Welcome back to The Film Library, a Kanopy podcast where we dig into cinematic oddities, unforgettable characters, and genre gems that deserve a second look—no film degree required. 

This week, hosts Kristy Puchko (Entertainment Editor at Mashable) and Jeff Rauseo (film lover, movie marathoner, and lifelong believer that the truth is out there) face off in a genre showdown between monsters that crawl from the shadows and visitors from beyond the stars. Join them as they explore everything from creature features that wreak havoc on cities to alien tales that challenge our understanding of humanity, it’s a battle of the bizarre. 

Kristy unleashes a trio of monster tales that span from gothic romance and grotesque transformations to a giant river-dwelling creature that terrorizes a city. Meanwhile, Jeff takes us on a journey through alien encounters, from low-budget splatterfests and existential comedies to a linguistically rich first-contact drama that asks what it really means to communicate. 

Whether you're into monster mayhem or visitors from beyond the stars, this episode is packed with thrills, chills, and a few laughs along the way. 

So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and let the genre games begin. 

Follow Kristy on Instagram @thekristypuchko and Letterboxd @kristypuchko.   

Follow Jeff on Instagram, TikTok, and Letterboxd @jeffrauseo.   

Follow Kanopy on Letterboxd to see the full episode list.  

Stream the films we mention for free at kanopy.com with a library card or university ID from a participating institution.  

Episode Highlights 

00:30 — Godzilla vs. Xenomorphs? 

Kristy and Jeff open with a hypothetical showdown between two cinematic icons—and use it to kick off their picks for the ultimate monster and alien movies. 

02:00 — The Host (2006) 

Kristy praises Bong Joon-ho’s terrifying river beast and the political subtext behind this modern Korean monster classic. 

05:30 — Arrival (2016) 

Jeff shares why Denis Villeneuve’s emotional, linguistics-driven alien drama might be the quietest, most powerful invasion film ever made. 

09:00 — Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) 

Kristy revisits Coppola’s lush, sensual take on the vampire myth—and makes a case for why this Dracula might be the scariest and sexiest of them all. 

13:00 — I’m Totally Fine (2022) 

Jeff spotlights this underseen indie about grief, healing, and alien imposters—with a heartfelt performance from Jillian Bell. 

17:10 — Trollhunter (2010) 

Kristy celebrates the Norwegian found-footage thriller that mixes mythology, mockumentary, and monster-hunting mayhem. 

24:15 — Bad Taste (1987) 

Jeff goes full cult-classic with Peter Jackson’s splatter-filled alien debut—a DIY gorefest where extraterrestrials harvest humans for fast food. 

Welcome back to The Film Library, a Kanopy podcast where we dig into eye-opening documentaries, unforgettable characters, and stories so strange they have to be true—no film degree required. 

This week, hosts Kristy Puchko (Entertainment Editor at Mashable) and Jeff Rauseo (film lover, documentary junkie, and proud champion of VHS oddities) dive into the wild, weird, and deeply personal world of documentaries. 

From baseball pitchers on LSD and DIY Spielberg tributes to miniature war towns and midlife creative crises, Kristy and Jeff spotlight some of their favorite nonfiction stories currently streaming on Kanopy. These aren’t your typical history homework assignments. These are films that surprise, inspire, and occasionally blow your mind wide open. 

Whether you’re into true crime, lost media, pop-punk nostalgia, or The Shining fan theories gone off the rails, this episode is packed with rabbit holes worth falling into. 

So, settle in and let these stories surprise you, move you, and maybe even change how you see the world. 

Follow Kristy on Instagram @thekristypuchko and Letterboxd @kristypuchko.   

Follow Jeff on Instagram, TikTok, and Letterboxd @jeffrauseo.   

Follow Kanopy on Letterboxd to see the full episode list.  

Stream the films we mention for free at kanopy.com with a library card or university ID from a participating institution.

Episode Highlights 

00:45 — King of Kong (2007) & Freakonomics (2010) 

Kristy and Jeff kick things off by sharing the first documentaries that truly blew their minds—from retro arcade rivalries to statistical conspiracy theories. 

03:30 — Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made (2015) 

Jeff recounts a lifelong obsession with this joyful doc about childhood friends who spent seven years recreating Raiders of the Lost Ark shot-for-shot. 

07:00 — Marwencol (2010) 

Kristy dives into this hauntingly beautiful portrait of artist Mark Hogancamp, who built a miniature World War II town as a form of healing and storytelling. 

11:50 — Three Identical Strangers (2018) 

Jeff tries not to spoil the shocking turns in this gripping true story of triplets separated at birth—and the disturbing secrets behind their reunion. 

16:15 — Flipside (2023) 

Kristy breaks down this genre-bending, self-reflective doc about unfinished projects, creative ambition, and the quiet heartbreak of growing older. 

21:15 — No No: A Dockumentary (2014) 

Jeff pitches the psychedelic, political, and deeply personal life story of Doc Ellis—the MLB pitcher who famously threw a no-hitter on LSD. 

25:30 — Green Day: 20 Years of American Idiot (2024) 

Kristy celebrates the legacy of a punk rock milestone with this energetic, nostalgic look at Green Day’s landmark album and the tour that changed everything. 

30:00 — Room 237 (2012) 

Jeff and Kristy fall down the fan theory rabbit hole with this hypnotic collage film about The Shining, moon landing conspiracies, and the art of interpretation. 

34:45 — Final Thoughts 

Kristy and Jeff reflect on what makes a documentary unforgettable—and why the best ones often leave us with more questions than answers.   

Welcome back to The Film Library, a Kanopy podcast where we celebrate cinematic detours, cult favorites, and emotional deep cuts - no film degree required. 

This week, hosts Kristy Puchko (Entertainment Editor at Mashable) and Jeff Rauseo (film lover, mixtape curator, and your pop culture pit stop concierge) are hitting the road, literally and cinematically, with an episode all about road trip movies. 

From cross-country chaos to soulful slow drives, Kristy and Jeff unpack their favorite films that turn the journey into the story. Think animated mayhem with Beavis and Butt-Head Do America, New Zealand wilderness hijinks in Hunt for the Wilderpeople, and the deeply personal power of art and aging in Faces Places. 

Whether you’re craving absurd buddy comedy, family heartbreak, or a dose of French artistry, this episode has something for every kind of passenger. 

If you’re ready to cue the mixtape, buckle up, and explore some unforgettable pit stops, this episode will point your headlights in the right direction. 

Follow Kristy on Instagram @thekristypuchko and Letterboxd @kristypuchko.   

Follow Jeff on Instagram, TikTok, and Letterboxd @jeffrauseo.   

Follow Kanopy on Letterboxd to see the full episode list.  

Stream the films we mention for free at kanopy.com with a library card or university ID from a participating institution.  

🎞️ Episode Highlights  

00:40 — Beavis and Butt-Head Do America (1996) 

Jeff kicks things off with Mike Judge’s chaotic animated odyssey, featuring bio-weapons, FBI agents, and a psychedelic desert vision quest. 

04:50 — The Trip (2010) 

Kristy serves up dry British wit, dueling celebrity impressions, and culinary soul-searching in this gorgeous comedy starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon. 

08:35 — Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) 

Jeff heads into the New Zealand bush for Taika Waititi’s hilarious and heartfelt tale of misfits on the run full of boars, bunkers, and a kid named Ricky Baker. 

12:55 — Hit the Road (2021) 

Kristy spotlights Panah Panahi’s moving Iranian family drama, where a child’s antics, a dying dog, and an unspoken goodbye make for a powerful emotional ride. 

18:50 — The Rugrats Movie (1998) 

Jeff revisits this surprisingly heavy animated adventure filled with baby brothers, muddy misadventures, and the existential dread of growing up (in diapers). 

23:40 — Faces Places (2017) 

Kristy wraps things up with Agnès Varda’s artful, intergenerational road trip with giant portraits, tender friendship, and one unforgettable museum run. 

Welcome back to The Film Library, a Kanopy podcast where we dig up hidden gems, cult comedies, and laugh-out-loud classics — no film degree required. 

This week, hosts Kristy Puchko (Entertainment Editor at Mashable) and Jeff Rauseo (film fan, VHS romantic, and proud meme connoisseur) dive headfirst into the wonderfully weird world of comedy. 

From Buster Keaton’s silent-era stunts in Sherlock Jr. and a madcap treasure hunt in It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World to DIY VHS spoofs in Be Kind Rewind, cult board game chaos in Clue, and the forever iconic teen masterpiece Clueless — Kristy and Jeff share the picks that still crack them up and remind us why laughter never goes out of style. 

If you need a break from doomscrolling or another sitcom rerun, let this episode guide you to comedies that hold up, surprise, and deserve a spot on your next movie night. 

Follow Kristy on Instagram @thekristypuchko and Letterboxd @kristypuchko.   

Follow Jeff on Instagram, TikTok, and Letterboxd @jeffrauseo.   

Follow Kanopy on Letterboxd to see the full episode list.  

Stream the films we mention for free at kanopy.com with a library card or university ID from a participating institution.  

🎞️ Episode Highlights  

01:00 — Sherlock Jr. (1924) Kristy goes deep on Buster Keaton’s stone-faced genius, death-defying stunts, and the timeless charm of silent slapstick. 

05:20 — Be Kind Rewind (2008) Jeff rewinds to Jack Black and Mos Def’s DIY video store adventure, accidental “Sweeting,” and the magic of community-made movie homages. 

09:00 — Paris When It Sizzles (1964) Kristy shares an underseen Audrey Hepburn screwball delight — a rom-com about writing a rom-com, with spies, vampires, and meta jokes galore. 

12:25 — It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963) Jeff breaks down the ultimate all-star comedy caper — car chases, chaos, Buster Keaton cameos, and the mother of all treasure hunts. 

16:00 — Clue (1985) Kristy gushes about the cult classic murder mystery farce: Tim Curry’s iconic butler, three possible endings, and jokes you catch on the 20th watch. 

19:00 — Masterminds (2016) Jeff recommends this awkward true-crime heist turned comedy of errors — complete with Zach Galifianakis, Kate McKinnon, and southern hijinks. 

25:35 — Clueless (1995) Both hosts agree: the teen comedy that shaped a generation. Jane Austen, plaid skirts, a perfect Paul Rudd, and the insult that still stings. 

Welcome back to The Film Library, a Kanopy podcast where we spotlight hidden gems, cult favorites, and emotional deep cuts. No film degree required.   

This week, hosts Kristy Puchko (Entertainment Editor at Mashable) and Jeff Rauseo (film lover and proud binge-watcher of all things bold and brilliant) celebrate Pride Month with a curated tour through Kanopy’s LGBTQ+ collection. 

From chaotic bisexual comedies and queer rodeo romances to radical trans storytelling and canon-busting classics, Kristy and Jeff share the films that moved them, cracked them up, and challenged what queer cinema can look like. This is a love letter to visibility, identity, and representation in cinema.  

Follow Kristy on Instagram @thekristypuchko and Letterboxd @kristypuchko.  

Follow Jeff on Instagram, TikTok, and Letterboxd @jeffrauseo.  

Follow Kanopy on Letterboxd to see the full episode list. 

Stream the films we mention for free at kanopy.com with a library card or university ID from a participating institution. 

🎞️ Episode Highlights 

00:01:00 – Jeff opens with Shiva Baby, a panic-inducing bisexual comedy of errors 

00:04:50 – Kristy recommends Wild Nights with Emily, a queer corrective to literary history 

00:08:30 – Jeff praises the slow-burn heartbreak of Portrait of a Lady on Fire 

00:11:50 – Kristy revisits Fire and its groundbreaking impact on queer Indian cinema 

00:15:30 – Jeff spotlights Tangerine, a raw, hilarious, and heartfelt trans story shot on an iPhone 

00:20:40 – Kristy brings in National Anthem, a dreamy modern western about chosen family 

00:24:00 – Jeff goes back to 1970 with The Boys in the Band, a pivotal early gay ensemble drama 

00:27:00 – Kristy reflects on In & Out and its personal resonance as a formative queer comedy 

Welcome back to The Film Library, a Kanopy podcast where we spotlight hidden gems, cult favorites, and emotional deep cuts. No film degree required.  

This week, hosts Kristy Puchko (Entertainment Editor at Mashable) and Jeff Rauseo (true crime junkie and twist-ending evangelist) dive into the shadowy world of mysteries and thrillers. 

From Jake Gyllenhaal’s chilling ambition in Nightcrawler to Nicolas Cage’s quiet heartbreak in Pig and his unhinged menace in Longlegs, Kristy and Jeff share the Kanopy thrillers that unsettle, surprise, and linger long after the credits roll. 

Follow Kristy on Instagram @thekristypuchko and Letterboxd @kristypuchko.  

Follow Jeff on Instagram, TikTok, and Letterboxd @jeffrauseo.  

Follow Kanopy on Letterboxd to see the full episode list. 

Stream the films we mention for free at kanopy.com with a library card or university ID from a participating institution. 

🎞️ Episode Highlights  

00:06:00 – Jeff kicks things off with Nightcrawler and Jake Gyllenhaal’s intense performance 

00:09:00 – Kristy highlights the emotional complexity of Pig starring Nicolas Cage 

00:12:00 – Jeff revisits the neon-soaked serial killer procedural Manhunter 

00:14:00 – Kristy recommends the mind-bending time loop thriller Triangle 

00:17:00 – Jeff brings in the grounded realism of A Hijacking, a Danish hostage drama 

00:19:00 – Kristy explores The Awakening, a ghost story with gothic atmosphere 

00:21:00 – Jeff breaks down the occult horror and Nicolas Cage’s performance in Longlegs 

00:24:00 – Kristy shares her pick: Sea Fever, a tense and eerie maritime thriller 

00:26:00 – Jeff unpacks the slow-burning tension of The Invitation 

00:29:00 – Kristy makes her case for Serenity—and why she loves its bonkers twist 

Welcome back to The Film Library, a Kanopy podcast where we spotlight hidden gems, cult favorites, and emotional deep cuts. No film degree required. 

This week, hosts Kristy Puchko (Entertainment Editor at Mashable) and Jeff Rauseo (horror devotee and movie-night traditionalist) take on Mother’s Day at the Movies, celebrating all the ways motherhood shows up on screen, from heartwarming to horrifying.

Kristy and Jeff swap picks from across the Kanopy catalog, highlighting maternal icons, complicated family dynamics, and the emotional whiplash of being someone’s kid. Expect Cher in a fish-shaped car, Joan Crawford with a wire hanger, and the Babadook lurking in the shadows. 

Follow Kristy on Instagram @thekristypuchko and on Letterboxd @kristypuchko. 

You can find Jeff on Instagram, TikTok, and Letterboxd @jeffrauseo. 

Don’t forget to follow Kanopy on Letterboxd to see the full episode list—and stream every film we mention for free at kanopy.com with your library or university card.

🎞️ Episode Highlights

00:56 — Jeff shares the Halloween classic that kickstarted his horror obsession (thanks, Mom!)

02:52 — Kristy names Singin’ in the Rain as her “gateway musical”—Gene Kelly supremacy confirmed

05:19 — Mermaids (1990): Cher’s wild mom energy, a nun-curious teen Winona, and baby Christina Ricci

07:00 — Jeff explains why The Babadook is more than a meme—it’s a brutal portrait of grief and single parenting

10:08 — Kristy cries (again) about Terms of Endearment and the legacy of messy, loving mother-daughter calls

13:57 — Who Took Johnny? offers a haunting look at grief, conspiracy, and the limits of closure

17:32 — Kristy brings Daughters of the Dust—a spiritual, poetic ode to legacy and matriarchal power

21:24 — Jeff dives into The Eyes of My Mother, a 76-minute art-house gut punch about inherited trauma

24:14 — Petite Maman rewrites the time-travel movie playbook with gentle grace and empathy

26:37 — Jeff introduces Mother’s Day (1980), a bonkers horror pick with the worst mom on the list

29:16 — Kristy ends with Relic, a terrifying and tender film about dementia, aging, and generational care

32:43 — Jeff confesses he’s never seen Mommie Dearest… but that’s about to change (no wire hangers!)

Welcome to Season 2 of The Film Library, a podcast from Kanopy where we explore great films, hidden gems, and must-watch classics—all available to stream free with your library card. In this kickoff episode, new hosts Kristy Puchko (Entertainment Editor at Mashable) and Jeff Rauseo (movie lover, collector, and social media creator) introduce themselves the only way true cinephiles can: by sharing five films that define their taste. From genre-bending horror and high-stakes heists to iconic rom-coms and daring cult hits, this episode is a tour through some of the most intriguing titles you can stream right now on Kanopy.

Get to know Kristy and Jeff through their thoughtful, funny, and occasionally chaotic back-and-forth as they break down what makes these films unforgettable. Whether you’re in the mood for a Charlie Chaplin deep cut, an Anne Hathaway kaiju dramedy, or a hauntingly real serial killer thriller, this list covers the cinematic spectrum—with plenty of recommendations for what to watch next. If you’ve ever wanted a podcast that feels like your smartest movie group chat, you’re in the right place.

Follow Kristy on Instagram @thekristypuchko and on Letterboxd @kristypuchko. 

You can find Jeff on Instagram, TikTok, and Letterboxd @jeffrauseo. 

Don’t forget to follow Kanopy on Letterboxd to see the full episode list—and stream every film we mention for free at kanopy.com with your library or university card.

🎞️ Episode Highlights

00:33 — Jeff and Kristy introduce themselves

01:00 — Jeff’s first pick: The Great Dictator and why it’s more radical than you remember

03:55 — Kristy picks Parasite and celebrates Bong Joon-ho’s genre-defying brilliance

06:00 — Jeff examines Possessor, Brandon Cronenberg, and loving horror that gets weird

07:00 — Kristy’s palate cleanser: Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant in Charade

10:55 — Jeff’s wildcard comedy pick: Hot Rod and the joys of chaotic energy

11:00 — Kristy shares Swan Song, a bittersweet road movie with Udo Kier and Jennifer Coolidge

12:45 — Zodiac: Jeff’s Fincher obsession and Kristy’s absolute fear

15:37 — Kristy picks Colossal, Anne Hathaway as a kaiju conduit and the power of subtle storytelling

18:17 — Jeff goes vintage cult with The Wicker Man (the original!)

20:21 — Kristy closes with American Animals, a genre-blending true crime thriller you won’t forget

Welcome back to The Film Library, a Kanopy podcast where we celebrate incredible films, hidden gems, and iconic performances - all streaming free with your library card. This week, hosts Kristy Puchko (Entertainment Editor at Mashable) and Jeff Rauseo (film fanatic and Letterboxd completionist) dive into the theme of “Acting in April,” spotlighting legendary actors, jaw-dropping performances, and award snubs that still sting.

From Cher and Cage’s chaotic romance in Moonstruck to Willem Dafoe’s career of Oscar-worthy transformations, Kristy and Jeff swap picks and hot takes. This episode has everything from scene-stealing British dames and disturbing child villains to Jennifer Lawrence spiraling in Mother and Margot Robbie body-slamming her way out of typecasting in I, Tonya. This is your all-access pass to performances that go big, go weird, and go straight to your watchlist.

Follow Kristy on Instagram @thekristypuchko and on Letterboxd @kristypuchko. 

You can find Jeff on Instagram, TikTok, and Letterboxd @jeffrauseo. 

Don’t forget to follow Kanopy on Letterboxd to see the full episode list—and stream every film we mention for free at kanopy.com with your library or university card.

🎞️ Episode Highlights

00:52 — Jeff kicks things off with Willem Dafoe: Four Oscar noms, zero wins. Justice for The Florida Project!

02:20 — Kristy shouts out Joan Cusack and the camp brilliance of Addams Family Values

05:37 — Kristy goes full psycho-biddy with What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?

08:14 — Jeff unpacks Mother (2017) and Jennifer Lawrence’s fearless, full-send performance

10:45 — Moonstruck gets the love it deserves: Cher + Nic Cage = cinema magic

14:40 — Margot Robbie shocks in I, Tonya, proving she’s far more than The Wolf of Wall Street’s bombshell

17:15 — Kristy serves up tea with legends in Tea with the Dames

19:10 — Jeff pays tribute to comedy royalty with the Chris Farley doc I Am Chris Farley

21:03 — Kristy brings the heat with Glengarry Glen Ross and Al Pacino’s layered legacy

23:45 — Jeff spotlights Denzel Washington in Fences and Flight—and yes, he named a cat after him

26:30 — Kristy introduces The Bad Seed, a chilling performance so intense they changed the ending

29:44 — Jeff ends on Possession (1981), a movie so unhinged it might haunt you—in a good way

This week The Film Library jumps into the shadowy world of film noir. Your hosts Alonso Duralde and Daniel Thompson, are joined by the Pulitzer Prize-winning film critic and chair of the National Society of Film Critics, Justin Chang. Together they unravel the intricate layers of this timeless genre.

From the raw, hard-boiled classics like "DOA" and "Detour" to the evocative international contributions seen in films like "Breathless" and "Burning," film noir is more than just a genre—it's a mood and a style that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Justin explores its roots in the post-war era, its themes of cynicism and despair, and its visual beauty, characterized by stark contrasts and gritty storytelling. He also discusses how films like Robert Altman's "The Long Goodbye" and Christopher Nolan's "Memento" have evolved the traditional noir template, creating unique and often mind-bending experiences. 

The group takes a look at the lasting impact of noir in contemporary cinema, examining how despair and unease from today's societal challenges, such as late-stage capitalism and the pandemic, might inspire future noir narratives. 

Get started with Kanopy at www.kanopy.com by entering your library card information or university login when prompted. 

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Follow Justin Chang https://x.com/justincchang 

Follow Alonso Duralde https://bsky.app/profile/aduralde.bsky.social 

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Producer: Brandon Gray

Executive Producer: Christian Pierce

Graphic Design: Aleksandra Jelic

© Kanopy, Inc. All rights reserved.

Produced by Bramble Jam Podcast

Episode Highlights

00:00 Introduction

03:34 Noir films explore American society's dynamics.

07:07 Film noir’s origins, influences, enduring legacy.

14:00 Analysis of neo-noir and mystery film.

19:16 Noir represents isolation

22:37 Altman's "The Long Goodbye" and "Under the Silver Lake" age well, capturing specific moods.

25:55 Reflective films offer escapism from current turmoil.

31:24 Influential international films paying homage to noir.