The Martini Scale: Movies Over Martinis
By Shawn Feeney, Natalie Masciale
The Martini Scale: Movies Over MartinisOct 15, 2020
Kate // The Unholy (2021)
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn discuss:
The Unholy is a 2021 supernatural horror film, produced by Sam Rami, directed by first time director Evan Spiliotopoulos. Starring, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Katie Aselton, and a bunch of other people you’ve probably never heard of…the film follows a disgraced journalist who discovers a series of seemingly divine miracles in a small New England town and uses them to resurrect his career, but the ‘miracles’ may have a much darker source. Unholy is currently available for rent or purchase on all streaming platforms.
Kate is a 2021 action thriller, directed by Cedric Nicholas-Tryoan and stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Mike Martineau and Woody Harrelson. The film follows and assassin whose mentor and handler assigns her to kill a high-ranking yakuza boss. During Kate's final mission, she finds out that she has been poisoned and only has 24 hours to live, so she uses her last hours to get revenge and find out who set her up. Kate is currently streaming on Netflix.
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Malignant // Vacation Friends (2021)
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn discuss:
Vacation Friends, a 2021 comedy Currently streaming on Hulu, about a couple who travel to a tropical destination, only to find themselves accidentally befriending a wild and crazy couple who turn their lives upside down. It stars Lil Rel Howery, John Cena, Yvonne Orji, Meredith Hagner, Robert Wisdom, Lynn Whitfield, and Andrew Bachelor.
Malignant, which is a 2021 horror film currently streaming on HBO MAX, and stars Annabelle Wallis as a woman who begins to have visions of people getting murdered, only to realize the events are happening in real life. Maddie Hasson, George Young, and Jacqueline McKenzie also star.
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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@zola (2021)
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this special Indie Spotlight episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn discuss:
Zola (stylized as @zola) is a 2020 American black comedy, based on a viral Twitter thread by Aziah "Zola" King and the resulting Rolling Stone article "Zola Tells All: The Real Story Behind the Greatest Stripper Saga Ever Tweeted" by David Kushner. Directed by Janicza Bravo, from a screenplay by Bravo and Jeremy O. Harris, it stars Taylour Paige as Zola, a part-time stripper who is convinced by her new friend (Riley Keough) to travel to Tampa, Florida, in order to earn money, only to get in over her head; Colman Domingo, Nicholas Braun, and Ari'el Stachel also star.
The film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2020, and was released in the United States on June 30, 2021 by A24, and is currently in theaters and available for rent on streaming platforms.
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Black Widow // A Quiet Place Part 2 (2021)
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn discuss:
Black Widow is a 2021 superhero film from Marvel Comics, produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures; the 24th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The film was directed by Cate Shortland from a screenplay by Eric Pearson, and stars Scarlett Johansson, alongside Florence Pugh, David Harbour, and Rachel Weisz. Set promptly after the events of Captain America: Civil War the film sees Black Widow on the run and forced to confront a conspiracy tied to her past. Black Widow is currently in theaters, and streaming on Disney Plus.
A Quiet Place 2 is a 2021 horror film, and the sequel to 2018's A Quiet Place, following the family from the first film as they continue to navigate and survive in a post-apocalyptic world inhabited by blind aliens with an acute sense of hearing. The film was written, produced, and directed by John Krasinski. Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, and Noah Jupe reprise their roles from the first film. A Quiet Place 2 is currently in theaters, and is streaming on Paramount Plus. It is also available for purchase on digital platforms.
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Top Disaster Films
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn are BACK after a brief hiatus. Since the last several months have been such a disaster, we thought it would be fun on our first episode back to discuss our favorite disaster movies, while drinking a very special martini: The Natstroid
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Palmer (2021) // The Little Things (2021)
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn discuss:
Palmer (AppleTV+) - A 2021 American drama film directed by Fisher Stevens and written by Cheryl Guerriero. It stars Justin Timberlake as a former college football star, now an ex-convict, who starts to mentor and slowly become a father-figure to a young boy (Ryder Allen); Alisha Wainwright, June Squibb, and Juno Temple also star.
The Little Things (HBO Max) - A 2021 American neo-noir crime thriller film written and directed by John Lee Hancock and produced by Hancock and Mark Johnson. Set in 1990 Los Angeles, the film follows two detectives (Denzel Washington and Rami Malek) who investigate a string of murders, which lead them to a strange loner who may be the culprit (Jared Leto); Chris Bauer, Michael Hyatt, Terry Kinney, and Natalie Morales also star.
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Valentine's Day: Movies for Single People
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this special Valentine's Day episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn each discuss their favorite movies for single people to enjoy.
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Tom Cruise: Our Favorites
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn each discuss their favorite Tom Cruise films.
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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Best & Worst of 2020 // 2021 Preview
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn recap their favorite (and least favorite) films from the dumpster-fire year that was 2020, and preview the films they are looking forward to in 2021.
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn discuss:
Wonder Woman 1984 (stylized as WW84) - A 2020 American superhero film based on the DC Comics character Wonder Woman. It is the sequel to 2017's Wonder Woman and the ninth installment in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). The film is directed by Patty Jenkins from a script she wrote with Geoff Johns and David Callaham, based on a story by Johns and Jenkins. Gal Gadot stars as Diana Prince / Wonder Woman, alongside Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig, Pedro Pascal, Robin Wright, and Connie Nielsen. Set in 1984 during the Cold War, the film follows Diana and her past love Steve Trevor as they face off against Max Lord and Cheetah.
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T E N E T (2020)
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn discuss:
Tenet - A 2020 science fiction action-thriller film written and directed by Christopher Nolan, who produced it with Emma Thomas. A co-production between the United Kingdom and United States, it stars John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Dimple Kapadia, Michael Caine, and Kenneth Branagh. The plot follows a secret agent as he manipulates the flow of time to prevent World War III.
We also discuss the future of moviegoing now that HBO Max has decided to release the 2021 Warner Brothers slate of films on their platform.
Check out the Kara Swisher interview w/ Time Warner CEO, Jason Kilar.
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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Indie Spotlight: Black Bear (2020)
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this special "Indie Spotlight" episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn discuss:
Black Bear - A 2020 American comedy-drama thriller written and directed by Lawrence Michael Levine. It stars Aubrey Plaza, Christopher Abbott, Sarah Gadon, Paola Lázaro and Grantham Coleman.
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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Christmas Extravaganza 2020
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn discuss:
Holidate (Netflix) - A 2020 romantic comedy holiday film, directed by John Whitesell, from a screenplay by Tiffany Paulsen. It stars Emma Roberts, Luke Bracey, Jake Manley, Jessica Capshaw, Andrew Bachelor, Frances Fisher, Manish Dayal and Kristin Chenoweth.
Happiest Season (Hulu) - A romantic comedy film directed by Clea DuVall, from a screenplay written by DuVall and Mary Holland. The film stars Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, Dan Levy, Holland, Victor Garber, and Mary Steenburgen.
The Princess Switch (Parts 1&2; Netflix) - A Christmas romantic comedy directed by Mike Rohl, starring Vanessa Hudgens, Sam Palladio, Suanne Braun, and Nick Sagar.
The Christmas Chronicles (Parts 1&2; Netflix) - A Christmas comedy film directed and produced by Chris Columbus, who wrote the screenplay with Matt Lieberman, starring Kurt Russell, Goldie Hawn, Darby Camp, Judah Lewis, and Kimberly Williams-Paisley.
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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Possessor (2020) // A Rainy Day in New York (2020)
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn discuss:
A Rainy Day in New York (available on demand)- A 2019 American romantic comedy film written and directed by Woody Allen. It stars Timothée Chalamet, Elle Fanning, Selena Gomez, Jude Law, Diego Luna, and Liev Schreiber. It follows the romantic exploits of a young college student (Chalamet) on a weekend trip in his hometown of New York City, trying to further bond with his college girlfriend (Fanning) while she is in the city to interview a famous film director (Schreiber).
Possessor (available on demand) - A 2020 science fiction psychological horror film[4] written and directed by Brandon Cronenberg. An international co-production of the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada, the film stars Andrea Riseborough, Christopher Abbott, Rossif Sutherland, Tuppence Middleton, Sean Bean, and Jennifer Jason Leigh.
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Nicole Kidman: Our Favorites
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn each discuss their favorite Nicole Kidman films.
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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Rebecca (2020) // On the Rocks (2020)
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn discuss:
On the Rocks (Apple TV+) - A 2020 American comedy-drama film written and directed by Sofia Coppola. It follows a father and daughter (Bill Murray and Rashida Jones) as they tail her suspicious husband (Marlon Wayans). The film had its world premiere at the New York Film Festival on September 22, 2020, and was released in a limited theatrical release on October 2, 2020, by A24, followed by digital streaming on October 23, 2020, by Apple TV+.
Rebecca (Netflix) - A 2020 British romantic thriller film directed by Ben Wheatley from a screenplay by Jane Goldman, Joe Shrapnel, and Anna Waterhouse. The film is based on the 1938 novel of the same name by Daphne du Maurier and stars Lily James, Armie Hammer, Kristin Scott Thomas, Keeley Hawes, Ann Dowd, and Sam Riley.
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Halloween Special: Top Horror Killers
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn celebrate Halloween with special guests Jim and Luke from the Con Guy and Scare Guy podcasts, and discuss our top horror movie killers.
For more information on the Con Guy and Scare Guy podcasts, visit http://theconguy.com
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Faith Based (2020) // The Exorcist (1973) // The Cleansing Hour (2020)
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn continue their "Horror October" series, which features an entire month of horror-themed surprises. This week, they are joined by special guest Vincent Masciale, Director of the 2020 film, "Faith Based". Follow Vince on Instagram @vincentmasciale // For more information on Faith Based, please visit http://geni.us/faithbased/
In this episode, we discuss:
Faith Based - A 2020 comedy that focuses on two slacker friends who come to the realization that every low budget Christian movie starring 90's TV actors makes millions of dollars. They soon set out on a mission to make "A Prayer in Space", the story of the first prayer ever to be prayed...in space. Directed by Vincent Masciale, and starring Luke Barnett, Tanner Thomason, Jason Alexander, Margaret Cho, David Koechner, and Lance Reddick, Faith Based is available now on all streaming platforms.
The Exorcist - A 1973 American supernatural horror film directed by William Friedkin. Starring Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Lee J. Cobb, Kitty Winn, Jack MacGowran (in his final film role), Jason Miller and Linda Blair. It is the first installment in The Exorcist film series, and follows the demonic possession of a 12-year-old girl and her mother's attempt to rescue her through an exorcism conducted by two priests.
The Cleansing Hour - A 2019 horror film directed by Damien LeVeck, starring Ryan Guzman and Kyle Gallner star as childhood friends Max and Drew host The Cleansing Hour, a popular livestream show where "Father Max" exorcises a possessed person each episode.
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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The Conjuring Part I (2013) and II (2016)
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn continue their "Horror October" series, which features an entire month of horror-themed surprises.
In this episode they discuss parts 1 and 2 of The Conjuring.
The Conjuring - A 2013 American supernatural horror film directed by James Wan and written by Chad Hayes and Carey W. Hayes. It is the inaugural film in the Conjuring Universe franchise. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga star as Ed and Lorraine Warren, paranormal investigators and authors associated with prominent cases of haunting. Their purportedly real-life reports inspired The Amityville Horror story and film franchise. The Warrens come to the assistance of the Perron family, who experienced increasingly disturbing events in their farmhouse in Rhode Island in 1971.
The Conjuring 2 - A 2016 American supernatural horror film, directed by James Wan. The screenplay is by Chad Hayes, Carey W. Hayes, Wan, and David Leslie Johnson. It is the sequel to 2013's The Conjuring, the second installment in The Conjuring series, and the third installment in the Conjuring Universe franchise. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga reprise their roles as paranormal investigators and authors Ed and Lorraine Warren from the first film. The film follows the Warrens as they travel to the United Kingdom to assist the Hodgson family, who are experiencing poltergeist activity at their Enfield council house in 1977 which later became referred to as the Enfield poltergeist.
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The Babysitter (2017) // The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020)
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn kick off their "Horror October" series, which features an entire month of horror-themed surprises. First up is a look at the 2017 hit "The Babysitter", and its 2020 sequel "The Babysitter: Killer Queen", both directed by McG, and starring Samara Weaving, Judah Lewis, Hana Mae Lee, Robbie Amell, and Bella Thorne.
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VOTE ~ 2020: A Special Episode
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn celebrate all things democracy, and why your vote is so important in 2020, and are joined by special guest Krysta Masciale: host of the new show, "Rebranding America".
We also discuss some of our favorite political-themed films and documentaries:
>Movies:
-All The President's Men
-Citizen Ruth
-The American President
-Dave
>Documentaries:
-Coastal Elites (HBOMax)
-Agents of Chaos (HBOMax)
-Whose Vote Counts - Explained (Netflix)
//
Below are some additional resources to educate friends, family, and acquaintances. You can also learn more about how you can volunteer to be a poll worker, or make phone calls or send texts on behalf of your local representatives, senate, or presidential candidate.
vote.org - You can register to vote, check your registration status, find your polling place, check for mail-in voting deadlines in your state, and so much more.
VoteSaveAmerica.com - Another great resource where you can learn more about all the candidates—you can even adopt a swing state, and work to educate voters in these states on how to make an informed decision, and help them get to the polls on Election Day. All from the comfort of your home.
//
Krysta Masciale - Rebranding America:
Follow Krysta on Instagram @krystamasciale
//
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The Devil All the Time // Strange but True (Netflix, 2020)
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In the latest edition of our Netflix OR Chill series, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn discuss:
The Devil All the Time - A 2020 American psychological thriller that examines themes of evil, religion, and the abuse of power in rural small-town America. It is based on the novel of the same name by Donald Ray Pollock, who also serves as the film's narrator. The film was directed by Antonio Campos from a screenplay that he co-written with his brother Paulo Campos. The cast includes Tom Holland, Bill Skarsgård, Riley Keough, Jason Clarke, Sebastian Stan, Haley Bennett, Eliza Scanlen, Mia Wasikowska and Robert Pattinson whose stories are told as the narratives weave together.
Strange but True - A 2019 noir-thriller directed by Rowan Athale from a screenplay by Eric Garcia. The film is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by John Searles and stars Amy Ryan, Nick Robinson, Margaret Qualley, Blythe Danner, Brian Cox, Greg Kinnear and Connor Jessup.
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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Our Favorite Documentaries
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, join Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn as we discuss some of our favorite documentaries, all of which are currently available to stream on the platforms noted below:
>>HBOMAX:
Class Action Park
Selena + Chef
Expecting Amy
I Love You, Now Die
I’ll Be Gone in the Dark
The Vow
>>NETFLIX:
The Social Dilemma
Fire in Paradise
13th
Heal
A Secret Love
Crip Camp
Trials of Gabriel Hernandez
Athlete A
Jeffrey Epstein (Filthy Rich)
Hello, Privilege. It’s me Chelsea
The Last Dance
McMillions
Down to Earth w/ Zac Efron
Cheer
Disclosure
>>HULU:
Spaceship Earth
Three Identical Strangers
>>SHOWTIME:
Love Fraud
>>Apple TV+:
Boys State
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We have a special episode planned in the coming weeks, and would love your participation! Please send a quick voice memo/message to themartiniscale@gmail.com and tell us why you are voting in November.
//
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Love, Guaranteed // Project Power (Netflix, 2020)
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In the latest edition of our Netflix OR Chill series, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn discuss:
Love, Guaranteed - A 2020 romantic comedy film directed by Mark Steven Johnson and written by Elizabeth Hackett and Hilary Galanoy, starring Rachael Leigh Cook and Damon Wayans Jr.
Project Power - A 2020 superhero film directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, produced by Eric Newmanand, Bryan Unkeless, and written by Mattson Tomlin. It stars Jamie Foxx, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Dominique Fishback.
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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The Best of Jennifer Aniston (with The Girl Crush Podcast)
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn discuss their favorite Jennifer Aniston films with special guests, Ally and Anne from the Girl Crush podcast.
For more information on the Girl Crush podcast, follow them on Instagram @girlcrush_pod
Take the Buzzfeed/Girl Crush Jennifer Aniston quiz
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Movies We Never Want to See Again
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn discuss our list of films that we never want to see again.
Note: This bonus episode is from the archives, and was recorded (pre-quarantine) in the Fall of 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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The Rental (2020) // Vivarium (2019)
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, we discuss:
The Rental - A 2020 American horror film co-produced and directed by Dave Franco, in his directorial debut. Franco co-wrote the screenplay with Joe Swanberg, based on a story by Franco, Swanberg, and Mike Demski. It stars Dan Stevens, Alison Brie, Sheila Vand, Jeremy Allen White, and Toby Huss, and follows two couples who begin to suspect they're being watched in the house they rented.
Vivarium - A 2019 science fiction psychological horror film directed by Lorcan Finnegan, from a story by Finnegan and Garret Shanley. An international co-production between Ireland, Denmark and Belgium, the film stars Imogen Poots and Jesse Eisenberg. It is loosely based on Finnegan and Shanley's short horror film, Foxes.
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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Top 10 Summer Blockbusters (with The Con Guy Podcast)
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn join the Con Guy podcast (virtually) to countdown our top 10 summer blockbusters of all-time.
To watch this episode on YouTube, visit https://youtu.be/g3jT0C_kA-k
For more information on the Con Guy podcast, visit http://theconguy.com
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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Will Smith: Our Top 5
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn each discuss their top 5 Will Smith movies.
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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Greyhound // The Old Guard (2020)
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, we discuss:
The Old Guard (Netflix/2020) - An action film directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and written by Greg Rucka, based on his comic book of the same name. The film stars Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, Matthias Schoenaerts, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, Harry Melling, Van Veronica Ngo and Chiwetel Ejiofor, and follows a team of immortal mercenaries that go on a revenge mission.
Greyhound (Apple TV Plus/2020) - A war film directed by Aaron Schneider and starring Tom Hanks, who also wrote the screenplay. The film is based on the 1955 novel The Good Shepherd by C. S. Forester, and also stars Stephen Graham, Rob Morgan, and Elisabeth Shue. The plot follows a US Navy Commander on his first war-time assignment in command of a multi-national escort group defending a merchant ship convoy under attack by submarines in early-1942 during the Battle of the Atlantic, only months after the U.S. officially entered World War II.
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Palm Springs // The King of Staten Island (2020)
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, we discuss:
Palm Springs - A 2020 science fiction romantic comedy directed by Max Barbakow, in his directorial debut. It stars Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti, Peter Gallagher, and J. K. Simmons, and follows two strangers who meet at a Palm Springs wedding only to get stuck in a time loop. The film had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 26, 2020, and was released on July 10, 2020 by Neon via Hulu.
The King of Staten Island - A 2020 dramatic comedy directed by Judd Apatow, from a screenplay by Apatow, Pete Davidson, and Dave Sirus. It stars Davidson, Marisa Tomei, Bill Burr, Bel Powley, Maude Apatow, and Steve Buscemi, and follows a young man who must get his life together after his mom starts dating a new man who, like his deceased father, is a firefighter.
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Pride 2020: Our Favorite LGBTQ Films
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, we celebrate Pride 2020 with a discussion of some of our favorite LGBTQ films, including:
-Call Me By Your Name
-Love, Simon
-Straight Up
-The Normal Heart
-The Object of My Affection
-4th Man Out
-But I'm a Cheerleader
-The Birdcage
-The Thing About Harry
-Chasing Amy
-Brokeback Mountain
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What We're Streaming: TV Edition (Part II)
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, we take a break from our normal format to discuss some of our favorite TV SHOWS for Part II of we've been streaming while in quarantine.
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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What We're Streaming: TV Edition
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, we take a break from our normal format to discuss some of our favorite TV SHOWS we've been streaming while in quarantine.
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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The Lovebirds // The Wrong Missy (Netflix, 2020)
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In the latest installment of our Netflix *OR* Chill series Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn discuss the Netflix films:
The Wrong Missy - A 2020 comedy directed by Tyler Spindel, with a screenplay by Chris Pappas and Kevin Barnett. It stars David Spade and Lauren Lapkus, and was released on Netflix in May 2020.
The Lovebirds - A 2020 romantic comedy directed by Michael Showalter from a screenplay by Aaron Abrams and Brendan Gall, and a story by Abrams, Gall, and Martin Gero. The film stars Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani, as well as Paul Sparks, Anna Camp, and Kyle Bornheimer, and follows a couple who goes on the run after witnessing a murder.
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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Movies You Might Have Missed: Fan Picks from "Victor Justice"
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
This week, our favorite fan, "Victor Justice" (you really have to listen to the whole show) picks the films we discuss:
Moon - A 2009 science fiction film directed by Duncan Jones (in his directorial debut) and written by Nathan Parker from a story by Jones. The film follows Sam Bell (Sam Rockwell), a man who experiences a personal crisis as he nears the end of a three-year solitary stint mining helium-3 on the far side of the Moon. Kevin Spacey voices Sam's robot companion, GERTY.
Funny Games - A 2007 internationally co-produced psychological thriller film written and directed by Michael Haneke, an Austrian, and a remake of his own 1997 film of the same name. Naomi Watts, Tim Roth, Michael Pitt, and Brady Corbet star in the main roles.
Shot Caller - A 2017 American crime thriller film directed and written by Ric Roman Waugh. The film chronicles the transformation of a well-to-do family man into a hardened prison gangster, undergone to survive California's penal system after he is incarcerated for his role in a deadly DUI car accident. The film stars Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Omari Hardwick, Lake Bell, Jon Bernthal, Emory Cohen, Jeffrey Donovan, and Evan Jones, with Benjamin Bratt, and Holt McCallany.
You can check out the entire list of suggested films via LETTERBOXD: https://boxd.it/5ceXQ
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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Love, Wedding, Repeat // Extraction (Netflix, 2020)
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In the latest installment of our Netflix *OR* Chill series Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn discuss the Netflix films:
Love Wedding Repeat - A 2020 romantic comedy written and directed by Dean Craig, in his feature directorial debut. A remake of the 2012 French romantic comedy film Plan de Table, the film stars Sam Claflin, Olivia Munn and Eleanor Tomlinson.
Extraction - A 2020 action thriller directed by Sam Hargrave and screenplay by Joe Russo, based on the graphic novel Ciudad by Ande Parks, Joe Russo, Anthony Russo, Fernando Leon Gonzalez, and Eric Skillman. The film stars Chris Hemsworth, Rudhraksh Jaiswal, Randeep Hooda, Golshifteh Farahani, Pankaj Tripathi, Priyanshu Painyuli and David Harbour.
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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Movies You Might Have Missed: Feel-Good Movies
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn continue with the next installment of our latest series: Movies You Might Have Missed, where we discuss some films you…Might have missed. Each film is available on various streaming platforms for you to enjoy during the quarantine. This week, we discuss our favorite feel-good movies.
This week, we discuss:
Tag (currently available for rent or purchase on iTunes and other streaming platforms) is a 2018 American comedy film directed by Jeff Tomsic (in his feature directorial debut) and written by Rob McKittrick and Mark Steilen. The film is based on a true story that was published in The Wall Street Journal about a group of grown men, played by Ed Helms, Jake Johnson, Hannibal Buress, Jon Hamm, and Jeremy Renner, who spend one month a year playing the game of tag.[2][3] Annabelle Wallis, Isla Fisher, Rashida Jones, and Leslie Bibb also star.
The Other Woman (currently available for rent or purchase on iTunes and other streaming platforms) is a 2014 American comedy film directed by Nick Cassavetes and written by Melissa Stack. The film stars Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann and Kate Upton. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Nicki Minaj and Taylor Kinney appear in supporting roles. The film follows three women—Carly (Diaz), Kate (Mann), and Amber (Upton)—who are all romantically involved with the same man, Mark (Coster-Waldau). After finding out about each other, the trio take revenge on Mark.
Home Again (currently available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, and available for rent or purchase on iTunes) is a 2017 American romantic comedy film written and directed by Hallie Meyers-Shyer, in her directorial debut. It stars Reese Witherspoon, Nat Wolff, Jon Rudnitsky, Pico Alexander, Michael Sheen and Candice Bergen, and follows a 40-year-old single mother who allows three young aspiring filmmakers to live with her in her Los Angeles home.
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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Movies You Might Have Missed: 90s Romantic Comedies
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn continue with the next installment of our latest series: Movies You Might Have Missed, where we discuss some films you…Might have missed. Each film is available on various streaming platforms for you to enjoy during the quarantine. This week, we continue our 90's themed episodes with some of our favorite romantic comedies.
This week, we discuss:
Threesome (available to rent or purchase on most streaming platforms) is a 1994 dramatic comedy, written and directed by Andrew Fleming and starring Lara Flynn Boyle, Stephen Baldwin and Josh Charles. It is an autobiographical comedy mixed in with some social commentary, and is based on the college memories of Fleming.
She's the One (currently available to stream on Cinemax) is a 1996 American romantic comedy film written and directed by New York actor and director Edward Burns. It stars Jennifer Aniston and Cameron Diaz. The film is one of Tom Petty's few movie soundtracks, and is named after the Bruce Springsteen song of the same name.
The Cutting Edge (currently available to stream on Amazon Prime and Cinemax) is a 1992 American romantic comedy film directed by Paul Michael Glaser and written by Tony Gilroy. The plot is about a rich, spoiled figure skater (played by Moira Kelly) who is paired with an injury-sidelined ice hockey player (played by D. B. Sweeney) for Olympic figure skating. Competing at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France, they have a climactic face off against a Soviet pair.
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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Movies You Might Have Missed: Vol III (90s Edition, Part 1)
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn continue with the next installment of our latest series: Movies You Might Have Missed, where we discuss some films you…Might have missed. Each film is available on various streaming platforms for you to enjoy during the quarantine. This week, we kick off our 90's themed episodes.
This week, we discuss:
Judgment Night (available to stream for free on VUDU) is a 1993 American action thriller film directed by Stephen Hopkins and starring Emilio Estevez, Cuba Gooding Jr., Jeremy Piven and Stephen Dorff as a group of friends on the run from a gang of drug dealers (led by Denis Leary) after they witness a murder.
Falling Down (available to stream for free on VUDU) is a 1993 crime thriller film directed by Joel Schumacher and written by Ebbe Roe Smith. The film stars Michael Douglas in the lead role of William Foster, a divorced and unemployed former defense engineer. The film centers on Foster as he treks on foot across the city of Los Angeles, trying to reach the house of his estranged ex-wife in time for his daughter's birthday. Along the way, a series of encounters, both trivial and provocative, causes him to react with increasing violence and make sardonic observations on life, poverty, the economy, and commercialism. Robert Duvall co-stars as Martin Prendergast, an aging Los Angeles Police Department sergeant on the day of his retirement, who faces his own frustrations - even as he tracks down Foster.
To Die For (available to rent or purchase on all streaming platforms) is a 1995 criminal comedy-drama film, made in a mockumentary format, directed by Gus Van Sant and written by Buck Henry, based on the novel of the same name by Joyce Maynard. The film was inspired by the story of Pamela Smart. It stars Nicole Kidman, Matt Dillon, and Joaquin Phoenix, and features supporting roles from Illeana Douglas, Wayne Knight, Casey Affleck, Kurtwood Smith, Dan Hedaya, and Alison Folland.
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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Movies You Might Have Missed: Vol II
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn continue with Volume II of our latest series: Movies You Might Have Missed, where we discuss some films you…May have missed. Each film is available on various streaming platforms for you to enjoy during the quarantine.
This week, we discuss:
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (available to stream on HULU) is a 2019 French historical drama film written and directed by Céline Sciamma, starring Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel. Set in France in the late 18th century, the film tells the story of a forbidden affair between an aristocrat and a painter commissioned to paint her portrait.
Hobbs & Shaw (also known as Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw or Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw; available to stream on HBOGo) - A 2019 action film directed by David Leitch and written by Chris Morgan and Drew Pearce, from a story by Morgan. It is a spin-off of the Fast & Furious franchise set in between the events of 2017’s The Fate of the Furious and 2021’s F9. The film sees Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham reprise their roles from the main series as Luke Hobbs and Deckard Shaw respectively, and also stars Idris Elba, Vanessa Kirby, Eiza González, Cliff Curtis, and Helen Mirren. The plot follows the unlikely pairing of the titular characters as they team up with Shaw's sister (Kirby) to battle a cybernetically-enhanced terrorist (Elba) threatening the world with a deadly virus.
Downhill (available for digital purchase on all streaming platforms) - A 2020 American black comedy drama film directed by Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, who also co-wrote the script with Jesse Armstrong. The film is a remake of Force Majeure (2014) by Swedish director Ruben Östlund. It stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Will Ferrell as a married couple going through a rough patch after a near-death encounter during a family ski outing.
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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Movies You Might Have Missed: Vol I
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn introduce Volume I of our latest series: Movies You Might Have Missed, where we discuss some films you…May have missed. Each film is available on various streaming platforms for you to enjoy during the quarantine.
This week, we discuss:
Upgrade (available to stream on HBOGo) - A 2018 cyberpunk action body horror film written and directed by Leigh Whannell and starring Logan Marshall-Green, Betty Gabriel, and Harrison Gilbertson. The film follows a technophobe who is implanted with a chip that allows him to control his body after a mugging leaves him paralyzed.
Good Time (available to steam on Netflix) - A 2017 American crime thriller directed by Josh and Benny Safdie and written by Josh Safdie and Ronald Bronstein. It stars Robert Pattinson as a bank robber desperately trying to get enough money to pay for bail for his developmentally disabled brother (Benny Safdie); Barkhad Abdi, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Buddy Duress co-star.
Colossal (available to stream on HULU) - A 2016 science fiction black comedy film directed and written by Nacho Vigalondo. The film stars Anne Hathaway, Jason Sudeikis, Dan Stevens, Austin Stowell, and Tim Blake Nelson, telling a story about Gloria, an unemployed young writer played by Hathaway, who is unwittingly causing a giant monster to wreak havoc halfway across the world.
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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Outbreak (1995) vs. Contagion (2011)
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn discuss the films "Contagion", starring Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kate Winslet, and "Outbreak", starring Dustin Hoffman, Rene Russo and Morgan Freeman, and co-stars Cuba Gooding Jr., Kevin Spacey, Donald Sutherland and Patrick Dempsey.
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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The Invisible Man // The Lodge (2020)
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn discuss the 2020 hit films "The Invisible Man", starring Elisabeth Moss, Aldis Hodge, Storm Reid, Harriet Dyer, Michael Dorman, and Oliver Jackson-Cohen, and "The Lodge", starring Riley Keough, Jaeden Martell, Lia McHugh, Alicia Silverstone, and Richard Armitage.
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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To All the Boys I've Loved Before (Parts 1 & 2; Netflix 2018, 2020)
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn discuss the 2018 Netflix film, "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" and it's 2020 sequel, "To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You", starring Lana Condor, Noah Centineo, Janel Parrish, Anna Cathcart, Madeleine Arthur, Emilija Baranac, Israel Broussard and John Corbett.
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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Bad Boys For Life // Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey (2020)
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn discuss the 2020 hits BAD BOYS FOR LIFE, starring Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Charles Melton, Paola Núñez, Kate del Castillo, Nicky Jam, and Joe Pantoliano; and HARLEY QUINN: BIRDS OF PREY, starring Margot Robbie, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Rosie Perez, Chris Messina, Ella Jay Basco, Ali Wong, and Ewan McGregor.
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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1917 (2019)
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn discuss the 2020 Best Picture OSCAR nominee, 1917, starring George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman, with Mark Strong, Andrew Scott, Richard Madden, Claire Duburcq, Colin Firth, and Benedict Cumberbatch in supporting roles.
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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2020 OSCARS Preview & Predictions
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn review the nominees, and discuss their top picks for the 2020 OSCARS.
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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Marriage Story (Netflix, 2019)
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn discuss the 2019 Netflix drama, MARRIAGE STORY, starring Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver, with Laura Dern, Alan Alda, and Ray Liotta.
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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Best & Worst of 2019 // 2020 Preview
Join us for the latest episode of The Martini Scale - where we talk movies over martinis, and provide our perspective on what is and ISN'T worth watching.
In this episode, Natalie, Lyna, and Shawn discuss their favorite (and least favorite) films of 2019, and preview the films they are looking forward to in 2020.
For more information, please visit http://themartiniscale.com
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