The Evil in ‘Longlegs’ and the Serial Killer Movie Canon

Sean and Amanda open today’s show by reacting to myriad movie news headlines, including (somehow) some new contenders for the role of James Bond, the New York Times’ acquisition of Letterboxd for $330 million, and a remake of ‘You’ve Got Mail’ in the works. Then, they discuss ‘I Play Rocky’ and make the case why it is a silly and pointless movie that is very pleasurable. Next, they cover Sian Heder’s follow-up to ‘Coda’ with her new docu-drama, ‘Being Heumann,’ a movie they ultimately found a mixed bag. Later, they conduct their monthly Best Picture power rankings and have a new no. 1 for the first time. Finally, Sean is joined by Ron Howard to discuss his new film, ‘Avedon,’ explain why he’s taken such a strong interest in the documentary genre at this stage of his career, and how he became endlessly fascinated by Richard Avedon throughout the filmmaking process. (0:00) Intro (1:07) James Bond casting rumors (17:25) The New York Times buys Letterboxd for $330 million (25:24) ‘You’ve Got Mail’ remake (32:52) Remembering Stacey Keach and Patrick Stewart following their respective passings (36:18) ‘I Play Rocky’ (54:15) ‘Being Heumann’ (59:47) Best Picture power rankings (1:48:42) Ron Howard joins the show! Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Ron Howard Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh It’s on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda open today’s show by reacting to the stunning news that James Gunn and Peter Safran are stepping down as heads of DC Studios and hypothesizing about who could take over. Then, they cover ‘Godzilla Minus Zero,’ speculate what its significant box office performance suggests about American audiences, and celebrate its phenomenal visual effects and set pieces before Sean shares his top five Godzilla movies of all time. Next, they discuss three recent releases: a movie they loved in ‘Club Kid,’ a movie they found pretty average in ‘The Cat and the Hat,’ and a movie they found incredibly complicated in ‘Misty Green.’ Finally, Sean is joined by Jordan Firstman to emphasize the importance of telling this deeply personal queer story, explain why he wanted ‘Club Kid’ to feel like anything but a debut feature film, and discuss why it was never an option to not shoot the movie on film. (0:00) Intro (0:59) James Gunn and Peter Safran stepping down as heads of DC Studios (11:09) Weekend box office (16:43) ‘Godzilla Minus Zero’ (28:16) Sean’s top five Godzilla movies (40:19) ‘Club Kid’ (59:38) ‘The Cat in the Hat’ (1:13:08) ‘Misty Green’ (1:23:59) Jordan Firstman joins the show! Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Jordan Firstman 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

On today’s show, Sean and Amanda cover ‘Wild Horse Nine’, Martin McDonagh’s wonderful new dark comedy. They break down why it’s one of the best movies of the year, celebrate Sam Rockwell’s incredible performance, and wonder if John Malkovich will win Best Actor at the Academy Awards. Then, they discuss Lee Chang-dong’s new film ‘Possible Love’ and try to unpack why it’s a movie they really like, but don’t absolutely love. Finally, they briefly talk about ‘Once Upon a Time in Harlem’ before Sean is joined by David Greaves and Anne de Mare to explore the incredibly complicated and rewarding journey behind bringing the documentary to life. (0:00) Intro (3:40) Joel Coen’s ‘Jack of Spades’ acquired by Netflix (6:43) ‘Wild Horse Nine’ (22:03) SPOILER WARNING (52:15) ‘Possible Love’ (1:08:06) ‘Once Upon a Time in Harlem’ (1:12:00) David Greaves and Anne de Mare join the show! Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: David Greaves and Anne de Mare Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh Get a Sausage McMuffin with Egg, PLUS hash browns AND a small coffee, for just $5. Only at McDonald’s for a limited time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In one of the most requested episodes in the history of the show, Sean and Amanda are joined by Tracy Letts to honor the incredible actor Gene Hackman by building his Hall of Fame. (0:00) Intro (0:44) What made Gene Hackman so special (24:23) The Gene Hackman Hall of Fame Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guest: Tracy Letts Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh Get a Sausage McMuffin with Egg, PLUS hash browns AND a small coffee, for just $5. Only at McDonald’s for a limited time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today’s show, Sean and Amanda are joined by Joanna Robinson to help cover the incredibly busy movie month that is October. Before diving in, though, they take a broad look at the state of the Oscar races, and Jo shares some of her boldest predictions. Then, they discuss myriad movies, ranging from incredibly interesting to deeply grim, including ‘Wildwood’ and ‘Wicker.’ Finally, Sean is joined by filmmaker Travis Knight to share some insight into the extensive, laborious process behind the making of ‘Wildwood’ and explain why it’s actually absurd but also incredibly magical. (0:00) Intro (2:36) ‘Dune: Part Three’ trailer reaction (6:04) The state of the Oscar races (34:13) Movies we missed (35:00) ‘Wicker’ (42:57) ‘Wildwood’ (1:03:20) ‘The Only Living Pickpocket in New York’ (1:10:39) ‘Love of Your Life’ (1:19:12) ‘Sacrifice’ (1:22:40) ‘Finding Emily’ (1:27:48) ‘Matchbox: The Movie’ (1:34:11) ‘Tenzing,’ ‘Everest: The Other Side,’ and ‘The Last First: Winter K2’ (1:52:16) ‘Klara and the Sun’ (1:56:26) Travis Knight joins the show! Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Travis Knight and Joanna Robinson Producer: Jack Sanders Production Support: Lucas Cavanagh Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices