The Contenders

A divisive Kristen Stewart! An even more divisive movie! The Addington siblings are joined by special guest Mandy and navigate their way through the messy family drama, long-coming self-discovery, and smoldering Aubry Plaza of director Clea DuVall's "Happiest Season." We get into the greatness of Mary Steenburgen, the (maybe excessive) iciness of Alison Brie, and -- oh yes -- the Victor Garber of it all. Check this one out and let us know where you come down on the Harper/Abby conundrum at the heart of the "Happiest Season."

Winona Ryder as a wannabe Catholic school girl? Cher in a mermaid costume? And Bob Hoskins as the film's love interest? Oh, yes, 1990's "Mermaids" has all that and so much more. The Addington siblings welcome filmmaker-podcaster-author-activist Lenny Peppers who helps them dig into what the film does right, what it does wrong, and what the heck Jake Ryan is doing in this movie! (Hint: not much that's good.) Stick around for a super fun game and learn what we've got coming next for the holidays!

In this extra special Election Day bonus episode, the Addington siblings sit down with writer-director Rod Lurie to discuss his 2000 film THE CONTENDER, the namesake film of the podcast! Go behind the scenes of this groundbreaking and increasingly timely film about the first woman nominated to the American Vice Presidency -- from directing Jeff Bridges post-Lebowski and giving space for Joan Allen's incredible performance, to getting notes from Steven Spielberg. Join us as we circle back to the movie that started it all on the 20th anniversary of its release! (And go vote!)

The early legal life of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg gets the biopic treatment in 2018's "On the Basis of Sex," and the Addington siblings are here to cross examine it all: from Felicity Jones to Armie Hammer, the difficulties of writing movies about your own family, and the live-wire Justin Theroux, who might just be in a different movie. Can the movie overcome the generic biopic beats? How does it place RBG in the trajectory of feminism? And how excited were we to see a movie from the director of "Deep Impact"? Only one way to find out!

The iconic pink suit. The dog in the purse. The tale of self-empowerment. And all that Reese. What's not to love? The Addington siblings welcome legal expert Tina Ching as they cross examine the 2001 comedy classic "Legally Blonde." How accurate is this depiction of law school? Should Reese have won her Oscar for this movie? And how does the movie play almost 20 years later? Plus, we share a few thoughts on the passing of RBG. So grab your briefcase and your puffy pen, because court is now in session!

Kickass action! A ton of women behind the scenes! Charlize Theron at her soulful grittiest! That's right, this week the Addington siblings take on director Gina Prince-Bythewood's Netflix smash hit, "The Old Guard." Can Aislinn make it through all the punching and killing and shaky camerawork? Will Tobin find some esoteric way to connect the filmmaking back to "Love & Basketball"? And does this make up for all the theatrical films we missed this summer? Only one way to find out!

While practice might make perfect, first time writer-director Gina Prince-Bythewood nails this three-pointer with grace, insight, and wit. In this very special episode of The Contenders, the Addington siblings suit up and hit the court to discuss sports movies, romantic dramas, the end of the 1990s, and the start of some enduring Hollywood careers.Plus, Aislinn pulls together a trivia game for all our dear listeners. Consider this your coach's pep talk and get listening!

An Academy Award-nominated director. A star-studded cast. And an epic running time. The Addington siblings complete their 1990s-era Christian Bale appreciation month with a look at Jane Campion's "The Portrait of a Lady." Was John Malkovich miscast? Is anybody in this movie NOT in love with Nicole Kidman? And how brilliant is Mary-Louise Parker? Plus some major tangents -- including fresh appreciation for Greta Gerwig's Little Women -- and a language-based game that is sure to take a weary nation by storm! What's not to love? And propose to? Again and again and again?

And now for something COMPLETELY different! Christian Bale. Matthew McConaughey. Ash-eating dragons. Wait, what?!? As a special bonus episode, the Addington siblings invite frequent guest Joe Bolenbaugh to check out a movie with almost no women in sight: 2002's "Reign of Fire." Why? Good question. You'll have to tune in to find out. Beware: this is one of our funniest episodes to date. You have been warned!

A ragtag band of misfits. A girl who wants to speak to the stars. And a (sort of) climactic talent show featuring the music of David Bowie. Troop Zero also features familiar but fun performances by Viola Davis and Allison Janney, wild southern accents, and some great hair. Pair that with Aislinn's merit badge inspired game, and you have yourself a delightful summer episode to help get you through! Plus, stay tuned for an announcement about our exciting July episodes, and more bloopers after the show!

Find us on Twitter: @Contenders_Pod

On Patreon: www.thecontenderspod.com

On Email: contenders@cageclub.me

Tobin on Twitter: @tobinaddington

Aislinn on Twitter: @SassyNerdMT

Find more shows: cageclub.me

Music: "Let's Start at the Beginning" by Lee Rosevere

Licensed under Creative Commons: CC-BY-SA