Reel Fanatics

#350 : 1999 Film Draft

Jared Gores — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 20:42:31 +0000

After the success of their 2012 Film Draft episode, the guys wanted to do another draft. This time it’s 1999, a formative movie year for the three hosts. Things start off rowdy when Jared invalidates two successive picks by Joe, and Michael bemoans his selection strategy. But who winds up with the best squad of movies? Listeners decide! Vote for the draft winner through our Twitter post!

#349 : Top 10 Films and Other Media of 2020

Jared Gores — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 04:14:47 +0000

Michael, Jared, and Joe reflect on the unusual year in cinema (and the world) and share their Top 10 lists. This time they’ve decided to make non-film media (television, music, books, podcasts, etc.) eligible for inclusion!

#348 : LOVERS ROCK

Jared Gores — Sun, 14 Feb 2021 01:19:27 +0000

British filmmaker Steve McQueen had a major 2020. Jared, Michael, and Joe finally review his film Lovers Rock and discuss the Small Axe miniseries more broadly.

#347 : SOUL

Jared Gores — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 12:00:00 +0000

The guys review Pixar’s latest, Soul, and discuss other cinematic representations of the after life. Jared and Joe champion two new streaming releases. Michael finally starts watching The Sopranos. Jared, Michael, and Joe briefly reflect on the Capitol Riot and Insurrection.

#346 : TENET

Jared Gores — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 22:41:19 +0000

The guys finally review the biggest film of 2020, Christopher Nolan’s Tenet. Joe recommends two Hollywood classics he recently revisited. Jared recommends a Canadian oddity.

#345 : MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM

Jared Gores — Sat, 09 Jan 2021 07:27:48 +0000

The film adaptation of August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, a certain Oscar player later this year, is the topic of this episode, and it leads to a reflection on Chadwick Boseman’s body of work. To open the discussion, the guys briefly discuss Christmas movies.

#344 : HBO Max Deal & the State of Cinema

Jared Gores — Thu, 31 Dec 2020 22:23:40 +0000

The guys dig into the ramifications of the recent WarnerMedia / HBO Max deal to release the former’s 2021 film slate on the latter’s streaming platform. Jared recommends two films on Apple TV+, Joe champions a Showtime miniseries.

#343 : MANK

Jared Gores — Wed, 30 Dec 2020 02:10:05 +0000

The guys review David Fincher’s Mank in this episode, but not before weighing in on Netflix’s other big fall film, Hillbilly Elegy.

#342 : ON THE ROCKS

Jared Gores — Sat, 19 Dec 2020 12:00:04 +0000

The guys review Sofia Coppola’s On the Rocks in this episode. Joe and Jared each recommend one of their favorite TV miniseries of the year, but one pick sparks disagreement.

#341 : THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7

Jared Gores — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 12:00:20 +0000

The guys review Aaron Sorkin’s latest, The Trial of the Chicago 7. Jared highlights a pair of family dramas. Joe digs into a backlog of recommendations. Michael enjoys the return of a science series. Jared and Joe identify some of their least favorite Oscar-nominated performances and share a few Oscar predictions.

#340 : 2012 Film Draft

Jared Gores — Sun, 29 Nov 2020 18:36:00 +0000

In celebration of eight years recording the Reel Fanatics podcast, the guys do something a little different: a movie draft! Michael, Jared, and Joe each select a 10-category roster of films released in the year 2012. It’s an episode full of selection reactions, category challenges, random anecdotes, and movie reflections. But who picks the best “team” of movies? Listeners decide! Vote for the draft winner through our Twitter post or comment on our website!

#339 : CUTTER’S WAY

Jared Gores — Thu, 12 Nov 2020 12:45:51 +0000

The topic of this episode is Joe’s latest retro pick, the 1981 neo-noir Cutter’s Way. Jared and Joe recommend a few new films on streaming services and in theaters. (Note: possible spoiler for Dick Johnson Is Dead in the Recommendations section.)

#338 : EDUCATING RITA

Jared Gores — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 02:09:40 +0000

The mostly forgotten 1983 movie Educating Rita is Michael’s latest retro pick. Jared recommends two new films that just hit streaming services. Joe digs into the sequel entries of an enduring horror franchise. Michael revisits an acclaimed television series. The guys also discuss their favorite Michael Caine roles.

#337 : MODERN ROMANCE

Jared Gores — Thu, 15 Oct 2020 23:48:24 +0000

Jared’s latest retro pick, Albert Brooks’ Modern Romance, is the topic of the episode. Joe retracts a previous HBO series recommendation. Jared champions new releases from Sofia Coppola and Kirsten Johnson. Michael recommends a special episode of a favorite animated comedy show.

#336 : I’M THINKING OF ENDING THINGS

Jared Gores — Wed, 07 Oct 2020 03:48:53 +0000

Another Charlie Kaufman film, another Reel Fanatics review! Kaufman’s adaptation of I’m Thinking of Ending Things is the topic of the episode. Jared recommends a new Criterion release, Joe endorses an Amazon Prime series, and Michael discusses a Netflix documentary.

#335 : ADAPTATION

Jared Gores — Fri, 25 Sep 2020 20:21:37 +0000

Joe’s latest retro pick is the second Charlie Kaufman / Spike Jonze collaboration, Adaptation. Michael reflects on a lost summer movie season. Joe talks Alan J. Pakula cinema, prompting a discussion of All the President’s Men. Jared revisits and falls in love with a 1987 romantic comedy.

#334 : ONE FROM THE HEART

Jared Gores — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 23:40:57 +0000

Michael names Francis Ford Coppola’s flawed yet fascinating One from the Heart as his latest retro pick. Joe revisits another ’80s Coppola film, Jared discusses a timely HBO series, and Michael recommends a Netflix comedy special.

#333 : LOST IN TRANSLATION

Jared Gores — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 17:54:07 +0000

Jared’s latest retro pick is Lost in Translation, so the guys dig into Sofia Coppola’s masterwork. Joe champions a new HBO series, Jared recommends two underrated 1970s films, and Michael continues to binge a recent comedy series.

#332 : THE DAMNED UNITED

Jared Gores — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 12:00:15 +0000

For his fourth retro pick, Michael selects Tom Hooper’s The Damned United for review. Jared champions a recent series on another film podcast. Joe recommends catching up with Mr. Robot. Michael discusses the pleasure of watching Queer Eye in 2020.

#331 : OUT OF SIGHT

Jared Gores — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 23:59:11 +0000

Jared’s latest retro pick, Steven Soderbergh’s Out of Sight, is the topic of this episode. But before that review, the guys skip recommendations in favor of a lengthy discussion regarding the COVID-19 fallout for fall sports and movies.

#330 : COME AND SEE

Jared Gores — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 22:17:19 +0000

The guys review Elem Klimov’s Come and See to celebrate its restoration and Criterion release. Jared and Michael recommend old comedy shows, while Joe talks ideal home viewing setups.

#329 : Favorite Non-Film Media

Jared Gores — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 18:36:44 +0000

In this listener-suggested episode, Jared, Michael, and Joe share their top five favorite television shows, books, video games, and albums. No movies!

#328 : FIRST COW

Jared Gores — Fri, 24 Jul 2020 07:55:32 +0000

Kelly Reichardt’s First Cow was finally released on VOD, so the guys review that revisionist western. Jared raves about a Chilean stop-motion film. Joe recommends an HBO true crime miniseries. Michael discusses some documentary work related to the Charlie Hebdo shooting.

#327 : JOE VERSUS THE VOLCANO

Jared Gores — Sat, 18 Jul 2020 19:18:56 +0000

Joe kicks off the fourth round of retro reviews with a new favorite, Joe Versus the Volcano, and the guys have a rousing discussion about the film. Jared recommends a 25-year-old sci-fi noir that is still topical today. Joe champions a Carl Reiner-directed film with excellent physical comedy from Steve Martin.

#326 : THE KING OF STATEN ISLAND

Jared Gores — Sun, 12 Jul 2020 18:33:19 +0000

Judd Apatow’s latest manchild-centered film, The King of Staten Island, is the topic of this episode. Jared and Michael express their enthusiasm for 25th Hour. Joe reveals he isn’t a Steve Coogan fan. The guys briefly address the changes announced for the upcoming Oscars.

#325 : DA 5 BLOODS

Jared Gores — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 21:59:35 +0000

Da new Spike Lee Joint is the topic of this episode. Jared recommends two Vietnam War-related items. Joe explains his connection to Lee’s co-writer on Da 5 Bloods and BlacKkKlansman.

#324 : THE WAGES OF FEAR

Jared Gores — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 22:26:57 +0000

Joe’s latest entry in the RF retro reviews series is The Wages of Fear. The guys analyze Henri-Georges Clouzot’s white-knuckle thriller and briefly discuss William Friedkin’s remake, Sorcerer.

#323 : THE LAST DANCE

Jared Gores — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 22:18:22 +0000

The guys are joined by returning guest Josh Panos to discuss the ESPN docuseries The Last Dance. Joe catches up on early Celine Sciamma movies, Michael returns to Frasier, Jared recommends a new indie, and Josh champions a historical drama miniseries.

#322 : IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE

Jared Gores — Sat, 06 Jun 2020 20:25:22 +0000

Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood for Love is Jared’s latest retro review pick. But Michael and Joe find the film harder to love. Jared champions a western miniseries. Joe recommends a 1970s gem.

#321 : NOSFERATU: PHANTOM DER NACHT

Jared Gores — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 04:00:03 +0000

We open the third round of retro reviews with Werner Herzog’s Nosferatu: Phantom der Nacht, a film that has been immensely influential for Michael. Jared recommends a different vampire movie. Joe and Michael briefly discuss ESPN’s The Last Dance.

#320 : BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA

Jared Gores — Thu, 21 May 2020 11:00:09 +0000

The guys review John Carpenter’s Big Trouble in Little China for Joe’s third retro pick. Joe and Michael discuss watching television programming during a pandemic. Jared finally loves a certain Coen brothers film.

#319 : NOTORIOUS

Jared Gores — Sun, 10 May 2020 19:30:03 +0000

Jared’s second retro pick is Hitchcock’s Notorious, which the guys review and use as a jumping-off point to talk about the director’s oeuvre. Michael and Joe irritate Jared by denigrating Cary Grant and North by Northwest. Also, Joe and Jared discuss Alex Garland’s Devs.

#318 : COVID-19 and the State of Entertainment

Jared Gores — Thu, 30 Apr 2020 10:00:15 +0000

A medley of topics in this episode. Jared and Joe disagree on a hit Netflix show then recommend two new films available in virtual cinemas. Michael joins in to contemplate what the entertainment landscape—and the nature of production—will look like for the rest of 2020 and beyond. Plus many smaller items toward the end of the show!

#317 : BIG NIGHT

Jared Gores — Sat, 25 Apr 2020 04:16:00 +0000

Michael selects the 1996 indie film Big Night for his second retro pick. Jared recommends two underrated movies from master filmmakers. Joe raves about the cinematography in a recent Chinese neo-noir.

#316 : BACURAU

Jared Gores — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 01:57:55 +0000

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the film industry, including distribution methods, so in this episode Jared, Joe, and Michael review Bacurau and then discuss the new virtual exhibition initiative led by Kino Lorber.

#315 : THE FLY

Jared Gores — Fri, 10 Apr 2020 23:53:45 +0000

David Cronenberg’s 1986 body horror classic, The Fly, is Joe’s first retro review pick. The guys discuss that film, as well as a Raoul Walsh western, the bibliography of Albert Camus, and a crazy Netflix documentary miniseries.

#314 : MCCABE & MRS. MILLER

Jared Gores — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 09:00:14 +0000

Jared’s first pick for a retro review is Robert Altman’s McCabe & Mrs. Miller, which leads to discussions of Altman’s filmography and the conventions of the western. Joe conjures an unexpected comparison to MacGruber. Michael and Jared speculate about the film’s influence on Paul Thomas Anderson.

#313 : CONTAGION

Jared Gores — Fri, 27 Mar 2020 07:11:18 +0000

In the time of a devastating global pandemic, Steven Soderbergh’s Contagion has taken on new relevance. Michael, Joe, and Jared review that 2011 thriller in this episode.

#312 : CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS

Jared Gores — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 12:30:07 +0000

The guys discuss Crimes and Misdemeanors in this episode—the first in a new, intermittent series of retro reviews. Joe recommends a ’90s gangster cult classic, while Jared endorses a horror franchise reboot. Michael explains his love for Woody Allen’s 1989 film. Note: This conversation was recorded before COVID-19 took hold of the United States and altered daily life. Warning: The ending to 2019’s Black Christmas is spoiled in the recommendations section.

#311 : PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE

Jared Gores — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 21:57:57 +0000

Céline Sciamma’s acclaimed Portrait of a Lady on Fire is the topic of the episode. The guys also reflect on the results of the 2020 Oscars.

#310 : Best Films of the 2010s, Part 2

Jared Gores — Sat, 29 Feb 2020 01:30:21 +0000

The decade in review continues! Over two episodes, Michael, Jared, and Joe are revealing their top 20 films of the decade (2010-2019). Here in Part 2, the guys discuss their selections for numbers 10 through 1.

#309 : Best Films of the 2010s, Part 1

Jared Gores — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 13:00:07 +0000

It’s the big one! Over two episodes, Michael, Jared, and Joe reveal their top 20 films of the decade (2010-2019). Here in Part 1, the guys discuss their selections for numbers 20 through 11.

#308 : Top Ten Films of 2019

Jared Gores — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 01:59:04 +0000

Michael, Jared, and Joe reflect on 2019 cinema and unveil their annual Top 10 lists. There is disagreement on 1917. Jared identifies the film he expects to regret leaving off his top ten. Michael picks a documentary he watched just hours before recording. Joe declares a certain character the best stoner since Jeff Lebowski.

#307 : 8th Annual Oscar Bitchin’

Jared Gores — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 02:43:20 +0000

It’s that time of year again! Michael and Joe disagree wildly on the Best Original Score nominees. Joe campaigns against Marriage Story and Jojo Rabbit. Jared bemoans the snubs of Uncut Gems and The Farewell. The guys praise Lee Jung-eun’s performance in Parasite.

#306 : 1917

Jared Gores — Sun, 26 Jan 2020 02:09:09 +0000

The guys review Sam Mendes’s WWI film, 1917. Joe and Jared recommend some overlooked 2019 films. Michael reflects on the Golden Globe Awards.

#305 : STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER

Jared Gores — Sat, 18 Jan 2020 04:17:07 +0000

The Star Wars Skywalker saga comes to a close, and the Reel Fanatics hosts are here for it! Michael, Joe, and Jared share their New Year’s resolutions. Michael revisits the films of Sam Mendes. Jared and Joe recommend two recent releases and then disagree on The Mandalorian.

#304 : MARRIAGE STORY

Jared Gores — Sun, 29 Dec 2019 12:00:40 +0000

Michael, Joe, and Jared are joined by guest Josh Panos to discuss Noah Baumbach’s filmography and his new film, Marriage Story. The guys respond to listener feedback.

#303 : KNIVES OUT

Jared Gores — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 02:49:59 +0000

Rian Johnson’s new whodunnit, Knives Out, is the topic of this episode. Michael raves about an animated series. Jared recommends an arthouse film. Joe takes a look at Danny McBride’s television work. Michael and Joe give Mr. Rogers a southern drawl.

#302 : Overlooked 2019 Films

Jared Gores — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 02:34:40 +0000

Michael, Joe, and Jared discuss several overlooked films released earlier this year. Joe digs into the work of a Polish master. Jared approves of a new HBO series. Michael revisits some documentaries. The guys discuss the upcoming Best Supporting Actor Oscar race.

#301 : THE IRISHMAN

Jared Gores — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 08:00:18 +0000

Martin Scorsese is back with another gangster epic, and the RF fellas are here for it! Jared ranks Scorsese’s movies. Michael reflects on Casino. Joe goes to bat for Gangs of New York. The guys determine which filmmakers would receive their spare kidneys.