"Listen, I just really, really need a job." For Episode 403, Thomas and Brandon continue CineNation's Surreal series with Boots Riley's SORRY TO BOTHER YOU. Listen as they talk about Riley's early upbringing, his music career, how his screenplay was discovered, how the Sundance Institute played a part in the film's development process, which Atlanta star was originally cast in the film, a surprising reason why LaKeith Stanfield wanted to do the movie, how they created the film's stunning visual style, and so much more! Also, don't forget to join our Patreon for more exclusive movie content: https://www.patreon.com/cinenation Opening - The Departed - (00:00:10) Recap of the Surreal Genre (00:11:17) Intro to Sorry to Bother You (00:16:00) How Sorry to Bother You Got to Production (00:24:32) Favorite Scenes (00:40:20) On Set Life - (01:19:15) Aftermath: Release and Legacy (01:25:47) What Worked and What Didn't (01:29:21) Film Facts (01:36:45) Awards (01:38:18) Final Questions on the Movie (01:42:22) Wrapping Up the Episode (01:48:43) Contact Us: Facebook: @cinenation Instagram: @cinenationpodcast Twitter/X: @CineNationPod TikTok: @cinenation Letterboxd: CineNation Podcast
14 May 2026, 10:27 am
1 hour 39 minutes
402 - Eraserhead (1977)
"In Heaven, everything is fine." For Episode 402, David and Brandon kick off CineNation's series on Surreal Movies with a quintessential film in the genre, David Lynch's Eraserhead. Listen to hear them discuss Lynch's early life, how his time at AFI Conservatory played a part in making Eraserhead, how the city of Philadelphia inspired him for the film, how the production team used Los Angeles with very little money, how the sound design was created for the film, how the film became a midnight favorite, and so much more! Also, don't forget to join our Patreon for more exclusive movie content: https://www.patreon.com/cinenation Opening - Mike Flanagan and David Gordon Green (00:00:10) Intro to the Surrealism Genre (00:08:41) Intro to Eraserhead (00:19:31) How Eraserhead Got to Production (00:25:57) Favorite Scenes (00:36:48) On Set Life - (01:01:48) Aftermath: Release and Legacy (01:16:10) What Worked and What Didn't (01:24:06) Film Facts (01:29:32) Awards (01:31:28) Final Questions on the Movie (01:34:26) Wrapping Up the Episode (01:37:41) Contact Us: Facebook: @cinenation Instagram: @cinenationpodcast Twitter/X: @CineNationPod TikTok: @cinenation Letterboxd: CineNation Podcast
7 May 2026, 11:37 am
2 hours 1 minute
401 - Alien (1979)
"In space, no one can hear you scream." For Episode 401, Brandon and Thomas conclude CineNation's series on Alien movies with Ridley Scott's ALIEN. Listen as they discuss Roy O'Bannon's journey writing the movie, how the failed production of Jodorowsky's Dune impacted the film, which directors were offered the director's chair before Scott, which up and coming A-List actress was considered for Ripley, how they created the film's incredible sets, the shocking reactions audiences and critics had to the film, and so much more! Also, don't forget to join our Patreon for more exclusive movie content: https://www.patreon.com/cinenation Opening - Brandon Watched Project Hail Mary (00:00:10) Recap of the Alien Genre (00:09:49) Intro to Alien (00:14:01) How Alien Got to Production (00:24:07) Favorite Scenes (00:41:34) On Set Life - (01:13:34) Aftermath: Release and Legacy (01:28:47) What Worked and What Didn't (01:40:00) Film Facts (01:43:37) Awards (01:45:43) Final Questions on the Movie (01:50:12) Final Genre Questions (01:54:16) Wrapping Up the Episode (01:59:34) Contact Us: Facebook: @cinenation Instagram: @cinenationpodcast Twitter/X: @CineNationPod TikTok: @cinenation Letterboxd: CineNation Podcast
30 April 2026, 11:06 am
1 hour 54 minutes
400 - E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
"E.T. phone home" For Episode 400, Brandon, Thomas, and David celebrate over a decade of CineNation with Steven Spielberg's E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, as part of the show's series on Alien movies. Listen as they discuss how E.T. was going to be Spielberg's first try at The Fablemans, how a failed Close Encounters sequel inspired multiple Spielberg movies, the unique way Melissa Mathieson worked with Spielberg on the script, why Columbia Pictures sold the rights to the movie during pre-production, how Spielberg and the casting team found the talented child actors like Drew Barrymore, how the film was the first feature film by several of the department heads, and so much more! Thank you to everyone who has been a part of the CineNation Podcast, and to the people who continously support us! Also, apologies if the audio sounds a little off in spots. Brandon's recorder, which he's been using for years, stopped working during the recording. We apologize for the quality in moments. Use the code cinenation15 on thecinevault.com to get 15% off your online purchase! Also, don't forget to join our Patreon for more exclusive movie content: https://www.patreon.com/cinenation Opening - CineNation's 400th (00:00:10) Recap of the Alien Genre (00:03:42) Intro to E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (00:08:42) How E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial Got to Production (00:13:15) Favorite Scenes (00:30:52) On Set Life - (01:07:34) Aftermath: Release and Legacy (01:16:20) What Worked and What Didn't (01:23:00) Film Facts (01:31:27) Awards (01:35:26) Final Questions on the Movie (01:40:44) Celebrating 400 Episodes (01:45:43) Wrapping Up the Episode (01:53:33) Contact Us: Facebook: @cinenation Instagram: @cinenationpodcast Twitter/X: @CineNationPod TikTok: @cinenation Letterboxd: CineNation Podcast
23 April 2026, 8:43 am
1 hour 37 minutes
399 - Arrival (2016)
"There are days that define your story beyond your life." For Episode 399, Brandon and David are joined by Paige Klaniecki to continue CineNatin's series on Aliens with ARRIVAL. Listen as the trio discuss a screenwriter's determination to get the movie made, how it was pivotal shift in Denis Villeneuve's career, why Amy Adams got involved in the movie, how they created a "Dirty Sci-Fi" look for the film, how they incorporated linguistics into the film, why some believed Adams was snubbed at the Oscars, and so much more! Get your tickets today for our screening of William Friedkin's SORCERER at Landmark's Nuart Theatre on April 17th: https://tinyurl.com/sorcerer-nuart Use the code cinenation15 on thecinevault.com to get 15% off your online purchase! Also, don't forget to join our Patreon for more exclusive movie content: https://www.patreon.com/cinenation Sorcerer at the Nuart (00:00:00) Opening - Artemis II (00:00:37) Introducing Paige Klaniecki (00:02:48) Recap of the Alien Genre (00:03:18) Intro to Arrival (00:06:11) How Arrival Got to Production (00:12:15) Favorite Scenes (00:28:07) On Set Life - (01:01:47) Aftermath: Release and Legacy (01:10:52) What Worked and What Didn't (01:16:32) Film Facts (01:22:11) Awards (01:22:54) Final Questions on the Movie (01:28:52) Wrapping Up the Episode (01:35:57) Contact Us: Facebook: @cinenation Instagram: @cinenationpodcast Twitter/X: @CineNationPod TikTok: @cinenation Letterboxd: CineNation Podcast Visit https://www.missionrejected.com to find out more about Mission: Rejected!
16 April 2026, 8:57 am
2 hours 1 minute
398 - Men in Black (1997)
"We live in secret, we exist in shadow." For Episode 398, Thomas and Brandon continue CineNation's series on Alien movies with the 1997 blockbuster MEN IN BLACK. Listen as they discuss how the story originated as a small comic book, which actors almost ended up in the film over Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith, the rise of Will Smith, how Steven Spielberg got involved in the project, how Oscar-winning make-up artist Rick Baker created the film's memorable creature effects, what inspired Vincent D'Onofrio's performance, and so much more! Get your tickets today for our screening of William Friedkin's SORCERER at Landmark's Nuart Theatre on April 17th: https://tinyurl.com/sorcerer-nuart Use the code cinenation15 on thecinevault.com to get 15% off your online purchase! Also, don't forget to join our Patreon for more exclusive movie content: https://www.patreon.com/cinenation Sorcerer at the Nuart (00:00:00) Opening - Project Hail Mary (00:00:37) Recap of the Alien Genre (00:08:05) Intro to Men in Black (00:13:54) How Men in Black Got to Production (00:24:17) Favorite Scenes (00:38:31) On Set Life - (01:12:44) Aftermath: Release and Legacy (01:23:50) What Worked and What Didn't (01:36:06) Film Facts (01:44:49) Awards (01:52:03) Final Questions on the Movie (01:54:38) Wrapping Up the Episode (01:59:27) Contact Us: Facebook: @cinenation Instagram: @cinenationpodcast Twitter/X: @CineNationPod TikTok: @cinenation Letterboxd: CineNation Podcast
9 April 2026, 11:07 am
1 hour 59 minutes
397 - Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
"I guess you've noticed something a little strange with Dad." For Episode 397, David and Brandon kick off CineNation's series on Alien movies with Steven Spielberg's classic film, CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND. Listen as they discuss Spielberg's early interest in UFOs, the numerous writers that attemped the story, which A-list actors turned the movie down, why the film ended up filming in Alabama, the troubles between the producers, what deal Spielberg made with two of his best friends, and so much more! Use the code cinenation15 on thecinevault.com to get 15% off your online purchase! Also, don't forget to join our Patreon for more exclusive movie content: https://www.patreon.com/cinenation Opening - Spielberg and High School Entertainment (00:00:10) Intro to the Alien Genre (00:09:51) Intro to Close Encounters of the Third Kind (00:15:52) How Close Encounters of the Third Kind Got to Production (00:21:38) Favorite Scenes (00:35:25) On Set Life - (01:14:29) Aftermath: Release and Legacy (01:21:20) What Worked and What Didn't (01:37:37) Film Facts (01:41:46) Awards (01:46:00) Final Questions on the Movie (01:52:39) Wrapping Up the Episode (01:58:28) Contact Us: Facebook: @cinenation Instagram: @cinenationpodcast Twitter/X: @CineNationPod TikTok: @cinenation Letterboxd: CineNation Podcast
2 April 2026, 10:56 am
1 hour 57 minutes
396 - Bottoms (2023)
"Could the ugly, untalented gays please report to the principal's office?" For Episode 396, Thomas and Brandon close out CineNation's series on Teen Sex Comedies. Listen as they discuss their favorite modern take on the popular genre with 2023's BOTTOMS. Find out more about the movie as they discuss how Rachel Sennott and Emma Seligman came up with the idea, how Ayo Edebiri got involved in the movie, the process of casting the film, how the Catholic Church in New Orleans tried to stop the film, how NFL legend Marshawn Lynch ended up in the film, how test screenings changed the movie, how the SAG strike affected the film, and so much more! Use the code cinenation15 on thecinevault.com to get 15% off your online purchase! Also, don't forget to join our Patreon for more exclusive movie content: https://www.patreon.com/cinenation Opening - Richard Gere and Movie 43 (00:00:10) Recap of the Sex Comedy Genre (00:08:54) Intro to Bottoms (00:14:12) How Bottoms Got to Production (00:21:35) Favorite Scenes (00:38:52) On Set Life - (01:11:43) Aftermath: Release and Legacy (01:21:08) What Worked and What Didn't (01:23:39) Film Facts (01:31:41) Awards (01:34:44) Final Questions on the Movie (01:42:02) Final Genre Questions (01:47:01) Wrapping Up the Episode (01:56:30) Contact Us: Facebook: @cinenation Instagram: @cinenationpodcast Twitter/X: @CineNationPod TikTok: @cinenation Letterboxd: CineNation Podcast
26 March 2026, 10:21 am
1 hour 51 minutes
395 - American Pie (1999)
"It's not a space shuttle launch, it's sex." For Episode 395, Brandon, Thomas, and David continue their series on Sex Comedies with the quinessential 90s film AMERICAN PIE. Listen as the trio discuss how screenwriter Adam Herz came up with the idea for the film, how the movie was fast tracked into production, which TV hearthrob was considered for the lead role, how the famous pie scene would up in the movie, why Eugene Levy was hesitate to star in the film, what critics felt about the film in the moment, how it inspired a massive franchise, and more! Use the code cinenation15 on thecinevault.com to get 15% off your online purchase! Also, don't forget to join our Patreon for more exclusive movie content: https://www.patreon.com/cinenation Opening - Boogie Nights - (00:00:10) Recap of the Sex Comedy Genre (00:05:01) Intro to American Pie (00:10:08) How American Pie Got to Production (00:19:12) Favorite Scenes (00:36:07) On Set Life - (01:21:42) Aftermath: Release and Legacy (01:28:13) What Worked and What Didn't (01:35:05) Film Facts (01:40:13) Awards (01:41:04) Final Questions on the Movie (01:50:58) Wrapping Up the Episode (01:49:44) Contact Us: Facebook: @cinenation Instagram: @cinenationpodcast Twitter/X: @CineNationPod TikTok: @cinenation Letterboxd: CineNation Podcast
19 March 2026, 11:05 am
1 hour 58 minutes
394 - Risky Business (1983)
"Time of your life, huh, kid?" For Episode 394, Brandon and Thomas continue CineNation's series on Sex Comedies with RISKY BUSINESS. Listen as they discuss Paul Brickman's time writing the script, how many future A-list stars auditioned for the role, how Tom Cruise landed the role, who had an affair on the set of the film, how Brickman and Cruise came up with the idea for the Bob Seger, why Sean Penn found himself on the set for several weeks, the fights during post-production regarding the ending, and so much more! Use the code cinenation15 on thecinevault.com to get 15% off your online purchase! Also, don't forget to join our Patreon for more exclusive movie content: https://www.patreon.com/cinenation Opening - Scream 4, Supernatural, and More (00:00:10) Recap of the Sex Comedy Genre (00:08:41) Intro to Risky Business (00:15:59) How Risky Business Got to Production (00:23:29) Favorite Scenes (00:46:56) On Set Life - (01:27:05) Aftermath: Release and Legacy (01:37:50) What Worked and What Didn't (01:44:04) Film Facts (01:46:03) Awards (01:47:20) Final Questions on the Movie (01:52:26) Wrapping Up the Episode (01:57:17) Contact Us: Facebook: @cinenation Instagram: @cinenationpodcast Twitter/X: @CineNationPod TikTok: @cinenation Letterboxd: CineNation Podcast
12 March 2026, 10:19 am
2 hours 5 minutes
393 - Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)
"Anyone can have sex." For Episode 393, David and Brandon start off CineNation's Sex Comedy series with one of the quintessential high school movies of the 1980s, FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH. Listen as they discuss Cameron Crowe going undercover at a high school, which director was originally up for the film, the massive casting sessions for the film, Sean Penn's wild method acting techniques on-set, how Amy Heckerling made changes to Crowe's original story, the process of getting the popular music for the film, why Universal executives were so against the project, and so much more! Use the code cinenation15 on thecinevault.com to get 15% off your online purchase! Also, don't forget to join our Patreon for more exclusive movie content: https://www.patreon.com/cinenation Opening - Neon and A24 (00:00:10) Intro to the Sex Comedy Genre (00:06:45) Intro to Fast Times at the Ridgemont High (00:13:34) How Fast Times at the Ridgemont High Got to Production (00:24:23) Favorite Scenes (00:51:14) On Set Life - (01:27:52) Aftermath: Release and Legacy (01:35:46) What Worked and What Didn't (01:46:55) Film Facts (01:51:41) Awards (01:54:23) Final Questions on the Movie (02:00:37) Wrapping Up the Episode (02:05:14) Contact Us: Facebook: @cinenation Instagram: @cinenationpodcast Twitter/X: @CineNationPod TikTok: @cinenation Letterboxd: CineNation Podcast