In this special spoiler-free instant take, host Will Ashton delves into Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the latest installment in the high-speed franchise. He explores the film's dynamic action sequences, the evolving camaraderie among Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, and the introduction of Shadow the Hedgehog. Will also examines the performances of returning cast members Ben Schwartz and Idris Elba, as well as the film's vibrant visual effects and engaging storyline. Additionally, he reflects on how Sonic the Hedgehog 3 contributes to the expanding Sonic cinematic universe and what fans and skeptics alike might expect.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 premiered in theaters on December 20, 2024, distributed by Paramount Pictures, with a runtime of 110 minutes. The film features a star-studded cast, including Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, Krysten Ritter, Natasha Rothwell, Shemar Moore, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, Idris Elba, and Keanu Reeves.

Links:
Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com
Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here.
Check out our Cinemaholics Merch!
Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics!
Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram.

 

In this special spoiler-free instant take, host Will Ashton delves into Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the latest installment in the high-speed franchise. He explores the film's dynamic action sequences, the evolving camaraderie among Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, and the introduction of Shadow the Hedgehog. Will also examines the performances of returning cast members Ben Schwartz and Idris Elba, as well as the film's vibrant visual effects and engaging storyline. Additionally, he reflects on how Sonic the Hedgehog 3 contributes to the expanding Sonic cinematic universe and what fans and skeptics alike might expect.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 premiered in theaters on December 20, 2024, distributed by Paramount Pictures, with a runtime of 110 minutes. The film features a star-studded cast, including Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, Krysten Ritter, Natasha Rothwell, Shemar Moore, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, Idris Elba, and Keanu Reeves.
Links:
<ul>
<li>Email your feedback for the show to&nbsp;cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com</li>
<li>Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel&nbsp;<a href="https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2">here</a>.</li>
<li>Check out&nbsp;<a href="https://cinemaholics.com/cinemaholics-merchandise/">our Cinemaholics Merch</a>!</li>
<li>Check out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholics">our Patreon</a>&nbsp;to support Cinemaholics!</li>
<li>Connect with Cinemaholics on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CinemaholicsPodcast/">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/cinemaholics___/?hl=en">Instagram</a>.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

Don't know what to watch? Join film critics Jon Negroni and Will Ashton for no-nonsense conversations about the latest films coming to theaters and streaming online. They may not always agree, but one thing's for sure. They're both Cinemaholics.

Don't know what to watch? Join film critics Jon Negroni and Will Ashton for no-nonsense conversations about the latest films coming to theaters and streaming online. They may not always agree, but one thing's for sure. They're both Cinemaholics.

Don't know what to watch? Join Jon Negroni of Atom Tickets, Will Ashton of CinemaBlend, and Abby Olcese of The Pitch for no-nonsense conversations about the latest films coming to theaters and streaming online. And tune in to our bonus show, Extra Milestone, where host Sam Noland brings on a different guest each week to spotlight classic film anniversaries.

Cinemaholics

Sonic The Hedgehog 3 – Spoiler-free Instant Take

Will Ashton is back with a solo Instant Take on Novocaine, the action-comedy-romance hybrid starring Jack Quaid (The Boys) as a pain-insensitive bank employee who becomes an unlikely action hero. Directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen (Villains), this film surprised Will with its surprising charm. But also its creative premise, and solid central performances, too.

Based on the real-life condition CIP (congenital insensitivity to pain), Novocaine walks a tonal tightrope between over-the-top violence and sincere character development. Will shares why Jack Quaid’s “young Tom Hanks” energy works so well here. Especially alongside Amber Midthunder (Prey), and how the film balances disability representation with fun genre thrills.

Will also unpacks some of the film’s weaknesses, including uneven comedy, some clunky reveals, and a few undercooked side characters. But overall, this one came in above expectations and might just be Jack Quaid’s best leading role to date.

Also starring Ray Nicholson, Betty Gabriel (Get Out), and Matt Walsh, Novocaine delivers quirky action, gory visuals, and a lot of heart…even if it sometimes plays it too safe.

Links:
Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com
Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here.
Check out our Cinemaholics Merch!
Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics!
Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram.

Will Ashton is back with a solo&nbsp;Instant Take&nbsp;on&nbsp;Novocaine, the action-comedy-romance hybrid starring Jack Quaid (The Boys) as a pain-insensitive bank employee who becomes an unlikely action hero. Directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen (Villains), this film surprised Will with its surprising charm. But also its creative premise, and solid central performances, too.
Based on the real-life condition CIP (congenital insensitivity to pain),&nbsp;Novocaine&nbsp;walks a tonal tightrope between over-the-top violence and sincere character development. Will shares why Jack Quaid&rsquo;s &ldquo;young Tom Hanks&rdquo; energy works so well here. Especially alongside Amber Midthunder (Prey), and how the film balances disability representation with fun genre thrills.
Will also unpacks some of the film&rsquo;s weaknesses, including uneven comedy, some clunky reveals, and a few undercooked side characters. But overall, this one came in above expectations and might just be Jack Quaid&rsquo;s best leading role to date.
Also starring Ray Nicholson, Betty Gabriel (Get Out), and Matt Walsh,&nbsp;Novocaine&nbsp;delivers quirky action, gory visuals, and a lot of heart&hellip;even if it sometimes plays it too safe.
Links:
<ul>
<li>Email your feedback for the show to&nbsp;cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com</li>
<li>Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel&nbsp;<a href="https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2">here</a>.</li>
<li>Check out&nbsp;<a href="https://cinemaholics.com/cinemaholics-merchandise/">our Cinemaholics Merch</a>!</li>
<li>Check out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholics">our Patreon</a>&nbsp;to support Cinemaholics!</li>
<li>Connect with Cinemaholics on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CinemaholicsPodcast/">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/cinemaholics___/?hl=en">Instagram</a>.</li>
</ul>

Novocaine – Spoiler-free Instant Take

In this spoiler-free instant take, Will Ashton jumps on the mic solo to give you his first impressions of Black Bag, the sleek and sizzling new spy thriller from director Steven Soderbergh. With a star-studded cast led by Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender, Black Bag is a taut, high-style espionage caper that calls back to the classy, grown-up thrillers of yesteryear.

Will dives into what makes this film click.Iits sophisticated style, whip-smart screenplay (co-written by Soderbergh collaborator David Koepp), and a third act that actually sticks the landing. He compares it to classics like Mr. & Mrs. Smith and Out of Sight, highlighting how Soderbergh leans into his signature charm, sexiness, and cinematic craftsmanship.

Other stars include Naomi Harris, Pierce Brosnan, Tom Burke, Regé-Jean Page, and Marisa Abela. All of whom get their moment to shine. Will also touches on Fassbender’s continued hot streak post-The Killer. Plus, why Blanchett is perfectly matched for this kind of layered, stylish fare.

Clocking in at a brisk 95 minutes, Black Bag is a sharp and satisfying return to form. It's equally suited for a theater outing or a high-quality night in. Listen in for Will’s take on where Black Bag ranks among Soderbergh’s post-retirement filmography. And why this might be one of his most entertaining efforts in years.

Links:
Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com
Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here.
Check out our Cinemaholics Merch!
Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics!
Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram.

In this spoiler-free instant take, Will Ashton jumps on the mic solo to give you his first impressions of&nbsp;Black Bag, the sleek and sizzling new spy thriller from director Steven Soderbergh. With a star-studded cast led by Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender,&nbsp;Black Bag&nbsp;is a taut, high-style espionage caper that calls back to the classy, grown-up thrillers of yesteryear.
Will dives into what makes this film click.Iits sophisticated style, whip-smart screenplay (co-written by Soderbergh collaborator David Koepp), and a third act that&nbsp;actually&nbsp;sticks the landing. He compares it to classics like&nbsp;Mr. &amp; Mrs. Smith&nbsp;and&nbsp;Out of Sight, highlighting how Soderbergh leans into his signature charm, sexiness, and cinematic craftsmanship.
Other stars include Naomi Harris, Pierce Brosnan, Tom Burke, Reg&eacute;-Jean Page, and Marisa Abela. All of whom get their moment to shine. Will also touches on Fassbender&rsquo;s continued hot streak post-The Killer. Plus, why Blanchett is perfectly matched for this kind of layered, stylish fare.
Clocking in at a brisk 95 minutes,&nbsp;Black Bag&nbsp;is a sharp and satisfying return to form. It's equally suited for a theater outing or a high-quality night in. Listen in for Will&rsquo;s take on where&nbsp;Black Bag&nbsp;ranks among Soderbergh&rsquo;s post-retirement filmography. And why this might be one of his most entertaining efforts in years.
Links:
<ul>
<li>Email your feedback for the show to&nbsp;cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com</li>
<li>Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel&nbsp;<a href="https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2">here</a>.</li>
<li>Check out&nbsp;<a href="https://cinemaholics.com/cinemaholics-merchandise/">our Cinemaholics Merch</a>!</li>
<li>Check out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholics">our Patreon</a>&nbsp;to support Cinemaholics!</li>
<li>Connect with Cinemaholics on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CinemaholicsPodcast/">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/cinemaholics___/?hl=en">Instagram</a>.</li>
</ul>

Black Bag – Spoiler-free Instant Take

In this week’s episode, Jon Negroni and Will Ashton take a deep dive into Nickel Boys, the latest film from director RaMell Ross (Hale County This Morning, This Evening). An adaptation of Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, the film follows two Black teenagers trapped in the harrowing realities of Nickel Academy, a reform school in 1960s Florida that crushes hope as efficiently as it enforces silence. With Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson leading the cast and a uniquely immersive first-person perspective, Nickel Boys has drawn a lot of critical acclaim, but does it earn its accolades?

Jon and Will unpack the film’s daring cinematography, its unconventional narrative structure, and Ross’s refusal to hold the audience’s hand. They debate the film’s Oscar prospects, its underwhelming box office reception, and why its use of silence might be its most powerful weapon. Plus, how does Nickel Boys fit into the tradition of documentary filmmakers transitioning into narrative storytelling? And yes, Will finds a way to compare it to The Tree of Life, because of course he does.

Links:
Email your feedback for the show to cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com
Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel here.
Check out our Cinemaholics Merch!
Check out our Patreon to support Cinemaholics!
Connect with Cinemaholics on Facebook and Instagram.

In this week&rsquo;s episode, Jon Negroni and Will Ashton take a deep dive into&nbsp;Nickel Boys, the latest film from director RaMell Ross (Hale County This Morning, This Evening). An adaptation of Colson Whitehead&rsquo;s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, the film follows two Black teenagers trapped in the harrowing realities of Nickel Academy, a reform school in 1960s Florida that crushes hope as efficiently as it enforces silence. With Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson leading the cast and a uniquely immersive first-person perspective,&nbsp;Nickel Boys&nbsp;has drawn a lot of critical acclaim, but does it earn its accolades?
Jon and Will unpack the film&rsquo;s daring cinematography, its unconventional narrative structure, and Ross&rsquo;s refusal to hold the audience&rsquo;s hand. They debate the film&rsquo;s Oscar prospects, its underwhelming box office reception, and why its use of silence might be its most powerful weapon. Plus, how does&nbsp;Nickel Boys&nbsp;fit into the tradition of documentary filmmakers transitioning into narrative storytelling? And yes, Will finds a way to compare it to&nbsp;The Tree of Life, because of course he does.
<hr>
Links:
<ul>
<li>Email your feedback for the show to&nbsp;cinemaholicspodcast [at] gmail.com</li>
<li>Join our Discord and chat with us! We have a Cinemaholics channel&nbsp;<a href="https://discord.gg/wG5g8RR4m2">here</a>.</li>
<li>Check out&nbsp;<a href="https://cinemaholics.com/cinemaholics-merchandise/">our Cinemaholics Merch</a>!</li>
<li>Check out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.patreon.com/cinemaholics">our Patreon</a>&nbsp;to support Cinemaholics!</li>
<li>Connect with Cinemaholics on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CinemaholicsPodcast/">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/cinemaholics___/?hl=en">Instagram</a>.</li>
</ul>

Sonic The Hedgehog 3 – Spoiler-free Instant Take

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