The first new movie installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 737 days is finally here, available now on Disney+ with Premier Access or in movie theaters. Amanda and Sean break down ‘Black Widow’ and the future of the MCU, emphasis on the “C” (0:30). Then, Sean is joined by writer-director Leigh Janiak to discuss her three ‘Fear Street’ films that are rolling out on three consecutive Fridays on Netflix this month (61:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Leigh Janiak Learn m...
Jul 09, 2021•1 hr 32 min
It’s been an odd movie year, but there have been a handful of standouts at the halfway mark. Sean and Amanda share their top fives of 2021 thus far and explore whether we need to define what qualifies (1:00). Then, Sean is joined by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, the Roots drummer and now film director, to discuss his new documentary, ‘Summer of Soul (... or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised),’ which is out now on Hulu and in theaters (47:03). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Gues...
Jul 06, 2021•1 hr 25 min
‘No Sudden Move,’ the latest film from Steven Soderbergh—now available on HBO Max—is a return to a familiar form for one of our favorite filmmakers: the heist movie. So in this episode, Sean and Amanda share their top 5 favorite heist flicks. (0:45) Then, Sean is joined by Janicza Bravo, the writer-director behind one of the year’s most entertaining films, the ripped-from-Twitter tale of ‘Zola.’ (48:17) Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Janicza Bravo Producer: Bobby Wagner Associat...
Jul 01, 2021•1 hr 30 min
Quentin Tarantino is here! The writer-director had adapted his film 'Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood' into a novel, and on this episode he dives deep on everything: what's different from the movie, why he wrote a novelization in the first place, the movies he watched during quarantine, the future of moviegoing, and so much more. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Chris Ryan Guest: Quentin Tarantino Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 29, 2021•2 hr 5 min
The long-awaited ‘Fast 9’ is here, so Sean and Amanda are digging into the entire ‘Fast & Furious’ series of movies and ranking ’em all with the man who lives his life one-quarter of a pod at a time, Shea Serrano. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Shea Serrano Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 25, 2021•1 hr 5 min
Yes, we are drafting again. It’s the Movie Draft: 1975 Edition. It was simply one of the best years in film history. Let’s get it! Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 22, 2021•1 hr 23 min
Sean and Amanda discuss the news that Peter Jackson's Beatles documentary will stretch into a limited documentary television series (0:30). Then, Sean is joined by writer-director Alex Ross Perry to talk about the phenomenon of the lost movie, specifically great works from well-known filmmakers that have fallen out of circulation, critical celebration, and general viewership. With the advent of so many streaming services, it’s shocking how many once high-profile movies can’t be seen easily. So S...
Jun 18, 2021•1 hr 36 min
Sean and Amanda discuss the box office returns for ‘In the Heights’ and how the movie’s availability on HBO Max may have affected it. They also discuss the launch of ‘Loki’ on Disney+ and ‘Infinite’ on Paramount+ and the challenges facing movie lovers as more and more services pop up (0:30). Then, they share their plans to build the perfect streaming service, by drafting film and TV libraries, sports rights, signature stars and creators, and more (41:36). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins...
Jun 15, 2021•1 hr 28 min
Sean and Amanda discuss one of the year's most anticipated movies, 'In the Heights,' a movie adaptation of the Tony-Winning Lin-Manuel Miranda musical that is now in theaters and available on HBO Max (0:30). Then they discuss what makes a great movie musical and share their 10 favorites (45:00). Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 11, 2021•1 hr 31 min
On today’s episode, Sean and Amanda dig into Bo Burnham’s Netflix special ‘Inside’ ... or is it a movie? They talk about the songs, the production style, the themes, and that pesky "is it a movie?" question. Then, they share some new streaming movie recommendations (31:00) before opening up the mailbag for questions about ‘The Underground Railroad,’ movie book recommendations, and more (47:00). Finally, they’re joined by two special-guest lovebirds (1:20:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dob...
Jun 08, 2021•1 hr 42 min
‘The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It,’ the third ‘Conjuring’ movie and the eighth installment in the franchise hits HBO Max and movie theaters this weekend. We’re diving into the film and our favorite "no. 3" entries in movie history with Chris Ryan. Plus, we discuss the exciting lineup for this year's Cannes Film Festival. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Producers: Bobby Wagner and Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 04, 2021•1 hr 21 min
Shhhhhhhhhhh. We’re back in movie theaters! After more than 13 months away from our favorite place, we returned to theaters. This is worthy of a celebration. Sean and Amanda talk about the experience, what they expect in the future at theaters, and then dive deep into a movie that they and many other Americans saw this weekend: 'A Quiet Place Part II.' Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 01, 2021•1 hr 12 min
Sean and Amanda dive into the news that Amazon has acquired the historic Hollywood studio MGM, what it means for the streaming wars, the future of James Bond, and more (0:21). Then they discuss the new Oscars date and how the awards’ theater requirements continue to evolve (29:30). Finally, they review the new Disney Emma Stone vehicle ‘Cruella’ and build a Hall of Fame for Stone (52:39). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podc...
May 28, 2021•1 hr 34 min
We’re drafting again, and this time we’ve got a doozy of a year. Chris Ryan rejoins Sean and Amanda to select their favorites from one of the most memorable movie years in recent memory. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 25, 2021•1 hr 25 min
Zack Snyder returns to the undead with his new Netflix blockbuster 'Army of the Dead.' Sean is joined by Chris Ryan and Adam Nayman to discuss Snyder's latest, what makes a great zombie movie, and share their five favorites from the genre. Host: Sean Fennessey Guests: Chris Ryan and Adam Nayman Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 21, 2021•1 hr 17 min
Sean and Amanda break down a handful of new releases because, well, vaccination rates are growing, theaters are open, and movies are being released (0:25). They discuss HBO Max’s ‘Those Who Wish Me Dead’ with Bill Simmons (4:10); break down Netflix’s new Amy Adams thriller, ‘The Woman in the Window’ (38:57); and then share their top five favorite movie twists (59:18). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Bill Simmons Producer: Bobby Wagner Additional Production: Sasha Ashall Learn mor...
May 18, 2021•1 hr 30 min
The release of ‘The Mitchells vs. The Machines’ got us thinking about the best animated movies since 2000. Rob Harvilla and Charles Holmes join Sean to talk about the medium and their favorites from the past 20 years. (0:21) Then, Sean is joined by ‘The Mitchells vs. The Machines’ director Mike Rianda to talk about his movie and the five-year journey to get it to Netflix. (1:00:08) Host: Sean Fennessey Guests: Rob Harvilla and Charles Holmes; Mike Rianda Producer: Bobby Wagner Additional Product...
May 14, 2021•1 hr 35 min
After his triumphant introduction of the movie director game, Sam Esmail rejoins Amanda and Sean to discuss his 2020 movie-watching experiences, his favorites films of the year, how the medium could change after the pandemic, and what value the Oscars do or don't have. He covers all this with the aid of a helpful new exercise: The Best Picture match game. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Sam Esmail Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/a...
May 11, 2021•1 hr 42 min
This is a special episode of 'The Big Picture': a watch-along commentary track for Christopher Nolan’s 11th feature film. In March, we teamed up with Chris Ryan for our first commentary, a four-hour journey through 'Zack Snyder’s Justice League,' a.k.a the Snyder Cut. We barely survived. This time, we’re diving into a more complex movie, but fortunately one we have seen before. This is our collective third viewing of Nolan’s controversial, confusing, and, we will argue, wrongly overlooked 'Tenet...
May 06, 2021•2 hr 38 min
In honor of the new Tom Clancy adaptation ‘Without Remorse,’ Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan to break down all things spy movies, including what they love about the genre, how they define it, and their top five favorites (0:13). Then, Sean is joined by director Stefano Sollima to talk about ‘Without Remorse' (1:06:30). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Chris Ryan and Stefano Sollima Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoice...
May 04, 2021•1 hr 39 min
After a record-low-rated Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday, the state of the Oscars has been the subject of debate all week (0:21). Amanda and Sean discuss where the show should go in 2022, what it could look like, and beyond. Then, Sean is joined by Adam McKay, the director behind beloved films like 'Anchorman' and 'The Big Short,' to discuss his new podcast 'Death at the Wing' and the future of movies (1:09:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Adam McKay Producer: Bobby Wagner ...
Apr 30, 2021•1 hr 52 min
Today, we discuss Fatalities and Flawless Victories. Which one was the new adaptation of the beloved video game franchise ‘Mortal Kombat’? Joining Sean to answer that question and many more about all things video game movies are Ringer staff writers and avowed gamers Justin Charity and Ben Lindbergh. Host: Sean Fennessey Guests: Justin Charity and Ben Lindbergh Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 27, 2021•1 hr 3 min
After 15 long months, the Oscars are here. Sean and Amanda break down every award, the in-person ceremony, the weirdest moments of the night, and more. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 26, 2021•1 hr 14 min
The time has almost come for the long-awaited—or maybe just long in waiting—93rd Academy Awards. Sean and Amanda discuss what to expect from the ceremony, and then make predictions in every category. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 22, 2021•1 hr 26 min
It's Oscars Week, so it's time for a special Movie Draft—Chris Ryan joins Sean and Amanda to pick their favorite Academy Award winners from the years 2000 through 2009, in the eight big categories. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 21, 2021•1 hr 22 min
Let’s run back a new tradition: our Alternative Academy Awards with The New York Times’ Wesley Morris. Sean, Amanda, and Wesley pick their favorite performances, first features, cameos, endings, and more as a counterbalance to this week’s Oscars ceremony. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Wesley Morris Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 20, 2021•1 hr 49 min
Welcome to the first 'Big Picture' Movie Auction. What’s that? Well, as we anticipate our return to movie theaters, we thought we’d find a way to measure the movies we’re most excited to see in 2021. The return of James Bond? ‘Top Gun: Maverick’? Three MCU movies? This could be a fun year for Hollywood after all. And what better way to express our excitement than to wager cold, hard (imaginary) cash? Chris Ryan joins Sean and Amanda for a good old-fashioned auction, movie-style. Hosts: Sean Fenn...
Apr 16, 2021•1 hr 31 min
With key victories at the DGAs and BAFTAs in the books, Sean and Amanda discuss whether it’s all over but the shouting for 'Nomadland’ and the Best Picture prize at the Academy Awards (0:30). Then, they travel back in time 10 years to redo one of the most egregious movie award ceremonies in recent memory: the 2011 Oscars (30:46). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 13, 2021•1 hr 37 min
Adam Nayman returns to the show to discuss the elusive nature of cult movies: what makes one qualify, and when and why does a movie officially earn cult status. Sean and Adam use two of their favorite recent movies, Netflix's prank comedy 'Bad Trip' and the impressive 2020 thriller 'The Empty Man,' as a launch point before sharing their favorite cult movies of all time (0:15). Then Sean is joined by writer-director Emma Seligman to talk about her terrifically entertaining and terrifying first fe...
Apr 09, 2021•1 hr 42 min
Sean and Amanda dive into the return of the box office after ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’ earned nearly $50 million over the holiday weekend. Are movie theaters back for good? Then, they discuss the results of the SAG Awards and what they mean for up-in-the-air Oscar races, including Best Actress and maybe Best Picture (0:30). Then, they’re joined by L.A. Times film critic Justin Chang to discuss the incredible body of work of Wong Kar-Wai, one of the signature filmmakers of the past three decades and th...
Apr 06, 2021•1 hr 29 min
