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85-year-old writer/director James L. Brooks returns with the political dramedy Ella McCay (2025). This movie bombed so hard that it was yanked from theaters before we could see it there, but we vowed to catch it on VOD, and we did! The film features an ensemble cast with Emma Mackey as Ella McCay, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jack Lowden, Kumail Nanjiani, Ayo Edebiri, Spike Fearn, Julie Kavner, Rebecca Hall, Albert Brooks, and Woody Harrelson. We dive deep into the world of Ella McCay in this episode, analyzing a mind-boggling script and so much more!
In honor of the 800th episode, we decided to watch The Simpsons Movie. Directed by David SilvermanScreenplay byJames L. Brooks, Matt Groening, Al Jean, Ian Maxtone-Graham, George Meyer, David Mirkin, Mike Reiss, Mike Scully, Matt Selman, John Swartzwelder, Jon VittiBased on The Simpsons by Matt GroeningProduced by James L. Brooks, Matt Groening, Al Jean, Mike Scully, Richard SakaiStarring Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria, Harry Shearer, Pamela Hayden, Tress MacNeille, Albert Brooks, Joe Mantegna, Tom HanksEdited by John CarnochanMusic by Hans ZimmerProduction companies Gracie Films[1] 20th Century Fox Animation[2] Distributed by20th Century FoxRelease dates July 21, 2007 (Springfield)July 27, 2007 (United States)Running time87 minutesBudget $75,000,000 (estimated)Gross US & Canada$183,135,014Opening weekend US & Canada$74,036,787Jul 29, 2007Gross worldwide$536,414,293
Ella McCay is the first film from writer-director James L. Brooks in a decade and a half, starring Emma Mackey as the titular character, I talk about it on this podcast, enjoy!
This week, Madeline, Emilio and Julian continue making their way through Oscar Worthy Rom Coms and tune into 'Broadcast News', James L. Brooks' beloved 1987 film starring Holly Hunter, William Hurt and Albert Brooks. The group is joined by accomplished NYC-based film programmer David Schwartz to discuss at length what is special about this romantic comedy, and the ways in which it is both conventionaly satisfying and also subverting genre expectations. The strong lead performances, Brooks' extensive research of the media and news, the clever writing, the layered characterizations, the "non-ending" ending... the group covers these topics and much more in this enthusiastic discussion about one of the great films of the 1980s. David Schwartz is a New York-based film curator and writer who is currently the Director of Film Programming at The Barrymore Film Center in Fort Lee. You can read his work and see where and what he is programming next at his website www.david-schwartz.netIf you enjoy our podcast, please rate and review us on your podcast platform of choice. This really helps us find new listeners and grow!Follow us on YouTube, IG and TikTok: @sleeplesscinematicpodSend us an email at sleeplesscinematicpod@gmail.comOn Letterboxd? Follow Julian at julian_barthold and Madeline at patronessofcats
A sad start to the episode as we bid farewell to a teen icon that was formative in our growing upThen its onto all the movies we have seen, starting with Netflix offering 'Anniversary' which paints a future that doesn't seem to far off, the return of an iconic video game 'Return To Silent Hill', dabble into the world of stand up and failing marriages with early awards contender 'Is This Thing On?', Disney+ offering from Hollywood icon James L Brooks with 'Ella McCay' and we finish with Sky Cinema/NowTV sci-fi offering 'Xeno' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Présenté par Théo Ribeton avec Jérôme Momcilovic, Guillaume Orignac et Laura Tuillier, réalisatrice et critique à Libération :- Dreams de Michel Franco (à partir de 02'23)- The Mastermind de Kelly Reichardt (à partir de 22'12)- Ella McKay de James L. Brooks (à partir de 42'07)Enregistré le 11 février 2026 à Paris.
Sergio Pérez y Alma Espinosa hablan de los estrenos en plataformas como Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ y Movistar Plus+. Esta semana los estrenos en plataformas traen propuestas variadas, aunque con críticas dispares. En Disney+ destaca Elle McCay, dirigida por James L. Brooks, responsable de Mejor imposible. Sin embargo, la crítica señala una narrativa confusa y ritmos de otros tiempos, en una trama ambientada en la era de Bush y Obama y marcada por traumas familiares y casos de acoso sexual que fuerzan dimisiones políticas. Para los amantes de la acción y comedia, Movistar Plus+ estrena London Calling, una historia de sicarios y huidas al estilo británico. También llega a esta plataforma Verano infernal, un slasher de estética ochentera donde un asesino enmascarado acecha a unos monitores de campamento, cumpliendo con los cánones más sangrientos e imaginativos del género. Con la cercanía de San Valentín, las plataformas apuestan por las relaciones sentimentales. Prime Video ofrece La meta es el amor, una comedia romántica sobre rivalidad profesional y libros de autoayuda como Relationship Goals. Por su parte, Netflix presenta la sudafricana Uf, ¿solo amigos? y la surcoreana Aunque nuestro amor se desvanezca esta noche, que destaca por su profundidad emocional y una trama centrada en la pérdida diaria de memoria. Finalmente, el cine internacional se hace hueco con El tesoro de Keops en Movistar Plus+, una cinta francesa de aventuras arqueológicas que recuerda a La búsqueda. En Acontra+ se estrena La tercera estrella, un drama culinario donde un chef japonés lucha por la excelencia en París, enfrentándose a la presión de conseguir su tercera estrella Michelin en un entorno altamente competitivo.
durée : 00:27:44 - Les Midis de Culture - par : Marie Labory - Aujourd'hui au menu de notre débat critique, on parle de cinéma, avec la sortie en salle du dernier film de la réalisatrice de "Wendy et Lucy" et la diffusion du Disney+ du dernier bébé du cinéaste, scénariste et producteur James L. Brooks. - réalisation : Laurence Malonda - invités : Murielle Joudet Critique de cinéma au Monde; Philippe Azoury Journaliste, critique et auteur
durée : 00:10:22 - Les Midis de Culture - par : Marie Labory - Le prolifique et multi-casquettes James L. Brooks fait son grand retour, quatorze ans après son dernier film, avec "Ella MacCay". - réalisation : Laurence Malonda - invités : Murielle Joudet Critique de cinéma au Monde; Philippe Azoury Journaliste, critique et auteur
Lʹengloutie de Louise Hémon, (autre sortie du jour). 1899. Par une nuit de tempête, Aimée, jeune institutrice républicaine, arrive dans un hameau enneigé aux confins des Hautes-Alpes. Malgré la méfiance des habitants, elle se montre bien décidée à éclairer de ses lumières leurs croyances obscures. Alors quʹelle se fond dans la vie de la communauté, un vertige sensuel grandit en elle. Jusquʹau jour où une avalanche engloutit un premier montagnard. Premier long-métrage de fiction dʹune cinéaste issue du théâtre et du documentaire. Ella McCay de James L. Brooks, Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis, Woody Harrelson. (à voir sur Disney+). Ella McCay est une jeune femme idéaliste. Elle tente de mener sa carrière politique tout en gérant sa vie de famille. Elle espère pouvoir reprendre le poste de gouverneur de l'État, tenu depuis des années par celui qui lui a tout appris. Inédit en Suisse romande, la comédie située en 2008 est enfin visible sur plateforme.
Tonight on On Trial, Mark Radulich and Jesse Starcher put two divorces in the dock: Danny DeVito's The War of the Roses (1989) vs. Jay Roach's pseudo-remake The Roses (2025). DeVito's film—adapted from Warren Adler's 1981 novel, scripted by Michael J. Leeson and produced by James L. Brooks and Arnon Milchan—reunites Romancing the Stone stars Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, with DeVito as the couple's lawyer. A pitch-black farce of marital escalation, it cost about $26M and grossed about $160M worldwide. Roach and writer Tony McNamara retool the premise for modern resentment: Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman, plus Allison Janney, Kate McKinnon, Andy Samberg, and Ncuti Gatwa, as careers invert and the gloves come off. Released Aug. 29, 2025, it opened around $6.3M domestically and has earned about $15.3M in the U.S./Canada on an estimated $35M budget. We break down what each version keeps, what it softens, and whether satire or therapy-era realism lands harder in 2026Disclaimer: The following may contain offensive language, adult humor, and/or content that some viewers may find offensive – The views and opinions expressed by any one speaker does not explicitly or necessarily reflect or represent those of Mark Radulich or W2M Network.Mark Radulich and his wacky podcast on all the things:https://linktr.ee/markkind76alsohttps://www.teepublic.com/user/radulich-in-broadcasting-networkFB Messenger: Mark Radulich LCSWTiktok: @markradulichtwitter: @MarkRadulichInstagram: markkind76RIBN Album Playlist: https://suno.com/playlist/91d704c9-d1ea-45a0-9ffe-5069497bad59
durée : 00:03:40 - Le Regard culturel - par : Lucile Commeaux - Le 7 janvier dernier devait sortir le dernier film de James L. Brooks, absent depuis quinze ans au cinéma, mais la sortie internationale a été annulée après de mauvais résultats aux États-Unis. Le film était pourtant très attendu des cinéphiles, et pour cause : James L. Brooks est passionnant.
durée : 00:03:40 - Le Regard culturel - par : Lucile Commeaux - Le 7 janvier dernier devait sortir le dernier film de James L. Brooks, absent depuis quinze ans au cinéma, mais la sortie internationale a été annulée après de mauvais résultats aux États-Unis. Le film était pourtant très attendu des cinéphiles, et pour cause : James L. Brooks est passionnant.
Every January, as we ring in the new year, we take a moment to take a look at some of the major new releases of the holiday season. This year, Film Comment Editors Devika Girish and Clinton Krute invited critics Beatrice Loayza and Mark Asch to focus on a select handful of titles that have recently graced the marquees of multiplexes, and which continue to stir up discourse. The group kicks things off with a deep dive into James Cameron's latest 3D space opera, Avatar: Fire and Ash (4:00), before turning their attention to another epic, Josh Safdie's Marty Supreme (33:34)—which both Beatrice and Mark have written great essays on in recent weeks. They also touch on James L. Brooks's Ella McCay (51:15), which Mark reviewed for Film Comment just last week.
It's 2026! Welcome back to The Filmmakers Podcast! The legendary James L. Brooks (Creator of 'The Simpsons', Director of 'As Good as It Gets') sits down with Conor Boru and Francis Annan to discuss his first film in 15 years, 'Ella McCay'. In this exclusive interview, the 3-time Oscar winner breaks down his return to the director's chair, working with Emma Mackey and Jamie Lee Curtis, and his unique process for finding the "truth" in comedy. We dive deep into his screenwriting craft, how he produces for other directors (like Wes Anderson), and the lessons he's learned from a career that defined the "dramedy" genre. Topics discussed: Why he chose Ella McCay as his return to directing. The challenge of writing dialogue that is both funny and heartbreaking. Directing an ensemble cast (Woody Harrelson, Jaime Lee Curtis, Ayo Edebiri, The legacy of Terms of Endearment and Broadcast News. Producing advice for young filmmakers. We are primarily an audio podcast so for more interviews like this please head to www.thefilmmakerspodcast.com. Do subscribe. Why not. Links FOOD FOR THOUGHT documentary out NOW | Watch it FREE HERE. A documentary exploring the rapid growth and uptake of the veganlifestyle around the world. – And if you enjoyed the film, please take amoment to share & rate it on your favourite platforms. Every review& every comment helps us share the film's important message withmore people. Your support makes a difference! Help us out and Subscribe, listen and review us on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts but more importantly, tell your pals about this podcast. Thank you! PODCAST MERCH Get your very own Tees, Hoodies, on-set water bottles, mugs and more MERCH. https://my-store-11604768.creator-spring.com/ COURSES Want to learn how to finish your film? Take our POST PRODUCTION COURSE https://cuttingroom.info/post-production-demystified/ PATREON Big thank you to: Serena Gardner Mark Hammett Lee Hutchings Marli J Monroe Karen Newman Want your name in the show notes or some great bonus material on filmmaking? Join our Patreon for bonus episodes, industry survival guides, and feedback on your film projects! SUPPORT THE PODCAST Check out our full episode archive on how to make films at TheFilmmakersPodcast.com CREDITS The Filmmakers Podcast is written, produced and edited by Giles Alderson @gilesalderson Logo and Banner Art by Lois Creative Theme Music by John J. Harvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Moviewallas Episode 585 Welcome back to Moviewallas — your weekly fix for smart, spoiler-free movie reviews and cinephile banter. In Episode 585, Joe, Rashmi, and Yazdi return to a two-feature format, covering a buzzy new political dramedy from James L. Brooks and a genre-bending psychological thriller from Paul Feig. Along the way, they catch up on trailers, discuss new clip mics, and celebrate the San Diego Film Critics Society awards season. Full list of winners now live at https://www.sdfcs.org Ella McCay Written and directed by James L. Brooks, Ella McCay is a 2025 political dramedy about a rising political star (Emma Mackey) navigating public scrutiny, personal relationships, and generational conflict in the run-up to an election. With an ensemble that includes Jamie Lee Curtis, Woody Harrelson, Jack Lowden, Ayo Edebiri, and Albert Brooks, the film blends wit, idealism, and emotional nuance — marking Brooks' return to filmmaking after a 13-year hiatus. The Housemaid From Paul Feig comes an unexpected turn into psychological suspense. The Housemaid is a dark, stylized thriller set in a glossy Manhattan high-rise, where a seemingly docile domestic worker gradually upends the life of her wealthy employer. With echoes of Single White Female and Parasite, Feig's latest blends social satire and tension into something uniquely disquieting. Like, comment, and subscribe if you love film conversations that go beyond the press release. Have thoughts on Ella McCay or The Housemaid? Let us know in the comments. Hosted by: Joe, Rashmi & Yazdi Watch on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts Follow us on Instagram and Twitter: @moviewallas www.moviewallas.com Timestamps 00:00 – Start 06:06 – Streaming Picks 06:56 – Relay 09:00 – Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery 11:59 – Caught Stealing 15:40 – Ella McCay (dir. James L. Brooks) 26:21 – The Housemaid (dir. Paul Feig) #Moviewallas #MoviePodcast #EllaMcCay #JamesLBrooks #EmmaMackey #TheHousemaid #PaulFeig #PsychologicalThriller #SDFCS #SanDiegoFilmCriticsSociety #StreamingPicks #FilmDiscussion #TooManyMoviesTooLittleTime
LexG with some new movie reviews for late December, including Rian Johnson's Wake Up Dead Man with Daniel Craig, Timothee Chalamet in Marty Supreme, Jessie Buckley in the Oscar hopeful Hamnet, James L. Brooks' Ella McKay, and the Brazilian political drama The Secret Agent.
Director and screenwriter James L. Brooks feels quizzical about being Conan O'Brien's friend. James sits down with Conan to discuss his journey from CBS usher to writing for the best of 70s and 80s television, creating The Mary Tyler Moore Show at exactly the right time, and returning to directing for the screen with his latest film Ella McCay. Plus, Aaron Bleyaert makes a return to expose a hygiene scandal in the studio. For Conan videos, tour dates and more visit TeamCoco.com.Got a question for Conan? Call our voicemail: (669) 587-2847. Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App! Get 3 months free using this show link: https://siriusxm.com/conan. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Sean and Amanda kick off the show by reacting to the brief teaser released for Alejandro G. Iñárritu's ‘Digger' starring Tom Cruise (1:08). They then cover two new releases that they found absolutely baffling in Bradley Cooper's ‘Is This Thing On?' (4:17) and James L. Brooks' ‘Ella McCay' (23:17). Finally, they share their top ten most underseen and overlooked movies of the year (45:01). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producers: Jack Sanders and Jacob Cornett Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It's on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this latest episode of the Say Report we take a brief moment to inform everyone about our plans for Ninjativity 2025 and 2026 before using that as a platform to discuss the latest theatrically released SpongeBob Squarepants Film, The latest Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles short film, and some fun emergences in the field of Artificial Intelligence, before settling into a look at the 2025 Box Office through the lens of James L. Brooks latest film… “Ella McCay
Ella McKay heads, stay in line! Critic Jesse Hassenger is back to talk all things James L Brooks with his late period rom com with HOW DO YOU KNOW! Together we discuss the careers of the three leads, the look of the movie, Brooks' legacy with film nerds, Jack Nicholson's final role and how the movie fails its joke writting
Rob gives his thoughts on the brand-new film Ella McCay, playing in theatres now! He provides some of the key storylines, which include some spoilers, while also highlighting the incredible acting of newcomer and star Ella Mackey, while also praising the long-time consistency and versatility of the legendary Jamie Lee Curtis, who also stars in this movie directed by beloved figure James L. Brooks!Follow Us On Socials:IG & TikTok — @theflame_esHost: Rob Cao
James Cameron-Wilson says that box office is down 40% again, even though #1 Zootropolis 2 has become the biggest film of the year worldwide. #18 Ella McCay is from James L. Brooks, who brought us such movies as Broadcast News. It stars Emma Mackey as an aspiring politician, backed by a raft of great actors such as Jamie Lee Curtis and Albert Brooks. Full of terrific dialogue, it reminds James of the great screwball comedies of old. He loved every minute. He was also impressed by Netflix's Train Dreams, with Joel Edgerton as a logger and railroad worker. This is film as art and does require a degree of patience. He was bewitched by a film which reminded him of Days of Heaven. Also on Netflix is the third Knives Out movie, Dead Man Wake Up. Despite a great cast supporting Daniel Craig, James thought the murder plot was forced and, while there were some great moments, he was ultimately disappointed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this bonus minisode, Nate asks Adam for his bite-sized review of Ella Mccay (2025), the first new film directed by Simpsons co-creator James L. Brooks in 15 years. Can Brooks recapture the magic of his ‘80s masterpieces and the early days of The Simpsons?Stay tuned next week for our full episode with Alan Siegel, author of a new book on The Simpsons called Stupid TV Be More Funny, as we unwrap A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) and its Simpsons homage in “Miracle on Evergreen Terrace” (S9E11).Lobby Chats are short bonus episodes where Adam and Nate share their thoughts on new releases, what they're watching besides The Simpsons, and more.For more Simpsons movie parody content, check out SpringfieldGoogolplex.com, or follow us at @simpsonsfilmpod on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, YouTube, and Letterboxd. Discover more great podcasts on the That Shelf Podcast Network.
I DON'T GET IT is the ironically named podcast which features the open-minded musings of two middle-aged curmudgeons (Noah Tarnow and Bill Scurry) who love pop culture, talking about a hot topic of the week. Bill and Noah don't watch James L. Brooks' latest movie to see what the connection is between the key art poster and the latest social media trend. @noahandbillshow.bluesky.social -- @billscurry.bluesky.social -- @noahtarnow.bluesky.social This week's theme: "Umbrella” by Rihanna and Jay-Z. New episodes every Monday morning on Youtube, Spotify, Soundcloud, iTunes, and GooglePlay!
It's pretty hard being the governor of an unnamed state when you're a 34-year-old woman with a husband who's the heir to a local pizza empire and you've got a brother who has agoraphobia and your sleazy dad keeps leaving you weird voicemails and Julie Kavner is narrating your entire life story! Wooo, that was a lot. James L. Brooks' Ella McCay is A LOT. Richard Lawson joins us to chat about this very strange movie that feels like a real outlier at contemporary multiplexes. If anything, Ella McCay is a refreshing throwback. Kind of. Minus a few glaring, mind-boggling missteps. Anyway, join us for a fun conversation about this latest Brooksian offering, and stick around for a very exciting announcement about the expansion of Blank Check Productions! Subscribe to Richard's newsletter Premier Party Sign up for Check Book, the Blank Check newsletter featuring even more “real nerdy shit” to feed your pop culture obsession. Dossier excerpts, film biz AND burger reports, and even more exclusive content you won't want to miss out on. Join our Patreon for franchise commentaries and bonus episodes. Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter, Instagram, Threads and Facebook! Buy some real nerdy merch Connect with other Blankies on our Reddit or Discord For anything else, check out BlankCheckPod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Travis Hopson reviews James L. Brooks' political comedy ELLA MCCAY starring Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis, Albert Brooks, Woody Harrelson, Jack Lowden, and Ayo Edibiri. SYNOPSIS: An idealistic young woman juggles her family and work life in a comedy about the people you love and how to survive them.ELLA MCCAY is in theaters now. All of this and more can be found at www.punchdrunkcritics.com!Subscribe to Punch Drunk Critics on YouTube: / @punchdrunkcritics1 Follow Punch Drunk Critics on Twitter: / pdcmovies Follow Punch Drunk Critics on Facebook: / pdcmovies You can also subscribe to our podcast Cinema Royale anywhere you get your podcasts!#EllaMcCay #emmamackey #JamesLBrooks
Denise Nicholas joined me to discuss watching the Ed Sullivan Show; living on the same block as Hitsville, USA; not fitting in with her family; joining the Free Southern Theater and performing Waiting for Godot; Roscoe Orman; her part in the Civil Rights Movement; Negro Ensemble Company leads to It Takes a Thief with Robert Wagner; loving 2 1/2 Men; Room 222, the first "dramedy"; James L. Brooks; episodes were taken from the headlines; going on game shows with Karen Valentine; Hollywood Squares; injuring herself on Battle of the Network Stars; singing on The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson in 1971; being the mystery guest on What's My Line; Match Game; Dinah Shore Show; having to prove herself to Sidney Poitier to cast her in Let's Do it Again; fighting to play Carroll O'Connor's girlfriend on In the Heat of the Night; asking for black writers; Redd Foxx; Baby, I'm Back; guesting on Diff'rent Strokes; her sisters gruesome murder; being in the pilot for Masquerade; guesting on Magnum, PI; getting an NAACP nomination for telefilm Mother's Day; joining the cast and writing staff of In the Heat of the Night; Ghost Dad; Richard Roundtree; her novel Freshwater Road; her second novel turning into her memoir deciding whether to work or not; 23 and me saying she is 64% European and 34% Nigerian; going to Nigeria and no one there believing she's Nigerian; Blacula; too much television shows
The penultimate regular Empire Podcast of the year is here, folks (don't worry, there are specials galore on the way), and it's a belter. Guest-wise, we have more goodies under the tree, as Jamie Graham talks to longtime collaborators Shih-Ching Tsou and Sean Baker (the director of Anora) about Tsou's directorial debut, Left-Handed Girl, which can be seen on Netflix; [25:27 - 41:51 approx] and Chris Hewitt has lovely chats with Wake Up Dead Man suspects, Daryl McCormack and Cailee Spaeny, [1:04:42 - 1:19:44 approx] and the legendary James L. Brooks, who returns to directing this week with Ella McCay. [1:40:42 - 1:54:01 approx] Either side of that little lot, Chris is joined in the podbooth by Helen O'Hara, James Dyer, and Beth Webb for more Christmas movie shenanigans, including a discussion of their favourite Christmas movie songs, and where they'd like to spend Christmas if they were in a movie. You'll be staggered to know that a certain plaza in LA gets a mention. The team also talk about the Golden Globe nominations and the potential Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros. (this episode was recorded before the Supergirl trailer launched, sadly), and they review Wake Up Dead Man (again), Eleanor The Great, Goodbye June, and Fackham Hall, which sees an Empire Podcast first. You'll have to listen to find out what that is. Enjoy!
We're holding it together with ribbons and Scotch tape this week on Breakfast All Day. Alonso is off promoting the new edition of his book, "Have Yourself a Movie Little Christmas," so here's what we've got for you: ELLA McCAY: Yes, it is as baffling as you've heard. Thankfully, Tim Grierson from Screen International returns to help try and make sense of it. The latest film from Oscar-winner James L. Brooks stars Emma Mackey as a young lieutenant governor who must step up and lead her state, but various personal and professional crises get in the way. Jamie Lee Curtis, Albert Brooks and Woody Harrelson are among the impressive supporting cast. In theaters. DUST BUNNY: Writer-director Bryan Fuller (TV's "Pushing Daisies," "Hannibal") makes his feature debut with this delightfully dark tale. A precocious girl (Sophie Sloan) hires a hitman (Mads Mikkelsen) to kill the monster beneath her bed. But is the creature real, or just in her imagination? Sigourney Weaver and David Dastmalchian co-star. In theaters. If you're looking for Alonso's Christmas movie livestream, here it is, free to view on our Patreon. Thanks for spending some of your time with us during the busy holiday season! Subscribe to Christy's Saturday Matinee newsletter: https://christylemire.beehiiv.com/
ELLA MCCAY MOVIE REVIEW Writer/Director/Sitcom creating legend James L. Brooks is back with his first feature film in fifteen years with Ella McCay. Emma Mackey plays the titular role and she is a force of nature. When we meet her in the film, she's a schoolgirl telling off her dad (Woody Harrelson) for being a […]
Welcome to The B-Side! Here we talk about movie directors! Not the movies that made them famous or kept them famous, but the ones that they made in between. Today we celebrate filmmaker James L. Brooks! His new movie Ella McKay is in theaters now! Our returning guest is very good friend Adam Drosin, and together we are The Brooks Brothers. Our B-Sides today are I'll Do Anything (musical cut included), Spanglish, and Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. We discuss Brooks' impossibly successful career as a producer of both film and television, his keen eye for talent (his support of superb filmmaker Kelly Fremon Craig), and, of course, his reckoning with failure. There's also the recipe for that sandwich in Spanglish, Julia Roberts' feelings about Nick Nolte on the set of I Love Trouble (which came out the same year as I'll Do Anything, a rough year for Nolte professionally), and that Gracie Films fanfare. We also give The Critic some deserved love. We ponder the editing choices in Brooks' 2010 debacle How Do You Know and celebrate his acting in the masterpiece Modern Romance (directed by Albert Brooks!). Cinematographer John Seale also said in an interview that the movie he shot that he used the most film on was Spanglish!
James L. Brooks, director of classics like Terms of Endearment, Broadcast News and As Good as it Gets, returns to form with Ella McCay, his first film in 15 years. Newsweek's H. Alan Scott chatted with Brooks about the inspiration behind the story and how the women in his life inspired so many of his iconic female characters. Later in the chat Scott chatted with Jamie Lee Curtis about what it's like to be asked to be in a Brooks film and Emma Mackey on the stress of playing the title character. Watch the video: https://youtu.be/9plwtg4aemo Read the feature in the latest issue of Newsweek: https://www.newsweek.com/entertainment/james-l-brooks-returns-to-form-with-ella-mccay-11183470 Subscribe to my newsletter: https://link.newsweek.com/join/for-the-culture Follow me: https://linktr.ee/halanscott Subscribe to Newsweek's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/newsweek See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
ELLA MCCAY MOVIE REVIEW Writer/Director/Sitcom creating legend James L. Brooks is back with his first feature film in fifteen years with Ella McCay. Emma Mackey plays the titular role and she is a force of nature. When we meet her in the film, she's a schoolgirl telling off her dad (Woody Harrelson) for being a […]
As we approach the end of the year, Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy still have six reviews for this week. They include a documentary about the inventor of Pantone (The King of Color) as well as Mamoru Hosoda's anime about a princess avenging her father's death (Scarlet). The Ripley-like influencer from a 2022 thriller is on the prowl again (Influencers) as is the guy from the ‘80s who dressed like Santa Claus and killed a bunch of people but this time with a derivative twist (Silent Night, Deadly Night). The creator of Pushing Daisies and Hannibal makes his debut about a girl who hires a hitman to take care of the monster under her bed (Dust Bunny). Finally, the legendary James L. Brooks' returns with his first film in 15 years and the guys have very different takes on it.1:38 - The King of Color9:09 - Silent Night, Deadly Night18:46 - Scarlet26:02 - Influencers36:59 - Dust Bunny45:36 - Ella McCayCLICK ON THE FILMS TO RENT OR PURCHASE AND HELP OUT THE MOVIE MADNESS PODCASTSIGN UP FOR AUDIBLEBe sure to check outErik's Weekly Box Office Column – At Rotten TomatoesCritics' Classics Series – At Elk Grove Cinema in Elk Grove Village, ILChicago Screening Schedule - All the films coming to theaters and streamingPhysical Media Schedule - Click & Buy upcoming titles for your library.(Direct purchases help the Movie Madness podcast with a few pennies.)Erik's Linktree - Where you can follow Erik and his work anywhere and everywhere.The Movie Madness Podcast has been recognized by Million Podcasts as one of the Top 100 Best Movie Review Podcasts as well as in the Top 60 Film Festival Podcasts and Top 100 Cinephile Podcasts. MillionPodcasts is an intelligently curated, all-in-one podcast database for discovering and contacting podcast hosts and producers in your niche perfect for PR pitches and collaborations. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit erikthemovieman.substack.com
Film producer Jason Solomons and literary journalist Suzi Feay join Tom Sutcliffe to discuss the contemporary thriller Lurker which shows what happens when the line between popstar and fan gets blurred.They also talk about The Pelican Child a short story collection by Pulitzer Prize-nominated author Joy Williams.And the film Ella McCay is reviewed; a political comedy-drama that follows an idealistic woman juggling being state governor with a complicated family life. Tom also speaks to the film's director James L. Brooks, whose Oscar-winning work includes Terms of Endearment and As Good as It Gets. Brooks also co-created the Simpsons. Presenter: Tom Sutcliffe Producer: Claire Bartleet
VP of Interns Christopher joins Pat and Clayton in studio for the first time! They're previewing the opening weekend of James L. Brooks' ELLA MCCAY starring Woody Harrelson, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ayo Edebiri and Albert Brooks. Can this legendary director survive both the opening weekend and The Ella Shoe Challenge meme? We break down what's at stake. Plus we talk long range prospects for the movies PRIMATE and THE SIMPSONS MOVIE PART 2. Has our intern ever heard of The Simpsons or the phrase "weezin' the juice"? It's a shocking new episode. Remember to Rate (5 Stars), Review (Great show, blah, blah, blah) and Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b-o-boys-movie-box-office/id1489892648 E-mail us: theboboyspodcast@gmail.com Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theboboyspodcast Follow us on TikTok and Instagram: @TheBOBoysPod Subscribe to us on Substack: https://substack.com/@theboboys Our AWESOME artwork was provided by the talented Ellie Skrzat. Check out her work at https://ellieskrzat.com/ Thanks to WannaBO VP of Interns Christopher for running our social media! ---
THIS IS A PREVIEW. FOR THE FULL EPISODE, GO TO Patreon.com/worstofall On this episode of Fancy Movie Time with Brian and A.J., the Fancy Lads unplug their phones and have a good cry as they cover James L. Brooks' 1987 ode to the joys of work: Broadcast News. Does the electric chemistry of the three leads make this movie a Fancy Feast? Or does its overlong runtime make it a Failure to Fancy? One thing's for sure: that Gracie Films' tune sure is catchy. Next episode: Ordet (1955).
Legendary director/producer James L. Brooks and Woody Harrelson talk with Ted Danson about working together on Jim's first feature film in 15 years, "Ella McCay." Jim shares about the family turmoil that influenced the script, how he got his first break in the news business, casting “Broadcast News,” the time he lit a fire under Ted on “Taxi,” memories of John Cassavetes, and more. Ella McCay hits theaters on December 12th. Like watching your podcasts? Visit http://youtube.com/teamcoco to see full episodes. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
There was originally a plan to bring the much-loved Christmas book The Polar Express to the big screen in live action, with Rob Reiner potentially directing. But eventually, the project ended up with Robert Zemeckis. Looking for something between live action and animation, a different kind of technology was to be used for the film - but would audiences respond to it? Especially when they tried to look the characters in the eye... The second part of this episode is a return to the podcast for writer/producer/director James L Brooks, chatting about his new film, Ella McCay. Plus, getting films for grown-ups made, Mike Nichols, previewing his movies and a whole lot more. Ella McCay is in UK cinemas from 12th December 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
James L. Brooks - How to Live an Artful Life -The Spy Who Came in from the Cold at 60
Jamie Lee Curtis is an Academy Award and Emmy winning actress, author, and producer best known for Everything Everywhere All at Once, the Halloween franchise and her acclaimed guest role in The Bear. Curtis sits down with Willie Geist to discuss her late career hot streak, embracing aging and authenticity, and her role as Aunt Helen in James L. Brooks's new film Ella McCay. Plus, she reflects on the woman who first saw her potential, the hustle behind building her Comet Pictures production company, and why she believes the most important moments in life hinge on a few unexpected seconds. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Nick brings film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy back for a run through several major new releases, including James L. Brooks' comedy drama “Ella McCay,” the animated sequel “Zootopia 2,” the latest “Knives Out” mystery “Wake Up Dead Man,” and the follow up to the video game horror hit “Five Nights at Freddy's 2.” Their conversation moves quickly, mixing sharp reactions with the kind of easy back and forth that comes from years of arguing about movies together. Esmeralda Leon joins Nick later for a round of holiday chatter, which turns into a story about a South Side spot that sells great Christmas trees and also lets you recycle them by feeding them to a herd of very enthusiastic goats. That leads to a tour of strange Christmas trees from around the world, including one built entirely from full bottles of Heineken. The holiday spirit takes on some unusual shapes, and Nick and Esma have plenty of fun with it. [Ep 409]
Some exciting news—The Take is now on Patreon: www.patreon.com/kermodeandmayo. Become a Vanguardista or an Ultra Vanguardista to get video episodes of Take Two every week, plus member‑only chat rooms, polls and submissions to influence the show, behind‑the‑scenes photos and videos, the monthly Redactor's Roundup newsletter, and access to a new fortnightly LIVE show—a raucous, unfiltered lunchtime special with the Good Doctors, new features, and live chat so you can heckle, vote, and have your questions read out in real time. We have a bonafide film and TV legend in our midst this week: director of ‘Broadcast News', ‘Terms of Endearment' and ‘As Good As It Gets'—not to mention co-creator of The Simpsons—James L Brooks. He talks to Simon about his new comedy drama ‘Ella McCay'—his first film in 15 years. He unpacks the movie starring Emma Mackey (yes, the names are confusing), Jamie Lee Curtis, Woody Harrelson and Jack Lowden—and tells us why he's nostalgic for 2008. Plus a bit of Simpsons chat—there are a few very familiar voices in this movie! Mark reviews Eternity—the new A24 afterlife romcom that sees Elizabeth Olsen torn between two dead husbands, played by Miles Teller and Callum Turner. Plus we've got his verdict on the new film from exiled Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi too--'It Was Just an Accident'. This latest daring project has seen the banned filmmaker issued a jail sentence from the Iranian government. And finally, Five Nights at Freddy's 2....You might remember how much Mark loved the first one (not)... but could the sequel win him over? Spoilers: it doesn't—but strap in for a review that might be more entertaining than the movie. All the box office top 10 news for you too, plus the weekly hilarity of the laughter lift. Enjoy! Our LIVE Christmas Extravaganza at London's Prince Edward Theatre is this weekend! Join us on 7th December—with special guest Nia DaCosta, and Jason Isaacs beaming in from the USA. Tickets here: fane.co.uk/kermode-mayo Timecodes (for Vanguardistas listening ad-free) Eternity review: 09:10 BO10: 19:50 James L Brooks Interview: 37:10 It Was Just An Accident review: 52:30 Laughter Lift: 1:02:32 Five Nights at Freddy's 2 review: 01:07:32 Jay Kelly review: 01:14:41 You can contact the show by emailing correspondence@kermodeandmayo.com or you can find us on social media, @KermodeandMayo Please take our survey and help shape the future of our show: https://www.kermodeandmayo.com/survey EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/take Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts To advertise on this show contact: podcastadsales@sonymusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
James L. Brooks (Ella McCay, The Simpsons, Taxi) is an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Academy Award-winning screenwriter, director, and producer. James joins the Armchair Expert to discuss being an industrious high school reporter interviewing Louis Armstrong and Anne Bancroft, his lucky break as a studio page bringing Edward R. Murrow coffee, and co-creating the Mary Tyler Moore Show with Alan Burns. James and Dax talk about why there's no better job in the world than on a television show that's working, seeing Andy Kaufman perform as the vile Tony Clifton for the first time, and that he thinks you go legally insane when directing. James explains what it was like giving notes to Jack Nicholson, starting The Simpsons which is still the longest-running scripted show in history, and what makes a contemporary female heroine in his new screwball comedy Ella McCay.Follow Armchair Expert on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch new content on YouTube or listen to Armchair Expert early and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/armchair-expert-with-dax-shepard/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
James L. Brooks joins Crew Call to discuss 'Ella McCay.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Our time with James L. Brooks comes to a close as we look at his third Best Picture nominee: As Good As It Gets. Jack Nicholson won his third Oscar for playing irascible, OCD-afflicted writer Melvin Udall, with Helen Hunt also winning and Greg Kinnear also nominated. We break down their performances and characters and whether or not they work, while also answering an important question: what the hell is this movie? Plus, our thoughts on The Running Man, Now You See Me Now You Don't, and more! What's your favorite James L. Brooks movie? Let us know at cinemaontappodcast@gmail.com
James L. Brooks continues as we look at the second film he directed, Broadcast News! This film also received a Best Picture nomination, and may be his most beloved film. Starring Holly Hunter, William Hurt, and Albert Brooks, this film centers on a love triangle that forms between three people working at a news network, while also featuring commentary on the state of journalism circa 1987 that has remained relevant over the years. Our hosts are both watching for the first time, and we break down the performances, the themes, and why this film is still so enjoyable almost 40 years later. Plus, Christian's thoughts on Train Dreams and Scott's thoughts on Predator: Badlands! What's your favorite James L. Brooks film? Let us know at cinemaontappodcast@gmail.com
We've turned the page on spooky season and it's time for a new monthly theme. With his first film in 15 years releasing in theaters later this year, we're taking a look at the films of James L. Brooks! To start, Terms of Endearment. This Best Picture-winning film netted Brooks 3 Oscars for his feature directorial debut, also earning Shirley MacClaine and Jack Nicholson awards for their performances. Our hosts at crossing a Best Picture blindspot off their watchlist as they watch one of the most famous mother-daughter films ever made. Plus, our thoughts on the worst box office weekend of 2025 so far! Do you think Debra Winger should have won the Oscar over MacClaine? Let us know at cinemaontappodcast@gmail.com
Matt Groening discovered the things that helped shape his artistic sensibility when he was 12 years old: psychedelia, the Grateful Dead, Catch-22, and of course cartooning. Matt explains to Marc how the road to creating The Simpsons started in Portland, Oregon and had stops in New York City, Los Angeles, the Licorice Pizza record store, the LA Reader and the office of James L. Brooks. They also talk about The Simpsons becoming a breeding ground for comedy writing talent and Matt reveals, for the first time, who was the real inspiration for Homer Simpson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.