The Big Picture - podcast cover

The Big Picture

The Ringerwww.theringer.com
Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins review the movies you need to see. Plus: Top 5s, Movie Drafts, Oscars analysis, and more, featuring a rotating cast of Ringer colleagues like Chris Ryan, Van Lathan, and Bill Simmons.

Episodes

Movie Swap: ‘Casablanca’ vs. ‘The In-Laws’ vs. ‘Spy Kids’

It’s time to swap, which means it’s time for our producer, Bobby, to finally watch ‘Casablanca’! Sean and Amanda pitch a pair of beloved spy classics—the 1942 Best Picture winner and 1979’s madcap comedy ‘The In-Laws’—while Bobby shares with them the millennial family romp ‘Spy Kids.’ Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 14, 20232 hr 32 min

The Two Best Movies of 2023 So Far, and 10 More We Missed. Plus: Michelle Williams and Kelly Reichardt!

Sean and Amanda discuss ‘How to Blow Up a Pipeline’ and Kelly Reichardt’s ‘Showing Up’ (1:00) before checking in on several 2023 releases they missed on the show this year. Then, Sean is joined by Michelle Williams and Reichardt to discuss their fourth collaboration, ‘Showing Up’ (1:07:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Michelle Williams and Kelly Reichardt Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 11, 20232 hr 34 min

The Magic of ‘Air’ and the Return of Ben Affleck and Matt Damon

At long last! Sean and Amanda dive deep on Ben Affleck’s ‘Air,’ the story of how Michael Jordan signed to Nike and the men who made it happen (1:00). Then, Sean is joined by Sam Jones to discuss his new documentary, ‘Jason Isbell: Running With Our Eyes Closed’ (58:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Bobby Wagner Guest: Sam Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 07, 20232 hr 36 min

‘The Super Mario Bros. Movie’ Is Here! Is Our Video Game Movie Future?

Ben Lindbergh and Charles Holmes join Sean to talk about one of the most anticipated films of the year: 'Mario'! They discuss the new film (1:00) and how video games have been the most valuable IP in Hollywood (36:00). Host: Sean Fennessey Guests: Charles Holmes and Ben Lindbergh Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 05, 20231 hr 8 min

‘Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves’ Is … Good. But Are Movies Just Brands Now?

Sean and Amanda dig into the surprisingly fun new ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ adaptation from the filmmakers who brought us ‘Game Night,’ before discussing a new sort of IP boom in Hollywood (1:00). Then, Sean is joined by A.V. Rockwell to discuss her debut feature, ‘A Thousand and One’ (58:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Bobby Wagner Guest: A.V. Rockwell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 31, 20231 hr 25 min

The 2008 Movie Draft

We are drafting again! Sean, Amanda, and Chris Ryan reunite for a draft of the movies from 2008. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 28, 20231 hr 25 min

The Keanu Reeves Hall of Fame and ‘John Wick: Chapter 4’

To celebrate the fourth installment of the 'John Wick' franchise, Sean and Amanda build Keanu Reeves’s hall of fame (9:00) before breaking down the new action epic (55:30). Then, Sean is joined by the director of ‘JW4,’ Chad Stahelski, to discuss how they pulled off the film’s breathtaking action (1:17:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chad Stahelski Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 24, 20232 hr 51 min

The Movie Star Playbook: Adam Driver Edition. Plus: Did the Superhero Era Just Die?

Sean and Amanda look at the disappointing box office for ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’ and discuss the perilous future of superhero movies (1:00). Then, they dig deep into ‘65’ and the fascinating career arc of Adam Driver, discussing his role choices and where he’s going as a modern movie star. Finally, Sean talks with writer-director Jamie Dack about her new film, ‘Palm Trees and Power Lines’ (65:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Jamie Dack Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more abo...

Mar 21, 20232 hr 33 min

‘Scream VI’ and the Scream Movie Rankings

Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan and Sean’s sister Grace to dive deep into ‘Scream VI’ and break down the entire franchise. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan and Grace Fennessey Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 17, 20231 hr 20 min

The Oscar Hangover Mailbag: An Unrealistic 2024 Preview and How to Improve the Show

Sean and Amanda are joined by Joanna Robinson to dig deeper into the telecast and answer your questions about the past and future of the Academy Awards. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Joanna Robinson Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 14, 20231 hr 27 min

The 2023 Oscars: Everything Everywhere All the Academy Awards

Sean and Amanda break down the 95th Academy Awards, from Jimmy Kimmel’s take-no-prisoners monologue to the dominant performance of ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once.’ Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 13, 20231 hr 13 min

Oscar Predictions: Who Will and Should Win at the Academy Awards

Sean and Amanda dig into what to expect from the Academy Awards, including prop bets for the telecast and predictions for every category. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 09, 20232 hr 53 min

The ‘Dark Knight Rises’ Watch-Along

It’s time to wonder what will break first—your spirit … or your body. Chris Ryan joins Sean and Amanda to watch and discuss the final chapter in Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy. The movie is now available on HBO Max, so you can stream along with 'The Big Picture.' Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 07, 20233 hr 52 min

‘Creed III’ and the Top 10 Boxing Movies

The third film in the Adonis Creed story, and the directorial debut of its star Michael B. Jordan, is here. Sean and Amanda dive deep into the movie before rope-a-doping their way through the definitive list of the top 10 boxing movies. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 03, 20231 hr 21 min

The 2023 Alternative Oscars, A.K.A the Big Picks!

That’s right, after a one-year hiatus, the Alternative Oscars are back, and that means Wesley Morris is back! He joins Sean and Amanda to hand out the only awards that matter. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Wesley Morris Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 28, 20232 hr 52 min

‘Cocaine Bear’ and the Top Five Cocaine Movies

That’s right, folks, ‘Cocaine Bear’ is here. It’s a movie about a bear on cocaine. That’s the movie. Sean and Amanda break it down and then share their favorite cocaine movies (1:00). Then, Sean is joined by ‘Turning Red’ writer and director Domee Shi to discuss her first full-length animated feature and her ascendant career at Pixar, on both the business and creative sides (57:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Domee Shi Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices....

Feb 24, 20232 hr 38 min

Diving Deep Into ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ and ‘Triangle of Sadness’

Sean and Amanda are joined by Van Lathan to plumb the depths of two nautically inclined films that happen to be nominated for Best Picture at next month’s ceremony, 'Avatar: The Way of Water' and 'Triangle of Sadness.’ Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Van Lathan Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 21, 20231 hr 28 min

‘Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ Is Here! But Is Marvel’s Future Here Too?

Sean and Amanda are joined by 'Ringer-Verse' cohost Mallory Rubin to measure the successes and shortcomings of the first film in Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Peyton Reed’s 'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania’ (1:00). Then, they take stock of Marvel fatigue and its effects on the entire movie industry (43:00) before debuting Amanda’s new segment (1:02:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Mallory Rubin Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podca...

Feb 17, 20231 hr 28 min

The 1993 Mega Movie Draft

We are drafting again! And this time, the roster is growing. Van Lathan and Rob Mahoney join Sean, Amanda, and Chris Ryan for a draft of one of the greatest years in movie history: 1993. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Chris Ryan, Van Lathan, and Rob Mahoney Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 14, 20232 hr 32 min

‘Magic Mike’s Last Dance’ and the Top Five Dance Movies

With this latest installment, Steven Soderbergh concludes his ‘Magic Mike’ trilogy. So, Sean and Amanda are celebrating by breaking down the new film (5:00), taking a long look at the filmmaker’s annual media diary, and sharing their five favorite dance movies (56:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 10, 20232 hr 34 min

Best Picture Power Rankings and a Deeply Weird Best Actress Investigation

With less than five weeks until the Academy Awards, Joanna Robinson joins Sean and Amanda to dive deep into the Andrea Riseborough nomination controversy (1:00), sort an unpredictable pair of Best Actor and Best Actress races, and power rank the Best Picture contenders one last time until the final predictions (54:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Joanna Robinson Producers: Bobby Wagner and Kaya McMullen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 07, 20231 hr 29 min

‘Knock at the Cabin’ and Shyamalan Double Features, With M. Night Shyamalan!

Elric Kane and Brian Saur, hosts of the ‘Pure Cinema Podcast,’ join Sean to talk about ‘Knock at the Cabin’ and provide some double-feature recommendations for our favorite M. Night Shyamalan films (1:00). Then, Sean is joined by Shyamalan himself to talk about his career and his new film (1:08:00). Host: Sean Fennessey Guests: M. Night Shyamalan, Elric Kane, and Brian Saur Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 03, 20232 hr 34 min

‘Plane’ and the Top 10 Sky Trash Movies

From the boys who brought you Garbage Crime, Junk Sci-Fi, and Trash Special Ops, comes: Sky Trash. Sean and Chris Ryan break down the latest entrant, ‘Plane' (1:00), and share their favorite examples of the subgenre (45:00). Host: Sean Fennessey Guest: Chris Ryan Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 01, 20232 hr 45 min

The Oscar Nominations Hangover and the Top 10 Movies at Sundance

Sean and Amanda take a closer look at the Academy’s 2023 picks (1:00) before digging into their experience with a virtual Sundance Film Festival, discussing the sales, the trends, and their favorite movies. Then, writer-director Brandon Cronenberg joins to discuss his new film, ‘Infinity Pool’ (1:15:00) Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Brandon Cronenberg Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 27, 20232 hr 53 min

The 2023 Oscar Nominations: Snubs, Surprises, and WTFs

The Oscar nominations are here! Sean and Amanda break 'em all down, including the big surprises and the final tally for the Best Picture race (1:00). Then, Sean is joined by Belgian writer-director and newly minted Oscar nominee Lukas Dhont to discuss his new film, ‘Close’ (59:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Lukas Dhont Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 24, 20232 hr 46 min

The 2023 Movie Auction. Plus: Damien Chazelle on ‘Babylon’!

An action-packed episode! Chris Ryan joins Sean and Amanda to share some final Oscar nomination predictions (1:00) before engaging in a truly chaotic 2023 movie auction. Then, the team from ‘Babylon’—writer-director Damien Chazelle, actor-producer Olivia Hamilton, and producer Matthew Plouffe—talk with Sean about making their ambitious Hollywood feature, and the hive that has grown around it (1:21:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan, Damien Chazelle, Olivia Hamilton, ...

Jan 20, 20232 hr 24 min

Top Five War Movies and ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’

Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan to discuss the dark horse Oscar contender ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ and their favorite films about war. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 17, 20231 hr 26 min

‘M3GAN,’ Plus Five Shocking Awards Season Twists

With the SAG, PGA, and DGA nominations out, Amanda and Sean analyze the results and what they mean for an increasingly confusing awards season (1:00). Then, they dig deep into the first box-office hit of 2023, the hilarious killer doll horror movie ‘M3GAN’ (36:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 13, 20231 hr 10 min

The 2023 Golden Globes: Hollywood’s Messiest Night Returns

The 80th annual Golden Globes returned to the airwaves and carved a path for the next two months of this awards season. Sean and Amanda break down a big night for ‘The Fabelmans,’ ‘The Banshees of Inisherin,’ Angela Bassett, and Austin Butler’s Elvis voice. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 11, 20231 hr 1 min

Best Picture Power Rankings: An ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ Surge and a Surprise No. 1

We’re back to power rank! With the release of Sarah Polley’s ‘Women Talking,’ Sean and Amanda are joined by Joanna Robinson to discuss the new film (1:00) and see where it stands in the Best Picture race (44:00). Then, Polley talks with Sean about her new film (1:04:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Sarah Polley and Joanna Robinson Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 06, 20231 hr 22 min