Historically, January is a dumpster fire for new movie releases, but this year holds a few surprising gems. Sean and Amanda recommend 10 new movies you can watch at home right now (1:00). Then, Sean is joined by Derek DelGaudio and Frank Oz, the performer and director behind the extraordinary stage show ‘In & of Itself,’ to discuss the movie version of the show, which can now be seen on Hulu (42:00). Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Derek DelGaudio and Frank Oz Learn more about your ad ...
Jan 22, 2021•2 hr 32 min•Transcript available on Metacast After concluding their discussion of Part 2 of HBO’s Tiger Woods documentary series, Sean and Amanda dive back into the MCU by taking a close look at the first two episodes of Marvel’s first Disney+ series, ‘WandaVision.’ Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 18, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Transcript available on Metacast Inspired by Regina King's directorial debut 'One Night in Miami,' Amanda and Sean share their top 10 stage-to-screen adaptations: five musicals and five plays each (0:45). Then, Sean is joined by Kingsley Ben-Adir, one of the stars of 'One Night in Miami,' to talk about portraying Malcolm X and the actor's quick rise to fame (1:07:30). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Kingsley Ben-Adir Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 15, 2021•2 hr 46 min•Transcript available on Metacast It was a busy streaming weekend. Sean and Amanda break down Part 1 of HBO's 'Tiger,' Netflix's Martin Scorsese and Fran Lebowitz series 'Pretend It's a City,' and a wave of award-season updates (0:40). Then, they dig into the mailbag to answer your questions about Cary Grant, Oscar do-overs, and our dream director interviews (38:45). Finally, Sean is joined by 'Tiger' directors Matthew Hamachek and Matthew Heineman to discuss their miniseries (1:18:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins G...
Jan 12, 2021•2 hr 59 min•Transcript available on Metacast Movies are back! Sorta! With dozens of releases delayed in 2020 due to COVID-19, this year figures to be one of the busiest in history. From Marvel's return to 'Dune' to a Beatles documentary to surefire Oscar contenders, Sean and Amanda have lots to look forward to. They break it all down in this episode. Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 08, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Transcript available on Metacast In December 2020, Francis Ford Coppola oversaw the release of 'The Godfather Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone,' a reconfiguration of his film 'The Godfather: Part III' and the latest in a long line of director's cuts. What is a director's cut? What is its purpose? And what are the best in movie history? On today's episode, Chris Ryan and Sean break down the truth behind International Immobiliare and why filmmakers return to their work over and over again. Host: Sean Fennessey Guest: Chris Rya...
Jan 05, 2021•1 hr 21 min•Transcript available on Metacast Sean and Amanda look at the early reactions to DC's latest film, which arrived on HBO Max on Christmas Day, and discuss what the ramifications could be to backlash against the film (0:43). Then, they discuss one of the year's best films, Pixar's 'Soul' (41:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 31, 2020•1 hr 24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Happy (almost) New Year, 'Big Picture' listeners. Sean and Amanda are ringing it in by going back in time to 1995, and they are joined, as always, by Chris Ryan to draft the very best movies of that year and talk about their personal experiences from that time. Will the CR Army continue to dominate or is it due for a downfall? Tune in to find out. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 29, 2020•1 hr 13 min•Transcript available on Metacast 'Wonder Woman 1984,' the latest installment in the DCEU, has arrived on HBO Max after a controversial decision by Warner Media. Sean and Amanda break it all down, from the '80s time jump to the additions of Kristen Wiig and Pedro Pascal to the HBO Max launch (1:00). Then, Sean is joined by filmmaker Paul Greengrass for a conversation about his new Western, 'News of the World' (60:30). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Paul Greengrass Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastc...
Dec 25, 2020•1 hr 28 min•Transcript available on Metacast The iconic movie star directed and stars in a new Netflix film, 'The Midnight Sky.' To celebrate, Amanda and Sean build a Hall of Fame in his honor, where they enshrine 10 movies from his long career, and 10 only (1:00). Then, Sean is joined by writer-director Emerald Fennell and Carey Mulligan for an interview about their fascinating, divisive, must-see new film, 'Promising Young Woman' (1:10:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Carey Mulligan and Emerald Fennell Learn more abo...
Dec 23, 2020•2 hr 55 min•Transcript available on Metacast Awards season has officially begun with the New York and L.A. Film Critics handing out their annual awards over the weekend. Sean and Amanda talk about the winners and what they mean for the Oscar race (1:00). Then they look at 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom,' Netflix's adaptation of the August Wilson play that stars Viola Davis and in one of his final performances, the late, truly great Chadwick Boseman (13:00). And then we'll be giving out some hardware of our own: naming the 20 best movie performa...
Dec 21, 2020•1 hr 26 min•Transcript available on Metacast Nolan's controversial time-inversion saga is finally available to watch at home. Chris Ryan joins Sean and Amanda to break down the movie on a second viewing, celebrate its extraordinary action, and discuss Nolan's future after his comments about Warner Bros.' 2021 HBO Max strategy (1:00). Then, Sean is joined by director Steve McQueen to discuss the making of his exceptional anthology film series 'Small Axe' (54:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Chris Ryan and Steve McQueen ...
Dec 18, 2020•2 hr 40 min•Transcript available on Metacast The fallout from Warner Bros.' HBO Max announcement is still rippling through Hollywood. Sean and Amanda talk about the responses from Christopher Nolan, Denis Villeneuve, producers at other studios, agencies, and fans. Then, they use the announcement of a glut of new film and TV projects at Disney to talk about the future of streaming, the projects they're excited about, and more (0:45). Finally, Sean and Amanda look back on a year of takes and pick the movies and the opinions they got wrong. T...
Dec 15, 2020•1 hr 29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Acclaimed filmmaker and 'Big Picture' hero Steven Soderbergh returns with a new film on HBO Max, 'Let Them All Talk.' Sean and Amanda discuss his new movie, the news that he will be one of the producers of next year's Academy Awards ceremony, and rank his 30-plus films and TV projects over the years (0:45). Then Soderbergh himself joins Sean for a wide-ranging conversation about his career, Hollywood, HBO Max's big decision, and more (52:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Steve...
Dec 11, 2020•2 hr 44 min•Transcript available on Metacast This has been a strange year for movies, most of which were seen at home. But we didn't struggle to find some that lit up our imagination and reflected the times. Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan and Adam Nayman to pick their top five films of 2020. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Chris Ryan and Adam Nayman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 08, 2020•2 hr 36 min•Transcript available on Metacast After great anticipation, ‘Mank’ has arrived. Sean and Amanda look at David Fincher’s 11th feature film from every angle. What’s it really about? How does it play? Will it live up to the billing as Netflix’s great Oscar hope? All that and a lot more in this deep dive. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 04, 2020•2 hr 33 min•Transcript available on Metacast Major news in Hollywood: Warner Bros. has announced it will stream all of its new films in 2021 on HBO Max, including 'Godzilla vs. Kong,' 'In The Heights,' 'Space Jam: A New Legacy,' 'The Suicide Squad,' and 'Matrix 4.' Why did this happen? What does it mean for movie theaters? Will other studios follow suit? Amanda and Sean do their best to parse a historic day. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 03, 2020•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week marks the arrival of David Fincher’s long-awaited 'Mank,' which chronicles the screenwriter Herman Mankiewicz’s life and work on the script for 'Citizen Kane.' Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan and Adam Nayman for an expansive chat on all things 'Kane,' Orson Welles, the fight over the film's authorship, and classic Hollywood. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Chris Ryan and Adam Nayman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 01, 2020•2 hr 34 min•Transcript available on Metacast The legendary documentarian Errol Morris has a new film called 'My Psychedelic Love Story' premiering on Showtime this week. He returns to the show to talk with Sean about a wide array of topics, from psychedelics to psychotics. Host: Sean Fennessey Guest: Errol Morris Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 27, 2020•1 hr 7 min•Transcript available on Metacast It's time once again for a Movie Draft. Chris Ryan returns with hopes of staving off Sean and Amanda to claim his first draft victory (15:00). Then, Sean is joined by Clea DuVall, an actress you may know from films like 'But I’m a Cheerleader,' 'Zodiac,' and 'Argo.' They talk about DuVall’s second film as a director, 'Happiest Season'—a charming holiday rom-com about a couple played by Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis—that hits Hulu on Wednesday (59:47). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbi...
Nov 25, 2020•2 hr 32 min•Transcript available on Metacast Ron Howard's adaptation of JD Vance's bestselling memoir hits Netflix this week—Sean and Amanda look at the film and the careers of stars Amy Adams and Glenn Close, including their chances at their first-ever Academy Award win (1:00). 'Hillbilly Elegy' also inspired a deep dive into the history of a tricky subcategory: Oscar Bait. What is it? When did it start? What movies count as Oscar Bait? Sean and Amanda break it all down (27:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Learn more about yo...
Nov 24, 2020•1 hr 27 min•Transcript available on Metacast With so many movies pushed to 2021, TV has taken an even bigger share of our viewing time this year. Sean and Amanda talk about the Netflix sensation ‘The Queen’s Gambit,’ Steve McQueen’s ‘Small Axe’ anthology series, and the best miniseries they’ve seen this year (1:00). Then, Sean is joined by Aneesh Chaganty, the director of 2018’s ‘Searching’ and a new thriller called ‘Run’ that hits Hulu this weekend (48:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Aneesh Chaganty Learn more about y...
Nov 19, 2020•1 hr 23 min•Transcript available on Metacast The last big-ticket theatrical release, 'Wonder Woman 1984,' is still on the calendar. Will it go to HBO Max? PVOD? When will we see it? Amanda and Sean break down the possibilities (0:54). Then, they are joined by David Hill, the host of the new podcast series 'Gamblers,' to pick their top five gambling movies (17:44). Finally, Sean interviews director Christopher Landon, a Blumhouse staple who brought us the 'Happy Death Day' series, to talk about his clever new body-swap horror-comedy 'Freaky...
Nov 17, 2020•2 hr 50 min•Transcript available on Metacast Sean and Amanda dive back into the mailbag to answer an array of questions about under-the-radar 2020 movies you can watch now on VOD and streaming, the prolonged closure of movie theaters around the country, and the book adaptation they've always wanted to see on the big screen, among others (0:50). Then, Sean is joined by Michael Angelo Covino and Kyle Marvin to discuss their delightful new film 'The Climb' (59:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Michael Angelo Covino and Kyl...
Nov 13, 2020•2 hr 41 min•Transcript available on Metacast Things are quiet in the world of movies, so we’re taking a moment to celebrate one of our favorite subgenres: GARBAGE CRIME. What’s that? Allow chief criminologist Chris Ryan to break it all down and hand out some awards to the very best the subgenre has to offer. (1:00) Then, Sean is joined by writer-director Brandon Cronenberg to talk about his viscerally overwhelming new film, ‘Possessor.’ (1:05:00) Host: Sean Fennessey Guests: Chris Ryan and Brandon Cronenberg Learn more about your ad choice...
Nov 10, 2020•2 hr 44 min•Transcript available on Metacast We want to go back to a more nostalgic, maybe even more hopeful, period in history. So Sean is joined by Richard Linklater and journalist Melissa Maerz to talk about Maerz’s new book, ‘Alright, Alright, Alright: The Oral History of Richard Linklater's Dazed and Confused,’ which comes out on November 17 (47:00). To warm up for that chat, Amanda and Sean share their top five Richard Linklater movies (1:07). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Richard Linklater and Melissa Maerz Learn ...
Nov 06, 2020•2 hr 41 min•Transcript available on Metacast It’s Election Day, so Sean and Amanda have compiled a collection of double features for the politically minded. Cast your ballots! (31:29) Plus, they discuss the passing of iconic screen actor Sean Connery and briefly discuss David Fincher’s forthcoming film ‘Mank’ (0:52). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 03, 2020•2 hr 30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins review the movies you need to see. Plus: Top 5s, Movie Drafts, Oscars analysis, and conversations with Hollywood's biggest filmmakers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 31, 2020•2 min•Transcript available on Metacast The end of the month beckons, and with it another Movie Draft. Chaos agent Chris Ryan returns to join Sean and Amanda in a showdown selection of 2013 movies (0:40). Then, Sean and Amanda are joined by 'On the Rocks' writer-director Sofia Coppola and the star of her new film, Rashida Jones, to talk about their careers, their dads, and their label makers (1:07:08). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Chris Ryan; Sofia Coppola and Rashida Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit p...
Oct 30, 2020•2 hr 49 min•Transcript available on Metacast Sacha Baron Cohen's Kazakhstan correspondent has returned in a sequel to the 2006 comedy classic. Sean and Amanda are joined by Bryan Curtis and David Shoemaker of 'The Press Box' to discuss whether or not Borat is still effective in today's absurd political environment, how Borat pulled off the stunts this time around, and why this is really Tutar's movie (0:55). Then, Sean and Amanda break down a pair of misbegotten new remakes: Ben Wheatley's 'Rebecca' and Robert Zemeckis's 'The Witches' (52:...
Oct 27, 2020•1 hr 18 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
