The Big Picture

We convene to share our top five murder mystery films and judge the category with ranging specificity (1:15). Then writer-director Rian Johnson joins to discuss ‘Knives Out’—the whodunnit vehicle featuring Chris Evans, Daniel Craig, and Ana de Armas—and how he landed on this film after his role in the 'Star Wars' franchise (32:00).Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsGuest: Rian Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Spirit Awards typically act as Oscars counterprogramming, rewarding outliers and underseen indies in the race. Sean and Amanda break down the 2020 nominations and what they could mean for the big show (1:09). Then, with 'A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood' hitting theaters, we discuss the long and brilliant career of America's Dad, Tom Hanks, by constructing a hall of fame with his 10 most essential performances (16:15). Finally, Sean is joined by director Marielle Heller to talk about Hanks and how together they captured the essence of Fred Rogers (1:09:49).Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsGuests: Marielle Heller Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Oscars are closer than you think—just 82 more days!—so Sean and Amanda take a closer look at the chances of 'Ford v. Ferrari,' 'Waves,' and five more potential contenders (2:40). Then they break down the dismal box office performance of Elizabeth Banks's 'Charlie's Angels' reboot (48:02) and discuss the unlikely boost that 'Joker' received over the weekend (59:23). Finally, Sean interviews writer-director Scott Z. Burns about his new drama 'The Report' (68:41).Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsGuests: Scott Z. Burns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the release of the Christian Bale–Matt Damon racing two-hander, we look back on Damon’s best performances, including the iconic ‘Good Will Hunting’ and the lesser-known ‘Dogma’ (0:45). Then, James Mangold joins to discuss ‘Ford v Ferrari’ and the threat that a changing movie industry presents to movies like it (58:30).Host: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsGuests: Chris Ryan and James Mangold Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The launch of Disney's new streaming service raises fascinating questions about the future of streaming and awards season. Sean and Amanda dive in by looking at the launch slate and whether it will change how we think about the Oscars (1:37). Then, 'The New York Times' culture editor Gilbert Cruz joins to discuss the confusing 'Shining' sequel 'Doctor Sleep' and why the Stephen King adaptation struggled at the box office (28:05). Sean's little sister Grace makes a special appearance to break down her three favorite movies of 2019, and dunk on her older brother (46:50). Amanda and Sean break down this year's Best Original Song slate, which is historically one of the worst categories at the Oscars (1:05:24). And finally, Sean interviews writer-director Trey Edward Shults to discuss one of the year's most moving films, 'Waves' (1:19:11).Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsGuests: Gilbert Cruz, Grace Fennessey, and Trey Edward Shults Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Writer-director Noah Baumbach's latest is one of the year's best and most emotionally devastating films. The Netflix release stars Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson as a young couple reckoning with the dissolution of their relationship and the separation of their intertwined lives. Sean and Amanda take a long look at this story; how it will make you feel about your marriage; Baumbach's catalog of erudite, entertaining movies; and the history of divorce movies (1:25). Then, Baumbach joins Sean to talk about the making of 'Marriage Story,' transposing autobiography onto creative work, and the genius of composer Randy Newman (61:15).Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsGuests: Noah Baumbach Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Martin Scorsese's 'The Irishman' is already being hailed as a sophisticated masterwork—by Sean and Amanda and dozens of critics—that will challenge for Oscars in nearly every major category. But it isn't easy to see in theaters. The battle between Netflix and theater chains to show the movie at multiplexes around the world reveals the perilous future of the movie business (3:00). Then actor Antonio Banderas joins Sean to discuss making the transition from Spain to America; his decades-long collaboration with director Pedro Almodóvar; and their latest film, 'Pain and Glory' (62:20).Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsGuest: Antonio Banderas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'The Irishman' opens in theaters this weekend, so Sean has convened two Scorsese fanatics, Chris Ryan and Adam Nayman, to share their top five favorite Marty movies. The trio discuss Scorsese's signature themes and visual style, his approach to genre, and what makes him such a historic figure in the world of filmmaking (3:00). Then, Edward Norton joins Sean to discuss the making of his latest film—which he wrote, directed, and stars in—'Motherless Brooklyn' (61:00).Host: Sean FennesseyGuests: Chris Ryan, Adam Nayman, and Edward Norton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The nominations are flowing and we're already drunk with takes. Amanda and Sean look at the Gotham Awards noms and the Academy's Governors Awards and predict several key questions about the Oscars, including all six major categories (1:10). Then, Sean is joined by writer-director Bong Joon-ho to talk about making his extraordinary new movie 'Parasite' (65:03).Host: Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsGuest: Bong Joon-ho Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Discover the best horror movies of the decade, from prestige horror to indie gems. Explore the unique premise of the movie 'Unfriended' and its examination of online shaming. Delve into Blumhouse Productions and their success in utilizing technology in horror. Uncover the claustrophobic setting and social anxiety in 'The Invitation'. Dive into the works of director Breck Eisner and notable horror movies like 'Starry Eyes' and 'House of the Devil'. Hear recommendations for horror films from the past decade and the concept of 'elevated horror'. Learn about the origins of a cult favorite movie and the unconventional career of Rudy Ray Moore. Lastly, get top horror movie picks for humor and social satire.