From the Archive: Past Lives
With Celine Song's MATERIALISTS now in theaters, we share our review of her remarkable 2023 debut, PAST LIVES. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 18, 2025•20 min
Filmspotting
Adam Kempenaar and Josh Larsen review new and classic movies, offering "affable, insightful film analysis since 2005" (NY Times).
Episodes
#1018: The Phoenician Scheme, Bring Her Back, Pavements, Tarkovsky Marathon Awards
Wes Anderson and the Anderson Players are back in theaters with THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME. Adam and Josh have a review, plus thoughts on the Philippou Brothers’ BRING HER BACK and Alex Ross Perry’s PAVEMENTS. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes will not be precise with ads; chapters may start early.) Intro (00:00:00-00:02:35) Review: “The Phoenician Scheme” (00:02:35-00:37:48) Filmspotting Fa...
Jun 13, 2025•1 hr 45 min•Ep. 1018
From the Archive: Asteroid City
With his latest, THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME, now in theaters, here's Adam and Josh's 2023 review of Wes Anderson's previous feature, ASTEROID CITY. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jun 11, 2025•36 min
#1017: Clueless at 30, Top 5 Movie Quotes (In Our Lexicon) with Aisha Harris
It’s CLUELESS’s 30th anniversary garden party and everyone’s invited, including NPR’s Aisha Harris, who joins Adam for a revisit of Amy Heckerling’s ‘95 comedy and the Top 5 Movie Quotes (In Our Lexicon). This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes will not be precise with ads; chapters may start early.) Intro (00:00:00-00:03:12) Review: “Clueless” at 30 (00:03:13-00:46:46) 20th Anniversary Messa...
Jun 06, 2025•1 hr 57 min•Ep. 1017
#1016: M:I - The Final Reckoning, Top 5 Movie Stunts
Inspired by their review of MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - THE FINAL RECKONING, the latest and allegedly last film in the 30-year-old Tom Cruise-led franchise, Adam and guest Michael Phillips share their Top 5 Movie Stunts. Plus, what is the best M:I film anyway? This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes will not be precise with ads; chapters may start early.) Intro (00:00:00-00:01:54) Top 5 Movie Stunt...
May 30, 2025•1 hr 54 min•Ep. 1016
#1015: Before Sunrise/Before Sunset, Nostalghia (Tarkovsky #4)
Adam and Josh revisit BEFORE SUNSET for its 20th-ish anniversary and share their conversation about BEFORE SUNRISE, which followed a 30th-anniversary screening earlier this year to close Filmspotting Fest. Scott Tobias (The Next Picture Show, The Reveal) and Producer Sam Van Hallgren joined them for that. Plus, the final film in the Andrei Tarkovsky Marathon, 1983’s NOSTALGHIA. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in ju...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 57 min•Ep. 1015
#1014: Actors of the Century Draft, Stalker (Tarkovsky #4)
The Best of the Century conversation continues with a draft of the best actors and actresses of the last 25 years, and the Andrei Tarkovsky Marathon brings Adam and Josh into STALKER’s The Zone. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes will not be precise with ads; chapters may start early.) Intro (00:00:00-00:01:43) Actors of the Century Draft (00:01:44-00:56:24) Filmspotting Family (00:56:25...
May 16, 2025•1 hr 56 min•Ep. 1014
#1013: Top 25 Films of the Century
Adam and Josh leave their Filmspotting Madness brackets behind to make their Top 25 Films of the Century picks – and they manage to do it with only a little overlap. Plus, the return of 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. (Timecodes will not be precise with ads; chapters may start early.) Intro (00:00:00-00:02:19) Top 25 - Pt. 1 (00:02:20-00:40:58) Filmspotting Family (00:40:59-0...
May 09, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 1013
#1012: Revenge of the Sith at 20, The Shrouds w/Violet Lucca, Madness '25 Champ, Vulcanizadora
Adam sits down with film writer Violet Lucca to discuss David Cronenberg's provocative filmography and his latest foray into body horror, THE SHROUDS. Plus, he revisits STAR WARS: EPISODE III - REVENGE OF THE SITH for the first time since his five-star review in 2005, Josh has a review of the new VULCANIZADORA from director Joel Potrykus, and a new Madness Champion is crowned. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just...
May 02, 2025•1 hr 51 min•Ep. 1012
#1011: Sinners, Andrei Rublev (Tarkovsky #2), Madness ‘25 - Final
Ryan Coogler puts everything, and we do mean everything, into SINNERS, his first film post-”Black Panther.” Adam and Josh have a review, plus ANDREI RUBLEV, THE LEGEND OF OCHI, and the Filmspotting Madness: Best of the Century Final. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes will not be precise with ads; chapters may start early.) Intro (00:00:00-00:02:27) Review: “Sinners” (00:02:28-00:32:07) F...
Apr 25, 2025•1 hr 42 min•Ep. 1011
#1010: Tangerine at 10 with Alison Willmore, Ivan’s Childhood (Tarkovsky #1), Madness ‘25 - Final 4
The same weekend that Sean Baker won a shelf-full of Oscars, Filmspotting was screening his 2015 breakout TANGERINE as part of Filmspotting Fest. Following that screening, Vulture’s Alison Willmore joined Adam and Josh to discuss the film. That conversation, plus reviews of THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND and THE FISHING PLACE, the Filmspotting Madness Final 4, and the start of the Andrei Tarkovsky Marathon. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass ...
Apr 18, 2025•1 hr 56 min•Ep. 1010
#1009: Pride & Prejudice at 20, Top 5 Rain Scenes, Madness ‘25 - Elite 8, Eephus
Adam and Michael Phillips revisit Joe Wright’s PRIDE & PREJUDICE for its 20th anniversary – and to see if Adam has warmed up to a film he was tepid on back in 2005. (Spoiler: boy, has he.) Will C-beams glitter in the dark for the Top 5 Rain Scenes? Plus, Brickspotting with the indie baseball movie EEPHUS and the Filmspotting Madness Elite 8. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes will not...
Apr 11, 2025•2 hr 10 min•Ep. 1009
#1008: Top 5 Gene Hackman Scenes, Madness ‘25 - Sweet 16
When Gene Hackman died last month at 95, Adam and Josh knew they owed the actor a Top 5. After knocking out a few blind spots and revisiting some favorites, they use their Top 5 Gene Hackman Scenes to try to get at what made the actor so special. Also, Josh reviews Nicole Kidman in HOLLAND, Michael Shannon’s directing debut ERIC LARUE, and nominates the inventive (if "Memento"-inspired) new thriller GAZER for the Golden Brick. Plus, the Filmspotting Madness: Best of the 21st Century (So Far) Swe...
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr 57 min•Ep. 1008
#1007: Brick Q&A with Rian Johnson, Death of a Unicorn, Madness '25 - Round 2
Recorded live following Filmspotting Fest's opening night screening of BRICK, writer/director Rian Johnson reflects on his high school-set neo-noir classic. Plus Josh's review of A24's new DEATH OF A UNICORN and Round 2 of Filmspotting Madness–Best of the 21st Century (So Far). This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes will not be precise with ads; chapters may start early.) Intro (00:00:00-00:0...
Mar 28, 2025•2 hr 2 min•Ep. 1007
#1006: Black Bag with Roxana Hadadi, Madness ‘25 - Round 1
Josh and Vulture critic Roxana Hadadi review BLACK BAG, with Josh calling it Steven Soderbergh's best in over a decade. Roxana sticks around for Round 1 of Filmspotting Madness - Best of the 21st Century (So Far), only to be confronted with choices like PHANTOM THREAD or WALL-E. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes will not be precise with ads; chapters may start early.) Intro (00:00:00-00:...
Mar 21, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 1006
#1005: Mickey 17, Madness ‘25 - Play-Ins, On Becoming a Guinea Fowl
Adam and Josh split on MICKEY 17, Bong Joon-ho’s follow-up to the Best Picture-winning PARASITE. Josh recommends Rungano Nyoni’s ON BECOMING A GUINEA FOWL and Filmspotting Madness: Best of the 21st Century (So Far) begins. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes will not be precise with ads; chapters may start early.) Intro (00:00:00-00:01:50) Review: “Mickey 17” (00:01:51-00:29:54) Filmspotti...
Mar 14, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 1005
#1004: Filmspotting Fest, Oscars Recap, Pantheon Induction
Adam and Josh recap the Sean Baker Oscars and relive screenings of BRICK, BEFORE SUNRISE and more at the inaugural Filmspotting Fest. Plus the 2025 Pantheon Project concludes with two films inducted into Filmspotting’s Hall of Fame. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes will not be precise with ads; chapters may start early.) Intro (00:00:00-00:01:44) Remembering Gene Hackman (00:01:45-00:07...
Mar 07, 2025•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 1004
#1003: Oscars Special with Michael Phillips, Grand Theft Hamlet
The Chicago Tribune’s Michael Phillips joins Adam and Josh for some Oscar predictions—and corrections. Plus Josh nominates GRAND THEFT HAMLET for the 2025 Golden Brick Award. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes will not be precise with ads; chapters may start early.) Intro (00:00:00-00:04:03) Oscar Picks: Supporting Actress/Actor (00:04:04-00:25:32) Oscar Picks: Lead Actor/Actress (00:25:3...
Feb 28, 2025•1 hr 27 min•Ep. 1003
#1002: Grizzly Man (20th Anniv.), I’m Still Here, A Different Man
For the Pantheon Project, Adam and Josh revisit GRIZZLY MAN, Werner Herzog’s 2005 documentary about the life and tragic death of grizzly bear enthusiast Timothy Treadwell. Plus, Josh recommends Walter Salles’ I’M STILL HERE, and Adam catches up with Best Actor nominee Sebastian Stan in his other acclaimed 2024 film, A DIFFERENT MAN. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes will not be precise w...
Feb 21, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 1002
#1001: Emilia Pérez, Cléo From 5 to 7
With its 13 Oscar nominations, Adam and Josh could no longer ignore EMILIA PÉREZ. True to the film’s divisive reputation, they split on it. Plus, a very special musical edition of Massacre Theatre and a revelatory Pantheon Project review of Agnès Varda’s CLÉO FRMO 5 TO 7. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes will not be precise with ads; chapters may start early.) Intro (00:00:00-00:01:42) ...
Feb 14, 2025•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 1001
#1000: Singin’ in the Rain, The Brutalist, Zodiac Killer Project (Sundance)
For their 1000th episode, Adam, Josh, and guest Michael Phillips consider the many and varied pleasures of 1952’s SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN, a Pantheon Project review of the classic movie musical. Adam recommends Sundance award-winners PRIME MINISTER and ZODIAC KILLER PROJECT, and then he and Josh go long on Brady Corbet’s THE BRUTALIST. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes will not be precise wi...
Feb 07, 2025•1 hr 59 min•Ep. 1000
#999: Presence, Pantheon Candidates, Oscar Nominations
Adam and Josh start with the good, the bad, and the ugly of the 2025 Oscar nominations before diving into Steven Soderbergh’s ghost POV film PRESENCE, saving some spoiler talk for the end of the show. Then producer Sam Van Hallgren joins to talk Filmspotting Pantheon and nominate nine new titles for induction. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes will not be precise with ads; chapters may s...
Jan 31, 2025•1 hr 59 min•Ep. 999
#998: Top 10 Most Anticipated Films of 2025
Adam and Josh make their picks for the most promising films of the movie year and share details about upcoming show plans, including news on Marathons, Madness, and the Pantheon Project. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes will not be precise with ads; chapters may start early.) Intro (00:00:00-00:01:41) David Lynch Tribute (00:01:42-00:14:03) 2025 Preview (00:14:04-00:39:46) 2025 Show Pla...
Jan 24, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 998
#997: The Best Scenes of 2024
It’s the annual Filmspotting Wrap Party with Adam and Josh sharing their favorite scenes of the year for a live Chicago audience. Joined by the Chicago Tribune’s Michael Phillips. Plus, the announcement of the 2024 Golden Brick winner! This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes will not be precise with ads; chapters may start early.) Intro (00:00:00-00:04:25) Opening Scenes (00:04:26-00:19:12) Fu...
Jan 17, 2025•1 hr 42 min•Ep. 997
#996: A Complete Unknown, Nosferatu, Babygirl, September 5
Adam and Josh catch up with a trio of end-of-year releases, including the Dylan biopic A COMPLETE UNKNOWN, Robert Eggers’ NOSFERATU, and Nicole Kidman in the provocative BABYGIRL, plus the new docudrama SEPTEMBER 5. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes will not be precise with ads; chapters may start early.) Opening (00:00:00-00:02:18) Review: “Nosferatu” (00:02:19-00:23:13) Review: “A Comp...
Jan 10, 2025•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 996
#995: Top 10 Films of 2024 with Michael Phillips and Marya Gates
Adam and Josh get out the Allen wrench and reassemble the Filmspotting roundtable for the Top 10 Films of 2024 with Michael Phillips (Chicago Tribune) and film and culture writer Marya Gates. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes will not be precise with ads; chapters may start early.) Opening (00:00:00-00:13:57) Top Outliers (00:13:58-00:41:58) Consensus Picks – Pt. 1 (00:41:59-01:25:21) No...
Dec 20, 2024•3 hr 5 min•Ep. 995
#994: Best Performances of 2024, Flow, Maria
The best of 2024 conversation begins with Adam and Josh sharing their favorite lead and supporting performances, plus thoughts on the acclaimed animated film FLOW and Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas in MARIA. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes will not be precise with ads; chapters may start early.) Opening (00:00:00-00:01:41) Big Announcement (00:01:42-00:14:32) Supporting Actor (00:14:33...
Dec 13, 2024•1 hr 50 min•Ep. 994
#993: Nosferatu, Nightbitch, Top 5 Movie Moms Going Through It
Thoughts on Robert Eggers’ NOSFERATU (coming 12/25) and Marielle Heller’s NIGHTBITCH, plus the Top 5 Movie Moms Going Through It with Adam and guest Marya Gates. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes will not be precise with ads; chapters may start early.) Opening (00:00:00-00:01:26) Review (JL): “Nosferatu” (00:01:27-00:11:11) Review (AK): “Nightbitch” (00:11:12-00:16:29) Next Week, Notes (...
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 993
#992: Gladiator II w/Rico Gagliano, Moana 2, The Seed of the Sacred Fig
MUBI’s Rico Gagliano joins Adam and Josh for a review of Ridley Scott’s GLADIATOR II, plus Josh’s take on MOANA 2 and Adam on the new political thriller from Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof, THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes will not be precise with ads; chapters may start early.) Opening (00:00:00-00:02:49) MUBI's Box Office Poison (00:03:34-00:09:45) Revi...
Nov 27, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 992
#991: Wicked, Blitz, The Piano Lesson, All We Imagine as Light
It’s review roundup time as Adam and Josh cover several releases new to theaters and streaming, including the screen adaptation of Broadway’s WICKED, Steve McQueen’s WWII-set BLITZ, John David Washington in THE PIANO LESSON, and Brick nominee ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes will not be precise with ads; chapters may start early.) Opening (00:00:00-00:03:34) Rev...
Nov 22, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 991
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