Reel Fanatics

The guys are joined by a guest, Isthmus food writer Kyle Nabilcy, to discuss recent entries in the MCU, Black Widow and Loki, and ponder where the Marvel franchise is headed next.

The critically acclaimed Nicolas Cage film, Pig, is the topic of the day. Michael digs into the work of Jean-Luc Godard. Joe reports on a new horror trilogy. Jared revisits two early ’90s films.

In this episode, Jared and Joe review Pixar's Luca and question the Disney Plus release model. Michael analyzes Tarantino's new novelization of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. The guys wrap up the show with a game of Cinephile.

Michael, Jared, and Joe reunite in person for the first time in over a year to watch and review Steven Soderbergh's No Sudden Move. Jared and Michael revisit two '90s thrillers from young auteurs. Joe returns to the Indiana Jones franchise. The guys briefly consider all-time best directorial debuts. They wrap up the episode by playing a cinephile memory game.

The guys review the film adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda's Broadway hit, In the Heights. Joe and Jared dive into the work of indie auteur John Sayles. Michael returns to a comedy classic and finds it as relevant as ever.

The triumphant return of Reel Fanatics, with a whole new look! The guys explain why they’ve been MIA for the past 2.5 months and give a rundown of their cinematic diet during that span.

Note: This episode was recorded several months ago. For the latest round of retro reviews, the guys explore the work of Akira Kurosawa. First up is Joe's selection: Kurosawa's King Lear adaptation, Ran. Michael returns to Hal Ashby's 1970s work. Jared revisits a quintessential film about American labor. Joe recommends two unheralded classics from unfairly maligned directors.

Note: This episode was recorded several months ago. The guys dig into the complicated history and ultimate release of Zack Snyder's extended, expanded version of the 2017 Justice League film. But first, they discuss the Star Wars sequel trilogy and the Academy Award nominations.

Note: This episode was recorded several months ago. The guys review eventual Best Picture winner, Nomadland, and, in doing so, reassess the critical response to Sean Penn’s Into the Wild. Joe revisits a beloved film trilogy. Michael catches up on a 2020 documentary. Jared discusses the horror of Kiyoshi Kurosawa.

Note: This is the first of four episodes that were recorded several months ago and delayed by technical issues. The guys review the Oscar-nominated Judas and the Black Messiah. Joe and Jared recommend some Michelle Pfeiffer classics. Michael provides an update on his run through The Sopranos. The guys suggest a few box set ideas for the Criterion Collection.