Filmspotting: Reviews & Top 5s

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.

Adam and Josh discuss Mother Mary, the new film from David Lowery starring Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel. Part ghost story, part concert film, part chamber drama, the film traces the fraught creative and emotional bond between a pop star and her longtime collaborator as questions of art and control blur together. The conversation explores the film’s woozy dream-logic filmmaking and the moments where its ideas feel most arresting — and most difficult to reconcile. 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 -T-shirts and more available at the Filmspotting Shop.https://www.filmspotting.net/shop⁠⁠⁠ Follow: https://youtube.com/filmspotting https://instagram.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://facebook.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/larsenonfilm⁠ https://letterboxd.com/larsenonfilm⁠⁠⁠ https://facebook.com/larsenonfilm ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/larsenonfilm.bsky.social⁠⁠See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The transition from spring to summer has long meant more than just a change in the weather; it marks the arrival of the definitive movie‑going season. In May 2022, Adam and Josh looked back at the most significant stretches of cinematic history for their Top 5 Movie Summers, ranked by the strength of their legendary slates, their cultural impact, and that unmistakable feeling of a sweltering July afternoon at the multiplex. 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 on Filmspotting: SVU, Matt and Jordan tackle the new Netflix action-thriller Apex, starring Charlize Theron and Taryn Egerton. Inspired by Matt Damon’s recent comments on "the Netflix note," the duo investigates whether this Australia-set survival story is better than the average streaming title or another victim of Netflix's "house style" that caters to people doing the dishes. Plus, Jordan uncovers a bizarre cinematic trend involving beef jerky, Matt pays homage to the "undisputed queen of Netflix action," and the guys launch their first-ever Personalized Recommendation segment to help a listener find some deep-cut noirs. The episode wraps with a high-stakes, all-Charlize edition of "Letterboxd-ing," where producer Sam attempts to break his losing streak. (Timecodes/chapters may not be precise with ads.) Intro (00:00:00-00:02:00) Apex (00:02:01-00:27:10) Rec Seg! (00:27:11-00:39:35) Radical Streaming Honesty (00:39:36-00:53:33) Personalize Recommendations: Deep Cut Noir (00:53:34-01:03:58) Game: Letterboxd-ing (01:03:59-01:22:40) New to Streaming / Credits (01:22:41-01:31:03) 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 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 is joined by critic Chris Klimek to discuss The Christophers, the latest film from Steven Soderbergh. Starring Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel, the film centers on the uneasy power dynamic between a once-celebrated artist and the forger drawn into his orbit. The conversation focuses on McKellen’s bracing late-career performance, Coel’s controlled counterpoint, and Soderbergh and screenwriter Ed Solomon’s refusal to resolve the film’s ideas into sentiment. Links: Follow Chris: Instagram | Bluesky | X 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 -T-shirts and more available at the Filmspotting Shop.https://www.filmspotting.net/shop⁠⁠⁠ Follow: https://youtube.com/filmspotting https://instagram.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://facebook.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/larsenonfilm⁠ https://letterboxd.com/larsenonfilm⁠⁠⁠ https://facebook.com/larsenonfilm ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/larsenonfilm.bsky.social⁠⁠See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Jeremy Odem is BACK with a brand new episode of the chart topping, world wide sensation, Laugh with Me Podcast! This week, Jeremy welcomes the Tiger King, Joe Exotic! Joe Exotic calls into Laugh with Me from the Federal Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas where Joe is serving a 21 year sentence. Joseph Allen Maldonado, is known professionally as "Joe Exotic" and "The Tiger King". Exotic is an established American media personality, businessman, former Chief of Police, magician, musical, model, actor, minister, politician, and world-renowned animal expert. Nominated for Emmy Awards in 2020 in America and four awards in Britain, Joe Exotic also won the Social Media Superstar Award in 2021. Find out more about Joe Exotic on his website joeexoticofficial.com In this episode: -Update on Joe's Pardon attempts -Tiger King on Netflix -Does Joe know he's a pop culture icon? -Movie offers? -Music career update -Find love in Prison -Thoughts on Doc Antle's prison sentence -AND SO MUCH MORE Podcast: Apple Podcast : Laugh With Me Follow us on our socials: X @LaughwithmePod & @JOfromNebraska Instagram @laughwithmepodcast TikTok @JeremyOdem0 YouTube 'Laugh with Me Podcast' Facebook 'Laugh with Me Podcast' Our Sponsors:* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/LAUGHWITHMESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Casablanca the best film of the 1940s? Adam and Josh put it to the test in a head‑to‑head showdown with its fiercest competitor: Citizen Kane. As part of the Filmspotting Pantheon Project — and on the occasion of Kane’s 85th anniversary — the conversation digs into what each film says about America, power, and the promise (or illusion) of individualism. They also trace how the ’40s Madness bracket led to this championship matchup. Intro (00:00:00-00:01:53) Kane vs. Casablanca (00:01:54-00:46:28) Filmspotting Family (00:46:29-00:50:57) Notes / Filmspotting Fest On Sale (00:50:58-00:59:42) '40s Madness: Final (00:59:43-01:10:06) Credits / New Releases (01:10:07-01:13:17) Links: -Filmspotting Pantheon https://www.filmspotting.net/pantheon -Filmspotting Fest https://www.filmspotting.net/filmspotting-fest -Social Media Asst. Role https://www.filmspotting.net/social -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 -T-shirts and more available at the Filmspotting Shop.https://www.filmspotting.net/shop⁠⁠⁠ Follow: https://youtube.com/filmspotting https://instagram.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://facebook.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/larsenonfilm⁠ https://letterboxd.com/larsenonfilm⁠⁠⁠ https://facebook.com/larsenonfilm ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/larsenonfilm.bsky.social⁠⁠See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A24 may have launched modestly in the early 2010s, but it didn’t take long for the indie distributor to reshape American cinema. To mark the company’s first decade — spanning Spring Breakers and The Bling Ring through Moonlight, Lady Bird, The Florida Project, and more — Adam and Josh convened the debut Filmspotting Draft in August 2022: ten A24 titles each, no shared picks, no trades, no fighting. 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 return with a review of Balls Up, debating if the Peter Farrelly formula still works on the small screen and whether they can actually recommend a movie involving cocaine-addicted crocodiles. Later, Matt revisits Empire Records, Jordan goes back to 1935 with The 39 Steps, and the team plays the first-ever round of "Key Chain." (Timecodes/chapters may not be precise with ads.) Intro (00:00:00-00:02:58) Balls Up (00:02:59-00:34:13) Rec Seg + Radical Streaming Honesty (00:34:14-01:11:40) Game: Key Chain (01:11:41-01:29:18) New to Streaming / Credits (01:29:19-01:37:28) 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 https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/790241/funny-business-by-matt-singer/ The Reddit thread that explains how the poster for Nirvana The Band The Show The Movie ripped off Marty Supreme (and how this all related to the Balls Out poster): https://www.reddit.com/r/blankies/comments/1qk7av1/marketing_for_nirvanna_the_band_the_show_the/ Feedback: -Email us at matt@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 honor the late Robert Duvall with a Top 5 discussion of the scenes that best capture his range, authority, and restraint. From iconic bravura moments to quieter displays of control and vulnerability, the conversation traces performances that continue to define Duvall’s place in American cinema. Plus, the ’40s Madness bracket narrows to its Final 4 contenders. 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 (00:00:00-00:01:48) Top 5 Robert Duvall Scenes (00:01:49-01:21:05) Filmspotting Family (01:21:06-01:30:10) Notes / Filmspotting Fest Announcement (01:30:11-01:47:45) '40s Madness: Final 4 (01:47:46-02:00:12) Credits / New Releases (02:00:12-02:02:30) Links: -Sidney Lumet watches Network https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3zsLMUHhLo -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 -T-shirts and more available at the Filmspotting Shop.https://www.filmspotting.net/shop⁠⁠⁠ Follow: https://youtube.com/filmspotting https://instagram.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://facebook.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/larsenonfilm⁠ https://letterboxd.com/larsenonfilm⁠⁠⁠ https://facebook.com/larsenonfilm ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/larsenonfilm.bsky.social⁠⁠See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After reviewing The Godfather in 2022 for the film's 50th anniversary, Adam and Josh devoted a bonus show to its - arguably - even greater sequel. For the first time, we're sharing that review in the main Filmspotting feed. 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.

Not a dream, not a hoax — SVU is back. After an eight-year hiatus and a “miracle leap forward in technology,” Matt Singer returns with new co-host Jordan Hoffman. To christen the new era, they tackle Jonah Hill’s Apple TV original Outcome, starring Keanu Reeves as the neurotically obsessed movie star (and former heroin addict) Reef Hawk. The duo debates whether the film is a fascinating failure — or just a “transcendentally bad” piece of garbage. Plus, Jordan takes us on the grossest space-related tangent in podcast history, Matt provides some radical streaming honesty, including a recommendation for Netflix’s new Pizza Movie, and producer Sam Van Hallgren joins the fray for the inaugural edition of Letterboxding. (Timecodes/chapters may not be precise with ads.) Intro (00:00:00-00:03:57) "Outcome" (00:03:58-00:44:02) Radical Streaming Honesty (00:44:03-01:14:01) Game: Letterboxding (01:14:02-01:28:56) New to Streaming / Credits (01:28:57-01:36:31) Feedback: -Email us at matt@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.

Michael Phillips talks with author Paul Fischer about The Last Kings of Hollywood and the fragile, collaborative moment that brought Coppola, Lucas, and Spielberg together before success hardened into mythology. From near-misses and rivalries to the system they helped build—and later found themselves up against—the conversation asks what was possible then, what was lost, and why none of it happens without people pushing one another. 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 -T-shirts and more available at the Filmspotting Shop.https://www.filmspotting.net/shop⁠⁠⁠ Follow: https://youtube.com/filmspotting https://instagram.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://facebook.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/larsenonfilm⁠ https://letterboxd.com/larsenonfilm⁠⁠⁠ https://facebook.com/larsenonfilm ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/larsenonfilm.bsky.social⁠⁠See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rod and Karen review the newest Disney Pixar animated film, “Hoppers.” They also discuss movie trailers and your feedback. Podcast : The Black Guy Who Tips Podjam 3 Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/podjam3 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theblackguywhotips Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@rodimusprime⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@SayDatAgain⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TBGWT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheBlackGuyWhoTips⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠theblackguywhotips@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Blog: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.theblackguywhotips.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Teepublic Store⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- https://the-black-guy-who-tips-podcast.dashery.com/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Amazon Wishlist⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1PDD9JUQUNVY5?ref_=wl_share ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Crowdcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – https://www.crowdcast.io/theblackguywhotips Voicemail: ‪(980) 500-9034See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam and Josh review The Drama, Kristoffer Borgli’s provocative relationship experiment starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, and split on whether its formal games around perception, narrative, and moral judgment deepen the emotional stakes. They then break down the Elite 8 matchups in ’40s Madness and size up what’s left of the bracket. 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) The Drama (00:02:07-00:43:21) Filmspotting Family (00:43:22-00:47:01) Next Week/Notes (00:47:02-01:00:43) '40s Madness: Elite 8 (01:00:44-01:18:51) Credits / New Releases (01:18:52-01:21:40) Links: -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 -T-shirts and more available at the Filmspotting Shop.https://www.filmspotting.net/shop⁠⁠⁠ Follow: https://youtube.com/filmspotting https://instagram.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://facebook.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/larsenonfilm⁠ https://letterboxd.com/larsenonfilm⁠⁠⁠ https://facebook.com/larsenonfilm ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/larsenonfilm.bsky.social⁠⁠ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam and Josh officially induct two films into the Filmspotting Pantheon, the show’s eclectic movie Hall of Fame, welcoming a pair of foreign‑language classics from two of the show’s most admired filmmakers. They walk through the Pantheon voting process, reflect on this year’s nominees, and explain how the final selections rose to the top.They also announce the lineup for the upcoming Dissident Cinema Marathon — a new series focused on films that confront political power and state abuse. 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 (00:00:00-00:01:15) Dissident Cinema Marathon (00:01:16-00:18:57) Pantheon Induction (00:18:58-00:37:45) Credits (00:37:45-00:38:43) Links: -Filmspotting Pantheon overview and full list of inducted films https://www.filmspotting.net/pantheon -Dissident Cinema Marathon hub 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 -T-shirts and more available at the Filmspotting Shop.https://www.filmspotting.net/shop⁠⁠⁠ Follow: https://youtube.com/filmspotting https://instagram.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://facebook.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/larsenonfilm⁠ https://letterboxd.com/larsenonfilm⁠⁠⁠ https://facebook.com/larsenonfilm ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/larsenonfilm.bsky.social⁠⁠See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Originally recorded ten years ago during a conversation sparked by David Robert Mitchell’s It Follows, Adam is joined by Michael Phillips for a Top 5 about standout horror films from the 21st century. The conversation captures a moment tied to a film whose influence remains strong, with a sequel set to begin filming this summer. 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.

After two rounds entirely dominated by top seeds, could the first upset of ’40s Madness be brewing between Bicycle Thieves and Brief Encounter? Plus — thanks to the Filmspotting Bump™ — does The Best Years of Our Lives have what it takes to go toe‑to‑toe with It’s a Wonderful Life? Adam and Josh dig into the Sweet 16. 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 (00:00:00-00:03:30) Round 2 Results (00:03:31-00:33:55) Sweet 16 Matchups (00:33:56-00:40:43) Bracket Challenge (00:40:44-00:45:15) Credits / New Releases (01:13:01-01:18:01) Links:-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 -T-shirts and more available at the Filmspotting Shop.https://www.filmspotting.net/shop⁠⁠⁠ Follow: https://youtube.com/filmspotting https://instagram.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://facebook.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/larsenonfilm⁠ https://letterboxd.com/larsenonfilm⁠⁠⁠ https://facebook.com/larsenonfilm ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/larsenonfilm.bsky.social⁠⁠See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With THE DRAMA unfolding this weekend, we’re revisiting 2019’s Top 5 Movies About Marriage — a tour through the cracks and complexities of on‑screen commitments. 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.

Adam and Josh review PROJECT HAIL MARY, exploring Ryan Gosling’s blend of humor, melancholy, and middle‑school‑teacher energy. They also discuss the practical effects approach that makes it all work before turning to Round 2 of '40s Madness. 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 (00:00:00-00:03:30) Project Hail Mary (00:03:31-00:33:55) Filmspotting Family (00:33:56-00:40:43) Notes / Save the Date (00:40:44-00:45:15) ‘40s Madness Rd. 2 (00:45:16-01:13:00) Credits / New Releases (01:13:01-01:18:01) Links: -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 -T-shirts and more available at the Filmspotting Shop.https://www.filmspotting.net/shop⁠⁠⁠ Follow: https://youtube.com/filmspotting https://instagram.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://facebook.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/larsenonfilm⁠ https://letterboxd.com/larsenonfilm⁠⁠⁠ https://facebook.com/larsenonfilm ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/larsenonfilm.bsky.social⁠⁠See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam and Josh consider the Pantheon credentials of Kelly Reichardt’s MEEK’S CUTOFF, reflecting on its spare frontier world, questions of free will, and place in Reichardt’s larger American project. 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 -T-shirts and more available at the Filmspotting Shop.https://www.filmspotting.net/shop⁠⁠⁠ Follow: https://youtube.com/filmspotting https://instagram.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://facebook.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/larsenonfilm⁠ https://letterboxd.com/larsenonfilm⁠⁠⁠ https://facebook.com/larsenonfilm ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/larsenonfilm.bsky.social⁠⁠See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With our PROJECT HAIL MARY review coming Friday, we’re revisiting a Filmspotting blast from beyond: 2014’s Top 5 Things From Space (That Came to Destroy Us). B-movies, classic sci-fi, and Arnold Schwarzenegger all make the cut. 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.

Why does STAND BY ME still resonate 40 years later? Adam and Josh revisit Rob Reiner’s classic, reflecting on its friendships, its wistfulness, and River Phoenix’s unforgettable performance. Plus: a review of Maggie Gyllenhaal’s THE BRIDE and a look at the Round 1 matchups of Filmspotting '40s Madness. Join the Filmspotting Family for the full archive, bonus episodes, ad‑free listening, and more: filmspottingfamily.com 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 (00:00:00-00:02:53)Stand by Me (00:02:54-00:49:35)Filmspotting Family (00:49:36-00:57:12)The Bride (00:57:13-01:02:59)Notes / Save the Date (01:03:00-01:08:22)'40s Madness Rd. 1 (01:08:23-01:24:03)Credits / New Releases (01:24:04-01:25:53) Correction: -Yes, Adam realizes that he said "Jesus, does anybody" – twice! – not "anyone." He regrets the error. Notes/Links: -Filmspotting Madnesshttps://www.filmspotting.net/madness -Stephen King: Why I Hugged Rob Reiner After Watching ‘Stand by Me’https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/16/opinion/culture/stephen-king-rob-reiner-stand-by-me.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 -T-shirts and more available at the Filmspotting Shop.https://www.filmspotting.net/shop⁠⁠⁠ Follow: https://youtube.com/filmspotting https://instagram.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://facebook.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/larsenonfilm⁠ https://letterboxd.com/larsenonfilm⁠⁠⁠ https://facebook.com/larsenonfilm ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/larsenonfilm.bsky.social⁠⁠See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inspired by the upcoming release of PROJECT HAIL MARY, Adam and Josh beam back to October 2015 when they suited up for THE MARTIAN — Ridley Scott’s brainy, big‑hearted sci‑fi rescue mission starring Matt Damon.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.

Adam, Josh, and Michael Phillips size up the Oscars with their annual rundown of who will win, who should win, and who was unfairly overlooked — plus the Filmspotting Madness: Best of the 1940s Play‑Ins. 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 (00:00:00-00:02:16) Supp. Actress (00:02:17-00:22:03) Supp. Actor (00:22:04-00:40:56) Lead Actor (00:40:57-00:56:52) Lead Actress (00:56:53-01:05:37) Director (01:05:38-01:15:57) Picture (01:15:58-01:37:53) Family / Next Week / Notes (01:37:54-01:47:21) Filmspotting Madness: Play-Ins (01:47:22-2:07:41) Credits / New Releases (2:07:42-02:09:531) Notes/Links: -Filmspotting Madness https://www.filmspotting.net/madness/ -Michael Phillips on WFMT https://radionetwork.wfmt.com/people/hosts/michael-phillips/ 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 -T-shirts and more available at the Filmspotting Shop.https://www.filmspotting.net/shop⁠⁠⁠ Follow: https://youtube.com/filmspotting https://instagram.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://letterboxd.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://facebook.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/filmspotting⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/larsenonfilm⁠ https://letterboxd.com/larsenonfilm⁠⁠⁠ https://facebook.com/larsenonfilm ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/larsenonfilm.bsky.social⁠⁠See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week’s Best Picture-winning archive pick takes us back to May, 2018, when Adam and Josh returned to The Shire for a LORD OF THE RINGS reckoning, with a review of the entire trilogy (the final two installments of which Adam had never seen, including the Best Picture-winning RETURN OF THE KING). The original episode (#681) also includes a Top 5 Lord of the Rings Scenes. For full access to the show archive, Filmspotting Discord, ad-free and monthly bonus episodes, and more, ⁠join the Filmspotting Family⁠⁠.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.