Our time with James L. Brooks comes to a close as we look at his third Best Picture nominee: As Good As It Gets.

Jack Nicholson won his third Oscar for playing irascible, OCD-afflicted writer Melvin Udall, with Helen Hunt also winning and Greg Kinnear also nominated. We break down their performances and characters and whether or not they work, while also answering an important question: what the hell is this movie?

Plus, our thoughts on The Running Man, Now You See Me Now You Don’t, and more!

What’s your favorite James L. Brooks movie? Let us know at [email protected]

James L. Brooks continues as we look at the second film he directed, Broadcast News! This film also received a Best Picture nomination, and may be his most beloved film. Starring Holly Hunter, William Hurt, and Albert Brooks, this film centers on a love triangle that forms between three people working at a news network, while also featuring commentary on the state of journalism circa 1987 that has remained relevant over the years.

Our hosts are both watching for the first time, and we break down the performances, the themes, and why this film is still so enjoyable almost 40 years later.

Plus, Christian’s thoughts on Train Dreams and Scott’s thoughts on Predator: Badlands!

What’s your favorite James L. Brooks film? Let us know at [email protected]

We’ve turned the page on spooky season and it’s time for a new monthly theme. With his first film in 15 years releasing in theaters later this year, we’re taking a look at the films of James L. Brooks!

To start, Terms of Endearment. This Best Picture-winning film netted Brooks 3 Oscars for his feature directorial debut, also earning Shirley MacClaine and Jack Nicholson awards for their performances. Our hosts at crossing a Best Picture blindspot off their watchlist as they watch one of the most famous mother-daughter films ever made.

Plus, our thoughts on the worst box office weekend of 2025 so far!

Do you think Debra Winger should have won the Oscar over MacClaine? Let us know at [email protected]

It may be Halloween, but we’re taking a break from scary stories with Stephen King to say goodbye to a couple of Hollywood legends. Earlier this year, we lost both Robert Redford and Diane Keaton. Oscar winners and icons of the screen, the two of them entertained audiences and made great movies for decades. We discuss both of their careers before reviewing two notable films they starred in, each winning Best Picture: The Sting for Redford, Annie Hall for Keaton.

Plus, Scott reveals what’s on the schedule for November.

Do you have a favorite Robert Redford or Diane Keaton movie? Let us know at [email protected]

Stephen King month draws to a close, and we’ve got a treat for you: a classic Cinema on Tap flight! After doing their homework on King adaptations, Christian and Scott pull together their “flight” of Stephen King movies, the four best entry points to his world on screen. They aren’t always the best movies, or even the best adaptations, but they give you an overall taste of what to expect from Stephen King.

Listen along and let us know how we did at [email protected]!

With one Friday left in October, we won’t be doing another horror movie for our Halloween episode. Instead, we’re saying goodbye to a couple icons of cinema. Stay tuned to hear the plan for next week.

Plus, our thoughts on Good Fortune, Tron: Ares, and other new releases.

In classic Stephen King fashion, we return to Maine to watch one of the most recent King adaptations: It!

A smash hit from just a few years ago, It features Bill Skarsgard as Pennywise the Clown as he attempts to feed on the fear of children in the town of Derry, Maine. This is a personal favorite of Christian’s and a first time watch for Scott. The two discuss the great casting, the scariest sequences, and how this movie compares to other King adaptations.

Plus, our thoughts on A House of Dynamite, Roofman, and other new releases!

What’s your favorite Stephen King adaptation? Let us know at [email protected]

Our trip to Stephen King country takes us on a trip out to snowy Colorado for a stay at The Overlook Hotel. It’s time for The Shining!

Stanley Kubrick and co-writer Diane Johnson infamously made many changes in their adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, causing King to get so frustrated he wrote a new adaptation for TV himself. Yet, The Shining lives on, and is widely acclaimed as one of Kubrick’s best films. Friend of the show Joaquin Dominguez joins us to discuss one of his most-watched movies of all time as we check in with this influential horror classic.

What’s your favorite Stephen King adaptation? Let us know at [email protected]

From the works of one of America’s pre-eminent film directors to the works of one of its greatest…authors? October is here, and for our annual spooky season theme we’re watching film adaptations based on the writing of Stephen King!

We’re starting back at the beginning with 1976’s Carrie. Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie broke the horror barrier, earning Oscar nominations for their performances in Brian de Palma’s adaptation of King’s debut novel. We take a moment to discuss King’s general career, before jumping into the movie.

What’s your favorite Stephen King adaptation? Let us know at [email protected]

One Battle After Another is finally here. PTA’s new film is being praised by some as not only one of the best films of the year but of the decade so far. After a monthlong look at his filmography, Christian and Scott dive in.

Will the PTA fanboy and PTA skeptic find common ground? Or is another argument brewing? (Or, in classic Cinema on Tap fashion—both?).

Plus, we reveal who won our summer box office game and gets to pick a bonus episode later this year.

What’s your favorite PTA film? Let us know at [email protected]

Paul Thomas Anderson month continues with his follow-up to last week’s film. After the critical acclaim There Will Be Blood received, anticipation for PTA’s next film was high. In 2012, he gave us The Master. The film was visually accomplished, being the first fiction film shot on 65mm since 1996, and thematically dense, bringing a renewed sense of control to PTA’s style. Received warmly by critics and at film festivals, the film has endured despite its box office failure.

Featuring Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Laura Dern, and the final PTA-Phillip Seymour Hoffman collaboration, The Master is a thorny, provocative drama. Scott has been looking forward to a rewatch, but Christian didn’t like it on his original viewing. Joined by old friend of the show Nick Vyner, we break down The Master and consider its place in PTA’s filmography.

Plus, our thoughts on TIFF’s People’s Choice Award, Demon Slayer, The Long Walk, and the passing of Robert Redford.

What’s your favorite PTA film? Let us know at [email protected]