In this episode, we dive into a cinematic smorgasbord from the deep end—covering everything from indie gems, surreal horror, to the most baffling Neil Breen films you've never heard of. Whether you’re a cinephile looking for new insights or just after a good laugh at movies that defy logic, this episode is a wild ride through the strangest corners of the film universe.In this episode:

• The week’s cinema reviews: Sheep Detective, Power Ballad, Backrooms, and Neil Breen marathons
• Hot takes on The Christophers by Steven Soderbergh & Ian McKellen
• Exploring the baffling, hilarious world of Neil Breen's cinematic universe
• The bizarre origins and fan theories surrounding the viral horror sensation, Backrooms
• The promise of Spider Noir: A gritty, Nicolas Cage-voiced Spider-Man noir
• The debate: Should you hit the cinemas or stay home?

• Neil Breen Films on Amazon
• Steven Soderbergh's Official Website
• Spider Noir on Prime Video
• Neil Breen's Official Site
• Ian McKellen's Profile

• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube

Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome to Netflix versus Cinema: What’s hot this week?
02:10 - Cinema reviews: Sheep Detective, Power Ballad & the mysterious Backrooms
03:30 - Home viewing: Neil Breen’s bizarre filmography
04:46 - The latest on Neil Breen’s cult status & watching with friends in Cayman
05:58 - The viral phenomenon: The story behind Backrooms
06:51 - The surreal, disjointed horror: What makes Backrooms so unique?
08:11 - Deep dive into the plot of Backrooms: Conspiracy, hallucinations, and labyrinths
09:36 - Critical thoughts: Is Backrooms just dumb fun or something more?
10:28 - The “Pirate Thing”: CGI, production value, and storytelling critique
11:40 - The perils of wandering in a labyrinth: a survival strategist’s perspective
12:45 - Thumbs up or down? Ratings for Backrooms and whether it’s cinema or stream-ready
14:12 - The critics’ verdicts: Neil Breen, Steve Soderbergh, and Hollywood’s oddities
15:28 - Punisher: One Last Kill—An action disappointment?
16:40 - The future of Daredevil and The Punisher in streaming platforms
18:09 - Spoiler-free preview of Spider Noir: The noir Spider-Man featuring Nicolas Cage
19:37 - Is Spider Noir worth your time? The weirdness of Nicolas Cage’s choices
48:24 - Anyone for Neil Breen? Who is this enigmatic filmmaker?
49:04 - The bizarre, nonsensical plots and the cult status of Neil Breen films
55:22 - The terrible green screens & extras caught on camera
56:07 - Why watching Neil Breen films with friends is an absurdly joyful experience
57:30 - Final thoughts: Why some of the worst films are the best for bonding
Resources & Links:Connect with us:

Remember:Whether it’s sophisticated cinema or utterly ridiculous B-movies, the real joy lies in sharing those moments with friends—preferably over a bucket of popcorn and a bottle of something strong. Here's to celebrating the chaos and the cult classics that remind us why movies matter. Until next time—big screen or big stream?

Ever questioned whether the big screen still holds the magic or if streaming has taken over? Join us as we dive into this week's cinematic adventures, from blockbuster Marvels to hidden gems, and debate if the theatre experience is still worth the price. Plus, get the scoop on upcoming TV adaptations and streaming sensations!In this episode:

• The cinematic review of The Mandalorian and the disappointment of the newly released film
• The intriguing Irish drama Small Things Like These and its subtle storytelling
• The quirky and clever animated mystery The Sheep Detectives, a delightful family film
• The finale of The Boys Season 5 and its brutal superhero satire
• The British period drama The Other Bennett Sister, a fresh take on Jane Austen's universe
• A discussion on whether to see Obsession in cinemas or stream it at home
• Extra insights into upcoming projects like the Warriors musical and the She-Ra reboot

• (00:01) Welcome & personal cinema adventures
• (01:02) Recent cinema visits & reviews: Obsession, The Mandalorian film
• (03:09) Streaming updates: Widows Bay, Small Things Like These
• (04:18) Netflix's The Sheep Detectives review
• (05:33) Family films & Buffy nostalgia
• (06:17) Cinematic conclusions: The Mandalorian flaws & ratings
• (08:03) Obsession deep dive & critique of its twists
• (12:00) The Mandalorian series critique & character analysis
• (15:33) The Boys Season 5 finale thoughts & characters
• (46:45) The Sheep Detectives: a mystery with talking sheep
• (52:39) The Other Bennett Sister: Jane Austen-inspired period drama
• (61:53) Closing thoughts: Netflix or Theatre – who wins?
• (62:15) Feedback spotlight: Joseph Fallon’s comment on Power Ballad
• (63:14) A nostalgic look at Violent Saturday

Feeling inspired or confused? Drop your thoughts and movie picks in our comments or social media. Remember, whether it's the glow of the big screen or the comfort of your sofa, it’s all about the experience and stories we love. Until next week, keep watching!

Netflix vs Cinema: Big Screen or Sofa?

In this episode, we dive into the timeless debate—streaming or cinema? Join us as we reminisce about recent cinema experiences, including Highlander’s anniversary screening, and explore how the big screen keeps surprising us. Plus, get the scoop on new shows like Legends and The Burbs, and hear our thoughts on the power of anniversary re-releases and the enduring charm of small, heartwarming films.In this episode:

• The nostalgia, surprises, and insights from Highlander’s anniversary screening (2:12)
• The magic of cinema's sound impact and why it’s still essential (7:10)
• Review of Power Ballad, a heartfelt musical film by John Carney (12:16)
• The charm of The Burbs TV series and its nostalgic appeal (20:15)
• Inside scoop on Legends, a true-story-based drama set in Thatcher’s Britain (28:09)
• Comparing streaming and cinema in today's entertainment landscape (34:00)

• (00:02) - Opening and introducing the debate: cinema vs streaming
• (02:12) - Sharon shares her Highlander anniversary experience
• (07:10) - The immersive power of cinema’s sound system
• (12:16) - Review of Power Ballad, a music-driven film by John Carney
• (20:15) - Holly discusses The Burbs series and its nostalgic vibes
• (28:09) - Insights into Legends, a British undercover drug investigation series
• (34:00) - Who wins this week? The case for cinema’s ongoing dominance

Resources & Links:

• Highlander (25th Anniversary Re-release)
• Power Ballad - Official Site
• The Burbs Series on Sky
• Legends Series — BBC

Connect with us:Until next week, keep loving the magic of film—whether on big screen or sofa!

Get ready for a lively, popcorn-filled discussion about the latest in streaming and big-screen releases! From secret cinema screenings of Tuner to the chaotic nostalgia of Mortal Kombat and a deep dive into medical dramas like The Pitt, this episode explores where to best enjoy your favorite stories—sofa or cinema? Tune in for passionate debates, surprising insights, and a few laughs along the way.

Main Topics Covered:

• The nostalgic joy and chaos of Mortal Kombat (2021) and its animation and storytelling style
• The mysterious, critically acclaimed Tuner and the unique character study of a piano tuner with a hearing condition
• The debate over where to watch new films: cinema or streaming platforms
• The storytelling power of sound in movies like Oppenheimer and Zone of Interest
• A detailed review of the medical drama The Pitt and its realistic portrayal of hospital life
• The ongoing conversation about release strategies, episode formats, and binge-watching trends

Resources & Links:

• Mortal Kombat (2021) on Amazon

• Oppenheimer — Sound design articles
• Zone of Interest — Film review and analysis
• The Pitt — HBO Max series

Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the episode's theme: cinema vs. streaming
02:30 - The chaos and fun of Mortal Kombat (2021) — character insights and nostalgia
07:00 - Comparing the first Mortal Kombat film to the new release
12:00 - The importance of sound design in movies like Oppenheimer and Zone of Interest
15:20 - Discussing the secret screening of Tuner — a film about a hypersensitive piano tuner involved in crime
23:00 - The character arc of Tuner’s protagonist and its 90-minute storytelling formula
30:00 - How Tuner explores themes of innocence and naivety in a dangerous world
34:30 - Should you watch Tuner in cinema or at home? The soundscape versus visual storytelling debate
37:00 - The Netflix series The Pitt — a compelling hospital drama with Noah Wiley
44:00 - Comparing various hospital dramas and the long legacy of medical TV shows
45:40 - The influence of Noah Wiley’s involvement and his previous work
50:00 - Podcast audience engagement, social media insights, and upcoming episode teasers

Is your living room sofa calling your name, or is it time for a trip to the cinema? Tosin and Holly are back for a quick-fire episode of Netflix vs. Cinema to help you decide where to spend your entertainment budget this week!

This week, the fashion world takes over the big screen as the long-awaited sequel, The Devil Wears Prada 2, struts into theaters. We’ll discuss how Meryl Streep’s legendary Miranda Priestly adapts to a modern, post-cancel-culture landscape and whether Anne Hathaway’s Andy Sachs can still balance high fashion with serious journalism. Plus, we dive into the star-studded cameos—from Gisele Bündchen to Rory McIlroy—and that catchy soundtrack everyone is buzzing about.

On the streaming side:

• Imperfect Women (Apple TV+): Holly breaks down this gripping mystery starring Elizabeth Moss, Kerry Washington, and Kate Mara. We explore the complex, flawed friendships at the heart of the show and debate whether a weekly release schedule is "total torture" or a brilliant way to build suspense.

• Doc (Now TV): Tosin shares his first impressions of this medical drama.

The Big Debate:

• Elizabeth Moss: Can she actually "do happy" on screen, or is she destined to be the queen of the "sad and mopy" roles?

• Stanley Tucci: We discuss his performance and the noticeable change in his voice following his health battles.

• Theater vs. Home: Is The Devil Wears Prada 2 worth the cinema experience (and the "Everyman" burgers), or should you wait for it to hit your favorite streaming app?

Join the conversation! Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube @NetflixVSCinemaPod to share your thoughts on this week’s picks.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your pods!

Join host Tosin Ajayi and the Netflix vs. Cinema crew as they dive into the latest releases and debate the age-old question: streaming or the silver screen?

In this episode, the team navigates some technical hiccups (apologies for the audio quality!) to bring you their unfiltered takes on what's hot and what's not in the world of entertainment.

Here’s what’s on the menu:

• At the Cinema:

  • Hokum: Sean shares his experience seeing this "secret screening".

  • Michael: Tosin gives a deep dive into the Michael Jackson biopic, praising Jafaar Jackson's "uncanny" performance but questioning the film's selective history.

  • Mother Mary: Tosin and the group discuss this experimental new release from David Lowery, debating if it's a "visionary masterpiece" or "pretentious crap".

• At Home (Streaming):

  • Chernobyl 1986 (Netflix): Sharon reviews this Russian take on the nuclear disaster, comparing it to the acclaimed HBO series.

  • Luckiest Girl Alive (Netflix): Holly and Tosin discuss this Mila Kunis-led drama, exploring its ambitious themes of trauma and the "Me Too" movement.

  • 1944: The Final Defense (Amazon Prime): Sean brings his love for authentic war films to the table with this Finnish World War II drama.

The Verdict:The team wraps up by deciding which format won the week: The Big Stream or the Big Screen?

Don't miss the debate! Tune in to hear the crew's passionate (and sometimes polarized) opinions on the latest in film and streaming.

Follow us for more:

• Instagram: @netflixvscinemapod

• Listen on: Spotify and all major podcast platforms.

Big stream or big screen? This week, Tosin Ajayi and Shaun Harris fly solo as Sharon enjoys a getaway in Dorset and Holly explores the culture of London. The duo settles in to decide if your hard-earned money is better spent at the cinema or in the comfort of your own home.

• Lee Cronin’s The Mummy: Tosin dives into this Blumhouse production, which swaps desert adventures for a harrowing psychological horror story in Cairo and New Mexico. While praising the performances of Jack Reynor and the child actors, Tosin finds the film’s two-hour runtime a bit bloated. Rating: 3/5 Stars

• 40th Anniversary Re-release of Akira: Shaun witnesses the legendary 1988 anime on the big screen for the first time. He finds the first hour of neo-Tokyo biker gang warfare and military experimentation gripping, though he admits the final act gets a bit "slow and weird." Rating: 3/5 Stars

• Eagles Over London (Amazon Prime): Shaun revisits this 1969 "Macaroni War" film (the Italian war movie equivalent of a Spaghetti Western). He enjoys the D-Day sabotage plot and the classic 1960s use of split-screen, despite the technically inaccurate period equipment. Rating: 3/5 Stars

• Captive Audience (BBC iPlayer): Tosin explores this three-part true-crime documentary about the 1972 disappearance and miraculous return of Steven Stayner. While the first two episodes are riveting, Tosin feels the final installment falls into the trap of sensationalism. Rating: 3/5 Stars

With every review landing a solid average, Tosin and Shaun declare this week a dead tie between the cinema and the streaming platforms.

Next Week: The team prepares for the highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic!

Join the Conversation!Think we’re crazy for giving Akira only three stars? Let us know on Instagram (@netflixvscinemapod), TikTok (@netflixvscinema), or Facebook and YouTube @NetflixvsCinema.

The Big Screen: A Tale of Two GenresThe Big Stream: Documentaries and "Macaroni" WesternsThis Week's Verdict: A Dead Heat

Is it the big screen or the big stream? This week on the podcast, the crew battles through a dry spell at the cinema to help you decide if you should spend your money at the theater or stay entertained on your sofa for less than the price of a ticket.

Before diving into the reviews, the team gets personal. Host Tosin Ajayi, based in Bromsgrove, is joined by Shaun Harris (nicknamed Bugman) and Sharon Bollen from the Isle of Wight, along with London correspondent Holly Nessling.

The conversation dives into the origins of their various nicknames:

• 
  

  Tosin reveals that friends from Nigeria used to call him "T.C." for "Top Cat," but he hates being called "Tossing."

  
  

• 
  

  Shaun discusses his many monikers, including "Harry" and "Chopper Harris."

  
  

• 
  

  Sharon drops a bombshell: her first name is actually Sarah, but she hasn't used it since a brief, "weird" period in her early 20s because her parents thought she looked more like a "Holly" (her middle name) when she was born.

  
  

Tosin takes one for the team to represent the cinema this week, but he isn't pulling any punches.

• 
  

  The Verdict: A "corporate cardboard" travesty that earns a measly 1.5 stars.

  
  

• 
  

  The Critique: Despite the success of the first film, Tosin argues this sequel goes backward with a jumbled plot that feels like a series of disconnected video game references.

  
  

• 
  

  The Highlight: The only joy comes from brief snippets of original game music, though they are quickly forgotten.

  
  

• 
  

  Who is it for?: Parents who need 90 minutes of "bright things" to distract their kids while they take a nap.

  
  

With the cinema offering little else, the team turns to the digital world:

• 
  

  Nightmare City (Amazon Prime): Shaun revisits this 1980 Italian cult classic, noted by Quentin Tarantino as an inspiration for Planet Terror. Featuring "infected" people who run and use tools rather than traditional zombies, the film is praised for its story despite "ropey" effects and bad dubbing. It earns a solid 3 stars.

  
  

• 
  

  Thrash (Netflix): Sharon and Holly dive into their shared love for shark movies. Set in Florida during a Category 5 hurricane, the film features bull sharks, a Great White named Nelly, and a meat-packing truck spill that turns the floodwaters into "chum." It’s described as "not good, but enjoyable," landing at 2.75 stars.

  
  

Between a disappointing Mario sequel and a lack of other new theatrical releases, Netflix and Friends take the crown this week.

Join the Conversation!Do you actually think The Super Mario Galaxy Movie was good? We want to hear from you in good faith! Find us on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook at @NetflixvsCinema.

Happy Easter from the NVC crew! After a two-week break, host Tosin is back with Shaun Harris and Holly Nessling to dissect a mountain of new releases. From "food porn" gastro-dramas to chaotic ballet slashers, we’re helping you decide where to spend your post-holiday cash.

On the Big Screen

The cinema picks this week range from star-studded dramas to "marmite" sci-fi:

• Spiltsville
• undertone
• The Drama: Zendaya and Robert Pattinson star in this buzzing A24 flick. The crew dives into the "star power" dynamic and debates whether the central conflict is a high-stakes dilemma or just "rich people problems."
• The Mario Galaxy Movie: Tosin takes the kids to a free screening and... let's just say he’s not a fan. We discuss why this billion-dollar hit might be "worse than the first."

On the Stream

• Last One Laughing Season 2 (Amazon Prime): Shaun breaks down the latest battle of the comedians. We talk about Bob Mortimer’s masterful return and why Diane Morgan is the queen of the "deadpan."
• Inside Man (BBC/Streaming): Holly reviews the Stanley Tucci and David Tennant thriller. Is it a masterclass in tension or just too much "madness"?
• Pretty Lethal: A "madcap" ballet-dancer-meets-Hungarian-gangster movie. Think John Wick with point shoes and razor blades.

The Verdict

In a decisive win for the home viewers, Streaming takes the week with an average score of 3.6 compared to the 3.1 of the big screen.

Enjoying the show? Join the conversation on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube @NetflixVsCinema!

Is Netflix killing cinemas? Each week we weigh up what we've seen in cinemas with what we've watched online at home and figure out which provided the best time. At least, we did before COVID jumped in and declared Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney + and friends the winner.

Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/netflix-vs-cinema/id1448277363

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Welcome back to the podcast where we put the biggest theatrical releases up against the best of home streaming. This week, the full crew—host Tosin, Shaun Harris, Sharon Bollen, and Holly Nessling—are back together and facing a major cinematic disagreement that might just tear the show apart.

On the Big Screen

The crew heads to the cinema to experience what is arguably the biggest film of the week, but not everyone is on board:

• Project Hail Mary: Based on the novel by Andy Weir, this Ryan Gosling-led space epic has caused a massive "schism" on the podcast. Tosin and Sharon are all-in on this emotional and visually immersive journey, praising its dual performance and "transcendent" quality. Shaun, however, found it "pretentious" and "sickly." We dive deep into the science, the relationship between Grace and Rocky, and why this is a must-see on an IMAX screen.
• Ready or Not Here I Come: The follow-up to the 2019 cult hit. While it might not have the surprise factor of the original, the crew discusses how it holds its own and why Samara Weaving continues to dominate the genre.
• They Will Kill You: A chaotic, "Gonzo" secret screening set in a nine-story Gothic hotel. Think Black Snake Moan meets Deadpool with a healthy dose of cartoonish violence and a cast drawn from "out-there" fields.

On the Stream

• Scarpetta (Amazon Prime): A star-studded adaptation of the Patricia Cornwell novels. Despite a cast that includes Nicole Kidman, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Bobby Cannavale, Holly and Tosin find the series a bit "meh." We discuss the "timey-wimey" plot, the odd inclusion of AI, and that frustrating cliffhanger ending.
• The Tower Season 1 (ITVX):
• Badlands: Road to Fury: Shaun digs up this 2014 gem (originally titled Young Ones ). We discuss the sneaky retitling by Amazon and its slow-burn, futuristic Western vibes.

A Fond Farewell

The crew takes a moment to pay tribute to the late Chuck Norris. From Walker, Texas Ranger to the iconic internet memes, we remember a legend who was a massive part of our cinematic childhoods.

The Verdict

In one of our closest races yet, Cinema narrowly edges out the streaming platforms with a score of 3.34 to 2.91. It seems the big-screen experience (and a talking alien spider) was enough to take the win!

Find us on all social media platforms @NetflixVsCinema and let us know: Are you Team Tosin or Team Shaun on Project Hail Mary?

Is Netflix killing cinemas? Each week we weigh up what we've seen in cinemas with what we've watched online at home and figure out which provided the best time. At least, we did before COVID jumped in and declared Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney + and friends the winner.

Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/netflix-vs-cinema/id1448277363

Listen and subscribe on Youtube Music https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8xPMfsDQIDjM70v1Tah6BiKV4E3UQbaK

Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6beXVeSImcgHLsPB22BgE3?si=wdoNI6E0SNqNfoqg4qnw4Q

Support Netflix vs Cinema by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/netflixvscinema

Find out more at https://netflixvscinema.com

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.

Welcome back to another episode of Netflix vs. Cinema, where we help you decide if your hard-earned cash belongs in the movie theater or stays at home on the couch. This week, host Tosin is joined by Shaun Harris , Sharon Bollen , and Holly Nessling to catch up on the latest releases and the fallout from a major awards night.

On the Big Screen

The crew heads to the cinema for a mixed bag of thrills and satire:

• How to Make a Killing : Glenn Powell and Margaret Qualley star in this remake of the 1940s classic Kind Hearts and Coronets . The crew debates the film's pacing and predictability.
• Good Boy (a.k.a. HEEL) : Shaun dives into a secret screening of this bizarre thriller about an attempt to "rehabilitate" a wayward young man. It features extreme character work from Stephen Graham.
• Hoppers : Tosin catches up with Pixar’s latest—a "mental" adventure involving a robot beaver, a shark, and a voice cameo from Meryl Streep.

On the Stream

• Fallout Season 2 (Amazon Prime) : Shaun reports back on the latest journey through the wasteland. We discuss the retro-futuristic aesthetic, the war between factions in Vegas, and why a specific "Elvis" episode had us in hysterics.
• The War Machine (Netflix) : Sharon dives into the newest Alan Ritchson vehicle—a "muscular" action flick that feels like Jack Reacher vs. Aliens .
• Wonderman (Disney+):

The Oscar Rundown

The crew vents their frustrations over the recent Oscar wins. While One Battle After Another took home Best Picture, the team remains firmly in the corner of the "objective genius" of Sinners. Plus, we celebrate wins for Michael B. Jordan, Jessie Buckley, and Amy Madigan.

Ready for more? Follow us on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube at @NetflixVsCinema to join the conversation!

Is Netflix killing cinemas? Each week we weigh up what we've seen in cinemas with what we've watched online at home and figure out which provided the best time. At least, we did before COVID jumped in and declared Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney + and friends the winner.

Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/netflix-vs-cinema/id1448277363

Listen and subscribe on Youtube Music https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8xPMfsDQIDjM70v1Tah6BiKV4E3UQbaK

Listen on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6beXVeSImcgHLsPB22BgE3?si=wdoNI6E0SNqNfoqg4qnw4Q

Support Netflix vs Cinema by contributing to their tip jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/netflixvscinema

Find out more at https://netflixvscinema.com

This podcast is powered by Pinecast.