Reel Fanatics

The latest Nicolas Cage film, Mandy, is the topic of this episode, and Joe and Jared disagree over it. In Listener Feedback, the guys discuss an overlooked sports film, and Joe dismisses a 1980s best picture winner. Michael and Jared ponder the puzzling ending of The Trip to Spain (spoiler-free). Joe discovers a new favorite musical.

Jared shares his experience at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival, highlighting his favorites, least favorites, surprises, and disappointments from this year’s lineup. Joe lays into the new Predator film. Michael discusses his excitement for the new Errol Morris documentary.

School is back in session! So the guys share their favorite school-oriented movies. Michael puts a very Jared film on his list. Jared calls Joe a hypocrite. Joe wonders what happened to Paul Brickman. And all three hosts briefly debate film blindspots.

The fellas review the new Spike Lee joint. Joe recommends a film he doesn’t know how to rate. Jared casually mentions his pick for best documentary of all time. Michael praises Adam Driver.

Sundance hit Eighth Grade is the main topic of this episode. Michael, Jared, and Joe debate the merits of political comedy on late-night talk shows. Joe raves about Sacha Baron Cohen’s new series. Michael finds the spiritual cousin to this podcast. Jared issues a mea culpa.

The last big summer film—the sixth entry in the Mission: Impossible franchise—is reviewed by the RF hosts. Joe revisits early Soderbergh. Michael reads DC comics. Jared claims that a recent Criterion release has the best opening sequence of all time.

NOTE: All RF episodes have just been renumbered for simplicity, so don’t be alarmed at the lower number in the title—this is the most recent episode as of August 11, 2018!

To celebrate the World Cup, Jared, Michael, and Joe reveal their ten favorite sports movies. Joe shares his disdain for sports generally. Jared identifies the best cinematic sport. Michael champions ESPN’s 30 for 30 series.

The Incredibles have finally returned! The guys review the long-awaited Pixar sequel in this episode. Jared and Joe offer a mini-review of Hereditary. Joe is irritated with Michael’s blindspots.

Nope, this has nothing to do with The Hangover franchise, nor movies to watch with a hangover. In this listener-suggested episode, Michael, Jared, and Joe each list five films that left them with an intellectual hangover after viewing (that is, movies that made an immediate strong impression—positive, negative, or mixed). Be prepared: there are a number of spoilers for old-ish movies in this episode.

The guys review the Han Solo standalone film, ponder the future of the Star Wars franchise, and briefly touch on the state of Star Wars fandom. Joe and Michael discuss their experience seeing 2001: A Space Odyssey in 70mm. Michael and Jared share their enthusiasm for Parks and Recreation.