The Big Picture

Dive into the enchanting world of Hayao Miyazaki's 'Spirited Away,' a film that masterfully captures the essence of childhood through its unusual protagonist, Chihiro. The discussion highlights the stunning animation and its impact on both Japanese and American cinema, emphasizing the film's deep emotional resonance. Explore how the movie bridges cultural divides and reflects timeless themes while shaping the landscape of children's media. Finally, uncover the lasting legacy of Miyazaki's artistry and its influence on future generations of filmmakers.

The hosts dive into the buzz from Cannes Film Festival, sharing celebrity sightings and notable films. They dissect ‘Mission: Impossible—The Final Reckoning,’ praising its thrilling action sequences while critiquing its serious tone and pacing issues. A standout underwater scene sparks debate over realism and diving safety. They also humorously reflect on the mix of sports emotions and popcorn habits, exploring how these moments influence their film critiques. Expect nostalgia for Tamagotchis alongside a deep dive into character arcs in the franchise!

Chris Ryan, a seasoned pop culture enthusiast, joins Sean to dive deep into the 'Final Destination' franchise, particularly the latest film, 'Bloodlines.' They dissect the series' unique blend of horror and dark humor while ranking the most electrifying death scenes. The conversation weaves in personal anecdotes of chaos and laughter, highlighting absurd moments and character dynamics. They explore themes of fate, grief, and the franchise's evolving narratives, providing fans with an entertaining look at the iconic moments that define this beloved series.

Bill Simmons, a sports and pop culture analyst and founder of The Ringer; Van Lathan, a media personality and cultural commentator; and Chris Ryan, a film writer and podcaster, join for a lively Tom Cruise movie draft. They share personal stories and memories associated with Cruise's diverse filmography. The discussion explores his cinematic legacy, including hits like 'Top Gun' and 'Jerry Maguire', while humorously debating the merits of various roles. Expect witty banter as they navigate the highs and lows of Cruise's storied career.

Delve into the emotional depths of 'Melancholia,' a film that intertwines existential dread with stunning performances, especially from Kirsten Dunst. The discussion highlights the film's controversial Cannes debut and its artistic significance in shaping von Trier's career. Explore the profound themes of despair set against a backdrop of familial chaos, as well as the unique storytelling that challenges perceptions of depression. The narrative is peppered with personal anecdotes, comedic moments, and reflections on the intersection of art and controversy.

In this conversation, filmmaker Alex Ross Perry, known for his indie hits, returns to share insights about his new genre-blending music biopic, 'Pavements.' He discusses the creative spark that led him to this unique project and reflects on the fascinating, sometimes chaotic filmmaking process. The hosts also dive into the influence of underrated indie directors and how recent films are shaping the future of cinema. Their light-hearted banter on familial tech issues and film trivia adds a delightful touch to the insightful dialogue.

The hosts dive into the life and legacy of Paul Newman, celebrating his unique persona both on and off the screen. They explore his profound impact as an actor, selecting the ten essential performances that define his career. The conversation touches on Newman's philanthropic efforts, including initiatives to support disadvantaged youth and combat substance abuse. Additionally, they examine the complexities of his roles and the emotional truths he portrayed, offering insights into his remarkable journey through film history.

In an engaging discussion, Nicolas Cage, the renowned actor celebrated for his diverse roles, shares insights about his latest project, 'The Surfer.' He reflects on what drives his choices in films at this stage of his career and reveals the inspirations behind his performances. The hosts discuss the movie industry landscape, including the impact of political comments on filmmaking. Additionally, they dive into the rankings of Hollywood's biggest stars over 35, analyzing their recent roles and the evolving nature of fame in today's cinema.

Mallory Rubin, a superhero correspondent known for her insightful work on House of R, joins the discussion on Marvel's latest film, 'Thunderbolts.' They rave about standout performances by Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan while exploring character dynamics and the film's potential to reinvigorate the MCU. The conversation delves into whether this revival comes too late, examining the emotional depth and trauma echoed in the narrative. Plus, they tease the possibilities of new characters potentially stepping in as the next Avengers.

Sean and Amanda return to continue their yearlong project of listing the 25 best movies of the 21st century so far. Today, they discuss their favorite installment of the beloved Tom Cruise action franchise with ‘Mission: Impossible—Fallout’, which features some of the greatest action filmmaking of all time. They explain why this concretized director Christopher McQuarrie as a legitimate star filmmaker, explore what this film means and represents about Cruise’s movie stardom persona, and share why they went with this film instead of ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ as the official late-stage Cruise movie for the list. Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Producer: Jack Sanders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices