Senior Writer Joanna Robinson (Vanity Fair) joins us to deck the halls as we talk about the very first West Wing Christmas special, and tenth episode overall, IN EXCELSIS DEO. Phil takes some time to outline the insane social media/Emmys scandal that erupted around this episode, involving Aaron Sorkin and co-writer Rick Cleveland. Joanna recounts the dramatic rewrites that Cleveland's original script went through to protect Toby's character, and eventually lead to Schiff's only Emmy win for The ...
Aug 04, 2021•1 hr 33 min
Writer Hunter Covington returns to the show this week to discuss a film we almost refused to cover, the religious apocalyptic thriller THE OMEGA CODE. Being just one in a very long line of 1999 apocalypse flicks we've covered on the show, can this movie hold a candle to the likes of Last Night or even End of Days? We discuss how this film fits into the zeitgeist of films pushing a religious agenda, the painfully undercooked plotline that needed at least seven or eight more rewrites, and the half...
Jul 30, 2021•1 hr 36 min
On our second double bill of this miniseries, we're joined by writer/producer Sarah Watson (The Bold Type, Parenthood) and writer/producer Adam Karp (Once Upon a Time, Teen Wolf), making his second appearance in the past week, to discuss The West Wing's ninth episode, THE SHORT LIST. We discuss how Sorkin was ahead of his time when thinking up political issues for the show, including minority representation on the supreme court, and privacy rights on the internet. We also continue to break down ...
Jul 28, 2021•1 hr 28 min
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Jul 23, 2021•1 hr 31 min
Writer Jamie Rosengard joins us to discuss season one, episode eight of The West Wing: Enemies. Being one of the few episodes of the show not credited to Sorkin, we discuss how surprisingly well it captures the essence of his writing, especially considering the last minute script deliveries. We also take a deeper look at CJ and Danny's relationship, the ever growing jumbled mess that is Sam's relationships, and how this episode manages to course correct President Bartlet and Leo's relationship t...
Jul 21, 2021•1 hr 11 min
This week we are joined by Ryan Marker of Screendrafts to talk about (In his opinion) one of the great, underrated, pre 9/11 airplane movies of all time. Place your trays in their upright positions, fasten your seatbelts, and enjoy today's in flight conversation on PUSHING TIN. As we work our way throught the plot of Mike Newell's air traffic control film, you may start to think you're losing your mind, but rest assured, this is actually the very literal plot of this film. Ryan shares his though...
Jul 16, 2021•2 hr 3 min
Joe Reid, host of This Has Oscar Buzz , joins Phil in watching episode seven of The West Wing, THE STATE DINNER. We talk about the first appearance of Stockard Channing as Abigail Bartlet, CJs flirtatious relationship with reporter Danny Concannon, and the first time the show has acknowledged Mandy in five episodes. We also break down the national and personal crisis' the escalate over the course of this episode, including the return of Sam Seaborn's unfortunate subplot, and a horrific act of go...
Jul 14, 2021•1 hr 26 min
It the the apocalypse!! So we brought on returning guest Chandler Levack to talk about the Canadian film, Last Night. We talk about Canadian film as a whole, what would you do with your last day, and how optimistic this movie looks into the apocalypse. Kenny even rant about greatness of Canadian films and thanks Phill and Chandler for being Canadian!! Find Jordan at: twitter.com/clevack Patreon: patreon.com/podcastlikeits1989 Twitter: twitter.com/podcastlikeits Instagram: instagram.com/podcastli...
Jul 09, 2021•2 hr 5 min
Screenwriter Liz Hannah (The Post, Longshot, All the Bright Places) joins Phil in watching episode 6 of The West Wing, Mr. Willis of Ohio. We discuss how Sorkin learns on the job, the degrees of sexism president Bartlet displays, and how his relationship with Leo is the heart of the show. We also compare this episode's viewership to modern television successes at the time, and today. Find Liz at: twitter.com/itslizhannah Patreon: patreon.com/podcastlikeits1989 Twitter: twitter.com/podcastlike it...
Jul 07, 2021•1 hr 27 min
Corinne Stikeman is back on the show to discuss yet another romance film with a great concept, but a terrible execution: THE LOVE LETTER. We discuss this movie's failed attempt at counterprogramming, the questionable casting choices, and the faux french atmosphere it tries to squeeze out of its New England setting. We also theorize how and why this movie got made, and Kenny gets into a heated debate with Corinne when we compare the film to You've Got Mail. Find Corinne at: twitter.com/cocostikem...
Jul 02, 2021•1 hr 22 min
Writer/Director Jessica Ellis is back on the show to discuss The West Wing's fifth episode, The Crackpots and These Women. We talk about how Sorkin writes women, and how this episode's script airs out a lot of his dirty laundry regarding his own scriptwriting. We also discuss the (strangely) relevant plots surrounding the government's relationship to space aliens, potential world shattering plagues, and a proposed coyote highway, and finally get our first glimpse into the interior lives of our f...
Jun 30, 2021•1 hr 12 min
Jordan Crucchiola (Aughsterion, Disaster Girls) joins us to champion one of the more bizarre movies of 1999, THE GENERAL'S DAUGHTER. We break down John Travolta's career, from his highest highs, to his lowest lows, and where he could have been today, had he made the right choices. Jordan defends the whole of this film as being better than its parts, and explains how its unapologetic depiction of rape and murder gives it a surprisingly feminist viewpoint. Can she sway Phil and Kenny in the direct...
Jun 25, 2021•1 hr 57 min
Writer/Producer Bryan Cogman joins us to discuss the fourth episode of The West Wing, FIVE VOTES DOWN. We compare and contrast different mediums to discuss where we think Sorkin's writing shines, and talk about how this episode showcases the original premise of the show. We also discuss some stand out comedic performances from Richard Schiff and Allison Janney, the realtively chill stakes of the plot, and break down the once in a lifetime oner this episode opens on. Find Bryan at: twitter.com/co...
Jun 23, 2021•1 hr 10 min
This week, we're talking clever kills, Stephen King, and Jason London with Too Stupid To Live's Becky Feldman, as we cover one of the most 90s horror movies out there, THE RAGE: CARRIE 2. We talk about how Carrie 2 is a completely different beast than its masterpiece of a predecessor, and how the connection to the first doomed it before it even hit theaters. We also break down how violence is portrayed in either movie, and how either direction isn't necessarily the wrong direction. Becky shares ...
Jun 18, 2021•1 hr 40 min
For the third episode of West Wing Wednesdays, we brought on Alex Berger, writer on the upcoming Law & Order offshoot, For the Defense, to talk about A PROPORTIONAL RESPONSE. We talk about how the audience must suspend their disbelief in the show's bombastic dialogue, and view the characters more like superheroes than real life political figures, to better tune into what it's trying to achieve. We also discuss the cycling between optimism and pessimism toward real world politics that affect ...
Jun 16, 2021•1 hr 13 min
Actor Talia Tabin (Host of Friends Talk Frasier and Feelings) joins Phil in discussing pop icon Christina Aguilera. We talk about how Aguilera's music spoke to a generation of pre-teen girls, compare and contrast her career to similar pop stars and actresses, such as Britney Spears, and break down some of her more popular songs and music videos. We also talk Kristen Stewart, Moulin Rouge, and some VERY outdated 90s fashion choices. Find Talia at: taliatabin.com Patreon: patreon.com/podcastlikeit...
Jun 11, 2021•1 hr 15 min
Writer/Producer Anupam Nigam is back on the feed to talk about the second episode of The West Wing, "Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc". In this episode, we discuss the poorly aged Sam Seaborn subplot of 'rescuing' a call girl, as well as some of the shameful gender roles at play. We also contemplate how this show changed the American view of politics, and how much we expect from our political leaders. Find Anupam at: twitter.com/anupamnigam Patreon: patreon.com/podcastlikeits1989 Twitter: twitter.com/...
Jun 09, 2021•1 hr 6 min
Director and documentarian Simon Ennis (Lunacry!, You Might As Well Live) makes his long overdue return to the show to nosedive into the world of capital punishment, holocaust denial, and coffee with Errol Morris' critically lauded documentary MR DEATH. We discuss whether or not it is a filmmaker's responsibility to educate their audience, our thoughts on capital punishment, and go in depth into the bizarre character that is Fred A. Leuthcer, Jr. We also break down some of the unique filmmaking ...
Jun 04, 2021•1 hr 32 min
In the inaugural episode of West Wing Wednesdays, writers Alan Sepinwall (Rolling Stone) and Emily VanDerWerff (Vox) join Phil in discussing the pilot episode of Aaron Sorkin's television classic. How do the political views of this show hold up today, and do the views even matter if its entire viewpoint on politics is ludacris? We discuss the major pitfalls this critically acclaimed political drama faces through a 2021 lens. Find Emily at: vox.com/authors/emily-vanderwerff Find Alan at: rollings...
Jun 02, 2021•1 hr 14 min
Writer/Producer Patrick Schumacker (Harley Quinn, Powerless, Surviving Jack) offers up his animation expertise for our episode on the anime classic PERFECT BLUE. We descend into the Satoshi Kon's disturbing fable about the cost of fame, to discuss how its themes remain relevant in the age of superhero blockbusters and multi-film studio contracts. We share our personal experiences with massive fanbases, discuss the aspects of this movie that were way ahead of its time, and, of course, break down ...
May 26, 2021•1 hr 28 min
We're joined by musician Scott Cassucio to discuss the third album in Nine Inch Nail's discography, the flawed masterpiece; THE FRAGILE. We discuss 'industrial rock', and how Trent Reznor's work parallels the work of the filmmakers he frequently collaborates with. We also tackle the mididentification of NIN as 'nu metal', the stylistic trajectory of the band, and the transcendent nature of their live performances. Grab your best pair of headphones, and join us in revisiting this iconic piece of ...
May 19, 2021•1 hr 43 min
Writer Emmy Potter is back on the show to talk about TUMBLEWEEDS, the bizarrely tender black sheep of Gavin O'Connor's filmography. We talk about how this movie portrays a positive mother/daughter relationship without falling into overdramatic cliches, and how the plot probably should have stayed on the road to keep its momentum. Plus, surprisingly enough, things get contentious as we discuss what defines a successful movie, and how viewers should interact with the media they consume. Find Emmy ...
May 12, 2021•1 hr 50 min
This week, we are joined by our SJW (Senior Jewish Correspondent) Toby Herman to discuss Liberty Heights, the fourth and final entry in Barry Levinson's 'Baltimore Films'. Although Liberty Heights is the primary focus, we take on the entirety of Levinson's semi-autobiographical tetralogy (Diner, Tin Men, and Avalon) to discuss what works, what doesn't work, and how his directorial style evolved, and culminated with Heights. We also take the opportunity to share our very different experiences gro...
May 05, 2021•2 hr 15 min
Critic Darren Franich (Entertainment Weekly) joins us to take on David O. Russell's critically acclaimed war satire Three Kings. Lauded at the time of release, Three Kings is nowhere close to being the household name that other 1999 films have become. We try to suss out the truth behind the wild production stories (of which there are many) surrounding this film, and how they may have contributed to its lack of nostalgic recognition. We also tackle the careers of the titular three kings (+ Spike ...
Apr 28, 2021•2 hr 2 min
This week, we travel back in time to Patrice Leconte's black and white vision of Paris to cover Girl on the Bridge with David Ehrlich (Indiewire). Through this movie's intense view of passion, we discuss the importance of being horny on main, how this movie affected David at a young age (and how Kenny thinks it would have changed his life), and how it expertly depicts lust, romance, and kindred spirits. As a little bonus, hear David's thoughts on next week's film "Three Kings" at the end of the ...
Apr 21, 2021•1 hr 19 min
For the final episode of this miniseries, we invited award winning critic Emily Nussbaum onto the show for an extended conversation on the second season of Sex and the city. We discuss staying friends with your exes, the way the show was cut down and for content issues when airing on E, and the contrast between the characters that fuels the charm of the show. Find Emily at: emilynussbaum.com Patreon: patreon.com/podcastlikeits1989 Twitter: twitter.com/podcastlikeits Instagram: instagram.com/podc...
Apr 17, 2021•1 hr 12 min
With Godzilla tearing up the box office (and our small screens) for the first time in three years, we thought it was the perfect time to cover Godzilla 2000, Toho's response to the critically panned american outing, with screenwriter, and all around Godzilla expert, Anupam Nigam. As the second reboot, and 23rd overall production by Toho, Godzilla 2000 sought to revitalize the franchise, and bring it back from the critical pit Roland Emmerich left it in. We talk about the subpar english dub, the ...
Apr 14, 2021•1 hr 32 min
Phil sits down with writer Molly Lambert to discuss the role age plays in Sex and the City through the season 2 episode "Twenty-Something Girls vs. Thirty-Something women". In this episode, we compare and contrast SatC to other shows that deal with similar themes of youth vs. age (Summer House, Real Housewives of New York, Below Deck). We also try to figure out what the revival will have to cover and avoid to resuscitate the franchise after the underwhelming, and unfaithful film epilogues. Find ...
Apr 10, 2021•1 hr 21 min
Zetus lapetus, it's about time we covered one of the EIGHT Disney Channel Original movies that came out in '99, and who better to do it with than someone who auditioned to be in Zenon: Z3, actress Jennifer Lauren DiBella? While movies like The Matrix and The Blair Witch project were redefining cinema as we know it at the local megaplex, DCOMs were the talk of the schoolyard for 90s kids who couldn't convince their parents to take them to see Stuart Little for the 5th time. Today, Phil is finally...
Apr 07, 2021•1 hr 35 min
For this week's episode of Sex and the City Saturdays, we take a brief break from our season two rewatch to sit down with Sex and the City writer Liz Tuccillo to talk about her time working on the show, her excitement about SatC returning to the small screen, and how unique the SatC writers room was at the time. Find Liz at: twitter.com/theliztuccillo Patreon: patreon.com/podcastlikeits1989 Twitter: twitter.com/podcastlikeits Instagram: instagram.com/podcastlikeits Reddit: reddit.com/r/PodcastLi...
Apr 03, 2021•20 min
