The CineFiles – Ep. 21

Dear readers,

On the latest episode of The CineFiles, journalist Chris Hrapsky and I (Jamie Rogers will be back soon) discuss two movies now in theaters, we predict some big winners for the upcoming Oscars, and we celebrate a cult classic from 1985.

I begin with a review of Project Hail Mary from screenwriter Drew Goddard and directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller. Ryan Gosling stars in this epic sci-fi adaptation of Andy Weir’s novel, about an astronaut with amnesia who must save a dying star. It opens in theaters on March 20, 2026.

Next, Chris and I tackle Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Bride!, which is now in theaters. Part lovers-on-the-run tale, part feminist monster movie, it stars Jessie Buckley, Christian Bale, Peter Sarsgaard, Annette Bening, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Penélope Cruz. The film has received a bit of a mixed critical response. We dive into the rather uneven results of this star-studded experiment.

For the awards fans out there, we also look ahead to the 98th Academy Awards. I share some of my personal picks and predictions for the ceremony, which you can watch this Sunday, March 15, at 6 p.m. CT on ABC or stream live on Hulu.

For this week’s CineGift, we discussed The Last Dragon (1985), a true cult favorite. For the next episode, my CineGift selection will be the Billy Wilder classic The Apartment (1960).

Watch below on YouTube or by subscribing to the KARE 11+ app (available on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, etc.). 

Enjoy the show! 

Brian Eggert
Critic, Essayist, Founder
Deep Focus Review