Screen Thoughts

Hollister and Wilder finally agree, and not only do they agree, they are singing the praises of what could be one of the finest series ever produced for the screen. Roots not withstanding. Don't miss this review, and if it doesn't make you immediately turn on the series, well, there is no hope.

Academy Awards. Killing Eve. And a review of Pam & Tommy, Hulu's new series around the sex tapes from Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee, stolen and put out into the universe without their permission or compensation.

Ok, we knew these three wouldn't be rocket science, but ? Hollister stands by And Just Like That, and Wilder can't relate, which according to Hollister is no surprise given Wilder's age. And Emily and the ladies of Pivoting? Well, listen and see what you think. And, the scandal around Emily in Paris and the Golden Globes will leave you understanding the nods it got last year, which might not have been deserved.

This week Hollister and Wilder remember Sidney Poitier, and talk through Maggie Gyllenthal's The Lost Daughter, both from the perspective of a woman who has never had children and one who has. So much to discuss in this film and Hollister predicts many nods from the upcoming awards season.

Hollister and Wilder are back after a short few weeks celebrating the holidays with two films - Don't Look Up and Being the Ricardos. How does Dr. Strangelove enter into it all? Blame it on Wilder. Such controversy around the Richardos film, and in both films women reign supreme.

King Richard, or the story about Richard William's complicated personality and design for Venus and Serena to become who they became; two of the greatest women tennis players in the world. And, Tick, Tick... Boom! Wilder raves, Hollister follows. And a call out to Screen Thoughts lovers to participate in a conversation about Martha Marcey May's resurgence as one of the greatest thrillers of all time? Did you see it? Don't miss this podcast.

Hollister and Wilder talk about the sophisticated, The Harder They Fall film that is on Netflix, and according to both of them, is not to be missed. We share some great back story info to give perspective to the film, and some history to round out how wonderful the entire production is. Don't miss this podcast, and especially listen if Westerns are not typically your thing!

Finally Steve Martin has written a series worthy of his talent and Hollister is all over it. Great short review to get you scheduling it for holiday viewing with the family. Selena Gomez? Mixed reviews. Is she a bad actor, or just playing a role that makes her look like one? That is the question. Martin Short? Fresh off the stage in The Morning Show, he and Martin have a screen connection that extends to a life long friendship.

No surprise that Wilder came locked and loaded to personally increase the numbers of those going to see Dune by double digits. Right up her alley, and so much to share in the back story about getting it made, the original book that spawned the film, and the earlier version. Hollister came along begrudgingly but ended up all in for the final count. Do listen before you see the film. No spoilers and lots to help you get the most out of seeing it.

Based on Beth Macy's book Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company That Addicted America, Hulu dropped the first three episodes of the eight part series, Dopesick. Christine and Wilder were blown away and their review and plea for everyone to watch this series can't be missed. Some back story is important and those fine performances already playing out make this a podcast to listen to before you watch the series.

James Bond. Yep, might be the last time we see James as we have known him for sixty years. Christine (Hollister) and her friend from across the pond, Louise Lloyd get us excited about both the history of the franchise and this film in particular. Don't miss it and do not worry; they do not spoil anything.

Do not miss this podcast. Short, but filled with insight and great review of the new Netflix series, Maid. Hollister compares it to Unbelievable and some of the other strong series in the past few years focusing on women's issues. It's a great watch and a great listen.

Hollister and Wilder review HBO's new five-part series, Scenes From a Marriage, which is based on Ingmar Bergman's original from the early seventies. Don't miss the show is the take away, and don't miss this podcast, which brings together the differences between the original and the latest, with Jessica Chastain and Oscar Isaac, who everyone agrees have a kind of connection that make this all the more compelling. Did you know they went to school together twenty years ago and are close friends? And, guess who had the part and was replaced by Jessica late in the game. Our podcast ends with a List of Six marriage films.

This week? We are reviewing Monica Lewinsky and Bill Clinton and that which he wishes would go away and Monica, who was a producer on the FX Crime Series: Impeachment: American Crime Story. So many take aways and Hollister brings in different age groups and their take on the first two episodes. Do we need this show? And, returning to the infamous List of Six started by O'Toole and Hollister years ago, Wilder and Hollister provide a List of Six around Political Films.

Hollister's nose is out of joint around why, or why there is a need for another Cindarella film (yes, there are more than 100 films that tell that story), and Wilder accuses her of being incapable of having fun. Ouch. It's a heated discussion and they are still friends but do not agree even one bit on the worth and the production of this film.

The twenty year anniversary of 911 is upon us and the release of Netflix's Worth, walks through the difficult process of determining compensation for the families of the victims. "Worth is really all about what a life is worth," more than the attacks that hit America on 911," Hollister surmises. It's an interesting look at what was behind the film and Hollister reading the lawyer's review of America's attitude during the years following the attack is worth the podcast.

Hollister & Wilder go over The Chair, with the fabulous Sandra Oh, and then Hollister brings in Lori Rutter, a friend and Harvard Alum, who talks a bit about the idea that the series is based on Harvard. And, Lori adds a request at the end to have Hollister and Wilder review We Are Lady Parts.

Hollister and Wilder delve into Nine Perfect Strangers, the week after The White Lotus, which is a double dose of white privilege and despair. And, to give some perspective, Hollister questions Wilder on her love of Super Hero films with her mini review of The Suicide Squad. Don't miss it.

This week Hollister and Wilder take on The White Lotus, the HBO six-part controversial satirical series, dealing with white privilege, written by a white man, Mike White (yes, we know the last name fits the bill), and is not to be missed. Hollister falls in love with the critic, @BrookeObie, who helped unveil a point of view that she missed around the film's hubris. Don't miss this conversation around the series, and the times in which we live.

Hollister and Wilder take on Dr. Death, the eight episode series launched by Peacock around the Texas doctor, Christopher Dunsch, who butchered 33 patients before being incarcerated for the rest of his life. What a cast! Christian Slater (Hollister says she never recognizes him in a film/series until she thinks about it), and Alec Baldwin take on the system in a grueling story that will make you go to physical therapy one more time before going under the knife. And, Hollister takes on Vogue Magazine for their article around film 'make overs' (seriously?!) Don't miss this week's Screen Thoughts.

According to Hollister, Physical has enlightening moments for those women struggling with emotional issues. Wilder gets right to the point of eating disorders, anxiety and a relatable woman in the enormously talented Rose Bryrne. You remember Rose; Hollister says she rocked being Glorian Steinem in Mrs. America, but her claim is the two Emmys for her work on Damages. Hooray for Scarlett Johansson, who is taking Disney on with the fierceness of Cruella. Wilder gives some insight into the entire case, and both Wilder and Hollister agree that Amanda Knox's editorial on Medium, where she calls out the world for using her name and persona without permission (Stillwater is the film and Matt Damon is the star) and leaves her without agency. All in all, much ado is doing on this week's podcast.

This week Hollister and Wilder review Ted Lasso; the series that has everyone in America laughing, and according to Hollister, perhaps it is working because of this moment in time in which we live, rather than it being funny. And, Wilder gives you some 'if you liked Ted Lasso, you will like" ideas. Hollister will be on a panel at the Wood's Hole Film Festival, and some write in comments around last week's Black Widow.

Hollister was not a fan of Black Widow until Wilder enlightened her and now she's going back to revisit. Don't miss Wilder's insightful take on the first Marvel film to have a female lead. And, of course, a bit about the Emmy nominations and what should or shouldn't have been.

Join Hollister and Wilder as they review Steven Soderbergh's No Sudden Move, a combination film noir, comedy, drama around so many pillars of plot; racism, Detroit in the 50's, crime families, and so much more. And for a little blast to the past, a reminder that The Bird Cage is celebrating its 25 year anniversary, and there are so much wonderful inside scoops to uncover.

Cruella ... a must see from both Hollister and Wilder, no matter your age or whether you saw the original oh so long ago. Don't miss the history, the fun, more.

Hollister and Wilder review Season Four of The Handmaid's Tale, with an added review of the 1990 film, which Wilder had no idea existed. Roger Ebert's review of the 1990 film shows how far we have come in understanding the issues that The Handmaid's Tale highlights. Or not? Don't miss this episode; but beware, there are spoilers for the finale if you haven't watched it yet.

Join Hollister on a short review of Season Four of The Handmaid's Tale. She makes the case for watching it, though some of the reviews are screaming, "enough is enough!"

Join Hollister & Wilder while they debates both Operation Varsity Blues and Percy & Goliath. No agreement this week.

Hollister and Wilder dig deep into Mare of Easttown and Shadow & Bone. Dark forces from fantasy land with Shadow & Bone and dark forces in the shadows of Philadelphia take over. Both are worth a watch if you ask Hollister and Wilder.

Join Hollister and Wilder as they take a look at the new Dexter teaser, the Halston series on Netflix and yes, the Friends Reunion. Guess who isn't a Friends fan?

Oslo, HBO's new film around the 1993 Oslo Peace Accords, based on the play by J.T. Rogers, is a must see in this challenging moment in time almost thirty years later. Watch with your family, your class, your whatever. And, talk about it. And if you are a biz person, watch it to learn about the art of negotiation. Brilliant story. Both Hollister and Wilder had strong words around both the message and the methods used to film it.

In the Heights is the film reviewed this week by Hollister and Wilder. "It's no sound of music?" The controversy around the casting is discussed and a general celebration of the culture and film abound.

Hollister and Wilder talk Academy Awards 2021. Yes, Hollister still thinks they are a waste of time, but there's a lot of backstory on some of the nominees, and their predictions might mirror your own.

Hollister and Wilder take a look at HBO's The Nevers series, which premiered to the largest audience in HBO history. Yes, it takes place in the Victorian era, where women were corseted, but according to the series, they also had special powers. Wilder is all in. Hollister? Not so much.

Screen Thoughts: Ma Rainey's Black Bottom This week Hollister and Wilder join Hollywood's heralding of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, where Chadwick Boseman and Viola Davis raise the bar of acting acumen yet again. If you haven't seen the film, you will want you after listening, and if you have seen the film, you will gain a lot of insight into what was happening behind the scenes and how it all came together.