Sean and Amanda discuss Martin Scorsese’s three-and-a-half hour epic ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ and everything that it entails. They explore the adaptation of the David Grann book and how Scorsese and screenwriter Eric Roth shifted the perspective in the film (10:00), Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro’s repeated collaborations with Scorsese (23:00), the spellbinding performance of Lily Gladstone (48:00), the ways the film reflects on themes Scorsese has explored repeatedly (38:00), how it s...
Oct 20, 2023•2 hr 50 min•Transcript available on Metacast Sean and Amanda discuss the surprise box office smash hit of the year, ‘Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour’—what it means for the movie industry, whether any other artists are powerful enough to follow in Swift’s footsteps, and the ripples her music dominance has had on larger pop culture. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 17, 2023•2 hr 45 min•Transcript available on Metacast Sean and Amanda review a trio of movies—‘Fair Play’ (1:00), ‘The Royal Hotel’ (30:00), and ‘Cat Person’ (40:00)—before having a wider conversation about the current role of sex in cinema (52:00). Then, Sean is joined by ‘Fair Play’ writer-director Chloe Domont to discuss her debut feature, the process of having a movie acquired out of Sundance, and the kinds of projects she’s interested in tackling next (1:20:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chloe Domont Senior Producer: Bobb...
Oct 13, 2023•2 hr 47 min•Transcript available on Metacast Sean and Amanda discuss the quartet of Wes Anderson short films that dropped on Netflix and the trend of established auteurs exploring the short film genre (1:00). Then, they run through a long list of the films they think have a chance at getting a Best Picture nomination at the Oscars and rank the 10 they think are most likely to garner that nomination (35:00). Finally, Sean is joined by Grant Singer to discuss his new crime thriller, ‘Reptile’ (1:21:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbi...
Oct 10, 2023•2 hr 1 min•Transcript available on Metacast Sean is joined by Chris Ryan to review the latest film in the ‘Exorcist’ universe, ‘The Exorcist: Believer’ (1:00). Then, they discuss the ways that horror franchise filmmaking has enveloped David Gordon Green’s career (23:00), before zooming out to take stock of the last five years in horror by awarding "horror Oscars" to one film per year (40:00). Host: Sean Fennessey Guest: Chris Ryan Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 06, 2023•2 hr 36 min•Transcript available on Metacast With ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ just weeks away, Sean, Amanda, and Chris gather to run through the long list of films that Martin Scorsese has made and build a 10-movie Hall of Fame to Marty’s career. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 03, 2023•2 hr 5 min•Transcript available on Metacast The 21st Century Sci-Fi Canon, ‘The Creator,’ and ‘No One Will Save You’ Sean is joined by Chris Ryan to discuss all things science fiction. First, they cover Brian Duffield’s new film, ‘No One Will Save You’ (4:33) before turning to Gareth Edwards’s ‘The Creator’ (14:58) starring John David Washington. Later, they come together to form the 21st Century Sci-Fi Canon featuring their ten favorite science fiction films since 2000 (48:47). Host: Sean Fennessey Guest: Chris Ryan Producer: Jack Sander...
Sep 29, 2023•2 hr 35 min•Transcript available on Metacast Sean and Amanda briefly discuss the news that the Writers Guild of America has a tentative agreement with the AMPTP to end their strike (1:00), before bringing on The Ringer's Rob Harvilla to discuss A24's re-release of Jonathan Demme's Talking Heads concert film 'Stop Making Sense' (7:00). Then, the three rank their five favorite concert films (44:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Rob Harvilla Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoice...
Sep 26, 2023•2 hr 44 min•Transcript available on Metacast Sean, Amanda, and Chris review ‘Dumb Money,’ Craig Gillespie’s new movie based on the events of the 2021 Wall Street GameStop short (1:00). Then, they craft a new entrant into their running “garbage” genre series—Garbage Cash—and list the 10 most apt entrants into the genre (53:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 22, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Sean and Amanda review Kenneth Branagh’s third Agatha Christie adaptation, ‘A Haunting in Venice’ (1:00), before expanding their thoughts on haunted house films by sharing 10 of their favorites in the genre (45:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 19, 2023•1 hr 26 min•Transcript available on Metacast Sean and Amanda are joined by Ringer contributor and film critic Adam Nayman to discuss the highs, lows, and shifting culture of the Toronto International Film Festival (1:00). Then, they share a joint list of the most anticipated movies of 2023 that neither have shown each other until now (23:00), including ‘Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour,’ ‘Pain Hustlers,’ ‘Leave the World Behind,’ and more. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Adam Nayman Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about...
Sep 15, 2023•2 hr 31 min•Transcript available on Metacast We are drafting again! Sean, Amanda, and Chris Ryan are joined by Bill Simmons and Van Lathan for a draft of the best Denzel Washington movies. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Chris Ryan, Bill Simmons, and Van Lathan Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 12, 2023•2 hr 50 min•Transcript available on Metacast To celebrate Episode 600, Sean and Amanda open up the mailbag to answer your questions about how they watch movies, Martin Scorsese, what’s changed in the last six years, the fictional location where they’d like to have a drink or meal, the rejected alternate names for the podcast, and more! Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 08, 2023•2 hr 44 min•Transcript available on Metacast After their respective trips to Colorado and Italy, Sean and Amanda convene to discuss the movies they watched at Telluride and Venice Film Festivals, including films from David Fincher, Sofia Coppola, Michael Mann, Yorgos Lanthimos, Bradley Cooper, Ryusuke Hamaguchi, and more (1:00). Then, they share some early Oscar predictions based on the quality and buzz surrounding the films coming out of the two festivals (1:10:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Le...
Sep 06, 2023•2 hr 40 min•Transcript available on Metacast We are drafting again! Sean, Amanda, and Chris Ryan reunite for a draft of the best movies of 2006. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 31, 2023•2 hr 38 min•Transcript available on Metacast We’re back! Sean and Amanda discuss all the movies they missed, the big stories out of Hollywood, and much more (1:00). Then, Sean is joined by ‘Bottoms’ director Emma Seligman to discuss her new comedy (1:35:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Emma Seligman Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 28, 2023•2 hr 5 min•Transcript available on Metacast Oliver Stone returns to Vietnam with ‘Born on the Fourth of July’—a movie that closes out the ’80s, as well as the Vietnam movie boom. But ‘Forrest Gump’ and ‘Dead Presidents’ prove that ’90s audiences aren’t ready to leave Vietnam for good. Other films we talk about in this episode include ‘Running on Empty’ (1988), ‘Dogfight’ (1991), and ‘Heaven and Earth’ (1993). Host: Brian Raftery Producers: Devon Manze, Mike Wargon, Amanda Dobbins, and Vikram Patel Sound Design: Bobby Wagner Mixing and Mas...
Aug 25, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Transcript available on Metacast In the late ’80s, a new wave of big-studio hits like ‘Full Metal Jacket’ and ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’ introduces young moviegoers to Vietnam—and helps turn the war into an unlikely pop-culture phenomenon. Other films we talk about in this episode include ‘Hamburger Hill’ (1987) and ‘Casualties of War’ (1989). Host: Brian Raftery Producers: Devon Manze, Mike Wargon, Amanda Dobbins, and Vikram Patel Sound Design: Bobby Wagner Mixing and Mastering: Scott Somerville Interviews for this series were co...
Aug 23, 2023•58 min•Transcript available on Metacast Oliver Stone’s harrowing and heartbreaking Vietnam drama ‘Platoon’ becomes a worldwide phenomenon in 1986—and signals the beginning of the Vietnam movie boom. Host: Brian Raftery Producers: Devon Manze, Mike Wargon, Amanda Dobbins, and Vikram Patel Sound Design: Bobby Wagner Mixing and Mastering: Scott Somerville All interviews for this series were conducted before the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 21, 2023•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast In the early 1980s, as America is grappling with the fallout of Vietnam, a troubled big-screen vet named John Rambo launches an unlikely movie franchise—and leads a wave of make-believe soldiers who are ready to fight the war all over again. Other films we talk about in this episode include ‘First Blood’ (1982), ‘Uncommon Valor’ (1983), ‘Missing in Action’ (1984), and ‘Rambo: First Blood Part II’ (1985). Host: Brian Raftery Producers: Devon Manze, Mike Wargon, Amanda Dobbins, and Vikram Patel So...
Aug 18, 2023•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast ‘Apocalypse Now’ closes out the 1970s with the most ambitious Vietnam movie yet: a big-budget spectacle that will bring moviegoers closer than ever to the madness of war—and nearly push director Francis Ford Coppola over the edge. Other films we talk about in this episode include ‘Who’ll Stop the Rain’ (1978), ‘The Boys in Company C’ (1978), ‘Go Tell the Spartans’ (1978), and ‘Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse’ (1991). Host: Brian Raftery Producers: Devon Manze, Mike Wargon, Amanda Do...
Aug 16, 2023•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast In the late ’70s, ‘The Deer Hunter’ and ‘Coming Home’ offer two very different visions of Vietnam—and become unexpected hits. Together, they’d bring the war to the mainstream—and to the Oscars. Host: Brian Raftery Producers: Devon Manze, Mike Wargon, Amanda Dobbins, and Vikram Patel Sound Design: Bobby Wagner Mixing and Mastering: Scott Somerville All interviews for this series were conducted before the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com...
Aug 14, 2023•50 min•Transcript available on Metacast It’s the mid-’70s, and Hollywood is still scared of Vietnam. But a series of dark and wildly entertaining B movies brings the war to the big screen, with explosive results. Other films we talk about in this episode include ‘M*A*S*H’ (1970), ‘Soldier Blue’ (1970), ‘Brotherhood of Death’ (1976), ‘Taxi Driver’ (1976), and ‘Rolling Thunder’ (1977). Host: Brian Raftery Producers: Devon Manze, Mike Wargon, Amanda Dobbins, and Vikram Patel Sound Design: Bobby Wagner Mixing and Mastering: Scott Somervil...
Aug 11, 2023•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast In the late-’60s, John Wayne stars in the first hit Vietnam movie: his controversial blockbuster ‘The Green Berets.’ And the piercing documentary ‘Hearts and Minds’ leads to an Oscar-night meltdown in 1975. Other films we talk about in this episode include ‘In the Year of the Pig’ (1969) and ‘Winter Soldier’ (1972). Host: Brian Raftery Producers: Devon Manze, Mike Wargon, Amanda Dobbins, and Vikram Patel Sound Design: Bobby Wagner Mixing and Mastering: Scott Somerville All interviews for this se...
Aug 08, 2023•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast ‘The Deer Hunter.’ ‘Apocalypse Now.’ ‘First Blood.’ ‘Platoon.’ They’re among the hit films dealing with the Vietnam War—a conflict that divided moviegoers and inspired filmmakers. For decades, Hollywood released countless films about the war and its fallout—from action flicks to combat tales to sweeping dramas. Through exclusive new interviews, ‘Do We Get to Win This Time?’ chronicles the making of Hollywood’s most ambitious and controversial Vietnam movies. Along the way, we also learn how thes...
Aug 08, 2023•17 min•Transcript available on Metacast Sean and Amanda are joined by Ringer contributor Brian Raftery to discuss his upcoming series ‘Do We Get to Win This Time? How Hollywood Made the Vietnam War,’ which will be running on ‘The Big Picture’ feed over the next three weeks (1:00). Then, at long last, Sean and Chris Ryan unveil the latest genre in their ongoing niche genre project: Garbage Fish (15:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Chris Ryan and Brian Raftery Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad c...
Aug 04, 2023•1 hr 26 min•Transcript available on Metacast Sean discusses ‘Talk to Me,’ the horror movie of the summer, and his five scariest summer movies (1:00), before being joined by the directors of the film, Danny and Michael Philippou (10:00). Then, he is joined by ‘Afire’ director Christian Petzold to discuss his new film, his career, and the shared interests of arthouse and commercial cinema (41:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey Guests: Danny and Michael Philippou, Christian Petzold Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
Aug 02, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Transcript available on Metacast To celebrate Amanda’s birthday, Sean, Amanda, and Bobby gather to taste the various liquors, wines, beers, and mixed drinks endorsed or owned by movie stars. While tasting, they discuss the stars’ careers—past, present, and future—and whether their business projects are to blame for the shift in their focus away from the silver screen. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 31, 2023•2 hr 58 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2023•2 hr 10 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, 2023•2 hr 46 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
