We’re back to discuss one of the most influential films of the last 30 years, Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction. Joining us for the discussion are special guests and Tarantino aficionados Michael Grygo and Garret Dwello. The film follows several characters across the criminal underworld of LA told in a non chronological order. This was the first Tarantino film to feature frequent future collaborators, Samuel L. Jackson and Uma Thurman, amongst its all-star cast. We discuss the film’s style, the surprises it packs, and of course the man himself, Tarantino.

In this episode we discuss Takia Waititi’s Jojo Rabbit. Set in Germany during the final days of WW2, this dark comedy follows a young boy in the Hitler Youth who is forced to question his beliefs upon discovery that his mother is hiding a jewish woman from the Nazis in their home. The film manages to remain funny, while still addressing the horrors of genocide, war, and the spread of hatred. Listen to hear us talk about how the film accomplishes this feat, as well as its beautiful production design and much more. Stay to the end to hear which recent, critically acclaimed movie we kinda hated!

We’re back to discuss Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut, Lady Bird. Lady Bird is a personal, heartfelt coming of age comedy set in Gerwig’s hometown of Sacramento, California. Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf lead an excellent cast that also features Timothée Chalamet and Beanie Feldstein. Listen to our discussion of how the film’s depictions of class, religion, sexuality, and family dynamics feel more grounded than the typical high school movie.

Christopher Nolan is a name that’s come up a few times on the podcast but we haven’t dedicated an episode to focus on one of his movies before. Until now. With his latest film Oppenheimer set to come out later this year, we thought it was a good time to revisit his breakthrough film Memento (2000). Memento is a neo-noir that follows Guy Pearce as Leonard Shelby, a man with short term memory loss trying to find his wife’s killer. The film is perhaps most known for its innovative non-linear structure. While many Nolan trademarks are here, the film’s small indie budget stands in stark contrast to his later work. This begs the question: how does Memento compare to Nolan’s later blockbusters? Did working with a smaller budget lead to innovation or result in a less satisfying film? Listen to find out!

Happy 2023 Optimists! For our first episode of the year, we reflect back on our favorite movies we saw in 2022. Just like our episode from last year, these are our favorite movies seen in 2022, not necessarily released in 2022. As we count down our top 5 watches from 2022, let us know what made your list!

Happy Holidays, Optimists! The illustrious Ann Boyd joins us once again to discuss another alternative Christmas film selection, The Thin Man (1934). The Thin Man is a fast-paced mystery/comedy/romance featuring perhaps the ultimate power couple, Nick and Nora Charles played by William Powell and Mryna Loy. The film follows Nick, a retired detective, and his wealthy heiress wife Nora who encourages her husband to come out of retirement to solve a series of murders occurring in their social circles. The film is nearly ninety years old yet still feels fresh and fun. How does it pull this off? Listen to find out!

It’s almost here folks–Thanksgiving! A time to focus on family and, more importantly, food. We celebrate the occasion with one of our favorite food movies, Tampopo.  Directed by Juzo Itami, the 1985 film follows a pair of truckers who help a widow turn her struggling ramen shop into the best ramen shop in town. Exploring food culture both high and low, this unconventional comedy is a hidden gem of world cinema.

In this episode we discuss another legend of cinema, Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman and his film Autumn Sonata. The film follows a reunion between a celebrated concert pianist and her daughter who haven’t seen each other in seven years. The film’s minimal cast is led by Ingrid Bergman (no relation to Ingmar) and Lil Ullmann who both deliver outstanding performances.

We continue our month of horror with an 80’s horror classic, John Carpenter's The Thing!  We’re joined by special guest and friend of the podcast Jim Briggs. In the film, a crew of scientists in Antarctica are stalked by an alien that can take the form of any living creature. Hear us discuss the film, theories about the ending, and the surprising comfort of existential dread.

It’s finally here: spooky season! To usher in the hallowed era Megan and Seth discuss one of their favorite horror films, Ari Aster’s Hereditary. The film follows a family enduring increasingly strange and terrifying events following the death of their grandmother. Toni Collette delivers a powerhouse performance leading the cast of this grim tale through the horrors of family.