Reel Fanatics

The guys review likely Oscar contender Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and a mini Movies on Trial-like debate unfolds over a particular plot element. Michael and Joe describe an awkward moment at a recent film festival Q&A. Jared gushes about a montage sequence in a new Netflix series.

This episode is an arthouse roundup in which Jared and Joe review The Florida Project, The Meyerowitz Stories, and The Killing of a Sacred Deer. The guys discuss the Netflix distribution model, and Michael expresses concern about the future of the movie theater experience.

Blade Runner 2049, among Joe and Jared’s most anticipated films of the year, is reviewed in this episode. The guys also talk horror cinema and Ken Burns documentaries. Michael recalls meeting Roger Deakins.

Tom Cruise’s latest star vehicle, American Made, is the primary topic this week, but Joe and Jared also discuss Battle of the Sexes. Michael and Joe praise a recent documentary miniseries. Jared guarantees a certain movie would get four stars from Michael.

Darren Aronofsky’s divisive new film, Mother!, is the main topic this week, and each host has a different take on its merits. The guys also review the latest adaptation of Stephen King’s It.

Jared shares his experience at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival, highlighting his favorites, most pleasant surprises, and biggest disappointments from this year’s lineup.

Joe and Jared review the latest Safdie Brothers film, Good Time (note: there is no spoilers section, but the discussion does get spoilery). Jared considers himself a bad cinephile for not liking the comedy of Jerry Lewis. Joe gives a shoutout to some coworkers with his recommendations. Michael analyzes Rick and Morty S3 and how it differs from previous seasons.

The guys review Steven Soderbergh’s Logan Lucky. Michael, Joe, and Jared discuss objectivity vs. subjectivity in film criticism. Jared and Michael respond to a listener’s lengthy comment, and Joe joins in to further debate Dunkirk.

In this listener-suggested episode, Jared, Joe, and Michael share their ten favorite films of the 1990s while trying to predict what each other will pick. Joe proposes a film called Magua Unchained. Jared’s list is dominated by 1995 cinema. Michael completely forgets his #1 of the decade.

In Joe’s first episode as moderator, the guys review the new Kathryn Bigelow film, Detroit. Michael dives into FilmStruck’s documentary catalog. Jared shares his reaction to Tommy Wiseau’s The Room, which prompts a brief discussion about the cult of bad movies. Joe recommends a film that he expects to have in his year-end top 10.