Filmspotting
Adam Kempenaar and Josh Larsen review new and classic movies, offering affable, insightful film analysis since 2005, as noted by the New York Times.
Episodes
Obsession and Power Ballad: Be Careful What You Wish For | #1068
Adam and Josh catch up with the summer's surprise hit Obsession, the “monkey’s paw” update from YouTube creator turned first-time feature-director Curry Barker. Then, it’s John Carney’s Power Ballad, with Paul Rudd as a down-on-his-luck wedding singer who has a chance encounter with a former boy band star played by Nick Jonas. Plus, poll results and listener feedback
Top 5 Movie Bands | Archive
From amps cranked up to eleven, to the sweet, soulful harmonies of a dynamic rhythm and blues revival, Adam and Josh count down their Top 5 (Fictional) Movie Bands. Unlock the full archive, Filmspotting Discord, ad‑free + bonus episodes, and more when you join the Filmspotting Family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Netflix’s The Crash is an Ethical Sinkhole | SVU
Matt and Jordan review Netflix's massive true crime tabloid horror hit, The Crash, a direct-to-streaming look at the tragic Mackenzie Sherilla case. Jordan walks away feeling like he needs a shower for his soul, while Matt thanks his lucky stars that social media didn't exist when he was a youngster. For Rec Seg, Matt challenges the "drek" of the true crime genre by recommending an Oscar-nominated
No Regrets for Our Youth: Kurosawa’s Bold Post-War Melodrama | Dissident Cinema
Adam and Josh continue Filmspotting’s Dissident Cinema Marathon with Akira Kurosawa’s 1946 drama No Regrets for Our Youth. Released in the immediate aftermath of WWII, the film stands out as a blatantly political entry in Kurosawa's catalog — and notably, his only film featuring a sole female protagonist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Backrooms and Exit 8: Liminality vs. Narrativity | #1067
Adam and Josh step into the uncanny world of eerie, empty spaces to ask whether 2026 is the year of liminal horror. First up: YouTube curiosity turned box office phenom Backrooms. Then, Exit 8, an inspired video game adaptation from Japan that’s equal parts Groundhog Day and The Shining. Plus, Massacre Theatre. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subs
Top 5 Films of 1987 | Archive
From the manic, diaper-stealing chaos of the American Southwest, to the timeless charm of a classic fairy tale, Adam and Josh count down their Top 5 Films of 1987. Unlock the full archive, Filmspotting Discord, ad‑free + bonus episodes, and more when you join the Filmspotting Family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jack Ryan: Ghost War is a Simulacrum of Cinema | SVU
Matt and Jordan review Prime Video’s Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan: Ghost War, a straight-to-streaming title they are branding "movie Toferky." For Rec Seg, the duo finds comfort in the Paramount Plus vaults, with Jordan revisiting the Tom Clancy masterpiece that started it all, and Matt countering with a series sequel featuring Harrison Ford's bookworm Boy Scout desk-jockey. Then, a personal
Close Encounters of the Third Kind vs. E.T. | Movie Death Match
In anticipation of Disclosure Day, Steven Spielberg’s two most beloved alien films face off in the inaugural Filmspotting Movie Death Match. Representing Close Encounters of the Third Kind is Dr. Margaret A. Weitekamp, Chair of Space History at the National Air and Space Museum. Making the case for E.T. the Extra‑Terrestrial is longtime critic and author Jen Chaney. Host Chris Klimek preside
Introducing : Cultivating H.E.R. Space Podcast | We Ride at Dawn: Ways We Show Up for Our Sisters with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford | Network Drop
Sis! With conversations of how we show up for our sisters running the news cycle, we thought we would share a nice throwback this week. Dr. Dom and Terri are thrilled to welcome Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, the force and founder of Therapy for Black Girls and author of Sisterhood Heals to discuss unique dynamics in Black sisterhood. Dr. Dom, Terri, and Dr. Joy share the importance of finding your trib
The Mandalorian and Grogu and I Love Boosters | #1066
Vulture critic Roxana Hadadi joins Adam to break down the first theatrical Star Wars feature in eight years, The Mandalorian and Grogu. They discuss whether its wall-to-wall action reveals true character, how the helmet creates a literal performance straitjacket, and if the film works for anyone walking into the theater without three seasons of television homework. Then, they pivot to a very diffe
Top 5 Single Location Movies | Archive
From the suffocating tension of open-ocean survival and alcohol-fueled marital warfare, to the isolated terrors of demonic cabins and haunted bedrooms, Adam and Josh break down their Top 5 Single Location Movies. Unlock the full archive, Filmspotting Discord, ad‑free + bonus episodes, and more when you join the Filmspotting Family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ladies First: Sacha Baron Cohen Takes on the Matriarchy | SVU
Matt and Jordan punch their tickets to an alternate reality to review Ladies First, the new Netflix comedy starring Sacha Baron Cohen and Rosamund Pike. They break down the film's (mostly good!) relentless barrage of gags, its terrifyingly plausible marketing pitches, and whether it successfully navigates the edgy tightrope of workplace comedy. But before they talk Ladies First, they have to talk
Tony Leung Talks Silent Friend, Plus Decorado and The Wizard of the Kremlin | #1065
Adam sits down with legendary actor Tony Leung (In the Mood for Love, Chungking Express) to discuss his brilliant career and his new starring role in Ildiko Enyedi’s Silent Friend. Then Adam and Josh share their thoughts on the meditative multi-era drama itself, followed by reviews of Alberto Vasquez’s Spanish animated feature Decorado and Olivier Assayas's The Wizard of the Kremlin, w
Top 5 Superhero Costumes | Archive
From the timeless, unadorned perfection of early cinematic icons to the textured, battle-tested tactical gear of modern blockbusters, Adam and Josh (and some special guests) share their Top 5 Superhero Costumes and explore what makes a costume truly legendary. Unlock the full archive, Filmspotting Discord, ad‑free + bonus episodes, and more when you join the Filmspotting Family.See omnystudio.co
The State of Streaming: Netflix | SVU
In the first installment of a semi-regular series, Matt and Jordan take a break from reviewing a single film in order to interrogate an entire streaming platform: the industry juggernaut, Netflix. They dissect it across five crucial categories—library size, playback interface, reliability, originals, and price. The goal? Nothing less than determining the greatest service of all time. Then f
The Tree of Life at 15: Malick’s Cosmic Masterpiece Revisited | #1064
15 years after its release, Adam and Josh return to the 1950s Waco of Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life. They discuss Malick’s bold attempt to voice the divine, mapping the books of Job and Genesis onto his narrative, and his attempt to reconcile the beauty of creation with the reality of suffering. Plus, details about Filmspotting Fest II: 68 Weeks Later, and a new poll that attempts
Blue Heron: A Lyrical Debut — and an Early Golden Brick Contender
Adam and Josh review Sophy Romvari’s debut feature Blue Heron, a semi-autobiographical "memory piece" that follows a Hungarian immigrant family on Vancouver Island in the late 1990s. They discuss Romvari’s distinct "observational elegance," the film’s striking meta-elements, and how it stacks up against other recent memory-focused masterworks like Aftersun. Plus, a look at why th
Top 5 Terrence Malick Scenes | Archive
From the outlaw poetry of Badlands to the cosmic spirituality of The Tree of Life, this week's Archive episode has Adam and Josh counting down the five most indelible moments from one of cinema's most elusive auteurs. Expect plenty of hushed voiceovers and magic-hour cinematography. Unlock the full archive, Filmspotting Discord, ad‑free + bonus episodes, and more when you join the Filmspotting Fa
Lord of the Flies: The BBC Brings Art to Netflix | SVU
This week, Matt and Jordan flip for the conch to discuss the BBC’s new four-part adaptation of The Lord of the Flies, now streaming on Netflix. The duo dives deep into Jack Thorne’s "cinematic" take on the classic novel, debating the effectiveness of its character-focused structure and its haunting visual palette. For Rec Seg!, they've got Flies-inspired recommendations that range
Rome, Open City: The Blueprint for Revolutionary Cinema | Dissident Cinema
Adam and Josh continue Filmspotting’s Dissident Cinema Marathon with its second entry, Roberto Rossellini’s Rome, Open City. Made in the immediate aftermath of Nazi occupation and against the backdrop of a country still in crisis, the film merges neorealist observation with the tension and structure of a spy thriller. The conversation explores how the movie captures resistance not as m
Top 5 Meryl Streep Scenes | #1063
Meryl Streep is back as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada 2, and what better way to pay tribute to the best to ever do it than with a Top 5 devoted exclusively to her? Adam and Josh attempt to narrow down five decades of legendary work into a handful of essential scenes, ranging from Streep’s emotional precision in Sophie's Choice and Kramer vs. Kramer to her charming looseness in Ad
The Devil Wears Prada 2: With a Defanged Miranda, What's Left?
Adam and Josh discuss how The Devil Wears Prada 2 softens Miranda Priestly’s edges and why, despite mealy‑mouthed social commentary, the legacy sequel mostly works as comfort viewing. Along the way, they make the case that Meryl Streep is still the movie’s true luxury item. Plus: is it time for a Fitspotting spinoff? Links -Andy’s Best Dress -Chanel's Haute Couture Sp
Top 5 Overlooked Movies of the 2000s | Archive
As the 2019 edition of Madness – Best of the 2000s wrapped up, Adam and Josh took a break from the heavy hitters to highlight the gems that didn't make the 64-film bracket, including underseen comedies from Jack Black and Seann William Scott, an ambitious "docu-fantasia" from Guy Maddin, and even some deeper cuts from A-list directors like Ridley Scott and Robert Zemeckis. Unlock the full ar
People We Meet on Vacation: Rom-Coms Have a New Star | SVU
Matt and Jordan see if Netflix’s massive rom-com hit People We Meet on Vacation (starring "generational talent" Emily Bader) lives up to its 50-million-stream hype. Does the film successfully invert the When Harry Met Sally formula, or is it just a beautiful travelogue hampered by a "charisma vacuum"? Later, Jordan recommends an under-seen 2023 indie mafia drama, and Matt invites us to
The Great Dictator: Chaplin’s Act of Artistic Nobility | Dissident Cinema
First up in Filmspotting’s Dissident Cinema Marathon, Adam and Josh discuss Charlie Chaplin’s 1940 satire The Great Dictator. They explore how comedy becomes a weapon against fascism, the film’s surprising prescience and moral clarity, and the risks Chaplin took by calling out authoritarian power before much of the world was willing to do so. Links: -Filmspotting Marathons h
Summer Movie Preview 2026 and ’40s Madness Champion | #1062
Adam and Josh draft their way through the summer movie slate, weighing everything from major studio events like The Odyssey and Disclosure Day to director-driven wild cards such as Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma and Power Ballad. Also, the Filmspotting '40s Madness champion and plans for Madness '27 (and beyond). This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie su
Mother Mary: More Than Religio-Goth Gestures?
Adam and Josh discuss Mother Mary, the new film from David Lowery starring Anne Hathaway and Michaela Coel. Part ghost story, part concert film, part chamber drama, the film traces the fraught creative and emotional bond between a pop star and her longtime collaborator as questions of art and control blur together. The conversation explores the film’s woozy dream-logic filmmaking and the mom
Top 5 Movie Summers | Archive
The transition from spring to summer has long meant more than just a change in the weather; it marks the arrival of the definitive movie‑going season. In May 2022, Adam and Josh looked back at the most significant stretches of cinematic history for their Top 5 Movie Summers, ranked by the strength of their legendary slates, their cultural impact, and that unmistakable feeling of a sweltering July
Apex and The Netflix House Style | SVU
This week on Filmspotting: SVU, Matt and Jordan tackle the new Netflix action-thriller Apex, starring Charlize Theron and Taryn Egerton. Inspired by Matt Damon’s recent comments on "the Netflix note," the duo investigates whether this Australia-set survival story is better than the average streaming title or another victim of Netflix's "house style" that caters to people doing the dishe
The Christophers: Art Is Hard. People Are Harder.
Adam is joined by critic Chris Klimek to discuss Steven Soderbergh's latest, The Christophers. Starring Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel, the film centers on the uneasy power dynamic between a once-celebrated artist and the forger drawn into his orbit. The conversation focuses on McKellen’s bracing late-career performance, Coel’s controlled counterpoint, and Soderbergh and screenwriter E
Citizen Kane vs. Casablanca and '40s Madness Final | #1061
Is Casablanca the best film of the 1940s? Adam and Josh put it to the test in a head‑to‑head showdown with its fiercest competitor: Citizen Kane. As part of the Filmspotting Pantheon Project — and on the occasion of Kane’s 85th anniversary — the conversation digs into what each film says about America, power, and the promise (or illusion) of individualism. They also trace how the
A24 Draft | Archive
A24 may have launched modestly in the early 2010s, but it didn’t take long for the indie distributor to reshape American cinema. To mark the company’s first decade — spanning Spring Breakers and The Bling Ring through Moonlight, Lady Bird, The Florida Project, and more — Adam and Josh convened the debut Filmspotting Draft in August 2022: ten A24 titles each, no shared picks
Balls Up: The High Stakes of Low-Brow Comedy | SVU
Matt and Jordan return with a review of Balls Up, debating if the Peter Farrelly formula still works on the small screen and whether they can actually recommend a movie involving cocaine-addicted crocodiles. Later, Matt revisits Empire Records, Jordan goes back to 1935 with The 39 Steps, and the team plays the first-ever round of "Key Chain." (Ep. #169) (Timecodes/chapters may not be precise with
Top 5 Robert Duvall Scenes and '40s Madness Final 4 | #1060
Adam and Josh honor the late Robert Duvall with a Top 5 discussion of the scenes that best capture his range, authority, and restraint. From iconic bravura moments to quieter displays of control and vulnerability, the conversation traces performances that continue to define Duvall’s place in American cinema. Plus, the ’40s Madness bracket narrows to its Final 4 contenders. This episode
The Godfather Part II Review | Archive
After reviewing The Godfather in 2022 for the film's 50th anniversary, Adam and Josh devoted a bonus show to — arguably — its even greater sequel. For the first time, we're sharing that review in the main Filmspotting feed. Unlock the full archive, Filmspotting Discord, ad‑free + bonus episodes, and more when you join the Filmspotting Family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in
Apple TV’s Outcome: Testing the Limits of Keanu’s Likability | SVU
Not a dream, not a hoax — SVU is back. After an eight-year hiatus and a “miracle leap forward in technology,” Matt Singer returns with new co-host Jordan Hoffman. To christen the new era, they tackle Jonah Hill’s Apple TV original Outcome, starring Keanu Reeves as the neurotically obsessed movie star (and former heroin addict) Reef Hawk. The duo debates whether the fil
Coppola, Lucas, and Spielberg: How Success Changed the System — and Them
Michael Phillips talks with author Paul Fischer about The Last Kings of Hollywood and the fragile, collaborative moment that brought Coppola, Lucas, and Spielberg together before success hardened into mythology. From near-misses and rivalries to the system they helped build—and later found themselves up against—the conversation asks what was possible then, what was lost, and why none o
The Drama: A Split Decision and '40s Madness Elite 8 | #1059
Adam and Josh review The Drama, Kristoffer Borgli’s provocative relationship experiment starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, and split on whether its formal games around perception, narrative, and moral judgment deepen the emotional stakes. They then break down the Elite 8 matchups in ’40s Madness and size up what’s left of the bracket. This episode is presented by Regal Unlim
Pantheon Inductions and Dissident Cinema Marathon Announcement
Adam and Josh officially induct two films into the Filmspotting Pantheon, the show’s eclectic movie Hall of Fame, welcoming a pair of foreign‑language classics from two of the show’s most admired filmmakers. They walk through the Pantheon voting process, reflect on this year’s nominees, and explain how the final selections rose to the top.They also announce the lineup for the upc
Top 5 Horror Movies of the 21st Century | Archive
Originally recorded ten years ago during a conversation sparked by David Robert Mitchell’s It Follows, Adam is joined by Michael Phillips for a Top 5 about standout horror films from the 21st century. The conversation captures a moment tied to a film whose influence remains strong, with a sequel set to begin filming this summer. Unlock the full archive, Filmspotting Discord, ad‑free + bonus
'40s Madness Sweet 16: An Upset Brewing?
After two rounds entirely dominated by top seeds, could the first upset of ’40s Madness be brewing between Bicycle Thieves and Brief Encounter? Plus — thanks to the Filmspotting Bump™ — does The Best Years of Our Lives have what it takes to go toe‑to‑toe with It’s a Wonderful Life? Adam and Josh dig into the Sweet 16. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited
Top 5 Movies About Marriage | Archive
With THE DRAMA unfolding this weekend, we’re revisiting 2019’s Top 5 Movies About Marriage — a tour through the cracks and complexities of on‑screen commitments. Unlock the full archive, Filmspotting Discord, ad‑free + bonus episodes, and more when you join the Filmspotting Family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Project Hail Mary: Sensitivity in Space and '40s Madness Round 2 | #1058
Adam and Josh review PROJECT HAIL MARY, exploring Ryan Gosling’s blend of humor, melancholy, and middle‑school‑teacher energy. They also discuss the practical effects approach that makes it all work before turning to Round 2 of '40s Madness. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. Use code FIL
Meek’s Cutoff: Why It Belongs in the Pantheon
Adam and Josh consider the Pantheon credentials of Kelly Reichardt’s MEEK’S CUTOFF, reflecting on its spare frontier world, questions of free will, and place in Reichardt’s larger American project. Feedback: -Email us at feedback@filmspotting.net -Ask Us Anything and we might answer your question in bonus content. Support: -Join the Filmspotting Family for bonus episode
Top 5 Things From Space (That Came To Destroy Us) | Archive
With our PROJECT HAIL MARY review coming Friday, we’re revisiting a Filmspotting blast from beyond: 2014’s Top 5 Things From Space (That Came to Destroy Us). B-movies, classic sci-fi, and Arnold Schwarzenegger all make the cut. Unlock the full archive, Filmspotting Discord, ad‑free + bonus episodes, and more when you join the Filmspotting Family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy
Stand by Me at 40: Why It Still Hits Hard and '40s Madness Round 1 | #1057
Why does STAND BY ME still resonate 40 years later? Adam and Josh revisit Rob Reiner’s classic, reflecting on its friendships, its wistfulness, and River Phoenix’s unforgettable performance. Plus: a review of Maggie Gyllenhaal’s THE BRIDE and a look at the Round 1 matchups of Filmspotting '40s Madness. Join the Filmspotting Family for the full archive, bonus episodes, ad‑free lis
The Martian Review | Archive
Inspired by the upcoming release of PROJECT HAIL MARY, Adam and Josh beam back to October 2015 when they suited up for THE MARTIAN — Ridley Scott’s brainy, big‑hearted sci‑fi rescue mission starring Matt Damon.Unlock the full archive, Filmspotting Discord, ad‑free + bonus episodes, and more when you join the Filmspotting Family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oscars Predictions and Filmspotting Madness: 1940s Play‑Ins | #1056
Adam, Josh, and Michael Phillips size up the Oscars with their annual rundown of who will win, who should win, and who was unfairly overlooked — plus the Filmspotting Madness: Best of the 1940s Play‑Ins. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. Use code FILMSPOT26 to take 15% off. (Timecodes/ch
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy Review | Archive
This week’s Best Picture-winning archive pick takes us back to May 2018, when Adam and Josh returned to The Shire for a LORD OF THE RINGS reckoning. The original episode (#681) also includes a Top 5 Lord of the Rings Scenes. For full access to the show archive, Filmspotting Discord, ad-free + bonus episodes, and more, join the Filmspotting Family.See omnystudio.com/listener for priva
Top 5 Unreliable Narrators and Kurosawa’s Rashomon | #1055
This week’s Top 5 explores cinema’s most unreliable narrators, characters who bend, twist, or completely invent the truth. Adam and Josh pair the list with a fresh look at Kurosawa’s RASHOMON, the film that set the template for them all – and a potential 2026 Pantheon inductee. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription p
Moonlight Review + Barry Jenkins & Naomie Harris Interview | Archive
This week’s Best Picture-winning archive pick takes us back to October 2016 and Adam’s conversation with MOONLIGHT director Barry Jenkins and star Naomie Harris. Then, hear the show's original review from that same episode. For full access to the show archive, Filmspotting Discord, monthly bonus episodes, and more, join the Filmspotting Family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy
Catherine O'Hara: Our Top 5 Characters | #1054
Adam and Josh share their Top 5 Catherine O’Hara Characters, revisiting the brilliance and range she brought to every role — from Delia and Cookie to Moira Rose and Mickey. A heartfelt tribute to a performer whose presence defined some of cinema and TV’s most hilarious moments. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pay
Morgan Neville on Paul McCartney: Man on the Run
Oscar‑winning filmmaker Morgan Neville joins Adam to discuss his intimate archival portrait of Paul McCartney’s turbulent and creatively explosive 1970s. Neville reflects on his own documentarian origin story, his lifelong connection to the Beatles and Wings, how he built the film from audio‑only conversations with Paul, and why McCartney’s post‑Beatles decade feels like a sequel to Ge
Network Review | Archive
In honor of the late Robert Duvall, we share Adam and Josh's March 2021 review of Sidney Lumet's Best Picture-nominated NETWORK, which was part of the show's 7 From '76 series. For full access to the show archive, Filmspotting Discord, monthly bonus episodes, and more, join the Filmspotting Family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wuthering Heights Review, How Green Was My Valley | #1053
Emerald Fennell follows up her earlier provocations with one aimed at lovers of literature, "WUTHERING HEIGHTS." Marya E. Gates ("Cinema Her Way") joins Adam and Josh to unpack it all. Then, a Pantheon Project review of John Ford’s Best Picture-winning HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY, and listeners advocate for the best '90s movie soundtrack. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-
The Silence of the Lambs Review | Archive
THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS hit theaters 35 years ago this month, winning the Best Picture Oscar (along with Actor, Actress, and Director) a year later. Adam and Josh revisited the film for its 30th anniversary in February 2021. For full access to the show archive, Filmspotting Discord, monthly bonus episodes, and more, join the Filmspotting Family. LINKS -"30 years in, The Silence Of The Lam
Trainspotting Review (30th Anniv.) and Pantheon Nominations | #1052
Adam and Josh return to Danny Boyle’s drug-addled Edinburgh for TRAINSPOTTING’s 30th anniversary, then bring Producer Sam on to unveil the 2026 nominees for the Filmspotting Pantheon. Plus, Massacre Theatre. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes/chapters may not be p
Casablanca Review | Archive
For Valentine's Week, we book a trip to CASABLANCA – circa 2017 – with Adam graciously welcoming critics-on-the-run Michael Phillips and Katherine Fusco to Café Filmspotting. This is the first drop in a four-week series of archive reviews featuring romantic Best Picture winners leading up to the 2026 Oscars. For full access to the show archive, Filmspotting Discord, monthly bonu
Top 5 Diane Keaton Scenes | #1051
When Diane Keaton passed away last fall, Adam and Josh knew she was deserving of a tribute. A couple of months and a BABY BOOM/FIRST WIVES CLUB/SOMETHING’S GOTTA GIVE later, they were ready to share their Top 5 Diane Keaton Scenes. Plus, thoughts on the loss of Catherine O’Hara, listeners pick their favorite Keaton character, and a new poll demands that you Choose Life. Choose a &lsquo
Whiplash Review | Archive
12 years ago, Damien Chazelle's WHIPLASH left the Sundance Film Festival with the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award. For this week's archive episode, we're sharing Adam and Josh's October 2014 review. For full access to the show archive, the Filmspotting Discord, monthly bonus episodes, and more, consider joining the Filmspotting Family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa
One Battle After Another Review and Oscar Nominations Reaction | #1050
After PTA’s ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER reigned supreme on the show’s Top 10 Films of 2025 roundtable, Adam and Josh vowed to give the film the Sacred Cow treatment ahead of the ‘26 Oscars. Days after it received 13 nominations – including Best Picture and Director – that’s just what they did. Plus, a few thoughts on those nominations, and the most challenging Mass
Taxi Driver Review | Archive
Martin Scorsese's TAXI DRIVER arrived in theaters 50 years ago this February, so for this week's archive episode, we're sharing two reviews of the '77 Best Picture nominee: Adam and Josh's 7 From '76—Best Year Ever review from 2021; and, from 2011, Adam with Slate critic Dana Stevens on the occasion of its 35th anniversary re-release. For full access to the Filmspotting Archive,
2026 Movie Preview and 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Review | #1049
It’s Filmspotting’s 2026 Movie Preview Draft, with Adam and Josh vie for new films from Christopher Nolan, Greta Gerwig, Steven Spielberg, and more! Plus, Vulture critic Roxana Hadadi joins Adam for a review of 28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecod
Memento Review (Archive)
Coming soon, Adam and Josh look ahead to the new movie year with a 2026 Preview Draft. Likely to go early in that draft: Christopher Nolan's THE ODYSSEY. So, we're sharing our 2020 review of Nolan's MEMENTO, a film that screened at the Sundance Film Festival 25 years ago this month. For full access to the Filmspotting Archive, consider joining the Filmspotting Family. Membership also gives you an
Best Movie Scenes of 2025, Golden Brick Winner
The year’s best movie moments: opening, funniest, most moving, and music, plus Adam and Josh’s picks for Scene of the Year. Also, the winner of the 17th annual Golden Brick Award. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes and chapter starts may not be precise with ads.) Intro (00:00:00-00:02:
Aftersun Review (Archive)
Later this week, Adam and Josh share their favorite scenes of 2025 and announce the winner of the Golden Brick Award. For this archive review, it's 2022 Brick winner AFTERSUN, which went on to become the hosts' shared #1 film of the year. For full access to the Filmspotting Archive going back to 2005, join the Filmspotting Family. Membership includes monthly bonus shows, a weekly newsletter, a
Marty Supreme Review, Avatar: Fire & Ash, Dead Man’s Wire, Voice of Hind Rajab (#1047)
Back from the New Year’s break, Adam and Josh go long on the majesty - and some of the shortcomings - of Josh Safdie’s MARTY SUPREME. Plus, Josh is positive on the new AVATAR, and Adam recommends Gus Van Sant’s DEAD MAN’S WIRE and Kaouther Ben Hania’s THE VOICE OF HIND RAJAB. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in jus
Interview: Josh & Benny Safdie (Archive)
With Adam and Josh's MARTY SUPREME review coming later this week, we're sharing Adam's December 2019 "Uncut Gems" interview with the Safdie Brothers. For full access to the Filmspotting Archive going back to 2005, join the Filmspotting Family. Membership includes monthly bonus shows, a weekly newsletter, access to the Filmspotting Discord, and more. Use the promo code "supreme" for 20% off thru J
Take Shelter with Matt Singer, Lone Star with Michael Phillips
For the first show of the New Year, we’re sharing a couple of previously unaired live conversations: Adam with Matt Singer about Jeff Nichols’s TAKE SHELTER, recorded at Filmspotting Fest; and Adam with Michael Phillips about John Sayles’s 1996 western noir LONE STAR at the City of Chicago’s Siskel & Ebert at 50 celebration. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-
Top 10 Films of 2025 (Pt. 2) with Alison Willmore and Michael Phillips
For the second part of their Top 10 Films of 2025 conversation with Michael Phillips and Vulture critic Alison Willmore, the roundtable gets to the films that made at least two and, in one case, all four of their individual lists. Plus, thoughts on Rob Reiner’s passing, and film-of-the-year picks from Aisha Harris, Scott Tobias, Keith Phipps, Tasha Robinson, Marya E. Gates, David Chen, Chris Klime
Top 10 Films of 2025 (Pt. 1) with Michael Phillips and Alison Willmore
Adam and Josh’s Top 10 Films of 2025 conversation with Michael Phillips and Vulture critic Alison Willmore went so long that it had to be split into two parts. In this offering, the roundtable shares their "outlier" choices, and we hear film of the year picks from Matt Singer, Amy Nicholson, Roxana Hadadi, Mitchell Beaupre, and more. Plus, the finalists for the 2025 Golden Brick Award. This e
Eyes Wide Shut (Archive)
Something for the holidays special from the Filmspotting Archive: Adam and Josh's 9 From '99 review of Stanley Kubrick's EYES WIDE SHUT. For full access to the archive going back to 2005, plus monthly bonus shows, a weekly newsletter, access to the Filmspotting Discord, and more, join the Filmspotting Family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/li
Best Performances of 2025, Wake Up Dead Man and Hamnet Reviews
Hot on the heels of submitting their Chicago Film Critics Association ballots, Adam and Josh share their favorite performances of the year, plus some thoughts on Rian Johnson’s WAKE UP DEAD MAN and Chloe Zhao’s HAMNET. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes and chapter starts may not be pre
Knives Out Review (Archive)
For this week's archive drop, we're sharing Adam and Josh's 2019 review of Rian Johnson's KNIVES OUT. The third film in the series, WAKE UP DEAD MAN, is currently in theaters and comes to Netflix on Dec. 12. For full access to the archive going back to 2005, plus monthly bonus shows, a weekly newsletter, access to the Filmspotting Discord, and more, join the Filmspotting Family. Learn more about y
Top 5 Movies Adapted From Iowa Writers – Live at Refocus Film Festival
Back in October, Michael Phillips joined Adam at Iowa City’s Refocus Film Festival for a live recording of the Top 5 Movies Adapted From Iowa Writers. The town is home to the University of Iowa’s famed Writers’ Workshop, so picks were not confined to "Field of Dreams" and "The Music Man" (but those get shout-outs, too). This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie s
Bonus: Ask Us Anything (Excerpt)
For November's Filmspotting Family bonus episode, Adam, Josh, and Producer Sam fielded a wide variety of questions from listeners, including how Josh ended up in Scotland, how Adam ended up (back) in Iowa, and the very second, circa 2005, when Sam knew that Filmspotting was something bigger than he and Adam imagined it would be. Monthly bonus episodes are just one of the benefits of becoming a Fi
Wicked For Good Review, Train Dreams, Golden Brick Long List
Josh (a fan of last year’s "Wicked") and Adam (not a fan) review the sequel and try to get to the bottom of why it fails where the stage musical (mostly) succeeds. Plus, raves for Clint Bentley’s TRAIN DREAMS, and the Golden Brick longlist. This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. (Timecodes and chapter
The Running Man Review, Nouvelle Vague
Director Edgar Wright’s latest, THE RUNNING MAN, is an update of the Schwarzenegger-starring ‘87 sci-fi action film (and the ‘82 Stephen King novella). Josh finds just enough to recommend it, but Adam has a hard time finding the Wright in it all. And Michael Phillips joins Adam for a review of Richard Linklater’s Paris ‘59-set NOUVELLE VAGUE, with both agreeing that the director’s making-of-”Breat
The Next Picture Show’s 500th Episode
We celebrate our sister podcast's milestone by sharing their recently published 500th episode, which has hosts Scott Tobias, Tasha Robinson, Genevieve Koski, and Keith Phipps reflecting on their 10 years of podcasting. Plus, a special one-off review of their namesake film, Peter Bogdanovich's THE LAST PICTURE SHOW. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee omnystudio.com/li
Bugonia Review, Die My Love, The Mastermind, It Was Just an Accident
For their fourth film together, Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone get weird and go bald in BUGONIA with Jesse Plemons as Stone’s conspiracy-obsessed kidnapper. Adam and Josh discuss, along with reviews of Lynne Ramsay’s DIE MY LOVE starring Jennifer Lawrence, Kelly Reichardt’s THE MASTERMIND with Josh O’Connor, and film-of-the-year candidate IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT, the latest from Jafar Panahi. Th
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