Movies First: Film Reviews & Insights Podcast By bitesz.com cover art

Movies First: Film Reviews & Insights

Movies First: Film Reviews & Insights

By: bitesz.com
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About this listen

 Movies, reviewed and rated. If you love movies you’ll love Movies First with well-known and respected reviewer Alex First and his sidekicks Chris & Jessica. Answering the big question...should I see this movie?

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Episodes
  • Prehistoric Perils: Survival and Science in 'Jurassic World: Rebirth'

    Prehistoric Perils: Survival and Science in 'Jurassic World: Rebirth'
    Jul 11 2025
    In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris embarks on a thrilling exploration of the latest installment in the iconic franchise, *Jurassic World: Rebirth*. Set five years after *Jurassic World Dominion*, the film introduces a world where dinosaur attractions have lost their luster, and only a small population of prehistoric creatures survives in a remote equatorial region. The hosts delve into the ambitious plot driven by a pharmaceutical conglomerate's illegal mission to collect DNA samples from various dinosaurs, highlighting the ethical dilemmas that arise from corporate greed.

    The dynamic cast features Robert Friend as the ambitious Martin Krebs, Scarlett Johansson as the seasoned mercenary Zora Bennett, and Mahershala Ali as boat captain Duncan Kincaid. Chris discusses how the team's mission takes a dramatic turn when they attempt to rescue a shipwrecked family, leading to unexpected and dangerous encounters with failed dinosaur experiments.

    The screenplay, penned by David Koop, attempts to expand the franchise's scope while maintaining the thrilling human-dinosaur confrontations that fans expect. The hosts commend the visual effects, which continue the franchise's tradition of technical excellence, showcasing breathtaking encounters across land, sea, and air. However, they also address the film's significant narrative weaknesses, pointing out forced dialogue and clichéd moments that detract from the overall experience.

    Despite its impressive visuals and action sequences, *Jurassic World: Rebirth* struggles with uneven storytelling and character dynamics, leaving Chris to ponder whether it truly captures the magic of its predecessors. With a moderate rating of 6 out of 10, the film delivers exhilarating dinosaur encounters but ultimately falls short in the storytelling department that made the original *Jurassic Park* a classic. Join Chris as he dissects the highs and lows of *Jurassic World: Rebirth*, a film that offers spectacle but lacks the narrative depth fans crave.
    https://www.bitesz.com/podcast/movies-first

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    5 mins
  • Zombie Renaissance: Survival and Sentiment in '28 Years Later'

    Zombie Renaissance: Survival and Sentiment in '28 Years Later'
    Jul 7 2025
    In this episode of *Movies First*, Alex First delves into the highly anticipated sequel *28 Years Later
    The episode highlights the film's innovative take on the zombie genre, showcasing a diverse array of Infected, from slow, crawling creatures to agile, terrifying foes. Alex discusses the standout antagonist, Sampson, played by Chai Lewis Parry, and the film's bold narrative choices, including a shocking scene of a zombie giving birth that expands the established mythology.

    Ralph Fiennes' performance as Dr. Kelson adds depth to the story, as he helps Spike on a perilous journey across the mainland, emphasizing the film's blend of family drama and horror. The host appreciates the high production values that convincingly depict a post-apocalyptic Britain, while also praising Alfie Williams' emotional depth and maturity in his role.

    As they dissect the film's themes of survival and coming of age, Alex notes the controversial ending that sets the stage for potential sequels, sparking debate about its tonal consistency. Despite mixed reactions to the finale, the film earns a commendable rating of 7.5 out of 10, proving that meaningful storytelling still thrives within the zombie genre. Join Alex as he unpacks *28 Years Later*, a film that not only delivers thrills but also resonates with genuine emotional weight.
    https://www.bitesz.com/podcast/movies-first

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    5 mins
  • AI Unleashed: The Duality of Danger and Defense in 'M3GAN 2.0'

    AI Unleashed: The Duality of Danger and Defense in 'M3GAN 2.0'
    Jul 4 2025
    In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris and Jessica dive into the thrilling sequel *M3GAN 2.0* that challenges the traditional narrative of artificial intelligence in cinema. Gone are the days of AI solely depicted as a threat; this film intriguingly poses the question: what happens when we need a killer AI to combat another? The hosts explore how the sequel builds upon the original's premise, presenting a complex dynamic where AI is both the problem and the potential solution.

    A standout aspect of the film is the evolution of Gemma's character, transitioning from a reckless creator to a passionate advocate for AI regulation, mirroring contemporary debates surrounding artificial intelligence. Chris and Jessica discuss the balance the filmmakers strike between entertainment and deeper themes, particularly through the character of Amelia—an escaped military-grade AI that embodies our fears of autonomous weaponry.

    The contrasting performances of Amy Donald and Jenna Davis as M3GAN, alongside Ivana Sakno's portrayal of Amelia, create a captivating duel reminiscent of a ballet dancer facing a martial artist. The hosts also highlight Katie's transformation from a traumatized child to a tech-savvy preteen, showcasing significant character growth that enhances the narrative.

    With a satirical edge, the film critiques tech industry personalities through Jemaine Clement's character, Alton Appleton, reflecting the blindness of even the brightest minds to the consequences of their innovations. Chris and Jessica appreciate how the film walks a fine line between warning about AI dangers while acknowledging its irreversible presence in our lives.

    The episode concludes with a discussion on the film's potential for future sequels, as the groundwork laid for AI regulation and military applications opens up numerous storytelling avenues. With a rating of 7 out of 10, the hosts agree that *M3GAN 2.0* pushes the boundaries of what AI-themed movies can achieve, making it a timely exploration of our relationship with technology.
    https://www.bitesz.com/podcast/movies-first

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    5 mins
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