Reel Fanatics

Michael, Jared, and Joe reveal their top 10 films of 2016. Halfway through the countdown, Joe and Jared share their favorite TV series of 2016, while Michael calls out the films he hated. The guys debate the validity of including O.J.: Made in America on a movie list. Joe coins the term “Sundance antics.”

The guys are joined by Lizzi Alstad for a review of surprise Oscar player Hidden Figures. Joe and Jared each recommend a pair of new releases.

The hosts get philosophical in their lengthy analysis of Martin Scorsese’s Silence. Michael and Joe debate the purpose of a film like Patriots Day, as Joe busts out his Boston Mark Wahlberg impression.

It’s no secret to regular listeners that Michael, Jared, and Joe are wary of the incoming U.S. president and his administration. Just before the inauguration, the guys, in the most overtly political RF episode to date, reveal their top five films for the Trump Era. Joe uses one of his selections as a stealth recommendation. [...]

Disagreement abounds in this packed episode. Jared and Joe debate the stage-to-screen merits of Fences, and Michael goes to the mat for Jackie. Joe recommends the bleakest TV series from 2016.

There’s a lot of love for La La Land in this episode, and the movie conjures up memories of time spent in Los Angeles. The hosts also address the growing backlash to the Oscar frontrunner. Michael, Jared, and Joe all recommend films from earlier in 2016.

The first Star Wars anthology film gets the RF treatment, and the hosts do not see eye to eye. A discussion ensues about the use of computer-generated characters. Joe and Jared both like Loving but disagree on Moana.

Joe, Michael, and Jared discuss the Sundance critical darling, Manchester by the Sea, and offer contrasting reactions to Casey Affleck’s performance. Joe compares the film to 1994 Ice-T actioner Surviving the Game (yes, really). Michael champions print journalism. Jared complains about Wisconsin winter weather.

The guys disagree on the new espionage thriller from Robert Zemeckis. Jared and Joe frame The Edge of Seventeen as a corrective to Sixteen Candles. Joe recommends a Marvel movie not previously discussed on the podcast.

Michael and Joe imagine Mel Gibson’s cinematic bloodlust on set. Jared and Joe analyze the structure of Kelly Reichardt’s new film. Joe wishes Scorsese a happy birthday. All three hosts gripe about a looming Trump presidency.