#26 || the MOST ANTICIPATED Movies of the YEAR (2025)

#30 || Anora WON the OSCARS! Indie Film is back?

In this episode, Zac and Jake dive into the recent Oscars, discussing their experiences, highlights, and controversies surrounding the event. They explore the surprises and upsets in the awards, share their thoughts on deserving winners, and critique the best and worst speeches. The conversation also touches on the state of the film industry, including directorial snubs and the rise of animated films. Additionally, they share personal recommendations for media consumption, including books and trailers for upcoming films. Takeaways: The Oscars can evoke mixed feelings among viewers. Streaming issues during live events can lead to viewer frustration. Indie films are gaining recognition at major awards. The importance of sound design in filmmaking cannot be overstated. Directorial snubs can overshadow deserving films. Animated films are evolving and gaining critical acclaim. The film industry is expanding beyond traditional hubs like Hollywood. Personal recommendations can enhance media consumption experiences. Engaging with the audience is crucial for podcast growth. Feedback from listeners can help shape future content.

#29 || THE CREATOR is the GOAT Sci-Fi Movie?!

In this episode of That's Lunch, Zac Stracener and Jake Shull dive into a lively discussion about their recent experiences, including moving adventures and the challenges that come with it. They then transition into a detailed review of the sci-fi film 'The Creator,' exploring its themes, visuals, and cinematography. The conversation also touches on critiques of the film's score and story, leading to a broader discussion on the state of sci-fi films. Finally, they rank their top sci-fi movies, sharing personal favorites and insights into what makes these films stand out. In this engaging conversation, Jake and Zac delve into their favorite films, exploring the impact of Star Wars, the brilliance of Arrival, and the groundbreaking nature of Inception. They discuss the current landscape of sci-fi films, the implications of AI in filmmaking, and the future of the James Bond franchise. The duo also reflects on recent award shows, box office trends, and personal updates on their movie-watching and reading experiences.

#28 || THE GORGE is the WORST APPLE TV ORIGINAL MOVIE

In this episode, Zac and Jake discuss a variety of topics ranging from their upcoming stand-up tour to their favorite romance movies. They delve into the anxiety of performing stand-up, share their Super Bowl predictions, and rank their top romance films. The conversation shifts to the quality of animation in shows like 'Invincible' and the current state of Marvel films, particularly 'Captain America: Brave New World.' They also touch on YouTube's rise as a primary viewing platform and the reception of recent films, including a critical look at 'The Gorge.'

#27 || BEST SPORTS MOVIE EVER?!

In this episode, Zac Stracener and Jake Shull dive into their top five favorite sports films, reflecting on how these movies shaped their childhoods and influenced their love for filmmaking. They discuss classics like 'Happy Gilmore', 'Creed', 'The Sandlot', 'The Fighter', 'Rocky', 'Moneyball', 'Remember the Titans', and 'The Rookie', sharing personal anecdotes and insights about each film's impact. The conversation also touches on the evolution of sports movies and their cultural significance, culminating in a lively discussion about honorable mentions and hot takes on various films. In this conversation, Jake Shull and Zac Stracener explore the evolving landscape of entertainment, focusing on the rise of streaming services, the impact of social media, and the emergence of vertical content. They discuss the success of China's mini dramas, the challenges of regulating social media consumption, and the implications of AI in the film industry. The duo also reflects on the Oscars, comparing this year's nominees to last year's, and considers the changing attitudes towards award shows. Additionally, they touch on the cultural significance of video games and listener engagement with their show.

#26 || the MOST ANTICIPATED Movies of the YEAR (2025)

In this episode of That's Lunch, hosts Zac Stracener and Jake Shull engage in a lively discussion about their most anticipated films of 2025, exploring various themes such as the nature of lunch conversations on set, the impact of live-action adaptations, and the future of movie theaters. They also delve into the direction of James Gunn with the new Superman film and share their excitement for upcoming projects like Warfare and Paul Thomas Anderson's latest work. The conversation is filled with humor, insights, and a shared passion for filmmaking. In this engaging conversation, Zac Stracener and Jake Shull delve into various aspects of the film industry, discussing the challenges of film production, the anticipation surrounding Bong Joon Ho's new film, and Hollywood's reliance on established franchises. They express concerns over upcoming Marvel releases and explore the impact of streaming services on concert events. Zac shares his recent filmmaking experiences, while both hosts recommend video games and discuss the significance of Dune 2 and the series Severance. The episode concludes with a thought-provoking audience question about Christopher Nolan's upcoming adaptation of the Odyssey.