Reel Fanatics

The guys review Elem Klimov’s Come and See to celebrate its restoration and Criterion release. Jared and Michael recommend old comedy shows, while Joe talks ideal home viewing setups.

In this listener-suggested episode, Jared, Michael, and Joe share their top five favorite television shows, books, video games, and albums. No movies!

Kelly Reichardt’s First Cow was finally released on VOD, so the guys review that revisionist western. Jared raves about a Chilean stop-motion film. Joe recommends an HBO true crime miniseries. Michael discusses some documentary work related to the Charlie Hebdo shooting.

Joe kicks off the fourth round of retro reviews with a new favorite, Joe Versus the Volcano, and the guys have a rousing discussion about the film. Jared recommends a 25-year-old sci-fi noir that is still topical today. Joe champions a Carl Reiner-directed film with excellent physical comedy from Steve Martin.

Judd Apatow’s latest manchild-centered film, The King of Staten Island, is the topic of this episode. Jared and Michael express their enthusiasm for 25th Hour. Joe reveals he isn’t a Steve Coogan fan. The guys briefly address the changes announced for the upcoming Oscars.

Da new Spike Lee Joint is the topic of this episode. Jared recommends two Vietnam War-related items. Joe explains his connection to Lee’s co-writer on Da 5 Bloods and BlacKkKlansman.

Joe’s latest entry in the RF retro reviews series is The Wages of Fear. The guys analyze Henri-Georges Clouzot’s white-knuckle thriller and briefly discuss William Friedkin’s remake, Sorcerer.

The guys are joined by returning guest Josh Panos to discuss the ESPN docuseries The Last Dance. Joe catches up on early Celine Sciamma movies, Michael returns to Frasier, Jared recommends a new indie, and Josh champions a historical drama miniseries.

Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood for Love is Jared’s latest retro review pick. But Michael and Joe find the film harder to love. Jared champions a western miniseries. Joe recommends a 1970s gem.

We open the third round of retro reviews with Werner Herzog’s Nosferatu: Phantom der Nacht, a film that has been immensely influential for Michael. Jared recommends a different vampire movie. Joe and Michael briefly discuss ESPN’s The Last Dance.