Rogue Auteurs

Jake and Chad reveal their picks in ten Oscar categories--who they would choose if they had the power.

Eric, Jake, and Chad reveal their 10 favorite movies of 2020 -- including all the movies that are eligible for the Oscars as part of the 2020 slate. They also briefly discuss the things about the Oscar nominations that brought them sadness and the things about the Oscar nominations that brought them joy. It was a very different year for cinema, so take some time to listen to those movies that persevered through the pandemic to become the best of the year.

In July 2016, in the 6th full episode of the Rogue Auteurs podcast, Chad unveiled his "Actor Spectrum," borne of a teacher's aide's humorous question about her responsibility. Here, almost five full years later, Jake, Chad, and Eric all talk about the Actor Spectrum, trying to find representative actors and actresses for various levels of bad to great acting. It's fun and it's long. Listen during your commute and help us celebrate our five-year anniversary!

Jake and Chad count down their favorite directors of all time. They also check back in briefly with Promising Young Woman, including some awesome thoughts from Hailey Plautz, a listener and friend who recently saw it and offered us a female perspective.

Jake, Eric, and Chad masked up and went to the theater to see Emerald Fennell's darkly comic PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN, starring Carey Mulligan. Then they sat down to talk about that, but mostly to talk about the movies they have seen since season 3 ended. The movies include TENET, MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM, MANK, the SMALL AXE ANTHOLOGY, SOUL, HAPPIEST SEASON, WONDER WOMAN 1984, ON THE ROCKS, THE MIDNIGHT SKY, NEWS OF THE WORLD, MULAN, and THE KING OF STATEN ISLAND. So take a listen and let us know what you think.

Eric, Jake, and Chad talk about the phenomenon of Hamilton, specifically in reference to its premiere on Disney Plus, as well as their feelings about its impact. They address the question of if ANY stage play will EVER have the wide-ranging and massive influence Hamilton did and does.

In which Chad is embarrassed for remembering an important scene incorrectly. But, more importantly: Jake, Eric, and Chad discuss Hulu's PALM SPRINGS! It's funny and charming and perfectly calibrated for the Coronavirus era, even though it was made before that.

Chad and Jake count down their favorite literary adaptations, focusing on what makes a movie adaptation work and what makes it effective.

Jake, Eric, and Chad have a thoughtful discussion about Spike Lee's 1989 cinematic classic Do the Right Thing, specifically looking at its continued relevance and examination of complex themes. They also discuss Lee's brand-new Netflix drama Da 5 Bloods and consider its relevance to the present moment in the United States.