Filmspotting: Reviews & Top 5s

As part of 2020's Christopher Nolan Oeuvre-view, Adam and Josh revisited 2006's The Prestige, which like his new The Odyssey, is among the rare Nolans adapted from existing material. Unlock the full archive, Filmspotting Discord, ad‑free + bonus episodes, and more when you ⁠join the Filmspotting Family⁠.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt and Jordan give Hulu’s new multiverse revenge thriller Redux Redux a spin, crediting Kevin and Matthew McManus’s film for its low-budget stylishness and its central performance (by another McManus, sister Michaela). Then some Redux-inspired streaming recommendations, answers to a listener request for off-the-grid heist movies, and a game (“Multi-Box Letter-Verse”) hosted by Producer Sam. Intro / The Odyssey (00:00:00–00:11:36) Redux Redux (0:11:37–00:28:27) Rec Seg (00:28:28–00:45:35) Listener Request Recs: Off-the-Grid Heist Movies (00:45:36–01:02:42) Game: Multi-box Letter-verse (01:02:43–01:29:32) New to Streaming / Credits (01:29:33–01:38:12) Show Notes Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive⁠ https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/⁠ Pre-Order Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" (Coming October 6th):⁠ https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/⁠ Feedback: Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com Follow Matt on Blue Sky: @mattsinger.bsky.social Follow Jordan on Blue Sky: @jhoffman.bsky.social Follow the Show:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠ Follow the Show:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Considering The Odyssey is one of the most famous and influential stories of all time, there had been relatively few attempts to directly translate Homer’s epic poem to the big screen until Christopher Nolan came along to do it at a blockbuster scale. It’s been more common for filmmakers, such as Joel and Ethan Coen, to use it as the loose framework for a flawed hero’s journey home, such as the one undertaken by Ulysses Everett McGill in O Brother, Where Art Thou?, a Depression-era musical comedy that maps on to Homer’s version only in the broadest of strokes. But revisiting O Brother through the lens of its stated source material, as we’re doing this week, is a revealing lesson in the malleability of adaptation, as well as the Coens’ ability to make even one of the most familiar tales in all of storytelling uniquely theirs. Then in Feedback, we finally break our silence on the indie-horror phenomenon that is Obsession. Please share your thoughts about O Brother, Where Art Thou?, The Odyssey, or anything else in the world of film, by sending an email or voice memo to comments@nextpictureshow.net, or leaving a short voicemail at (773) 234-9730. This episode is presented by⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Regal Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. Use code NEXTPIC26 for 15% off.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Film critic Amy Nicholson joins host Michael Phillips to test a set of unofficial Hollywood axioms: Preston Sturges’ 11 Rules for Box Office Appeal.Written (or so the story goes) in the early 1940s, the list is equal parts joke and provocation, a series of blunt, sometimes baffling claims about what makes movies work. But taken together, the rules point toward something more coherent: a theory of cinema built on movement, rhythm, and the constant opening of possibilities.Amy and Michael dig into what still holds up and what these rules reveal about the way comedy — and movies — create momentum. Is Sturges simply being playful? Or is there real wisdom hiding inside the punchlines?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Dissident Cinema Marathon continues with Marcel Ophuls’s towering 1969 documentary The Sorrow and the Pity, which challenged the so-called “Gaullist myth” that the French people had largely resisted Nazi occupation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam and Josh take stock of the movie year with their Top 5 Films of 2026 (So Far), making picks that reflect the strength of of the year’s genre offerings, comedies, and intimate dramas. Plus: Massacre Theatre, and Best of ‘26 poll results. This episode is presented by⁠ Regal Unlimited⁠⁠, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. Use code FILMSPOT26 to take 15% off. (Timecodes/chapters may not be precise with ads.) Intro (00:00:00-00:03:03) Top 5 of 2026 (00:03:04-00:32:36) Filmspotting Family: ‘20s/’30s Madness (00:32:37-00:40:52) Poll: Best of ‘26 (So Far) (00:40:53-00:49:36) Top 5 of 2026, cont. (00:49:37-01:17:26) RIP Sam Neill / Massacre Theatre (01:17:27-01:26:54) Credits / Releases (01:26:55-01:28:56) Links: Alison Willmore on Blue Heron | Vulture https://www.vulture.com/article/review-the-masterful-blue-heron-uses-cinema-as-a-sance.html Feedback: -Email us at feedback@filmspotting.net⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠-⁠Ask Us Anything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and we might answer your question in bonus content. Support: -Join the Filmspotting Family for bonus episodes and complete archive access. http://filmspottingfamily.com -Filmspotting Shop for T-shirts and more.⁠ ⁠ ⁠https://www.filmspotting.net/shop⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow: -Watch Filmspotting on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/filmspotting⁠ -Adam/Filmspotting: ⁠Letterboxd⁠ |⁠ Instagram⁠ |⁠ Facebook⁠ | ⁠Bluesky⁠ -Josh/LarsenOnFilm: ⁠Letterboxd⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ |⁠ Facebook⁠ | ⁠BlueskySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A good chunk of Supergirl’s DNA can be traced back to True Grit by way of the comics miniseries the film is adapting, which is why we paired it with Joel and Ethan Coen’s 2010 version of that story. But as our discussion of Craig Gillespie’s new entry in James Gunn’s revamped DC Universe details, Supergirl often feels less indebted to its space-western source material than to several other superhero films that preceded it, including some of Gunn’s. That makes it tough to balance a film we all consider okay-at-best against a stone-cold Coens classic, but we attempt to anyway in Connections as we consider these two films’ shared interest in vengeance, western tropes, and really, really bad guys with murky motivations. Then in Your Next Picture Show, we honorTrue Grit’s star-making performance with a recommendation for another Hailee Steinfeld film that’s a favorite of this podcast, The Edge of Seventeen. Please share your thoughts about True Grit, Supergirl, or anything else in the world of film, by sending an email or voice memo to comments@nextpictureshow.net, or leaving a short voicemail at (773) 234-9730. Next Pairing: Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey and The Coen Brothers’ (yes, again) O Brother, Where Art Thou? This episode is presented by⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Regal Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. Use code NEXTPIC26 for 15% off.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For this week's Archive episode, we go back to 2014 for the Top 5 Movie Tattoos (That We'd Get). The "we" being Adam and Josh. 16 years later... no tats yet. But they're sticking by (most) of their picks. Unlock the full archive, Filmspotting Discord, ad‑free + bonus episodes, and more when you ⁠join the Filmspotting Family⁠.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt and Jordan deep-dive into the free, ad-supported streaming platform Tubi. They evaluate the platform across five distinct categories: library; playback/interface; reliability; originals; and price. Plus, recommended titles to watch on Tubi, and a recommendations for a listener who is looking for a hangout comedy like semi-obscure 2005 comedy. And Producer Sam hosts this week’s game: Tubi or Not Tubi. The State of Streaming: Tubi (00:00:00–00:49:36) Rec Seg: Watch on Tubi (00:49:37–01:01:23) Listener Request Recs: Hangout Comedies (01:01:24–01:17:23) Game: Tubi or Not Tubi (01:17:24–01:38:35) New to Streaming / Credits (01:38:36–01:45:49) Show Notes Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive⁠ https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/⁠ Pre-Order Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" (Coming October 6th):⁠ https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/⁠ Alissa Quart’s “Hyperlink Cinema” in Film Forum https://static1.squarespace.com/static/549355e2e4b0a309c8cef596/t/556ca8c0e4b0ca905b2d74ef/1433184448821/QuartonHyperlink%281%29.pdf Hyperlink Cinema, a Letterboxd Listhttps://letterboxd.com/sc_elly/list/hyperlink-films/ Handmade Films, a Letterboxd List https://letterboxd.com/studio/handmade-films/ Feedback: Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com Follow Matt on Blue Sky: @mattsinger.bsky.social Follow Jordan on Blue Sky: @jhoffman.bsky.social Follow the Show:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠ Follow the Show:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to The Movie Racket, a new Filmspotting production hosted by Michael Phillips. Each week, we’ll test a so-called "law" of cinema — a bit of received wisdom about how movies work, or don’t. For our debut episode, actor Michael Shannon joins the show to examine a provocative claim from François Truffaut: that every film about war ends up being pro-war. Is it true that a movie about combat, survival, and heroism can never escape the pull of spectacle and the way cinema inevitably renders violence compelling? Shannon reflects on that inherent tension and revisits his experience working on Michael Bay’s Pearl Harbor, a film that presents this question of representation head-on. So: was Truffaut right? Or does cinema allow for something more complicated than a binary verdict? Join the conversation at movieracket@filmspotting.net.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam and Josh celebrate Fargo's 30th anniversary with a Pantheon Project review (the show’s longest ever) of the Coen Brothers' career-altering 1996 film. Plus, Olivia Wilde's The Invite, David Wain's Gail Daughtry's Celebrity Sex Pass, and listeners choose the best pair of '90s blockbusters. This episode is presented by⁠ Regal Unlimited⁠⁠, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. Use code FILMSPOT26 to take 15% off. (Timecodes/chapters may not be precise with ads.) Intro (00:00:00-00:03:33) Fargo at 30 (00:03:34-01:16:58) Filmspotting Family (01:16:59-01:21:34) The Invite (01:21:35-01:25:46) Gail Daughtry’s Celebrity Sex Pass (01:25:47-01:33:56) Polls (01:33:57-01:41:34) Credits / Releases (01:41:35-01:44:08) Links: -Josh’s Fargo Video Essay https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaRRXpfTyfU Feedback: -Email us at feedback@filmspotting.net⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠-⁠Ask Us Anything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and we might answer your question in bonus content. Support: -Join the Filmspotting Family for bonus episodes and complete archive access. http://filmspottingfamily.com -Filmspotting Shop for T-shirts and more.⁠ ⁠ ⁠https://www.filmspotting.net/shop⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow: -Watch Filmspotting on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/filmspotting⁠ -Adam/Filmspotting: ⁠Letterboxd⁠ |⁠ Instagram⁠ |⁠ Facebook⁠ | ⁠Bluesky⁠ -Josh/LarsenOnFilm: ⁠Letterboxd⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ |⁠ Facebook⁠ | ⁠BlueskySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week's archive episode is Adam and Josh's 2018 Sacred Cow review of the Coen Brothers' period gangster film Miller's Crossing. Unlock the full archive, Filmspotting Discord, ad‑free + bonus episodes, and more when you ⁠join the Filmspotting Family⁠.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt and Jordan review Netflix’s new comedy Little Brother, which stars Eric Andre as a chaos agent who disrupts the life of a tightly wound real estate agent played by John Cena. Hijinx, nudity, and parabolas of urine ensue. Then, in Rec Seg, they offer some related streaming titles, including a musical dramedy about brothers and a classic '70s comedy. Plus, in reply to a listener streaming request, a pair of international films from the early '60s, and Producer Sam hosts a John Cena-inspired round of trivia. Intro, Little Brother (00:00:00–00:24:16) Rec Seg: Little Brother-Inspired Streaming Recs (00:24:17–00:39:27) Listener Request Recs for an Artsy Down Under Movie Club (00:39:28–01:00:06) Trivia: So You’ve Cen-a Lotta Movies, Have You? (01:00:07–01:24:51) New to Streaming / Credits (01:24:52–01:32:35) Show Notes Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive⁠ https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/⁠ Pre-Order Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" (Coming October 6th):⁠ https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/⁠ Feedback: Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com Follow Matt on Blue Sky: @mattsinger.bsky.social Follow Jordan on Blue Sky: @jhoffman.bsky.social Follow the Show:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠ Follow the Show:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new Supergirl isn’t an outright adaptation of the comic-book miniseries Woman of Tomorrow, but it retains enough of its shape that it evokes that comic’s own source of inspiration, True Grit. Either of the two film adaptations of Charles Portis’ 1968 Western novel about a young girl enlisting a reluctant, drunken hero to help her enact revenge would have provided plenty of connections to Supergirl, but we opted for Joel and Ethan Coen’s 2010 version starring Hailee Steinfeld and Jeff Bridges. So this week we’re discussing what distinguishes True Grit as both a Coens movie and a Western, the film’s overlapping notions of vengeance and justice, and how it utilizes two frequently abused elements — sincerity and voiceover narration — sparingly and effectively. Then in Feedback, we respond to a listener’s misgivings about accepting Disclosure Day’s premise at a time when conspiracy theories don’t feel as harmless as they once did. Please share your thoughts about True Grit, Supergirl, or anything else in the world of film, by sending an email or voice memo to comments@nextpictureshow.net, or leaving a short voicemail at (773) 234-9730. This episode is presented by⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Regal Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. Use code NEXTPIC26 for 15% off.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to the sophomore installment of Movie Death Match. Host Chris Klimek presides as two Christopher Nolan films go head to head in anticipation of The Odyssey. Arguing for Inception is Bilge Ebiri (Vulture), while Abigail James (@popculturescientist) advocates for Interstellar. Which film offers the more emotionally resonant lead performance and better captures Nolan’s vision of time — its dilation and psychological weight? Vote now at moviedeathmatch.com. Intro (00:00:00-00:12:22) Opening Statements (00:12:23-00:23:21) In Their Time (00:23:22-00:48:11) In Our Time (00:48:12-01:07:36) For All Time (01:07:37-01:22:20) The Verdict / Close (01:22:21-01:29:45) LINKS – ABI -The biggest plot hole in Interstellar? -Can We Escape Gravity? | Interstellar’s Biggest Lie Explained LINKS – BILGE -The Hidden ‘Inception’ Within Inception -When to hit the Bathroom During Inception -Six New Things We Learned From the Inception Blu-ray -How Many Times Each Inception Character Dies -You Can Hate Inception All You Want LINKS – CHRIS -'Interstellar': Stunning And Bold, With Lots Of Corn | NPR, Nov. 6, 2014) -Interstellar’s Scientific Fact-Checker | Air & Space / Smithsonian, Nov. 13, 2014) -Wartime Terror And Valor Thread Together In Nolan's Gripping 'Dunkirk' | NPR, July 20, 2017) -A Degree Absolute! | An Entire Podcast Series About The Prisoner, the cult British spy-fi series Nolan has periodically threatened to adapt for the [very] big screen.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam and Josh celebrate the holiday weekend with a "Blind Cow" review of Independence Day, the #1 movie at the box office back in '96. Thirty summers after its release, Adam catches up with Roland Emmerich's alien-invasion spectacle, and Josh (originally a fan) sees if it holds up. Plus, a summer-themed edition of Massacre Theatre and a recap of last weekend's 2nd annual Filmspotting Fest, which featured appearances from Trey Edward Schultz (Krisha), Marguerite Moreau (Wet Hot American Summer), Agnés Varda biographer Carrie Rickey, and Michael Phillips. This episode is presented by⁠ Regal Unlimited⁠⁠, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. Use code FILMSPOT26 to take 15% off. (Timecodes/chapters may not be precise with ads.) Intro (00:00:00-00:02:06) Independence Day at 30 (00:02:07-00:52:41) Filmspotting Family (00:52:42-00:56:03) Filmspotting Fest II: Recap (00:56:04-01:08:26) Notes (01:08:27-01:14:07) Massacre Theatre (01:14:08-01:21:34) Credits / Releases (01:21:35-01:25:07) Links: -Filmspotting Fest https://www.filmspotting.net/filmspotting-fest Feedback: -Email us at feedback@filmspotting.net⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠-⁠Ask Us Anything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and we might answer your question in bonus content. Support: -Join the Filmspotting Family for bonus episodes and complete archive access. http://filmspottingfamily.com -Filmspotting Shop for T-shirts and more.⁠ ⁠ ⁠https://www.filmspotting.net/shop⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow: -Watch Filmspotting on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/filmspotting⁠ -Adam/Filmspotting: ⁠Letterboxd⁠ |⁠ Instagram⁠ |⁠ Facebook⁠ | ⁠Bluesky⁠ -Josh/LarsenOnFilm: ⁠Letterboxd⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ |⁠ Facebook⁠ | ⁠BlueskySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As part of their 2020 Christopher Nolan "Oeuvre-view," Adam and Josh revisited 2014's Interstellar, a film they'd split on six years earlier. Unlock the full archive, Filmspotting Discord, ad‑free + bonus episodes, and more when you ⁠join the Filmspotting Family⁠.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt and Jordan check out Julian Schnabel’s In The Hand of Dante, a rare midsummer Netflix prestige picture with a stacked cast that includes Oscar Isaac, Al Pacino, Gerard Butler, John Malkovich, Jason Momoa, and Martin Scorsese as a bearded medieval sage. Despite the talent and the reliably gorgeous cinematography, Schnabel’s film might be the worst thing Matt and Jordan have had to endure through the show’s first twelve episodes. Also on the show, some Dante-inspired streaming recommendations and streaming recs for a listener who shares little in common (movie-wise) with his spouse. And the debut of “What’s In A Name,” a new movie trivia game. (#012) Intro, In The Hand of Dante (00:00:00–00:34:55) Rec Seg: Dante-Inspired Streaming Recommendations (00:34:56–00:50:32) Listener Request Recommendations (00:50:33–01:06:44) Trivia: What’s In A Name (01:06:45–01:22:34) New to Streaming / Credits (01:22:35–01:31:14) Show Notes Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive⁠ https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/⁠ The Starlog Podcast hosted by Jordan ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwWNy9zLV0k⁠ Pre-Order Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" (Coming October 6th):⁠ https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/⁠ Feedback: Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com Follow Matt on Blue Sky: @mattsinger.bsky.social Follow Jordan on Blue Sky: @jhoffman.bsky.social Follow the Show:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠ Follow the Show:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Toy Story 5 an inspired reorienting of the venerable Pixar franchise, or a tired rehash? Adam and Josh offer differing takes. Plus, Adam reviews Michael Sarnoski's bleak but intriguing The Death of Robin Hood, Josh recommends Mark Jenkin’s Rose of Nevada, an avant-garde ghost story set in a UK fishing village, and an "evil genius" ‘90s blockbuster poll question. This episode is presented by⁠ Regal Unlimited⁠⁠, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. Use code FILMSPOT26 to take 15% off. (Timecodes/chapters may not be precise with ads.) Intro (00:00:00-00:05:44) Toy Story 5 (00:05:45-00:37:28) Filmspotting Family (00:37:29-00:43:14) Polls (00:43:15-00:57:35) The Death of Robin Hood (00:57:36-01:22:25) Rose of Nevada (00:57:36-01:22:25) Credits / Releases (01:22:26-01:25:35) Links: -Filmspotting Fest II: June 27-28, 2026⁠ ⁠ ⁠https://www.filmspottingfest.com⁠ -Movie Death Match Podcast: Close Encounters vs. E.T.⁠ ⁠ ⁠https://www.filmspotting.net/episodes⁠ Feedback: -Email us at feedback@filmspotting.net⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠-⁠Ask Us Anything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and we might answer your question in bonus content. Support: -Filmspotting Shop for T-shirts and more.⁠ ⁠ ⁠https://www.filmspotting.net/shop⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow: -Watch Filmspotting on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/filmspotting⁠ -Adam/Filmspotting: ⁠Letterboxd⁠ |⁠ Instagram⁠ |⁠ Facebook⁠ | ⁠Bluesky⁠ -Josh/LarsenOnFilm: ⁠Letterboxd⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ |⁠ Facebook⁠ | ⁠BlueskySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the fourth Toy Story installment came to theaters in the summer of 2019, Adam invited the Blank Check podcast's Griffin Newman to join him for the Top 5 Toy Story Scenes. Unlock the full archive, Filmspotting Discord, ad‑free + bonus episodes, and more when you ⁠join the Filmspotting Family⁠.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt and Jordan review Netflix’s generically titled, but surprisingly witty Office Romance. Co-written by and starring Brett Goldstein alongside JLo, the workplace rom-com rises just above the streaming giant’s usual output by delivering actual jokes, real talent, and a surprising level of NSFW content. Plus, some deep cut streaming recommendations, this week’s streaming releases, and a new game courtesy of Matt called “Portmanteau to Toe.” (Ep. #177) Intro, Office Romance (00:00:00–00:29:37) Streaming Recommendations (00:29:38–00:43:53) Personalized Recs (00:43:54–01:00:33) Game: Portmanteau To Toe (01:00:34–01:15:41) New to Streaming / Credits (01:15:42–01:26:30) Show Notes Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/ Pre-Order Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" (Coming October 6th): https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/ Feedback: Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com Follow Matt on Blue Sky: @mattsinger.bsky.social Follow Jordan on Blue Sky: @jhoffman.bsky.social Follow the Show: https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu Follow the Show: https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvuSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam and Josh review Steven Spielberg’s Disclosure Day, praising star Emily Blunt and the impeccably staged action while questioning whether Spielberg and screenwriter David Koepp’s spiritual sequel to Close Encounters of the Third Kind captures the same sense of wonder. Then, Adam (finally) reviews the hit live-action/CGI hybrid The Sheep Detectives, plus Massacre Theatre. This episode is presented by⁠ Regal Unlimited⁠⁠, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. Use code FILMSPOT26 to take 15% off. (Timecodes/chapters may not be precise with ads.) Intro (00:00:00-00:01:50) Disclosure Day (00:01:51-00:45:09) Filmspotting Family (00:45:10-00:51:34) The Sheep Detectives (00:51:35-00:57:35) Notes (00:57:36-00:59:40) Massacre Theatre (00:59:41-01:03:32) Credits / Releases (01:03:33-01:05:53) Links: -Filmspotting Fest II: June 27-28, 2026⁠ ⁠ ⁠https://www.filmspottingfest.com⁠ -Movie Death Match Podcast: Close Encounters vs. E.T.⁠ ⁠ ⁠https://www.filmspotting.net/episodes⁠ Feedback: -Email us at feedback@filmspotting.net⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠-⁠Ask Us Anything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and we might answer your question in bonus content. Support: -Filmspotting Shop for T-shirts and more.⁠ ⁠ ⁠https://www.filmspotting.net/shop⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow: -Watch Filmspotting on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/filmspotting⁠ -Adam/Filmspotting: ⁠Letterboxd⁠ |⁠ Instagram⁠ |⁠ Facebook⁠ | ⁠Bluesky⁠ -Josh/LarsenOnFilm: ⁠Letterboxd⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ |⁠ Facebook⁠ | ⁠BlueskySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2020, Adam and Josh used the 45th anniversary of Jaws to Power Rank the Spielberg Decades — from the Close Encounters ’70s to the Lincoln 2010s. With the release of Disclosure Day, the question now is whether it’s already time to do it again and include the 2020s.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt and Jordan review HBO’s Sundance acquisition Miss You Love You. And while Jordan finds it to be a handsome, moving, and well-acted "filmed play", Matt finds too modest and predictable. For Rec Seg, Matt revisits the grueling, ice-cold dread of corporate culture with a 2019 workplace thriller, while Jordan counters with a classic 1982 Sidney Lumet thriller packed with more twists, turns -- and smooches! Finally, Jordan takes the reins as Dungeon Master for a game called On a Wing and a Prayer. Chapters / Timecodes (Timecodes/chapters may not be precise with ads.) Intro (00:00:00–00:7:27) Miss You Love You (00:7:28–00:26:54) Rec Seg!: (00:26:55–00:43:49) Personalized Recs (00:43:50–01:04:34) Game: On a Wing and a Prayer (01:04:35–01:23:04) Wrap-Up & Credits (01:23:05–01:35:02) Show Notes Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/ Matt's appearances on our sister podcast, The Next Picture Show, discussing Shogun Assassin and The Mandalorian and Grogu. https://www.filmspotting.net/nextpictureshow Pre-Order Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" (Coming October 6th): https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/ Feedback: Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com Follow Matt on Blue Sky: @mattsinger.bsky.social Follow Jordan on Blue Sky: @jhoffman.bsky.social Follow the Show: https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvuSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam and Josh reach a definitive milestone in Filmspotting’s Dissident Cinema Marathon with Costa-Gavras’s Oscar-winning 1969 masterpiece, Z. A thinly veiled account of a political assassination and subsequent government cover-up in Greece, the film stands as a foundational text for the modern paranoid thriller.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam and Josh catch up with the summer's surprise hit Obsession, the “monkey’s paw” update from YouTube creator turned first-time feature-director Curry Barker. Then, it’s John Carney’s Power Ballad, with Paul Rudd as a down-on-his-luck wedding singer who has a chance encounter with a former boy band star played by Nick Jonas. Plus, poll results and listener feedback on Rudd's best supporting roles. Intro (00:00:00-00:01:57) Obsession (00:01:58-00:41:33) Filmspotting Family (00:41:34-00:47:17) Notes / New Poll (00:47:18-00:55:42) Poll Results: Paul Rudd (00:55:43-01:01:34) Power Ballad (01:01:35-01:22:38) Credits / Releases (01:22:39-01:25:15) Links: -Filmspotting Fest II: June 27-28, 2026⁠ ⁠ ⁠https://www.filmspottingfest.com⁠ -Movie Death Match Podcast: Close Encounters vs. E.T.⁠ ⁠ ⁠https://www.filmspotting.net/episodes⁠ Feedback: -Email us at feedback@filmspotting.net⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠-⁠Ask Us Anything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and we might answer your question in bonus content. Support: -Filmspotting Shop for T-shirts and more.⁠ ⁠ ⁠https://www.filmspotting.net/shop⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow: -Watch Filmspotting on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/filmspotting⁠ -Adam/Filmspotting: ⁠Letterboxd⁠ |⁠ Instagram⁠ |⁠ Facebook⁠ | ⁠Bluesky⁠ -Josh/LarsenOnFilm: ⁠Letterboxd⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ |⁠ Facebook⁠ | ⁠BlueskySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From heavy metal volume knobs cranked up to eleven, to the sweet, soulful harmonies of a dynamic rhythm and blues revival, Adam and Josh count down their Top 5 (Fictional) Movie Bands. Unlock the full archive, Filmspotting Discord, ad‑free + bonus episodes, and more when you ⁠join the Filmspotting Family⁠.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt and Jordan review Netflix's massive true crime tabloid horror hit, The Crash, a direct-to-streaming look at the tragic Mackenzie Sherilla case. Jordan walks away feeling like he needs a shower for his soul, while Matt thanks his lucky stars that social media didn't exist when he was a youngster. For Rec Seg, Matt challenges the "drek" of the true crime genre by recommending an Oscar-nominated Netflix doc and Jordan counters with a 2018 indie drama that offers a nuanced take on the endless scroll. Listener requests yield recommendations for a 1945 "hardcore British" romance and 2012 Sundance indie featuring an ex-con who hangs out with a robot. Finally, Producer Sam steps in to host a true crime-inspired game called If You Can't Do the Time, Don't Watch the True Crime (on Amazon Prime). Plus, dabbing, dad jokes, and brief thoughts on box office phenomenons Backrooms and Obsession, and Masters of the Universe. (Ep. #175)Chapters / Timecodes (Timecodes/chapters may not be precise with ads.) Backrooms, Obsession, Masters of the Universe (00:00:00–00:7:45) The Crash (00:7:46–00:24:14) Rec Seg!: Good True Crime, Online Teens (00:24:15–00:40:11) Personalized Recs: British Romance, Sundance Dramedy (00:40:11–01:05:31) Game: If You Can’t Do The Time… (01:05:32–01:20:34) New to Streaming / Credits (01:20:35–01:29:18) Show Notes Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/ Matt's appearances on our sister podcast, The Next Picture Show, discussing Shogun Assassin and The Mandalorian and Grogu. https://www.filmspotting.net/nextpictureshow Pre-Order Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" (Coming October 6th): https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/ Feedback: Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com Follow Matt on Blue Sky: @mattsinger.bsky.social Follow Jordan on Blue Sky: @jhoffman.bsky.social Follow the Show: https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvuSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam and Josh continue Filmspotting’s Dissident Cinema Marathon with Akira Kurosawa’s 1946 drama No Regrets for Our Youth. Released in the immediate aftermath of WWII, the film stands out as a blatantly political entry in Kurosawa's catalog — and notably, his only film featuring a sole female protagonist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam and Josh step into the uncanny world of eerie, empty spaces to ask whether 2026 is the year of liminal horror. First up: YouTube curiosity turned box office phenom Backrooms. Then, Exit 8, an inspired video game adaptation from Japan that’s equal parts Groundhog Day and The Shining. Plus, Massacre Theatre. This episode is presented by⁠ Regal Unlimited⁠⁠, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. Use code FILMSPOT26 to take 15% off. (Timecodes reflect the raw transcript audio tracks and may vary slightly with ads.) Intro (00:00:00-00:01:55) Backrooms: (00:01:56-00:30:36) Backrooms: Spoiler Talk (00:30:37-00:40:11) Filmspotting Family (00:40:12-00:47:22) Exit 8 (00:47:23-01:00:26) Filmspotting Fest II / Poll (01:00:27-01:05:22) Massacre Theatre (01:05:23-01:11:55) Credits/Releases (01:11:56-01:15:44) Links: -Filmspotting Fest II: June 27-28, 2026 https://www.filmspottingfest.com -Movie Deathmatch Podcast: Close Encounters vs. E.T. https://www.filmspotting.net/episodes Feedback: -Email us at feedback@filmspotting.net⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠-Ask Us Anything⁠⁠⁠⁠ and we might answer your question in bonus content. Support: Join the Filmspotting Family for bonus episodes and archive access. https://filmspottingfamily.com Filmspotting Shop for T-shirts and more. https://www.filmspotting.net/shop⁠⁠⁠ Follow: -Watch Filmspotting on YouTube: https://youtube.com/filmspotting -Adam/Filmspotting: Letterboxd | Instagram | Facebook | Bluesky -Josh/LarsenOnFilm: Letterboxd | Instagram | Facebook | BlueskySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the manic, diaper-stealing chaos of the American Southwest, to the timeless charm of a classic fairy tale, Adam and Josh count down their Top 5 Films of 1987. Unlock the full archive, Filmspotting Discord, ad‑free + bonus episodes, and more when you ⁠join the Filmspotting Family⁠.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt and Jordan review Prime Video’s Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan: Ghost War, a straight-to-streaming title they are branding "movie Toferky." For Rec Seg, the duo finds comfort in the Paramount Plus vaults, with Jordan revisiting the Tom Clancy masterpiece that started it all, and Matt countering with a series sequel featuring Harrison Ford's bookworm Boy Scout desk-jockey. Then, a personalized recommendation request from listener Patrick sparks a highly volatile intra-pod war. While Jordan goes with a ‘70s screwball classic, Matt goes full "Muppet Radical" with his recommendation for a late-period Muppet movie over the Jim Henson-produced originals. Finally, Producer Sam hosts a trivia game called The Sum of All Jack Ryans, which ignites a flurry of deep pulls, culminating with a classic Jordan anecdote featuring Star Trek's Gates McFadden desperately trying to escape a cruise ship at the outbreak of the pandemic. (Ep. #174) Intro, Jack Ryan: Ghost War Review (00:00:00–00:34:37) Rec Seg! (00:34:38–00:52:31) Personalized Recs (Theater Kids, Streisand, & Muppet Radicals) (00:52:32–01:10:44) Game: The Sum of All Jack Ryans (01:10:45–01:32:36) New to Streaming / Credits (01:32:37–01:43:14) Show Notes Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/ Matt's appearances on our sister podcast, The Next Picture Show, discussing Shogun Assassin and The Mandalorian and Grogu. https://www.filmspotting.net/nextpictureshow Check out Jordan's guest spot on Keith Phipps' sci-fi podcast The Laser Age discussing the killer-bunny classic Night of the Lepus https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-laser-age-285296395/ Pre-Order Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" (Coming October 6th): https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/ Feedback: Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com Follow Matt on Blue Sky: @mattsinger.bsky.social Follow Jordan on Blue Sky: @jhoffman.bsky.social Follow the Show: https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu Follow the Show: https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/ https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvuSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In anticipation of Disclosure Day, Steven Spielberg’s two most beloved alien films face off in the inaugural Filmspotting Movie Death Match. Representing Close Encounters of the Third Kind is Dr. Margaret A. Weitekamp, Chair of Space History at the National Air and Space Museum. Making the case for E.T. the Extra‑Terrestrial is longtime critic and author Jen Chaney. Host Chris Klimek presides. Which film better captures Spielberg’s vision of alien contact — and his ideas about the nuclear family? Vote at ⁠moviedeathmatch.com⁠. Movie Death Match is a new Filmspotting podcast that determines which one of a pair of linked movies — each championed by a passionate and highly credentialed advocate — shall be preserved in perpetuity, and which one shall be lost to history. Through opening statements, formal debate rounds, and closing arguments, a single cinematic judge renders an irreversible verdict. One movie survives. One is erased. Listeners may disagree — but there are no appeals. Intro & Meeting the Advocates (00:00:00-00:04:40) The Matchup (00:04:41-00:06:21) Opening Statements (00:06:22-00:10:26) Rd. 1: The Movies in Their Time (00:10:27-00:28:49) Rd. 2: The Movies in Our Time (00:28:50-00:45:39) Rd. 3: The Movies for All Time (00:45:40-01:01:57) Closing Arguments & The Verdict (01:01:58-01:04:22) Credits (01:04:23-01:08:40) *** Follow Chris: Instagram | Bluesky | X More From Margaret Weitekamp -Space Craze: America’s Enduring Fascination with Real and Imagined Spaceflight -Right Stuff, Wrong Sex: America's First Women in Space Program More From Jen Chaney -On E.T. and Why the Spielberg Classic Endures -As If! The Oral History of Clueless, As Told by Amy Heckerling, the Cast, and the Crew -Instagram | BlueskySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sis! With conversations of how we show up for our sisters running the news cycle, we thought we would share a nice throwback this week. Dr. Dom and Terri are thrilled to welcome Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, the force and founder of Therapy for Black Girls and author of Sisterhood Heals to discuss unique dynamics in Black sisterhood. Dr. Dom, Terri, and Dr. Joy share the importance of finding your tribe, cultivating real relationships, and address the prickly parts of growing and growing apart in friendships. Dr. Joy is a leading voice on mental health and emotional wellness, and she’s poured a lot of her wisdom into her new book, while also learning a lot about herself in the process. Lady, if you’re ready to transform your relationships so that they are deeper and more meaningful then this is the episode for you! Dr. Joy offers perspective on what building new friendships really entails (hint: rejection is a possibility) and why understanding your needs can help you call in your people. We want to hear from you! Tap in on Instagram and let us know how sisterhood has helped you along your journey. Quote of the Day:"That thing Black women feel when we gather is a kind of glue, a stabilizing force we actively created out of the pain and trauma of our lived experiences in order to hold us up and together." – Dr. Joy Where to find Dr. Joy Harden Bradford:Website: Dr. Joy Harden BradfordWebsite: Therapy for Black GirlsWebsite: Sisterhoodheals.comInstagram: @hellodrjoyInstagram: @therapyforblackgirlsInstagram: @sisterhoodhealsTikTok: @hellodrjoyTikTok: @therapyforblackgirlsX: @hellodrjoyX: @therapy4bgirlsYouTube: Therapy for Black Girls Wisdom Wednesdays with TerriCultivating H.E.R. Space Sanctuary Resources:Dr. Dom’s Therapy PracticeBranding with TerriMelanin and Mental HealthTherapy for Black Girls Psychology TodayTherapy for QPOC Where to find us: Podcast InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vulture critic Roxana Hadadi joins Adam to break down the first theatrical Star Wars feature in eight years, The Mandalorian and Grogu. They discuss whether its wall-to-wall action reveals true character, how the helmet creates a literal performance straitjacket, and if the film works for anyone walking into the theater without three seasons of television homework. Then, they pivot to a very different kind of crew in Boots Riley’s politically uncompromising sophomore feature I Love Boosters. This episode is presented by⁠ Regal Unlimited⁠⁠, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. Use code FILMSPOT26 to take 15% off. (Timecodes will vary with ads.) Intro (00:00:00-00:02:11) The Mandalorian and Grogu (00:02:11-00:35:33) Filmspotting Family (00:35:34-00:41:54) Poll: Paul Rudd's MVP Supporting Role (00:41:55-00:49:05) '20s/'30s Madness, Filmspotting Fest II (00:49:06-00:54:52) I Love Boosters (00:54:53-01:27:53) New Releases / Outro (01:27:53-01:34:43) Links: -Roxana Hadadi at Vulture https://www.vulture.com/author/roxana-hadadi/ -Matt Singer’s review of The Mandalorian and Grogu https://screencrush.com/mandalorian-and-grogu-review/ -Filmspotting Fest II: June 27-28, 2026 https://www.filmspottingfest.com -Roxana on the ending of I Love Boosters https://www.vulture.com/article/i-love-boosters-ending-and-skins-explained.html Feedback: -Email us at feedback@filmspotting.net⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠⁠-Ask Us Anything⁠⁠⁠⁠ and we might answer your question in bonus content. Support: -Join the Filmspotting Family for bonus episodes and archive access. https://filmspottingfamily.com -Filmspotting Shop for T-shirts and more. https://www.filmspotting.net/shop⁠⁠⁠ Follow: -Watch Filmspotting on YouTube: https://youtube.com/filmspotting -Adam/Filmspotting: Letterboxd | Instagram | Facebook | Bluesky -Josh/LarsenOnFilm: Letterboxd | Instagram | Facebook | BlueskySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the suffocating tension of open-ocean survival and alcohol-fueled marital warfare, to the isolated terrors of demonic cabins and haunted bedrooms, Adam and Josh break down their Top 5 Single Location Movies. Unlock the full archive, Filmspotting Discord, ad‑free + bonus episodes, and more when you ⁠join the Filmspotting Family⁠.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt and Jordan punch their tickets to an alternate reality to review Ladies First, the new Netflix comedy starring Sacha Baron Cohen and Rosamund Pike. They break down the film's (mostly good!) relentless barrage of gags, its terrifyingly plausible marketing pitches, and whether it successfully navigates the edgy tightrope of workplace comedy. But before they talk Ladies First, they have to talk about leaving the couch. Matt recounts his mind-bending, leaf-in-the-face trip to the Las Vegas Sphere watching The Wizard of Oz, while Jordan counters with an equally dramatic story about his allergy-inflicted screening ofThe Mandalorian and Grogu at his local AMC. For Rec Seg!, the multiversal madness continues as the duo pairs Ladies First with Jet Li martial arts mayhem and surrealist cinema from Fellini. Plus, a listener writes in looking for a sleek, under-the-radar romantic thriller, prompting two very different caper recommendations. Finally, Producer Sam takes over the board as "Dungeon Master" to premier a brand-new, slow-teasing visual trivia game called Strip Poster. (Ep. #173) (Timecodes/chapters may not be precise with ads.) Intro, Wizard of Oz at Sphere, The Mandalorian & Grogu (00:00:00–00:15:05) Ladies First (00:15:06–00:35:26) Rec Seg! (00:35:27–00:50:23) Personalized Recs (00:50:24–01:02:16) Game (01:02:17–01:16:36) New to Streaming / Credits (01:16:37–01:29:00) Notes: Matt on “The Wizard of Oz” at Sphere https://screencrush.com/wizard-of-oz-sphere-review/ Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive ⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/⁠⁠ Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" comes to bookstores everywhere on October 6th. Pre-Order now! ⁠⁠https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/⁠⁠ The Flop House Podcast: “The One” https://www.flophousepodcast.com/2025/11/episode-467-the-one-with-michael-shanks/ Feedback: -Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com⁠⁠ Follow: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/jhoffman6/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/mattsinger.bsky.socialSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam sits down with legendary actor Tony Leung (In the Mood for Love, Chungking Express) to discuss his brilliant career and his new starring role in Ildiko Enyedi’s Silent Friend. Then Adam and Josh share their thoughts on the meditative multi-era drama itself, followed by reviews of Alberto Vasquez’s Spanish animated feature Decorado and Olivier Assayas's The Wizard of the Kremlin, which features Jude Law's terrifyingly charismatic portrayal of Vladimir Putin. Plus, Massacre Theatre! This episode is presented by⁠ Regal Unlimited⁠⁠, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. Use code FILMSPOT26 to take 15% off. Intro (00:00:00-00:04:34)Interview: Tony Leung (00:04:35-00:18:33)Filmspotting Family (00:18:34-00:23:59)Silent Friend (00:24:00-00:48:25)Decorado (00:48:26-01:02:23)The Wizard of the Kremlin (01:02:24-01:10:40)Massacre Theater (01:10:41- 01:19:31)Credits/New Releases (01:19:32- 01:23:48) Note: -Gary Jules, of course, performs a cover of Tears for Fears' “Mad World” in Donnie Darko. Links: -Filmspotting Fest II: June 27-28, 2026https://www.filmspottingfest.com -Josh's photo of the holm oak at University of St. Andrews: https://www.instagram.com/p/DYXUjKgjcPt/?img_index=1 Feedback: -Email us at feedback@filmspotting.net⁠⁠. ⁠⁠⁠-⁠Ask Us Anything⁠⁠⁠⁠ and we might answer your question in bonus content. Support: Join the Filmspotting Family for bonus episodes and archive access. https://filmspottingfamily.comFilmspotting Shop for T-shirts and more. https://www.filmspotting.net/shop⁠⁠⁠ Follow: -Watch Filmspotting on YouTube: https://youtube.com/filmspotting -Adam/Filmspotting: Letterboxd | Instagram | Facebook | Bluesky -Josh/LarsenOnFilm: Letterboxd | Instagram | Facebook | BlueskySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the timeless, unadorned perfection of early cinematic icons to the textured, battle-tested tactical gear of modern blockbusters, Adam and Josh (and some special guests) share their Top 5 Superhero Costumes and explore what makes a costume truly legendary. Unlock the full archive, Filmspotting Discord, ad‑free + bonus episodes, and more when you ⁠join the Filmspotting Family⁠.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first installment of a semi-regular series, Matt and Jordan take a break from reviewing a single film in order to interrogate an entire streaming platform: the industry juggernaut, Netflix. They dissect it across five crucial categories—library size, playback interface, reliability, originals, and price. The goal? Nothing less than determining the greatest service of all time. Then for Rec Seg, Jordan attempts to track down a forgotten, star-studded 2020 musical drama buried deep in the Netflix sub-basement, while Matt stakes a claim for Adam Sandler's finest 2020s streaming achievement. Plus, they answer a listener mailbag question with two exceptional, music-centric recommendations currently streaming on Mubi. (Timecodes/chapters may not be precise with ads.) Intro (00:00:00-00:02:23) The State of Streaming: Netflix (00:02:24-00:43:09) Rec Seg! (00:43:09-00:57:30) Personalized Recs: Music Movies on MUBI (00:57:31-01:08:25) Game: Netflix Capacitor (01:08:26-01:16:13) New to Streaming / Credits (01:16:14-01:23:09) Notes: Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive ⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/⁠⁠ Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" comes to bookstores everywhere in October. Pre-Order now! ⁠⁠https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/⁠⁠ Jordan at Foreign Policy Magazine https://foreignpolicy.com/author/jordan-hoffman/ Matt at ScreenCrush https://screencrush.com/author/mattsinger/ Feedback: -Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com⁠⁠ Follow: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/jhoffman6/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/mattsinger.bsky.social⁠⁠See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15 years after its release, Adam and Josh return to the 1950s Waco of Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life. They discuss Malick’s bold attempt to voice the divine, mapping the books of Job and Genesis onto his narrative, and his attempt to reconcile the beauty of creation with the reality of suffering. Plus, details about Filmspotting Fest II: 68 Weeks Later, and a new poll that attempts to gauge listeners' enthusiasm for the upcoming Mandalorian and Grogu. This episode is presented by⁠ Regal Unlimited⁠⁠, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. Use code FILMSPOT26 to take 15% off. (Timecodes/chapters may not be precise with ads.) Intro (00:00:00-00:03:32) The Tree of Life at 15 (00:03:33-00:55:50) Filmspotting Family (00:55:51-01:00:07) Next Week / Cannes Film Festival (01:00:08-01:04:44) Polls (01:38:17-01:13:15) Credits / New Releases (01:13:16-01:17:20) Correction: -Adam actually saw The Thin Red Line upon its release in 1998, making it his first Malick. The New World, then, was the first Malick he got. Links: -Filmspotting Fest II: June 26-27, 2026 https://www.filmspotting.net/filmspotting-fest -Jake Cole on The Tree of Life https://letterboxd.com/jakepcole/film/the-tree-of-life-2011/ -Cannes Film Festival https://www.festival-cannes.com/en/ Feedback: -Email us at feedback@filmspotting.net⁠⁠. -⁠⁠⁠⁠Ask Us Anything⁠⁠⁠⁠ and we might answer your question in bonus content. Support: -Join the Filmspotting Family for bonus episodes and archive access.https://filmspottingfamily.com -Filmspotting Shop for T-shirts and more.https://www.filmspotting.net/shop⁠⁠⁠ Follow: -Watch Filmspotting on YouTube: https://youtube.com/filmspotting -Adam/Filmspotting: Letterboxd | Instagram | Facebook | Bluesky -Josh/LarsenOnFilm: Letterboxd | Instagram | Facebook | BlueskySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam and Josh review Sophy Romvari’s debut feature Blue Heron, a semi-autobiographical "memory piece" that follows a Hungarian immigrant family on Vancouver Island in the late 1990s. They discuss Romvari’s distinct "observational elegance," the film’s striking meta-elements, and how it stacks up against other recent memory-focused masterworks like Aftersun. Plus, a look at why this is already a frontrunner for the 2026 Golden Brick.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the outlaw poetry of Badlands to the cosmic spirituality of The Tree of Life, this week's Archive episode has Adam and Josh counting down the five most indelible moments from one of cinema's most elusive auteurs. Expect plenty of hushed voiceovers and magic-hour cinematography. Unlock the full archive, Filmspotting Discord, ad‑free + bonus episodes, and more when you ⁠join the Filmspotting Family⁠.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Matt and Jordan flip for the conch to discuss the BBC’s new four-part adaptation of The Lord of the Flies, now streaming on Netflix. The duo dives deep into Jack Thorne’s "cinematic" take on the classic novel, debating the effectiveness of its character-focused structure and its haunting visual palette. For Rec Seg!, they've got Flies-inspired recommendations that range from the whimsical to the harrowing, and in response to listener emails, a deep-cut horror recommendation and an experimental short (that may just scratch that jam-band itch). Plus, Matt faces his fears as Producer Sam takes over as "Dungeon Master" for this week's game, The Streaming Limited, testing the hosts’ knowledge of literary-inspired miniseries. (Timecodes/chapters may not be precise with ads.) Intro (00:00:00-00:02:50) Lord of the Flies (00:02:51-00:35:19) Rec Seg! (00:35:20-00:55:40) Personalized Recs: Deep Cut Horror, Jam Band Scores (00:55:41-01:13:13) Game: The Streaming Limited (01:13:14-01:35:42) New to Streaming / Credits (01:35:43-01:49:17) Notes: Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive ⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/⁠⁠ Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" comes to bookstores everywhere in October. Pre-Order now! ⁠⁠https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/⁠⁠ Feedback: -Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com⁠⁠ Follow: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/jhoffman6/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/mattsinger.bsky.social⁠⁠See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam and Josh continue Filmspotting’s Dissident Cinema Marathon with its second entry, Roberto Rossellini’s Rome, Open City. Made in the immediate aftermath of Nazi occupation and against the backdrop of a country still in crisis, the film merges neorealist observation with the tension and structure of a spy thriller. The conversation explores how the movie captures resistance not as myth but as lived experience, examining its radical immediacy and why the film stands as a blueprint for what revolutionary cinema could become.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meryl Streep is back as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada 2, and what better way to pay tribute to the best to ever do it than with a Top 5 devoted exclusively to her? Adam and Josh attempt to narrow down five decades of legendary work into a handful of essential scenes, ranging from Streep’s emotional precision in Sophie's Choice and Kramer vs. Kramer to her charming looseness in Adaptation. Plus, the long-awaited return of Massacre Theatre. This episode is presented by⁠ Regal Unlimited⁠⁠, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. Use code FILMSPOT26 to take 15% off. (Timecodes/chapters may not be precise with ads.) Intro (00:00:00-00:03:16) Top 5 Streep Scenes – Pt. 1 (00:03:17-00:32:19) Filmspotting Family (00:32:20-00:37:48) Top 5 Streep Scenes – Pt. 2 (00:37:49-01:25:21) Next Week / Notes (01:25:22-01:38:17) Massacre Theatre (01:38:17-01:41:20) Credits / New Releases (01:41:21-01:44:05) Links: -Chicago Critics Film Festival https://www.chicagocriticsfilmfestival.com/ -Filmspotting Fest https://www.filmspotting.net/filmspotting-fest -Filmspotting Madness https://www.filmspotting.net/madness/ Feedback: -Email us at feedback@filmspotting.net⁠⁠ -⁠⁠⁠⁠Ask Us Anything⁠⁠⁠⁠ and we might answer your question in bonus content. Support: -Join the Filmspotting Family for bonus episodes and archive access.https://filmspottingfamily.com -Filmspotting Shop for T-shirts and more.https://www.filmspotting.net/shop⁠⁠⁠ Follow: -Watch Filmspotting on YouTube: https://youtube.com/filmspotting -Adam/Filmspotting: Letterboxd | Instagram | Facebook | Bluesky -Josh/LarsenOnFilm: Letterboxd | Instagram | Facebook | BlueskySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam and Josh discuss how The Devil Wears Prada 2 softens Miranda Priestly’s edges and why, despite mealy‑mouthed social commentary, the legacy sequel mostly works as comfort viewing. Along the way, they make the case that Meryl Streep is still the movie’s true luxury item. Plus: is it time for a Fitspotting spinoff? Links -Andy’s Best Dress -Chanel's Haute Couture Spring 2020 CollectionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the 2019 edition of Madness – Best of the 2000s wrapped up, Adam and Josh took a break from the heavy hitters to highlight the gems that didn't make the 64-film bracket, including underseen comedies from Jack Black and Seann William Scott, an ambitious "docu-fantasia" from Guy Maddin, and even some deeper cuts from A-list directors like Ridley Scott and Robert Zemeckis. Unlock the full archive, Filmspotting Discord, ad‑free + bonus episodes, and more when you ⁠join the Filmspotting Family⁠.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt and Jordan see if Netflix’s massive rom-com hit People We Meet on Vacation (starring "generational talent" Emily Bader) lives up to its 50-million-stream hype. Does the film successfully invert the When Harry Met Sally formula, or is it just a beautiful travelogue hampered by a "charisma vacuum"? Later, Jordan recommends an under-seen 2023 indie mafia drama, and Matt invites us to fall in love with a 1963 French New Wave short. Plus, a pair of listener-requested recommendations inspired by 1975's The Taking of Pelham One Two Three. Finally, Producer Sam challenges Jordan’s 3-0 winning streak in a high-stakes game of "Full Service." (Timecodes/chapters may not be precise with ads.) Intro (00:00:00-00:03:45) People We Meet On Vacation (00:03:46-00:27:02) Rec Seg! (00:27:03-00:47:50) Personalized Recommendations Inspired By 1974's The Taking Of Pelham One Two Three (00:47:51-01:03:14) Game: Full Service (01:03:15-01:20:51) New to Streaming / Credits (01:20:52-01:33:48) Notes: Now Streaming on Bazooga - A Filmspotting: SVU Archive ⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/samvanhallgren/list/now-streaming-on-bazooga-a-filmspotting-svu/⁠⁠ Matt's book "Funny Business: The Old-School Wedding Crashers and Knocked-Up Virgins Who Changed Comedy Forever" comes to bookstores everywhere in October. Pre-Order now! ⁠⁠https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/⁠⁠ Feedback: -Email us at feedback@filmspottingSVU.com⁠⁠ Follow: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/FilmspottingSvu⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/superpulse/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/jhoffman6/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/mattsinger.bsky.social⁠⁠See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First up in Filmspotting’s Dissident Cinema Marathon, Adam and Josh discuss Charlie Chaplin’s 1940 satire The Great Dictator. They explore how comedy becomes a weapon against fascism, the film’s surprising prescience and moral clarity, and the risks Chaplin took by calling out authoritarian power before much of the world was willing to do so. Links: -Filmspotting Marathons https://www.filmspotting.net/marathons Feedback: -Email us at feedback@filmspotting.net⁠⁠ -⁠⁠⁠⁠Ask Us Anything⁠⁠⁠⁠ and we might answer your question in bonus content. Support: -Join the Filmspotting Family for bonus episodes and archive access.https://filmspottingfamily.com -Filmspotting Shop for T-shirts and more.https://www.filmspotting.net/shop⁠⁠⁠ Follow: -Watch Filmspotting on YouTube: https://youtube.com/filmspotting -Adam/Filmspotting: Letterboxd | Instagram | Facebook | Bluesky -Josh/LarsenOnFilm: Letterboxd | Instagram | Facebook | BlueskySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam and Josh draft their way through the summer movie slate, weighing everything from major studio events like The Odyssey and Disclosure Day to director-driven wild cards such as Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma and Power Ballad. Also, the Filmspotting '40s Madness champion and plans for Madness '27 (and beyond). This episode is presented by⁠ Regal Unlimited⁠⁠, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. Use code FILMSPOT26 to take 15% off. (Timecodes/chapters may not be precise with ads.) Intro (00:00:00-00:03:39) Summer Preview – Pt. 1 (00:03:40-00:21:11) Filmspotting Family (00:21:12-00:26:56) Summer Preview – Pt. 2 (00:26:57-00:52:43) Poll / Notes (00:52:44-01:01:47) '40s Madness: Champion (01:01:48-01:24:58) Credits / New Releases (01:24:59-01:30:29) Links: -Chicago Critics Film Festival https://www.chicagocriticsfilmfestival.com/ -Summer Movie Draft Results https://www.filmspotting.net/lists -Filmspotting Fest https://www.filmspotting.net/filmspotting-fest -Filmspotting Madness https://www.filmspotting.net/madness/ Feedback: -Email us at feedback@filmspotting.net⁠⁠ -⁠⁠⁠⁠Ask Us Anything⁠⁠⁠⁠ and we might answer your question in bonus content. Support: -Join the Filmspotting Family for bonus episodes and archive access.https://filmspottingfamily.com -Filmspotting Shop for T-shirts and more.https://www.filmspotting.net/shop⁠⁠⁠ Follow: -Watch Filmspotting on YouTube: https://youtube.com/filmspotting -Adam/Filmspotting: Letterboxd | Instagram | Facebook | Bluesky -Josh/LarsenOnFilm: Letterboxd | Instagram | Facebook | BlueskySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.