The Big Picture

Rob Harvilla, a witty music podcaster, joins Yasi Salek, a music genre expert, and filmmaker Garret Price to dive into the quirky world of holiday films. They hilariously dissect 'Hot Frosty,' celebrating its self-awareness and absurdity. The trio contrasts it with the beloved 'Moana,' sharing personal viewing experiences. They also chat about upcoming movies, including the anticipated sequel to 'Moana.' Garret offers insights into creating the documentary 'Yacht Rock,' discussing the complexities of capturing authentic musical nostalgia.

Juliet Litman, head of production at The Ringer and pop culture expert, joins the discussion alongside Malcolm Washington, writer and director of 'The Piano Lesson.' They explore the mixed feelings surrounding the film adaptation of 'Wicked,' its cultural significance, and potential Oscar prospects. The duo also ranks their top five 21st-century musicals. Malcolm shares insights on transforming August Wilson's work into film, the influence of his Hollywood legacy, and the broader themes of identity and resilience in storytelling.

Chris Ryan, a writer and podcaster at The Ringer, and Mallory Rubin, also a writer for The Ringer, dive deep into the highly anticipated 'Gladiator II.' They share their mixed feelings about the sequel, discuss standout performances, and evaluate its Oscar chances. The conversation flows into a ranking of their top five favorite legacy sequels, exploring themes from nostalgia to emotional engagement in film. Their insights blend humor and thoughtful analysis, drawing on their rich podcasting history and cinematic passion.

Joanna Robinson, a sharp film critic, joins actor-director Jesse Eisenberg, known for 'The Social Network', to dissect the cinematic blunders in 'Red One'. They explore why it misses the mark and share insights about Eisenberg's latest film, 'A Real Pain', featuring cousins on a poignant holiday journey. The conversation shifts to the nuances of character dynamics in two-hander films, highlighting favorites that showcase deep emotional connections. Additionally, they reflect on casting choices and the unpredictable landscape of awards season.

Joanna Robinson, an awards season expert, and Katey Rich, the awards editor at The Ankler, dive into the current Best Picture race. They discuss the top 10 films vying for Oscar nominations, highlighting the mixed reception of 'Emilia Pérez.' The conversation touches on how recent political events might influence voter preferences and the themes of major contenders like 'Wicked.' They also analyze the impact of box office performance on nominations and the ever-changing dynamics of the competitive awards landscape.

Adam Nayman, a film critic and writer, delves into Clint Eastwood's 'Juror No. 2,' examining its unique rollout and the filmmaker's trademark style. He reflects on Eastwood's cinematic legacy and the evolving landscape of filmmaking. Later, Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, co-directors of the horror thriller 'Heretic,' share their insights on the creative process behind the film, Hugh Grant's compelling performance, and the intricate themes of faith and truth woven throughout. Their journey and collaborative efforts in storytelling ignite fascinating discussions.

Bryan Curtis, Ringer editor-at-large and host of ‘Press Box,’ joins Sean Fennessey to dissect Robert Zemeckis's latest film 'Here,' highlighting its innovative blend of technology and emotional storytelling. They dive into Zemeckis's approach to chronicling history and building a Zemeckis Hall of Fame, spotlighting his influential works like 'Back to the Future' and 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit.' The conversation also explores cinematic advancements, the intersection of nostalgia and modern storytelling, and the evolving landscape of filmmaking.

We are drafting again! Sean and Amanda are joined by Chris Ryan as well as Griffin Newman and David Sims from the 'Blank Check' podcast to draft their favorite movie presidents.Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsGuests: Chris Ryan, Griffin Newman, and David SimsSenior Producer: Bobby WagnerVideo Producer: Jack Sanders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris Ryan, a sharp movie analyst at The Ringer, and Matt Tyrnauer, a noted documentarian, dive into thrilling cinematic discussions. They speculate on Christopher Nolan's upcoming film and explore nostalgic Hollywood remakes, pondering if modern filmmakers can recapture the magic of the past. The spotlight shines on 'Conclave,' a taut thriller featuring Ralph Fiennes and Stanley Tucci, with a captivating plot and unexpected twists. Tyrnauer also shares insights on his documentary about political strategist James Carville, revealing the intrigue behind political narratives.

Mallory Rubin and Charles Holmes, film critics from The Ringer, team up to dissect 'Venom: The Last Dance,' noting its chaotic charm despite shortcomings. They share laughs while delving into the bizarre energy of the Venom trilogy. Then, Chris Sanders, the award-winning director of 'The Wild Robot,' joins to discuss the innovative strides in animation and the emotional depth of storytelling in his film. The trio reflects on current trends in comic book movies and the future of animated features, blending humor with insightful critiques.