F---, Marry, Kill at the Movies: ‘The Housemaid,’ ‘Song Sung Blue,’ and ‘Anaconda’ - The Big Picture Recap

Podcast: The Big Picture

Published: 2025-12-29

Duration: 1 hr 59 min

Guests: Craig Brewer

Summary

Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins critique three new films: 'The Housemaid,' 'Song Sung Blue,' and 'Anaconda,' highlighting the challenges and themes in modern filmmaking.

What Happened

Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins kick off the episode by reacting to the trailers for 'The Odyssey' and 'Avengers: Doomsday,' while briefly touching on 'Zootopia 2' and 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'. They express high expectations for Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey', projected to be a major film release in 2026.

The discussion moves to Paul Feig's 'The Housemaid,' starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried. The hosts express disappointment in the film, critiquing its attempt to blend elements from 'Gone Girl' and 'Fifty Shades of Grey' but failing to deliver a satisfying narrative. They comment on the current trend in films targeting women, often portraying dark themes with ambiguous resolutions.

Next, they turn to 'Anaconda,' starring Jack Black and Paul Rudd. This remake is described as a metatextual joke on Hollywood's obsession with intellectual properties. The film is criticized for being a cynical take on the original 1997 movie, which was beloved for its campy nature.

'Anaconda' is contextualized as a commentary on the challenges of getting original films made in a market dominated by remakes and franchises. The hosts discuss how the movie mixes elements of humor and nostalgia but ultimately fails to find a coherent tone.

'Song Sung Blue,' a musical drama directed by Craig Brewer, is briefly discussed. Starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, the film explores the lives of Neil Diamond tribute performers. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Hudson's character suffers a traumatic accident, leading to struggles with addiction and depression.

Craig Brewer joins Sean Fennessey to discuss his filmmaking journey, from his beginnings with 'The Poor and Hungry' to his success with 'Hustle and Flow.' Brewer emphasizes the influence of music in his films and shares a personal story about the impact of Neil Diamond's music during a challenging period in his life.

Brewer also talks about casting decisions for 'Song Sung Blue,' highlighting Hugh Jackman's unwavering dedication and Kate Hudson's surprising potential in a dramatic role. He shares insights into the filmmaking process, advocating for creative freedom and the support he received from Focus Features.

The episode concludes with Brewer's reflections on the current state of Hollywood, including trends towards smaller budget films and the international marketability of Southern-themed movies. He touches on his personal connection to the New York Mets and his enjoyment of recent films like 'Sentimental Value' and 'Weapons.'

Key Insights