The Big Picture

This episode includes an extensive discussion of a new meta-slasher film, delving into its unique blend of satire, emotional depth, and genre deconstruction. Guests explore the film's playful engagement with horror tropes, its themes of sexual awakening and identity, and the director's vision for a more liberated and joyful cinematic experience, as well as the actors' process in building an intimate on-screen relationship.

This episode includes a conversation with a renowned character actor about his career, alongside extensive movie news covering the massive box office success of a recent superhero film and upcoming project delays. It also features the host answering listener questions on topics ranging from the craft of film criticism and underrated movies, to personal reflections on relationships and career advice for aspiring film enthusiasts.

This episode includes a detailed discussion of the new romantic comedy “One Night Only,” dissecting its unique premise of pre-marital sex being legal only one night a year, while praising its charming cast and humor despite its unbelievable plot. The hosts then transition to building a 21st-century rom-com canon, outlining strict criteria and debating the inclusion of various influential films like "Bridget Jones's Diary," "The Wedding Planner," and "Hitch." The conversation also touches on the decline and evolution of the romantic comedy genre since 2001.

This episode includes a lively Canadian movie draft among the hosts and two guests, filmmaker Matt Johnson and critic Adam Naaman. The group engages in a spirited discussion about what defines a "Canadian film" and the unique challenges and characteristics of the country's cinema. The episode also features several rounds of trivia questions related to Canadian culture and movies.

This episode includes an in-depth review and discussion of the latest Tom Holland Spider-Man film, exploring Peter Parker's evolving powers, his loneliness, and the introduction of characters like Jean Grey, the Punisher, and the Hulk. The hosts also discuss the new "Thomas Crown Affair" trailer, the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the ongoing balance between fun and serious themes in superhero cinema.

This episode includes discussions on recent Marvel casting news, the impressive box office performance of The Odyssey, and a comprehensive review of several new films spanning animation, indie cinema, and streaming releases. The conversation also explores broader industry trends, such as the increasing prevalence of Disney live-action remakes and the evolving role of "streaming movie stars."

This episode includes a detailed discussion on the Venice Film Festival lineup, its perceived lack of major films, and concerns over the underrepresentation of women directors. It also covers the acquisition of a historic movie theater by Alamo Drafthouse, prompting a broader conversation about the future of premium movie formats and the film industry. The hosts then tackle a wide-ranging mailbag, addressing questions on topics like the artistic and commercial future of major film franchises, Christopher Nolan's next moves, the Oscar prospects for various films, and humorous hypotheticals about adaptations.

This episode includes a comprehensive discussion on the new film "The Odyssey," exploring its box office success, critical reception, and the director's unique filmmaking style and recurring themes. The hosts also react to the latest Avengers: Doomsday trailer, debate the state of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and cover other industry news such as a paused studio merger and upcoming festival film slates.

This episode includes a detailed discussion of Christopher Nolan's latest epic film, "The Odyssey," analyzing its ambitious scale, thematic depth, and performances from its star-studded cast, as well as its unique adaptation of Homer's ancient poem. The hosts also cover recent movie news, including trailer releases and fall film festival announcements.

This episode includes a discussion on the career of Sam Neill and the box office performance of the live-action Moana remake, alongside updates on new film trailers like "Digger" and "Dune Part 3." The main segment features a lively draft of "epic" movies, categorized by themes such as Odyssey-inspired, best picture winners, biblical, romantic/war, biopic, and films over three hours long.

This episode includes a deep dive into a new dramedy film starring Seth Rogen and Olivia Wilde, who also directed. The discussion explores the film's themes of middle-aged marriage, unhappiness, social anxiety, and unexpected group sex, alongside insights into the unique independent filmmaking process. Listeners hear about the director's creative choices and the ambiguous ending, prompting reflection on relationships and personal agency.

This episode includes a deep dive into the illustrious career of a beloved Hollywood icon, with hosts building a Hall of Fame for her filmography. Discussions explore her unique persona, influential style, and significant collaborations with notable filmmakers, spanning from dramatic roles to her celebrated comedic performances. The conversation also touches on her work as a director and the evolution of her long and varied career.

This episode includes an ongoing movie auction where hosts strategically bid on upcoming films to complete their slates for the year, considering potential box office success, Oscar nominations, and critical scores. They discuss unreleased movies like Tony Gilroy's "Behemoth," Lance Oppenheim's "Primetime," Martin McDonagh's "Wild Horse Nine," and David Robert Mitchell's "End of Oak Street." The conversation also covers directorial styles, actor performances, and the challenges of predicting critical and commercial reception for these anticipated films.

This episode includes a mid-year review where guests share their favorite films, sparking lively discussions on diverse genres from horror to sci-fi and satirical drama. Key topics explored societal anxieties, commitment, and masculinity, often highlighted by one guest's repeated "theft" of others' top picks.

This episode includes discussions on recent movie news, covering Jesse Eisenberg's new musical, distribution challenges for an AI film, and upcoming adaptations and reboots. The hosts then critically review the new "Supergirl" movie, noting its formulaic plot and poor execution, while reflecting on the perceived end of the dominant superhero movie era. Finally, they praise "Jackass: Best and Last" for its entertainment value, discussing the franchise's unique humor and the emotional toll on its aging stars.

This episode includes a "redraft" of films from 2010, where a panel of hosts select and discuss their favorite movies from that year across various categories. The conversation delves into their personal experiences watching these films, the evolving film landscape of the era, and the nuances of defining categories like "original" versus "franchise." Specific picks range from acclaimed dramas like The Social Network and Inception to comedies and action films, sparking lively debate and analysis of the year's cinematic impact.

This episode includes a comprehensive look at recent movie news, touching on Amazon MGM dropping Luca Guadagnino's Sam Altman biopic, plans for an "Oceans" prequel, and a Sean Penn-directed January 6th film. The hosts then review "The Death of Robin Hood," finding its deconstruction of the myth underwhelming, and "Toy Story 5," which earns praise for its exploration of female friendship and screen time themes, despite some plot criticisms. The episode concludes with a ranking of the beloved animated franchise.

This episode includes a host's emotional recap of the New York Knicks' championship victory and a deep dive into the box office success and divisive reception of a recent film by Steven Spielberg. It also features reviews of other new releases, "Office Romance" and "The Furious," before a comprehensive re-evaluation and ranking of Spielberg's entire 21st-century filmography.

This episode includes a lively discussion about a historic NBA playoff comeback, followed by reactions to new movie trailers and the announcement of the Academy's Governor's Awards honorees. The central focus is Steven Spielberg's new sci-fi epic, "Disclosure Day," delving into its literal portrayal of alien disclosure, themes of faith and collective human response to truth, as well as Emily Blunt's notable performance and the film's impressive set pieces.

This episode includes a comprehensive celebration of Mel Brooks, honoring his 100th birthday and his profound, lasting influence on American movie comedy. Guests analyze his unique style of satire and parody, exploring his iconic filmography including "The Producers," "Blazing Saddles," and "Young Frankenstein." The discussion also covers his impact as a producer, his notable collaborations, and how his humor is perceived by contemporary audiences.