Sharon and Alex are two of my favorite movie podcasters, and have been the reason I have been subscribed to them for almost a decade. They are insightful and their enthusiasm and joy are infectious. However, Alex, as the hast is a mixed blessing. While he gives structure to the show and fuels the passion of this podcast his shortcomings have caused me to stop listening, let alone back this podcast on Patreon. The problem I have with Alex is two-fold, but they all involve a lack of courtesy, to his wife and to the listeners. Sharon, communicates a lot like I do, where she seems to gather her thought while she is speaking and it Immensely pleasant to her hear express herself. However, Alex will often interrupt and tease her in mid-sentence, often injecting inane jokes at her expense. It is clearly meant to affectionate joking but it comes off as rude and it is annoying. Second, Alex lacks mic discipline which often hid him snacking and talking at the same time. It is testament to how good this show can be that I could put up with hearing a grown man eat crisp and masticating into my ear for as along as I have. Sadly, I've hit my breaking point.

I enjoy the very thorough breakdowns. I just listened to the WandaVision episode. 10/10. I hope you guys do Agatha All Along.

Love the extensive research and commentary. Looking for the Hamilton ep. Was it taken down?

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I do not listen to political podcasts to hear movie reviews and I do not listen to movie podcasts to hear political commentary. If you advertised your podcast as motion pictures and politics then I could have made and informed decision without wasting my time to find out. Sometimes I have agreed with your political views and sometimes I have not - but that is not the point. I definitely do not agree to listening to moments of political finger pointing while I'm listening to a movie review. Why would anyone want that no matter what their politics may be? Do what you will. It is your right as your own podcast, but I can choose to not participate. This podcast has passion and intelligence, but sometimes the political acid spitting simply ruins the joy of loving movies.

Could you review Wolfwalkers please?

I listen to about a dozen movie podcasts weekly and the Shaws and their guests on School of Movies are the most thoughtful and hard working out of the bunch. The two hosts provide energy and vigorous excitement to each film they discuss while making you laugh and really think about each film as it’s own essay. I seldomly catch their political views coming out but when I do, I see it as the era of discontent we live in. Of course they are right to talk about the rampant hate and persecution happening in the 21st century, I don’t even see it as political. To sleep walk through what is going on now is fascism in itself! I even enjoy their in-depth analyses on films I haven’t seen and even films I don’t like. This is a must listen to for passionate film goers who want to know everything they can about the movies they watch. Bravo Alex and Sharon! May the podcast run for decades more!

I've listend to this as my go-to movie podcast for over a decade. They got me through two heart surgeries and fostered a greater appreciation of depth, details and symbolism in movies. Then they swerved far left with a barrage of virtue-signaling. Now all of thier shows are trapped in time and held hostage by social justice tropes. Where they used to be insightful and deep, they now search for ways to invoke their boogeymen and turn every film into the cause of the day. Even when its warranted, like WW84, their cartoonish leftism overshadows their valid points. Every movie now is graded by how it stands up to current and ever-changing leftist social rules. This whole era from 2016 to 2020 needs to be purged and redone. None of their recent reviews will stand the test of time and all will become eventual signposts to the liberal hate and division that they have embraced. I loved you guys, but I'm out! Edit… tried to come back in 2022, but Alex is still seeing everything through the eyes of a social justice fascist. In 10 years all of their post 2016 shows will look like nonsense.

It comes off as mean and homophobic which you seemed to blatantly acknowledge you were being and the final straw was your surprisingly racist inspired attack of Rupaul... why, why, are you so tone deaf talking about things with no understanding no context and a very broad hate filled brush that you feel comfortable to encourage you and your commenters to use of communities you have no place to comment on under the cover of a movie review... words I could use like nasty and pathetic and ignorant and forget it what a waste unsubscribed, buh bye...

If you just want to listen to a lot of people ramble on about a movie and not go into depth, this is not your podcast! School of Movies has well thought out and well written positions that provoke deeper thinking. Definitely a more analytical movie podcast, but they also know how to be down to earth and goofy. Love this podcast.

Thoughtful conversations. Funny, knowledgeable hosts.

I have enjoyed many episodes but as time has gone on I feel this show can’t make it through an episode without virtue signaling about their political views or everything has to be filtered through the usual annoying grating PC guidelines. The show has no edge, it’s soft and safe and not for me anymore.

When are they going to review Steven universe and she ra/ princesses of power 😭

Pray everyone is well in this time. Tina from USA

A great podcast that I look forward to every week. Often gets me to think more deeply on movies I already love. In the rare instances when I disagree with their views it is intelligently articulated enough for me to totally understand their side of it.

A pod about picking things out of movies and putting them in a woke blender. Also extremely anti Muslim.

Even after listeners made it clear they wanted a movie podcast to be about the movie, the hosts can’t stop. ‘movie talk, movie talk, movie talk, completely out of the blue far left political rant, movie talk...’ Wait, what? Yeah. It ruins everything else.

I’ve only listened to a few of their podcasts and enjoyed them until I got to their Joker review. Suggestion, get a 3rd person to counter your cynical points of view. The duo goes through the film angrily about how they’ve would’ve moved the plot had they wrote it and how it made them upset with the choices Phillip made as well as Phoenix’s performance?? Golden Globe best actor winner and likely Oscar nominated performance and they thought it was “crazy” for crazy sake? This comic book film transcended genre and had a masterful performance. Yes I saw those Scorsese films and no this wasn’t just the Frat version of them. It pays homage while having a tragic and insightful view of how a crumbling social system can help create sociopaths. What’s the smell like on that high horse of yours? I love how upset these two got. If this film was such rubbish, why did you both have such a strong emotional response? Well done and with all that hate, you get what you deserve: 1 Star

Do it, listen them pop off.

In April of 2016 my father underwent a 6 hour medical procedure to save his life. While anxiously sitting in the waiting room, I turned to my favorite podcast to take my mind away from my worry. It was also the first podcast I'd ever discovered, an episode featuring a gushing review of why Avatar the Last Airbender was so great and it’s movie so awful. In the hospital, I was desperate for escape and earnestly eager to hear them discuss the latest season of Daredevil. I thought the show raised very interesting points regarding the concepts & consequences of vigilantes. In the golden age of comicbook live-action content, I felt Daredevil was the best representation of that gray line separating justice & revenge, good & evil, determination & desperation. And some of the best choreographed fight scenes & action sequences ever seen from a tv budget. I had an cheap iPod, which I still use today. Reliable for a long battery life & resilient construction, but lacked space as my music took up a lot of it’s memory. It held two other podcasts which I’d already heard, but I was most looking forward to the new one and it’s deep dive into Daredevil S02. What I got was a bad practical joke, which seemed more lazy than actually funny. I didn’t know I could feel that level of disappointment or betrayal from people I’d never met. Thank you for broadening my horizons.

I love this podcast! Sometimes, I do think they take the movies too seriously, and I have had to walk away from some just because I strongly disagreed with them. But I love that they have genuinely thought out their opinions and can argue for them, and are willing to change and hear other points of views. I really appreciate how much they add to my own knowledge of movies, but I would recommend not listening to every single movie review unless you really want to be an expert on the Emperor’s New Groove (let’s face it, who doesn’t). This is a great podcast to learn something new about a movie you adore, but if you didn’t really care about the movie, the podcast can be harder to pay attention to, in my personal opinion. Both of the Shaw’s are very knowledgeable, and I know I can trust what they’re saying . Overall, super great deep analysis! If you’re not into deep analysis, this might not be the podcast for you, but for film majors or lovers of storytelling, or just fans of a particular movie that they’ve covered, this is for sure a great podcast for you!

Very knowledgeable on movies, and quite funny banter between them, but be warned - they bring up politics in almost every podcast now. The new Joker movie is a “dog whistle” .... “Trump voters love their guns”..... “the Aurora Colorado shooter was inspired by The Joker in 2012!” (Not true).....you’ve heard it all before folks, at this point it doesn’t matter if you’re Liberal or Conservative. It’s just played out and tiresome....why can’t we just talk about movies?

I wanted to find a decent movie podcast and stumbled onto this podcast from across the Atlantic. The first episode I listened to was an analysis of Bram Stokers Dracula and I was hooked. The in-depth analysis and passion for cinema is evident in every episode that covers a wide spectrum of genres from Classic Disney animation to Guillermo Del Toro thrillers. The best episodes are when Sharon and Alex discuss movies themselves and keep the special guests to a minimum.

I found this podcast back in 2014 and binged on the Lord of the Rings episodes. Since I never read the Tolkien books, I found the comparisons between book & film enlightening. Since these episodes, I have thoroughly enjoyed the Bad Reviews Against Humanity episodes which made me laugh uproariously particularly the episodes which featured the dramatic readings of 50 Shades of Grey excerpts. I enjoy the guest hosts and hearing their perspectives. While I might not always agree with them; I enjoy listening to Alex and Sharon—particularly their tongue-in-cheek humor as found in their (#189) 300 episode. Thank you and please keep the episodes coming!

I like Alex and Sharon, in the past they have good senses of humor and are very insightful about incorporating aspects of psychology, psychoanalysis and various types of reading. Sometimes heavy political bias gets in the way of things such as very rarely going back on films that have large problems that they don’t agree with. However, they’re very smart, clearly know what they’re talking about, sometimes emotion gets in the way of looking at something critically. Like with black panther and the last jedi. None of their commentary had anything to do with the actual films. They’re essentially reviewing the meta of the film which is going to die within five years or less. Ultimately a film should stand on its own and both of those films have large problems though the last Jedi’s script is literal Swiss cheese while black panther is at least entertaining while being pretty flawed in its world building. They’re also very reactionary and thin skinned.

Inspired by School of Movies spending an entire cast mocking their detractors, I decided that it was time to give something back to one of the casts that I have been listening to the longest. I have been listening since, I believe, 2011 or 2013? The 'cast has always been solid, with Alex and Sharon Shaw holding court over well considered panels for their cinematic deep dive discussions. I listen to soooo many podcasts, but there are probably 5 guaranteed weekly listens. SoM is one of them. My only real complaint has been resolved over time, as Alex's big picture humanity has become relfected more in his little picture humanity.

I have sort of binged this podcast over the last few days. While the hosts often have very good and deep insights into the movies they review, they just as often go off into serious tangents and rants. I’m not a prude, but inserting expletive after expletive to get your point across doesn’t really come off that well. I get having opinions, but it seems like the hosts are absolutely sure that they’re opinion is the only right one. Look, I’ve hate watched shows and ranted about them as all. However, these guys take it to a whole new level.

I stumbled upon these guys about 4 or 5 years ago. I was wanting a good movie podcast to get me through long nights at work. This podcast delivered in spades. A movie podcast with detailed Analysis driven by serious passion and incredible heart. I have teared up several times listening to this podcast, especially guardians of the galaxy vol 2 and most recently John wick. Such a treasure to have discovered this pod and I share it with everyone who ask for a movie podcast.

Simply a fantastic, well made, thoughtful and informative podcast. One of the best out there.

I’ve been listening to school of movies for several years now, and their in depth analysis of media (mostly movies, naturally, however they do some TV show and video game episodes too) has not only kept me entertained, and my coworkers looking at me funny when I burst out laughing for now apparent reason at work, it’s also helped me become better at analyzing the media I consume. That’s really helped me to be more critical about the media I give my time to, and it’s helped me determine exactly what I enjoy about the media I love, so I can specifically find things to scratch those itches.

This show has terrific production quality, with timely inserts of music and audio clips during topical transitions. The hosts are charmingly enthusiastic in their love of the craft of film and storytelling. And there are always wonderful guests to add a variety of ideas and interpretations to the topic of discussion.

This is a challenging podcast at times, in the best possible ways. The hosts believe there is meaningful discussions to be had in genre movies. They will present their arguements often times like a lawyer presenting a case: creating a foundation and building off of that. This process is often heated and entertaining, but there is a logic to each topic that builds over the runtime to a thesis that answers *why* a given work is worthwhile, rather than just *if* it is worthwhile or not. School of Movies is not for hyping up the latest blockbuster, not for going scene by scene saying how awesome this thing was or how bad this other things was. "Interesting" always needs expanded on.

A solid balance of insightful conversation and good humor with some excellent musical interlude choices.

I found this podcast searching for Godzilla:King of the Monsters reviews. School of Movies did a pretty enjoyable review. The sound effects and snappy add-ins were only mildly annoying & distracting. The second review I decided to listen to was Dark Phoenix. Im not a FoX-Men fan. The franchise has had major ups/downs and issues. But the ranting, complaining and almost giddy bashing of this film was just too much to listen to the whole episode. It felt very juvenile. PS: I get the complaints about the timeline, aging, stagnant character development. But if Im objective, I also can quickly conclude that the comics have ALSO had that same problem. Jean and Scott were in Xaviers school in the 60s. They’re still young today. So whats the big deal that the movies were more comic accurate there? I guess I feel like there are bigger fish to fry in the franchise.

I was excited to see another John Wick podcast. Hadn’t heard of this show. Was quickly taken aback when random music was scored over the pod strand on points. Took me out of the moment and had me loosing focus on the conversation. Hosts drug on and I was not engaged by their interaction. This was my first try with the show. I will not return. Not my taste, but carry on.

This used to me my favorite podcast and was great for nostalgia trips through movies, games and shows from my childhood. But like nearly everything these days it has turned much too political for my liking. Not only are the political diatribes too regular but I detest a person who lectures people on politics as if their opinions and views are fact. And anyone from the other side is evil.

Was a huge fan of the show till I offered a mild disagreement with two of the guests opinions about Thor in Endgame. On their Twitter feed I mocked and told my opinion wasn’t worth listening to ever. Totally caught me off guard. Pretty self important and thin skinned group of people that treat their fans horribly. Still hurting from that one.

I decided to give this podcast a go with their new Pet Sematary episode and good lord is it obnoxious. The laughably bizarre diversions into self-promotion, the condescending “analysis” filled with shouting and mental gymnastics to justify opinions, the crowbarred-in political rants...it’s all just smug, angry and self-satisfied at a level that I’ve never encountered before.

The guy on this podcast (I don’t know or care to look up his name) is a tool. He states opinions as facts and self promotes his really bad writing like it’s Shakespeare. No thanks.

Up there with the very best movie podcasts available.

Every week I look forward to a new episode of School of Movies - love the in-depth discussion of some of my favorite films and games. If you have any fascination with pop culture, these folks will undoubtedly strike a chord! Highly recommended. Special shout-out to their recent run on the works of Guillermo de Toro. Each episode is as rich and detailed as the films themselves, and their guest was insightful and well-informed.

I began listening to School of Movies at the Infinity War episode and it quickly became one of my routine podcasts. Often insightful and well thought out, School of Movies provides a great source for anyone wanting insight into a variety of films. However, while there is plenty to take away from the discussions, nearly every episode includes some form of break away from the weekly focus to awkwardly transition into a political discussion. Even in episodes where the topic at hand couldn't seem farther from the subject of modern politics (e.g. The Emperor's New Groove) the hosts will still find a way to force an unnecessary political rant into the episode. Overall, the show is a well informed and often well thought out. If you're looking for a good movie podcast and you can withstand the forced political messages shoehorned into most episodes, then I do recommend School of Movies

For a time, I rather enjoyed this podcast despite it's random, out of nowhere self promotion of unoriginal content, and the soapbox moments politicizing things I'm not certain needed to be. Wheter I disagreed with the deconstruction or enjoyed hearing my own thoughts reflected on numerous movies, it was always one of my mainstays. That said, the lastest episode where the host takes all of classic cinema and throws it in a dumpster because it's not "complex" like every modern cinematic gem that is currently squeezed out such as his example of Crazy Rich Asians, gave me pause. I don't mind hearing someone caught up in prisoner of the moment and finding something recent (or even just in color) more enjoyable. I don't mind self appointed expert movie critics using hyperbole and afflicted with hubris to make reductive and ignorant statements about films they have almost no true understanding of. What bothers me is when the podcast host demands that I unsubscribe if I don't agree with his uninformed and shallow declarations...as if somehow I am at fault for not bowing before his dizzying intellect. If you truly want good podcasts about movies that have hosts who appreciate their fans and want to keep listeners tuned in, go listen to The Incomparable, Junkfood Cinema, Now Playing, Spoilers!, Pure Cinema Podcast, or Unjustly Maligned. If you don't mind a podcast that 40 minutes into a discussion of the The Warriors (which was commisioned and paid for by a fan no less) takes the position that a film no one will care about 5 years from now is better than Casablanca and more to the point, anyone what disagrees should immediately unsubscribe, than by all means listen. To me, it was truly disappointing to hear anyone who loves film to say that only new films have complexity (which I guess is only the past year or so) and that great movies of the past are actually overated and not worth the love and respect they've earned. This feels like a very millenial, myopic viewpoint and not one shared by people who actually understand good visual story telling, compelling narrative, witty dialogue, and wonderfully deep, subtle emotional moments that Casablance (specifically) has in abundance. If the host demands we abandon his self indulgent and often thin veiled excuse to promote his own projects (with voice acting that is generously described as subpar), I am all too happy to satisfy this singular whim.

Hearing people enthusiastically discuss things they enjoy while I also learn from them is a delight. The guests are informed and bring unique insight to the episodes they appear on. Transitions between the hosts talking to each other and audio clips from other media can be a little confusing if you’re not familiar with the hosts’ voices.

This has become one of my favorite movie podcasts. They always find angles I didn't see and give me a deeper appreciation for movies that I love, and even a few I didn't love as much. If you enjoy inteligent conversation about movies, you'll love this podcast!

One of the best produced, and most insightful podcasts that I’ve come across. Alex and Sharon (and the rotation of guests) are an absolute joy.

Come for the discussions on genre films, leave for the random bits of self-promotion, self-important political editorializing and unironic discussion on how to be a good “ally”.

M L

This is hands down my favorite movie podcast. Alex, Sharon and their guests are insightful, intelligent, passionate, and entertaining. And unlike so many podcasts, they stay focused and on point. I have heard many podcasts that profess to review movies, but between long tangents and random news stories, many of these focus on the movie for only a small portion of the time. With this podcast, you get what you expect: well researched discussions and analysis about each movie, whether or not the hosts loved it or not. I appreciate how much time, effort, and research goes into every episode of School of Movies. Generally, when I'm interested in a topic, I research it to the point that I know a ton of random facts and trivia on that topic, but they manage to still find facts I didn't know and present them so well. This podcast gets me through even the worst days at work! Keep up the great work!

The "A Special Announcement" pod alone was overwrought and cringey by itself. But mostly the pod is "crticism" as viewed through the lens of a personal relationship with the films and is as shallow and devoid of anything noteworthy to set itself apart from the myriad of other pop culture “critique” shows. Not even mentioning the vapid attempts at internet celebrity. You're better off sitting in on a beginners acting class or improv show.