

Filmspotting
Adam Kempenaar & Josh Larsen
Adam Kempenaar and Josh Larsen review new and classic movies, offering "affable, insightful film analysis since 2005" (NY Times).
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 10, 2025 • 1h 50min
Top 5 Actor-Director Duos We’d Like To See, The Smashing Machine Review (#1035)
Get ready for a creative exploration of dream actor-director pairings! Imagine Benicio Del Toro captivating audiences in a Coen Brothers film and Robert Pattinson tackling a darkly comic role with Martin McDonagh. The duo also pitches actors like Ayo Edebiri and Josh O'Connor with celebrated directors, including Jane Campion. Plus, dive into the review of The Smashing Machine, where the critique focuses on its documentary-like style and aesthetic choices. Don’t miss the vibrant discussions and listener feedback throughout the show!

Oct 8, 2025 • 47min
All the President's Men (Archive)
The hosts reflect on Robert Redford and delve into the enduring impact of a classic film centered on journalism rather than its political scandal. They discuss its relevance during modern times, alongside the craftsmanship that elevates its story. The tactile atmosphere of the newsroom is praised, emphasizing the use of sound design to create tension without a score. Standout performances, particularly by Jason Robards and Hal Holbrook, are highlighted for their role in adding emotional depth and realism to the narrative.

6 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 1h 28min
One Battle After Another Review, Predators (#1034)
The discussion dives into Paul Thomas Anderson's latest film, highlighting its urgent themes of state violence and emotional depth. The hosts explore its connection to classics like Dr. Strangelove while dissecting the complex father-daughter dynamics. On a darker note, they tackle the documentary Predators, examining the ethics of reality TV's sting operations and the humanity of those involved. With a blend of humor and stark commentary, this podcast serves up film analysis that's both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Oct 1, 2025 • 43min
Inception (Archive)
With Leonardo DiCaprio back on the big screen in PTA's ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER, we're sharing Adam and Josh's 2020 conversation about INCEPTION, the actor's blockbuster collaboration with Christopher Nolan.
This 10th anniversary review was part of the Nolan Oeuvre-view, a chronological revisit of the director's filmography. Access to those conversations and much more is available to members of the Filmspotting Family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 22min
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey Review, PTA Decades (#1033)
Adam and Josh review the latest from Columbus and After Yang director Kogonada, A BIG BOLD BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY, and force themselves to pick their favorite PTA decade. Plus, listeners on the best ‘60s musical.
This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits.
(Timecodes and chapter starts may not be precise with ads.)
Intro (00:00:00-00:02:14)
A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (00:02:15-00:44:16)
Filmspotting Family (00:44:17-00:50:32)
Next Week / Notes (00:50:33-01:00:23)
Polls (01:00:24-01:14:06)
Credits / New Releases (01:14:07-01:18:43)
Links:
-Refocus Film Festival
https://refocusfilmfestival.org/
-PTA Decades Poll
https://poll.fm/16057462
Feedback:
-Email us at feedback@filmspotting.net.
-Ask Us Anything and we might answer your question in bonus content.
Support:
-Join the Filmspotting Family for bonus episodes and archive access.
http://filmspottingfamily.com
-T-shirts and more available at the Filmspotting Shop.
https://www.filmspotting.net/shop
Follow:
https://www.instagram.com/filmspotting
https://letterboxd.com/filmspotting
https://facebook.com/filmspotting
https://twitter.com/filmspotting
https://letterboxd.com/larsenonfilm
https://www.instagram.com/larsenonfilm
https://bsky.app/profile/larsenonfilm.bsky.social Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 24, 2025 • 43min
Magnolia (Archive)
With PTA's ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER coming to theaters this weekend, we're sharing Adam and Josh's 9 From '99 review of the director's operatic third film, MAGNOLIA.
For full access to the Filmspotting Archive, which goes back to 2005, become a member of the Filmspotting Family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 19, 2025 • 2h 4min
5 Years / 5 Movies, Spinal Tap II, The History of Sound, RIP Robert Redford (#1032)
A Top 5 worthy of Rob Gordon and crew. You get five movies, but they must be from a consecutive five-year period. Plus, Adam reviews SPINAL TAP II: THE END CONTINUES, Josh recommends THE HISTORY OF SOUND, and Michael Phillips comes aboard to talk about the late Robert Redford and report on this year’s Venice Film Festival.
This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits.
(Timecodes and chapter starts may not be precise with ads.)
Intro (00:00:00-00:04:13)
5 Years / 5 Movies (00:04:15-00:57:28)
Filmspotting Family (00:57:29-01:01:15)
Spinal Tap II / The History of Sound (01:01:16-01:16:34)
Notes (01:16:35-01:20:32)
Massacre Theatre (01:20:33-01:27:29)
Robert Redford / Venice Film Festival (01:27:30-01:54:33)
Credits / New Releases (01:54:34-01:58:28)
Links:
-Vulture’s Movies Fantasy League (“Filmspotters”)
https://moviegame.vulture.com/
-Steven Soderbergh’s B&W cut of “Raiders of the Lost Ark”
https://extension765.com/blogs/soderblog/raiders
-Filmspotting Poll: 1960s Musicals
https://poll.fm/15976522
Feedback:
-Email us at feedback@filmspotting.net.
-Ask Us Anything and we might answer your question in bonus content.
Support:
-Join the Filmspotting Family for bonus episodes and archive access.
http://filmspottingfamily.com
-T-shirts and more available at the Filmspotting Shop.
https://www.filmspotting.net/shop
Follow:
https://www.instagram.com/filmspotting
https://letterboxd.com/filmspotting
https://facebook.com/filmspotting
https://twitter.com/filmspotting
https://letterboxd.com/larsenonfilm
https://www.instagram.com/larsenonfilm
https://bsky.app/profile/larsenonfilm.bsky.social Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 17, 2025 • 1h 1min
Almost Famous (Archive)
Cameron Crowe's ALMOST FAMOUS turns 25 this fall, so we dig into the archive for a 2018 Sacred Cow (or should we say Golden God?) review of Cameron Crowe's autobiographical film with bonus insights from Uproxx rock critic Steven Hyden. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 12, 2025 • 1h 36min
GoodFellas Review, Lurker, The Roses (#1031)
Adam and Josh enter the Pantheon for a welcome revisit of Martin Scorsese’s 1990 masterpiece GOODFELLAS, which turns 35 this month. Plus, Josh shares thoughts on Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch in THE ROSES and nominates the sinister new indie LURKER for the Golden Brick.
This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits.
(Timecodes and chapter starts may not be precise with ads.)
Intro (00:00:00-00:02:08)
GoodFellas (35th Anniv.) (00:02:09-00:57:17)
Filmspotting Family (00:57:18-01:03:19)
Lurker, The Roses (01:03:20-01:09:16)
Notes (01:09:17-01:17:16)
Polls (01:17:17-01:27:59)
Credits / New Releases (01:28:00-01:31:24)
Links:
-Vulture's Movies Fantasy League ("Filmspotters")
https://moviegame.vulture.com/
-“Towards a True Children’s Cinema: On My Neighbor Totoro”
https://www.brightwalldarkroom.com/2017/03/13/towards-a-true-childrens-cinema-on-my-neighbor-totoro/
-Filmspotting Poll: 1960s Musicals
https://poll.fm/15976522
Feedback:
-Email us at feedback@filmspotting.net.
-Ask Us Anything and we might answer your question in bonus content.
Support:
-Join the Filmspotting Family for bonus episodes and archive access.
http://filmspottingfamily.com
-T-shirts and more available at the Filmspotting Shop.
https://www.filmspotting.net/shop
Follow:
https://www.instagram.com/filmspotting
https://letterboxd.com/filmspotting
https://facebook.com/filmspotting
https://twitter.com/filmspotting
https://letterboxd.com/larsenonfilm
https://www.instagram.com/larsenonfilm
https://bsky.app/profile/larsenonfilm.bsky.social Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 5, 2025 • 1h 4min
Columbus with Kogonada, Pather Panchali with Dana Stevens at Filmspotting Fest (#1030)
To celebrate 20 years of the show, we hosted Filmspotting Fest in March – six films over three days at two of Chicago’s iconic cinemas. This episode features two standout post-screening conversations: director Kogonada reflects on his Golden Brick-winning debut COLUMBUS, and Slate film critic Dana Stevens joins Josh to discuss Satyajit Ray’s indelible PATHER PANCHALI.
This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits.
(Timecodes and chapter starts may not be precise with ads.)
Intro (00:00:00-00:01:47)
Columbus with Kogonada (00:01:48-00:28:21)
Notes (00:28:22-00:29:31)
Pather Panchali with Dana Stevens (00:29:32-00:56:49)
Credits / New Releases (00:56:50-01:00:16)
Links:
-Filmspotting Fest
https://www.filmspotting.net/filmspotting-fest
-"Camera Man: Buster Keaton, the Dawn of Cinema, and the Invention of the 20th Century"
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Camera-Man/Dana-Stevens/9781501134203
-Filmspotting Poll: Pixar or Ghibli
https://poll.fm/15908981
Feedback:
-Email us at feedback@filmspotting.net.
-Ask Us Anything and we might answer your question in bonus content.
Support:
-Join the Filmspotting Family for bonus episodes and archive access.
http://filmspottingfamily.com
-T-shirts and more available at the Filmspotting Shop.
https://www.filmspotting.net/shop
Follow:
https://www.instagram.com/filmspotting
https://letterboxd.com/filmspotting
https://facebook.com/filmspotting
https://twitter.com/filmspotting
https://letterboxd.com/larsenonfilm
https://www.instagram.com/larsenonfilm
https://bsky.app/profile/larsenonfilm.bsky.social Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


