

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 23, 2024 • 28min
From the Archive: A Nightmare on Elm Street
With Wes Craven's A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET back in theaters for its 40th anniversary, we're sharing Adam and Josh's 2016 "Blind Cow" review of the film that Josh considers the best horror movie of all time—and Adam catches up with first the first time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 18, 2024 • 1h 39min
#987: Top 5 SNL Cast Member Performances, Saturday Night
Dive into a lively discussion of the top performances by iconic SNL cast members like Eddie Murphy and Kristen Wiig. Recap the hilarious sketches and characters that shaped comedy history, alongside a review of Jason Reitman's film about SNL's chaotic beginnings. Whether reflecting on the emotional depth of Adam Sandler's roles or the memorable chaos of listener polls on SNL favorites, this conversation blends nostalgia with insightful commentary, leaving you with a renewed appreciation for the comedic talent that emerged from Saturday Night Live.

Oct 16, 2024 • 32min
From the Archive: Pulp Fiction
Our very first Sacred Cow review was this March 2012 revisit of PULP FICTION, which turns 30 this month. Originally paired with the Top 5 Films of 1994 (episode #390), which you can find in the Filmspotting Archive. Access to the complete archive going back to 2005 is one of the perks of being a Filmspotting Family member. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 11, 2024 • 1h 38min
#986: Joker Folie à Deux, The Outrun, Prince of the City (Lumet #6)
It’s no joke: JOKER FOLIE À DEUX is a musical. Adam and Josh discuss whether it pays off and how the film handles its predecessor’s troubling legacy. Plus, Josh recommends THE OUTRUN, and the sixth and final film in the Sidney Lumet Marathon, 1981’s PRINCE OF THE CITY.This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits.(Timecodes will not be precise with ads; chapters may start early.)Opening (00:00:00-00:02:44)Review: “Joker: Folie à Deux” (00:02:45-00:47:19)Review (JL): “The Outrun” (00:47:20-00:50:30)Next Week, Notes (00:50:31-00:57:50)Massacre Theatre (00:57:51-01:03:53)Lumet #6: “Prince of the City” (01:04:01-01:34:07)Notes/Links:Filmspotting Guide to the Archiveshttps://letterboxd.com/wjmclaughlin/list/the-filmspotting-guide-to-the-archives/Feedback:Email us at feedback@filmspotting.net.Ask Us Anything and we might answer your question in bonus content.Support us:-Join the Filmspotting Family for bonus episodes and complete archive access.http://filmspottingfamily.com-T-shirts (and more) on sale at the Filmspotting Shop.https://filmspotting.net/shopFollow:https://www.instagram.com/filmspottinghttps://letterboxd.com/filmspottinghttps://twitter.com/filmspottinghttps://facebook.com/filmspottinghttps://letterboxd.com/larsenonfilmhttps://twitter.com/larsenonfilmhttps://facebook.com/larsenonfilm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 9, 2024 • 35min
From the Archive: Joker (2019)
Between its late-August premiere at Venice (where it won the festival's top prize) and its release in theaters here in the States, Todd Phillips' JOKER provoked every possible response, with some calling it one of the best films of the year and others calling it the absolute worst – not to mention the much-discussed fears that the movie was "dangerous." No surprise then that when Adam and Josh finally got around to seeing it, they split – not just on the film itself, but on everything from the film's score to star Joaquin Phoenix's take on the iconic villain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oct 4, 2024 • 1h 37min
#985: Megalopolis, Wolfs, Chicago Int'l Film Festival, The Wild Robot, Apartment 7A
There's much to discuss (and admire) about Coppola’s MEGALOPOLIS. Plus, reviews of Pitt and Clooney in WOLFS, animated hit THE WILD ROBOT, and Rosemary’s Baby prequel APARTMENT 7A, along with some under-the-radar Chicago International Film Festival titles to seek out.This episode is presented by Regal Unlimited, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits.(Timecodes will not be precise with ads; chapters may start early.)Opening (00:00:00-00:01:46)"Megalopolis" (00:01:47-00:39:48)“Wolfs,” “The Wild Robot,” “Apartment 7A” (00:39:49-00:49:52)Next Week, In Memoriam (00:49:53-00:57:25)Polls (00:57:26-01:06:56)Preview: Chicago Int'l Film Festival (01:06:57-01:33:34)Notes/Links:Chicago International Film Festivalhttps://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/Feedback:Email us at feedback@filmspotting.net.Ask Us Anything and we might answer your question in bonus content.Support us:-Join the Filmspotting Family for bonus episodes and complete archive access.http://filmspottingfamily.com-T-shirts (and more) on sale at the Filmspotting Shop.https://filmspotting.net/shopFollow:https://www.instagram.com/filmspottinghttps://letterboxd.com/filmspottinghttps://twitter.com/filmspottinghttps://facebook.com/filmspottinghttps://letterboxd.com/larsenonfilmhttps://twitter.com/larsenonfilmhttps://facebook.com/larsenonfilm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 27, 2024 • 1h 53min
#984: Top 5 Whodunits, Murder on the Orient Express (Lumet #5), The Substance, Will & Harper
Dive into the captivating world of whodunits! Uncover the intrigue behind classics like 'Murder on the Orient Express' and explore the genre's resurgence with modern gems such as 'Knives Out.' The hosts analyze character depth in films, revealing the complex dynamics and moral ambiguity that keep us guessing. Tune in for engaging reviews of heartwarming tales like 'Will & Harper' and the fascinating themes of acceptance and friendship. Plus, find out about exciting upcoming releases and share your thoughts on favorite murder mysteries!

Sep 20, 2024 • 1h 59min
#983: The Shawshank Redemption at 30, Fail Safe (Lumet #4)
In a celebration of a cinematic classic, the hosts dive deep into the legacy of 'The Shawshank Redemption' while analyzing its journey from release to cultural phenomenon. They explore the emotional storytelling and masterful performances that resonate with audiences. The discussion shifts to the Cold War thriller 'Fail Safe,' connecting its themes to modern dilemmas. Engaging anecdotes, listener feedback, and exciting upcoming film releases add to the rich tapestry of film appreciation featured in this lively conversation.

Sep 18, 2024 • 1h 3min
From the Archive: Whiplash at 10, Amadeus at 40
Damien Chazelle's WHIPLASH is back in theaters this month for its 10th anniversary, and Miloš Forman's Best Picture-winning AMADEUS turns 40. Both films use the subject of musical genius to explore themes of obsession, greatness, and complicated relationships between peers, mentors, and proteges.For access to the complete Filmspotting archive, going back to 2005, join the Filmspotting Family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 13, 2024 • 1h 40min
#982: Top 5 Michael Keaton Performances, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Michael Keaton, a versatile actor known for his memorable roles in both comedy and drama, joins the conversation. They dive into Keaton’s remarkable range with highlights from films like 'Clean and Sober' and 'Beetlejuice.' The discussion showcases his unique ability to balance humor and emotional depth. They also critically review 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,' examining its crowded narrative and Keaton's performance, reflecting on how nostalgia shapes audience reactions. Expect some light banter and engaging listener interactions along the way!