The Big Picture

In a hilarious dive into everything except movies, the hosts tackle forgotten childhood memories and unforgettable death row meals. They debate the nuances of email etiquette while sharing their quirks as parents wrangling toddlers. Sports fandom heats up with a passionate discussion on MVPs, and a whimsical showdown arises over battling duck-sized horses. From favorite cocktails to healthcare rants, this lively conversation blends humor, nostalgia, and friendship in a way that keeps you entertained throughout.

In this lively discussion, Alex Ross Perry, an indie film writer and director known for ‘Pavements,’ joins the show to dissect the slasher genre. They chat about the cultural impact of classics like ‘Halloween’ and ‘Scream,’ while curating a Slasher Movie Hall of Fame. Perry shares insights on the thrill of horror films, the unique storytelling in the genre, and the excitement surrounding upcoming releases like ‘Terrifier 3.’ Their humorous banter offers a nostalgic reflection on slasher films’ evolution and their place in cinema history.

John Crowley, director of ‘We Live in Time,’ is known for his heartfelt romantic dramas. In this discussion, he shares insights on his collaboration with stars Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh, revealing what drew him to their performances. The conversation dives into the complexities of cinematic storytelling versus theater, highlighting Crowley’s dedication to exploring sincere romantic narratives. They also touch on the unpredictable Best Picture race, with a focus on the urgency and emotional depth of the newly released film ‘Anora.’

Chris Ryan, a film critic from The Ringer, joins the discussion to dive into the captivating world of horror cinema. They explore the success of 'Terrifier 3,' reflecting on its cult status and extreme gore. The pair also critique 'Smile 2,' noting its impressive filmmaking contrasted with a disjointed storyline. In an engaging segment, they each share their top five horror films of the year, highlighting promising entries like 'Longlegs' and beloved franchises. The conversation reveals the evolving landscape of horror and the enduring loyalty of its fans.

Join Bryan Curtis, a media and culture commentator, and actor Sebastian Stan, known for his role as Bucky Barnes and recently portraying Trump, as they delve into cinematic brilliance. They explore highlights from the New York Film Festival, discussing standout entries and the complexity of films like 'The Brutalist.' Curtis shares insights on 'The Apprentice,' examining Trump's rise and connections with Roy Cohn. Stan reflects on his acting choices, the evolution of characters, and the intriguing journey bringing 'The Apprentice' to life.

Chris Ryan, a contributor to The Ringer known for his sharp insights, joins forces with Jon Caramanica, pop critic at the New York Times and host of Popcast. They delve into Jason Reitman's film ‘Saturday Night,’ exploring its take on the origins of 'Saturday Night Live' and the challenges of capturing its iconic nature. The duo also ranks their top five backstage movies, discussing the intrigue behind the scenes. Later, Jon reviews the unique Lego-animated Pharrell Williams biopic ‘Piece by Piece,’ analyzing its effectiveness in portraying his prolific career.

Chris Ryan, a writer and podcaster for The Ringer, joins Sean and Amanda for a lively draft of 1996 films. They reminisce about their cinematic memories from the year, sharing humorous childhood anecdotes related to movies and youth sports. The trio dives deep into iconic films like 'Fargo,' 'Independence Day,' and 'Trainspotting,' discussing their cultural impact and personal connections. Expect nostalgic reflections, playful banter, and a spirited debate over which films truly defined the cinematic landscape of 1996!

Van Lathan, known for his insightful take on pop culture, dives into the divisive ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’, dissecting its musical style and societal commentary. He examines the current landscape of moviegoing and how social media shapes audience engagement. Joining later, Greg Jardin shares insights from his debut film ‘It’s What’s Inside’, discussing its sci-fi thrills and unique narrative choices. The conversation explores the evolving perceptions of cinema and the complexities of audience reactions in today’s polarized film culture.

Dive into the ambitious yet tangled narrative of Francis Ford Coppola's 'Megalopolis,' featuring insights on its unique journey, mixed reviews, and the disconnect between expectation and reality. The discussion also highlights memorable moments from a cinematic screening and explores the criteria for a Coppola Hall of Fame, showcasing both legendary hits and infamous flops. Further, there’s a lively debate on themes of gender representation in film and the distractions of modern entertainment, all wrapped in engaging anecdotes and humor.

In this engaging conversation, Josh Cooley, the talented director of 'Transformers: One' and 'Toy Story 4,' shares his insights into the vibrant world of animation. He discusses the challenges and creative processes behind making animated films and his journey from Pixar to new adventures. The dialogue dives into themes of non-biological relationships and the character origins within the Transformers franchise. Additionally, they touch upon the recent film 'Wolfs' featuring Brad Pitt and George Clooney, debating its charm beyond star power.