Maltin on Movies

Legendary film critic Leonard Maltin and his daughter Jessie are the ultimate movie fans. They love talking about movies, especially with people who share their enthusiasm—from living legends like Mel Brooks, Al Pacino, Angela Lansbury and Quincy Jones to such contemporary artists as Amy Adams, Tim Burton, Laura Dern, and Jordan Peele. You’ll meet all kinds of interesting people and hear their recommendations of unsung movies you ought to know…

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Leslie Iwerks Jan 15, 2021

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As the granddaughter of animation pioneer Ub Iwerks and daughter of longtime Imagineer Don Iwerks, Leslie Iwerks automatically earns a niche in film history… but she's forged a great reputation of her own, with Oscar and Emmy nominations to show for it. Her six-part series The Imagineering Story helped launch Disney+, while her provocative profile of hackers from Macedonia, Selling Lies, earned critical praise this past year. She's chronicled the history of Pixar and Industrial Light and Magic and pursued a wide variety of topics that pique her interest. Leonard and Jessie are admirers of her work—and her family.

Ernie Hudson Jan 08, 2021

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He's earned immortality as that guy from Ghostbusters (and you'll see him in the forthcoming sequel) but Ernie Hudson is everywhere you look: as the star and executive producer of BET's The Family Business, as Lily Tomlin's love interest in Netlflix's Grace and Frankie, and Gary Dourdan's father in the new movie Redemption Day, opening in theaters today and on VOD next week. He's been in scores of movies and TV shows, from Oz to The Crow but the nicest thing about this nice (and talented) guy is that he still loves acting.

Devon Sawa Jan 01, 2021

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Jessie grew up with such popular movies as Little Giants, Casper, and Now and Then so naturally she's a fan of their star Devon Sawa. Now in his 40s, he's the father of two young children and pursuing a career with renewed interest and energy. His latest feature, Hunter Hunter, costarring Nick Stahl, is now playing on demand. Luckily, Devon is aware of his loyal fan base from his years as a child actor and chooses to embrace it. Leonard and Jessie had fun hearing his stories and indulging in a bit of nostalgia.

Judy Greer Jan 01, 2021

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Any actress who would title her book I Don't Know What You Know Me From: Confessions of a Co-Star is certain to be fun to talk to and Judy Greer is just that: a versatile actress who's done a little bit of everything in show business but isn't jaded or disengaged. She loves acting and relishes each new challenge, from voice acting (as a costar of the hit series Archer) to joining an ensemble of her peers in the new indie drama Uncle Frank. She has an irresistible sense of humor, and Leonard and Jessie had a great time talking to her about her indestructible (and unpredictable) career.

Cathy Moriarty Dec 11, 2020

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Cathy Moriarty achieved immortality when, as a teenager, she was cast in Raging Bull, directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci. She earned an Oscar nomination for this memorable debut and has never looked back. The mother of three grown children and founder of Los Angeles' Mulberry Street Pizza restaurants, she's had a colorful life and enjoys talking about it—as well as promoting But I'm a Cheerleader, a 1999 cult favorite which arrives on Apple TV and other digital platforms this month. Leonard and Jessie had a good time with quintessential New Yorker.

Margo Martindale Dec 04, 2020

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Margo Martindale is worth her weight in gold—to filmmakers and fans like us. Her presence is reason enough to watch any film or TV show. She's part of the ensemble of the new indie drama Uncle Frank, and shows once more why she is any director's best friend. Last year she tackled a real-life character, Bella Abzug, in the miniseries Mrs. America and pulled it off as easily as she has the fictional characters she's played in Justified, The Americans, The Good Wife and many other projects. Leonard and Jessie are two of her biggest admirers and delighted in getting to interview her. She exceeded our expectations.

Scott Eyman Nov 20, 2020

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The new book Cary Grant: A Brilliant Disguise is the latest in a long line of superior biographies written by Scott Eyman, a lifelong movie buff and friend of the family. Scott shares his experiences getting to "know" people he never met and capturing their essence, from the contentious director John Ford to the epic-making Cecil B. DeMille…along with Mary Pickford, Henry Fonda, James Stewart and John Wayne. He's also collaborated with Robert Wagner on three popular books. Leonard and Jessie ask how he manages to get inside these famous figures and make them come to life on the printed page.

April Wright Nov 14, 2020

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April Wright has found her calling as a filmmaker. Her first feature-length documentary, Going Attractions: The Definitive History of the American Drive-In was followed by Going Attractions: The Definitive History of the Movie Palace. Now she's taken a contemporary turn with a terrific new film called Stuntwomen: The Untold Hollywood Story, which is now streaming online via Shout! Factory. Leonard and Jessie wondered what inspired her and how she has managed to stay afloat through good times and bad, taking her movies on the road. Check out her website www.goingattractions.com.

Ryan Kwanten Oct 24, 2020

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Sydney native Ryan Kwanten learned his craft while working on the popular Australian TV series Home and Away, racking up 223 episodes. He gained further notice on Summerland but broke through to stardom on the red-hot HBO series True Blood. He's seldom idle for long, having costarred in such recent series as The Oath and Sacred Lies, and while he's now a California resident he still commutes for work. He can currently be seen with fellow Aussie Kodi Smit-McPhee in the futuristic 2067 on Amazon Prime and other streaming services. Leonard and Jessie found Ryan to be a thoughtful actor with an admirable work ethic and an interesting career to look back on.

Josh Ruben Oct 16, 2020

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Leonard and Jessie met the very likable Josh Ruben at this year's Sundance Film Festival, where he was screening his spooky comedy Scare Me, his debut feature which is now playing on Shudder and has been certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. He was hired as a cast member and director by College Humor in 2008 and hasn't looked back. You've seen his work in scores of TV commercials, and you can check out his gift for parody at http://joshsmindhouse.com/

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