The Story Punk Podcast

Episode 024: This week on Story Punk, we kick off our first full review of the year with a deep dive into Predator: Badlands, directed by Dan Trachtenberg (Prey). And this one isn’t business-as-usual for the franchise.

Unlike previous films, Predator: Badlands makes the Predator (Yautja) the central character, delivering a sci-fi action story that blends brutal survival, creature feature thrills, and unexpectedly emotional themes. We break down the plot, performances, and world-building, including the Badlands alien planet setting, the film’s commentary on strength vs. vulnerability, and how the story explores found family rather than dominance.

We also discuss Elle Fanning’s standout dual role as synthetic android sisters Thea and Tessa, the character arc of Dek, and the emotional bond that develops with Bud. Plus: franchise connections, Weyland-Yutani implications, and how this film may link thematically and visually to the larger Alien vs. Predator universe.

Episode 023: In this special Look Ahead to 2026 episode, Story Punk sets its sights forward and breaks down the upcoming movies of 2026 that have us counting the days. From big studio releases and franchise continuations to original projects and potential dark horses, we talk through what’s on the calendar and why these films have landed on our must-watch list.

We dig into directors we trust, actors we’ll always show up for, and the trends shaping the year ahead from genre mash-ups and sequels, to bold new ideas trying to break through. Along the way, we speculate with cautious optimism, temper expectations, and share the kind of excitement that only a fresh movie year can bring.

Whether you’re planning your theater trips or just want to know which films are worth tracking, this episode is a roadmap to the movies we’re most excited about in 2026 and a perfect jumping-on point for new listeners looking to see how Story Punk talks cinema.

Episode 022: In this special Story Punk Wrap-up episode we pause, look back, and take stock of a year that marked a fresh beginning. After a nine-year hiatus, we talk about why we decided to revive the podcast in 2025, what pulled us back into weekly movie conversations, and how returning with new perspective changed our approach to podcasting.

We revisit the movies we analyzed this year, reflecting on what surprised us, what stuck with us, and which films sparked the most interesting discussion. We also talk about the movies we missed along the way, those titles still sitting on our watchlists that we’re itching to catch up on. 

If you’re new to Story Punk, it’s a great snapshot of who we are, how we think about movies, and what to expect in the year to come. If you’ve been listening since the start, consider this our end-of-year conversation with you before the next chapter begins.

Episode 021: This week on Story Punk, we’re celebrating the season with Frank Capra’s timeless holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life, starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, and Thomas Mitchell. We revisit why this film endures as one of the most beloved movies ever made, from its humanist themes and emotional storytelling to its lasting place in American cinema. Along the way, we expand the conversation into a full Christmas movie discussion what defines a Christmas film, movies set during the holidays, how seasonal settings change tone and theme, and why certain films become annual traditions. Expect cozy reflections, film history, and a little festive chaos. Whether you’re revisiting Bedford Falls or building your holiday watchlist, this episode is our end-of-year gift to movie lovers.  

Episode 020: This week on Story Punk, Jon Berkowitz is back in the studio with Scott and Drew to revisit Phil Alden Robinson’s smart, prescient tech thriller Sneakers, starring Robert Redford, Sidney Poitier, Dan Aykroyd, River Phoenix, Ben Kingsley, and Mary McDonnell. Decades ahead of its time, the film blends espionage, hacking culture, and political paranoia into a sharply written ensemble caper that feels more relevant than ever.

We break down how Sneakers anticipated modern cybersecurity fears, character chemistry and its low tech approach to high tech problems. Also, James Horner’s score, and why this underappreciated 90s thriller deserves a fresh look in the age of surveillance, encryption, and digital power.

Episode 018:  On this week’s Story Punk, we hit the track with Joseph Kosinski’s high-octane racing drama F1: The Movie, starring Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, and Tobias Menzies. Powered by the filmmaking team behind Top Gun: Maverick and featuring real Formula 1 teams and circuits, this film blends adrenaline, IMAX-driven spectacle, and intense character drama.

We break down the film’s use of authentic racing footage, Kosinski’s signature cinematographic style, Brad Pitt’s return to blockbuster action, and how F1: The Movie stacks up against other racing classics.

We dive into:
• Formula 1 realism vs. Hollywood movie formula
• Brad Pitt & Damson Idris as rival drivers
• The role of real F1 teams, cars, and circuits
• How Kosinski builds tension, speed, and scale
• Where F1 fits into the array of modern racing movies

Episode 017: This week on Story Punk we carve into Eli Roth’s slasher throwback "Thanksgiving", starring Patrick Dempsey, Nell Verlaque, Addison Rae, Gina Gershon, and Rick Hoffman. From holiday-horror traditions to Roth’s gleefully brutal set pieces, we break down how this grindhouse-inspired story evolved from a fake trailer into a full-blown seasonal bloodbath.

We’re dropping this episode two days early in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday — so no Thursday release this week. Consider it our little cinematic appetizer before the feast.

We dig into:
• Roth’s return to classic slasher vibes
• How Thanksgiving fits into modern horror trends
• Rick Hoffman character acting appreciation
• Holiday-horror legacy and audience expectations