A double review episode! Joe and Jared debate the merits of Sofia Coppola’s The Beguiled. Michael joins them to analyze Edgar Wright’s Baby Driver. Joe runs through a couple new Netflix series. Jared recommends the first masterpiece he has seen this year. Michael speaks of sunburns and waxing.

In this episode, Michael, Jared, and Joe reveal their top ten films of the 21st Century so far. Arguments arise over Christopher Nolan and Claire Denis. Michael describes one of his selections as the most ambitious science movie he has ever seen. Jared notices a genre link across his top five. Joe compares one film’s twist to heroin.

The lively online discussion about “The 25 Best Films of the 21st Century So Far” NYTimes article continues on the Reel Fanatics podcast! In this episode (the first of two parts), Jared, Joe, and Michael each share 15 of their favorite films from this century. Joe gets angry when Jared calls him on a technicality. Michael recommends a film that nearly made his list.

The guys review Wonder Woman and discuss how it fits into the DCEU. Michael points out a problem with the story’s mythology. Joe recommends a movie that is currently in contention for his favorite of the year. Jared shares his terrible Dragonheart Sean Connery impression.

The latest HBO docudrama is the focus of this episode. Joe and Jared butt heads on American Gods and how to watch Twin Peaks: The Return but agree on Michelle Pfeiffer. Jared is challenged by Michael on his purist tendencies. Michael makes a startling admission about Catwoman.

In a follow-up to the Favorite Actresses episode, the guys now talk about their favorite actors. Joe and Michael bust out their Michael Caine impressions. Jared geeks out over the Blade Runner 2049 trailer.

The guys discuss the latest MCU movie, and Jared has a strong objection to a particular scene. Joe finally finds an essay film he really likes, but Michael questions that categorization.

Michael, Jared, and Joe reveal their five favorite actresses of all time. Joe explains Nicole Kidman’s impact on his adolescence. Jared admits to changing his tune on a certain HBO miniseries.

The guys review the new James Gray film, The Lost City of Z, and reflect on the rich career of Jonathan Demme. Jared raises concerns about Gray’s modernization of Percy Fawcett, while Joe questions a casting choice.

Michael, Jared, and Joe review the new Terence Davies film, A Quiet Passion. Jared and Joe discuss the Netflix documentary miniseries Five Came Back. Michael introduces his new web series.

(Sorry for the delayed posting; had to fix some audio issues in this episode.)