F---, Marry, Kill at the Movies: ‘The Housemaid,’ ‘Song Sung Blue,’ and ‘Anaconda’

Key Takeaways

The hosts react to trailers for 2025 blockbusters including 'The Odyssey' and 'Avengers: Doomsday'.
Paul Feig's 'The Housemaid' disappointed hosts, sparking a discussion on films for women in 2025.
'Anaconda,' starring Jack Black and Paul Rudd, is criticized as a cynical IP franchise film.
'Song Sung Blue' with Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson offers a dramatic take on a Neil Diamond tribute band.
Director Craig Brewer shares his Memphis filmmaking origins and his unique approach to regional cinema.

Hosts reacted to trailers for 'The Odyssey,' noting impressive production design and Matt Damon as Odysseus.
They also discussed 'Avengers: Doomsday,' humorously speculating on Steve Rogers' return.
'Zootopia 2' was described as disappointing, while 'Avatar: Fire and Ash' was found less engaging.
Excitement was sparked by the trailer for 'The Mandalorian and Grogu.'

Paul Feig's 'The Housemaid,' starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, disappointed hosts.
The film, based on a novel by Frida McFadden, was criticized for its script, production design, and underwhelming twists.
The plot involves Sweeney's character, despite a criminal past, being hired as a housemaid by Seyfried's character.
A plot twist reveals Seyfried's character orchestrates a revenge scheme after being betrayed.

The disappointing reception of 'The Housemaid' prompted a discussion about films made for women in 2025.
Hosts observed a trend of dark or potentially abusive situations resolving with protagonist peace.
Theatrical releases for women primarily fall into IP, rom-coms, adaptations, or nostalgia sequels.
Movies about relationships, aging, and home design are increasingly relegated to lower-budget streaming.

'Anaconda,' directed by Tom Gormikin and starring Jack Black and Paul Rudd, was deemed a cynical IP franchise film.
Hosts criticized the film as repetitive and unfocused, failing to blend sentimental and meta-comedy elements.
Casting mid-50s actors, Rudd and Black, for characters in a midlife crisis was a point of contention.
The film was compared unfavorably to 'The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent' for its lack of comedic and action direction.

'Song Sung Blue' is a musical drama about a Neil Diamond tribute band starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson.
The film explores serious themes including amputation and addiction, shifting from initial charm to melodrama.
Jackman's commitment to his character and the film's exploration of hardship and recovery were noted.
The film takes an inventive approach to the biopic genre, focusing on personal fulfillment within a community.

Director Craig Brewer shared his early filmmaking career in Memphis, Tennessee.
He self-taught filmmaking using books and funded his first film, 'The Poor and Hungry,' with an inheritance.
'The Poor and Hungry' gained traction, leading to 'Hustle & Flow,' which required Brewer and producer Stephanie Elaine to mortgage their homes for financing.

Brewer's regional cinema resonates nationally, attributing music's role to his Memphis music history education.
His directorial style is influenced by 1980s media like MTV and movie soundtracks such as 'Footloose.'
Studying music producers informed his approach to editorial rhythms and actor direction, focusing on authentic moments.
Brewer explores themes of isolation and loneliness, connecting to his recent Neil Diamond film.

Hugh Jackman was the sole choice for his role in 'Song Sung Blue,' admired for his showmanship and genuine kindness.
Kate Hudson was not on industry casting lists but was chosen after Brewer saw her on 'CBS Sunday Morning.'
Hudson's candidness about aging in Hollywood and her connection to music made her perfect for the mature, unglamorous role.
Her willingness to embrace the character's love for her husband and band allowed audiences to connect with her performance.

'Song Sung Blue' explores themes of class and middle-class American life, rarely depicted in studio films.
Filmmakers creating mid-budget dramas and musicals with stars face challenges from larger productions.
Brewer noted the Hollywood bubble often assumes international audiences prefer less distinct American content.
He contrasted this with Taylor Sheridan and Tyler Perry's success in creating content outside the traditional studio system.

Director Craig Brewer's grandfather was Marv Throneberry, a former New York Mets player.
Throneberry gained celebrity from Miller Lite commercials that playfully acknowledged his baseball struggles.
The discussion highlights Throneberry's nickname 'Marvelous Marv,' his financial struggles, and his unexpected rescue by the Mets.
A personal reflection on lifelong team fandom and the humor of Casey Stengel managing a bad team are also included.