Datebook

In Episode 26 of Datebook podcast, Chronicle pop culture critic Peter Hartlaub interviews Adam Shankman - director of the new comedy "What Men Want." Shankman got his start as a dancer and choreographer, and his directorial debut was the San Francisco movie "The Wedding Planner." He talks about making films in the Bay Area, the surprise comedy genius of Taraji P. Henson and his epic meeting with John Waters when Shankman was hired to direct a "Hairspray" remake.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is Mozart's Symphony 40 in G Minor by Blue Dot Sessions.

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In Episode 25 of Datebook podcast, San Francisco Chronicle classical music critic Joshua Kosman, art critic Charles Desmarais and pop culture critic Peter Hartlaub share some of the best entertainment deals on their beats. After talking about some of their own early deals - and Charles Desmarias' scoop about free entry at the Fine Arts Museums in San Francisco, Joshua, Charles and Peter name some favorite bargains. 

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is Mozart's Symphony 40 in G Minor by Blue Dot Sessions.

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In Episode 24 of "Datebook" podcast, Chronicle movie critic Mick LaSalle, Style reporter Tony Bravo and pop culture critic Peter Hartlaub break down the nominations for the 91st Academy Awards. LaSalle focuses on the best picture, best actress and best actor categories - and then Bravo answers the question: Are the Academy Awards still a fun and relevant spectacle.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is Mozart's Symphony 40 in G Minor by Blue Dot Sessions

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In Episode 23 of "Datebook" podcast, Chronicle movie critic Mick LaSalle talks about why he likes January movies, which have traditionally been looked at as a dumping ground. He discusses his "Glass" empty chair review in the Chronicle, and closes with a discussion with arts and entertainment editor Leba Hertz about the good movies that come out of hard political times.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is Mozart's Symphony 40 in G Minor by Blue Dot Sessions

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In Episode 22 of "Datebook" podcast, Chronicle pop culture critic Peter Hartlaub interviews actor John C. Reilly about his role in "Stan & Ollie," the new biopic about comedians Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Reilly talks about the difficulty and responsibility taking on the role of Hardy, who is on his final tour near the end of his life in the film. Reilly also talks about the research involved - which still continues even as the movie is about to be released on Jan. 11, 2019.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is Mozart's Symphony 40 in G Minor by Blue Dot Sessions

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Lily Janiak talks to local magician, storyteller, solo performer and now San Francisco Ghost Hunt Walking Tour guide Christian Cagigal. We talk about how he got into leading tourists, local history buffs and fans of the supernatural on a one-mile nighttime jaunt through Pacific Heights, some of the lore he shares along the way, whether ghosts are real, what makes a good ghost story, and why so many ghost stories happen to take place in Pac Heights.

Produced by Lily Janiak. Music by Steven Boyle.

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In episode 21 of Datebook podcast, Chronicle theater critic Lily Janiak talks to local actor Siobhan Doherty as part of The Artist's Life series. In January, Siobhan will perform in Cutting Ball's revival of its 2012 hit, "Tenderloin," which she cowrote. We talk about the variety of gigs she takes to make it work as a Bay Area artist, including entertaining passengers at SFO, working with incarcerated youth and training future doctors, teachers and police.

Produced by Lily Janiak. Music by Steven Boyle. 

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In Episode 20 of "Datebook" podcast, Joshua Kosman and Lily Janiak join host Peter Hartlaub to talk about when critics get surprised, and how it fuels their work. Janiak talks about a presentation of "Our Town," Hartlaub recalls a Snoop Dogg concert that went from routine to unforgettable and Joshua Kosman recalls some classical music surprises - and talks about a recent pleasant surprise at the S.F. Symphony.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is Mozart's Symphony 40 in G Minor by Blue Dot Sessions

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In Episode 19 of "Datebook" podcast, Mick LaSalle returns to Movies with Mick LaSalle to present his Top 10 list of 2018. The Chronicle's movie critic declares 2019 one of the best years for movies in recent memory, and reveals a list that includes "First Reformed" and "Blindspotting." LaSalle is joined by Leba Hertz, who also talks about her 10 favorite movies of the year.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is Mozart's Symphony 40 in G Minor by Blue Dot Sessions

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Episode 18 of Datebook podcast is an interview with "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" directors Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman and Bob Persichetti. The filmmakers worked on the animated superhero film for more than three years, operating mostly under the radar, before the film was screened for critics and became a critical hit. The team joined host Peter Hartlaub in the archive podcast studio at the San Francisco Chronicle. "Spider-Verse" opens to wide audiences on Dec. 14. 

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is Mozart's Symphony 40 in G Minor by Blue Dot Sessions.

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