Shows
Backseat Boys#17 Twenty QuestionsA riveting game of Twenty Questions. Can you guess what it is before Andrew and Phil? Also, let us know if Andrew is way off with his answers...
2024-08-1739 min
Andrew and Jerry Save The World!An Andrew and Jerry Remix: Andrew Interviews Phil Kerpen from EndTheRaid(dot)Org!With Jerry on vacation and Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and Maryland Governor Wes Moore doing an event in Maryland, Andrew sat down with Phil Kerpen from American Commitment, Commitment to Seniors, Unleash Prosperity, and the project, EndTheRaid.org! POTUS, VPOTUS, and their enabler, Wes Moore, were in Maryland to nominally "celebrate" the second anniverary of the ironically-named "Inflation Reduction Act". But in reality, the event was all about their gloating over so-called price "negotiations" for 10 major drugs.In this conversation, Andrew and Phil talk about why this wasn't a "negotitation", but really a demonstration of force by a...
2024-08-1512 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 378 - Die Hard *Christmas Episode* ITQ returns to the airwaves with a special episode to pose the question: Is DIE HARD the greatest Christmas movie of all time? Joining Andrew and Phil is returning champion, Drew! The three movie nerds discuss why the classic 80's action film still holds up thirty years later. Here's a hint - the excellent screenplay is a big reason. This talk ranges from Alan Rickman's bad guy persona, to a production that kept rewriting itself as it went on, and just how earned was it to have Reginald VelJohnson's character kill that villain at the end? You won't...
2018-12-201h 02
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 371 - Won't You Be My Neighbor? Fred Rogers was an ordained minister and beloved childhood icon. This documentary is an hour and a half of pure love, and paints a portrait of the power of kindness. Andrew and Phil did not grow up watching "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood" but still have an appreciation for this excellent film. The work of Mr. Rogers touches many lives and can stand as a beacon of hope in a troubled time.
2018-06-2932 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 364 - Solo: A Star Wars Story Nostalgia puts asses in seats. That's what Disney is banking on with this unnecessary chapter in the ever-diluted Star Wars franchise. Andrew and Phil have a joyful rant against this film and the larger epidemic of movies that rehash popular culture in a desperate grab for our dollars. Alden Ehrenreich gave a great comedic performance in HAIL CAESAR!, but he cannot fill Harrison Ford's shoes. This episode is plus-sized for your listening pleasure - hope you like it!
2018-05-3054 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 362 - Deadpool 2 We don't normally do sequels on ITQ, unless we reviewed an earlier film in the franchise. Such is the case with Deadpool 2. Andrew and Phil both liked the first film, but now the house is divided. Andrew didn't care for the humor-saturated follow-up but Phil found the never-ending meta-qualities to be very amusing. What do you think? Is this a good next chapter in the Deadpool universe?
2018-05-2338 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 361 - Embrace of the Serpent *Listener's Choice* Andrew and Phil could not be more stoked to have a new guest on this episode of ITQ. Leticia joins the podcast from Montreal to request the Colombian Oscar-nominee EMBRACE OF THE SERPENT. This visually marvelous film about a river journey in the Amazon in search of a sacred flower evokes many other films. Leticia brings many great observations to the discussion, which ranges from similarities to Herzog to the depiction of spirituality.
2018-05-2158 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 360 - You Were Never Really Here Lynne Ramsay is one of Andrew and Phil's favorite directors, so any new film from her is enough to send ITQ into a tizzy. Ramsay's new film YOU WERE NEVER REALLY HERE blurs the line between reality and...not. There are definitely times in this film where it's not clear if something is really happening, and our hosts are cool with that. Sound and visuals are both used with style, and Phoenix's complex performance is equally arresting.
2018-05-1649 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 359 - Avengers: Infinity War Is Thanos the real hero of AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR? That's what our new guest proposes in this episode of ITQ. Mike joins the discussion with Andrew and Phil to offer his take on the popular franchise. 70+ characters makes the film rather bloated, but there is something irrefutably fun about watching famous heroes team up against a common enemy. Check out the episode!
2018-05-1142 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 358 - Tully Charming Charlize Theron lights up the screen in her new collaboration with writer Diablo Cody and director Jason Reitman. Theron gained (then lost) fifty pounds to play the unglamorous mother of three at the center of this film. Mackenzie Davis is the effervescent night nanny who comes to rescue Marlo (Theron) and remind her she still has everything she needs to roll with the punches. SPOILER ALERT: Andrew and Phil divulge some key plot points in this episode.
2018-05-0934 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 355 - Isle of Dogs Wes Anderson does stop motion again, and technically speaking, it's astounding. But the film is emotionally remote and...yikes, have you been following the controversy? Andrew and Phil praise the animation and then have an unpretentious discussion about how this film is cultural appropriation. It's a complicated time for a movie like this. The hosts reminisce about past Wes films and pinpoint The Life Aquatic as the moment when he changed for the worse. How do you feel about this iconoclastic filmmaker?
2018-04-2535 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 353 - A Quiet Place Shhhh. Wait, what? Oh, it's just that new horror sensation, A QUIET PLACE. Directed by John Krasinski, better known for comedic acting roles, the film is taut and tense. In fact, it's masterfully directed. One of the best scary movies to come to theaters. Krasinski has a strong sense of visual storytelling, and the tiny cast turn in captivating performances. Overall, Andrew and Phil both thought this film was great.
2018-04-1132 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 352 - Ready Player One Entertaining? Sure. Spielberg's best? Nope. Andrew and Phil both had fun watching READY PLAYER ONE, but only one of them left the theater satisfied. Can you guess which one? Andrew's central point of dissatisfaction is that the world of the Oasis does not feel like enough of an escape from the dreary world the characters inhabit in the film. A return to form for Spielberg, in terms of the level of excitement, but was it worth it?
2018-04-0442 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 345 - Andrew and Phil Recap the Oscars! Well, the Oscars happened! Seems to be a yearly occurrence. Maybe it's us, but the writing was pretty terrible this time around. It must be hard to keep coming up with original material, but at least they didn't trot out an octogenarian actor for cheap applause. And hey, yet another Mexican wins Best Director! Andrew and Phil recount last Sunday's event with love and resolution.
2018-03-0958 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 342 - Big Man On Campus *Listener's Choice* A forgotten 80's comedy in the classic fish-out-of-water genre, BIG MAN ON CAMPUS was made by several filmmakers who would go on to greater things. But this remake of the Hunchback of Notre Dame set in UCLA is still funny and entertaining. Visual jokes abound and the cast boasts many stalwart names like Tom Skerritt, Cindy Williams and Jessica Harper. New guest Andrew B. joins Andrew and Phil to rave about this film, a personal favorite of his.
2018-02-1649 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 341 - The 15:17 To Paris Non-professional actors mingle with established comedians in this latest effort from director Clint Eastwood. Based on a book written about a thwarted terrorist attack on a train to Paris, Eastwood stretches an act of American heroism into a feature-length film. What you have is fairly undramatic story with some really bad acting. Andrew and Phil break down why this film does not really work.
2018-02-1428 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 339 - Andrew and Phil's Top Ten of 2017 It's on, movie fans. Andrew and Phil's favorite films of the year. May we have the envelope, please? No need for that booji nonsense. These are the films selected by two people who know what moves them. Listen in and see how your favorites stack up next to these two film fanatics.
2018-02-0758 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 337 - I, Tonya Paging Mr. Scorsese, your technique has been lifted! It's no accident this film has been called "The Goodfellas of figure skating" because I, TONYA is definitely the spiritual godchild of the style created by the Sicilian cinema master. If it invested more in the emotional drama of the characters without using distancing devices to undercut it at every turn, the film might have been less entertaining...but perhaps less problematic. Andrew and Phil go to town on I, TONYA.
2018-01-3132 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 335 - Darkest Hour The dark horse nominee for Best Picture and a virtual lock for Best Make-Up comes to ITQ! Anchored by an unrecognizable Gary Oldman in nearly every frame, DARKEST HOUR tells the tale of Winston Churchill's early days as Prime Minister. An unremarkable film, to be sure but Oldman does an admirable job mimicking the legendary British statesman. Andrew and Phil go off on a tangent about ostentatious camerawork that takes up more than half of this episode, but it's entertaining, so who cares?
2018-01-2438 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 334 - The Post Steven Spielberg snuck this film into 2017 at the last possible minute. After hearing so much praise that THE POST was his best film since MUNICH, and could be the perfect antidote to a toxic presidency, expectations were high at ITQ. Let's face it, when it comes to Spielberg, Streep and Hanks expectations are always high. THE POST is a good film, but not much more than that. High-caliber acting all around, but not a lot of that Spielberg magic. Nevertheless, it's worth seeing. Andrew and Phil have an insightful discussion about what makes a film Spielbergian.
2018-01-2339 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 333 - Phantom Thread Critics have described Paul Thomas Anderson's new film as being emotionally remote as well as sumptuous. Andrew and Phil are here to tell you it is both of those things. Phil had the pleasure of seeing PHANTOM THREAD in 70mm, the way the creator intended. To top that off, Anderson himself was present at the venue to talk about his film. In this episode, Andrew and Phil favorably discuss the film, as well as the director's intentions behind it.
2018-01-1630 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 331 - The Shape of Water This is a film full of imagination, from the story to the cinematography. Guillermo Del Toro's passionately felt film won him a Golden Globe for directing and his stamp is all over the place. Andrew is one of the many fans that praise how moving a film THE SHAPE OF WATER is. Phil is not one of those people. Despite recognizing the talent that went into creating this film, it still seemed to him like a mishmash of different genres that could not quite sell Del Toro's fantasy that a monster could win the heart of a beau...
2018-01-1129 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 330 - Columbus *Special Episode* Kogonada is perhaps the most commercially successful of the video essayists. His work is seen on several Criterion Collection DVDs and blu-ray and millions of people have viewed his supercuts of Tarantino, Wes Anderson and others. But is he the right man for the job of making a feature film? Andrew and Phil were both let down by COLUMBUS, kogonada's directing debut. There is something to be said for the the film's cohesive tone, but what's the point? Kogonada seems to want to make an art film, but has no fire within him. That does not deter critic...
2017-12-2935 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 328 - Good Time This movie is a good time, if you're a cinephile. If not, you might be put off. Not enough people are talking about The Safdie Brothers' film, which was snubbed by the Golden Globes yet named Best Movie of 2017 by Film Comment. Listen to Andrew and Phil gush about the immersive experience of watching this kinetic film.
2017-12-2236 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 326 - Coco We're loco for Coco! Dazzling animation from Pixar, always pushing the limits of what's possible. A truly heartwarming story that elicited tears from the audience. Andrew and Phil praise the premise of a Mexican-set film and also address the uproar regarding the lengthy short about Olaf the snowman that has been pulled from theaters.
2017-12-1832 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 325 - The Killing of a Sacred Deer Is nothing sacred? Nope, not even Bambi. The title of Yorgos Lanthimos' captivating ode to discomfort refers to an ancient Greek myth. But there's nothing antiquated about this brilliant, nerve-rattling modern horror. Andrew and Phil both loved this film, perhaps a spiritual cousin to Aronofsky's mother!, but utterly unique. The hosts of ITQ draw comparisons to Kubrick and Haneke, which bodes well for Lanthimos' future body of work!
2017-12-1430 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 324 - Mercy Christmas *Filmmaker Interview* Andrew and Phil invite one of their old friends from film school to talk about his new horror-comedy MERCY CHRISTMAS, now available for download:(iTunes, Amazon). Ryan Nelson wrote and directed the movie, which took several years to produce. The story deals with a put-upon office worker who gets invited to a Christmas party by a beautiful co-worker that he just met. It seems like good fortune at first, but things are not what they seem. Brutal, funny and sure to entertain fans of the genre, MERCY CHRISTMAS (http://www.mercychristmasmovie.com/) is out just in time for th...
2017-12-0756 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 323 - The Square Art is such a serious topic, it makes a perfect target for satire. Ruben Östlund tackles the hypocrisy of that world in his critically-acclaimed drama THE SQUARE. Andrew and Phil are both huge fans of his previous film, FORCE MAJEURE, which is also a humorous takedown of a ridiculous man. But the female characters in the film are not as sharply drawn as in Östlund's previous effort. If you are skeptical of contemporary art and are intrigued by the accolades this film is getting, this film gets the endorsement from ITQ.
2017-12-0529 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 321 - Lady Bird A film that weaves together an entire community of resonant characters, all tethered together by the star, Christine 'Lady Bird' McPherson (the indomitable Saoirse Ronan). Greta Gerwig's directorial debut is getting a lot of praise, and rightly so. She also wrote the script and it pulsates with real situations to the point that it seems wholly autobiographical. Andrew and Phil both loved it. Another direct hit from A24, who are putting all other film distributors to shame with their consistently stellar releases.
2017-11-2029 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 319 - The Foreigner Andrew and Phil spar over the relative merits of this popcorn flick. Should there be more Jackie Chan? Does it really deserve its abysmal Metascore? The Foreigner was billed as a Jackie Chan movie, although he's overshadowed by Pierce Brosnan's prodigious turn as Liam Hennessey, the Irish government official with a checkered past. Phil wanted more Jackie, while Andrew contends that the martial arts legend simply doesn't have the energy to dazzle like he used to. But Chan is such a likable presence he could do almost anything and his fans would be pleased.
2017-11-0929 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 317 - Teen Witch *Listener's Choice* How did Andrew and Phil go their entire lives without ever encountering the magic that is TEEN WITCH? New guest Martha brings this 80's chestnut to the attention of ITQ and boy, is it a good thing she did! The incongruous musical numbers, rap breakdowns and on top of everything...Zelda Rubinstein! Few movies are this enjoyable. Check out the hilarious discussion, and if you haven't already...check out TEEN WITCH! You can .mp3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">download the podcast here by right-clicking on the hypertext link and choosing "save as", or you can use th...
2017-10-3147 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 316 - The Florida Project Living in the shadow of the Happiest Place on Earth is a group of children and their parents in an unglamorous motel. The tenants include Halley (Bria Vinaite) and her little daughter Mooney (Brooklynn Prince) and the beleaguered manager, Bobby (Willem Dafoe). What follows is a captivating depiction of childhood that transforms into a character study of a woman down on her luck. Superb performances all around had Andrew and Phil marveling over this film. This one is sure to end up on their top ten lists at the end of the year. You can .mp3" ta...
2017-10-2541 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 314 - Battle of the Sexes Andrew and Phil are unable to name a great tennis movie. The sport doesn't lend itself well to being filmed, although Hitchcock did an admirable job as far back as 1951. But unexciting tennis is the least problem with BATTLE OF THE SEXES. The acting talent on display here is stellar, but they are saddled with a mediocre script and pedestrian direction. There is at least one great performance in the form of Andrea Riseborough, and Emma Stone does do well in some of her intimate scenes. Sadly, Steve Carell is mostly wasted and makes one want to watch...
2017-10-1831 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 313 - Blade Runner 2049 A visionary sci-fi film directed by Denis Villenueve is always cause for celebration. IMDb fans have championed BLADE RUNNER 2049, but disappointing box office and complaints of sexism and self-indulgence plague the near-three hour sequel. Andrew found the movie captivating, but Phil believes it to be slow-moving and unnecessarily long. Hard to ignore also is the depiction of women, which has raised the ire of many feminists. Phil brings up the objectification of female characters, but Andrew refutes that the story necessitates such a viewpoint. Does the film stand up compared to the original BLADE RUNNER? Let Andrew and Phil know w...
2017-10-1344 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 312 - Mother! Andrew and Phil make a triumphant return to podcasting in this scintillating episode about the most controversial film in theaters now. Darren Aronofsky's "Mother!" has divided audiences and critics alike with it's brutal, unrelenting disturbia. The film must be examined as an allegory and these two film critics are your guide to interpreting Aronosky's vision. "Mother!" is a film deeply cynical about mankind, not to mention God. Is it garbage just because it makes you feel like garbage? The hosts of ITQ think otherwise. Great to have you back, gents! You can download the podcast here by right-cl...
2017-10-0439 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 309 - Let's Talk Trailers *Listener's Choice* Movie trailers. What works, what doesn't? Andrew and Phil welcome new guest Niki on the podcast to talk about the current state of movie trailers. The freewheeling discussion touches on Kanye West, movie spoilers and integrating archival footage into a period piece. Can anyone confirm that Ridley Scott actually used brownies for a visual effect in the original ALIEN trailer? In a world where a misleading trailer can kill the box office for a film, do trailers have too much importance? We think you will like this episode. You can download the podcast here by right-clicking on the hype...
2017-07-2851 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 308 - Dunkirk Christopher Nolan triumphs with his new film about a WWII event portrayed less often in movies, the 1940 evacuation of Allied soldiers from the beaches at Dunkirk, France. Nolan explores the cataclysmic situation from three vantage points: the land, the sea and the air. What follows is a tapestry where not one character dominates, but a collective traumatic experience is shared. But what is traumatic for the characters is also thrilling for the audience. The sound effects editing is incredibly transportive and is one of the most compelling reasons why DUNKIRK must be experienced in an IMAX setting. Andrew and Phil...
2017-07-2636 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 307 - Day of the Dead *Listener's Choice* In memory of the late horror pioneer George A. Romero, Andrew and Phil host a discussion about one of the director's best zombie pictures, DAY OF THE DEAD with new guest, Calvin. The third film in Romero's zombie franchise was made in 1985 and takes place primarily in a military bunker, beset on all sides by hungry undead. The characters sequestered inside bicker about how best to handle their grim situation. The military faction wants to obliterate as many zombies as possible, while scientists are working on a way to train the zombies in the hopes of some kind of pea...
2017-07-2456 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 306 - The Big Sick One of the best romantic comedies in recent memory is the subject of Andrew and Phil's new discussion. Phil raves about the writing and acting and Andrew is enthusiastic as well...but believes the directing by Michael Showalter to be "pedestrian." Andrew also did not completely buy that Kumail and Zoe were in love in the film. This sparks a debate between the two hosts: which is more important in a romantic comedy? The writing or the acting? Surely, both are, but where the effective writing won Phil over, the unconvincing romance prevented Andrew from completely loving the film.
2017-07-1937 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 302 - Baby Driver BABY DRIVER is a slick and seamless cinematic concoction. Edgar Wright rises in the ranks as a director of action and curator of killer source music. Wright choreographs car chases to a playlist of classic tracks, and substance is secondary. The story is a well-worn tale of a wheelman taking on one last job before leaving the life and running away with his new flame. But what makes it fun is Wright's ability to direct action that is always easy to follow (and the amazing stunt work is also great). A poignant side note of Andrew and Phil's discussion is th...
2017-07-0537 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 297 - The One I Love *Listener's Choice* This is dedicated to you, the loyal listeners of In the Queue. Thank you. And we hope you enjoy this scintillating discussion of a brain-bending romantic dramedy starring Elisabeth Moss and Mark Duplass. They play a troubled couple who go on a secluded vacation at the suggestion of their therapist. To say more would spoil the fun. If you haven't seen the film, Andrew and Phil and new guest Caleb all speak highly of it. We encourage you to see it and check out the discussion. Is it a comedy, like Phil insists? Or is it no laughing matter? Yo...
2017-06-1948 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 294 - Wonder Woman The heaps of praise WONDER WOMAN is getting does little to persuade Andrew that it is a good film. Important, yes. But he finds all the same flaws with previous DC superhero movies present in Patty Jenkins' record-breaking film. Phil, on the other hand, thought it was much more fun than SUICIDE SQUAD or BATMAN VS. SUPERMAN. Both hosts agree that the film represents something positive...but only Phil thinks WONDER WOMAN is a good time at the movies. Where do you stand? If you're curious, vote with your feet and buy a ticket to see it. Andrew and Phil ca...
2017-06-0838 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 290 - Alien: Covenant It is definitely better than PROMETHEUS. That's the consensus among Andrew and Phil in this episode. But we've seen this premise before in nearly every other film in the franchise. A colony ship deploys a vessel to explore an unknown planet; mission goes awry; mothership gets involved; crew dies, one by one. What is new and interesting, however, is the discussion you can have about artificial intelligence in this film. There are some decidedly "Ridley Scott" themes at work here, which are much more compelling than waiting to see which foolish scientist will perish next. You can downl...
2017-05-2435 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 289 - Little Women *Listener's Choice* Two movie-loving dudes who've never seen LITTLE WOMEN? Get outta town! But no, it's true, Andrew and Phil have never seen nor read any version of Louisa May Alcott's treasured story of the March sisters. That is, until now. New guest, Sarah brings the 1994 film to the attention of ITQ and the verdict is...positive! Sarah is an expert on the setting of the film and brings a lot of interesting details to the discussion. The topic of conversation ranges from the invigorating musical score by Thomas Newman to the anachronistic hairstyles and our favorite acting moment from the movie...
2017-05-1944 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 283 - The Deer Hunter *Listener's Choice* Who can watch this 70s classic and not be heartbroken by Christopher Walken's Oscar-winning performance? He's a revelation to people who only know his weirdo roles of the past twenty years. And if there's one thing Andrew and Phil agree on, it's that THE DEER HUNTER is Robert DeNiro's best role of all time. He's the key component in a film comprised of several great actors. At the helm is Michael Cimino, at the peak of his directing powers. He flew high like Icarus and was rewarded with multiple Oscars, only to encounter the sun with his next film and c...
2017-04-2852 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 281 - RoboCop *Listener's Choice* Paul Verhoeven's original ROBOCOP is a thrilling shoot-em up but also functions as a sly social critique. One of the most horribly violent movies of the 1980s, its true, but if that's all you take away from this film then you're missing the point. Returning guest Caitlin joins Andrew and Phil on this episode, where the topics of discussion range from the progressive portrayal of a female character in the film to sentiency in artificial intelligence. And- is ROBOCOP the film that unites both liberals and conservatives?! You can download the podcast here by right-clicking on the hyperte...
2017-04-2155 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 277 - 2001: A Space Odyssey *Listener's Choice* Huh? How has this movie never been covered on ITQ? New guest, Julien has requested this sci-fi colossus for the podcast and Andrew and Phil celebrate it's debut with an hour-long roundtable discussion. 2001 happens to be Andrew's favorite movie and he is chock-full of insights into deeper themes at play in Kubrick's masterpiece. The conversation ranges from music and sound design to foretold technological trends come true. Essential listening for anyone curious about what this confounding space epic means. You can download the podcast here by right-clicking on the hypertext link and choosing "save as", or you can use...
2017-04-081h 09
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 276 - T2 Trainspotting Renton, Spud, Sick Boy and Begbie are back after twenty years. Since he ripped off the group of heroin addicts in the original TRAINSPOTTING, Renton returns to Edinburgh to try and close the chapter on a tumultuous period of his life. He finds his old mates are still living marginal, (some amoral) lives. This film marks the reunion of the original creative team behind the 1996 classic, and let me tell you, this is no BLUES BROTHERS 2000. A film that has new things to say, T2 does not rely on nostalgia for it to exist. Andrew and Phil both praise the k...
2017-04-0634 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 274 - Life If ever there was a movie that aped the conventions of Ridley Scott's ALIEN yet lacked the commitment to make itself an interesting movie in it's own right, LIFE is that movie. Andrew and Phil trash yet another mediocre March release in the new episode of ITQ. This killer alien sci-fi horror film boasts a cast seemingly assembled at random and chained to a boring, dour script that takes itself way too seriously. If you're going to make an unoriginal genre picture, you should at least have some fun with it, but the filmmakers behind LIFE act as if they...
2017-03-2930 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 272 - Beauty and the Beast (2017) Tale as old as time...done poorly. Why does this film exist? For the bottom line, and no other reason. Andrew and Phil lament the new remake of the Disney animated remake from 1991. Not only is this version uninspired and overlong, it adds nothing worthwhile to the story and serves only as another reminder of how Disney will continue to cannibalize it's legacy for the sake of squeezing more dollars out of every subsequent generation it discovers. And we have The Little Mermaid live-action remake to look forward to later this year. Pathetic. You can download the podcast...
2017-03-2235 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 271 - Kong: Skull Island This movie is a pile of garbage! Andrew and Phil (but especially Andrew!) tear into this new attempt at capitalizing on a once great story. 'KSI' doesn't have the tragic sweep of the 1933 Kong, instead it's just a boring film with intermittent action scenes that keep Kong as a undeveloped minor character rather than a full-fledged star. Phil found the monster fight scenes to be the only interesting part of this movie, but even those left Andrew cold. He pegs it as the worst movie of 2017 so far. Some more inexplicable crimes? The reunion of two charismatic stars of 'Stra...
2017-03-1735 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 269 - Get Out A visionary dance between comedy and horror, Jordan Peele's socially conscious directorial debut is nothing short of stunning. The comic genius (half of Key & Peele) displays a strong understanding of what is frightening as well as what is funny. Andrew and Phil both remarked that they had more fun watching GET OUT than last year's KEANU. The premise is a mere setup for a creepy story that continually surprises and has you on edge. Chris is a young, black man with a white girlfriend, who invites him to meet her parents for the first time. He asks if they know h...
2017-03-0327 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 266 - 13th Today, Andrew and Phil are joined by Eric, a new guest on ITQ who recommends Ava DuVernay's Oscar-nominated documentary about mass incarceration of African-Americans. The excellent film is available for streaming on Netflix and DuVernay could become the first black woman to win an Oscar for directing a film of any type. '13th' makes a convincing case that the massive imprisonment of black and brown people is not because they commit more crimes, but rather an extension of the siavery mentality. Illuminating interviews with Angela Davis, Newt Gingrich and others enforce the thesis of this topic. You...
2017-02-2047 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 265 - 20th Century Women If there's anything we can take away about life in 1979 (the year before Andrew and Phil were born) it's that the music was kick-ass. Our hosts would like to lead off by saying it's possible to love Black Flag AND Talking Heads. Mike Mills may not be the bassist for R.E.M., but he certainly grasps what is a killer tune. Phil was dismayed that the most excellent soundtrack for 20th Century Women didn't quite up the game of the filmmaking (ala Kubrick, Tarantino, Wes Anderson, PT Anderson etc.) but this is certainly a writer's movie. Which did Mill...
2017-02-1630 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 264 - Andrew and Phil's Top Ten of 2016 The year has been over, but a few important releases were just seen. Now is the time to recap. In this special episode, our hosts each run down their favorite movies of 2016. There will be some surprises, for sure, but you know the quality of these films is going to be high. Looking for a suggestion of a film to see? Pick out one of these titles and you're guaranteed a fulfilling time at the movies. Don't think Andrew and Phil are only going to pick movies that just came out in the past few months. They're digging deep to bring...
2017-02-0747 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 262 - Paterson Jim Jarmusch is no stranger to low-key stories. His new film, 'Paterson' is a chronicle of one week in the life of a bus driving amateur poet in New Jersey. The acting is all around good, with Adam Driver embodying the main character in all his affable charm. Andrew saw the film as a beautiful tribute to life's small moments. Phil thought the film was precisely too small, and therefore not dramatic enough to stick in his memory. A film can delight in small moments and also feature a compelling plot, which this film did not deliver. Andrew challenged Phil t...
2017-01-2733 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 261 - Elle Isabelle Huppert tackles another inscrutably twisted character in this stunner from Paul Verhoeven. Michele is the head of a video game company who is sexually assaulted in her home by a masked intruder. What follows is a game of cat and mouse that will leave you guessing. 'Elle' is also a study of a circle of friends and family, all of whom are flawed or damaged in some way. The whole ensemble of actors is stellar, but it is Huppert who rises above in her Golden Globe-winning performance that elevates this film to greatness. Andrew and Phil do their best...
2017-01-2535 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 260 - Moana This is a great Disney movie!! If anyone is debating whether or not to see this already-released film, know that seeing it would be the right choice! You've got great voice acting by Dwayne Johnson, Auli'i Cravalho and Jemaine Clement, to name a few. The animation is stellar. Andrew and Phil went off talking about how beautiful the water looks in this movie. Best of all is the refreshing Polynesian lifestyle that permeates the world of 'Moana'. It's a much-needed break from the day-to-day lives most of us lead. Will 'Moana' take home the Best Animated Film Oscar from 'Zooto...
2017-01-2029 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 259 - Hidden Figures Rare is the Hollywood film that appeals to the whole family. From grandparents to grandchildren, everyone will find something good in 'Hidden Figures'. The story is about a group of African-American women who work for NASA during the Space Race. The U.S. is in competition with Russia to put a man in orbit, and the most valuable contributors to the mathematics of it all are women treated like second-class citizens. They are true underdog heroes and their efforts make for an engaging story. Andrew and Phil hold hope for future PG-rated films as being as high caliber as this...
2017-01-1832 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 256 - Silence Shh! No talking during the service! What's that? We're not in church? Somebody tell Marty Scorsese, because this film is one of the most reverent depiction of piety in all of cinema. The heroes of this brutal film are the priests, but you needn't be religious to be captivated by their spirit. Andrew and Phil both liked 'Silence' but Phil lamented that it could have been made with a more appropriate (read: less whitewashed) cast. At one point, Gael Garcia Bernal was attached for the Andrew Garfield role. The star of 'Hacksaw Ridge' performs admirably in this difficult role, but his...
2017-01-0831 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 254 - Nocturnal Animals Amy Adams is an art gallery owner who receives a manuscript in the mail from her ex-husband. It's a book he's written and titled 'Nocturnal Animals', a term he used to describe her. The term has dual meaning, as it also refers to a group of West Texas scumbags who terrorize a family on the road at night. The woman in the book doesn't end up too well. Is this book a veiled threat from a man still heartbroken after a divorce? Tom Ford's second film as director is highly compelling, and features a dynamite cast. A highly unusual film t...
2016-12-2330 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 253 - Rogue One: A Star Wars Story *Listener's Choice* Now and then on ITQ, a listener will guest on an episode about a new release. It doesn't happen often, but all one has to do is ask and we will oblige. On this show, returning champion, Clint joins Andrew and Phil to discuss the hotly anticipated winter release, 'Rogue One'. Some liked it more than others. Phil actually fell asleep for part of it. The funny thing is, the last time he fell asleep at the movies was for another film directed by Gareth Edwards, 'Godzilla'. But Andrew and Clint both found it exciting and fun - perhaps a litt...
2016-12-2047 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 250 - The Award Season's Most Anticipated Movies of 2016 Andrew and Phil are nothing if not connoisseurs of fine cinema, which is why this is always the most exciting time of the year for them. Join our hosts as they recap the recent winning films from the NY and LA Film Critic's association while offering their take on those they have seen. Many critically-minded movies come out in December and early January, and Andrew and Phil will get you jazzed in anticipation of upcoming titles like La La Land and Manchester By the Sea. Stay tuned for the conclusion of this episode where Phil recounts a story of see...
2016-12-1239 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 248 - The Kings of Summer *Listener's Choice* What's funnier than a film full of talented stand-up comedians? How about a podcast episode that's being recorded for the third time? Returning guest Aaron joins Andrew and Phil to talk about the little-seen comedic gem, "The Kings of Summer", a story of three high school boys who decided to live in the woods to escape their overbearing parents. In all honesty, Andrew and Phil tried to release this episode several weeks ago, but after two separate sessions, technical problems prevented it's successful recording. Now, for a third time, we have all three movie fans together to gab and the...
2016-11-2527 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 247 - Arrival One of the strongest critical favorites of the year is also resonating with audiences. Denis Villeneuve's intelligent sci-fi drama is a major success for him and star Amy Adams. A tale of alien contact on our home planet, Villeneuve's directorial effort features a sense of wonder conspicuously absent from most contemporary science-fiction films. It's a feeling of awe not just at imaginative special effects, but a meticulously imagined world and it's realistic depiction of what such an alien encounter would look like. Andrew and Phil are both enthusiastic about 'Arrival' and take apart some of it's themes (without spoilers).
2016-11-2233 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 245 - The Birth of a Nation Andrew and Phil discuss one of the most high-profile films of the year, the brainchild of writer-director-actor Nate Parker. After winning awards at Sundance last year, "The Birth of a Nation" was a hot property and Fox Searchlight bought the film for an astonishing $17.5 million. Since then, demand for the film has cooled considerably, due in no small part to the controversy surrounding Parker's 1999 rape trial (he was acquitted). Is this a case of a filmmaker's personal life overshadowing their accomplishments? Or is "The Birth of a Nation" really just not that good? You can download the podca...
2016-11-0429 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 243 - The Girl on the Train Some men just have a one-track mind. Emily Blunt and all the other actors conduct themselves well in this new thriller. Director Tate Taylor engineered the story with Erin Cressida Wilson, who adapted from the novel. The film is fairly lacking in tension until it runs on rails at the climactic twist. Haley Bennet's performance could be her ticket to the A-list. Andrew and Phil lose their train of thought a few times during this episode. Perhaps they were thinking too much about Edgar Ramirez's caboose. But if watching 'The Girl on the Train' again were Phil's punishment for wrongdo...
2016-10-1228 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 242 - Christine Parker *Filmmaker Interview* Join Andrew and Phil as they gab with indie horror maven Christine Parker. Not only is she a prolific participant at horror events and conventions in the American South, she's also the founder the Sick Chicks Film Festival in Cary, North Carolina. The SCFF will debut this November 5th in one marathon block of short films. Christine's goal with the festival was to direct attention to women filmmakers working in the realm of horror and fantasy. She is also an acquaintance of one Philip Brubaker, and he welcomes Christine to ITQ to talk about of these things and 'gore'...mua...
2016-10-0726 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 241 - Queen of Katwe The new Disney film is a true story of triumph of talent over poor circumstances. Phiona (newcomer Madina Nalwanga) lives in the slums of Uganda with her mother, Nakku (Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong'o). Their day-to-day life is a peasant's existence. One day, Phiona encounters a new group of peers who are all playing the game of chess, led by Robert (David Oyelowo). She discovers she has an incredible knack for strategy and she becomes the star player of her village. Phiona's talent is so strong, she's poised to compete nationally, and even internationally. Andrew and Phil talk about 'Queen of Katwe...
2016-10-0528 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 240 - Sully September is a funny time to release a film. It's on the cusp of the traditional autumn Oscar-bait season, but too early to stick in the minds of Academy voters. 'Sully' is the new film directed by Clint Eastwood, and it has all the earmarks of a film destined for critical acclaim and awards. Not the least of which is Tom Hanks. The true story of the pilot who landed his critically damaged plane on the Hudson River is gripping, and largely unknown to the general public. Andrew and Phil discuss this very well-realized film, of particular significance to Andrew...
2016-09-3025 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 239 - Kubo and the Two Strings Folks, the wait is over. Andrew and Phil are back after a lengthy hiatus and ready to dive into the upcoming season of prestige motion pictures. Their first film review after taking time off for Phil to move across the country (California there he came) is this Laika stop-motion marvel. Thrill to our podcasting protagonists' descriptions of this beautiful and pain-staking art form. Nod your head in agreement (if you want) to their acknowledgement that this gem of an animated film nevertheless falls victim to the perils of "white-washing" in the voice actor department. Should Asian actors have been emplo...
2016-09-2833 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 238 - The BFG Steven Spielberg collaborates with Disney and all our hopes are high. The source material is Roald Dahl and we know this is going to be good. But the outcome is less than great. 'The BFG' is faithful to the language of the book and several aspects of the special effects are cool, but Spielberg was never an expert humorist and the technical aspects are developed more than the actual story. A late scene that deals with the Queen of England seems like it's going to end the film, but then it keeps on going. Essentially an animated film, Andrew and P...
2016-07-1527 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 237 - Weiner The hottest documentary of the year so far, 'Weiner' is an entertaining and critically-praised account of a political trainwreck. New York congressman Anthony Weiner had a promising career, but he was forced to resign after the press got a hold of an image of his crotch that he Tweeted to a female fan. The scandal rocked Weiner's marriage to Huma Abedin, but she stayed with him. This intimate documentary follows the disgraced candidate as he runs for mayor of New York City, in an attempt to regain his lost political glory. Andrew and Phil both liked 'Weiner' and the two...
2016-07-1335 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 234 - The Shallows Just when you thought it was safe to watch an underwater monster movie, 'The Shallows' reminds you that an intelligent, frightening film about a killer shark is hard to come by. Blake Lively plays a med student who comes to a secluded Latin American beach to do some surfing. What she finds in the water is more than she bargained for, and she'll have to use all of her survival skills to outwit a Great White that keeps circling her rocky perch in the titular shallows. Andrew and Phil both enjoy a good, one-woman against-the-elements movie, but this is not...
2016-06-3033 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 233 - Stalag 17 *Listener's Choice* A cynic with a cigar was never as charismatic as William Holden. Winning an Oscar for his role as a POW who looks only after himself, Holden is the bright star at the center of 'Stalag 17'. Billy Wilder's WWII comedy comes to us from Kristy, a returning guest here on In the Queue. Andrew and Phil both feel the film relies too heavily on comic relief, instead of building actual tension, the potential for which there is in spades. Early in the film, Americans gets brutally gunned down by Nazis as they attempt to escape the camp. But it's...
2016-06-2833 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 215 - The Jungle Book
If you like the idea of seeing a real boy run around in a fake jungle and stand next to fake animals for two hours, far be it from Andrew and Phil to stop you from seeing this version of 'The Jungle Book.' It is essentially an animated film, but with cold, computer-generated precision; not nearly as warm as the original Disney film. The directing by Jon Favreau is uninspired. Andrew was particularly disappointed in Favreau's inability to stage musical numbers that do justice to the songs. Overall, Andrew and Phil don't recommend this film, but know that many...
2016-04-2230 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 202 - Andrew and Phil Predict the Oscars!
Despite the disappointing lack of diversity this year, the Oscars are still an event to which many people pay attention. In this episode, Andrew and Phil run down their predictions for what will win the top Academy Awards this Sunday. Check your scorecards, folks and see if our intrepid film critics are right. This episode is plus-sized and full of insider wisdom. Will 'Mad Max: Fury Road' take home a golden statuette? Who is the front-runner for Best Supporting Actress? Let Andrew and Phil explain it all to you in this episode.
You can download the podcast here ...
2016-02-2746 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 198 - Andrew and Phil's Top Films of 2015
You waited for it and now the wait is over. Andrew and Phil have seen pretty much all the films from 2015 that they want to see (or are able to see) and can now compile a comprehensive list of their favorites. Each critic has ranked their five picks for best movie of the year, with three honorable mentions. How much overlap is there between Andrew and Phil's lists? Not a lot, actually, which makes things more interesting. You'll hear many picks for movies reviewed on In the Queue, as well as a few films that were seen but did not...
2016-02-1230 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 188 - The Hateful Eight
When it comes to aspect ratios, no film this year can measure up to the 8th film by Quentin Tarantino. Andrew and Phil both saw the Super Panavision 70mm print of 'The Hateful Eight' and the roadshow perks were great fun. Let's hope QT is saving cinema one film at a time. The film itself, however, is getting decidedly mixed reviews from In the Queue. A stagebound western featuring no one to root for and an abundance of sadism, 'TH8' offended Phil with its molasses-paced first half, and disappointed Andrew with it's hatchet-job second half. Both critics agree that i...
2016-01-0635 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 184 - Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Andrew and Phil review the movie event of the galaxy. And it was good. Can future sequels sustain the quality of 'Force Awakens'? Most certainly not. This film glorious practical effects, hair-raising action sequences, and good performances to boot. Be warned, this episode contains spoilers. Phil watched the film in 3D, and found it to be a superior example of what he considers an irritating gimmick. Andrew delighted in BB-8, an actual working robot that had heart and soul. Some say that the heroes of this movie are Star Wars fans. Rey and Finn have heard of the Force, Luke Skyw...
2015-12-2328 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 168 - Sunshine Superman *Filmmaker Interview*
In The Queue is walking on air with excitement to have acclaimed filmmaker Marah Strauch join this discussion of her excellent new documentary, 'Sunshine Superman'. Strauch's film explores the romance between Jean and Carl Boenish set against the backdrop of their pioneering leap into the creation of BASE jumping. Full of hair-raising archival footage and a moving collection of period songs, it's no wonder Strauch's film has been shown at every major documentary film festival in the U.S. Andrew and Phil were pleased to speak with Marah about the making of her film, as well as the special link...
2015-10-2429 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 165 - The Walk
From the torch of the Statue of Liberty, Robert Zemeckis opens his film by shattering the fourth wall. It's the first of many unfortunate decisions the director will make in this retelling of the story many of us first saw in the excellent documentary 'Man On Wire'. Why tamper with remaking a classic story? That's precisely what Andrew and Phil are asking themselves in this episode. Clearly, special effects make it much more visceral to experience Phillippe Petit's legendary high-wire act between the Twin Towers, but everything else about the movie is inferior, from the characterizations to the dramatic tens...
2015-10-1532 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 163 - The Martian
Can somebody please give Matt Damon a hand? Why do we have to keep cinematically stepping in and rescuing him from situations? This new space film from Ridley Scott stays realistic throughout, so there are no aliens or droids to jazz up the enterprise. Damon plays Watney, a man left behind on Mars, and yet the Bowie track the filmmakers opt to play is "Starman" and not "Life On Mars?". Don't worry, there are at least a couple of other music cues that are even more on the nose than that. "The Martian" is a fun popcorn movie, due most...
2015-10-0832 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 157 - The Visit
M. Night Shyamalan directed this piece of garbage called 'The Visit'. Are we tipping our hand too much? Andrew and Phil did not like this tale of two kids who spend the week with their grandparents. The kids are making a documentary, so we viewers see only what is recorded on their cameras. Its a found footage conceit that is common among horror films these days. Needless to the say, these grandparents have their share of eccentricities, such as hoarding dirty adult diapers, scratching the walls while naked and popping up out of nowhere just to scare us. S...
2015-09-1634 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 153 - Stranger Than Fiction *Listener's Choice*
Harold Crick (Will Ferrell) is about to die. But first he must embrace life, get the girl and do what he's always wanted. His life is narrated by a writer (Emma Thompson) who created Harold for a book she's struggling over. All his life, Harold thought he was a regular person, until he started to hear his own narration. This comedic fantasy marks a break out role for Ferrell and features great supporting roles by Thompson, Dustin Hoffman and Maggie Gyellenhaal. Returning champion Caity requested this unique film, and she, Andrew and Phil have a laugh-filled discussion that runs the g...
2015-08-3137 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 124 - Hearts and Minds *Criterion Critique*
Hello to all the ITQ fans out there! As alluded to in the last episode, Andrew and Phil will refrain from reviewing new films for the next several weeks while Andrew recovers from surgery. Get well soon, Andrew! In the meantime, our intrepid podcasters are delving into their Criterion Collection DVD library for their discussions. "Hearts and Minds" is a classic documentary, perhaps the most definitive Vietnam War doc ever made. Andrew and Phil have a scintillating conversation about the film's influence on other documentaries. An influence on Michael Moore's work, "Hearts and Minds" holds up quite well 40...
2015-05-2230 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 108 - How to Steal a Million *Listener's Choice*
You can't beat Peter O'Toole and Audrey Hepburn as romantic leads. Those two legendary movie stars keep "How to Steal a Million" buoyant through it's entire two-hour running time. In this breezy caper, O'Toole aids in helping Hepburn "steal" a valuable, albeit counterfeit sculpture from a legendary Paris museum. The tone is comic, the romance is sublime and the authentic locations are eye-catching. This film comes highly recommended by Kristy, a frequent contributor to 'In the Queue.' She joins the discussion with Andrew and Phil, who dish about what makes a 1960's studio film a success, among other topic...
2015-03-2033 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 107 - CInderella
Faster than you can say 'Bibbidi bobbidi boo' Disney has cannibalized it's illustrious past for the sake of coercing dollars from a new generation of moviegoers. That's right, it's another Cinderella adaptation. This one is not a musical and it's directed by Kenneth Branagh, who cut his teeth making Shakespeare adaptations. Andrew and Phil sadly agree that there is nothing new, remarkable or even worth recommending about this dull retread, but it does herald a cinematic movement Andrew has labeled: Production Design Porn. Branagh's "Cinderella" seems to have shoved its budget squarely in the direction of costume and sets, and a...
2015-03-1835 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 100 - Andrew and Phil Predict the Oscars!
Once again, the Academy Awards are upon us. For some of us, it's a pleasant feeling; warm and comforting. Others couldn't care less. Andrew and Phil are fanatical about the Oscars. For the second year in a row on "In the Queue" our two most beloved movie critics are running down the top nominations and giving their predictions as to who SHOULD win and who WILL win. Put on your best suit or evening gown and hunker down with your trusty mp3 player to listen to our latest podcast. We promise you it won't drag on for four and...
2015-02-2138 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 99 - Fifty Shades of Grey
Here on 'In the Queue' we pride ourselves on taking on any kind of movie for our particular brand of criticism, regardless of the film's reputation, background or overall merit. That is how we ended up with 'Fifty Shades of Grey' as this week's new release. To make it even more special, Andrew and Phil are employing a different format for this episode. In honor of this new low in moviegoing, our dynamic duo will trade off different observations about this film until they reach 50. Call it 'Fifty Trades of Grey.' They are the first to admit...
2015-02-1832 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 96 - Top Five Films of 2014
Andrew and Phil totally geek out (more so than usual) in this special episode. Each podcaster runs down their list of top five favorite films of 2014 (with three honorable mentions allowed per person) and will give their passionate pitch as to why each film should be considered one of the best of the year. There is also a moment where they savage a film as the very worst of the year. Enjoy Andrew and Phil's glee as they extoll the virtues of their choices as you may ask yourself the question: What's in your top five?
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2015-02-0637 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 87 - Whiplash
Hey! Teacher! Leave those kids alone! Jazz instructor Terence Fletcher (J.K. Simmons) may be another brick in the wall for some students, but to aspiring drum great Andrew Nieman (Miles Teller) he is the ultimate mentor/tormentor. Andrew is a student at the prestigious Schaeffer Conservatory in NYC and his ambition is as sky-high as the Empire State Building. He manages to luck into being one of the core members of Fletcher's band, but it's a dubious honor. While Fletcher manages to inspire Andrew to try harder, he does so by being an insanely cruel and manipulative jerk. "Whipla...
2015-01-0933 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 84 - Fallen Angels *Listener's Choice*
Who knew expired pineapple juice could shut down your vocal cords like that? For one of the main characters in Wong Kar Wai's kinetic "Fallen Angels", it's gotta be the juice...or else he's mute by choice. In this wide-angle city symphony, the lives of a hitman on his last contract, his enigmatic partner and said mute (whose hobbies include riding pig carcasses after midnight) all intersect on the night-time streets of Hong Kong. Wong Kar Wai's film has coolness in spades and eye-popping cinematography courtesy of highly lauded lensman Christopher Doyle. Style is so primary in this mid-90's d...
2014-12-0532 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 73 - St. Vincent
Bill Murray is the irascible title character, a mean, selfish jerk who (wait for it) has a heart of gold. He starts to take an interest in the lonely boy-next-door, Oliver (Jaeden Lieberher) who is bullied at school and is generally down in spirits. Oliver's mother, Maggie (Melissa McCarthy) is surprisingly laissez-faire about her son disappearing for hours at a time with Vin. When she finds out the two of them have been going to the horse track she barely simmers. The unlikely friendship between Vin and Oliver is nothing special and as Andrew points out in this episode, th...
2014-10-2926 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 72 - Never Let Me Go *Listener's Choice*
Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield and Keira Knightley are three of Britain's hottest young talents. If I had to watch a film where the characters' vital organs get harvested and they die a tragically premature and squandered life, I'm glad to at least admire their pretty hair and teeth (well, not you Keira). "Never Let Me Go" is a quasi sci-fi romantic drama based on the titular book (Mulligan's favorite piece of literature) and directed by music video enfant terrible Mark Romanek. You know Andrew Garfield was thinking that beating heart in that Nine Inch Nails video could come in pre...
2014-10-2934 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 69 - Kill The Messenger
Whoa. What's this? An intelligent adult drama at the local multiplex? It must be December...but it isn't! I'm talkin' 'bout "Kill The Messenger", a dramatization of journalist Gary Webb's investigation into CIA tactics back in 1996. The film follows Webb (a spot-on Jeremy Renner) as he uncovers information that the CIA introduced and sold crack in poor parts of US cities in order to fund arming the rebel militia in Nicaragua in the 1980's. To quote Joe Biden: "This is a big fuckin' deal." Webb risks his life and the life of his family, but he has that nagging journalistic integri...
2014-10-1535 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 68 - Joe *Listener's Choice*
What a podcast we have for you this time! Gary Hawkins, screenwriter extraordinaire sits in on the discussion with Andrew and Phil to dish about "Joe", directed by David Gordon Green. The film is about the titular character (Nicolas Cage), an ex-con trying to get straight. He has a hardscrabble job poisoning trees for later destruction and this is how he meets Gary (Tye Sheridan) a 15 year old looking for work. Turns out Gary's dad is a real evil twist; he'll kill for alcohol and steals money from his hard-working son. The more Joe and Gary work together, the close...
2014-10-0936 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 37 - The Rover
One man lives by his own brutal code in a barbaric Australian wasteland. Eric (Guy Pearce) is a survivor of a global economic collapse that has rendered paper money nearly worthless and safety an impossibility. After his prized car is stolen, Eric sets upon a journey to recover it, at any cost. Along the way he encounters Rey, and the two attempt to reconcile their mutual desire to confront the car thieves. Phil found this film to be a little too slow-moving to prove satisfying, particularly when the compelling action sequences overshadow the philosophical conversations the characters undertake. He also w...
2014-06-2429 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 18 - Princess Mononoke *Listener's Choice*
Acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki makes his debut on the podcast with the universally lauded animated epic, "Princess Mononoke." This fantasy film tells the tale of proud warrior Ashitaka who is wounded by a demon early in the story. Believing he will die from a curse, he travels the land in search of a cure. Along the way he gets involved with a feud between a village of human dwellers and the denizens of a spirit forest, led by the titular character, San. To complicate things even further, Ashitaka develops a bit of a crush on the princess..."Mononoke" mark...
2014-04-0827 min
In The Queue - Film Conversations with Andrew and PhilEpisode 2 - American Hustle
Some hustle for respect. Some hustle for love. Some hustle for truth. And some hustle for Oscar nominations. Just kidding, David O. Russell. "American Hustle" is the second film of his in a row to sweep all four acting categories as well as nods for Best Picture, Director and Screenplay! How does he do it?? Seems like "Silver Linings Playbook" was just, well, last year. Anyway, Andrew and Phil tackle reviewing "American Hustle" in this episode. Topics of discussion include Scorsese references, David O. Russell's affinity for the characters he creates, and much more. Phil and Andrew looked at...
2014-03-2925 min