Cinema on Tap

S4E11 Hopeful SciFi: Contact

It’s the start of a new month on Cinema on Tap which means a new theme. We’re looking ahead to Project Hail Mary as we discuss some Hopeful Sci-Fi!

First up, Robert Zemeckis’ Contact. Adapted from the novel by famed astronomer Carl Sagan, the film stars Jodie Foster as a scientist facing professional and spiritual difficulties after identifying a message from possible extra-terrestrial life. Taking the debates between science and religion seriously, the film co-stars Matthew McConaughey as a Christian author and political advisor who provides a counterpoint to some of her purely scientific opinions. Does the film successfully explore science and religion? Listen on to see what we think.

What’s your favorite hopeful science fiction movie? Let us know at cinemaontappodcast@gmail.com

S4E10 Bonus: 98th Academy Awards Predictions (feat. Max Dominguez)

Awards season is almost over, and it’s finally time to make our predictions for the 98th Academy Awards! Sinners was the big winner with 16 nominations, and One Battle After Another picked up 13, but there are other great films nominated this year. Will Sentimental Value steal an acting Oscar? How many will Hamnet win? Will Frankenstein win more than just Costume or Production Design? Should F1 have been nominated for Best Picture? We answer all these questions and more.

Once again joined by friend of the show Max Dominguez, we break down every category, share our thoughts on the most likely winners, and offer a few takes on who should have been nominated.

Agree or disagree with one of our takes? Let us know at cinemaontappodcast@gmail.com

S4E9 Historical Romance: Wuthering Heights

Much like Cathy and Heathcliff, Cinema on Tap has come undone. Period Romance month draws to a close as we finally get a chance to discuss Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights.

Christian is a big fan of her previous films, but Scott is a Saltburn hater. How will they fare with this new adaptation (or is it “adaptation”) of Emily Brontë’s iconic novel?

What did you think of Wuthering Heights? Let us know at cinemaontappodcast@gmail.com

S4E8 Historical Romance: Atonement

We’re sticking with Joe Wright + Keira Knightley as period romance month continues. This week: Atonement.

A tragic romance, Atonement stars Knightley and James McAvoy as lovers separated by a false accusation of a crime and later World War II. Saoirse Ronan burst onto the scene with an Oscar-nominated turn in one of her first film roles. Also featuring Benedict Cumberbatch, Romola Garai, Vanessa Redgrave, and a very young Juno Temple. But, where does it stand in the great year of 2007? And, is it as good as Pride and Prejudice?

What’s your favorite Joe Wright film? Let us know at cinemaontappodcast@gmail.com

S4E7 Historical Romance: Pride & Prejudice (feat. Shelby Nunn)

February is here and romance is in the air. With Emerald Fennell’s Wuthering Heights on the horizon, we’re jumping back in time to watch some classic period romance films! We’re starting with 2005’s Pride and Prejudice.

Joined by new friend of the show Shelby Nunn, our hosts take a look at Joe Wright’s debut film that garnered Keira Knightley here first Oscar nomination. We talk hand flexes, awkward cousins, sensual romance, and everything you would expect from this beloved adaptation of Jane Austen’s most famous novel.

What’s your favorite Austen adaptation? Let us know at cinemaontappodcast@gmail.com

S4E6 New Year's Resolutions: Shane and Groundhog Day

It’s our final week of New Year’s Resolutions, and it’s a doozy! This week, we’re talking about Shane and Groundhog Day.

A classic Western, and a beloved comedy. These two may not have much in common, but it made for great conversation about Brandon deWilde’s Oscar nomination, Bill Murray’s dramatic chops, other great Westerns and time loop movies, and more.

Plus, our thoughts on the Oscar nominations!

What’s your New Year’s Resolution? Let us know at cinemaontappodcast@gmail.com

S4E5 New Year's Resolutions: It's A Wonderful Life and Tootsie

After a marathon recording session discussing our Top 10 Films of 2025, we’re back to our New Year’s Resolutions! This week, Scott brought It’s A Wonderful Life, and Christian brought Tootsie.

Both of these films are blindspots for both hosts. Yes, somehow, we hadn’t seen It’s A Wonderful Life! So, stay tuned to see if we venerate these sacred cows or if we get our hot take hats on.

Are you amazed we hadn’t seen these movies before? Let us know at cinemaontappodcast@gmail.com

S4E4 Top 10's of 2025 - Part 2 (feat. Joaquin Dominguez and Max Dominguez)

We finally have some overlapping films on our list, so surely things will go faster right? Right?

When you get the four of us going, it’s hard to stop. But, the movies at the top of our lists merited conversation. Join us as we continue to discuss our favorite films of 2025, covering our #5 through our #1. Plus, we get Producer Lalo’s Top 5 of the year!

What was your Top 10 of the year? Let us know at cinemaontappodcast@gmail.com

S4E3 Top 10's of 2025 - Part 1 (feat. Joaquin Dominguez and Max Dominguez)

We…are out of breath. Once again joined by friends of the show Joaquin Dominguez and Max Dominguez, we had an extensive conversation about our favorite films of the year! 2025 was a great year for cinema, and the variety on our lists prove it. Our lists had very little overlap, with different films speaking to each of us. We’ve got franchise films, indie dramas, international auteurs, horror anthologies, and more.

To kick things off, we chat about the overall year in cinema and then share our 10-6 movies. Stay tuned for Part 2, which will feature everyone’s 5-1!

What was your Top 10 of the year? Let us know at cinemaontappodcast@gmail.com

S4E2 New Year's Resolutions: The Wizard of Oz and Network

We’re kicking off our January theme by sharing our New Year’s Resolutions! This year, our hosts have each made a movie-based resolution, and we’ll keep track of their progress throughout the year.

Scott brought The Wizard of Oz, and Christian brought Network. Stay tuned to hear exactly why, and follow along with us this year.

What’s your New Year’s Resolution? Let us know at cinemaontappodcast@gmail.com.

Join us next week for our Top 10 Films of 2025!