The Ben Shapiro Show

Episode: Ben Shapiro Will Be Watching THESE 3 Movies in 2025
Date: October 11, 2025
Host: Ben Shapiro (The Daily Wire)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Ben Shapiro dives into his most anticipated movies slated for release in 2025. Known for his rapid-fire cultural commentary, Ben reviews trailers and discusses why these films—The Smashing Machine, Anemone, and Project Hail Mary—have caught his attention. He offers his distinctive takes on casting, storytelling, studio trends, and his skepticism about certain directors’ approaches, especially when it comes to blending inspiration with darker themes.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Smashing Machine

[01:14 - 06:13]

• Ben introduces The Smashing Machine as a Safdie Brothers film, dramatizing the life of a legendary original UFC fighter, portrayed by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
• He notes widespread praise for Johnson’s performance, with Oscar buzz already circulating.
• Emily Blunt is also singled out for consistent excellence in her roles.
• The movie draws comparisons to films like The Fighter and Mark Wahlberg’s work, with an emphasis on gritty, inspirational sports stories.

Notable Quotes:

• “[The Rock] looks really good in that. I mean, even in the preview, that does not look like kind of normal. The Rock, like, actual subtlety. Emily Blunt is truly one of the most talented people working.” (Ben, 04:24)
• “I don’t trust the Safdie brothers that they’re not going to make me miserable at the end of their films because that’s kind of what they’re famous for doing… So, I’m into it. I’ll watch it.” (Ben, 05:39)

Key Insights:

• Ben is drawn to the mix of ambition and emotional struggle in sports dramas, though he expects the Safdie Brothers’ signature bleak approach.
• There’s a trend in 2025 of sports-based A24 films, with this and another about ping-pong sharing oddly similar tones and styles.
• Despite anticipating a possibly unhappy ending, he’s engaged by star performances and the quality of filmmaking.

2. Anemone

[06:13 - 09:56]

• This pick is highlighted for its cast and creative team: Written and directed by Daniel Day-Lewis’ son, starring Daniel Day-Lewis himself alongside Sean Bean.
• Ben praises both actors, expressing excitement for their onscreen dynamic as brothers.
• The trailer hints at an intense, interpersonal drama about estranged siblings, war trauma, and family reconciliation.

Notable Quotes:

• “Two of my favorite actors. Again, this is my kind of film, honestly... Daniel Day Lewis is nothing less than spectacularly watchable in literally everything.” (Ben, 09:22 and 09:40)
• “...could it end up like The Lighthouse, which everyone else seemed to like a lot more than I? It definitely could... Two very good actors just kind of yelling at each other, but I don’t think that’s the direction this is going to go.” (Ben, 09:39)

Key Insights:

• Ben’s anticipation is rooted in the actors’ reputations and his personal preference for character-driven, gritty dramas.
• He’s aware of the risk of the film devolving into over-the-top dramatic grandstanding (a la The Lighthouse), but trusts the creative team’s restraint.

3. Project Hail Mary

[09:56 - 14:49]

• Based on Andy Weir’s novel (the same author as The Martian), this film stars Ryan Gosling as an unlikely science teacher thrust into a universe-saving mission.
• Ben admits a lukewarm reaction to the book compared to The Martian but sees cinematic potential and expects Gosling to shine in the lead.
• He notes the storyline’s familiar flavor: “smart alecky main character” facing “insurmountable scientific challenge,” but anticipates wide appeal and strong entertainment value.
• He addresses concerns about excessive CGI in modern films, noting that Project Hail Mary relies more on practical effects and realistic visuals than typical sci-fi blockbusters.

Notable Quotes:

• “It’ll be very, very watchable in the same way The Martian is watchable... I will say that the end of the book kind of left me a little cold. So I assume that the movie will match up with the book and we’ll see how people react.” (Ben, 13:29)
• “I like Ryan Gosling, generally. I don’t think Ryan Gosling is one of our top seven working actors.” (Ben, 13:45)

Key Insights:

• Ben’s skepticism centers on narrative payoff rather than the experience of the film itself; he values entertainment and performance over blockbuster spectacle.
• He approves of the movie’s approach to special effects, preferring realism over cartoonish CGI.

4. General Reflections and Movie Trends

[13:45 - 14:49]

• Inspired by feedback from Phil (likely a producer or team member), Ben discusses CGI overuse in the industry.
• He praises Project Hail Mary for its real-world effects and Anemone for presumably minimal CGI.
• Mocks the idea of fantasy-like, over-CGI’d movies using Harold and the Purple Crayon as a throwaway example.

Notable Quotes:

• “Aircraft carriers are, I assume, not CGI'd... it's a lot more real life effects in that than like Avatar’s just blanket CGI.” (Ben, 14:23)
• “I think [Anemone]... you’re gonna just see, like, a giant fish and a couple of visions. I don’t think it’s gonna be like he’s walking around in the world of Harold and the Purple Crayon or something.” (Ben, 14:40)

Most Memorable Moments & Quotes with Timestamps

• On Dwayne Johnson’s surprising performance:
  • “The Rock looks really good in that... actual subtlety.” (Ben, 04:24)
• On expectations from the Safdie Brothers:
  • “I don’t trust the Safdie brothers that they’re not going to make me miserable at the end of their films because that’s kind of what they’re famous for doing.” (Ben, 05:30)
• On Daniel Day-Lewis and Sean Bean's casting:
  • “Two of my favorite actors. Again, this is my kind of film, honestly.” (Ben, 09:22)
• On the drawback of the book Project Hail Mary:
  • “I will say that the end of the book kind of left me a little cold.” (Ben, 13:29)
• On CGI in film:
  • “Aircraft carriers are, I assume, not CGI'd... a lot more real life effects than like Avatar’s just blanket cgi.” (Ben, 14:23)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:14] — Begins movie rundown with The Smashing Machine
• [04:24] — Thoughts on Emily Blunt and The Rock’s performances
• [05:30] — Trust issues with Safdie Brothers’ narrative style
• [06:13] — Introduction and initial impressions of Anemone
• [09:22] — Enthusiasm for Day-Lewis and Sean Bean in Anemone
• [09:56] — Overview of Project Hail Mary
• [13:29] — Concerns about book adaptation and narrative resolution
• [14:23] — Assessment of CGI versus real effects in 2025 films

Takeaways

• Shapiro’s movie anticipation centers on strong performances, character dramas, and a growing fatigue with CGI-heavy blockbusters.
• He embraces heavier, even bleak storytelling if it comes from talented filmmakers and actors but likes his inspirational stories with some hope.
• Notably, he remains wary of narrative letdowns from certain directors and book adaptations, reserving full judgment until he’s seen the films.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode:

This breakdown captures Ben Shapiro’s razor-sharp, often sardonic insights into the cinematic year ahead. If you’re searching for sophisticated sports biopics, intense family drama with top-tier actors, or a smart, accessible space adventure, Ben’s evaluation of The Smashing Machine, Anemone, and Project Hail Mary will help you plan your 2025 movie nights.