The Next Reel Film Podcast

We continue our Coming of Age Debuts series with Tamara Jenkins’ first film, 1998’s ‘Slums of Beverly Hills.’ This film feels like a solid representation of what ‘coming of age’ means. How does the film work for us? Does the comedy hold up? And Jenkins’ direction? Tune in to find out!

Show Notes

“It’s not unusual to move every three months.”

The story of Tamara Jenkins’ Slums of Beverly Hills feels very lived in with authentic characters and situations. It makes sense that there’s a semi-autobiographical element to her film. How well does it hold up over two decades after its release? Join us – Pete Wright and Andy Nelson – as we continue our Coming of Age Debuts series with Jenkins’ 1998 film Slums of Beverly Hills.

What do we think of Slums of Beverly Hills?

Jenkins has only made three feature films unfortunately, but we’ve liked what we’ve seen. (In full disclosure, Andy worked on The Savages so might be biased.) She’s talked about how challenging our system is for women directors, which may speak to her low output.

The struggles of Vivian in this film, perfectly played by Natasha Lyonne, carry the story. As she literally comes of age (we start the film with her dad getting her her first bra), we feel her struggles to adapt to her changing body. And living with her dad and two brothers makes her life frustrating.

Speaking of her family, Alan Arkin, David Krumholtz, and Eli Marienthal are perfect. They feel like a real family. When Marisa Tomei enters as their crazy cousin Rita, it just fits.

Rita and Vivian have a great cousin relationship involving things like talking in gibberish and lessons in vibrators. Oh, and plenty of breast talk too. Jenkins rides a strong line of comedy with the dramatic moments, and it all works.

We love the concept of the film riding along the fringes of Beverly Hills. It’s a period piece that always feels authentic. We have a great time with this one, so check it out then tune in! The Next Reel – when the movie ends, our conversation begins!

Join the conversation with movie lovers from around the world on The Next Reel’s Discord channel!

Film Sundries

Learn more about supporting The Next Reel Film Podcast through your own membership.


Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:
The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:
Connect With Us:
Shop & Stream:

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.