

The Big Picture
The Ringer
Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins review the movies you need to see. Plus: Top 5s, Movie Drafts, Oscars analysis, and more, featuring a rotating cast of Ringer colleagues like Chris Ryan, Van Lathan, and Bill Simmons.
Episodes
Mentioned books

8 snips
Apr 2, 2024 • 2h 9min
‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ and the Steve Martin Hall of Fame
Director of the Steve Martin documentary, Morgan Neville, discusses picking subjects, building rapport, and project choices. Hosts dissect 'Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire', 'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire', and build a Steve Martin Hall of Fame.

Mar 26, 2024 • 3h 13min
The ‘Babylon’ Watch-Along
Entertainment expert Chris Ryan joins hosts to discuss Damien Chazelle’s 'Babylon.' They explore the movie's ties to Hollywood, challenges faced by the director, and potential adaptation as a TV show. Insights on filmmaking, character dynamics, and a humorous critique of wealthy individuals starting businesses are also covered. Reflecting on personal and cinematic experiences, the conversation offers a fun and engaging look at the entertainment industry.

8 snips
Mar 22, 2024 • 1h 44min
‘Road House’ and the Top 10 Junk Fight Movies. Plus: Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Immaculate’!
Explore Sydney Sweeney's performance in 'Immaculate,' delve into Jake Gyllenhaal's 'Road House' remake, and invent a new niche subgenre called junk fights. Director Michael Mohan discusses working in the horror genre with Sweeney and plans for future projects.

13 snips
Mar 19, 2024 • 1h 47min
The 1977 Movie Draft
In this podcast, the hosts and guest engage in a lively draft of the best movies of 1977, discussing iconic films like Star Wars, Fleetwood Mac's Rumors, and Spielberg's 'Close Encounters'. They explore 'Sorcerer' and 'Annie Hall', share personal anecdotes about film experiences, and delve into the cultural impact of movies from that year. The conversation includes discussions on movie draft strategy, Bond movies, and the complexities of 'Rolling Thunder' and war epics.

7 snips
Mar 15, 2024 • 1h 28min
‘Love Lies Bleeding’ and the 21st Century Noir Movie Canon
Discussing the 21st Century Noir Movie Canon, the podcast covers the film 'Love Lies Bleeding' by Rose Glass, Kristen Stewart's unique presence, and Katy O'Brian's performance. The hosts also delve into upcoming 2025 movies, Warner Brothers' schedule shifts, memories of Margaritaville, and Robert Pattinson's fatherhood impact on Batman sequel.

Mar 12, 2024 • 1h 36min
The 2024 Oscars Mailbag and a Way-Too-Early Look at 2025 Best Picture
An early look at potential 2025 Oscars contenders like 'Dune: Part Two'. The hosts tackle audience questions about 'Oppenheimer,' Emma Stone, 'Rango,' Bradley Cooper, and more. Insights into the resurgence of movie stars in Hollywood and a discussion on the impact of actors on the industry.

7 snips
Mar 11, 2024 • 1h 23min
The 2024 Oscars: The Year of ‘Oppenheimer’ and Christopher Nolan
Christopher Nolan and 'Oppenheimer' dominate the Oscars, analyzing Emma Stone's surprise win, international Academy voting, 'Barbie's' cultural impact, and the future of the Oscars telecast. Reflecting on Oscar highlights, actor presentations, and Rolex ad controversy, advocating for stunt performers, and exploring Hollywood's evolving landscape. Personal encounters with Chris Nolan, film evolution impact on Oscars, and humorous critiques of John Cena's performance. Amusing Oscars night banter, childhood movie favorites, and a teaser for future episodes.

Mar 7, 2024 • 1h 33min
Oscar Predictions: Who Will Win and Should Win at the 2024 Academy Awards
Join Sean and Amanda as they make final predictions for the 2024 Academy Awards. From Best Actress showdowns to 'Oppenheimer' dominating, they cover it all. Hilarious banter, hairstyles, and even a bet on Oscar winners make this episode a must-listen.

11 snips
Mar 6, 2024 • 2h 16min
The 2024 Alternative Oscars, a.k.a. the Big Picks!
Exploring alternative Oscars with invented categories and nominees, 'Dune: Part Two' as Oscar front-runner, and Christopher Nolan's 'Oppenheimer'. Delving into personal movie theater preferences, filmmaker integrity, and audience anticipation. Analyzing awards controversies, casting directors' impact, and best first feature nominees. Evaluating performances in films, screenplay categories, and actress performances. Delving into themes and filmmaker style in movie scenes, a filmmaker's cinematic universe, and the importance of collaboration and appreciation of guests.

19 snips
Mar 1, 2024 • 1h 40min
‘Dune: Part Two’ Is Here and It’s Spectacular
The podcast discusses 'Dune: Part Two' with a focus on epic scope, movie star performances, and fan fervor. It also explores Villeneuve's filmography, ranking 'Dune: Part Two' among his best. In-depth analysis includes themes of power, sacrifice, and character dynamics within the movie narrative.