Movies are Life

Who says the calendar gets to decide when the year is officially over? Nathan and Mark Blitch are back to give 2024 the send-off it deserves—with a Top Ten list that's fashionably late! For the third year running, Mark joins the podcast to recap the best films of the year gone by.But first, co-host Whitney Chandler kicks things off with her top movie pick of 2024, and then Mark shares the hilarious journey of his commercial “Charades", which is in the top three of the Doritos Crash the Super Bowl Contest! Voting is open until Jan. 28, so head to DoritosCrash.com to cast your vote daily.From indie surprises to blockbuster hits, Nathan and Mark break down the year in film, debate their favorites and throw in some honorable mentions that deserve a little love.(00:00) Intro with Whitney Chandler(07:11) Vote for ‘Charades' at DoritosCrash.com(15:22) 2024 in Film(19:08) Top Ten Films of 2024 with Mark Blitch(01:19:04) Honorable Mentions(01:27:05) OutroSupport the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/moviesarelife

Movies are Life wraps up its 50 Best Rom Coms series with a bang, diving into the iconic #1 film, ‘When Harry Met Sally…'! Nathan is joined by Kyle Radford and Brandon McMinn, the witty hosts of the Second Best Picture podcast, for a thoughtful (and hilarious) discussion about what makes this timeless classic the ultimate romantic comedy. The trio explores why Harry and Sally's journey from strangers to soulmates continues to resonate decades later. Frequent collaborator Whitney Chandler also makes a special appearance to share her quick thoughts and help close out this milestone series. Don't miss this celebration of love, friendship and deli orders done right!

✨ What's your dream??? ✨ Nathan and Whitney, with the help of their sister-in-law, Debbie Graham, dive into the romantic and iconic world of the 1990 classic ‘Pretty Woman,' number 2 on the 50 Best Rom Coms list! Together, they explore Julia Roberts' timeless charm, Richard Gere's undeniable allure and the film's unforgettable Cinderella story that redefined rom-coms for a generation. With fresh perspectives and personal reflections, this episode will have you laughing, reminiscing and maybe even humming "Pretty Woman" all over again.

On this episode of Movies are Life, we spin the number 20 film on the 50 Best Rom Coms list, ‘High Fidelity'! Returning guest Abel Cass joins the conversation, along with first-time guest and vinyl collector Marisa Boyd, who brings her insider's take on record store culture. Tune in for plenty of Top Five lists, relationship rewinds and all things music as we dive into this cult classic! Get ready to drop the needle on some seriously fun banter.(00:00) Intro(02:48) Review: ‘High Fidelity' with Abel Cass(37:48) Movie Musings: Top Fives(51:00) Rom-Com Rankings(01:02:07) Final Thoughts(01:10:11) Review: ‘High Fidelity' and Vinyl Talk with Marisa BoydRead Nathan's thoughts on ‘High Fidelity' and view the full list of The 50 Best Rom-Coms. Also, don't forget to listen to Abel's Spring 2024 playlist!Support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/moviesarelife

Kelly Clarkson!!! Join us as we dive into one of the most awkwardly hilarious coming-of-age stories—because who knew losing your virginity at 40 could be so complicated? First-time guest, Caleb Masters, the mastermind behind The Cinematropolis and host of The Cinematic Schematic podcast, helps Nathan break down the laughter and heart of the number 21 film on the 50 Best Rom Coms list, ‘The 40-Year-Old Virgin.' Plus, Whitney drops in to give her quick take on the film and help celebrate a huge milestone—our 100th episode!(00:00) Intro(05:46) Review: ‘The 40-Year-Old Virgin' with Caleb Masters(32:20) Movie Musings(38:55) Rom-Com Rankings(52:43) Final Thoughts(54:14) Recommendations(01:01:57) Review: ‘The 40-Year-Old Virgin' with Whitney Chandler(01:06:08) Reflection on our 100th EpisodeRead Nathan's thoughts on ‘The 40-Year-Old Virgin' and view the full list of The 50 Best Rom-Coms.Support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/moviesarelife

In this episode, Nathan dives into the world of baseball and romance with guest Donny Goyette as they discuss the cult classic and number 34 film on The 50 Best Rom-Coms list, ‘Bull Durham.' This ‘80s rom-com blends passion, poetry and America's favorite pastime. Together, they explore the film's dynamic love triangle, its unique take on baseball life and whether it's more of a sports movie or rom-com. With witty banter and deep dives into memorable scenes, this episode captures the spirit of ‘Bull Durham' and its lasting impact on both baseball and movie fans alike.(00:00) Intro(03:58) Review: ‘Bull Durham' with Donny Goyette(23:51) Movie Musings(30:50) Rom-Com Rankings(42:19) Final Thoughts(44:11) OutroRead Nathan's thoughts on ‘Bull Durham' and view the full list of The 50 Best Rom-Coms.Support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/moviesarelife

Grab your popcorn and get comfy because Nathan and Whitney are back on the mic after a long hiatus for a lively discussion on the hit movies they watched over the summer! In this fun-filled episode of Movies Are Life, the Chandler duo takes you through their cinematic journey of the past few months.From the heartwarming yet visually stunning 'IF' to the wildly nostalgic 'Twisters,' they dive into each film with their trademark humor and honest opinions Plus, stay tuned until the end to hear from a special guest—their nine-year-old daughter, Hayden, who shares her delightful thoughts on 'Inside Out 2.'Tune in for all this and more, and catch up on the movies that made their summer special. Whether you're looking for recommendations or just a good laugh, this episode has it all!(00:00) Intro(03:54) Review: ‘IF'(06:12) Review: ‘Inside Out 2'(11:26) Review: ‘The Fall Guy'(13:14) Review: ‘Babes'(15:28) Review: ‘Twisters'(20:31) Review: ‘Harold and the Purple Crayon' & ‘Deadpool & Wolverine'(25:07) Review: ‘Unfrosted'(26:33) Review: ‘Brats'(30:03) Review: ‘Hit Man'(32:31) Review: ‘Young Woman and the Sea'(35:42) Quick Takes on Documentaries(36:51) Outro with Whitney(39:22) Review: ‘Inside Out 2' with HaydenRead Nathan's thoughts on these movies at moviesarelife.com.Support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/moviesarelife

Hello listeners! This is a quick update to let you know that we're taking a brief hiatus to refresh and recharge. During this time, we'd love to hear from you! What formats are you enjoying? What content do you want more of? Your feedback is invaluable in helping us shape future episodes. Drop us a message and let us know your thoughts. We'll be back soon!

We are bringing a little southern sass to the podcast to discuss the number 48 film on The 50 Best Rom-Coms list, ‘Sweet Home Alabama.' Nathan's nephew Tommy Graham visits the studio to unravel the southern charm, the allure of small-town life and the complexities of love and relationships portrayed in this Reese Witherspoon favorite. So grab your sweet tea and tune in—y'all don't want to miss this one!

From the challenges of navigating cultural differences to the complexities of familial expectations, we are dissecting the themes that make the number 31 film on The 50 Best Rom-Coms list, ‘The Big Sick,' such a relatable and impactful film. Whitney returns to the podcast to discuss this touching and hilarious Michael Showalter film and delve into his latest project, ‘The Idea of You,' starring Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine. Whether romance blossoms when one is in a coma or gallivanting across Europe with a boy band, we're here to break it all down!(00:00) Intro(02:11) Review: ‘The Idea of You' with Whitney Chandler(08:55) Review: ‘The Big Sick'(30:14) Movie Musings(36:26) Rom-Com Rankings(42:46) Final Thoughts(43:47) Recommendations(47:00) OutroRead Nathan's thoughts on ‘The Big Sick' and view the full list of The 50 Best Rom-Coms.Read Nathan's thoughts on ‘The Idea of You.'Support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/moviesarelife

We're embarking on a moonlit romp through the bustling streets of New York City to delve into the number 23 film on The 50 Best Rom-Coms list: the iconic 'Moonstruck.' Joining Nathan is our frequent guest, Kyle Radford, as we leave no meatball unturned in this exploration of love, laughter and the quirky dynamics of Italian-American families. Tune in as we debate whether this film is worthy of its Oscar gold or, as Kyle aptly describes it, "The first film written by a plate of spaghetti."

Join us as we delve deep into the immersive world of A24's groundbreaking film, ‘Civil War.' Host Nathan Chandler and esteemed guest Mark Blitch, embark on a captivating exploration of one of the most talked about and polarizing films of 2024. Through lively discussion and insightful analysis, we dissect the intricate themes, compelling characters and breathtaking cinematography that have propelled ‘Civil War' to critical acclaim. Together, we explore the impact of Alex Garland's vision on the landscape of contemporary cinema, examining how it challenges conventions and reshapes storytelling paradigms. Most importantly, listen to discover what kind of American we think we are.

After watching the number 11 film on The 50 Best Rom-Coms list, ‘Something's Gotta Give,' we are heavily considering investing in turtlenecks and a beach house ASAP.

We've watched the number 8 film on The 50 Best Rom-Coms list, ‘My Best Friend's Wedding,' and let's just say, we have some thoughts - we didn't exactly fall head over heels for this one, unlike most people seem to.

Red pill or blue pill? Join us as we celebrate a quarter-century of mind-bending action, iconic trench coats and the eternal quest to free our minds from the machines with the Wachowskis' sci-fi masterpiece, ‘The Matrix.' From its revolutionary bullet time effects to its philosophical ponderings on the nature of reality, first-time guest Phil Keith joins Nathan to explore how Neo, Trinity and Morpheus became cultural touchstones and influenced everything from fashion to filmmaking. So grab your shades, because this podcast is about to take you on a trip down the rabbit hole of pop culture history!

Which is braver: Emma Stone's performance in ‘Poor Things' or Nathan inviting his mother-in-law as a guest to talk about the gritty, Oscar-winning film?

We have the microphone and you don't, so you will listen to every word we have to say!

Who needs Tinder when you can fall in love over dial-up?

We are getting a little more serious in today's episode covering the powerful and thought-provoking 2020 film ‘Quo Vadis, Aida?' Cameron Olbert and Emma Hale, students at the University of Edinburgh, join Nathan to explore the film's portrayal of the human cost of war, the complexities of survival and the desperate quest for answers in the face of chaos. Join us as we unravel the layers of this Oscar-nominated film and explore its historical context, shedding light on the real-life events that inspired this powerful narrative.

Who knew childbirth could be so hilarious?! After Whitney gives her quick take on the new season of The Bachelor, returning guest, Matt Jankowski, joins Nathan in the studio to break down the number 39 film on The 50 Best Rom-Coms list, ‘Knocked Up.' The two debate Judd Apatow's revered and raunchy comedy as well as reminisce about early parenthood, trips to Vegas and ongoing beard jokes. Tune in, hit play, and join us on a journey through the hilarity of having your life turned upside down!

If you were waiting for an episode where Nathan and Whitney aren't on the same page, here it is! First, they tackle the number 27 film on The Best Rom-Coms list, ‘Can't Buy Me Love' which segues nicely into a quick discussion about the first big hit of 2024, ‘Mean Girls.' It's a discussion full of anxiety about being popular and finding a seat during school lunch. This episode is so fetch!

Who knew a wedding could be this entertaining? ⛪ We are putting on our best tux to talk about the number 38 film on The Best Rom-Coms list, The Best Man. Returning guest, Bradley Vinson, joins Nathan to chat about the charming chemistry between the ensemble cast and how the film delves into deeper themes about the universal truths about love and relationships. Whether you're on #TeamHarper or #TeamQuentin, join us as we navigate through the love triangles, wedding shenanigans and enough romantic drama to make Cupid blush.

We're back from the winter break!

We're taking a well-deserved break to prepare for the new year, and we thought it would be fun to revisit our discussions about the unquestionably two most talked-about films of 2023: ‘Barbie' and ‘Oppenheimer,' also known as the phenomenon Barbehnheimer. We will return next week to discuss all the films we watched over the holiday break and break down the 2024 Golden Globes ceremony. Happy 2024!

Settle into your favorite spot on the couch and join Nathan and guest Mark Blitch as we count down our top ten TV shows of 2023! We are taking a little break from the big screen to break down the best of the best in the world of television. From gripping dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies, we leave no stone unturned in our quest to uncover the gems that have defined the year.

Welcome to a cinematic celebration of 2023! Join Nathan and special guest Mark Blitch as they embark on a thrilling journey through the film landscape of 2023. In this highly anticipated episode, Nathan and Mark share their personal top ten movies of the year, providing insightful commentary, passionate debates and maybe a few surprises along the way, including some surprise guests that you might be familiar with.

Has your life turned into a heartwarming montage of quirky characters and perfectly timed love stories? ❤️ From grand gestures to quirky moments, we are discussing the holiday classic, ‘Love Actually,' which falls at number 24 on The 50 Best Rom-Coms list. Returning guest and lover of all things British culture, Todd Ferguson, joins Nathan to dissect the film and rank the multiple storylines from worst to best! Plus, Nathan and Whitney react to the recent #GoldenGlobes nominations. So, grab your favorite hot beverage, cozy up, and join us on this journey through this timeless celebration of love, friendship and the magic of the holiday season.

Do you want to stay forever young, flirty and thriving? Make sure to listen to this episode! Film director and returning guest, Mark Blitch, joins Nathan to reminisce about the era when cargo pants were cool and flip phones were cutting-edge tech in their discussion of 13 Going on 30, the number 40 film on The 50 Best Rom-Coms list.

Tune in for a brutally honest and unfiltered take on the number 37 film on The 50 Best Rom-Coms list, ‘The Wedding Planner.' Second Best Picture co-host, Kyle Radford, and Nathan don't hold back as they share their unapologetically negative reactions to the film that many consider a rom-com classic. Expect some dark humor and sarcastic wit as the two dissect every cringe-worthy scene, awkward plot twist and questionable character decision.

This Thanksgiving week, join Nathan and his cousin Greg Ross for a trip down memory lane as they reminisce about their heartfelt and hilarious memories of growing up with the John Hughes masterpiece, Planes, Trains and Automobiles. From the iconic duo of Steve Martin and John Candy to the unforgettable misadventures of Neal Page and Del Griffith, our hosts dive deep into the charm and enduring appeal of a film that has stood the test of time. Whether you're a die-hard fan of Planes, Trains and Automobiles or discovering it for the first time, this episode promises laughter, warmth and a genuine appreciation for the magic of Thanksgiving through the lens of a beloved cinematic gem. #planestrainsandautomobiles #JohnHughes #SteveMartin #JohnCandy #Thanksgiving #ThanksgivingMovie(00:00) Intro(06:21) Review: “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” with Greg Ross(41:47) Movie Musings(49:19) Final Thoughts(54:40) OutroRead Nathan's thoughts on Planes, Trains and Automobiles and for more reviews, visit moviesarelife.com.Support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/moviesarelife

In this thought-provoking episode, host Nathan invites a very special group of Oklahomans to the table – his own family. With the help of Whitney and her parents, they dive deep into Martin Scorsese's critically acclaimed film, Killers of the Flower Moon. This family roundtable discussion promises a unique blend of personal perspectives and shared insights as they react to how Scorsese and company navigate the delicate balance between art and history with this powerful, historic tale. #KillersOfTheFlowerMoon #OsageNation #MartinScorsese (00:00) Intro(02:56) Review: “Killers of the Flower Moon”(31:13) OutroRead Nathan's thoughts on Killers of the Flower Moon and for more reviews, visit moviesarelife.com.Support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/moviesarelife

In this special episode of Movies are Life, Nathan and Whitney pay tribute to the life and career of the beloved actor, Matthew Perry, who left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. Perry's charisma, wit and impeccable comedic timing endeared him to audiences worldwide through his iconic role as Chandler Bing on the hit TV show Friends. However, his talent extended far beyond the small screen. In this episode, we celebrate his contributions to the world of cinema, with a special focus on The Whole Nine Yards, a darkly comedic crime thriller that showcased Perry's versatility as an actor. #matthewperry #thewholenineyards #friends #chandlerbing #RIPMatthewPerry (00:00) Intro(01:07) Remembering Matthew Perry(12:52) Review: “The Whole Nine Yards”(25:48) Movie Musings(30:07) Final Thoughts(32:38) Recommendations (36:38) OutroRead Nathan's thoughts on The Whole Nine Yards and for more reviews, visit moviesarelife.com.Support the podcast: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/moviesarelife

In this bone-chilling episode of Movies are Life, Nathan brings in returning guest, Brad McLelland, to dive headfirst into the heart of darkness as they dissect the iconic horror film that changed the genre forever - The Exorcist. Get ready to have your spine tingled and your beliefs tested as they explore the demonic possession that gripped audiences and set the standard for horror cinema. Prepare for a thorough examination of the film's legacy as the two discuss the psychological and cultural implications of the late William Friedkin thriller and how it explores themes of faith, doubt and the battle between good and evil. Get ready for a deep dive into the world of the supernatural, the terrifying and the unknown! #TheExorcist #Horror(00:00) Intro(03:20) Review: “The Exorcist” with Brad McLelland(42:34) Movie Musings(52:09) Final Thoughts(54:39) Recommendations (57:42) OutroRead Nathan's thoughts on The Exorcist and for more reviews, visit moviesarelife.com.

Get ready to experience all the glitz, glamour and romance as we dive deep into the number 32 film on The 50 Best Rom-Coms list, Crazy Rich Asians. Nathan is joined by his charming wife, Whitney, and the ever-insightful JoJo Woods, to explore the captivating world of this modern romance. From the unforgettable mahjong showdown to the jaw-dropping fashion, we leave no stone unturned as we delve into the opulent lives of the Singaporean elite.

We are taking a chilling journey back in time to celebrate the landmark film that still has us looking to the skies with unease. Nathan's dad, Ty Chandler, joins the podcast to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Alfred Hitchcock's timeless masterpiece, The Birds. We dive deep into the world of suspense, mystery and avian terror that Hitchcock masterfully created and the groundbreaking special effects that left audiences in shock when the film first took flight in 1963. Grab your pair of binoculars, lock your doors and prepare to revisit Bodega Bay with us!

The podcast is taking a brief departure from the silver screen to dive into the exciting world of television. Whitney joins Nathan to dive into their latest TV obsessions, from the latest reality shows like "The Golden Bachelor" and "Love is Blind" to the hottest streaming series like "The Morning Show." So, whether you're a dedicated couch potato or just looking for some fresh entertainment recommendations, we've got you covered! #WhatWereWatching #TheGoldenBachelor #LoveIsBlind #TheMorningShow #TheSummerITurnedPretty #BigBrother (00:00) Intro (00:56) The Golden Bachelor (05:44) Love is Blind (09:52) The Morning Show (11:26) The Summer I Turned Pretty (13:33) The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (14:27) Big Brother (16:07) Survivor and The Amazing Race (16:40) Shows We Watch On Our Own (20:17) Shows We Need to Start Back Up (22:14) Outro For episodes, reviews and more, visit moviesarelife.com. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/moviesarelife/support

Hold onto your seat belts, because we're reviewing the cult classic that defies all conventions. Harold and Maude falls at number 46 on The 50 Best Rom-Coms list and first-time guest, Jenna Hodges Struble, joins us to explore the eccentric and endearing title characters, played brilliantly by Bud Cort and Ruth Gordon. From their hilarious antics to their deep emotional connection, we'll unpack it all. We'll take you on a rollercoaster of emotions as we discuss the film's dark humor, offbeat charm and its poignant message about embracing life and love in all its unconventional forms. You'll laugh, you'll cry and you might just start craving a banjo serenade in your own life.

Grab your frank and beans as we dive headfirst into the hair-raising, zipper-challenging and slightly scandalous world of the number 28 film on The 50 Best Rom-Coms list, There's Something About Mary! Nathan's brother-in-law, Jeff Graham, joins the podcast to explore all the unforgettable moments, from that infamous hair gel incident to the unforgettable hitchhiker with peculiar hobbies. We'll dissect the quirky characters and the awkward moments that make this movie an absolute comedy gem. Tune in now, because there's definitely something about this episode that's worth talking about.

Can you believe it? We have covered half of the films on The 50 Best Rom-Coms list! Whitney Chandler joins the podcast for a second week in a row to discuss the journey thus far as we highlight the top films from each category: Romantic Chemistry, The Best Friend(s), Soundtrack, Chase Scene/Declaration of Love & Rewatchability. Then, we discuss the beloved rom-com that our listener's picked for us to watch that somehow didn't make the list, The American President! Do the two think the Rob Reiner/Aaron Sorkin collaboration is worthy to be on the list? Listen to find out!

Movies are Life is going full-mode, sports talk this week! Labor Day weekend is approaching, which signals the start of a new college football season. So, we thought it was the perfect time to talk about the Netflix sports documentary series UNTOLD, and its most recent episodes UNTOLD: Swamp Kings and UNTOLD: Johnny Football. Nathan's wife, Whitney, loves nothing more than college football so she was the perfect guest to bring in to discuss the controversial Johnny Manziel and the 2000s-era Florida Gators. Get ready for some hot takes about Tebow, the Aggies and the NIL. And don't be surprised if we talk a little about our beloved Sooners.

Get ready to Opa your way into a hilarious audio adventure as we dive into the number 22 film on The 50 Best Rom-Coms list, My Big Fat Greek Wedding! Amazing Oklahoma teacher and volunteer, Katie Alsup, joins Nathan to unpack the chaotic and heartwarming world of Windex-wielding relatives and lamb-on-a-spit disasters. Tune in to discover what Nathan and Katie think doesn't quite hold up in this cultural hit, but both can't deny its irresistible charm in how it celebrates family and the undeniable power of a bundt cake.

If you've ever wondered what happens when a wedding, a time loop and a nihilistic attitude collide, you're in for a treat! Talented actor, Adam Kitchen, joins Nathan to jump into a time warp to discuss the number 45 film on The 50 Best Rom-Coms list, Palm Springs. Join us as we dive into the movie's witty dialogue, slapstick moments and explore why nihilism and falling in love might just be the perfect combination for survival.

We are diving into Christopher Nolan's thought-provoking film about the father of the atomic bomb, Oppenheimer. Frequent guest, Charles Mills, joins Nathan for this quick reaction podcast to discuss the actors, production design, editing and more that has made this one of the most talked about films of the year. Don't miss out on this captivating conversation about the man who found himself at the crossroads of scientific progress and moral responsibility. Plus, we give some bold Oscar predictions for the film!

Mistaken identity, a crazy mix-up and one epic case of "Wait, what just happened?!"