The NOT A Review Show - Ep. 15 "The Evolution of 'Survivor'"

"The NOT A Review Show!" host alliance of Bill Thill and Binging Betty discuss the creative, technical and cultural evolution of the long-running CBS smash hit/phenomenon that is "Survivor."

In this episode, 'longtime "Survivor" fan' Betty introduces 'late to the island' Bill to everything he's been missing by NOT following this landmark series. 

This is a longer, deep dive episode of "The NOT A Review Show!" complete with several extended 2-3 minute clips from some of Survivor's most notorious and important moments. 

With all previous seasons now streaming on Paramount Plus, "Survivor" is a bingers paradise and its ongoing "social experiment" is a window into our times.

The show that will Outwit, Outplay and Outlast us all, find out why we believe "Survivor" is the most illuminating reality show in the history of television.

The NOT A Review Show - Ep. 14: "Empire of Light"

"The NOT A Review Show!" hosts Bill Thill and Binging Betty go to cinema paradise with the Sam Mendes written and directed "Empire of Light."

A romantic drama set around the "Empire Cinema" in a coastal English town in 1981, Mendes' film is inspired by both personal experience and the enduring magic of the movies. The film stars Olivia Colman and Micheal Ward in a story about human frailties and connection during uncertain times.

"Empire of Light" made its world premiere at the 49th Telluride Film Festival in September 2022 and received several nominations during award season including a Best Actress Golden Globe nomination for Colman and an Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography for Roger Deakins.

So let's make a stop at the snack counter, take our seats, and find out why "Empire of Light" is Binging Betty's favorite film of 2022.

The NOT A Review Show - Ep. 13: "Bill's Dozen Double Features"

What do roses, doughnuts and "The NOT A Review Show!” have in common? -- They're all better by the dozen!

In this special minisode of "The NOT A Review Show!” Binging Betty puts Bill to the test by asking him to play movie matchmaker. An overview of the first twelve films and series NOT reviewed on the show and some suggestions for pairing them up with another marquee worthy movie for a do-it-yourself double feature.

The NOT A Review Show! has your ticket. Get ready to pop the popcorn and make an evening of it! 

The NOT A Review Show - Ep. 12: "The Fabelmans"

"The NOT A Review Show!" hosts Bill Thill and Binging Betty have a close encounter with Steven Spielberg's semi-autobiographical origin story, "The Fabelmans."

A film about art, family and the struggle to follow your muse while still staying connected to those you love, this is a must see for fans of Steven Spielberg and cinema itself.

Written by Steven Spielberg and Tony Kushner and featuring a John Williams score, "The Fabelmans" captures the fabled beginnings of the world's most popular film director. 

The NOT A Review Show - Ep. 11: "The Whale"

"The NOT A Review Show!" hosts Bill Thill and Binging Betty discuss director Darren Aronofsky's critically acclaimed "The Whale."

This episode was recorded just days before the 2023 Academy Awards where Brendan Fraser took home the Oscar for his brilliant performance as Charlie, a morbidly obese recluse seeking connection, meaning and redemption.

Written by Samuel D. Hunter and adapted from his own play, "The Whale" was nominated for three Academy Awards.

The NOT A Review Show - Ep. 10: "The 95th Academy Awards Oscar Telecast"

The NOT A Review Show! hosts Bill Thill and Binging Betty roll out the champagne carpet and toast this years live Oscar telecast that aired on Sunday, March 12th on ABC.

Recorded just after the credits rolled, Bill and Betty's first reactions are positively positive.

Topics Include:

  • Why did the red carpet wear the color champagne this year?

  • Jimmy Kimmel; future Emmy winner for Best Host?

  • Best speeches sung or otherwise.

  • To Naatu Naatu or not to Naatu Naatu? 

  • Lady Gaga strikes a cord in Betty.

  • "Navalny" strikes a cord in Bill.

  • Plus, Everything and other and stuff...

 A show for film lovers, our favorite teachers, our agent and all the people we neglected to thank.

The NOT A Review Show - Ep. 9: "Everything Everywhere All at Once"

"The NOT A Review Show" hosts Bill Thill and Binging Betty jump into the multiverse to talk about the critically acclaimed film that has garnered 11 Oscar nominations. 

Recorded in the days before this year's Academy Awards, we believe that "Everything Everywhere All at Once,” barring some verse jumping disruption, will be crowned Best Picture on Sunday, March 12, 2023. 

A film of remarkable achievements, and one that we're absolutely googly-eyed for, listen and find out how we really feel. 

The NOT A Review Show - Ep. 8A: "Elvis Extras!"

Hosts Bill Thill and Binging Betty summon up their inner "Hound Dog" and go down the Baz Luhrmann's "Elvis" rabbit hole for a ‘minisode’ of “Elvis” Extras

There's "A Little Less Conversation" in this special-feature but "That's All Right." This abbreviated offering is for those with curious and "Suspicious Minds":

-What is Austin Butler's connection to the Manson family? (What!!) Don't worry, Brad Pitt sets things right.

-Plus, the arm touch that was heard around the world.

-If Elvis strolled down Sunset Boulevard would anyone notice?

-What do the "Elvis '68 Special" and the "Star Wars Christmas Special" (1978) have in common?

This "Elvis Extra" is for everyone who  "Can't Help Falling In Love" with The NOT A Review Show!

The NOT A Review Show - Ep. 8: "Elvis"

“The NOT A Review Show" hosts Bill 'Shaky Leg' Thill and 'Colonel' Binging Betty put on their "Blue Suede Shoes" for a rockin' chat about Baz Luhrmann's "Elvis."

Our hosts are "All Shook Up" for Austin Butler's award winning performance as the "King of Rock and Roll" but do they both have "Burning Love" for the film? 

Give a listen and find out, "It's Now or Never."*

*(You can actually listen anytime you like. It's a podcast, after all...)

The NOT A Review Show - Ep. 7: "The Banshees of Inisherin"

"The NOT A Review Show!" hosts Bill O'Thill and Binging McBetty have a chat about writer/director Martin McDonagh's latest dark comedy, “The Banshees of Inisherin.”

This Golden Globe winning film stars Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson (they also worked with McDonagh on "In Bruges") in a story about two friends who are havin' a row. 

On a scale of one to ten fingers, with ten always being best, how would you rate this film?

Oh, there's also a little donkey...

The NOT A Review Show - Ep. 5: "Top Gun: Maverick"

Join Bill Thill and Binging Betty as they lock onto "Top Gun: Maverick" in this blockbuster episode of "The NOT A Review Show!"

Can anything more be said about this 2022 global hit? -- We think so.

And, is Tom Cruise the "last" movie star?

Plus! Is there a subliminal message in a scene between Tom Cruise and Miles Teller that's hidden in plain sight?

It's Tom Cruise. It's Top Gun. "Talk to me, Popcorn."

The NOT A Review Show - Ep. 4: "The Son"

Hosts Bill Thill and Binging Betty discuss The Son, from writer/director Florian Zeller (The Father, 2020).

Hugh Jackman, Laura Dern, Vanessa Kirby, Zen McGrath and Anthony Hopkins star in this compelling drama about a fractured family struggling to deal with their troubled teenaged son (McGrath).

The Son is a film of extraordinary performances and deals with subject matter that is sensitive in nature.

Note: Includes conversation about depression and self-harm. Specific details of the film are discussed.

Episode 7: The Evolution of a Writer: From Stories of Local History to the Birth of A Global Brand with Ken Zurski

Bill welcomes writer and broadcaster Ken Zurski to the show to discuss his process of researching, writing and publishing his first book, "The Wreck Of The Columbia", a true story chronicling the sinking of a paddle wheel steamboat on the Illinois River on July 4th, 1918.

Episode 6: “The Family That Creates Together...” Writer Joe Lansdale & Singer Kasey Lansdale

Host Bill Thill sits down with writer Joe R. Lansdale ("Hap and Leonard", "Cold In July", "The Bottoms", etc.) and Kasey Lansdale to discuss their recent collaboration writing their new book, "Terror Is Our Business". This talented father-daghter due chat about the creative process and what it takes to build a life less ordinary while pursuing creative endeavors.

Episode 5: Movies Of The 1980's With Film Critic Tara McNamara

Host Bill Thill meets up with critic, journalist, and digital content creator Tara McNamara at the Cinemark Theaters in Los Angeles to discuss movies of the 1980's. Tara has been a critic for Common Sense Media for 15 years, written for Variety and Fandango and is the founder of 80sMovieGuide.com.