Filmspotting

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Top 5 Films of 1987 | Archive Jun 03, 2026

Show notes

From the manic, diaper-stealing chaos of the American Southwest, to the timeless charm of a classic fairy tale, Adam and Josh count down their Top 5 Films of 1987.

Unlock the full archive, Filmspotting Discord, ad‑free + bonus episodes, and more when you ⁠join the Filmspotting Family⁠.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jack Ryan: Ghost War is a Simulacrum of Cinema | SVU Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

Matt and Jordan review Prime Video’s Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan: Ghost War, a straight-to-streaming title they are branding "movie Toferky." For Rec Seg, the duo finds comfort in the Paramount Plus vaults, with Jordan revisiting the Tom Clancy masterpiece that started it all, and Matt countering with a series sequel featuring Harrison Ford's bookworm Boy Scout desk-jockey.

Then, a personalized recommendation request from listener Patrick sparks a highly volatile intra-pod war. While Jordan goes with a ‘70s screwball classic, Matt goes full "Muppet Radical" with his recommendation for a late-period Muppet movie over the Jim Henson-produced originals.

Finally, Producer Sam hosts a trivia game called The Sum of All Jack Ryans, which ignites a flurry of deep pulls, culminating with a classic Jordan anecdote featuring Star Trek's Gates McFadden desperately trying to escape a cruise ship at the outbreak of the pandemic. (Ep. #174)

Intro, Jack Ryan: Ghost War Review (00:00:00–00:34:37)

Rec Seg! (00:34:38–00:52:31)

Personalized Recs (Theater Kids, Streisand, & Muppet Radicals) (00:52:32–01:10:44)

Game: The Sum of All Jack Ryans (01:10:45–01:32:36)

New to Streaming / Credits (01:32:37–01:43:14)

Show Notes

Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/

Matt's appearances on our sister podcast, The Next Picture Show, discussing Shogun Assassin and The Mandalorian and Grogu.

https://www.filmspotting.net/nextpictureshow

Check out Jordan's guest spot on Keith Phipps' sci-fi podcast The Laser Age discussing the killer-bunny classic Night of the Lepus

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-laser-age-285296395/

Pre-Order Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" (Coming October 6th): https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/

Feedback: Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com

Follow Matt on Blue Sky: @mattsinger.bsky.social

Follow Jordan on Blue Sky: @jhoffman.bsky.social

Follow the Show: https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind vs. E.T. | Movie Death Match Jun 01, 2026

Show notes

In anticipation of Disclosure Day, Steven Spielberg’s two most beloved alien films face off in the inaugural Filmspotting Movie Death Match. Representing Close Encounters of the Third Kind is Dr. Margaret A. Weitekamp, Chair of Space History at the National Air and Space Museum. Making the case for E.T. the Extra‑Terrestrial is longtime critic and author Jen Chaney. Host Chris Klimek presides.

Which film better captures Spielberg’s vision of alien contact — and his ideas about the nuclear family? Vote at ⁠moviedeathmatch.com⁠.

Movie Death Match is a new Filmspotting podcast that determines which one of a pair of linked movies — each championed by a passionate and highly credentialed advocate — shall be preserved in perpetuity, and which one shall be lost to history. Through opening statements, formal debate rounds, and closing arguments, a single cinematic judge renders an irreversible verdict. One movie survives. One is erased. Listeners may disagree — but there are no appeals.

Intro & Meeting the Advocates (00:00:00-00:04:40)

The Matchup (00:04:41-00:06:21)

Opening Statements (00:06:22-00:10:26)

Rd. 1: The Movies in Their Time (00:10:27-00:28:49)

Rd. 2: The Movies in Our Time (00:28:50-00:45:39)

Rd. 3: The Movies for All Time (00:45:40-01:01:57)

Closing Arguments & The Verdict (01:01:58-01:04:22)

Credits (01:04:23-01:08:40)

***

Follow Chris: Instagram | Bluesky | X

More From Jen Chaney

-On E.T. and Why the Spielberg Classic Endures

-As If! The Oral History of Clueless, As Told by Amy Heckerling, the Cast, and the Crew

-Instagram | Bluesky

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mandalorian and Grogu and I Love Boosters | #1066 May 29, 2026

Show notes

Vulture critic Roxana Hadadi joins Adam to break down the first theatrical Star Wars feature in eight years, The Mandalorian and Grogu. They discuss whether its wall-to-wall action reveals true character, how the helmet creates a literal performance straitjacket, and if the film works for anyone walking into the theater without three seasons of television homework. Then, they pivot to a very different kind of crew in Boots Riley’s politically uncompromising sophomore feature I Love Boosters.

This episode is presented by⁠ Regal Unlimited⁠⁠, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. Use code FILMSPOT26 to take 15% off.

(Timecodes will vary with ads.)

Intro (00:00:00-00:02:11)

The Mandalorian and Grogu (00:02:11-00:35:33)

Filmspotting Family (00:35:34-00:41:54)

Poll: Paul Rudd's MVP Supporting Role (00:41:55-00:49:05)

'20s/'30s Madness, Filmspotting Fest II (00:49:06-00:54:52)

I Love Boosters (00:54:53-01:27:53)

New Releases / Outro (01:27:53-01:34:43)

Links:

-Roxana Hadadi at Vulture

https://www.vulture.com/author/roxana-hadadi/

-Matt Singer’s review of The Mandalorian and Grogu

https://screencrush.com/mandalorian-and-grogu-review/

-Filmspotting Fest II: June 27-28, 2026

https://www.filmspottingfest.com

-Roxana on the ending of I Love Boosters

https://www.vulture.com/article/i-love-boosters-ending-and-skins-explained.html

Feedback:

-Email us at feedback@filmspotting.net⁠⁠.

⁠⁠⁠⁠-Ask Us Anything⁠⁠⁠⁠ and we might answer your question in bonus content.

Support:

-Join the Filmspotting Family for bonus episodes and archive access.

https://filmspottingfamily.com

-Filmspotting Shop for T-shirts and more.

https://www.filmspotting.net/shop⁠⁠⁠

Follow:

-Watch Filmspotting on YouTube:

https://youtube.com/filmspotting

-Adam/Filmspotting:

Letterboxd | Instagram | Facebook | Bluesky

-Josh/LarsenOnFilm:

Letterboxd | Instagram | Facebook | Bluesky

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Top 5 Single Location Movies | Archive May 27, 2026

Show notes

From the suffocating tension of open-ocean survival and alcohol-fueled marital warfare, to the isolated terrors of demonic cabins and haunted bedrooms, Adam and Josh break down their Top 5 Single Location Movies.

Unlock the full archive, Filmspotting Discord, ad‑free + bonus episodes, and more when you ⁠join the Filmspotting Family⁠.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ladies First: Sacha Baron Cohen Takes on the Matriarchy | SVU May 26, 2026

Show notes

Matt and Jordan punch their tickets to an alternate reality to review Ladies First, the new Netflix comedy starring Sacha Baron Cohen and Rosamund Pike. They break down the film's (mostly good!) relentless barrage of gags, its terrifyingly plausible marketing pitches, and whether it successfully navigates the edgy tightrope of workplace comedy.

But before they talk Ladies First, they have to talk about leaving the couch. Matt recounts his mind-bending, leaf-in-the-face trip to the Las Vegas Sphere watching The Wizard of Oz, while Jordan counters with an equally dramatic story about his allergy-inflicted screening ofThe Mandalorian and Grogu at his local AMC.

For Rec Seg!, the multiversal madness continues as the duo pairs Ladies First with Jet Li martial arts mayhem and surrealist cinema from Fellini. Plus, a listener writes in looking for a sleek, under-the-radar romantic thriller, prompting two very different caper recommendations. Finally, Producer Sam takes over the board as "Dungeon Master" to premier a brand-new, slow-teasing visual trivia game called Strip Poster. (Ep. #173)

(Timecodes/chapters may not be precise with ads.)

Intro, Wizard of Oz at Sphere, The Mandalorian & Grogu (00:00:00–00:15:05)

Ladies First (00:15:06–00:35:26)

Rec Seg! (00:35:27–00:50:23)

Personalized Recs (00:50:24–01:02:16)

Game (01:02:17–01:16:36)

New to Streaming / Credits(01:16:37–01:29:00)

Notes:

Matt on “The Wizard of Oz” at Sphere

https://screencrush.com/wizard-of-oz-sphere-review/

Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive

⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/⁠⁠

Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" comes to bookstores everywhere on October 6th. Pre-Order now! ⁠⁠https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/⁠⁠

The Flop House Podcast: “The One”

https://www.flophousepodcast.com/2025/11/episode-467-the-one-with-michael-shanks/

Feedback: -Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com⁠⁠

Follow:

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/superpulse/⁠⁠

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony Leung Talks Silent Friend, Plus Decorado and The Wizard of the Kremlin | #1065 May 22, 2026

Show notes

Adam sits down with legendary actor Tony Leung (In the Mood for Love, Chungking Express) to discuss his brilliant career and his new starring role in Ildiko Enyedi’s Silent Friend. Then Adam and Josh share their thoughts on the meditative multi-era drama itself, followed by reviews of Alberto Vasquez’s Spanish animated feature Decorado and Olivier Assayas's The Wizard of the Kremlin, which features Jude Law's terrifyingly charismatic portrayal of Vladimir Putin. Plus, Massacre Theatre!

This episode is presented by⁠ Regal Unlimited⁠⁠, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. Use code FILMSPOT26 to take 15% off.

Intro (00:00:00-00:04:34)
Interview: Tony Leung (00:04:35-00:18:33)
Filmspotting Family (00:18:34-00:23:59)
Silent Friend (00:24:00-00:48:25)
Decorado (00:48:26-01:02:23)
The Wizard of the Kremlin (01:02:24-01:10:40)
Massacre Theater (01:10:41- 01:19:31)
Credits/New Releases (01:19:32- 01:23:48)

Note:

-Gary Jules, of course, performs a cover of Tears for Fears' “Mad World” in Donnie Darko.

Links:

-Filmspotting Fest II: June 27-28, 2026
https://www.filmspottingfest.com

-Josh's photo of the holm oak at University of St. Andrews: https://www.instagram.com/p/DYXUjKgjcPt/?img_index=1

Feedback:

-Email us at feedback@filmspotting.net⁠⁠.

⁠⁠⁠-⁠Ask Us Anything⁠⁠⁠⁠ and we might answer your question in bonus content.

Support:

Join the Filmspotting Family for bonus episodes and archive access. https://filmspottingfamily.com
Filmspotting Shop for T-shirts and more. https://www.filmspotting.net/shop⁠⁠⁠

Follow:

-Watch Filmspotting on YouTube:

https://youtube.com/filmspotting

-Adam/Filmspotting:

Letterboxd | Instagram | Facebook | Bluesky

-Josh/LarsenOnFilm:

Letterboxd | Instagram | Facebook | Bluesky

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Top 5 Superhero Costumes | Archive May 20, 2026

Show notes

From the timeless, unadorned perfection of early cinematic icons to the textured, battle-tested tactical gear of modern blockbusters, Adam and Josh (and some special guests) share their Top 5 Superhero Costumes and explore what makes a costume truly legendary.

Unlock the full archive, Filmspotting Discord, ad‑free + bonus episodes, and more when you ⁠join the Filmspotting Family⁠.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The State of Streaming: Netflix | SVU May 19, 2026

Show notes

In the first installment of a semi-regular series, Matt and Jordan take a break from reviewing a single film in order to interrogate an entire streaming platform: the industry juggernaut, Netflix. They dissect it across five crucial categories—library size, playback interface, reliability, originals, and price. The goal? Nothing less than determining the greatest service of all time.

Then for Rec Seg, Jordan attempts to track down a forgotten, star-studded 2020 musical drama buried deep in the Netflix sub-basement, while Matt stakes a claim for Adam Sandler's finest 2020s streaming achievement. Plus, they answer a listener mailbag question with two exceptional, music-centric recommendations currently streaming on Mubi.

(Timecodes/chapters may not be precise with ads.)

Intro (00:00:00-00:02:23)

The State of Streaming: Netflix (00:02:24-00:43:09)

Rec Seg! (00:43:09-00:57:30)

Personalized Recs: Music Movies on MUBI (00:57:31-01:08:25)

Game: Netflix Capacitor (01:08:26-01:16:13)

New to Streaming / Credits (01:16:14-01:23:09)

Notes:

Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive

⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/⁠⁠

Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" comes to bookstores everywhere in October. Pre-Order now!

⁠⁠https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/⁠⁠

Jordan at Foreign Policy Magazine

https://foreignpolicy.com/author/jordan-hoffman/

Matt at ScreenCrush

https://screencrush.com/author/mattsinger/

Feedback:

-Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com⁠⁠

Follow:

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/superpulse/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/jhoffman6/⁠⁠

⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/mattsinger.bsky.social⁠⁠

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tree of Life at 15: Malick’s Cosmic Masterpiece Revisited | #1064 May 15, 2026

Show notes

15 years after its release, Adam and Josh return to the 1950s Waco of Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life. They discuss Malick’s bold attempt to voice the divine, mapping the books of Job and Genesis onto his narrative, and his attempt to reconcile the beauty of creation with the reality of suffering. Plus, details about Filmspotting Fest II: 68 Weeks Later, and a new poll that attempts to gauge listeners' enthusiasm for the upcoming Mandalorian and Grogu.

This episode is presented by⁠ Regal Unlimited⁠⁠, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. Use code FILMSPOT26 to take 15% off.

(Timecodes/chapters may not be precise with ads.)

Intro (00:00:00-00:03:32)

The Tree of Life at 15 (00:03:33-00:55:50)

Filmspotting Family (00:55:51-01:00:07)

Next Week / Cannes Film Festival (01:00:08-01:04:44)

Polls (01:38:17-01:13:15)

Credits / New Releases (01:13:16-01:17:20)

Correction:

-Adam actually saw The Thin Red Line upon its release in 1998, making it his first Malick. The New World, then, was the first Malick he got.

Links:

-Filmspotting Fest II: June 26-27, 2026

https://www.filmspotting.net/filmspotting-fest