The Big Picture

Sean and Amanda do their best to parse through the messiness of Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘Megalopolis,’ starring, among others, Adam Driver, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Aubrey Plaza (1:00). They discuss the circuitous journey Coppola took to finally making the film, the convoluted plot (and at times lack thereof), and the ambition in comparison to the actual execution of the final product. Then, they launch into the Coppola Hall of Fame, selecting 10 movies to enshrine from his uniquely boom-or-bust career, which features legendary movies like ‘The Godfather’ and ‘Apocalypse Now’ alongside historic financial and qualitative bombs (53:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Video Producer: Jack Sanders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda react to some news around the movie world (1:00), before discussing ‘Wolfs,’ the reunion of Brad Pitt and George Clooney in a movie about two lone wolf “fixers” who get assigned to the same job (13:00). They discuss whether the movie is interesting beyond the charisma of its leads and get into the up-and-down CV of Apple Films through 2024 (30:00). Then, they discuss four more movies either available or soon to be available at home or in theaters: ‘The Wild Robot,’ ‘Will & Harper,’ ‘His Three Daughters,’ and ‘Transformers One’ (39:00). Finally, Sean is joined by ‘Transformers One’ director Josh Cooley to discuss his role as director in the process of making an animated movie, his rise through Pixar, his love for Transformers, and what he’s looking to do next (59:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Josh Cooley Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Video Producer: Jack Sanders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda react to some news about the Golden Globes being … a lot like they’ve always been (1:00). Then, they discuss Coralie Fargeat’s new body horror film ‘The Substance,’ starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley (13:00). Finally, Sean is joined by Fargeat to discuss the first body horror movies she ever watched, the production process for making such a gross film, how she sees the themes of the movie, and more (1:12:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Coralie Fargeat Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Video Producer: Jack Sanders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are drafting again! Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan and Zach Baron to pick their faves and foil their pals in a draft of the movies from Brad Pitt and George Clooney. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan and Zach Baron Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Video Producer: Jack Sanders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda are joined by film critic, Ringer contributor, and resident “mean pod guy” Adam Nayman to do a speed recap of his favorite (and least favorite) movies out of the Toronto International Film Festival (1:00). Then, they revive the Big Oscar Bet, in which Sean and Amanda predict the nominees and winners of every major category at the 2025 Oscars (37:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Adam Nayman Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Video Producer: Jack Sanders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan to discuss ‘Speak No Evil,’ James Watkins’s reimagination of the 2022 Danish psychological horror film (1:00). Then, they discuss other movies that inspire the sensation of needing to get the f--- out of danger and share their top five in the subgenre (1:06:00). Finally, Sean is joined by Watkins and ‘Speak No Evil’ star James McAvoy to discuss why they wanted to remake the film, tapping into darker parts of the human psyche, and the physicality that goes into creating a thriller like this (1:40:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Chris Ryan, James McAvoy, and James Watkins Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Video Producer: Jack Sanders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean is joined by Chris Ryan to review some news items out of the fall film festival circuit (1:00) before discussing one of their favorite genre movies of 2024, Jeremy Saulnier’s revenge thriller ‘Rebel Ridge’ (17:00). They discuss their delight at having Saulnier back in the director’s chair and Aaron Pierre’s breakout performance, before minting a new subgenre: Garbage Revenge, a.k.a. Trash Justice (49:00). Then, Sean is joined by Saulnier to discuss the production of the movie, what type of writer he is, how exacting type of filmmaking, and what he hopes to do next (1:22:00). Host: Sean Fennessey Guests: Chris Ryan and Jeremy Saulnier Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda are joined by ‘Higher Learning’ and ‘Midnight Boys’ cohost Van Lathan to discuss the successes and shortcomings of ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,’ another mega-sequel that's shaping up to perform well at this weekend’s box office (1:00). They discuss Michael Keaton’s return to the namesake character, how the bloated plot prevents it from reaching the highs of the first, the satisfying return of the original cast, and the refreshing addition of Jenna Ortega. Then, they get into the incredible run Tim Burton kicked his career off with and the precipitous drop-off that followed, before sharing their five favorite Burton movies (1:04:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Van Lathan Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda recap the long weekend in film news and discuss the biggest films out of the Telluride Film Festival, including the much-anticipated ‘Anora,’ the 'SNL' origin story ‘Saturday Night,’ the Trump biopic ‘The Apprentice,’ and more (1:00). Then, they react to the Venice Film Festival from afar and take stock of the impact that this weekend’s major festivals have had on the state of the awards race (58:00). Finally, they share the yet-to-be-released movies that they’re most excited for this fall (1:20:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With ‘Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice’ on the horizon, Sean and Amanda enlist the help of Michael Keaton superfan and ‘Blank Check’ cohost Griffin Newman to carve out the Michael Keaton movie Mount Rushmore: an ode to a career with incredible peaks and long, fallow stretches (1:00). Then, Sean is joined by ‘Between the Temples’ writer-director Nathan Silver and producer and star Jason Schwartzman to discuss the unique production style of the movie, how to inject a specific comedic tone into a script, the movie’s inspirations, and more (1:45:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Griffin Newman, Jason Schwartzman, and Nathan Silver Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda return to the feed in triumphant fashion by talking about, among other things, Oasis, the ‘Megalopolis’ trailer, and their weeks away (1:00). Then, they run through five recently released features and their “sicko” natures, measuring the quality of each film and the state of the release calendar in the doldrums of summer (18:00). Finally, Sean is joined by JT Mollner, the director of ‘Strange Darling’, to discuss the long gap between his first feature at Sundance and ‘Strange Darling,’ the twists and turns of his movie, and the way he conceives of making movies within genres that come with audience expectation (1:09:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: JT Mollner Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘The Hollywood Hack’ is a three-part narrative series chronicling the biggest Hollywood heist of all time: In the fall of 2014, a group of cyberterrorists hacked Sony Pictures, stealing hundreds of thousands of documents. The materials were eventually leaked online, causing an international incident that would change Hollywood forever. In Episode 3, the hackers attempt to halt the release of ‘The Interview’ by threatening to attack theaters—forcing Sony executives to make a difficult last-minute decision. After the dust clears, those involved with the hack reckon with its long-term consequences—both for themselves and for Hollywood. Host: Brian Raftery Producers: Devon Baroldi, Brian Raftery, and Vikram Patel Sound Design: Devon Renaldo Mixing and Mastering: Scott Somerville Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘The Hollywood Hack’ is a three-part narrative series chronicling the biggest Hollywood heist of all time: In the fall of 2014, a group of cyberterrorists hacked Sony Pictures, stealing hundreds of thousands of documents. The materials were eventually leaked online, causing an international incident that would change Hollywood forever. In Episode 2, the hackers release hundreds of thousands of top-secret Sony emails—causing a scandal that reaches from Hollywood to the White House and beyond. Meanwhile, Sony’s employees deal with the fallout of having their professional lives upended—and their personal lives exposed. Host: Brian Raftery Producers: Devon Baroldi, Brian Raftery, and Vikram Patel Sound Design: Devon Renaldo Mixing and Mastering: Scott Somerville Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘The Hollywood Hack’ is a three-part narrative series chronicling the biggest Hollywood heist of all time: In the fall of 2014, a group of cyberterrorists hacked Sony Pictures, stealing hundreds of thousands of documents. The materials were eventually leaked online, causing an international incident that would change Hollywood forever. In Episode 1, thousands of Sony employees show up for work on November 24, 2014—only to discover a menacing message on their screens. It soon becomes clear that the studio has been targeted by a mysterious foreign power—all because of a goofy buddy-comedy called ‘The Interview.’ Host: Brian Raftery Producers: Devon Baroldi, Brian Raftery, and Vikram Patel Sound Design: Devon Renaldo Mixing and Mastering: Scott Somerville Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean is joined by Chris Ryan to react to a handful of casting tidbits (1:00), before digging into the newest installment in the ‘Alien’ franchise, ‘Alien: Romulus’ (11:00). They discuss the new movie’s fealty to the original, the chances it takes, how it works as a pure horror movie, and more. Then, they rank all nine movies in the franchise (53:00), before Sean is joined by ‘Romulus’ director Fede Álvarez to talk about making a movie in the franchise that he is a superfan of, some of the particular choices made around fan service, how he approached practical effects during the production, and more (1:11:00). Host: Sean Fennessey Guests: Chris Ryan and Fede Álvarez Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda are joined by Ringer contributor Brian Raftery to discuss his miniseries about the Sony hack, running next week on the ‘Big Picture’ feed (1:00). Then, they discuss two recent releases—Sean Wang’s coming-of-age movie ‘Dìdi’ and the Matt Damon and Casey Affleck vehicle ‘The Instigators’ (14:00)—before launching themselves into the Matt Damon Hall of Fame (34:00). Finally, Sean is joined by Wang to discuss making ‘Dìdi,’ the path to his first feature at just 29 years old, the particular time period of the movie, and more (1:36:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Brian Raftery and Sean Wang Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In their 700th Episode, Sean and Amanda discuss the news that the Brad Pitt and George Clooney vehicle ‘Wolfs’ will have a one-week limited theatrical release before moving to streaming, then talk about a slightly deranged combination of films this week (0:45). First up, they dive into ‘Sing Sing,’ a deeply moving prison drama starring Colman Domingo about a small group of prisoners attempting to stage a theatrical production (11:53). Then, they transition to the bizarre and controversial Colleen Hoover adaptation ‘It Ends With Us,’ starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni (28:11). Finally, Sean is joined by ‘Sing Sing’ director Greg Kwedar to discuss how this extraordinary film came together, casting formerly incarcerated actors, the unusual rollout of the film, and more (1:08:45). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Sasha Ashall Engineers: Aleya Zenieris and Jack Sanders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda dig into a heap of news that Sean missed while he was on vacation (0:55), including the latest on the MCU (1:25), the fall festival landscape (18:27), and the just-announced Britney Spears biopic (30:5r0). Then, they dive deep into M. Night Shyamalan’s latest, the twisty serial killer thriller ‘Trap’ (38:05). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan to commemorate the career of one of America’s greatest directors, Sidney Lumet. They talk about him as a person, his path to becoming a workman director, his methodology, and his standout moments (1:00) before going through his entire filmography and choosing the 10 most essential entries in the canon (43:00). Then, they each share their five personal favorites (1:37:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda are joined by three out of four of the Midnight Boys—Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, and Jomi Adeniran—to have a deep-dive conversation about Marvel’s big 2024 bet: ‘Deadpool & Wolverine.’ They discuss the somewhat convoluted plot of the movie (5:00), what they liked and didn’t like about it (11:00), what audience it’s aiming for (16:00), whether or not Marvel is back on the right track (1:00:00), and more. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda discuss the smashing success of Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones’s ‘Twisters’ (1:00) before reviewing ‘Fly Me to the Moon,’ a surprisingly under-the-radar Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum movie about the space race (21:00). After that, they open up the mailbag to answer your questions about the 2025 movie slate, Tom Cruise’s next projects, movie theater behavior, film books, James Bond, snacks, and more (30:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda discuss one of the most anticipated movies of the summer, ‘Twisters,’ starring their guy Glen Powell alongside Daisy Edgar-Jones (1:00). Then, in honor of the genre that ‘Twister’ amplified in the ’90s, they discuss what makes natural disaster movies so appealing and which are the most successful (40:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re drafting again! Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan to draft 2000s summer blockbusters. To watch episodes of ‘The Big Picture,’ head to https://www.youtube.com/@RingerMovies. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Producer: Aleya Zenieris and Jack Sanders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean is joined by Rob Mahoney to appraise just how terrifying ‘Longlegs’ is after all the buzz (1:00). Then, they run through the canon of serial killer movies, a horror subgenre that distinguishes itself from slashers (26:00). Finally, Sean is joined by ‘Longlegs’ director Osgood Perkins to discuss his career, the particular elements of ‘Longlegs’ he was most interested in exploring, how a film like this gets received by wider audiences, and more (1:02:00). To watch episodes of ‘The Big Picture,’ head to https://www.youtube.com/@RingerMovies. Host: Sean Fennessey Guests: Rob Mahoney and Osgood Perkins Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda react to the trailer for ‘F1,’ Joseph Kosinski’s follow-up to ‘Top Gun: Maverick,’ starring Brad Pitt as a Formula One driver (1:00), then react to the news of the Paramount sale going through (5:00). They later dig into Ti West’s third installment in the ‘X’ trilogy, ‘MaXXXine’ (10:00). Next, they’re joined by Van Lathan to discuss Eddie Murphy’s return to the ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ franchise in this past weekend’s Netflix release: ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’ (28:00). Sean and Amanda then briefly discuss ‘Despicable Me 4’ and the state of the box office, as it has bounced back recently (50:00), before Sean is finally joined by West to discuss ‘MaXXXine’ in further depth, talk about why he wanted to stay in this story, and dig into some of the myriad influences on the film (58:00). To watch episodes of ‘The Big Picture,’ head to https://www.youtube.com/@RingerMovies. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Ti West and Van Lathan Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda are joined by a deep bench of Ringer colleagues to share their favorite movies of the year. The selections range from heavy hitters like ‘Dune: Part Two’ and ‘Challengers’ to big swings like ‘Civil War.’ And, of course, Glen Powell will feature. To watch episodes of ‘The Big Picture,’ head to https://www.youtube.com/@RingerMovies. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Chris Ryan, Mallory Rubin, Joanna Robinson, Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Adam Nayman, Rob Mahoney Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan for part two of the 2024 movie auction. They nominate 15 films they’re excited for—including some important movies out of Cannes, an M. Night Shyamalan thriller, a Brad Pitt and George Clooney reunion, and more—and bid on who will get each movie on their team. To watch episodes of ‘The Big Picture,’ head to https://www.youtube.com/@RingerMovies. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda recap the third installment of the ‘Quiet Place’ franchise—the Lupita Nyong’o–starring ‘A Quiet Place: Day One’—which surprised both of them with its scale and quality (1:00). Then, they are joined by Chris Ryan to discuss Kevin Costner’s gigantic gamble, ‘Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1’ (25:00). The trio dig into its weirdness, its Western tropes and subversions, and whether it stands even the slightest chance of not bombing. To watch episodes of ‘The Big Picture,’ head to https://www.youtube.com/@RingerMovies. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With ‘Horizon: An American Saga’ on the … horizon … Sean and Amanda build the Kevin Costner Hall of Fame by running through Costner’s entire filmography to try to narrow it down to 10 movies. From the cowboy, to the athlete, to the spy, and back again, this filmography (and this episode) is a journey! To watch episodes of ‘The Big Picture,’ head to https://www.youtube.com/@RingerMovies. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan to discuss ‘The Bikeriders,’ a new Jeff Nichols movie starring Austin Butler, Tom Hardy, and Jodie Comer (1:00). They discuss the film’s successes, its influences, and more, before building a partial canon for movies in the “dudes rock” genre (30:00). Then, Chris leaves and Sean and Amanda discuss ‘Kinds of Kindness,’ Yorgos Lanthimos’s anthology film and the latest installment in his creative collaboration with Emma Stone (52:00). Finally, Sean is joined by ‘Bikeriders’ director Jeff Nichols to discuss the production of the movie, the book that inspired it, making such a stylized period piece, and more (1:15:00). To watch episodes of ‘The Big Picture,’ head to https://www.youtube.com/@RingerMovies. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Chris Ryan and Jeff Nichols Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are drafting again! Sean, Amanda, and Chris Ryan reunite for a draft of the best movies of 2002. To watch episodes of ‘The Big Picture,’ head to https://www.youtube.com/@RingerMovies. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda are joined by ‘Midnight Boy’ Charles Holmes to react to the movie business news that Skydance is no longer looking to acquire Paramount and that Sony has purchased the theater chain Alamo Draft House (1:00). Then, they discuss Pixar’s latest attempt to get back to its heyday with ‘Inside Out 2’ and their relationship to the franchise (23:00). Then, they build their own Mount Rushmore of Pixar films, including which films represent which presidents on the monument (1:00:00). Finally, Sean is joined by documentarian Lance Oppenheim to discuss ‘Ren Faire’ and his career thus far (1:35:00). To watch episodes of ‘The Big Picture,’ head to https://www.youtube.com/@RingerMovies. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Charles Holmes and Lance Oppenheim Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda talk about the successes and shortcomings of the two biggest movies at this week’s box office: Will Smith’s return to franchise moviemaking in ‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ (1:00), and ‘The Watchers,’ Ishana Night Shyamalan’s directorial debut (43:00). Then, they briefly discuss ‘The Dead Don’t Hurt’ (1:03:00), Viggo Mortensen’s second directorial feature, a Western starring Mortensen and podcast favorite Vicky Krieps (0:00). Finally, Sean is joined by Mortensen to discuss the project, where it came from for him creatively, the importance of casting Krieps, his favorite Westerns, and more (1:08:00). To watch episodes of ‘The Big Picture,’ head to https://www.youtube.com/@RingerMovies. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Viggo Mortensen Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda discuss the unconfirmed casting news that Paul Mescal, Barry Keoghan, Harris Dickinson, and Charlie Rowe will be the leads of Sam Mendes’s quartet of biopics about the members of the Beatles (1:00). Then, they have an in-depth (and spoiler-filled) discussion about Richard Linklater’s 'Hit Man,' starring 'Big Pic' favorite Glen Powell (15:00). Finally, Powell and Linklater join the show to discuss the genesis of the script, striking a unique tone, their creative partnership, and more (1:02:00). To watch episodes of ‘The Big Picture,’ head to https://www.youtube.com/@RingerMovies. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Glen Powell and Richard Linklater Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With no new movies hitting the box office this weekend, Sean and Amanda are instead building their own fantasy movie studio from scratch—directors, stars, writers, IP, studio locations, and more (1:00). Later in the show, Chris Ryan joins to help explain the uniqueness of ‘In a Violent Nature’ (1:22:00), before Sean is joined by the director of the film, Chris Nash, to discuss making it (1:34:00). To watch episodes of ‘The Big Picture,’ head to https://www.youtube.com/@RingerMovies. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Chris Ryan and Chris Nash Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan to discuss the unique filmmaking prowess of Texas legend Richard Linklater. On the eve of his newest film, ‘Hit Man,’ starring Glen Powell and Adria Arjona, they choose 10 films from his catalog to build out the Linklater Hall of Fame. Then, Sean is joined by director Ron Howard to discuss his documentary 'Jim Henson: Idea Man,' working in the documentary space, how he picks projects, and more (01:38:00) Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan and Ron Howard Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean opens the podcast by sharing some extended thoughts about the state of the box office as it relates to George Miller’s ‘Furiosa’ (1:00). Then, Chris Ryan and Joanna Robinson join to do a deeper dive into ‘Furiosa’ and its various successes and limitations (17:00), before ranking every installment in the ‘Mad Max’ saga (1:15:00). Host: Sean Fennessey Guests: Chris Ryan and Joanna Robinson Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda dig into a spoiler-filled conversation about George Miller’s newest installment in his ‘Mad Max’ canon—the Anya Taylor-Joy– and Chris Hemsworth–starring ‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.’ They discuss how it compares to 2015's ‘Mad Max: Fury Road,’ whether comparisons are fair or useful, the performances at the heart of the film, its visual prowess, its spot in the year of movies, whether it will have any chance at the Oscars, and more. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda are joined by Midnight Boy and resident hater Charles Holmes to discuss a trio of less-than-ideal movies out right now: John Krasinski’s semi-animated ‘IF’ (1:00), the Amy Winehouse biopic ‘Back to Black’ (45:00), and Jerry Seinfeld’s nightmarish directorial debut, ‘Unfrosted’ (1:07:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Charles Holmes Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are drafting again! Sean, Amanda, and Chris Ryan reunite for a draft of the coolest scenes in action movie history. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda are joined by Van Lathan to discuss the new installment in the ‘Planet of the Apes’ franchise, the enduring power of the ‘Apes’ IP, and how it relates to modern IP storytelling (1:00). Finally, they rank the 10 films in the franchise (1:05:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Van Lathan Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda answer your questions about the 2024 box office, roasts, YouTube movie clips, repertory theaters, and more (1:00). Then, Sean is joined by Mean Pod Guy Adam Nayman to discuss an exciting new release, Jane Schoenbrun’s ‘I Saw the TV Glow,’ and its unique blend of body horror, nostalgia, and identity (1:15:00). Finally, Sean is joined by Schoenbrun to discuss the making of the movie, growing up hooked in to television, and what kind of films they’re interested in making moving forward (1:45:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Jane Schoenbrun and Adam Nayman Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda share some exciting announcements about the show (1:00), then dig into their experience at four different premium large-format movie theater experiences over the last few weeks (4:00). They later discuss the weekend’s biggest streaming film, the Anne Hathaway vehicle ‘The Idea of You’ (1:00:00). Does the movie work, should it have been in theaters, and what does this signal for Hathaway—one of their favorite stars in Hollywood. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda reflect on the reaction to the 35 Under 35 movie stars list they put together on Tuesday’s episode (1:00), before discussing the new Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt action-comedy-romance movie, ‘The Fall Guy’ (5:00). Then, they revisit the highs of Gosling’s career by each sharing their five favorite performances from his long and chaptered career (51:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda reconvene the movie star committee to rank the 35 most important movie stars under the age of 35, using their proprietary blend of what a star has done already, what they have on their slate next, and what they could turn into in the future. Zendaya, Margot Robbie, Timothée Chalamet, Tom Holland, Jacob Elordi, Florence Pugh … Who will come out on top? Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda gather to discuss the 2024 film perfectly situated at the center of their respective tastes: ‘Challengers.’ They discuss the thrilling trio of actors at its center, underrated director Luca Guadagnino, its pulsing score, and its thrilling ending (1:00). Then, Sean interviews Justin Kuritzkes, the writer of the movie, about writing this script on spec, the balance of power dynamics among the characters, why he chose to set it in the world of tennis, and more (1:35:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Justin Kuritzkes Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean is joined by Chris Ryan to discuss the current state of horror in theaters (1:00). They run through a list of movies that are out right now, then dive into what they did and did not like about them (10:00). Later, they’re joined by a special guest to explain the plot of ‘Imaginary’ (27:00) to Chris, who hasn’t yet seen the film. Finally, Sean and Chris discuss the directors they’d most like to see work in the horror genre (1:00:00) and discuss their most-anticipated upcoming releases (1:10:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda discuss the news that Quentin Tarantino has shelved what was previously reported as his 10th and final film, ‘The Movie Critic’ (1:00). Then, they react to some development news for Martin Scorsese’s and Steven Spielberg’s next projects (12:00), and discuss the most anticipated movie of this upcoming summer (29:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are drafting again! Sean, Amanda, and Chris Ryan reunite and are joined by several special guests for a mega-draft of the best movies of 1999. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Chris Ryan, Mallory Rubin, Joanna Robinson, Van Lathan, and Rob Mahoney Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan to run through the 10 most anticipated movies from this week’s CinemaCon, which Sean attended (1:00). Then, they have a long—and, at times, combative—discussion about Alex Garland’s big-budget A24 release, ‘Civil War’ (44:00), delving into the film’s politics (or lack thereof), point of view, cinematic style, and more. Finally, Sean is joined by Garland to answer questions regarding some of those very things and where he sees this in the arc of his career, as well as discuss whether he will take a step back from filmmaking (1:50:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Chris Ryan and Alex Garland Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices