan Coen’s Honey Don’t. They dive into the films’ themes, character dynamics, and directorial choices—exploring Aronofsky’s signature storytelling style and Coen’s comedic legacy. The critics compare performances, narrative structure, and the challenge of balancing dark comedy with serious drama, while reflecting on their favorite Coen Brothers films and the impact of their cinematic worlds.

Duration: 00:37:55
Exploring 'Highest 2 Lowest': Denzel Washington & Spike Lee's Cinematic Reunion
Aug 15, 2025

In this episode, Jesse Nussman and Josh Sewell delve into the films of Spike Lee, focusing on his latest work, 'Highest 2 Lowest,' which stars Denzel Washington. They explore the collaboration between Lee and Washington, the influence of Kurosawa's 'High and Low,' and the themes of legacy, responsibility, and cultural commentary present in the film.

The discussion also touches on the performances of the cast, particularly Washington and Jeffrey Wright, and the dynamics of their characters. The hosts reflect on Lee's unique style and the significance of his work in the context of American cinema, concluding...

Duration: 00:55:30
How Scary Is Weapons? | Review Plus Spoilers
Aug 09, 2025

In this episode of Movie Joust, we tackle the new horror-thriller Weapons. First, we give our spoiler-free impressions and let you know whether it’s worth your ticket money. Then, we dive deep into the film’s twists, themes, and most shocking moments in our spoiler discussion.

If you’ve seen the movie (or don’t mind spoilers), stick around to hear our unfiltered takes on what Weapons does right, where it misses the mark, and why it might just stick with you long after the credits roll.

Duration: 00:42:38
Naked Gun vs. Happy Gilmore 2 | Which is the better summer comedy?
Aug 01, 2025

It’s slapstick vs. sports! In this week’s episode of Movie Joust, we pit the absurd brilliance of The Naked Gun against the unlikely sequel Happy Gilmore 2.nIs classic Zucker-style absurdity still king? Or does Adam Sandler’s return to the green bring the bigger laughs in 2025?

Duration: 00:37:09
Eddington | Movie Review & Debate
Jul 24, 2025

Jesse and Jason go head-to-head on Eddington, Ari Aster’s latest descent into the surreal and the soul-shattering. Is it a brilliant piece of cinematic dread—or a self-indulgent spiral into nonsense?

Duration: 00:40:04
Fantastic Four: First Steps | Movie Review
Jul 24, 2025

Josh and Jason suit up and dive headfirst into Marvel's long-awaited Fantastic Four reboot. Does this version finally redeem the franchise? Or is it another cosmic misfire? They break down the retro setting, Pedro Pascal’s take on Reed Richards, the villain (no spoilers here!), and whether this film signals a true course correction for the MCU. It’s clobberin’ time—maybe.

Duration: 00:37:00
Superman | Movie Review
Jul 11, 2025

Join Jesse, Josh, and Jason as they dive cape-first into James Gunn’s bold new vision for Superman. Is it a game-changer or a Kryptonian misfire?

Then stick around as the trio ranks every Superman movie—from iconic classics to forgotten flops. Who flies highest? Who crashes hardest? It’s a battle of opinions you won’t want to miss!

Duration: 01:09:24
Best Movies of 2025 So Far
Jul 07, 2025

We're halfway through the year and if you're still looking for something to watch, Josh, Jesse, and Jason have you covered with their picks for the best things that have come out in 2025 so far!

Duration: 00:38:58
Jurassic World Rebirth | Movie Review
Jul 03, 2025

In this episode of Movie Joust, we dive deep into Jurassic World: Rebirth, the latest entry in the legendary dinosaur franchise. Josh, Jason, and Jesse break down the film's biggest moments, analyze its ties to the original Jurassic Park trilogy, and debate whether this reboot delivers fresh thrills or just more recycled DNA.

Duration: 00:28:10
F1 | Movie Review
Jun 27, 2025

Fasten your seatbelts! Jesse, Josh, and Jason discuss the Brad Pitt racing movie F1 and whether Apple can create a summer blockbuster extravaganza.

Duration: 00:28:26
MEGAN 2.0 | Movie Review
Jun 27, 2025

Jesse, Josh, and Jason discuss the film MEGAN 2.0, the memification of its predecessor, killer robots, and more!

Duration: 00:21:09
'Elio' Review & Pixar Favorites | Movie Joust
Jun 19, 2025

This week, Josh and Jason give their thoughts on the new Pixar movie 'Elio.' Then, Jesse joins for a discussion on the animation studio's quality of output over the last decade before all three guys give their favorite Pixar movies.

Duration: 00:25:57
'28 Years Later' Review | Movie Joust
Jun 19, 2025

This week, critic Jesse Nussman gives his thoughts on '28 Years Later,' the decades-later sequel to Danny Boyle's 2003 horror film '28 Days Later.'


Then, the guys offer some recommendations for their favorite zombie movies.

Duration: 00:37:46
'Materialists' Review | Movie Joust
Jun 14, 2025

This week on Movie Joust, we dive into Materialists, Celine Song’s glossy, razor-sharp romantic comedy starring Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal.

Duration: 00:34:56
'The Life of Chuck' | Movie Joust Podcast
Jun 14, 2025

This week on Movie Joust, we dive headfirst into Mike Flanagan’s ambitious adaptation of Stephen King’s The Life of Chuck. Part ghost story, part existential character study, and entirely unexpected, this film unfolds in reverse—starting at the end and working its way toward childhood wonder.


Duration: 00:45:15
'Ballerina' & What Makes the 'John Wick' Series Great
Jun 07, 2025

Join our hosts as they dive deep into 'Ballerina from the World of John Wick,' a spinoff film directed by Lynn Weissman. They discuss the film's plot, action scenes, reshoots involving Chad Stulski, and the chemistry between stars Keanu Reeves and Ana de Armas. The conversation shifts to a new documentary 'Wick is Pain,' detailing the making of the John Wick franchise, the creative struggles, and the contributions of key figures like Chad Stulski and David Leach. Get an in-depth look at behind-the-scenes stories, production challenges, and the rise of John Wick as a major action franchise.<...

Duration: 00:22:10
'The Phoenician Scheme' & The Great Wes Anderson Debate
Jun 07, 2025

Welcome to Movie Joust! Join film critics Jesse Nussman, Jason Evans, and Josh Sewell as they delve into Wes Anderson's latest film, 'The Phoenician Scheme.' In this episode, the panel critically evaluates the contributions and evolution of Wes Anderson's filmmaking style, comparing it to past works like 'Asteroid City,' 'The French Dispatch,' and 'The Grand Budapest Hotel.' The discussion gets heated as they debate Anderson's relevance, thematic concerns, and audience reach. Is Wes Anderson evolving as a filmmaker or sticking to a tried and true formula? Tune in to hear thoughtful insights, fiery disagreements, and...

Duration: 00:32:14
'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning' & Most Essential Tom Cruise Movies
May 16, 2025

This week, we're celebrating Tom Cruise's career! First, Jason and Josh give their thoughts on the eighth "Mission: Impossible" movie, then Jesse joins as the guys pick the most essential movies from Cruise's entire filmography.

Duration: 01:08:37
'Thunderbolts' Reactions | Is the MCU turning around?
May 04, 2025

Jesse Nussman, Jason Evans, and Josh Sewell reunite all together on mic to discuss the kick-off of summer movie season with Marvel's "Thunderbolts*".

Duration: 00:54:11
'Sinners' Takes Over America, Summer Movie Predictions
Apr 28, 2025

Jesse Nussman and Josh Sewell reunite to discuss the reception to Ryan Coogler's new filme 'Sinners,' plus make their predictions regarding what the summer's biggest hits, flops, and surprises could be.

Duration: 00:59:53
'Warefare' Review & Top 5 War Movies
Apr 05, 2025

Jesse Nussman and Jason Evans review Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland's new combat drama "Warefare." Then, the guys discuss cinema's most significant war movies.

Duration: 00:48:40
Snow White Reactions & More Movie News
Mar 25, 2025

This week, the guys discuss a variety of topics, including the hysterical reaction to Snow White, whether original movies can survive this year, and what's next for Bond under Amazon.

Duration: 00:55:51
Black Bag review | Top 5 Steven Soderbergh movies
Mar 15, 2025

This week, Jesse, Jason, and Josh discuss Steven Soderbergh's spy thriller Black Bag, starring Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender.


Then, the guys rank the best of Soderbergh’s filmography, including hits like Ocean’s Eleven, Magic Mike, Contagion, and more! Tune in for an engaging conversation and discover which Soderbergh film takes the top spot in our ranking.

Duration: 01:00:56
Mickey 17 thoughts & Oscars reactions
Mar 07, 2025

First, Jason, Jesse, and Josh celebrate Anora's sweep at the Academy Awards. Then Jesse and Jason joust over Bong Joon Ho's latest picture, Mickey 17, starring Robert Patinson.

Duration: 00:47:47
Remembering Gene Hackman | Top 5 Performances
Mar 02, 2025

Jesse, Josh, and Jason look back at the career of legendary actor Gene Hackman following news of his death, with each giving their top five favorite performances.

Duration: 00:55:49
'Captain America: Brave New World,' 'I'm Still Here,' and 'The Monkey'
Feb 15, 2025

This week, Josh, Jesse, and Jason discuss 2025's first major blockbuster: "Captain America: Brave New World," and surprise Best Picture nominee "I'm Still Here." Plus, a sneak peek at "The Monkey."

Duration: 00:48:12
Exploring Brady Corbet's 'The Brutalist' | Spoiler-Filled Analysis & Cast Talk for Nolan's 'The Odyssey'
Feb 04, 2025

Butal Boyz unit! Jesse, Josh, and Jason discuss Brady Corbet's American epic, The Brutalist. In this spoiler-filled conversation, they discuss the movie's scope, story, and performance and explore its themes and potential interpretations. Plus, a brief discussion on the cast for Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey."


Duration: 00:58:40
How 'Emilia Pérez' Got 13 Nominations | Breaking Down the 2025 Oscars
Jan 28, 2025

Jason, Josh, and Jesse break down the 2025 Oscar nominations, looking at who is the frontrunner in major categories, what nominations they were most excited by, and how 'Emilia Pérez' wound up with the most nominations.

Duration: 00:54:07
Review Rewind: The Village | Plus, Remembering David Lynch & New Releases
Jan 21, 2025

This week, the guys take a trip back to 2004 and discuss M. Night Shyamalan's divisive thriller "The Village." An underrated gem or a lesser work?


Plus, the guys mourn the loss of filmmaker David Lynch, and discuss recent releases "Presence" and "The Wolfman."

Duration: 01:05:34
Most Anticipated Movies of 2025
Jan 10, 2025

Josh, Jason, and Jesse preview the most exciting new releases for 2025 - from franchise blockbusters to acclaimed auteurs and everything in between.

Duration: 00:54:23
'A Complete Unknown' & 'Nosferatu'
Dec 31, 2024

Jesse Nussman and Jason Evans talk two of the holiday season's most anticipated releases; the Bob Dylan biopic "A Complete Unknown" and the new remake of the vampire classic "Nosferatu."

Duration: 00:44:24
Barry Jenkins Directs 'Mufasa: The Lion King' Prequel! A Deep Dive with Jesse Nussman, Jason Evans & Josh Sewell
Dec 20, 2024

Join Jesse Nussman, Jason Evans, and Josh Sewell as they discuss Barry Jenkins' unexpected direction of the ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ prequel. In this episode, the trio explores the best animated films of the year, debates the surge of Disney live-action remakes, and analyzes what makes this new film stand out. Tune in for an engaging conversation on storytelling, animation, and the future of Disney!


Duration: 00:51:57
BONUS EPISODE | Joshua Oppenheimer on his apocalyptic musical 'The End'
Dec 13, 2024

On this bonus interview special, Jesse Nussman interviews filmmaker Joshua Oppenheimer about his new movie 'The End.' starring Tilda Swinton and Michael Shannon.

Duration: 00:30:25
Best Movies of 2024 | Top 5s
Dec 08, 2024

As the year draws to a close, Atlanta film critics Jesse Nussman, Jason Evans, and Josh Sewell break down which movies from the last year you should rush out to see or rent.

Duration: 01:04:56
Gladiator II & the Films of Ridley Scott
Nov 11, 2024

From "Alien" to "House of Gucci," Jason, Jesse, and Josh discuss director Ridley Scott's filmography, debating which of his many films stands the test of time and which should be forgotten.


Then, Jesse and Jason give their initial thoughts on "Gladiator II" and whether it holds a candle to Scott's Oscar-winning original. (1 hr 21 min in)

Duration: 01:35:44
Ep. 1: Who is the current Oscar frontrunner?
Nov 02, 2024

In their first episode, Josh, Jason, and Jesse discuss three of the fall's big Oscar contenders - Anora, Conclave, and Emilia Perez.


Intro music

Artist: Cushy Track: CHAMP

Duration: 00:50:59