The Contenders

Calling all Austen-heads! This episode, the Addington siblings welcome Shawnee Mead to dive into Autumn de Wilde’s 2020 adaptation of “Emma.” From the gorgeous costumes to the even more gorgeous hairstyling, we stack this version of Jane Austen’s tricky tale against the other major cinematic adaptations. Plus, stick around for an awesome game!

The Addington siblings dig into 2013’s “Enough Said,” written and directed by Nicole Holofcener and starring National Treasure Julia Louis-Dreyfus and the late, great James Gandolfini. Spoiler alert: we love this under-seen movie! With crackerjack supporting turns by Toni Collette (using her real accent!), Catherine Keener (as a hippie poet!), and Ben Falcone (yes, Ben Falcone!), this is 100% a gem. Check it out then listen to us gab about it all!

The Addington siblings welcome filmmaker David Mills-Low to discuss 2003’s “Something’s Gotta Give,” written and directed by the one and only Nancy Meyers. How gross is Jack Nicholson’s character? How cool is Frances McDormand’s? And would we stop the movie when Diane Keaton’s still with Keanu Reeves? There’s only one way to find out!

Three hosts. Two podcasts. One film. This week, the Addington siblings join “Hard to Believe” host John Brooks to do a deep dive into the murky waters of Josphine Decker’s biopic of Shirley Jackson, anchored by a searing Elizabeth Moss performance. How much of this story really happened? Whose story is it really? And how closely does it hew to the work and aesthetic of Shirley Jackson herself. We dig into all these questions, and then Tobin and John go head-to-head in a game for the ages. Not one to miss!

To wrap up Oscar week, the Addington siblings tackle one of the most controversial 2020 nominees: Emerald Fennell’s revenge thriller “Promising Young Woman.” Does it live up to the early hype? Is it thin and over-stylized, or canny and pitch perfect? And how freaking good is Carey Mulligan? I mean, seriously! Plus, stick around for a killer game, and let us know how you feel about this most unusual awards contender.

It’s Oscar month! To celebrate, the Addington siblings will check out the two films by women nominated for Best Director. First up, we hitch a ride with Frances McDormand as she explores the cracked myth of the American Dream in Chloe Zhao’s 2020 Oscar contender “Nomadland.” From its unusual conception and creation, to the spare and haunting finished film, Tobin and Aislinn kick the tires of this unlikely awards juggernaut and see if it lives up to the hype.

The Addington siblings record together in-person for the first time in almost two years to take a good look at Radha Blank’s wonderful breakout 2020 film “The Forty-Year-Old Version.” Who (usually) gets to make NYC coming-of-age films? How great are the teens in this movie? What does it all have to say about the creative process? And what’s up with that title anyway? Plus, Aislinn tries to stump Tobin with a game that pokes at his age...

Surprise! It’s a special edition of The Contenders! The Addington siblings welcome High School Slumber Party host Brian Rodriguez for a pop quiz about Amy Poehler’s new teen comedy. How well does this movie capture high school? Are the adults more cartoony than the kids? And what’s this new show Aislinn and Brian have been cooking up for us?! Plus, our most creative game yet...

A band of misfits! A nearly all-women creative team! An action climax with heart, stakes, and cool stunts! What’s not to love? The Addington siblings welcome frequent guest and author Derek Heckman as they dive head-first into the Margo Robbie-produced, Cathy Yan-directed, Suicide Squad spinoff. Who’s our favorite bird? Does the sticky-slick tone work? And how can it be legal for Ewan McGregor to have so much fun?! Plus, as always, a kick-ass game!

A kick-ass heroine! A truly impressive trailer! Based on a beloved -- if deeply flawed -- animated classic! What could go wrong? That's the mission the Addington siblings take on as they delve into the fight sequences, the gender politics, and the various controversies surrounding Niki Caro's $200 million action adventure. How many opportunities were missed? Who is to blame? And why can't we give Donnie Yen the role he so richly deserves? Plus, the most out-of-left-field game we've ever had!