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

‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ Hype at Cannes and Five Must-See May Movies. Plus: Julia Louis-Dreyfus!

Sean and Amanda come to you live (on tape) from Europe! They recap their journeys, discuss the hype out of the Cannes Film Festival (1:00), and share five new movie recommendations (17:00). Then, Sean is joined by Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Nicole Holofcener, the star and the writer-director, respectively, of the new film ‘You Hurt My Feelings’ (58:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Nicole Holofcener Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices....

May 26, 20231 hr 24 min

The Robert De Niro Movie Draft

We are drafting again! Sean, Amanda, and Chris Ryan reunite for a draft, with a twist. We’re drafting movies that feature Robert De Niro. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 23, 20232 hr 48 min

‘Fast X’ and the Desecration of Movies. Plus: Paul Schrader!

What a double feature. Sean and Amanda discuss ‘Fast X’ and the troubles of the franchise (1:00), before making the hard pivot to Paul Schrader’s ‘Master Gardener’ (40:00). Then, Sean is joined by Schrader to discuss the film, his long career as a writer and director, the state of movies, and more (57:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Paul Schrader Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 19, 20231 hr 29 min

The 10 Most Anticipated Movies of Summer 2023, and the Most Surprising Film of the Year So Far

Amanda and Sean discuss ‘BlackBerry’ before sharing their five most eagerly awaited movies of the summer season (1:00). Then, Sean is joined by Matt Johnson, the filmmaker behind ‘BlackBerry’ (55:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Matt Johnson Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 16, 20232 hr 39 min

The Movie Star Rankings: 35 Over 35, Revisited

Two years have passed since Sean and Amanda ranked their active and over-35 movie icons. So we’re back with deeply scientific new rankings and deeply weird conversations. Please enjoy. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 12, 20232 hr 58 min

Can ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ Salvage Marvel’s No Good, Very Bad Year?

Joanna Robinson joins Sean to talk about all things Marvel, from its rocky run of recent movies to changes in leadership to streaming series delays, before digging into the most anticipated entry in years, James Gunn’s ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.’ Host: Sean Fennessey Guest: Joanna Robinson Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 05, 20231 hr 17 min

The Top 10 Garbage Lads Movies and ‘Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant’

In honor of Guy Ritchie releasing two films in 2023, Sean Fennessey and Chris Ryan—the team that brought you garbage crime, junk sci-fi, and trash spies—debut their latest hyper-specific, beloved genre: garbage lads. Host: Sean Fennessey Guest: Chris Ryan Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 02, 20231 hr 10 min

Top Five Coming-of-Age Movies and ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret’

Judy Blume’s beloved 1970 classic of young adult fiction has finally hit the big screen. Sean and Amanda discuss that, along with Disney’s new ‘Peter Pan and Wendy’ live-action adaptation (1:00) before sharing their top five favorite coming-of-age films (29:00). Then, Sean is joined by writer-director Kelly Fremon Craig to discuss making ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret’ (1:06:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Kelly Fremon Craig Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about you...

Apr 28, 20232 hr 34 min

The 1990s Summer Blockbuster Movie Draft

We are drafting again! Sean, Amanda, and Chris Ryan reunite for a draft of the summer blockbusters of the ’90s. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 25, 20232 hr 47 min

‘Beau Is Afraid’: The Most Audacious and Polarizing Movie of the Year, With Ari Aster!

Ari Aster’s third feature, the Oedipal nightmare comedy ‘Beau Is Afraid,’ is here. Sean discusses the film’s virtuosic gifts and alienating approach at length with Adam Nayman (1:00). Then, Sean is joined by Aster to discuss how he made his thrilling new movie (58:00). Host: Sean Fennessey Guests: Ari Aster and Adam Nayman Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 21, 20232 hr 34 min

The 10 Best Horror Movies So Far This Year. Plus: ‘Renfield,’ ‘The Pope’s Exorcist,’ and ‘Evil Dead Rise.’

Horror is booming—Sean is joined by Chris Ryan to talk about four big releases, the best movies in the genre they’ve seen so far, and what defines this era in scares (1:00). Then, Sean is joined by Daniel Goldhaber, the director and cowriter of ‘How to Blow Up a Pipeline,’ and Ariela Barer, the star and cowriter of the film (1:05:00). Host: Sean Fennessey Guests: Chris Ryan, Daniel Goldhaber, and Ariela Barer Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adcho...

Apr 18, 20232 hr 35 min

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