Sean and Amanda are joined by Puck?s Matt Belloni to recap their trip to the annual Hollywood Studio and theatrical exhibitor trade show CinemaCon! First, they break down their trip to Las Vegas and review their experience seeing ?The Wizard of Oz? at the Sphere (1:12). Then, they discuss the general state of movies in 2026 and share all of their main takeaways from CinemaCon (18:14). To close out the show, they each share their five most anticipated movies coming out of the event (54:21). Have a question for our 900th episode mailbag? Email us at [email protected] or call us at 323-488-3241 and leave a message! Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Matt Belloni Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today?s show, Sean and Amanda bring back the Summer Movie Preview game?with some additional clarity around scoring?where they preview every major release slated across the summer and predict its box office and Metacritic score (4:47). Then, Sean is joined by Daniel Goldhaber to discuss his new film, ?Faces of Death,? starring Barbie Ferreira. He cites how the attention economy has drastically impacted young people?s lives, why he?s pushing the envelope of including radical leftist politics into his work, and breaks down his personal experience with the studio system (1:28:52). Have a question for our 900th episode mailbag? Email us at [email protected] or call us at 323-488-3241 and leave a message!  Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Daniel Goldhaber Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In anticipation of ?The Devil Wears Prada 2,? Sean and Amanda embark on a staggering journey to build the Meryl Streep Hall of Fame. Before making their list, they react to the official lineup of films announced to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival and go through some other smaller movie news headlines (0:48). Then, they talk through what makes Streep one of the greatest actors of all time and sort through every one of her 64 feature film performances across her illustrious career (16:58). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda reconvene the movie star committee to rank the 35 most important movie stars under the age of 35. Before diving in, they declare that we?re officially back following the domestic box office hitting a post-pandemic high (0:48). Then, they make the case for why movie stars still matter (7:56); share their main takeaways from their new list, including the biggest winners and losers (22:54); and rank Hollywood?s biggest young actors based on a blend of what a star has done already, what they have on their slate next, and what they could turn into in the future (47:58). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the Personal Price Plan®?. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there®?. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda open the show by tackling some movie news headlines, including the green-lighting of a ?Weapons? prequel at Warner Bros., speculation that ?The Adventures of Cliff Booth? could premiere at the Venice Film Festival, and the first trailer for 20-year-old Kane Parsons?s highly anticipated horror film, ?Backrooms? (1:07). Then, they cover ?The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,? which they found to be creatively and aesthetically bankrupt, and explain why they think it is an ?evil movie? (13:56). Next, they unpack Kristoffer Borgli?s untraditional romantic comedy ?The Drama,? starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson (33:03). They break down why they anticipate a divided public reception, explain why they found the movie?s flipping of rom-com tropes to be hugely successful, and fully spoil the movie by analyzing its central ?twist.? Finally, they share a list of their top 10 favorite movie plot twists of all time (1:08:15). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh Drivers wanted. Learn more at https://vw.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda open the show with a few movie news topics including Ryan Gosling being cast in the highly anticipated next film for the Daniels, and the Oscars' decision to leave the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood for the 2029 Academy Awards (1:19). Then, they cover 15 2026 movies they have yet to discuss on the show this year, and share their top five favorite films of the year so far (19:04). Finally, Sean is joined by BenDavid Grabinski to discuss his new film, ?Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice,? as well as his long and arduous journey to directing his own material, what it?s actually like to pitch your movie, and why he needs to creatively collaborate with people who genuinely love movies (1:45:52). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: BenDavid Grabinski Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the Personal Price Plan®?. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there®?.Find what you're looking for. https://www.amazon.com/firetv/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We?re drafting again! Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan and Bill Simmons to draft their favorite movies from the year 1988. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Bill Simmons and Chris Ryan Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh and Jacob Cornett Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the Personal Price Plan®?. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there®?.Visit us in stores and online https://Warbyparker.com/BIGPICTURE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean is joined by legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg for an extensive conversation about his illustrious career; what excited him about making his upcoming science fiction film, ?Disclosure Day?; and how he feels about the current state of the industry (6:20). Host: Sean Fennessey Guest: Steven Spielberg Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the Personal Price Plan®?. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there®?. Drivers wanted. Learn more at https://vw.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda open the show by reacting to a ton of movie news, including the Oscar ratings being down 9 percent from last year, the new trailer for ?Spider-Man: Brand New Day,? and Kirsten Dunst joining the cast of the upcoming ?Minecraft Movie? sequel (1:22). Then, they cover the biggest movie event of 2026 so far: Phil Lord and Chris Miller?s science fiction film ?Project Hail Mary,? starring Ryan Gosling (31:57). They break down why the film?s practicality is incredibly essential to its success and how the movie is beautiful in a way that mainstream Hollywood productions typically aren?t. Finally, Sean is joined by Lord and Miller themselves to discuss why they felt Andy Weir?s novel was the perfect source material for their next project and how the complicated process behind shooting space scenes was incredibly rewarding (1:08:19). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Phil Lord and Chris Miller Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the Personal Price Plan®?. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there®?. Drivers wanted. Learn more at https://vw.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda kick off the show by reacting to a laundry list of movie news, including the new trailer for Denis Villeneuve's ?Dune: Part Three,? starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya; the reports that Bradley Cooper will direct a new 'Ocean's 11' prequel for Warner Bros.; and Universal?s decision to extend theatrical windows for new releases (1:15). Then, they open up the mailbag for a post-Oscars hangover discussion and talk through whether or not Chalamet will be OK going forward, what the Oscars can do differently when they move over to YouTube, and how the industry can build positive momentum around the good energy surrounding the state of cinema (35:22). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the Personal Price Plan®?. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there®?. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda instantly react to the 98th Academy Awards and share their main takeaways from Hollywood?s biggest night. They make the case for why these Oscars and the Best Picture win for ?One Battle After Another? were for ?the movie nerds,? break down Michael B. Jordan?s incredible speech for his Best Actor win, and talk through their mixed feelings about the telecast itself. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producers: Jack Sanders, Chris Wohlers, and Kevin Cureghian Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the Personal Price Plan®?. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there®?. Drivers wanted. Learn more at vw.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We?re getting close to the finish line! On today?s show, Sean and Amanda give their official picks for the 98th Academy Awards. Before diving in, they react to the new trailer for Steven Spielberg?s upcoming blockbuster, ?Disclosure Day,? starring Josh O?Connor and Emily Blunt (2:11). Then, they discuss what their expectations are for the Oscars broadcast (9:36) and break down who they think will win, and should win every award (19:12). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producers: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the Personal Price Plan®?. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there®?. Drivers wanted. Learn more at vw.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda open up the mailbag and answer your "Anything But Oscars? questions! Before diving in, they cover a handful of movie news headlines, including a big opening weekend box office for ?Hoppers,' two of the final Oscars precursors with the WGA and the ASC awards, and the news that Christopher McQuarrie is directing a new ?Conan the Barbarian? movie for 20th Century Studios (1:37). Next, they open the mailbag and answer whether or not Bob Ferguson is into physical media, highlight some 2026 titles they hope to see premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, and share the most memorable movie theater experiences of their lives (17:51). Finally, they cover Pixar?s new animated movie, ?Hoppers,? and break down why they were ultimately mixed-positive on Daniel Chong?s new film (1:47:14). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producers: Jack Sanders, Chris Wohlers, and Kevin Cureghian Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the Personal Price Plan®?. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there®?. Drivers wanted. Learn more at vw.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today?s show, Sean and Amanda break down Maggie Gyllenhaal's fascinating new movie, ?The Bride!,? starring Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale. They commend the film for its ambition and vision, highlight some of its utterly confounding fatal flaws, and debate the value of projects that reimagine old source material with modern ideas and context (4:17). Next, they make a list of their favorite reimaginings and reboots of all time (42:51). Then, they revisit Kleber Mendonca Filho?s ?The Secret Agent,? starring Wagner Moura. They explore why they found a rewatch of the movie to be incredibly rewarding, celebrate its singularity, and explain how Moura?s towering performance centers the entire story for the audience (54:53). Finally, they cover the Oscar-nominated films for Best Documentary this year and critique the current state of the voting branch and what types of movies it rewards (1:29:26). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the Personal Price Plan®?. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there®?. Drivers wanted. Learn more at vw.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda are joined by friend of the pod Wesley Morris for a very special episode! First, they react to the news that Paramount has won the bidding war for Warner Bros. and have an extensive conversation on the long-term ramifications for the industry (4:46). Next, they recap three recent awards shows with the ACE Awards, the PGAs, and the Actor Awards, and dissect what it means for the two-horse Best Picture race between ?One Battle After Another? and ?Sinners? (35:47). Lastly, they kick off their sixth annual Alternative Oscar awards (a.k.a. the Big Picks), in which they award alternative nominees and winners for the major Oscar categories, as well as some additional homemade categories which they believe should exist at the Academy Awards (1:30:00). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Wesley Morris Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the Personal Price Plan®?. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there®?. Visit us in stores and online https://Warbyparker.com/BIGPICTURE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today?s action-packed episode, Sean first reacts to Netflix backing out of the bidding for Warner Brothers?clearing the path for a merger with Paramount (2:01). Next, he is joined by Chris Ryan to react to Christian Bale and Leonardo DiCaprio?s casting in Michael Mann?s ?Heat 2? and give a general temperature check on the movie (6:36). Then, they cover ?Scream 7? and preface the conversation by discussing the rumored controversy behind the shuffling cast (16:17) before diving fully into spoilers and exploring the myriad of reasons why they found the film to be deeply unsuccessful (21:57). Later, Sean is joined by Amanda Dobbins and Adam Nayman to discuss one of their favorite movies of the year so far: Matt Johnson?s ?Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie.? They talk through why the movie is so hysterical, how its sincerity makes the movie feel moving, and why it became an instant cult classic (49:10). Finally, Sean is joined by Johnson to discuss why he felt he needed to make this movie right now, how having no knowledge of the original series actually makes the movie better, and what he?s doing next with ?Nirvanna the Band the Show? Season 3, as well as his Anthony Bourdain biopic ?Tony,? starring Dominic Sessa (1:18:45). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Matt Johnson, Adam Nayman, and Chris Ryan Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh A State Farm agent can help you choose the coverage you need. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®Drivers wanted. Learn more at vw.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda open today?s jam-packed show by covering the results of the BAFTA Awards and highlighting some key takeaways, including Sean Penn's and Wunmi Mosaku?s wins (2:30). Then, they discuss a new release, ?How to Make a Killing,? starring Glen Powell, and work through why the movie was dumped (and then bombed) and why they found it to be pretty solid (14:47). Next, they take a second look at ?Sinners? and revisit all of the things that make it so special, including the magical moviemaking, its sharp understanding and rendering of sex and desire, and its brilliant use of music (25:32). Later, they update their Best Picture Power Rankings (1:06:37). Finally, Sean is joined by Academy Award?nominated cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw to nerd out and get into the nitty-gritty of aspect ratios and anamorphic glass, discuss where ?Sinners? fits into her career at large, and explain why she enjoys shooting difficult scenes that require problem-solving (1:29:58). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Autumn Durald Arkapaw Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh A State Farm agent can help you choose the coverage you need. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Drivers wanted. Learn more at vw.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean is joined by Chris Ryan to talk garbage crime and the litany of films that have been influenced by the likes of 'Heat'. They also discuss the life and career of Robert Duvall and his major influence in post-1960s Hollywood. They also talk about the bidding war for Warner Bros. Later, Sean is joined by filmmaker Bart Layton, director of 'Crime 101,' to discuss his influences and inspirations for the film. HOST: Sean Fennessey GUESTS: Chris Ryan and Bart Layton PRODUCERS: Jack Sanders and Steve Ahlman Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We?re drafting again! Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan, Joanna Robisnon, and The Ankler?s Katey Rich to right the Academy?s wrongs by drafting the biggest Oscars snubs of all time. Before diving in though, they briefly cover this year?s Best Picture race (2:00). Then, they introduce the new categories and rules for this format and draft (12:33). Next, Sean and Amanda briefly cover Óliver Laxe?s ?Sir?t? and talk through its deeply affective emotional provocation  (2:06:21). Finally, Sean is joined by Laxe to explain why he feels like the audience dies while watching his film, how he experienced rave culture before portraying it on screen, and why creating transformative images that evoke feeling is the most crucial aspect of cinema (2:16:16).  Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Óliver Laxe, Chris Ryan, Joanna Robinson, and Katey Rich Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh A State Farm agent can help you choose the coverage you need. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda are joined by Sam Sanders from the Sam Sanders Show to break down two new horny and thorny releases. They begin the show with an extensive and fascinating conversation about Emerald Fennell?s ?Wuthering Heights,? starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi (2:22). They explain why they found her provocation unsuccessful, why Robbie and Elordi were miscast in their roles, and how the film doesn?t look nearly as good as it should. Then, they discuss Harry Lighton?s delightful debut feature, ?Pillion,? starring Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling, which they all absolutely adored (1:02:13). Finally, Sean is joined by Lighton to discuss how he approached adapting the original source material for the film, why he purposefully avoided classic biker and leather films as inspiration, and how he coordinates intimacy on screen (1:23:33). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Harry Lighton and Sam Sanders Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh A State Farm agent can help you choose the coverage you need. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda open the show by reacting to every movie trailer from the Super Bowl, including those for David Fincher?s ?The Adventures of Cliff Booth? and Steven Spielberg?s ?Disclosure Day? (1:25). Then, they talk through their experience at the DGA Awards this past weekend and explain what it?s actually like at an awards show (33:15). Finally, Sean is joined by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the directors of ?KPop Demon Hunters,? to discuss why they wanted to make a movie for themselves first and foremost, how legendary Korean directors Bong Joon-ho and Park Chan-wook inspired their filmmaking style, and the importance of writing interesting and strong female characters (1:25:38). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans Producer: Jack Sanders Video Producers: Sarah Reddy, Donald LoBianco, and Ryan Todd Audio Producers: Devon Baroldi and Kevin Cureghian Additional Production Support: Nick Kosut and T Cruz A State Farm agent can help you choose the coverage you need. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the first time in show history we?re doing a ?listener?s choice? episode! We gave you four options and you ultimately decided to go with a 2008 Movie Swap featuring ?The Strangers? and ?Mamma Mia!? Before diving in, Sean and Amanda preview the Super Bowl this Sunday and talk through the potential trailers for some of the year?s biggest movies (2:27). Then, they explain what a Movie Swap is exactly (8:42), and discuss ?The Strangers? (16:59) and ?Mamma Mia!? (48:38) Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Jack Sanders A State Farm agent can help you choose the coverage you need. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda open today?s action-packed show by discussing the incredible box office success of Markiplier?s self-financed ?Iron Lung,? and they talk through how it could possibly impact the future of moviegoing and studio strategy (2:32). Then, they react to breaking news in real time, with Nancy Meyers?s new film starring Penélope Cruz, Kieran Culkin, and Jude Law being dated for December 2027 (17:22). Next, they honor the legendary actor Catherine O?Hara following her passing and briefly build her Hall of Fame (21:58). Following that, Sean shares his 10 favorite movies from the Sundance Film Festival and highlights ?Josephine? as emotionally devastating and a major standout (27:16). Later, they discuss two recent releases in ?People We Meet on Vacation,? which they found to be quite disappointing (43:12), and the Charli xcx mockumentary ?The Moment,? which they both thoroughly enjoyed (1:07:16). Finally, Sean is joined by legendary production designer Jack Fisk to discuss all things ?Marty Supreme,? his incredibly detail-oriented creative process behind building a new world, and what he learned from working with filmmakers like Terrence Malick, David Lynch, and Paul Thomas Anderson (1:21:57). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Jack Fisk Producer: Jack Sanders A State Farm agent can help you choose the coverage you need. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda open the show by covering A24's win in the 72-hour bidding war for Olivia Wilde?s ?The Invite? at the Sundance Film Festival (1:16), react to the leaked photographs from the upcoming biopics about the Beatles (5:33), and share their brief takeaways from the BAFTA nominations (8:38). Then, they cover ?Mercy,? starring Chris Pratt, which they found to be an evil and disastrous misfire (17:01). Next, they talk through Sam Raimi?s ?Send Help?, starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O?Brien, and celebrate Raimi's use of his signature trademarks to explore some really morally thorny material (41:34). Finally, they use McAdams?s wonderful performance as a segue to have a conversation about the 10 most misused stars in Hollywood (1:00:16). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Jack Sanders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We?re opening up the mailbag! Before diving in, Sean and Amanda break down the poor box office performance over the weekend and highlight some new releases coming this week (2:13). Then, they answer all of your questions relating to last week?s Oscars nominations, talk through topics like whether or not late release dates negatively affected certain films' award chances, and debate whether ?Sinners? now has a legitimate shot at winning Best Picture over ?One Battle After Another? (11:24). Finally, they update their Best Picture power rankings following the official nominations (1:40:57). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Jack Sanders This episode is sponsored by State Farm®?. A State Farm agent can help you choose the coverage you need. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda break down all of the Oscar nominations and share their major takeaways, including 'F1' (sillily) sneaking into Best Picture and ?Sinners? shattering the all-time nominations record, and highlight their biggest snubs. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Jack Sanders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We?re drafting again! Before diving in, Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan to debate whether or not this is the best January at the movies ever (0:37). Then, they cover the new Netflix action movie ?The Rip??starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck?during which they make the case for it being an A-plus January Netflix release (17:02). Next, they talk through what Damon and Affleck mean to film (39:41) and draft their favorite movies from the iconic duo (51:41). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Producer: Jack Sanders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan as they enter the bone temple to discuss Nia DaCosta?s ?28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,? which they all thoroughly enjoyed (10:12). Then, they briefly build the Ralph Fiennes Hall of Fame, featuring their favorite performances from the legendary actor (43:47). Next, they cover Mona Fastvold?s ?The Testament of Ann Lee,? starring Amanda Seyfried, which they found incredibly ambitious and strange but also wonderfully complex and mature (51:39). Finally, Sean is joined by Fastvold to explain what attracted her to the story of Ann Lee and the Shaker movement; talk through the process of cowriting the screenplay with her husband, Brady Corbet; and discuss how she?s able to make epic stories with lower-budget independent filmmaking (1:01:56). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Mona Fastvold and Chris Ryan Producer: Jack Sanders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We?re back with a new movie auction! Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan to review the rules and results from last year?s auctions (3:47) and compete for their most anticipated films of 2026 in ?The Odyssey,? ?Dune: Part Three,? ?Disclosure Day,? and more (39:19). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Producer: Jack Sanders This episode is sponsored by State Farm®?. A State Farm agent can help you choose the coverage you need. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda instantly react to the 2026 Golden Globes and break down their thoughts on the telecast, debate whether or not ?Hamnet? is now a serious Best Picture contender, and wonder what exactly the purpose of this awards show is. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Jack Sanders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In anticipation of the Golden Globes, Sean and Amanda start the show by answering five burning questions about this awards season (1:05) before sharing their personal predictions for the Golden Globes (26:56). Then, they discuss Park Chan-wook?s ?No Other Choice?, a clever and class-conscious black comedy, which they both absolutely loved (1:11:07). Finally, Sean is joined by director Park to break down what attracted him to the source material and why there was an incredible amount of intentionality behind every decision (1:33:25). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Park Chan-wook and Jiwon Lee Producer: Jack Sanders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda kick off the New Year by counting down their 26 most anticipated movies of 2026. But before diving in, they do a major run-through of all the things they missed over the holiday break, including a recap of their time off (0:38), box office totals (12:05), and awards (20:36). Then, they dive into their list (46:39). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Jack Sanders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a prerecorded taping from March of 2025, Sean and Amanda peel back the curtain to let you in as they finalize their 25 best movies of the 21st century list in real time, during what Amanda calls "a two-hour, weird psychological exercise that also could have been an email (and was).? Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Bobby Wagner Producers: Jack Sanders and Chia Hao Tat Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda return to continue their yearlong project of listing the 25 best movies of the 21st century so far. Today, they discuss David Fincher?s ?The Social Network,? the era defining study of the Internet. They make the claim that this is their generation?s ?Citizen Kane,? explain why it is a comfort movie about everything that is horrible, and crown Jesse Eisenberg for delivering one of the defining performances of the century. 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

Sean and Amanda have an action-packed show today where they cover three new releases. Before diving in, they react to the recent trailers for ?The Odyssey? and ?Avengers: Doomsday? and quickly discuss ?Zootopia 2? and ?Avatar: Fire and Ash? (1:38). Then, they discuss Paul Feig?s ?The Housemaid,? starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried, which they found disappointing and prompts a discussion about what type of movies are being made for women in 2025 (9:09). Next, they talk through ?Anaconda,? starring Jack Black, which they describe as a cynical, depressing exercise in IP franchise filmmaking (38:37). Finally, they briefly touch on ?Song Sung Blue,? a musical drama about a Neil Diamond tribute band starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson (50:00), before director Craig Brewer joins Sean to break down how his filmmaking career started, explain why music plays such a profound role in his work, and tell a fascinating story about the lengthy process behind casting Hudson (1:01:35). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Craig Brewer Producers: Jack Sanders and Jacob Cornett Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It?s on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda return to continue their yearlong project of listing the 25 best movies of the 21st century so far. Today, they discuss Paul Thomas Anderson?s ?There Will Be Blood,? one of greatest portraits of greed and ambition ever made. They discuss why this was the official ?PTA? selection for their list, why Daniel Day-Lewis delivers the greatest performance of the century, then they reflect on the film's defeat across the board to ?No Country For Old Men? at the 2008 Academy Awards. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producers: Jack Sanders and Chris Thomas Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It?s on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda dream big on today?s show because they?re breaking down one of their most anticipated movies of the year with Josh Safdie?s ?Marty Supreme,? starring Timothée Chalamet. They make the case for why it?s one of the best movies of the year, celebrate its relentless and propulsive filmmaking style, and highlight their favorite individual scenes from the movie (1:31). Then, Sean is joined by Safdie to discuss the intense pressure he faced following the success of ?Uncut Gems,? why Chalamet?s personal ambition and drive made him perfect for the lead role of Marty, and work through whether or not this is a ?chapter closing? type of movie for Safdie as a director (1:00:26). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Josh Safdie Producers: Jack Sanders and Jacob Cornett Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It?s on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

Sean and Amanda start the show by reacting to the news that the Oscars broadcast will move to YouTube in 2029, and debate whether or not it?s a good move (1:48). Then, they react to the new trailer for Steven Spielberg?s science fiction film, ?Disclosure Day? starring Josh O?Connor and Emily Blunt (12:46). Next, they dive into one of the year?s most anticipated films with James Cameron?s blockbuster sequel ?Avatar: Fire and Ash?. They celebrate its breathtaking action set pieces, criticize its slow pacing, which they felt dragged the movie down, and explain why it?s a real ?you?re mileage may vary? type of movie (15:36). Finally, they cover the Oscars short list (43:45) and take stock of what?s rising and falling, before building their final Best Picture Power Rankings of 2025 (1:00:38). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producers: Jack Sanders and Chris Thomas Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It?s on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We?re drafting again! Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan to discuss who they were in 2022 and draft the best movies from that year.  Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Producer: Jack Sanders Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It?s on Prime. A State Farm agent can help you choose the coverage you need. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda begin the show by honoring the towering career of Rob Reiner following his devastating passing (1:22). Then, they open up the mailbag and answer your questions about the general panic and angst about the future of the movie business (7:48). Next, they cover Rian Johnson?s new murder mystery sequel, ?Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,? starring Josh O?Connor and Daniel Craig (1:10:14). Finally, Johnson joins the show to discuss why he gravitates toward murder mysteries as a storyteller, how his personal relationship with religion and faith has evolved over time, and why he was blown away by O?Connor?s performance (1:24:58). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Rian Johnson Producer: Jack Sanders Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It?s on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda are joined by Joanna Robinson on today?s show to cover Chloe Zhao?s adaptation of ?Hamnet,? starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. They unpack their complicated feelings by highlighting the film's incredible emotional power, and also criticize aspects they found totally confounding (12:28). Next, they briefly discuss Kleber Mendonça Filho?s ?The Secret Agent? and celebrate Wagner Moura?s wonderful performance at the center of the film (48:46). Then, they share their individual top 10 favorite performances of 2025 (55:47). Finally, Sean is joined by Mendonça Filho to explain how some fiction work can discover even more truth than documentary, his thought process behind utilizing split diopter shots, and why he wrote the lead role of the movie specifically for Moura (1:45:46). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Kleber Mendonça Filho and Joanna Robinson Producer: Jack Sanders Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It?s on Prime. A State Farm agent can help you choose the coverage you need. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda cover Noah Baumbach?s new film, ?Jay Kelly,? starring George Clooney and Adam Sandler. They work through their mixed reactions to the movie and sort through specifically what worked for them and what didn?t (4:24). Then, they speculate Sandler?s potential award chances (41:33) before building his Hall of Fame with their favorite performances (53:50). Finally, Sean is joined by Baumbach to explain why he doesn?t enjoy revisiting his old work, why Clooney was perfect for the part of Jay, and whether his films are getting funnier or more tragic with age (1:49:39). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Noah Baumbach Producer: Jack Sanders Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It?s on Prime. A State Farm agent can help you choose the coverage you need. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda have an action-packed show today, and they start with the biggest piece of news: Netflix?s $82.7 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. They talk through their initial gut reactions to the news; cover the additional information that came through over the weekend, including Paramount?s hostile bid; and hypothesize whether or not the sale will go through (1:57). Then, they react to the Golden Globe nominations and try to make sense of what they mean for the Academy Awards (1:00:11). Finally, they briefly discuss Jafar Panahi?s ?It Was Just an Accident? (1:20:29) before Sean is joined by Panahi himself to discuss how he casts his actors, why he prioritized balancing a humorous tone and serious drama, and why he feels that his next film has to be about war (1:26:51). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Jafar Panahi and Sheida Dayani Producer: Jack Sanders Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It?s on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan and Adam Nayman to share their five favorite films from the year. But before diving in, they cover a handful of movie news items, including the updated rumors regarding the potential sale of Warner Bros. (1:25), the massive box office success of ?Zootopia 2? (5:44), and the speculation that Leonardo DiCaprio has been cast in Michael Mann?s ?Heat 2? (11:15). Then, they each share their top five favorite movies from 2025 (25:20). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Chris Ryan and Adam Nayman Producer: Jack Sanders Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It?s on Prime. A State Farm agent can help you choose the coverage you need. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean, Amanda, and Chris visit Pandora and join the Na?vi to watch James Cameron?s ?Avatar: The Way of Water? in anticipation of his upcoming sequel, ?Avatar: Fire and Ash.? Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Chris Ryan Producer: Jack Sanders Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It?s on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda are joined by Tracy Letts to cover the monumental work of legendary actor Robert Redford. They celebrate the star?s illustrious career, share their personal relationship to his work, and build his Hall of Fame.  Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Tracy Letts Producer: Jack Sanders Research: Brantley Palmer Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It?s on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda return to continue their yearlong project of listing the 25 best movies of the 21st century so far. Today, they discuss Spike Lee?s ?25th Hour,? one of the most present tense films ever made. They discuss its fascinating legacy as a somewhat under-discussed masterpiece, explain why Lee?s stylistic choices are deeply moving, and identify the impressive fricative tension in all of the movie?s ideas. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Jack Sanders Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It?s on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda begin the show by discussing the imminent sale of Warner Brothers Discovery, consider the potential implications of a merger with one of Paramount, Comcast, or Netflix, and debate which scenario is the most likely outcome (1:22). Then, they cover the new Colleen Hoover adaptation ?Regretting You? starring Allison Williams and Dave Franco, which they found absolutely baffling (17:28). Next, they have an extensive conversation around Joachim Trier?s ?Sentimental Value,? starring Renate Reinsve and Stellan Skarsgard, where they explore why some people are connecting to the film so strongly, while for others it doesn't seem to resonate (47:15). Finally, Trier joins the show to explain how much of himself is actually mapped onto Skarsgard?s character, how being a good listener and observant of the world around you translates to strong characterization, and the story of shooting in a house that was down the street he grew up on (1:33:54). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Joachim Trier Producer: Jack Sanders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda are joined by Juliet Litman and return to the (not so) wonderful world of Oz to cover John M. Chu?s ?Wicked: For Good,? starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Before diving in, they react to new movie trailers for Charli XCX?s ?The Moment? (1:02) and ?The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping? (10:54). Then, they discuss ?Wicked: For Good,? which they found deeply frustrating due to its bizarre story choices and one-dimensional characters (18:22). They hypothesize its potential box office, compare this year?s press tour to last year?s, and weigh its Academy Award chances (1:07:44). Next, Sean and Amanda briefly examine Clint Bentley?s ?Train Dreams,? starring Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones, a deeply earnest and sincere portrayal of grief with some beautiful digital photography and an amazing collection of character actors (1:22:55). Finally, Bentley joins the show to discuss his new film and explains why he initially thought the original material was unadaptable, how he put a lot of intent behind capturing the logging scenes in the movie, and shares his feelings on the current state of independent film (1:34:28). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Clint Bentley and Juliet Litman Producer: Jack Sanders Talk to a State Farm agent today to learn how you can choose to bundle and save with the Personal Price Plan®. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there®. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices