First up, The Schmear Hunter’s thoughts on Episode 1 of the new ‘House of the Dragon’ season (2:55). Is the show on the right track, or is it marred by old mistakes?

Next, a trip inside the mind for ‘Inside Out 2,’ the biggest movie in the world. Psychiatry resident Dr. Simin Mahaleh joins the show to break down the clever science on display in ‘Inside Out,’ (14:29) what works and what doesn’t in the new sequel (28:28), ‘Inside Out 3', and the state of Pixar (49:14), before she and Schmear rank their top 5 favorite Pixar films (54:13).

Lastly, manager Will Iannaccone rejoins the show as he and Schmear gush over hall-of-fame 1990 Harrison Ford-starring legal thriller ‘Presumed Innocent,’ (1:07:57) before digging into the new Jake Gyllenhaal-led remake on Apple TV+ (1:17:45). They analyze how the show is working through three episodes before redrafting Gyllenhaal’s “Rusty Sabich” role (1:39:07).

Host: Gabriel Frieberg

Guests: Simin Mahaleh, Will Iannaccone

Producer: Pavlo Melnyk

Music: Justin Friedman

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Sena Adjei returns to the show to dine through a 3-course TV dinner: ‘The Acolyte,’ ‘Clipped,’ and a preview of ‘House of the Dragon.’

First up, he and The Schmear assess the state of 'Star Wars' TV and provide some context for Leslye Headland’s new series ‘The Acolyte,’ (2:59), before diving in and reviewing the show and what their hopes for the series are (16:57). 

They then discuss the soapy, new Laurence Fishburne-starring FX limited series ‘Clipped,’ which tackles the racist Donald Sterling scandal that befell the LA Clippers (30:36).

Lastly, a rough and rowdy preview of the most anticipated show of 2024, Season 2 of ‘The House of the Dragon.’ They discuss ‘Game of Thrones’ IP and ‘HOTD’s’ first season (49:23) before forecasting this upcoming season (1:05:15). 

Host: Gabriel Frieberg

Guests: Sena Adjei

Producer: Pavlo Melnyk

Music: Justin Friedman

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Some are calling the new Glen Powell and Richard Linklater movie Hit Man one of the best films of the year.

Jesse Aaronson returns to the show, and he and Schmear discuss where they stand with Powell and Linklater (2:49), debate the merits of Hit Man (15:10), and rant and rave about its hyperbolic reception and the current state of movies (22:58).

They then cool off a bit, discussing the compelling new HBO docuseries Ren Faire from on-the-rise documentarian Lance Oppenheim (31:31).

After that, Emily Bice returns to the show to discuss the wonderful third season of Hacks that wrapped up last week (42:38). She and Schmear discuss why the season was so effective before diving into spoiler territory to break down the exhilarating finale (1:02:41).

Host: Gabriel Frieberg

Guests: Jesse Aaronson, Emily Bice

Producer: Pavlo Melnyk

Music: Justin Friedman

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Wrapping up Cannes 2024, discussing Palme d’Or winner 'Anora,' Kevin Costner’s 'Horizon,' a Donald Trump biopic, and so much more.

David Mouriquand, Euronews Culture Editor, returns to the show. He and The Schmear break down the awards handed out and ask a critical question for each recognized film (2:25).

Then reviews for buzz-worthy films including 'Anora,' 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig,' 'The Apprentice,' 'Horizon,' and more (17:20).

The episode closes with David and The Schmear’s Top 5 films from the festival (1:01:30).

Movies Discussed (no spoilers):

Anora (17:20)

The Seed of the Sacred Fig (31:08)

The Apprentice (39:43)

Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 (47:56)

Parthenope (53:16)

All We Imagine as Light (57:00)

Top 5 Films of the Festival (1:01:30)

Host: Gabriel Frieberg

Guest: David Mouriquand

Producer: Pavlo Melnyk

Music: Justin Friedman

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‘Megalopolis!’ New Yorgos Lanthimos x Emma Stone collaboration! Anya Taylor Joy as ‘Furiosa!’

We’re a little over halfway through the 77th annual Cannes film festival. Which films are heating up the Croisette, and which are landing with thuds?

Joining the SchmearCast is the culture editor of Euronews, David Mouriquand. He and The Schmear cover some of the biggest releases as of yet, and then some of the best in a wide-ranging, spoiler-free conversation that provides on-the-ground insight into the festival and its many films. 

Movies Discussed (no spoilers):

Megalopolis (8:38)

Kinds of Kindness (23:45)

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (33:28)

Bird (45:32)

The Substance (53:15)

Emilia Perez (1:03:41)

Oh, Canada (1:10:06)

The Girl with the Needle (1:14:00)

Host: Gabriel Frieberg

Guest: David Mouriquand

Producer: Pavlo Melnyk

Music: Justin Friedman

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Filmmaker and YouTube critic Karsten Runquist joins the SchmearCast to dissect the ‘Planet of the Apes’ franchise (7:19). They discuss what makes it successful before diving into the brand new release, ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.' (26:49)

After that, Karsten and Schmear dive into the enigmatic and fascinating new A24 film ‘I Saw the TV Glow,’ Jane Schoenbrun’s sophomore feature following ‘We’re All Going to the World’s Fair.” (43:29) They debate the movie before sharing their favorite films from the very compelling and niche genre of techno-horror. (1:04:59)

The episode wraps with a short preview of their most anticipated films of the 77th Cannes International Film Festival. (1:11:05)

Host: Gabriel Frieberg

Guest: Karsten Runquist

Producer: Pavlo Melnyk

Music: Justin Friedman

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It's been awhile since the last "What Schmear's Watching."

Enjoy some quick-hit thoughts on the sensational 'Baby Reindeer' (1:42), the Anne Hathaway romance vehicle 'The Idea of You' (6:44), and a mid-season check-in on 'The Sympathizer' (9:51).

Then, Emily Bice joins the show as she and The Schmear celebrate the return of the Max comedy 'Hacks.' They discuss what makes the Jean Smart-starring series so successful (15:08), before diving into S3's first two episodes (33:32).

Host: Gabriel Frieberg

Producer: Pavlo Melnyk

Music: Justin Friedman

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Luca Guadagnino serves up a sizzling ace of a movie with his new tennis love triangle, 'Challengers.'

'Challengers' screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes stops by to discuss his inspirations for the script, collaborating with Luca Guadagnino, how WWE impacted storytelling, and what he thinks of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross' soundtrack.

Host: Gabriel Frieberg

Producer: Pavlo Melnyk

Music: Justin Friedman

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Luca Guadagnino serves up a sizzling ace of a movie with his new tennis love triangle, 'Challengers'

Jesse Aaronson joins the show, and he and Schmear break down every aspect of the Zendaya-starring film, including the performances, the story, the direction, and that pulse-quickening score (3:47). They then assess the psychosexual genre, and provide some further recommendations to check out (43:37).

'Challengers' screenwriter Justin Kuritzkes then stops by to discuss his inspirations for the script, collaborating with Luca Guadagnino, how WWE impacted storytelling, and what he thinks of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross' soundtrack (51:19).

Host: Gabriel Frieberg

Producer: Pavlo Melnyk

Music: Justin Friedman

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(Originally posted April 24th)

On a very special episode of the SchmearCast, legendary filmmaker Ed Zwick (Glory, The Last Samurai, Blood Diamond) discusses his amazing new movie memoir, ‘Hits, Flops, and Other Illusions.’

Teddy Kim helps The Schmear interview Zwick. Together, they discuss Zwick’s illustrious career, covering what it’s like to work with elite actors like Denzel Washington, how to conceive story structure, and what cinematic “scale” done right really looks like.

Then, Teddy and Schmear hit Zwick with some questions about contemporary Hollywood, including his feelings about superhero movies, if it's possible to “trojan horse” meaning into movies, and Zwick’s “You’ll never work in this town again!” moment.

The episode wraps with some rapid-fire questions for the renowned director.

Host: Gabriel Frieberg

Co-Host: Teddy Kim

Producer: Pavlo Melnyk

Music: Justin Friedman

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