FS #263: Public Enemies / New Hollywood Marathon Awards / Top 5 Films of 2001

July 3: This week... Adam and Matty consider Michael Mann's "Public Enemies," announce the winners of Filmspotting's New Hollywood Marathon Awards (The Plastics) and share their Top 5 Films of 2001.

Plus, don't miss Adam's Articulate Analysis with quick takes on "Food, Inc.," "Summer Hours" and "Whatever Works."

Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre -- presented by In Review Online -- and music by Wilco.


Filmspotting #263
:13-23:05 - Review: "Public Enemies"
Music: Wilco, "You Never Know"
23:55-25:44 - Voicemail
25:45-28:36 - Adam's Articulate Analysis
28:37-39:51 - Feedback: Top 5 Screen Dads
Music: Wilco, "I'll Fight"
41:54-46:03 - Mass. Theatre (Winner: C. Meltzer)
46:04-1:02:28 - New Hollywood Awards
Music: Wilco, "One Wing"
1:03:22-1:11:36 - New DVDs/Donations
1:11:37-1:25:24 - Top 5: Films of 2001
1:25:25-1:28:23 - Close/Next Show/Outtake

NOTES
- Follow more notes and corrections at http://twitter.com/filmspotting.

- We remembered that "Moon" is playing in Chicago. We'll review that next week.

- Jeff Goldsmith's Creative Screenwriting Podcast can be accessed through iTunes here.

FS After Hours #9: Romy and Michele's High School Reunion

June 26: On this edition of Filmspotting After Hours... Our Listener's Choice discussion of the 1997 Lisa Kudrow-Mira Sorvino "buddy" pic "Romy and Michele's High School Reunion." Plus, some provocative Listener Feedback on movies that make you faint, cry and more.

Thanks again to all of our donors for your tremendous support! Winners on this show were chosen from episodes #257-262. Please email feedback@filmspotting.net if you were one of the lucky winners.



NOTES
- "Public Enemies" is definitely a GO for next week.

- Link to horror movie blog discussing the movie "Grace," which caused some viewers to faint

- Review of "Grace"

- Visit our Top 5 page for the complete of "One-Timers" from shows #11 and #99.

- Helen Mirren had been in many movies before "Prime Suspect," including "Caligula," "Excalibur," "The Long Good Friday" and "The Cook The Thief His Wife & Her Lover."

- Link to Justin's Minneapolis movie events in the FS Forum

FS #262: The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 / Badlands / Top 5 Screen Dads

June 19: Listen up! This is Mr. Mauve. My associates and I are currently in control of the podcast called Filmspotting. If you want to see its hosts Adam and Matty ever again, you will do exactly as I say. Listen to their discussion of Tony Scott's update of "The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3," starring John Travolta and Denzel Washington. If you can decipher from their conversation one good reason why this film should have been remade, please let us know. Seriously. Draw us a map. Send a Sherpa. We need the help. To ease the pain, listen to the discussion of a film that was released right around the time of the original "Pelham" -- the Filmspotting New Hollywood Marathon concludes with a discussion of "Badlands," Terrence Malick's first film starring Sissy Spacek and Martin Sheen. If you were waiting for a bad review of one of the New Hollywood films ... wait some more. The boys hardly contain themselves while waxing exuberant over Malick's much-less romanticized and far more sobering take on two Bonnie and Clyde-esque outlaws. Then in honor of Father's Day, the lads pull out some Pudding Pops and don their best Cliff Huxtable sweaters to announce their Top 5 Screen Dads.

Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre -- presented by In Review Online -- and music by Iron & Wine.

Next week will be an After Hours edition of Filmspotting only!


Filmspotting #262
:13-16:43 - Review: "Taking of Pelham 1 2 3"
Music: Iron & Wine, "Belated Promise Ring"
17:49-22:03 - Voicemail, Poll Questions
22:04-34:17 - Feedback: Top 5 TV Star Performances, Con Movies
Music: Iron & Wine, "Boy With a Coin"
35:19-40:03 - Mass. Theatre (Winner: B. Varney)
40:04-55:21 - New Hollywood #9: "Badlands"
Music: Iron & Wine, "Naked As We Came"
56:07-1:04:00 - New DVDs/Notes/Donations
1:04:01-1:16:09 - Top 5: Screen Dads
1:16:10-1:20:21 - Close/Next Show/Outtake

NOTES
- Jeff Goldsmith's Creative Screenwriting Podcast can be accessed through iTunes here.

- Read Sam C. Mac's review of "Taking of Pelham 1 2 3" here.

- Anyone else think we should just re-brand the New DVDs segment as "Check It Out"?

- Adam's Montreal Meetup details can be found here.

Follow more notes and corrections at http://twitter.com/filmspotting.

FS #261: Away We Go / Drag Me To Hell / Mean Streets / Top 5 Performances by TV Stars

June 12: As everyone knows, Adam and Matty got their start in television on the early '80s sitcom "Mixed Reviews" about two odd couple film critics forced to live in the same apartment. Though the show was short-lived, people still talk about the famous two-part episode "Private Parts, Corporal Danger" in which Adam saves an unsuspecting Matty from the advances of the lascivious nextdoor neighbor (Gordon Jump in an Emmy-winning turn). So the lads were thrilled to discuss this week's "Away We Go," starring fellow television alumni Maya Rudolph and John Krasinksi, and even more excited to list their Top 5 Film Performances by TV Stars. The boys also made time to sneak in the eighth film in their New Hollywood Marathon, "Mean Streets." Listen closely and you can actually hear the slobber on the microphone as Martin Scorsese's first real feature reduces Adam to a blubbering mess: "Remember the scene where Marty follows Harvey Keitel into the bar in slow-mo? That was awesome."

Plus, the debut (and finale?) of Adam's Articulate Analysis examines Sam Raimi's "Drag Me To Hell," and the return of Matty's Movie Minute.

Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre -- presented by In Review Online -- and music by The Airborne Toxic Event.


Filmspotting #261
:25-14:03 - Review: "Away We Go"
14:04-18:00 - AAA: "Drag Me To Hell"
Music: Airborne Toxic Event, "Wishing Well"
19:08-24:25 - Voicemail, Polls
24:26-36:15 - Feedback: Up, Girlfriend Experience, Brothers Bloom
Music: Airborne Toxic Event, "Something Around Midnight"
37:27-41:46 - Mass. Theatre (Winner: W. Wilenz)
41:47-54:20 - New Hollywood #8: "Mean Streets"
Music: Airborne Toxic Event, "Gasoline"
54:59-59:30 - New DVDs/Matty's Movie Minute
59:31-1:04:55 - Notes/Donations
1:04:56-1:19:23 - Top 5: TV Star Performances
1:19:24-1:22:21 - Close/Next Show/Outtake

NOTES
- Wow, HUGE mistake right off the top. Sam Mendes also made "Jarhead." It's a pretty forgettable movie, but still...

- Bill Murray was Herman in "Rushmore," not Max.

- Check out Jeff Goldsmith's Creative Screenwriting Podcast. It can be accessed through iTunes here.

- Link to "Enlighten Up" directed by Kate Churchill

- Those additional reviews on the site Matty promoted... I guess they're coming later.

- Andrew Sarris did write for the The New York Observer.

- Repertory Series at the Brattle - American Independents: The Dawn of New Hollywood

- Matty's Minny Meetup details can be found here.

- Adam's Montreal meetup details can be found here.

- Robin Williams was nominated for an Academy Award for "Good Morning Vietnam."

- Leo DiCaprio a TV "star"? Really? I'm not sure I'm buying Matty's mention there.

- Contest for "Food, Inc." passes

Follow more notes and corrections at http://twitter.com/filmspotting.

FS #260: Up / The Long Goodbye / Top 5 Films of 2002

June 5: What's that flying high in the sky over the John Hancock building? Is it a bird? Is it plane? No, it's the Herzog One, the magnificent flagship of the Filmspotting dirigible fleet. So cue up some Fifth Dimension on the old Hi-Fi, we're going up, up and away for this week's edition of Filmspotting. In honor of Pixar's latest film "Up," Adam and Matty will broadcast the show from high above the Chicago skyline. Will their heightened elevation affect their response to Ed Asner's voice-work, or drastically enhance their take on the seventh entry in the Filmspotting New Hollywood Marathon, "The Long Goodbye," from director Robert Altman? Or perhaps from 1,500 feet "Death to Smoochy" will look good enough to rank among Filmspotting's Top 5 Films of 2002. Oh, the humanity... What? Too soon for "Smoochy" jokes?

Also on the show: Listener Feedback, Massacre Theatre -- presented by In Review Online -- and music by oRSo.


Filmspotting #260
:13-15:43 - Review: "Up"
Music: oRSo, "Anniversary"
16:25-21:55 - Voicemail, Polls
21:56-32:46 - Feedback: Terminator, Screen Leaders
Music: oRSo, "Protest Song"
34:29-39:45 - Mass. Theatre (Winner: K. Savage)
39:46-51:24 - New Hollywood #7: "The Long Goodbye"
Music: oRSo, "All Suffer Fools"
52:00-1:00:31 - New DVDs/Notes/Donations
1:00:32-1:13:31 - Top 5: Films of 2002
1:13:32-1:16:54 - Close/Next Show/Outtakes

NOTES
- Check out Jeff Goldsmith's Creative Screenwriting Podcast. It can be accessed through iTunes here.

- Matty's Minny Meetup details will be available on our Twitter page at some point. And probably in the Forum under Local Events & Meetups.

- We somehow made it through a discussion of "The Long Goodbye" without mentioning the roving camerawork. There are pretty much no shots/edits where the camera doesn't move or isn't already in motion with the cut -- all adding to the sense of Marlowe's displacement.

- Adam's big three Honorable Mentions: "Talk To Her," "Spirited Away" and "Y Tu Mama Tambien."

Follow more notes and corrections at http://twitter.com/filmspotting.

FS #259: The Brothers Bloom / Rian Johnson / The Girlfriend Experience / Top 5 Con Movies

May 29: FPPLE, Film Podcast seeks Podcast Listener Experience
You: Must love dog racing, the collected works of Rush, and listening to riveting discussions of Steven Soderbergh's films, including his latest "The Girlfriend Experience," starring adult film star Sasha Grey. Tolerance for gambling debts and raging debates over the merits of the new con film starring Mark Ruffalo, Adrien Brody and Rachel Weisz, "The Brothers Bloom," a must. Long walks on the beach unnecessary, but must have appreciation for interviews with "The Brothers Bloom" writer/director Rian Johnson. Ability to name Top 5 Con Movies of all-time a plus. Vanderbilts, Roosevelts, and Kennedys encouraged to submit headshot, lock of hair, and resume to matty@filmspotting.net.

Also on the show: Massacre Theatre -- presented by In Review Online -- and music by Syd.


Filmspotting #259
:13-15:37 - Review: "The Brothers Bloom"
Music: Syd, "Mallory"
16:25-19:25 - Notes, Poll
19:26-40:44 - Interview: Rian Johnson
Music: Syd, "The Pattern"
41:47-46:02 - Mass. Theatre (Winner: Kimberly Parker)
46:03-1:00:14 - Review: "The Girlfriend Experience"
Music: Syd, "Easier On You"
1:01:10-1:06:49 - New DVDs/Donations
1:06:50-1:19:52 - Top 5: Con Movies
1:19:53-1:22:06 - Close/Next Show/Outtake

NOTES
- Check out Jeff Goldsmith's Creative Screenwriting Podcast. It can be accessed through iTunes here.

- So, yeah... we forgot to say this week's poll question.

- Watch Filmspotting's voice-work on last week's Massacre Theatre scene from "Gladiator" on YouTube.

- Rian Johnson recently wrote up his Top 5 Con Movies for Rotten Tomatoes.

- Tatum O'Neal 10, Anna Paquin 11... Thanks to Kevin Vasquez for reminding me of this note.

Follow more notes and corrections at http://twitter.com/filmspotting.

FS #258: Terminator Salvation / Midnight Cowboy / Top 5 Screen Leaders

May 22: If you can hear this, you are part of the Resistance (or probably related to Adam and Matty). It is imperative that you listen to Filmspotting this week. Though the reputation and legacy of the legendary and ground-breaking Terminator franchise (originally launched by director James Cameron in 1984) seems impenetrable, we have detected a weakness. The latest installment in the series, "Terminator Salvation," is out-fitted with legions of intimidating and cool-looking killer machines, but its director, McG ("Charlie's Angels") seemed to forget two critical elements: pathos and plot. If Filmspotting can maneuver its way up the abandoned chasm where a coherent storyline should otherwise exist, Adam and Matty might be able to knock out the central processing unit that controls Sam Worthington and Christian Bale's wooden acting.

Once accomplished, we will debrief with a discussion of the sixth film in the Filmspotting New Hollywood Marathon, "Midnight Cowboy," 1969's Academy Award-winning film starring Jon Voigt and Dustin Hoffman as the legendary duo, Joe Buck and Ratso Rizzo, hooking and crooking their way through the streets of New York. Once you have fully appreciated the accomplishment of director John Schlesinger's unorthodox and radical "buddy" film, you can move on to your final challenge. With Adam and Matty as color guard, you will climb Mt. Filmspotting to enshrine the Top 5 Screen Leaders.

Plus, Massacre Theatre -- presented by In Review Online -- Listener Feedback and music by Jenniferever.


Filmspotting #258
:13-14:02 - Review: "Terminator Salvation"
Music: Jenniferever, "Green Meadow Island"
15:04-18:45 - Poll Questions
18:46-30:23 - Feedback/Voicemails (Cinematic Obsessions)
Music: Jenniferever, "Sparrow Hills"
31:04-35:55 - Mass. Theatre (Winner: L. Holbrook)
35:56-46:54 - New Hollywood #6: "Midnight Cowboy"
Music: Jenniferever, "Lives Apart"
47:22-55:31 - New DVDs/Donations
55:32-1:09:40 - Top 5: Screen Leaders
1:09:41-1:12:05 - Close/Next Show/Outtakes

NOTES
- Check out Jeff Goldsmith's Creative Screenwriting Podcast. It can be accessed through iTunes here.

- It is actually the trailer for "Zabriskie Point" that will blow your mind, not Red Desert.

- Yes, Henry V was a real person. Sorry for any confusion there. Matty would follow SHAKESPEARE'S Henry V into battle... very intentional use of the word "fictional." We love the House of Plantagenet.

Follow more notes and corrections at http://twitter.com/filmspotting.

FS #257: Tyson / Easy Rider / Top 5 Cinematic Obsessions

May 15: Are you ready to reeeeeeeee-vieeeeeeew! In this corner, wearing the crimson and black trunks and weighing in at combined 500 lbs., former heavyweight champion of the world, convicted rapist and ear-biter, Iron Miiiiiiiiiike Tyson! Kid Dynamite is joined by the equally enigmatic filmmaker and screenwriter, noted lothario and Magna Cum Laude graduate from Harvard University, Jaaaaaaames Toback! The formidable tag team are responsible for the new documentary "Tyson." In the other corner, wearing the leopard print and velvet trunks and weighing a combined [REDACTED BY FILMSPOTTING MANAGEMENT] pounds from Chicago, Illinois, the Fighting Filmspotters: Adam “The Frying Dutchman” Kempenaar and Matty “Show Me on the Doll Where This Movie Touched You” Robinson!

On the undercard, Kempenaar and Robinson will face off against The Bastard Children of the New Hollywood, otherwise known as the Corman crew: Dennis Hopper, Peter Fonda, and Jack Nicholson, who changed the face of cinematic history with 1969’s revolutionary biker movie "Easy Rider," the fifth installment in Filmspotting’s on-going New Hollywood Marathon. And don't miss the main event... the Top 5 Cinematic Obsessions countdown.

Plus, Massacre Theatre -- presented by In Review Online -- Listener Feedback and music by Gabriel Kahane.



Filmspotting #257
:13-16:26 - Review: "Tyson"
Music: Gabriel Kahane, "Slow Down"
17:13-22:28 - Voicemail/Contest/Polls
22:29-34:05 - Feedback (Star Trek)
Music: Gabriel Kahane, "North Adams"
34:47-40:24 - Mass. Theatre (Winner: C. Huntington)
40:25-53:44 - New Hollywood #5: "Easy Rider"
Music: Gabriel Kahane, "Durrants"
54:11-59:29 - New DVDs/Donations
59:30-1:14:30 - Top 5: Cinematic Obsessions
1:14:31-1:17:35 - Close/Next Show/Outtakes

NOTES
- Click here for a chance to win tickets to see "The Girlfriend Experience."

- Check out Jeff Goldsmith's Creative Screenwriting Podcast, featuring an interview with the "Star Trek" screenwriters. It can be accessed through iTunes here.

CORRECTIONS
- "Effrontery" is the word Matty was searching for.

Follow more notes and corrections at http://twitter.com/filmspotting.

FS #256: After Hours (Colossus: The Forbin Project)

May 14: On this edition of Filmspotting After Hours... Our Listener's Choice discussion of the 1970 sci-fi thriller "Colossus: The Forbin Project." Plus, a great batch of Listener Feedback with comments on our New Hollywood Marathon and more.

Thanks again to all of our donors for your tremendous support! Winners on this show were chosen from episodes #251-256. Please email feedback@filmspotting.net if you were one of the lucky winners.



NOTES
- Best books on cinema discussion from the Filmspotting Forum

FS #256: Star Trek / In the Heat of the Night / Top 5 Films of 2003

May 8: Captain's Log... Star date 5.8.9009. This is Captain Horowitz of the U.S.S. Gumption. While patrolling the outer Sanjaya Quadrant of the Kardashian system, we locked onto a strange frequency. Two humanoid creatures of the Filmspotting species were debating the merits of an early 21st century piece of historical fiction called "Star Trek" from director J.J. Abrams. The much younger and better looking of the two Filmspotters, who calls himself "Matty," seemed to enjoy the movie’s silly paeans to "Star Trek’s" campy origins, whereas the more gregarious of the two, "Adam," felt the film "jumped the Spock" at its midway point. Very intriguing insight.

Then, if our translations are correct, the two went on to discuss an even more archaic piece of celluloid, the year 1967’s "In the Heat of the Night," on its surface a murder-mystery procedural but which also apparently serves as a boiling and revolutionary commentary on 20th century race relations in the United States starring two excellent thespians, Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger. The transmission then ends with another historical artifact, a listing of the Top 5 Films of 2003. I am excited to see if these films exist in the Academy's archives. We will continue to examine the strange communication from this very alien Filmspotting duo before heading home to rendezvous with Star Fleet. Before warping home, however, Lieutenant Ditka wants to swing by Home Depot, maybe Bed Bath and Beyond. You know, if there's time.

Plus, Massacre Theatre -- presented by In Review Online -- Listener Feedback and music by Akron/Family.

** POTENTIAL SPOILER WARNING **
Adam is confident that he did not actually reveal any spoilers during the "Star Trek" discussion, but if you're really sensitive about knowing any specific plot points, then consider yourself warned.


Filmspotting #256
:13-15:11 - Review: "Star Trek"
Music: Akron/Family, "Everyone is Guilty"
16:07-20:18 - Voicemail/Contest/Polls
20:19-28:57 - Feedback ("Sugar," Summer '09 Movies)
Music: Akron/Family, "Creatures"
29:42-34:13 - Mass. Theatre (Winner: B. Stark)
34:14-44:56 - New Hollywood #4: "In the Heat of the Night"
Music: Akron/Family, "The Alps & Their Orange Evergreen"
45:23-51:49 - New DVDs/"Audience of One"/Donations
51:50-1:08:51 - Top 5: Summer Preview
1:08:52-1:12:14 - Close/Next Show/Outtake

NOTES
- In addition to our "Girlfriend Experience" contest, click here to get a shot at a pair of tickets to see "Anvil! The Story of Anvil."

- Check out Jeff Goldsmith's Creative Screenwriting Podcast, which can be accessed through iTunes here.

- Full Onion News Network "Star Trek" story here.

- Yes, we did skip right over "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" in our New Hollywood Marathon. Sorry for the lack of notice! It's just not the movie "In the Heat of the Night" is.

- The USA Today retrospective on Columbine can be found here.

- "Audience of One" official site

CORRECTIONS
- None yet that we know of...

Follow more notes and corrections at http://twitter.com/filmspotting.

FS #255: Sugar / State of Play / Top 5 Most Anticipated Summer Movies`

May 1: Welcome to Filmspotting Stadium, alongisde colorman Dregs Laplander, I'm Stewl Potash. It's a beautiful day for a podcast today, Dregs, and I'm curious to see how Adam and Matty can handle their first baseball movie review of the season; it's no easy out, that's for sure. "Sugar" follows the rise of a young Dominican pitcher whose devastating curve ball lands him in the American minor leagues where he struggles both on and off the field.

Announcer #2
You bet Stewl, "Sugar" is certainly no ordinary baseball movie. Kevin Costner is nowhere to be found in its lineup, and it comes from the duo who brought us 2006's much talked about "Half Nelson," which I'm told by the guys in the truck is not about wrestling at all.

Announcer #1
Nope, it most certainly is not. Batting second, the boys will need to be on their toes to do battle with "State of Play," the new thriller starring Helen Mirren, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams and Russell Crowe...

Announcer #2
Oh, I love Russell Crowe. He's a great actor. Did you see "Gladiator," Stewl?

Announcer #1
I did.

Announcer #2
Wasn't that a great movie?

Announcer #1
Yes indeed it was. After their review of "State of Play," Adam and Matty will find ...

Announcer #2
Remember the scene with the tiger in "Gladiator?"

Announcer #1
I do.

Announcer #2
It jumped through the floor!

Announcer #1
It most certainly did, Dregs. Then Adam and Matty will bring us the ever popular Massacre Theatre -- presented by In Review Online -- and Listener Feedback, as well as a preview ...

Announcer #2
Man, if a tiger jumped through the floor right now. I really don't know what I'd do. I really don't.

Announcer #1
In the cleanup spot, Adam and Matty will wrap up the show with their Top 5 Most Anticipated Summer Movies. Lots of great stuff to look forward to, eh Dregs?

Announcer #2
I'd probably go for its eyes, Stewl. Wouldn't you, if a tiger jumped through that floor right now?

Announcer #1
Stay tuned. Filmspotting is up next!

Music this week by Medeski, Martin and Wood.


Filmspotting #255
:13-4:47 - Tribeca Recap
4:48-17:25 - Review: "Sugar"
Music: MMW, "Cloud Wars"
18:46-22:43 - Voicemail ("Observe & Report")
22:44-33:13 - Review: "State of Play"
Music: MMW, "Muchas Gracias"
34:03-38:10 - Mass. Theatre (Winner: Q. Lundy)
38:11-42:21 - Voicemail, Poll, "Adventureland" Feedback
42:22-49:59 - Voicemail, Poverty Movies Feedback
Music: MMW, "Professor Nohair"
50:24-56:53 - New DVDs, Donations
56:54-1:11:53 - Top 5: Summer Preview
1:11:54-1:14:36 - Close/Next Show/Outtake

NOTES
- Check out Jeff Goldsmith's Creative Screenwriting Podcast, which can be accessed through iTunes here.

- Hear Matty's Top 5 Baseball Movies... and his playful jabs at me... on the Baseball Honeymoon podcast.

- Disregard our "Wolverine" tease... we're going to bump it for "Star Trek" next show.

CORRECTIONS
- Yes, Matty meant Chandra Levy... not Sandra.

- Rochelle of Crete... not a town in Nebraska after all (crazy Matty, why did I listen to you?). Rochelle is the listener; Crete is the town.

- The Rachel McAdams character in the BBC original version of "State of Play" is played by Kelly McDonald, not James McAvoy -- who plays somebody else...

Follow more notes and corrections at http://twitter.com/filmspotting.

Filmspotting Fix: Steve McQueen Interview

April 24: With Matty in NYC for Tribeca, Filmspotting is taking a little break... hopefully this interview with "Hunger" writer/director Steve McQueen will provide a little fix until next week. I spoke to McQueen at last year's Toronto Film Festival and have been waiting to play the interview until "Hunger" got a theatrical release. It's out now in select cities, and was one of our favorite films of 2008. Audio notes: Yes, I have a cold... Yes, McQueen's side of the interview is a little quiet. I adjusted things the best I could.

FS #254: Observe and Report / Sin Nombre / Sunshine Cleaning / The Graduate / Top 5 Poverty Movies

April 17: To help you navigate the local multiplex this weekend, Filmspotting offers up a triptych of reviews. Starting in the food court, over by the Toast-A-Bun, we "Observe and Report" on the exploits of the vaguely-unhinged Ronnie Barnhardt, the mall cop at the center of Jody Hill’s new comedy starring Seth Rogen, Anna Farris, and Ray Liotta. Then the lads take a left at the Orange Julius and head south to track the perilous journey of five immigrants making their way through gang-infested Mexico toward the United States border in director Cary Fukunaga’s first feature film, "Sin Nombre." To round out Filmspotting’s cinematic expedition, Adam heads to the desert to join Emily Blunt and Amy Adams on cleaning detail in the quirky new independent film "Sunshine Cleaning." Of course, quirky and independent also means Alan Arkin and Steve Zahn are probably involved.

Finally, in honor of our floundering economy and serendipitously tying in with this week’s review of "Sin Nombre," Adam and Matty list their Top 5 Movies About Poverty. Because wherever there’s a podcast in need of two blowhard critics... Filmspotting will be there.

Also on the show: Massacre Theatre -- presented by In Review Online -- Listener Feedback and music by Linda Draper.


Filmspotting #254
:13-11:15 - Review: "Observe and Report"
11:16-18:50 - Review: "Sin Nombre"
Music: Linda Draper, "Limbo"
19:50-23:21 - Review: "Sunshine Cleaning"
23:22-26:51 - Poll Questions
26:52-34:52 - Voicemail, Feedback (Bad Job Movies)
Music: Linda Draper, "Mother's Little Helper"
35:26-39:10 - Mass. Theatre (Winner: Adam Fox)
39:11-49:18 - New Hollywood #3: "The Graduate"
Music: Linda Draper, "Sharks and Royalty"
50:07-57:09 - New DVDs, Donations
57:19-1:08:24 - Top 5: Poverty Movies
1:08:25-1:10:54 - Close/Next Show/Outtake

NOTES
- Follow more corrections and notes at http://twitter.com/filmspotting.

- For more on "Observe and Report," check out Jeff Goldsmith's Creative Screenwriting Podcast, which can be accessed through iTunes here.

- Filmspotting doesn't weigh in on the "controversy" surrounding "Observe and Report" (not interested really). But it is being discussed in the Filmspotting Forum.

UPDATE: Saying we weren't really interested in the "Observe and Report" controversy was a little vague. What we weren't interested in is devoting who knows how much time to a debate about the legal definition of date rape and at what exact point an intoxicated person can or cannot consent to sex. It's a compelling topic, but perhaps for another show.

- Of course, "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" is a pretty great looking movie too... with cinematography from Haskell Wexler.

- My apologies to the filmmakers of "Notorious." It is NOT the caboose on my list of 2009 movies... I forgot about "Gigantic."

FS #253: Adventureland / Bonnie and Clyde / Top 5 'Bad Job' Movies

April 10: Step right up, come one, come all, ladies and gentlemen, everybody's a winner when they listen to Filmspotting! Just turn the dial on that iPod for your chance to hear a review of Greg Mottola's ("Superbad) new comedy "Adventureland," starring Jesse Eisenberg ("The Squid and the Whale") as a recent college grad stuck manning a games booth at his local low-rent amusement park for a summer. Will the boys fall for the small coming-of-age film's charms, or find its brand of humor a true House of Horrors? As an added bonus round, find out which one of your Filmspotting sideshow freaks actually worked in an amusement park called Adventureland! Then try your hand at the New Hollywood rifle range: riddle Bonnie and Clyde with 56 bullets or more and walk home with a replica of Gene Hackman's comb-over and your very own Filmspotting review of the Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway gangster classic. But don't stop there! Take a left at the Sno-cone machine and try your luck at Adam and Matty's Top 5 Challenge! Match four out of five of Filmspotting's Top 5 Bad Job Movies and win a date with Matty! Match five out of five and win the requisite restraining order you'll need after dating Matty!

Also on the show: Massacre Theatre -- presented by In Review Online -- Listener Feedback, a conversation with Chris White, who adapted the film "Brick" into a high school stage play, and music by The Bad Plus --
Download from iTunes here.


Filmspotting #253
:13-17:16 - Review: "Advetureland"
Music: The Bad Plus, "Lithium"
18:19-25:08 - "Brick" call w/ Chris White
25:09-28:46 - Poll Questions
28:47-38:19 - Voicemail, Feedback (Films of '04)
Music: The Bad Plus, "Long Distance Runaround"
39:25-43:11 - Mass. Theatre (Winner: B. Godfrey)
43:12-57:21 - New Hollywood #2: "Bonnie and Clyde"
Music: The Bad Plus, "Radio Cure"
57:48-1:06:11 - New DVDs, Donations
1:06:12-1:24:15 - Top 5: Bad Job Movies
1:24:16-1:27:58 - Close/Next Show/Outtakes

NOTES
- We always recommend Jeff Goldsmith's Creative Screenwriting Podcast, which can be accessed through iTunes here.

FS #252: Goodbye Solo / Jules and Jim / Top 5 Films of 2004

April 3: This week on Filmspotting, find out what happens when two film critics stop being polite, and start being neo-neo real. A review of director Ramin Bahrani's newest film "Goodbye Solo" begins innocuously enough, but quickly devolves into a soul-searching, cacophonous, theoretical debate on the very future of film -- so much uproar sparked by a sweet little movie about a chatty Winston-Salem cabby (Souléymane Sy Savané) and his unusual friendship with one of his fares (Red West). Then, as if they didn't come across unbearably erudite (pretentious?) enough in the first segment, Adam and Matty carry on like two drunken non-tenured professors falling all over themselves to extol the virtues of Francois Truffaut's legendary "Jules and Jim," the first entry in Filmspotting's New Hollywood Marathon. Then the lads wrap things up by listing their Top 5 Films of 2004, a year when Filmspotting was just a glint in Adam's eye and Matty was just a wide-eyed 19 year-old college sophomore who spent the better part of the year volunteering at orphanages and puppy shelters.

Also on the show: Massacre Theatre -- presented by In Review Online -- Listener Feedback and music by The Privates.


Filmspotting #252
:13-17:37 - Review: "Goodbye Solo"
Music: The Privates, "You Never Take Me Dancing"
18:15-21:30 - Voicemail, Poll Question
21:31-34:26 - Feedback (Love You Man, Duplicity, Sister Movies)
Music: The Privates, "I'll Be Honest"
35:33-39:15 - Mass. Theatre (Winner: Pruthvi, Pune, India)
39:16-49:51 - New Hollywood #1: "Jules and Jim"
Music: The Privates, "Motion"
50:42-55:34 - New DVDs, Donations
55:35-1:10:40 - Top 5: Films of 2004
1:10:41-1:13:10 - Close/Next Show/Outtakes

NOTES
- Some major initial poll omissions -- Reese Witherspoon and Maggie Gyllenhaal. Follow more of our mistakes, notes and more on Filmspotting's Twitter page.

- We always recommend Jeff Goldsmith's Creative Screenwriting Podcast, which can be accessed through iTunes here.

- Adam recognized the name F.X. Feeney from reading about "Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession."

FS #251: After Hours (Stray Dog)

April 1: On this edition of Filmspotting After Hours... Our Listener's Choice discussion of Akira Kurosawa's 1949 procedural "Stray Dog" and your transcendent moviegoing experiences feedback.

Thanks again to all of our donors for your tremendous support! Winners on this show were chosen from episodes #245-250. Please email feedback@filmspotting.net if you were one of the lucky winners.

FS #251: Monsters vs. Aliens / Duplicity / Top 5 Sister Movies

March 27: It's hard to know who was more excited at the screening of DreamWorks' latest animated spectacle "Monster vs. Aliens" in 3-D: the two Kempenaar children, or Papa Adam Kempenaar and Uncle Matty? Needless to say, all four left the theater charged up and fighting over the promotional giveaway B.O.B. the blob toy -- hard lesson learned: never turn your back on Matty when free stuff is at stake. Plus, Filmspotting welcomes back Jessica Reaves from the Chicago Tribune to help the lads review "Duplicity," the new caper-comedy from "Michael Clayton" director Tony Gilroy and starring Julia Roberts and Clive Owen. Jessica expounds upon Gilroy's demanding filmmaking techniques and sheds light on the finer points of a shirtless Clive Owen. Jessica then sticks around to add some legitimacy to the final segment when Filmspotting lists its Top 5 Sister Movies -- because, of course, Filmspotting has always relied on the kindness of strangers.

Also on the show: Massacre Theatre -- presented by In Review Online -- Listener Feedback and music by Gregory Douglass.


Filmspotting #251
:13-11:41 - Review: "Monsters vs. Aliens"
Music: Gregory Douglass, "Cathedrals"
12:28-27:07 - Review: "Duplicity"
Music: Gregory Douglass, "Devotion"
28:33-33:30 - Mass. Theatre (Winner: S. Walker )
33:31-36:09 - Poll Questions
36:10-46:06 - Feedback (Deconstructors, Buddy Movies)
Music: Gregory Douglass, "Broken Through"
46:46-52:29 - New DVDs, Notes, Donations
52:30-1:10:22 - Top 5: Sister Movies
1:10:23-1:13:16 - Close/Next Show

NOTES

- Follow corrections, notes and more on Filmspotting's Twitter page.

- Yes, Matty knows it's "Audrey" Hepburn.

- Jeff Goldsmith's Creative Screenwriting Podcast can be accessed through iTunes here.

- New Yorker article: "How Tony Gilroy surprises jaded moviegoers"

- Thanks again to Robin Galloway for her great Massacre Theatre performance!

- Um, Matty... I don't think "Marley and Me" is much like "Turner and Hooch" at all.

- Reel Recovery Film Series, Writers In Treatment

FS #250: I Love You, Man / Brothers at War / The Great Buck Howard / Top 5 Buddy Movies

March 20: Hello? Oh, hey man, what are you up to? Listening to Filmspotting? That’s awesome, dude, I love their early stuff. What? Ha, I know it’s a podcast. I was just... I was just yanking your clavicles, man, just, you know, stroking your chains... uh... Do I listen to Filmspotting? Uh, dude, totes, totes and a half! I listen to them all the time, you know 24/7, my bro... my broseph... broseph of Arimathea. Do I want to listen to their podcast this week with a review of the new bromantic comedy "I Love You, Man" starring Paul Rudd and Jason Segel? Does a monkey like tin-foil? Count me in!

I’m also really looking forward to their takes on two other films: "Brothers at War," the Iraq war documentary from Jake Rademacher, and "The Great Buck Howard" starring John Malkovich as the titular B-list celebrity. Man, I love Johnny Malkovich! "You sunovabeech, we play some CAHDS!" What? No that was my Malkovich impression, you know as Teddy KGB? No, no, he’s not a leprechaun. Nevermind, what’s the Filmspotting Top 5 for this week? Top 5 Buddy Movies!?! That’s awesome! You know, I hope they don’t overlook Connie and Carla. My fiancé and I were re-watching that the other night, right before Grey’s Anatomy, I really feel Toni Collette is in a league of her own, have you seen... Hello?

Also on the show: Massacre Theatre -- presented by In Review Online -- Listener Feedback and music by Golden Bear from their upcoming EP Everest.


Filmspotting #250
:35-16:23 - Review: "I Love You, Man"
Music: Golden Bear, "Night Lights"
17:04-21:28 - Mass. Theatre (Winner: M. Young)
21:29-26:30 - Review: "Brothers at War"
26:31-32:20 - Review: "The Great Buck Howard"
Music: Golden Bear, "Miracle Mile"
33:10-37:30 - Voicemail, Poll Questions
37:31-51:17 - Feedback ("Watchmen")
Music: Golden Bear, "All The Stars"
52:21-56:42 - New DVDs, Donations
56:43-1:10:50 - Top 5: Buddy Movies
1:10:51-1:14:42 - Close/Next Show/Outtake

NOTES
- CORRECTIONS and Top 5 Honorable Mentions can be tracked on Filmspotting's Twitter page.

- Jeff Goldsmith's Creative Screenwriting Podcast interview with "I Love You, Man" writer/director John Hamburg can be accessed through iTunes here.

- Apologies to "Twilight" fans for not mentioning its March 21st DVD release date.

FS #249: Watchmen / Angry Young Men Marathon Awards / Top 5 Deconstructors

March 13: It's a little known fact that Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, creators of the "Watchmen" graphic novel that redefined the comic book industry, actually based their fictionalized characters on the exploits of your beloved Filmspotting duo. In the '80s, Adam and Matty were known to dress up in the costumes they found discarded in a theater dumpster after a touring production of "Cats." Dressed as Rum Tum Tugger and Mr. Mistoffelees -- but addressing themselves as Captain Action and Corporal Punishment -- Adam and Matty patrolled the parking lot of the Circle K at the corner of Western and Division in Chicago from 9 pm until dawn, ostensibly warding off crime but more often than not catching up on the latest Marge Piercy novels.

This week, Filmspotting gets to review the very movie inspired by their superhero antics: "Watchmen" from director Zack Snyder and starring Patrick Wilson, Jackie Earle Haley and Carla Gugino. Plus, the lads find time to award their distinguished Kitchen Sink Awards in recognition of the very best of their recently-wrapped Angry Young Men Marathon. Then, in honor of "Watchmen's" deconstruction of the "comic book movie," Filmspotting hands out their Top 5 Deconstructors, films that successfully flipped their respective genres on their respective ears.

Also on the show: Massacre Theatre -- presented by In Review Online -- Listener Feedback and music by The Gaslight Anthem ...Download from iTunes here


Filmspotting #249
:35-19:37 - Review: "Watchmen"
Music: The Gaslight Anthem, "The '59 Sound"
20:41-24:10 - Voicemail, Poll Questions
24:11-34:29 - Feedback (Gomorrah, Love Triangles)
Music: The Gaslight Anthem, "Film Noir"
35:15-39:54 - Mass. Theatre (Winner: S. Bramble)
39:55-56:47 - Kitchen Sink Awards
Music: The Gaslight Anthem, "Miles Davis & the Cool"
58:35-1:04:00 - New DVDs, Donations
1:04:01-1:18:00 - Top 5: Deconstructors
1:18:01-1:20:59 - Close/Next Show/Outtake

NOTES
- Any and all CORRECTIONS can be tracked on Filmspotting's Twitter page... plus Top 5 Honorable Mentions.

- Make some time in your schedule... this show is about as long as "Watchmen."

- Jeff Goldsmith's Creative Screenwriting Podcast interview with the "Watchmen" screenwriters can be accessed through iTunes here.

FS# 248: Gomorrah / If.... / Top 5 Movies We Probably Got Wrong

March 6: On this 4th Anniversary episode of Filmspotting... Adam and Matty go to the mattresses for a review of "Gomorrah," the acclaimed new Italian gangster film that demystifies and strips any pretense of romance from cinema's beloved depictions of the mafia. Next, the guys wrap-up their Angry Young Men Marathon with a discussion of "If...," Lindsay Anderson's 1968 film starring a very young Malcolm McDowell as a burgeoning revolutionary trapped in an English boarding school. Filmspotting then marks its show milestone by confessing the Top 5 Movies We Probably Got Wrong -- including a visit from an old friend.

Also on the show: Massacre Theatre -- presented by In Review Online -- Listener Feedback and music by Gregory and the Hawk ... Download from iTunes here.


Filmspotting #248
:35-13:21 - Review: "Gomorrah"
Music: Gregory and the Hawk, "Doubtful"
14:13-18:00 - Voicemail, Poll Questions
18:49-29:21 - Feedback (Two Lovers, Love Triangles)
Music: Gregory and the Hawk, "Doubtful"
30:27-35:05 - Mass. Theatre (Winner: J. Halladay)
35:06-45:44 - AYM #6: "If...."
Music: Gregory and the Hawk, "Doubtful"
46:31-53:05 - New DVDs, Donations
53:06-1:07:49 - Top 5: Movies We Probably Got Wrong
1:07:50-1:10:45 - Close/Next Show/Outtakes

NOTES/CORRECTIONS
- Filmspotting made its debut (as Cinecast) on March 6, 2005.

- If it sounds like Matty said "Jonas" at one point instead of "Jonah," um, that's because he did.

- Jeff Goldsmith's Creative Screenwriting Podcast interview "Gomorrah" director Matteo Garrone and writer Maurizio Braucci, can be accessed through iTunes here.

- Apologies to 1StrongOpinion in the FS Message Boards. He came up with this week's poll question.

- Cate Blanchett has been nominated for 5 Oscars, twice for Actress in a Leading Role (the "Elizabeth" movies). Her only win was, in fact, for Supporting Actress in "The Aviator."

- Couple lines from Mick Travis in "If...." Adam was reaching for: "War is the last possible creative act" ... "One man can change the world with a bullet in the right place."

- The New Hollywood Marathon lineup will be posted soon our our Marathons page.

- Other "Hannah and Her Sisters" tie-ins, of course -- Frederick's lines about wrestling and the Oscars/"The Wrestler" and Penelope Cruz winning an Oscar for Woody Allen's latest, "Vicki Cristina Barcelona."