Flix At :48
Flix At :48 is a weekly film review podcast from Utah Public Radio. Each episode features UPR film critic Casey T. Allen discussing the latest movie releases. The show offers concise reviews and commentary on new films from Hollywood and beyond. It is produced by Utah Public Radio.
Episodes
'Digger' movie review with Casey T. Allen
I’m happy to say I didn’t hate this film. It was okay. Not the best of this year but also not the worst, and I hope lots of movie lovers will still give this one a chance in the movie theater.
'Primetime" movie review with Casey T. Allen
“Primetime” feels like a contemporary tragedy of American acclaim or American power created through the operations of the media.
'The Uprising' movie review with Casey T. Allen
The historic, violent, and disheveled tone of this film is believable and consistent, but the director and his team forgot to make the tone dynamic as well.
'Practical Magic 2' movie review with Casey T. Allen
This sequel isn’t a disappointment as big as “The Devil Wears Prada 2” was earlier this year, but it’s a distant second place so far.
'Buddy' movie review with Casey T. Allen
This 96-minute film is not that scary or gripping, but it sure is entertaining, and it gives a much different look to the horror genre.
'The Christophers' movie review with Casey T. Allen
The simplicity and coziness makes the film feel like an intimate play on stage so every viewer can focus only on the actors in front of them, their smallest of gestures, and their sneakily verbal mixtures of deceit and honesty.
'The End of Oak Street' movie review with Casey T. Allen
Hollywood is currently terrified to make a mainstream blockbuster not connected to familiar intellectual property, so “The End of Oak Street” does deserve some credit here being a new idea.
'One Night Only' movie review with Casey T. Allen
So much potential is wasted in this film, I found myself asking, “What kind of film is this trying to be?”
'Exit 8' movie review with Casey T. Allen
This feeling of moving through a game keeps "Exit 8" an engaging, uniquely alluring film experience.
'The Odyssey' movie review with Casey T. Allen
I liked "The Odyssey," but it likely won’t be on my list of best films of the year.
'The Invite' movie review with Casey T. Allen
The humorous qualities are so rich in this I spent half the film laughing and the other half holding my breath from surprise.
'The Choral' movie review with Casey T. Allen
It’s just a bummer this film doesn’t make more of a deep impression as a whole. Isn’t that what good artistic expression should do?
'Leviticus' movie review with Casey T. Allen
At only one hour and 28 minutes, it's an incredibly succinct piece of horror film-making, and I highly recommend it to everyone.
'Disclosure Day' movie review with Casey T. Allen
There aren't enough new ideas in Disclosure Day to make it feel important enough for people to rush to the theater, but maybe you can wait for it to show up on a streaming platform in your home.
'Power Ballad' movie review with Casey T. Allen
This rated R peek into the music business is an endearing portrait of ambition, family, and the blurry nature of ideas. So why was I so bored? Plus, a bonus review of "Masters of the Universe."
'Backrooms' movie review with Casey T. Allen
"Backrooms" is so different and so brilliant, you might feel the need to watch it more than once.
'Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu' movie review with Casey T. Allen
Like we already learned with the extensive Marvel Cinematic Universe of too many movies, maybe there's too many Star Wars movies already deterring this new one from feeling interesting and fresh.
'Obsession' movie review with Casey T. Allen
I know this sounds dramatic, but this film is the best one I've seen so far this year.
'Hokum' movie review with Casey T. Allen
The trappings might be traditional and customary, but I promise you, this will get your heart racing.
'The Devil Wears Prada 2' movie review with Casey T. Allen
It looks glamorous and without visual blemishes, but it has nothing lasting or memorable to say.
'Mother Mary' movie review with Casey T. Allen
Those of you who love the exploratory fringes of film away from the mainstream will enjoy the answers that come from this one. Emotional baggage has never looked this beautiful or this haunting.
'Lee Cronin's The Mummy' movie review with Casey T. Allen
All the dialogue is written with the emotional depth of an Etch-a-Sketch drawing, and too many of the moments meant to be scary are heavily referential to other horror films everyone already knows.
'The Drama' movie review with Casey T. Allen
I had a great time with this film. It combines the surreal dread of an Ari Aster film with the nervous chaotic apprehension of a Woody Allen ensemble.
'Undertone' movie review with Casey T. Allen
"Undertone" has some moments of brilliance, and it offers a lot of commentary on the growing isolation happening in collective youth culture.
'Project Hail Mary' movie review with Casey T. Allen
"Project Hail Mary" is a lighthearted, endearing, adventure film with a few moments of comedy from Ryan Gosling. He’s a reluctant hero with a casually clumsy attitude.
Oscars recap with Casey T. Allen
UPR's film critic Casey T. Allen brings us his take on this year's Academy Awards ceremony, the surprises and the biggest contenders of the night.
'In the Blink of an Eye' movie review with Casey T. Allen
During the 93 minute run-time of watching "In the Blink of an Eye" on my couch at home, a cardinal sin swept over my mind. I wanted to check my phone…and I never look at my phone while watching a film.
'How to Make a Killing' movie review with Casey T. Allen
Although other film lovers might categorize this one as a comically grim twist on economic class differences, I feel more comfortable categorizing this as a bore alert!
'Wuthering Heights' movie review with Casey T. Allen
I feel this film is adequately okay. It is not a conventional period drama, but it’s also not a smoothly organized one (or a carefully designed one) either.
'The Plague' movie review with Casey T. Allen
This film explores childhood's dark side with bullying, ridicule, exclusion, and its emotionally damaging effects.
'Twinless' movie review with Casey T. Allen
"Twinless" proves Dylan O’Brien has the range to be heartbreaking and vulnerable as well as funny and clumsy. I’m so glad I have seen this film, and I hope you feel this way too.
'Is This Thing On?' movie review with Casey T. Allen
This film is inspired by the life story of British comedian John Bishop. So sad none of this could elevate the film to something more affecting and informative.
'Marty Supreme' movie review with Casey T. Allen
Marty Supreme does not give us a role model to admire, but it does give us an engaging voice with something important to say.
'The Mastermind' movie review with Casey T. Allen
It deftly captures the disillusionment of an American generation lost to economic hardship and political unrest. And for this reason, I hope people will give this film a shot.
'Jay Kelly' movie review with Casey T. Allen
Too bad the uninspired sentimentality makes "Jay Kelly" a far cry from other thoughtful films about show biz.
'Eternity' movie review with Casey T. Allen
"Eternity" is not something I find inspiring or even exciting, but it has notable sections that are entertaining, eloquent, and mindful.
'Hedda' movie review with Casey T. Allen
Overall, the film does an okay job despite its many visually alluring distractions.
'Die My Love' movie review with Casey T. Allen
I didn't walk away from "Die My Love" thinking it's the artistic triumph of the year, but I'm glad I saw it, because it reminds us how films can extend beyond the boundaries of storytelling.
'Bugonia' movie review with Casey T. Allen
I like this film a lot. It's an odd combination of comedic, surreal, and frightening. This combination makes the whole experience of watching "Bugonia" an unpredictable one.
'Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere' movie review with Casey T. Allen
The ultimate message from this film is how someone can express their turmoil through the creative process and then find success. It's effectively moving and simple in many parts, but it's also disappointingly predictable in others.
'Tron: Ares' movie review with Casey T. Allen
"Tron: Ares" is a visual triumph and has some great moments of emotional depth to keep everyone watching.
'One Battle After Another' movie review with Casey T. Allen
One Battle After Another is one half an intense thriller an one half a sarcastic political commentary. The messages presented by this film are what make it perceptive, forceful, exciting, and current.
'The History of Sound' movie review with Casey T. Allen
"The History of Sound" is a gorgeous slice of Americana in an era with no internet, computers, or television, making the use of music more than just a source of entertainment.
'Him' movie review with Casey T. Allen
"Him" is not a travesty, nor is it a great achievement. Being too devoid of narrative content makes this just a little under an "okay" rating.
'The Long Walk' movie review with Casey T. Allen
I finished this film thinking it was just okay. The messaging is clear and timely, but I couldn't let go of the fact this film is retreading very familiar ground.
'Caught Stealing' movie review with Casey T. Allen
Lots of film lovers are enjoying this film saying it’s an adventurous ride of nihilistic fun. But if I’m going to have fun, I need better ideas and better storytelling.
'Night Always Comes' movie review with Casey T. Allen
Its authenticity is dark and convincing without trying too hard, and the dialogue feels mostly attentive and honest.
'Highest 2 Lowest' movie review with Casey T. Allen
This honestly could have been one of the best films of the year. But it falls horribly flat sacrificing its authenticity & edge for the sake of shallow, sentimental, overwrought emotions.
'Weapons' movie review with Casey T. Allen
Without giving anything away, I have to say the ending is strong. And the metaphor of the older boomer generation living off the livelihood, and energy, of younger people is incisive and sharp. When the climax finally arrived, I was loving it.
'The Naked Gun' movie review with Casey T. Allen
This isn’t a great film to me, but ones like this have enough of a mixture that everyone can have a good time with a laugh.
'Eddington' movie review with Casey T. Allen
This film has some affecting, memorable moments in its second half. But overall it has too many ideas on manhood, politics, racism, internet deceptions, land use, and COVID shoved into its two hour and 28 minute run time.
'Superman' movie review with Casey T. Allen
Maybe I just need to loosen up and try to have a good time with films like this. I did have fun in some parts of this film, but it was too trying for me to get past so much of a hurried mess.
'On Becoming a Guinea Fowl' movie review with Casey T. Allen
I felt totally connected with this film. It acts like a cultural vessel on the reverence for the past while also figuring out how to communicate and solve problems for the future.
'F1' movie review with Casey T. Allen
The length of two hours and 35 minutes is too much for this film, because I started wondering, "How long is this?" well before the ending arrived.
'28 Years Later' movie review with Casey T. Allen
I did not enjoy this film, I'm sorry to say. The technical elements are dazzling, but the story ends up being a hugely lackluster disappointment.
'Materialist' movie review with Casey T. Allen
"Materialists" ends up being just okay. It's a shame all its ideas couldn't come together more successfully.
'The Phoenician Scheme' movie review with Casey T. Allen
"The Phoenician Scheme" is the closest to an action-adventure film Wes Anderson has ever made with grenades, assassins, and a climactic fist fight.
'Bring Her Back' movie review with Casey T. Allen
It totally transported me and will be an unforgettable experience for all who watch it. Do you believe in the power of resurrection? This film might change your mind.
'Friendship' movie review with Casey T. Allen
What makes "Friendship" such a delight is that it actually has something to say. It isn't about shocking gross outs or adult men screaming.
'Secret Mall Apartment' movie review with Casey T. Allen
In what I think is an effort to avoid sounding preachy or bombastic, this documentary is not focused much on social justice or making an anti-establishment call to arms pushing against the greedy forces of corporate America.
'Grand Theft Hamlet' movie review with Casey T. Allen
"Grand Theft Hamlet" is a delightfully off-beat reminder that creativity is necessary for everyone and so is togetherness.
'The Accountant 2' movie review with Casey T. Allen
'Sinners' movie review with Casey T. Allen
A number of film critics are calling "Sinners" the best film of 2025 and a visionary triumph. I wouldn't go that far. "Sinners" is the director/screenwriter's love letter to familial grief and the history of blues music.
'Drop' movie review with Casey T. Allen
"Drop" ends up being a juvenile, absurd experience I could not take seriously. Comedy can have its place in a thoughtful thriller, but it has to be written smoothly enough and naturally enough.
'Holland' movie review with Casey T. Allen
When browsing your streaming services at home, I promise you can skip this one.
'The Rule of Jenny Pen' movie review with Casey T. Allen
It isn't every day a film is set in a nursing home and manages to be as riveting as this, so remember this title if you want some believable shocks and spooks.
'Tokyo Cowboy' movie review with Casey T. Allen
If you want to feel good about the future and the transformative power of world travel, watch this film. Maybe we could all benefit from adventure by stepping out of our comfort zones.
'Mickey 17' movie review with Casey T. Allen
I walked away from "Mickey 17" thinking it was just okay. The irreverent, coarse vibe is successfully funny in some moments, but it tries too hard in other moments, making some of the actors' line readings feel forced or boring.
'Black Bag' movie review with Casey T. Allen
All the main characters are so well-dressed and so casually confident in this film, I felt seduced almost immediately.
Oscars 2025 review with Casey T. Allen
Overall, I was happy with the Oscars ceremony. It reminded me of the many reasons why I love movies.
'Flow' movie review with Casey T. Allen
What makes "Flow" so pleasantly different is not just its plain naturalism and quiet storytelling style but also its digital look
'September 5' movie review with Casey T. Allen
Featuring an unprepared staff who throw together live news coverage without the luxury of smartphones or the internet this film reminds viewers of the importance of information in its most accurate and respectful forms possible.
'The Girl with the Needle' movie review with Casey T. Allen
I know I don't say this a lot, but please put this film on your watch list. It will stay with you long after its hopeful conclusion.
'Wolf Man' movie review with Casey T. Allen
When the closing credits were playing, and my friend and I were chatting about this film in the murky theater, she said, "I think I'm dumber after watching that."
'Between the Temples' movie review with Casey T. Allen
You know that feeling of lightness and joy you get after watching a film or TV episode that helps you feel better? That's exactly what happened with me after watching this.
'Maria' movie review with Casey T. Allen
This director has created similar treatments with his past biopics, Jackie (2016) and Spencer (2021) making Maria the third entry in this accidental trilogy of famous, glamorous, 20th century women.
'Nosferatu' movie review with Casey T. Allen
This version of Nosferatu is clearly a triumph of cinematic technology. The acting and dialogue are a different matter.
'Blitz' movie review with Casey T. Allen
Blitz tries to be a somber portrait of resilience in wartime, but its portrait is shown through such a rosy lens I started thinking this was produced by a room of executives for the Hallmark Movie Channel.
'The Piano Lesson' movie review with Casey T. Allen
Not only is this film an honest look at Black American identity in the 20th century, it's a beacon for every family's heritage (both good and bad). That heritage is important, because it's inevitably part of your life today.
'Wicked' movie review with Casey T. Allen
Musical films are horribly challenging to achieve in the 21st century, so when I left the theater feeling happy, playful, and invigorated, it felt like Wicked did the impossible.
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