Month: July 2026

398 – Short Term 12

With Spider-Man: Brand New Day arriving in theatres this week, we’re looking back at director Destin Daniel Cretton’s 2013 debut, Short Term 12. Launched at SXSW and distributed in late summer by micro-indie Cinedigm, the film earned major critical support for its portrait of a child group home populated with compelling characters, both among its residents and the counselors who care for them. Though the tiny film was an unlikely candidate to make it to the big show, Brie Larson earned a Critics Choice nomination that helped boost her Oscar-winning run for Room two years later.

This episode, we talk about Cretton’s later reuniting with Larson over subsequent films and the cast full of future major names like Rami Malek and Kaitlyn Dever. We also discuss Lakeith Stanfield’s powerful (and musical) performance as the most enigmatic resident, John Gallagher Jr.’s Tony win for Spring Awakening, and the 2013 Independent Spirit Awards.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

397 – The Thin Blue Line (w/ Pamela Ribon!)

We welcome back Oscar-nominated My Year of Dicks filmmaker Pamela Ribon this week for [gasp] our very first documentary episode! In 1988, Errol Morris made a documentary hit out of The Thin Blue Line. Detailing police corruption and bias that led to the wrongful conviction of Robert W. Wood for a police shooting, the film became a non-fiction landmark for unpacking the the case’s inconsistencies and ultimately led to Wood’s vindication.

This episode, we talk about how the documentary branch overhauled their nominating process in the wake of snubs for films like this and Hoop Dreams. We also discuss the stigma of non-fiction reenactments, how the film would influence later true crime doc style, and Pam’s work on her upcoming documentary, One Act.

Topics also include Morris’ Gates of Heaven, Werner Herzog eating his shoe, and what the hell a malt is.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

396 – The Stepford Wives (with Nicholas Colia!)

We’re back talking about Nicole Kidman’s post-Oscar years this week and Griffin in Summer filmmaker Nicholas Colia is here to join us! After winning her Oscar for The Hours, each of the many projects Kidman attached herself to carried some degree of pedigree and buzz. One of them just happened to be a famous disaster: 2004’s The Stepford Wives. A remake directed by Frank Oz and scripted by Paul Rudnick, the film fell subject to bad test scores and a barrage of reshoots that ultimately resulted in a ho-hum release and a notorious production.

This episode, we talk about the gossip around the the numerous reported on-set clashes and how the final film differed from its first versions. We also discuss Kidman’s post-Oscar aughts schedule, the screen debut of Faith Hill, and Oz’s non-puppet directorial efforts.

Topics also include The Producers, pre-Obama gay politics, and the great Griffin Nafly.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

395 – Insomnia

After becoming a critical and arthouse sensation with Memento, Christopher Nolan leaped to studio filmmaking with American remake Insomnia. The film (based on the 1997 Norwegian film) stars Al Pacino as a corrupt cop sent to Alaska to solve a murder, only to be caught in the web of the killer (Robin Williams). Though a successful summer release, the film did not ultimately receive the enthusiasm of Nolan’s previous effort, but it would nevertheless catapult him towards his Gotham directing duties.

This episode, we’re talking about the rise of Nolan and how this film stands as one of his more flawed. We also discuss Williams’ era of unsettling characters and subject matter, Hilary Swank between her Oscar wins, and Pacino’s downshift here from bigger late 1990s performances.

Topics also include Memento‘s awards run, old age Makeup nominees, and The Insider.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS