The Top 10 Garbage Scorsese Movies and ‘The Alto Knights’
Mar 24, 2025
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Joining the discussion is Chris Ryan, a film critic and writer for The Ringer. They dive into Barry Levinson’s ‘The Alto Knights,’ exploring its mobster themes and connection to Scorsese. The conversation takes a humorous turn as they create a mini-genre called 'garbage Scorsese,' critiquing films that pay homage to the master but miss the mark. They also share excitement about upcoming releases and reflect on the challenges of family viewing. This lively chat blends insights with plenty of laughs about the film industry.
The podcast discusses the disappointing reception of Barry Levinson's 'The Alto Knights', emphasizing its struggles with pacing and thematic clarity.
Listeners gain insights into Warner Brothers' strategic decisions regarding film releases, reflecting broader trends influenced by audience expectations.
The hosts introduce the concept of 'Garbage Scorsese', analyzing films that mimic Scorsese's style without capturing the depth of his narratives.
Deep dives
Electric Innovation in the Audi Q6 e-tron
The all-new Audi Q6 e-tron presents a notable advancement in electric vehicle technology, featuring exceptional power and acceleration. It incorporates a panoramic digital stage that enhances the driving experience by providing immersive visual displays. Additionally, an optional screen for front seat passengers allows for entertainment, such as movies, while on the road. This innovative approach redefines what it means to drive an electric vehicle and prioritizes passenger engagement.
Exploring 'The Alto Knights'
The discussion centers around the new film 'The Alto Knights', directed by Barry Levinson and starring Robert De Niro, which draws inspiration from the work of Martin Scorsese. Set in the 1950s, it focuses on the power struggle between mob bosses Vito Genovese and Frank Costello, exploring themes of friendship and betrayal. Despite high expectations, the film fails to captivate audiences, with critics expressing disappointment over its pacing and lack of depth. The inability to clearly articulate its themes leaves the film feeling more like a historical recount rather than a compelling narrative.
Insights into the Podcast's Programming
Listeners are informed about the podcast's upcoming programming, including another installment of '25 for 25'. The conversation indicates a structured release schedule to ensure a steady flow of content throughout the year. There's also a humorous exchange surrounding the timeline and potential overlap of their film selections, which keeps the lighthearted atmosphere alive. This scheduling transparency adds a layer of engagement for fans who avidly follow the show's releases.
Warner Brothers' Strategic Moves
The podcast discusses Warner Brothers' recent strategic shifts regarding their film releases, including the postponement of Paul Thomas Anderson's new movie. These decisions signal broader trends in the industry, often influenced by outside factors such as festival timelines and audience expectations. The studio's tactics highlight the complex calculations behind managing high-profile films and their potential box office performances. This strategic maneuvering underscores the challenges studios face in maintaining relevance in a competitive market.
Anticipation Surrounding Upcoming Trailers
The hosts share their excitement regarding various film trailers, including a new teaser for a Paul Thomas Anderson film featuring an impressive ensemble cast. They discuss how trailers can significantly shape audience perceptions and hype, adding layers to the anticipation for upcoming releases. The conversation emphasizes the careful balance filmmakers must strike in tantalizing viewers without revealing too much of the plot. Such discussions speak to the cultural importance of trailers as a tool for marketing and audience engagement in today's cinematic landscape.
The Complexity of 'Garbage Scorsese' Films
The podcast dives into a discussion about 'Garbage Scorsese', a term that highlights films heavily influenced by Scorsese's style yet lacking the depth of his narrative themes. The hosts evaluate films that borrow stylistic elements without adequately exploring the profound motivations that characterize Scorsese's work. This analysis sheds light on the challenges filmmakers face when attempting to replicate the success of iconic films. The conversation underscores the importance of originality in storytelling and the consequences of merely echoing established cinematic styles.
Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan to react to some trailer and release calendar news about ‘One Battle After Another,’ ‘Materialists,’ ‘F1,’ ‘Together,’ and ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ (2:41). Then, they discuss Barry Levinson’s new gangster movie ‘The Alto Nights,’ written by Nicholas Pileggi and starring Robert De Niro (18:58). Finally, they sketch out a new mini-genre, “Garbage Scorsese,” a list of films that are deeply indebted to the work of Martin Scorsese but not actually that good (43:45).
