Filmspotting

FS Revisited: R. Johnson / Linklater / Winterbottom / Top 5 Coen Bros. Scenes

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:55:00 +0000

Sept. 5: "Clip show, clip show, CLIP SHOW!" Exhausted and relieved, Adam and Matty are performing an ad hoc Conga line around the Filmspotting studios. With Adam heading North to cover the Toronto International Film Festival and Matty fulfilling his community service... or, um, otherwise engaged... this week Filmspotting digs into the vaults to bring you some of the shows "best of" conversations with directors Rian Johnson ("Brick"), Richard Linklater (above, "Fast Food Nation") and Michael Winterbottom ("A Mighty Heart").

Plus, in honor of the 10th Anniversary of "The Big Lebowski," the guys really tie the room together with a replay of their Top 5 Coen Bros. Scenes. Filmspotting will be back in full voice next week with a review of the new Coen Bros. movie "Burn After Reading" and Adam's Toronto recap.

Music from the "Donnie Darko" soundtrack courtesy of Everloving 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. **

FS Revisited
:24-16:11 - Interview: Rian Johnson
Music: Donnie Darko, "Mad World"
17:19-31:24 - Interview: Richard Linklater
Music: Donnie Darko, "Time Travel"
32:21-49:17 - Interview: Michael Winterbottom
Music: Donnie Darko, "Middlesex Times"
49:26-1:00:20 - Top 5: Coen Bros. Scenes
1:00:21-1:01:19 - Close/Next Show

NOTES/CORRECTIONS

FS #225: Vicky Cristina Barcelona / Heist Marathon Awards / Top 5 Canadian Films

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:08:00 +0000

August 29: Matty couldn't complete his big post-production task -- writing the clever show description that goes here -- before jetting off to scenic Wyoming, a mythic land without computers or the Internet. And since he's the creative one... This week, please enjoy our review of Woody Allen's "Vicky Cristina Barcelona," starring Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall and Javier Bardem. Plus, we hand out "The Stephies," our Classic Heist Marathon Awards, and look forward to next week's Toronto International Film Festival with a countdown of our Top 5 Canadian Films.

Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, a Spout.com Telluride Film Festival Preview and new music by Touch and Go Records artists Calexico, The Uglysuit and The New Year.

** 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. **

Filmspotting #225
:24-15:11 - Review: "Vicky Cristina Barcelona"
Music: Calexico
16:13-20:34 - Voicemail, Poll
20:35-31:42 - Feedback (Tropic Thunder, Man on Wire)
Music: The Uglysuit
32:05-35:06 - Telluride Preview
35:07-38:26 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Matt Rhodes)
38:27-47:31 - Heist Marathon Awards
Music: The New Year
48:26-54:21 - New DVDs, Donations, Contest
54:22-1:09:54 - Top 5: Canadian Films
1:09:55-1:13:18 - Close/Next Show/Outtakes

NOTES/CORRECTIONS
- Check out photos from the Chicago Meetup on Filmspotting's Facebook page! Thanks to Sandor Weisz for the great pics.

- It's Chris Messina not Doug from "Vicky Cristina Barcelona." Thanks to Thevoid99.

- Toronto Meetup information can be found here!

- Congrats to our buddy Matt Singer from IFC News!

FS #224: Hamlet 2 / Steve Coogan Interview / Top 5 Screen Teachers

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 12:15:00 +0000

August 22: "Bueller? Bueller?" Class is in session this week as Matty and Adam offer up a dialectic deconstruction of "Hamlet 2," director Andrew Fleming's 2008 Sundance sensation spoofing our collectively beloved "inspirational teacher" genre.

As an added bonus, Adam sits down for a conversation with "Hamlet 2" star Steve Coogan to ask him exactly how sexy Jesus really is and why he feels the need to rock us. Plus, the boys also find themselves inspired enough to list their Top 5 Screen Teachers. How high will Tom Berenger's turn as Jon Shale in "The Substitute" rank? Attendance is mandatory to find out...

Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, and new music by Conor Oberst.

** 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. **

CONTEST
PBS does Star Wars... Play now at filmgaming.spout.com for a shot at great prizes!

Filmspotting #224
:24-14:10 - Review: "Hamlet 2"
Music: Conor Oberst, "Get-Well-Cards"
15:19-18:19 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Mike Johnson)
18:20-38:14 - Interview: Steve Coogan
Music: Conor Oberst, "Cape Canaveral"
39:07-43:46 - Voicemail, Polls
43:47-57:08 - Feedback (Pineapple, On The Run)
Music: Conor Oberst, "Sausalito"
57:34-1:02:26 - New DVDs, Donations, Contest
1:02:27-1:14:06 - Top 5: Screen Teachers
1:14:07-1:17:36 - Close/Next Show/Outtakes

NOTES/CORRECTIONS
- "The Recruiter" is also currently playing on HBO.

- Yes, Matty got the titles of his inspirational, inner-city teach dramas mixed up when announcing his #1 pick.

- Yes, Matty also called actor Robert Donat "Richard" Donat. Thanks to Josh Spiegel in Glendale, AZ for catching the mistake.

FS #223: Tropic Thunder / Man on Wire / The Getaway / Top 5 Movies About Movies

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:15:00 +0000

August 15: Max Fischer: "Were you in the sh*t?" / Herman Blume: "Yeah, I was in the sh*t." As you can probably imagine, Adam and Matty have never been anywhere near the sh*t, which puts them in good company with the protagonists of Ben Stiller's latest Hollywood-war-movie parody "Tropic Thunder." Your hosts attempt to "take that hill" and wring out some much needed summer laughs alongside Jack Black, Jay Baruchel, and Kirk Lazarus. Plus, tying in with "Thunder's" movie-within-a-movie-within-a-movie conceit, Filmspotting counts down its Top 5 Movies About Movies (Redux).

Plus, the final movie in the Filmspotting Classic Heist Marathon, "The Getaway," and the lads find time to work in a review of the new documentary "Man on Wire," chronicling Philipe Petit's 1974 "artistic crime of the century" when he walked a tightrope strung between the World Trade Center towers.

Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, Matty's Movie Minute and music by Akron/Family.

** 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. **

CONTEST
PBS does Star Wars... Play now at filmgaming.spout.com for a shot at great prizes!

Filmspotting #223
:24-12:10 - Review: "Tropic Thunder"
12:11-18:30 - Review: "Man on Wire"
Music: Akron/Family, "I'll Be On the Water"
18:31-23:39 - Voicemail, Notes, Polls
23:40-32:09 - Feedback (Swan Songs)
Music: Akron/Family, "Shoes"
32:32-35:00 - Contest Winners
35:01-39:16 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Bjorn van der Voo)
39:17-53:12 - Heist #6: "The Getaway"
Music: Akron/Family, "Don't Be Afraid..."
53:38-59:22 - New DVDs, Donations, Contest
59:23-1:01:30 - Matty's Movie Minute
1:01:29-1:10:33 - Top 5: Movies About Movies
1:11:34-1:13:20 - Close/Next Show/Outtakes

NOTES/CORRECTIONS
- For those of you who have seen "Man on Wire," no, the connection to heist movies wasn't lost on us... we just didn't get to squeeze it in. Hopefully it will come up on a later show.

- Orson Welles's character in "Transformers" was actually Unicron. Well, duh.

- We held off on the Cassavetes Marathon because unless you own the Criterion Five Films collection, the movies are almost all impossible to find on DVD.

- Yes, Matty deliberately refers to Divine as "she" and not "he" out of respect for his/her lifestyle choice. Or something like that.

- Yes, it sounds like Matty says Mike 'Judd' during Massacre Theatre... He's well aware that it's actually Mike Judge.

FS #222: Pineapple Express / Le Cercle Rouge / Top 5 'On The Run' Movies

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 05:17:00 +0000

August 8: Here's the thing about the film industry, man, are you listening, because, here's the thing, I'm just saying there's not enough movies, there's not enough movies, man, like "Pineapple Express." You know why? Do you know why? Because they're afraid. The industry is scared. The government, man. I'm telling you. Of the truth. Which is why I am so glad this week Adam and Matty are reviewing the latest smoke-filled venture from Team Apatow and director David Gordon Green, starring James Franco and Seth Rogen.

Plus, Adam and Matty (who always bring the truth) will hit the road in their rented Renaults to give you their Top 5 'On The Run' Movies and pause long enough for a hot-box review of the penultimate entry in Le Filmspotting's Classic Heist Marathon, "Le Cercle Rouge," directed by Jean-Pierre Melville and starring the incomparable Alain Delon.

Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and music by Richard Buckner.

** 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. **

CONTEST
Cast the villain in Batman 3 now for a shot at great prizes!

Filmspotting #222
:24-14:24 - Review: "Pineapple Express"
Music: Richard Buckner, "A Chance Counsel"
15:11-20:05 - Voicemail, Notes, Polls
21:46-36:04 - Feedback (Movies So Far, American Teen)
Music: Richard Buckner, "Straight"
36:48-41:09 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Carrie Cook)
41:10-51:23 - Heist #5: "Le Cercle Rouge"
Music: Richard Buckner, "Her"
52:00-56:20 - New DVDs, Donations, Contest
56:37-1:08:33 - Top 5: 'On The Run' Movies
1:08:34-1:11:11 - Close/Next Show/Outtake

NOTES/CORRECTIONS
- Nick and Nora? A stoner duo? Sometimes Matty likes to test me to see if I'm listening. I failed.

- Filmspotting-led discussion of "Forever Never Anywhere" on Aug. 20. Details here!

- Matt Singer's comments on "The Dark Knight," his #2 film of the year: "Enjoyed your second discussion with Phillips about this movie; I think what makes me appreciate it even more than I did when I saw it (in IMAX, which at times is downright stunning) is how much fun it is to debate and to hear others debate it. To me, it doesn't matter whether Batman is George W. Bush or not -- the fact that we can have that debate tells you exactly the amount of skill and thought that went into crafting the film. Come to think of it, making movies that keep you talking about them long after you've seen them (MEMENTO, THE PRESTIGE) may be one of Nolan's greatest skills."

- I knew we'd get through our review of "Le Circle Rouge" and forget to mention at least one of the other great performances. Sorry, Yves Montand.

FS #221: American Teen / The Italian Job / Top 5 Swan Songs

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 12:14:00 +0000

August 1: Glory days... while Adam and Matty may share common Midwestern roots, turns out they enjoyed quite disparate high school experiences. One of your hosts was (and still is) a dashingly handsome former class President, coasting through life; for the other, high school left him a neurotic and brooding mound of bitterness. Perhaps not surprisingly then, your in-house Zac and Screech offer (violently) differing takes on Nanette Burstein's new documentary focusing on five small-town Indiana seniors, "American Teen."

Plus, the Filmspotting Classic Heist marathon rolls on in style with Michael Caine, Noel Coward and Benny Hill singing "Rule Britannia" behind the wheels of their 1968 Mini-Coopers in "The Italian Job." Finally, in honor of Heath Ledger's latest turn as the Joker in "The Dark Knight," the lads list their Top 5 Swan Songs.

Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and music by Sea Ray.

** 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. **

CONTEST
Cast the villain in Batman 3 now for a shot at great prizes!

Filmspotting #221
:24-14:12 - Review: "American Teen"
Music: Sea Ray, "Nicholas Ray"
14:59-20:05 - Voicemail, Notes, Polls
20:06-31:34 - Feedback (Dark Knight)
Music: Sea Ray, "Revelry"
32:05-35:29 - New Contest
35:30-39:44 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Se Young Kang)
39:45-48:23 - Heist #4: "The Italian Job"
Music: Sea Ray, "Swear To Your Face"
48:45-53:36 - New DVDs, Donations, Winners
53:37-1:06:00 - Top 5: Swan Songs
1:06:01-1:08:29 - Close/Next Show/Outtakes

NOTES/CORRECTIONS
- The non-dashingly handsome host would like to note that his high school experience was actually pretty pleasant; he came out of the womb neurotic and brooding.

- For all the families listening, note that two of the Top 5 movie clips contain a bit of swearing -- around the 55 and 60 minute marks.

- I figured out what Matty was referring to when discussing the 'superimposed' text messages in "American Teen." Yes, there is at least one instance where Burstein basically captions for us what is appearing on somebody's cell phone. Matty's implication seemed to be that Burstein was making the content of the message up or being dishonest in some way, and I didn't see it that way.

- Don't ask me what Harvey Dent's "transmission" is.

- Apologies to Isaac McKeithen from Auburn, AL who gave us the scene from "The Prestige" we announced the winner of on episode #220. We had two chances to give him his due credit and failed. Sorry!

- More apologies... to listener and former message board mod Alex Knesnik. He bought me "Giant" as a birthday present last year so I didn't need to Tivo it and I definitely should have watched it by now!

- My research on Richard Farnsworth was terrible. He DID get nominated for "The Straight Story" and for "Comes a Horseman" but did NOT win Best Supporting Actor for the latter.

- Also expanding to more screens this weekend... the movie we reviewed in the first segment, "American Teen"!

FS #220: After Hours (Scoop)

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:02:00 +0000

July 29: We love you, really. With all due respect, you're a beautiful listener. You're a credit to your race... Adam and Matty search for the Tarot Card Killer with Scarlett Johansson and Woody Allen in a Listener's Choice review of Allen's 2006 comedy "Scoop." (News flash: Woody used to be funnier.) Plus, reactions to more of your great Listener Feedback and a new batch of winners.

NOTES

FS #220: The Dark Knight (Spoiler Edition!) / Top 5 Movies of the Year So Far

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 05:01:00 +0000

July 25: Prepare to be spoiled. In an unprecedented venture, the esteemed Michael Phillips of the World's Greatest Newspaper joins the boys for a spoiler edition review of "The Dark Knight." Yes, if you are one of the six people who have not seen Christopher Nolan's film and do not wish to have any of its surprises revealed... DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS REVIEW. We're serious. Everything in the film is fair game for discussion. Just forward to roughly the 23 minute mark to continue with the rest of the spoiler free show that includes Massacre theater, music by Spoon, and Listener Feedback.

Plus, Filmspotting welcomes back male model, media mogul, new dad and A.V. Club critic Scott Tobias to help us sort out our Top 5 Movies of the Year So Far. Along with the best, we also find time to list a few of the year's worst. Spoiler alert! Uwe Boll makes his way onto one of them.

Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, music by Spoon and Matty's Movie Minute returns for a review of "Step Brothers."

** 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. **

CONTEST
Re-cast "Reservoir Dogs" now for a shot at great prizes!

Filmspotting #220
:24-23:39 - Spoiler Review: "The Dark Knight"
Music: Spoon, "Don't Let It Get You Down"
23:24-27:01 - Voicemail, Polls
27:02-28:35 - Matty's Movie Minute: "Step Brothers"
28:36-35:39 - Feedback (Performances So Far, Creatures)
Music: Spoon, "Back to the Life"
36:20-40:06 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Steven Aparicio)
40:07-47:36 - Top 5 Movies So Far (#5-#4)
47:37-53:33 - Top 3 Worst Movies So Far
Music: Spoon, "Jonathon Fisk"
53:57-56:56 - New DVDs, Donations, Contest
56:57-1:10:59 - Top 5 Movies So Far (#3-#1)
1:11:00-1:13:26 - Close/Next Show/Outtakes

NOTES/CORRECTIONS
- Michael Phillips' "Dark Knight" review

- Moviebuff28 is right, of course... Jason Segel wrote "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." But hey, Apatow produced it and it has his fingerprints all over it.

FS #219: The Dark Knight / Top 5 Performances of the Year (So Far)

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:47:00 +0000

July 18: Biff! Bam! Pow! It's here. It's finally here. The podcast you've been waiting months to hear has arrived... Adam and Matty, wait for it, count down their Top 5 Performances of the Year (So Far) with some help from Steve Prokopy (aka Capone) of Ain't It Cool News. Oh, and the boys squeeze in a couple minutes discussing director Christopher Nolan's latest epic Batman saga, "The Dark Knight," starring Christian Bale, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart, and the late Heath Ledger. Will a movie that couldn't possibly live up to its advanced billing do just that? Or will it leave Filmspotting's own Dynamic Duo asking, "Why so serious?"

Tune in next week for a special Spoiler Edition review of "The Dark Knight" with special guest Michael Phillips from the Chicago Tribune.

Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and music by Utah Carol.

** 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. **

CONTEST
Congratulations to Re-cast "The Matrix" grand prize winner jdamer83 and runner-up wadetown! Re-cast "Reservoir Dogs" now for a shot at great prizes!

Filmspotting #219
:24-13:57 - Review: "The Dark Knight"
Music: Utah Carol, "Kimberly Smiles"
14:52-18:48 - Voicemails, Polls
18:49-26:51 - Feedback (Hellboy, Teach An Alien, Creatures)
Music: Utah Carol, "Sam's Ranch"
27:20-31:46 - New DVDs, Donations
31:47-35:26 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Dan Krahn)
35:27-53:41 - Top 5 Female Performances
Music: Utah Carol, "The Northern Skies"
54:01-1:01:23 - Contests
1:01:24-1:14:45 - Top 5 Male Performances
1:14:45-1:17:22 - Close/Next Show/Outtake

NOTES/CORRECTIONS
- Check out Steve's interview with "The Fall" director Tarsem here.

- "Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day" is actually out on DVD 8/19.

- Saleh Bakri is the actor who is so good in "The Band's Visit" (one of many).

FS #219 Coming Soon

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:57:00 +0000

Filmspotting #219 with our review of "The Dark Knight" and Top 5 Performances of the Year (So Far) will be posted by 9 am CT. Thanks for your patience!

FS #218: Hellboy II / Rififi / Top 5 Movie Creatures

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 18:25:00 +0000

July 11: Time to take a Magical Journey of Mystical Wonder as we review one of Matty's most anticipated movies of the year, "Hellboy II: The Golden Army," directed by Guillermo ("Pan's Labyrinth") Del Toro. Will Del Toro's Mos Eisley-esque menagerie warm Filmspotting's hearts, or leave them as cold and black as a re-imagined Jabba the Hutt circa "The Phantom Menace"? Plus, in honor of "Hellboy," the boys list their Top 5 Movie Creatures. All the while, back at the lair, Jules Dassin and company have been busy planning the caper of the century, or at least busy creating the template for every heist film ever made, with "Rififi," the third entry in Filmspotting's Classic Heist Marathon.

Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and music by The Clientele.

** 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. **

CONTEST
Filmspotting and Spout.com invite you to take the red pill and Re-cast "The Matrix" for a chance to win some great American Apparel swag. A 2nd place winner will get "Batman: The Movie" on Blu-Ray DVD.

Filmspotting #218
:24-14:10 - Review: "Hellboy II"
Music: The Clientele, "E.M.P.T.Y."
15:19-20:10 - Voicemail, Polls, Notes
20:11-32:54 - Listener Feedback (WALL-E, Loneliness Movies)
Music: The Clientele, "Impossible"
33:46-37:04 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Ann Enders)
37:05-48:24 - Classic Heist #3: "Rififi"
Music: The Clientele, "Step into the Light"
48:55-55:42 - New DVDs, Donations, Contests
55:43-1:09:15 - Top 5: Creatures
1:09:16-1:11:06 - Close/Next Show/Outtake

NOTES/CORRECTIONS
- Hear Adam on the /Filmcast discussing "Hancock" here... Thanks to /Filmcast's David Chen for his last minute help on getting me the "Dazed and Confused" sound clip for this show!

FS #217: Hancock / Gonzo / The Killing / Top 5 Movies To Teach an Alien About Earth

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:41:00 +0000

July 5: This week, in honor of America's celebration of its independence, Filmspotting's resident Yankee Doodles mark the Fourth of July by feting two larger-than-life paragons of the American Way. First up, the lads review Peter Berg's action comedy "Hancock," starring Will Smith as the titular anti-superhero. Then the boys get "Gonzo" with a review of director Alex Gibney's latest documentary chronicling the life and work of America's foremost psychedelic journalist rebel, Hunter S. Thompson. In recognition of Will Smith's storied service as Earth's ambassador to the alien set, Adam and Matty roll out their Top 5 Movies To Teach an Alien About Earth.

Plus, what's more American than getting rich quick? The Classic Heist Marathon heads to the races for a discussion of Stanley Kubrick's classic "The Killing," featuring Sterling Hayden as a small-time hoodlum attempting a daring racetrack heist.

Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and music by Dan Bern.

** 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. **

Filmspotting #216
:24-8:59 - Review: "Hancock"
9:00-17:25 - Review: "Gonzo"
Music: Dan Bern, "New American Language"
18:53-23:28 - Voicemail, Polls, Notes
23:29-32:40 - Listener Feedback (Actor-Director Duos, Loneliness Movies)
Music: Dan Bern, "Albuquerque Lullaby"
33:28-37:20 - New DVDs, Donations
37:21-40:54 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Andy Scheper)
40:55-52:33 - Classic Heist #2: "The Killing"
Music: Dan Bern, "Turning Over"
53:17-57:17 - Filmgaming Contests
57:18-1:08:02 - Top 5: Movies To Teach an Alien...
1:08:03-1:11:39 - Close/Next Show/Outtakes

NOTES/CORRECTIONS
- Dan Bern performance information in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids can be found here.

FS #216: WALL•E / Mongol / The Lavender Hill Mob / Top 5 Movies About Loneliness

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:55:00 +0000

June 27: Alright campers, grab your suitcases, strap grandma to the roof, and hop into the old Griswald family station wagon... we're off to "WALL•E" world. This week Adam and Matty review the latest animated feature from director Andrew Stanton and the creative geniuses at Pixar. Will Disney's little-robot-that-could warm your hosts' cynical hearts, or leave our intrepid duo wishing they had left robots where they belong... in the 1980s, on the scrap heap of history with Johnny #5 and that annoying butler robot from "Rocky IV"?

Plus, Filmspotting goes bully for bullion as our Classic Heist marathon roars to life with the gang from the "The Lavender Hill Mob," an Ealing Studios caper-comedy from 1951 featuring the legendary Alec Guinness.

Also on the show: Matty's Movie Minute takes on Gengis Khan and "Mongol," Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, music by The Nadas and -- inspired by "WALL•E's" solitary protagonist -- our Top 5 Movies About Loneliness.

** 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.

Share the Top 5 Movies To Teach An Alien About Earth at filmgaming.spout.com and get a shot at some swanky American Apparel/Spout swag! **

"Matty's Movie Minute" intro written and performed by Joren Cain and Jessica Israels from Valdosta, GA / Outro written and performed by Tom Knight from Ithaca, NY.

Filmspotting #216
:24-13:40 - Review: "WALL•E"
13:41-15:30 - Matty's Movie Minute: "Mongol"
Music: The Nadas, "Pieces on the Ground"
16:25-19:47 - Voicemails, Polls
19:48-31:28 - Listener Feedback (Incredible Hulk, Actor-Director Duos)
Music: The Nadas, "Loser"
32:36-36:00 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Jim Owen)
36:01-43:43 - Classic Heist #1: "The Lavender Hill Mob"
Music: The Nadas, "No Thank You"
44:14-51:26 - New DVDs, Contest, Donations
51:27-53:44 - Carlin/Winston Tributes
53:45-1:05:09 - Top 5: Movies About Loneliness
1:05:10-1:08:36 - Close/Next Show/Outtakes

NOTES/CORRECTIONS
- I really hope people don't write in telling us to say it "WALL-e" and not "wall-E".

- Nick from Glasgow correctly notes that I keep suggesting "The Incredible Hulk" is only 90 minutes long when it is really 114. I'd still like to see the 135 minute version Leterrier reportedly turned in originally, but the discrepancy between the original and the 'compromised' cut we ended up with obviously isn't as big. I can't account for where I got the 90 minutes from.

- "Rififi" should be up next in our Classic Heist Marathon, but we said "The Killing" and that's what we'll go with.

- Learn more about Stan Winston here.

FS #215: Get Smart / Overlooked DVDs / '70s Sci-Fi Awards / Top 5 Actor-Director Duos

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:27:00 +0000

June 20: Eschewing the trend adopted by seemingly every other media outlet this week, Filmspotting steadfastly refuses to incorporate the phrase "Missed It By That Much" during its brief review of "Get Smart," the action-comedy starring Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, Terrence Stamp and Alan Arkin. In fact, the boys practically refuse to discuss "Get Smart" at all, opting instead to bring you some Overlooked DVD Picks.

It seems like only yesterday Adam and Matty were first treated to the post-apocalyptic beads of He-man sweat dangling from the bronzed barreled chest of Chuck Heston in "The Omega Man." Time really flies when you're living in zombie/drone/space-ebola/Bruce Dern-filled dystopias. The lads honor the best of their recently wrapped '70s Sci-Fi Marathon by meting out the coveted Damn Dirty Ape Awards.

And ... apropos of absolutely nothing ... Filmspotting rolls out its Top 5 Actor/Director Duos. That's just the way we roll.

Also on the show: Matty's Movie Minute, Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and music by Biirdie.

** 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.

Share the Top 5 Movies You'd Show To An Alien To Learn About Earth filmgaming.spout.com and get a shot at some swanky American Apparel/Spout swag!

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

Filmspotting #215
:36-6:32 - Review: "Get Smart"
6:33-8:06 - Review: Matty's Movie Minute
8:07-15:52 - Overlooked DVD Picks
Music: Biirdie, "Catherine Avenue"
17:17-33:52 - Listener Feedback (Panda, Happening, TV Adaptations)
Music: Biirdie, "Petals"
34:31-37:48 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Kim Gonsalves)
37:49-47:16 - '70s Sci-Fi Marathon Awards
Music: Biirdie, "I Wish I Could've Been There"
47:54-54:26 - New DVDs, Contest, Donations
54:27-1:05:09 - Top 5: Actor-Director Duos
1:05:10-1:06:41 - Close/Next Show/Outtakes

NOTES/CORRECTIONS
-

FS #214: After Hours (The Haunting)

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 05:01:00 +0000

June 18: It was an evil podcast from the beginning -- a podcast that was born bad... Adam and Matty huddle together in the dark for another bonus show featuring a Listener's Choice review of Robert Wise's 1963 horror classic "The Haunting" and more great Listener Feedback.

NOTES
- The next Listener's Choice winner was actually chosen from donors who were thanked between episodes #209 and #213.

FS #214: The Incredible Hulk / The Happening / Top 5 TV Show Adaptations

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 05:09:00 +0000

June 13: Filmspotting SMASH! It's a summer blockbuster Lollapalooza this week as Adam and Matty tackle two new releases. First up on the main stage, the boys do battle with "The Incredible Hulk," Marvel Productions' latest adaptation of their own legendary comic book series with Edward Norton in the titular role and Louis Leterrier ("The Transporter") behind the camera. Will they embrace a big green Ed Norton, or pine for the days of big green Lou Ferrigno... or even Eric Bana?

Next up, M. Night Shyamalan infects moviegoers with "The Happening," starring Mark Wahlberg and Zooey Deschanel. After misfiring with the likes of "The Village" and "Lady in the Water," will Mr. Shyamalan return to Filmspotting's good graces, or will your hosts find reason to release some of their pent-up Hulk aggression? We warned you Mr. Shyamalan, don't make Filmspotting angry. Plus, in response to a summer filled with material based on popular TV shows, (we’re looking at you Miss Bradshaw, and you too Agent 99), Adam and Matty weigh in with their Top 5 TV Show Adaptations.

Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and music by Shame Train.

** 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.

Share your most traumatic movie experience at filmgaming.spout.com and get a shot at some swanky American Apparel/Spout swag! **

Filmspotting #214
:24-14:11 - Review: "The Incredible Hulk"
Music: Shame Train, "A Broken Hearted Girl..."
15:37-27:30 - Review: "The Happening"
Music: Shame Train, "Wax Lips Wax Wings"
28:35-32:17 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Khris Vickroy)
32:18-45:02 - Listener Feedback (SATC, Best Dressed Characters)
Music: Shame Train, "1/2 Right"
44:43-49:28 - New DVDs, Contest, Donations
49:29-1:03:19 - Top 5: TV Show Adaptations
1:03:20-1:06:25 - Close/Next Show/Outtake + Extra Vulgarities

NOTES/CORRECTIONS
- Ed Norton is credited with having co-written "Hulk" with Zak Penn.

- Matty -- and maybe Adam as well -- referred to Bill Bixby as Bruce Bixby. And Bruce Banner as David Banner. The character's full name is David Bruce Banner. Didn't Bill Bixby go by David in the original series?

FS #213: The Fall / Kung Fu Panda / Man Who Fell to Earth / Top 5 Sydney Pollack Movies

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:36:00 +0000

June 6: From whirling dervishes to whirling red pandas (who sound an awful lot like Dustin Hoffman), this week Matty and Adam ogle a scrumptious smorgasbord of visual feasts with reviews of Tarsem Singh's "The Fall" and the latest offering from Dreamworks Animation, "Kung Fu Panda."

Not to be out done, Nicholas Roeg offers up his own complex cinematic intarsia featuring David Bowie as an alien hanging with Rip Torn, Candy Clark, and Buck Henry in 1976's "The Man Who Fell To Earth," the final movie in Filmspotting's '70s Sci-Fi Marathon.

Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, our Top 5 Sydney Pollack Movies -- a tribute to the late, great director -- and music by Austin Donohue.

** 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.

Share your most traumatic movie experience at filmgaming.spout.com and get a shot at some swanky American Apparel/Spout swag!

...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 #213
:35-10:36 - Review: "The Fall"
10:37-17:32 - Review: "Kung Fu Panda"
Music: Austin Donohue, "Slow Vibration"
18:56-22:30 - "SATC" Voicemails, Poll Results
22:31-23:52 - "Indy 4" Voicemails
23:53-33:59 - Listener Feedback ("Indy 4")
Music: Austin Donohue, "Forgetting Your Name"
34:39-38:32 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Trung Mai)
38:33-47:40 - '70s Sci-Fi #6: "The Man Who Fell to Earth"
Music: Austin Donohue, "Listing"
48:25-52:50 - New DVDs, Contest, Donations
52:51-1:04:20 - Top 5: Sydney Pollack Movies
1:04:21-1:06:49 - Close/Next Show/Outtake

NOTES/CORRECTIONS
- We recognize that Sydney Pollack's agent character in "Tootsie" isn't, as far as we can recall, necessarily ethically-challenged. Just play along... However, Tom Cruise is the doctor, of course, in "Eyes Wide Shut." Pollack is just some sort of power broker. The poll has been corrected.

FS #213 Note

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 07:11:00 +0000

Filmspotting #213 with reviews of "The Fall" and "Kung Fu Panda," plus a discussion of "The Man Who Fell to Earth" and a countdown of our Top 5 Sydney Pollack Movies, will not be available until noon CT -- at the earliest. Thanks for your patience!

FS #212: Sex and the City / Logan's Run / Top 5 Best Dressed Characters

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Fri, 30 May 2008 15:10:00 +0000

May 30: Slip on your Manolo Blahniks, lounge about in your best Dior, and hold onto your Louis Vutton Beverly Clutch as Filmspotting boldly goes where it's never gone before... the Chicago Tribune's Jessica Reaves helps Adam and Matty find their inner-Mirandas and inner-Carries with a review of "Sex and the City." In honor of the fierce ensembles worn by the SATC gals, your hosts roll out their Top 5 Best Dressed Movie Characters.

Not to be out done, Michael York drops by in his futuristic Sandman outfit as Matty and Adam dissect his effort to escape from a fractured utopia in 1976's Logan's Run, the fifth movie in Filmspotting '70s Sci-Fi Marathon. Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre and music by Anne McCue.

** Filmspotting is brought to you by spout.com/contests. Test your movie knowledge and win a Nintendo Wii when you join the scavenger hunt at spout.com/contests, going on right now.

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

Congratulations to the winners of Spout.com's recast "Raiders of the Lost Ark" contest -- PlantPage55 (1st prize) and dansinch (2nd prize). Another great recast contest is coming soon!

Filmspotting #212
:24-19:20 - Review: "Sex and the City"
Music: Anne McCue, "Bright Light of Day"
20:10-25:18 - Indy 4 Voicemails, Polls, Corrections
25:19-35:45 - Listener Feedback (Top 5 Dialogue Scenes)
Music: Anne McCue, "Tiny Little Song"
36:33-40:53 - Contest Winners
40:54-44:08 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Jeanne Kautzman)
44:09-55:50 - '70s Sci-Fi #5: "Logan's Run"
Music: Anne McCue, "Coming To You"
56:41-1:00:33 - New DVDs, Donations
1:00:34-1:08:25 - Top 5: Best Dressed Characters
1:08:26-1:11:04 - Close/Next Show/Outtake

NOTES/CORRECTIONS
- Just in case I don't get a chance to bring this up on a future show... Matty and Jessica both thought my criticism of "Sex and the City's" opening montage was unfair, or at least nitpicky. That's fine, but my point wasn't so much that the montage was offensive (it's not). I just thought it was indicative of my larger problem with the film, which is that Michael Patrick King couldn't find a satisfactory way to really translate the show to the big screen.

- I think I may have referred to Michael York's character in "Logan's Run" as Logan 6. He's actually Logan 5.

FS #211: Indiana Jones 4 / Soylent Green / Top 5 Characters Who Need a Comeback

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Thu, 22 May 2008 20:00:00 +0000

May 22: Dun-da-dun-daa, dun-da-daaa ... That's the sound of George Lucas, Harrison Ford and Steven Spielberg teaming up to trade-in on Matty and Adam's childhood memories with the latest installment of the Indiana Jones saga, "The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." Will Indy battling Cate Blanchett and her cold war Russians elicit the same whimsy and excitement that "Raiders of the Lost Ark" stirred in the souls of a young Adam and Matty? Or will the film's nostalgic pandering leave your intrepid hosts muttering, "Sequels, why did it have to be sequels?" Plus, in recognition of Indy’s much-anticipated return to the screen, Adam and Matty lay out the Top 5 Characters Who Need a Comeback.

Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, music by David Ford and Matty gets a chance to try out his best Barbra Streisand karaoke impression ("People, people who eat people...") as the lads join Chuck Heston and Eddie G. Robinson on a mission to save humanity from itself with a review of the classic "Soylent Green," the fourth entry in the glorious Filmspotting '70s Sci-Fi Marathon.

**
Filmspotting is brought to you by spout.com/contests. Test your movie knowledge and win a Nintendo Wii when you join the scavenger hunt at spout.com/contests, going on right now.

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

CONTEST
Filmspotting and Spout.com invite you to recast "Raiders of the Lost Ark" 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 #211
:24-13:06 - Review: "Indiana Jones 4"
Music: David Ford, "Decimate"
14:17-17:38 - Poll Questions
17:39-26:12 - Listener Feedback (Speed Racer, Photog Movies)
Music: David Ford, "Go To Hell"
27:07-30:29 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Steve Vesolich)
30:30-38:16 - '70s Sci-Fi #4: "Soylent Green"
Music: David Ford, "Song for the Road"
38:43-42:48 - New DVDs, Contest, Donations
42:29-55:49 - Top 5: Characters Who Need a Comeback
55:50-59:28 - Close/Next Show/Outtake

NOTES/CORRECTIONS
- Worth noting that "LOTR" was edging "Star Wars" in the best franchise poll question at the time we recorded the show. The final tally was 30% for each with 1 vote separating the two.

- "The Motorcycle Diaries" isn't really a 'heavy' or 'depressing' movie... but it popped into my head because a long, long time ago on the show there was some discussion about how my Netflix disc sat at my house for like 4 months before I finally got in the right mood to watch it.

- Matty mentioned an 'Ellen' Chenoweth during the Top 5. He meant Kristin.

- I mentioned "Men in Black" and "Independence Day" when talking about Will Smith in relation to my #1 pick. I was really thinking of "Bad Boys," which is definitely more of a comedy and features Smith as a cop.

FS #211 Coming Soon

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Thu, 22 May 2008 15:08:00 +0000

Filmspotting #211 with a review of "Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull," a discussion of 1973's "Soylent Green," and our Top 5 Characters Who Need a Comeback will be available today -- sometime around noon-ish.

FS #210: Redbelt / Son of Rambow / Silent Running / Top 5 Dialogue Scenes

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Fri, 16 May 2008 11:19:00 +0000

May 16: "A man distracted is a man defeated." How distracted were Adam and Matty by Ricky Jay and company's performances in "Redbelt," the latest film from playwright/screenwriter/director David Mamet? Your hosts enter the Filmspotting octagon to review Chiwetel Ejiofor as a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instructor forced to fight for his honor, his dojo and Emily Mortimer.

Plus, Matty finally catches up with the little English comedy that could from director Garth Jennings, "Son of Rambow," the darling of the 2007 Sundance Film Festival. Meanwhile, Bruce Dern -- with some help from Joan Baez -- destroys Adam and Matty's (already fragile) relationship with his lead performance in "Silent Running," the third entry in Filmspotting's '70s Sci-Fi Marathon.

Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre, music by Ari Hest and... "Always Be Closing!" In honor of Mr. Mamet's unique librettos, the guys close out the show with their Top 5 Dialogue Scenes. "Of all the podcasts in all the world... you had to download ours."

** Filmspotting is brought to you by spout.com/contests. Test your movie knowledge and win a Nintendo Wii when you join the scavenger hunt at spout.com/contests, going on right now.

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

CONTEST
Congrats to our 'Recast The Breakfast Club Contest' winners -- jamerika and cjwood. Next up... Filmspotting and Spout.com invite you to take your best shot at recasting "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark" 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 #210
:24-13:09 - Review: "Redbelt"
13:10-18:35- - Review: "Son of Rambow"
Music: Ari Hest, "I'll Be Here"
19:28-22:01 - Poll Questions
22:02-34:18 - Listener Feedback (Box Office Bombs)
Music: Ari Hest, "Concrete Sky"
35:26-38:46 - Massacre Theatre (Winner: Michael Roth)
38:47-47:31 - '70s Sci-Fi #3: "Silent Running"
Music: Ari Hest, "The Weight"
48:09-52:27 - New DVDs, Contest, Donations
52:28-1:04:37 - Top 5: Dialogue Scenes
1:04:38-1:07:36 - Close/Next Show/Outtake + Bonus Vulgarity

NOTES/CORRECTIONS
- Listener Kate insists that Alice Braga ("Redbelt") is not Sonia Braga's niece, despite all the Google links to the contrary. Sounds good to us.

- We (somehow) forgot to mention James Bond in the poll question this week. But it has been included here on the site.

- How many movies did Michael Cimino make after "Heaven's Gate"? Looks like 4.

- It occurs to me now that Recast winner jamerika is probably 'jam-erika' and not 'ja-merika.' Oh well, ja-merika sounds pretty cool.

- Matty was out of his element in denouncing of my "Almost Famous" pick. However, it does belong in the penalty box and has been placed there.

- "Almost Famous" was indeed nominated for Best Original Screenplay... and won too.

- We're certainly still open to suggestions, but we think we've come up with a good Top 5 for Indy IV next week -- Heroes Who Should Be Revived.

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

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:11:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Fri, 09 May 2008 12:14:00 +0000

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)

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Mon, 05 May 2008 20:38:00 +0000

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."