The Next Reel Film Podcast

“Are you serving that ape a martini?”
In the early 1990s, following the massive success of Jurassic Park, studios were eager to adapt more of Michael Crichton’s popular novels to film. Congo had been published back in 1980 but no one had figured out how to bring the complicated story to the big screen. After the rights bounced around for years, Paramount finally secured them in 1994 and began fast-tracking production. Director Frank Marshall was fresh off hits like Alive and Arachnophobia when he signed on, along with an all-star cast including Laura Linney, Dylan Walsh, Ernie Hudson, and Tim Curry. But the difficult shoot on location in Africa plagued the production. Despite high hopes, the film flopped critically when it was released in 1995, earning Marshall a Razzie nomination for Worst Director. Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we kick off the 1995 Golden Raspberry Awards Worst Director Nominees series with a conversation about Marshall’s 1995 film Congo.
Here's a hint at what we talk about.
In this lively discussion, we dig into the pre-production and challenges behind adapting Michael Crichton’s 1980 novel to the big screen in 1995. We discuss the all-star cast and debate whether the directing, acting, or weak script led to poor character development and lack of chemistry. We also analyze the cultural portrayal and exploitation of Africa in cinema at the time.
Here are a few other points in our discussion:
  • Weak CGI and special effects that don’t hold up today
  • The silly conceit of the genetically engineered “bad gorillas”
  • Confusion over who the true protagonist is
  • Enjoyable moments from Ernie Hudson and Tim Curry
Though we have some fun unpacking this Razzie-nominated film, we ultimately agree Congo fails to come together as an entertaining adventure. The story loses Crichton’s scientific edge and thought-provoking commentary on technology in the adaptation. We still have a great time talking about it, so check it out then tune in. The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!
Film Sundries

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Creators and Guests

Host
Andy Nelson
With over 25 years of experience in film, television, and commercial production, Andy has cultivated an enduring passion for storytelling in all its forms. His enthusiasm for the craft began in his youth when he and his friends started making their own movies in grade school. After studying film at the University of Colorado Boulder, Andy wrote, directed, and produced several short films while also producing indie features like Netherbeast Incorporated and Ambush at Dark Canyon. Andy has been on the production team for award-winning documentaries such as The Imposter and The Joe Show, as well as TV shows like Investigation Discovery’s Deadly Dentists and Nat Geo’s Inside the Hunt for the Boston Bombers. Over a decade ago, he started podcasting with Pete and immediately embraced the medium. Now, as a partner at TruStory FM, Andy looks forward to more storytelling through their wide variety of shows. Throughout his career, Andy has passed on his knowledge by teaching young minds the crafts of screenwriting, producing, editing, and podcasting. Outside of work, Andy is a family man who enjoys a good martini, a cold beer, a nice cup o’ joe. And always, of course, a great movie.
Host
Pete Wright
#Movies, #ADHD, & #Podcasting • Co-founder @trustory.fm🎥 The Next Reel Family of #Film Podcasts @thenextreel.com🎙️ Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast @takecontroladhd.com📖 Co-author of Unapologetically ADHD • https://unapologeticallyadhdbook.com

What is The Next Reel Film Podcast?

A show about movies and how they connect.
We love movies. We’ve been talking about them, one movie a week, since 2011. It’s a lot of movies, that’s true, but we’re passionate about origins and performance, directors and actors, themes and genres, and so much more. So join the community, and let’s hear about your favorite movies, too.
When the movie ends, our conversation begins.