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Filmspotting

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

The Next Picture Show’s 500th Episode

We celebrate our sister podcast's milestone by sharing their recently published 500th episode, which has hosts Scott Tobias, Tasha Robinson, Genevieve Koski, and Keith Phipps reflecting on their 10 years of podcasting. Plus, a special one-off review of their namesake film, Peter Bogdanovich's THE LAST PICTURE SHOW. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Nov 20, 20251 hr 27 min

Bugonia Review, Die My Love, The Mastermind, It Was Just an Accident

For their fourth film together, Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone get weird and go bald in BUGONIA with Jesse Plemons as Stone’s conspiracy-obsessed kidnapper. Adam and Josh discuss, along with reviews of Lynne Ramsay’s DIE MY LOVE starring Jennifer Lawrence, Kelly Reichardt’s THE MASTERMIND with Josh O’Connor, and film-of-the-year candidate IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT, the latest from Jafar Panahi. This episode is presented by ⁠ Regal Unlimited⁠⁠ , the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that p...

Nov 14, 20252 hr 4 minEp. 1039

Emma & Yorgos - The Favourite/Poor Things Reviews (Archive)

With BUGONIA in theaters – and our review dropping soon – we're sharing archive reviews of Lanthimos and Stone's first two collaborations, 2018's THE FAVOURITE and 2023's POOR THINGS. For more information about joining the Filmspotting Family , which gives you access to the archive going back to 2005, plus monthly bonus shows, a weekly newsletter, and an invite to join the Filmspotting Discord, visit filmspottingfamily.com . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See omny...

Nov 12, 202530 min

Frankenstein Review, Hedda, Christy, Peter Hujar’s Day

Adam and Josh delve into Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein, praising Jacob Elordi's Creature but differing on the film's narrative coherence. They also review Nia DaCosta’s Ibsen adaptation Hedda, the boxing biopic Christy starring Sydney Sweeney, and Ira Sachs's contemplative Peter Hujar's Day. The episode also features listener engagement, podcast updates, and the popular Massacre Theatre segment.

Nov 07, 20251 hr 43 minEp. 1038

Tom Cruise Draft (Bonus Excerpt)

October's Filmspotting Family bonus episode was a Tom Cruise Movie Draft with Adam and Josh, Producer Sam, and listener Zach Cook. For the full draft and other benefits like the weekly newsletter, access to the Filmspotting Discord, and more, join the Filmspotting Family . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Nov 06, 202522 min

Back to the Future Review (40th Anniv.), Deliver Me From Nowhere, Blue Moon, A House of Dynamite

With BACK TO THE FUTURE back in theaters for its 40th anniversary, Adam and Josh take the opportunity to give it Sacred Cow consideration. Plus, reviews of the Bruce Springsteen biopic DELIVER ME FROM NOWHERE, Richard Linklater’s BLUE MOON, and Kathryn Bigelow’s nuclear thriller A HOUSE OF DYNAMITE. This episode is presented by ⁠ Regal Unlimited⁠⁠ , the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes and chapter starts may not be precise with ads.) I...

Oct 31, 20252 hr 3 minEp. 1037

Night of the Living Dead (1968) Review (Archive)

Just in time for Halloween, this week's archive episode is Adam and Josh's 2017 Sacred Cow review of George A. Romero's NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, a Top 10 Horror Movie of All Time for both. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 22, 202539 min

Top 5 Robert Redford Movies, Chicago Int'l Film Fest Preview, Diane Keaton

When Robert Redford died last month at 89, he left behind a formidable legacy as an actor, director, and co-founder of the Sundance Film Festival. To honor his passing, Adam and Josh share their Top 5 Redford Movies. Plus, thoughts on the late Diane Keaton, Adam’s preview of the 61st annual Chicago International Film Festival, and 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. (Timeco...

Oct 17, 20251 hr 53 minEp. 1036

Top 5 Actor-Director Duos We’d Like To See, The Smashing Machine Review

Inspired by Leonardo DiCaprio’s long-hoped-for recent collaboration with Paul Thomas Anderson, Adam and Josh share the Top 5 Actor-Director Duos They’d Like To See. Plus, Adam’s review of Benny Safdie’s THE SMASHING MACHINE, and listeners share their 5 Years/5 Movies picks. This episode is presented by ⁠ Regal Unlimited⁠⁠ , the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes and chapter starts may not be precise with ads.) Intro (00:00:00-00:03:06) T...

Oct 10, 20251 hr 47 minEp. 1035

All the President's Men (Archive)

Next week on the show, Adam and Josh will honor the passing of Robert Redford with their Top 5 Redford Movies. A title that is sure to make the cut is Best Picture nominee ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN, which was part of 2021's 7 From '76–Best Year Ever series. It was also notably the first film in the Filmspotting Pantheon to receive the Sacred Cow treatment. Access to the Filmspotting Archive is just one of the benefits of joining the Filmspotting Family . Family members also get monthly bonus episo...

Oct 08, 202546 min

One Battle After Another Review, Predators

Paul Thomas Anderson is back in a big way with ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER. Adam and Josh have a review. Plus, Adam’s thoughts on PREDATORS, a new documentary about the troubling legacy of the reality series “To Catch A Predator.” This episode is presented by ⁠ Regal Unlimited⁠⁠ , the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes and chapter starts may not be precise with ads.) Intro (00:00:00-00:02:46) One Battle After Another (00:02:46-00:48:36) Fil...

Oct 03, 20251 hr 25 minEp. 1034

Inception (Archive)

With Leonardo DiCaprio back on the big screen in PTA's ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER, we're sharing Adam and Josh's 2020 conversation about INCEPTION, the actor's blockbuster collaboration with Christopher Nolan. This 10th anniversary review was part of the Nolan Oeuvre-view , a chronological revisit of the director's filmography. Access to those conversations and much more is available to members of the Filmspotting Family . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See omnystud...

Oct 01, 202543 min

A Big Bold Beautiful Journey Review, PTA Decades

Adam and Josh review the latest from Columbus and After Yang director Kogonada, A BIG BOLD BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY, and force themselves to pick their favorite PTA decade. Plus, listeners on the best ‘60s musical. This episode is presented by ⁠ Regal Unlimited⁠⁠ , the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes and chapter starts may not be precise with ads.) Intro (00:00:00-00:02:14) A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (00:02:15-00:44:16) Filmspotting Family...

Sep 26, 20251 hr 20 minEp. 1033

Magnolia (Archive)

With PTA's ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER coming to theaters this weekend, we're sharing Adam and Josh's 9 From '99 ⁠ review of the director's operatic third film, MAGNOLIA. For full access to the Filmspotting Archive, which goes back to 2005, become a member of the Filmspotting Family . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Sep 24, 202541 min

5 Years / 5 Movies, Spinal Tap II, The History of Sound, RIP Robert Redford

A Top 5 worthy of Rob Gordon and crew. You get five movies, but they must be from a consecutive five-year period. Plus, Adam reviews SPINAL TAP II: THE END CONTINUES, Josh recommends THE HISTORY OF SOUND, and Michael Phillips comes aboard to talk about the late Robert Redford and report on this year’s Venice Film Festival. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited⁠⁠ , the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes and chapter starts may not b...

Sep 19, 20252 hrEp. 1032

Almost Famous (Archive)

Cameron Crowe's ALMOST FAMOUS turns 25 this fall, so we dig into the archive for a 2018 Sacred Cow (or should we say Golden God?) review of Cameron Crowe's autobiographical film with bonus insights from ⁠Uproxx rock critic Steven Hyden⁠ . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Sep 17, 202559 min

GoodFellas Review, Lurker, The Roses

Adam and Josh enter the Pantheon for a welcome revisit of Martin Scorsese’s 1990 masterpiece GOODFELLAS, which turns 35 this month. Plus, Josh shares thoughts on Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch in THE ROSES and nominates the sinister new indie LURKER for the Golden Brick. This episode is presented by ⁠ Regal Unlimited⁠⁠ , the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes and chapter starts may not be precise with ads.) Intro (00:00:00-00:02:...

Sep 12, 20251 hr 32 minEp. 1031

Columbus with Kogonada, Pather Panchali with Dana Stevens at Filmspotting Fest

To celebrate 20 years of the show, we hosted Filmspotting Fest in March – six films over three days at two of Chicago’s iconic cinemas. This episode features two standout post-screening conversations: director Kogonada reflects on his Golden Brick-winning debut COLUMBUS, and Slate film critic Dana Stevens joins Josh to discuss Satyajit Ray’s indelible PATHER PANCHALI. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited⁠ , the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two vi...

Sep 05, 20251 hr 1 minEp. 1030

The Breakfast Club (Archive)

The definitive '80s high school movie is 40 and back in theaters. Adam and Josh gave it the Sacred Cow treatment back in 2015 for its 30th. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 03, 202548 min

Highest 2 Lowest Review, Jaws Review, Weapons Feedback

For their fifth collaboration, HIGHEST 2 LOWEST, Spike Lee and Denzel Washington reimagine Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 masterpiece “High and Low.” Adam and Josh review the film coming to Apple TV+ Sept. 5. Plus, spoiler feedback for Zach Cregger’s WEAPONS, Massacre Theatre, and revisiting the show’s 2020 Sacred Cow review of JAWS. This episode is presented by ⁠Regal Unlimited⁠ , the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes and chapter starts may not...

Aug 29, 20252 hr 26 minEp. 1029

Top 5 Denzel Washington Performances with W. Kamau Bell (Archive)

With a review of the new Spike Lee/Denzel Washington collaboration HIGHEST 2 LOWEST coming Friday, we're sharing 2016's Top 5 Denzel Washington Performances with guest W. Kamau Bell ("United Shades of America", "We Need to Talk About Cosby", the "Denzel Washington Is The Greatest Actor of All Time Period" podcast). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Aug 27, 202537 min

Dog Day Afternoon at 50, Ne Zha II Review

For its 50th anniversary, Adam and Josh revisit Sidney Lumet’s Best Picture-nominated (and ⁠Filmspotting Pantheon⁠ enshrined) DOG DAY AFTERNOON. Plus, Josh recommends the Chinese animated phenomenon NE ZHA II, and a new Deeply Flawed Filmspotting Poll ⁠pits two giants of animation against each other. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited⁠⁠ , the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes and chapter starts may not be precise with ads.) In...

Aug 22, 20251 hr 53 minEp. 1028

Top 5 21st Century Comedies (Archive)

With THE 40-YEAR-OLD VIRGIN back in theaters for its 20th anniversary, we're sharing a Top 5 from 2016: 21st Century Comedies. Judd Apatow's 2005 comedy fares pretty well on one of the lists. Access to the complete Filmspotting archive – over 1,000 episodes spanning 20 years – is just one benefit of j oining the Filmspotting Family . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Aug 20, 202555 min

Weapons Review and It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley

Adam and Josh go long on Zach Cregger’s provocative horror mystery WEAPONS, and Adam recommends the new doc IT’S NEVER OVER, JEFF BUCKLEY. Plus 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 and chapter starts may not be precise with ads.) Intro (00:00:00-00:01:25) Review: Weapons (00:01:26-00:43:20) 20th Anniversary Messages (00:43:21-00:50:15) Review (AK): It’s Never Over, Jeff ...

Aug 15, 20251 hr 19 minEp. 1027

The Shining (Archive)

With Zach Cregger's WEAPONS getting a review this week, we dig deep into the archive for a 2012 Sacred Cow review of THE SHINING, a film Cregger frequently mentions as a major influence. Michael Phillips joins Adam and Josh for the conversation about Kubrick's horror classic, which turns 45 this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....

Aug 13, 202536 min

Together Review, Sunset Boulevard at 75, AngelHeaded Hipster

Adam and Josh, um, split on the Dave Franco-Alison Brie body horror movie TOGETHER, then catalog the wonders of Billy Wilder’s SUNSET BOULEVARD, which still astonishes at 75. Plus, the new doc about T. Rex frontman Marc Bolan and the Deeply Flawed Filmspotting Poll asks you to relitigate the 1976 Best Picture race. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited⁠ , the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes and chapter starts may not be precise...

Aug 08, 20251 hr 47 minEp. 1026

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest at 50, Top 5 Jack Nicholson Scenes

Milos Forman’s Best Picture-winning ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO’S NEST turns 50 this year, which gives Adam and Josh an excuse to revisit the film (which is already in the ⁠Filmspotting Pantheon⁠ ) and to celebrate the long and illustrious career of its charismatic star with their Top 5 Jack Nicholson Scenes. Plus, Adam recommends the new doc ARCHITECTON and Massacre Theatre. This episode is presented by ⁠Regal Unlimited⁠⁠ , the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just...

Aug 01, 20252 hr 16 minEp. 1025

Eddington, The Fantastic Four, Sunlight, Top 5 Joaquin Phoenix Performances (2023)

Josh welcomes Michael Phillips to discuss Ari Aster’s divisive pandemic-set movie EDDINGTON – a review that appropriately includes the phrase, "I couldn’t agree less with you…" Plus, Michael shares thoughts on THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS; Josh gives the "non-cringe ventriloquist comedy" SUNLIGHT a Golden Brick nomination; and, from 2023, the Top 5 Joaquin Phoenix Performances. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited⁠⁠ , the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself ...

Jul 25, 20251 hr 56 minEp. 1024

Her (Archive)

Coming up on episode #1024, Josh welcomes Michael Phillips for a review of Ari Aster's EDDINGTON. We'll also replay Adam and Josh's Top 5 Joaquin Phoenix Performances from April 2023. Notably absent from that Top 5? Phoenix's Theodore from Spike Jonze's HER. That's because the 2013 film was in the 'penalty box', having been the subject of a recent bonus show shared exclusively with Filmspotting Family members. Here it is for the first time in the main feed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...

Jul 23, 202544 min

Superman Review, Top 5 Superman Movie Moments

Adam and Josh reckon with James Gunn’s SUPERMAN and then consider all the Supermen for their Top 5 Superman Movie Moments. Plus Massacre Theatre and more. 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 (00:00:00-00:01:52) Review: “Superman” (00:01:53-00:37:29) Filmspotting Family (00:37:30-00:41:28) Next Week / Notes (00:41:29-00:49:32)...

Jul 18, 20251 hr 44 minEp. 1023
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