Podcast Summary: ALL OF IT – "What to Watch at the Movies (2025 Summer Preview)"
Release Date: July 2, 2025
Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Allison Wilmore, Film Critic for Vulture and New York Magazine
Introduction
In this vibrant episode of ALL OF IT by WNYC, host Alison Stewart delves into the cinematic landscape of summer 2025. Centered around the theme of "sights and sounds of summer," the discussion focuses on the most anticipated movie releases, ranging from superhero blockbusters to thought-provoking dramas. Joining Alison is Allison Wilmore, a seasoned film critic from Vulture and New York Magazine, who provides expert insights into each film's potential impact and artistic merit.
Superman Remake: A Return to Idealism
Release Date: July 11, 2025
Cast: Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor), Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), David Corenswet (Clark Kent/Superman)
Director: James Gunn
Allison Wilmore opens the conversation with excitement about the upcoming Superman remake. She notes, “This is an attempt to restart the kind of very all over the place, general DC universe” (01:42). Directed by James Gunn, known for his work on the Guardians of the Galaxy series, the film aims to rejuvenate the DC franchise with a fresh perspective.
“This looks like an attempt to return to a really idealistic, more naive version of superheroes... more throwback vision to an idea of superheroes as people just trying to do good in a very straightforward sense.”
– Allison Wilmore (01:42)
Wilmore appreciates Gunn's vision, especially amidst widespread superhero fatigue, and anticipates a “more idealistic” portrayal contrasting the recent gritty narratives in the genre.
Eddington: Political Strife and Psychological Horror
Release Date: July 18, 2025
Director: Ari Aster
Cast: Pedro Pascal (Mayor), Joaquin Phoenix (Sheriff)
The discussion shifts to Eddington, a new Ari Aster film set against the backdrop of political unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic. Wilmore shares her personal viewing experience:
“This is the first Covid movie I've seen that really feels like it has enough distance to not just depict what it was like to be during lockdown, but also to grapple with the ramifications...”
– Allison Wilmore (04:43)
She praises the dynamic between Pedro Pascal and Joaquin Phoenix, highlighting Phoenix’s portrayal of a character embodying the fractured realities of contemporary society. While acknowledging the film's horror-adjacent elements and bursts of violence typical of Aster’s style, Wilmore notes, “I don't know that I would say I liked it. I think maybe that's a bit intentional.”
– Allison Wilmore (06:42)
Weapons: A Creepy Summer Thriller
Release Date: August 8, 2025
Genre: Thriller
Plot: The disappearance of children from a classroom under mysterious circumstances.
Weapons is presented as a nerve-wracking thriller perfect for summer audiences seeking a spine-chilling experience. A caller describes an early test screening:
“It's incredibly nerve-bending with legitimate jump scares. The audience was screaming at the characters on screen.”
– Caller (07:44)
Wilmore anticipates the film appeals to horror enthusiasts and parents alike, drawing parallels to the Pied Piper myth and fears surrounding child safety.
“This one really plays on a lot of fears about, obviously if you're a parent, about children... it was very creepy.”
– Allison Wilmore (08:56)
Roses: A Hilarious Remake
Cast: Olivia Colman, Benedict Cumberbatch
The conversation briefly touches on Roses, a remake of War of the Roses featuring Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch. Wilmore finds the pairing intriguing:
“Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman bickering and slowly escalating towards all-out marital warfare. I think that looks, that sounds delightful.”
– Allison Wilmore (11:05)
Spike Lee and Denzel Washington Reunion
Release Date: August 22, 2025
Director: Spike Lee
Cast: Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright, A$AP Rocky
Highlighting one of the season's major releases, Wilmore discusses Spike Lee's latest collaboration with Denzel Washington. The film, a remake of an Akira Kurosawa thriller, explores themes of success and personal crisis.
“It's a kind of great combination of a crime thriller and a kind of meditation on what it means to be an older artist...”
– Allison Wilmore (12:11)
She praises A$AP Rocky's performance and the film's action sequences, particularly a notable subway scene, emphasizing its blend of intense drama and thoughtful character exploration.
My Undesirable Friends: A Tense Documentary
Genre: Documentary
Director: Julia Lochtev
Shifting gears, My Undesirable Friends offers a sobering look at journalists amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Premiering at the New York Film Festival, the documentary follows Julia Lochtev as she navigates the dangers faced by dissident journalists.
“It's an incredibly tense experience... an incredible portrait of a group of journalists who are already being kind of labeled foreign agents.”
– Allison Wilmore (13:56)
Wilmore underscores the film's relevance and the ethical dilemmas faced by those reporting under oppressive regimes.
Naked Gun Remake: Liam Neeson's Comedic Turn
Director: Akiva Schaeffer
Cast: Liam Neeson
The Naked Gun remake is another highlight, featuring Liam Neeson stepping into a comedic role traditionally held by Leslie Nielsen. Wilmore expresses high expectations for Neeson's performance:
“I just love the idea of Liam Neeson as this, like, very deadpan hero of this extremely silly movie... I have really high hopes for this.”
– Allison Wilmore (18:26)
She draws parallels between Neeson's and Nielsen's ability to deliver deadpan humor, anticipating a successful transition into mainstream comedy.
Caught Stealing: A New York Crime Thriller
Cast: Austin Butler, Regina King, Zoe Kravitz, Matt Smith, Lev Schreiber
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Caught Stealing is portrayed as a high-energy crime thriller infused with comedic elements, serving as a love letter to New York City's gritty underbelly. Wilmore is particularly excited about Aronofsky's direction and the film's ensemble cast.
“It's like an incredibly rowdy crime thriller with bits of comedy that just travels all over New York.”
– Allison Wilmore (19:30)
She appreciates the film's dynamic portrayal of various New York personalities and Aronofsky's unique storytelling approach.
Audience Engagement and Interactive Discussion
Throughout the episode, Alison Stewart encourages listener participation, inviting them to share their excitement and questions about the summer movies via phone and text. Notable interactions include inquiries about character dynamics in Superman and the impact of copyright lawsuits on film releases.
A caller from Manhattan probes:
“Do we find out the origin of why Lex Luthor and Clark Kent or Superman have this hatred between them?”
– Caller Robert (09:52)
Wilmore responds with insights into character motivations without revealing spoilers, maintaining anticipation for the film’s release.
Another listener shares thoughts on early screenings:
“It's incredibly nerve-bending with legitimate jump scares. The audience was screaming at the characters on screen.”
– Caller (15:05)
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with Alison Stewart and Allison Wilmore expressing mutual excitement for the diverse array of films hitting theaters this summer. From superhero reboots and psychological thrillers to heartfelt documentaries and comedic remakes, the 2025 summer lineup promises something for every movie enthusiast. The hosts emphasize the importance of community engagement and diverse perspectives in shaping cultural conversations around cinema.
Notable Quotes:
- Allison Wilmore: “This looks like an attempt to return to a really idealistic, more naive version of superheroes...” (01:42)
- Caller Robert: “Do we find out the origin of why Lex Luthor and Clark Kent or Superman have this hatred between them?” (09:52)
- Allison Wilmore: “It's incredibly nerve-bending with legitimate jump scares...” (15:05)
Produced by: Adrienne Duck, MAU Kate Hines, Jordan Loft, Simon Close, El Malik Anderson, and Luke Green
Head of Live Radio: Megan Ryan
Engineers: Juliana Fonda and Amber Bruce
Interns: Francesca Bazzi and Sam Schmia
Music: Luscious Jackson
ALL OF IT continues to be a hub for cultural discourse, inviting listeners to engage with the multifaceted world of art and entertainment. Tune in next time for more in-depth conversations and community-driven discussions.