Kermode and Mayo's Film Review · BBC Radio 5 Live

David Oyelowo, Fast and Furious 9, Supernova and Sweat

·1 hr 51 min·5 clips

David Oyelowo explains why he turned the male leads into girls for his directorial debut, The Waterman.

This episode features film critics Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo reviewing new releases and interviewing actor-director David Oyelowo. They discuss the week's cinema offerings, including "Fast and Furious 9," "Supernova," and the Korean thriller "The Man Standing Next." A listener email reignites a debate about whether drum kits project sound directionally, with a physicist weighing in. The hosts read correspondence about community cinemas struggling to license films from streaming services and share anecdotes about celebrity encounters. Mark Kermode reviews horror film "In the Earth," praising its sensory intensity and Clint Mansell's score, while listener reactions are mixed. The box office top ten includes "Godzilla vs. Kong," "Nobody," and "A Quiet Place Part II," with discussions around BBFC ratings for "Monster Hunter." Simon Mayo shares a story of a waitress who served him decades ago, leading to a conversation about tipping etiquette. The episode touches on Pixar's "Luca," with listeners noting its multiple interpretable themes, and the documentary "The Reason I Jump," praised for its authentic portrayal of autism. David Oyelowo discusses his new film "The Water Man," which Kermode found delightfully unpredictable. A listener shares a humorous anecdote about mispronunciation during the filming of "Outlaw King," where "one land" sounded like "wan land." The community cinema segment highlights how Netflix and Amazon's licensing restrictions threaten rural film societies. Kermode defends the BBFC's 12A rating for "Monster Hunter," explaining its "fantastical context" guidelines. The hosts banter about producer Simon Poole adding a watermark to their show notes, joking about subliminal messaging and autocracy. Listener Phil cites Bono describing Larry Mullen Jr.'s drumming as "a good kicking," supporting Kermode's sound projection argument. The tone is conversational and humorous, filled with insider jokes and playful disagreements between the hosts. Film enthusiasts and regular listeners will enjoy the mix of reviews, listener interactions, and industry insights. Those seeking a strictly structured, serious film analysis might find the tangents and personal anecdotes distracting.

As heard by us

A warm, argumentative film chat that treats detours as part of the fun.

David Oyelowo is the special guest, and the appeal lies in how Kermode and Mayo keep turning a film show into a joke that also remembers itself.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Press play for film chat that wanders, corrects itself, and still lands on Kindred.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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