Podcast Like It's ...
Writers Phillip Iscove, Kenny Neibart, and Emily St. James explore some of the best years in film, music, and television, starting with 1999, then 1989, 2009, and 1992. They dive into favorite movies, TV shows, and musicians from those years.
Episodes
98: Wanted with Elias Isquith
Phil and Emily are joined by writer Elias Isquith (Necessary Fictions blog) to close out the Angelina Jolie Action Films of the 2000s miniseries with the loudest, messiest entry yet: Timur Bekmambetov's Wanted (2008).James McAvoy plays a cubicle drone recruited by Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman into a secret fraternity of assassins that takes its orders from a magical loom. Yes, a loom. The mov
97: Mr. & Mrs. Smith with Lindsey Romain
Phil and Emily bring in writer Lindsey Romain for the fourth installment of the Angelina Jolie action films miniseries, and it is the one LaToya Ferguson was promised. Lindsey's work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Vulture, and Bright Wall/Dark Room, and she saw this movie four times in theaters as a teenager. She still has the promotional pin from when she worked at a movie theater in high s
96: Tomb Raider 2 with Caroline Thompson & Carson Betts
Phil and Emily continue the Angelina Jolie action films miniseries with Lara Croft: Tomb Raider — The Cradle of Life (2003), joined by Carson Betts and Caroline Thompson, co-hosts of the How Have You Not Seen It podcast. All four participants are watching this film for the first time. This is relevant information.The Cradle of Life follows Lara Croft racing to find Pandora's Box before a rogue sci
95: Tomb Raider with BJ & Harmony Colangelo
Phil and Emily continue the Angelina Jolie action films miniseries with Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001), joined by BJ Colangelo and Harmony Colangelo, co-hosts of the This Ends at Prom podcast. BJ and Harmony previously joined the show for Hard-Boiled, which Phil describes as a superior action movie. Harmony agrees with everything about that sentence.Tomb Raider follows aristocrat archaeologist Lar
94: Gone in 60 Seconds with LaToya Ferguson
Phil and Emily are joined by LaToya Ferguson to kick off a new miniseries on Angelina Jolie's action films of the 2000s, beginning with Gone in 60 Seconds (2000). LaToya is a TV writer, critic, and co-host of the Empire Diaries podcast. She has appeared on the show before, covering The Other Sister and Ladybugs on previous installments. She wanted to cover Mr. and Mrs. Smith. She did not get Mr. a
93: Where the Wild Things Are with Drew McWeeny
Phil and Emily are joined by film critic, screenwriter, and Hip Pocket podcast host Drew McWeeny to discuss Where the Wild Things Are (2009), the Spike Jonze adaptation of Maurice Sendak's 85-word picture book that cost roughly $100 million, barely broke even, got one Blu-ray release, and has been sitting in a strange kind of limbo ever since.Drew has been close to this film longer than almost any
92: Synecdoche, New York with Angie Han
Phil and Emily are joined by Angie Han, TV critic at The Hollywood Reporter, to discuss Synecdoche, NY (2008), Charlie Kaufman's audacious directorial debut and the film Roger Ebert called the best of the 2000s.Kaufman wrote and directed this hallucinatory portrait of Caden Cotard (Philip Seymour Hoffman), an ailing theater director who uses a MacArthur Fellowship to build a life-size re
91: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind with Katey Rich
Phil and Emily are joined by Katey Rich, awards editor at The Ankler and host of the Prestige Junkie podcast, to discuss Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004), Michel Gondry's Charlie Kaufman-written love story and one of the defining films of its generation. This episode is part of the ongoing miniseries on the 2000s films of Charlie Kaufman and Michel Gondry.Jim Carrey plays Joel and Kate
90: Confessions of a Dangerous Mind with Jason Bailey
Phil and Emily are joined by film critic and author Jason Bailey to revisit Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, George Clooney's 2002 directorial debut based on Chuck Barris' unauthorized autobiography. Jason is the author of Gandolfini: The Real Life of the Man Who Made Tony Soprano, now available in paperback.Chuck Barris created The Dating Game and The Gong Show. He also claimed to have secretly k
89: Adaptation with David Iserson & Dana Schwartz
This week on Podcast Like It’s the 2000s, Phil Iscove is joined by writer David Iserson (Ponies) and author/podcaster Dana Schwartz (Noble Blood, Anatomy: A Love Story) to unpack one of the most inventive films of the decade: Adaptation.Part of our Spike Jonze & Charlie Kaufman mini-series, the group explores Kaufman’s famously meta screenplay, Nicolas Cage’s dual performance as Charlie and Do
88: Human Nature with Colby Day
Phil and Emily are joined by Colby Day to discuss Human Nature (2001), Michel Gondry's feature directorial debut and Charlie Kaufman's second produced screenplay. The trio dives into this offbeat comedy about a woman with hypertrichosis, a scientist obsessed with teaching table manners to mice, and a feral man raised in the wild. They explore how Kaufman and Gondry use this absurd love triangle to
87: For Your Consideration with Adam B. Vary
Phil and Emily are joined by Adam B. Vary to discuss For Your Consideration (2006), Christopher Guest’s razor-sharp satire of Hollywood awards campaigns and the strange machinery behind Oscar buzz. As actors, publicists, and studios chase nominations, the film hilariously exposes how quickly hype can spiral into ego, anxiety, and manufactured prestige.This episode also wraps up our brief three-fil
86: A Mighty Wind with Carrie Courogen
This week on Podcast Like It’s the 2000s, Phil and Emily continue their Christopher Guest 2000s miniseries with A Mighty Wind, joined by writer and author Carrie Courogen.They break down Guest’s uniquely gentle mockumentary style, the film’s satirical take on folk music culture, and why its characters feel both absurd and deeply human. Plus, a closer look at the performances, the emotional undercu
85: Best in Show with Kathryn VanArendonk
Phil and Emily continue their journey through the 2000s with Christopher Guest’s beloved mockumentary Best in Show. Joined by critic Kathryn VanArendonk, they discuss the film’s improvisational comedy, its incredible ensemble cast—including Catherine O’Hara, Eugene Levy, Parker Posey, and Fred Willard—and why the world of competitive dog shows created one of the funniest comedies of the decade. Th
84: Up with Josh Spiegel & Scott Renshaw
On this episode of Podcast Like It’s the 2000s, Phil and Emily are joined by film critics Josh Spiegel and Scott Renshaw to discuss Pixar’s emotional adventure about Carl Fredricksen, a widowed balloon salesman who lifts his house into the sky in search of Paradise Falls only to discover an unexpected stowaway along the way.The group breaks down the film’s famous opening montage, its unusual elder
83: Wall-E with Justin & Laura Khoo
Phil Iscove and Emily St. James continue their Pixar 2000s miniseries with a deep dive into WALL·E, Andrew Stanton’s 2008 animated sci-fi romance about a lonely trash-compacting robot left behind on Earth.Joined by Justin and Laura Khoo, they break down the film’s near-silent first act, Ben Burtt’s groundbreaking sound design, the Axiom’s consumerist dystopia, and why WALL·E may be Pixar’s most po
82: My Blueberry Nights with David Sims
This week on Podcast Like It’s the 2000s, Phil and Emily wrap up their Valentine’s Day Wong Kar-wai miniseries with a deep dive into My Blueberry Nights (2007), joined by David Sims (Blank Check). They discuss Norah Jones’ debut performance, Jude Law’s rom-com era, the film’s Cannes premiere, its American road movie structure, and why this English-language detour feels so different from In the Moo
81: 2046 with Clay Keller
This week on Podcast Like It’s the 2000s, Phil and Emily continue their Valentine’s miniseries on the films of Wong Kar-wai with a deep dive into his dreamy, decadent, and divisive follow-up to In the Mood for Love: 2046. Joining them is Screen Drafts co-host Clay Keller to unpack memory, desire, sci-fi metaphors, hotel rooms, and the many women orbiting Tony Leung’s endlessly romantic (and endles
80: In The Mood For Love with Katie McGrath & Tom Mison
This week on Podcast Like It’s the 2000s, Phil and Emily kick off a brand-new Valentine’s miniseries on the films of Wong Kar-wai with one of the most celebrated movies of the century: In the Mood for Love. Joining them are Katie McGrath and Tom Mison, making their first appearance on the main feed after many beloved appearances on Podcast Like It’s the 90s (the Patreon-exclusive show).The convers
79: Ratatouille wtih Brooke Solomon and Jordan Gustafson
We continue our Pixar 2000s miniseries with one of the studio’s most unexpectedly profound films: Ratatouille. Joined by Brooke Solomon and Jordan Gustafson of The Queer Quadrant, we dig into why this movie about a rat who cooks somehow became one of Pixar’s most emotionally resonant works.We talk about Ratatouille as a love letter to food, Paris, and creative ambition; the film’s quietly radical
78: Cars with Myles McNutt
On this episode of Podcast Like It’s the 2000s, Phil and Emily continue their Pixar 2000s miniseries by finally pulling into Radiator Springs to talk Cars with critic and scholar Myles McNutt.Often dismissed as “the lesser Pixar,” Cars is also one of the studio’s most commercially dominant films and one of its strangest cultural phenomena. The trio digs into why this movie connected so deeply with
77: The Incredibles with Libby Hill
This week on Podcast Like It’s the 2000s, Phil Iscove and Emily St. James continue their Pixar of the 2000s miniseries by diving into Brad Bird’s The Incredibles with critic and writer Libby Hill.Released in 2004, The Incredibles sits at a fascinating crossroads for Pixar part family sitcom, part mid-century spy fantasy, and part superhero deconstruction years before the genre would dominate Holly
76: Finding Nemo with Caroline Framke
This week on Podcast Like It’s the 2000s, Phil and Emily continue their deep dive into Pixar’s 2000s run with Finding Nemo, joined by critic and writer Caroline Framke.Released in 2003, Finding Nemo marked a major turning point for Pixar pairing cutting-edge animation with a surprisingly emotional story about parenthood, fear, and letting go. The group breaks down how revolutionary the film felt a
75: Monster’s Inc. with Griffin Newman
Phil and Emily head back to early-2000s Pixar with Monsters, Inc., a movie that feels deceptively simple until you realize how much emotional and thematic weight it’s quietly carrying. Joining them is Griffin Newman for a deep dive into why this film has endured as one of Pixar’s most humane, rewatchable achievements.The conversation unpacks the movie’s elegant world-building, its labor-comedy roo
74: Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow with Emma Stefansky
Every year on Podcast Like It’s the 2000s, Phil and Emily pick one Chaos Pick a movie that doesn’t quite fit into any miniseries, but demands to be talked about anyway. This year’s selection is Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, the ambitious 2004 pulp-sci-fi experiment that looked like the future of filmmaking… and then quietly disappeared.Joining the conversation is Emma Stefansky, here to p
73: In Bruges with Clay Keller & Alan Sepinwall
We close out our holiday run It’s Christmas and the Boys Are Sad with Martin McDonagh’s In Bruges, a film that balances brutal violence, pitch-black comedy, and unexpected tenderness against a fairy-tale Christmas backdrop. Phil & Emily joined by writers and podcasters Clay Keller and Alan Sepinwall to unpack why this movie has only grown more beloved and more emotionally complicated over time
72: Catch Me If You Can with Lindsay Ellis
Our holiday miniseries It’s Christmas and the Boys Are Sad continues with Steven Spielberg’s Catch Me If You Can, a movie that feels breezy and charming on the surface and quietly devastating underneath. Phil and Emily are joined by author, video essayist, and YouTuber Lindsay Ellis to unpack why this film has only grown richer with time.The conversation explores the movie’s deceptive simplicity,
71: Kiss Kiss Bang Bang with Alonso Duralde
Our 2000s Holiday Noir miniseries kicks off with a film that helped relaunch Robert Downey Jr.’s career and reintroduced Shane Black to a new generation: Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Phil and Emily are joined by film critic and historian Alonso Duralde to unpack why this meta-crime-comedy still feels like lightning in a bottle.The trio digs into the movie’s razor-sharp script, its chaotic but affectionate
70: Charlie Wilson’s War with Sonia Saraiya
Our Mike Nichols 2000s miniseries continues with one of the director’s strangest career anomalies: Charlie Wilson’s War. Phil and Emily are joined by critic and writer Sonia Saraiya to unpack how Nichols, Aaron Sorkin, Tom Hanks, and Julia Roberts came together to make a political dramedy that feels breezy on the surface but carries enormous historical weight underneath.The conversation digs into
69: Closer with Sean Fennessey
This week, we continue our Mike Nichols miniseries with a deep dive into Closer (2004), joined by Sean Fennessey of The Big Picture. It’s a film that captivated many of us in our early 20s only to unravel under rewatch with age, perspective, and healthier emotional boundaries.We unpack why Closer once felt like “grown-up cinema,” how its theatrical origins shape its structure, and why its four lea
68: Angels in America: Part Two with Joe Reid
In the conclusion to their Mike Nichols miniseries, Phil and Emily welcome Joe Reid (Vulture, This Had Oscar Buzz) to unpack Angels in America: Part Two Perestroika.The trio dives deep into how Nichols translated Tony Kushner’s monumental stage play into one of HBO’s most ambitious miniseries exploring its themes of prophecy, identity, queer resilience, and the intersection of politics and spiritu
67: Angels in America: Part One with Adam B. Vary
This week on Podcast Like It’s The 2000s, Phil and Emily begin their deep dive into Mike Nichols’ monumental HBO miniseries, Angels in America with special guest Adam B. Vary (Variety).Together, they unpack Tony Kushner’s sweeping adaptation of his Pulitzer Prize winning play, exploring how Nichols brought the AIDS crisis, politics, and spirituality to television with raw emotional power. From Me
66: Paranormal Activity with Emily Hughes
This week on Podcast Like It’s The 2000s, Phil and Emily welcome writer Emily Hughes to discuss Paranormal Activity — the micro-budget phenomenon that redefined horror for a generation. Together they dig into the film’s scrappy origins, the ingenious use of found footage to build dread, and how Oren Peli’s minimalist approach reshaped studio thinking about what a blockbuster could be.From its DIY
65: Saw with Louis Peitzman
This week on Podcast Like It’s The 2000s, hosts @pmiscove and @emilystjams kick off a brand new Halloween miniseries, Somebody Scare Phil, with guest Louis Peitzman (Chasing Amy Adams). Together, they dive into the bloody brilliance and DIY spirit of James Wan and Leigh Whannell’s 2004 indie phenomenon Saw a film that reshaped horror on a shoestring budget and gave rise to a genre-defining franchi
64: Wit with Eliza Clark
Phil and Emily continue their deep-dive into Mike Nichols’ work from the 2000s with Wit , the acclaimed HBO adaptation of Margaret Edson’s Pulitzer Prize–winning play. Joined by writer and producer Eliza Clark (Y: The Last Man, Animal Kingdom), they explore how Nichols recalibrated his directorial voice after What Planet Are You From? with this intimate, emotionally devastating story of a scholar
63: What Planet Are You From? with Emma Stefansky
Phil and Emily kick off a brand-new miniseries exploring the films and television of legendary director Mike Nichols in the 2000s. First up: the notorious 2000 sci-fi romantic comedy “What Planet Are You From?”, starring Gary Shandling, Annette Bening, and John Goodman.Joined by critic and returning guest Emma Stefansky, the trio dive deep into this infamous box-office bomb unpacking its chaotic t
62: Burn After Reading with Brooke Solomon and Jordan Gustafson
Phil and Emily wrap up their Oscar-winning Best Director follow-ups mini series with Joel and Ethan Coen’s Burn After Reading. They’re joined by Brooke Solomon and Jordan Gustafson, from the podcast The Queer Quadrant, to dig into this razor-sharp dark comedy that skewers espionage, bureaucracy, and human foolishness in equal measure.From the Coens’ tonal whiplash to the film’s biting satire of po
61: Lust Caution with Danette
Phil and Emily continue their Oscar-Winning Best Director Follow-Ups miniseries with Ang Lee’s provocative espionage drama Lust, Caution. Joined by Danette Chavez (Editor-in-Chief of The A.V. Club), they dig into the film’s bold mix of eroticism, politics, and moral ambiguity, exploring how Lee followed Brokeback Mountain with a risky and divisive project that tested both audiences and censors. Fr
60: Flags of Our Fathers with Mitchell Beaupre
Phil and Emily continue their mini series on Oscar-winning Best Director follow-ups from the 2000s with Clint Eastwood’s Flags of Our Fathers. Joined by Mitchell Beaupre, editor and podcast host at Letterboxd, they dig into Eastwood’s haunting take on the Battle of Iwo Jima and the myth making around Joe Rosenthal’s famous photograph of soldiers raising the flag.The conversation unpacks Eastwood’s
59: King Kong with Drew McWeeny
Phil and Emily continue our Patreon mini series on Oscar-winning Best Director follow-ups from the 2000s with Peter Jackson’s ambitious epic King Kong. Joined by critic, screenwriter, and podcaster Drew McWeeny, they revisit Jackson’s sprawling remake of the 1933 classic and unpack how the film reflects both his greatest strengths and his boldest excesses in the wake of The Lord of the Rings.From
58: Oliver Twist with Bryan Cogman
Phil and Emily continue their mini series on Oscar-winning Best Director follow-ups from the 2000s with Oliver Twist (2005), Roman Polanski’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic. They’re joined by writer and producer Bryan Cogman, who may be one of the few people to have actually seen the film in theaters.The conversation dives into Polanski’s unexpected choice to follow The Pianist with this f
57: The Missing with Patrick Cotnoir
Phil and Emily continue their miniseries on Oscar winning Best Director follow ups from the 2000s with Ron Howard’s The Missing. With guest Patrick Cotnoir (The George Lucas Talk Show), they revisit this overlooked Western thriller starring Cate Blanchett and Tommy Lee Jones.The discussion explores Blanchett’s powerful performance, Jones’ turn as an estranged father, Daniel Craig’s early role, and
56: Road to Perdition with Blake Howard
Phil and Emily continue their miniseries on Oscar winning Best Director follow ups from the 2000s with Road to Perdition, Sam Mendes’ ambitious second feature after American Beauty. Joining them is film journalist and podcaster Blake Howard (One Heat Minute Productions), who helps unpack the film’s technical brilliance, subdued emotional core, and unique place in early 2000s cinema.Together, they
55: Ocean’s 11 with Liz Hannah & Brian Millikin
Phil and Emily continue their miniseries on Oscar-winning Best Director follow-ups from the 2000s with Steven Soderbergh’s effortlessly cool Ocean’s 11. Joined by screenwriter Liz Hannah and producer Brian Millikin, they unpack how this slick, stylish remake redefined the modern heist film. From its razor-sharp script and effortless ensemble chemistry to Soderbergh’s precision, tonal balance, and
54: A.I. with Roxana Hadadi
We are kicking off a brand new miniseries on Oscar-winning Best Director follow-up films from the 2000s, starting with Steven Spielberg’s bold and deeply divisive “A.I. Artificial Intelligence.” TV critic and Vulture writer Roxana Hadadi joins Phil and Emily for a wide-ranging conversation that digs into the movie’s legacy, Kubrick’s influence, and how the film hit differently post-Oscars and post
53: Life During Wartime with Chris Feil
Emily and Phil close out their “Films of the Todds” mini series, spotlighting the distinct visions of Haynes, Phillips, Solondz, and Field, with a thoughtful conversation about Todd Solondz’s darkly comic Life During Wartime (2009). Joining them is film critic and podcaster Chris Feil, who brings sharp insight to this follow-up to Happiness and its meditation on forgiveness, trauma, and the ways t
52: The Hangover with Jude Ellison Doyle
Emily and Phil continue their “Films of the Todds” mini series, exploring the work of Haynes, Phillips, Solondz, and Field. This week, they take a look at Todd Phillips’ culture-shifting comedy The Hangover. Joining them is writer and cultural critic Jude Ellison Doyle, who brings a sharp, thoughtful perspective to one of the 2000s most talked-about comedies.Together, they discuss how The Hangover
51: I’m Not There with Ryan Marker
Emily and Phil continue their “Films of the Todds” mini series as they take on Todd Haynes’s ambitious and unconventional biopic I’m Not There. They are joined by film critic and podcaster Ryan Marker for a conversation about this multi-layered portrait of Bob Dylan, identity, and the myth of American celebrity.Together, they break down the film’s innovative structure, discuss Cate Blanchett’s acc
50: Little Children with Libby Hill
Emily and Phil continue their “Films of the Todds” mini series, spotlighting the work of Haynes, Phillips, Solondz, and Field, with a deep dive into Todd Field’s haunting suburban drama Little Children (2006). Joining them is writer and producer Libby Hill, who brings sharp insight into the film’s complex characters, morally murky relationships, and the atmosphere of quiet desperation that runs th
49: School for Scoundrels
Emily and Phil continue their “Films of the Todds” mini series—highlighting the work of Haynes, Phillips, Solondz, and Field—by revisiting Todd Phillips’ under-the-radar 2006 comedy School for Scoundrels.They break down the film’s blend of mean-spirited humor and underdog charm, its place in the landscape of mid-2000s comedies, and how Billy Bob Thornton and Jon Heder play off each other as mismat
48: Palindromes with Simon Ennis
Emily and Phil continue their mini series on the films of "The Todds" Haynes, Phillips, Solondz, and Field with a deep dive into Todd Solondz’s challenging and provocative Palindromes (2004). Joining them is filmmaker and returning guest Simon Ennis, who brings thoughtful insight into one of Solondz’s most controversial and layered films.They explore the film’s shifting lead actors, its exploratio
47: Starsky & Hutch with Clay Keller
This week on Podcast Like It's the 2000s, Emily and Phil are joined by screenwriter and podcast host Clay Keller (@claykeller) to revisit Todd Phillips’ Starsky & Hutch (2004), the action comedy that helped cement early 2000s buddy cop nostalgia.As they continue their deep dive into the films of "The Todd’s" Haynes, Phillips, Solondz, and Field they examine how Starsky & Hutch fits into th
46: Old School with Griffin Newman
On this episode of Podcast Like It’s 2000s, Emily and Phil continue their “Films of the Todds” mini-series spotlighting Haynes, Phillips, Solondz, and Field with a look at Todd Phillips’ breakout hit, Old School (2003).Joining them is actor and podcaster Griffin Newman (@grifflightning), who helps examine how Old School shaped 2000s studio comedy, its impact on the careers of its leads, and where
45: Far From Heaven with Marie Bardi-Salinas
Emily and Phil continue their deep dive into The Todds—Haynes, Phillips, Solondz, and Field—with Todd Haynes’ lush and heartbreaking 2002 masterpiece Far From Heaven. Joining them is writer and culture critic Marie Bardi-Salinas (@mariebardi), bringing her sharp insight and deep love for this era of filmmaking.Together, they explore how Haynes channels Douglas Sirk to tell a daring, subversive sto
44: In The Bedroom with Katey Rich
Emily and Phil continue their exploration of The Todd’s—Haynes, Phillips, Solondz, and Field—with a deep, emotional dive into Todd Field’s devastating directorial debut, In The Bedroom (2001). Joining them is critic and editor Katey Rich, bringing insight into what made this restrained, quietly explosive drama a standout of early 2000s cinema.Together, they unpack Sissy Spacek and Tom Wilkinson’s
43: Storytelling with Rich Monahan
Phil & Emily kicks off our brand-new mini-series The Films of The Todds—a deep dive into the cinematic worlds of Todd Haynes, Todd Phillips, Todd Solondz, and Todd Field. First up? Todd Solondz’s provocatively layered and deeply uncomfortable 2001 film Storytelling.Joining Phil & Emily is writer and pop culture commentator Rich Monahan to unpack the film’s divisive two-part structure ("Fic
42: Road Trip with with David Ehrlich + Bonus Interview with Amy Smart
Phil and Emily are kicking off their new mini-series The Films of “The Todds”—a deep dive into the wildly different worlds of Todd Haynes, Todd Phillips, Todd Solondz, and Todd Field. And what better way to start than with one of the most chaotic, irreverent, and painfully 2000s comedies: Road Trip (2000).Joining them for this raunchy, college-era nostalgia fest is film critic David Ehrlich (Indie
41: Obsessed with Sidney Butler & Austin Harris
Phil and Emily are wrapping up their dive into Beyoncé’s films of the 2000s mini series with the wild, over-the-top thriller Obsessed (2009). Joining them for this high-stakes finale are Sidney Butler and Austin Harris, ready to break down the campy chaos of this Beyoncé vs. Ali Larter showdown.From glass-shattering catfights to wildly intense stares, they unpack why Obsessed became a cult classic
40: Cadillac Records with Mike Natale
Phil and Emily continue their Beyoncé in the Movies Mini-Series with a deep dive into the 2008 musical biopic Cadillac Records, and they’re joined by writer and film critic Mike Natale to help unpack this rich (and underrated) chapter in Queen Bey’s acting career.Beyoncé stars as the legendary Etta James in this chronicle of Chess Records and the rise of American blues and rock ’n’ roll. The trio
39: Dreamgirls with Barrett Doss
Phil and Emily continue their Beyoncé in the Movies Mini-Series with the crown jewel of her early film career: Dreamgirls (2006). Joining them is the immensely talented actress and singer Barrett Doss (Station 19, Iron Fist), bringing her Broadway perspective to a dazzling conversation about one of the most ambitious movie musicals of the 2000s.They dive into Beyoncé’s transformation into Deena Jo
38: The Pink Panther with Brooke Solomon & Jordan Gustafson
Phil and Emily continue their Beyoncé in the Movies Mini-Series with a dive into 2006’s slapstick reboot The Pink Panther! Joining them are returning guests Brooke Solomon and Jordan Gustafson from Queer Quadrant, ready to unpack the chaotic energy of Steve Martin’s Inspector Clouseau—and Beyoncé’s role as the glamorous pop star turned murder suspect, Xania.They discuss the film’s cartoonish tone,
37: The Fighting Temptations with Louis Peitzman
Phil and Emily continue their Beyoncé in the Movies Mini-Series with 2003’s The Fighting Temptations! Joining them is pop culture writer and critic Louis Peitzman, who helps break down this feel-good gospel comedy starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and Beyoncé in one of her first major film roles.They dive into the movie’s blend of music, faith, and small-town charm, Beyoncé’s effortless charisma on screen
36: Goldmember with Akilah Hughes
We’re kicking off our brand-new Beyoncé in the Movies Mini-Series with a groovy start: Austin Powers in Goldmember! Phil and Emily are joined by writer, comedian, and Beyoncé superfan Akilah Hughes to break down Queen Bey’s feature film debut as the iconic Foxxy Cleopatra.From Mike Myers’ chaotic brand of early-2000s comedy to Beyoncé’s effortless star power, we dive into how Goldmember captured a
CSI: Taylor Swift (April Fools’ Bonus Episode)
Surprise, Swifties and sleuths! For our April Fools’ bonus episode, Phil and Emily hit pause on the movie talk to investigate one of the most unexpected pop culture crossovers of the 2000s: Taylor Swift’s guest appearance on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation—yes, really.In this chaotic and deeply unserious deep dive, we break down the 2009 episode “Turn, Turn, Turn,” where Taylor plays a rebellious t
BONUS: Tom Cruise Top Five with Drew Taylor & Charles Hood
We’re wrapping up our Tom Cruise Mini-Series with a high-octane bonus episode, and we’ve brought in the big guns to help us finish strong! Phil and Emily are joined by returning guests Drew Taylor (The Wrap) and Charles Hood (Night Owls, A Better You) to rank their Top 5 Tom Cruise Movies of All Time.From iconic action roles to underrated dramatic turns, we break down the performances, the stunts,
35: Valkyrie with David Iserson
Phil and Emily continue their Tom Cruise Mini-Series with the 2008 historical thriller Valkyrie, and they’re joined by writer David Iserson (Mr. Robot, Mad Men, New Girl) to dig into one of the most unexpected and serious turns in Cruise’s 2000s filmography.Directed by Bryan Singer, Valkyrie dramatizes the real-life plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler, with Cruise portraying German officer Claus von
34: Tropic Thunder with Chuck Hayward & Kenny Neibart
Phil and Emily continue their Tom Cruise Mini-Series with one of the wildest entries in his filmography—Ben Stiller’s 2008 Hollywood satire Tropic Thunder! Joining them for the ride are writer/producer Chuck Hayward (WandaVision, Ted Lasso) and screenwriter Kenny Neibart, who help break down the film’s razor-sharp commentary, outrageous performances, and Cruise’s unforgettable (and totally unhinge
33: Lions For Lambs with Jason Bailey
Phil and Emily continue their Tom Cruise Mini-Series with a deep dive into the 2007 political drama Lions for Lambs. 🎬🔥 Joining them is film critic and author Jason Bailey (Fun City Cinema), who brings his insightful perspective to this star-studded film featuring Cruise, Meryl Streep, and Robert Redford.Despite its powerhouse cast and timely themes, Lions for Lambs struggled to make a lasting imp
32: Mission: Impossible III with Liz Hannah & Brian Millikin
Phil and Emily continue their Tom Cruise Mini-Series with the adrenaline-fueled Mission: Impossible III! 💥🎭 Joining them are screenwriter Liz Hannah (The Post, Long Shot) and writer/producer Brian Millikin (Quantum Leap, Haven) to break down how J.J. Abrams' 2006 entry changed the M:I franchise forever.From Philip Seymour Hoffman’s chilling villain to the emotional stakes that added new depth to E
31: War of the Worlds with Jamelle Bouie
Phil and Emily continue their Tom Cruise Mini-Series with one of the most intense blockbusters of the 2000s—Steven Spielberg’s War of the Worlds! 🌍👽 Joining them is journalist and critic Jamelle Bouie (The New York Times), who helps break down how this 2005 sci-fi thriller captured post-9/11 anxieties, redefined the alien invasion genre, and gave us one of Cruise’s most underrated performances.Fro
30: Nights in Rodanthe with Jessica Ellis
This week, Phil and Emily continue their journey through 2000s cinema with Nights in Rodanthe, the 2008 Nicholas Sparks adaptation that brought Richard Gere and Diane Lane back together for another romantic whirlwind. Joining them is filmmaker and writer Jessica Ellis, who helps unpack why this film leans into peak Sparks melodrama—complete with stormy nights, second chances, and plenty of emotion
29: The Notebook with Emmy Potter and Carrie Wittmer
In this riveting episode, hosts Phil and Emily sit down with Emmy Potter and Carrie Wittmer to explore the enigmatic cult classic Nothebook. Hailing from the 2000s, this film broke the mold with its innovative narrative, striking visuals, and offbeat humor that still resonates today.Join us as our guests share fresh insights on how Nothebook challenged traditional storytelling and influenced a gen
28: A Walk to Remember with Alissa Wilkinson
In this heartfelt episode, Phil and Emily dive into the tender world of A Walk to Remember, the 2002 teen romance that left a lasting imprint on early-2000s cinema. Joined by film critic Alissa Wilkinson from Vox, the trio explores the movie’s emotional journey—from its understated charm and iconic performances by Mandy Moore and Shane West to its poignant themes of love, loss, and transformation.
27: Collateral with Roxana Hadadi
Phil and Emily continue their Tom Cruise Mini-Series with Michael Mann’s sleek and stylish Collateral! 🔥🚖 Joining them is the brilliant Roxana Hadadi (Vulture), who helps break down this electrifying 2004 thriller that saw Cruise take on one of his most chilling roles as the cold-blooded contract killer, Vincent.From its stunning digital cinematography to the pulse-pounding tension between Cruise
26: The Last Samurai with Bilge Ebiri
Phil and Emily continue their Tom Cruise Mini-Series with a deep dive into Edward Zwick’s sweeping 2003 historical epic, The Last Samurai. Joined by esteemed film critic Bilge Ebiri (New York Magazine), they explore Tom Cruise’s transformation into a disillusioned American soldier who finds redemption and purpose within the samurai culture of 19th-century Japan.From its breathtaking cinematography
25: Minority Report with Libby Hill
Phil and Emily continue their Tom Cruise Mini-Series with Steven Spielberg’s gripping 2002 sci-fi thriller Minority Report! Starring Cruise at the height of his action-star powers, this adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s story explores a dystopian future where crimes can be predicted—and prevented—before they happen.Joined by the brilliant Libby Hill (IndieWire), the trio dives into the film’s groundb
24: Vanilla Sky with Justin & Laura Khoo
The Tom Cruise mini-series continues as Phil and Emily dive into the dreamlike, mind-bending world of Vanilla Sky! 🎭✨ Joined by special guests Justin and Laura Khoo, co-hosts of the podcast Cows in the Field, they unpack Cameron Crowe’s ambitious 2001 film that blends romance, science fiction, and psychological thriller into one unforgettable ride.From its haunting visuals to its polarizing twists
23: Mission: Impossible II with Jamie Jirak
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to join Phil and Emily as they launch their brand-new Tom Cruise mini-series with a deep dive into Mission: Impossible II! 🚁🔥 Joining them is the delightful Jamie Jirak (ComicBook.com), who helps unpack the over-the-top action, slow-motion doves, and John Woo’s unmistakable directorial flair.From Ethan Hunt’s rock-climbing intro to the explosive fin
22: The Cat in the Hat with Tallie Medal
Hold onto your striped hats! 🎩 In this chaotic episode, Phil and Emily delve into the whimsical and wild world of The Cat in the Hat (2003). Joined by the insightful Tallie Medel, they explore the film's eccentricities, its departure from Dr. Seuss's classic tale, and its place in early 2000s cinema.From Mike Myers's unpredictable performance to the film's surreal production design, the trio exami
21: The Family Man with Emily St. James
It’s time to get festive with Nicolas Cage! 🎄✨ In this installment of our TIS THE DAMN SEASON: 2024 EDITION mini-series, Phil and Emily dive into the heartfelt holiday drama The Family Man. Directed by Brett Ratner, this 2000s classic reimagines the "What If?" story, as a high-powered executive gets a glimpse of what his life could have been if he’d chosen love over ambition.Phil and Emily discuss
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