The Contenders

Calling all Austen-heads! This episode, the Addington siblings welcome Shawnee Mead to dive into Autumn de Wilde’s 2020 adaptation of “Emma.” From the gorgeous costumes to the even more gorgeous hairstyling, we stack this version of Jane Austen’s tricky tale against the other major cinematic adaptations. Plus, stick around for an awesome game!

The Addington siblings dig into 2013’s “Enough Said,” written and directed by Nicole Holofcener and starring National Treasure Julia Louis-Dreyfus and the late, great James Gandolfini. Spoiler alert: we love this under-seen movie! With crackerjack supporting turns by Toni Collette (using her real accent!), Catherine Keener (as a hippie poet!), and Ben Falcone (yes, Ben Falcone!), this is 100% a gem. Check it out then listen to us gab about it all!

The Addington siblings welcome filmmaker David Mills-Low to discuss 2003’s “Something’s Gotta Give,” written and directed by the one and only Nancy Meyers. How gross is Jack Nicholson’s character? How cool is Frances McDormand’s? And would we stop the movie when Diane Keaton’s still with Keanu Reeves? There’s only one way to find out!

Three hosts. Two podcasts. One film. This week, the Addington siblings join “Hard to Believe” host John Brooks to do a deep dive into the murky waters of Josphine Decker’s biopic of Shirley Jackson, anchored by a searing Elizabeth Moss performance. How much of this story really happened? Whose story is it really? And how closely does it hew to the work and aesthetic of Shirley Jackson herself. We dig into all these questions, and then Tobin and John go head-to-head in a game for the ages. Not one to miss!

To wrap up Oscar week, the Addington siblings tackle one of the most controversial 2020 nominees: Emerald Fennell’s revenge thriller “Promising Young Woman.” Does it live up to the early hype? Is it thin and over-stylized, or canny and pitch perfect? And how freaking good is Carey Mulligan? I mean, seriously! Plus, stick around for a killer game, and let us know how you feel about this most unusual awards contender.

It’s Oscar month! To celebrate, the Addington siblings will check out the two films by women nominated for Best Director. First up, we hitch a ride with Frances McDormand as she explores the cracked myth of the American Dream in Chloe Zhao’s 2020 Oscar contender “Nomadland.” From its unusual conception and creation, to the spare and haunting finished film, Tobin and Aislinn kick the tires of this unlikely awards juggernaut and see if it lives up to the hype.

The Addington siblings record together in-person for the first time in almost two years to take a good look at Radha Blank’s wonderful breakout 2020 film “The Forty-Year-Old Version.” Who (usually) gets to make NYC coming-of-age films? How great are the teens in this movie? What does it all have to say about the creative process? And what’s up with that title anyway? Plus, Aislinn tries to stump Tobin with a game that pokes at his age...

Surprise! It’s a special edition of The Contenders! The Addington siblings welcome High School Slumber Party host Brian Rodriguez for a pop quiz about Amy Poehler’s new teen comedy. How well does this movie capture high school? Are the adults more cartoony than the kids? And what’s this new show Aislinn and Brian have been cooking up for us?! Plus, our most creative game yet...

A band of misfits! A nearly all-women creative team! An action climax with heart, stakes, and cool stunts! What’s not to love? The Addington siblings welcome frequent guest and author Derek Heckman as they dive head-first into the Margo Robbie-produced, Cathy Yan-directed, Suicide Squad spinoff. Who’s our favorite bird? Does the sticky-slick tone work? And how can it be legal for Ewan McGregor to have so much fun?! Plus, as always, a kick-ass game!

A kick-ass heroine! A truly impressive trailer! Based on a beloved -- if deeply flawed -- animated classic! What could go wrong? That's the mission the Addington siblings take on as they delve into the fight sequences, the gender politics, and the various controversies surrounding Niki Caro's $200 million action adventure. How many opportunities were missed? Who is to blame? And why can't we give Donnie Yen the role he so richly deserves? Plus, the most out-of-left-field game we've ever had!

A divisive Kristen Stewart! An even more divisive movie! The Addington siblings are joined by special guest Mandy and navigate their way through the messy family drama, long-coming self-discovery, and smoldering Aubry Plaza of director Clea DuVall's "Happiest Season." We get into the greatness of Mary Steenburgen, the (maybe excessive) iciness of Alison Brie, and -- oh yes -- the Victor Garber of it all. Check this one out and let us know where you come down on the Harper/Abby conundrum at the heart of the "Happiest Season."

Winona Ryder as a wannabe Catholic school girl? Cher in a mermaid costume? And Bob Hoskins as the film's love interest? Oh, yes, 1990's "Mermaids" has all that and so much more. The Addington siblings welcome filmmaker-podcaster-author-activist Lenny Peppers who helps them dig into what the film does right, what it does wrong, and what the heck Jake Ryan is doing in this movie! (Hint: not much that's good.) Stick around for a super fun game and learn what we've got coming next for the holidays!

In this extra special Election Day bonus episode, the Addington siblings sit down with writer-director Rod Lurie to discuss his 2000 film THE CONTENDER, the namesake film of the podcast! Go behind the scenes of this groundbreaking and increasingly timely film about the first woman nominated to the American Vice Presidency -- from directing Jeff Bridges post-Lebowski and giving space for Joan Allen's incredible performance, to getting notes from Steven Spielberg. Join us as we circle back to the movie that started it all on the 20th anniversary of its release! (And go vote!)

The early legal life of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg gets the biopic treatment in 2018's "On the Basis of Sex," and the Addington siblings are here to cross examine it all: from Felicity Jones to Armie Hammer, the difficulties of writing movies about your own family, and the live-wire Justin Theroux, who might just be in a different movie. Can the movie overcome the generic biopic beats? How does it place RBG in the trajectory of feminism? And how excited were we to see a movie from the director of "Deep Impact"? Only one way to find out!

The iconic pink suit. The dog in the purse. The tale of self-empowerment. And all that Reese. What's not to love? The Addington siblings welcome legal expert Tina Ching as they cross examine the 2001 comedy classic "Legally Blonde." How accurate is this depiction of law school? Should Reese have won her Oscar for this movie? And how does the movie play almost 20 years later? Plus, we share a few thoughts on the passing of RBG. So grab your briefcase and your puffy pen, because court is now in session!

Kickass action! A ton of women behind the scenes! Charlize Theron at her soulful grittiest! That's right, this week the Addington siblings take on director Gina Prince-Bythewood's Netflix smash hit, "The Old Guard." Can Aislinn make it through all the punching and killing and shaky camerawork? Will Tobin find some esoteric way to connect the filmmaking back to "Love & Basketball"? And does this make up for all the theatrical films we missed this summer? Only one way to find out!

While practice might make perfect, first time writer-director Gina Prince-Bythewood nails this three-pointer with grace, insight, and wit. In this very special episode of The Contenders, the Addington siblings suit up and hit the court to discuss sports movies, romantic dramas, the end of the 1990s, and the start of some enduring Hollywood careers.Plus, Aislinn pulls together a trivia game for all our dear listeners. Consider this your coach's pep talk and get listening!

An Academy Award-nominated director. A star-studded cast. And an epic running time. The Addington siblings complete their 1990s-era Christian Bale appreciation month with a look at Jane Campion's "The Portrait of a Lady." Was John Malkovich miscast? Is anybody in this movie NOT in love with Nicole Kidman? And how brilliant is Mary-Louise Parker? Plus some major tangents -- including fresh appreciation for Greta Gerwig's Little Women -- and a language-based game that is sure to take a weary nation by storm! What's not to love? And propose to? Again and again and again?

And now for something COMPLETELY different! Christian Bale. Matthew McConaughey. Ash-eating dragons. Wait, what?!? As a special bonus episode, the Addington siblings invite frequent guest Joe Bolenbaugh to check out a movie with almost no women in sight: 2002's "Reign of Fire." Why? Good question. You'll have to tune in to find out. Beware: this is one of our funniest episodes to date. You have been warned!

A ragtag band of misfits. A girl who wants to speak to the stars. And a (sort of) climactic talent show featuring the music of David Bowie. Troop Zero also features familiar but fun performances by Viola Davis and Allison Janney, wild southern accents, and some great hair. Pair that with Aislinn's merit badge inspired game, and you have yourself a delightful summer episode to help get you through! Plus, stay tuned for an announcement about our exciting July episodes, and more bloopers after the show! Find us on Twitter: @Contenders_Pod On Patreon: www.thecontenderspod.com On Email: [email protected] Tobin on Twitter: @tobinaddington Aislinn on Twitter: @SassyNerdMT Find more shows: cageclub.me Music: "Let's Start at the Beginning" by Lee Rosevere Licensed under Creative Commons: CC-BY-SA