For their final episode on some of the 2026 Best Picture Oscar nominees, Joshua and Andrew go head-to-head with Josh Safdie's Marty Supreme. How does it fit in the Safdie ouvré? Is Timothée Chalamet a total turd? Do Safdie female characters deserve better? Does everybody really want to rule the world? They'll answer these burning questions and whether this "historical" ping-pong nerve-jangler belongs in the Take-Up canon.

After that, Joshua has One More Thing about Netflix's new Japanese gay reality show, The Boyfriend, and Andrew explores some Backrooms lore with Horror in Impossible Places.

On the next episode, filmmaker and critic Stephen Tronicek has some festival fever with Terrence Malick's 2017 drama Song to Song. Until then, read on at thetake-up.com and follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram, Twitter, Letterboxd, and Facebook. Special thanks to Social Media Manager Kayla McCulloch and Contributor Ethan Tarantella. Theme music by AMP.

Grab some tissues and take some Lexapro as Andrew, Josh and Ryan Verrill (host of the Disc-Connected podcast) go through their memories of Charlotte Wells’ masterful debut, Aftersun. Fitting with his background in physical media and Antenna Releasing, Ryan’s choice for the week allows a thoughtful discussion on the film, the relationship between a person and media, the conflicting nature of memory, if this still the best movie Paul Mescal’s been in, and the complex relationship between a parent and child.

Next, Josh and Andrew have One More Thing, recommending Park Chan-Wook’s latest thriller No Other Choice and the works of Soviet animator Yuri Norstein (Hedgehog in the Fog), which can be found in Eternal Family and boutique site Deaf Crocodile.

Next week, our hosts wrap up their 2026 Oscar picks with Josh Safdie’s chaotic ping-pong-dramedy Marty Supreme! Until then, read on at thetake-up.com and follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram, Twitter, Letterboxd, and Facebook. Special thanks to Social Media Manager Kayla McCulloch and Contributor Ethan Tarantella. Theme music by AMP.

Goodbye, 2022! Hello, new mini-series! The Lens is back and focusing on some underseen 2022 films, and for the first episode, guests Drew Wendt and Billy Rock of Do You Like Apples? pick Kogonada's After Yang. Before that, Andrew and Joshua talk Avatar: The Way of Water and She Said. After breaking down the Colin Farrell-starring Yang, Joshua quizzes everyone about A24's highest-grossing films. Finally, One More Thing about God of War: Ragnarök and visiting The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. 

On the next episode, critic Katie Carter choses the whacked-out Strawberry Mansion as her pick for a Gem of 2022. Please share, subscribe, and review! Follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram/Twitter/Letterboxd/Facebook.

Film studies instructor and Lens contributor Cait Lore stops by to get "Happy Together," her pick for the Queer '90s miniseries. Before diving into Wong Kar-wai's road trip romance, the Lens gang get into what's Now Showing: "The Northman," "Mothering Sunday," and the Harvey Milk Film Festival. Cait joins them to discuss alternates for Queer '90s picks, before Joshua, Andrew, and Kayla have One More Thing. Next up is Joshua's pick, Gus Van Sant's widely derided 1998 "Psycho" remake. 

Please share, subscribe, and review! Follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram/Twitter/Letterboxd/Facebook.

Joshua forces Kayla and Andrew into talking Oscar nominations during a late night bonus record. Enjoy a rambly hour about the 2022 Academy Award nominees and then some… What's your Wes Anderson aura? They'll return with the next proper episode on 2/22 when they talk The Scary of Sixty-First with The Man in Room 6 filmmakers Carrie Juenger and Trevor Juenger. Please share, subscribe, and review! 

Please share, subscribe, and review! Follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram/Twitter/Letterboxd/Facebook.

After having to skip an episode due to Josh being held captive in Andrew’s basement last week, our hosts can finally have a dialogue over the latest Lanthimos/Stone collab, Bugonia! Diving into the sci-fi (maybe?) thriller, they debate over all the conspiracy theories, politics, the ending, and which Lanthimos movie is worthy of being put in the vault before the green planet is saved.

Then they get into One More Thing, bringing up the 1950s Technicolor Knight epic Ivanhoe (starring the always stunning Elizabeth Taylor) and friend-of-the-pod Katie Carter’s new Substack The Tea is Going Out along with her upcoming Forbidden Hollywood screening of Smarty at the Arkadin Cinema & Bar in St. Louis.

Until then, read on at thetake-up.com and follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram, Twitter, Letterboxd, and Facebook. Special thanks to Social Media Manager Kayla McCulloch and Contributor Ethan Tarantella. Theme music by AMP.

Max Havey of STL Magazine shares with Josh and Andrew a film he holds dear, Wes Anderson’s Rushmore! A beloved staple from Anderson’s early stage in his career, the hosts dive into the comedy of this odd coming-of-age tale, Havey’s last-minute Wes Anderson movie rankings, and which one of the three was a Max Fischer in high school. Also expect a couple Graduate comparisons.

Then, expect three things to look out for from this week’s One More Thing, including the wild Godzilla movie Destroy All Monsters, Vince Gilligan’s new sci-fi series Pluribus, and the “Battle of Seattle” documentary WTO/99.

Keep an eye out for next week, where Josh and Andrew get to discuss a favorite from this year’s Cannes, The Secret Agent! As Kleber Mendonça Filho’s political thriller makes its way to St. Louis this Christmas, make sure to listen in on the duo’s take on the acclaimed movie.

Until then, read on at thetake-up.com and follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram, Twitter, Letterboxd, and Facebook. Special thanks to Social Media Manager Kayla McCulloch and Contributor Ethan Tarantella. Theme music by AMP.

This episode the Lens crew focus on Lana and Lilly Wachowski's 1996 debut "Bound," Kayla's pick in the Queer '90s miniseries. First, "Everything Everywhere All At Once," "The Bubble," "Apollo 10 1/2," "Rock Bottom Riser," "You Are Not My Mother," and "Memoria" are Now Showing. After The Lens, Joshua tries to stump Kayla and Andrew with a new edition of Did You Know? all about the Wachowskis' films. Lastly, they've got One More Thing with video game and Criterion Channel series recommendations. On the next episode, the gang will be joined by critic and professor Cait Lore to talk about Wong Kar-Wai's road trip romance, 1997's "Happy Together."

Please share, subscribe, and review! Follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram/Twitter/Letterboxd/Facebook.

This past weekend, the Webster University Film Series hosted the Harvey Milk Film Festival, which featured "The Times of Harvey Milk" and "Milk" in celebration of Opera Theatre St. Louis' upcoming "Harvey Milk" opera remount. Joshua was joined by James Robinson, Artistic Director of OTSL, and Ken Page, legendary stage and screen star and St. Louis native, to discuss Milk's legacy, both within the arts and politics. Fmr. Gov. Jim McGreevey and Broadway producer David Rothenberg also join for special messages. The program was co-presented by QFest St. Louis and St. Louis LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce. 

Please share, subscribe, and review! Follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram/Twitter/Letterboxd/Facebook.

All aboard the love train in the first Cannes Film Festival Winners episode: It's Kayla's pick of "Brief Encounter." First up, "Happening," "Sheryl," and "Downton Abbey: A New Era" are Now Showing. After focusing on David Lean's classic romance, the crew look forward to the 2022 Cannes Film Festival with their most anticipated titles. Finally, Andrew on Ida Lupino, Kayla on "It's Complicated," and Joshua goes to the movies 8 times in a row with Late Nite Grindhouse. 

Joshua picks Carlos Saura's "Peppermint Frappé" for the next Cannes (non-)Winners episode. Please share, subscribe, and review! Follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram/Twitter/Letterboxd/Facebook.

It's the final pick in our New Black Film Canon program, and Andrew has selected Ousmane Sembène's 1966 classic Black Girl. Before going long on what Joshua calls his favorite film they've covered, they'll review Disney/Pixar's Elemental and two films that they think are among the best of the year: Celine Strong's Past Lives and Wes Anderson's Asteroid City. After talking Ousmane "revolutionary" debut feature, they dig even deeper into this program's genesis, exploring Slate and NPR's list of The New Black Film Canon.

For the rest of the summer, they take up films covered in Quentin Tarantino's book Cinema Speculation. Guest Cliff Froehlich, contributor and former editor for The Riverfront Times and former Executive Director of Cinema St. Louis, is on hand to talk Rolling Thunder. Until then, please share, subscribe, and review! Read on at TheTake-Up.com and follow us @thetakeupstl on ⁠Instagram⁠/⁠Twitter⁠/⁠Letterboxd⁠/⁠Facebook⁠.

Special thanks to editor Jessica Pierce, Social Media Manager Kayla McCulloch, and our partners at ⁠Cinema St. Louis⁠. Theme music by AMP.

For the latest episode in the Nancy/Nora series, the Lens crew welcomes Bree Maniscalco, Executive Director of Cinema St. Louis, and her pick "Julie & Julia." Just like Ephron's final film, this episode has not one but two protagonists as they welcome Shannon Weber, Digital Editor of "Feast Magazine," to discuss Julie, Julia, "Julie & Julia," and their impact on food culture. Bon appétit!

First, "Hocus Pocus 2," "Do Revenge," and "Athena" are Now Showing. Lastly, Joshua takes a pilgrimage with Tsai Ming-liang and Lee Kang-shen; Kayla is still watching "Southern Charm" but might take a break for spooky season; and Andrew is back in Disney's grasp with "Star Wars: Andor." 

Next up is the final episode of Nancy/Nora with Kayla's pick of "The Intern," Meyers' intergenerational workplace comedy with Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway.

Please share, subscribe, and review! Follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram/Twitter/Letterboxd/Facebook.

As Oscar night comes ever closer, Josh and Andrew travel down the “Rocky Road to Dublin” for the most-nominated film in Academy history, the much beloved (except by Variety) barn-burner Sinners! Getting deep into the hot, sweaty beauty of Ryan Coogler’s Delta blues drama/horror mash-up, our hosts praise the film’s celebration of Black music, its timely views on racism and cultural appropriation, an Andrew-approved take on vampire lore, and the effortless visual splendor and acting. 

After, they have One More Thing, recommending another Carpenter-esque horror with the Master’s Prince of Darkness and Slidebean’s video essay on home video, The Biggest Mistake in the History of Hollywood.

Next up, The Take-Up goes under pressure with Disc-Connected’s Ryan Verrill to talk about the A24 drama Aftersun. Until then, read on at thetake-up.com and follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram, Twitter, Letterboxd, and Facebook. Special thanks to Social Media Manager Kayla McCulloch and Contributor Ethan Tarantella. Theme music by AMP.

Cinema St. Louis' The Lens is now The Take-Up, a place to gather when the film is over. For our first/twenty-something-th podcast episode, we're processing Claire Denis' Stars at Noon, featuring Margaret Qualley and Joe Alwyn sweating all over Nicaragua. First, what the heck is The Take-Up? Kayla's back to join Andrew and Joshua to talk about their new adventure in film criticism. After, the guys talk 2023 Oscar nominations, movies in Paris, and HBO's The Last of Us. 

Please share, subscribe, and review! Follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram/Twitter/Letterboxd/Facebook. 

Special thanks to our editor, Jessica Pierce, and our partners at Cinema St. Louis! Theme music by AMP.

We're breaking dawn with guest Dr. Ana Quiring, who picks Twilight for the new Sister Kristen program, celebrating Kristen Stewart and her collaborations with female filmmakers. Ana gives Andrew and Joshua a proper education on everything about Catherine Hardwicke's 2008 Y.A. vampire romance, including its Mormon conservatism, queer interpretations, sparkly aesthetics, Acting, and more! 

Up next will be a full femme ensemble with Andrew's pick of Kelly Reichardt's Certain Women (2017). Please share, subscribe, and review! Follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram/Twitter/Letterboxd/Facebook.

Special thanks to Editor Jessica Pierce, Social Media Manager Kayla McCulloch, and partners Cinema St. Louis. Theme music by AMP.

Shannon Weber, Managing Editor of Feast Magazine, returns to the podcast to take up her favorite movie year! She joins Joshua and Andrew to party like it's 1999 when they discuss her pick from that year, The Virgin Suicides. Before flashing back to Sofia Coppola's debut feature, the boys talk some films that are Now Showing: Radu Jude's (masterpiece) Do Not Expect Too Much from the End of the World and a spider-rific Sting. Finally, they'll all have One More Thing with more Jeffrey Eugenides, Netflix's 3 Body Problem, and... something else?

Katharine Coldiron returns on the next episode to talk with Joshua and Andrew about the latter's pick for the My Favorite Movie Year program: 2007 and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. Until then, please share, subscribe, and review! Read on at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TheTake-Up.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and follow us @thetakeupstl on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠Twitter, ⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Special thanks to editor Jessica Pierce and Social Media Manager Kayla McCulloch. Theme music by AMP.

Cinema St. Louis' The Lens critics discuss Rose Glass' Saint Maud for their first in the Films of 2021 miniseries and first podcast ever. Stream it on Hulu or Paramount+ before listening to the spoiler-filled discussion. First, they cover new releases Parallel Mothers, The House, Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes, A Hero, and Sundance selection After Yang. They finish up with 2021 Superlatives, during which Kayla talks HAIM and made-for-tv holiday films, Josh gets mad at Benedict Cumberbatch, and Andrew highlights his favorite cuts. In two weeks, they'll cover the doc Cusp, now streaming on Showtime. 

Please share, subscribe, and review! Follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram/Twitter/Letterboxd/Facebook.

The long-awaited second part of the Certain Women episode is here! First, they're screaming bloody murder about Boston Strangler, Scream VI, and John Wick: Chapter 4. Then they cool it way, way down with our Top 3 Kelly Reichardt film performances. Will Sister Kristen Stewart, object of affection for certain people, appear on either Josh or Andrew's lists? How many times will Michelle Williams appear? After answering those questions, they've got One More Thing with too rarely talked-about things: Turner Classic Movies and Succession.

Up next is the final entry in this program with Dr. Ana Quiring returning to discuss the forgotten Stewart vehicle, Elizabeth Banks' Charlie's Angels reboot. Please share, subscribe, and review! Follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram/Twitter/Letterboxd/Facebook.

Special thanks to Editor Jessica Pierce, Social Media Manager Kayla McCulloch, and partners Cinema St. Louis. Theme music by AMP.

The Man in Room 6 filmmakers Trevor Juenger and Carrie Juenger join the Lens crew to discuss and spoil Dasha Nekrasova's provocative The Scary of Sixty-First for their third episode in the Films of 2021 series. You can catch both at the Webster University Film Series soon! First up, the critics discuss the various phone screens on display throughout new films Marry Me, I Want You Back, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Kimi. Later, Carrie and Trevor join them to pick the Scary of 21st: the most frightening films and film moments since 2000. After Kayla and Joshua's Lynchian persona mind meld, they join Andrew to give One More Thing(s): new double-albums, TCM-watching, and PS5's Ghost of Tsushima. On the next episode, they'll round out the 2021 miniseries with Joshua's pick of Ryusuke Hamaguchi's other 2021 film, Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy, available to rent on most major platforms. 

Please share, subscribe, and review! Follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram/Twitter/Letterboxd/Facebook.

Elliott Collins of Movie Files on YouTube is here for Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, his pick for the first episode in The New Black Film Canon program. First, Joshua and Andrew discuss new releases Book Club 2: The Next Chapter, De Humani Corporis Fabrica, and The Starling Girl. After talking about the "instant classic" animated Spider-Man feature, they'll all Match the Multi-Verse. Finally, there's One More Thing anticipating Dune, mourning Barry and Succession, stalking Apichatpong Weerasethakul, and playing Star Wars.

Next time Joshua picks Cheryl Dunye's The Watermelon Woman for The New Black Film Canon program. Please share, subscribe, and review! Read on at TheTake-Up.com and follow us @thetakeupstl on ⁠Instagram⁠/⁠Twitter⁠/⁠Letterboxd⁠/⁠Facebook⁠.

Special thanks to editor Jessica Pierce, Social Media Manager Kayla McCulloch, and our partners at ⁠Cinema St. Louis⁠. Theme music by AMP.

Cliff Froehlich, critic for The Riverfront Times and former Executive Director of Cinema St. Louis, joins Joshua and Andrew to chat about Quentin Tarantino's latest work, Cinema Speculation, and Cliff's pick from the film-essay memoir, Rolling Thunder. Before diving into that 1977 revenge-o-matic cult classic, Andrew and Joshua review Mission: Impossible: Dead Reckoning - Part One, The Miracle Club, and Lynch/Oz. Cliff sticks around to school the boys (he's an actual professor, after all!) about Tarantino's book before they send you off with two totally original cinematic recommendations: The Mother and the Whore and John Ford.

Next up, they're breaking out! Andrew picks Don Siegel's 1979 Clint Eastwood vehicle Escape From Alcatraz. Until then, please share, subscribe, and review! Read on at TheTake-Up.com and follow us @thetakeupstl on ⁠Instagram⁠/⁠Twitter⁠/⁠Letterboxd⁠/⁠Facebook⁠.

Special thanks to editor Jessica Pierce, Social Media Manager Kayla McCulloch, and our partners at ⁠Cinema St. Louis⁠. Theme music by AMP.

Critic Katie Carter gets in front of The Lens to talk about a gem of 2022 and one of her favorites of the year, Strawberry Mansion. Before she joins Andrew and Joshua to dive into the trippy lo-fi love story from Albert Birney and Kentucker Audley, they'll discuss the St. Louis Film Critics Association 2022 award-winners, including Avatar: The Way of Water, Everything Everywhere All at Once, and The Whale. After, it's time for a game of Known Four with some of the award-winning actors of the year! Finally, Andrew and Joshua have One More Thing. 

More gems of 2022 still to come. Next up is CinemaSpin's Jason Bollinger and his pick, the Aubrey Plaza vehicle Emily the Criminal. Please share, subscribe, and review! Follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram/Twitter/Letterboxd/Facebook.

Joshua is joined by his fellow QFest St. Louis programmer Cait Lore to discuss the 15th edition of the celebration of queer film and art. Tickets are now available @ CinemaStLouis.org! They rundown the entire festival line-up (and then some), including special events like our co-presentations of Tsai Ming-liang restorations at Webster University Film Series, Opera Theatre St. Louis' Harvey Milk Film Festival, and PLAYTIME: Poison, A QFest St. Louis Party. DJ Tilda_Sweatin, the host of PLAYTIME, stops by to talk about the free party at HandleBar and sharing the same New Queer Cinema inspiration that informed the film fest this year. Follow @QFestStLouis on all social media platforms for even more details.

Please share, subscribe, and review! Follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram/Twitter/Letterboxd/Facebook.

Enjoy what becomes the Take-Up’s most polarized discussion, as our hosts go into whether Guillermo del Toro’s new Frankenstein creation has a soul worthy of a few Oscar noms or is a Netflix monstrosity dead on arrival. Debates on the director's camerawork, how much Del Toro’s take gels with all the other adaptations that arose from Mary Shelley’s novel, and if Elordi is the hottest Creature of all ensue.

Next, they have One More Thing, keeping the gothic talk going with Andrea Arnold and William Wyler’s adaptations of Wuthering Heights (as well as some thoughts on Emerald Fennel’s brat summer take on the classic story) and Abel Ferrara’s cyberpunk thriller New Rose Hotel.

Next week, Josh and Andrew continue their Oscar talk with one of the most acclaimed films from last year, Ryan Coogler’s gangster/musical/horror smash Sinners! Prepare to sink your teeth into a film bursting with genre-bending and commentary fit for a long discussion.

Until then, read on at thetake-up.com and follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram, Twitter, Letterboxd, and Facebook. Special thanks to Social Media Manager Kayla McCulloch and Contributor Ethan Tarantella. Theme music by AMP.

For the final episode of the Queer '90s miniseries, Joshua picks Gus Van Sant's shot-for-shot "Psycho" remake. First, in Now Showing, the Lens critics talk QFest St. Louis' showing of "Anaïs in Love," "Playground," Webster U. Film Series' showing of "Father," and "The Duke." After taking the Hitchcock and making it gay(-er), they're going to play a game about how other films riffed on The Master's work. Finally, One More Thing with Joshua and Kayla talking new film restorations and Andrew binge-ing "Severance," the new AppleTV+ series. 

Next time: A new miniseries all about the Cannes Film Festival with Kayla covering the fest from its beginning up through 1959 with her pick of David Lean's "Brief Encounter."

Please share, subscribe, and review! Follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram/Twitter/Letterboxd/Facebook.

For the second Cannes Winners episode, Joshua breaks all the rules and picks Carlos Saura's psychological thriller "Peppermint Frappé," a non-winner selection from the 1968 Cannes Film Festival. Victor Putinier, PhD candidate in Francophone and Cinema and Media Studies at Washington University, gives the crew a history lesson on why there was no winner at all in 1968. Before all that, "Hatching," "The Innocents," and "Fire Island" are all Now Showing. In The Rules of the Game, Kayla, Andrew, and Joshua figure how what some Cannes acting winners are Known Four. Finally, everyone has One More Thing with Nikki Glaser, Parker Posey, and Terrence Malick.

In two weeks, Andrew fast-forwards to 1986 with Roland Joffé's Palme d'Or winner "The Mission," starring Robert De Niro. Please share, subscribe, and review! Follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram/Twitter/Letterboxd/Facebook.

The Lens is running up that hill to make some deals with God with Andrew's Cannes Winner pick "The Mission." Before wading in the mud with Robert De Niro and Jeremy Irons in Roland Joffé's 1986 Palme d'Or winner, they'll review some films that are Now Showing: "Jurassic World Dominion," "Neptune Frost," and "Cha Cha Real Smooth." For this episode's game, Joshua quizzes Andrew and Kayla about the 2022 Cannes Winners. Finally, they'll recommend "Barry," "The Boys," Holly Hunter, and ...vacations? 

Next up: Pete Timmermann, Director of the Webster University Film Series, will share his own on-the-ground experiences at the Cannes Film Festival. First, they'll talk Lars von Trier's Björk-starring 2000 Palme d'Or winner, "Dancer in the Dark."

Please share, subscribe, and review! Follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram/Twitter/Letterboxd/Facebook.

A doozy of an episode for a doozy of a film: Pete Timmermann, Director of the Webster University Film Series, joins The Lens to talk the Björk-starring and -soundtracked 2000 Palme d'Or winner "Dancer in the Dark." Before getting into his pick for the final episode in the Cannes Winners series, they all talk "Hit the Road" as well as the upcoming programs at the Film Series (and their recently upgraded state-of-the-art sight and sound). Joshua, Kayla, and Andrew round out the episode by excavating Pete's memories of his times at the Cannes Film Festival. 

We'll be taking a short break for the rest of the summer. Fret not, however; We'll be bringing Cinema St. Louis' Golden Anniversaries film fest, a year-round celebration of the films of 1972, straight to your feed. First up, KDXH film critic Dr. Diane Carson talks the classic nü-screwball "What's Up, Doc?" 

Please share, subscribe, and review! Follow us @stlfilmfest on Instagram/Twitter/Letterboxd and @CinemaStLouis on Facebook.

(Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of sexual assault.)

Dr. Diane Carson, KDHX film critic and professor emerita in film at St. Louis Community College, joins Cinema St. Louis' Cliff Froehlich to discuss Peter Bogdanovich's screwball classic "What's Up, Doc?" from 1972. Before the first discussion in this Golden Anniversaries series, Joshua and Andrew highlight some films that are Now Showing: "Mad God," "Watcher," "Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris," "Flux Gourmet," and "Both Sides of the Blade."

The Lens returns from summer vacation beginning in September with the Nancy and Nora mini-series, highlighting the careers of writer-directors Meyers and Ephron. Until then, stay tuned for more Golden Anniversary discussions. 

Please share, subscribe, and review! Follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram/Twitter/Letterboxd/Facebook.

Here comes the Fuzz! Alex McPherson of PoplifeSTL brings in Edgar Wright’s cop comedy Hot Fuzz for Josh and Andrew to take a look and probe their thoughts. Together, the trio discuss the sidesplitting highlights, its nature as a Tony Scott parody/giallo/bromance befitting the Dudes Rock! canon, and if it fits within the guidelines of Copaganda. Along with their differing thoughts on Wright’s movies, you’re in for a debrief that provides the greater good (“the greater good!”) elevating Hot Fuzz’s reputation as more than just a funny movie.

Following that is One More Thing, where they recommend YouTube channel Be Kind Rewind and iFixit.com.

Read on at thetake-up.com and follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram, Twitter, Letterboxd, and Facebook. Special thanks to Social Media Manager Kayla McCulloch and Contributor Ethan Tarantella. Theme music by AMP.

Switching things up a bit, Josh and Andrew go to the French countryside with Alain Guiraudie’s Misericordia. Featuring an opening French lesson/cameo by Josh’s husband, our hosts get into the intricacies of this dark comedy-thriller, including its observation on relationships, rural France, and “one of the biggest jumpscares of the year”.

They have fun talking about a film where everyone in this small town is, to put it lightly, “a little bit gay.” Then, they have One More Thing, recommending the new Netflix true crime hit The Perfect Neighbor and Joseph Losey’s 1963 psychodrama The Servant (or “Parasite meets Phantom Thread meets Homoeroticism” according to Jake Cole’s Letterboxd).

Next week, say “and here’s to you” for guest Drew Wendt of Do You Like Apples? as he gets Josh and Andrew to talk about the movie that made him interested in film criticism, the 60s classic The Graduate! 

Until then, read on at thetake-up.com and follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram, Twitter, Letterboxd, and Facebook. Special thanks to Social Media Manager Kayla McCulloch and Contributor Ethan Tarantella. Theme music by AMP.

Past and future (we hope!) guest and Film Studies Lecturer at Webster University Cait Lore presents Rainer Werner Fassbinder's 1972 queer classic "The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant." First, the latest episode in the Golden Anniversaries mini-series starts with Andrew and Josh talking about a few films that are Now Showing: "Orphan: First Kill," "Beast," and "A Love Song." 

The Lens returns from summer vacation in two weeks with the Nancy/Nora mini-series, highlighting the careers of writer-directors Meyers and Ephron. First up, get your antacid ready for Josh's pick of "Heartburn," Mike Nichol's adaptation of Ephron's autobiographical book starring Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson. 

Please share, subscribe, and review! Follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram/Twitter/Letterboxd/Facebook.

The Lens is back from vacation with a mean case of "Heartburn." The critics focus on Nora Ephron's 1986 autobiographical divorce story starring Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson. It's the first episode of their Nancy/Nora series, zooming in on the films and careers of writer-directors Meyers and Ephron. 

First up in Now Showing, they'll cover "Three Thousand Years of Longing," "The Good Boss," and "Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul." For The Rules of the Game, Kayla quizzes Joshua and Andrew about actors who have appeared in both directors' films. Finally, they've got One More Thing with Bravo's "Southern Charm," Netflix's "The Sandman," and a trip to Hong Kong!

Next up is Andrew's pick of the Lindsay Lohan breakout "The Parent Trap," Meyers' 1998 directorial debut. Please share, subscribe, and review! Follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram/Twitter/Letterboxd/Facebook.

Oh, no, we've fallen in "The Parent Trap" and we can't get up. Join the Lens crew for the next episode in the Nancy/Nora series: Nancy Meyers' directorial debut starring Lindsay Lohan (times two... maybe four?). Before that, "Blonde," "Pearl," "Speak No Evil," "Saloum," and "The Woman King" are Now Showing. After talking about Meyers' Disney remake, they'll play Dead Ringers and figure out just how many multiples of Bette Davis really exist. Finally, they all have one more thing with Sudan Archives, Nathan Fielder, and (more) "Southern Charm."

Next up, we welcome Executive Director of Cinema St. Louis Bree Maniscalco to talk about "Julie & Julia," Nora Ephron's swansong from 2009.

Please share, subscribe, and review! Follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram/Twitter/Letterboxd/Facebook.

Wanting to talk about this film for years, Hurdy Gurdy Men Josh and Andrew sing their songs of love for David Fincher’s serial-killer thriller Zodiac. Falling down the numerous rabbit holes Fincher provides in his retelling of the unsolved investigation, our hosts work to solve how Zodiac works its addictive magic. Grab an Aqua Velva and unravel the mysteries surrounding this chilling piece of true crime, such as what exactly constitutes a comfort movie, which actor should stay human in a muppet-led version, and where the hell did Jim Emerson go?

Next, Josh and Andrew have One More Thing, serving up Cocktails with George and Martha, Phillip Gefter’s dishy making-of tome on Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, and Sofia Coppola’s underrated father-daughter drama Somewhere (also shot by the same DP as Zodiac).

Until then, read on at thetake-up.com and follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram, Twitter, Letterboxd, and Facebook. Special thanks to Social Media Manager Kayla McCulloch and Contributor Ethan Tarantella. Theme music by AMP.

The Lens is retiring from the Nancy/Nora mini-series with Kayla's pick, Meyers' "The Intern," starring Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro. Andrew, Kayla, and Joshua break down everything about the writer-director's workplace "rom-com," complete with re-casting speculations, personal sleeping attire, and the ethos of girlbossing. Now Showing has Andrew and Joshua gushing over "Decision to Leave" and "Stars at Noon," Kayla's New York Film Festival coverage, and a spotlight on "Piggy." Later, the Known Four game makes a return with some Meyers players, Andrew and Joshua read books, and Kayla watches more Bravo (and "Hocus Pocus," finally). 

On the next episode, Joshua and Andrew preview the upcoming St. Louis International Film Festival (tickets and showtimes here) and present their live Golden Anniversaries discussion of Brian De Palma's "Sisters."

Please share, subscribe, and review! Follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram/Twitter/Letterboxd/Facebook.

In this very special episode, Andrew and Joshua preview #SLIFF31 A.K.A. the 31st Annual Whitaker St. Louis International Film Festival. They really only scratch the surface of the bounty of offerings in the 2022 edition of the fest, including buzzy year-end award hopefuls, international and indie critical darlings, daring docs, and shorts in every color. The SLIFF schedule, tickets, and information on the lineup and special events are now available at cinemastlouis.org.

Before that, Andrew reviews "The Banshes of Inisherin" and "All Jacked Up and Full of Worms." After, stick around for the dueling duo's dual live presentation on Brian De Palma's classic thriller "Sisters," a selection from the year-round Golden Anniversaries film festival. 

The next episode will feature some more Now Showing and Golden Anniversary presentations by special guests!

Please share, subscribe, and review! Follow us @stlfilmfest on Instagram/Twitter/Letterboxd and @CinemaStLouis on Facebook.

In this bonus episode, Andrew and Joshua come out of a brief hibernation to talk about a handful of recent releases. First up, Rian Johnson has his "Knives Out" again with "Glass Onion." Then, Luca Guadagnino takes a bloody road trip in "Bones and All." Andrew covers two Netflix streamers: the Florence Pugh-headlining "The Wonder" and Cartoon Saloon's "My Father's Dragon." Joshua spends some time with "The Fabelmans" (or is it the Spielbergs?). Lastly, they talk two more films about family: James Gray's "Armageddon Time" and the A24 release "Aftersun," the debut feature by Charlotte Wells. 

In two weeks, the Lens crew welcomes special guests to kick off the Gems of 2022 mini-series. Please share, subscribe, and review! Follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram/Twitter/Letterboxd/Facebook.

Jason Bollinger of the Cinema Spin podcast joins the Lens podcast with his pick for an underrated and underseen film of 2022, the Aubrey Plaza character thriller Emily the Criminal. After getting existentially criminal with Emily and Jason, Andrew and Joshua count down their top ten favorite films of the year and more. Will battle lines be drawn? Will the two critics fulfill early promises for their top spots, or did the onslaught of great year-end films shake things up?

Find out everything everywhere all at once in this super-sized episode? Nope, not quite! We saved one pick for a deep dive. Stay tuned to the next episode when the boys venture to Nicaragua with Margaret Qualley, Denis Johnson, Claire Denis, and Stars at Noon, Joshua's choice for the Gems of 2022 mini-series. 

Please share, subscribe, and review! Follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram/Twitter/Letterboxd/Facebook. Special thanks to our editor, Jessica Pierce. 

It's what everyone's been asking for... A two-part, two-hour podcast episode (mostly) about Kelly Reichardt's 2017 anthology "western" Certain Women! Andrew and Josh go long for Andrew's pick in the Sister Kristen program. Certain women are certainly discussed: Laura Dern's consternation, Lilly Gladstone missing in action, Michelle Williams smoking a cigarette, and why Kristen Stewart is everyone's object of affection. Josh brings up Todd Haynes. Andrew brings up the existential crisis of never truly knowing another person. They've gone hog wild here!

In two days, we'll drop the second half of the episode, featuring Now Showing reviews of the latest Scream and John Wick installments and our Top 3 Kelly Reichardt film performances. Please share, subscribe, and review! Follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram/Twitter/Letterboxd/Facebook.

Special thanks to Editor Jessica Pierce, Social Media Manager Kayla McCulloch, and partners Cinema St. Louis. Theme music by AMP.

Dr. Ana Quiring joins Joshua and Andrew once more for the Sister Kristen program and Joshua's pick, the Stewart-starring Charlie's Angels reboot directed by Elizabeth Banks. It's a movie you definitely remember happened! They talk feminism, old and new, and neat haircuts, with plenty of tangents along the way.

First, Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is Now Showing, as well as Hulu's Rye Lane and Webster University Film Series' Earth Day double of Matter Out of Space and Geographies of Solitude. Ana sticks around for our Angels-centric trivia game, and Joshua and Andrew round out with recommending streaming options and a book.

We wave goodbye to Sister Kristen and hello to The New Black Film Canon, our upcoming program based on NPR and Slate's recent survey of the best films by Black filmmakers. Please share, subscribe, and review! Follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram/Twitter/Letterboxd/Facebook.

Special thanks to Editor Jessica Pierce, Social Media Manager Kayla McCulloch, and partners Cinema St. Louis. Theme music by AMP.

Drew Wendt of Do You Like Apples? has one word to say to Josh and Andrew, just one word: Garfunkel.

This week, Drew seduces our hosts into talking about Mike Nichols’ New Hollywood classic The Graduate, a film that appears to defy its reputation as an iconic Boomer comedy. Getting into the nitty gritty of all the power dynamics, WASP-y suburbia, youthful aimlessness, grey morality, and just how catchy "The Sound of Silence" is, the trio dive deep into a movie that leaves them coming away with new thoughts after every rewatch. Then, they have One More Thing, with the 1980 Roeg psychodrama Bad Timing, (starring Art Garfunkel as himself but if he went into psychology) and Anthony Mann’s police procedural noir (and documentary?) T-Men.

Expect no episode next week as Josh and Andrew will be attending SLIFF, but they’ll be back in time for Max Havey’s lesson on the film that made the STL Magazine writer fall in love with movies, Wes Anderson’s Rushmore! In two weeks, make sure to listen in on this  crash course in one of Anderson’s early works.

Until then, read on at thetake-up.com and follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram, Twitter, Letterboxd, and Facebook. Special thanks to Social Media Manager Kayla McCulloch and Contributor Ethan Tarantella. Theme music by AMP.

Before they take up their new program, ⁠The New Black Film Canon⁠, Joshua and Andrew break down several of April's newest releases in a special bonus episode. They agree that Nic Cage-starring Renfield sucks, but have a slate of their own new reviews, including Ari Aster's Beau is Afraid, the Dardennes' Tori and Lokita, docs-fiction The Plains, Nike backstory Air, and Suzume, from the director of Your Name.

Please share, subscribe, and review! Follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram/Twitter/Letterboxd/Facebook.

Special thanks to Editor Jessica Pierce, Social Media Manager Kayla McCulloch, and partners Cinema St. Louis. Theme music by AMP.

Artistic Director of Cinema St. Louis Chris Clark joins Joshua to break down everything QFest St. Louis 2023, running May 4-10 at Cinema St. Louis' new home at the historic Hi-Pointe Theatre. The 16th edition of St. Louis' LGBTQIA+ festival features award-winning films, stars, local filmmakers, a newly restored punk classic, and much more! Tickets and information are available at cinemastlouis.org.

Andrew returns on the next episode, the first of the New Black Film Canon program. Also in tow is special guest Elliott Collins of the Movie Files YouTube series with his pick from the canon. Please share, subscribe, and review! Follow us @thetakeupstl on ⁠Instagram⁠/⁠Twitter⁠/⁠Letterboxd⁠/⁠Facebook⁠.

Special thanks to editor Jessica Pierce, Social Media Manager Kayla McCulloch, and our partners at ⁠Cinema St. Louis⁠. Theme music by AMP.

It's a big one, folks! Go down the cinematic rabbit holes of Cheryl Dunye's Black queer classic ⁠The Watermelon Woman, Joshua's pick for for ⁠The New Black Film Canon⁠ program. Before that he and Andrew review a bevy of new releases, including: You Hurt My Feelings, The Little Mermaid remake, About My Father, The Eight Mountains, and In the Dusk. After taking up Dunye's film, Joshua and Andrew gush about the end of HBO's Succession before recommending the Critters films (yes, those Critters) and I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson. Whew!

For the final film in our New Black Film Canon program, Andrew's chosen Ousmane Sembène's 1966 classic Black Girl. Until then, please share, subscribe, and review! Read on at TheTake-Up.com and follow us @thetakeupstl on ⁠Instagram⁠/⁠Twitter⁠/⁠Letterboxd⁠/⁠Facebook⁠.

Special thanks to editor Jessica Pierce, Social Media Manager Kayla McCulloch, and our partners at ⁠Cinema St. Louis⁠. Theme music by AMP.

Hear 'Deliriants' Josh and Andrew describe their dream of Bi Gan’s long-awaited follow-up to Long Day's Journey into Night, the arthouse celebration/eulogy to cinema Resurrection. The hosts go into the weeds of the head-scratching metaphor and genre-bending ode to the five senses that is the Chinese wunderkind's epic “porterhouse steak" of a cinematic meal. Throughout, prepare to ask the important questions, such as, “Do your dreams have film cuts?”

Next, Josh and Andrew go into One More Thing, recommending Stephen Frears’ Terrance Stamp-starring 80s crime film The Hit and the hidden gems of cult film streaming service Eternal Family.

Until next time, read on at thetake-up.com and follow us @thetakeupstl on Instagram, Twitter, Letterboxd, and Facebook. Special thanks to Social Media Manager Kayla McCulloch and Contributor Ethan Tarantella. Theme music by AMP.

Joshua and Andrew are joined on a perilous journey by author and critic Katharine Coldiron, when the three of them discuss her pick for the Cinema Speculation program, Deliverance. Did QT get it right saying the first half of John Boorman's 1972 classic is better than the second? First up, the three talk Barbenheimer, Meg 2: The Trench, and Afire. Later, they find out what the cast of Deliverance is Known 4. Finally, they'll round the bend with One More Thing.

Next up, they're breaking out (for real this time)! Andrew picks Don Siegel's 1979 Clint Eastwood vehicle Escape From Alcatraz. Until then, please share, subscribe, and review! Read on at TheTake-Up.com and follow us @thetakeupstl on ⁠Instagram⁠/⁠Twitter⁠/⁠Letterboxd⁠/⁠Facebook⁠.

Special thanks to editor Jessica Pierce, Social Media Manager Kayla McCulloch, and our partners at ⁠Cinema St. Louis⁠. Theme music by AMP.

For the next Cinema Speculation episode, Andrew picks Escape from Alcatraz, the 1979 prison-break from Don Siegel. Before they discuss star Clint Eastwood in possibly too much detail, Joshua and Andrew talk what's Now Showing: DC's Blue Beetle, Ira Sach's Passages, and Between Two Worlds with Juliet Binoche. After, they'll play Quoting Tarantino. Finally, they're recommending One More Thing.

Next up, Joshua picks a Tobe Hooper two-fer with The Funhouse and Eaten Alive. Until then, please share, subscribe, and review! Read on at TheTake-Up.com and follow us @thetakeupstl on ⁠Instagram⁠/⁠Twitter⁠/⁠Letterboxd⁠/⁠Facebook⁠.

Special thanks to editor Jessica Pierce, Social Media Manager Kayla McCulloch, and our partners at ⁠Cinema St. Louis⁠. Theme music by AMP.

CRUNCH! CRUNCH! Joshua picks Eaten Alive, Tobe Hooper's killer-crocodile follow-up to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, for the final episode of the Cinema Speculation program. As if that weren't enough to satiate hungry listeners, he and Andrew also cover Hooper's 1981 meta-slasher The Funhouse. After this Hooper Fest, the critics pick their most anticipated films from the fall fests. Crocs! Hamaguchi! Haynes! Oh my!

In just a few days, the guys keep sweatin' in the South with Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte, Joshua's pick for the first episode in the QU66R COD6D program. Can't read that? Better stay tuned to find out what it means! Until then, please share, subscribe, and review! Read on at TheTake-Up.com and follow us @thetakeupstl on ⁠Instagram⁠/⁠Twitter⁠/⁠Letterboxd⁠/⁠Facebook⁠.

Special thanks to editor Jessica Pierce, Social Media Manager Kayla McCulloch, and our partners at ⁠Cinema St. Louis⁠. Theme music by AMP.

It's the most wonderful time of the year... Spooky Season, of course! For the first episode in the QU66R COD6D program, a celebration of queer horror, Joshua picks a childhood favorite: Robert Aldrich's follow-up to What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, the Gatekeep/Gaslight/Girlboss thriller Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte. Before launching into the 1964 camp classic featuring Bette Davis, Andrew and Josh have Trailer of a Movie That Will Never Exist: Phony Wars, Dumb Money, and No One Will Save You for Now Showing—only one of which is the title of Jean-Luc Godard's final film. At the end of the episode, they'll recommend new (old) music by Big Thief and more Dungeons and Dragons ephemera!

Next up, Andrew invites Tomas Alfredson in for the QU66R COD6D program with the director's contemporary classic Let the Right One In. Until then, please share, subscribe, and review! Read on at TheTake-Up.com and follow us @thetakeupstl on ⁠Instagram⁠/⁠Twitter⁠/⁠Letterboxd⁠/⁠Facebook⁠.

Special thanks to editor Jessica Pierce, Social Media Manager Kayla McCulloch, and our partners at ⁠Cinema St. Louis⁠. Theme music by AMP.