Filmspotting: Reviews & Top 5s - Kempenaar & Larsen

#839: Fall Movie Preview / Shang-Chi / Candyman Sep 03, 2021

The coming fall movie season is less a slate of titles than it is a promise fulfilled, with loads of big films coming to the big screen, some of which have been delayed for a year or more: “No Time To Die,” “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune,” and Wes Anderson’s “The French Dispatch,” to name just a few. For their FALL MOVIE PREVIEW, Adam and Josh have questions about some of those long-anticipated titles, along with queries about some of the season’s more obscure offerings, including films starring Idris Elba and Regina King; Jessica Chastain and Andrew Garfield; and Tom Hanks and a dog (and a robot). Plus, Josh has reviews of the new CANDYMAN and SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS.

0:00 - Billboard

1:11 - Fall Movie Preview

George Lam, "Mr. Strong Man"

25:51 - Josh: "Shang-Chi," "Candyman"

37:32 - Next Week / Notes

47:00 - Polls

54:17 - Fall Movie Preview, cont.

1:10:28 - Outro

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#838: In the Mood for Love at 20 / Nine Days / Top 5 Romantic Gestures (Revisited) Aug 27, 2021

Wong Kar Wai’s IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE had no shortage of acclaim on its 2000 release (2001 in the U.S.), but its stature has only grown in the past two decades and is now considered by many to be one of the great achievements of the 21st century. Adam and Josh offer no arguments to the contrary in their 20th-anniversary revisit of the film, part of their World of Wong Kar Wai Marathon. And not that you asked for it, but the review also prompts them to debate which is sexier: silence or food. Plus, a revisit of the Top 5 Romantic Gestures from 2013, and Josh nominates the new existential drama NINE DAYS for the Filmspotting Golden Brick Award.

0:00 - Billboard

1:05 - Wong Kar Wai #6: “In The Mood For Love”

Vitamin String Quartet, “In Your Eyes”

41:43 - Brickspotting: “Nine Days”

46:37 - Next Week / Notes

53:25 - Massacre Theatre

1:01:51 - Revisited: Top 5 Romantic Gestures (2013)

1:12:27 - Outro

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#837: Annette / Respect / Happy Together (Wong Kar Wai #5) Aug 13, 2021

French director Leos Carax isn't very well known here in the States, but his films are always something of an arthouse event, coming as they do about once a decade. His 2012 film, "Holy Motors" showed up on several best-of-the-2010s lists, and his latest, ANNETTE, premiered at this year's Cannes Film Festival to a 20-minute ovation (along with a smattering of boos). An L.A.-set rock musical starring Adam Driver and Marion Cotillard, Carax's film is, according to guest critic Michael Phillips, "the world's most toxic remake of 'A Star Is Born'." (That's mostly a compliment.) In the second half of the show, Josh and Adam continue their World of Wong Kar Wai Marathon with the Hong Kong auteur's 1997 Argentina-set film HAPPY TOGETHER, and music biopic skeptic Josh has some nice things to say about the new Aretha Franklin biopic RESPECT.

0:00 - Billboard

1:07 - Review: "Annette" w/Michael Phillips

Sparks feat. Adam Driver, "All The Girls"

29:28 - Josh recommends "Respect"

35:43 - Next Week / Notes

44:06 - Polls

56:54 - Wong Kar Wai #5: "Happy Together"

1:21:27 - Outro

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#836: The Green Knight / The Suicide Squad / Fallen Angels (Wong Kar Wai #4) Aug 06, 2021

Like many an auteur before him, David Lowery ("A Ghost Story", "The Old Man and the Gun") brings his obsessions to whatever material he's working with—even if that material is over 600 years old. Lowery's THE GREEN KNIGHT delivers some of the seduction and swordplay that the 14th-century source material "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight" promises, but it also serves as another Lowery riff on mortality, time, and mythmaking. The fourth film in the World of Wong Kar Wai Marathon, 1995's FALLEN ANGELS, sees the Hong Kong auteur introduce a new set of lost urban souls, but Adam and Josh debate whether Wong gets dangerously close to self-parody in his follow-up to "Chungking Express." And Josh has a review of the new THE SUICIDE SQUAD, a successful-ish entry in the killshot-comedy genre.

0:00 - Billboard

1:10 - Review: "The Green Knight"

Shirley Kwan, "Forget Him"

31:56 - Josh: "The Suicide Squad"

36:58 - Next Week / Notes

52:20 - Massacre Theatre

57:35 - World of Wong Kar Wai #4: "Fallen Angels"

1:21:10 - Outro

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#835: Pig / Old / Chungking Express (Wong Kar Wai #3) Jul 30, 2021

Getting Nic Cage for your debut feature is a risky move. On the one hand, Cage is both a big name and a singular talent. On the other hand, Cage's eccentric on-screen persona can send a movie reeling into camp. PIG director Michael Sarnoski rolled the dice and won, bringing real pathos to his missing truffle pig saga, and getting Cage's most subtle and moving work in at least a decade. Adam and Josh also continue the World of Wong Kar Wai Marathon with the director's 1994 international breakthrough CHUNGKING EXPRESS. Plus, Josh defends M. Night Shyamalan's OLD–while also advising Adam to avoid it.

0:00 - Billboard

1:10 - Review: "Pig"

Chris Egan, "Traveling Troubadours"

22:36 - Josh reviews "Old"

28:37 - Giveaway / Next Week / Notes

37:26 - Polls

47:53 - Wong Kar Wai #3: "Chungking Express"

1:30:18 - Outro

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#834: Top 5 Beach Scenes / Days of Being Wild (Wong Kar Wai #2) Jul 23, 2021

Inspired by M Night Shyamalan's "Old," Adam and Josh take a trip to the shore for their TOP 5 BEACH SCENES. As a place of transition–between land and sea, and as a point of no returnºthe beach has long offered filmmakers an evocative setting for tales both hopeful and despairing. Also: romantic, elegiac, and deranged. Plus the second film in the World of Wong Kar Wai Marathon, 1990's DAYS OF BEING WILD.

0:00 - Billboard

1:16 - Top 5: Beach Scenes

Emily Lim & Rob Kelly, "Barefoot in the Sand"

31:34 - Cannes / Next Week / Notes

46:03 - Massacre Theatre

53:26 - Top 5: Beach Scenes, cont

1:13:43 - World of Wong Kar Wai #2: "Days of Being Wild"

1:37:28 - Outro

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#833: A Clockwork Orange at 50 / Roadrunner / As Tears Go By (Wong Kar Wai #1) Jul 16, 2021

With its provocative mix of giddy, nihilistic violence, social satire, and formal audaciousness, A CLOCKWORK ORANGE has been a cinephile rite of passage for decades. For their Sacred Cow revisit, Adam and Josh find a film that is both more philosophical than they remember–and perversely funny. Just how funny, however, is a matter of some debate. Also up for debate: how to read the film's memorable ending. Plus, the first film in the World of Wong Kar Wai Marathon, 1988's AS TEARS GO BY, and Adam's thoughts on the new ROADRUNNER: A FILM ABOUT ANTHONY BOURDAIN.

0:00 - Billboard

1:16 - Sacred Cow: “A Clockwork Orange”

Marianne Faithful, “As Tears Go By”

45:08 - Adam: “Roadrunner”

58:21 - Next Week / Notes

1:08:21 - Polls

1:20:42 - World of Wong #1: “As Tears Go By”

1:42:57 - Outro / Outtake

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#832: Black Widow / Summer of Soul / No Sudden Move / Zola Jul 09, 2021

Marvel's BLACK WIDOW returns the MCU to theaters for the first time since 2019, but despite the more than capable cast and some provocative ideas, Adam and Josh agree that director Cate Shortland ("Lore") doesn't always find the right balance between the traumatic and the comedic. They have nothing but praise for Questlove's SUMMER OF SOUL, which sees the Roots-founder bringing a keen curatorial eye and potent historical context to his electrifying concert documentary. Plus, a review of Steven Soderbergh's new NO SUDDEN MOVE and Josh's thoughts on the wild road-trip comedy ZOLA.

0:00 - Billboard

1:03 - Review: "Black Widow"

The Chambers Brothers, "Uptown"

25:06 - Josh recommends: "Zola"

30:53 - Next Week / Notes

49:04 - Massacre Theatre

54:51 - Review: "Summer of Soul"

1:29:17 - Review: "No Sudden Move"

1:44:24 - Outro

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FS Revisited: Raiders of the Lost Ark / Top 5 Films of 1981 Jul 02, 2021

Back in September 2012, RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK was back in theaters for a limited IMAX run on the heels of its 30th anniversary. Adam and Josh took the opportunity to give the film the Sacred Cow treatment, making the dubious decision to invite noted "Raiders" skeptic Michael Phillips to join them. Luckily, this is a podcast, so there's no risk of getting your face melted off due to Michael's hot take. Plus, Michael sits in for the Top 5 Films of 1981, with a number one pick that marks him as a "psychosexual sicko" (his words, not ours).

0:00 - Billboard

1:00 - Sacred Cow Review: "Raiders of the Lost Ark"

John Williams, "Raiders March"

29:48 - Top 5: Films of 1981

1:12:03 - Outro

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#831: F9 / Top 5 Fast & Furious Moments Jun 25, 2021

For one of their patented "still processing" reviews, Adam and Josh go from screening to studio to discuss F9. But all Adam has is questions; namely, are the F&F movies not only critic-proof but critique-proof? Also, director Justin Lin stuck Charlize Theron in a glass box and Adam wants to know if she has access to a bathroom. Big questions for a big movie. Plus listeners make their pick for car movie that needs a sequel, and Adam and Josh revisit 2015's Top 5 Fast & Furious Moments–the culmination of their immersion in what Adam has deemed "The F ampersand FU."

0:00 - Billboard

1:15 - Review: "F9"

Dave James and Thomm Jutz, "Bite The Dust"

31:33 - Next Week / Notes

41:14 - Polls

57:24 - Top 5: Fast & Furious Moments

1:34:03 - Outro

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#830: Pixar's Luca / 7 From '76 Awards / The Sparks Brothers Jun 18, 2021

While Pixar's latest brazenly evokes the settings and stories of earlier animated classics like Disney's "The Little Mermaid," Pixar's own "Finding Nemo" and Hayao Miyazaki's "Ponyo" and "Porco Rosso," LUCA'S narrative ambition remains modest–and Adam and Josh agree that's mostly to its credit. An earnest coming-of-age story set on the Italian Riviera, the movie also works as a summer-y coming-out party. They also wrap up the 7 From '76—Best Year Ever series by naming their favorite performances, scenes and more–including their Top 5 of 1976. Plus Adam recommends Edgar Wright's new doc, THE SPARKS BROTHERS, about the eccentric pop group that's been described as "your favorite band's favorite band."

0:00 - Billboard

1:15 - 7 From '76—Best Year Ever Awards

Edoardo Bennato, "L'isola che non c'e"

35:21 - Review: "Luca"

46:13 - Adam recommends: "The Sparks Brothers"

53:26 - Next Week / Notes

1:07:28 - Massacre Theatre

1:14:15 - 7 From '76 cont.

1:30:18 - Outro

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#829: In The Heights / Car Wash (7 From '76) Jun 11, 2021

When reviews started trickling in for IN THE HEIGHTS earlier this year, anticipation for the already much-hyped adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda's Tony-winning musical started to reach a feverish pitch. Adam and Josh agree that the movie largely delivers on those expectations. If director Jon M. Chu's ambition occasionally overwhelms the film, the talented ensemble and star-making lead turn by Anthony Ramos keeps things grounded, and the movie offers the kind of visceral pleasure that moviegoers have been conspicuously missing. Plus, listeners name their favorite 21st-century movie musical, and Adam and Josh wrap up the 7 From '76—Best Year Ever series with cult comedy–and almost musical–CAR WASH.

0:00 - Billboard

1:14 - Review: "In The Heights"

Rose Royce, "Car Wash"

34:36 - Next Week / Notes / "Raiders" Contest

1:01:26 - Polls (21st-Century Musicals; Car Movie Sequels We Need)

1:20:10 - 7 From '76: "Car Wash"

1:45:10 - Outro

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#828: Undine / Harlan County U.S.A. (7 From '76) Jun 04, 2021

Director Christian Petzold ("Phoenix," "Transit") returns with UNDINE, a romance haunted by German history and politics–and loosely inspired by a European fairy tale. Stars Paula Beer and Franz Rogowski sell the romance, and Adam and Josh praise the director for the provocative questions he leaves unanswered. Plus Babara Kopple's Oscar-winning HARLAN COUNTY U.S.A., a film that offers a vivid–and surprisingly musical–portrait of coal country in the early '70s. Part of the 7 From '76—Best Year Ever series.

0:00 - Billboard

1:14 - Review: "Undine"

25:23 - Next Week / Notes

39:54 - Massacre Theatre

49:43 - 7 From '76: "Harlan Country U.S.A."

1:15:29 - Outro

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#827: A Quiet Place Part II / Top 5 Quiet Scenes May 28, 2021

Back in 2018, John Krasinksi's "A Quiet Place" was a novelty: the rare box office hit that didn't belong to an existing franchise or property. Fast forward to 2021 and "A Quiet Place" has itself become a franchise, with a third installment already in the works. This week, Adam and Josh talk about the ways that A QUIET PLACE PART II delivers on the promise of the original and also the ways that it tests the limits of an audience's ability to suspend its disbelief. Plus, they revisit 2018's Top 5 Quiet Scenes, with Josh contributing his picks to a list Adam and guest host Michael Phillips shared along with a review of the first "Quiet" film.

0:00 - Billboard

1:13 - Review: "A Quiet Place Part II"

Juan Carlos Rodriguez & Iker Gastaminza, "Salsa Brava"

28:22 - Next Week / Notes

35:43 - Polls

46:42 - Top 5: Quiet Scenes w/Michael Phillips

1:29:16 - Pantheon Induction: "Jeanne Dielman"

1:32:40 - Outro

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#826: Summer Movie Preview / Shiva Baby / "The Savages" ('40s Noir Awards) May 21, 2021

Yes, this summer promises pleasures like the return of the MCU, a new Lin-Manuel Miranda musical, and Dev Patel in David Lowery's "The Green Knight"; but, in their SUMMER MOVIE PREVIEW, Adam and Josh invite you to consider less conspicuous summer releases like a Fellini-inspired animated film; a new doc from the director of 2016's "Rat Film;" a resurrected concert film from Questlove; and a tweet-thread-inspired road trip comedy. Plus, the '40s Noir Awards ("The Savages") and Josh's Golden Brick-spotting recommendation of Emma Seligman's SHIVA BABY.

0:00 - Billboard

1:08 - Summer Movie Preview

Tim Garland, "Brush With The Law"

27:37 - Golden Brick-spotting: "Shiva Baby"

31:08 - R.I.P. Charles Grodin

34:54 - Next Week / Notes / Massacre Theatre

48:33 - '40s Noir Marathon Awards ("The Savages")

1:14:27 - Summer Movie Preview, cont.

1:29:51 - Outro

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#825: The Underground Railroad / White Heat ('40s Noir #6) May 14, 2021

Historically set but featuring flourishes of magical realism, Barry Jenkins's adaptation of Colson Whitehead's THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD is not quite what it first appears to be. All ten parts come to Amazon Prime this weekend. This week, Adam and Josh review the series' first couple of episodes, full of admiration for the Jenkins aesthetic, the cast and the score from regular Jenkins collaborator Nicholas Britell. Plus a conversation about 1949's WHITE HEAT, the final film in the '40s Noir Marathon, which features a dynamic performance from James Cagney as a psycho crime boss with a mother complex.

0:00 - Billboard

1:22 - Review: "The Underground Railroad"

Nicholas Britell, "Bessie"

36:18 - Next week / Notes

45:25 - Poll

53:13 - '40s Noir #6: "White Heat"

1:16:23 - Outro

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#824: Top 5 '70s Movie Moms / Wrath of Man / News From Home (7 From '76) May 07, 2021

Sandwiched between the '60s sexual revolution and the reactionary conservatism of the '80s, the '70s was an anxious decade, and as that anxiety played out on movie screens, it did not spare mothers. This week, Adam and Josh–sons of '70s moms themselves–share their TOP 5 '70s MOVIE MOMS and continue the 7 From '76—Best Year Ever series with Chantal Akerman's NEWS FROM HOME. Plus, Josh's thoughts on the new WRATH OF MAN, starring Jason Statham, and ABOUT ENDLESSNESS from Swedish auteur Roy Andersson ("Songs From The Second Floor").

0:00 - Billboard

1:27 - Top 5: '70s Movie Moms

31:51 - Next Week

36:49 - Josh reviews "Wrath of Man," "About Endlessness"

46:07 - Olympia Dukakis / Notes / Massacre Theatre

57:49 - 7 From '76: "News From Home"

1:15:01 - Top 5: '70s Movie Moms, cont.

1:38:54 - Outro

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#823: Together Together / Oscars / The Lady From Shanghai ('40s Noir #5) Apr 30, 2021

It's a pair of uneasy couples on this week's show: first up, comedian Patti Harrison as a 20-something surrogate mom to Ed Helms' single 40-something dad in Nikole Beckwith's TOGETHER TOGETHER; and then real-life couple Orson Welles and Rita Hayworth in the '47 noir THE LADY FROM SHANGHAI, with Welles as an Irish drifter who gets caught up in a murder plot when he falls for the seductive Hayworth. Beckwith's movie - her second - is smarter and more satisfying than its high concept suggests; and Welles' formal invention almost makes up for the lack of heat between the married stars, its confounding plot, and its ill-treatment of Hayworth's troubled Elsa. Plus, Josh fills Adam in on what he missed with the Soderbergh-produced Oscars.

0:00 - Billboard

1:08 - Oscars

9:35 - Review: "Together Together"

Anita Ellis, "Please Don't Kiss Me"

28:52 - Next Week / Notes / Poll

47:06 - '40s Noir #5: "The Lady From Shanghai"

1:11:54 - Outro

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#822: Oscars Special with Michael Phillips Apr 16, 2021

Will Oscar night 2021 see Chloé Zhao crowned Best Director for "Nomadland"? Does anyone have a chance against the late Chadwick Boseman for Best Actor? And what about the Best Actress race? Will former winners Viola Davis and Frances McDormand take another statue home, or could Carey Mulligan or Andra Day surprise with the win? Adam, Josh and guest Michael Phillips from the Chicago Tribune don't really have the answers, but that doesn't stop them from taking some guesses, along with making a few final cases for 2020 films and performances that the Academy failed to recognize. (This should have been your year, Kelly Reichardt!)

0:00 - Billboard

1:08 - Oscars: Supporting Actor/Actress

34:05 - Oscars: Lead Actor/Actress

Anthony Willis, "Toxic"

59:26 - Next Week / Notes

1:22:57 - Massacre Theatre

1:26:05 - Oscars: Documentary/Director

1:37:12 - Oscars: Picture

1:51:27 - Outro

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#821: Rocky (7 From '76) / Detour ('40s Noir #4) / '80s Madness Champ Apr 09, 2021

Whatever backlash ROCKY has received over the years for beating out the likes of "Taxi Driver," "All The President's Men" and "Network" for the 1977 Best Picture Oscar, it has largely faded as people discover - or rediscover - that the populist hit that spawned a mostly forgettable (and occasionally ridiculous) franchise has more in common with its gritty '70s peers than it gets credit for. Among those who remain unconvinced, however, is Josh. Thankfully, Adam comes to Rocky's defense and the two go 15 rounds before ending the review in a split decision. Plus, raves for the nasty '45 Noir DETOUR - part of the '40s Noir Marathon - and the winner of Filmspotting Madness—Best of the '80s.

0:00 - Billboard

1:24 - 7 From '76—Best Year Ever: "Rocky"

Bill Conti, "Gonna Fly Now"

43:45 - Josh: "Godzilla vs. Kong"

49:01 - Next Week / Poll / Notes

54:29 - Filmspotting Madness '80s Champion

1:05:13 - 40s Noir #4: "Detour"

1:29:08 - Outro

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#820: Godzilla ('54) vs. Kong ('33) Apr 02, 2021

With the new "Godzilla vs. Kong" bringing some much-needed spectacle to long-suffering theatre chains, Adam and Josh take the opportunity to settle the question of which classic monster movie has the most to offer audiences today, the mournful and metaphor-rich GODZILLA (1954) or the effects-driven adventure of the landmark KING KONG (1933). (Tease: it's a split decision.) Plus, results from the Final 4 round of Filmspotting Madness.

0:00 - Billboard

1:17 - Review: "Godzilla" ('54) vs. "King Kong" ('33)

Blue Oyster Cult, "Godzilla"

33:49 - Next Week / Notes

45:20 - Filmspotting Madness: Final 4

46:15 - "Godzilla" vs. "King Kong", cont.

1:30:18 - Outro

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#819: Oscars Homework (Pieces of a Woman / U.S. vs Billie Holiday / My Octopus Teacher) Mar 26, 2021

Adam and Josh skipped the harrowing PIECES OF A WOMAN last fall in the lead-up to end-of-year awards, but with star Vanessa Kirby nabbing an Oscar nomination last week, they couldn't put it off any longer. (At least one of them couldn't, anyway.) They did both play biopic bingo with the U.S. VS BILLIE HOLIDAY, a film which largely fails its talented star Andra Day, who also received a nomination. Plus thoughts on the Oscar-nominated docs MY OCTOPUS TEACHER and THE MOLE AGENT.

0:00 - Billboard

1:15 - "The United States vs Billie Holiday"

18:35 - "Pieces of a Woman"

Billie Holiday, "Everything I Have Is Yours"

22:36 - Next Week / Notes

34:14 - Filmspotting Madness: Final 4

49:24 - "My Octopus Teacher," "The Mole Agent"

1:14:15 - Outro

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#818: Network (7 From '76) / Oscar Nominations / Laura ('40s Noir #3) Mar 19, 2021

A primal scream from the post-Watergate American malaise, NETWORK is a movie entirely of its time that manages to speak directly to ours. Adam and Josh continue their 7 From '76—Best Year Ever series with Sidney Lumet's Best Picture nominee, debating the effectiveness of Paddy Chayefksy's bracing, if occasionally overwritten, script and praising the extraordinary cast (which received five Oscar noms). Plus, Otto Preminger's LAURA, the third film in the '40s Noir Marathon; and Filmspotting Madness Elite 8 matchups.

0:00 - Billboard

1:31 - 7 From '76—Best Year Ever: "Network"

"San Simeon Waltz" (from "Mank")

49:43 - Oscar Nominations

57:46 - Next Week / Notes / Giveaways

1:11:55 - Filmspotting Madness, Elite 8

1:28:46 - '40s Noir #3: "Laura"

1:48:13 - Outro

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#817: Top 5 Movie Meals / WandaVision / The Truffle Hunters Mar 12, 2021

Inspired by the visually striking - and slyly funny - new documentary THE TRUFFLE HUNTERS, Adam and Josh consider the greatest meals they've ever seen on screen. Plus, Josh's thoughts on Marvel's recently-concluded WANDAVISION and the Sweet 16 round of Filmspotting Madness—Best of the '80s.

0:00 - Billboard

1:22 - "The Truffle Hunters"

7:23 - Top 5: Movie Meals

37:47 - Josh reviews: "WandaVision"

42:42 - Next Week / Notes

52:12 - Filmspotting Madness Sweet 16

1:10:27 - Top 5, cont.

1:32:41 - Outro

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#816: Taxi Driver (7 From '76) / This Gun for Hire ('40s Noir #2) Mar 05, 2021

Set post-Vietnam in a Big Apple at its filthiest, Martin Scorsese's Best Picture-nominated TAXI DRIVER is very much of its time, but the film's troubled anti-hero, "God's lonely man" Travis Bickle, is a figure we've become all too used to—on social media, at political rallies, or storming the U.S. Capitol. Adam and Josh continue the 7 From '76—Best Year Ever series with a 45th-anniversary review. Plus, Rd. 2 of Filmspotting Madness and the second film in the '40s Noir Marathon, THIS GUN FOR HIRE starring Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake.

0:00 - Billboard

1:13 - 7 From '76—Best Year Ever: "Taxi Driver"

Bernard Herrmann, "Thank God For The Rain"

47:57 - Next Week / Notes

55:53 - Filmspotting Madness, Rd. 2

1:17:44 - '40s Noir Marathon: "This Gun for Hire"

1:36:30 - Outro

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#815: Top 5 Anthony Hopkins Performances / The Father / Madness Rd. 1 Feb 26, 2021

A five-time Oscar nominee, Anthony Hopkins has played a Pope, a psychopath and the most loyal of butlers. He's also killed vampires, fought a bear and banished the God of Thunder from Asgard. In fact, there's little Hopkins hasn't done over his six decades of movie acting—and he's done it all with a rare combination of delicate subtlety and volcanic power. This week, Adam and Josh share their Top 5 Hopkins Performances, along with a review of THE FATHER, which features another career-best turn from the actor. Plus, Rd. 1 of Filmspotting Madness—Best of the '80s.

0:00 - Billboard

1:03 - Top 5: Anthony Hopkins Performances

24:06 - Next Week / Notes / Massacre Theatre

35:26 - Filmspotting Madness—Best of the '80s, Rd. 1

58:18 - Review: "The Father"

1:07:55 - Top 5, cont.

1:37:02 - Outro

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#814: The Silence of the Lambs (30th Ann.) / Madness Play-Ins Feb 19, 2021

Based on Thomas Harris's grisly 1988 bestseller, Jonathan Demme's THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS was, on its February 1991 release, an immediate critical and box office success. It ran for eight months and went on to be nominated for seven Oscars, winning five—for Demme, Hopkins, Foster, screenwriter Ted Tally, and Best Picture. This week on the show, Adam and Josh dig into the technical sophistication - and the humanist touch - that Demme and company bring to the lurid material. Plus, Filmspotting Madness gets underway with the play-in round, and Josh recommends the new BARB AND STAR GO TO VISTA DEL MAR.

0:00 - Billboard

1:20 - Sacred Cow: “The Silence of the Lambs” (30th Ann.)

35:46 - Review: “Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar”

40:08 - Next Week / Notes

50:51 - Madness: Best of the ’80s (Play-Ins)

1:19:04 - Outro

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#813: Judas and the Black Messiah / The Letter ('40s Noir #1) Feb 12, 2021

The new Fred Hampton biopic JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH gives as much time to the FBI informant (Lakeith Stanfield) who infiltrates his Black Panthers as it does to Hampton himself (Daniel Kaluuya). Adam and Josh debate the effectiveness of that decision, which recalls atypical biopics like “Amadeus,” “Hamilton” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Plus the first film in the six-part '40s Noir Marathon, William Wyler’s THE LETTER, with Bette Davis as a conniving murderer; and Josh anoints the new religious horror movie SAINT MAUD with a Golden Brick nomination.

0:00 - Billboard

1:06 - Review: "Judas and the Black Messiah"

24:09 - Next Week

29:48 - Brickspotting: "Saint Maud"

33:55 - Giveaways / Notes

40:46 - Massacre Theatre

48:17 - '40s Noir #1: "The Letter"

1:16:57 - Outro

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#812: All The President's Men (7 From '76) / Malcolm & Marie Feb 05, 2021

It doesn't take the investigative powers of a Woodward or Bernstein to pick up on the giddiness that Adam and Josh bring to their review of ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN, the first film in the 7 From '76—Best Year Ever series. Long a favorite of both hosts - and an early entry in the Filmspotting Pantheon - they revel in the opportunity to praise the film's unmatched acting ensemble and exquisite, if subtle, craft. Their good mood carries over to their review of the divisive MALCOLM & MARIE (new to Netflix), a volatile, two-hander relationship drama starring Zendaya and John David Washington.

0:00 - Billboard

1:00 - 7 From '76—Best Year Ever: "All The President's Men"

David Shire, "All The President's Men

45:16 - Polls / Notes

1:02:02 - Review: "Malcolm & Marie"

1:23:32 - Outro

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#811: 2021 Movie Preview Jan 29, 2021

As goes Bond, so goes the rest of the movie year. With Bond 25 "No Time To Die" recently moving to October - along with several other high-profile spring '21 releases - the new movie year is getting off to a disappointing start. But with lots of holdovers from 2020 - "Dune"! "Maverick"! "Ghostbusters"! - and some very promising new titles on the horizon, it is, at the very least, an exciting year to contemplate. Adam and Josh preview 2021 with their Top 5 Movie Questions of the Year — and lay out current plans for this year's Marathons, Sacred Cows, Oeuvre-view and the '70s edition of the Best Movie Year Ever series.

0:00 - Billboard

1:12 - 2021 Preview

Lin-Manuel Miranda, “In The Heights”

31:17 - 2021 Show Plans

47:30 - Next Week / Notes

52:33 - Massacre Theatre

59:15 - 2021 Preview, cont.

1:18:04 - Outro

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#810: Best Scenes of 2020 / Golden Brick Award Jan 22, 2021

It goes without saying that the best movies also have their share of great movie moments, so this year’s Wrap Party allows Adam and Josh to share more thoughts about some of their favorite 2020 films. But it also gives them a chance to celebrate memorable moments in movies that didn’t crack their Top 10s - like “Promising Young Woman,” “Da 5 Bloods,” “On The Rocks” and “Borat Subsequent Movie Film.” Plus the winner of the 2020 Golden Brick Award. Welcome to the party. “Silly Games” sing-a-long at midnight.

0:00 - Billboard

1:08 - Opening Scenes / Funniest Scenes / Moving Moments

Tsegue-Maryam Guebrou, “Mother’s Love”

48:12 - 2020 Golden Brick Award

59:01 - Brickspotting: “Identifying Features”

1:02:39 - Next Week / Poll / Notes

1:08:02 - Music Moments / Scenes of the Year

1:37:10 - Outro

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#809: News of the World / Wonder Woman 1984 Jan 15, 2021

For the first proper show of the new year, the Chicago Tribune's Michael Phillips joins Josh for reviews of a couple of late-2020 releases: the Tom Hanks western NEWS OF THE WORLD and Patty Jenkins' WONDER WOMAN 1984. While Josh and Michael agree that neither film quite fulfills its potential, they both prove to be great fodder for debate.

0:00 - Billboard

1:27 - Review: "News of the World"

34:28 - Next Week/Notes

44:01 - Review: "Wonder Woman 1984"

54:40 - Outro

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#808: (Pt. 2) Top 10 Films of 2020 Jan 01, 2021

Any other year that gave us new films from Kelly Reichardt and David Fincher, Sofia Coppola and Charlie Kaufman, two from Spike Lee and five from Steve McQueen, would have been considered a great one. Alas, 2020 will forever be remembered as The Worst Year Ever—that also happened to be a great year for some of our best filmmakers. The Chicago Tribune's Michael Phillips and Tasha Robinson from Polygon and The Next Picture Show podcast re-join Adam and Josh for the second half of their conversation about the Top 10 films of the year, including their consensus pick for the best film (or films?) of 2020.

0:00 - Billboard

1:13 - Top 10 of 2020, Pt. 2

Janet Kay, "Silly Games"

51:05 - Top 10 of 2020, Pt. 2, cont.

2:17:58 - Outro

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#807: (Pt. 1) Top 10 Films of 2020 Dec 25, 2020

True to the year that kept us apart, the Filmspotting Top 10 roundtable did not meet in its usual configuration in 2020. However, the Chicago Tribune's Michael Phillips and Next Picture Show's Tasha Robinson do make an appearance sharing their 10-6 picks before Zoom-ing into the ether with promises to return next week offering their #1 picks. In a part one heavy on docs, Adam and Josh also make room for films from veteran filmmakers such as Charlie Kaufman and David Fincher, as well as newcomers Kitty Green and Radha Blank. Plus, the finalists for this year's Golden Brick Award.

0:00 - Billboard

1:09 - Top 10 of 2020, Pt. 1

Branford Marsalis, "Levee's Song"

1:06:08 - Golden Brick Finalists / Notes

1:11:21 - Top 10 of 2020, Pt. 1, cont.

1:33:47 - Outro

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#806: Best Performances (and More) of 2020 Dec 18, 2020

With the deadline looming for Adam and Josh to submit their ballots for the 2020 Chicago Film Critics Association Awards, they turned their homework into this week's show, sharing their favorite performances of the year - including Carrie Coon's delicious turn in Sean Durkin's "The Nest" and the final film performance from Chadwick Boseman ("Ma Rainey's Black Bottom") - along with picks for best editing, cinematography and more.

0:00 - Billboard

1:14 - Best Supp. / Editing / Cinematography

47:45 - Next Week/Notes

1:00:16 - Massacre Theatre

1:09:41 - Best Leads / Breakthrough Directors and Performers

1:41:30 - Outro

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#805: Top 5 Frances McDormand Performances / Nomadland Dec 11, 2020

No two Frances McDormand performances are alike, but they're all rooted in the actor's no-nonsense directness and fierce intelligence. From scene-stealing supporting turns to Oscar-winning lead performances, McDormand has been doing memorable - and frequently iconic - work since the '80s. With her latest performance - in Chloé Zhao's ("The Rider") soon to be released NOMADLAND - earning her yet more acclaim, Adam and Josh devote this week's show to a career-spanning consideration with their Top 5 McDormand Performances.

0:00 - Billboard

1:05 - Top 5: Frances McDormand Performances

31:41 - Next Week / Polls / Notes

53:50 - "Nomadland"

1:02:40 - Top 5, cont.

1:19:38 - Outro

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#804: Mank / Ma Rainey's Black Bottom / Sound of Metal Dec 04, 2020

David Fincher's big-screen exploration of Hollywood's "Golden Age" will, unfortunately, be a small-screen experience for most (it comes to Netflix this weekend), but Adam and Josh agree that MANK, his biopic about "Citizen Kane" scribe Herman Mankiewicz, still offers lots of pleasures, including Oldman's title performance and a stacked supporting cast. Another top-notch ensemble can be found in George C. Wolfe's adaptation of August Wilson's MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM, with an electrifying final performance from the late Chadwick Boseman alongside the always reliable Viola Davis. Adam also throws the new SOUND OF METAL into the mix for Golden Brick consideration.

0:00 - Billboard

1:15 - Review: "Mank"

24:57 - Fincher Ranked / Top 5 Performances

30:03 - Golden Brickspotting: "Sound of Metal"

34:42 - Next Week / Notes

47:58 - Massacre Theatre

54:02 - Review: "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom"

1:14:49 - Outro

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#803: 2020 Golden Brick Nominees / The Nest Nov 27, 2020

Previous winners of the Filmspotting Golden Brick Award - Sean Baker's "Tangerine," Bing Liu's "Minding the Gap," Anna Rose Holmer's "The Fits" - didn't just tell compelling stories; they told stories in vivid and surprising ways. It's what Adam and Josh have come to look for in a Brick nominee and it's a quality that all eleven of this year's nominees display—in ways as various as their styles and genres: a time-bending documentary, a retro sci-fi flick, a pair of intricately directed and timely dramas, a Coen Brothers-style thriller, a little of the old ultra-violence - and more. Plus, Adam and Josh revisit their review of Sean Durkin's THE NEST, which is available to rent on digital after playing in limited release.

0:00 - Billboard

1:17 - 2020 Golden Brick Nominees

Michigander, "Let Down"

47:12 - Next Week/Notes

56:51 - Polls ('80s Directing Debuts, Christmas Movie Death Match)

1:06:51 - Review: "The Nest"

1:34:07 - Outro

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#802: Stranger Than Paradise (8 From '84) / Wolfwalkers / 8 From '84 Awards Nov 20, 2020

This year's 8 From '84 series - the sequel to last year's 9 From '99 - gave Adam and Josh a chance to revisit some nostalgic favorites ("Ghostbusters," "This is Spinal Tap," "Beverly Hills Cop"), fill in some blind spots (Leone's "Once Upon a Time in America," Coppola's "The Cotton Club") and complete a director's filmography (David Lynch's "Dune," check). This week, they wrap up the series with the film that launched the career of indie auteur Jim Jarmusch, STRANGER THAN PARADISE, and share their picks for the best performances, scenes and surprises from the 13-film series. Josh also recommends the latest from Cartoon Saloon and director Tomm Moore, WOLFWALKERS.

0:00 - Billboard

1:20 - 8 From '84: "Stranger Than Paradise"

Screamin' Jay Hawkins, "I Put A Spell On You"

29:34 - Josh recommends "Wolfwalkers"

32:50 - Next Week/Notes

44:05 - Massacre Theatre

51:09 - 8 From '84 Awards

1:36:24 - Outro

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#801: Dune (8 From '84) / Twin Peaks Pilot (30th Anniv.) Nov 13, 2020

David Lynch's '84 adaptation of Frank Herbert's DUNE ended the director's flirtation with mainstream Hollywood, but it remains a singular - and still Lynchian - vision. (And oh so spice-y.) Six years later, Lynch achieved cult legend status with the massively popular network TV series TWIN PEAKS. The movie-length pilot episode celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

Thanks to ArmorLock for supporting Filmspotting. Go to Getarmorlock.com to learn more and purchase yours.

0:00 - Billboard

1:23 - 8 From '84: "Dune"

Angelo Badalamenti, "Falling" (feat. Julee Cruise)

34:05 - Next Week/New Poll ('80s Directing Debuts)

40:40 - Notes/Poll Results (Movie failures you defend)

53:18 - Review: "Twin Peaks Pilot"

1:19:41 - Outro

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From Chicago, this is Filmspotting. Nov 12, 2020

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#800: Fall Movie Preview / Daughters of the Dust (Overlooked Auteurs) Nov 06, 2020

The remaining months of the year won't have the same volume of buzzy festival pictures, star-studded Oscar bait or holiday blockbusters, but that doesn't mean there isn't lots to look forward to—if you know where to look. This week, Adam and Josh have their Top 5 Questions About the Fall(ish) Movie Season. Plus, the final film in the Overlooked Auteurs Marathon, Julie Dash's DAUGHTERS OF THE DUST, along with the Marathon-ending awards.

0:00 - Billboard

1:13 - Fall Movie Preview

Andrew Bird, "Alabaster"

45:03 - Next Week/Notes

50:55 - R.I.P. Sean Connery

1:03:50 - Massacre Theatre

1:10:57 - Overlooked Auteurs #6: "Daughters of the Dust"

1:31:00 - Overlooked Auteurs Awards ("The Burnt Potatoes")

1:51:17 - Outro / Outtake

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#799: Top 5 High-Concept Horror / Bad Hair / The Wolf Of Snow Hollow Oct 30, 2020

Justin Simien, director of 2014's "Dear White People," has followed up that campus-set comedy with another, much bloodier, satire: BAD HAIR (currently streaming on Hulu). The film - about image and ambition in late '80s L.A. - features a homicidal weave with a mind of its own, making it a great example of a high-concept plot. Josh shares his Top 5 High Concept-Horror Movies and Adam - going high-concept himself - shares the five high-concept horror movies he most wants to see. Listeners come to his rescue. Plus Vampire v Zombie poll results and Adam recommends the Halloween-friendly THE WOLF OF SNOW HOLLOW.

0:00 - Billboard

1:08 - Review: "Bad Hair"

15:59 - Top 5: High-Concept Horror

PUP, "Bloody Mary, Kate and Ashley"

40:50 - New Poll ("Movie Failures You Champion")

47:58 - Next week / Notes

56:36 - Poll results (Vampires v Zombies)

1:00:13 - AK recommends "The Wolf of Snow Hollow"

1:04:55 - Top 5: High-Concept Horror, cont.

1:24:04 - Outro

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#798: On the Rocks / Borat 2 / Seven Beauties (Overlooked Auteurs) Oct 23, 2020

Is there such a thing as too much Bill Murray? Seems like heresy to suggest such a thing, but it's a question Josh dares to ask during the review of Sofia Coppola's latest, ON THE ROCKS—a film Adam sees as a spiritual sequel to her Oscar-nominated breakout film, "Lost in Translation." Along with that, thoughts on the new BORAT SUBSEQUENT MOVIEFILM and the Sundance-winning doc TIME; plus, a split take on Lina Wertmüller's provocative 1975 film SEVEN BEAUTIES, part of the Overlooked Auteurs Marathon.

0:00 - Billboard

1:14 - Review: "On the Rocks"

Wilder Embry, "Over It"

23:01 - Reviews: "Borat Subsequent Moviefilm," "Time"

35:26 - Next Week/Notes

45:49 - Massacre Theatre

52:44 - Overlooked Auteurs #5: "Seven Beauties"

1:15:26 - Outro/Outtake

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#797: American Utopia / Trial of the Chicago 7 / Chicago Film Fest Preview Oct 16, 2020

With the pandemic forcing this year's Chicago International Film Festival (Oct. 14-25) to go almost all virtual, Adam and Josh's CIFF Preview will be a helpful guide to the fest wherever you happen to be. (More details about the fest lineup and how to purchase tickets here.) Also this week, reviews of David Byrne's AMERICAN UTOPIA, Aaron Sorkin's THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7 and Cooper Raiff's SHITHOUSE. Plus, Josh watched HUBIE HALLOWEEN so you don't have to.

0:00 - Billboard

1:30 - Top 5: Chicago Film Fest Must-Sees

David Byrne, "Once in a Lifetime" ("American Utopia")

31:51 - Josh on "Hubie Halloween"

36:13 - Polls / Notes

50:05 - Reviews: "American Utopia" / "Chicago 7" / "Shithouse"

1:26:36 - Outro

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#796: Top 5 Mozart Moments in Movies / Amadeus (8 From '84) Oct 09, 2020

You need music that's transcendent, soaring, or touched by God? Mozart is your man. This week, Adam and Josh share their Top 5 Mozart Movie Moments, featuring memorable deployments of the composer's music in films directed by Terrence Malick, Barry Jenkins, Ridley Scott and others. Plus, an 8 From '84 review of the Best Picture-winning AMADEUS, and Massacre Theatre goes to the opera house.

0:00 - Billboard

1:12 - Top 5: Mozart Movie Moments

Andrew Wilkowske, "Deh, vieni alla finestra" ("Don Giovanni")

53:56 - Next Week/Notes

1:03:15 - Massacre Theatre

1:13:57 - 8 From '84: "Amadeus"

1:43:43 - Outro

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#795: Dick Johnson Is Dead / Wanda (Overlooked Auteurs #4) Oct 02, 2020

When veteran documentary cinematographer Kirsten Johnson transitioned to directing with 2016's "Cameraperson," which was assembled from hundreds of hours of b-roll footage Johnson had shot over the years, it was unclear what a follow-up from her would look like. What we got - the new DICK JOHNSON IS DEAD - is a project both harrowing and whimsical: Johnson inviting her beloved father, showing early signs of dementia and failing health, to stage (and re-stage) his own death. Adam and Josh agree that the film is "a miracle." Also something of a miracle is Barbara Loden's first - and only - film, the verité-style WANDA from 1970, the next film in the Overlooked Auteurs Marathon.

0:00 - Billboard

1:07 - Review: "Dick Johnson is Dead"

Tim Heidecker, "Fear of Death"

27:21 - Next Week/Notes

37:30 - Polls

45:32 - Overlooked Auteurs #4: "Wanda"

1:08:24 - Outro

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#794: Top 5 Landscapes as Characters w/Gregory Crewdson / Kajillionaire Sep 25, 2020

Gregory Crewdson's large-scale, cinematic photos have been compared to the work of filmmakers such as Alfred Hitchcock and David Lynch. His latest exhibition - "An Eclipse of Moths" - is currently on display in L.A. Inspired by Crewdson's work, Adam and Josh - along with Crewdson himself - share their Top 5 Landscapes as Characters. Plus, thoughts on Miranda July's latest, KAJILLIONAIRE.

0:00 - Billboard

1:16 - Top 5: Landscapes as Characters

The Flaming Lips, "At the Movies on Quaaludes"

51:08 - Review: "Kajillionaire"

1:01:35 - Next week / Notes

1:16:03 - Massacre Theatre

1:25:37 - Top 5 cont.

1:54:24 - Outro

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#793: The Nest / Antebellum / Jeanne Dielman (Overlooked Auteurs #3) Sep 18, 2020

When the tense marriage drama THE NEST debuted earlier this year at Sundance, there was understandable excitement about the return of director Sean Durkin, who hadn't directed a feature since 2011's "Martha Marcy May Marlene" (a Filmspotting Golden Brick nominee). Durkin doesn't disappoint in his return, giving his movie a pervasive sense of unsettling dread—but the real fireworks belong to stars Carrie Coon and Jude Law. In addition to that review, Josh recommends the divisive new horror thriller ANTEBELLUM starring Janelle Monae, and Adam shares thoughts on the not entirely successful THE DEVIL ALL THE TIME, directed by the very talented Antonio Campos and starring Tom Holland and Robert Pattinson. Plus, the Overlooked Auteurs Marathon continues with Chantal Akerman's JEANNE DIELMAN, which Adam and Josh both found more than deserving of its masterpiece status.

0:00 - Billboard

1:08 - Review: "The Nest"

Noga Erez, "You So Done"

30:52 - Josh on "Antebellum"

35:01 - Adam on "Devil All the Time"

38:37 - Next Week / Notes

51:24 - Polls

1:01:13 - Overlooked Auteurs #3: "Jeanne Dielman"

1:25:15 - "Jeanne Dielman" Spoilers

1:34:34 - Outro

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#792: Top 5 Ennio Morricone Scores / Once Upon a Time in America (8 From '84) Sep 11, 2020

When Ennio Morricone passed away back in July at 91, Adam and Josh were quick to commit to a Top 5 Scores from the master film composer. From his early iconic work on Sergio Leone's spaghetti westerns to Oscar-nominated collaborations with Terrence Malick, Brian De Palma and Quentin Tarantino, Morricone's best work reflects the astonishing breadth - and wild inventiveness - of his talent. Adam and Josh pair their Morricone Top 5 with 1984's ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA, Leone's epic gangster tale—the director's final collaboration with Morricone, and final film.

0:00 - Billboard

1:12 - Top 5: Morricone Scores

Ennio Morricone, "Ninna Nanna Per Adulteri"

50:25 - Next Week/Notes

1:08:10 - Massacre Theatre

1:15:51 - 8 From '84: "Once Upon a Time in America"

1:55:04 - Outro

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#791: Tenet / I'm Thinking of Ending Things / Feels Good Man Sep 04, 2020

Christopher Nolan's TENET. The film that inspired our recent Nolan Oeuvre-view - the film that the entire movie theater industry has been resting its hopes on - was bound to disappoint some. Unfortunately, some of those disappointed moviegoers include Adam and Josh, who both found Nolan's film to be more style than substance. But there is considerable style, and its clever, if perplexing, time inversion plot offers a fascinating counter-point to Nolan's breakthrough "Memento." They also get a mental workout from Charlie Kaufman's latest, I'M THINKING OF ENDING THINGS, which hit Netflix this weekend. Rising star Jessie Buckley is a young woman whose identity comes into question when she takes a road trip with her boyfriend to visit his parents. Plus, Adam recommends the new BILL & TED sequel and the new doc FEELS GOOD MAN.

0:00 - Billboard

1:18 - R.I.P. Chadwick Boseman

6:54 - Review: "Tenet"

Dehd, "Desire"

36:48 - AK recommends: "Bill & Ted Face the Music," "Feels Good Man"

47:56 - Notes

58:00 - Polls: Kaufman Movie Performances, Long Movies

1:03:16 - Review: "I'm Thinking of Ending Things"

1:21:24 - "Ending Things" Spoilers

1:29:59 - Outro

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#790: Personal History of David Copperfield / Daisies (Overlooked Auteurs #2) Aug 28, 2020

Adam and Josh have no disagreement about the charismatic powers of THE PERSONAL HISTORY OF DAVID COPPERFIELD star Dev Patel—but they do butt heads over the effectiveness of director Armando Iannucci's farcical and fast-paced take on the Dickens novel. That review, plus the second film in the Overlooked Auteurs Marathon: Czech New Wave pioneer Vera Chytilová's DAISIES, which has Adam and Josh competing to find the perfect way to describe the irreverent antics of the film's Marie I and II (Groucho Marx, Bugs Bunny or... Harley Quinn?)

0:00 - Billboard

1:11 - Review: "Personal History Of David Copperfield"

Justin Townes Earle, "Give Me Some Money"

28:00 - Next Week/Notes

37:37 - Massacre Theatre

44:06 - Overlooked Auteurs #2: "Daisies"

1:02:01 - Outro

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#789: Barbara Kopple / Ida Lupino + Maya Deren (Overlooked Auteurs #1) Aug 21, 2020

"That's what I love doing more than anything: really getting to know people and let them tell their story." That's legendary documentary filmmaker Barbara Kopple from her interview with Adam on this week's show. Kopple's latest doc - DESERT ONE - opens in limited release this weekend. Kopple talks about how she came to make a film about the failed 1980 mission to rescue American hostages in Iran—and humors Adam by letting him ask her questions about one of his favorite docs, 1977 Oscar-winner "Harlan County, USA." Plus, Kopple plays along with The Filmspotting 5. Also on the show: Adam and Josh kick off their Overlooked Auteurs Marathon with films from Ida Lupino and experimental director Maya Deren.

0:00 - Billboard

0:56 - Interview: Barbara Kopple ("Desert One")

Land of Talk, "Footnotes"

27:56 - Next Week/Notes

45:20 - Polls: August Releases, Charlie Kaufman

51:24 - Overlooked Auteurs #1: "Meshes of the Afternoon" / "At Land" / "Ritual in Transfigured Time" + "The Hitch-Hiker"

1:26:31 - Outro

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#788: She Dies Tomorrow / Boys State Aug 14, 2020

While the world waits for the release of blockbusters like "Tenet" and "Mulan," smaller films continue to appear on the regular and on a variety of platforms. This week, Adam and Josh recommend a few of them: Amy Seimetz's SHE DIES TOMORROW, Beyoncé's BLACK IS KING, Kris Rey's I USED TO GO HERE and the Sundance Grand Jury Prize-winner BOYS STATE.

0:00 - Billboard

1:05 - Review: "She Dies Tomorrow"

29:22 - "She Dies Tomorrow" Spoilers

Beyoncé, "BLACK PARADE"

37:48 - Next Week/Notes

49:33 - Massacre Theatre

57:25 - "I Used To Go Here," "Boys State," "Black Is King"

1:15:30 - Outro

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#787: Dunkirk (Nolan #8) / Nolan Awards Jul 31, 2020

Back in 2017, Christopher Nolan's DUNKIRK made both Adam and Josh's Top 10 of the year. (It was Josh's #1.) For this revisit - the final film in their Nolan "Oeuvre-view" - they praise the film's masterful technique and the way it offers a distillation of the director's obsessions—with time, professionalism, guilt and redemption. Plus, their Nolan Awards - "The Polaroids" - with Adam and Josh naming their favorite performances, scenes and 'Nolan moments' from the retrospective including their final rankings of Nolan's filmography. (edited)

0:00 - Billboard

1:14 - Nolan #8: "Dunkirk"

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, "Dreamsicle"

41:25 - Next Week/Notes / Poll

50:01 - Nolan "Oeuvre-view" Awards

1:33:14 - Outro

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#786: Kelly Reichardt / First Cow Jul 24, 2020

Kelly Reichardt's FIRST COW opened in limited release in March—and less than two weeks later the COVID-19 pandemic shut theaters down. The film, which Adam and Josh both named the #1 movie of the year back in June, finally arrived on demand earlier this month. In their conversation with Reichardt, Adam and Josh ask the director about her relationship with nature (she's "not a camper") and about her choice to shoot in a 4:3 aspect ratio ("the most flattering ratio for closeups").

0:00 - Billboard

1:08 - Interview: Kelly Reichardt

Angelica Garcia, "It Don't Hinder Me"

24:01 - Next Week/Notes

27:30 - Massacre Theatre

32:38 - Review: "First Cow" (from March 2020)

58:54 - Outro

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#785: Interstellar (Nolan #7) / Palm Springs / Relic Jul 17, 2020

In Christopher Nolan's INTERSTELLAR, Matthew McConaughey's Cooper battles the forces of quantum physics (and regular old physics) to save humanity. In the new existential romantic comedy PALM SPRINGS, Andy Samberg and Chritin Milioti have to navigate some quantum physics themselves (the Groundhog Day variety)—to save themselves and find some meaning in existence. Reviews of both films, plus Josh's recommendation of the new horror film RELIC.

0:00 - Billboard

1:07 - Nolan #7: "Interstellar"

The Beths, "Don't Go Away"

44:53 - Polls

53:58 - Notes

59:44 - Josh recommends "Relic"

1:04:13 - Review: "Palm Springs"

1:18:55 - Outro

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#784: Hamilton / The Old Guard / The Cotton Club (8 From '84) Jul 10, 2020

The biggest movie event of the summer isn't even a movie, but the debut - 18 months ahead of schedule - of Broadway phenomenon HAMILTON on Disney+. This week, Adam and Josh - both of whom saw the production on stage - talk about the groundbreaking musical's transition to the small screen. Plus, Adam recommends the new-to-Netflix THE OLD GUARD from director Gina Prince-Bythewood and an 8 From '84 review of Francis Ford Coppola's THE COTTON CLUB.

0:00 - Billboard

1:02 - Review: "Hamilton"

28:59 - Adam recommends: "The Old Guard"

Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong, "Drop Me Off In Harlem"

35:46 - Next Week/Notes

44:40 - Massacre Theatre

51:02 - 8 From '84: "The Cotton Club Encore"

1:19:12 - Outro

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#783: Top 5 Films of 2020 (So Far) / Inception (Nolan #6) Jul 03, 2020

It's been an unusual year for movies – and for everything else – but there was great stuff to see if you knew where to look. This week, Adam and Josh share their Top 5 Films of 2020 (So Far), along with a 10th anniversary, split-take revisit of INCEPTION, the sixth film in the Christopher Nolan "Oeuvre-view." ("Adam, I love you," says Josh at one point, "but you have no idea what you're talking about.")

0:00 - Billboard

1:04 - Top 5 Films of 2020 So Far

Phoebe Bridgers, "ICU"

47:35 - Listener Feedback (Jaws, Spielberg's Best Decade)

1:03:34 - Next Week / Notes

1:21:04 - Nolan #6: "Inception" (10th Anniversary)

2:01:52 - Outro

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#782: Jaws (45th Anniversary) / Power Ranking Spielberg Jun 19, 2020

A blowhard anti-science mayor ignoring the threat of a murderous invisible menace because it threatens the economy? What could JAWS possibly have to offer us 45 years later? Adam and Josh give the Spielberg classic the Sacred Cow treatment. And they consider the director's nearly half-century of movie-making by Power Ranking the five decades of Spielberg's output.

0:00 - Billboard

1:04 - Review: "Jaws" at 45

Wyatt Waddell, "Fight"

41:29 - AK on "The King of Staten Island"

46:29 - Next Week / Notes

1:05:08 - Top 5: Power Ranking Spielberg

1:40:42 - Outro

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Introducing Truth vs Hollywood Jun 12, 2020

Introducing the newest Audioboom original podcast, Truth vs Hollywood. Join Film lovers David Chen and Joanna Robinson as they do a deep dive into well known films and discuss how similar they are to the actual story.

Truth vs Hollywood premieres 6/12. Subscribe to Truth vs Hollywood on Apple Podcasts.

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#781: Da 5 Bloods / Top 5 Spike Lee Shots Jun 12, 2020

While it's true that there's never a bad time for a new Spike Lee Joint, right now just happens to be an especially good time to be getting a new film from a master director who has spent the last three-and-a-half decades challenging us to consider the ways that racism defines American life. New to Netflix this weekend, Lee's DA 5 BLOODS doesn't disappoint. Adam and Josh debate the effectiveness of a key performance, and some of Lee's - always bold - aesthetic choices, but they agree that it's one of the year's essential films. Plus, a revisit of 2018's Top 5 Spike Lee Shots.

0:00 - Billboard

1:04 - Review: "Da 5 Bloods"

Marvin Gaye, "Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)"

32:47 - Poll Results: Spike's Best

39:02 - Notes

47:11 - Massacre Theatre

54:51 - Top 5: Spike Lee Shots

1:41:14 - Outro

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#780: Top 5 Movies That Educated Us About Racism Jun 05, 2020

When a Minneapolis police officer killed unarmed black man George Floyd last week, protests broke out across the U.S. On this week's show, Adam and Josh – and Filmspotting listeners – reflect on how the movies helped them come to terms with the ways that racism shapes American life.

0:00 - Billboard

1:12 - Top 5: Movies That Educated Us About Racism

John Boyega, "We are a physical representation of our support for George Floyd"

34:57 - Next Week/Notes

44:03 - Top 5, cont.

1:08:46 - Outro

LINKS

-Poet Ross Gay reads "A Small Needful Fact"

-How to Support the Struggle Against Police Brutality

-Campaign Zero

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#779: The Prestige (Nolan #5) / Vast of Night / Painter and the Thief May 29, 2020

Made between "Batman Begins" and "The Dark Knight," Christopher Nolan's THE PRESTIGE was only a modest success back in 2006, but the twisty feuding magicians drama is, for some, one of the director's very best. In their spoiler-filled review, Adam and Josh agree that, if it's not his best, it's arguably the most Nolan movie. Plus, "Brickspotting" recommendations for the new VAST OF NIGHT and THE PAINTER AND THE THIEF.

0:00 - Billboard

1:06 - Nolan "Oeuvre-view" #5: "The Prestige"

Melenas, "3 segundos"

46:44 - Next Week/Notes

55:14 - Massacre Theatre

1:04:46 - Reviews: "The Vast of Night" "The Painter and the Thief"

1:20:30 - Outro / Outtake

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#778: Top 5 Trip Series Scenes / Trip to Greece May 22, 2020

With Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon taking their fourth and final trip abroad with the new TRIP TO GREECE, Adam and Josh consider the series' most memorable reflections on mortality, family obligations, career insecurity—oh yeah, and all those hilarious impressions. Plus, thoughts on the late Lynn Shelton.

0:00 - Billboard

1:02 - Top 5: Trip Series Scenes

Brett Shady, "Let Your Burden Be"

26:37 - RIP Lynn Shelton

36:01 - Next Week / Notes

43:46 - Polls

58:00 - Review: "The Trip to Greece"

1:06:33 - Trip Series Scenes, cont.

1:30:46 - Outro / Outtake

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#777: The Dark Knight Trilogy (Nolan #4) May 15, 2020

After scoring $2B and change at the box office and near-universal praise from audiences and critics, the only black mark on Christopher Nolan's DARK KNIGHT TRILOGY is its dubious influence on the superhero movies that followed in its wake. For the fourth installment of the Nolan "Oeuvre-view," Adam and Josh revisit the trilogy, starting with a 15th anniversary consideration of "Batman Begins." Plus, Massacre Theatre and a new Golden Brick nominee: Lara Gallagher's "Clementine."

0:00 - Billboard

1:11 - "Batman Begins"

The Jam, "Batman Theme"

30:34 - JL recommends "Clementine"

34:01 - Next Week/Notes

42:10 - Massacre Theatre

49:06 - "The Dark Knight" / "Dark Knight Rises"

1:30:18 - Outro

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#776: Ghostbusters v Gremlins (8 From '84) / Bette Davis #4 - Now, Voyager May 08, 2020

Back in '84, GHOSTBUSTERS was a bigger hit than GREMLINS (#2 and #4 at the box office, respectively), and it's got the more memorable cast—and quotes ("dogs and cats living together, mass hysteria!"); but is it the more interesting film? Adam and Josh agree that Joe Dante's darkly funny creature feature works as a clever satire of consumerism and American exceptionalism, disagreeing only over the movie's aesthetic, which Adam at one point refers to as "rinky dink." (Josh is having none of it.) And the Bette Davis Marathon comes to a conclusion with 1942's NOW, VOYAGER, starring Davis as a deeply repressed Boston woman with serious mommy issues ("Psycho" meets "She's All That" according to Adam). Plus, "The Peepers," the Davis Marathon Awards.

0:00 - Billboard

1:11 - 8 From '84: "Ghostbusters" v "Gremlins"

Ray Parker, Jr., "Ghostbusters"

55:48 - Next Week/Notes/Poll

1:07:33 - Davis #4: "Now, Voyager" / Davis Awards

1:47:56 - Outro

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#775: Top 5 Moviegoing Experiences May 01, 2020

With movie theaters shuttered and many of us housebound, Adam and Josh look back over a lifetime of going to the movies with their Top 5 Moviegoing Experiences—from big screen introductions to Han and Indy to formative encounters with the works of Spike Lee, Tarantino and the Coen Brothers. Listeners, too, contribute their own favorite moviegoing memories.

0:00 - Billboard

1:00 - Top 5: Moviegoing Experiences

The Drifters, "Saturday Night at the Movies"

46:17 - Next Week/Notes

52:34 - Massacre Theatre

1:00:34 - Top 5: Moviegoing Experiences, cont.

1:27:08 - Outro

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#774: Insomnia (Nolan #3) / Blow the Man Down / True History of the Kelly Gang Apr 24, 2020

Expectations were high back in 2002 for Christopher Nolan's INSOMNIA, the follow-up to his mind-bending breakthrough "Memento." But despite solid reviews and decent box office, the film has been largely forgotten by Nolan fans—including Adam and Josh. They revisit the director's third feature this week as part of their Nolan Oeuvre-view, finding a film with lots of familiar Nolan touches—and a somewhat divisive lead performance by Al Pacino.

Plus, reviews of three new films: Justin Kurzel's TRUE HISTORY OF THE KELLY GANG, Tayarisha Poe's SELAH AND THE SPADES, and Danielle Krudy & Bridget Savage Cole's BLOW THE MAN DOWN—one of which gets both Adam and Josh's blessing as a 2020 Golden Brick candidate.

0:00 - Billboard

1:06 - Reviews: "Kelly Gang," "Selah and the Spades," "Blow the Man Down"

Disq, "Daily Routine"

26:28 - Next Week/Notes

50:20 - Nolan Oeuvre-view #3: "Insomnia"

1:18:54 - Outro

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#773: Top 5 Things We're Streaming During Quarantine / Bette Davis #3 - Dark Victory Apr 17, 2020

With Adam and Josh cooped up at home and spending lots (and lots) of quality time with their families in front of the tv, this week's Top 5 is devoted to highlights from their Adventures in Streaming. Plus the third film in their Bette Davis Marathon, 1939's DARK VICTORY.

0:00 - Billboard

1:09 - Top 5: Things We're Streaming During Quarantine

"Give Me Time For Tenderness" (from "Dark Victory")

57:15 - Next Week/Notes

1:09:01 - Massacre Theatre

1:11:35 - Bette Davis Marathon #3: "Dark Victory"

1:31:07 - Outro

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#772: Never Rarely Sometimes Always / Nolan #2 - Memento / Madness Champion Apr 10, 2020

Eliza Hittman's second feature, "Beach Rats," got the director some attention in 2017, but her latest - NEVER RARELY SOMETIMES ALWAYS - came out of Sundance this year as one of the fest's most celebrated titles. In their review, Adam and Josh talk about the movie's patience and attention to detail along with the subtle brilliance of star Sidney Flanigan's performance. Christopher Nolan's breakout film was also a Sundance hit. 2001's MEMENTO, the director's second feature, went on to become a box office success and an Oscar nominee. Continuing their Nolan "Oeuvre-view," Adam and Josh revisit the film that put the director on the map and find it just as surprising and astonishing as they did almost 20 years ago. Plus, the winner of this year's Filmspotting Madness: Best of the 2010s.

0:00 - Billboard

1:33 - Review: "Never Rarely Sometimes Always"

Waxahatchee, "Can't Do Much"

30:40 - Next Week / Notes

35:22 - Filmspotting Madness: Champion

50:31 - Patreon / New Poll

1:02:12 - Nolan "Oeuvre-view" #2: "Memento"

1:41:21 - Outro

1:42:57 - "Never Rarely..." Spoilers

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#771: Following (Nolan #1) / Bette Davis #2 - Jezebel / Madness Finals Apr 03, 2020

Christopher Nolan’s films are events—smart, ambitious and original. But before he made "Interstellar," "Dunkirk" or his "Dark Knight" trilogy—even before "Memento"—Nolan made the 70-minute indie thriller FOLLOWING. This week, Adam and Josh start their Nolan "Oeuvre-view" with Nolan's '99 debut, which gives tantalizing clues of the director he'll become and the stories he'll go on to tell. Bette Davis won a much-deserved Oscar for her performance in 1938's JEZEBEL. The William Wyler-directed drama set in ante-bellum New Orleans is the second film in our Davis Marathon. Plus, Filmspotting Madness: Best of the 2010s comes down to the final two.

0:00 - Billboard

1:07 - Nolan "Oeuvre-view" #1: "Following"

Ernie Hendrickson, "Dystopian Dreams"

32:39 - Next Week/Notes

35:08 - Filmspotting Madness Finals

55:37 - Bette Davis #2: "Jezebel"

1:31:10 - Outro

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#770: Purple Rain - Spinal Tap - Stop Making Sense (8 From '84) / Madness Final 4 Mar 27, 2020

PURPLE RAIN was one of the highest-grossing films of 1984, but Prince's semi-autobiographical screen debut hasn't aged as well as its music has. The opposite is true of THIS IS SPINAL TAP and STOP MAKING SENSE, which were only modestly successful at the time of their release but have become two of the most celebrated rock films of all time. Adam and Josh continue their 8 From '84 series with a look at the rock trio—plus Filmspotting Madness: Best of the 2010s gets down to the Final 4.

0:00 - Billboard

1:12 - Filmspotting Madness Final 4

20:25 - 8 From '84: "Stop Making Sense" "This Is Spinal Tap"

Prince, "Purple Rain"

40:28 - Next Week/Notes

43:46 - 8 From '84: "Purple Rain"

1:13:14 - Outro

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#769: 1930s Starter Pack / Bette Davis #1 - Of Human Bondage / Madness Elite 8 Mar 20, 2020

Chaplin, Cagney, Garbo and Grant all make Adam and Josh's 1930s "Starter Pack," 10 films to introduce you – or get you better acquainted with – arguably the greatest movie decade. Plus, the first film in our four-film Bette Davis Marathon, 1934's OF HUMAN BONDAGE, and the Elite 8 of Filmspotting Madness: Best of the 2010s.

0:00 - Billboard

1:04 - Top 5: 1930s Starter Pack

Fred Astaire, "Cheek to Cheek"

43:40 - Notes

52:28 - Filmspotting Madness Elite 8

1:06:51 - Bette Davis Marathon #1: "Of Human Bondage"

1:26:33 - Outro / Outtake

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The Process: Guillaume Rocheron (1917) Mar 18, 2020

This episode is presented by the Academy Award-Winning film 1917. Available now on Digital streaming and on Blu-ray and DVD March 24th.

Sam Mendes' acclaimed WWI film was a hugely ambitious undertaking for all involved, including Oscar-winning visual effects supervisor Guillaume Rocheron ("Ad Astra," "Life of Pi"). In this edition of Filmspotting: The Process, Rocheron describes the unique challenges that the film's "single-shot" approach created, and how his VFX team collaborated with Mendes and cinematographer Roger Deakins to bring some of the film's most memorable scenes to life.

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#768: First Cow / Onward / Madness Sweet 16 Mar 13, 2020

With FIRST COW, Kelly Reichardt returns to the 19th century Oregon Territory of her most acclaimed film, "Meek's Cutoff." An early film of the year candidate, Adam and Josh praise Reichardt's parable about capitalism and self-invention for its detail, its performances and its mouth-watering "oily cakes."

Plus: where Pixar's ONWARD lands in a ranking of the studio's features; Filmspotting Madness continues with a (Coen-less) Sweet 16; and the next Filmspotting Marathon is announced.

0:00 - Billboard

0:59 - Review: "First Cow"

U.S. Girls, "4 American Dollars"

30:15 - Next Week/Notes

42:00 - Filmspotting Madness, Sweet 16

1:03:53 - Review: "Onward"

1:17:52 - Outro

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#767: Top 20 Films of the 2010s (Pt. 2) / Invisible Man / Madness Rd. 2 Mar 06, 2020

PTA. Wes. Malick. The Coens. Of course they made the cut. But who else? This week, Adam and Josh complete a task a decade in the making with their top 10 films of the decade. Plus, quick reviews of THE INVISIBLE MAN and WENDY, and Rd. 2 of Filmspotting Madness: Best of the 2010s.

0:00 - Billboard

1:13 - #6-10 Films of the 2010s

15:59 - Filmspotting Madness, Rd. 2

39:13 - Notes

Nicholas Britell, "The Middle of the World"

49:01 - Reviews: "The Invisible Man," "Wendy"

1:03:24 - #1-5 Films of the 2010s

1:55:27 - Outro

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#766: Top 20 Films of the 2010s (Pt. 1) / Madness Rd. 1 Feb 28, 2020

Work from Abbas Kiarostami, Sofia Coppola, Spike Lee – and a couple of former Golden Brick winners – all make the cut as Adam and Josh start their countdown of the top 20 films of the last decade. Plus, Filmspotting Madness 2020: Best of the 2010s kicks off with 32 ("How dare you!!!" "Why???") first-round matchups.

0:00 - Billboard

1:06 - Films of the 2010s – #16-20

22:06 - Filmspotting Madness Rd. 1

43:18 - Notes

Nicholas Godin, "What Makes Me Think Of You"

59:52 - Films of the 2010s – #11-15

1:49:43 - Outro

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#765: Top 10 Performers of the 2010s Feb 21, 2020

It was the decade we discovered Jennifer Lawrence, Adam Driver and Lupita Nyong'o. The decade we watched actors like Scarlett Johansson and Joaquin Phoenix realize their full potential. The decade we continued to be blessed by the existence of Tilda Swinton. As a prelude to their Top 20 films of the decade, Adam and Josh consider their Top 10 Performers of the 2010s.

0:00 - Billboard

1:11 - Top 10 Performers of the Decade

Beach Bunny, "Cuffing Season"

46:12 - Next Week/Notes

1:03:07 - Top 10 Performers of the Decade, cont.

1:52:45 - Outro

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#764: Live in Chicago / Oscars / Birds of Prey / The Assistant Feb 14, 2020

Filmspotting celebrated its 15th anniversary over the weekend with a 35mm-screening of Howard Hawks' RIO BRAVO at Chicago's venerated Music Box Theatre. After singing the praises of Dude, The Duke, Feathers and Stumpy during their post-film talk, Adam and Josh, along with Michael Phillips and producer Sam Van Hallgren, took questions from the audience that ranged from the practical to the philosophical.

Also on the show, Josh recommends the "rotten cotton candy" aesthetic of the new HARLEY QUINN: BIRDS OF PREY and Adam praises the sinister hush of THE ASSISTANT. Plus, thoughts on "Parasite's" big night at the Oscars.

0:00 - Billboard

1:11 - "Parasite's" historic night

12:33 - JL: "Birds of Prey" / AK: "The Assistant"

Dean Martin & Ricky Nelson "My Rifle, My Pony & Me"

25:21 - Kirk Douglas / Notes

38:20 - Filmspotting Madness 2020: Play-In Round

53:26 - Live in Chicago

2:10:00 - Outro

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#763: Top 5 Jeff Bridges Scenes / Starman (8 From '84) Feb 07, 2020

Since his breakout in 1971's "The Last Picture Show," Jeff Bridges has been nominated for seven Oscars and won one. Among his credits is one of the most beloved film characters of the past couple of decades ("The Dude"). And yet, do we still underappreciate him? On this week's show, Adam and Josh consider the incredible variety of the actor's work through the lens of their Top 5 Bridges Scenes. And they kick off the 8 From '84 series with John Carpenter's STARMAN, featuring the Best Actor-nominated Bridges and Karen Allen.

*Filmspotting has launched on Patreon*

0:00 - Billboard

1:07 - 8 From '84 Review: "Starman"

Jeff Bridges, "Hold On You" (from "Crazy Heart")

32:01 - Filmspotting on Patreon

46:59 - Next week / Notes

56:40 - Polls [Best of '84 / 2010s Acting Duos]

1:07:03 - Top 5: Jeff Bridges Scenes

1:51:09 - Outro

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#762: 2020 Oscars Special with Michael Phillips Jan 31, 2020

Will the Academy choose to remember 2019 as the year of PARASITE, MARRIAGE STORY and LITTLE WOMEN – or of 1917 and JOKER? The Chicago Tribune's Michael Phillips joins Adam and Josh for a preview of the 2020 Oscars, with picks for who will win, who should win and who should have been nominated.

0:00 - Billboard

1:12 - Oscar picks: Supporting / Screenplays

Jessie Buckley, "Glasgow (No Place Like Home)"

1:00:04 - Next Week/Notes

1:08:48 - Massacre Theatre

1:12:00 - Donations

1:12:51 - Oscar picks: Lead / Director / Picture

1:51:07 - Outro / Outtakes

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#761: 2020 Movie Preview Jan 24, 2020

We ignore rumor and speculation and confine our 2020 Movie Preview to the current movie year (see you in 2021, Joel Coen's "Macbeth"!). New stuff from Christopher Nolan, Denis Villeneuve, Wes Anderson and other high-profile directors will – we hope – help us deal with a relative lack of 2019 MVPs Adam Driver and Florence Pugh. And we announce the follow-up to last year's 9 From '99 series: 8 From '84.

0:00 - Billboard

1:14 - 2020 Preview

Bombay Bicycle Club, "Is It Real"

29:43 - 8 From '84 / Notes

43:16 - 2020 Preview cont.

1:30:18 - Outro

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#760: Best Scenes of 2019 / Oscar Nominations / Golden Brick Winner Jan 17, 2020

It's tradition here on Filmspotting to devote the first episode of the new year to all the stuff we loved about last year. It's the annual Wrap Party, with Adam and Josh sharing their picks for the best opening scene, the funniest and most moving scene, the best music moment and scene of the year.

Plus, reaction to this week's Oscar nominations, Josh's thoughts on the new anime film WEATHERING WITH YOU, and the winner of the 2019 Golden Brick Award.

0:00 - Billboard

1:22 - Opening Scene / Funniest Scene

Michael Nyman, "Musique à Grand Vitesse: 1st Region"

26:42 - Oscar Nominations

34:41 - Next week / Notes

40:27 - Josh recommends: "Weathering With You"

42:48 - Golden Brick Winner

52:52 - Donations

54:16 - Moving Moment / Music Moment / Scene of the Year

1:40:41 - Outro

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#759: (Pt. 2) Top 10 Films of 2019 Jan 02, 2020

Was the last year of the decade also its best? Martin Scorsese's THE IRISHMAN. Terrence Malick's A HIDDEN LIFE. Quentin Tarantino's ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD. All works that rate among those directors' best. No slouch himself, Noah Baumbach arguably made the best film of his career with MARRIAGE STORY. Greta Gerwig and Jordan Peele – the breakout directing stars of 2017 – returned with sophomore efforts, LITTLE WOMEN and US, that somehow managed to not just meet but exceed expectations. And no amount of hype prepared audiences (including critics) for Korean auteur Bong Joon-ho's PARASITE.

Yeah. 2019 was a good year.

On this week's show, Adam and Josh along with Michael Phillips and Tasha Robinson talk through their consensus* picks for the best of 2019, including their choices for the best film of the year. (*Consensus except for some fighting over Tarantino.)

0:00 - Billboard

1:06 - Top 10 of 2019: Consensus Picks

Sturgill Simpson, "The Dead Don't Die"

1:01:50 - Top 10 of 2019: Consensus cont.

2:11:25 - Outro

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#758: (Pt. 1) Top 10 Films of 2019 Dec 26, 2019

The Chicago Tribune's Michael Phillips and Tasha Robinson from The Next Picture Show are back for this year's Best of '19 roundtable, and in part one it's the panel's "outlier" picks – films which only made a single Top 10. And with divisive titles like James Gray's "Ad Astra" and Taika Waititi's "Jojo Rabbit" making the cut, there's plenty of lively debate to go along with the praise.

0:00 - Billboard

1:18 - Top 10 of 2019: The Outliers

Randy Newman, "What I Love About Charlie" (Marriage Story)

1:16:07 - Notes

1:19:43 - Top 10 of 2019: Outliers, cont.

2:13:26 - Outro

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#757: The Rise of Skywalker / Safdie Brothers ("Uncut Gems") Dec 20, 2019

With the critically adored but audience-divisive "Last Jedi" behind them, JJ Abrams and his team set out to deliver a Star Wars finale that satisfied everyone. And according to Adam and Josh at least, they mostly pulled it off. Fresh from their screening, Adam and Josh give THE RISE OF SKYWALKER a "still processing" review – plus some end-of-show spoiler talk. Also on the show: the four finalists for the 2019 Golden Brick Award and Adam's interview with Josh and Benny Safdie, writer/directors of the new UNCUT GEMS starring Adam Sandler.

0:00 - Billboard

1:07 - Review: "The Rise of Skywalker"

The Voidz, "Did My Best"

29:52 - Golden Brick Finalists

34:03 - Next week / Notes / Massacre Theatre

39:55 - Interview: Josh and Benny Safdie ("Uncut Gems")

1:08:45 - Outro / "Rise of Skywalker" Spoiler Talk

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#756: The Phantom Menace at 20 / 9 From '99 Awards Dec 13, 2019

A long-time defender of the Star Wars prequels, Josh has rarely been given a platform on the show to actually do the work of defending them. That changes this week as he and Adam revisit THE PHANTOM MENACE, the final film in the 9 From '99 series. Plus, Adam and Josh award "The Plastic Bags," their favorite performances, scenes and surprises from the series.

0:00 - Billboard

1:12 - Review: "Star Wars, Episode I - The Phantom Menace"

John Williams, "Duel of Fates"

34:41 - Next Week/Notes

47:58 - 9 From '99 Awards

1:28:22 - Outro

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#755: Little Women / Knives Out / A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood Dec 06, 2019

Costume dramas, biopics, elite directors and their passion projects: the prestige movie season is upon us. But if Greta Gerwig's new LITTLE WOMEN adaptation and Marielle Heller's Fred Rogers biopic A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD could be considered Oscar bait, they are also among the best films of the year according to Adam and Josh. And they've got praise to spare for Rian Johnson's star-studded – and politically potent – whodunit KNIVES OUT.

0:00 - Billboard

0:57 - Review: "Little Women"

Haim, "Hallelujah"

27:51 - Next Week/Notes

35:06 - Best of '19 Poll / Massacre Theatre

46:06 - Reviews: "Knives Out," "A Beautiful Day..."

1:15:55 - Outro / Outtake

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#754: 2019 Golden Brick Nominees Nov 29, 2019

Adam and Josh talk through the shortlist for this year's Golden Brick award, plus conversations with the creators behind two Brick nominees: Joe Talbot and Jimmie Fails ("The Last Black Man in San Francisco") and Riley Stearns ("The Art of Self Defense").

0:00 - Billboard

1:09 - Interview: Joe Talbot and Jimmie Fails ("Last Black Man...")

Anna of the North, "Thank Me Later"

33:40 - 2019 Golden Brick Nominees

50:06 - Interview: Riley Stearns ("Art of Self-Defense")

1:16:36 - Outro

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#753: Marriage Story / Top 5 Movies About Marriage Nov 22, 2019

Noah Baumbach has grown up. The director's last movie about divorce - 2005's The Squid and the Whale - took the perspective of the kids. For his latest - the acclaimed Marriage Story - Baumbach explores the bitter remains of a once loving partnership. Adam and Josh debate whether the film plays favorites, but praise the performances from leads Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson and an ensemble featuring memorable turns from Alan Alda, Laura Dern, Julie Hagerty, and Ray Liotta.

Plus, the wisdom we can glean from the Top 5 Movies About Marriage.

0:00 - Billboard

1:12 - Review: "Marriage Story"

Chanele McGuinness, "Powerless"

31:33 - Next Week/Notes

35:27 - Polls [Hanks / 9 From '99 Performances]

46:15 - Top 5: Movies About Marriage

1:30:18 - Outro

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#752: Magnolia at 20 / Jojo Rabbit / The Report / The King Nov 15, 2019

Paul Thomas Anderson followed up his breakout hit "Boogie Nights" with 1999’s MAGNOLIA, a 3+-hour ensemble film featuring a treatise on coincidence and frogs falling from the sky. It was nominated for three Oscars, but in the 20 years since, it has earned a reputation in some quarters as messy, melodramatic and overlong (an opinion that PTA himself appears to share). This week on the show, Adam and Josh are much more forgiving of Anderson's ambitious third film when they revisit it for its 20th anniversary, part of the 9 From '99 series.

Also on the show, a review of Taika Waititi's JOJO RABBIT and Adam's thoughts on David Michôd's THE KING and THE REPORT with Adam Driver. Plus, the Contemporary Chinese Cinema Marathon Awards.

0:00 - Billboard

1:08 - 9 From '99 Review: "Magnolia"

Aimee Mann, "Save Me"

42:19 - Next Week/Notes

48:21 - Massacre Theatre

54:42 - Adam on "The Report"

59:52 - Review: "Jojo Rabbit"

1:08:19 - Adam recommends "The King"

1:13:20 - Chinese Cinema Marathon Awards

1:36:26 - Outro

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#751: The Irishman / Contemporary Chinese #4 - Ash Is Purest White Nov 08, 2019

A new film from Martin Scorsese is always an event, but THE IRISHMAN is one that, for many, won’t happen at a movie theatre. After a short theatrical run in select cities, Scorsese's latest - which reunites the director with Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, and adds Al Pacino to the mix - will show up on Netflix. Adam and Josh, fresh from their own theatrical screening, consider the film in the context of Scorsese's work, specifically his career-spanning gangster movies. Plus, a review of Jia Zhangke's ASH IS PUREST WHITE (2019), the fourth and final film in the Contemporary Chinese Cinema Marathon.

0:00 - Billboard

1:09 - Review: "The Irishman"

Steve Earle, "The Last Gunfighter Ballad"

32:52 - Donations

35:36 - Next Week / Notes

41:27 - Polls [Scorsese / Hanks]

53:48 - Chinese Cinema #4: "Ash Is Purest White"

1:15:15 - Outro

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#750: The Lighthouse / Contemporary Chinese #3 - Our Time Will Come Nov 01, 2019

In 2014, director Robert Eggers brought 17th century Puritan New England to frighteningly vivid life in THE WITCH. For his follow-up - THE LIGHTHOUSE - Eggers skips ahead to the late 19th century and the results are no less unnerving. Adam and Josh debate the effectiveness of Eggers' formal gambits - black and white photography, immersive sound design, boxy aspect ratio - and the all-in performances from stars Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson. Plus, the Contemporary Chinese Cinema Marathon continues with 2017's OUR TIME WILL COME, a historical drama set in WWII-era Hong Kong.

0:00 - Billboard

1:19 - Review: "The Lighthouse"

30:45 - “Lighthouse” Spoilers

Jamie Drake, "When The Tide Comes In"

37:41 - Next Week/Notes

44:02 - Massacre Theatre

50:40 - Chinese Cinema #3: "Our Time Will Come"

1:12:27 - Outro / Outtake

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#749: Parasite / Pain and Glory / Contemporary Chinese #2 - The Midnight After Oct 25, 2019

Steering clear of plot details for one of the most praised films of the year is no easy task, but Adam and Josh managed to pull it off ahead of their screening of Bong Joon-ho's PARASITE. The subject of rave reviews since its Palme d'Or-winning debut at the Cannes Film Festival back in May, Bong's film tackles class warfare as only Bong can – with social commentary mixing freely with black comedy and even a little horror.

That review and the second film in the Contemporary Chinese Cinema Marathon, 2014's THE MIDNIGHT AFTER from Hong Kong's Fruit Chan.

0:00 - Billboard

1:42 - Review: "Parasite"King Grizzard and the Lizard Wizard, "Mars for the Rich"

31:35 - Josh recs: "Pain and Glory"

35:20 - Next week / Notes

39:28 - Polls [Movie Mentors / Favorite Scorsese]

49:52 - Chinese Marathon #2: "The Midnight After"

1:15:22 - Outro / Credits

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#748: American Beauty at 20 / Contemporary Chinese Cinema #1 - Let The Bullets Fly Oct 18, 2019

Back in '99, the trailers and movie posters for AMERICAN BEAUTY implored us to "look closer." For their 9 From '99 review, Adam and Josh give the divisive Best Picture winner the closer look it asked for, but they don't always like what they see. Is the movie hypocritical and mean-spirited? Is it merely an overwrought sitcom? Or is it redeemed by its sincerity and the strength of its supporting cast?

Also on the show, Adam's conversation with Godfrey Cheshire, author of the new book "Conversations with Kiarostami." Cheshire's book is a companion to a 25-film Abbas Kiarostami retrospective currently touring the U.S.

And the first film in the Contemporary Chinese Cinema Marathon, 2010's LET THE BULLETS FLY, a furiously paced action comedy directed by Jiang Wen.

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#747: Joker / Chicago International Film Festival Preview Oct 10, 2019

Between its late-August premiere at the Venice Film Festival (where it won the festival's top prize) and its release in theaters here in the States, Todd Phillips' JOKER has provoked every possible response, with some calling it among the best films of the year and others calling it the absolute worst – not to mention the much-discussed fears that the movie was "dangerous." No surprise then that when Adam and Josh finally got around to seeing it, they split – not just on the film itself, but on everything from the film's score to star Joaquin Phoenix's take on the iconic villain.

That review, plus listeners weigh in on their favorite Phoenix performances and a preview of the upcoming Chicago International Film Festival.

0:00 - Billboard

1:00 - Review: "Joker"

Dehd, "Pushing the Crowd"

36:13 - Next week / Notes

42:00 - Polls (J. Phoenix Performances / 2010s Movie Mentors)

50:43 - Preview: Chicago International Film Festival

1:03:07 - Close

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#746: Ad Astra / Top 5 Steppenwolf Member Movie Performances Sep 27, 2019

It's always good news when an acclaimed director announces a new project, but it's somehow especially thrilling when that project is set in space. We started 2019 with two highly anticipated space missions: Claire Denis' HIGH LIFE with Robert Pattison (reviewed back on ep. 724) and James Gray's AD ASTRA, which has Brad Pitt traveling across the solar system to locate his missing father - and save the planet. In their review, Adam calls it the best film of the year, while Josh calls it "the most visually arresting session of talk therapy you can imagine." That's good... right?

Also on the show, a celebration of Chicago theater with the Top 5 Steppenwolf Member Movie Performances. 2019 marks the 45th anniversary of the founding of the venerable Chicago company, whose ensemble boasts the likes of John Malkovich, Laurie Metcalf, Gary Sinise and Joan Allen, among many others. Also inspiring the Top 5 is a newly published oral history of Chicago theater - Ensemble - by Chicago writer Mark Larson.

0:00 - Billboard

1:17 - Review: "Ad Astra"

Greg Felden, "Take You Back Home"

27:20 - Next week / Notes

36:11 - Massacre Theatre

41:26 - Donations

42:45 - Top 5: Steppenwolf Member Performances

1:27:35 - Close

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#745: Top 5 Judy Garland Moments / Hustlers Sep 20, 2019

50 years after Judy Garland's death at the tragically young age of 47, the movie musical legend is largely remembered for one iconic film role - Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz. But Garland appeared in - and often starred in - nearly 40 films in her 30-year career; a career Adam and Josh attempt to come to terms with - along with the Chicago Tribune's Michael Phillips - for their Top 5 Judy Garland Moments.

Plus, Adam and Michael spend a few minutes on HUSTLERS starring Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu. And listeners weigh in with their picks for the directors who need to follow in the footsteps of High Life's Claire Denis and Ad Astra's James Gray and make their own space movie.

0:00 - Billboard

1:18 - Top 5: Judy Garland Moments

Judy Garland, "Americana"

35:21 - Review: "Hustlers"

43:34 - Next Week / Notes

55:52 - Polls [Space Movies / Joaquin Phoenix]

1:06:39 - Top 5 Judy Garland Moments, cont.

1:46:29 - Close

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#744: Eyes Wide Shut at 20 / Top 5 Kubrick Scenes Sep 13, 2019

Back in 1999, it was hard to watch EYES WIDE SHUT without thinking about Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman as a real-life married couple participating in some sadistic form of therapy. Twenty years later, it's maybe still a little distracting, but it's easier to see the pair's performances in the greater contexts of their respective careers – and, in particular, how effective the casting of the cocky, entitled Cruise is as Dr. Bill Harford, a man who sees his confidence reduced to rubble by the end of the film. For their 9 From '99 review of Kubrick's final, controversial masterpiece, Adam and Josh talk about the brilliance of Kidman's few, powerful scenes, and the film's subtle formal brilliance. And how about that orgy scene, huh?

Plus, Adam finally gets to share his Top 5 Kubrick Scenes six years after a late-breaking case of dysphonia kept him from joining Josh and Michael Phillips for their Kubrick picks (back on episode #459).

0:00 - Billboard

1:17 - 9 From '99: "Eyes Wide Shut"

Chris Isaak, "Baby Did a Bad, Bad Thing"

54:36 - Next Week / Notes

1:05:30 - Massacre Theatre

1:12:11 - Donations

1:13:56 - Top 5 Kubrick Scenes

1:33:42 - Close

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#743: IT Chapter Two / Fall Movie Preview Sep 06, 2019

Adam and Josh left 2017's blockbuster IT at least mildly curious for more, but is the sequel film's almost three-hour running time and the addition of A-listers like Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy and Bill Hader enough to satisfy that curiosity? This week, Filmspotting returns to Derry and to director Andy Muschietti's epic - or at least epic in length - IT CHAPTER TWO. Plus, the Fall Movie Preview in the form of Adam and Josh's Top 5 Questions About the Fall Movie Season.

0:00 - Billboard

1:21 - Review: "It: Chapter 2"

Bleached, "Hard to Kill"

22:38 - Next Week / Notes

30:02 - Polls [TIFF / Unlikely Space Movies]

40:06 - Fall Movie Preview

1:21:09 - Close / Outtake

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#742: Being John Malkovich at 20 / Dietrich-Von Sternberg #4 - The Scarlet Empress Aug 30, 2019

In 1999, BEING JOHN MALKOVICH marked the auspicious debut of two geniuses: screenwriter Charlie Kaufman ("Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," "Synecdoche, NY") and director Spike Jonze ("Where the Wild Things Are," "Her"). 20 years later, the movie remains surprising and innovative, and its concerns - artistic fulfillment and artistic exploitation - feel as current as ever. Adam and Josh revisit MALKOVICH as part of their 9 From '99 series, and wrap up their Marlene Dietrich-Josef von Sternberg Marathon with 1934's (preposterous? preposterous on purpose?) THE SCARLET EMPRESS and the marathon awards, "The Boas."

0:00 - Billboard

1:26 - 9 From '99: "Being John Malkovich"

Jay Som, "Nighttime Drive"

35:16 - Next Week / Notes

38:45 - Josh on "Honeyland" / Adam on "American Factory"

47:19 - Massacre Theatre

54:31 - Donations

57:05 - Dietrich-Von Sternberg #4: "The Scarlet Empress"

1:20:41 - Dietrich-Von Sternberg Awards

1:44:09 - Close

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#741: Where'd You Go, Bernadette / Dietrich-Von Sternberg #3 - Shanghai Express Aug 23, 2019

Initial critical response to Richard Linklater's WHERE'D YOU GO, BERNADETTE was not great, earning some of the worst reviews of his 30-year career. But Adam and Josh find plenty to recommend in both Linklater's direction and star Cate Blanchett's performance. Listener feedback has them crunching numbers to determine this decade's defining actress, plus a look ahead to September's Toronto International Film Festival and the third film in the Marlene Dietrich-Josef von Sternberg Marathon, 1932's SHANGHAI EXPRESS.

0:00 - Billboard

1:13 - Review: "Where'd You Go, Bernadette"

Lillie Mae, "You Got Other Girls For That"

27:39 - Next Week / Notes / Peter Fonda

41:21 - Polls (Decade-Defining Actress / TIFF)

56:40 - Dietrich-Von Sternberg #3: "Shanghai Express"

1:23:02 - Close

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#740: The Nightingale / Dietrich-Von Sternberg #2 - Morocco Aug 16, 2019

Making a film that details the violence – specifically, the sexual violence – that colonialism wrought in places like Tasmania in the early 19th century is an honorable endeavor that also makes for a very difficult viewing experience. Adam and Josh find lots to admire in Kent's THE NIGHTINGALE, but question whether the director's decision to make the film so explicit makes it a better one. That review, plus Dietrich in drag and some tough notes for a young Gary Cooper in 1930's MOROCCO, the second film in the Marlene Dietrich/Joseph von Sternberg Marathon.

0:00 - Billboard

1:04 - Review: "The Nightingale"

Marlene Dietrich, "When Love Dies"

33:40 - Next Week / Notes

41:59 - Massacre Theatre

50:01 - Dietrich/Von Sternberg Marathon #2

1:17:41 - Close

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#739: The Blair Witch Project at 20 / Dietrich-Von Sternberg #1 - The Blue Angel Aug 09, 2019

Benefiting from an ingenious viral marketing campaign, THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT wasn't just a massive hit at the box office in 1999, it was a cultural phenomenon – two things that made it difficult to reckon with as a work of art at the time. But 20 years later, the myth that shrouded the movie has lifted, and Adam and Josh discuss the merits of a film that relies on some of our most fundamental fears to generate its scares. That review part of the 9 From '99 series.

Plus, the first film in our Marlene Dietrich/Josef von Sternberg Marathon: 1930's THE BLUE ANGEL, with Dietrich as a cabaret temptress, and silent movie veteran Emil Jannings as the scolding professor who falls for her.

0:00 - Billboard

1:20 - 9 From '99: "The Blair Witch Project"

Marlene Dietrich, "Falling in Love Again"

43:54 - D.A. Pennebaker / Facets' Milos Stehlik

48:52 - Next Week / Notes

54:10 - Polls [MCU Phase 4 / Decade-Defining Actresses]

1:06:00 - Dietrich-Von Sternberg #1: "The Blue Angel"

1:38:02 - Close

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#738: Hobbs & Shaw / Top 5 Fast & Furious Moments Aug 02, 2019

The Fast & Furious franchise has come a long, long way since its street-racing origins, and its latest entry, HOBBS & SHAW (from "John Wick" co-director David Leitch), continues the series' evolution into a James Bond/Jason Bourne/Avengers hybrid. And Adam and Josh are mostly on board for Jason Statham's and Dwayne Johnson's comic bickering and Idris Elba's "Black Superman." But when the movie makes a play for sentimentality late in the film, one host feels the movie comes to a screeching halt and never recovers.

That review, plus a revisit of 2015's Top 5 Fast & Furious Moments.

0:00 - Billboard / Donations

2:35 - Review: "Hobbs & Shaw"

The Beths, "You Wouldn't Like Me"

27:50 - AK Recommends: "Love, Antosha" and "Between Me and My Mind"

32:32 - Next Week / Notes

38:09 - Massacre Theatre

44:59 - Top 5: Fast & Furious Moments

1:27:03 - Close / Outtake

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#737: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood / Top 10 Tarantino Characters Jul 26, 2019

Why am I Mr. Pink?

Adam and Josh sift through the rogues' gallery of memorable QT creations for their Top 10 Tarantino Characters and discuss the director's latest, the surprisingly melancholic ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD.

0:00 - Billboard

1:23 - Review: "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood"

Nancy Sinatra, "Bang Bang"

36:07 - Next week / Notes

46:45 - Poll results ("Favorite Tarantino") / New Poll ("MCU Phase 4")

1:00:27 - Top 10: Tarantino Characters

1:49:58 - Close

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Interview: Riley Stearns ("The Art of Self-Defense") Jul 25, 2019

THE ART OF SELF-DEFENSE is director Riley Stearns' second film. His first - 2014's FAULTS - concerned a man (Leland Orser) hired to de-program a young woman (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) after she joins a cult. SELF-DEFENSE continues Stearns' fascination with groupthink and charismatic leaders by moving the action to a karate dojo led by Alessandro Nivola's eccentric sensei. Jesse Eisenberg and Imogen Poots also star.

Stearns talks about his own experience with martial arts and the importance of being able to laugh at yourself. And he submits to the Filmspotting 5, the interview-concluding Q&A.

0:00 - Intro

1:42 - Interview: Riley Stearns

27:29 - Outro

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#736: Midsommar / Top 5 Horror Movie Performances Jul 19, 2019

Guest critics Tasha Robinson (The Next Picture Show, The Verge) and Angelica Jade Bastién (Vulture) join Josh for a lively debate over of Ari Aster's MIDSOMMAR (or is that MidsommAR?) and the Top 5 Horror Movie Performances.

0:00 - Billboard

1:44 - Review: "Midsommar"

28:58 - "Midsommar" Spoilers

Magnet, "Maypole"

38:20 - Review: "The Farewell"

43:52 - Next Week / Notes

46:34 - Massacre Theatre

53:56 - Next Picture Show / Best of the Year So Far

58:55 - Top 5: Horror Movie Performances

1:45:29 - Close / Outtake ("Jag ar doden")

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FS Revisited: Top 5 Classic Rock Moments in Movies Jul 12, 2019

Whether used ironically or to provide insight - or just to make characters look really, really cool - classic rock has been memorably employed by some of the best directors of the rock era. Joining Adam and Josh for their Top 5 Classic Rock Moments in Movies is writer and critic Steven Hyden, author of the book "Twilight of the Gods: A Journey to the End of Classic Rock."

0:00 - Billboard

1:07 - Top 5: Classic Rock Moments

Donovan, "Atlantis"

25:02 - Top 5: Classic Rock Moments cont.

1:02:03 - Close

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FS Revisited: Pulp Fiction / Top 5 of 1994 Jul 05, 2019

Back in 2012, Josh was only a couple months into his role as new co-host, when Adam suggested the Best of '94 Top 5. The reconsideration of PULP FICTION was an after-thought - and something new: the first Sacred Cow review. Adam and Josh agree that Tarantino's iconic sophomore effort is the best film of '94, but quibble over whether there's any real substance to the film's dazzling style.

0:00 - Billboard

1:10 - Sacred Cow: "Pulp Fiction"

The Statler Brothers, "Flowers on the Wall"

30:35 - Top 5 of 1994

57:30 - Close

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#735: Top 5 Films of 2019 So Far Jun 28, 2019

Marvel is – again – dominating the box office with "Avengers Endgame" and "Captain Marvel," but for the Top 5 Films of 2019 So Far, Adam and Josh dig a little deeper. Plus, a (spoilers!) mini-battle over Woody's soul and the ending of "Toy Story 4," a terrible accents edition of Massacre Theatre edition and more.

This episode is presented by CNN's Original Series The Movies. Tune in starting Sunday, July 7 at 9 pm.

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#734: Toy Story 4 / Top 5 Toy Story Scenes w/Griffin Newman Jun 21, 2019

With Josh on vacation,, Adam recruits Toy Story super-fan Griffin Newman (Blank Check podcast, Amazon's "The Tick") for a review of the Forky-tastic TOY STORY 4 and the Top 5 Toy Story Scenes. Plus, some Best of the Year (So Far) talk, and Griffin shows off his acting chops in Massacre Theatre.

0:00 - Billboard

1:12 - Review: "Toy Story 4"

32:38 - Spoilers: "Toy Story 4"

Robert Goulet, "You've Got a Friend in Me"

50:20 - Next Week / Notes

58:04 - Griffin talks "Blank Check"

1:05:59 - Polls (Toy Story + Best of the Year So Far)

1:13:29 - Top 5: Toy Story Scenes

2:07:51 - Close / Outtake ("Forky")

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#733: The Dead Don't Die / Last Black Man in San Francisco / Rocketman Jun 14, 2019

Jim Jarmusch has made a surreal, existential western ("Dead Man"), a Zen samurai/mobster movie ("Ghost Dog") and a meditation on art disguised as a vampire movie ("Only Lovers Left Alive"). And now... zombies. With his new THE DEAD DON'T DIE, Jarmusch again exploits genre conventions as a means to explore his fears and obsessions. And this time, those fears and obsessions are pretty explicitly America in the age of Trump.

Also on the show, a conversation with Joe Talbot and Jimmie Fails, the director and star of Sundance award-winner – and early Golden Brick frontrunner – THE LAST BLACK MAN IN SAN FRANCISCO. Plus, Adam weighs in on ROCKETMAN.

0:00 - Billboard

1:20 - Review: "The Dead Don't Die"

Bill Callahan, "Young Icarus"

24:58 - Adam on "Rocketman"

34:57 - Next Week / Notes / Madness 2020

46:46 - Massacre Theatre54:02 - Interview: Joe Talbot and Jimmie Fails

1:28:02 - Close

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#732: Fight Club at 20 / Top 5 David Fincher Scenes Jun 07, 2019

FIGHT CLUB, the third film in our 9 From '99 series was initially met with lukewarm critical and box office response but developed a cult following on home video and is now pretty widely considered one of the best films of the '90s. That reputation has a lot to do with David Fincher, who has spent the last couple of decades cementing his reputation as one of the best working directors. A skilled craftsman and legendary perfectionist, Fincher's films are always a pleasure to look at, but for their Top 5 Fincher Scenes, Adam and Josh focus on the ways in which the director's style – even at its flashiest – serves the story and his characters.

0:00 - Billboard

1:15 - 9 From '99: "Fight Club"

Pixies, "Where Is My Mind"

31:37 - Next week / Passes / Meetups / Notes

48:32 - Polls

56:26 - Top 5: David Fincher Scenes

1:49:37 - Close

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#731: Booksmart / Top 5 Female Friendships May 31, 2019

A raunchy/sweet comedy in the "Superbad" mold, Olivia Wilde's BOOKSMART mixes genre clichés and clever updates as it follows its high-achieving heroines on a one-night odyssey to shed their by-the-book images and make it to The Year's Biggest Party. Adam and Josh have lots of praise for leads Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever and the talented ensemble – and for some of the formal inventiveness that Wilde brings to her directing debut.

And then Adam and Josh go on the run with Thelma and Louise for the Top 5, assembling an all-star crew of the movies' best female pals along the way.

0:00 - Billboard

1:20 - Review: "Booksmart"

Leikeli47, "Bad Gyal Felx"

26:01 - Next week / Notes

34:58 - Massacre Theatre

42:52 - Top 5: Female Friendships

1:21:30 - Close

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#730: Alien at 40 / Top 5 Films of 1979 May 24, 2019

Of the films celebrating 40th anniversaries in 2019, only Francis Ford Coppola's "Apocalypse Now" can really compete with ALIEN's critical stature and influence, but Adam and Josh make the case for several more films from '79 that deserve to be remembered with this week's Top 5 – including films from directors Andrei Tarkovsky, Carol Ballard, Woody Allen... and Jim Henson. Plus, a revisit of their 2016 Sacred Cow review of Ridley Scott's sci-fi/horror classic.

0:00 - Billboard

1:21 - Top 5: Films of 1979

Peter Allen, "Everything Old Is New Again"

1:03:08 - Next week / Notes

1:07:19 - New Poll

1:11:35 - Sacred Cow: "Alien"

1:47:09 - Listener Feedback ("Alien")

1:54:43 - Close

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#729: Top 5 Keanu Moments / John Wick 3 May 17, 2019

The Tao of Whoa.

Whether you love or hate the JOHN WICK franchise - or even if you're completely indifferent to it - it has given us all the chance to appreciate the particular genius of Keanu Reeves. For those of us who grew up watching him, the former duuude and earnest action star has matured into an actor of depth and vulnerability with a singular sense of physical grace. Whether Keanu's talents are put to their best use in the new JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 3 - PARABELLUM is up for debate, which Adam and Josh do in their review. Then it's the TOP 5 KEANU MOMENTS, a career-spanning appreciation of The One, from Ted "Theodore" Logan to Mr. Wick himself.

Plus Massacre Theatre and Josh's recommendation of the new doc "Our Time Machine," which is currently playing the Chicago Critics Film Festival.

0:00 - Billboard

1:09 - Review: "John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum"

Josh Ritter, "Old Black Magic"

28:25 - Donations

30:32 - Josh recs: "Our Time Machine"

34:03 - Next week / Notes

40:27 - Massacre Theatre

48:03 - Top 5: Keanu Moments

1:28:42 - Close / Outtake

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#728: Chicago Critics Film Festival / Donen #4 - Two for the Road May 10, 2019

May's week-long CCFF doubles as a shortlist for potential Golden Brick candidates.

Now in its 7th year, the Chicago Critics Film Festival prides itself on bringing the best of the fest circuit to Chicago. With 15 or so features that have played the likes of Toronto, Sundance and SXSW, the week-long fest is a chance for Chicago audiences to catch up with some of the most buzzed-about independent films of the year. It's also a great chance for Filmspotting to put some titles on its Golden Brick radar. Adam and Josh share their Top 5 Most Anticipated CCFF Movies and get additional insight into the fest from Chicago critic - and CCFF programmer - Steve Prokopy.

Also on the show: Adam on KNOCK DOWN THE HOUSE and the final film in the Stanley Donen Marathon, 1967's TWO FOR THE ROAD. Plus, "The Fizzies" - the Donen Marathon Awards.

0:00 - Billboard

1:13 - Preview: Chicago Critics Film Festival

Henry Mancini, "Two for the Road"

24:20 - Adam recs: "Knock Down the House"

30:53 - Next week / Notes

39:48 - Polls: Summer Preview / Best of '79

48:57 - Donen #4: "Two for the Road"

1:06:38 - "The Fizzies": Donen Awards

1:32:53 - Close

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#727: Summer Movie Preview / Donen #3 - Charade May 03, 2019

Spidey & Wick & Hobbs & Shaw. And Pikachu.

Marvel burnout. "Booksmart" hype. Will Smith's genie. Detective Pikachu. And of course the astonishingly worded "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw." These subjects and more all come up in Adam and Josh's Top 5 Summer Movie Questions. Plus, Adam on Robert "Born to Be Blue" Budreau's STOCKHOLM and doc director Penny Lane's HAIL SATAN? And... fizzy and charming or frivolous and artificial? Adam and Josh debate the third film in their Stanley Donen Marathon, 1963's CHARADE.

0:00 - Billboard

1:18 - Summer Movie Preview

Henry Mancini, Charade (Main Theme)

33:39 - Adam recommends: "Stockholm" / "Hail Satan?"

43:19 - Next week / John Singleton / Notes

49:31 - Massacre Theatre

57:02 - Donen #3: "Charade"

1:20:54 - Close

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#726: Avengers: Endgame / Beyoncé's Homecoming / Donen #2 - Funny Face Apr 26, 2019

Can the MCU mothership stick the landing?

After earning a probably undeserved reputation for being hard on the MCU, Adam and Josh return from their ENDGAME screening speaking the language of converts: the final chapter of this decade-in-the-making MCU story not only manages to tie up its multiple story threads, but does so in an entertaining and, yes, moving way. Adam and Josh also make time to recommend Beyoncé's new HOMECOMING concert doc and Sam Rockwell and Michelle Williams in FOSSE/VERDON. Plus, the second film in the Stanley Donen Marathon, 1957's FUNNY FACE with Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire.

Timestamps do not account for ads and may not be exact

1:12 - Review: "Avengers: Endgame"

23:02 - "Endgame" spoiler talk

Beyoncé, "Freedom" (Live at Coachella)

50:59 - Josh recs: "Homecoming"

55:26 - Adam recs: "Fosse/Verdon"

58:42 - Next week / Notes

59:54 - Polls (MCU / Summer Preview / Madness '20)

1:12:05 - Donen #2: "Funny Face"

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#725: Her Smell / Donen #1 - On the Town Apr 19, 2019

In Alex Ross Perry's HER SMELL, Elisabeth Moss gives a performance that, for Adam and Josh, evokes Gena Rowlands' iconic work in "A Woman Under the Influence" and a punk-rock Lady Macbeth. Moss's Becky Something is the drug-addled, manic and abusive lead singer of a '90s-era rock band that's fallen on hard times. It's also, according to Adam, the best film of the year so far.

Also on the show: 1949's ON THE TOWN, the first in a four-film Stanley Donen Marathon. Plus, Josh's report from this year's Ebert Interruptus.

0:00-1:07 - Billboard

1:07-26:13 - Review: "Her Smell"

26:37-38:17 - Spoilers: "Her Smell"

On the Town, "On the Town"

38:58-39:45 - Donations

39:45-53:07 - Next week / Ebert Interruptus / Notes

53:07-55:28 - Massacre Theatre

55:28-1:18:46 - Donen #1: "On the Town"

1:18:46-1:21:31 - Close

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#724: Claire Denis / High Life / Madness Champ Apr 12, 2019

The 70 year-old French director of "Beau Travail," "35 Shots of Rum" and last year's "Let the Sunshine In" is having a moment. After 30 years of critically-acclaimed work, Claire Denis remains largely unknown in the U.S. That could change with her latest, HIGH LIFE, an existential sci-fi film starring Robert Pattinson and Juliette Binoche. Denis was in Chicago for a recent screening of the film, giving Adam and guest host Scott Tobias a rare chance to sit down with Denis and talk about how "High Life" fits into her sensuous and provocative body of work and how, among other things, Stephen Hawking's writing contributed to the universe she created on screen. She also plays along with the Filmspotting Five, where she admits to loving ok-maybe-not-your-least-favorite-Wes-Anderson-movie-but-few-people's-favorite (not even Josh's).

Also on the show: Adam and Scott join the chorus of critics - and moviegoers - who have found themselves surprisingly charmed by the DCEU's SHAZAM. Plus, the crowning of the 2019 Filmspotting Madness champion.

0:00-1:17 - Billboard

1:17-28:22 - Interview: Claire Denis

Bad Bad Hats, "Wide Right"

29:04-32:53 - Next week / Notes

32:53-48:48 - Madness: Champion / Polls

48:48-55:56 - Review: "Shazam"

Bad Bad Hats, "Dunno Why"

56:49-1:15:08 - Review: "High Life"

1:15:08-1:19:00 - Close

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#723: Top 5 Overlooked Films of the 2000s / Madness Final / Assassination of Jesse James Apr 05, 2019

As the 2019 edition of Filmspotting Madness comes to a close, Adam and Josh share some favorite titles that didn't make the 64-film bracket. Their Top 5 Overlooked Films of the 2000s features some under-seen comedies starring Jack Black, Seann William Scott and Mark Duplass; docs and "docu-fantasias" from Steve James and Guy Maddin; and less familiar titles from A-list directors like Ridley Scott and Robert Zemeckis. Plus, the Madness championship matchup is revealed, and a Sacred Cow review of Andrew Dominik's 2007 meditative western THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES BY THE COWARD ROBERT FORD.

0:00-1:16 - Billboard

1:16-39:11 - Review: "Assassination of Jesse James..."

Hembree, "Culture"

39:53-49:48 - R.I.P Agnes Varda / Next week / Notes

49:48-1:02:52 - Madness: Final 4 Results / Championship

Hembree, "Almost"

1:03:35-1:07:31 - Donations

1:07:31-1:54:22 - Top 5: Overlooked Movies of the 2000s

1:54:22-1:58:22 - Close

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#722: Dumbo / Final 4 Madness / Top 5 Movie Circus Acts Mar 29, 2019

Big Top Tim Burton remakes the Disney classic.

With Adam out of town, Michael Phillips joins Josh for a review of the new DUMBO, plus Filmspotting Madness Final 4 matchups and the Top 5 Movie Circus Acts. Also, Michael shares thoughts on HOTEL MUMBAI, and Josh has 2019's first Golden Brick recommendation: A.T. White's STARFISH.

0:00-1:08 - Billboard

1:08-27:30 - Review: "Dumbo"

Betty Noyes, "Baby Mine"

28:11-32:43 - Next week / Notes

32:43-36:10 - Michael on "Hotel Mumbai"

36:10-38:21 - Josh recommends: "Starfish"

38:21-47:40 - Madness: Elite 8 Results / Final 4

David Bromberg, "Sharon"

48:38-1:21:02 - Top 5: Movie Circus Acts

1:21:02-1:24:17 - Close

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#721: Us / Elite 8 Madness / Cassavetes #4 - Opening Night Mar 22, 2019

Jordan Peele is not done scaring us.

Peele's "Get Out" was one of the defining films of 2017. A huge box office success early in the year, it went on to be nominated for Best Picture, and won Peele an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. So if that’s your directing debut... how exactly do you follow that up? With US, Peele sticks with horror and proves that his talent for juggling scares with comedy and social commentary was no fluke. Adam and Josh talk about Peele's mastery of horror craft and his film's stellar cast, in particular Lupita Nyong'o as a trauma survivor whose family becomes the target of a home invasion. And if you've seen the film, stick around for an extended SPOILER conversation about US.

Also on the show: Filmspotting Madness Best of the 2000s Sweet 16 results and Elite 8 matchups; the final film in the John Cassavetes Marathon (1977's OPENING NIGHT); and "The Blue Hats," the Cassavetes Marathon Awards.

0:00-1:05 - Billboard

1:05-21:02 - Review: "Us"

21:02-42:07 - Spoilers: "Us"

Karen O and Dangermouse, "Turn The Light"

43:02-48:57 - Next week / Notes

48:57-1:08:10 - Madness: Sweet 16 Results / Elite 8

Le Tigre, "What's Your Take On Cassavetes"

1:03:37-1:27:59 - Cassavetes #4 - "Opening Night"

1:27:59-1:55:12 - Cassavetes Awards

1:55:12-1:57:27 - Close

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#720: Transit / Sweet 16 Madness / Cassavetes #3 Mar 15, 2019

The director of 2014's "Phoenix" returns with a boldly enigmatic thriller.

German director Christian Petzold’s “Phoenix” was a “Vertigo”-inspired thriller set in the aftermath of the Holocaust. It received some of the best reviews of 2014. For his latest, TRANSIT, Petzold evokes Kafka, Orwell and Kielslowski for another wartime thriller that isn't afraid to disorient and perplex. In the third round of Filmspotting Madness - Best of the 2000s - the effect is less disorienting and more enraging, with listeners threatening to leap into the Madness Incinerator (tm) with beloved films that have been forced to exit the tournament. And the third film in the John Cassavetes Marathon - 1976's (and 1978's!) THE KILLING OF A CHINESE BOOKIE.

0:00-1:09 - Billboard

1:09-22:05 - Review: "Transit"

Lizzo, "Cuz I Love You"

23:01-29:36 - Next week / Notes

29:36-1:02:44 - Madness: Rd. 2 Results / Sweet 16 Matchups

Lizzo, "Good As Hell"

1:03:37-1:34:05 - Cassavetes #3 - "The Killing of a Chinese Bookie"

1:34:05-1:37:38 - Close

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#719: Captain Marvel / Rd. 2 Madness (Best of the 2000s) Mar 08, 2019

Marvel's first female-led feature is also one its best.

Indie duo Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck ("Half Nelson," "Sugar") were a surprising choice to lead a Marvel movie, especially one with so much riding on its success. But Adam and Josh agree that the pair's CAPTAIN MARVEL is a mostly effective marriage of effects-driven action, empathetic character-building and clever scripting. The movie also benefits from some ace supporting performances - performances so good that Brie Larson's Captain Marvel can occasionally seem overmatched. That review, plus Josh loses his faith in humanity (or at least the humanity of Filmspotting listeners) when he hears first-round results of Filmspotting Madness - Best of the 2000s. Things don't get any easier with the Rd. 2 matchups.

0:00-1:03 - Billboard

1:03-26:39 - Review: "Captain Marvel"

Teen, "Popular Taste"

27:35-33:36 - Adam recommends: "Apollo 11"

33:36-40:06 - Next Week / Notes

40:06-1:11:03 - Madness: Rd. 1 Results

Teen, "Only Water"

1:12:06-1:28:55 - Madness: Rd. 2 Matchups

1:28:55-1:30:58 - Close

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#718: Filmspotting Madness (Best of the 2000s) / Cassavetes #2 - A Woman Under... Mar 01, 2019

64 films. Only one survives. Welcome to the Madness.

In the 2018 edition of Filmspotting Madness – Best of the 90s – the championship round had "Fargo" facing off against "Pulp Fiction." The Coen Brothers' "Fargo" pulled out a surprise victory over Tarantino's decade-defining masterpiece. So what surprises await us in this year's contest? The Coens are back with another strong entry – 2007's Best Picture-winning "No Country for Old Men" – but will their primary competitor be Tarantino again ("Kill Bill," "Inglourious Basterds")? Or maybe Paul Thomas Anderson ("There Will be Blood")? Or Christopher Nolan ("The Dark Knight")? And maybe don't rule out Michel Gondry's Charlie Kaufman-penned "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind."

This week on the show, Adam and Josh talk through this year's bracket with their Top 5 Easiest and Hardest First-Round Madness votes. Plus, the second film in the John Cassavetes Marathon, 1974's "A Woman Under the Influence."

0:00-1:10 - Billboard

41:53-42:34 - FS Madness: Rd. 1 Matchups

Strand of Oaks, "Ruby"

51:56-59:24 - Next Week / Notes

45:22-52:36 - Stanley Donen / Oscars Recap

52:36-1:15:15 - FS Madness: Rd. 1 Matchups, cont.

Strand of Oaks, "Goshen '97"

1:16:16-1:47:37 - Cassavetes #2: "A Woman Under..."

1:47:37-1:50:51 - Close / Outtake

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#717: Top 5 Movies About Suburbia (w/Jessica Harper) / Cassavetes #1 - Faces Feb 22, 2019

Worse than a coven of witches? The 'Burbs.

"Suspiria" star Jessica Harper has appeared in over 20 films since the mid-'70s, but she's also had a career as a singer-songwriter and children's book author. Her latest venture has her turning to memoir in the form of a 10-part podcast called "Winnetka," named for the Chicago suburb where she and her five siblings came of age in the '50s and '60s. Harper's podcast tells the story of that suburban upbringing, in particular the darkness and secretiveness that existed below the picture-perfect appearances. Harper discusses "Winnetka," and joins Adam and Josh for the Top 5 Movies About Suburbia. Plus - 13 years in the making - the Cassavetes Marathon gets underway with 1968's "Faces," starring Gena Rowlands, John Marley and Oscar-nominees Lynn Carlin and Seymour Cassel.

0:00-1:26 - Billboard

1:26-51:02 - Top 5: Movies About Suburbia

Sharon Van Etten, "Seventeen"

51:56-59:24 - Next Week / Notes

59:24-1:04:42 - Massacre Theatre

1:04:42-1:27:19 - Cassavetes Marathon #1: "Faces"

1:27:19-1:29:59 - Close

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#716: The Matrix / Top 5 Slow-Motion Scenes (Since "The Matrix") Feb 15, 2019

Taking the red pill 20 years later.

For the second film in their "9 From '99" series, Adam and Josh reconsider the Wachowski Sisters' seminal sci-fi film, which, while a popular and critical success in its release year, has only grown in estimation both as a film and as a way of thinking and talking about reality. Plus: Christopher Nolan, Todd Haynes, Rian Johnson and Lars von Trier make the Top 5 Slow-Motion Scenes (Since "The Matrix"); Best of '99 poll results; and Adam and Josh announce the matchups for the play-in round of Filmspotting Madness 2019: Best of the 2000s. (Vote here!)

0:00-1:08 - Billboard

1:08-33:02 - 9 From '99 #2: "The Matrix"

Ex Hex, "Cosmic Cave"

33:49-40:00 - Poll Results: Best of '99

40:00-47:07 - Next week / Notes

47:07-1:00:12 - Filmspotting Madness: Play-In Round

Ex Hex, "Tough Enough"

1:01:07-1:36:52 - Top 5: Slow-Motion Scenes

1:36:52-1:41:53 - Close / Outtake

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#715: The Lego Movie 2 / Velvet Buzzsaw / Miss Bala Feb 08, 2019

Jokes and gender politics in the new Lego sequel.

"The Lego Movie" was Josh's #1 film of 2014. Dan Gilroy's "Nightcrawler" made Adam's Top 10 of the same year. Five years later, Emmet Brickowski and the rest of the master builders return for THE LEGO MOVIE 2 - and Gilroy is back, too, with the art scene satire VELVET BUZZSAW, another darkly satirical take on a Los Angeles subculture. Also on the show: Josh's thoughts on Catherine Hardwicke's MISS BALA, Massacre Theatre and an announcement about the next Filmspotting Marathon.

0:00-1:17 - Billboard

1:17-15:19 - Review: "The Lego Movie 2"

Beck, "Super Cool" (feat. Robyn and The Lonely Island)

15:46-25:13 - Next Week / Notes

25:13-35:50 - Massacre Theatre

Ken Nordine, "Sound Museum"

36:32-41:00 - Donations

41:00-59:56 - Review: "Velvet Buzzsaw"

59:56-1:06:51 - Spoilers: "Velvet Buzzsaw"

1:06:51-1:09:35 - Close

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#714: Glass / The Sixth Sense Feb 01, 2019

That thing where your superpower is seeing dead people.

On this week's show, a double-dose of divisive auteur M. Night Shyamalan, whose new film GLASS is either "profoundly dumb" or "like opening a brand new comic book for the first time and not knowing what you're going to get." And then later, Adam and Josh kick off their "9 from '99" series with Shyamalan's blockbuster THE SIXTH SENSE, which they mostly agree has held up pretty well, thanks in large part to the Oscar-nominated performances by Toni Collette and Haley Joel Osment. Plus, a new poll question and news about the next Filmspotting Marathon (which you can help us choose).

0:00-1:11 - Billboard

1:11-28:48 - Review: "Glass"

28:48-39:01 - "Glass" Spoilers

Michel Legrand, "Generique" (from "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg")

39:32-49:06 - Next Week / Notes

49:06-52:03 - New Poll: Best of 1999

Michel Legrand, "Twin Song" (from "The Young Girls of Rochefort")

53:00-1:25:27 - 9 from '99 #1: "The Sixth Sense"

1:25:27-1:27:53 - Close / Outtake

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#713: 2019 Movie Preview / Oscar Nominations Jan 25, 2019

The new movie year is all promise and possibility.

Adam and Josh pose their Top 5 Questions About 2019. Plus the good, the bad and the bewildering of this week's Oscar nominations.

0:00-1:13 - Billboard

1:13-13:57 - 2019 Movie Preview

King Princess, "1950"

14:48-15:42 - Donations

15:42-33:15 - Oscar Nominations

33:15-38:53 - Next Week / "9 From '99" / Notes

38:53-43:45 - Massacre Theatre

43:45-48:08 - Poll results: 2019 Most Anticipated

King Princess, "Femme Fatale"

49:09-52:06 - Donations

52:06-1:18:47 - 2019 Movie Preview, cont.

1:18:47-1:21:27 - Close

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#712: Scenes of the Year - 2018 Wrap Party Jan 18, 2019

The laughs, the tears, the rhapsodies and the shallows that made 2018 such a memorable movie year.

Michael Phillips and Tasha Robinson - and a full house at Chicago's Logan Center for the Arts - join Adam and Josh for the Live 2018 Wrap Party, celebrating the 2018 movie year with their favorite moments from the last twelve months.

0:00-0:43 - Intro

0:43-23:50 - Opening Scenes

23:50-47:22 - Music Moments w/Michael Phillips

47:22-1:04:24 - Funniest Scenes w/Tasha Robinson

1:04:24-1:18:59 - Moving Moments

The Mountain Goats, "This Year"

1:19:51-1:24:57 - Golden Brick Award

1:24:57-1:44:46 - Scenes of the Year w/Michael & Tasha

1:44:46-1:52:08 - Massacre Theatre / Close

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Best of 2018: Ethan Hawke / Bo Burnham Jan 04, 2019

Two of our favorite 2018 conversations.

Adam talks to Ethan Hawke about parenting, raising daughters, falling in love, the illusion of fear - oh, and his very good 2018 film BLAZE, about Texas singer-songwriter Blaze Foley. Plus, Adam's interview with EIGHTH GRADE director Bo Burnham, who reflects on what makes star Elsie Fisher so great and what motivated the successful comic to make his debut film.

0:00-1:00 - Intro

1:00-27:16 - Interview: Ethan Hawke

Blaze Foley, "Clay Pigeons"

28:08-58:29 - Interview: Bo Burnham

58:29-59:52 - Close

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#711: (Pt. 2) Top 10 Films of 2018 Dec 27, 2018

You can't have consensus without a little misguided dissent. True of climate change research - and of the films discussed on part two of Filmspotting's Top 10 of 2018 roundtable. Adam, Josh and guests Michael Phillips (Chicago Tribune) and Tasha Robinson (The Next Picture Show) debate Paul Schrader's FIRST REFORMED (three yays, one hard nay), Alfonso Cuarón's ROMA (three yays, one "I wish I was a yay"), Spike Lee's BLACKKKLANSMAN and more, including - more dissent! - four unique #1 films of the year.

0:00-1:21 - Intro

1:21-52:49 - Top 10: Consensus Picks

Kaoru Watanabde, "Taiko Drumming"

53:16-1:00:05 - Poll results: Best of '18

1:00:05-1:23:27 - Top 10: Consensus Picks, cont.

1:23:27-1:28:17 - Close

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#710: (Pt. 1) Top 10 Films of 2018 Dec 21, 2018

Indie horror, broad comedy and, yes, Marvel, all among the "outlier" picks in part one.

With guests Michael Phillips and Tasha Robinson filling out the roundtable, Adam and Josh start their conversation about the best films of 2018 with their "outlier" picks - films that, for the most part, only made one of their lists. Plus, Best of '18 voicemails from the directors of two of last year's best films, and the three finalists for the 2018 Golden Brick Award are announced.

0:00-1:11 - Intro

1:11-46:53 - Top 10: The Outliers

Mowg, "Burning"

47:33-48:33 - Donations

48:33-53:17 - Notes

53:17-1:02:40 - Golden Brick Finalists

1:02:40-1:32:34 - Top 10: The Outliers, cont.

1:32:34-1:37:02 - Close

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#709: If Beale Street Could Talk / Into the Spider-Verse / Shoplifters Dec 14, 2018

Barry Jenkins' follow-up to "Moonlight" has the lush romanticism of "In the Mood for Love."

In the absurd rush to catch up with the best of the year before the end of the year, it's nice when a film forces you into its own patient rhythm. Even better when it looks and sounds as good as IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK, the latest from director Barry Jenkins. Along with that, Adam and Josh have a review of the Palme d'Or-winning SHOPLIFTERS from Japan's Hirokazu Kore-eda, and recommendations for Golden Brick-worthy films from directors Alice Rohrwacher ("Happy as Lazzaro"), Jennifer Fox ("The Tale"), Sandi Tan ("Shirkers") and Jim Cummings ("Thunder Road"). Plus, Massacre Theatre and Adam's thoughts on the new SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE.

0:00-1:05 - Billboard

1:05-22:53 - Review: "If Beale Street Could Talk"

Nicholas Britell, "Eden (Harlem)"

23:29-24:11 - Donations

24:11-40:36 - Next Week / Notes

40:36-51:38 - Golden Brickspotting

51:38-59:27 - AK Recommends: "Into the Spider-Verse"

59:27-1:06:11 - Massacre Theatre

1:06:11-1:15:58 - CFCA Awards

1:15:58-1:18:38 - Close

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#708: Roma / The Favourite Dec 07, 2018

Seeing the Fellini in Cuarón and the Kubrick in Lanthimos.

Adam and Josh break out the high praise for their reviews of Alfonso Cuarón's ROMA and Yorgos Lanthimos's THE FAVOURITE – both films in the conversation for the best of 2018, and both departures of sorts for the directors. For "Roma," Cuarón returns to his native Mexico for the first time since 2001's "Y Tu Mama Tambien," while taking on writing, directing, shooting and co-editing jobs to tell the personal story of his middle class upbringing in early '70s Mexico City. Lanthimos, who has spent his career so far making chilly and darkly funny contemporary fables, time travels to early 18th century England and the reign of Queen Anne for his latest, a costume drama that proves to be a perfect playground for the director's bleak wit and gimlet-eyed view of humanity. Those reviews, plus Josh on Golden Brick contender HALE COUNTY THIS MORNING, THIS EVENING and the Best of 2018 listener poll.

0:00-1:10 - Billboard

1:10-20:14 - Review: "The Favourite"

Nino Rota, "Roma" (Theme)

20:53-21:37 - Donations

21:37-24:26 - Next Week / Notes

24:26-35:26 - Golden Brickspotting: "Hale County This Morning..."

35:26-39:47 - Polls [Best of 2018, Cuaron's Best]

39:47-1:00:40 - Review: "Roma"

1:00:40-1:03:43 - Close

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#707: The Ballad of Buster Scruggs / Creed II / Burning Nov 30, 2018

The 15th best film the Coens have ever made. Or maybe the 12th best. Possibly higher.

When news first broke about the new Coen brothers project for Netflix, it looked like it was going to be a limited-run series and not a proper film. This was all perfectly well and good, but how would that work with existing rankings of the Coens' filmography? Turns out we needn't have worried. THE BALLAD OF BUSTER SCRUGGS is not a series, but an anthology film made up of six distinct stories, all set in the 19th century American west, all peppered with the Coens' trademark wordplay and all deeply concerned with death. Adam and Josh debate whether the anthology's morbid preoccupation is ultimately nihilistic or hopeful, but they agree that the film is leavened by moments of grace (and some really good jokes). Plus, Adam on CREED II and a review of Lee Chang-dong's BURNING.

0:00-1:14 - Billboard

1:14-33:46 - Review: "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs"

Willie Watson & Tim Blake Nelson, "When A Cowboy Trades His Spurs For Wings"

34:44-35:14 - Donations

35:14-38:59 - Next Week / Live Show

38:59-43:37 - In Memoriam: Roeg, Bertolucci, Jay

43:37-52:29 - Polls [Oscar Follow-Ups, Alfonso Cuaron]

52:29-58:49 - Adam Recommends: "Creed II"

58:49-1:10:38 - Review: "Burning"

1:10:38-1:13:45 - Close / Outtake

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#706: Q&A - Minding the Gap / Golden Brick Preview Nov 16, 2018

With year-end fast approaching, Adam and Josh talk through the current crop of nominees for the show's Golden Brick Award, which goes to the overlooked or underseen film of the year. Also on the show, Adam's conversation with Bing Liu, Joshua Altman and Diane Moy Quon – the director, editor and one of the producers – of one of those Brick nominees, MINDING THE GAP. Adam and Josh also revisit their review from earlier this year of Chloe Zhao's THE RIDER, another nominee and, like "Gap," one of the standout films of the year.

0:00-1:16 - Billboard

1:16-31:56 - "Minding the Gap" Premiere Q&A

Baker Man, "Approach"

32:44-39:44 - Golden Brick Preview

39:44-55:16 - Review: "The Rider"

55:16-58:39 - Close

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#705: Widows / Bohemian Rhapsody / Wildlife Nov 09, 2018

Queen Viola. Queen Carey. And... Queen.

Oscar-winner Viola Davis heads the ace ensemble for Steve McQueen's ("12 Years A Slave") new Chicago-set heist thriller WIDOWS, writer Gillian Flynn's adaptation of a BBC miniseries from the 80s. Adam and Josh dig McQueen's take on a corrupt Chi-town, but debate his handling of some of the performances. They're in more agreement on actor Paul Dano's assured directing debut, WILDLIFE, which stars the always-great-but-maybe-never-greater Carey Mulligan along with Jake Gyllenhaal. And while Adam can't argue with the critical consensus on the new Queen biopic BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY, he can recommend the band's legendary 1985 Live Aid performance... which is available in all its glory online.

0:00-2:40 - Billboard

4:14-34:45 - Review: "Widows"

Queen, "Killer Queen"

35:25-45:31 - Next Week / Movie Passes / Notes

45:31-52:37 - Massacre Theatre

52:37-1:00:11 - Adam on "Bohemian Rhapsody"

Queen, "I Want To Break Free"

1:00:50-1:03:15 - Donations

1:06:11-1:22:27 - Review: "Wildlife"

1:22:27-1:25:50 - Close / Outtake

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#704: Suspiria / Top 5 Uses of Color Nov 02, 2018

This episode is sponsored by the color red.

For his remake of the Dario Argento cult horror classic SUSPIRIA, Luca Guadagnino ("Call Me By Your Name") keeps the '70s German dance academy setting, but adds a lot of real-world political upheaval to the original's bloody witches' brew. Adam and Josh debate the effectiveness of Guadagnino and company's intellectual approach to the story's giallo origins. Plus: there are color movies and then there are movies that have color. Giants of world cinema Kurosawa, Bergman and Hitchcock knew how to flaunt it, but so do an emerging class of young filmmakers who make savvy use of the cinematic palette.

0:00-1:57 - Billboard

3:25-30:01 - Review: "Suspiria"

Thom Yorke, "Suspirium"

30:54-41:16 - Next Week / Notes

41:16-48:59 - Polls (Musical Biopics / Best Picture Follow-ups)

Kay Thompson, "Think Pink" (from "Funny Face")

49:38-51:38 - Donations & Thank Yous

53:50-1:29:23 - Top 5: Uses of Color

1:29:23-1:33:02 - Close / Outtake

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#703: New On Netflix (Hold The Dark, Private Life) Oct 26, 2018

With his thoughtful takes on the revenge and violent thriller genres, "Blue Ruin" and "Green Room" director Jeremy Saulnier has emerged as one of most exciting young directors of the last decade. His latest, HOLD THE DARK, is an enigmatic thriller set in a remote Alaskan village. Skipping theaters entirely, it debuted on Netflix in September. Likewise, director Tamara Jenkins teamed with the streaming service for the long-awaited follow-up to her acclaimed 2007 film, "The Savages." Adam and Josh find much to recommend in both films, along with thoughts on the latest from Nicole Holofcener (THE LAND OF STEADY HABITS, also on Netflix), Marielle Heller (CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME?) and Frederick Wiseman (MONROVIA, INDIANA).

0:00-2:09 - Billboard

3:54-21:44 - Review: "Hold The Dark"

21:44-35:49 - "Hold The Dark" Spoilers

Billie Eilish, "You Should See Me In A Crown"

36:36-48:33 - Next Week / Notes

48:33-55:37 - Massacre Theatre

55:37-1:10:23 - Recommendations: "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" "The Land of Steady Habits" "Monrovia, Indiana"

Billie Eilish, "Copycat"

1:11:03-1:26:19 - Review: "Private Life"

1:26:19-1:28:55 - Close

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#702: Halloween ('78) / Halloween ('18) Oct 19, 2018

For their Sacred Cow review of John Carpenter's HALLOWEEN, Adam and Josh took another look at a film about which they're both already on record: there's Josh's 2007 first encounter, which resulted in one of only four negative reviews logged on Rotten Tomatoes. And then there's Adam's 2005 watch, which was part of the second ever Filmspotting Marathon. He named it the best film of that eight-part Horror Marathon, which included titles like "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" and Dario Argento's "Suspiria." All these years later, they both had had some quibbles with those earlier takes.

Also on the show, thoughts on David Gordon Green's new "Halloween" sequel, plus the Filmspotting poll and more.

0:00-2:30 - Billboard

3:44-34:00 - Review: "John Carpenter's Halloween"

John Carpenter, "Laurie's Theme"

34:32-43:47 - Next Week / Notes

43:47-50:48 - Polls [Horror Remakes / Music Biopics]

50:48-1:06:54 - Review: "Halloween" (2018)

1:06:54-1:09:29 - Close

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#701: First Man / Top 5 Movie Flights Oct 12, 2018

Wunderkind director Damien Chazelle follows up his Oscar-winning "La La Land" with FIRST MAN, a Neil Armstrong biopic that avoids easy mythologizing to tell the story of an obsessive, grieving everyman who made history. This week on the show, Adam and Josh have a review of Chazelle's film and share their Top 5 Movie Flights - scenes that capture the thrill and terror (and chorus girls!) of aviation.

0:00-2:41 - Billboard

4:19-35:07 - Review: "First Man"

Phosphorescent, "Beautiful Boy"

38:24-43:52 - Next Week / Notes

43:52-51:40 - Massacre Theatre

Phosphorescent, "C'est la vie"

52:53-59:30 - Donations

59:30-1:40:08 - Top 5: Movie Flights

1:40:08-1:44:15 - Close / Hot Mics

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#700: A Star Is Born / Top 5 Movie Duets Oct 05, 2018

Bradley Cooper's A STAR IS BORN is the fourth adaptation of the tale - fifth if you count 1932's George Cukor-directed "What Price Hollywood." The story of a hard-drinking industry veteran discovering and grooming a young starlet (or singer) also has a strong awards pedigree, with those previous incarnations accumulating a total of 19 Oscar nominations. For his directing debut, Cooper isn't dabbling, and it seems like the gamble has paid off. Early reviews have been strong, including for Cooper's star: acting novice (if legit superstar) Lady Gaga. On this week's show, Adam and Josh join the new Star's fan club, but do they love it enough to satisfy the movie's most ardent fans? Also: the Chicago Tribune's Michael Phillips comes aboard for a preview of the Chicago Int'l Film Festival (Oct 10-21) and the Filmspotting Top 5: Movie Duets.

0:00-1:41 - Billboard

2:57-38:40 - Review: "A Star Is Born"

Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, "Shallow"

42:51-56:07 - Next Week / Notes

56:07-1:05:00 - Polls [Musical Dramas / Horror Sequels & Remakes]

1:05:00-1:23:09 - Preview: Chicago Int'l Film Festival

Bugs Bunny & Elmer Fudd, ""What's Up Doc?"

1:23:54-2:32:05 - Top 5: Movie Duets

2:32:05-2:37:55 - Close

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#699: Lost In Translation 15th Anniversary / The Sisters Brothers Sep 28, 2018

In 2003, Sofia Coppola's sophomore effort was a surprise box office hit, making over $119 million worldwide. It was nominated for Best Picture and Best Director, and won Coppola a Best Original Screenplay Oscar. By criteria that are more difficult to measure, Bob and Charlotte's platonic Tokyo romance is just really meaningful to a lot of people. While Josh takes another look and what has long been his favorite Coppola, Adam brings a fresh pair of eyes to a film that underwhelmed him a decade and a half ago. That Sacred Cow review of LOST IN TRANSLATION and a review of the new THE SISTERS BROTHERS, featuring the dream pairing of Joaquin Phoenix and John C. Reilly as a pair of outlaw brothers in a film directed by Jacques Audiard ("A Prophet"). Plus, Josh's hearty recommendation for TEA WITH THE DAMES, and Adam's report on his rousing screening of INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE in 70mm.

0:00-1:04 - Billboard

2:45-28:39 - Review: "The Sisters Brothers"

Caroline Rose, "Money"

29:27-35:28 - Next Week / Notes

35:28-42:26 - Massacre Theatre

42:26-45:11 - JL Recommends: "Tea With the Dames"

45:12-51:01 - AK Recommends: "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" (in 70mm)

Roxy Music, "More Than This"

51:52-1:21:09 - Sacred Cow: "Lost In Translation"

1:21:09-1:24:41 - Close

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#698: Lawrence of Arabia / Top 5 David Lean Moments Sep 21, 2018

A new 70mm print of David Lean's 1963 Best Picture-winning epic just wrapped up a run at Chicago's Music Box Theatre. Having survived their recent "4D" screening (temperamental A/C on a blisteringly hot late-summer day), Adam and Josh return from Lean's "Arabia" in awe of the director's widescreen compositions, his revelatory transitions and the film's complicated take on hero worship and British exceptionalism. That Sacred Cow review, plus more praise for Lean with the Filmspotting Top 5: David Lean Moments.

0:00-1:26 - Billboard

2:25-30:37 - Sacred Cow: "Lawrence of Arabia"

Maurice Jarre, "Main Title" (Lawrence of Arabia)

31:49-37:19 - Next Week / Notes

37:19-47:25 - Polls (Historical Epics / Musical Dramas)

Maurice Jarre, "Then It's a Gift (End Title)" (Dr. Zhivago)

47:59-51:26 - Donations

51:26-1:27:09 - Top 5: David Lean Moments

1:27:09-1:30:01 - Close

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#697: The Predator / Burt Reynolds Tribute (Deliverance) Sep 14, 2018

As long as there are people to remember Burt Reynolds, they're most likely to recall the goofy, charismatic, hard-driving star of movies like "Smokey and the Bandit" and "Cannonball Run," and the benevolent despot of the late-'70s porn scene in his Oscar-nominated role in "Boogie Nights." But it's possible that none of those Reynolds performances would have existed without his star-making turn in 1972's DELIVERANCE. Reynolds' death gives Adam and Josh a chance to catch up with John Boorman's Best Picture-nominated film in a 'Blindspotting' review. Plus, a 'funny voices' edition of Massacre Theatre, and a review of the new THE PREDATOR. written and directed by Shane Black ("Kiss Kiss Bang Bang," "The Nice Guys").

0:00-2:26 - Billboard

5:26-23:55 - Review: "The Predator"

Mountain Man, "Rang Tang Ring Toon"

25:35-31:10 - Next Week / Notes

31:10-42:50 - Massacre Theatre

44:50-1:23:04 - Burt Reynolds Tribute: "Deliverance"

1:23:04-1:26:15 - Close

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#696: Ethan Hawke Interview / Top 5 Hawke Moments Sep 07, 2018

With the critical reappraisal of Ethan Hawke in full swing after a career-best performance in Paul Schrader's "First Reformed," Adam and Josh commemorate "The Hawkessance" with a consideration of the actor's long and varied career, from Todd Anderson's "sweaty-toothed madman" to Rev. Toller's existential despair (and all those Sunrises and Sunsets in between). Joining Adam and Josh for the Top 5 Ethan Hawke Moments is Keith Phipps, Next Picture Show co-host and author of his own recent reconsideration of Hawke. Plus, Adam's interview with Hawke, who talks about BLAZE, his new biopic about Texas singer-singwriter Blaze Foley, and also about the importance of letting your kids make their own mistakes.

0:00-1:39 - Billboard

2:29-35:30 - Interview: Ethan Hawke

Blaze Foley, "Clay Pigeons"

37:10-48:18 - Next Week / Notes

48:18-57:13 - Polls (Hawke's best / Historical Epics)

Nina Simone, "Just in Time"

1:00:02-2:05:47 - Top 5: Ethan Hawke Moments

2:05:47-2:09:05 - Close

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#695: Minding the Gap / Madeline's Madeline / Art House Roundup Aug 31, 2018

With a lull in the late-summer movie schedule, Adam and Josh play catch-up on a few acclaimed new indie features - and Filmspotting Golden Brick candidates - including the Kartemquin Films-produced doc MINDING THE GAP, director Josephine Decker's Sundance hit MADELINE'S MADELINE and the experimental sports doc JOHN MCENROE: IN THE REALM OF PERFECTION. Plus, Josh's thoughts on the Brick-worthy NIGHT COMES ON and the critically-reviled puppet noir THE HAPPYTIME MURDERS. Also, Massacre Theatre and a clarification on that confusing Ethan Hawke poll question.

0:00-2:00 - Billboard

3:13-31:19 - Review: "Minding the Gap"

Taylor Janzen, "Pretend That It's Not There"

33:05-36:39 - Golden Brickspotting: "Night Comes On"

36:39-46:03 - Next Week / Notes

46:03-53:48 - Massacre Theatre

53:48-59:58 - Josh on "Happytime Murders"

Taylor Janzen, "Waiting Room"

1:01:14-1:07:23 - Donations

1:07:23-1:35:53 - Reviews: "Madeline's Madeline," "Realm of Perfection"

1:35:53-1:39:53 - Close / Outtake

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#694: Crazy Rich Asians / Top 5 Things We've Learned Podcasting (About Movies) Aug 24, 2018

In anticipation of the show's 700th episode, Adam and Josh - and fellow podcast veteran Dave Chen from the /Filmcast - consider what a decade-plus podcasting about movies has taught them. (In short: gratitude, humility, and getting by on less sleep.) Dave also joins the conversation about the new CRAZY RICH ASIANS, a hit at the box office and the first Hollywood studio-backed film in 25 years to feature a predominantly Asian and Asian-American cast.

0:00-1:51 - Billboard

1:51-30:20 - Review: "Crazy Rich Asians"

Ruby Ibarra, "Us"

34:00-46:21 - Next Week / Notes

46:21-54:19 - Polls (Happytime Murders / Ethan Hawke)

Ruby Ibarra, "Here"

56:37-1:50:47 - Top 5: Things We've Learned Podcasting (About Movies)

1:50:47-1:54:16 - Close

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#693: BlacKkKlansman / Top 5 Spike Lee Shots Aug 17, 2018

Master filmmaker, trickster, provocateur, Spike Lee has been making bold and timely films for over three decades now. And with his latest, BLACKkKLANSMAN, he's also made one of his best. On this week's show, Adam and Josh give Lee the career retrospective treatment with the Filmspotting Top 5: Spike Lee Shots, along with a review of the outstanding and thought-provoking KLANSMAN. Plus, a special wish-fulfillment edition of Massacre Theatre and some listener feedback on episode 689's Top 5 Struggling Movie Adolescents.

0:00-3:10 - Billboard

4:48-45:53 - Review: "Blackkklansman"

Crooklyn Dodgers, "Crooklyn"

49:54-58:25 - Next Week / Notes

58:25-1:06:21 - Massacre Theatre / Listener Feedback

Public Enemy, "He Got Game"

1:09:01-1:51:50 - Top 5: Spike Lee Shots

1:51:50-1:54:00 - Close

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#692: The Dark Knight 10th Anniv. / HBO's Sharp Objects Aug 10, 2018

THE DARK KNIGHT turns ten this summer, and in the years since it won critical raves and dominated the 2008 box office, its reputation, influence and iconic status have only grown. But what does it look like after a decade of superhero movies made in its shadow? Adam and Josh give the Sacred Cow treatment to Christopher Nolan's film and - with the help of listeners - engage in a spirited debate about which film deserves the title of "Best Superhero Movie Ever." Plus, Adam's conversation with the writer and stars of HBO's SHARP OBJECTS.

0:00-2:09 - Billboard

3:05- 45:56 - Sacred Cow: "The Dark Knight”

Black Puma, "Black Moon Rising"

49:02-1:08:31 - Next Week / Polls / Best Superhero Movie

1:08:31-1:46:47 - Interview: Gillian Flynn, Patricia Clarkson, Chris Messina

1:46:47-1:49:22 - Close / Outtake

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#691: Mission: Impossible - Fallout / Top 5 Tom Cruise Performances (Revisited) Aug 03, 2018

The "M:I" franchise is over 20 years old, with its sixth installment - MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - FALLOUT - currently in theaters. But ageless star Tom Cruise and his collaborators show no signs of slowing down when it comes to being a reliable source for action movie spectacle. Adam and Josh consider the near maniacal insistence on verisimilitude of writer/director Christopher McQuarrie and his star, and whether "Fallout's" focus on humanizing Ethan Hunt makes them regret Hunt didn't get more acclaim on their Top 5 Tom Cruise Performances.

0:00-3:07 - Billboard / Donations

3:08- 27:10 - Review: "Mission: Impossible - Fallout”

Carolina Story, “We Were Young Once Too"

28:23-31:39 - Next Week / Polls [Best Superhero Movie]

31:40-1:27:45 - Top 5: Cruise Performances (Revisited)

1:27:45-1:32:37 - Close

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#690: Top 5 Films of 2018 (So Far) Jul 27, 2018

At the halfway point of the year in movies, Adam and Josh agree on their two favorite movies, but share some surprising and diverse picks to round out their Top 5 Films of 2018 (So Far). Plus, listeners weigh in with their picks for the best of the year so far, and the new Filmspotting poll gives you just two options for best superhero movie... of all time.

0:00-4:34 - Billboard

5:19-36:33 - Top 5: Films of 2018 (So Far)

Chance the Rapper, "Work Out"

37:53-44:47 - Next Week / Notes / New Poll

44:47-1:11:39 - Top 5: Films of 2018 (So Far), cont.

1:11:39-1:13:44 - Close

*Correction: Simon Russell Beale plays Lavrenti Beria in "The Death of Stalin" not Nikita Kruschev (who is played by a very good Steve Buscemi).

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#689: Bo Burnham (Eighth Grade) / Top 5 Struggling Adolescents Jul 20, 2018

When Bo Burnham's EIGHTH GRADE debuted at Sundance in January, the response was mostly ecstatic - but also a little perplexed. How had a 27 year-old male stand up comic pulled off such a sincere and moving depiction of a teenage girl's middle school anxiety? How - and why? This week on the show, Adam gets to ask that very question in his interview with Burnham, as the two talk about the value of seeing human stories on the big screen and the genius of the film's star, newcomer Elsie Fisher. Plus, Adam's thoughts on the new Eugene Jarecki doc THE KING and his interview with fellow Iowan Andrew Sherburne, co-director of the new doc SAVING BRINTON. All that and this week's Filmspotting Top 5: Struggling Adolescents.

0:00-1:57 - Billboard

1:57-36:11 - Interview: Bo Burnham

36:11-42:36 - Reaction: "Eighth Grade"

Zac Clark, "Drugs"

43:38-55:31 - Next Week / Notes

55:31-1:01:51 - Massacre Theatre

1:01:51-1:07:12 - AK Recommends: "The King"

1:07:12-1:19:46 - Interview: Andrew Sherburne ("Saving Brinton")

Zac Clark, "Love You Later"

1:21:12-1:23:45 - Donations

1:23:45-2:01:21 - Top 5: Struggling Adolescents

2:01:21-2:04:06 - Close

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#688: Sorry to Bother You / Top 5 Worst Movie Jobs / Ant Man & The Wasp Jul 13, 2018

Comedy, social satire, dystopian nightmare: rapper, producer, political activist Boots Riley's debut film SORRY TO BOTHER YOU has a lot on its mind. And that's a good thing. Adam and guest Michael Phillips have a review of Riley's film, including some spoiler talk on the movie's divisive ending. Plus, Michael's thoughts on ANT MAN AND THE WASP, a review of director Debra Granik's LEAVE NO TRACE, the long-awaited follow-up to her 2010 film "Winter's Bone," and a Top 5 first: two picks come from the same movie (bold move, Phillips). It's the Top 5 Worst Movie Jobs.

0:00-2:54 - Billboard

2:54-33:25 - Reviews: "Ant Man," "Sorry to Bother You"

33:25-41:46 - "Sorry" Spoiler Talk

Caleborate, "Soul" (feat. Big K.R.I.T.)

42:42-1:00:05 - Next Week / Polls [Best Performances/Films of '18 (So Far)]

1:00:05-1:13:28 - Review: "Leave No Trace"

Caleborate, "Bankrobber"

1:14:15-1:17:46 - Donations

1:17:46-1:57:48 - Top 5: Worst Movie Jobs

1:57:48-2:00:59 - Close

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FS Revisited: The Terminator / Top 5 Films of 1984 Jul 06, 2018

1984 was a banner year for crane kicks, mogwais and bustin' ghosts, but it also saw the debut of Arnold Schwarzenegger's T-800, better known as THE TERMINATOR. On this episode from May 2017, Adam and Josh give James Cameron's seminal sci-fi thriller the Sacred Cow treatment, resulting in a heated split review. Plus, the Top 5 Films of 1984.

0:00-1:14 - Billboard

1:14-34:18 - Sacred Cow: "The Terminator"

The Ramones, "Too Tough To Die"

35:16-1:12:47 - Top 5: Films of 1984

1:12:47-1:13:58 - Close

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#687: Top 5 Women in Westerns / Damsel Jun 29, 2018

Sure, movie westerns are mostly about dudes on horseback quick-drawing pistols in small, dusty cow-towns, but some of the best films in the genre feature memorable turns by actresses in key roles, like Grace Kelly and Katy Jurado in "High Noon," Angie Dickinson in "Rio Bravo" - and Madeline Kahn in "Blazing Saddles." This week on the show, Josh and the AV Club's Katie Rife share their Top 5 Women in Westerns along with a review of DAMSEL, the oddball new western from the Zellner Brothers ("Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter"), starring Robert Pattinson and Mia Wasikowska.

0:00-2:12 - Intro

2:55-18:56 - Review: "Damsel"

18:56-24:29 - "Damsel" Spoilers

Nikki Lane, "Companion"

27:12-33:30 - Next week / Passes / Meetups

33:30-40:39 - Massacre Theatre

42:38-1:22:17 - Top 5: Women in Westerns

1:22:17-1:25:47 - Close

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#686: Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom / Top 5 Movie Chrises Jun 22, 2018

It isn't enough that we've been blessed with four hunky dudes named Chris, all with solid acting chops and charisma to spare - we had to go ahead and rank them. On this week's show, Adam and Josh battle over the relative merits of Evans, Hemsworth, Pine and Pratt - and welcome another age-appropriate Chris to the club - as they offer a very special "Power Ranking" Top 5: Actors (between the ages of 35 and 39) Named Chris. Plus. a review of the Pratt-starring JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM, directed by J.A. Bayona ("The Orphanage." "The Impossible").

0:00-1:36 - Intro

2:19-23:20 - Review: "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom"

U.S. Girls, "A Rage of Plastics"

29:47-38:50 - Next week / Passes / Meetups / SVU

38:50-42:53 - Poll (Best Performances of 2018 So Far)

U.S. Girls, "Pearly Gates"

44:50-48:34 - Donations

48:34-1:25:08 - Top 5: Movie Chrises

1:25:08-1:27:00 - Close

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#685: Incredibles 2 / Top 5 Pixar Performances / Hereditary Jun 15, 2018

Pixar has done a lot of things right over the past 23 years (note the studio's 80% average Metacritic rating), but among its greatest accomplishments is its consistently inspired voice casting. Tom Hanks' Woody works so well not just because of the actor's familiarity, but because Woody also taps into the decency, good humor - and occasional comic hysteria - that define Hanks's on-screen persona. On this week's show, Adam and Josh celebrate that genius ear for casting with their Top 5 Pixar Performances, along with a review of the new INCREDIBLES 2. Plus, Josh's thoughts on the new indie horror film HEREDITARY, the "Ocean's 11 spin-off" OCEAN'S 8 and Golden Brick nominee "THOROUGHBREDS."

0:00-2:26 - Intro

1:11-27:06 - Review: "Incredibles 2"

Neko Case, "Bad Luck"

29:50-45:37 - Next week / Notes / Massacre Theatre

45:37-53:58 - Larsen Recommends: "Hereditary," "Ocean's 8," "Thoroughbreds"

Neko Case, "Hell-On"

56:23-1:35:21 - Top 5: Pixar Performances

1:35:21-1:37:31 - Close

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#684: Top 5 Classic Rock Moments in Movies Jun 08, 2018

Whether used ironically or to provide insight - or just to make characters look really, really cool - classic rock has been memorably employed by some of the best directors of the rock era. Joining Adam and Josh for their Top 5 Classic Rock Moments in Movies is writer and critic Steven Hyden, author of the new book "Twilight of the Gods: A Journey to the End of Classic Rock."

0:00-1:40 - Intro

3:15-26:07 - Top 5: Classic Rock Moments in Movies

Donovan, "Atlantis"

29:05-31:14 - Notes

31:14-1:07:44 - Top 5: Classic Rock Moments in Movies, cont.

1:07:44-1:09:42 - Close

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#683: Almost Famous / Steven Hyden Jun 01, 2018

With rock writer and cultural critic Steven Hyden dropping by to discuss his new book, "Twilight of the Gods: A Journey to the End of Classic Rock," Adam and Josh decided it was as good a time as any to revisit rock-critic-turned-filmmaker Cameron Crowe's ode to '70s rock ALMOST FAMOUS. As a meditation on criticism and the critic's relationship with artists, Adam and Josh agree that the movie is as authentic, moving and funny today as it was almost 20 years ago. They also agree on some minor quibbles with the film, but save their biggest debate for Billy Crudup's enigmatic guitarist Russell Hammond. Was Crowe right to pick a good actor over a good musician? Hyden makes it clear where he stands on the issue when he joins the conversation and also talks about the past, present and future of Classic Rock.

And if you're wondering what happened to this week's top 5 list? It's coming. Sides 3 and 4 of this Filmspotting double album will drop next week when Hyden returns for the Top 5 Classic Rock Moments in Movies.

0:00-2:28 - Intro

3:11-49:33 - Sacred Cow: "Almost Famous"

Elton John, "Tiny Dancer"

52:35-1:02:25 - Notes / Polls (Replacing an icon / Best of Pixar)

1:02:25-1:36:18 - Interview: Steven Hyden

1:36:18-1:45:10 - Close / Hot Mics

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#682: Solo: A Star Wars Story / Paul Schrader / Deadpool 2 May 25, 2018

40 (movie) years after Han Solo first boasted about his 12-parsec Kessel Run, the new SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY finally lets us take the ride. But is it enough to justify the movie's existence? And what if your new Han isn't among the five best things about his own movie? Yes, Adam and Josh have issues with "Solo," but also some praise for the excellent supporting cast, at least one great action set-piece and Chewbacca, of course. Also on the show, recommendations for DEADPOOL 2 and the new doc CHOSEN: CUSTODY OF THE EYES, plus an interview with legendary writer/director Paul Schrader ("Taxi Driver," "Raging Bull," "Affliction"), whose new film, FIRST REFORMED with Ethan Hawke, is earning him some of the best reviews of his long and storied career. (Come for Schrader's brilliant insights into "slow cinema," stay for the anecdote about his intro to Ingmar Bergman at an Ann Arbor porn theater and the movie of his that he refers to as "a piece of juvenilia and an F.U. to my dad and his religion.")

0:00-2:05 - Intro

2:51-32:01 - Review: "Solo: A Star Wars Story"

Mokoomba, "Mokole"

35:15-46:26 - Next Week / Notes / Corrections

46:26-53:09 - Massacre Theatre

53:09-1:01:49 - ]"Chosen: Custody of the Eyes," "Deadpool 2"

1:01:49-1:11:21 - Feedback: "Avengers: Infinity War"

Mokoomba, "Njawane"

1:15:55-1:17:48 - Donations

1:17:48-1:53:49 - Interview: Paul Schrader

1:53:49-1:56:24 - Close / Outtake

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#681: Lord of the Rings 15th Anniversary / Top 5 LOTR Scenes May 18, 2018

Released in consecutive Decembers beginning in 2001, Peter Jackson’s colossal adaptation of Tolkien’s LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy reached its conclusion in 2003 with "The Return of the King" which went on to win 11 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. Despite enjoying the first installment just fine, Adam never made time for "Two Towers" or "Return," which didn't stop him from spending much of the last fifteen years taking digs at the films and the people who loved them (people like Josh). But with 2019's Filmspotting Madness (Best of the 2000s) on the horizon - just past the Misty Mountains, in fact - Adam agreed to knock out his Hobbity blindspots with an epic (re)consideration of the trilogy in which he and Josh discuss the horror elements in the trilogy, the care with which Jackson depicts the cost of war and the greatness of Ian McKellen (and the rest of the brilliantly cast ensemble). Plus a Top 5 Scenes from the trilogy that illustrates how Jackson, in bringing the trilogy to life, was just as attentive to the subtle, quiet moments as he was the epic battle scenes.

0:00-2:32 - Intro

3:08-41:51 - "The Lord of the Rings"

Howard Shore, "The End of All Things"

44:07-51:32 - Next Week / Notes

51:32-59:43 - Polls (Best of Brolin / Taking Over an Iconic Role)

Howard Shore, "The Prophecy"

1:01:54-1:42:39 - Top 5: "Lord of the Rings" Scenes

1:42:39-1:46:55 - Close / Outtake

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#680: Tully / Top 5 Too-Real Parenting Moments May 11, 2018

"It's the most terrifying day in your life, the day the first one is born." Bill Murray bringing the truth in Sofia Coppola's "Lost in Translation" - just one of the films referenced in this week's Top 5: Too-Real Parenting Moments. As real-life parents of four (Adam) and two (Josh), this week's list has a more confessional quality to it than most. And it's all inspired by TULLY, the very good new film from Diablo Copy and Jason Reitman, previous collaborators on "Juno" and "Young Adult."

0:00-2:20 - Intro

2:56-38:05 - Review: "Tully"

Bat Fangs, "Rock the Reaper"

39:29-57:09 - Next Week / Notes

57:09-1:04:04 - Massacre Theatre

Bat Fangs, "Wolfbite"

1:07:44-1:46:45 - Top 5: Too-Real Parenting Moments

1:46:45-1:51:26 - Close / Outtake

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#679: Summer Movie Preview / You Were Never Really Here / The Rider May 04, 2018

The massive success of "Black Panther" and "Avengers: Infinity War" may have made the concept of a “summer” blockbuster season irrelevant, but there will still be summer and there will still be summer movies. And despite Marvel's early box office dominance, big movies await in the form of high profile sequels for "Jurassic World," "Deadpool" and "The Incredibles." Oh, and a little "Star Wars Story" about Han Solo arriving on Memorial Day. For their look ahead at the upcoming slate of releases, Adam and Josh ignore (almost) all of those to pose their Top 5 Summer Movie Questions, with queries about the Pope, Mister Rogers and maybe this year's "Lady Bird"?

Plus, reviews of Lynne Ramsay's YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE with Joaquin Phoenix and Chloe Zhao's acclaimed THE RIDER, and Adam recommends the new reality-is-stranger-than-fiction doc THREE IDENTICAL STRANGERS.

0:00-1:46 - Intro

2:42-42:19 - Summer Movie Preview

Lucy Dacus, "Yours & Mine"

45:22-41:03 - Next Week / Notes

41:03-55:20 - Poll: Best of Brolin

56:30-1:27:30 - Review: "You Were Never...," "The Rider"

1:27:30-1:31:26 - Adam recommends: "Three Identical Strangers"

1:31:26-1:35:25 - Close

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#678: Avengers: Infinity War / Top 5: Filmspotting's Avengers Apr 27, 2018

With the first decade of the MCU coming to a close with AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR (and its 2019 sequel), Adam and Josh are forced to reckon with the fact that 19 films into Marvel's uneven series, they've developed some affection for many of its Chrises, er, characters. And, oh my, are there so many characters. And while Josh at various points refers to the film as "exhausting" and "a long con," Adam defends directors Anthony and Joe Russo ("Captain America: Civil War") for bringing discipline and sound storytelling to their massive undertaking. Also on the show, the Top 5 "Filmspotting Avengers," which has Adam and Josh assembling their own teams of cinematic heroes. (Yes, of course this Top 5 has inspired a t-shirt design contest.)

0:00-2:07 - Intro

2:44-27:25 - Review: "Avengers: Infinity War"

Waxahatchee, "No Question"

30:04-36:14 - Next Week / Notes

36:14-42:16 - Massacre Theatre

Waxahatchee, "Recite Remorse"

43:57-46:34 - Donations

46:34-1:14:55 - Top 5: Filmspotting's Avengers

1:14:55-1:17:46 - Close

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#677: Lean on Pete / Top 5 Horse Scenes Apr 20, 2018

UK writer-director Andrew Haigh has spent the first part of his career quietly defying expectations. With his feature breakout "Weekend," he crafted an intimate tale about two young gay men spending a weekend getting to know each other. For his 2015 follow-up, "45 Years," Haigh turned his focus to an aging husband and wife haunted by the past. (Charlotte Rampling was nominated for an Oscar for her performance.) And now Haigh's latest takes another surprising turn, with his adaptation of the Willy Vlautin novel LEAN ON PETE, which chronicles the relationship between a displaced teen and a past-his-prime race horse. But true to Haigh's work to date, PETE is a clear-eyed, unsentimental piece of work that - like his other films - is still capable of delivering a punch to the gut.

On this week's show, Adam and Josh have a review of LEAN ON PETE and, in the tradition of inspired Top 5 topics like Bicycle Scenes and Movie Redheads, they share their Top 5 Horse Scenes (horses on stage! horses in the jungle! ship-wrecked horses!). Plus Chicago critic Steve Prokopy drops by to share some details about the upcoming Chicago Critics Film Festival (May 4th-10th).

0:00-2:05 - Intro

2:43-34:21 - Review: "Lean On Pete"

Hurray for the Riff Raff, "Hungry Ghost"

38:13-49:28 - Milos Forman / Notes

49:28-59:20 - Filmspotting Madness Recap

59:20-1:15:24 - Preview: Chicago Critics Film Festival

The Osmonds, "Crazy Horses"

1:17:54-1:51:53 - Top 5: Horse Scenes

1:51:53-1:55:29 - Close / Josh Recommends: Pizza Ranch

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Minnelli Marathon Awards - The Garlands Apr 18, 2018

After working through six films spanning nearly two decades in the career of Vincente Minnelli, Adam, Josh and guest Nathaniel Myers roll out the red carpet for "The Garlands," the best of the marathon awards, including their favorite Supporting and Lead Performances, Scene, "Minnelli Moment" and Picture.

For the full Minnelli lineup and conversations, visit the Marathons page at filmspotting.net.

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#676: A Quiet Place / Top 5 Quiet Scenes / FS Madness Champ Apr 13, 2018

It's a little surprising to see nice guy "Office"-alum John Krasinski directing a monster movie, but Adam and guest-host Michael Phillips agree that his A QUIET PLACE is a tense, finely-crafted film that feels a little like a Western and a well-observed family drama – even as it's scaring the pants off you. Krasinksi's movie also exploits its smart premise to potent effect: its monsters hunt by sound, so everyone - including the audience - is on aural high alert. For this week's Top 5, Adam and Michael look to films from icons like Kubrick, Hitchcock, Coppola and Spielberg for scenes that make effective use of silence. Plus, your 2018 Filmspotting Madness Champion.

0:00-1:42 - Intro

2:26-32:07 - Review: "A Quiet Place"

Wye Oak, "The Louder I Call, the Faster It Runs"

34:10-41:52 - Notes / Next Week

41:52-56:20 - Filmspotting Madness Champion

56:20-1:11:45 - Top 5: Quiet Scenes

Dave Shire, "The Conversation" (Main Theme)

1:13:43-1:36:01 - Top 5: Quiet Scenes cont.

1:36:01-1:39:57 - Close

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Minnelli Marathon #6 - Some Came Running Apr 11, 2018

Guest-host Michael Phillips says of Minnelli that no one shot better wide-screen Cinemascope compositions and calls the director's SOME CAME RUNNING - based on James Jones's 1957 novel - "one of the great adaptations of a truly lousy book." (RUNNING is based on James Jones's follow-up to "From Here To Eternity.") In the film, which was nominated for 5 Oscars, Frank Sinatra plays a slumping novelist back in his small Indiana hometown for the first time in 16 years. He's torn between two women - call girl Shirley MacLaine and sophisticated English teacher Martha Hyer. Along for the ride is Dean Martin as Sinatra's gambler pal. Michael admits to being "in the bag" for Minnelli's masterfully shot melodrama. But can Adam see his way past the movie's retrograde sexual politics?

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#675: Ready Player One / Top 5 Movie Homages / FS Madness Final Apr 06, 2018

Is there a four-hour cut of READY PLAYER ONE? Adam and guest host Tasha Robinson (TheVerge.com, Next Picture Show) have no idea, but it would help explain some of the narrative shortcuts in Spielberg's visually impressive adaptation of the Ernest Cline bestseller. The good news about the story's leap to the big screen is an improvement on the fun, but slight source material and some electrifying moments of nostalgia-fueled fun. Adam and Tasha also go on an Easter Egg hunt of sorts, with their Top 5 Movie Homages (that is, movies referencing other movies), including a movie-length Tarantino homage that gobsmacks Adam when Tasha points it out. All that, plus the championship round of Filmspotting Madness.

0:00-2:44 - Intro

3:30-41:25 - Review: "Ready Player One"

The Blow, "Get Up"

44:30-49:41 - Next Week / Notes

49:41-58:56 - Filmspotting Madness: Final

58:56-1:23:04 - Top 5: Movie Homages

The Blow, "The Greatest Love of All"

1:25:06-1:57:43 - Top 5: Movie Homages, cont

1:57:43-2:01:03 - Close

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Minnelli Marathon #5 - Lust for Life Apr 04, 2018

Vincente Minnelli's 1956 Van Gogh biopic starring Kirk Douglas as the tortured artist is as bold and emotionally vivid as one of the painter's visionary canvases. Which is to say that, yeah, it lacks a bit of subtlety now and then. But Douglas gives an intense and painfully vulnerable performance as Van Gogh, alongside memorable turns by James Donald as Vincent's long-suffering but loyal brother Theo, and Oscar-winner Anthony Quinn as a belligerent, larger-than-life Paul Gaugin.

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#674: Isle of Dogs / Top 5 Wes Anderson Scenes / FS Madness Final Four Mar 30, 2018

In 2007, Wes Anderson took his act overseas to India for "The Darjeeling Limited," and was accused by some of cultural insensitivity. Anderson's latest - the stop-motion animated ISLE OF DOGS - is set in Japan, and some of those same criticisms have resurfaced. While acknowledging its critics, Josh deems the setting "crucial" to the film's power and anoints it an early front-runner for his film of the year. But does (relative) Anderson-skeptic Adam follow his co-host's lead? A review of "Dogs," Josh and Michael Phillips' Top 5 Wes Anderson Scenes (from 2014) and the Filmspotting Madness: Best of the '90s Final Four revealed.

0:00-2:05 - Intro

3:00-37:24 - Review: "Isle of Dogs"

Jack White, "Why Walk a Dog?"

39:58-49:07 - Next Week / Notes

49:07-1:01:11 - Filmspotting Madness: Final Four

1:01:11-1:16:39 - Top 5: Wes Anderson Scenes (2014)

The Ramones, "Judy Is a Punk"

1:17:24-1:36:48 - Top 5: Anderson Scenes cont.

1:36:48-1:39:04 - Close

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#673: Unsane / FS Madness Elite 8 Mar 23, 2018

When Steven Soderbergh returned to feature filmmaking last year with the low budget heist caper "Logan Lucky," it was just another chapter in the mercurial director’s career. Blockbuster filmmaker. Indie auteur. Soderbergh has done it all. He shot his latest - the psychological thriller UNSANE featuring Claire Foy ("The Crown") - on an iPhone 7. Fresh from their screening, Adam and Josh offer up some "still processing" thoughts. Plus, results from the Sweet 16 matchups - "Fargo" v "Before Sunrise"? "Big Lebowski" v "Boogie Nights"? - of Filmspotting Madness: Best of the '90s.

0:00-2:01 - Intro

4:06-30:02 - Review: "Unsane"

Carter Burwell, "Fargo, North Dakota"

32:32-41:39 - Next Week / Notes

41:39-58:40 - FS Madness: Elite 8

58:40-1:00:00 - Close

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Minnelli Marathon #4 - The Band Wagon Mar 21, 2018

"Professor" Michael Phillips returns for a conversation about one of his favorite Minnelli films, the 1953 musical THE BAND WAGON. The plot has Fred Astaire as a washed up song and dance man who gets paired with Cyd Charisse's anxious ballerina for a doomed stage musical based on the Faust legend. With Astaire and Charisse and a script by the same duo that wrote "Singin' in the Rain," expectations were high. But despite a few stand-out numbers - go ahead and YouTube "Dancing in the Dark", and the film's noir-inspired "Girl Hunt" finale - Adam and Josh come up a little short of being able to say: "That's Entertainment."

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#672: Miller's Crossing / FS Madness Sweet 16 Mar 16, 2018

Note: your "Coen Brothers Ranked" lists may need some readjusting. Especially if you haven't seen - or haven't seen in a long while - the Coens densely plotted and impeccably cast third feature, MILLER'S CROSSING. The period gangster picture was a revelatory experience in Josh's early cinematic life, but it had been a couple decades since his last visit. Likewise for Adam. After getting unceremoniously bounced in the first round of the Best of the 90s Filmspotting Madness tournament, they decided to give "Crossing" another look and find it somehow an even greater achievement than those ecstatic first impressions. A couple decades watching Coen Brothers movies can, it seems, help you see even their earlier work more clearly. (And, oh man, that Carter Burwell score.) All that, plus Filmspotting Madness round two results and third-round matchups.

0:00-1:30 - Intro

3:54-41:52 - Sacred Cow: "Miller's Crossing"

Carter Burwell, "Miller's Crossing Theme"

45:40-50:39 - Next Week / Notes

50:39-1:03:36 - Filmspotting Madness: Sweet 16

Stealers Wheel, "Stuck In The Middle With You"

1:05:50-1:26:44 - Filmspotting Madness: Sweet 16, cont

1:26:44-1:29:13 - Close

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Minnelli Marathon #3 - The Bad and the Beautiful Mar 14, 2018

Take a quick look through Vincente Minnelli's directing credits and one thing becomes clear: he only worked with the best. In his 1952 Hollywood melodrama THE BAD AND THE BEAUTIFUL, Minnelli gets a simultaneously charming and sinister performance from Kirk Douglas as a movie producer who'll do anything for his art. And - even better - Lana Turner as a starlet struggling with drink and depression.

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#671: A Wrinkle in Time / Filmspotting Madness (Round 2) Mar 09, 2018

It's been a week since their review of "Annihilation," but it feels like Adam and Josh never quite escaped The Shimmer. Ava DuVernay's visually adventurous adaptation of the beloved (and "unfilmable") sci-fi/fantasy kids novel shares some of the apocalyptic themes of Alex Garland's film - as well as some of its ability to confound. While agreeing that DuVernay managed to make something personal out of her 100-million-dollar, effects-driven film, they disagree about just how successful that something is. Plus, Filmspotting Madness: Best of the '90s opening round results and second round matchups.

0:00-2:08 - Intro

4:42-22:13 - Review: "A Wrinkle in Time"

Shannon and the Clams, "The Boy"

24:53-32:05 - Oscars Recap / Next Week / Notes

32:05-50:15 - Filmspotting Madness: Round 2

Jonathan Richman, "There's Something About Mary"

51:29-1:21:36 - Filmspotting Madness: Round 2, cont

1:21:36-1:24:24 - Close / Hot Mics

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Minnelli Marathon #2 - Meet Me in St. Louis Mar 07, 2018

Vincente Minnelli's first collaboration with future wife Judy Garland was the 1903-set MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, the second film in Filmspotting's six-film Minnelli Marathon. Coming a year after his 1943 debut "Cabin the Sky," the movie charts a year in the life of the Smith family, happily settled in the title city and eagerly anticipating the 1904 World's Fair. Despite its reputation as one of the great MGM musicals, Adam and Josh admit to some disappointment at the film's lack of stakes and its nostalgic embrace of the nuclear family as a platonic ideal. They admit to being charmed by Garland, though, along with a number of scenes that allow Minnelli to show off his technical brilliance.

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#670: Annihilation / FS Madness (Best of the '90s) Mar 02, 2018

Adam and Josh exchange theories about "Ex Machina" director Alex Garland's latest mind-bender, ANNIHILATION, which continues Garland's sci-fi exploration of what it means to be human. (That's one theory, anyway.) After giving the movie a thorough, spoiler-free working over, they dive into some spoiler talk and discuss the movie's ending in detail. (Fear not! They give you plenty of warning - and a music break - before getting spoiler-y.) Then it's into the mouth of madness as they walk you through the 32 opening round matchups in this year's Filmspotting Madness: Best of the '90s Edition.

0:00-2:04 - Intro

2:58-29:39 - Review: "Annihilation"

29:39-43:25 - "Annihilation" Spoilers

Loma, "Relay Runner"

46:33-52:50 - Larsen Recommends: "Killer of Sheep"

52:50-1:08:49 - Next Week / Notes

1:08:49-1:37:05 - Filmspotting Madness: Opening Round

Danny Elfman, "Ice Dance" (Edward Scissorhands)

1:40:13-2:12:38 - Filmspotting Madness, cont

2:12:38-2:24:04 - Close / Hot Mics

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Minnelli Marathon #1 - Cabin in the Sky Feb 28, 2018

Filmspotting's six-film Minnelli Marathon kicks off with the director's 1943 debut CABIN IN THE SKY. Despite the folk musical's troubling racial characterizations, the all-black musical is redeemed by astonishing performances from Ethel Waters, Eddie "Rochester" Anderson, and Lena Horne, along with memorable numbers for the likes of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, John William "Bubbles" Sublett, and tap-dancer Bill Bailey. The movie also offers an early showcase of Minnelli's brilliant camerawork and gift for staging song and dance.

Next week: 1944's "Meet Me in St. Louis"

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#669: Titanic / Top 5 Overlooked '90s Movies Feb 23, 2018

"Pulp Fiction," "Goodfellas," "Fargo"... some ‘90s movies moved seamlessly from best of the year, to best of the decade, to best of all time. But as the '90s recede further into the past, lesser-known (but also great) films are at risk of being forgotten. In anticipation of this year's edition of Filmspotting Madness, Adam and Josh recommend some overlooked '90s movies from Jane Campion, Spike Lee, John Sayles and more, and split on their Sacred Cow review of James Cameron’s TITANIC.

0:00-2:20 - Intro

3:14-41:31 - Sacred Cow: "Titanic"

The Cardigans, "Lovefool"

44:18-47:05 - Next Week / Notes

47:05-58:38 - FS Madness Preview

The La's, "There She Goes"

59:29-1:05:27 - Donations

1:05:27-1:43:51 - Top 5: Overlooked '90s Movies

1:43:51-1:45:40 - Close

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#668: Black Panther / Top 5 Superhero-Director Combos (We'd Like To See) Feb 16, 2018

The inspired pairing of Ryan Coogler and BLACK PANTHER has the hosts in pitch mode as Adam and Josh offer up the superhero projects they'd like to see on the big screen, including the directors - and stars - who should make them happen. Plus, the 4th annual Filmspotting Madness gets underway with the announcement of a handful of play-in matches.

0:00-1:24 - Intro

1:24-27:41 - Review: "Black Panther"

Kendrick Lamar, "Black Panther"

28:36-37:46 - Next Week / Notes

37:46-47:37 - Massacre Theatre

47:37-1:01:04 - Filmspotting Madness

Wings, "Magneto and Titanium Man"

1:01:55-1:46:43 - Top 5: Superhero-Director Combos (We'd Like To See)

1:46:43-1:56:18 - Close / Hot Mics

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#667: Darkest Hour / Top 5 Gary Oldman Performances Feb 09, 2018

In the 30 years since his turn as the temperamental Sid Vicious in Alex Cox's '86 punk biopic "Sid and Nancy," Gary Oldman has brought an intense commitment - sometimes flamboyant, theatrical level of commitment - to dozens of memorable roles. This week, Adam and Josh review Oldman's Oscar-nominated turn as Winston Churchill in Joe Wright's DARKEST HOUR and share a top 5 devoted to the chameleonic actor's most essential cinematic creations.

0:00-1:04 - Intro

1:04-30:00 - Review: "Darkest Hour"

The Sex Pistols, "God Save The Queen"

30:49-46:48 - Next Week / FS Madness

46:48-1:19:42 - Top 5: Gary Oldman Performances

1:19:42-1:28:19 - Close / Hot Mics

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#666: Top 5 Films of 1983 / Videodrome Feb 02, 2018

1983 had De Palma's "Scarface," "Eddie Murphy in "Trading Places" (and "Delirious"!), four Tom Cruise movies and the final film in the original "Star Wars" trilogy, but for their Top 5 of '83, Adam and Josh look to auteurs from here and abroad - and Wally World, of course. Plus, a Blindspotting review of David Cronenberg's prescient techno-horror film, starring a sleazy James Woods along with Blondie's Debbie Harry. And stick around for "Bar-Hopping with Adam: Tampa Bay Edition" in the post-credits 'Hot Mics' segment.

0:00-1:19 - Intro

2:25-21:10 - Top 5: 1983

23:25-52:44 - Poll / Top 5: 1983, cont

Howard Shore, "Welcome to Videodrome"

57:54-1:03:19 - Next Week / Notes

1:03:19-1:09:55 - Massacre Theatre

1:09:55-1:34:31 - Blindspotting: "Videodrome"

1:34:31-1:45:43 - Close / Hot Mics

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#665: Oscar Nominations / Revisiting Last Jedi / Paddington 2 Jan 26, 2018

With so much good news to celebrate with this year's Oscar nominations, Adam and Josh talk through the nominees for "the big six" awards, along with a few of their wish list and long-shot favorites that didn't make the cut. Listeners then chime in with their thoughts on THE LAST JEDI, with the hosts reflecting on their second helping of Rian Johnson's divisive entry into the Star Wars saga. Plus, Adam adds his voice to the chorus of praise for the consensus best film of the new year so far, PADDINGTON 2.

0:00-1:59 - Intro

3:53-30:18 - Oscar Nominations

Alexandre Desplat, "The Shape of Water"

32:21-42:32 - Next Week / Next Marathon

42:32-51:25 - Adam recommends: "Paddington 2"

John Williams, "The Supremacy" (The Last Jedi)

52:09-1:32:35 - Revisiting "The Last Jedi"

1:32:35-1:39:14 - Close / Hot Mics

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#664: 2018 Movie Preview / Phantom Thread Jan 19, 2018

With the ink hardly dry on their year-end lists, Adam and Josh offer up a 2018 Preview in the form of their top 5 questions about the new movie year. Conspicuously absent from those best of '17 lists? Paul Thomas Anderson's PHANTOM THREAD. Fresh off a second viewing, the hosts give the film the lovingly in-depth review it deserves. Plus, Massacre Theatre, the return of Larsen Recommends and, in the post-credits "Hot Mics" segment, bonus thoughts on "I, Tonya" and "The Greatest Showman."

0:00-1:23 - Intro

2:18-39:29 - 2018 Movie Preview

Sufjan Stevens, "Tonya Harding"

42:50-48:44 - 2018 Preview, cont.

48:44-56:21 - Next Week / Larsen Recommends: "Mom and Dad"

56:21-1:06:09 - Massacre Theatre

Jonny Greenwood, "The House of Woodcock"

1:07:12-1:47:55 - Review: "Phantom Thread"

1:47:55-1:59:28 - Close / Hot Mics

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#663: Best Movie Moments of 2017 Jan 12, 2018

Despite staying in-studio this time, Adam and Josh continue the tradition of making the first show of the new year a celebratory, post-Top 10 "Wrap Party," with a blissful recounting of their favorite movie moments of 2017. In addition to sharing their favorite scenes of the year (along with opening scenes, funniest scenes, music and most moving moments), they also reveal the winner of the 2017 Golden Brick Award. And stick around for the post-credits "Hot Mics" segment for Adam's story about watching JANE with the in-laws.

0:00-1:19 - Intro

2:22-29:08 - Opening Scene / Funniest Scene

Dave Matthews Band, "Crash"

31:34-37:12 - Next Week / Notes

37:12-53:13 - Golden Brick Award

53:13-1:09:19 - Music Moment

John Denver, "Take Me Home, Country Roads"

1:10:13-1:13:29 - Donations

1:13:29-1:55:09 - Moving Moment / Scene of the Year

1:55:09-2:05:59 - Close / Hot Mics

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#662: (Pt. 2) Top 10 Films of 2017 Dec 29, 2017

With their 'outlier' picks behind them, Adam and Josh - joined by guests Tasha Robinson (The Verge) and Michael Phillips (Chicago Tribune) - get down to business in part two of the Top 10 Films of 2017 countdown with their consensus choices for the best films of the year. Consensus, that is, with the exception of a pair of films that also happen to be among the most divisive films of '17. (Trigger warning for those of you who don't like to hear mommy and daddy fight.)

0:00-1:52 - Intro

2:49-52:17 - Top 10: Consensus Picks

Hans Zimmer & Benjamin Wallfisch, "Home" (Dunkirk)

56:14-1:03:32 - Notes / 2017 Golden Brick Finalists

1:03:32-1:48:51 - Top 10: Consensus cont.

1:48:51-1:51:32 - Close

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#661: (Pt. 1) Top 10 Films of 2017 Dec 22, 2017

With Michael Phillips and Tasha Robinson joining Adam and Josh for the Top 10 Films of 2017 countdown, the roundtable devotes part one to 'The Outliers' - picks unique to each host's list. Before getting to next week's "Consensus" choices, find out who has a soft spot for body-swapping anime, who isn't afraid to put a rom-com in their top ten, and who has a thing for... rats.

0:00-1:58 - Intro

4:01-48:51 - Top 10: Outliers

Daniel Hart, "Little Notes" (A Ghost Story)

50:45-54:40 - Notes

54:40-1:02:17 - Poll: Best of 2017

1:02:17-1:37:56 - Top 10: Outliers cont.

1:37:56-1:43:36 - Close

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#660: The Last Jedi / Call Me By Your Name Dec 15, 2017

If 2015’s “The Force Awakens” was an explicit attempt to resurrect the rousing adventure and sly humor of the original Star Wars, then it was reasonable to assume that the latest installment in the franchise - Rian Johnson's THE LAST JEDI - might follow in the footsteps of the series’ darkest chapter: “The Empire Strikes Back.” On this week’s show, Adam and Josh discuss a film that finds clever ways to acknowledge what has come before, while making a mark as a fresh, stylish and distinct new entry in the saga. Plus, thoughts on two Golden Brick candidates, LADY MACBETH and LOVING VINCENT, and Luca Guadagnino's acclaimed new film CALL ME BY YOUR NAME.

0:00-1:17 - Intro

1:17-35:31 - Review: "The Last Jedi"

Big Thief, "Mythological Beauty"

36:33-45:57 - Brickspotting: "Lady Macbeth," "Loving Vincent"

45:57-53:57 - CFCA Nominations / Notes

53:57-1:00:15 - Massacre Theatre

1:00:15-1:14:29 - Review: "Call Me By Your Name"

1:14:29-1:16:39 - Close

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#659: Top 5 Best Worst Movies / The Disaster Artist / The Shape of Water Dec 08, 2017

It’s not easy to make a good movie, never mind a great one. But it may be even harder to make a truly terrible movie. 2003’s "The Room" is one such terrible movie that is so bad it's become legend - and a favorite at midnight movie screenings. It's also the subject of the new James Franco-directed (and starring) film THE DISASTER ARTIST, which tells the story of how "The Room" came to be. This week, reviews of "Artist" and THE SHAPE OF WATER, a wondrous new Cold War-era fairy tale from Guillermo del Toro. Plus, the Top 5 Best Worst Movies with Rob Hill, author of "The Bad Movie Bible."

0:00-2:03 - Intro

3:28-34:13 - Review: "The Shape Of Water"

Ron Gallo, "Don't Mind The Lion"

36:09-38:47 - Next week / Notes

38:47-45:35 - Polls: "The Room" / Best of 2017

45:35-1:00:17 - Review: "The Disaster Artist"

Ron Gallo, "Young Lady You're Scaring Me"

1:01:40-1:06:31 - Donations

1:06:31-1:40:53 - Top 5: Best Bad Movies

1:40:53-1:44:11 - Close / Outtake

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#658: Top 5 Movie Years / There Will Be Blood / Coco / Mudbound Dec 01, 2017

Great movie years usually come down to a memorable Best Picture matchup. In 1939, it was "Gone With the Wind" versus "The Wizard of Oz." In '94, "Pulp Fiction" versus Forrest Gump." And a decade ago - in 2007 - it was the Coen Bros’ "No Country for Old Men" versus Paul Thomas Anderson’s THERE WILL BE BLOOD. On this week's show, Adam and Josh honor the 10th anniversary of '07 with a Sacred Cow review of the PTA masterpiece and share their own Top 5 Movie Years. (Have a seat, 1939, you and Scarlett are going to sit this one out.)

0:00-2:01 - Intro

3:09-39:53 - Sacred Cow: "There Will Be Blood"

Jonny Greenwood, "Prospector's Quartet"

42:57-45:57 - Next week / notes

45:57-56:28 - Massacre Theatre

56:28-1:03:37 - JL Recommends: "Coco" "Mudbound"

Michael Giacchino, "Dia de los Muertos Suite"

1:06:14-1:47:27 - Top 5: Movie Years

1:47:27-1:49:20 - Close

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Revisiting The Force Awakens / Rian Johnson Nov 24, 2017

Back in December 2015, Adam and Josh weren't even allowed to share the location of their "Force Awakens" screening. Stakes were high. Their review - posted just minutes after the critic's embargo was lifted - was overall positive, but notably non-specific. In anticipation of "The Last Jedi," they revisit the J.J. Abrams-directed film and that early review to see how they hold up. Plus, the show's interview with "The Last Jedi" director Rian Johnson recorded live at Filmspotting's 500th episode celebration in 2014. At the time, Johnson had just been announced as the writer/director of Episode VIII. He talks about how early pre-production was going, what order a Star Wars novice should watch the films in and more.

0:00-1:28 - Intro

1:28-33:29 - Review: "The Force Awakens"

33:29-1:14:25 - "Force Awakens" Feedback

John Williams, "Star Wars"

1:14:52-1:22:41 - 2017 Golden Brick Contenders

1:22:41-1:39:39 - Interview: Rian Johnson

1:39:39-1:41:44 - Close

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#657: Lady Bird / Justice League / Top 5 Female-Directed Debuts Nov 17, 2017

Back in 2010, actress Greta Gerwig was the loopy, optimistic lifeforce in Noah Baumbach’s otherwise bitter and cynical “Greenberg.” She went on to co-write and star in a pair of Baumbach films before making her own directing debut this fall with LADY BIRD. The autobiographical film is set in 2002 and stars Saoirse Ronan as the strong-willed Gerwig stand-in with Laurie Metcalf as her equally tough mom. Ronan's "Lady Bird" may be an iconoclast, but Adam and Josh are only too happy to conform to the critical consensus that Gerwig's film is one of the year's best. Plus, Josh's thoughts on the new JUSTICE LEAGUE and the Top 5 Female-Directed Debuts.

0:00-1:35 - Intro

2:23-27:42 - Review: "Lady Bird"

First Aid Kit, "It's A Shame"

29:31-35:22 - Josh on "Justice League"

35:22-44:43 - Next Week ("The Force Awakens") / Notes

44:43-53:30 - Massacre Theatre

53:30-1:01:16 - Adam on "Orient Express," "Wonderstruck"

First Aid Kit, "Postcard"

1:02:31-1:03:22 - Donations

1:03:22-1:36:07 - Top 5: Female-Directed Debuts

1:36:07-1:38:50 - Close

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#656: Wonderstruck / Killing of a Sacred Deer / Faces Places Nov 10, 2017

With a deluge of great stuff heading to theaters over the next couple of weeks, Adam and Josh devote this week’s show to the latest from three great directors: Todd Haynes ("Carol," "Far From Heaven") brings his experimental rigor to the adaptation of Brian Selznick's novel-with-pictures WONDERSTRUCK; former Golden Brick-winner Yorgos Lanthimos delivers Kubrick-inspired horror with THE KILLING OF A SACRED DEER; and the 89-year-old French New Wave pioneer Agnes Varda ends a decade-long hiatus with her joyous new doc FACES PLACES. Plus, results from the latest Filmspotting Death Match.

0:00-1:46 - Intro

2:36-26:29 - Review: "Faces Places"

Destroyer, "In the Morning"

30:53-36:55 - Larsen Recommends: "Wonderstruck"

36:55-43:22 - Notes

43:22-54:30 - Polls: Death Match / "The Room"

54:30-1:00:29 - "The Killing of a Sacred Deer"

1:00:29-1:10:46 - Close / Hot Mics

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#655: Thor: Ragnarok / Top 5 Superhero Costumes Nov 03, 2017

With new superhero movies making their way to screens every couple of months, less devoted fans of the genre start to look for a more compelling reason to check out the latest installment. Like handing the reins of Marvel's new "Thor" movie to a director best known for a vampire mockumentary. On this week’s show, a review of director Taika Waititi’s THOR: RAGNAROK (long may you reign, Jeff Goldblum), and Adam and Josh go shopping for post-Halloween discounts with their Top 5 Superhero Costumes.

0:00-1:35 - Billboard

2:13-26:58 - Review: "Thor: Ragnarok"

Manowar, "Thor (The Powerhead)"

29:59-39:46 - Next Week / Movie Passes

39:46-44:01 - Massacre Theatre

James Newton Howard, "Green Lantern"

47:38-50:53 - Donations

50:53-1:32:38 - Top 5: Superhero Costumes

1:32:38-1:36:01 - Close

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#654: Night Of The Living Dead (1968) / Top 5 Horror Debuts Oct 27, 2017

In 1968, a Pittsburgh-based TV commercial director scrounged together a hundred thousand bucks and shot a quickie horror film that went on to gross $30 million over nearly five decades of re-releases. It also more or less invented a new movie monster. Yes, there were zombie movies before George Romero’s NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, but - important distinction - Romero’s were the first to feast on human flesh. This Halloween weekend, Adam and Josh revisit "Dead" for a Sacred Cow review and share their Top 5 Horror Debuts. Plus, listeners name the best horror film of the last decade.

0:00-1:19 - Billboard

1:19-3:14 - Donations

3:14-41:44 - "Night Of The Living Dead" (1968)

Benjamin Wallfisch, "Every 27 Years" ("It")

43:11-52:47 - Next Week / Movie Passes / New Merch

52:47-1:09:47 - Polls: Decade's Best Horror / Death Match

Tobe Hooper & Wayne Bell, "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre"

1:10:44-1:45:24 - Top 5: Horror Debuts

1:45:24-1:58:41 - Close / Hot Mics

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#653: The Meyerowitz Stories / Top 5 Noah Baumbach Characters Oct 20, 2017

The characters in writer/director Noah Baumbach’s films are neurotic, hyper-articulate and often have unresolved issues with their dads. It’s true of movies like "The Squid and the Whale" and "Margot at the Wedding," and it’s true of his latest, THE MEYEROWITZ STORIES, with Dustin Hoffman as the bad dad, and Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler and Elizabeth Marvel as his dysfunctional kids. Like the good dads they are, Adam and Josh dote on MEYEROWITZ and share their Top 5 Baumbach Characters. Plus, Massacre Theatre and a post-credits "Hot Mics" segment with Adam's reaction to "Blade Runner 2049."

0:00-1:15 - Billboard

2:00-31:50 - Review: "The Meyerowitz Stories"

Cherry Glazerr, "Told You I'd Be With The Guys"

34:27-43:30 - Next Week / Movie Passes / Notes

43:30-50:20 - Massacre Theatre

Cherry Glazerr, "Nurse Ratched"

51:16-1:21:30 - Top 5: Noah Baumbach Characters

1:21:30-1:37:54 - Close / Hot Mics

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#652: The Florida Project / Sean Baker Oct 13, 2017

One of the surprising success stories of 2015 was “Tangerine,” an indie shot on iPhones about a pair of transgender prostitutes who spend their Christmas Eve tracking down a disloyal pimp. Directed by Sean Baker, “Tangerine” went from Sundance sensation in January to critical darling by year’s end.

Baker’s new film, THE FLORIDA PROJECT, is set among the “Hidden Homeless” of Disney-adjacent Orlando. This week, Josh and guest Michael Phillips join the chorus of praise for FLORIDA and Adam sits down with Baker to discuss the film - and get his answers to our rapid-fire Q&A, "The Filmspotting Five."

0:00-1:08 - Billboard

1:08-23:17 - Review: "The Florida Project"

The Flat Five, "Florida"

24:09-1:00:18 - Interview: Sean Baker

1:00:18-1:03:04 - Close

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Blade Runner 2049 Oct 04, 2017

Thirty-five years after the original “Blade Runner” brought its influential tech-noir vision of the future to movie screens, the highly anticipated sequel has finally arrived. Michael Phillips joins Josh for a review.

0:00-3:58 - Billboard

3:58-34:21 - Review: "Blade Runner: 2049"

34:21-36:20 - Close

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#651: American Made / Top 5 Tom Cruise Performances Sep 29, 2017

Tom Cruise has been cranking out high-profile motion pictures at the rate of one a year for over three decades now. In his latest, AMERICAN MADE, he plays an ‘80s-era pilot who ends up working for the CIA - and a Columbian drug cartel. Adam and Josh are positive on the Doug Liman-directed film, and consider the star's long, impressive career with their Top 5 Cruise Performances.

0:00-1:52 - Billboard

1:52-26:10 - Review: "American Made"

John Williams, "End Credits" (Far & Away)

28:00-34:29 - Listener Feedback

34:29-50:51 - Polls: Cruise / Best Horror Since '07

Aimee Mann, "Save Me"

51:58-1:39:24 - Top 5: Tom Cruise Performances

1:39:24-1:42:02 - Close

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#650: Kingsman: The Golden Circle / Kogonada Sep 22, 2017

In 2015, the comic book adaptation “Kingsman: The Secret Service” opened to divisive - but mostly favorable - reviews. Some critics appreciated the movie’s hyper-violent reimagining of a Bond-esque spy agency; others found it sadistic and in poor taste. Adam and Josh... skipped it entirely. This week, they caught up with it for a review of the new sequel “Kingsman: The Golden Circle.” Plus, Adam's interview with Kogonada, director of "Columbus," the acclaimed new film starring John Cho (and some famous Modernist buildings).

0:00-4:02 - Billboard

4:02-30:30 - Review: "Kingsman: The Golden Circle"

Dead Pretties, "Confidence"

32:59-41:58 - Cruise Poll / Listener Feedback

41:58-53:02 - Massacre Theatre: Impenetrable Accent Edition

53:02-1:22:31 - Interview: Kogonada

1:22:31-1:25:58 - Close

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New Argentine Cinema #5 - Wild Tales Sep 20, 2017

Damian Szifron's 2015 Oscar nominee "Wild Tales" proves to be a perfect - and entertaining - bookend to a marathon that started with Mariano Llinas' 2008 film "Extraordinary Stories." Though very different in style and tone, both films successfully juggle multiple narratives and show their young writer-directors to be promising talents to keep an eye on.

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#649: mother! / Top 5 Aronofsky Scenes / Kogonada's FS Five Sep 15, 2017

Since his startling 1998 debut "Pi," Darren Aronofsky has used his intense, visceral style to tell stories about damaged and obsessive characters. Even his foray into big-budget filmmaking was no exception - Russell Crowe’s Noah battles some of the same demons as Natalie Portman’s ballet dancer in “Black Swan” (or Mickey Rourke's broken warrior in "The Wrestler"). This week, Josh and guest host Michael Phillips review of Aronofsky’s latest, the Jennifer Lawrence-starring psychological thriller “mother!”. Then Adam drops back in for the Top 5 Aronofsky Scenes. Plus, the Filmspotting Five with "Columbus" director Kogonada.

0:00-1:41 - Billboard

1:41-26:30 - Review: "mother!" (w/ Michael Phillips)

Feist, "Any Party"

28:17-44:41 - Next week / MT Music Fun / Crushing Linklater

44:41-55:50 - Polls: Aronofsky / Tom Cruise

55:50-1:03:43 - Filmspotting Five: Kogonada

Feist, "Pleasure"

1:05:15-1:06:55 - Donations

1:06:55-1:46:11 - Top 5: Aronofsky Scenes

1:46:11-1:48:34 - Close / Outtake

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New Argentine Cinema #4 - The Headless Woman Sep 13, 2017

In the spirit of Bunuel's surrealist critiques of the bourgeoisie, Lucrecia Martel's 2008 film continues her own indictment of Argentina's upper class with the story of a woman who may or may not have committed vehicular homicide. Adam and Josh discuss Martel's gift for inviting the audience to find empathy with an often unsympathetic figure.

Up next: Damián Szifrón's Oscar-nominated "Wild Tales."

And coming Friday, Sept. 15: Josh and Michael Phillips review Darren Aronofsky's "mother!" and the Top 5 Aronofsky Scenes with Josh and Adam.

Click to learn more about Filmspotting Marathons.

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#648: It (2017) / Top 5 Stephen King Scares Sep 06, 2017

Stephen King’s first book - “Carrie” - came out in 1974. Brian DePalma's film followed two years later. Then came Kubrick's "The Shining" in '80. Since then, there’s hardly been a year without a King movie adaptation, including two prominent ones this year - THE DARK TOWER and this weekend’s IT, featuring one of King’s most memorable creations: Pennywise the Clown. This week, fresh from a screening, Adam and Josh offer thoughts on IT, and share King-induced childhood traumas with their Top 5 Stephen King Movie Scares. Plus a (sort of) Musical Massacre Theatre and another new Golden Brick nomination - director Kogonada's COLUMBUS.

0:00-1:55 - Billboard

3:37-34:23 - Review: "It" (2017)

EMA, "I Wanna Destroy"

40:29-45:08 - Next week / Argentine Marathon / Correction

45:08-52:50 - Massacre Theatre

52:50-1:04:15 - Brickspotting: "Columbus"

EMA, "Blood and Chalk"

1:05:12-1:48:59 - Top 5: Stephen King Movie Scares

1:48:59-1:58:59 - Close / Hot Mics

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#647: Blade Runner / Top 5 Films of 1982 Sep 01, 2017

Attack ships on fire, glittering c-beams, an alien in a bike's basket passing over a full moon. We've seen some things, too, Roy Batty. The Chicago Tribune's Michael Phillips joins Adam and Josh for a Sacred Cow review of Ridley Scott's seminal sci-fi noir (we chose THE FINAL CUT," if you're curious) and the Top 5 Films of 1982. Plus, listeners weigh in on our '82 Death Match - Blade Runner vs E.T. - and Michael recalls seeing "An Officer and a Gentleman" with his college girlfriend (and her grandparents).

0:00-1:51 - Billboard

1:51-37:43 - Sacred Cow: "Blade Runner"

"End Credits", Vangelis (Blade Runner)

38:42-39:32 - Donations

39:32-45:10 - Brickspotting: "Lemon," "Brigsby Bear"

45:10-55:38 - Next week / Argentine Marathon / Listener Feedback

55:38-1:03:54 - Polls ("Blade Runner" v "E.T.")

1:03:54-1:20:28 - Top 5: Films of 1982

"Up Where We Belong," Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes

1:21:23-2:00:20 - Top 5 cont.

2:00:20-2:06:07 - Close / Hot Mics

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New Argentine Cinema #3 - La Ciénaga Aug 30, 2017

Following the inspired narrative flights of "Extraordinary Stories" and the fleet-footed absurdism of "Castro," the New Argentine Cinema Marathon takes Adam and Josh to The Swamp. Lucrecia Martel's celebrated debut film from 2001 abounds in fetid unease and the dread of impending catastrophe. They admire Martel's vision and control of tone, but question the effectiveness of the film's resolution.

Up next: Martel's "The Headless Woman" (2008)

And coming Friday, Sept. 1: Sacred Cow review of "Blade Runner" and the Top 5 Films of 1982 w/ Michael Phillips

Click to learn more about Filmspotting Marathons.

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#646: Fall Movie Preview / Logan Lucky Aug 25, 2017

With new films from George Clooney ("Suburbicon"), Taika Waititi ("Thor: Ragnarok") and Darren Aronofsky (the Jennifer Lawrence-starring "mother!") scheduled for release before Thanksgiving, Adam and Josh assemble their Top 5 Fall Movie Questions. Plus, a split review on Steven Soderbergh's new NASCAR-set heist movie, LOGAN LUCKY, and a slapstick edition of "Hot Mics."

0:00-1:05 - Billboard

2:04-27:03 - Review: "Logan Lucky"

Matt Pond PA, "Still Summer"

28:01-35:58 - Jerry Lewis / Notes

35:58-47:16 - Massacre Theatre

47:16-58:46 - Top 5: Fall Movie Preview

Matt Pond PA, "A Spark"

59:40-1:35:33 - Fall Preview, cont.

1:35:33-1:49:56 - Close / Hot Mics

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New Argentine Cinema #2 - Castro Aug 24, 2017

Jacques Tati and Hal Hartley are offered as possible reference points for Alejo Moguillansky's Samuel Beckett-inspired CASTRO from 2009, the second film in Filmspotting's New Argentine Cinema Marathon.

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#645: The Trip to Spain / Safdie Bros. (Good Time) / The Glass Castle Aug 18, 2017

Adam reveres the Coogan/Brydon "Trip" movies. Josh? Hadn't seen them. Until now. With Josh finally up to speed on Caine, Pacino, Connery and sixteen other* impersonations (along with Coogan and Brydon's career anguish and existential dread) - he and Adam review the third installment, THE TRIP TO SPAIN. Plus, Adam's interview with Josh and Benny Safdie, directors of the Robert Pattinson-starring GOOD TIME, and Josh's thoughts on WHOSE STREETS? and the new memoir-turned-movie THE GLASS CASTLE. Oh, and the return of "Hot Mics!"

0:00-1:53 - Billboard

1:53-31:37 - Review: "The Trip to Spain"

John Mark Nelson, "Little Notions"

35:10-54:07 - "Whose Streets?" / Notes / Polls

54:07-59:35 - "The Glass Castle"

John Mark Nelson, "Where Does That Leave Us Now"

1:00:21-1:09:38 - Donations

1:09:38-1:38:57 - Interview: Safdie Bros.

1:38:57-1:51:34 - Close / Hot Mics

*See Charles Bramesco's "Ranking All the Impressions in The Trip Trilogy" on Vulture.

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New Argentine Cinema #1 - Extraordinary Stories Aug 16, 2017

Adam and Josh kick off their New Argentine Cinema Marathon with Mariano Llinas's epic and intricately plotted 2008 film that's as much about storytelling as it is an achievement in storytelling itself. At over four hours and featuring dozens of characters, Llinas maintains incredible control over his unwieldy beast of a movie.

This episode is presented by MUBI.

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FS Revisited: Reservoir Dogs / Top 5 Films of 1992 Aug 11, 2017

When RESERVOIR DOGS came out 25 years ago, Adam and Josh were movie geek teenagers. They were bound by their DNA to love it. But Does Quentin Tarantino’s debut still hold up? In this 2015 episode of the show, they reacquaint themselves with Mr. Blonde, Mr. Pink and the rest of the gang for a Sacred Cow review of DOGS, plus share their Top 5 Films of 1992.

0:00-1:32 - Billboard

1:32-40:58 - Sacred Cow: "Reservoir Dogs"

Sandy Rogers, "Fool for Love"

41:47-1:17:42 - Top 5: Films of 1992

1:17:42-1:19:00 - Close

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#644: Detroit / Top 5 Films of 1967 Aug 04, 2017

In "The Hurt Locker" and "Zero Dark Thirty," Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow explored the complexities of post-9/11 warfare. For her latest - DETROIT - she stays stateside but finds herself in another war zone. Looking back five decades to the summer of 1967, Bigelow's film documents the racial tensions and police violence that exploded into the Detroit riots. A review of DETROIT, plus news on a new Filmspotting Marathon and Adam and Josh share their Top 5 films of the landmark film year of '67.

0:00-1:23 - Billboard

1:23-30:27 - Review: "Detroit"

Simon & Garfunkel, "Mrs. Robinson"

33:01-53:33 - Notes / Massacre Theatre

53:33-58:58 - Donations

58:58-1:36:23 - Top 5: Films of 1967

1:36:23-1:39:11 - Close / Outtake

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#643: Valerian / Top 5 Alien Worlds Jul 28, 2017

You might be able to figure out your tolerance for the new VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS by the title alone. Got a soft spot for Flash Gordon and hallucinogenic drugs? This one might be for you. Directed by Luc Besson, the ambitious French filmmaker behind "The Fifth Element" and 2014's "Lucy," VALERIAN is the most expensive film ever made in France. The good news: the money is up there on the screen for all to see (for better and for worse). Don't know about hallucinogenic drugs, but one of your hosts does have a fondness for Flash Gordon, and finds enough in Valerian to recommend it. The other one is Josh. Flash, Ming the Merciless and Planet Mongo also make their way into this week's Top 5: Alien Worlds. Cue the Queen.

0:00-1:48 - Billboard

1:48-29:20 - Review: "Valerian and the City..."

B-52s, "Planet Claire"

32:31-35:25 - Donations

35:25-46:18 - Notes / Polls

46:18-1:20:28 - Top 5: Alien Worlds

1:20:28-1:24:52 - Close

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#642: Dunkirk / Top 5 Films of 2017 (So Far) / War For The Planet of the Apes Jul 21, 2017

Christopher Nolan films are many things, but they are rarely straightforward (or short). So DUNKIRK - based on the legendary WWII rescue effort - comes as something of a surprise. Clocking in at a tidy hour 49 minutes, Nolan's latest is a lean, (sort of) old-fashioned war picture. Still vibrating from Hans Zimmer's score, Adam and Josh share their post-screening thoughts on the film and - live from a small town Wisconsin bookstore - reveal their Top 5 Films of 2017 (So Far). Plus, Josh's take on WAR FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES, and we note the passing of George Romero and Martin Landau.

0:00-2:03 - Billboard

2:03-47:54 - Top 5: Films of 2017 (So Far)

Pieta Brown, "Stopped My Horse"

51:22-1:08:24 - Notes / Massacre Theatre

1:08:24-1:16:52 - Larsen Recs: "War for the Planet of the Apes"

Pieta Brown, "Once Again"

1:17:52-1:39:44 - Review: "Dunkirk"

1:39:44-1:43:16 - Close / Outtake

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#641: Spider-Man: Homecoming / Baby Driver / A Ghost Story Jul 14, 2017

Spidey’s back. Again. After suffering through a disappointing reboot in 2012 (and its 2014 sequel), the webslinger returns - this time under the guidance of Tony Stark. SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING finds Peter Parker in his natural habitat: high school - mostly to its benefit. Adam and Josh offer their review, plus some contrarian thoughts on Edgar Wright's BABY DRIVER and raves for David Lowery’s Sundance hit A GHOST STORY.

0:00-4:30 - Billboard / Donations

4:30-31:17 - Review: "A Ghost Story"

John Spencer Blues Explosion, "Bellbottoms"

34:07-58:30 - Notes / Polls

58:30-1:12:33 - Review: "Baby Driver"

Queen, "Brighton Rock"

1:15:51-1:31:53 - Review: "Spider-Man: Homecoming"

1:31:53-1:35:10 - Close

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#640: The Beguiled / Top 5 Sofia Coppola Scenes Jun 30, 2017

Almost 15 years after its release, "Lost in Translation" remains Sofia Coppola’s best-known and best-loved film. But with the four films she's made since then, she's compiled one of the most distinctive filmographies of the 21st century. THE BEGUILED is a very Coppola remake of the 1971 Don Siegel/Clint Eastwood collaboration set during the Civil War at a Virginia girls' school. It stars Nicole Kidman, Elle Fanning, Colin Farrell and Coppola regular Kirsten Dunst, and it won Coppola the Best Directing Prize at Cannes back in May. This week, Coppola skeptic Angelica Jade Bastien (Vulture) joins Josh for a review of the film along with their Top 5 Sofia Coppola Scenes.

0:00-1:25 - Billboard

1:25-28:25 - Review: "The Beguiled"

Siouxsie & The Banshees, "Hong Kong Garden"

29:30-38:46 - Notes / Massacre Theatre

38:46-1:07:41 - Top 5: Sofia Coppola Scenes

1:07:41-1:11:13- Close / Outtake

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Kumail Nanjiani ("The Big Sick") Jun 23, 2017

Kumail Nanjiani may be a familiar face to fans of HBO’s "Silicon Valley" or "Portlandia," but the very funny and surprisingly moving THE BIG SICK should make him a familiar face to many more. The film - co-written with Nanjiani's wife Emily V. Gordon - tells the story of their unusual courtship, which, along with family tensions and cultural differences, also included a life-threatening illness that struck Gordon while the two were dating.

Nanjiani talks about the art of co-writing a screenplay with your spouse (spoiler: it helps to have Judd Apatow mentor you), the most difficult scene he's ever had to shoot, and he shares his Top 5 Most Influential Movies. Plus, he and Adam chat about their college days - that they nearly spent together and answers the Filmspotting Five.

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Ana Lily Amirpour ("The Bad Batch") Jun 21, 2017

Ana Lily Amirpour got lots of attention for her 2014 Iran-set vampire movie "A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night." She's back this year with "The Bad Batch," a Sergio Leone-inspired western with cannibals and a double-amputee for a protagonist (Suki Waterhouse). The new movie features a cast that includes Jim Carrey, Keanu Reeves and Jason Momoa. Adam and Amirpour talk the relativity of badness, the consequences of seeing inappropriate movies at an early age and their favorite Keanu performances.

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#639: It Comes At Night / Top 5 Movies About Grief Jun 16, 2017

Writer/director Trey Edward Shults knocked a lot of us out last year with his indie debut KRISHA. This year, he comes to the multiplex with IT COMES AT NIGHT, an unnerving - and unconventional - horror film that has impressed critics and frustrated some audiences. Shults’ film is as much about loss as it is about scares, so along with a review of his film, Adam and guest host Michael Phillips share their Top 5 Movies About Grief. Plus thoughts on the late Glenne Headley and Adam's recommendation of the Sundance hit "Band Aid."

0:00-3:57 - Billboard

3:57-31:42 - Review: "It Comes At Night"

Angelica Garcia, "The Devil Can Get In"

34:12-40:18 - Adam Recommends: "Band Aid"

40:18-52:27 - Polls

Angelica Garcia, "Orange Flower"

54:30-56:33 - Donations

56:33-1:41:45 - Top 5: Movie About Grief

1:41:45-1:46:31- Close

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#638: Wonder Woman / Top 5 Movie Religious Experiences / Trey Shults Jun 09, 2017

As the first superhero movie directed by and starring a woman, WONDER WOMAN went into its opening weekend with more baggage than its male-centric peers. It came out of the weekend with critical raves and record box office - and at least one member of the Larsen household practicing Diana-inspired high-kicks. On this week's show, Adam and Josh - bound by the Lasso of Hestia - share their takes, then confess their Top 5 Movie Religious Experiences. Plus, Adam's conversation with "Krisha" director Trey Shults, whose new film "It Comes At Night" opens this weekend.

0:00-1:56 - Billboard

1:56-31:17 - Review: "Wonder Woman"

Secret Sisters, "You Don't Own Me Anymore"

34:06-46:43 - Notes / Massacre Theatre

46:43-1:14:27 - Interview: Trey Shults

Secret Sisters, "Tennessee River Runs Deep"

1:17:36-2:03:20 - Top 5: Movie Religious Experiences

2:03:20-2:05:55 - Close

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#637: War Machine / Top 5 Movie Military Leaders Jun 02, 2017

Inspired by Gen. Stanley McChrystal's dramatic fall from grace in 2010 following an unflattering Rolling Stone profile, the new WAR MACHINE from Netflix puts a scowling Brad Pitt in McChrystal's boots for its Afghanistan-set satire. Despite an impressive ensemble cast, Adam and Josh agree that the film has a challenging time finding the right tone. But they also agree that a trio of actors best known for iconic work in the '80s make the most of their screen time. That review, plus the Top 5 Movie Military Leaders.

0:00-2:42 - Billboard

2:42-28:15 - Review: "War Machine"

Black Sabbath, "War Pigs"

30:42-46:42 - Cannes / Notes

46:42-55:57 - Polls

Malcolm Arnold, "Bogey's March"

58:33-1:00:36 - Donations

1:00:36-1:40:07 - Top 5: Movie Military Leaders

1:40:07-1:44:02 - Close

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#636: Top 5 Films of 1984 / The Terminator May 26, 2017

1984 was a banner year for crane kicks, mogwais and bustin' ghosts, but it also saw the debut of Arnold Schwarzenegger's T-800, better known as THE TERMINATOR. Adam and Josh give James Cameron's seminal sci-fi thriller the Sacred Cow treatment, resulting in a surprisingly heated review. Plus, the Top 5 Films of 1984.

0:00-1:35 - Billboard

2:21-35:28 - Sacred Cow: "The Terminator"

The Ramones, "Too Tough To Die"

37:07-55:28 - Notes / Massacre Theatre

55:28-1:01:43 - Listener Feedback

Kenny Loggins, "Footloose"

1:02:21-1:04:58 - Donations

1:04:58-1:42:21 - Top 5 Films of 1984

1:42:21-1:44:43 - Close

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#635: Alien: Covenant / Top 5 Alien Attacks May 19, 2017

Anticipation was high back in 2012 when director Ridley Scott returned to the "Alien" franchise with “Prometheus.” Despite a somewhat mixed response from audiences and critics, the 79-year-old Scott finds himself back aboard a doomed spacecraft with ALIEN: COVENANT. The return of the xenomorphs to the big screen is also the inspiration for this week’s Top 5: Alien Attacks.

0:00-2:28 - Billboard

2:28-33:12 - Review: "Alien: Covenant"

Deep Purple, "Space Truckin'"

36:29-59:17 - Notes

59:17-1:07:29 - Polls

Ella Fitzgerald, "Two Little Green Men In a Flying Saucer"

1:11:43-1:47:03 - Top 5: Alien Attacks

1:47:03-1:49:42 - Close

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#634: Top 5 Jonathan Demme Moments / Something Wild May 12, 2017

When the great Jonathan Demme passed away in April, he left behind one of the most acclaimed and diverse filmographies in American cinema. Demme will always be remembered for the Oscar-winning "Silence of the Lambs," but his 1986 cult road trip comedy SOMETHING WILD may be an even better representative of what made him so special. This week, Adam and Josh catch up with that Demme blindspot and – with a little help from some friends – share their Top 5 Jonathan Demme Moments.

0:00-4:42 - Billboard

4:42-32:23 - Blindspotting: "Something Wild"

David Byrne, "Loco de Amor"

34:06-53:41 - Notes / Massacre Theatre

Talking Heads, "Once in a Lifetime"

54:32-1:39:10 - Top 5: Demme Moments

1:39:10-1:42:12 - Close

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Varda Marathon #6: The Beaches of Agnes / "The Cleos" May 11, 2017

Adam and Josh wrap up their Agnes Varda Marathon with a conversation about the director's cinema- and life-affirming 2008 memoir THE BEACHES OF AGNES, followed by "The Cleos" - their awards for the series' best performances, scenes, picture and more.

0:00-17:23 - Review: "The Beaches of Agnes"

17:23-38:07 - The Cleos

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#633: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 / Summer Movie Preview May 05, 2017

Summer used to have a monopoly on superheroes, fast cars and stuff you bring your kids to, but "Beauty and the Beast," "Fate of the Furious" and "Logan" have already come and made their millions. So what do we have to look forward to when we need to escape the heat? Well, first up, it's GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2. Adam and Josh review the James Gunn-directed sequel, and preview their most anticipated movies of the season with their Top 5 Summer Movie Questions.

0:00-2:01 - Billboard

2:01-26:37 - Review: "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2"

Sam Cooke, "Bring It On Home To Me"

28:06-41:07 - Notes

41:07-50:22 - Polls

ELO, "Mr. Blue Sky"

47:08-1:24:51 - Summer Movie Preview

1:24:51-1:28:52 - Close

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#632: Top 5 Movie Expeditions (We'd Sign Up For) / The Lost City of Z Apr 28, 2017

The movies have taken us on great adventures over the years, both real and imagined: through the deepest jungle, across perilous oceans, to distant planets - and beyond. But which of those cinematic adventures would you actually participate in if given the chance? This week, the Top 5 Movie Expeditions Adam and Josh would sign up for, along with their review of James Gray’s new movie adventure THE LOST CITY OF Z. Plus, Steve Prokopy drops by to preview the Chicago Critics Film Festival.

0:00-2:00 - Billboard

2:00-27:15 - Review: "The Lost City of Z"

Fionn Regan, "The Meetings of the Waters"

28:55-39:25 - Notes / Massacre Theatre

39:25-51:10 - Chicago Critics Film Fest

Fionn Regan, "Book of the Moon"

56:58-1:24:35 - Top 5: Movie Expeditions (We'd Sign Up For)

1:24:35-1:30:41 - Close / Outtake

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Varda Marathon #5: The Gleaners and I Apr 27, 2017

French New Wave pioneer Agnes Varda has long displayed a curiosity about people who live on society's fringes. In her 2000 doc "The Gleaners and I," the director focuses her camera on communities (and some memorably eccentric individuals) that belong to the French tradition of gathering up what's left behind after a harvest. Documenting the various gleaners, pickers and dumpster-divers becomes a meditation on the creative process itself as Varda becomes a subject of her own film.

On Filmspotting #632 (Friday, April 27): James Gray's THE LOST CITY OF Z and the Top 5 Movie Expeditions (We'd Sign Up For).

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#631: The Fate of the Furious / Top 5 Fast & Furious Moments Apr 21, 2017

Just how big a deal is the "Furious" franchise? The 8th film in the street-racing saga managed to break an opening weekend box office record previously held by "The Force Awakens." So yeah: it’s big. So big, we're devoting the whole show to Alpha Dom and his ever-expanding crew. The Next Picture Show's Tasha Robinson and Genevieve Koski join Adam for a review of THE FATE OF THE FURIOUS, plus a replay of Adam and Josh's Top 5 Fast & Furious Moments from 2015.

0:00-1:43 - Billboard

1:43-33:25 - Review: "The Fate of the Furious"

Lil Uzi Vert, "Go Off"

35:53-37:02 - Notes

37:02-1:13:36 - Top 5: Fast & Furious Moments (2015)

1:13:36-1:16:51 - Close

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#630: Rushmore / FS Madness Champ / Charlie Siskel (American Anarchist) Interview Apr 14, 2017

Wes Anderson’s RUSHMORE was a minor indie hit during its initial run starting in late 1998, but it marked the arrival of a significant new directing talent, and established a brilliant new stage of Bill Murray’s career. Adam and Josh – who joins the show from Ebert Interruptus in Boulder, CO - give Anderson's film the Sacred Cow treatment and unveil your 2017 Filmspotting Madness champion. Also, Adam's interview with Charlie Siskel, co-director the Oscar-nominated "Finding Vivian Maier" and director of the new doc AMERICAN ANARCHIST. Siskel also shares his Top 5 Most Influential Docs.

0:00-1:29 - Billboard

1:29-35:09 - Sacred Cow: "Rushmore"

Cat Stevens, "The Wind"

38:33-1:00:22 - FS Madness Champion / Poll

The Rolling Stones, "I Am Waiting"

1:01:18-1:35:22 - Interview: Charlie Siskel

1:35:22-1:37:55 - Close

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#629: The Discovery / FS Madness Final / Varda #4 - Vagabond Apr 06, 2017

In 2014, first-time writer/director Charlie McDowell made a big impression (on Adam, anyway) with THE ONE I LOVE, a movie about a troubled marriage with surreal, Charlie Kaufman-esque flourishes. McDowell’s follow up - THE DISCOVERY, which stars Rooney Mara, Jason Segel and Robert Redford, also has a provocative sci-fi premise, this one about the consequences of scientists proving the existence of an afterlife. The film debuted to some acclaim this January at Sundance and is now being distributed exclusively on Netflix.

This week on the show, Adam and Josh mostly agree about the movie's failings, but still manage to get into a fight over Jesse Plemons. Plus, Filmspotting Madness Final Four results (The Godfather v 2001! Pulp Fiction v Empire Strikes Back!) and the Agnes Varda Marathon continues with the director's 1985 masterpiece VAGABOND.

0:00-1:16 - Billboard

1:16-29:08 - Review: "The Discovery"

Alt-J, "3WW"

30:08-53:20 - Notes / FS Madness

53:20-1:16:55 - Varda #4: "Vagabond"

1:16:55-1:27:55 - Close / Hot Mics

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#628 with Michael Phillips: Casablanca / FS Madness Final Four Mar 30, 2017

CASABLANCA is one of the most enduring and beloved films of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Three-quarters of a century after its 1942 release, its famous lines, songs and faces have retained their power. But what does the film itself have to offer 21st-century audiences? (Spoiler: quite a lot actually.) In honor of its 75th anniversary, Adam, guest host Michael Phillips and film professor Katharine Fusco revisit the WWII-era classic with a Sacred Cow review. Plus, Michael mocks and then kinda sorta recommends Terrence Malick's "Song to Song," and the Filmspotting Madness Final Four is revealed.

0:00-2:01 - Billboard

2:01-42:32 - Sacred Cow: "Casablanca"

Dooley Wilson, "As Time Goes By"

43:58-51:15 - MP Review: "Song to Song"

51:15-1:11:26 - Filmspotting Madness

1:11:26-1:16:57 - Close / Outtake

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#627: Top 5 Kristen Stewart Scenes / FS Madness / Varda #3 - One Sings, The Other Doesn't Mar 23, 2017

Kristen Stewart went from child actress to reticent star of the hugely successful TWILIGHT series to… well, we’ll see. But with strong work in a couple of notable indies and European films recently, her cult of fans is expanding. With Stewart's latest Oliver Assayas collaboration (PERSONAL SHOPPER) now in limited release, Adam and Josh devote this week’s Top 5 to a few of the actress's best moments on screen, plus a conversation with director Stephen Cone about his powerful response to "Shopper". Also, Filmspotting Madness Sweet 16 results, your Elite 8 matchups, and Agnes Varda's ONE SINGS, THE OTHER DOESN'T (1977).

0:00-2:05 - Billboard

3:44-15:16 - "Personal Shopper" w/ Stephen Cone

15:16-44:50 - Top 5 Kristen Stewart Scenes

Mitski, "Your Best American Girl"

51:10-1:18:50 - Filmspotting Madness

Mitski, "Once More To See You"

1:21:12-1:25:47 - JL Review: "Beauty and Beast" (2017)

1:25:47-1:50:02 - Varda #3: "One Sings, The Other Doesn't"

1:50:02-1:54:32 - Close / Outtake

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#626 with Danny Boyle: Top 5 Boyle Characters / FS Madness / Varda #2 - The Creatures Mar 16, 2017

TRAINSPOTTING wasn't a huge hit in its day, but the 1996 film made an impression on a generation of young film fans thanks to its visual flair, memorable soundtrack and quartet of talented stars. That quartet - lead by Ewan McGregor - is making a surprise comeback 20 years later with the release of T2 TRAINSPOTTING. Also back: director Danny Boyle. This week on the show, Boyle sits down with Adam to talk about how he approached the sequel, and contributes his own Top 5 Danny Boyle Characters. (Spoiler: they're all women.) Plus, a surreal chat with Tim Heidecker and Gregg Turkington from Adult Swim's "On Cinema," Filmspotting Madness Round 2 results and Film Comment's Violet Lucca drops in for week 2 of the Agnes Varda Marathon.

0:00-2:00 - Billboard

3:45-39:01 - Top 5 Danny Boyle Characters

Young Fathers, "Only God Knows"

40:37-1:01:17 - T2 / Boyle Characters, cont.

1:01:17-1:13:35 - Tim Heidecker and Gregg Turkington

1:13:35-1:42:55 - Filmspotting Madness

Young Fathers, "Low"

1:49:17-2:00:31 - Filmspotting Madness, cont.

2:00:31-2:25:44 - Varda #2: "The Creatures"

2:25:44-2:30:22 - Close

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#625: Logan / Filmspotting Madness / Varda #1 - La Pointe Courte Mar 09, 2017

The tale of the once-great gunslinger forced out of retirement for one more job is a familiar one, but not one we’ve seen adopted by the superhero genre – until now. Marvel’s LOGAN is one part “Shane,” one part “Unforgiven," and if last weekend’s box office is any indication, we may see more like it. Adam and Josh share their mixed review, plus Round 1 results from Filmspotting Madness and the first film in the Agnes Varda Marathon - 1955's LA POINTE COURTE.

0:00-2:12 - Billboard

3:54-27:59 - Review: "Logan"

Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, "Lost In the Desert"

29:56-39:34 - Notes

39:34-1:20:54 - Filmspotting Madness

Corinne Marchand, "Sans Toi" ("Cleo From 5 to 7")

1:23:50-1:41:37 - Varda #1: "La Pointe Courte"

1:41:37-1:44:15 - Close / Outtake

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#624: Get Out / Filmspotting Madness / Top 5 Pantheon Contenders Mar 02, 2017

Who needs to be told how great The Godfather is? Or Citizen Kane? Or, um... Midnight Run? That was the logic back in the early days of the show - in 2005 - when Adam and original co-host/current producer/Midnight Run-lover Sam established the Filmspotting Pantheon: an eccentric mix of movie greats and personal favorites. For the show’s 12th anniversary, Adam and Josh dust off the Pantheon for Filmspotting Madness - a month-long tournament that will leave only one film reigning supreme. That, plus a review of surprise box office hit GET OUT.

0:00-1:49 - Billboard

1:49-43:42 - Top 5 Pantheon Contenders

Spoon, "Can I Sit Next To You"

46:51-1:03:10 - Notes

1:03:10-1:24:29 - Filmspotting Madness

Spoon, "Can I Sit Next To You"

1:25:42-1:30:59 - Donations

1:30:59-1:47:53 - Review: "Get Out"

1:47:53-2:00:38 - Filmspotting Madness, cont.

2:00:38-2:03:51 - Close / Outtake

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Buñuel #6 - That Obscure Object of Desire / Buñuel Awards Mar 01, 2017

Luis Bunuel's puckish sensibility did not fail him in his old age. For the director's final film - 1977's THAT OBSCURE OBJECT OF DESIRE (made when he was 80) - Bunuel famously cast two actresses in the same role. The conceit allows him to explore some of his favorite themes - obsession, repression, desire, hypocrisy. It's also one of his funniest films. Adam and Josh have that review and wrap-up the marathon with 'Those Obscure Objects of Desire' - the Bunuel Marathon Awards. It's Catherine Deneuve v Jeanne Moreau! Fernando Rey v The Eyeball!

A special 12th anniversary episode of Filmspotting comes later in the week, with the 2017 Filmspotting Madness Selection Special and Adam and Josh's Top 5 Pantheon Contenders.

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#623: 2017 Oscar Picks with Michael Phillips Feb 24, 2017

This year’s Oscar ceremony is bound to get political, but how might Oscar voters send a message with their ballots? Adam and guest host Michael Phillips try to stay above the political fray during their Oscar preview special: who will win, who should win - and who got snubbed. Plus, Massacre Theatre and Michael shares some thoughts on Jordan Peele's GET OUT.

0:00-2:08 - Billboard3:33-29:35 - Oscar PicksGlen Hansard and Markéta Irglová, "Falling Slowly"32:23-47:33 - Notes / Massacre Theatre47:33-50:33 - Michael Recommends: "Get Out"55:45-1:24:58 - Oscar Picks, cont.1:24:58-1:30:46 - Close / Outtake

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#622: John Wick / John Wick: Chapter 2 / Lego Batman Movie Feb 17, 2017

When the Keanu Reeves revenge tale JOHN WICK opened back in 2014, it made a modest $80 million at the box office. But in the couple years since it has acquired something almost as valuable as money: cult status. That cult fervor was rewarded with a sequel: JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2, with Reeves battling some of the world's deadliest killers. We dig into the Wick phenomenon with reviews of both the original and the new entry, plus thoughts on THE LEGO BATMAN MOVIE.

0:00-2:39 - Billboard

2:39-36:29 - Sacred Cow: "John Wick"

Tinariwen, "Assawt"

38:18-47:20 - Notes / Polls

47:20-57:10 - Review: "The Lego Batman Movie"

Tinariwen, "Sastanaqqam"

58:20-1:02:57 - Donations

1:02:57-1:23:04 - Review: "John Wick: Chapter 2"

1:23:04-1:28:55 - Close / Outtake

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