The Big Picture

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 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

‘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 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

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/adchoices

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 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

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 series were conducted before the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘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 these films reflected and shaped moviegoers’ feelings toward the war—and toward each other. Host: Brian Raftery Producers: Devon Manze, Mike Wargon, Amanda Dobbins, and Vikram Patel Sound Design: Bobby Wagner Mixing and Mastering: Scott Somerville Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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: Greta Gerwig and Joanna Robinson Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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 effort to be spoiler-free of plot points in both ‘Barbie’ and ‘Oppenheimer,’ but does feature in-depth discussion of Sean and Amanda’s reactions and feelings about each movie. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

Sean and Amanda dive into one of their most anticipated movies in years, the return of Ethan Hunt and the ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Senior Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sean digs into his pet obsession, the ‘Transformers’ franchise, and its newest installment ‘Rise of the Beasts.’ Then, he recommends five new streaming movies, and opens up the mailbag to answer your questions. Host: Sean Fennessey Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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 choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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

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

Sean and Amanda dig into the mailbag to answer your questions about upcoming movies, the impact of the writers strike, and more. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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 your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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/adchoices

It’s time to swap, which means it’s time for our producer, Bobby, to finally watch ‘Casablanca’! Sean and Amanda pitch a pair of beloved spy classics—the 1942 Best Picture winner and 1979’s madcap comedy ‘The In-Laws’—while Bobby shares with them the millennial family romp ‘Spy Kids.’ Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda discuss ‘How to Blow Up a Pipeline’ and Kelly Reichardt’s ‘Showing Up’ (1:00) before checking in on several 2023 releases they missed on the show this year. Then, Sean is joined by Michelle Williams and Reichardt to discuss their fourth collaboration, ‘Showing Up’ (1:07:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Michelle Williams and Kelly Reichardt Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At long last! Sean and Amanda dive deep on Ben Affleck’s ‘Air,’ the story of how Michael Jordan signed to Nike and the men who made it happen (1:00). Then, Sean is joined by Sam Jones to discuss his new documentary, ‘Jason Isbell: Running With Our Eyes Closed’ (58:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Bobby Wagner Guest: Sam Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Lindbergh and Charles Holmes join Sean to talk about one of the most anticipated films of the year: 'Mario'! They discuss the new film (1:00) and how video games have been the most valuable IP in Hollywood (36:00). Host: Sean Fennessey Guests: Charles Holmes and Ben Lindbergh Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda dig into the surprisingly fun new ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ adaptation from the filmmakers who brought us ‘Game Night,’ before discussing a new sort of IP boom in Hollywood (1:00). Then, Sean is joined by A.V. Rockwell to discuss her debut feature, ‘A Thousand and One’ (58:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Bobby Wagner Guest: A.V. Rockwell 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 movies from 2008. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

To celebrate the fourth installment of the 'John Wick' franchise, Sean and Amanda build Keanu Reeves’s hall of fame (9:00) before breaking down the new action epic (55:30). Then, Sean is joined by the director of ‘JW4,’ Chad Stahelski, to discuss how they pulled off the film’s breathtaking action (1:17:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chad Stahelski Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda look at the disappointing box office for ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods’ and discuss the perilous future of superhero movies (1:00). Then, they dig deep into ‘65’ and the fascinating career arc of Adam Driver, discussing his role choices and where he’s going as a modern movie star. Finally, Sean talks with writer-director Jamie Dack about her new film, ‘Palm Trees and Power Lines’ (65:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Jamie Dack Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan and Sean’s sister Grace to dive deep into ‘Scream VI’ and break down the entire franchise. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan and Grace Fennessey Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda are joined by Joanna Robinson to dig deeper into the telecast and answer your questions about the past and future of the Academy Awards. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Joanna Robinson Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda break down the 95th Academy Awards, from Jimmy Kimmel’s take-no-prisoners monologue to the dominant performance of ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once.’ Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices