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…

Latest Episodes:

James Roday Mar 01, 2019

Show notes

You probably know him best as the star of TV's Psych, or you're watching him on the new series A Million Little Things. But James Roday has a solid background in theater and has earned his wings as a writer and director. His newest project is called Treehouse, a segment of Hulu's horror anthology Into the Dark that debuts tonight. Leonard and Jessie were charmed by this quietly funny guy who is as thoughtful as he is talented.

Brad Bird Feb 22, 2019

Show notes

This fast-paced episode might be titled "The Young Brad Bird Chronicles," as the director of The Iron Giant, The Incredibles, Ratatouille and Oscar nominee forThe Incredibles II tells us about his first visit to the Disney studio—at the age of 11. He returned three years later with a home-made animated cartoon, and eventually he was mentored there by legendary animator Milt Kahl. He wound up pitching ideas to Steven Spielberg and helping create the look of The Simpsons before moving to Pixar and beyond. Brad's energy is infectious, and Leonard and Jessie can't wait to share their conversation.

Jonah Ray and Deanna Rooney Feb 15, 2019

Show notes

She is an actor, artist, writer and animator. He is an actor, comedian and writer. You may recognize Jonah Ray and Deanna Rooney from the Mystery Science Theatre 3000 revival. Los Angeles residents may know Jonah best as the longtime host (with Kumail Nanjiani) of The Meltdown, a weekly showcase that was home to every top stand up comedian in the country (and eventually became a tv show that aired on Comedy Central.) Together they make a fun and fascinating couple.

Dale Dickey Feb 08, 2019

Show notes

Dale Dickey is another of those valuable character actresses who makes every film and TV show better—like Leave No Trace, which reunited her with director Debra Granik, who cast her so memorably in Winter's Bone opposite Jennifer Lawrence. You've seen her in Hell or High Water, Breaking Bad, True Blood, I Am the Night—any film or TV show that needs someone unquestionably real. Leonard and Jessie are fans and enjoyed getting to know Dale, who left Tennessee to make her way in show business. Her memory of meeting Jack Nicholson for the first time on the set of The Pledge is just one highlight.

Mitzi Gaynor Feb 01, 2019

Show notes

Mitzi Gaynor was just a teenager when she came to Hollywood. She wound up starring with Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe, dancing with Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor, and headlining The Ed Sullivan Show with The Beatles. Her movies include There's No Business Like Show Business, Les Girls and South Pacific—and that's just a fraction of her career. How many people can say they worked with Irving Berlin, Cole Porter and Rodgers and Hammerstein? Leonard and Jessie had great fun with this playful, ever-youthful woman who caught the tail end of Hollywood's Golden Age.

Shea Whigham Jan 25, 2019

Show notes

He's one of those actors you know and value even if you don't know his name. Shea Whigham is an asset to every film and TV show he's in, from Boardwalk Empire to True Detective, American Hustle to The Wolf of Wall Street. He's not accustomed to talking about himself, but Leonard and Jessie are longtime fans and he obliged us with perceptive stories about breaking into show business and working with master filmmakers like Martin Scorsese. Once you get to know him you'll want to watch how much he brings to such current films as The First Man and Vice.

Phil Lord and Chris Miller Jan 18, 2019

Show notes

Phil Lord and Chris Miller are the hottest team in Hollywood with Spider-man: Into the Spider-verse earning awards, box-office bucks and rave reviews. There's even Oscar buzz surrounding their ground-breaking animated feature. But these longtime best friends have never rested on their laurels, from the moment they made their first short subjects in college through their baptism of fire as sitcom writers. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs established them in the animation world and The Lego Movie cemented their reputation as innovators who think WAY outside the box. Leonard and Jessie had a great time talking to this awesome duo.

Willem Dafoe Jan 11, 2019

Show notes

Willem Dafoe is that rare actor who can appear in a blockbuster like Aquaman at the same time he's starring in a cerebral biopic about Vincent Van Gogh, At Eternity's Edge. He's open to all kinds of experiences, contributing voices to Finding Nemo and The Fantastic Mr. Fox and working with a cast of first-time actors in last year's knockout The Florida Project, which earned him his third Oscar nomination. Leonard and Jessie wondered what drew him to acting in the first place, and learned why he loves taking on challenges in his work. Listen along to one of the most compelling and versatile actors on the planet.

Bill Prady Jan 04, 2019

Show notes

Creating, executive producing, and writing The Big Bang Theory would be enough for most people's résumés, but Bill Prady is not a one-hit wonder. He spent many years working with the Muppets, and wrote their unforgettable Disney theme park attractions Muppet*Vision 3D and Honey I Shrunk the Audience. He also spent years writing and producing such shows as Caroline in the City, Dharma & Greg and Gilmore Girls. Beyond his credits, Bill is a pop culture guru and a delightful conversationalist, as Leonard and Jessie quickly discovered. No 3-D glasses are required to enjoy this episode.

Ben Barnes Dec 28, 2018

Show notes

Most Americans encountered British actor Ben Barnes for the first time as Prince Caspian in the Chronicles of Narnia series. He's been working ever since, as viewers of The Punisher and Westworld can attest. What Leonard and Jessie didn't know was that he's a talented musician, which he tries to incorporate into his roles, and that he loves doing accents—rarely playing an Englishman. He's intelligent, funny, forthcoming and a real charmer, as you'll hear for yourself.

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