Second Day Film Podcast

Champ returns from his trip to Hawaii to join Mike in discussing several titles released early in 2025. The guys disect the ambitious one-shot style in the powerful miniseries Adolescence, the novelty of seeing Nicole Kidman in a West Michigan city in Holland, the jumbled mess and missed chances in The Electric State and the surprising sci-fi romance in The Gorge. Plus, Champ lets Mike know what he watched on the airplane.

Mike and Champ close the book on 2024 by discussing several films they missed toward the end of the year. The guys nerd out while returning to Middle Earth and debate the merits of several Oscar-nominated films.

Mike and Champ return to review five films from 2024 including several that have been nominated for Academy Awards.

Dean makes his long-awaited return to join Champ and Mike for a very special episode of the show. In this super-sized, 2.5-hour recording, the guys celebrate 100 episodes of the Second Day Film Podcast by sharing a list of 100(ish) films they love. The rundown covers all genres and spans the history of film. The guys left plenty of favorites out and the titles are wide-ranging, but each one contributed to the hosts' love for the movies. Thanks to everyone who has listened over the years. We hope you enjoy it!

Mike and Champ return from a holiday break to review several films released during the festive season. Will the guys defy gravity and survive watching Joker 2? And was Gladiator II worth the wait? NOTE: Apologies for Champ's audio quality as there was an issue during recording.

Mike and Champ argue over the validity of Twisters, praise June Squibb and discuess the highs and lows of The Penguin. Champ also finally lets Mike talk about The Decameron. .

Mike and Champ dive into spooky season with a Halloween episode filled with frightful and suspenseful films. Topics include the time-bending sleeper hit Caddo Lake, a return to the Afterlife through the practical design of Tim Burton's Beetlejuice sequel, M. Night Shyamalan tongue-in-cheek thrills in Trap, Anna Kendrick's examination of misogyny and violence in Woman of the Hour and an acting masterclass from Carrie Coon, Elizabeth Olsen and Natasha Lyonne in Netflix's powerful film about grief in His Three Daughters.

Mike and Champ get deep into their emotions with a trio of films dealing with a variety of heavy topics including grief, love, human nature and growing up. They also review Fall Guy, which is just a ton of fun.

Mike and Champ close out the summer with a four-pack of films, including two blockbusters. The guys discuss the meta, self deprecating humor in Deadpool & Wolverine, the deep themes in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, the glimpse into motorcycle culture in The Bikeriders and the old-fashioned inspiration of sport in Young Woman and the Sea.

Mike and Champ talk about the Olympics, but also several films from 2024. Topics include the endless charm of the wonderfully animated Kung Fu Panda, tennis action in Challengers, the many filmmaker influences in Love Lies Bleeding and the moody terror of Nick Cage in Longlegs. Also, a monkey and lizard teamup.

Champ welcomes Mike back from his trip to London to review four films and an animated TV series including George Miller's long-awaited Mad Max film, Furiosa.

Mike and Champ might regret taking the time to review some of these 2024 titles, but it must be done. For the sake of film.

Mike and Champ turn the page to 2024 to review two early hit TV shows and several films, including Alex Garland's thought-provoking look at America on the edge of chaos in "Civil War."

Mike and Champ return to review several films, including Denis Villeneuve's epic Dune: Part 2, and two TV series including the Golden Globe winning Beef and follow-up to Band of Brothers and The Pacific, Masters of the Air.

Mike and Champ return to review several films nominated for Academy Awards.

Mike and Champ return for the first episode of 2024 and review several films receiving Oscar buzz.

Mike and Champ return to review several films released during spooky season as well as Martin Scorsese's latest historical epic "Killers of the Flower Moon."

Mike and Champ return from a break to discuss what they've been watching in a rapid fire episode. They go back and forth reviewing several films and shows from 2023 including Star Wars' latest Ahsoka, Disney's Haunted Mansion, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, A Good Person, No Hard Feelings, You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah, Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, The Flash and The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die.

Mike and Champ finally tackle the cultural phenomenon of "Barbenheimer" with lengthy reviews about two films that tackle the human experience in two very different ways. Is Christopher Nolan's A-Bomb movie his best yet? And why is Barbie resonating with both men and women? The show also includes a review of Wes Anderson's most Wes Andersoney film yet and the surprisingly heartfelt Puss in Boots sequel. Also, Tom Cruise has upped the action again in his latest turn as Ethan Hunt.

Mike and Champ return to review four huge summer blockbusters. Topics include the mind-blowing tribute to animation in Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse and why Disney's latest live-action remake of The Little Mermaid may be its best one yet. The guys also discuss the emotional core and heavy themes in James Gunn's sendoff to the Guardians of the Galaxy and the thrill of seeing Harrison Ford don the whip and hat for one last ride as Indiana Jones.

Mike and Champ return to do some backfilling of titles they may have missed in the early part of 2023. Topics include the clever humor and charming tone of Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Theives and the B-movie vibes and excentric characters in Cocaine Bear. The guys also discuss the confusing tone in A Man Called Otto featuring a magnificant Tom Hanks and the nuanced approach to affairs and murder in Love & Death starring Elizabeth Olsen and Jesse Plemons.

Mike and Champ return to review four more films. The show starts with a pair of solo reviews. Mike went to see Book Club: The Next Chapter on Mother's Day and Champ saw The Super Mario Bros. Movie, which features a simple story but is a worthy tribute to the classic video game characters. Other reviews include The Boston Strangler, which features a worthy story and solid performances by Keira Knightley and Carrie Coon, but might be a little too dreary for its own good, and Air, the supurbly directed sports flick about how Nike landed Michael Jordan. The show ends with the guys offering differing opinions on Marvel's latest CGI-stuffed adventure, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.

Mike and Champ return to take on the impossible task of ranking their Top 10 TV shows of all-time, regardless of genre. To say this was difficult would be an understatement, but the guys gave it their best. Tune in to see which shows rise above the rest.

Mike and Champ each share their Top 5 moments from the 95th Academy Awards before reviewing two shows and a film including HBO's "The Last of Us," which may be the greatest video game adaptation of all time. Other topics include the over-the-top absurdity of the dark comedy "Triangle of Sadness," Why does making fun of the rich make for such good comedy? The show ends with a review of Hulu's charming, personal portrayal of grief and legacy in "The Bear" featuring a starring turn by Jeremy Allen White.

Champ and Mike return to review another batch of Oscar-nominated films. In this episode, the guys review Steven Spielberg's deeply personal depiction of his parents in The Fabelmans and one of Marvel's latest films, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which serves as a touching tribute to Chadwick Boseman but badly misses his presence. Other topics include Brendan Fraser's masterfull comeback performance in Darren Aronofsky's dark study of shame, guilt and empathy in "The Whale" and the grim depiction of WWI and the futility of war in the stunning remake of the 1930 classic "All Quiet on the Western Front."

Mike and Champ return to review four new films. The guys discuss the darker tone of Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio and how it makes you consider everything you know about the classic story, the consistently entertaining satire in The Menu, B.J. Novak's sly, smart writing in Vengeance and the grim gothic look and Edgar Allan Poe-inspired chaos of The Pale Blue Eye starring Christian Bale and Harry Melling.

Mike and Champ record their first-ever morning episode of the Second Day Film Podcast on New Year's Eve. Four new films are discussed. Topics include the visual spectacle of Avatar: The Way of Water, the brilliant performances and mystery fun in Rian Johnson's "Glass Onion," the busy and overstuffed "Amsterdam" and Martin McDonagh's exploration of conflict and male loneliness in the brilliant black comedy,"The Banshees of Inisherin."

Mike and Champ gather for a post-Thanksgiving episode to review two series and two films. Topics include the patient build-up and character development in HBO's gorgeous Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon, the mature conversations around freedom and rebellion in Andor, Florence Pugh's performance in Don't Worry Darling and the fast-moving, thrilling action in the popcorn flick Bullet Train starring Brad Pitt.

Mike and Champ return to discuss four new titles including the long-awaited Hallwoeen humor in Hocus Pocus 2, the overly meta and self-aware Marvel series She-Hulk: Attourney at Law and the lush marsh landscape and engaging script in the thriller, Where the Crawdads Sing. Finally, the guys share their thoughts on Amazon's epic Lord of the Rings series. Does the return to Middle-Earth live up to the hype?

Champ and Mike return to review four titles released throughout 2022. The show begins with the guys doing a little venting about the emergence of toxic fandoms and why they are becoming increasingly problematic. Then the reviews begin. Topic include the non-traditional biopic formula in Baz Luhrmann's musical Elvis and the visually impressive, but ultimately unnecessary Disney live action remake of Pinocchio. Then, it's Marvel time as the guys lament the overly goofy and tonally confused Thor: Love and Thunder and the heartfelt family beats and educational nature of the Disney+ series Ms. Marvel.

Mike and Champ return to review a four-pack of summer blockbusters in the latest episode of the Second Day Film Podcast. The guys discuss the action-packed origin story of Buzz Lightyear in Pixar's latest Lightyear, as well as the overproduced action film The Gray Man, which feels more like a rip off of better action films than an original thriller. The guys also rave about Ron Howard's faithful and thrilling portrayal of a daring cave rescue in Thirteen Lives and discuss the complex (and perhaps confusing) ideas presented in Jordan Peele's monster flick, Nope.

Champ and Bingo champion Mike Nichols reunite to catch up on some of the biggest films that have hit theaters in 2022. The guys discuss several topics including the raw-but-beautiful Viking world created by Robert Eggers in The Northman and the educational, but hard-to-adapt WWII drama Operation Mincemeat on Netflix. The guys also shred the latest film in the Fantastic Beasts series, which lacks any of the magic that made the original films great and praise the breathtaking stunts and wide-ranging appeal of Top Gun: Maverick starring Tom Cruise.

Champ and Mike return to review a four-pack of films and miniseries. Topics include the thoughtful analysis of wavering faith in Hulu's Under the Banner of Heaven starring an impressive Andrew Garfield, the wild, wacky, but ultimately heartfelt absurdity of Everything, Everywhere All at Once and the visually entertaining but somewhat jumbled and misguided handing of the multiverse in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Also, does Obi-Wan Kenobi justify its existence?

Champ and Mike return to review a pair of new titles and to bring back an old SDFP segment. The show begins with a review of the disturbing new Netflix documentary “Our Father,” which succeeds in creating an eerie atmosphere but may be too one-sided for its own good and a look at Disney+'s latest Marvel Series, “Moon Knight,” which features an incredible performance by Oscar Isaac and brings a daring new tone to the MCU but may be lacking in its titular character. The show ends with Throwback Theater, in which the guys review the year in film in 2001.

Champ, Mike and Evan review four films released early in 2022 including Matt Reeves' dark and fear filled “The Batman.” Other topics include the clever life lessons in Pixar's “Turning Red,” Kenneth Branagh's surprisingly deep and glamourous Agatha Christie adaptation “Death on the Nile” and the impressive but short-changed family dynamics in the sci-fi adventure “The Adam Project” starring Ryan Reynolds.

In this special episode, Mike and Champ preview the 94th Academy Awards by picking every category. The guys also review Best Picture nominees they haven't gotten to in previous episodes. Topics include Kenneth Branagh's bold and powerful direction of his passion project, Belfast, the vivid, colorful, old school feel of Steven Spielberg's updated West Side Story, eye-opening representation in CODA and the dangers of ambition presented in Guillermo del Toro's stunning Nightmare Alley.

Champ, Mike and Dean catch up on all the Marvel releases from the back half of 2021 including the Disney Plus series Hawkeye, Chloé Zhao's cosmic Eternals and the unprecedented blockbuster event Spider-Man: No Way Home. Also a discussion about the state of Marvel as the MCU continues to grow at a rapid pace. Thanks for listening!

Champ, Mike and Dean return for the first show of 2022 to review a 4-pack of original films. The show starts with Mike sharing his thoughts on the 1994 documentary Hoop Dreams before Evan gets more flack for avoiding Lord of the Rings. Other topics include differing opinions on the storytelling in King Richard, style over substance in Last Night in Soho, complex interpersonal relationships in The Power of the Dog and the timely warnings in Don't Look Up starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence. Go Green!

Champ, Mike and Dean return to review a four-pack of titles including Netflix's horror tribute “Fear Street,” Daniel Craig's final ride as James Bond in “No Time to Die” and the gory global phenomenon “Squid Game,” which is packed social commentary and engaging characters. The episode ends with the guys raving about Denis Villeneuve's gorgeous and epic adaptation of “Dune.”

Champ and Mike return from a break to review several new films. Topics include the dark vision of the future in Reminiscence, the social satire in Mike White's brilliant HBO series The White Lotus and the genuine horror in James Wan's wild film Malignant. The episode ends with a deep dive into Marvel's latest, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, an imaginative, Kung-fu-filled tribute to Chinese culture that may be one of the studio's best films.

Champ, Mike and Dean gather to review four new releases including Marvel's long awaited standalone film "Black Widow" and the eccentric, time-bending Disney+ series "Loki." Mike and Champ also debate their differing opinions on James Gunn's "The Suicide Squad," before the guys rave about Lin-Manuel Miranda's latest play turned film "In the Heights," a musical celebration of culture and community that may be one of the year's best films.

Champ, Mike and Dean gather for a Disney/animation themed episode to discuss the stylish "Cruella" starring Emma Stone and Emma Thompson before lamenting Warner Bros decision to sideline the Looney Toons in favor of shameless promotion in the long-awaited Space Jam sequel starring LeBron James. The guys also discuss Disney/Pixar getting back to its simple but winning formula in "Luca" and the mature themes in the imaginative, action-packed film "Raya and the Last Dragon."

Champ, Mike and Dean gather to discuss their returns to movie theaters before diving into a trio of recently released horror films. Topics include John Krasinski's masterful suspense and world building in the emotion packed A Quiet Place Part II, the tangible threats of the occult in The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It and the missed opportunities in the latest Saw reboot, Spiral, starring Chris Rock and Samuel L. Jackson. Also, Mike and Champ discuss the good and bad in the new Disney+ series, The Mighty Ducks: Gamechangers.

Champ, Mike and Dean gather for a Mother’s Day episode to discuss a four-pack of titles about heroes. Topics include the outside-the-box approach taken in WandaVision, the timely, political themes in Falcon and the Winter Soldier and the true cost of being a superhero in the splendidly violent and heartfelt animated series Invincible. Champ also discusses the missed opportunities in the new Mortal Kombat film on HBO Max and the guys wonder why no one can make a quality film based on a video game. Thanks for listening film fans!

Mike and Champ return from a March Madness break to discuss several new films including the clashing of titans in Godzilla vs. Kong and the nasty people doing nasty things in the satire, I Care a Lot. Mike also explains why Zack Snyder’s version of Justice League is a landmark moment in film history before comparing it to the 2017 original and Champ praises the small stories of hidden America portrayed in Chloe Zhao’s Nomadland starring an incredible Frances McDormand.

Champ, Mike and Dean reconvene to review several new films with timely topics including Regina King’s stunning character study “One Night in Miami” and the eye-opening “Judas and the Black Messiah.” The guys also discuss George Clooney’s disjointed direction of The Midnight Sky and why it almost feels like two movies jammed into one and the disappointing plot and themes of The Little Things starring Denzel Washington, Rami Malek and Jared Leto.

In their first episode of 2021, Mike, Champ and Dean review several films that are likely to receive some Academy Award consideration including Pixar’s latest film “Soul.” The guys also discuss the Black Mirror vibes given off by the captivating-but-flawed thriller Black Box, the powerful final performance of Chadwick Boseman in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and the experimental sound and story techniques used in “Sound of Metal” starring Riz Ahmed.

Mike, Champ and Dean gather for their final show of 2020 to discuss several titles available on streaming platforms. The show begins with some disagreement on Gal Gadot’s latest superhero turn in “Wonder Woman 1984” before Dean and Mike rave about Anya Taylor-Joy’s mesmerizing performance as a chess prodigy in “The Queen’s Gambit.” The second half of the show focuses on a couple Oscar contenders including the black-and-white love letter to classic Hollywood in “Mank” starring an incredible Gary Oldman and the modern parallels in Aaron Sorkin’s historical legal drama “The Trial of the Chicago 7.”

In this episode, Champ, Mike and Dean embrace the holiday season and review a pair of Netlfix films they view as modern Christmas classics including Klaus, the uniquely animated, re-telling of the legend of Santa Claus, and the musical holiday spectacle Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey. Champ and Mike also discuss the mixed messages in Ron Howard’s latest Hillbilly Elegy starring Amy Adams and Glenn Close and Mike tells us why the Great British Bake Off is the most wholesome show of all time (in a British accent).

Champ, Mike and Dean reunite to review several new streaming options including HBO Max's latest sci-fi hit "Raised by Wolves" and documentary series "The Vow." Evan also shares his thoughts on "Fantasy Island," Blumhouse's ill-advised attempt to revive a long-dormant series from the 1970s. The episode ends with the guys reviewing the outlandish, and perhaps perfectly timed sequel "Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan." Please follow the Second Day Film Podcast on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Previous episodes can be found on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud and Spotify. Thanks for listening!

In this episode Champ and Mike discuss several new films including the eye-opening Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma and a charming new take on Sherlock Holmes in Enola Holmes, starring a sensational Millie Bobbie Brown. Mike then shares how South Park's Pandemic Special could be therapeutic for Americans in 2020. The episode ends with Champ's return to the theater and a non-spoiler review of Christopher Nolan's imaginative, time-traveling mindbender Tenet. You can like the Second Day Film Podcast on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Previous episodes are found on Soundcloud, Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Thanks for listening!