Forgotten Cinema

This week on Forgotten Cinema: Now Showing, the Mikes head to a galaxy far, far away with "The Mandalorian and Grogu".
Butler comes away enjoying the film more than Field, though both agree it suffers from a bloated runtime and repetitive structure. At nearly 30 to 40 minutes longer than it needs to be, the movie revisits certain emotional and action beats too often without evolving the central dynamic between Mando and Grogu.
Butler also brings up a major plot point and action sequence that feels lifted almost directly from the first season of the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" spinoff "Angel", which he couldn't ignore once noticed.
Even with that, it's still a fun watch. Butler praises the action sequences and especially the IMAX presentation, with the film delivering strong visuals and impressive sound design throughout. Field also finds enjoyment in some of the action and even appreciates one of the film’s callbacks, despite normally disliking that kind of fan service.
Ultimately, both Mikes wonder whether Mando and Grogu may now work better as characters appearing in smaller Indiana Jones-style adventures or as supporting players within larger stories, unless future films are willing to significantly evolve their relationship and formula.
Visually impressive and often entertaining, "The Mandalorian and Grogu" continues the story fans love, even if the franchise may still be searching for its next direction.
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#ForgottenCinema #StarWars #MandalorianAndGrogu #Mandalorian&Grogu #PedroPascal #SigourneyWeaver #DaveFiloni #JonFavreau #Grogu #Mando #Mandalorian #SciFi #NewRelease #FilmDiscussion

This week on Forgotten Cinema, the Mikes fly to Seattle to revisit "Chronicle", the found footage superhero film that shows what happens when ordinary teenagers suddenly gain extraordinary power, but also isn't Spider-Man.
Both Mike Butler and Mike Field still enjoy the film, with Field noting that it remains one of the very few found footage movies he genuinely likes. The concept, performances, and grounded approach to the rise of a super villain help the movie stand apart from most entries in both the found footage and superhero genres.
That said, the rewatch does reveal some issues with the format itself. Butler especially takes issue with how the film randomly pulls footage from security cameras, military footage, and personal recordings without really explaining how all of it has been assembled into one coherent narrative. Unlike most found footage films, where the source and structure of the footage are clearly established, "Chronicle" plays much looser with the concept.
The film’s short runtime is also a bit of a double edged sword. On one hand, the pacing is excellent and the movie never wastes time or drifts away from its core story. On the other hand, both Mikes feel an additional 20 to 30 minutes could have helped flesh out the characters of Matt and Steve, giving more emotional weight to the events that unfold.
Even with those criticisms, "Chronicle" remains a compelling and creative take on the origin of a super villain, combining grounded character drama with powers that feel both exciting and dangerous and the Mikes lament the lack of a proper sequel.
What is your favorite found footage film? Let us know in the comments below!
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🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to podcasts.
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Check out our website: https://www.forgottencinemapodcast.com
0:00 - Introduction
2:28 - Film Facts
8:59 - Film Discussion
29:07 - Reviews
37:21 - Who Would You Recommend This To?
40:06 - Why Is This Forgotten?
42:20 - Plugs
#ForgottenCinema #Chronicle #MichaelBJordan #JoshTrank #SuperHero #SciFi #SuperHeroFilm #Action #MoviePodcast #FilmDiscussion #UnderratedMovies #ClassicFilms

This week on Forgotten Cinema, the Mikes revisit "The Last Castle", the military prison drama starring Robert Redford and James Gandolfini.
Both Mike Butler and Mike Field enjoy the film, with Redford especially standing out. His performance brings a sense of gravitas and quiet leadership that keeps the movie engaging even when the plot becomes familiar. Gandolfini also plays his role as Colonel Winter effectively, bringing intensity and arrogance to the character, though both the role and the story itself lean heavily into predictable “by the numbers” territory.
What elevates the film beyond its formula are the performances from the supporting cast, including Clifton Collins Jr. and Mark Ruffalo, who help give the prison and its inmates a stronger sense of humanity and camaraderie.
While "The Last Castle" may not reinvent the genre, it remains an enjoyable and well-acted drama that succeeds largely because of the strength of its cast and the presence of Redford at the center of it all.
What is your favorite non-Sopranos James Gandolfini role? Let us know in the comments below!
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more Forgotten Cinema content!
🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to podcasts.
✨ Support us on Patreon for exclusive content: www.patreon.com/forgottencinema
🛍️ Grab some Forgotten Cinema merch: www.etsy.com/shop/ForgottenCinemaShop
Check out our website: https://www.forgottencinemapodcast.com
0:00 - Introduction
3:17 - Film Facts
12:08 - Film Discussion
35:50 - Reviews
40:39 - Who Would You Recommend This To?
44:03 - Why Is This Forgotten?
45:26 - Plugs
#ForgottenCinema #TheLastCastle #RobertRedford #JamesGandolfini #MarkRuffalo #CliftonCollinsJr #00sMovies #MilitaryFilm #Thriller #Action #MoviePodcast #FilmDiscussion #UnderratedMovies #ClassicFilms

This week on Forgotten Cinema, the Mikes revisit "Rob Roy", the historical drama that delivers unforgettable performances, incredible dialogue, and one of the most celebrated sword fights ever put to film.
Both Mike Butler and Mike Field think this movie is fantastic, with Field especially loving every minute of it. Butler had never actually seen the full film before, despite studying its famous fight choreography in college, making this viewing both a first-time watch and a long overdue revisit to a scene he already deeply appreciated.
The Mikes praise the cast across the board, with the actors all operating at the top of their game. The film is packed with sharp, memorable dialogue and characters that feel larger than life without losing their humanity. The performances, cinematography, and grounded approach to violence give the story a weight that elevates it far beyond a standard historical epic.
Powerful, quotable, and emotionally driven, "Rob Roy" stands as a gripping drama that deserves far more recognition today.
What are your favorite cinema sword fights (lightsabers excluded)?
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more Forgotten Cinema content!
🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to podcasts.
✨ Support us on Patreon for exclusive content: www.patreon.com/forgottencinema
🛍️ Grab some Forgotten Cinema merch: www.etsy.com/shop/ForgottenCinemaShop
Check out our website: https://www.forgottencinemapodcast.com
0:00 - Introduction
2:10 - Film Facts
7:56 - Film Discussion
36:11 - Reviews
39:54 - Who Would You Recommend This To?
44:09 - Why Is This Forgotten?
48:47 - Plugs
#ForgottenCinema #RobRoy #LiamNeeson #TimRoth #JohnHurt #BrianCox #90sMovies #Epic #Historical #Scottish #Swords #Action #MoviePodcast #FilmDiscussion #UnderratedMovies #ClassicFilms

This week on Forgotten Cinema, the Mikes step into the shadows with "Dark City", the stylish sci-fi noir that has grown into a cult favorite over the years.
Both Mike Butler and Mike Field really like the film, especially its atmosphere, visual design, and ambitious mythology. The movie blends science fiction, noir, and philosophy into a unique world filled with mystery and unsettling imagery. The ideas surrounding memory, identity, and control still make the film fascinating to discuss decades later.
That said, the film is not without its flaws. Some of the late-90s visual effects have aged noticeably, and while the mythology is compelling, certain aspects of it feel underexplained. The Mikes particularly discuss the balance between leaving mysteries open versus simply not giving enough information, especially when it comes to the origins and motivations of "The Strangers."
The conversation also turns toward William Hurt’s detective character, with both wondering whether the film might have been even stronger had it centered more heavily on him as the main protagonist.
Even with those criticisms, "Dark City" remains a visually striking and intellectually engaging sci-fi film that feels ripe for a sequel or series exploring its world and themes in greater depth.
What are some of your theories about "Dark City"?
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more Forgotten Cinema content!
🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you listen to podcasts.
✨ Support us on Patreon for exclusive content: www.patreon.com/forgottencinema
🛍️ Grab some Forgotten Cinema merch: www.etsy.com/shop/ForgottenCinemaShop
Check out our website: https://www.forgottencinemapodcast.com
0:00 - Introduction
3:38 - Film Facts
9:59 - Film Discussion
31:48 - Reviews
37:41 - Who Would You Recommend This To?
42:16 - Why Is This Forgotten?
47:13 - Plugs
#ForgottenCinema #DarkCity #KieferSutherland #RufusSewell #JenniferConnelly #AlexProyas #90sMovies #SciFi #Gothic #Cyberpunk #Thriller #Mystery #Noir #MoviePodcast #FilmDiscussion #UnderratedMovies #ClassicFilms