FS #209: Standard Operating Procedure / Speed Racer / Andromeda Strain / Top 5 Photography Movies

May 9: With a summer movie line-up filled with the likes of Indy, Iron Man and Batman, good ol’ Arthouse Adam listed "Standard Operating Procedure," Errol Morris’ documentary on the notorious Abu Ghraib photographs, as his most anticipated summer film. This week the boys decide which was more gut-wrenching: "Standard Op’s" vivid depictions of the Abu Ghraib atrocities, or being subjected to the Wachowski brothers big-screen adaptation of "Speed Racer," starring Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, and a monkey.

Plus, tying in with the infamous evidence at the center of "Standard Operation Procedure," the guys offer up their Top 5 Photography Movies with help from Filmspotting friend and professional photographer Anthony Behar. Go Fimspotters Go!

Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, music by Chuck Prophet and the Filmspotting '70s Sci-Fi Marathon continues with a discussion of "The Andromeda Strain," the 1971 alien-microbe-from-outer-space classic based on Michael Crichton’s best-selling novel.

Filmspotting is presented by SpoutBlog and the FilmCouch podcast. Find out why The New York Times says, "SpoutBlog's got it all," at blog.spout.com.

...And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store!

CONTEST
Congrats to our 'Recast Ghostbusters Contest' winners -- frozenhamster and minerwerks. Next up... Filmspotting and Spout.com invite you to take your best shot at recasting '80s classic "The Breakfast Club" for a chance to win some great American Apparel swag. A 2nd place winner will get "Speed Racer the Next Generation: The Beginning" on DVD.



Filmspotting #209
:24-12:28 - Review: "Standard Operating Procedure"
12:29-17:10- - Review: "Speed Racer"
Music: Chuck Prophet, "Let's Do Something Wrong"
17:33-20:34 - Poll Questions
20:35-29:35 - Listener Feedback (Iron Man)
Music: Chuck Prophet, "Maked Ray"
30:20-33:52 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Julian Cornell)
33:53-43:19 - '70s Sci-Fi #2: "The Andromeda Strain"
Music: Chuck Prophet, "Talkin' New Kingdom"
43:45-47:16 - New DVDs, Contest, Donations
47:17-1:01:23 - Top 5: Photography Movies
1:01:18-1:03:56 - Close/Next Show/Outtake

NOTES/CORRECTIONS
- Our apologies to those who downloaded the version with the repetitive ending. We have to do two different versions of the sign-off ("For Filmspotting..."), one for Chicago Public Radio.

FS #209 Up Soon

Please check back for Filmspotting #209 with reviews of "Standard Operating Procedure" and "Speed Racer," plus our Top 5 Photography Movies, around 11 am CT. Thanks for your patience!

FS #208: After Hours (Love, Actually)

May 6: Cure your Cinco de Mayo hangover with some hair of the dog and a slug of Filmspotting After Hours. Adam and Matty cobble together another bonus show featuring more great Listener Feedback and the first Listener's Choice review of "Love, Actually."

FS #208: Iron Man / The Omega Man / Top 5 Box Office Bombs (That We Like)

May 2: This week... What is this Iron Man? A small arthouse documentary on the legendary heavy metal band Black Sabbath? The long awaited Cal Ripken biopic? No, director Jon Favreau treats Adam and Matty to their first taste of a summer popcorn movie with his adaptation of the popular Marvel comic starring Robert Downey, Jr. as playboy-turned-superhero Tony Stark. Gwyneth Paltrow and Jeff Bridges co-star. The original man of iron -- Charlton Heston -- stars in "The Omega Man," the opening entry in Filmspotting's '70s Sci-Fi Marathon. Plus, "Paging Mr. Costner!" In honor of the onset of blockbuster season (emphasis on the BUST), Filmspotting shares the Top 5 Box Office Bombs (That We Like).

Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, music by Fever Marlene and Matty's Movie Minute reviews "Baby Mama" (sort of).

Filmspotting is presented by SpoutBlog and the FilmCouch podcast. Find out why The New York Times says, "SpoutBlog's got it all," at blog.spout.com.

...And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store!

CONTEST
Congrats to our 'Recast Ghostbusters Contest' winners -- frozenhamster and minerwerks. Next up... Filmspotting and Spout.com invite you to take your best shot at recasting '80s classic "The Breakfast Club" for a chance to win some great American Apparel swag. A 2nd place winner will get "Speed Racer the Next Generation: The Beginning" on DVD.



Filmspotting #208
:24-11:01 - Review: "Iron Man"
Music: Fever Marlene, "Oh Berlin"
11:59-17:16 - Poll Questions, Matty's Movie Minute
17:17-28:07 - Listener Feedback (Sarah Marshall, Summer Preview)
Music: Fever Marlene, "Lemon King Mahoney"
28:53-33:15 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Liz Adams)
33:16-35:05 - Ebertfest
35:06-47:17 - '70s Sci-Fi #1: "The Omega Man"
Music: Fever Marlene, "Won't Let You Down"
47:58-55:46 - New DVDs, Contest, Donations
55:47-1:13:21 - Top 5: Box Office Bombs (That We Like)
1:13:22-1:16:10 - Close/Next Show/Outtake

NOTES/CORRECTIONS
- 'Become Tony Stark for a Weekend' Contest

- Yep, I meant "Before Sunrise" that last time but repeated "Before Sunset."

- Matty was right... "Omega Man" director Boris Sagal is Katey Sagal's father.

- Wikipedia's Box Office Bombs.

FS #207: Where in the World is Osama bin Laden? / The Visitor / Summer Movie Preview

April 25: This week... Filmspotting previews the glorious popcorn season ahead with a countdown of their Top 5 Most Anticipated Summer Movies. And what says 'summer fun' better than a 'War on Terror' double feature? Adam rolls out his best Rumsfeld impression while Matty conjures his best Condi to chase down Public Enemy #1 with director Morgan Spurlock in his latest documentary, "Where in the World is Osama bin Laden?" Plus, Filmspotting has always admired the work of long-time supporting actor Richard Jenkins. How does the venerable 'that guy' do when given the chance to carry a film in a lead role? Your hosts discuss with a review of "The Visitor," writer/director Tom McCarthy's follow-up to his much beloved debut "The Station Agent."

Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and music by The Scotland Yard Gospel Choir courtesy of Bloodshot Records.

Filmspotting is presented by SpoutBlog and the FilmCouch podcast. Find out why The New York Times says, "SpoutBlog's got it all," at blog.spout.com.

...And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store!

CONTEST
Spout.com dares Filmspotting listeners to recast "Ghostbusters" for a shot at great prizes at recast.spout.com.



Filmspotting #207
:24-11:27 - Review: "Where in the World..."
Music: SYGC, "I Never Thought..."
12:37-15:39 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Eddie deAngelini)
15:40-24:52 - Review: "The Visitor"
Music: SYGC, "Broken Front Teeth"
25:53-30:02 - Poll Questions, Notes
30:03-38:23 - Listener Feedback (Concert Scenes)
Music: SYGC, "Then and Not a Moment Before"
39:16-42:47 - New DVDs, Contest, Donations
42:48-53:55 - Top 5: Most Anticipated Summer Movies
53:56-57:15 - Close/Next Show/Outtakes

NOTES/CORRECTIONS
- BIG mistake at the end of the show... confused this weekend's releases with what we were looking to review next week on the show. "Iron Man" and "Made of Honor" open May 2nd. New movies this weekend include "Baby Mama," "Deception" and the new "Harold and Kumar." Sorry.

FS #206: Forgetting Sarah Marshall / Sarasota Film Fest / The Visitor / Top 5 Vacation Movies

April 18: Just when you feel like you're not getting enough full frontal male nudity, ribald oral sex jokes and Paul Rudd in your life, along comes the perfect remedy in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," the latest comedy from producer Judd Apatow starring Jason Segel, Mila Kunis and Kristen Bell. Adam and Matty take a moment to deconstruct some of the recurring themes in the Apatow canon from an auteurist perspective and laud Kunis for a breakout, Bacall-esque performance. Plus, team Filmspotting emerges from the beaches of Florida minted with a fresh sun-burned glow and some thoughts on their experience at the Sarasota Film Festival and their all-time Top 5 Vacation Movies.

Plus, a conversation with Richard Jenkins and Hiam Abbas, stars of the new film "The Visitor," from actor/writer/director Tom McCarthy ("The Station Agent").

Also on the show: Massacre Theatre and The Matadors, our Pedro Almodóvar Marathon Awards.

Music by The Josh Davis Band courtesy of Authentic Records.

Filmspotting is presented by SpoutBlog and the FilmCouch podcast. Find out why The New York Times says, "SpoutBlog's got it all," at blog.spout.com.

...And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store!

CONTEST
Spout.com dares Filmspotting listeners to recast "Ghostbusters" for a shot at great prizes at recast.spout.com.



Filmspotting #206
:24-13:51 - Review: "Forgetting Sarah Marshall"
Music: The Josh Davis Band, "Turn Up the Sun"
14:39-26:18 - Voicemails, Sarasota Recap
26:19-33:22 - "The Visitor" Interview
Music: The Josh Davis Band, "Wedding Crows"
34:10-37:44 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Abby Olcese)
37:45-45:35 - The Matadors - Almodovar Awards
45:36-48:16 - Poll Questions / Next Marathon
Music: The Josh Davis Band, "Go Lightly"
48:34-54:55 - New DVDs, Contest, Donations
54:56-1:05:17 - Top 5: Vacation Movies
1:05:18-1:07:18 - Close/Next Show/Outtake

NOTES/CORRECTIONS
- Obviously I (Adam) meant to reference the "In Cold Blood" duo Dick and Perry in the quote from "Annie Hall."

#206 Delayed

Due to some technical difficulties, Filmspotting #206 will not be available until sometime this afternoon. We apologize for the delay. Thank you for your patience!

FS #205: Shine a Light / Smart People / Bad Education / Top 5 Concert Scenes

April 11: Adam and Matty are in Florida on vacation/watching movies at the Sarasota Film Festival and can't pry themselves away to say anything creative here. We hope you enjoy reviews of Martin Scorsese's new Rolling Stones concert film "Shine a Light," in which Buddy Guy puts Mick and Keith to shame, and "Smart People" with Dennis Quaid, Ellen Page and Thomas Haden Church.

Plus, tying in with "Shine a Light," we count down our all-time Top 5 Concert Scenes in cinema.

Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and our final Pedro Almodóvar Marathon entry, "Bad Education."

Music by National Beekeeper's Society.

Filmspotting is presented by SpoutBlog and the FilmCouch podcast. Find out why The New York Times says, "SpoutBlog's got it all," at blog.spout.com.

...And by Audible.com. Download a free audiobook of your choice today at audiblepodcast.com/filmspotting.

...And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store!

CONTEST
Spout.com invites Filmspotting listeners to recast "The Princess Bride" for a shot at great prizes at recast.spout.com. One winner will receive Walk the Line Extended Cut, a new 2-Disc Special Edition that includes 17 minutes of bonus footage, extended musical sequences, director commentary, featurettes and more.



Filmspotting #205
:23-12:49 - Review: "Shine a Light"
12:50-18:13 - Review: "Smart People"
Music: Nat'l Beekeeper's Society, "Funeral Procession"
18:50-23:08 - Voicemails, Notes, Matty's Movie Minute
23:09-35:03 - Feedback (Bookends, Heist Movies)
Music: Nat'l Beekeeper's Society, "Swing Dream Requiem"
35:46-39:04 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Jeff Jones)
37:48-48:17 - Almodóvar #5: "Bad Education" / Poll Question
Music: Nat'l Beekeeper's Society, "Santa Rosa"
51:37-56:14 - New DVDs, Contests, Donations
56:15-1:07:21 - Top 5: Concert Scenes
1:07:22-1:10:35 - Close/Next Show/Outtakes

NOTES/CORRECTIONS
- We never got a chance to single out the amazing roster of camera operators Scorsese employs on "Shine a Light," including Robert Richardson and Emmanuel Lubezki.

- Not sure "Flawless" director Michael Radford can really be considered "Hollywood," but oh well...

- The bottom line on "Heat" is that Matty just really doesn't remember anything about it and does look forward to seeing it again.

- We failed to share last week's poll results and will get to that on next week's show.

FS #204: The Bank Job / Flawless / Talk To Her / Top 5 Heist Movies

April 4: On this week's show... Matty promises not to do his Michael Caine impression as long as Adam doesn't break out his Saffron Burrows. In honor of 'Heist Week' on Filmspotting, the guys review a pair of new British caper flicks -- "The Bank Job" (Burrows, Jason Statham) and "Flawless" (Caine, Demi Moore) -- and share their all-time Top 5 Heist Movies.

Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, and the latest Almodóvar Marathon entry, "Talk To Her," inspires Matty to vow to stay by Adam's side in the event he is ever gored by a bull and his once-beautiful cherubic frame is kept alive only by machines.

Music by Justin Townes Earle courtesy of Bloodshot Records.

Filmspotting is presented by SpoutBlog and the FilmCouch podcast. Find out why The New York Times says, "SpoutBlog's got it all," at blog.spout.com.

...And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store!

CONTEST
Spout.com invites Filmspotting listeners to recast "The Princess Bride" for a shot at great prizes at recast.spout.com. One winner will receive Walk the Line Extended Cut, a new 2-Disc Special Edition that includes 17 minutes of bonus footage, extended musical sequences, director commentary, featurettes and more.



Filmspotting #204
:24-8:51 - Review: "The Bank Job"
8:52-15:18 - Review: "Flawless"
Music: Justin Townes Earle, "The Good Life"
15:47-20:22 - Voicemails, Poll Questions
19:11-33:17 - Feedback (Stop-Loss, Up-and-Coming Actors)
Music: Justin Townes Earle, "Who Am I To Say"
34:02-37:43 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Emily Guerrero)
37:48-48:17 - Almodóvar #4: "Talk To Her"
Music: Justin Townes Earle, "Hard Livin'"
48:39-54:51 - New DVDs, Contests, Donations
54:52-1:09:01 - Top 5: Heist Movies
1:09:02-1:11:29 - Close/Next Show/Outtakes

NOTES/CORRECTIONS
- Our first voice-mailer was Nat in Dallas, not Matt. Sorry, Nat!

- Check out the winning entries in last week's Recast "The Last Dragon" Contest.

FS #203: Director's Cut

April 2: I was getting pretty tired of listening to reviewer after reviewer blasting Haneke for having the gall to imply that torture and violence are -- in fact -- disturbing.

First off, I understand what Haneke is saying... and I hate him for it. I didn't feel challenged. I felt violated.

That's right, it's time for another fun-filled Director's Cut/After Hours edition of Fimspotting, where we dive into the mailbag and react to listener thoughts on Michael Haneke's divisive "Funny Games," the joys of our arthouse Marathons and more.

Want to help decide what we call this show once and for all? Vote in the poll to your right.

FS #203: Stop-Loss / All About My Mother / Top 5 Up-and-Coming Actors

March 28: This week... Adam and Matty ship off for an extended tour of duty with Ryan Phillippe as they discuss "Stop-Loss," the latest film from "Boys Don't Cry" writer/director Kimberly Peirce. Plus, in honor of Adam's "don't ask, don't tell" man crush on "Stop-Loss" co-star Channing Tatum, the boys share their Top 5 Up-and-Coming Actors.

Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and our Pedro Almodóvar Marathon continues with 1999's "All About My Mother."

Music by Dick Prall from the album "Weightless" courtesy of Authentic Records.

Filmspotting is presented by SpoutBlog and the FilmCouch podcast. Find out why The New York Times says, "SpoutBlog's got it all," at blog.spout.com.

...And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store!

CONTESTS
Submit your best Filmspotting Poll question idea to feedback@filmspotting.net and if we use it next week, you'll win Walk the Line Extended Cut, a new 2-Disc Special Edition that includes 17 minutes of bonus footage, extended musical sequences, director commentary, featurettes and more.

Spout.com invites Filmspotting listeners to recast "The Last Dragon" and get a shot at great prizes at lastdragon.spout.com.



Filmspotting #203
:24-14:35 - Review: "Stop-Loss"
Music: Dick Prall, "Halfway To Hollywood"
15:36-19:10 - Corrections, Notes
19:11-27:03 - Listener Feedback (Fourth Wall Movies)
Music: Dick Prall, "The Cornflakes Song"
28:09-31:42 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Renee Stern)
31:43-39:56 - Almodóvar #3: "All About My Mother"
Music: Dick Prall, "If It Bends"
40:28-45:38 - New DVDs, Contests, Donations
45:39-49:38 - Top 5 Setup, Poll Questions
49:39-1:03:40 - Top 5: Up-and-Coming Actors
1:03:41-1:06:10 - Close/Next Show/Outtake

NOTES/CORRECTIONS
- Studio 360 interview with Kimberly Peirce.

- Matty and I realize that we have a tendency to lump any 'war on terror' movie into the same category even if that's not really appropriate. For example, "Taxi To The Dark Side" is a movie about the U.S. policy on torture and not really an 'Iraq movie', though a good chunk of it does deal with Abu Ghraib.

- Matty commented that "Stop-Loss" is basically "Varsity Blues" goes to war. Am I crazy, or were the marketing folks apparently thinking the same thing? Check out the posters here and here.

- Who is Sargent Shriver? Find out here.

- A Tale of Two Pedros by Michael Atkinson.

FS #202: Funny Games / Paranoid Park / Live Flesh / Top 5 Fourth Wall Movies

March 21: This week Adam outfits Matty in requisite black sweater and beret and forces him to enjoy an arthouse double feature. Will Matty reject Michael Haneke's ultra-violent "Funny Games" and Gus Van Sant's languid "Paranoid Park," or revel in both? Plus, the boys dabble in Verfremdungseffekt for a countdown of their Top 5 Movies That Break the Fourth Wall.

Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and the Pedro Almodóvar Marathon continues with a pregnant Penelope Cruz and a wheelchair bound Javier Bardem in 1997's "Live Flesh."

Music by The Nadas from their new album "The Ghosts Inside These Halls" courtesy of Authentic Records.

Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Spout.com presents BUTTERKNIFE, a new generation detective series made by a new generation of filmmakers. Up now at butterknife.spout.com!

...And by Audible.com. Download a free audiobook of your choice today at audiblepodcast.com/filmspotting.

...And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store!



Filmspotting #202
:35-12:33 - Review: "Funny Games"
12:34-20:08 - Review: "Paranoid Park"
Music: The Nadas, "Loser"
21:09-25:01 - Anthony Minghella, Notes, Polls
25:02-34:53 - Listener Feedback ('60s Movies)
Music: The Nadas, "Blue Lights"
36:11-39:36 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Josh Jenkins)
39:38-46:05 - Almodóvar #2: "Live Flesh"
Music: The Nadas, "Goodnight Girl"
46:56-50:04 - New DVDs, Donations
52:37-1:02:54 - Top 5: Fourth Wall Movies
1:02:55-1:05:50 - Close/Next Show/Outtakes

NOTES/CORRECTIONS
- Lest you think my No Country-ish reading of "Funny Games" is completely nuts, check out this video interview I found with Michael Haneke discussing his original "Funny Games" -- note particularly the last 45 seconds or so. "All the rules that exist to keep society functioning are nothing to them. And faced with characters like that, you don’t stand a chance. I think that’s what is so shocking." Indeed, Mr. Haneke. Indeed.

- Check out Frederick Wiseman docs on DVD from Zipporah Films.

- Alas, no "Matty's Movie Minute" this week as Matty just couldn't squeeze in another film.

- During the '60s movies feedback it was suggested that "Shampoo" was a Warren Beatty movie. Of course, Hal Ashby directed it; however, Beatty wrote it and it has his fingerprints all over it. I still say it's a bit overrated. It was also suggested that "Shampoo" was Beatty's first movie; it wasn't.

- You can find a decent plot summary for "Live Flesh" here.

FS #201: Director's Cut

March 18: Put the kiddies to bed, don your best housecoat, break out the scotch (any type of Glen will do), and join Adam and Matty for some Filmspotting After Dark ... or, um, Filmspotting: The Director's Cut... or Filmspotting: The Feedback Show. We're not really sure what we're calling this thing. In any event, we're trotting out a short bonus edition of Filmspotting focusing on your feedback and whatever else pops into our heads. May become a regular thing, may not. Hope you enjoy.

FS #201: Chicago 10 / Flower of My Secret / Top 5 '60s Movies

March 14: The boys are back after a week off and ready to blow off some steam, fight the man, and storm the old Chicago Amphitheatre alongside Abbie Hoffman, Rennie Davis and David Dellinger in director Brett Morgen's latest kaleidoscopic gonzo-documentary "Chicago 10." Featuring the vocal talents of Hank Azaria, Mark Ruffalo and Jeffrey Wright, the film chronicles the 1968 Democratic National Convention riots and subsequent trial of its alleged instigators -- inspiring Matty and Adam to share their Top 5 '60s Movies (movies set in the '60s, not from the '60s).

Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and Filmspotting's Pedro Almodóvar Marathon launches with a review of 1996's "The Flower of My Secret."

Music by Wilder Embry from his new album "Squander."

Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Spout.com presents BUTTERKNIFE, a new generation detective series made by a new generation of filmmakers. Up now at butterknife.spout.com!

...And by Audible.com. Download a free audiobook of your choice today at audiblepodcast.com/filmspotting.

...And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store!



Filmspotting #201
:35-17:34 - Review: "Chicago 10"
Music: Wilder Embry, "Karaoke"
18:23-24:25 - Voicemail, Polls, Notes
24:26-25:25 - Matty's Movie Minute: "Semi-Pro"
25:26-34:39 - Feedback (Actors We Wouldn't Cast)
Music: Wilder Embry, "Answers"
36:10-39:36 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: John Damer)
39:37-47:00 - Almodóvar #1: "The Flower of My Secret"
Music: Wilder Embry, "Two Hearts Beat"
47:27-52:36 - New DVDs, Donations
52:37-1:03:50 - Top 5: '60s Movies
1:03:51-1:06:34 - Close/Next Show/Outtakes

NOTES/CORRECTIONS
- Brett Morgen was kind enough to respond to my follow-up query about the use of music in "Chicago 10." Here is what he had to say about the use of music: "There was no music added or cut since Sundance and all the cues are the same." So there you have it. Frustrating indeed to not be able to account for the difference in my perception of the music from then to now. That said, I'm starting to realize that your festival experience can often be very different from your non-festival one.

- Turns out we were right the first time... Josh Brolin is playing Dubya in Oliver Stone's upcoming "Bush," not Bush 41. Apparently IMDb has the credit incorrect.

- 'IKEA' Knightley and Orlando 'Bland' are names popularized by the BBC's Mark Kermode.

- During our Almodóvar discussion, we pronounced Leo's name (short for Leocadia) as LEE-oh. It should have been LAY-oh. We are Midwestern hicks, after all; but in our defense, watch the movie and you barely hear the distinction when the characters pronounce the main characters name.

- My apologies to Zach in Atlanta. I misspoke when saying that he left a voicemail thanking Matty for introducing him to "After the Wedding" and "This Is England." It was actually "England" and "The Wind That Shakes the Barley."

FS Interviews Revisited: Josh Brolin / Todd Haynes / Ellen Page-Diablo Cody

March 7: Filmspotting is celebrating its three-year anniversary with a week off... Adam is spending time with the kids who no longer know his name, while Matty is acquainting himself with the filmography of Apichatpong Weerasethakul (it's about time!). But lest we leave you without a Filmspotting fix, we offer this look back at three Oscar-themed interviews from the past year -- conversations with Josh Brolin ("No Country for Old Men"), Todd Haynes ("I'm Not There") and Ellen Page and Diablo Cody ("Juno.")

Of course, it occurs to us now that rather than going with three (recent) interviews connected by Oscar, it probably would have been more fun to really dig into the vault and revisit conversations that newer Filmspotting listeners may have missed -- Richard Linklater, Todd Field and Rian Johnson, for example. There's always next anniversary... Sorry.

Note that the memorable "Transformers" voicemail was the handiwork of Greg Rice from Valencia, CA. Great stuff, Greg.

Music by Waco Brothers courtesy of Bloodshot Records.

Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Spout.com presents BUTTERKNIFE, a new generation detective series made by a new generation of filmmakers. Watch now at butterknife.spout.com!

...And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store!

FS #200: Charlie Bartlett / Bergman Marathon Awards / Top 5 Filmspotting Discoveries

February 29: For all those who wondered what would have happened if Pete Best and Ringo Starr had performed with The Beatles at the same time, or if Dick York and Dick Sargent had appeared on "Bewitched" together, well, your wait is over. Filmspotting celebrates its 200th episode by welcoming back original co-host Sam Van Hallgren ... Sam joins Adam and Matty in recounting their Top 5 Filmspotting Discoveries -- and joins Matty for an inspired edition of Massacre Theatre. Plus, your hosts commemorate the show's milestone with their first real fight -- a spirited disagreement over the new teen comedy "Charlie Bartlett," starring Anton Yelchin, Robert Downey, Jr. and Hope Davis.

Also on the show: Your Top 5 Filmspotting Discoveries in Listener Feedback, a brief Oscars recap, and Adam and Matty hand out some hardware of their own -- The Svens -- recognizing the best performances and moments from their recently wrapped Ingmar Bergman Marathon.

Music by Wilder Embry from his new album "Squander."

Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Spout.com presents BUTTERKNIFE, a new generation detective series made by a new generation of filmmakers. Up now at butterknife.spout.com!

...And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store!



Filmspotting #200
:23-10:21 - Review: "Charlie Bartlett"
Music: Wilder Embry, "Dyin for Ya"
12:20-20:04 - Polls, Oscars Recap
20:05-27:00 - Bergman Marathon Awards
Music: Wilder Embry, "Kitchen Beautician"
28:16-34:38 - Welcome Van Sam, 'Ashamed List' Revisited
34:39-43:05 - Listener Feedback (FS Discoveries)
Music: Wilder Embry, "Mommy"
43:42-49:21 - New DVDs, Donations
49:22-53:46 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Seth Micalizzi)
53:47-1:11:32 - Top 5: Filmspotting Discoveries
1:11:33-1:14:04 - Close/Next Show/Outtake

NOTES/CORRECTIONS
- Jon Stewart previously hosted the Oscars two years ago, not last year as I (Adam) suggested.

- Thanks to Jeff Huston for passing along this article by Ken Russell, "What makes Ingmar Bergman the best."

- The consensus from listeners on Hayden Christenson's performance in "Shattered Glass" was that he was surprisingly decent in the role. As Stephen Alford so nicely put it: "Hayden Christensen's performance in Shattered Glass works better than his other performances only because he was playing a chronic liar doing a rotten job trying to hide the truth, much like a chronic actor doing a rotten job trying to represent the truth." Despite my suggestion during #199 that there really is no 'right' role for Christenson, I do agree "Glass" came pretty close. Who better to portray someone who is constantly trying to please everyone and doesn't know how to be his own man than someone as awkward on screen as Christenson?

- Both Donations and Discoveries feedback continued to pour in this week after we had already recorded this episode. As mentioned during the show, don't worry, you will get your Van Hallgren nickname; and we do hope to find time in the next few weeks to fit in some more Discoveries stuff. Thanks to everyone for your unbelievable support these past three years -- financial and intellectual!

FS #199: Be Kind Rewind / Definitely, Maybe / Fanny and Alexander / Top 5 Actors We Wouldn't Cast

February 22: This week, when they're walkin' down the street (yeah), and they see a little ghost (what), what are Matty and Adam gonna say about "Be Kind Rewind," Michel Gondry's latest comedy starring Mos Def and Jack Black? Matty also finally convinced Adam to take his wife to a romantic comedy and the boys will relive the Kempenaars' experience with Ryan Reynolds, Isla Fisher and Abigail Breslin in "Definitely, Maybe." Plus, Kevin Spacey joins us to count down the Top 5 Actors We Wouldn't Cast In Our Movie. (OK, no he doesn't, but does he make an appearance on the lists?)

Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and the Ingmar Bergman Marathon draws to a close with a review of 1982's "Fanny and Alexander."

Music by Mark Pickerel and His Praying Hands from the new album "Cody's Dream" (available March 4) courtesy of Bloodshot Records.

Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Spout.com presents BUTTERKNIFE, a new generation detective series made by a new generation of filmmakers. Up now at butterknife.spout.com!

...And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store!

...And by Audible.com. Download a free audiobook of your choice today at audiblepodcast.com/filmspotting.



Filmspotting #199
:35-11:19 - Review: "Be Kind Rewind"
11:20-16:56 - Review: "Definitely, Maybe"
Music: Mark Pickerel, "Cody's Dream"
17:23-23:44 - Notes, Matty's (and Adam's) Movie Minute
23:45-31:30 - Polls, Listener Feedback (Love Scenes)
Music: Mark Pickerel, "She Calls"
32:31-36:31 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Tyler Lyon)
36:32-45:16 - Bergman #6: Fanny and Alexander
Music: Mark Pickerel, "She Sleeps Through The Sirens"
45:45-49:41 - New DVDs, Donations
49:42-1:04:24 - Top 5: Actors We Wouldn't Cast
1:04:25-1:07:40 - Close/Next Show/Outtakes

NOTES/CORRECTIONS
- Check out clips from "George A. Romeros' Diary of the Dead" here.

- Matty busted me last week on Mercedes Ruehl, so I've got to call him out on the pronunciation of gymnast Nadia Comaneci. I've always heard it/said it "Coe-muh-NEECH," which Nadia apparently has said is correct. According to an article I found online, however, she did clarify further: "Actually, it's Coe-muh-NECH. A short 'e.' I went halfway between Romanian and yours." I know, what a relief this has been settled.

- This week's Top 5 is a response of sorts to Filmspotting 166's Top 5 Actors We WOULD Cast In Our Movie.

- The exact quote attributed to Harrison Ford when making "Star Wars" is: "You sure can type this sh**, George, but you can't say it."

FS 198: In Bruges / 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days / Oscar Picks / Top 5 Love Scenes

February 15: "In Bruges," the new dark comedy from playwright-turned-director Martin McDonagh, finds hitmen Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson biding their time in the title's quaint, medieval city. After watching the film, Matty hasn't been able to stop asking his confused friends and family, "In effing Bruges??" -- complete with faux Irish accent. Find out whether or not that's a good thing. Plus, your hosts make time to discuss Cristian Mungiu's 2007 Cannes Palme d'Or winner, "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days." Adam has been singing the challenging film's praises for months. Will Matty join him in condemning the Academy for failing to nominate "4 Months" for Best Foreign-Language Film?

Speaking of the Academy, Filmspotting welcomes A.V. Club editor Keith Phipps to share their 2008 Oscar Picks, and also help the lads steam up the booth with their Top 5 Love Scenes (in honor of Valentine's Day.) For more, be sure to check out Matt Singer and company's fine work over at IFC -- "The 50 Greatest Sex Scenes in Cinema."

Music by The Rosebuds courtesy of Merge Records.

Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Spout.com presents BUTTERKNIFE, a new generation detective series made by a new generation of filmmakers. Up now at butterknife.spout.com!

...And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store!



Filmspotting #198
:23-12:51 - Review: "In Bruges"
12:52-17:29 - Review: "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days"
Music: The Rosebuds, "Boxcar"
18:00-23:13 - Audio Feedback, Notes, Polls
23:14-25:46 - Matty's Movie Minute
25:47-32:38 - Listener Feedback (London Movies)
Music: The Rosebuds, "Wildcast"
33:08-36:56 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Randal McGavock)
36:57-47:30 - Oscar Picks
Music: The Rosebuds, "Leaves Do Fall"
47:54-53:19 - New DVDs, Donations
53:20-56:39 - Oscar Picks cont.
56:40-1:06:31 - Top 5: Love Scenes
1:06:32-1:09:01 - Close/Next Show/Outtake

NOTES/CORRECTIONS
- "Taxi to the Dark Side" is an Oscar nominee this year for Best Documentary.

- "Tiger Town" is the TV movie Matty references in his tribute to Roy Scheider.

- "London Film Location Guide" by Simon James.

- According to IMDb, the subject of "Terror's Advocate," Jacques Vergès, is "the controversial lawyer and former Free French Forces guerrilla who has defended unpopular figures such as Nazi war criminal Klaus Barbie and Holocaust denier Roger Garaudy."

- Yes, Matty and guest Keith Phipps sound like they are a bit off-mic at times as compared to Adam. Part of it just has to do with the nature of our respective voices, but it is mainly due to mic positioning. We're in a new recording spot and still working out some kinks.

Have a comment or Top 5 list you'd like to share? Send an e-mail or short mp3 clip to feedback@filmspotting.net. Or give us a call at 206-203-CINE and leave a voice message.

FS #197: Cassandra's Dream / Shame / Top 5 London Movies

February 8: Adam counts Woody Allen as one of his favorite directors; Matty, unfortunately, has not been able to muster much love for Woody's post-1994 canon -- "Curse of the Jade Scorpion," anyone? This week the boys tackle Allen's latest, "Cassandra's Dream," a London-based thriller starring Ewan MacGregor, Colin Farrell and Tom Wilkinson. Will Woody finally right himself in Matty's eyes? Will Adam have reason to continue to sing his idol's praises? Plus, the Ingmar Bergman Marathon rolls on with a discussion of 1968's "Shame," Bergman's bleak examination of war starring Max Von Sydow and Liv Ullman.

Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, and -- tying in with "Cassandra's Dream" -- our in-house cheeky little monkeys run down their Top 5 London Movies.

Music by The Comfies courtesy of Livewire Recordings.

Filmspotting is presented by Spout, a gathering place for people who love movies. Spout.com presents BUTTERKNIFE, a new generation detective series made by a new generation of filmmakers. Up now at butterknife.spout.com!

...And by TLAVideo.com. Buy DVDs online at the Filmspotting store!



Filmspotting #197
:23-12:39 - Review: "Cassandra's Dream"
Music: The Comfies, "Close To Me"
13:27-19:59 - Poll Questions, Notes
20:00-30:31 - Listener Feedback (Persepolis, Coming of Age Movies)
Music: The Comfies, "Your Sunshine"
31:37-34:53 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Sharon Rodgers)
34:54-44:32 - Bergman #5: "Shame"
Music: The Comfies, "In My Room"
45:18-49:28 - New DVDs, Donations
49:29-1:02:07 - Top 5: London Movies
1:02:08-1:03:52 - Close/Next Show/Outtake

NOTES/CORRECTIONS
- In our congrats to Scott Tobias we failed to mention he is, of course, one of the fine critics from The Onion's A.V. Club.

- I (Adam) misspoke during segment two referring to "Atonement" and meant to say "...the power of the book," not "...the power of the movie."

- Turns out "In the Shadow of the Moon" is NOT being released this coming Tuesday on DVD. Apparently there are some legal issues between Thinkfilm and Image Entertainment.

- As noted here last week, we obviously did end up going with London