Lee Cronin's Bluey (ft. guest, Brian Cox)

This week's Empire Film Podcast features a lively discussion centered on Lee Cronin's directorial debut, *Glenn Rothen*, starring Brian Cox in his first time behind the camera. The episode kicks off with host Helen O'Hara welcoming guests Ben Travis and Amon Warman, who riff on everything from cereal preferences to the latest film news. A standout segment explores the question of which stage productions originated from films, with glowing praise for *My Neighbor Totoro*, *The Lion King*, and *Groundhog Day*, while also celebrating the magic of puppetry and theatrical spectacle. The podcast then dives into major cinematic releases, including *Lee Cronin's The Mummy*, which receives a mixed review—praised for its body horror and emotional core but critiqued for tonal inconsistencies and over-reliance on jump scares. *Rebuilding* is lauded as a tender, heartfelt indie film, while *Outcome*—Jonah Hill’s self-referential, celebrity-cancellation drama—is dismissed as tonally confused and overly reliant on a caricatured performance by Hill himself. The episode culminates in a warm, reflective interview with Brian Cox, who shares candid insights into his directorial journey, his philosophy of collaborative filmmaking, and his deep respect for actors like Alan Cumming and Shirley Henderson. The hosts also spotlight the absurdly fun, psychedelic *Pizza Movie* on Disney+, calling it a delightful, gonzo comedy that defies expectations. The episode balances sharp critique with genuine affection for cinema, highlighting the power of family, legacy, and artistic trust. Key takeaways include the importance of letting talent thrive without interference, the emotional resonance of well-crafted family dramas, and the value of embracing absurdity in genre films. The hosts also emphasize that even flawed films can be enjoyable if they’re honest in their intent. Overall, the tone is upbeat and enthusiastic, celebrating filmmaking as a communal, human endeavor—especially when it’s rooted in empathy and collaboration.