Tag: Benny Safdie

376 – Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.

As Rachel McAdams returns to movie screens with Sam Raimy’s horror film Send Help, we thought it a good time to look back at one of her most beloved performances to date. In 2023, Kelly Freeman Craig adapted a book beloved by (and controversial for) generations: Judy Blume’s Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret. With Abby Ryder Fortson as the titular Margaret and McAdams as her doting mother, the film is the story of a young woman’s coming of age, including puberty, social dynamics, and religious questioning.

This episode, we talk about McAdams’ subtle and powerful performance and the film’s struggle at the box office. We also discuss Kathy Bates as a Jewish grandmother, the film’s talented young performers, and Fremon Craig’s debut film The Edge of Seventeen.

Topics also include book fairs, our past YA reading favs, and Benny Sadie as father.

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373 – Uncut Gems (w/ Chris Rosen!)

With Marty Supreme in theatres, we thought it was perfect timing to talk about the Safdies and the gems. And we’ve finally brought in The Ankler’s Chris Rosen to join us! In 2019, the ascendant Josh and Benny Safdie brought us Uncut Gems, an anxiety-inducing comic thriller set in New York City’s Diamond District and hinging on the hubris of dealer Howard Ratner. Howie is played to the gonzo hilt by Adam Sandler, who earned “Oscar for Sandman!” raves, but the film’s strangeness likely kept it out of the Oscar fold.

This episode, we talk about the wild world of the film and Sandler’s full-tilt performance. We also discuss how the 2019 Best Actor race was primed to leave Sandler on the outside, the film’s narrative symmetry to Marty Supreme, and where both Brothers Safdie’s films stand in this year’s race.

Topics also include Billy Crystal hosting, Sandler’s chances for this year’s Jay Kelly, and sports podcasting.

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