The Big Picture

Sean chats with Amanda about his trip to the Telluride Film Festival, an annual launchpad for Oscar contenders. He talks about the best films he saw and the scene in Colorado (0:30). Then they discuss what to look forward to for the rest of the movie year (44:00).Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsProducer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This weekend sees the release of a hugely important movie for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, ‘Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.’ Sean breaks down the character’s place in Marvel mythology, the films that influenced the new movie, and whether it all worked with The Ringer’s Daniel Chin (1:00). Then, Sean is joined by the film’s screenwriter, Dave Callaham, to talk about writing blockbusters in the 21st century, the challenges and rewards of the work, and how 'Shang Chi' came together (46:00).Hosts: Sean FennesseyGuests: Daniel Chin and Dave CallahamProducer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean and Amanda talk about the buzzy new ‘Spider-Man’ trailer, as well as some hotly anticipated awards-season films, including ‘The Power of the Dog’ and ‘Spencer’ (0:31). Then they dig into the mailbag to answer listener questions about ‘Dune,’ their dream biopics, and the HBO Max experiment so far (30:00). Finally, Sean is joined by Michael Sarnoski, the writer-director of the acclaimed Nicolas Cage drama ‘Pig’ (1:20:00).Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsGuest: Michael SarnoskiProducer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean returns from his break and Amanda runs down the major story lines from the world of movies that he missed (0:31). Then, they share their favorite (and not so favorite) movies of the summer (48:30).Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsProducer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Still reeling from Gene Siskel's death, Roger Ebert tries to bring their show into the new century. But Hollywood is changing, and so is the media landscape Gene and Roger conquered during their time together. And as the story of Gene and Roger ends, it's clear that movies—and movie criticism—will never be the same again.Host: Brian RafteryProducers: Amanda Dobbins, Sean Fennessey, Isaac Lee, Noah Malale, Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

By the late '90s, the unlikely alliance between Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert was stronger than ever. But their hard-won friendship would soon face unexpected challenges that would end their time together sooner than anyone expectedHost: Brian RafteryProducers: Amanda Dobbins, Sean Fennessey, Isaac Lee, Noah Malale, Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In July, the sometimes-acclaimed, sometimes-controversial, sometimes-downright-vilified writer-director M. Night Shyamalan released his 14th feature film, 'Old.' Joining Sean to talk about all things Shyamalan—from his best films to his worst and everything in between—is the cohost of 'Higher Learning' and one-half of the Midnight Boys on the Ringer Podcast Network, Van Lathan.Host: Sean FennesseyGuest: Van LathanProducer: Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For Siskel and Ebert, the '90s were a revolutionary era—both for the movies and for their careers. A new generation of filmmakers was taking over Hollywood, and Gene and Roger became cheerleaders for the bold next wave of writers and directors. But the industry was also plagued by problems and controversies, many of which Siskel and Ebert faced head on. By the time the '90s ended, Gene and Roger would become more than just the country's best-known film critics. They'd also become advocates.Host: Brian RafteryProducers: Amanda Dobbins, Sean Fennessey, Isaac Lee, Noah Malale, Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris Ryan joins the hosts for a movie draft set in 2007. They discuss favorite films like 'Superbad' and 'Zodiac,' debate draft strategies, and banter about picks like 'Ratatouille' and 'Ocean's 13.' The conversation also includes discussions on Fantastic Four movies, biopic films, and selecting draft choices from various genres.

As Gene and Roger jumped from one program to another, they left behind shows that were desperate to replicate the duo’s groundbreaking success. These reiterations, along with other imitations of the format, paved the way for a television market saturated with Siskel and Ebert wannabes. But what they all failed to realize was that what made Gene and Roger special was Gene and Roger themselves.Host: Brian RafteryProducers: Amanda Dobbins, Sean Fennessey, Isaac Lee, Noah Malale, Bobby Wagner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices