OscarWatch Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) Nov 17, 2016

Show notes

There are more Best Pictures lurking if only you feel like reading. Join hosts Alex and Steve as they travel to China to discuss the first of many Best Foreign Language Film winners, Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. As of 2016, the most award winning foreign language film of all time! Sure, it might not be the most representative of the Wuxia genre of kung fu flicks, but as an introduction to western audiences, the guys can't think of anything better. Beautiful, breathtaking and very romantic, the boys take a deep dive into Ang Lee's tale of love, hate and societal expectations - and how they can shape everyone, willingly and unwillingly. Also, Alex has some words regarding this year's follow-up film. In a nutshell: 'Abort!' Drop us a line at oscarwatchpodcast@gmail.com. Find us on iTunes and Google Play, and be sure to leave us a review! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@oscarwatchpod). Next week, we head back across the ocean to a tiny Apartment, where we resume our regularly scheduled program.

Ben-Hur (1959) Nov 11, 2016

Show notes

Friends, Romans, countrymen! Lend us your ears!...for our latest episode: William Wyler's Ben-Hur. Oh, you might think it's about a Jewish prince who is betrayed and seeks revenge, but let us assure you: you are wrong. This is all about Jesus, even if he isn't on screen that much. Alex and Steve discuss the spectacle that dazzled audiences back in the day, but wonder if the film really needed to be this long (spoiler: it really doesn't), the homoerotic undertones between the film's main characters and of course, the chariot race. Because what else do you think of when you think of Ben-Hur? Plus, we draw some parallels between the selfish quest for fulfillment displayed in the film and a certain major political event that happened recently. Find us on iTunes and be sure to leave us a review. If you'd like to get in touch, send an email to oscarwatchpodcast@gmail.com; and thank you for listening. Next week, we leave the Roman coliseum for the plains of Mongolia...

Silence of the Lambs (1991) Nov 04, 2016

Show notes

OscarWatch breaks out the fava beans and a nice chianti to bring you our slightly belated Halloween episode, The Silence of the Lambs - the only "horror" movie to have won Best Picture. Though Steve and Alex may have differing definitions of what horror is, and if this qualifies as one. And of course, an in-depth conversation about one of cinema's greatest villains, Hannibal Lecter. And before FBI Agent Dana Scully, there was Clarice Starling, still one of the greatest examples of law enforcement ever put on film - and she puts up with a ton of crap in this movie and we don't think that's all that right or fair or decent. We'd love to have you for dinner...to listen to this podcast! Enjoy our most 'spooktacular' episode yet! Subscribe to us on iTunes and be sure to leave a rating! Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@oscarwatchpod). Of course, you can always drop a line to us at oscarwatchpodcast@gmail.com. Next week, OscarWatch dusts off the old chariot for a trip back to ancient Rome...

Ordinary People (1980) Oct 30, 2016

Show notes

You may only be hearing one voice, but the words are from both of your esteemed hosts! Due to technical difficulties, we have had to scrap the traditional format for the show and present this solo, Steve-only endeavour about Robert Redford's directorial debut, Ordinary People. Like the film in question, there is someone missing to make everything right. And while our esteemed co-host Alex will return, the same cannot be said for the Jarrett family, wrestling with the loss of a child and the bittersweet drama that ensues. It's a fantastic movie, with a great look at psychiatry and America in the 80s, but is it 'THE' Best Picture? We take a look at the year's offerings and definitely wonder... Email us at oscarwatchpodcast@gmail.com, be sure to find us on iTunes (and leave a review!). And as always, find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@oscarwatchpod). Next week, we forego the traditional beer and coffee for a nice chianti...

BONUS: 2015 Year In Review! Oct 22, 2016

Show notes

A special mini-episode that did not make the cut for our Spotlight episode. Alex, Steve and guest host Matt discuss all the great, and not-so-great, films of 2015 - some of which should definitely have been nominated for Best Picture. Others, like a certain rebootquel, should have been left in the amber the filmmakers found it in! Did your favorite make the cut? Think something is missing? Write us a strongly worded email to oscarwatchpodcast@gmail.com Thanks for listening.

Spotlight (2015) Oct 20, 2016

Show notes

Alex and Steve once again ship on up to Boston for a look back at the most recent Best Picture winner. Joining them is longtime friend to the show and fellow podcast host, Matthew Krol of The Only Podcast About Movies! Together, they discuss whether a great and powerful narrative is the same as a great and powerful film, the quality of the acting (is it actually good acting when no one has a real character arc?) and why no one should ever mess around with Marty Baron. Just look at Trump's poll numbers to see why. Don't worry, they get on a fairly long tangent as to the real Best Picture of 2015 and man, are they full of both sound...and Fury. And, Steve gets so excited that he yells the entire time, so we apologize for the poor sound quality on his end. You can find Matt Krol and the archives of his show over at www.onlymoviepodcast.com. Find us on iTunes, like and subscribe. We're on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @oscarwatchpod. Like what you hear? Don't like what you hear? Have an idea or a request for us? Drop us a line at oscarwatchpodcast@gmail.com and as always, thanks for listening.

The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) Oct 13, 2016

Show notes

This week, the boys of OscarWatch return to World War II with a look at the classic David Lean epic, The Bridge on the River Kwai. A gorgeous, tense and wonderful look at obsession in wartime, Obi-Wan Kenobi -- err, Alec Guinness, called it some of his finest acting (and he even won an Oscar, too). Our fearless hosts dissect the iconic theme, the nature of drama, motivation and conflict and get down to the business of watching a film in which all the pieces fall together beautifully. We also learn just why Steve was so eerily quiet these past few weeks. Turns out, he was on a little adventure of his own. All of this and more on this week's episode of OscarWatch. Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Drop us a line at oscarwatchpodcast@gmail.com and be sure to leave a review on iTunes. It really does help get the word out about the show.

Braveheart (1995) Sep 22, 2016

Show notes

Today you have the FREEEEEEDOOOOMMMMM to listen to Steve and Alex talk about Mel Gibson's Oscar-winning Braveheart. Here we find out how important it was to certain young minds, and how well it has held up in the twenty one years since its release. They also discuss how amazingly historically accurate the film is (snicker) and whether the battle sequences still pack a punch. Has Mel's escapades tainted his previous performances? Will revisiting this ruin childhood memories? Find out here, and make sure to listen to the end for a special behind the scenes glimpse at OscarWatch!

Patton (1970) Sep 15, 2016

Show notes

This week, OscarWatch addresses the troops with a very special look at the 1970 Best Picture winner, Patton. Joining the discussion is internet critic legend, fantasy novelist, and all-around cinephile, James Berardinelli of Reelviews.net (@reelviews). James explains his longtime admiration of the WWII biopic, a film he has named his favorite of all time (and he's seen his share of movies in his nearly 25 year career as a film critic!) From the central performance, to the script, the music, and technical mastery on display, James and OscarWatch get down to the reasons why Patton will always be 5-stars. Find James Berardinelli and his writings at www.reelviews.net And look for OscarWatch on iTunes, SoundCloud and GooglePlay. Follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @oscarwatchpod and if you'd like to drop a line, shoot us an email at oscarwatchpodcast@gmail.com

The Sound of Music (1965) Sep 08, 2016

Show notes

The Sound of Music is one of the most acclaimed musicals of all time. It's also a slog to get through. Could it be 16 going on 17... hours long? Did The Sound of Music deserve the Best Picture Oscar for 1965? Watch as our fearless hosts discuss a few of their favorite things they saw while wondering just how many minutes were left. Revel in in the undeniably iconic soundtrack while wondering just where the plot is going. Cower in fear as lame Nazis come in and offer our hero a job as the film goes to a standstill.

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