Reel Fanatics

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.)

Personal Shopper receives a warmer response from the RF hosts than it did from critics at Cannes. Michael addresses the astonishing drop in quality during S9 of The Office. Joe highlights the problems with binge-watching television and playing multiplayer video games online. Jared examines death in the Digital Age.

Confused by the title? That is Michael’s phrase for a filmmaker whose work he dislikes except for one movie. Alternative title: Films We Love by Directors We Don’t. Many maligned directors get mentioned in another lively list episode. Also, Jared goes to the mat for the new Malick movie, and Joe discusses “delightful boners.”

A double review episode: the live-action Beauty and the Beast and the sequel to Trainspotting get the RF treatment. Joe goes heavy on the sports analogies, while Jared draws a comparison to the Ecce Homo debacle. Michael criticizes the use of “T2.”

The guys review Logan and discuss Hugh Jackman’s legacy as Wolverine. Michael jinxes the Wisconsin Badgers Men’s Basketball team. Jared champions an unloved Wes Anderson film. Joe’s Goldblum laugh sounds a lot like ZZ Top.

Joe and Jared review Jordan Peele’s provocative directorial debut while Michael asks questions. Jared vehemently disagrees with one of Joe’s recommendations. Joe talks about Tom Hardy’s fixation on unusual accents.

Jared and Joe talk about their most anticipated movies of the year, and Michael joins them to reflect on their lists from 2016.

P.S. Sorry for the delayed posting, loyal listeners! We had some site issues to resolve.

Michael, Jared, and Joe discuss the nominees for the 89th Academy Awards and offer their predictions and alternative selections.