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

The ‘Barbie’ Deep Dive With Greta Gerwig!

Sean and Amanda are joined by Ringer-verse co-host Joanna Robinson to dive deep into ‘Barbie’—its innovation, its performances, its overwhelming success at the box office, and everything in between (1:00). Then, Sean is joined by Greta Gerwig to discuss her approach to building the ‘Barbie’ world, the unique challenges it presented, how it relates to the other two films she’s directed, the cultural phenomenon it has set off, and more (1:29:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Gr...

Jul 27, 20232 hr 10 min

The ‘Oppenheimer’ Deep Dive

Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan to discuss Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ in granular detail, including its script, cinematography, extensive cast, big ideas, and ultimate success. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 24, 20232 hr 46 min

‘Barbie’ + ‘Oppenheimer,’ a.k.a. Barbenheimer, Is Upon Us!

The biggest movie weekend in years is finally here. Sean and Amanda discuss the theater-going experience surrounding Greta Gerwig’s ‘Barbie’ and Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’ (1:00), including the order and circumstances in which you should see them. Then, they dig into their feelings on ‘Oppenheimer’ and where Nolan stands in Hollywood (17:00), before pivoting their focus to ‘Barbie’ and what it signals about Gerwig’s ambitions and desires as a filmmaker (52:00). This episode makes an effor...

Jul 21, 20232 hr 43 min

The ‘Mission: Impossible’ Mailbag, and Movie Rankings

Sean and Amanda discuss the dramatic effect the SAG-AFTRA strike will have on the movie industry (1:00), before opening up the mailbag and answering any and all questions about the 'Mission: Impossible' franchise (15:00). Then, they do the impossible work of ranking all seven installments in the franchise (1:10:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 18, 20232 hr 33 min

10 Movies We Missed This Year

Sean and Amanda dig into the year’s releases that they haven’t covered yet, including ‘Joy Ride,’ ‘Insidious: The Red Door,’ ‘Elemental,’ and more. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 10, 20231 hr 10 min

The 2023 Movie Auction Returns!

At the halfway point of this year, we take a look at the movies yet to be released and hold an auction for the ones we’re most excited about. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 07, 20232 hr 48 min

The 10 Best Movies of 2023 ... So Far

Sean and Amanda call up an all-star rotation of Ringer colleagues and contributors to share their favorite movies this year so far, from superhero movies to art house darlings and everything in between. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Chris Ryan, Mallory Rubin, Joanna Robinson, Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Rob Mahoney, Jessica Clemons, Adam Nayman Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 04, 20232 hr 38 min

‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’ and the Indy Movie Rankings

Sean and Amanda are joined by Ringer-verse host and Harrison Ford scholar Mallory Rubin to discuss the latest installment in the ‘Indiana Jones’ franchise and whether it functions as a worthwhile send-off to Ford’s iconic role as Indy (1:00). Then, they rank the franchise's five films (56:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Mallory Rubin Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 30, 20231 hr 19 min

The Harrison Ford Hall of Fame

Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan to discuss the life, legacy, and wonder of one of our great movie stars: Mr. Harrison Ford himself. On the cusp of the release of 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,' it’s time to choose the 10 essential Harrison Ford films for our hall. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 27, 20232 hr 56 min

Jennifer Lawrence’s Movie Star Playbook and ‘No Hard Feelings’

Jennifer Lawrence is back in the center of a movie—this time a studio comedy. Sean and Amanda discuss the successes and shortcomings of ‘No Hard Feelings’ and the unique place this occupies in Lawrence’s movie career. Then, they outline the future playbook for J-Law’s continued development as a movie star. Host: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 23, 20231 hr 15 min

‘Asteroid City’ and the Wes Anderson Movie Rankings

Adam Nayman joins Sean and Amanda to discuss Wes Anderson’s career and filmmaking aesthetic before they dig into his latest film, ‘Asteroid City’ (1:00). Then, Sean and Amanda rank all 11 of Anderson’s feature films (50:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Adam Nayman Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 20, 20231 hr 24 min

‘The Flash’ Is Here! Is It the "Greatest Superhero Movie Ever"?

Hugely hyped and also facing controversy around its star, ‘The Flash’ arrives at a complicated moment for superhero stories. Van Lathan joins Sean and Amanda to talk about the movie and DC’s future. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Van Lathan Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 16, 20231 hr 26 min

The 2001 Movie Draft

We are drafting again! Sean, Amanda, and Chris Ryan reunite for a draft of the best movies of 2001. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 13, 20232 hr 58 min

'Past Lives,' the Start of Oscar Season, and the Top Five Most Romantic Movies of All Time

Sean and Amanda dive deep into 'Past Lives,' one of the year's finest films and an extraordinary example of writing, directing, and acting in romantic storytelling (1:00). Then, they share their five favorite romantic films (58:00). Finally, Sean is joined by writer-director Celine Song to talk about her debut feature (1:18:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Celine Song Producers: Bobby Wagner and Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 07, 20232 hr

‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ Is Here to Save Us

Sean and Amanda are joined by Charles Holmes to dive deep into the ‘Spider-Verse’ movies, from the breathtaking animation to the bold storytelling to the expectation-shattering standard they set. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Charles Holmes Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 02, 20231 hr 8 min

Movies Vs. TV in 2023: What the ‘Succession’ Finale Says About Storytelling Now. Plus: A Pointless ‘Little Mermaid.’

Sean and Amanda discuss the finale of ‘Succession’ as a portal into the true divide between movies and TV today, and the ways in which the latter has stolen the former’s mojo (1:00), before a breakdown of the new live-action remake of Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ (30:00). Then, Sean is joined by Cristian Mungiu, the Romanian master filmmaker, to discuss his latest, ‘R.M.N.’ (56:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Cristian Mungiu Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad c...

May 30, 20232 hr 37 min

‘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