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Filmspotting

Adam Kempenaar & Josh Larsenfilmspotting.net
Adam Kempenaar and Josh Larsen review new and classic movies, offering "affable, insightful film analysis since 2005" (NY Times).

Episodes

#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 be ...

Apr 11, 20252 hr 10 minEp. 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, 20252 hr 57 minEp. 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, 20252 hr 2 minEp. 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, 20251 hr 27 minEp. 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, 20251 hr 26 minEp. 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, 20252 hr 36 minEp. 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, 20251 hr 27 minEp. 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, 20251 hr 20 minEp. 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, 20252 hr 30 minEp. 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, 20252 hr 59 minEp. 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, 20252 hr 59 minEp. 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, 20251 hr 20 minEp. 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, 20252 hr 42 minEp. 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, 20252 hr 32 minEp. 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, 20243 hr 5 minEp. 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, 20242 hr 50 minEp. 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, 20241 hr 8 minEp. 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, 20241 hr 11 minEp. 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, 20241 hr 10 minEp. 991

#990: Anora, Heretic, Here

Mikey Madison’s Ani is another memorable Sean Baker hustler but one defined by her defiance. Along with a review of Baker’s euphoric and often hilarious ANORA, thoughts on Hugh Grant in HERETIC and the latest from Robert Zemeckis, HERE. 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 (00:00:00-00:01:42) Review: “Anora” (00:01:42-00:37:53...

Nov 15, 20242 hr 34 minEp. 990

From the Archive: Fight Club, Top 5 David Fincher Scenes

Back in 2019, Adam and Josh took another look at David Fincher's FIGHT CLUB as part of the 9 From '99 series. Well, another five years have passed and Fincher's cult film is 25. A skilled craftsman and legendary perfectionist, Fincher's films are always a pleasure to look at, but for their Top 5 Fincher Scenes, Adam and Josh focus on how the director's style – even at its flashiest – serves the story and his characters. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie su...

Nov 08, 20241 hr 27 min

#989: Top 5 Ralph Fiennes Performances, Conclave

Along with a review of the new papal thriller CONCLAVE, Adam and Josh share their Top 5 Ralph Fiennes Performances, celebrating the actor’s 30 years on screen. 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 (00:00:00-00:04:17) Top 5: Ralph Fiennes Performances (00:01:29-00:33:40) Review: “Conclave” (00:33:41-00:52:09) Next Week, New Pol...

Nov 01, 20242 hr 38 minEp. 989

#988: The Texas Chain Saw Massacre at 50, Lumet Marathon Awards, Memoir of a Snail

THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE still has it. 50 years later, Tobe Hooper’s seminal horror film continues to mess us up. Plus, the best of the Sidney Lumet Marathon, and Josh recommends the new stop-motion feature MEMOIR OF A SNAIL. 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 (00:00:00-00:01:29) Sacred Cow: “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre”...

Oct 25, 20242 hr 53 minEp. 988

From the Archive: A Nightmare on Elm Street

With Wes Craven's A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET back in theaters for its 40th anniversary, we're sharing Adam and Josh's 2016 "Blind Cow" review of the film that Josh considers the best horror movie of all time—and Adam catches up with first the first time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 23, 202428 min

#987: Top 5 SNL Cast Member Performances, Saturday Night

Adam and Josh share their Top 5 SNL Cast Member Performances… with Kristin Wiig! Eddie Murphy! Adam Sandler! And more. Plus, Adam’s review of Jason Reitman’s SATURDAY NIGHT. 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 (00:00:00-00:03:11) Top 5: Performances by SNL Cast Members (00:03:12-00:36:08) Review (AK): “Saturday Night” (00:36:...

Oct 18, 20242 hr 40 minEp. 987

From the Archive: Pulp Fiction

Our very first Sacred Cow review was this March 2012 revisit of PULP FICTION, which turns 30 this month. Originally paired with the Top 5 Films of 1994 (episode #390), which you can find in the Filmspotting Archive. Access to the complete archive going back to 2005 is one of the perks of being a Filmspotting Family member. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 16, 202432 min

#986: Joker Folie à Deux, The Outrun, Prince of the City (Lumet #6)

It’s no joke: JOKER FOLIE À DEUX is a musical. Adam and Josh discuss whether it pays off and how the film handles its predecessor’s troubling legacy. Plus, Josh recommends THE OUTRUN, and the sixth and final film in the Sidney Lumet Marathon, 1981’s PRINCE OF THE CITY. 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 (00:00:00-00:02:44) R...

Oct 11, 20242 hr 39 minEp. 986

From the Archive: Joker (2019)

Between its late-August premiere at Venice (where it won the festival's top prize) and its release in theaters here in the States, Todd Phillips' JOKER provoked every possible response, with some calling it one of the best films of the year and others calling it the absolute worst – not to mention the much-discussed fears that the movie was "dangerous." No surprise then that when Adam and Josh finally got around to seeing it, they split – not just on the film itself, but on everything from the f...

Oct 09, 202435 min

#985: Megalopolis, Wolfs, Chicago Int'l Film Festival, The Wild Robot, Apartment 7A

There's much to discuss (and admire) about Coppola’s MEGALOPOLIS. Plus, reviews of Pitt and Clooney in WOLFS, animated hit THE WILD ROBOT, and Rosemary’s Baby prequel APARTMENT 7A, along with some under-the-radar Chicago International Film Festival titles to seek out. 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 (00:00:00-00:01:46) "M...

Oct 04, 20242 hr 38 minEp. 985

#984: Top 5 Whodunits, Murder on the Orient Express (Lumet #5), The Substance, Will & Harper

Who’s guilty of leaving 1974’s MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS off their Top 5 Whodunits list? Adam and Josh discuss the film as part of their Sidney Lumet Marathon. And reviews of THE SUBSTANCE and WILL & HARPER. 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 (00:00:00-00:01:46) Top 5: Whodunits (00:01:47-00:38:09) Reviews: “Will & Harper...

Sep 27, 20242 hr 54 minEp. 984